Understanding the War on Terror

The video discusses the impact of 9/11 on global politics, the initiation of the War on Terror, and its long-term effects. It includes personal experiences from Afghanistan, challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones, and reflections on the war's implications. The narrative highlights the complexity of terrorism and the West's response, questioning the effectiveness of prolonged military engagements.

What was the immediate reaction of the State Department after the second plane hit on 9/11?

• They thought it was an accident.

• They decided to increase airport security.

• They knew they had to find out who did it and make them pay.

• They decided to evacuate all buildings.

Which country was initially targeted in the War on Terror?

• Syria

• Iraq

• Afghanistan

• Iran

What did the War on Terror eventually expand to include?

• Only Afghanistan and Iraq

• Saddam Hussein, weapons of mass destruction, and threats to North Korea

• Only Al-Qaeda

• Only the Taliban

What was a significant concern in the United States after 9/11?

• Economic recession

• Presence of sleeper cells

• Natural disasters

• Political instability

What was the reaction of the journalist when they first entered Afghanistan?

• They found it to be a modern country.

• They were shocked at how the country was living hundreds of years in the past.

• They found it to be very similar to their home country.

• They were welcomed by the Taliban.

What advice did a fellow reporter give about interviewing people in conflict zones?

• Always interview in public places.

• Never trust anyone.

• Remember that talking to someone could put their life in danger.

• Always carry a weapon for protection.

How did the War on Terror affect secular regimes in the Middle East?

• It allowed them to position themselves as allies of the West against Muslim terrorism.

• It weakened their power.

• It had no impact on them.

• It led to their immediate downfall.

What was the outcome of the Syrian conflict as mentioned in the video?

• It became a peaceful nation.

• It became a major ally of the United States.

• It turned into a proxy war and a civil war that killed thousands.

• It was unaffected by the War on Terror.

What was one of the reasons President Bush gave for maintaining a positive outlook on the War on Terror?

• Because the war was actually going well.

• To gain political support.

• To keep the morale up among the troops and the American people.

• To deceive the enemy.

What is a major challenge in fighting terrorism according to the video?

• Geographical barriers

• Lack of international support

• The complexity of ideologies and the perception of Western imperial overreach

• Lack of military resources