Did The September 11 Attacks Start And End U.S. 'Forever Wars'?

The Long Shadow of 9/11

The September 11 attacks were a watershed moment in American history. They led to the launch of the War on Terror, which has been characterized by a series of long-running military interventions in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. These wars have had a profound impact on the United States, both in terms of their financial cost and their human toll.

The Financial Costs of the War on Terror

The War on Terror has been a very expensive undertaking. According to the Watson Institute of Brown University, the United States has spent over $6.4 trillion on post-9/11 wars through fiscal year 2022. This includes the costs of military operations, veterans' benefits, and homeland security. The wars have also had a significant impact on the US economy. A 2018 study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that the wars have cost the US economy $2.3 trillion in lost GDP and 2.4 million jobs.

The Human Toll of the War on Terror

The War on Terror has also taken a heavy human toll. Over 7,000 US service members have been killed in post-9/11 operations. Additionally, over 30,000 US service members have been wounded in action. The wars have also had a significant impact on civilians. According to the Watson Institute, over 800,000 civilians have been killed in the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. Millions more have been displaced from their homes.

The End of the War on Terror?

The War on Terror has been a long and costly endeavor. It has had a significant impact on the United States, both in terms of its financial cost and its human toll. In recent years, there have been increasing calls to end the War on Terror. President Biden has said that he wants to end the war in Afghanistan, and he has begun to withdraw US troops from the country. It remains to be seen whether the War on Terror will end soon, but it is clear that it has had a profound impact on the United States.

Conclusion

The September 11 attacks were a tragedy that led to the launch of the War on Terror. The wars have been a long and costly endeavor, and they have had a significant impact on the United States. It remains to be seen whether the War on Terror will end soon, but it is clear that it has had a profound impact on the United States.