How did the US contribute to the rise of Muslim extremist leaders in Afganistan in the late 20th century?

The U.S. contributed to the rise of Muslim extremist leaders in Afghanistan during the late 20th century primarily through its support for the Mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989). By providing funding, weapons, and training to various militant groups, the U.S. inadvertently empowered factions that included Islamic extremists. Additionally, the U.S. focused on combating communism rather than addressing the ideological motivations of these groups, leading to a power vacuum and the eventual rise of figures like Osama bin Laden. This legacy of support for militant factions set the stage for future instability and extremism in the region.