Washington: Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the United States’ war on terror has led to significant developments, including the defeat of global terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and Daesh. This was achieved through prolonged military engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, involving the deployment of tens of thousands of American troops.
According to TRTworld.com, the strategy adopted by the US following the 9/11 attacks has also resulted in widespread devastation across regions from Afghanistan to the energy-rich Middle East. The use of military power led to regime changes in Kabul and Baghdad, justified by claims of backing terror groups planning attacks similar to 9/11. However, this has left behind a trail of destruction, crippling nations and contributing to ongoing instability.
The situation in Afghanistan illustrates a complex outcome. Despite ousting the Taliban two decades ago, the US facilitated their return in 2021 after a chaotic withdrawal. In Iraq, the removal of Saddam Hussein led to armed resistance and the rise of Daesh, while also empowering pro-Iranian groups, enhancing Tehran’s influence in the region.
Currently, the US is involved in a conflict with Iran, which Washington often describes as a terror regime, indicating a continuation of its post-9/11 strategy. Although former President Donald Trump aimed to end the conflict, it remains unresolved, with American officials warning of its potential to persist.
Experts, such as Iftikhar Firdous, point out that the US strategy, while effective in dismantling terror networks, faltered when expanding into state-building and regime change. The reliance on military superiority did not translate into political legitimacy or sustainable outcomes, highlighting the contradictions of the post-9/11 era.
Ali Mammadov, a researcher in political science, notes the gap between American military capabilities and political objectives, particularly in complex regions like Afghanistan and Iraq. US government reviews have identified policy problems, including incoherent strategy and insufficient understanding of local conditions.
Political backlash has also emerged, with divisions within NATO and criticism of the US approach. Dania Koleilat Khatib, an expert on Arab-US relations, asserts that the strategy failed, leading to endless wars and a financial burden on the US.
The challenges continue as the US confronts the realities of its post-9/11 strategy. Critics, including former diplomat Matthew Bryza, argue that the focus on regime change and nation-building has unleashed new instabilities and drawn attention away from other strategic priorities.
The prolonged conflicts have not only drained US resources but also distracted from the great power rivalry with China and Russia. Firdous highlights how this strategic focus left American power vulnerable, allowing China and Russia to accumulate influence and challenge US supremacy.
Mammadov emphasizes the opportunity cost, noting that the US attention on the Middle East diverted focus during China’s rise in economic and military power. Analysts conclude that the strategy inadvertently empowered Chinese and Russian challenges, shifting the global balance of power.