Multimedia Timeline of Events
Resolution 1267: Taliban and al-Qaeda linked with Economic Sanctions imposed
Resolution 1267, a resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council, established a sanctions regime covering any individual or entity associated with Osama Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, or the Taliban. The Resolution has been modified a dozen times, and has been adopted by the United Nations Charter. [1] It outlines the actions for a State to take when in connection with a terrorist group. All states are required to freeze all financial assets, ban any transportation to or through their country, and preventing any form of supplying, transferring, or purchasing of any weapons of related material, spare parts, training, or technical advice from any individual or entity involved with Al Qaeda or the Taliban. The UN Security Council Committee created a consolidated list of all of the individuals or entities that are believed to be associated with Al Qaeda. Many members of Afghanistan under Taliban control criticize the sanctions regime because they relied on international food aid. The ambassador of Afghanistan, on the other hand, is pleased with the sanctions regime because about eighty percent of his country has been taken over by the Taliban. [3]
[1] "Taliban, Al-Qaida, Sanctions Committee, United Nations 1267 Committee, Resolution 1267." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2014.
[2] "WebCite Query Result." WebCite Query Result. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
[3] "Global Policy Forum." Sanctions Against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.
[1] "Taliban, Al-Qaida, Sanctions Committee, United Nations 1267 Committee, Resolution 1267." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2014.
[2] "WebCite Query Result." WebCite Query Result. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
[3] "Global Policy Forum." Sanctions Against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.
Ahmad Shah Massoud – Northern Alliance (anti-Taliban coalition leader) Assassination Sept 9, 2001
Massoud agreed to meet with two northern African men for an interview on the unending civil war in Afghanistan. This was scheduled for September 9, 2001. These men claimed they were a part of an Arab news agency. With them they brought a video camera. The two men met Massoud in Khvajeh Baha od Din Massoud’s base in Northern Afghanistan for the interview. The men got on base without their camera and things being searched. This was a fatal mistake for Massoud. Packed into the camera were explosives. As the anti-Taliban coalition leader sat down, a blast erupted from the camera, everyone,
with in a small radius of the camera were killed or severely hurt. Massoud was rushed into the back of a Land Cruiser barely alive in the hopes to get him to a hospital nearby. He only made it 15 minutes in the
car before passing away from casualties of the bomb.[1] Ahmad Shah Massoud supported Anti-Taliban
alliance in Afghanistan. He was in strong protest of Soviet totalitarianism, as well as the extremist views
of the Taliban. He lived a life of war and wasn’t just fighting for “a free Afghanistan but for a free world.”
–Ahmad Shah Massoud[2]
The Taliban has denied any involvement with Massoud’s assassination. However at this time the Taliban
was protecting Al Qaeda, and it was hypothesized that Osama Bin Laden ordered the attack[3]. Ahmad
Massoud was a people’s man. He fought for freedom, and the people recognized that. He started to
become popular in Europe as he spread his anti-Taliban beliefs. He was even put on postage stamps.
Due to the time of his assassination it didn’t get much public attention after 9/11. This continued to fuel
the search for Osama Bin Laden, and declare the war on terrorism[4].
[1]Junger, Sebastian . "Sebastian Junger on Afghanistan's Slain Rebel Leader." n.d.
NationalGeographic.com. Web. 20 November 2014.
[2]Harding, Thomas. "Blast survivor tells of Massoud assassination." 26 October 2001. The Telegraph. Web .
20 November 2014.
[3]Wolf, Paul. "The assissination of Ahmad Shah Massoud ." 14 September 2003. Ratville Times. Web. 20
November 2014.
[4] Junger, Sebastian . "Sebastian Junger on Afghanistan's Slain Rebel Leader."
with in a small radius of the camera were killed or severely hurt. Massoud was rushed into the back of a Land Cruiser barely alive in the hopes to get him to a hospital nearby. He only made it 15 minutes in the
car before passing away from casualties of the bomb.[1] Ahmad Shah Massoud supported Anti-Taliban
alliance in Afghanistan. He was in strong protest of Soviet totalitarianism, as well as the extremist views
of the Taliban. He lived a life of war and wasn’t just fighting for “a free Afghanistan but for a free world.”
–Ahmad Shah Massoud[2]
The Taliban has denied any involvement with Massoud’s assassination. However at this time the Taliban
was protecting Al Qaeda, and it was hypothesized that Osama Bin Laden ordered the attack[3]. Ahmad
Massoud was a people’s man. He fought for freedom, and the people recognized that. He started to
become popular in Europe as he spread his anti-Taliban beliefs. He was even put on postage stamps.
Due to the time of his assassination it didn’t get much public attention after 9/11. This continued to fuel
the search for Osama Bin Laden, and declare the war on terrorism[4].
[1]Junger, Sebastian . "Sebastian Junger on Afghanistan's Slain Rebel Leader." n.d.
NationalGeographic.com. Web. 20 November 2014.
[2]Harding, Thomas. "Blast survivor tells of Massoud assassination." 26 October 2001. The Telegraph. Web .
20 November 2014.
[3]Wolf, Paul. "The assissination of Ahmad Shah Massoud ." 14 September 2003. Ratville Times. Web. 20
November 2014.
[4] Junger, Sebastian . "Sebastian Junger on Afghanistan's Slain Rebel Leader."
September 11th , 2001 Terrorist attacks on US soil
On September 11th, 2001, al Qaeda carried out terrorist attacks in the United States. Al Qaeda, a terrorist organization from Afghanistan led by Osama Bin Laden, sent 19 hijackers to crash planes into both world trade center towers in New York City, the Pentagon, and The White House [1]. The planes that targeted the World Trade Center took off from Newark Airport and Washington D.C. on route to San Francisco and Los Angeles with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel for the cross country flight. The planes hit the World Trade Center Building One at 8:41 am and nearly five minutes later the second plane crashes into the World Trade Center Building Two. F-16’s were sent to prevent this attack but the fighter jets had not taken off by the time the planes hit the towers [2].
This terrorist attack killed over 3,000 American citizens and around 400 police officers and firefighters [3]. Later that night president George W. Bush made a national speech stating “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” It had been rumored that the Taliban, another radical Islamist terrorist organization had been harboring al Qaeda in Afghanistan [4]. As stated by Bush, the Taliban is as much an enemy as al Qaeda for providing them safe haven. Thus, causing the United States to invade Afghanistan to suppress the terrorist threat form both al Qaeda and the Taliban.
[1] "9/11 Attacks." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2014.
[2]"September 11th Fast Facts." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.
[3] "9/11 Attacks."
[4]"September 11th Fast Facts."
