Challenges Faced by Osama bin Laden: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Osama bin Laden faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Osama bin Laden, a Saudi-born founder and leader of al-Qaeda, was a key figure in the rise of global jihadism. He fought against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and supported Bosnian mujahideen. Driven by opposition to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, he declared war on the U.S. in 1996. Bin Laden orchestrated and supervised numerous terrorist attacks, most notably the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and led to the U.S. War on Terror.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

March 1989: Battle of Jalalabad

In March 1989, Osama bin Laden led 800 Arab foreign fighters during the unsuccessful Battle of Jalalabad.

November 1990: FBI Raid on El Sayyid Nosair's Home

On 8 November 1990, the FBI raided the New Jersey home of El Sayyid Nosair, an associate of al-Qaeda operative Ali Mohamed, and discovered evidence of terrorist plots, including plans to blow up New York City skyscrapers. On 5 November 1990, Nosair murdered Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York City.

1991: Expulsion from Saudi Arabia

In 1991, Osama bin Laden was expelled from Saudi Arabia by its government after repeatedly criticizing the Saudi alliance with the United States. He and his followers moved first to Afghanistan and then relocated to Sudan by 1992.

1991: Criticism and House Arrest

In 1991, Osama bin Laden's continued criticism of the Saudi monarchy led them to put him under house arrest, under which he remained until he was ultimately forced to leave the country.

1993: Nosair Conviction in World Trade Center Bombing

El Sayyid Nosair was eventually convicted in connection to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

2002: Bin Laden's Letter to the American People

In 2002, Osama bin Laden published his Letter to the American People where he described the formation of the Israeli state as "a crime which must be erased". He also demanded that the United States withdraw all of its civilians and military personnel from the Arabian Peninsula, as well as from all Muslim lands.

2004: Bin Laden's tape broadcast by Al Jazeera

In a 2004 tape broadcast by Al Jazeera, Osama bin Laden spoke of "bleeding America to the point of bankruptcy", outlining his strategy to weaken the U.S. through prolonged engagement in Muslim countries.

March 2009: Hunt for Bin Laden Centered in Chitral District

In March 2009, the New York Daily News reported that the hunt for Osama bin Laden had centered in the Chitral District of Pakistan, including the Kalam Valley. It was stated that captured al-Qaeda leaders had confirmed that Bin Laden was hiding in Chitral.

December 2009: U.S. Officials Comment on Bin Laden's Whereabouts

In December 2009, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated that the United States had had no reliable information on the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden in years. On December 9th, General Stanley McChrystal indicated that al-Qaeda would not be defeated unless Bin Laden was captured or killed.

October 2010: NATO Official Suggests Bin Laden Living in Pakistan

On October 18, 2010, an unnamed NATO official suggested that Osama bin Laden was alive, well, and living comfortably in Pakistan, protected by elements of the country's intelligence services. A senior Pakistani official denied these allegations.

2010: Bin Laden Chastises Followers on Civilian Casualties

In 2010, Osama bin Laden criticized followers for misinterpreting Islamic doctrine to justify massacres of Muslim civilians. He condemned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan for an attack resulting in noncombatant casualties and asked for a jihadist code of conduct to avoid such casualties. He also urged allies in Yemen to seek a truce and advised al-Shabab in Somalia to pursue economic development.