Founded in 1988, the Al Qaeda is an Islamist group that operates as a network comprising a multinational statless arm, and a fundemantialist group calling for global jihad, or holy war. They have attacked many civilian and military groups, the most famous act is that of the plane crash on 9-11. Their actions in 9-11 caused the U.S. government to start the War on Terrorism which have caused nearly 4,000 members to be captured and thousands more were murdered in Afghanistan.
map of AfghanistanSome of characteristics of Al Qaeda members include suicide attacks and simultaneous bombings. Members of the movemnet have taken a pledge of loyalty to leader Osama bin Laden. Some of them have not taken a pledge and have undergone training in Sudan or Afghanistan. They envision complete seperation from Muslim countries. Their beliefs state that there is a Jewish-Christian alliance conspiring to destroy Islam and the murdering of bystanders and citizens is religiously justified in jihad.
Osama bin LadenAfter the War on Terrorism, the Al Qaeda is said to have become geographically isolated. This is believed to lead to other decentralized groups taking the Al Qaeda brand name.
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