Iron Dome Missile shield in Israel. Saving a lot of lives. Very advanced technology.

U.S. Funded 2011: Paid $205 million for dome. 2012: Scheduled $680 million for more batteries. – Won’t let the U.S. use the technology. – Costs over $50,000 per interception. – Still saves money in rebuilding costs.

End of the Rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan

September 11 th Attacks 9/11 Video Clip Why did the U.S. invade Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks? Why was Osama bin Laden upset with the US?

Decline of the Taliban 2001, the US begin helping a group fighting the Taliban in northern Afghanistan, the United Front (Northern Alliance), who wanted to take control of the Taliban and create a government that would treat all ethnic groups equally. On September 9th, the leader of this alliance was assassinated. After September 11, the US made it clear that they wanted Osama bin Laden handed over for trial. The Taliban would not comply, and tension rose. They ordered all foreigners to leave Afghanistan.

Decline of the Taliban (Continued) On October 7th, US forces began their strikes against the Taliban. – US worked with Britain, Canada, Australia and the Northern Alliance. – US forces were limited in the first stages of the attacks. Assisted Northern Alliance with airstrikes. By November 9th, the Northern Alliance had gained much of northern Afghanistan. A few days later, the Taliban abandoned the capital of Kabul, and the Northern Alliance gained control.

Decline of the Taliban (Continued) Saudi Arabia and Pakistan cut ties with the Taliban. Pakistan had been its biggest ally, but under pressure, Pakistan agreed to cooperate with the US while it attacked the Taliban. On November 17th, former Afghan president Burhanuddin Rabbani promised to install a new government quickly. December 5, 4 rival Afghan groups signed an agreement to share power in a temporary government. The next day, the Taliban surrendered their last stronghold in Kandahar.

Death of Osama bin Laden May 2011 Found in a compound in Pakistan. Body was taken to Afghanistan for Identification. Buried at sea because they didn’t want his gravesite to become a shrine for jihad.

Assignment Read the UN Declaration of Human Rights and War’s Hidden Cost. When should the US intervene? Give scenarios. Consider the following: – Vietnam – When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan- Mujahedeen. – During the rule of the Taliban when citizens asked for help. – When Israel asked for money for the Iron Dome.