This terrorist attack killed over 3,000 American citizens and around 400 police officers and firefighters [3]. Later that night president George W. Bush made a national speech stating “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” It had been rumored that the Taliban, another radical Islamist terrorist organization had been harboring al Qaeda in Afghanistan [4]. As stated by Bush, the Taliban is as much an enemy as al Qaeda for providing them safe haven. Thus, causing the United States to invade Afghanistan to suppress the terrorist threat form both al Qaeda and the Taliban.
[1] "9/11 Attacks." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 08 Nov. 2014.
[2]"September 11th Fast Facts." CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.
[3] "9/11 Attacks."
[4]"September 11th Fast Facts."
September 18th, 2001- Bush Signs Joint Resolution- Authorizes use of force
On September 18, 2001, President George W. Bush
signed a Joint resolution in the white house. In the United States Congress, a
joint resolution is a legislative part that needs an approval by the Senate and
the House and is given to the President for his approval or disapproval.[1]
The main reason why the resolution was created was for authorization of force
against those responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks. The attacks
killed many innocent civilians and destroyed the two twin towers in New York
City. Since the attacks impacted the world so much president George W. Bush had
to take charge and do something which is where the joint resolution comes in. In
a statement by George W. Bush, he states “Senate Joint Resolution 23 recognizes
the seriousness of the terrorist threat to our Nation and the authority of the
President under the Constitution to take action”[2] in other words he
is saying the resolution was created in response to the 9/11 attacks Not
only would the resolution authorize the president from using military force but
it would have also acknowledged his statutory authority “to deter and pre-empt
any future acts of terrorism or aggression against the United States.”[3]
that is to say that the joint resolution was created to prevent any other
terrorist attacks on United States soil.[4] This caused sending troops
into Afghanistan on October 7, 2001.[5]
[1] Unknown. "Bills and Resolutions." Home Page: U.S. Congressional Documents. Library Of
Congress, 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://www.memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwhbsb.html>.
[2] Bush, George W. "President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill." President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill. The White House, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010918-10.html>.
[3] Bush, George W. "President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill."
[4] Bush, George W. "President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill."
[5] Grimmett, Richard F. Authorization for Use of Military Force in Response to the 9/11 Attacks (P.L. 107-40) Legislative History. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, 2006. Library of Congress. Library Of Congress, 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/crs/rs22357.pdf>.
[1] Unknown. "Bills and Resolutions." Home Page: U.S. Congressional Documents. Library Of
Congress, 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://www.memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwhbsb.html>.
[2] Bush, George W. "President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill." President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill. The White House, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010918-10.html>.
[3] Bush, George W. "President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill."
[4] Bush, George W. "President Signs Authorization for Use of Military Force Bill."
[5] Grimmett, Richard F. Authorization for Use of Military Force in Response to the 9/11 Attacks (P.L. 107-40) Legislative History. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, 2006. Library of Congress. Library Of Congress, 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/crs/rs22357.pdf>.
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Enduring Freedom began October 7, 2001 almost a month after Al Qaeda's attacks of September 11. This operation consisted of allied attacks on the Taliban and Al Qaeda inside of Afghanistan [1]. The overall goals of the United States in Operation Enduring Freedom included taking the Taliban out of power of Afghanistan, capturing Osama Bin Laden the leader of al Qaeda, and then permanently destroying the entire organization of al Qaeda [2].
The United States allied with over 40 other countries along with the Northern Alliance, which is an anti-Taliban Islamic group from northern Afghanistan. Operation Enduring Freedom consisted of many coordinated strategic attacks against these terrorist groups. In 1966 the Taliban had taken over the government of Afghanistan when they invaded and captured the capital of Kabul. In November of 2001, the United States and the Northern Alliance drove the Taliban out of Kabul in one of the greatest military attacks of the century [3]. The United States still has military presence in Kabul to assist suppression of terrorist attacks. After dissolving the Taliban government in Kabul, there was an absence of government and power in Afghanistan[4]. The United States aided the people of Afghanistan to fill this absence of power and create their own democratic government. Today, the United States is the last country to leave military presence in Afghanistan. This is because they fear upon their departure from the country the government will be once again overthrown by the Taliban and the other counter insurgents in the nation.
[1]"Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF & OIF)." We Honor Veterans. We Honor Veterans, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2014.
[2] "Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF & OIF)."
[3]"Operation Enduring Freedom Fast Facts." CNN. Cable News Network, 19 Nov. 2014. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.
[4] "Operation Enduring Freedom Fast Facts."
The United States allied with over 40 other countries along with the Northern Alliance, which is an anti-Taliban Islamic group from northern Afghanistan. Operation Enduring Freedom consisted of many coordinated strategic attacks against these terrorist groups. In 1966 the Taliban had taken over the government of Afghanistan when they invaded and captured the capital of Kabul. In November of 2001, the United States and the Northern Alliance drove the Taliban out of Kabul in one of the greatest military attacks of the century [3]. The United States still has military presence in Kabul to assist suppression of terrorist attacks. After dissolving the Taliban government in Kabul, there was an absence of government and power in Afghanistan[4]. The United States aided the people of Afghanistan to fill this absence of power and create their own democratic government. Today, the United States is the last country to leave military presence in Afghanistan. This is because they fear upon their departure from the country the government will be once again overthrown by the Taliban and the other counter insurgents in the nation.
[1]"Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF & OIF)." We Honor Veterans. We Honor Veterans, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2014.
[2] "Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF & OIF)."
[3]"Operation Enduring Freedom Fast Facts." CNN. Cable News Network, 19 Nov. 2014. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.
[4] "Operation Enduring Freedom Fast Facts."
Bonn Agreement – UN Resolution 1338
On December 6, 2001 the council of Afghanistan and president George Bush signed the Bonn Agreement. The agreement was signed in Bonn, Germany to make Afghanistan a nationally-agreed upon government. The resolution states that the United States is “Determined to help the people of Afghanistan to bring to an end the tragic conflicts in Afghanistan and promote national reconciliation, lasting peace, stability and respect for human rights, as well as to cooperate with the international community to put an end to the use of Afghanistan as a base for terrorism” [1] which is saying that they will help protect Afghanistan given the circumstances with all of the battles going on with the Taliban and Al Qaeda. It is also saying United states is willing to cooperate with other foreign countries to stop the conflicts of Afghanistan being used as a base of terrorism. Under the Bonn agreement an Afghan Constitution Commission was a requirement so it was established in October 5, 2002. Since the Afghan Constitution Commission was created it was arranged that they would have to find an Afghan constitution be adopted by a Loya Jirga.[2] A Jirga is a traditional group of leaders that makes decisions by consensus. A Loya Jirga is a "grand assembly," a phrase in the Pashto language meaning "grand council."[3] It is a big meeting that is held to settle debates between different tribes, discuss different reforms, and to approve a new constitution. In this case, the meeting was called for a new constitution.[4] The Bonn Agreement has provided the basis for the base of many political and civil establishments in Afghanistan through commissions such as the Constitutional Commission which was established to draft a new constitution in consultation with the public.[5]
[1] N.A. "United Nations ." 2014. SECURITY COUNCIL ENDORSES AFGHANISTAN
AGREEMENT ON INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS SIGNED YESTERDAY IN BONN, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1383 (2001). w
eb. 20 November 2014. <http://www.un.org/press/en/2001/sc7234.doc.htm >.
