The War on Terrorism

Focus on the War on Terrorism and its implications post-9/11.
Discussion of previous topics: masculinity in sports and globalization, emphasizing their interconnectedness.
Influence of globalization on American athletes and brands, providing a platform to expand American power.

Islamophobia: Extreme fear, hostility, or prejudice towards Muslims.
Vigilantism: When individuals or groups enforce law without legal authority, historically present in America.
- Examples include the KKK during slavery and civil rights movements.
Guantanamo Bay: U.S. Naval detention facility in Cuba, important for context in War on Terror.
Global War on Terror: Diplomatic, U.S.-led international military campaign aimed at denying financing and safe haven to terrorists.
- Broader implications without regional or temporal specificity.
Terrorism: Violent acts by individuals or groups to advance ideological or political goals; includes both domestic and international forms.

Oil money & importance of petro-dollars from the oil market (1960s-1980s).
- Petro-dollar: U.S. dollars earned by countries exporting oil; driven by global oil trade occurring in USD.
- 1970s agreements with major oil producers, especially Saudi Arabia, established oil pricing in USD, enhancing American dollar stability.

Mention President Nixon's Operation Nickel Grass (1973) and President HW Bush’s Operation Desert Storm (1990).
The expansion of American diplomacy and counterterrorism efforts during the Cold War era (1960s-1980s).
Acknowledgment of previous domestic terror incidents.

Description of the key attacks: World Trade Centers in Manhattan and the Pentagon, with another flight downed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- marked as a shocking event, analogous to Pearl Harbor.
President George W. Bush's location and actions during the attacks.
- Notably at Emma E. Booker Elementary School reading to students when informed.

Emergency landings of all planes in North America during 9/11.
Restricted North American airspace for 2-3 days; broader political and economic implications.
Global Shock and Media Presence
Global media coverage of the attacks, focusing on the economic symbolism of the World Trade Centers.
Restrictions on Immigration/US visa policy

Post-9/11 changes in U.S. and global politics.
President Bush's responses and speeches, including authorization for use of military force post-9/11, highlight expansive presidential powers.
Ongoing military involvement in various countries post-9/11:
- Combat operations in 12 countries, special ops in 4 countries, and drone strikes in 7 countries during Bush’s presidency.
- The legacy of counterterrorism extended into subsequent administrations (Obama, Trump, Biden).

Began with the most "visually spectacular attack in the history of armed conflict."
Proclamation 7463 (September 11, 2001)
- National Emergency by reason of the terrorists' attacks
Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)
Congress gave the president permission to strike any nation, organization, or person that "planned, authorized, committed or aided" 9/11 attacks.
Gave the president the authority to punish whoever they deemed was responsible
USS Abraham Lincoln:
- "Mission Accomplished" May 2003
- End of major combat operations in Iraq
Since 9/11:
- Combat in 12 countries
- Special Operations in 4 countries
- Drone attacks in 7 countries
- Counterterrorism training exercises in 41 countries

American vigilantism
Discussion of the correlation between 9/11 and Islamophobia.
- Emergence of de-Americanization, where communities are distanced from American cultural influence due to political disputes.
Specific examples, including the controversy surrounding the Ground Zero mosque (51 Park Place) and local reactions to new Islamic centers.
- Significance of 2010’s protests against a mosque in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
The Muslim Ban under the Trump Administration (Executive Order 13769) resulting in travel restrictions for 90 countries.
Islamophobia never vanished.
- Resurfaced under Trump administration rhetoric towards MENA and Islam communities
- Executive Order 13769 “The Muslim Ban” (90 and 120 travel and refugee admission)
- Rise in Xenophobia was like America’s response to people of Asian descent during COVID-19.

America's narrative framing of terrorism primarily associated with Muslim communities.
Stressing that terrorism encompasses a broader range of communities beyond Islam.
Discourse around the impacts of Islamophobia on Muslim Americans, especially post-9/11.
The consequence of national security ideologies framing Muslims as other or a threat.

Location of Guantanamo Bay as a detention camp for terrorism suspects.
The rationale of the location to evade U.S. legal jurisdiction, enabling interrogation without constitutional rights.
Detainees held indefinitely without trial, some subjected to torture, raising serious human rights concerns.
Documentaries like The Forever Prisoner (2021) (Abu Zubaydah) and The Mauritanian (Mohamedou Ould Slahi) explore these issues further.
Torture
No trial or charge
Politicians' pleas for its closure
- Came under scrutiny for the violations of the legal rights of detainees under the Geneva Conventions

Historical context of TSA development post-9/11 for airport security.
Introduction of the Patriot Act, expanding surveillance powers of the government.
- Key components such as the terrorist watchlist and no-fly list affecting numerous innocent Muslims.
- Discussion on civil liberties vs. national security; the resulting societal tensions.
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. (Patriot Act)
- Expansion of the American “Surveillance State”
FBI and US Government Terrorist Screening Database
- Terrorist Watchlist and No Fly List
Transportation Security Administration

Final overview of President Bush’s complicated legacy regarding the war on terror and domestic responses.
Reflection on political cartoons illustrating the mixed perceptions of his presidency.
Emphasis on the ongoing nature of surveillance and security measures established post-9/11.
Importance of student feedback for improving classroom experiences.
Encouragement for the class in their final examinations and reminder for communication if needed.