A Look at the War on Terror

For my first official post, I want to discuss the War on Terror.

This decade-long conflict began after the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country. Can you believe that we were barely in elementary school when that happened?

I remember very distinctly the unity, the renewed sense of pride that was so tangible in the weeks that followed. Up until the recent killing of Osama Bin Laden, that unity certainly was weakened. 

Not everyone agreed with or agrees with America's involvement in the Middle East (specifically Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). People seem to only focus on the negatives, but I would like to highlight the positives that have come out from the War on Terror and related operations:

A brutal dictator (Saddam Hussein) was forced out of power and brought to justice for his atrocious crimes against humanity.

An oppressed people are beginning to gain freedom and practice democracy.

Scores of terrorists have been killed or captured and imprisoned.

Osama Bin Laden, leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and many other planned assaults on American soil, was found and killed.

Intelligence gathered throughout this period has led and continues to direct American forces to important figures in the terrorist circles of the Middle East.

What the War on Terror represents on a global scale is perhaps most important. People living in fear see a nation that was made a victim of senseless violence by extremists, but then rose up and defended itself and others while at the same time bringing those responsible to justice.

Please comment and tell me your thoughts.