1. War on Terror

2. 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].”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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, , 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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