The War on Terror: Key Events and Impacts

Terrorism

Violence against civilians for political motives.

Domestic Terrorism

Terrorism originating from within the U.S.

Foreign Terrorism

Terrorism from outside the U.S. borders.

Osama bin Laden

Founder of al-Qaeda; declared war on the U.S.

al-Qaeda

Terrorist network led by Osama bin Laden.

Bin Laden's Grievances

Reasons for his attacks on the U.S.

Support for Israel

U.S. backing perceived as anti-Muslim.

Resource Theft

Accusation of U.S. stealing Muslim countries' wealth.

Interference in Muslim Lands

U.S. involvement seen as colonialism.

Sanctions on Iraq

Economic penalties contributing to grievances.

Islamic Extremism

Radical response to Western influence.

September 11, 2001

Terrorist attacks on U.S. landmarks.

Pentagon

U.S. Department of Defense headquarters targeted.

Immediate Death Toll

2996 fatalities from September 11 attacks.

2001 AUMF

Authorization for military force post-9/11.

Taliban

Afghan group harboring al-Qaeda operatives.

War in Afghanistan

2001 operation against Taliban and al-Qaeda.

Guerilla War

Long-term conflict to prevent Taliban resurgence.

Iraq War

2003 invasion to overthrow Saddam Hussein.

De-Ba'athification

Firing of Ba'ath Party members in Iraq.

Abu Ghraib

Prison scandal involving U.S. soldier misconduct.

ISIS

Powerful terrorist group emerging from Iraq resistance.

War on Terror

Ongoing military operations against global terrorism.

Successes of War on Terror

Few foreign attacks; key leaders eliminated.