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Iranian Revolution
What started in January of 1979 ends officially on February 11, 1979 when the monarchy falls leading to the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. This creates an anti-western theocracy. -
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The USSR invades Afghanistan. This leads to the United States backing up resistance. Results in the helping of the rise of infamous Osama Bin Laden. This leads to many problems in the future especially regarding the war on terror. -
Hezbollah Bombing of U.S. Marines in Beirut
This event marks the point where it was clear that there needed something to be done against the terrorism as it started attacking foreign forces. A truck bomb killed 241 US soldiers. Before 9/11, this was considered the greatest loss in US history of terrorist attacks. -
Formation of Al-Qaeda
Osama bin Laden establishes Al-Qaeda during the Soviet-Afghan War. He does this aiming to defend Islam from foreign influence. Especially due to the United States involvement in these events. Because Bin Laden is very strict on not having western influence on islamic countries, this group harbors ill intent towards the United States. Results in many terrorist attacks. -
Gulf War
Iraq invades Kuwait. This results in international intervention taking place. United States gets involved and stays in Saudi Arabia which does not make Osama Bin Laden happy. Due to this, many things start happening as Bin Laden begins to target US assets. -
World Trade Center Bombing
For the first time, the World Trade Center gets bombed by Al-Qaeda linked terrorists. They detonated a truck full of bombs in the parking garage of the World Trade Center leading to 6 deaths and over 1000 injuries. First actual attack on the United States in the United states by Al-Qaeda. Resulted in a lot of hatred. -
Osama Bin Laden's declaration of war against Americans
Bin Laden declares war against Americans in 1996 and begins advocating attacks. His declaration was titled "Declaration of Jihad Against the Americans Occupying the Land of the Two Holy Mosques." This was due to his beliefs on the matter. To Bin Laden, US soldiers in Saudi Arabia was a desecration. This was because in Saudi, there were two of the most holy islamic sites. This was his most prominent reason for this declaration against the US. -
US Embassy bombings
Al-Qaeda attacks US embassies. This makes them rise and known as a global terrorist organization. Almost simultaneous bombs in Kenya and Tanzania blown up on US embassies. Truck bombings. Al-Qaeda are the culprits of these attacks. Continued clashing. -
USS Cole Bombing
Al-Qaeda attacks US navy ship in Yemen known as the USS Cole. This kills 17 sailors. This was done by suicide bombers who put a lot of bombs on a smaller boat and went to where the USS Cole was to bomb the navy ship. -
9/11 Attacks
Coordinated Al-Qaeda hijackings result in the destruction of twin towers and a strike on the pentagon. This becomes a devastating moment in US history which unites everyone and urges the US to take action against Al-Qaeda. There are many casualties. -
Formation of the Global Counterterrorism Coalition
For the first time, NATO invokes article 5. This involves many countries to join hands and join the fight against terrorism. -
US invades Afghanistan
The United States invades Afghanistan with Al-Qaeda as the target as a means of self defense. Americans have united and are all hoping for the terrorists to be caught. -
Southeast asian countries help
Due to the Bali bombings in Indonesia, Southeaster countries bolster their counterterrorism cooperation. -
US invasion of Iraq
The US invades Iraq as a means to "free the iraqi people." However, this ends up creating more anti-western sentiment leading to the creation of organizations like ISIS. -
Arab Spring
There are many uprisings in the middle east. This event spreads very quickly and topples many regimes. Also leading to terrorism and civil wars. -
Death of Bin Laden
Osama Bin Laden is shot and killed by US soldiers. Americans are very happy. Many are relieved as they believe that this will lead to less terrorist attacks. -
Rise of ISIS
Islamic state gets control of territories in Iraq and Syria. They start to launch terror attacks globally. -
Global Coalition against ISIS
Countries across the world collaborate in order to fight against ISIS. -
US withdrawal from Afghanistan
Taliban regains control of Afghanistan as the US withdraws from Afghanistan. There are many concerns regarding terrorism.