Osama bin Laden has issued two declarations of holy war (jihad) calling for Muslims to take violent action against Americans. The first, written in August 1996, is a lengthy document called "The Ladenese Epistle: Declaration of War." In it, he articulates his view of Arab history and politics, his grievances with the West and his justification for waging war.

First Declaration of Holy War:
Ladenese Epistle

Second Declaration of Holy War:
Jihad Against Jews and Crusaders

In 1996, Bin Laden also granted an interview to an Islamic magazine called Nida'ul Islam in which he explained his goals and methods.