[VOA]

A most compelling proof that Muhammad taught his followers to advance the cause of
Allah by the use of the sword, is provided by the exampl
e of his immediate successors, known as Califs. They followed his intense
fanaticism in waging relentless wars of conquests against Christians, Jews, and pagans.

Can't give a citation, but my recollection is that Osama bin Laden's plan was
really to take control of Afghanistan, then drive into adjoining lands (especially former
parts of USSR), setting himself up as the Calif over his new territory (the califate, sp?).

I'll be back to check these articles in more depth.

[knighthawk]

It's called the Khilafah. The Ottoman empire was also viewed as a Khilafah.