The Afghanistan Decision

September 11

Follows the shift from threatened invasion to bombing and examines the competing choices Chomsky says remained available.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Threats of Force Threats of Force from "September 11". Threats of Force American officials announce a sweeping campaign against terrorism and present other governments with a stark choice.

Threats of Force from "September 11". Threats of Force American officials announce a sweeping campaign against terrorism and present other governments with a stark choice.

Threats of Force American officials announce a sweeping campaign against terrorism and present other governments with a stark choice. Coercive Language Chomsky hears a threat against states that refuse to join the American approach. Unsettled Policy At this stage, outside warnings and public debate could still influence what the administration does.

Taliban Offers Rejected Taliban Offers Rejected from "September 11". Taliban Offers Rejected Chomsky reports that the Taliban indicate willingness to consider handing over bin Laden if evidence is supplied.

Taliban Offers Rejected from "September 11". Taliban Offers Rejected Chomsky reports that the Taliban indicate willingness to consider handing over bin Laden if evidence is supplied.

Taliban Offers Rejected Chomsky reports that the Taliban indicate willingness to consider handing over bin Laden if evidence is supplied. Negotiation Closed The American government describes its demand as nonnegotiable. A Lost Avenue Rejecting discussion narrows the available route from accusation to legal custody and trial.

The Evidence Dispute The Evidence Dispute from "September 11". The Evidence Dispute The British government presents a dossier intended to demonstrate responsibility for the attacks.

The Evidence Dispute from "September 11". The Evidence Dispute The British government presents a dossier intended to demonstrate responsibility for the attacks.

The Evidence Dispute The British government presents a dossier intended to demonstrate responsibility for the attacks. Credibility Question Chomsky and the press accounts he cites question whether the material amounts to concrete evidence. Purpose Revealed The stated desire to destroy the organization, rather than prosecute suspects, sharpens the dispute over the operation’s aim.

Bombing Begins Bombing Begins from "September 11". Bombing Begins The United States begins air strikes in Afghanistan.

Bombing Begins The United States begins air strikes in Afghanistan. A Major Escalation The choice of force follows rejected diplomatic possibilities and unresolved questions about proof. Civilian Consequences The attacks disrupt food deliveries and heighten the danger facing a population already close to famine.

The Unresolved Outcome The Unresolved Outcome from "September 11". The Unresolved Outcome Chomsky considers several possible futures, including factional rule, a transitional government, or continued foreign intervention.

The Unresolved Outcome from "September 11". The Unresolved Outcome Chomsky considers several possible futures, including factional rule, a transitional government, or continued foreign intervention.

The Unresolved Outcome Chomsky considers several possible futures, including factional rule, a transitional government, or continued foreign intervention. Reconstruction Question A United Nations-backed transition and independent aid might offer a less destructive path. Responsibility Deferred The American refusal to undertake nation-building leaves the country’s future precarious and uncertain.

September 2001

Late September 2001

October 5, 2001

October 7, 2001

October 2001