1. Today’s Issues: The US and Canada Ch. 8 Intro to Geography

2. 9/11 Attacks Terrorism is the unlawful use of, or threatened use of, force or violence against indivudals or property for the purpose of intimidating or causing fear for political or social ends. The September 11 th attacks were the most destructive acts of terrorism ever committed on American soil.

3. – 19 Arab terrorists hijacked four airliners – They crashed two into the World Trade Center towers. – One was crashed into the Pentagon (US military headquarters in Washington DC) – The fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania without hitting its target The passengers fought the terrorists and made the plane go down

4. – The planes were loaded with fuel so this made them highly destructive – The World Trade Center towers collapsed – trapping and killing thousands Thousands were able to escape before the towers fell Around 3000 people died – including the plane passengers (265) and firemen (343)

5. The disaster covered 16 acres. The evidence gathered pointed to extremist Islamic terrorists led by Osama bin Laden, known as al-Qaeda. – Group was formed to fight the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979

6. – They later began to oppose American influence in Muslim lands. Starting targeting Americans and US allies after the Persian Gulf War in 1991. – Al-Qaeda has carried out numerous terrorist attacks.

7. War on Terror After the 9/11 attacks President George W. Bush called on other nations around the world to join the US in a war on terrorism. – Organized a coalition to prevent future attacks – Supported military action in Afghanistan, where al-Qaeda was based. – Began bombing in 2001 by 2002 The extremist Taliban regime had been removed from power and the al Qaeda network weakened.

8. In 2003 the US launched military action against Iraq. – Bush claimed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein posed a threat to national security. – Hussein was overthrown, tried and executed – Rebel attacks continued though

9. 2009 President Barack Obama increased the number of troops in Afghanistan to defeat al Qaeda forces – Corruption is a problem and violence continues but has decreased.

10. Facing Terrorist Threats Terrorist attacks persist in several other countries – Mumbai, India – 2008 – Pakistani Muslim extremists – Moscow, Russia – 2010 – Chechen separatist – Paris, France – 2015 – ISIS – carried out many more

11. Terrorist use many types of weapons – bombs, guns, biological and chemical weapons Airport security measures have changed since September 11 th to insure that doesn’t happen again.

12. Domestic terrorism is also an issue – Planned killing of law enforcement – Attacks by US militia or patriot groups that oppose the US government – 2015 – San Bernadino – ISIS related attack