The document discusses the history of conflict in the Middle East and the origins and progression of the War on Terror. It notes that the Middle East has had a long history of violence and wars over control of territory and oil. The War on Terror began after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which prompted the U.S. to launch military campaigns against the Taliban in Afghanistan for harboring Al Qaeda and against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq over suspected weapons programs. Both countries saw regime changes but terrorist attacks have continued in the region.