"I Was One Of Them"

American Legion Magazine ^ | August, 2006 | Rick Kupke

[killjoy]

That same year, late in the summer of 1979, Saudi national Osama bin Laden traveled to Afghanistan to fight the Russians after they invaded. Bin Laden fought beside the mujahadeen, who later formed part of his al-Qaeda (Arabic for “the base”). I wonder how much the 22-year-old bin Laden, hiding in the Afghan mountains, learned by watching what the Iranians were accomplishing just across the border.

Ummm.... not even close. Bin Laden arrived in Pakistan in the early 1980s. He spent almost all his time there at Peshawar. It wasn't until 1987 or so that he and some of his fellow arabs made their first adventure into Afghanistan.. I should point out they got their butts kicked by the Soviets and promply retreated back across the border to Pakistan.

[Biscuit85]

I am reading Mark Bowden's book and I think it is quite good!

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

I think it started in the 7th century with that goof ball Mohamut.

[kms61]

FYI Mel Kalp, mentioned in this piece, was killed by a drunk driver in 2002. To survive all that, and then die at the hands of some idiot.

[R. Scott]

If ever there was a time for hard core gunboat diplomacy, the taking of the embassy and hostages was it – not the wimpy response we gave

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[federal]

bookmark

[GreyFriar]

Please note the Rick Kupke's book about his 444 days has not yet been published. It should to out within a year. It is Mark Bowdin's book that Rick is reviewing. Bowdin also wrote "Blackhawk Down".

[RaceBannon]

Oh, cool, most of the others mentioned are out of print for a long time!

[litehaus]

Bump for education re muzzies...............

[ntnychik]

Sorry. I hope you'll understand. I JUST CAN'T LOOK AT THAT! Ewwww.

[diamond6]

bttt

[stumpy]

I say the world terrorism started in the 60's when arafatty had is people hijack a bunch of jets to Jordan, then after getting paid to release his hostages blew up the planes.