War on terror

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War on Terror

The War on Terror (also known as the Global War on Terrorism) is an international military campaign launched by the United States government after the September 11 attacks in 2001. The campaign's primary objective is to eliminate terrorist groups and prevent the spread of terrorism worldwide.

Background

The War on Terror was initiated in response to the September 11 attacks, which were carried out by the Islamist extremist group al-Qaeda. The attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and led to significant changes in U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Key Events

Invasion of Afghanistan

In October 2001, the United States, supported by its allies, launched Operation Enduring Freedom to dismantle the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and eliminate al-Qaeda's presence in the country. The Taliban had provided sanctuary to al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden.

Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, the United States led a coalition to invade Iraq under the pretext that the country possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and posed a threat to international security. The invasion led to the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime, but no WMDs were found, leading to significant controversy and debate.

Counterterrorism Operations

The War on Terror has involved numerous counterterrorism operations across the globe, including drone strikes, special forces missions, and intelligence-gathering activities. Key operations have targeted terrorist leaders and disrupted terrorist networks.

Impact

The War on Terror has had profound impacts on global politics, security, and human rights. It has led to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security in the United States, the implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act, and increased security measures worldwide. However, it has also been criticized for leading to civilian casualties, human rights abuses, and the erosion of civil liberties.

Criticism

The War on Terror has faced significant criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that it has led to prolonged conflicts, destabilized regions, and contributed to the rise of new terrorist groups such as ISIS. There are also concerns about the legality and morality of certain tactics used, such as enhanced interrogation techniques and drone strikes.

Related Pages

• September 11 attacks
• al-Qaeda
• Taliban
• Osama bin Laden
• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Iraq War
• Department of Homeland Security
• USA PATRIOT Act
• ISIS

See Also

• Counterterrorism
• Islamist terrorism
• Homeland security
• Civil liberties