9/11 and Afghanistan

• Afghanistan

  1970s; Afghan government was fighting a battle against rebel groups that supported an extreme interpretation of Muslim scriptures and traditions
• Afghanistan

  Afghan government appealed to Soviet Union for support (during the Cold War)
• Afghanistan

  The US decided to support the rebel groups; one led by Osama bin Laden
• Afghanistan

  Rebels eventually pushed the Soviets out of the country
• Afghanistan

  After a civil war, the Taliban took over. They held an extreme interpretation of Muslim scriptures. Harsh justice was implemented with a type of Sharia law, women’s rights were extremely limited,  
• Afghanistan

  Taliban allowed al Qaeda, an international terrorist group led by Osama bin Laden, to train and operate in the country
• September 11th Attack

  4 commercial flights were hijacked over the US. 2 of these planes destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City; another crashed into the Pentagon in Washington DC, and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania
• September 11th Attack

  Canada declared a national day of mourning and pledged to support the US “… as Friends. As Neighbours. As Family.”
• Afghanistan Mission

  • Action against Afghanistan is authorized by the UN and implemented by NATO
• Afghanistan Mission

  • Canada agrees to join with US and allies
• Afghanistan Mission

  • Role of Canadian soldiers includes active combat, building infrastructure and patrolling areas
• Afghanistan Mission

  • Combat role ended in 2011, with training officers remaining until 2014
• Afghanistan Mission

  • Some see the war as a success, improving life for Afghans and making it difficult for al qaeda to operate
• Afghanistan Mission

  • Others see failure as the Taliban are back in control of large parts of Afghanistan