Lecture Notes: Al Qaeda - Inside The Terror Network

Origins and Background

• Founding: Al Qaeda, an international terrorist group, was founded by Usama Bin Laden and Muhammad Atef around 1989.
  • Originated from the "mekhtab al khidemat" ("Services Office") organization.
  • Initially headquartered in Afghanistan and Peshawar, Pakistan.
  • Relocated to Sudan from 1991 to 1996, and then back to Afghanistan.

Leadership

• Usama Bin Laden: Emir (or prince) of Al Qaeda.
• Members pledged allegiance ("bayat") to Bin Laden and Al Qaeda.
• Those suspected of collaborating against Al Qaeda were targeted for assassination.

Opposition to the United States

• Reasons for Opposition:
  • The U.S. was viewed as an "infidel" nation, not governed by Al Qaeda's interpretation of Islam.
  • Perceived U.S. support for "infidel" governments like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel.
  • U.S. military presence in the Gulf War (1991) and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia (1992-1993).
  • U.S. actions against Al Qaeda members and affiliates.
• Actions:
  • Bin Laden declared a jihad (holy war) against the U.S.
  • Al Qaeda aimed to drive U.S. armed forces out of Saudi Arabia and Somalia.

Structure and Organization

• Affiliations:
  • Operated through organizations like Egyptian Islamic Jihad.
  • Associated with jihad groups across countries such as Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and others.
• Command Structure:
  • Majlis al shura (consultation council) and a military committee were pivotal.
  • Alliances with the National Islamic Front in Sudan and Hizballah in Iran.

Training Camps

• Established training camps in Afghanistan for military and intelligence training.
• Camps taught use of weapons and strategies against U.S. targets.
• Training in security, counterintelligence, and covert methods to avoid detection.

Overt Acts and Declarations

• Guesthouses and Camps: Facilities like Khalden, Derunta, Khost, Siddiq used for training.
• Financial Dealings: Engaged in transactions to support training and operations.
• Nuclear Weapons: Efforts to acquire nuclear components.

Fatwahs and Declarations

• Fatwahs Against U.S. Troops: Declared attacks against troops in Saudi Arabia and Somalia.
• Fatwah on Nonbelievers: Advocated violence against "infidels".
• 1996 Declaration of War: Called for jihad against U.S. in the Arabian Peninsula.
• 1998 Fatwah: Encouraged killing Americans globally.

Notable Statements

• Nuclear Bomb of Islam: 1998 statement calling for force against enemies of God.
• Threats: 1999 interview threatening American males.
• Call for Jihad: 2000 appeal to free imprisoned "brothers" globally.

Additional Information

• Excerpts from the U.S. indictment of Zacarias Moussaoui highlight Al Qaeda's operations and intentions.
• Moussaoui was alleged to be involved in the September 11 attacks.