In the aftermath of 9/11, the world was promised peace and security. Yet, two decades later, we face a world more divided, violent, and insecure than ever before. By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
Since last over two decades, especially post September 11, 2001, the world has undergone a seismic shift in global politics, military interventions, and terrorism. What was intended to be a war to eradicate terrorism has led to a landscape riddled with ongoing violence, war, and insecurity, especially in regions like the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Terrorism has not diminished; in fact, global unrest has escalated, raising critical questions about the actions of global powers during this period.
The Aftermath of 9/11, Unfulfilled Promises: After 9/11, President George W. Bush and his allies promised the world that terrorism, embodied by Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda network, would be eradicated. They launched the “War on Terror” to neutralize extremist groups and restore global peace. However, 20 years later, while Osama bin Laden is dead, his ideology and network remain alive. Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and other extremist groups continue to expand their operations across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Middle East. The very forces the US sought to dismantle have not only survived but, in some cases, have grown stronger.
For instance, Mullah Omar’s Taliban, despite setbacks, has reclaimed power in Afghanistan—a clear failure of US foreign policy. Despite massive investments of military, economic, and human resources, Afghanistan has reverted to the control of the same group the US set out to neutralize. Similarly, Pakistan remains fraught with terrorist cells.
Iraq and the Legacy of War: The 2003 Iraq invasion, justified by allegations of weapons of mass destruction and support for terrorism, resulted in Saddam Hussein’s ousting. Yet, far from achieving stability, Iraq is now a fractured state plagued by sectarian violence and extremist insurgencies like ISIS. The war’s cost has been astronomical: over 600,000 Iraqis lost their lives, millions were displaced, and thousands of American soldiers were either killed or injured. Despite these sacrifices, terrorism has not been eradicated, but rather has evolved into more complex and sophisticated networks.
The Unending Conflict in the Middle East: The violence in the Middle East has only intensified over the past two decades. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, and civilians—especially women and children—continue to suffer. Ongoing clashes, like those between Israel and Lebanon and the conflict in Gaza, are grim reminders that peace remains elusive. In these regions, the promises of stability have failed, and civilians bear the brunt of war, while regional instability continues to fuel extremism. For many, the war on terrorism has morphed into a war that perpetuates terrorism, leaving nations divided and disillusioned.
The Russia-Ukraine War, Another Global Flashpoint: New conflicts, like the war between Russia and Ukraine, further complicate the global geopolitical landscape. What began as a regional dispute has spiraled into a conflict with global implications, threatening peace in Europe and beyond. Cities have been decimated, thousands of lives lost, and the conflict has drawn in superpowers, intensifying global tensions. This war, along with rising tensions between the US and China, raises the fear of a larger, more destructive global conflict.
A Cycle of Violence and Power: The post-9/11 world has also exposed a cyclical pattern of violence. During the Cold War, the US supported insurgents and jihadists in Afghanistan to combat Soviet forces. Today, those same groups—or their ideological descendants—fight against the US and its allies under the banner of jihad, retaliating against what they see as foreign oppression. Terrorism in these conflict zones often emerges not just from extremist ideologies but as a response to foreign intervention. As long as global powers impose their will through violence, there will always be forces that resist. This cycle, where each act of violence breeds further extremism, seems unending.
The Way Forward, Reevaluating Global Policies: The world stands at a critical crossroads. Nations like the United States, the UK, and Australia must reassess their foreign policies. Have they truly succeeded in creating a more peaceful world, or have they contributed to global unrest? While terrorism must be addressed, it cannot be combated solely with violence. Military interventions have not resulted in a safer world; they have deepened divisions and worsened animosities. The international community must recognize that freedom and security are universal rights, not privileges to be imposed by force.
A Call for Peace: In the aftermath of 9/11, the world was promised peace and security. Yet, two decades later, we face a world more divided, violent, and insecure than ever before. As conflicts continue and new threats arise, it is clear that the strategies of the past have failed. Global powers must now take a step back and rethink their approach. Instead of perpetuating violence, they must prioritize diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution, and the promotion of justice and equality. Only by doing so can the world hope to break free from the cycle of terror and move toward lasting peace. (The writer is a Sydney-based journalist and editor-in-chief, Tribune-intl.com. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com).
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