Washington: Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, questions arise about the effectiveness of the United States' post-9/11 Middle East policy. The US's war on terror has largely dismantled major terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and Daesh through extensive military campaigns in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. These operations involved the deployment of tens of thousands of American troops to various conflict zones.

According to TRTworld.com, the US strategy, which relied on military power to remove regimes in Kabul and Baghdad, was intended to thwart threats similar to those posed by the 9/11 attacks. However, this approach left a trail of destruction across the region, significantly affecting nations from Afghanistan to the energy-rich Middle East.

Afghanistan stands out as a prime example of the complexities involved. Two decades after ousting the Taliban, the US facilitated the group's return following a chaotic withdrawal. In Iraq, Saddam Hussein's removal led to internal conflict and the rise of Daesh, while also empowering pro-Iran groups, thereby increasing Tehran's influence.

Currently, the US finds itself involved in another conflict in the Middle East, this time with Iran. Despite occasional efforts by former President Donald Trump to end the conflicts, there is little indication of a swift resolution. American officials have warned of continued disruptions, such as those affecting the oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a prolonged engagement.

Experts have pointed out numerous gaps and inconsistencies in the US's post-9/11 strategy. While military actions initially aimed to dismantle terror networks, the expansion into state-building and regime change has led to strategic contradictions. The US's military superiority has not translated into political legitimacy or sustainable outcomes, underscoring the limitations of its approach.

Compounding these challenges, the US's military engagements have diverted attention from strategic global rivals such as China and Russia. Critics argue that the prolonged focus on the Middle East has allowed these nations to gain geopolitical ground, as the US's resources and strategic focus were absorbed by ongoing conflicts.

The analysis from TRTworld.com highlights the broader consequences of the US's post-9/11 policies. As debates continue over the future of American foreign policy, the long-term impacts of these strategies remain a subject of intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally.