Remember stress concentration at member geometric changes? Corner of opening represent one. And, remember concrete failure plan is 45° from the principle plans? The crack on the corner is usually extended approximately 45° (from horiz. or vertical) out, the diagonal bars minimize the crack width and length by taking control of the tensile stress developed on each side of the crack. Make sense?
Member self weight, temperature effect, deflections, quality of the concrete, and different rate of shrinkage, all are contributors to the complex stresses around corners. The influence of member forces is minimal if the wall/slab is properly reinforced. The diagonal bars are sometimes joked as "feel good bars", but a good insurance for sure, especially for large openings.
If you still have doubt, walk around a residential area and look around, see where you can spot most cracks, and the pattern of the cracks. Pay attention to houses with brick, stucco, and concrete facade. Have fun.