Al-Qaeda

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Al-Qaeda (Arabic: القاعدة‎, al-Qāʿidah, "the base", "the foundation" or "the database") is a global militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, Abdullah Azzam, and several other Mujahideen during the Soviet–Afghan War. Al-Qaeda operates as a network of Islamic extremists and Salafist jihadists. The organization has been designated as a terrorist group by the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, the United States, and various other countries.

History

Al-Qaeda's origins can be traced back to 1988, near the end of the Soviet-Afghan War. It was established to continue the jihad against perceived enemies of Islam, following the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghanistan. The organization's initial goal was to raise a mujahideen force and to offer a platform for militant Islamic movements across the Muslim world.

In the early 1990s, Al-Qaeda shifted its focus towards opposing the United States and its allies, whom they accused of attacking Muslim countries. The first major attack attributed to Al-Qaeda was the 1998 United States embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya, which killed over 200 people. This was followed by the USS Cole bombing in 2000 in Yemen and culminated in the September 11 attacks in 2001 on the United States, which led to the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and caused significant global economic and political repercussions.

Ideology

Al-Qaeda's ideology is described as radical Sunni Islamism, with an emphasis on jihad as a duty to defend Muslim lands against non-Muslim invaders. The organization promotes a strict interpretation of Qur'an and Hadith, advocating for the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate. Al-Qaeda opposes what it sees as man-made laws, and it aims to replace them with Sharia law.

Structure and Operations

Al-Qaeda operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless army and a radical Sunni Muslim movement. Its structure is decentralized, with operations divided among multiple cells and affiliates around the world. Notable affiliates include Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and Jabhat al-Nusra, now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in Syria.

The organization uses propaganda to recruit and communicate, utilizing various media platforms. It has been involved in multiple terrorist attacks and plots worldwide, targeting both military and civilian targets.

Response and Counterterrorism

The global response to Al-Qaeda has been extensive, involving military interventions, intelligence operations, and counterterrorism measures. The War on Terror, initiated by the United States following the September 11 attacks, aimed to dismantle Al-Qaeda and eliminate its ability to conduct further terrorist attacks. This has included the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 to remove the Taliban regime, which had provided sanctuary to Al-Qaeda leaders.

Despite these efforts, Al-Qaeda has proven resilient, adapting its tactics and continuing to inspire or direct terrorist activities globally. The death of Osama bin Laden in 2011 by U.S. Navy SEALs marked a significant blow to the organization, yet it has continued to operate under the leadership of Ayman al-Zawahiri.

See Also

• Terrorism
• Islamic extremism
• Jihadism
• War on Terror