[2] Cowasjee, Ardeshir. "A First Step." DAWN.com. DAWN Media Group, 2014. Web.
21 Nov. 2014. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dawn.com%2Fnews%2F1072875%2Fa-
first-step>.
[3] Unknown. "Q&A: What Is a Loya Jirga?" BBC News. BBC, 07 Jan. 2002. Web. 25
Nov. 2014. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1782079.stm>.
[4] “Q&A: What Is a Loya Jirga?" BBC News. BBC, 07 Jan. 2002.
[5] Unknown. "Bonn Agreement." The Afghanistan Embassy -. Embassy of the Islamic
RepublicofAfghanistan,2014.Web.25Nov.2014.<http://www.afghanistanembassy.no/afghanistan/government/core-state-documents/bonn-agreement>.
International Security Assistance Force Created - ISAF
[1]The International Security force was created in December 2001 following the Bonn Conference. Afghan leaders were in the process of coming up with a new government formation.[2]The concept of a UN-mandated international force to assist the newly established Afghan Transitional Authority was also launched at this occasion to create a secure environment in and around Kabul and support the reconstruction of Afghanistan. NATO, which stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance based on north Atlantic treaty. This group took control of the ISAF operation 2 years after, which concluded the national rotations. This group was in charge of the coordination, command and planning the force. They were able to complete these responsibilities although there were difficulties in setting up new headquarters and finding new nations to lead the mission. The order of ISAF was to provide security in Kabul.[3]In October 2003, the United Nations extended ISAF’s mandate to cover the whole of Afghanistan (UNSCR 1510), paving the way for an expansion of the mission across the country. There were four stages in ISAF. Stage 1 was to the north, stage 2 was to the west, stage 3 to the south, and stage 4 expands to east. [4]Since its creation, ISAF has significantly expanded its presence, currently maintaining a multinational force of 62,000, fielded from 42 contributing nations.
[1] “About ISAF, History” Afghanistan International Security Assistance Force. Web. 11/20/14 [http://www.isaf.nato.int/history.html]
[2] “About ISAF, History” Afghanistan International Security Assistance Force. Web. 11/20/14 [http://www.isaf.nato.int/history.html]
[3] “About ISAF, History” Afghanistan International Security Assistance Force. Web. 11/20/14 [http://www.isaf.nato.int/history.html]
[4] “International security assistance force (ISAF)” ISW Institute for the study of war. Web. 11/30/14 [http://www.understandingwar.org/international-security-assistance-force-isaf]
Coalition and Northern Alliance offensives on Taloqan (11/11), Bamiyan (11/11), Herat (11/12), Kabul (11/13), and Jalalabad (11/14).
The northern Alliance performed a series of offensives on the following cities to regain control of
Northern Afghanistan. Within a week, the Northern Alliance had secured Taloqan, Bamiyan, Herat,
Kabul, and Jalalabad. These rapid attacks seem unusually fast, but in fact that is how things work in
Afghanistan. For example, Russia had control of Afghanistan in a matter of a weeks in the 80s. Ten years
later in 1995-96 the Taliban swept the nation completely. As such it was no surprise when the Northern
Alliance gained control of northern Afghanistan in a week. A person has to realize the Taliban consists
of small mobile groups, once the front line breaks they don’t have much to back up with. Local ethic
groups there were heavily oppressed by the Taliban helped a great deal in these offensives as well[1].
Does the withdrawal of the Taliban signal a victory? Although the Alliance shattered the Taliban in
weeks, the Taliban is not gone. American intelligence tells us that the Taliban is likely to come back with
new tactics to play to their strengths. The greatest fear right now is will this turn into a guerilla war?
Rear Adm. John Stufflebeem states, “The Taliban fighters are tough. They are proving to be tough
warriors.” The hopes of ending the terror in Afghanistan is likely to be prolonged, more suited to the
Taliban’s numbers. George W. Bush gives us a picture of what the terrorists are, “The terrorists are
fighting freedom with all their cunning and cruelty because freedom is their greatest fear - and they should
be afraid, because freedom is on the march[2]."
[1]Meeks, James. "While the World watches Kabul, the city waits for the rest of the world to arrive." 15
November 2001. The Guradian International. Web. 29 November 2014.
[2]Woods, Alan. "Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul: Is the war over?" 15 November 2001. In defense of
Marxism. web. 29 November 2014.
Northern Afghanistan. Within a week, the Northern Alliance had secured Taloqan, Bamiyan, Herat,
Kabul, and Jalalabad. These rapid attacks seem unusually fast, but in fact that is how things work in
Afghanistan. For example, Russia had control of Afghanistan in a matter of a weeks in the 80s. Ten years
later in 1995-96 the Taliban swept the nation completely. As such it was no surprise when the Northern
Alliance gained control of northern Afghanistan in a week. A person has to realize the Taliban consists
of small mobile groups, once the front line breaks they don’t have much to back up with. Local ethic
groups there were heavily oppressed by the Taliban helped a great deal in these offensives as well[1].
Does the withdrawal of the Taliban signal a victory? Although the Alliance shattered the Taliban in
weeks, the Taliban is not gone. American intelligence tells us that the Taliban is likely to come back with
new tactics to play to their strengths. The greatest fear right now is will this turn into a guerilla war?
Rear Adm. John Stufflebeem states, “The Taliban fighters are tough. They are proving to be tough
warriors.” The hopes of ending the terror in Afghanistan is likely to be prolonged, more suited to the
Taliban’s numbers. George W. Bush gives us a picture of what the terrorists are, “The terrorists are
fighting freedom with all their cunning and cruelty because freedom is their greatest fear - and they should
be afraid, because freedom is on the march[2]."
[1]Meeks, James. "While the World watches Kabul, the city waits for the rest of the world to arrive." 15
November 2001. The Guradian International. Web. 29 November 2014.
[2]Woods, Alan. "Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul: Is the war over?" 15 November 2001. In defense of
Marxism. web. 29 November 2014.
