Review of American Policy regarding the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. Predominant sources were Bob Woodward's "Plan of Attack" and "Bush at War."

Following President Bush's response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and his declaration of war against terrorism, many critics feared the president's motives in seeking retribution. The loss of civil rights and the fear of war for many seemed to outweigh the loss and suffering brought about by the attacks.

A crisis the size of the strikes is not an easy matter to dissect. There is, on the one hand, the need for slow and deliberate action on the part of leadership. On the other hand, a quick response to such an offense is often necessary to avoid further tragedy and destruction and serves to demonstrate a leader's ability to, well, lead. How does a leader exact retribution and ensure protection while simultaneously displaying wisdom and deliberation in his actions?

As the 9/11 Commission continues to question the inefficiencies associated with the attacks, the likelihood that the United States would have been fully prepared to fend off such an attack remains questionable.

English: Official photograph portrait of former U....

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld shares a laug...

English: President George W. Bush with Dick Cheney...

That said, a great deal of breadth most be afforded those responsible in surmising an appropriate response to such an unforeseen encounter.

Not wanting to make the same mistakes as the previous administration in only carpet bombing Afghanistan, Woodward points out that more time was required to fully address the situation and determine the appropriate use of force.

While the administration responded slowly to the attacks, it is the motivation behind some of its deliberation that many find troubling. Discord among the many players, confusion in the initial reports, fear and rumor offered repeated challenges to the administration as it set out to respond.

One gains a sense in reading Woodward's account that the "good ole boy" network is alive and well in Washington - even in times of peril. The obvious example of this is...