Who started Operation Cyclone?
Zbigniew BrzezinskiBetween 1979 and 1989, the CIA channelled more than $2 billion in weapons, logistical support and training to the mujahideen. Operation Cyclone was the brainchild of President Jimmy Carter's National Security Adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski.
Did CIA train Osama bin Laden?
They deny that the CIA or other American officials had contact with Bin Laden, let alone armed, trained, coached or indoctrinated him. American scholars and reporters have called the idea of a CIA-backed Al Qaeda "nonsense", "sheer fantasy", and a "common myth".
When did the US start funding mujahideen?
July 1979Although U.S. President Jimmy Carter's focus was more on Iran during the months before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, he initiated a covert program through the CIA to financially support the Afghan rebels, the mujahideen, in July 1979.
How much did Operation Cyclone cost?
The assistance was done covertly under the codename of Operation Cyclone. It was estimated that between 1980 and 1987, the United States spent US$15–30 million to as high as US$600 million a year on the operation.
Did Osama bin Laden speak English?
behaviour, personal charm and ... bravery in battle" have been described as "legendary." According to Michael Scheuer, bin Laden claims to speak only Arabic. In a 1998 interview, he had the English questions translated into Arabic. But others, such as Rhimaulah Yusufzai and Peter Bergen, believe he understood English.
Who funded the Taliban?
Prior to the Taliban takeover, 80% of the Afghan government's budget was funded by the U.S. and other Western donors. Forty percent of its GDP came from international aid. Roughly half of the country lived below the poverty line.Sep 17, 2021
Was Osama bin Laden part of the mujahideen?
He was born in Saudi Arabia and studied at university in the country until 1979, when he joined Mujahideen forces in Pakistan fighting against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
When did Russia invade Afghanistan?
December 24, 1979 – February 15, 1989Soviet–Afghan War / Period
When did the US support the Taliban?
President Barack Obama's "troop surge" in 2009 helped push back the Taliban but it was not long term. In 2014, at the end of what was the bloodiest year since 2001, Nato's international forces ended their combat mission, leaving responsibility for security to the Afghan army.Aug 30, 2021
Why did US support Afghanistan?
NATO Allies went into Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, to ensure that the country would not again become a safe haven for international terrorists to attack NATO member countries. Over the last two decades, there have been no terrorist attacks on Allied soil from Afghanistan.Apr 8, 2022
What was Operation Cyclone in Afghanistan?
Operation Cyclone was the code name for the United States Central Intelligence Agency program to arm and finance the Afghan mujahideen in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989, prior to and during the military intervention by the USSR in support of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
Why did the US help Afghanistan in the 1980s?
In the recent past, during the 1980s, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a significant role in inserting U.S. influence in Afghanistan by funding military operations designed to frustrate the Soviet invasion of that country.