War on Terror History Makers (2)

Barack Obama

44th President of the United States (2009-2017). Known for his historic election as the first African American president. Notable achievements include the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the economic stimulus package, the assassination of Osama bin Laden, and the normalization of relations with Cuba. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. Born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Formerly a senator from Illinois. Spouse: Michelle Obama.

Kim Jong Un

Supreme Leader of North Korea since 2011, succeeding his father, Kim Jong-il. Notorious for his country's isolationist policies, human rights abuses, and nuclear weapons program, which have led to increased tensions with the international community. Born on January 8, 1983, in Pyongyang, North Korea. His leadership has been marked by increased propaganda, emphasis on military strength, and economic struggles for the North Korean people. Spouse: Ri Sol-ju.

Vladimir Putin

President of Russia since 2012, previously serving as president from 2000 to 2008 and as prime minister from 2008 to 2012. Known for his assertive foreign policy, which has led to tensions with Western countries, particularly regarding Ukraine, Syria, and interference in foreign elections. Born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia. He has faced criticism for alleged human rights abuses, suppression of political dissent, and restrictions on press freedom in Russia.

Nidal Hasan

Former United States Army officer convicted of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people and more than 30 injuries. Born on September 8, 1970, in Arlington County, Virginia. Hasan was sentenced to death in 2013 and remains on the military's death row at Fort Leavenworth. The incident is considered one of the deadliest mass shootings at a U.S. military base.

Bashar al-Assad

President of Syria since 2000, succeeding his father, Hafez al-Assad. Notorious for his involvement in the Syrian Civil War, which has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. Born on September 11, 1965, in Damascus, Syria. His regime has faced numerous accusations of human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians. The conflict has drawn international condemnation and led to strained relations with several countries. Spouse: Asma al-Assad.

Recep Erdogan

President of Turkey since 2014, previously serving as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014. Known for his conservative and Islamist political leanings and his efforts to consolidate power within the country, leading to concerns about democratic backsliding. Born on February 26, 1954, in Istanbul, Turkey. Erdogan has faced criticism for his government's handling of various issues, including human rights, freedom of the press, and the treatment of political opponents.

Ali Khamenei

Supreme Leader of Iran since 1989, succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Known for his role in shaping Iran's domestic and foreign policies, including its nuclear program and its often contentious relationship with the United States and other Western countries. Born on July 17, 1939, in Mashhad, Iran. Khamenei wields significant influence over Iran's political and military apparatus, and his leadership has been marked by a commitment to maintaining the principles of the Islamic Republic.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Self-proclaimed Caliph and leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) from 2010 until his death in 2019. Under his leadership, ISIS became a global terrorist organization, responsible for numerous acts of violence, including mass killings and the destruction of cultural heritage sites. Baghdadi declared a self-styled Islamic Caliphate in 2014 and promoted extremist ideologies. He was born in 1971 in Samarra, Iraq, and died in a U.S. military operation in Syria in October 2019. His death was a significant blow to ISIS, but the group continued to pose a threat in the years following.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister of Israel from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021, making him the longest-serving prime minister in the country's history. He also served in other ministerial roles throughout his political career. Known for his strong stance on security and foreign policy, particularly on issues related to Iran, Palestine, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Netanyahu's tenure was marked by domestic controversies and a strained relationship with the international community.

Tzarnaev Brothers

Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tzarnaev were the two brothers responsible for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The attack, carried out with two pressure cooker bombs, resulted in three deaths and hundreds of injuries. Tamerlan was killed in a shootout with law enforcement days after the bombing, while Dzhokhar was captured and later sentenced to death. The incident sparked a widespread investigation and heightened discussions about domestic terrorism and radicalization. Dzhokhar was born on July 22, 1993, in Kyrgyzstan, and Tamerlan on October 21, 1986, in the Kalmyk Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

Hosni Mubarek

President of Egypt from 1981 to 2011. He assumed office after the assassination of President Anwar Sadat. Mubarak's presidency was characterized by a strong authoritarian rule and a state of emergency that lasted for almost his entire tenure. He was forced to resign in 2011 following widespread protests during the Arab Spring. Mubarak was later convicted of corruption and complicity in the killing of protesters during the uprising. He was born on May 4, 1928, in Kafr-El Meselha, Egypt, and died on February 25, 2020.