Battle of Tora Bora
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, the United States decided to fight back against Osama bin Laden, who they thought was the leader of al Qaeda. The US and allied forces believed that bin Laden, along with members of the Taliban and al Qaeda were in the Mountains of Tora Bora. Members lived in complex caves in the mountains because the difficult terrain provided natural defense. The US military ensued many aerial attacks to the area in attempts to kill any al Qaeda leaders. [1] A 15,000 pound bomb called a "daisy cutter" was dropped at the mouth of their cave, and destroyed everything within 600 yards. Although they intercepted radio transmissions and heard his voice a few times, they never located or killed Osama bin Laden. In 2002, Osama bin Laden stated, "...a severe and fierce bombardment began...not one second passed without warplanes hovering over our heads...[America] exhausted all efforts to blow up and annihilate this tiny spot – wiping it out altogether...Despite all this, we blocked their daily attacks, sending them back defeated, bearing their dead and wounded. And not once did American forces dare storm our position, what clearer proof of their cowardice, fear and lies concerning the myth of their alleged power is there?!"[2]
[1] "'Daisy Cutter' Dropped on Caves." Theguardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.
[2] "CBC News Indepth - Target: Terrorism." CBC News Indepth - Target: Terrorism. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2014.
[3] "Global Policy Forum." Sanctions Against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.
[4] "WebCite Query Result." WebCite Query Result. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
[1] "'Daisy Cutter' Dropped on Caves." Theguardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec. 2014.
[2] "CBC News Indepth - Target: Terrorism." CBC News Indepth - Target: Terrorism. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2014.
[3] "Global Policy Forum." Sanctions Against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.
[4] "WebCite Query Result." WebCite Query Result. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
Operation Anaconda
Operation Anaconda was the biggest American battle since Desert storm. It also was the highest
elevated battle the United States has ever seen. This was the last opportunity to fight off Al Qaeda in a
large group. Our first clue leading us towards the Shah-i-Kot valley, was from a Special Forces team
operating in Gardez. For the next two months (January and February) American soldiers were sent to
collect intelligence of this area, while drones surveyed the area as well. By the end of February, it was
guessed 150-250 Al Qaeda militants were forcing civilians to house them in the valley. As far as weapons
go the intelligence stated they only had a few heavy machine guns. Information was leaked from Al
Qaeda that a counter attack would be held against Hamid Karzai and his American protectors[1].
The US came up with a plan to stop this attack in no more than 5 days. They would send 300 afghan
soldiers and their special operation adviser to the west, while more soldiers were taken to the south and
eastern sides of the valley by helicopter. The opposition would only have the northeast to escape, while
the troops squeezed in like an anaconda, the second wave of troops would close off any remaining paths
the first troops missed. Enemy fighters who were sneaky enough to get passed both rings, would be met
by special operation troops and afghan allies. In other words good luck. The Americans’ were very keen
on using the afghan forces because of all the locals this attack would involve. The thought being that the
Afghans would be able to distinguish between “good and bad” easier than the commanders[2].
Upon the execution of this mission there were many problems. The intelligence the United States
received about the location of the enemy fighters was wrong. They were spread out among the ridges of
the valley, not just in the small civilian villages. The Al Qaeda fighters were much better equipped then
what was thought, with artillery and mortars. As was predicted by intelligence that the fighters would
want to escape and not fight was wrong, yet again. The al Qaeda fighters stood and fought the troops.
Topping everything off there were absolutely no civilians. As the first wave came about the valley,
guerrilla fighters ambushed the men and pinned 86 soldiers behind rocks. Due to their stellar training
and commanders, they all survived. The troops in the South were order to come back to base while
reinforcements were put onto the Northern end, while a heavy air attack flew over. After 2 weeks of
fierce battle, 1000 al Qaeda fighters were guessed to be in that valley. A splash of cold water to the
American’s that intelligence is good, but not always accurate[3][4].
Works Cited
[1]unknown. "Operation Anaconda: An overview of the battle." 2002. Military.com. web. 30 November
2014.
[2]Wolf, Paul. "The assissination of Ahmad Shah Massoud ." 14 September 2003. Ratville Times. Web. 20
November 2014.
[3]unknown. "Operation Anaconda: An overview of the battle."
[4]Wolf, Paul. "The assissination of Ahmad Shah Massoud ."
elevated battle the United States has ever seen. This was the last opportunity to fight off Al Qaeda in a
large group. Our first clue leading us towards the Shah-i-Kot valley, was from a Special Forces team
operating in Gardez. For the next two months (January and February) American soldiers were sent to
collect intelligence of this area, while drones surveyed the area as well. By the end of February, it was
guessed 150-250 Al Qaeda militants were forcing civilians to house them in the valley. As far as weapons
go the intelligence stated they only had a few heavy machine guns. Information was leaked from Al
Qaeda that a counter attack would be held against Hamid Karzai and his American protectors[1].
The US came up with a plan to stop this attack in no more than 5 days. They would send 300 afghan
soldiers and their special operation adviser to the west, while more soldiers were taken to the south and
eastern sides of the valley by helicopter. The opposition would only have the northeast to escape, while
the troops squeezed in like an anaconda, the second wave of troops would close off any remaining paths
the first troops missed. Enemy fighters who were sneaky enough to get passed both rings, would be met
by special operation troops and afghan allies. In other words good luck. The Americans’ were very keen
on using the afghan forces because of all the locals this attack would involve. The thought being that the
Afghans would be able to distinguish between “good and bad” easier than the commanders[2].
Upon the execution of this mission there were many problems. The intelligence the United States
received about the location of the enemy fighters was wrong. They were spread out among the ridges of
the valley, not just in the small civilian villages. The Al Qaeda fighters were much better equipped then
what was thought, with artillery and mortars. As was predicted by intelligence that the fighters would
want to escape and not fight was wrong, yet again. The al Qaeda fighters stood and fought the troops.
Topping everything off there were absolutely no civilians. As the first wave came about the valley,
guerrilla fighters ambushed the men and pinned 86 soldiers behind rocks. Due to their stellar training
and commanders, they all survived. The troops in the South were order to come back to base while
reinforcements were put onto the Northern end, while a heavy air attack flew over. After 2 weeks of
fierce battle, 1000 al Qaeda fighters were guessed to be in that valley. A splash of cold water to the
American’s that intelligence is good, but not always accurate[3][4].
Works Cited
[1]unknown. "Operation Anaconda: An overview of the battle." 2002. Military.com. web. 30 November
2014.
[2]Wolf, Paul. "The assissination of Ahmad Shah Massoud ." 14 September 2003. Ratville Times. Web. 20
November 2014.
[3]unknown. "Operation Anaconda: An overview of the battle."
[4]Wolf, Paul. "The assissination of Ahmad Shah Massoud ."
