Has the U.S. led Global War on Terrorism made the world safer?

Answer 1

Well let's see. You've made a few assumptions in your question that make it difficult to answer.

First, is it a global war?

I don't think so. The zone of conflict is very much centered on the area around the Arabian Sea, so its not really a global conflict. To claim that the issues with North Korea come into play as part of this war on global terrorism is weak. The issues with North Korea are more latencey issues from the Cold War than part of the allegded war on terrorism.

Second, you assume that this is a war on terrorism.

This too can be challenged. My view is that this is a huge grab for oil resources by the US. Iraq is conservatively estimated to have the largest oil reserves in the world and much of that is unexplored and undeveloped. Further, the main goal of the conflict in Afghanistan is to secure the eastern region of the country so that the oil pipeline from Kazakhstan can be completed, securing oil resources for a long time in to the future for the US. Anyone who lived through the oil crisis of the early 1970's and was in Europe during the driving bans, knows that not having a secure and steady supply of oil can bring the entire Western world to a grinding halt in days, not weeks.

Third, you assume that the US is leading this effort.

Is the majority of the nation behind this effort? Is the effort the will of the people? I don't think so. This folly into violence has been perpetrated on the American citizen by their arrogant and greedy aristocracy. While you may vote for your representives, where do they come from? The ranks of the elite for the most part. George W. Bush can't equate with the common man any more than his father, and his father before him. The Bush family are and have been among the wealthiest of Americans. They are far removed from the citizenry. George Bush senior was driven the school daily in his father's Rolls Royce will depression era Americans rode the rails and starved in the streets. So is this violence the will of the American people? Based on the latest election results it seems aless likely scenario with each passing day.

Has all of this made the world a safer place?

For business travellers who travel by air within the US the skies are definitely safer. What passed for airport security in the US prior to 9/11 was a joke of global proportions. Today that is not the case. Would it still be possible for a repeat of 9/11 to happen; an attack launched from within? Yes, it is still possible, but it would be more difficult to pull it off. American airports actually now have some level of security. As for travel outside the US, I think its far more risk know than at any time in the last century. The violence of the so called war on terror has polarized and destabilized the security of most western nations. Having once travelled freely and without concern throughout Europe, I would not feel as comfortable today as in the past.

Has the entire reaction of the west to the violence of 9/11 made the world a better place? Not in my opinion.

Answer 2

The fact of the matter is that there have been no terrorist attacks on US soil since. By fighting the 'war on terror' we have caught the terrorists and aborted their plans before they could get out of their homelands.

History has demonstrated that Clinton/European style of handling terrorism does not work. So unless you have a better idea, lets keep up with what is working.

Another thing to remember is that all those 'new' terrorist attacks are occurring in countries that were producing the terrorists in the first place. As a result those nations have gone after the terrorist groups they ignored previously. Look at what happened to Al Quaeda in Saudi Arabia - we forced a confrontation between AQ and the Saudis and now the Saudi branch of AQ no longer exists.

Answer 3

No, I believe this "War On Terror" hasn't helped anyone except make certain targets more visible. This war could have been avoided. All of these efforts are basically taunting terrorist with a bright pink and purple sign that say hit me and watch me find you. Violence has never and will never be the answers to any ones problems. Bring the troops home! They deserve to be with their families.

Answer 4

i feel it has awakened more terrorists, by giving them so much importance, but finally not being able to do much about them . And i also think iraq was a much more safe and peaceful country under the rule of saddam hussein. It is now a war ground and a graveyard with peole and children dying everywhere- un livable.Totally unfair and to think that nobody can do anything about it....

Answer 5

No not if you consider that the Iraq war has been a great recruiting tool, that Iraq has been the training ground for an entire generation of terrorists. Much in the same way Afghanistan begot Al-Quaeda Iraq will spawn something worse.

Answer 6

Its made the USA safer and localized the problem in its area of production,

world no USA yes and britian etc they will now police themselfs or kill theselfs but not us anymore it's a total win.

Answer 7

This is just a part of the puzzle--watch GLENN BECK tonight--he has an updated view of the terrorists propaganda--it is eye-opening re their scope.

Answer 8

I don't know about the world, but there hasn't been a terrorist attack on U.S. soil since we took the war to them on there home turf. And that is what is important to me and my children. Thank you come again!

Answer 9

Yes.

Terrorism must be stopped at its root.
It is not a clean and easy war (which is why most Democrats whine about it). We are fighting an ideology, which will be a long and messy war.

People who cut off heads must be stopped.
.

Answer 10

definitely not! The U.S. should come to terms with the fact that the war is about Religion and not politics. With children enlisting as suicide bombers and unborn babes being indoctrinated to hate America and her allies.......the world is far from being safe