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Glite Dictionary
MAK

MAK

2 9.9
A violent group started by Osama bin Laden to fund and recruit fighters in Afghanistan in the 1980s
  • noun
  • NSFW
translation icon : MAK
  • Al-Qaeda evolved from the MAK.

Examples

  • The MAK was instrumental in supporting fighters against Soviet forces during the Afghan conflict.

  • Many members of the Afghan resistance were recruited by the MAK in the 1980s.

  • The foundation of the MAK marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the Afghan war.

Synonyms

Maktab al-Khidamat
vsMAK
9.9

An organization that raised money and recruited foreign fighters for the Afghan war in the 1980s and helped start al-Qaeda

focuses on the same funding and recruiting role but highlights the split creating al-Qaeda
Maktab al-Khidmat
vsMAK
9.9

An organization set up by Osama bin Laden in the 1980s to fund and recruit fighters for the Afghan war

notes the same activities while also pointing to its later split forming another group

Surface Forms

MAK singular
MAKs plural

Etymology

The word MAK comes from the Arabic name Maktab al-Khidamat, where Maktab means 'office' and al-Khidamat means 'the services'. So it was originally an 'office of services' that organized fundraising and recruitment for fighters in Afghanistan, which is why MAK refers to that organization.