Hamid Karzai elected 1st president- (new democratic government)
Hamid Karzai is a politician in Afghanistan and also a leader of the popalzait tribe after the death of his father Abdul Ahad Karzai. [1]Hamid served as President from 7 December 2004 to 29 September 2014. He was born in a small village in Afghanistan, and has 6 brothers and one sister. [2]Karzai's father, Abdul Ahad Karzai, was a popular tribal elder and political figure who served as deputy speaker of the Afghan Parliament. Hamid went to high school in Kabul, then attended Himachal Pradesh University in India, as an exchange student.[3] In 1980, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, Karzai traveled to Pakistan to work as a fund-raiser supporting the anti-Soviet Mujaheddin fighters' insurgency. Throughout this, the United States was furtively supplying the Mujahedeen. Hamid Karzai was a contractor for the CIA. [4]In 1992-1993 he served as deputy foreign minister, in the government of Afghanistan President. Soon after, Declines an invitation to become Taliban ambassador to the United Nations. [5]In 2002 he survives an assassination attempt in his hometown, Kandahar. Then he travels to the United States to meet with the
President George W. Bush and answers questions about progress in Afghanistan during a meeting with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. [6]In January 26, 2011 Inaugurates the National Assembly, ending a political standoff between Karzai and the parliament. The inauguration comes four months after a nationwide election that critics said was marked by extensive fraud. [7]Lastly, in September 29, 2014 he steps down as president.
[1] "Hamid Karzai." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356#early-life]
[2] "Hamid Karzai." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356#early-life]
[3] "Hamid Karzai." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356#early-life]
[4] “Hamid Karzai fast facts” CNN World. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/17/world/asia/hamid-karzai---fast-facts/]
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President George W. Bush and answers questions about progress in Afghanistan during a meeting with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. [6]In January 26, 2011 Inaugurates the National Assembly, ending a political standoff between Karzai and the parliament. The inauguration comes four months after a nationwide election that critics said was marked by extensive fraud. [7]Lastly, in September 29, 2014 he steps down as president.
[1] "Hamid Karzai." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356#early-life]
[2] "Hamid Karzai." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356#early-life]
[3] "Hamid Karzai." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.biography.com/people/hamid-karzai-537356#early-life]
[4] “Hamid Karzai fast facts” CNN World. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. [http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/17/world/asia/hamid-karzai---fast-facts/]
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2007 Bagram Airfield Bombing
On February 26, 2007, Dick Cheney who was the Vice President of George Bush went on a business meeting in Kabul to meet with Hamid Karzai, the President of Afghanistan[1]. After a long day of briefings and other meetings, Vice President Cheney was instructed to spend another day in Kabul at the Bagram Airbase, about 6 miles north of Kabul. The next morning at approximately 10:00 am local time Mullah Abdul Rahim approached the outermost security gates of the Bagram Airbase. Rahim got as close to the base as possible before detonating his suicide vest [2]. A few days later the Taliban accepted responsibility for this bombing and stated that the target for the attacks was Vice President Cheney. This left the United States dumbfounded because his presence on the airbase was unplanned. In addition to this it was in a location that had little Taliban presence and suicide bombings were incredibly rare [3].
This suicide bombing reports have conflicting numbers of casualties; NATO reports state three soldiers were killed and Afghanistan military reports state four soldiers were killed. Casualties were later accounted for and totaled to a staggering number of 23 men, 15 of which were killed and the other eight were hospitalized for their injuries [4]. The United States Vice President however, was not harmed by this attack because he was on the other side of this base, nearly half a mile away. Soon after this attack, Cheney was relocated into a bomb shelter on the airfield until the threat was considered neutralized. It is still a debated topic whether Rahim was a member of the Taliban or another terrorist organization targeting the United States.
[1]"Cheney Unhurt after Deadly Blast at Afghan Base." Msnbc.com. NBC, n.d. Web. 013 Nov. 2014.
[2]"Cheney Unhurt After Bombing in Afghanistan." New York Times. New York TIMES, 27 Feb. 2007. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.
[3]"Cheney Unhurt After Bombing in Afghanistan."
[4] "Cheney Unhurt after Deadly Blast at Afghan Base."
This suicide bombing reports have conflicting numbers of casualties; NATO reports state three soldiers were killed and Afghanistan military reports state four soldiers were killed. Casualties were later accounted for and totaled to a staggering number of 23 men, 15 of which were killed and the other eight were hospitalized for their injuries [4]. The United States Vice President however, was not harmed by this attack because he was on the other side of this base, nearly half a mile away. Soon after this attack, Cheney was relocated into a bomb shelter on the airfield until the threat was considered neutralized. It is still a debated topic whether Rahim was a member of the Taliban or another terrorist organization targeting the United States.
[1]"Cheney Unhurt after Deadly Blast at Afghan Base." Msnbc.com. NBC, n.d. Web. 013 Nov. 2014.
[2]"Cheney Unhurt After Bombing in Afghanistan." New York Times. New York TIMES, 27 Feb. 2007. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.
[3]"Cheney Unhurt After Bombing in Afghanistan."
[4] "Cheney Unhurt after Deadly Blast at Afghan Base."
Shinwar Massacre
On March 4, 2007, suicide bomber Haji Ihsanullah drove a van of explosives into a Marine vehicle, injuring a total of one US Marine. The Marines reacted in a way that was considered excessively violent by shooting indiscriminately at innocent civilians along ten miles of highway. [1] Twenty-three were injured, and sixteen were killed, including an infant and a 16-year old girl who was carrying grass for her family's farmhouse. Mohammad Khan Katawazi claims that the American troops "treated every car and person along the highway as a potential attacker". [2] The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission states that their response was disproportional to the original ambush. A reporter claims that "In failing to distinguish between civilians and legitimate military targets, the U.S. Marine Corps Special Forces employed indiscriminate force, their actions thus constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian standards". The Marines then threatened anyone who took photos or videos to delete them immediately.
