Washington: Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the United States' war on terror has seen significant achievements, notably the defeat of global terrorist groups Al Qaeda and Daesh. However, the prolonged military engagements in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, which involved the deployment of tens of thousands of American troops, have sparked debate over the effectiveness of America's post-9/11 Middle East policy.
According to TRT World, the strategy, which primarily relied on military might to oust regimes in Kabul and Baghdad, has left deep-seated issues unaddressed. The US's decision to overthrow Saddam Hussein in Iraq led to armed resistance and facilitated the rise of Daesh, while the withdrawal from Afghanistan allowed the Taliban to regain power, highlighting the unintended consequences of regime change efforts.
Former US President Donald Trump's attempts to end the conflict have been met with skepticism, as officials caution that America's military engagements may persist, particularly in Iran. The continuation of these strategies underscores a significant challenge: achieving political stability through military power alone is proving elusive.
Experts, including Iftikhar Firdous and Ali Mammadov, emphasize the disconnect between military capabilities and political objectives. While the US was effective in dismantling terror networks, establishing stable political orders in Afghanistan and Iraq has been arduous, given the complex ethnic and sectarian dynamics in these regions.
The strategy has also led to political backlash within the region and strained alliances, as noted by Dania Koleilat Khatib. The burden of ongoing conflicts has impacted the US's global image and financial stability, as the spiraling debt continues to grow.
Critics argue that the US's focus on the Middle East has diverted attention from strategic challenges posed by China and Russia. The prolonged wars have drained resources, leaving the US vulnerable to the rising influence of these global powers. Geopolitical analysts point out that this shift in focus has allowed Moscow and Beijing to expand their influence while the US remains entangled in Middle Eastern conflicts.
As the US grapples with the outcomes of its post-9/11 strategies, questions arise over the viability of continued military interventions. The ongoing situation in Iran exemplifies the complexities of attempting to overthrow governments, prompting a reevaluation of America's foreign policy approach in the region.