Where does the world stand after a decade-long war on terror

By peace in Featured Posts, Global Conflicts

The world has completed a decade of the American-led war on terror. If one asks proponents of the war as to why America has gone to this war in so many regions of the world, the answer would be simple. They would reply that America attacked Afghanistan in 2001 in order to finish Al-Qaeda. It also invaded Iraq in 2003 to eliminate the weapons of mass destruction and destroy the bases of terrorists. They also say that it is the policy of the US to protect the life and property of her citizens and to achieve this purpose they have the right to chase the terrorists in every nook and corner of the world. This is what exactly is being done for the past one decade. The questions are; have we achieved our objectives? Is America a safer place as compared to the period prior to 9/11? Do the American citizens feel protected while travelling and living in other countries? The answer is in the negative.

On the eve of 10^th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, the police chief of New York issued a warning that there was a potent threat of a terrorist attack from Al- Qaeda in the US on this occasion. The American establishment persons including defense service chiefs, CIA high-ups, the senators and congressmen keep expressing their views that despite sever blows to Al- Qaeda, this terrorist organization still remains a potent force. As per their assessment Al-Qaeda is planning, and is capable of, launching another attack on America. On the other hand the American economy has suffered a great setback due to this war. The war potential of the US was stretched beyond limits, causing huge expenditures on the war. This happened despite the fact that there was no potent enemy to resist the US-led forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Taliban or the terrorist did not have any organized armies, navies or air forces. They did not have ammunition dumps, POL reservoirs, arms-manufacturing factories, heavy artillery and armor concentrations. There were no shipping ports or railways junctions for logistic support of the terrorists. Still the military might of the US-led coalition have miserably failed to eliminate the terror threat. The military strategists have asked a question; what would have happened to the American defense forces had there been a formidable enemy to confront with? It seems that the American nations have made their citizens as psychological hostages with the fear of an unknown terror attack, due to reasons unknown.

It is obvious that the strategy of the US to fight terrorism was faulty and did not match the ground realities. It lacked future vision and failed to comprehend the fallout of such a prolonged war. It is time for the American public and the leaders to think about their future in more pragmatic manner. They must take into account the recent awakening in the Middle East and the emerging centers of economic power in East and the South. Instead of focusing on short time gains and political expediencies, they should now make decisions based on justice and equality of the nations. The resolution of Palestinian issue followed by Kashmir dispute should now form their global agenda if they want an enduring peace in the world. Any failure on this aspect may keep breeding ‘terrorism’ and hence many other decades of protracted war on terror. Will America be able to sustain that, is some food for thought for the peace-lovers.