The Iraq War (2003-2011)
What were the main reasons given by the United States government for starting the Iraq War in 2003?
The U.S. thought Iraq had dangerous weapons and that the leader was helping bad guys.
Why did the United States go to war in Afghanistan?
Enemies of the US were hiding in Afghanistan.
Describe what happened on September 11, 2001.
Terrorists hijacked planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.
What event triggered the start of the Persian Gulf War in 1990?
The Persian Gulf War began when Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded and occupied neighboring Kuwait in August 1990.
Long ago, what two groups of people both thought of the land of Israel and Palestine as their special home?
Long ago, both the Jewish people and the Palestinian people thought of the land of Israel and Palestine as their special home.
How did the war start?
The U.S. and some friends sent soldiers and planes to Iraq.
Who were the Taliban?
The Taliban were in charge of helping US enemies fight the United States of america.
Who was responsible?
Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. They opposed U.S. actions in the Middle East.
Why did the United States and other countries send soldiers to the Persian Gulf?
The United States and other countries sent soldiers to the Persian Gulf to make Iraq leave Kuwait and free Kuwait.
What happened in 1948 that made one of these groups, the Jewish people, create their own country called Israel?
In 1948, the Jewish people created their own country called Israel.
What were some problems after?
It was hard to make a new government.
What were some of the things the U.S. tried to do in Afghanistan besides fighting?
Besides fighting, the U.S. tried to help build schools, roads, and hospitals. They also tried to help set up a new government and train Afghan people to be police and soldiers.
Immediate impacts?
Many deaths, shock, increased security, focus on counterterrorism.
Can you describe one of the main ways the soldiers fought in the Persian Gulf War?
One of the main ways the soldiers fought was with airplanes dropping bombs on the Iraqi soldiers and their equipment before the ground soldiers moved in.
What are some of the things that Israelis and Palestinians still disagree and fight about today?
Today, Israelis and Palestinians still disagree and fight about who owns certain land and how to make sure everyone feels safe.
Name one big problem:
Many regular people in Iraq got hurt or had to leave their homes because of the fighting.
Why was it hard for the U.S. and other countries to have peace in Afghanistan?
It was hard because there were many different groups fighting, and some people didn't want the new government.
How did the 9/11 attacks lead to the U.S. War in Afghanistan?
Taliban in Afghanistan protected al-Qaeda. U.S. invaded to remove them.
What happened to Kuwait after the war ended?
After the war ended, Kuwait was freed and was able to be its own country again.
Has anyone tried to help Israelis and Palestinians make peace?
Yes, many people have tried to help them make peace.
Why did the soldiers stay so long?
It was hard to make Iraq safe and help them have their own strong army and government.
The U.S. soldiers left Afghanistan. What happened in Afghanistan soon after they left?
Soon after the U.S. soldiers left, the Taliban were able to quickly take control of most of Afghanistan again.
In what ways did the 9/11 attacks change airport security and other safety measures in the United States and around the world?
Much stricter airport checks, new security agencies, limits on what you can bring on planes.
Was the Persian Gulf War a long war or a short war?
The Persian Gulf War was a short war. It didn't last as many years as some other wars you might know about.
Have other countries or groups of countries been involved in the problems between Israel and Palestine?
Yes, many other countries and groups of countries have been involved.