How did Al-Qaeda start?
The origins of Al-Qaeda can be traced to the Soviet War in Afghanistan. The United States viewed the Soviet support of the Afghan Marxists against the Afghan mujahedeen as a sign of Soviet aggression and expansionist policy. The CIA launched Operation Cyclone, channelling funds through Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence agency to the mujahedeen. A large number of Arab mujahedeen had joined the jihad against the Afghan Marxists, this was facilitated by organisations such as the Maktab-al-Khidamat, who were funded by wealthy Saudis who were approached by Osama Bin Laden. Al-Qaeda evolved from the Maktab-al-Khidamat organisation. The Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989, however Mohammed Najibullah’s communist Afghan government remained in power for a further three years before been overrun by mujahedeen. Mujahedeen leaders struggled to agree on a method of administration. Alliances were in constant flux and fighting for territory left the country devastated. Some mujahedeen
