Osama Bin Laden's Radicalization

Osama Bin Laden Radicalization Osama bin Laden was one of the single most influential individuals when it comes to foreign policy towards the Middle East and the War on Terror. His ideas and attacks have shaped our country greatly over the last few decades. Osama bin Laden is somewhat confusing because of his background. Bin Laden was well educated and came from a very privileged Saudi family, yet he was the mastermind behind some of the worst attacks on America. It is important to learn about him because of how much he has had an impact on America and how he has impacted terrorist groups. Bin Laden’s radicalization stems from issues in his early life such as his father not being present in his life, being an outcast, and eventually leading to his radical religious ideas. The first sign of trouble in his life is the absence of his father throughout his childhood.

Osama bin Laden’s anti American logic

According to The Looming Tower bin Laden’s teachers described him as “shy and fearful of making mistakes” (Wright, 84). Since was very quiet and shy growing up, he had nobody to share his religious concerns with. “He tried to explain his feelings to his friends and family, but his passion left them nonplussed. ‘He thought that Muslims are not close enough to Allah, and the Muslim youth are too busy playing and having fun,’ his mother concluded” (Wright, 87). This quote shows that he had made attempts to share his concerns with others but could not get them interested. This contributed to his radicalization further since he could not share his thoughts with other, which could have helped him tone down his more extreme thoughts and concerns that he thought he saw in the world. His idea of kids playing too much only further alienated him from others which would eventually lead to more issues and contribute to the gradual radicalization of Osama bin