The need for the IPS was born on September 11th, 2001, when the western world was reminded of their vulnerability at the hands of Al-Qaeda. This unprecedented attack on North American soil profoundly shocked Canada and the U.S, especially considering Canada's dependence on America for defence. When Canadian troops were deployed with the U.S. military to Afghanistan, it challenged previously understood ideas about Canadian Foreign policy. An "unexpected war" against terrorism, coupled with the invasions of Iraq by allied forces, stretched Canadian soldiers thin, to the extent that it forced Canada to seriously consider changing foreign policy to combat rising global insecurity. This insecurity coupled with an upcoming federal election, gave way to the liberal government introducing the International Policy Statement.