The origins of Islamic extremism from "summary" of The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright
The roots of Islamic extremism can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the Muslim world was left fragmented and vulnerable. This power vacuum created an opportunity for radical ideologues to gain influence and spread their extremist beliefs. One of the key figures in the rise of Islamic extremism was Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian thinker who was deeply critical of Western influence in the Muslim world. Qutb believed that the only way to combat this influence was to establish a strict Islamic society based on Sharia law. His writings inspired a generation of jihadists who saw violence as a legitimate means to achieve their goals. Another important factor in the origins of Islamic extremism was the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. This event galvanized Muslims around the world to join the fight against the Soviet Union, and it also provided a training ground for future jihadists. The CIA's support for the mujahideen during this conflict further fueled the growth ...
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