The Ripple Effect: 9/11’s Profound Impact on the Middle East

BY: KRISTIAN ALEXANDER & GINA BOU SERHAL

9/11 reshaped the Middle East and American policy, leaving a lasting impact on geopolitics and security.

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9/11: Deadliest foreign attack on US soil, 2,977 lives lost. Bush's strong response, but flawed, lessons in policy needed.

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Post-9/11, the US initiated a global "War on Terror" with Afghanistan and Iraq as primary theaters, facing challenges.

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US invasion in Iraq, driven by WMD claims, unleashed instability and sectarian strife with lasting repercussions.

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9/11 led to Middle East extremist rise in Afghanistan and Iraq, posing global security risks.

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Iran capitalized on Iraq's Shiite majority, strained US relations, and played a role in regional conflicts and nuclear pursuits.

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US sought international support for counterterrorism but faced trust issues due to perceived unilateralism in Iraq.

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US formed coalitions but dominated military actions, leading to the perception of coalitions in name only.

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