War on Terror Books

About War on Terror

The War on Terror is a global military and political campaign launched by the United States following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Initiated by President George W. Bush, the campaign aimed to eliminate terrorist organizations—most notably al-Qaeda—and the regimes that supported them. The War on Terror began with the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001 to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. It later expanded to include the 2003 Iraq War, driven by concerns over weapons of mass destruction and alleged links between Saddam Hussein and terrorism. The campaign also involved global surveillance programs, drone strikes, targeted assassinations, and anti-terror legislation. U.S. and allied forces engaged in military operations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, including Yemen, Somalia, and Pakistan. The War on Terror fundamentally changed global geopolitics and security practices, introducing new norms around counterterrorism, homeland security, and international law. While it led to the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011 and weakened many terrorist networks, it also sparked controversy over civilian casualties, indefinite detentions, and surveillance. The campaign’s broad and evolving scope has made its definition and conclusion difficult to pinpoint. Critics argue it destabilized entire regions, contributed to the rise of groups like ISIS, and had a high human and financial cost. The War on Terror remains one of the most defining and debated legacies of the 21st century.