Who funded Osama bin Laden?

Throughout the '80s he was armed by the CIA and funded by the Saudis to wage war against the Russian occupation of Afghanistan." In conversation with former British Defence Secretary Michael Portillo, two-time Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto said Osama bin Laden was initially pro-American.

Where did Osama bin Laden get his money?

The bin Laden family made $5 billion in the construction industry, of which Osama later inherited around $25–30 million. Bin Laden was raised as a devout Sunni Muslim.

Who originally funded the Taliban?

Saudi-based charities, such as the International Islamic Relief Organization, gave funding to the Taliban during its rise.

Who helped Osama bin Laden?

With the help of the CIA and the U.S. Armed Forces intelligence services he began to organize in the early 1980s and network to raise money and to recruit fighters for the Afghan mujahidins that were fighting the Soviets. He did this from the city of Peshawar in Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan.

Who funded the Mujahideen?

The mujahideen benefited from expanded foreign military support from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, United Kingdom and other Muslim nations. Saudi Arabia in particular agreed to match dollar for dollar the money the CIA was sending to the Mujahideen.

How The CIA Funded a Terrorist Organization

Was bin Laden rich?

The broad outlines of bin Laden's early life are well known: One of 55 children of the many wives of his father, he was a rich young millionaire who went to Afghanistan to bankroll the struggle against the Soviets.

Are Taliban and mujahideen the same?

Many militant groups have been involved in the war in North West Pakistan, most notably the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Al Qaeda, and ISIS Khorasan Province. These groups refer to themselves as the mujahideen in their war against the Pakistani military and the west.

Did Osama bin Laden work for the U.S. government?

During the anti-Soviet war Bin Laden and his fighters received American and Saudi funding. Some analysts believe Bin Laden himself had security training from the CIA.

What was bin Laden's goal?

These motivations were published in bin Laden's November 2002 "Letter to America", he said that al-Qaeda's motives for the attacks included Western support for attacking Muslims in Somalia, supporting Russian atrocities against Muslims in Chechnya, supporting the Indian oppression against Muslims in Kashmir, condoning ...

Did Osama bin Laden speak English?

bravery in battle" have been described as "legendary." According to Michael Scheuer, bin Laden claims to speak only Arabic. In a 1998 interview, he had the English questions translated into Arabic. But others, such as Rhimaulah Yusufzai and Peter Bergen, believe he understood English.

Who supports Taliban now?

How has Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban changed since 9/11? Pakistan continues to be a major source of financial and logistical support for the Taliban. The Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency has supported the Taliban from their inception with money, training, and weaponry.

Did Pakistan create Taliban?

The Taliban were largely founded by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence beginning in 1994; the I.S.I. used the Taliban to establish a régime in Afghanistan which would be favourable to Pakistan, as they were trying to gain strategic depth.

What Taliban want from Afghanistan?

The promise made by the Taliban - in Pashtun areas straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan - was to restore peace and security and enforce their own austere version of Sharia, or Islamic law, once in power.

How did bin Laden's get rich?

He made his initial fortune from exclusive rights to all mosque and other religious building construction in Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries. Until 1967, Mohammed bin Laden held exclusive responsibility for restorations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Was bin Laden a billionaire?

Bin Laden was one of more than 50 children of Muhammad bin Laden, a self-made billionaire who, after immigrating to Saudi Arabia from Yemen as a labourer, rose to direct major construction projects for the Saudi royal family.

How much money did Osama bin Laden inherit from his father?

Built by Saudi BinLadin Group Osama bin Laden's share of the inheritance after his father's death in 1967 is believed to have been between $50 million and $300 million but more likely around $50 million or even less.

Did bin Laden fight the Soviets?

Although bin Laden and the other Afghan Arabs were considered a minor "sideshow" in the war, bin Laden did establish a camp in Afghanistan and, with other volunteers, fought the Soviets and Marxist Afghan troops.

Why did Osama bin Laden go to Afghanistan?

Shortly after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, bin Laden, who viewed the invasion as an act of aggression against Islam, began traveling to meet Afghan resistance leaders and raise funds for the resistance.

Who controls Afghanistan?

The Taliban have taken control of Afghanistan, almost 20 years after being ousted by a US-led military coalition. Emboldened by the withdrawal of US troops, they now control all key cities in the country, including Kabul.

Is Afghanistan an Arab country?

Afghanistan is not located in the Middle East. It is a South Central Asian country composed of many different ethnicities, none of which are Arab.

Is Afghanistan safe?

OVERALL RISK : HIGH

Afghanistan isn't a safe destination for travelers. You should know that many governments advise their citizens not to travel to the country as it is considered practically a war zone. Be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Both petty and violent crimes are normal here.

Where are bin Laden's wives today?

The 2011 raid also killed Khalid, Osama's son by Seham. After a year in Pakistani detention, Khairiah, Seham and Amal, who had all witnessed the killing of their husband, were deported, along with 11 children and grandchildren, to Saudi Arabia. Today they live in a compound outside Jeddah.

How many Taliban are there 2021?

150,000–200,000 combat-oriented troops, including an unknown number of junior and ghost soldiers.