Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden

FIRST…A Few Terms to Know: Sharia – Law based on the Koran Koran – Holy book of Islam Jihad – Holy war waged against the enemies of Islam Mujahideen – Muslim warrior involved in Jihad WMD – (weapons of mass destruction) weapons that can produce devastating results in a single strike; includes nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.

The Role of Islam Most interpretations are that of tolerance and peace. Does NOT permit the killing of innocent lives Although most Muslims are opposed to killing, some have interpreted Muhammad’s words, “Let there be no two religions in Arabia,” as justification that non-Muslims should be removed by any means necessary.

The bin Laden Family Father – Mohammed bin Laden Father was the founder of the bin Laden Construction Company a very respected man in Saudi Arabia. Became one of the primary builders for the Saudi royal family. 22 wives and 54 children

Who is Osama bin Laden? His mother was the 11th wife of his father…17th son Despises man-made governments – believes democracy is against Islam In the 1980s bin Laden traveled to Afghanistan to help fight in Jihad against the invading Soviet Union (will discuss this in a bit) Desired to create an Arab force to defend all Muslim people everywhere. Sharia (Islamic law) is the only true law; all other laws are developed by man…not God.

What is al Qaeda? Terrorist organization created by bin Laden in 1988 means “the Base” It is a stateless (meaning without a country) terrorist organization. Today, it is a large collection of loosely connected groups around the world. It was led and financed by Osama bin Laden.

When did al-Qaeda form? The beginnings of al-Qaeda go back to the 1980’s when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.

Bin Laden, and the Arab Afghans, fought the Soviet Union in Afghanistan The Soviet army left in 1988.

So…Why the Terror Campaign against America? It can all be traced back to: U.S. support of Israel U.S. presence in Saudi Arabia And…. U.S. sanctions against Iraq after 1st Gulf War Bin Laden claims that U.S. actions in the Middle East are equal to a declaration of war on Allah.

Desert Storm (Gulf War I) In 1990, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein invaded the tiny, oil-rich country of Kuwait

Operation Desert Storm The United States feared Saddam would invade Saudi Arabia too. Iraqi tanks

US and Saudi coalition The United States asked the Saudis for permission to establish military bases in their country.

Saudi’s choice Osama bin Laden, back home from Afghanistan, offered the Saudis the use of his soldiers to fight the Iraqi army because Infidel armies have no place in the holy land of Islam.

Saudis chose the U.S. and snubbed bin Laden. And…ever since, the U.S. has been a presence in the Middle East

Recent al-Qaeda attacks… Since September 11th, 2001 (2976+ deaths)… April 11th, 2002 Tunisia (19) October 12th, 2002 Indonesia (202) November 28th, 2002 Kenya (10) May 16th, 2003 Morocco (33) November 15th, 2003 Turkey November 20th, 2003 Turkey (58) March 11th, 2004 Spain (190) July 7th, 2005 London (52) November 9th, 2005 Jordan (57) April 10th, 2007 Algeria (33) TOTAL: 3630+ Killed

United States Media Representation “The long search for the man seen as the embodiment of evil in the U.S. and much of the West was over.” –Time Magazine "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.” –George W. Bush “Bush said in a statement that Obama called him Sunday night to inform him of “the momentous achievement” of bin Laden’s death.” –Huffington Post