Did the CIA actually fund Osama bin Laden during the Soviet-Afghan war? Who was Abdullah Azzam, the radical scholar who turned jihad into a global franchise? How did a bureaucratic office meeting create Al-Qaeda? In Episode 2 of this new series, William Dalrymple is joined by Jason Burke, author of Al-Qaeda: The True Story of Radical Islam and The Revolutionists, to discuss the founding of al-Qaeda. Summer sale is here: get an annual Empire Club membership for an extra 20% off with code SUMMER26. That's ad-free listening, early-access, every bonus episode, and full access to our exclusive members' series. Sale ends August 31st, so grab it before summer's over. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.Email: [email protected]Instagram: @empirepodukBlue Sky: @empirepodukX: @empirepodukAssistant Producer: Imogen MarriottEditor: Bruno Di CastriSocial Producer: Charlie JohnsonProducer: Anouska LewisExecutive Producer: Dom JohnsonLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices