featured-image

The global “War on Terror” launched after the September 11 attacks on the United States reshaped international geopolitics, but the results were far from what Washington had initially envisioned. Comparing America’s two-decade-long engagement in Afghanistan with Israel’s decisive and brutal response to the Hamas and Hezbollah attacks of October 7, 2023, reveals striking contrasts in strategy, focus, and outcome. These differences raise critical questions about the effectiveness of long-term military engagement versus rapid, target-driven military responses.

The 9/11 attacks prompted the U.S. to embark on a massive, global “War on Terror” with Afghanistan as its primary battleground.



At first, the goal seemed clear: dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. However, as time progressed, the mission became convoluted, evolving into a nation-building exercise with no clear exit strategy. Trillions of dollars were spent, and tens of thousands of lives were lost, including both U.

S. personnel and Afghan civilians. The U.

S. presence in Afghanistan lingered for two decades, with the constant strain of managing local tribal dynamics, corruption, and resistance from the Taliban. While the U.

S. could claim some initial successes, like killing Osama bin Laden in 2011, the broader mission faltered. Despite overwhelming military superiority, the Taliban’s resilience proved that America’s strategy lacked the focused clarity necessary to truly end the conflict.

Th.

Back to Luxury Page