THE WAR ON TERRORISMTHE WAR ON TERRORISMSec. 32-4 Pages 945-951Sec. 32-4 Pages 945-951

September 11, 2001September 11, 2001Prime suspect, Osama bin LadenMuslim – someone who believed in

and practices the religion of IslamOne billion Muslims in the world –

most are not militant fundamentalists – believe that any action is justified to drive American influence out of the Arab world

Afghanistan WarAfghanistan War1979- Soviet Union invaded

Afghanistan to support their pro-communist government.

Muslims came from across Middle East to fight Soviets Osama bin Laden – came from

Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest family – formed al Qaeda or “the Base”. Provided arms for Afghan

soldiers – became hero when Soviets withdrew. Killed by US May 1,

2011

Terrorist ActsTerrorist ActsTaliban – drive Americans and non-

Muslims out of Middle East1998 – truck bombs exploded at US

embassies in Kenya and TanzaniaLate 1999- terrorist arrested trying

to smuggle explosives into US to target Seattle

Oct. 2000 – terrorists backed by al Qaeda crashed boat of explosives into USS Cole refueling in Yemen

Fair TreatmentFair TreatmentPres. Bush asked that Americans

uphold nation’s values and treat Muslim Americans fairly.

Pres. Bush started fund for Afghan children who were orphans – hungry

Threat of anthrax – animal disease- spores on letters mailed caused concern – no suspects had been identified.

Protecting AmericaProtecting AmericaUS military put on high alert –

security at airports tightened – Dept. of Homeland Security – Pa.

Gov. Tom Ridge appointed to counter-terrorism in US

USA Patriot Act of 2001 – gave FBI and federal prosecutors more powers involving acts of terrorism. Federal agents could tap phones- internet –secret search of property

Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft

Trail of TerrorismTrail of TerrorismAfghanistan controlled by Taliban –

discriminated against women and intolerant of other religions.

US attacked Taliban and al Qaeda forces on Oct. 7, 2001. Opposition forces, the Northern Alliance, will force out Taliban and create an interim government.

Dec. 2001 terrorist from Kashmir, northern India, attacked India’s parliament. India’s leaders blamed Pakistan

Trail of TerrorismTrail of TerrorismIndia & Pakistan both had nuclear

weapons – would not stop fighting.Palestinian terrorists began suicide

bombing in public places in Israel. Israel’s army soon invaded Palestinian cities

Pres. Bush announced creation of Palestine – asked Israel to stop raiding

Pres. Bush warned any nation harboring or supporting terrorism to be an enemy of the US

Weapons of Mass DestructionWeapons of Mass Destruction2002- Pres. Bush singled out Iraq, Iran,

and North Korea ( restarted nuclear weapons program)

Iraq – S. Hussein used chemical weapons on Iran and Kurds (ethnic minority)

Sept. 12, 2002 – Bush asked UN to pass law demanding Iraq give up weapons.

Oct. Congress authorized use of force –Nov. deadline for inspectors

Weapons of Mass DestructionWeapons of Mass DestructionIraq allowed inspectors

into country – Bush claimed Iraq was hiding them

Mar. 20, 2003, US military with Britain attacked Iraq’s army – Hussein ousted from power.

Dec. 2003- Saddam captured – hanged Dec. 30, 2006 – requested to be shot.