War on Terror

What is a ‘War on Terror?’ Term used in late 20th century, but gained significance in 21st century Western media defined it as ‘a global military, political, legal, and conceptual struggle against both organizations designated terrorist and regimes accused of supporting them.’ Tom Brokaw: “Terrorists have declared war on [America].”

9-11 19 Al-Qaeda affiliates hijacked 4 planes 2 planes flown into the World Trade Centre towers 1 plane crashed into the Pentagon 1 plane brought down before it reached its intended target of the White House or the Capitol building Passengers were told they would be spared if demands were met Total of 2977 victims and 19 hijackers killed

Al-Qaeda Origins traced to Soviet-Afghan War Drew from Mujahadeen fighters with support from the Taliban Throughout the 1990s committed attacks in Kenya and Tanzania and other attacks throughout the world

U.S. and International Response Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists (AUMF) on 14 September 2001 Operation Enduring Freedom began in October 2001 in Afghanistan Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003 - Enduring Freedom carried out in other areas of the world as well: Philippines, Horn of Africa

USA PATRIOT Act Department of Homeland Security formed in 2002 Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism USA PATRIOT Act passed in 2002 Reduced restrictions on law enforcement agencies to search telephone, email, and medical and financial records Secretary of Treasury more closely regulate financial transactions Terrorism could be defined as domestic terrorism Idea of protecting freedom by removing freedoms

Canada and Anti-Terrorism Anti-terrorism Act, 2001 Aimed at disabling and dismantling the activities of terrorists and those who support them Imposes limits on Canadian freedoms to ensure security during times of crises and threats Defined terrorism as a punishable offence Ability to arrest/hold without charge if suspected of planning a terrorist act Preventative arrests Easy access to electronic surveillance

Gives too much powers to CSIS and the RCMP Took away civil liberties Supporters argued that it is needed to protect and ensure security for Canadian citizens from the threat of terrorism

Bill C-51 Meant to extend Canada’s anti-terror laws beyond the legislation enacted after 9/11 Gave greater power to police to target activities that “undermine the security of Canada” Privacy experts argue it goes too far, that it is being rushed into law, doesn’t clearly define terrorism, and increases censorship on the internet

Canada’s No-Fly List Specified Persons List Potential threats to aviation security Barred individuals from domestic flights in Canada Modeled after the U.S. no-fly list Maher Arar