US Military Operations Span Quarter Century of Global Conflict and Instability

US Military Campaigns Span 25 Years, Leaving Lasting Impact on Global Events

The United States has been engaged in its “war on terror” for nearly three decades, with significant consequences worldwide. As the year 2025 comes to a close, it is essential to reflect on the past quarter century and the role of US military actions in shaping global events.

In response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001, President George W. Bush launched the “global war on terror,” which aimed to combat terrorism globally. The campaign led to widespread destruction and loss of life, with millions of people affected. On September 11, 2001, a junior at Columbia University witnessed the events unfolding, watching apocalyptic replays of the attacks on a large projector screen.

The US military campaign in Afghanistan marked a significant turning point, paving the way for the Iraq War in 2003. The conflict had devastating effects, including an estimated half-million Iraqi children who died due to US sanctions by 1996. President Bush acknowledged the connection between Iraq and the war on terror, but his administration was also characterized by other key figures, such as Vice President Dick Cheney.

The “war on terror” continued under subsequent administrations, with notable examples including those of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. During Obama’s presidency, the US dropped 26,172 bombs on seven countries, including Yemen, where drone strikes had become notorious for killing civilians. Trump relaxed rules governing military operations, allowing strikes to be authorized without White House approval.

The ongoing impact of these military campaigns is evident in global events, with lasting consequences for international relations and regional stability. As the world moves forward into a new decade, it is essential to examine the historical context and ongoing effects of US military actions.

Source: Al Jazeera