Al Qaeda & The Middle East

1. Al Qaeda & The Middle East Why did Al Qaeda become our enemy?

2. Osama bin Laden • Saudi-born multi-millionaire • Leader of Al Qaeda (“the base”) • Implicated in: U.S. troop killings in Somalia • Bombings in Saudi Arabia killing U.S. troops • Suicide bombings on U.S.S. Cole

3. Why did bin Laden wage war on the US? • He was upset with U.S. troops in Arabia (considered sacred lands of Islam). • He saw their presence as a fight against Islam • He objected to Israel in holy lands • He urged Muslims to fight against U.S. troops in Iraq • He saw U.S. actions in the Middle East as a declaration of war on Allah (Islamic for God)

4. How bin Laden Supported Terrorism • In 1998 bin Laden announced the founding of the World Islamic Front for Jihad • Al Qaeda was a large collection of loosely connected secret groups around the world. • Al Qaeda learned the skills they needed to become terrorists in camps in Afghanistan.

5. What Role Does Islam Play? • Islam is subject to interpretation, and most who follow it practice tolerance and peace. • Jihad, often associated with Islam and violence, means struggle or effort. • Muhammad, founder of Islam, referred to jihad as struggle against one’s shortcomings. • Some have interpreted it to be a justification for holy war on those seen as “enemies of Islam.”

6. Islam and Politics • Most Muslims do not support violence against Americans. • Most Americans separate politics and religion • For Bin Laden and Islamic extremists, political conflicts are religious and religious conflicts are political. • In most Middle Eastern countries State-run TV & radio stations broadcast religious programs. • In addition Islamic clergy may receive government salaries or control government.

7. Political Islam • Islamic Fundamentalism strives to establish Islamic legal tradition as law and rid society of non-Islamic influences. • Corruption, mismanagement, and reliance on foreign aid have undermined Arab governments, allowing political Islam to gain support. • Middle Eastern countries adopted free-market policies that increased private business ownership, but increased unemployment. Islamic movements were strong in poor neighborhoods.

8. How does U.S. feel about political Islam? • The U.S. supported Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak who was against Islamic movements. • The U.S. supports Islamic government in Saudi Arabia because it serves our interests.

9. U.S. in the Middle East • The U.S. is concerned with hostile forces gaining control of oil resources. • The U.S. wants a resolution to the conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors. • These goals have been the focus in the Middle East and put above issues of democracy and human rights.

10. Middle Eastern Government • In Saudi Arabia women are not permitted to drive or vote. • It is believed that Saudi Arabia is a breeding ground for terrorists. • The U.S. supports some governments whose principles they do not respect: Example: The U.S. gives the most aid to Egypt which has government corruption, a weak economy and a record of poor human rights.

11. George Bush • President Bush pushed for more democracy in the Middle East. • The response to this was mixed • In 2005, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt announced competitive elections.

12. Why does U.S. care about Israel? • Israel is a model of democracy and western values in the Middle East. • They are a valuable strategic ally • They counter U.S. enemies, battle-test U.S. weapons, and share intelligence with the U.S.

13. Iran • The U.S. was concerned with Iran’s nuclear weapons program. • The U.S. also is concerned that Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism • Finally, Iran’s human rights violations.