Al-Qaeda

Definition

Al-Qaeda is a militant Islamist organization founded in the late 1980s by Osama bin Laden and others, primarily known for orchestrating global terrorist attacks, most notably the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. The group promotes a radical interpretation of Islam and aims to establish a global jihad against perceived enemies of Islam, which connects it to broader themes of resistance and conflict in the late 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Al-Qaeda was formed in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and gained prominence during the Afghan-Soviet War, where it fought alongside Afghan mujahideen.
2. The group's ideology combines radical interpretations of Islam with anti-Western sentiment, particularly targeting the United States for its foreign policies in the Middle East.
3. The September 11 attacks in 2001 resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and led to significant changes in U.S. foreign and domestic policies, including the War on Terror.
4. Al-Qaeda has since evolved into a decentralized network with affiliated groups across various regions, including North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
5. The U.S. response to Al-Qaeda has included military operations in Afghanistan, increased surveillance measures domestically, and a broader campaign against terrorism worldwide.

Review Questions

• How did Al-Qaeda's formation relate to global conflicts during the late 20th century?
  • Al-Qaeda was established amid the geopolitical turmoil following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The group emerged from the Afghan-Soviet War, where many Islamic fighters united against a common enemy. This conflict not only fueled Al-Qaeda's founding but also shaped its ideology around jihad and resistance against foreign intervention in Muslim countries. The legacy of this war laid a foundation for Al-Qaeda's future actions and justifications for its militant campaigns.
• Analyze how Al-Qaeda’s ideology reflects broader trends of resistance movements in the late 20th century.
  • Al-Qaeda's ideology is deeply rooted in Islamist principles that call for jihad against perceived oppressors of Islam. This reflects a broader trend of resistance movements that emerged globally during the late 20th century, where marginalized groups sought to reclaim their identity and sovereignty from foreign influence. Just like other resistance movements, Al-Qaeda leveraged grievances related to colonialism and global power dynamics to justify its violent tactics, aligning itself with a narrative of liberation despite its extremist methods.
• Evaluate the impact of Al-Qaeda's activities on international relations and security policies in the early 21st century.
  • Al-Qaeda's attacks, particularly on September 11, 2001, dramatically altered international relations and security policies worldwide. The U.S. launched the War on Terror, which led to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, reshaping geopolitical alliances and increasing global security cooperation against terrorism. Countries around the world implemented stricter counter-terrorism measures and surveillance practices. The ongoing threat posed by Al-Qaeda has led to debates about civil liberties versus national security, influencing how nations navigate their foreign policies in a world increasingly aware of transnational terrorist networks.

Related terms

Jihad: A term that means 'struggle' or 'striving' and often refers to the religious duty of Muslims to maintain and spread their faith, which can sometimes be interpreted in a militant context.

Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims, often associated with groups like Al-Qaeda.

Islamism: A political ideology that seeks to implement Islamic law and principles in government and society, often used as a foundation for the actions of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda.