Reply #7: "Bin Laden’s network of terror was once an ally."

[Hoping4Change]

Backed by the U.S., mujaheddin fought the Soviets.

By Ahmed Rashid
Special to the Star-Bulletin 11/23/01

ISLAMABAD >> William Casey, the director of U.S. central intelligence, committed the CIA in 1986 to support a long-standing initiative by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to recruit radical Muslims from around the world to fight alongside the Afghan mujaheddin against the invaders from the Soviet Union.

Pakistan sought to cement Islamic unity, turn Pakistan into the leader of the Muslim world and foster an Islamic opposition in Central Asia. Washington wanted to demonstrate that the entire Muslim world was fighting the Soviet Union alongside the Afghans and their American benefactors.

The Saudi Arabians saw an opportunity both to promote Wahabbism (their strict creed) and expel disgruntled radicals.

.....Among these recruits was a young Saudi student, Osama bin Laden"

Entire article

http://starbulletin.com/2001/09/23/editorial/special2.html


This is from The Center of Cooperative Research 9/11 Timelime. Their 9/11 timeline is the gold standard of research into 9/11, dating back to 1979.


http://www.cooperativeresearch.org/project.jsp?project=911_project