Violence Erupts in the Middle East

Two months following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the longest war in United States history was launched against Afghanistan. Soon after the war was launched the leader of Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden, was forced out of power. Although the United States thought they had done their job of bringing democracy to Afghanistan, they were unable to leave due to groups such as Sunnis and Shiites. In June 2011, President Barack Obama stated that the United States had achieved their goal in Afghanistan, and set a plan in motion that would bring all U.S. troops home by 2014. In February, 2012, Defense Secretary, Leon E. Panetta declared that U.S. troops would end combat operations in Afghanistan as early as mid-2013. Although United States troops have played a large role in restoring peace to Afghanistan, there have been some questionable decisions made by U.S. troops. On February 24, 2012, violent protests broke out throughout Afghanistan in response to several Korans being burnt at the NATO air base on February 20. The commander of the air base apologized and admitted that what took place Monday was a horrible mistake. In an effort to control the protesters, seven people were killed and 65 people were injured. Eventually police were able to control the protesters and by the end of the day the violence seemed to be resolved.

In March of 2011, residents of a small southern city in Syria took to the streets to protest the government torturing students that put up anti-government graffiti. Government forces rushed to the small city and used forceful action to end the protests. Protests began to form throughout the country, criticizing the Syrian government and President Bashar al-Assad. In response to the protests Bashar al-Assad sent troops and tanks into cities throughout Syria in an effort to put the protests to an end. The struggle continued into the summer and many former loyal soldiers began to change sides and launch attacks on the government. Nearly a year after the protests began; the struggles between the Syrian government and protestors continue. According to the United Nations, over 5,400 Syrians were killed, thousands are missing, and there are 25,000 Syrian refugees in other countries.