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........

© Pakistan Observer