Towards the end of the 1980s, the Soviets were retreating in defeat. Bin Laden and Azzam had discussions about the future of MAK and what to do with the mujahideen force that had built up. Bin Laden and Azzam both wanted to use the force as a "rapid reaction force" to defend oppressed Muslims around the world. Bin Laden wanted to train the mujahideen in terrorist tactics, while Azzam strongly disagreed with this approach, issuing a "fatwa" saying that it would violate Islamic law. Azzam reiterated the hadith that orders Muslims not to kill any women or children.