9/11 and the War on Terror

The Attack: Timeline 8:48 am: an American Airlines passenger jet crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. 9:03 am: A 2nd plane crashed into the south tower and exploded. 9:40 am: A 3rd plane struck the west side of the Pentagon. 10:00 am: The south tower collapses. 10:10 am: A 4th plane crashes into a field in Pennsylvania. 10:30 am: The north tower collapses.

Aftermath The unexpected attacks shocked the nation. All air traffic was grounded as authorities were trying to figure out if there were any more planes that could be threats. Nearly 3,000 Americans were killed in the most devastating attack on U.S. soil in our history.

Aftermath Immediately following the attack Americans were searching for answers but shows of unity and patriotism were evident around the country.

Bush Addresses the Rescue Crew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7OCgMPX2mE (2:02)

U.S. Response The hijackers were quickly identified as members of the terrorist group al Qaeda led by Osama bin Laden. Al Qaeda was based in Afghanistan and supported by the Taliban government of the country. The U.S. demanded that the Taliban cooperate in capturing bin Laden and destroying his terrorist camps. The Taliban refused.

U.S. Response In early October the U.S. along with numerous nations from around the world launch an invasion of Afghanistan. The War on Terror Begins The government of Afghanistan was quickly toppled by coalition forces including armed opponents of the Taliban within Afghanistan.

War on Terror Expands Following the toppling of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the war raged on as soldiers faced insurgent attacks from al Qaeda terrorists. As part of the War on Terror, President Bush identified three nations he called the “Axis of Evil” – North Korea, Iran, and Iraq. U.S. pressures the UN to place demands on Saddam Hussein. Saddam Hussein does not meet the demands.

War in Iraq The U.S. attempted to get the UN to support an invasion of Iraq. The U.S. and Britain decided to wait no longer and invade Iraq. The Iraqi forces were quickly defeated and Saddam Hussein captured. Like Afghanistan, resistance from insurgents continued.

Effects of War on Terror The War in Iraq ended in 2011. The War in Afghanistan ended in 2014. However troops still remain in both countries to support the forces of the new governments. US military deaths: Afghanistan- 2356 Iraq- 4489

Effects of War on Terror The 9/11 attacks and subsequent wars in the Middle East have forced America to tackle many difficult questions yet again. What should be America’s global role? How much liberty should be sacrificed for security? Should America involve itself in the Middle East?

Continued Fighting in the Middle East Following the Arab Spring in which there was much turmoil across the Middle East and the U.S. has been drawn into more conflict. The civil war in Syria allowed an opportunity for ISIS rise in power and become a new threat to the U.S.