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WAR ON TERROR
War on Terror
Objectives:1. Protect Citizens & Allies2. Break up terror cells in
US3. Disrupt international
terror networks
War on Terror
In an address to the United States Congress after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush declared that the U.S. would "make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them," a statement that was followed by the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan.
Bush Doctrine Allows for Pre-
emptive strikes Hit them before they
can attack us; take the fight to them
“You’re either with us or against us” Bush’s statement to
the world upon engaging in the War on Terror
No Neutrality
War in AfghanistanWhy did we go to war?To arrest those al-Qaeda members (Osama bin Laden) responsible for the Sept. 11 Attacks
War in Afghanistan
Taliban: refers to the name of the government in power during the Sept. 11 attacks
Islamic Fundamentalism: strict interpretation of the Koran; reject modern society; no rights for females
War in Afghanistan
Official Name = Operation Enduring Freedom
Begins on October 7, 2001 – US bombs Taliban targets/bases related to al-Qaeda in Tora Bora Mountains
War in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan Timeline of Events
Dec. 7 2001: Taliban gives up control; temporary government set up
Oct. 2004: 1st pres. elections are held; Hamid Karzai is elected
2010: Taliban continues its guerilla war against US; President Obama sends in 17,000 more US troops (troop surge)
Very slow moving because of Improvised Explosive Devices
Osama bin Laden dead
May 2, 2011: Osama bin Laden shot & killed in private residence in Abbotabad, Pakistan
US Navy Seals (Seal 6) & CIA involved in operation
Body was buried at sea shortly thereafter
Al-Qaeda acknowledged death and vowed retaliation
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Why did we go to war?1. Believed Iraq had WMDs
i. Colin Powell sent to UN with “evidence” to present case
2. Human Rights abuses3. Spread Democracy/Freedom to other
countries*Some US officials claimed Saddam
Hussein had a connection with al-Qaeda – no connection ever proven
Operation Iraqi Freedom
War in Iraq Timeline of Events
January 2003: UN weapons inspectors say Iraq is not cooperating with weapons searches
February: UN says no WMD have been found
March 17, 2003: G.W. Bush warns Saddam to leave or face the U.S. military
War in Iraq Timeline of Events
Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 19th-May 1st) – “Shock & Awe”
June 2003 Bush promises info on WMD
July 2004 Senate investigation says pre-war information about WMD was wrong/overstated
Dec. 30, 2006: Saddam hanged
“Shock & Awe”
Saddam Hussein Captured
USA PATRIOT ACT
USA Patriot ActUniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act
The Act increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone, e-mail communications, medical, financial, and library records
Eases restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering within the United States
Expands the Secretary of the Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions, particularly those involving foreign individuals and organizations
Enhances law enforcement and immigration authorities in detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts.
Guantanamo Bay
Located in…CubaDetention facility used for prisoners
captured in AfghanistanConsidered very controversial…
Alleged cruel interrogation techniques US can hold prisoners indefinitely if believed they were involved in terrorism of any kind…they are not POWs but “Enemy Combatants.” There is no law against holding enemy combatants
