从 9 / 11 开始的 20 年 ： 战争不可能 ， 和平不可能

CIDOB notes internacionals 254 highlights the implications of the "War on Terror" conducted by the United States since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The report focuses on the impact of the U.S.'s military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, particularly the recent withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

The key points can be summarized as follows:

1. Symbolic Decisions: President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan and cease combat operations in Iraq marks the end of the "war on terror", initiated by George W. Bush. This signifies the completion of primary objectives such as locating Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, and neutralizing the threat posed by Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

2. Lack of Clear Victory: Despite achieving some objectives, the report suggests that the war on terror has not resulted in clear victory or peace. The rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the return of the Taliban to power, following two decades of conflict with US troops, raises questions about the rationale and relevance of the war.

3. Spread of Terrorism: Instead of eradicating the jihadist terrorist threat, the interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq have facilitated the expansion and consolidation of terrorism worldwide. The report argues that the "war on terror" has exacerbated issues related to human rights, individual freedoms, and collective freedoms.

4. Bush Legacy: The report criticizes the use of fabricated evidence to support actions during the war and the post-truth politics that became a hallmark of the Bush administration's approach. It also discusses the consequences of the intervention, including the significant spending of $2.2 trillion, the loss of over 2,300 soldiers' lives, and the damage to the Afghan government's position.

5. Legacy of Western Leadership: With the end of the longest war in US history, the report suggests that the era of major military operations to reshape other countries has concluded. The chaotic withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban's takeover, and the humanitarian crisis at the airport underscore the failure of the mission.

In conclusion, the report emphasizes that the "war on terror" has not led to the expected outcomes, instead contributing to the spread of terrorism, weakening human rights, and affecting the credibility of Western leadership in foreign policy.