One additional point that I did not see is that Al Queada was not a combat organization in the Afghan insurgency against the Soviet Union. Al Queada means “The Base.” It was meant to be a base of operation, not a combat organization.
It was about providing monetary and logistical support.
Al Queada was only involved in one skirmish with the Soviets and that was at the very end of the war. Apparently, Bin Laden showed real bravery, and that is what created his reputation as being a fighter. But it was the exception, not the rule.
It was only after the Soviets left that the organization shifted to combat and terrorism.
Another great article.
One additional point that I did not see is that Al Queada was not a combat organization in the Afghan insurgency against the Soviet Union. Al Queada means “The Base.” It was meant to be a base of operation, not a combat organization.
It was about providing monetary and logistical support.
Al Queada was only involved in one skirmish with the Soviets and that was at the very end of the war. Apparently, Bin Laden showed real bravery, and that is what created his reputation as being a fighter. But it was the exception, not the rule.
It was only after the Soviets left that the organization shifted to combat and terrorism.