What were the key goals of Al-Qaeda in the 1990s?

Al-Qaeda's key goals in the 1990s were to expel Western influence from Muslim countries and establish Islamic governance.

In the 1990s, Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, aimed to remove Western, particularly American, presence and influence from Muslim-majority countries. They believed that Western powers were corrupting Islamic societies and exploiting their resources. This goal was rooted in a desire to protect and purify the Islamic world from what they saw as foreign domination and moral decay.

Another significant objective was to overthrow governments in Muslim countries that Al-Qaeda considered un-Islamic or too closely aligned with Western interests. They viewed these regimes as puppets of the West and sought to replace them with governments that adhered strictly to their interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. This was part of a broader vision to unite the Muslim world under a single, purist Islamic state, often referred to as a caliphate.

Al-Qaeda also aimed to inspire and mobilise Muslims worldwide to join their cause. They used propaganda, including videos and writings, to spread their message and recruit members. By carrying out high-profile attacks, such as the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, they sought to demonstrate their capability and resolve, hoping to galvanise support and instil fear in their enemies.

In summary, Al-Qaeda's goals in the 1990s were driven by a combination of anti-Western sentiment, a desire for political change in the Muslim world, and the ambition to establish a unified Islamic state governed by their strict interpretation of Sharia law. These objectives were pursued through a strategy of violent jihad, propaganda, and efforts to build a global network of like-minded militants.