1. Review for Quest War on Terrorism War in Iraq

2. War on Terrorism
September 11, 2001 – terrorist attacks on United States blamed on Al Qaeda
Al Qaeda
terrorist network led by Osama bin Laden
Mission: wage holy war on enemies of Arabs and/or Muslims
hates United States for involvement in Middle East, Desert Storm (Iraq), Israel
was operating out of Afghanistan at the time of 9/11

3. Afghanistan
fought off invasion of the Soviet Union in 1980s
Civil War followed amongst group trying to get control of the country
Taliban takes control (OPPRESSIVE!!!!!!)
Taliban allows Osama bin Laden to operate out of country
Refuses to assist or turn him over after 9/11
United States along with other countries remove Taliban from power and attempt to eliminate Al Qaeda activities there

4. Current Situation in Afghanistan
US Casualties
2004=52
2005=99
2006=98
2007=117
2008=150
2001=12
2002=48
2003=48
Taliban and Al Qaeda have been removed from power, but still present in small pockets in the country.
They want the US and International Peacekeepers to leave Afghanistan.

5. War in Iraq Saddam Hussein – was leader of Iraq from 1979-2003
Was not cooperating with UN Nuclear weapons inspections
US led invasion of Iraq – March 2003
May 1, 2003 – Invasion complete

6. Current Situation in Iraq
138 Americans died during invasion
4,188 have died to date (Oct 29, 2008)
Civil War between Shi’ite and Sunnis wanting to get control
Insurgent attacks target US led forces and Iraqi security forces seen as collaborators.

7. Stay - we'd unleash a bloodbath, hand al-Qaeda and Iran huge victories, destabilize the Persian Gulf and empower terrorists everywhere to attack our allies and our homeland.
Go - force the Iraqis to take control of their destinies, deny Al-Qaeda its best recruiting tool, save the $10 billion a month that we are spending on the war and rescue the U.S. Army and Marine Corps before they both collapse.