The global war on terror: four years on

Area of Science:

• International Relations
• Security Studies
• Political Science

Background:

• The study surveys the global war on terror's progress in the four years following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
• It specifically examines efforts to curtail al-Qaida's activities and the geopolitical situations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• The research also addresses the perceived threat to the United States from the "axis of evil."

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and trajectory of the global war on terror.
• To analyze the strategic importance of Middle East oil in U.S. foreign policy decisions.
• To forecast the likely duration of U.S. military involvement in Iraq and the broader conflict.

Main Methods:

• The study employs a qualitative analysis of the global war on terror's progress.
• It reviews geopolitical developments, counter-terrorism strategies, and U.S. foreign policy objectives.
• The research synthesizes information on the al-Qaida network, the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and energy security concerns.

Main Results:

• The U.S. faces persistent threats from groups like al-Qaida, necessitating continued counter-terrorism efforts.
• U.S. dependency on Middle East oil is a significant factor influencing its long-term military presence in the region, especially Iraq.
• The "axis of evil" concept highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and perceived threats to U.S. security.

Conclusions:

• The global war on terror is unlikely to conclude in the near future.
• U.S. withdrawal from Iraq is improbable due to strategic energy interests.
• The conflict is anticipated to continue for several more years, requiring sustained international engagement and counter-terrorism strategies.