1. Terrorism Strikes the United States
The September 11 Attacks
Terrorism Strikes the United States
• Terrorism -unlawful use, or threat, of force or violence:
- against people or property
- to intimidate, or achieve political, social aims
• September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. soil
-19 terrorists hijack four planes
- Two flown into World Trade Center Towers
- One flown into Pentagon
- One crashes in Pennsylvania (Projected target - White House)
Continued . . .
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3. • Airplanes turns into missiles
The Destruction
• Airplanes turns into missiles
- Towers fall & 75-foot hole in Pentagon’s west side
• Almost 3,000 die in the attacks
- includes 265 plane passengers
- 343 New York City rescue workers
• 9 New York City buildings collapse; 6 others are damaged
Continued . . .
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4. • Al-Qaeda: extremist Muslims led by Saudi millionaire Osama bin Laden
The Terrorists
• Al-Qaeda: extremist Muslims led by Saudi millionaire Osama bin Laden
- global network—worldwide interconnected group
- formed in Afghanistan to fight 1979 Soviet invasion
- later opposed U.S.
influence in Muslim lands
- targeted U.S. and allies
after 1991 Persian Gulf War
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5. Aftermath of the Attacks International War on Terrorism
• President George W. Bush declares war on terrorism:
- new security measures
- search for terrorist suspects
• U.S. leads coalition (alliance) on the war on terrorism
- Canada, China, Britain, Pakistan, Russia, and others
International War on Terrorism
• War on Terrorism
-military action in Afghanistan, October 2001
- Ruling Taliban removed, al-Qaeda overthrown
• March Operation Enduring Freedom
- claims dictator Hussein has weapons of mass destruction, overthrows the regime by May 2003
Continued . . .
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6. • New airport security measures
Homeland Security
• New airport security measures
• Extra safety precautions at public places
• nuclear power plants, water supply extra security
• Department of Homeland Security is created
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7. Terrorist Operations and Weapons
Facing Terrorist Threats
Terrorist Operations and Weapons
• Terrorists act in secret, move between countries
- some want territory, like Palestinian extremists
- some oppose government policies, like Oklahoma City bombers
• Could use biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons
- biological weapons—bacteria, viruses that harm or kill people, animals
Balancing Security and Freedom
• U.S. and allies fight terrorism on two fronts:
- breaking up terrorist groups
- increasing security
• Challenge for democratic countries:
- keep citizens safe while preserving freedom and individual rights
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