In mid-September, 2001 I read this document. I figured if some guy named Osama bin Laden wanted to kill me and my family I ought to at least understand what he's on about. Three main things hit me as I read it; 1. I was surprised how difficult it was to understand due to cultural differences. It's a very "foreign" narrative style and flows awkwardly to a western reader. 2. I was surprised at how explicit and honest Osama is in the document. Like "Mein Kampf" there is no nuance. No obfuscation. He states cleary and directly what he wants and what he will do if his demands are not met. This is not a document written by John Kerry. 3. There is no "second place" in his war. It's him or us/Weak horse, strong horse.
I find it nearly impossible to believe Barack Obama or Susan Rice have ever read Osama's declaration of war against America. You would think a guy who wants to be Commander in Chief of our armed forces would have bothered, but it doesn't look like he's found the time. I hope he does before January 20, 2009.
