I would say that the jihadist element has always existed, and has historically been repressed by authoritarian regimes. United States, with its constant intervening in Middle Eastern affairs, played a primary role in enabling these movements to operate with more "liberty" and gave them the sympathies of the people.
In the Iranian coup of 1953, America played the role of a muscle-head goon for British interests. It wasn't until the late 1970's when it became state policy, seemingly, to systematically crumble law and order in the Middle East so that the jihadist element could rule. Previously, it was excused with by the Cold War, but by the 90's, it simply became a habit as old Cold War-era crooks remained in charge, with the same foreign policy platforms. Old enemies (Cuba, Libya, Iran, etc.) remained old enemies even though realistically they should've been "pardoned", once the Soviet structure fell and was no longer a threat.