WAR ON TERROR

WAR ON TERROR

War on TerrorObjectives: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” No Neutrality Must pick a side

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 AfghanistanInitially widespread support; longest running war ever

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 FreedomWhy did we go to war?

1. Believed Iraq had WMDsi. Colin Powell sent to UN with “evidence”

to present case2. 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

No French Support!!!

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 BayLocated 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