The new threat to world peaceTerrorism. Terrorism and terrorists are defined as people who cause death and destruction through the use of bombs and hostage-taking who basically cause terror for religious reasons or for another cause they see as right. After the end of the Cold War people argued that no no threat to world peace existed. They were wrong, however on September 11, 2001 all their opinions changed. On September 11, 2001, two planes were hijacked and crashed into the Twin Towers, aka the Twin Towers. Trade Center), people also noted that one plane had supposedly crashed into the Pentagon and the other was headed to the White House but was shot down by passengers mid-flight. After the planes crashed, the World Trade Center imploded, killing several thousand people. The hijackers worked for Al Quieda, a fanatical religious group that controlled Afghanistan (rings some bells). It is surprising, however, that Americans during the Cold War helped create the alquidea in Afghanistan by arming them to fight the Soviet oppressors. After the Soviet troops withdrew, the Americans left Al Quieda to rule Afghanistan. After the bombings of September 11, America had the support of the world that Afghanistan needed a lesson. America has promised war on terrorism and on anyone who harbors terrorism. Countries like Pakistan which showed little sympathy for Afghanistan stood back and let America use its airports after this declaration of war on terrorism, even Russia which was not very friendly with America let Americans use a large air base near Afghanistan. So the war on terrorism began after NATO allowed some action to be taken against Afghanistan and Alquieda. The coalition moved to conquer Afghanistan. The Taliban aka (alquieda) called on its people to unite in a jihad (a holy war) against the evil West and America. A jihad is a Muslim holy war, all Muslims capable of fighting should do so for their religion. The purpose of this invasion was to quell the terrorist threat in Afghanistan and end Osama bin Laden's rule over Afghanistan by capturing him. The Coalition succeeded in its first objective and defeated the Taliban in Afghanistan. However it failed to capture Osama bin Laden who is said to reside in the Pakistani mountains. He is believed to continue to coordinate terrorist attacks in the West and periodically releases tapes congratulating Muslim terrorists for blowing up various things, and I also believe he is taunting Americans by saying, "You still don't understand me" .