The Global War on Terror (GWOT) commenced in 2001 when it was declared by U.S. president George W. Bush. His declaration was a response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, against the United States. A key component of the GWOT is the application of military force in a number of geographical locations and regions around the world. The international terrorist organization al Qaeda was held responsible for the terrorist attacks of September 11 and was targeted by the United States in Afghanistan where it operated bases and was granted sanctuary by the Taliban regime, which had held power in that country since 1996. Another country where military operations were conducted was Iraq, which was invaded by the United States and allied forces in ...