Introduction
The September 11 attacks profoundly impacted US national identity, instilling fear and challenging the notion of American exceptionalism.
In response, policymakers introduced the Authorisation of Use of Military Force (AUMF), sanctioning military action against those responsible for the attacks. However, the subsequent War on Terror has had significant implications both domestically and internationally.
Domestic and Foreign Policy Shifts
Initial Response: After 9/11, President George Bush launched the War on Terror, leading to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The US also initiated counterterrorism efforts in 85 countries, training and equipping foreign governments to combat regional terror threats. This marked a significant shift in the US foreign policy landscape, which had previously been more restrained in its military interventions.
Domestic Changes: Domestically, the passage of the Patriot Act and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marked significant policy shifts. The federal government gained unprecedented surveillance powers, often operating without proper congressional oversight. This was intended to enhance national security but also led to widespread concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
Achievements of America's War on Terror
Counterterrorism Successes: The US has largely neutralized the threat of Al Qaeda and diminished the capacity of the Islamic State (ISIS) through targeted drone strikes. High-profile operations, such as the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011, symbolized major victories in the War on Terror. Since 9/11, the threat of Islamic terrorism to Americans has significantly reduced, with major terror plots being thwarted and terrorist networks disrupted.
Disruption of Terrorist Organizations: The US has developed an unparalleled ability to disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations, decapitate their leadership, and keep them under constant pressure. This has been achieved through a combination of military operations, intelligence gathering, and international cooperation.
Costs of the War on Terror
Human and Financial Costs: The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have come at a great cost to civilian lives and US resources. According to the Costs of War project at Brown University, over 800,000 people have died as a direct result of the conflicts, including over 300,000 civilians. The US has spent approximately $6.4 trillion on these conflicts, contributing to a growing national debt.
Loss of Liberties: The Patriot Act and subsequent surveillance programs have infringed on civil liberties, particularly for minority communities. Mass surveillance has created a chilling effect on free speech and association, undermining democratic values. The National Security Agency (NSA)'s extensive data collection efforts were revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden in 2013, sparking a global debate about privacy and government overreach.
International Reputation: The US has faced criticism for human rights violations, including the use of torture at facilities like Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. The disproportionate use of force and civilian casualties in military operations have further tarnished America's image. This has diminished America's soft power and credibility on the global stage, complicating diplomatic relations and reducing its influence in international forums.
Impact on American Society
Islamophobia: After 9/11, Islamophobia surged in the US, leading to discrimination and violence against Muslims. Political rhetoric often demonized Muslim communities, contributing to social divisions. Incidents of hate crimes against Muslims increased dramatically, and policies such as the travel ban imposed by the Trump administration further marginalized these communities.
Domestic Extremism: The politics of fear and the focus on international terrorism have overshadowed the threat of domestic extremism. Right-wing extremist groups have gained momentum, posing significant security threats within the US.
The DHS Threat Assessment Report of 2020 identifies racially and ethnically motivated violent extremists, particularly white supremacists, as the most persistent and lethal threat to the homeland.
Opinion of the US
International Perception: Following Snowden’s exposé of NSA surveillance tactics in 2013 and the human rights allegations surrounding Guantanamo Bay, the US government was forced to contend with several of its own shortcomings. The US was derided as hypocritical internationally, while at home, the campaigns lost much of their original credibility. This in turn hampered Washington’s ability to respond militarily to global emergencies and allowed states like Russia and China to justify their own human rights violations.
Global Influence: The rhetoric of counterterrorism has been co-opted by unscrupulous state actors. For example, Egypt's counterterrorism bill, influenced by the US Patriot Act, allowed the state to hold around 10,000 people without fair trial. Similarly, China’s crackdown on Uyghurs in Xinjiang was justified by citing the US War on Terror as a precedent. These actions have had far-reaching implications, contributing to global instability and human rights abuses.
Opportunity Costs
Economic Costs: The US last ran a federal surplus in 2001, relying on deficit spending to finance the War on Terror over the next two decades. The economic burden of the war has been substantial, diverting resources from other critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Social and Political Costs: The partisan divides and politically charged rhetoric of fear have given birth to a number of right-wing extremist groups across the United States. The focus on international terrorism has overshadowed other pressing domestic issues, such as the opioid crisis, income inequality, and climate change.
Conclusion
The War on Terror has achieved its primary objective of reducing the threat of Islamic terrorism. However, it has also led to significant human, financial, and social costs.
The loss of civil liberties, the rise of domestic extremism, and the erosion of America's international reputation are critical challenges that need addressing.
As Congresswoman Barbara Lee cautioned, in fighting terrorism, America must avoid becoming the very evil it seeks to eradicate.
Note: In this CAPF essay, the world limit has been crossed to give you more information, you can take relevant portions as per your need. Further, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
Relevance for UPSC CAPF Aspirants
Understanding America's War on Terror is crucial for UPSC CAPF aspirants as it provides insights into US foreign policy, counterterrorism strategies, and their global impact. This knowledge is essential for topics related to international relations, security issues, and current affairs.
Additionally, the examination of civil liberties and domestic extremism offers valuable perspectives for essay writing and analytical questions in the UPSC CAPF AC exam.
Familiarity with these themes will enhance candidates' preparedness for addressing contemporary security challenges in their roles as future Assistant Commandants.
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