As Islam, especially the Sunni main branch, has no regular clerical hierarchy, teachings can easily, radically evolve. Imam Zawahiri elaborated a bloodthirsty vision on jihad as unconditional Holy war on all infidels and heretics, regardless of collateral damage to innocents and Muslim martyrs. Osama Bin-Laden, a Saudi construction tycoon's son, joined it during the mujadedin struggle to chase the Soviets from Afghanistan. Later, he forged Al-Qaeda, a shady terrorist organization, which would mainly target US targets and their allies throughout the world, culminating in the 9/11 triple airplane-strike on the US East Coast. Ten years later, it has taken a back-stage to its Afghan Taliban allies again, but the unforgiving blood-thirst it started still recalls the unholy crusader age.
—KGF Vissers