2001-PRESENT Afghanistan War

Osama bin Laden & Al Qaeda Afghanistan fought Soviets during ‘80s After war, chaos led to rise of Taliban Taliban- — n (in Afghanistan) a fundamentalist Islamic army: in 1996 it defeated the ruling mujaheddin factions and seized control of the country; overthrown in 2001 by US-led forces, although resistance continues, esp in the south Osama bin Laden fought Soviets during 80s and returned in 90s, goal of ridding all Muslim countries of Western Influence

9/11 Bin Laden planned attacks on US embassies in Africa in 1998, on our radar & we attacked him History.com, “The attackers were Islamic terrorists from Saudi Arabia and several other Arab nations. Reportedly financed by Saudi fugitive Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist organization, they were allegedly acting in retaliation for America's support of Israel, its involvement in the Persian Gulf War and its continued military presence in the Middle East.” Bush and many Americans see the attack as an act of war: "We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them."

Operation Enduring Freedom American led (British backed) invasion of Afghanistan began October 7, 2001 Taliban quickly thrown out of power, fled capital Bin Laden fled to mountainous border region, then later Pakistan Democratic government established, but riddled with corruption and unable to secure population NATO use approve by UN - “ NATO’s primary objective in Afghanistan is to enable the Afghan authorities to provide effective security across the country in order to ensure Afghanistan can never again be a safe haven for terrorists. To achieve this goal, the 50 nations that make up the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) conduct security operations and train and develop the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).”

Taliban & al Qaeda

Technically a US ally Long history of influence in Afghanistan via intelligence agency, ISI, support Taliban Taliban control of areas in Pakistan, some governmental resistance, Swat Valley US avoids attacks in Pakistan until very recently under Obama administration Pakistan angered by US attacks, relationship shaky Pakistan

Lessons learned from Iraq Lack of man power, “surge” technique, 30,000 more troops sent in 2009 Counter-insurgency strategy, Petraeus’ manual and eventual command Challenges in training security forces Government: election challenges, fraud, corruption, validity Troop behavior, social media Interrogation methods & detainment

2011 Bin Laden Killed

Future? 2010 Commanding General McChrystal fired by Obama for insubordination, signals uncertainty of outcome Taliban regaining control, included in peace talks Drone attacks Less and less international support Withdrawal end of 2014 June 2013 NATO hands over security to Afghans US announced plans for direct talks with Taliban Al Qaeda in Yemen, new central headquarters