A Safer World | Foreign Policy

The widespread outrage felt by all Americans after 9/11 was focused on an external foe: al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, as well as an internal foe: the flaws in our security and intelligence networks that allowed the attacks to take place. America acted quickly against the external foe by declaring a "War on Terror" and invading Afghanistan to rout al-Qaeda and the Taliban regieme that provided it safe haven. In 2003, America opened up a new front in the war by joining with Britain and other nations to invade Iraq and remove Saddam Hussein from power.

By mid-Summer 2006, the Coalition military effort against terrorism has scored significant victories, but has been forced to adjust to the realities of battling a potent insurgency in Iraq and a revitalization of the Taliban in Afghanistan. To provide security in Iraq, Coalition and Iraqi security forces must face down both the insurgency and the deeply troubling sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia partisans. One certainty is that American, Coalition, and NATO forces will be a presence in Iraq and Afganistan for years to come. America as a whole must adjust to the realities and challenges of the "War on Terror," or as some Pentagon planners have more accurately called it: the "Long War."

But winning the "Long War" requires more than a military effort, and the September 11th Commission made a number of important recommendations for adjustments in America's foreign policy. Vital to this effort is removing two of the links in the chain that facilitated the attacks, al-Qaeda's sanctuary in Afghanistan, and the unimpeded flow of money to the terrorists. Also, the Commissioners made recommendation on future U.S. policy towards a new Afghanistan free from the Taliban, its neighbor Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia--home nation of 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers. The Commissioners also focused on detention standards for suspected terrorists, recommending that the U.S. follow the Geneva Conventions. The Administration policy on detentions and trials for suspected terrorists has moved closer over time to the Commisssion's recommendation, mostly because of pressure from the Supreme Coury and Congress. As of August 2006 was still in flux.

Top News:

6.10.07 Winning in Afghanistan: part one (United Press International) Read Article

4.8.07 Musharraf Says Bhutto Not Returning (Associated Press) Read Article

4.8.07 On U.S. Hunt, Taliban Always Watching (Associated Press) Read Article

4.7.07 Karzai Says He Has Met With Some Taliban Members in an Effort at Reconciliation (New York Times) Read Article

4.6.07 As Musharraf’s Woes Grow, Enter an Old Rival, Again (New York Times) Read Article

3.8.07 Afghan Warlord Splits With Taliban (Associated Press) Read Article

3.7.07 Islamic charity indicted for money laundering (Reuters) Read Article

3.6.07 9 From One Family Die in U.S. Strike Near Kabul (New YOrk Times) Read Article

2.28.07 Afghan Bombing Sends a Danger Signal to U.S. (New York Times) Read Article

2.28.07 U.S. Sees New Al-Qaeda Threat (Washington Post) Read Article

2.28.07 Qaeda Rebuilding in Pakistan, Spy Chief Says (New York Times) Read Article

2.28.07 War-weary Afghans fear new offensive (Reuters) Read Article

1.26.07 Bush to Seek More Aid for Afghanistan as Taliban Regroups (New York Times) Read Article

1.26.07 Afghan Who Had Statues Destroyed Killed (Associated Press) Read Article

11.14.06 Pakistan Link Seen in Afghan Suicide Attacks (New York Times) Read Article

11.13.06 Toll of Civilians NATO Killed Was Worst Since It Took Over (New York Times) Read Article

11.10.06 American Strike in January Missed Al Qaeda’s No. 2 by a Few Hours (New York Times) Read Article

11.9.06 Afghans Losing Faith in Nation’s Path, Poll Shows (New York Times) Read Article

10.31.06 Pakistan Says It Killed 80 Militants in Attack on Islamic School (New York Times) Read Article

9.19.06 Bush to Meet with Both Musharraf, Karzai (Associated Press) Read Article

9.3.06 Opium Harvest at Record Level in Afghanistan (New York Times) Read Article

8.28.06 Hezbollah Chief Indicates Regret for Kidnappings (Los Angeles Times) Read Article

8.24.06 Al-Qaeda Still Top Terror Threat, U.S. Official Says (NTI.org) Read Article

8.24.06 Airplane Terrorism Case Prompts Questions About the Work of Islamic Charities in Britain (The New York Times) Read Article

8.23.06 Nation Faltering, Afghans’ Leader Draws Criticism (The New York Times) Read Article

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