War on Terror

Guide Note

The War on Terror, also known as the Global War on Terror, is an initiative led by the United States in response to the 9/11 attacks. The stated objectives are to counter terrorist threats, prevent terrorist acts, and diminish the influence terrorist organizations, particularly Al Qaeda have in the world. The Afghanistan War, Iraq War and the Patriot Act are all considered components of the ongoing campaign.

Fast Facts

1. Campaign initiated by the United States
2. A response to the 9/11 attacks
3. Officially announced October 7, 2001
4. Notable components include the Afghanistan War, Iraq War and the Patriot Act
5. Other theaters include the Fatah-Hamas Conflict, Turmoil in Somalia, the 2006 Israel Lebanon Conflict and the Waziristan Conflict

The War on Terror has sparked considerable controversy both from within the United States and from abroad. Most critics argue that the campaign has been used to justify various human rights abuses, preemptive war, and violations of international law. Critics have also argued that the entire initiative is counterproductive and has, in fact, solidified opposition to the United States. The most senior criminal prosecutor of the United Kingdom, Ken McDonald, has argued against the War on Terror from a legal standpoint, stating that terrorism is not, from this perspective, an act of war. Instead, he claims, terrorist acts must be tried domestically as criminal offenses.