Episode 23: The Rise of Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda (Soviet-Afghan War to 9/11)

Welcome back, Elevated Thoughts community!

We're excited to launch our new series, "Could 9/11 Happen Again?", with the first episode exploring the origins of Osama Bin Laden and the rise of Al-Qaeda. This episode takes you through the pivotal events of the Soviet-Afghan War, where regional instability and radical ideologies began to take root, setting the stage for the emergence of one of the most notorious terror organizations in history.

We delve into Bin Laden's involvement in the Soviet-Afghan War and examine how this conflict became a breeding ground for radicalization. You'll gain insights into the impact of the Cold War and how geopolitical influences shaped the Middle East, ultimately leading to the formation of Al-Qaeda. We also discuss the ideological foundations laid by radical thinkers like Sayyid Qutb and how these ideas inspired Bin Laden and his followers.

Our exploration doesn't stop there. We analyze the direct causes leading to the 9/11 attacks, highlighting how the early actions and motivations of Al-Qaeda were influenced by regional instability and Western policies. This episode underscores the persistent dangers and emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant in today's world.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Instability in the Middle East
• Bin Laden's role in the Soviet-Afghan War
• The formation and early actions of Al-Qaeda
• The geopolitical influences of the Cold War
• The direct causes leading up to the 9/11 attacks

This is more than a history lesson; it’s a reminder of the ongoing relevance of these events to current global security. Join us as we uncover the past to understand the present and prevent future threats.

Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our upcoming episodes on the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath.

Check out the full video below!