War on Terror: Post-9/11 US Foreign Policy — Reading Comprehension

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, marked a turning point in United States history. On that day, members of the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes, crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. Nearly 3,000 people died. The attacks shocked Americans and forced leaders to reconsider national security and international relations.

In response, President George W. Bush declared a global "War on Terror." The government quickly passed the USA PATRIOT Act, which gave law enforcement expanded powers to monitor and detain suspected terrorists. Supporters argued this legislation was necessary for public safety, but critics worried it threatened civil liberties. As President Bush said to Congress, "Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." This quote shows the urgent demand for worldwide coalition support, but also suggests a divided world where choices seemed limited.

The first major military action was the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001. The U.S. government believed Afghanistan’s Taliban regime was sheltering al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden. The goal was to capture terrorists and prevent future attacks. Many Americans supported this intervention, seeing it as necessary self-defense. However, some international partners and Afghan citizens viewed the war as disruptive, with civilian casualties and long-term instability as major concerns.

In 2003, the U.S. invaded Iraq, claiming that Saddam Hussein’s government possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and had ties to terrorist groups. This decision sparked controversy. Some officials and citizens agreed that removing a dangerous dictator made the world safer. Others argued that the evidence for WMDs was weak, and that the war diverted attention from the original mission in Afghanistan. The Iraq War led to years of conflict, thousands of casualties, and ongoing debates about U.S. motives and global responsibility.

The War on Terror also changed life inside the United States. Airports introduced strict security measures. The government increased surveillance of phone and internet communications. Muslim and Middle Eastern Americans often faced increased suspicion and discrimination. These consequences raised questions about how to balance national security with the protection of individual rights.

Historians still debate the effectiveness of post-9/11 policies. Some argue they prevented further attacks and strengthened international cooperation. Others point to unintended effects, such as regional instability and strained alliances. By examining different perspectives and using evidence, students can better understand the complexity of this era in U.S. history.

Interesting Fact: The phrase "War on Terror" is not an official war. Instead, it describes a broad and ongoing effort by the U.S. and its allies to fight terrorism worldwide.

When did the 9/11 attacks happen?

Which group carried out 9/11?

Which country did the U.S. invade first?

Why did some oppose the PATRIOT Act?

What was a result of the Iraq War?

What does the primary source quote show?

The War on Terror is an official war. True or false?

What does 'intervention' mean in this passage?