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Changing methods of warfare, 2000 to 2011
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In the early 21st century, terrorism and high-tech weapons changed the nature of war.
Terrorism and 9/11
On 11 September 2001, terrorists hijacked planes and attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people.
The USA launched a 'war on terror': it invaded Afghanistan (2001) and later Iraq (2003).
The USA launched a 'war on terror': it invaded Afghanistan (2001) and later Iraq (2003).
High-tech warfare
Surgical air strikes with precision weapons aimed to hit targets while limiting wider damage.
Drones (unmanned aircraft) were used for surveillance and strikes, including in Pakistan.
Unmanned land vehicles and robots cleared roadside bombs.
Drones (unmanned aircraft) were used for surveillance and strikes, including in Pakistan.
Unmanned land vehicles and robots cleared roadside bombs.
Insurgency
In Iraq and Afghanistan, insurgents used roadside bombs and attacks, so wars lasted for years despite Western technology.
Winning battles was easier than winning the peace.
Winning battles was easier than winning the peace.
Why were drones attractive to military commanders?
- They could watch targets for hours.
- They could strike without risking a pilot's life.
- But civilian deaths from strikes caused controversy.
Answer: They allowed surveillance and strikes without risking pilots, though they were controversial.
9/11 (2001) led to the war on terror: Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003). High-tech warfare used surgical strikes, drones (including in Pakistan) and unmanned vehicles. Insurgents prolonged the wars despite Western technology.
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