Well it's a legal defense and IANAL. I think what they are getting at is that the US gov and these groups have a long history and they are allies more often than not.
* 1980s Afgan-Soviet War: Allies
* 1990s Balkins Wars: Allies
* late 90s attacks in Africa and Middle East: Enemies?
* Post 2001: Mortal Enemies
* Post 2011 Arab Spring: Allies in overthrowing the Syrian state.
* 1980s Afgan-Soviet War: Allies
* 1990s Balkins Wars: Allies
* late 90s attacks in Africa and Middle East: Enemies?
* Post 2001: Mortal Enemies
* Post 2011 Arab Spring: Allies in overthrowing the Syrian state.