For much of the world Osama bin Laden has come to epitomize contemporary Islamist fundamentalist terrorism; however, for a significant Islamist fundamentalist minority, he is a hero, representing a violent resistance to Western encroachment on Islamic societies and the ‘apostate’ regimes currently ruling Muslim countries. Consequently, his words are important. Here, in a shortened form, are his views on a variety of topics. For complete declarations, interviews and statements see my book Jihad: Bin Laden in His Own Words (2005)