The Creation and Evolution of the International Terrorist Organization Al Qaeda
Date of Graduation
Spring 2005
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
C. Walton
Abstract
The United States and its allies have come under attack from terrorists several times in recent years. Islamic fundamentalism has helped to spur a militant movement focused on the destruction of the state of Israel and all of those who support it. This movement has helped to create several different terrorist organizations that pose a direct threat to both the United States and its allies. Of all these organizations, al Qaeda, or the base and its affiliates pose the greatest threat to the security of the United States and Western civilization itself. Osama bin Laden, the co-founder and leader of al Qaeda has officially declared war on the United States and its allies multiple times, vowing to destroy all those who support the nation of Israel. This thesis examines Osama bin Laden’s past, the circumstances surrounding the creation of al Qaeda’s strategies and goals, and al Qaeda’s past record of terrorist acts.
Keywords
Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda, Mujahideen, jihad, militant Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism, Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies
Copyright
© Tanner K. Johnson
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Tanner K., "The Creation and Evolution of the International Terrorist Organization Al Qaeda" (2005). MSU Graduate Theses. 1388.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1388
Dissertation/Thesis