Many Americans were unfamiliar with al Qaeda until the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on America. Using the group's trademark style of tightly coordinated, high-profile violence, al Qaeda operatives hijacked four U.S. airliners.

Osama bin Laden is the primary founder of al Qaeda. He continues to be the organization's leader and driving force. Bin Laden had developed a taste for jihad, which was originally the concept of a holy war designed to liberate occupied Muslim lands.

An enemy of the Soviets bin Laden fought in the side of the United States to bring them down.

During the Gulf War bin Laden considered the U.S. presence in the Persian Gulf offensive and beginning around 1992.

al Qaeda launched a series of terrorist attacks against the United States, starting with a failed attempt to target U.S. troops in 1992, following attacks included numerous embassy bombings, a boat attack on the U.S.S. Cole.

After the Sept. 11th attacks alQaeda has been in the spot light. The terrorist group is now know to be in at least 26 countries around the country including the United States.

bin Laden is now the most wanted person in the world dead or alive.