Letters-26: "al-Qaeda"

The al-Qaeda came into existence as a result of the U.S.foreign policy in West Asia, aimed at protecting its interests in the oil-rich region. 9/11 gave the U.S. an opportunity to wage the so-called war on terror in Afghanistan where it succeeded in inflicting heavy losses on the al-Qaeda. But the occupation of Iraq has given a new lease of life to the outfit. As Daniel Benjamin, who served on Bill Clinton’s National Security Council, said: “There were no jihadists in Iraq before we invaded” but “there are now thousands, Iraqi and foreign, and they are going to be an enduring problem because many have embraced the global jihadist agenda.” - Mahmood Alam Siddiqui, New Delhi

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, June 20, 2008
Grateful thanks to Mr Mahmood Alam Siddiqui and The Hindu.