War on terror
The "War on Terrorism" (or "War on Terror") is the primary designation for the continuing domestic and international military and political campaign led by the United States against anti-American interests, as primarily determined by the George W. Bush administration.
This open-ended campaign began in response to the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attack. Immediately following the attack, the United States government announced its intentions to engage in a protracted war against terrorists and states which aid terrorists in response to the attack.
International/Military
2001 U.S. Attack on Afghanistan The first target was the Taliban government in Afghanistan, because they did not turn over Osama bin Laden (prime suspect) on US terms.
Elements of the campaign follow from previous American policy, including the campaigns against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq beginning with the George Bush administration and the Bill Clinton administration efforts against Osama bin Laden.
War on Terrorism/Pankisi Gorge In late February 2002 the U.S. began its campaign to help the former Soviet republic of Georgia combat Islamic guerrilla fighters in the Pankisi Gorge region, supplying training and equipment.
Domestic
Investigations are going on through many branches of many governments, pursuing tens of thousands of tips. Hundreds of people have being detained, arrested, and/or questioned so far. The Justice Department wishes to interview 5000 young men from the Middle East. See September_11,_2001_Terrorist_Attack/Detentions.
Legislation
$40 billion emergency bill was quickly been passed. A ~$20 billion bill to bail out the airline industry also passed. Laws are also being passed that would trim civil liberties in the United States, to make it easier for the government to spy on what's happening within the country. USA PATRIOT Act passed.
Executive Branch
See also: Current events