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

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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