With Independence Day this week, the Truman National Security Project has selected the top 40 national security moments of the past four years. See “Related Posts” (to the right) for the other 30!
10. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act is signed into law by President Obama
(November 21st, 2011)
At a time when Veteran unemployment emerges as a major issue, the act provides tax credits to help put veterans back to work who return home.
9. President Obama sets deadline to withdraw troops from Afghanistan
(June 22, 2011)
Following through on his campaign promise to the American people, Obama announces that the deadline for withdraw from Afghanistan will be 2014.
8. Obama Ratifies START treaty with Russia
(February 2nd, 2011)
The Obama-led START treaty gets ratified, which will reduce the number of nuclear weapons deployed by Russia and the United States, while allowing the U.S. to resume inspections of Russian nuclear sites.
7. Obama leads international coalition in Libya
(March 21st, 2011)
Obama helps the Libyan people overthrow Qaddafi's regime and prevents the murder of countless civilians.
6. U.S. and other intelligence agencies break up a plot to bomb an airliner
(May, 2012)
Near the one-year anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden, the U.S. and allied intelligence agencies stop an Al Qaeda bomb intended for a U.S. airliner.
5. The Great Green Fleet Sets Sail
(June 29th, 2012)
The first Naval fleet powered by biofuels set sail on the Pacific, taking part in the world's largest annual maritime exercise.
4. Obama bans torture on his second day in office
(January 21st, 2009)
The President signs a detailed executive order that bans torture, reversing the Bush administration's torture policies and putting the U.S. in compliance with the Geneva Convention.
3. Obama plans for the future by creating new fuel standards
(July 29th, 2011)
President Obama announces that, by 2025, cars must reach at least 54.5 miles per gallon. This enhances our energy security and reduces our dependance on a single source of fuel -- oil -- to power our transportation sector.
2. American troops leave Iraq
(December 15th, 2011)
Following up on his campaign promise, President Obama ends Operation Iraqi Freedom and withdraws before the promised deadline.
1. Osama bin Laden killed
(May 1st, 2011)
Over the objections of half his senior advisers, President Obama orders the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
Daniel Gaynor is Truman's Digital Strategist and Editor-in-Chief of The Truman Doctrine.
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(Many thanks to Truman Project Interns Caroline Bartholomew, Jared Miller and Matt Skala for their work on this project.)