Thousands of Afghan citizens, and even officials protested the actions of the Americans. On April 3, the senior officer and commander were sent back to the US, who then delivered a formal apology and provided financial compensation for all of the families affected in the brutal rampage.[3]
[1] "The Insider | US Marines Fire 'indiscriminately' at Afghan Civilians in Shinwar Massacre." The Insider. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
[2] Walsh, Declan. "Afghanistan War Logs: How US Marines Sanitised Record of Bloodbath." Theguardian. N.p., 26 July 2010. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
[3] "Marines Killed Civilians in Afghanistan: Report." - Newspaper. N.p., 16 Apr. 2007. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
Thousands of Afghan citizens, and even officials protested the actions of the Americans. On April 3, the senior officer and commander were sent back to the US, who then delivered a formal apology and provided financial compensation for all of the families affected in the brutal rampage.[3]
[1] "The Insider | US Marines Fire 'indiscriminately' at Afghan Civilians in Shinwar Massacre." The Insider. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
[2] Walsh, Declan. "Afghanistan War Logs: How US Marines Sanitised Record of Bloodbath." Theguardian. N.p., 26 July 2010. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
[3] "Marines Killed Civilians in Afghanistan: Report." - Newspaper. N.p., 16 Apr. 2007. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
Mullah Dadullah Killed (Taliban Military leader)
The senior commander of the Taliban was killed by a NATO airstrike in October of 2012, along with eleven
other militants. NATO did not specify if it was an unmanned drone, or a manned aircraft that carried out the
strikes. The airstrike landed in Kunar’s Shigal district, seven miles from the Pakistan border. He was said to
have close ties with al Qaeda and was very close to the Taliban’s leader Mullah Muhammed Omar. This poses
a dreadful blow to both terrorist groups. Dadullah was the person who controlled the movement of fighters,
finance and weapons across Southern Afghanistan. He also led attacks against local afghan soldiers as well as
coalition forces in Afghanistan[1].
Intelligence officials claimed he ordered numerous assassinations on government officials, health and
education workers, and organized kidnappings and beheadings of foreigners. Dadullah is also being held
responsible for the training of suicide bombers all through Afghanistan. Over several hundred casualties have
been reported including civilians, just over the past year and a half. Since Mullah Dadullah created most of the
insurgent operations against Afghanistan, he will certainly be missed by the Taliban. He was considered the
third member of the ten member council running the Taliban. Although the Taliban will find a new operator to fill
his place, it is a major blow for right now[2].
[1]Johnson, Kay . "Mullah Dadullah Dead: Key Pakistani Taliban Figure Reportedly Killed In Afghanistan."
25 August 2012. The World Post. web. 30 November 2014.
[2]Shah, Taimoor. "Key Taliban Leader Is Killed in Afghanistan in Joint Operation." 14 May 2007. The New
York Times. web. 30 November 2014.
other militants. NATO did not specify if it was an unmanned drone, or a manned aircraft that carried out the
strikes. The airstrike landed in Kunar’s Shigal district, seven miles from the Pakistan border. He was said to
have close ties with al Qaeda and was very close to the Taliban’s leader Mullah Muhammed Omar. This poses
a dreadful blow to both terrorist groups. Dadullah was the person who controlled the movement of fighters,
finance and weapons across Southern Afghanistan. He also led attacks against local afghan soldiers as well as
coalition forces in Afghanistan[1].
Intelligence officials claimed he ordered numerous assassinations on government officials, health and
education workers, and organized kidnappings and beheadings of foreigners. Dadullah is also being held
responsible for the training of suicide bombers all through Afghanistan. Over several hundred casualties have
been reported including civilians, just over the past year and a half. Since Mullah Dadullah created most of the
insurgent operations against Afghanistan, he will certainly be missed by the Taliban. He was considered the
third member of the ten member council running the Taliban. Although the Taliban will find a new operator to fill
his place, it is a major blow for right now[2].
[1]Johnson, Kay . "Mullah Dadullah Dead: Key Pakistani Taliban Figure Reportedly Killed In Afghanistan."
25 August 2012. The World Post. web. 30 November 2014.
[2]Shah, Taimoor. "Key Taliban Leader Is Killed in Afghanistan in Joint Operation." 14 May 2007. The New
York Times. web. 30 November 2014.
February 2009: President Obama approves a troop increase of 17,000 for Afghanistan.
In February 2009, President Obama officially announced his decision to send thousands of more troops to Afghanistan. In total, 8,000 marines, and 9,000 army troops in two phases were deployed. Obama stated that, "This increase is necessary to stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, which has not received the strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently requires."[1] Top Commander, Gen. David McKiernan, requested 30,000 troops to be deployed in Afghanistan, which the Pentagon was considering. Many American citizens are outraged at the fact that we are increasing our number of troops yet again when we were previously expected to decrease. All 17,000 troops went to the southern region of Afghanistan, near Pakistan, with the main goal of stopping or slowing, the flow of foreign fighters. In addition, the troops trained Afghan army units. The troop increases were expected to last three to four years, although there was no way to be sure. Robert Gates, the Defense Secretary, said that the US was overly ambitious in our original goals, and that we need to be more realistic in what we are trying to achieve. He says. "If we set ourselves the objective of creating some sort of central Asian Valhalla over there, we will lose, because nobody in the world has that kind of time, patience and money." [2]
[1] "War in Afghanistan." The History Guy: War in Afghanistan. The History Guy, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
[2] Hornick, Ed, and Elaine Quijano. CNN. Cable News Network, 02 Dec. 2009. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
[1] "War in Afghanistan." The History Guy: War in Afghanistan. The History Guy, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
[2] Hornick, Ed, and Elaine Quijano. CNN. Cable News Network, 02 Dec. 2009. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
Osama Bin Laden Killed – May 2011
On the night of May 1, 2011 President Barack Obama announced to the United States that Osama Bin Laden had been killed earlier in the day in Abbottabad, Pakistan[1]. This operation was given the codename Neptune Spear and planning had begun in August of the previous year. President Obama had authorized the Navy to create a team of highly trained and experienced Navy SEALs to carry out this operation quickly and without casualties. SEAL Team 6, also known as DEVGRU was a team that specialized in counterterrorism in the Middle East. The United States Navy created a 25 man team from the members of SEAL Team 6 and deployed them into Abbottabad, Pakistan[2]. Training for this operation began in March of 2011 and consisted of a life size replica of the hide out of Osama Bin Laden. At around 2:00 am on May 1, 2011 local time, SEAL Team 6 was deployed into Pakistan fully equipped for Operation Neptune Spear. Once they arrived at Bin Laden's location the operation lasted 40 minutes and consisted of no casualties for the United States[3]. Along with the assassination of Osama Bin Laden, one of his wives and sons were killed attempting to protect him. His body was identified by one of his wives in the mansion, along with multiple photographs and videos taken by the CIA. Osama Bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda was buried in the Arabian Sea off of the USS Carl Vinson[4]. Bin Laden was buried at sea so that nobody could mourn his death or worship his grave. The United States complied with Islamic burial laws with his burial as to not become more of a target by terrorist groups for violating their religion[5]. This was a major victory for the United States and completed the second of the three goals that George W. Bush created for Operation Enduring Freedom. President Obama Stated in his speech, "The death of Bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda. Today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American People."[6]
[1]"Operation Neptune Spear." Global Security. Military, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
[3]"Operation Neptune Spear."
