the development of Al Qaeda, at what point in the organization’s growth do you feel it should have become a concern to United States government officials? Explain
Probably about 1993.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07272007/alqaeda.html
At least 1993. There is a really good National Geographic DVD set that goes into the background of the 1993 attack on WTC ... back before 1991.
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/episodes/war-on-america/
To determine when the United States government officials should have become concerned about the development of Al Qaeda, it is important to consider the key milestones and events in the organization's growth.
1. Formation: Al Qaeda was formed in 1988 by Osama bin Laden, Abdullah Azzam, and other individuals who participated in the Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union. Initially, their primary focus was on supporting the struggle against the Soviets, and their activities did not directly target the United States. Therefore, during this early phase, it may not have been a significant concern for US officials.
2. 1990s: In the 1990s, Al Qaeda began evolving and expanding its activities. This period saw the organization engage in various acts of terrorism, most notably the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 1998 United States embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. These attacks demonstrated Al Qaeda's capacity to plan and execute major acts of violence beyond Afghanistan, and should have raised concerns among US officials.
3. Declaration of War: In 1996, Al Qaeda issued its first declaration of war against the United States, calling for attacks on American military personnel and citizens worldwide. This declaration explicitly signaled a shift in focus from local conflicts to a global jihadist agenda, with the U.S. identified as a primary target. This development should have been a clear trigger for US government officials to recognize Al Qaeda as a serious and imminent threat.
4. 9/11 Attacks: The most significant turning point in Al Qaeda's growth was the horrific September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and caused unprecedented devastation. It was a catastrophic event that underscored the capability and determination of Al Qaeda to carry out large-scale, coordinated attacks on American soil. The scale and impact of this attack should have raised immediate alarm bells and prompted urgent action by US government officials.
In conclusion, while there were warning signs earlier, it was the 1990s and particularly the 9/11 attacks that should have unequivocally highlighted the growth of Al Qaeda as a major concern for US government officials. The combination of the organization's increasing capabilities, evolving global agenda, and the magnitude of the 9/11 attacks should have spurred a comprehensive response to counter the threat posed by Al Qaeda.