IN over two decades since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the world has experienced a dramatic shift in global politics, military interventions and the rise of terrorism. What was initially promised as a war to eradicate terrorism and restore peace has instead manifested in a world that remains entangled in a web of violence, war and insecurity, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rather than diminishing, terrorism and global unrest have continued to escalate, raising difficult questions about the efficacy of global powers and their actions in this period.
The Aftermath of 9/11, Unfulfilled Promises: Following the 9/11 attacks, the then President George W. Bush and his allies assured the global community that terrorism, represented by Osama bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda Network, would be eradicated. They promised a world free from the grip of terrorism, where peace and security would reign. The “War on Terror” was launched with the intent to eliminate extremist organizations and their followers, bringing an end to the radical ideologies that threatened global stability.
However, over two decades later, the reality has proven to be starkly different. Osama bin Laden may be dead, but his ideology and the network he cultivated remain alive and potent. Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other extremist groups continue to thrive, expanding their influence and operations across regions, from Afghanistan, Pakistan to the Middle East. The very forces the US set out to dismantle are not only surviving but, in some instances, stronger than ever.
For instance, Mullah Omar’s Taliban, though temporarily weakened, has regained control in Afghanistan, marking a significant failure in US foreign policy. Despite immense military, economic and human resources being poured into Afghanistan, the country now finds itself back in the hands of the same extremist group the US aimed to neutralize. Similarly, areas in Pakistan also grapple with the persistent presence of terrorist cells.
The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was justified under the pretext of eliminating Saddam Hussein, accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and supporting terrorism. Although he was overthrown and executed, the aftershocks of the Iraq war continue to reverberate, leaving Iraq a fragmented state plagued by sectarian violence, insurgencies, and groups like ISIS. The cost of the Iraq war is staggering, with over 600,000 lives lost and countless others displaced or injured. The United States also suffered, losing over 3,000 military personnel and having more than 20,000 soldiers return home fatally injured. Despite these sacrifices, terrorism in the region remains far from eradicated, as the chaos following Saddam’s ousting has fuelled extremist ideologies and given rise to more sophisticated terrorist networks.
The violence in the Middle East has intensified over the past two decades, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continuing to claim innocent lives, particularly among the most vulnerable—children and women. Recent clashes between Israel and Lebanon, along with the ongoing Gaza conflict, highlight the elusiveness of peace in the region. Promises of stability and security have gone unfulfilled, as civilians bear the brunt of violence and regional instability fosters resentment and fuels extremism. What began as a war on terrorism has, for many, transformed into a war that perpetuates terrorism, leaving nations and people divided and disillusioned.
The Russia-Ukraine War, Another Global Flashpoint: Beyond the Middle East, new conflicts are complicating the global geopolitical landscape, with the war between Russia and Ukraine serving as a stark example. What began as a regional conflict has escalated into a war with global repercussions, threatening peace in Europe and beyond, as cities are destroyed, infrastructure obliterated, and thousands of lives lost while global superpowers jockey for influence. This ongoing conflict, coupled with rising tensions between the US and China, raises concerns about the potential for another catastrophic world war, highlighting the fragility of peace in today’s world.
A Cycle of Violence and Power: A troubling reality of the post-9/11 world is that history seems to be repeating itself. During the Cold War, the United States supported insurgents and jihadists, particularly in Afghanistan, to fight Soviet forces. Today, those same forces—or their ideological successors—are fighting against the US and its allies in the name of jihad, rallying against what they perceive as foreign oppression.
In regions where conflict persists, terrorism is not merely a product of extremist ideologies; it is often a reaction to foreign intervention. As long as foreign powers attempt to impose their will through violence, there will always be a corresponding force that resists. It is a cycle that perpetuates itself, each act of violence breeding further resentment and extremism.
The Way Forward, Re-evaluating Global Policies: The world is at a critical juncture. It is imperative for nations like the United States, the UK, Australia and others to critically assess the impact of their foreign policies. Have they succeeded in creating a more peaceful world, or are they contributing to its destruction? The reality is that terrorism, in all its forms, is indeed a threat that must be addressed. But violence cannot be met with violence, and terrorism cannot be eradicated by the same means that perpetuate it. The use of military power and coercion has not resulted in a safer world. Instead, it has deepened divisions, exacerbated hatred and made global peace an even more distant prospect.
The global community must recognize that freedom and security are universal rights. They cannot be selectively applied, nor can they be imposed through force. The promotion of democracy, civil liberties, and human rights must be achieved through peaceful means, not through military might. The mistakes of the past two decades—where strategic blunders and power politics have taken precedence over genuine peace efforts—must serve as lessons for the future.
In the aftermath of 9/11, the world was promised peace, security, and the eradication of terrorism. However, two decades later, we face a more divided, violent, and insecure world. As conflicts persist and new threats emerge, it is evident that past strategies have failed to fulfill their promises. Global powers must now re-examine their approach, shifting from perpetuating violence to investing in diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution, and the promotion of justice and equality. Only then can we hope to break free from the cycle of terror and move towards lasting peace.
—The writer is a Sydney-based journalist a political analyst.
