The War on Terrorism: Is the Bush Administration Making the Grade? (This was written before the Attack on Iraq in Dec 2002)

On the evening of September 11, 2001, after the World Trade Center's twin towers had collapsed, taking the lives of over 3,000 Americans and leaving the economy to face a loss of approximately $100 billion dollars, President Bush vowed to find the perpetrators and declared America's 'War on Terrorism'. With a heavy heart and a patriotic conscious, citizens across America pledge to support the war in everyway possible. "God Bless America" and "United We Stand" became America's battle cries, and citizens sat on edge as the following weeks' events unfolded. Never in history has a war ever gained so much support; however, never in history has America claimed war on such a powerful large enemy. Over a year has passed since the Bush Administration declared this war, how has it faired?

After Bush's response to the attacks and his bold declaration of war against terrorism, many of his critics feared that the United States would use its overwhelming military capabilities to strike terrorist targets all over the globe (Havely).

English: Osama bin Laden interviewed for Daily Pak...

September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City: View ...

English: United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into t...

Such a brutal response would restrict civil rights of civilians, and deal with only the products of terrorism, over looking the underlying causes. However, the Bush Administration did not respond impulsively, but rather with deliberation. Instead of striking the immediate target, Afghanistan, without warning, Bush gave the Taliban a second chance to turn over Osama bin Laden. On October 7, only after Bush's firm ultimatum was ignored, did the United States and Great Britain attack, using B-52 bombers to drop devastating "iron" bombs on terrorists' training camps (Congressional Quarterly). The Taliban military bases were also targeted, but with laser-guided bombs designed to prevent widespread destruction and civilian causalities (Congressional Quarterly). While the B-52 bombers were producing destruction, large quantities of food and medical supplies where flown to Afghan refugees near...