Bin Laden posted a new letter that was originally reported in the Observer. In it, he answers the question of "Why" they are fighting, and what it is they expect us to do for them to stop.

Here's the thing -- we can't go backwards in time and change (not that we'd particularly want to in most cases) foreign policy. We can sit around and argue and point fingers at each other all day and night but what we have to pay attention to are the specific things that Bin Laden and his followers are looking for. They're demands that all Americans will probably disagree with. These demands soundly support the "they hate our freedom" tag line we've all grown to know and love.

I've chopped up the letter some. It's not meant to be out of context, just removing some of the lunacy and ranting to keep it relevant. Their goal (which has been stated before..) is to rid us of the ramifications of our freedom -- tolerance of religions (or from it), tolerance of homosexuality, legal sex outside of marriage, drugs and alcohol, exploitation of women (even those who want to wear that two piece..), gambling, and here's the kicker hidden in there -- our ability to create our own laws as "we will and desire".

If that's not a definition of the benefits of our free democracy (which he seemingly does, in fact, hate), I do not know what is. It's obvious that "they" plan on fighting the war. The question we need to ask ourselves isn't whether or not we should be fighting -- it would appear that we have little choice at this point-- it's where and how. In mountains, in a desert, or in an American city?

---- excerpts, full transcript here ----

Why

(1) Because you attacked us and continue to attack us.

(2) These tragedies and calamities are only a few examples of your oppression and aggression against us. It is commanded by our religion and intellect that the oppressed have a right to return the aggression. Do not await anything from us but Jihad, resistance and revenge. ....

What "they" are after

(1) The first thing that we are calling you to is Islam.

(2) The second thing we call you to, is to stop your oppression, lies, immorality and debauchery that has spread among you.

(a) We call you to be a people of manners, principles, honour, and purity; to reject the immoral acts of fornication, homosexuality, intoxicants, gambling's, and trading with interest.

(i) You are the nation who, rather than ruling by the Shariah of Allah in its Constitution and Laws, choose to invent your own laws as you will and desire. You separate religion from your policies, contradicting the pure nature which affirms Absolute Authority to the Lord and your Creator. You flee from the embarrassing question posed to you: How is it possible for Allah the Almighty to create His creation, grant them power over all the creatures and land, grant them all the amenities of life, and then deny them that which they are most in need of: knowledge of the laws which govern their lives? (emphasis mine)

(iii) You are a nation that permits the production, trading and usage of intoxicants. You also permit drugs, and only forbid the trade of them, even though your nation is the largest consumer of them.

(iv) You are a nation that permits acts of immorality, and you consider them to be pillars of personal freedom. You have continued to sink down this abyss from level to level until incest has spread amongst you, in the face of which neither your sense of honour nor your laws object.

(v) You are a nation that permits gambling in its all forms. The companies practice this as well, resulting in the investments becoming active and the criminals becoming rich.

(vi) You are a nation that exploits women like consumer products or advertising tools calling upon customers to purchase them. You use women to serve passengers, visitors, and strangers to increase your profit margins. You then rant that you support the liberation of women.

(vii) You are a nation that practices the trade of sex in all its forms, directly and indirectly. Giant corporations and establishments are established on this, under the name of art, entertainment, tourism and freedom, and other deceptive names you attribute to it.

If you fail to respond to all these conditions, then prepare for fight with the Islamic Nation. The Nation of Monotheism, that puts complete trust on Allah and fears none other than Him.