Introduction Al-Qaeda is an infamous terrorist organization whose actions have shaped global politics in the last three decades. The terrorist group has relied on spreading an anti-Western Islamic ideology by calling on its followers to wage war against governments in Islamic lands and beyond. Al-Qaeda’s ideology focuses on establishing an Islamic caliphate in the Middle East and other areas with large Muslim populations to stem the influence of the U.S. and its allies. However, there is a larger challenge because the top leadership of the group has constantly differed with its affiliates on their modes of operations (McCants 26). The group has consistently used various media channels to spread the propaganda of its true purpose to win new followers. It has used audio, video and social networks to insist that it has taken up the responsibility of avenging Muslims who died in Palestine, Afghanistan, and Iraq, in the hands of Israeli, American or British troops. As a result, this propaganda has made some Muslims perceive the involvement of the U.S. and other western countries in Middle Eastern affairs as an act of imperialism. This paper will discuss the extent to which al-Qaeda influences various Islamic societies and how this has enabled the organization to further its agenda across the globe. Roots of Hatred Al-Qaeda’s political ideology is guided by three major principles: the creation of Islamic states ruled by Sharia principles, kicking out oppressors from Islamic lands and respect for personal liberties of every Muslim. The extremist position taken by al-Qaeda in its ideology has labeled people from other religions as inferior infidels (non-believers) whose actions go against the Holy Quran. More importantly, they also criticize governments in Islamic lands for serving as puppets to western oppressors who do not have respect for Muslim’s dignity. The group was formed in the mid of the 1990s comprising bin Laden and other supporters who shared an Islamic ideology that focused on limiting American influence in the Middle East (Atwan 54). Since he hailed from wealthy family background, bin Laden was able to finance the group’s activities and encouraged other affiliate groups to adopt radical Islamic leanings. Consequently, the term ‘jihad’ became the alternative interpretation of terrorism by the group. Al-Qaeda’s ability to use both the propaganda and the militant tactics to achieve its objectives has made it difficult for many governments to understand its complex organizational capabilities. The terrorist group has relied on its extensive networks with other terrorist groups that operate in different countries to promote its agenda. As a result, affiliate extremist groups in Africa, South East Asia, and Europe have launched attacks against key government officials and civilians to gain attention and credibility. Violent attacks that constantly occur in Nigeria, Somalia, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and Afghanistan are carried out by extremist Islamic groups which are linked to al-Qaeda. For instance, Boko Haram has waged a violent campaign in Nigeria to oppose formal education. The group’s militants attacked the Christians, government officials, and students in schools in northern Nigeria because they insisted