[3]Baker, Peter, Helene, Cooper, and Mark Mazzetti. "Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says." The New York Times. The New York Times, 01 May 2011. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
[4]Baker, Peter, Helene, Cooper, and Mark Mazzetti. "Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says."
[5]"Operation Neptune Spear."
[6]"14 Top Quotes on Osama Bin Laden Death - MJ Lee." POLITICO. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
[1]"Operation Neptune Spear." Global Security. Military, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
[3]"Operation Neptune Spear."
[3]Baker, Peter, Helene, Cooper, and Mark Mazzetti. "Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says." The New York Times. The New York Times, 01 May 2011. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
[4]Baker, Peter, Helene, Cooper, and Mark Mazzetti. "Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says."
[5]"Operation Neptune Spear."
[6]"14 Top Quotes on Osama Bin Laden Death - MJ Lee." POLITICO. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
November 2010: NATO members sign declaration to hand over full responsibility to Afghan Security forces by end of 2014
NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Their goal for Afghanistan is to provide security all across the country and make sure they won’t be a victim for terrorists. [1]Since August 2003, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been conducting security operations, while also training and developing the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). [2]In 2009 Senior U.S military officials and commanders call on NATO nations to supply non-military assets to Afghanistan, to help in building Afghan civil society and providing resources for construction teams. The Afghan authorities agreed to launch a process of full security responsibility to the Afghan security forces in 2011. [3]This process has been scheduled to be completed in 2014, when, ISAFs mission will end. NATO is committed to supporting Afghanistan through 2014. The three ways the will be trained to have security is firstly, NATO allies will be set to launch a NATO-led non-combat mission, they will train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces. [4]Secondly NATO Allies and partners have renewed their financial commitments to support the sustainment of the Afghan security forces, including to the end of 2017. [5]Thirdly, NATO leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an enduring partnership between NATO and Afghanistan, by strengthening political consultations and practical cooperation.
[1] “Nato and Afghanistan” North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Web. 12/2/14. [http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_8189.htm]
[2] “A different call to NATO” Council on foreign relations. Web. December 2 2014. [http://www.cfr.org/afghanistan/us-war-afghanistan/p20018]
[3] “Nato and Afghanistan” North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Web. 12/2/14. [http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_8189.htm]
4&5 ""
June 2011 Obama Announces the beginning of troop withdrawal
During December of 2009, President Barack Obama deployed an additional 33,000 troops to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban threat[1]. Obama sent these additional troops to put extra pressure on the Taliban in attempt to end the war faster. Although this was a valiant effort to end the war, it did not work as planned. The Taliban then made one of the greatest military comebacks of the decade, and moved back onto the offensive fighting American troops in the region[2]. With these additional 33,000 troops, the United States had just short of 70,000 troops within Afghan Borders. On June 22, 2011 Barack Obama announced that 10,000 troops would return home by December 2011, and by December of the following year, an additional 23,000 troops would return home[3].
President Obama decided to withdraw troops because the additional troops were not necessary to complete the goals of Operation Enduring freedom, started by President George W. Bush. The goals of Operation Enduring Freedom were to take the Taliban out of power, kill Osama Bin Laden, and destroy what is left of al Qaeda. Nearly two months into the war in Afghanistan, the United States aided the Northern Alliance recover their capitol[4]. Just a month before this announcement, President Obama authorized Operation Neptune Spear, an operation that killed Osama Bin Laden in a mansion near the borders of Pakistan. And finally, joint forces of the United States and Pakistan have taken out around 50% of al Qaedas support network[5]. In his speech, Obama stated "Al Qaeda is under more pressure than at any time since 9/11. Together with the Pakistanis, we have taken out more than half of al Qaeda's leadership. And thanks to our intelligence professionals and special forces, we killed Osama Bin Laden, the only leader that al Qaeda had ever known. This was a victory for all who have served since 9/11/."
[1]Landler, Mark, and Helene Cooper. "Obama Will Speed Pullout From War in Afghanistan." The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 June 2011. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
[2]Kassim, Aliza, Barbara Starr, Ted Barrett, Deirdre Walsh, Tom Cohen, Alan Silverleib, Brianna Keilar, and CNN National Security Analyst Peter Bergen. "Obama Announces Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Plan."CNN. Cable News Network, 23 June 2011. Web. 09 Dec. 2014"
[3]Landler, Mark, and Helene Cooper. "Obama Will Speed Pullout From War in Afghanistan."
[4]Landler, Mark, and Helene Cooper. "Obama Will Speed Pullout From War in Afghanistan."
[5]Kassim, Aliza, Barbara Starr, Ted Barrett, Deirdre Walsh, Tom Cohen, Alan Silverleib, Brianna Keilar, and CNN National Security Analyst Peter Bergen. "Obama Announces Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Plan."
President Obama decided to withdraw troops because the additional troops were not necessary to complete the goals of Operation Enduring freedom, started by President George W. Bush. The goals of Operation Enduring Freedom were to take the Taliban out of power, kill Osama Bin Laden, and destroy what is left of al Qaeda. Nearly two months into the war in Afghanistan, the United States aided the Northern Alliance recover their capitol[4]. Just a month before this announcement, President Obama authorized Operation Neptune Spear, an operation that killed Osama Bin Laden in a mansion near the borders of Pakistan. And finally, joint forces of the United States and Pakistan have taken out around 50% of al Qaedas support network[5]. In his speech, Obama stated "Al Qaeda is under more pressure than at any time since 9/11. Together with the Pakistanis, we have taken out more than half of al Qaeda's leadership. And thanks to our intelligence professionals and special forces, we killed Osama Bin Laden, the only leader that al Qaeda had ever known. This was a victory for all who have served since 9/11/."
[1]Landler, Mark, and Helene Cooper. "Obama Will Speed Pullout From War in Afghanistan." The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 June 2011. Web. 09 Dec. 2014.
[2]Kassim, Aliza, Barbara Starr, Ted Barrett, Deirdre Walsh, Tom Cohen, Alan Silverleib, Brianna Keilar, and CNN National Security Analyst Peter Bergen. "Obama Announces Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Plan."CNN. Cable News Network, 23 June 2011. Web. 09 Dec. 2014"
[3]Landler, Mark, and Helene Cooper. "Obama Will Speed Pullout From War in Afghanistan."
[4]Landler, Mark, and Helene Cooper. "Obama Will Speed Pullout From War in Afghanistan."
[5]Kassim, Aliza, Barbara Starr, Ted Barrett, Deirdre Walsh, Tom Cohen, Alan Silverleib, Brianna Keilar, and CNN National Security Analyst Peter Bergen. "Obama Announces Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Plan."
May 27, 2014 - President Obama announces that the United States combat mission in Afghanistan will end in December 2014.
