Since September 11th 2001, various Islamic movements have been major topics of analysis and study. One implication of the 9/11 attacks is the United States and a number of its allies international campaign to reduce the threat presented by terrorism in general and Islamic radicalism in particular. Al Qaeda, as a key example of these groups, is the subject of study of this thesis. Al Qaeda is a radical Sunni movement first established to provide military training and funds for the Mujahideen fighting against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.