The War on Terror: The Enduring Legacy and Impact on the Obama Presidency

In the aftermath of the horrific events of September 11, 2001, the United States embarked on a global campaign against terrorism known as the War on Terror. This far-reaching and multifaceted effort, which extended far beyond the immediate response to the 9/11 attacks, deeply impacted American society and the trajectory of the Obama presidency.

The Roots and Evolution of the War on Terror

Kill or Capture: The War on Terror and the Soul of the Obama Presidency

by Daniel Klaidman

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Language	:	English
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The War on Terror emerged from a complex convergence of factors, including:

• The rise of Al-Qaeda and other transnational terrorist organizations
• The perceived failure of traditional intelligence and law enforcement approaches
• A desire for retribution and a sense of national vulnerability

Initially, the War on Terror focused primarily on military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, it gradually expanded to encompass a wide range of measures, including:

• Increased surveillance and intelligence gathering
• Enhanced border security and immigration controls
• The creation of specialized counterterrorism agencies
• The use of drone strikes and targeted killings

The long-term consequences of the War on Terror have been profound, reshaping global politics and the American way of life.

The War on Terror and the Obama Presidency

Barack Obama entered the White House in 2009 with a mandate to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and to shift the focus of the War on Terror toward counterterrorism and diplomacy. While he made significant progress on both fronts, he also faced formidable challenges.

Ending the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

Obama fulfilled his campaign promise to withdraw American troops from Iraq in 2011. However, the situation in Afghanistan proved more complex. Despite scaling back U.S. troop levels, Obama authorized a surge in 2009 and a major offensive against the Taliban. By the time he left office in 2017, the war in Afghanistan had become America's longest conflict.

The Rise of ISIS

One of the most significant foreign policy challenges of the Obama presidency was the emergence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This brutal terrorist group seized large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, committing atrocities against civilians and posing a threat to regional stability.

Obama responded by launching a multinational air campaign against ISIS and authorizing the deployment of American ground forces in a support role. While ISIS was eventually defeated, its legacy continues to haunt the Middle East.

The Use of Drone Strikes

Obama authorized the use of drone strikes as a counterterrorism tactic, particularly in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. While drone strikes proved effective in targeting high-value terrorist targets, they also raised concerns about civilian casualties and the legality of extrajudicial killings.

The Continuing Impact

The War on Terror has had a lasting impact on American society and institutions. Increased surveillance, expanded executive powers, and a heightened focus on national security have raised concerns about civil liberties and the erosion of democratic norms.

Moreover, the financial cost of the War on Terror has been staggering, with trillions of dollars spent on military interventions, intelligence gathering, and homeland security. This has contributed to the federal budget deficit and placed a heavy burden on future generations.

The War on Terror has been a defining event for the 21st century, shaping global politics and the trajectory of American society. While the United States has achieved some successes in combating terrorism, the long-term consequences of the War on Terror continue to be debated and contested.

Additional Resources

• The New York Times: "Attack on America: A Nation Challenged: Rudy Giuliani Vows to Defend New York City"
• BBC News: "War on Terror: Definition, impact and key events"
• Council on Foreign Relations: "Obama and the War on Terror"

Kill or Capture: The War on Terror and the Soul of the Obama Presidency

by Daniel Klaidman

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	309 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE