Global War on Terror Leaves Region in Turmoil (Praful Bidwai)

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GWOT Leaves Region in Turmoil
Commentary by Praful Bidwai

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"The greatest political setback for the U.S. is that GWOT is now widely seen as a figleaf for America's imperial project," says Achin Vanaik, political scientist and author of several papers on terrorism. "American neo-conservatives thought they could use GWOT to establish total and lasting U.S. global hegemony, a sort of modern-day Roman Empire which would allow no rival to emerge for decades. Today, they are looking for an exit strategy."

Five years ago, Bush enunciated a new doctrine, arrogating to himself the right to act unilaterally against whatever he defines as "terrorism". He advocated pre-emptive attacks. And he unfurled several banners to rationalise military force: regime change (or forced removal of "oppressive" rulers), humanitarian intervention, promotion of democracy, etc.

He also famously stipulated the "you are either with us or against us" proposition, erasing the distinction between perpetrators of terrorism and the country where they might be based.

Today, the Bush doctrine is in tatters. It's widely identified as the single most important cause of insecurity and instability in the world. The three states that Bush named as forming the "Axis of Evil" (Iran, Iraq and North Korea) have either emerged more powerful or become greater threats.

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