On May 27, 2014, president Barack Obama announces that the United states combat mission in Afghanistan will end in December 2014. Since June 2011, Obama announced that we had completed the objective and would begin slowing down our forces from Afghanistan from a peak of 100,000 troops. That lead to Obama sending back 10,000 troops in the Summer of 2011, then 33,000 troops were sent home in the summer of 2012. On the month of February of 2013 president Obama announced that the Unites States would withdraw 34,000 troops within the year. Seeing the rise of the troops coming back home he announced his plan that by the end of the year of 2014 in December another 22,000 troops would come home, which would end the United States combat mission in Afghanistan.[1] But, nine thousand eight hundred American military troops will remain in Afghanistan soil to help train Afghan soldiers and to exterminate the remaining Al-Qaeda leaders. The remaining nine thousand eight hundred troops are working with NATO to help Afghanistan get back up in their feet and will help with military forces. Although president Obama feels as if he is abandoning Afghanistan he believes "we have to recognize that Afghanistan will not be a perfect place, and it is not America's responsibility to make it one"[2] in other words he is saying even though we have tried our best to make the country a better place, it is not our responsibility to make it our priority. [3]
[1] Office of the Press Secretary. "Fact Sheet: Bringing the U.S. War in Afghanistan to a
Responsible End." The White House. Usa.gov, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fthe-press-
office%2F2014%2F05%2F27%2Ffact-sheet-bringing-us-war-afghanistan-
responsible-end>.
[2] Holland, Steve. "Obama Plans to End U.S. Troop Presence in Afghanistan2016." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 27 May 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/27/us-usa-afghanistan-obama-idUSKBN0E71WQ20140527>.
[3] Holland, Steve. "Obama Plans to End U.S. Troop Presence in Afghanistan2016."
[1] Office of the Press Secretary. "Fact Sheet: Bringing the U.S. War in Afghanistan to a
Responsible End." The White House. Usa.gov, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fthe-press-
office%2F2014%2F05%2F27%2Ffact-sheet-bringing-us-war-afghanistan-
responsible-end>.
[2] Holland, Steve. "Obama Plans to End U.S. Troop Presence in Afghanistan2016." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 27 May 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/27/us-usa-afghanistan-obama-idUSKBN0E71WQ20140527>.
[3] Holland, Steve. "Obama Plans to End U.S. Troop Presence in Afghanistan2016."
September 30, 2014 - The United States and Afghanistan sign a joint security agreement that will allow U.S. troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond the previous December deadline to withdraw.
September 30, 2014 - The United States and Afghanistan sign a joint security agreement that will allow U.S. troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond the previous December deadline to withdraw. On September 30, 2014 the United states of America and the country of Afghanistan signed a joint security agreement. [1]The joint security agreement clearly states that “Beyond 2014, the United States shall seek funds, on a yearly basis, to support the training, equipping, advising, and sustaining, of the National Afghan Security Forces, so that Afghanistan can independently secure and defend itself against internal and external, and help ensure, that terrorists never again encroach in Afghan soil and threaten Afghanistan, the region, and the world” in other words it is saying that the United States will still help the country of Afghanistan even after the withdrawal of American soldiers. It is also saying that they will be funded by the united states for training equipment, advisement and help the country get back on its feet. Although the agreement says that the United States does not have any specific troop levels or levels of funding in the future. [2] Therefore, the united states does not guarantee help forever. It does, however, commit the united states to help the Afghan National security forces. Right now there are nine thousand eight hundred troops that will not be coming back on December 2014 because of the Joint Security agreement. [3]
[1]The White House. "Enduring Strategic Agreement between the United States Of America and The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." (n.d.): n. pag. The White House. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://photos.state.gov/libraries/afghanistan/231771/PDFs/2012-05-01-scan-of-spa-english.pdf>.
[2] Fox News Insider. "White House Fact Sheet: The U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement." Fox News Insider. FOX News, 1 May 2012. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://insider.foxnews.com/2012/05/01/white-house-fact-sheet-the-u-s-afghanistan-strategic-partnership-agreement/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campadign=Feed%3A%2BFoxNewsInsider%2B%28Fox%2BNews%2BInsider%29>.
[3] Holland, Steve. "Obama Plans to End U.S. Troop Presence in Afghanistan by 2016." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 27 May 2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/27/us-usa-afghanistan-obama-idUSKBN0E71WQ20140527>.
[1]The White House. "Enduring Strategic Agreement between the United States Of America and The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." (n.d.): n. pag. The White House. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://photos.state.gov/libraries/afghanistan/231771/PDFs/2012-05-01-scan-of-spa-english.pdf>.
[2] Fox News Insider. "White House Fact Sheet: The U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement." Fox News Insider. FOX News, 1 May 2012. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://insider.foxnews.com/2012/05/01/white-house-fact-sheet-the-u-s-afghanistan-strategic-partnership-agreement/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campadign=Feed%3A%2BFoxNewsInsider%2B%28Fox%2BNews%2BInsider%29>.
[3] Holland, Steve. "Obama Plans to End U.S. Troop Presence in Afghanistan by 2016." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 27 May 2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/27/us-usa-afghanistan-obama-idUSKBN0E71WQ20140527>.
October 26, 2014 - The United Kingdom formally ends its combat mission in Afghanistan with a flag lowering ceremony in Helmand province.
[1]British and U.S. soldiers have formally marked the end of combat operations in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province by handing control of the country's largest military base to Afghan forces. [2]The British flag was lowered October 26 in a ceremony at Camp Bastion, while the American flag came down for a final time at the adjacent Camp Leatherneck. This concludes a significant time in the 13 year campaign for Afghanistan. [3]It started after the terrorist attacks in the US in 2001. The NATO combat troops in Afghanistan will leave in December, this means it’s up to the Afghan army and police for protection. [4]The battles have raised concerns about whether Afghan forces are truly able to hold off the Taliban without intelligence and air support from the United States and its allies. [5]"I’m cautiously optimistic they will be able to sustain themselves," said Brig. Gen Daniel Yoo, the commander of Regional Command (Southwest), said of the Afghan forces. [6]The international military coalition said that they will continue to provide air support to Afghan forces until the scheduled end, which is December, even as it shut off a major region in the violent Helmand province.
[1] “US, British forces close last Afghanistan bases” Voice of America.Web.12/2/14 [http://www.voanews.com/content/afghanistan-troop-withdrawal-us-marines-british-combat-forces/2496918.html]
2,3,4,&5- ""
[6] “NATO Shuts Key Base in Afghanistan, Vows Continued Air Support” Military.com News. Web.12/2/14 [http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/10/27/nato-shuts-key-base-in-afghanistan-vows-continued-air-support.html]