Is the War on Terror worth it? by Joel Wong
The effectiveness of the War on Terror in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, remains a contentious issue. Evaluating its impact on eliminating terrorism involves considering various factors, and conclusions are largely depend on one’s perspective.
According to a 2019 report by the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, the estimated total cost of the war for the United States is a staggering $6.4 trillion. The human cost has been equally substantial, with an estimated 801,000 people killed, including 335,000 civilians. The majority of these casualties occurred in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Proponents of the War on Terror point to a reduction in the number of terrorist attacks, particularly in the United States. Moreover, the elimination or capture of high-profile terrorist leaders, including Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein, is seen as evidence of progress in dismantling terrorist networks.
Supporters also emphasize the positive impact of international cooperation and intelligence sharing, which have led to the prevention of numerous terrorist plots..
Furthermore, by targeting terrorist groups in their safe havens, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, it has removed oppressive regimes, like the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and promoted stability and democracy in these regions.
However, critics of the War on Terror raise concerns about its unintended consequences and drawbacks. The invasion and occupation of Iraq, in particular, created a power vacuum that allowed extremist groups like ISIS to emerge. Heavy civilian casualties and mass displacement resulting from the war have contributed to resentment and anti-Western sentiments, potentially breeding future threats.
Another critique is that the War on Terror has diverted resources and attention away from pressing domestic and global issues.
Additionally, the War on Terror has led to an erosion of civil liberties and an expansion of surveillance measures under the pretext of national security without building a safer world.
Ultimately, the question of whether the world is safer remains subjected to individual interpretation.
