War on terror

Description:

The "War on Terrorism" or "War on Terror" (in U.S. foreign policy circles, "Global War on Terrorism" or "GWOT"1; more recently, "Long War" and, in the recent past, "Global Struggle Against Violent Extremism") is a campaign by the United States government and some of its allies with the stated goal of ending international terrorism by stopping those groups identified by the U.S. as terrorist groups and ending state sponsorship of terrorism.

The "War on Terrorism" was launched in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington D.C. by Al-Qaeda. It has become a central part of U.S. President George W. Bush's foreign and domestic policy. Unlike earlier concepts and definitions of war—with defined nations, boundaries, standing armies, and navies—the "War on Terrorism" has largely been dominated by the use of special forces, intelligence, police work, and diplomacy.

Enablers:

• Continuing terrorist attacks including London Underground bombings and Madrid train bombings
• Condition of Iraq after US invasion in 2003 with suicide bombings and other events becoming a regular occurence
• No clear distinction on what constitutes the war itself and who the parties are as was the case in other wars e.g. second world war
• International support

Inhibitors:

• Growing concerns over human rights abuse e.g. restrictions on personal freedom
• Seen as having other objectives other than fighting terrorism e.g. controlling oil supply e.g attack on Iraq, unwillingness for US to break relationship with "terrorist" state Saudi Arabia
• High civilian casualty rate
• Worries that this will provoke further hatred and attacks from the muslim community
• Increasing focus from crucial issues such as health care
• Human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay has severely damaged the reputation of Western culture

Paradigms:

The world is becoming tired of a continous fight against an unknown or unclear enemy especially when the reasons behind it might be unethical. Support for the US-led War on Terror is dwindling and anti-American sentiment is becoming more widespread. However, the new conflict with Iran might create more support for a fight against global terrorism.

Experts:

Defense, intelligence agents

Timing:

• September 2001: Al-Quaeda attacks New York and Washington
• 2001: US passes patriot act
• October 2001: US attacks Afghanistan in retaliation
• October 2002: Bali bombings
• 2002: Information Awareness Act used to collect information on everyone
• March 2003: Preemptive attack on Iraq by US and international coalition
• May 2005: Official report states that US soldiers tortured and murdered 2 Afghan civilians. Probable cause to charge 27 officers
• June 2005: US claims that Patriot Act was used to bring charges against more than 400 suspects, half of whom were convicted. 7000 people complained of abuse of the act
• July 2005: London underground bombings
• 2006: Iraq/Israel conflict

Web Resources:

• [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terrorism