• The War on Terror, also known as the Global War on Terror, is an initiative led by the United States in response to the 9/11 attacks. The stated objectives are to counter terrorist threats, prevent terrorist acts, and diminish the influence terrorist organizations, particularly Al Qaeda, have in the world. The Afghanistan War, Iraq War and the passage of the Patriot Act are all considered components of the ongoing campaign.

  • Afghanistan War

    The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001, after the September 11 attacks. The U.S. believes that Osama Bin Laden, who was in Afghanistan at the time, was behind the attacks. United States and the ally Great Britain invaded the country after the Taliban regime did not meet a demand to turn over bin Laden to the United States. The regime was removed from power and a new government established. U.S. troops has remained in the country since then. The region is still considered a battleground in the War on Terror and the home of many members of the terrorist group Al Qaeda.

    Before taking office, President Barack Obama said that he wants to increase the presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in an effort to fight terrorism in the area.

  • Iraq War

    The United States invaded Iraq in 2003, after reports that the country, under regime of Saddam Hussein, had weapons of mass destruction. The reports were later proven false. Hussein was removed from power and a new government established. However fighting has continued between Sunni and Shia Muslims and against the continued presence of U.S. forces. Terror attacks in Iraq has continued since the invasion and there has been a number of suicide bombings.

  • Criticisms and Objections

    The War on Terror has sparked considerable controversy both from within the United States and from abroad. Most critics argue that the campaign has been used to justify various human rights abuses, preemptive war, and violations of international law. Critics have also argued that the entire initiative is counterproductive and has, in fact, solidified opposition to the United States. The most senior criminal prosecutor of the United Kingdom, Ken McDonald, has argued against the War on Terror from a legal standpoint, stating that terrorism is not, from this perspective, an act of war. Instead, he claims, terrorist acts must be tried domestically as criminal offenses.

    British Foreign Secretary David Miliband criticized the term "War on Terror" in January 2009, saying that the word was misleading and had done harm. Miliband made the comment while speaking at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai, India. The hotel was the target of a terrorist attack in November 2008.CNN: UK: 'War on terror' phrase did harm (January 15, 2009)

  • Obama Administration

    Before taking office on January 20, 2009, President Barack Obama discussed several fundamental changes he will make as president. Obama plans to send more troops to Afghanistan to fight terrorism. He will also close the Guantanamo Bay, a prison located in Cuba that holds foreign citizens believed to have been involved in terrorist-related activities.

  • Guantanamo Bay Prison Closure

    On January 22, 2009 President Barack Obama signed three executive orders one of which orders the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, no later than a year from now.USAToday: Obama signs order to close Guantanamo (January 22, 2009)

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