Osama bin Laden has declared a holy war against the United States. (AP photo)

• He and his followers want to "liberate" the holy lands held by Israel and spread Islam throughout the world. They see the United States and Israel as evil obstacles and mortal enemies of Islam, thwarting the will of God.

• Bin Laden says Muslims worldwide are suffering because of the U.S. and Israel, accusing America of defiling Saudi Arabia by stationing troops there.

• "I'm fighting so I can die a martyr and go to heaven to meet God," bin Laden was quoted last year as saying in a videotaped denunciation of America, against which bin Laden has declared a jihad, or holy war.