Americas Futile Fight Against Terrorism and ISIS - 866 Words

From the perspective of the West, the war on terror can seem to be as never-ending as battling Hydra. For every terrorist leader struck down, three more arise from the dust to take his place, and themselves take positions of power in numerous countries. It’s difficult for Western powers to understand that it is the cutting down of that one leader that gives rise to the others. In the wake of 9/11, the American approach to the war on Terror has poured oil on what was once a small fire of fundamentalist fervour. This is not to say that fundamentalism did not have a public and influential role in the politics of many Middle Eastern states, but instead that the spectacle of 9/11 and the reaction provoked served to give a platform to†¦show more content†¦In this fight of us vs. them, the U.S. has tried to position itself as a democratic force for modernity, further reinforcing Islamic fundamentalists’ fear of secular humanistic modernism as a western import being im posed by force. An embrace of fundamentalism therefore became a source of empowerment and pride—a desire to return to a more sovereign and traditional tribal past. The same Gallup poll showed that while most of those surveyed condemned the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the resulting American campaign in Afghanistan was seen as an unjustified and arrogant aggression. The rising tide of public disillusionment with the West, and the modernity is chooses to represent, has created fertile ground for Islamic extremists to reap the benefits. Beside the nature of the reaction, it is important to note the role of the size and scope of the U.S.’s reaction. 9/11 was not seen as an isolated tragedy on an otherwise powerful hegemony, but rather the first manifestation of a virus that needed to be eradicated. In becoming captive to the images of 9/11 and the message it is was meant to symbolize, the world’s fascination would prove an enticement for anyone desiring to demand attention from a people they would otherwise ignore. This tangible attack on values would keep the attention of the world until present-day. The U.S.’s reaction, or overreaction,Show MoreRelatedThe Role Of Iran1052 Words   |  5 Pagesgroups of Hezbollah and Hamas. Iran’s resolve to change status quo in the Middle East in undermining ways makes them a consideration to vital security for the U.S. and its allies. Notwithstanding a short-term merging of U.S. and Iranian benefits against the risk posed by the Islamic State, Iranâ⠂¬â„¢s long-term motivations on course that counters the interests of the U.S. and its regional allies and partners. A National Intelligence Council report recognized that managing global issues is becoming harderRead MoreConventional Warfare During The 21st Century1861 Words   |  8 Pageswarfare is increasingly ill-suited to fighting and winning wars in the 21st Century. Critically evaluate that claim. You should refer in your answer to examples of contemporary conflicts. Throughout Human history Mankind have fought against each other, wagging war against their neighbours for territory, resources, ideology and a myriad of other reasons. Over the ages the way we wage war has changed, leaps forward in technology and tactics where made frequently, each Nation trying to earn an edge overRead MoreWhat Action Should Be Taken Against Terrorism?2066 Words   |  9 Pagessafety. Thus, these fluctuating variables has forced the public to review and reconsider how well the government should protect them and what they are willing to sacrifice for their safety. The dilemma lies in deciding what action should be taken against terrorism through information collecting but also the extent to which it is administered. Should the American public risk give up its civil freedoms and individual privacy for the sake of safeguarding the nation or are the government’s actions too invasive