Al-Queda for AP World History

Feb 14

2 min read

Al-Queda is an illustrative example of the Global Resistance to Existing Power Structures topic in Unit 8 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

map showing Afghanistan — 1369306535/Shutterstock

Al-Qaeda, an extremist Islamist terrorist organization, was founded in 1988 by Osama bin Laden, Abdullah Azzam, and other militants who had fought against Soviet forces in Afghanistan during the 1980s. The group’s name translates to “The Base” in Arabic, reflecting its original purpose as a network for fighters and jihadists. Al-Qaeda’s ideology is rooted in Salafi jihadism, advocating for the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate governed by strict Sharia law.

Al-Qaeda is notorious for its acts of terrorism, including the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, in which hijackers affiliated with the group crashed commercial airplanes into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., resulting in thousands of deaths. This attack marked a turning point in global counterterrorism efforts and propelled Al-Qaeda to the forefront of international security concerns.

In addition to the 9/11 attacks, Al-Qaeda has been responsible for numerous other acts of terrorism around the world, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. The group has targeted Western interests, government institutions, and civilian populations in pursuit of its jihadist goals.

Despite significant setbacks due to counterterrorism operations by the United States and its allies, Al-Qaeda remains active in various regions, particularly in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen. While its leadership has been weakened by drone strikes and military operations, the group continues to inspire and support affiliated extremist groups and individuals globally through its propaganda and online presence. Al-Qaeda’s evolving tactics and decentralized structure make it a persistent threat to international security, necessitating continued vigilance and cooperation among nations in the fight against terrorism.