As Bergen finds , the Soviet – Afghan War had the dual result of making bin Laden famous while also giving bin Laden a feeling that he could go toe-to-toe against a superpower with his " holy warriors " and prevail . These factors , coupled with bin Laden 's strong feelings of resentment toward the US for its presence in Saudi Arabia ( or the " Land of the Two Holy Places " as he called it ) during and after the Persian Gulf War , led to his plotting multiple attacks against the US , and then later to an all-out declaration of war against the West . Ultimately , by green-lighting the September 11 attacks on the United States , bin Laden would then get his desired war
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Holy War, Inc.