The Global War On Terrorism: A Religious War?
Abstract
The U.S. has been actively engaged in prosecuting the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) since September 2001. However, after five years of national effort that has included the loss of over 3,000 service members in combat operations, many question whether the US strategy is working and whether the US understands how to combat an enemy motivated by a radical revolutionary religious ideology. This Strategy Research Project (SRP) reviews the pertinent cultural history and background of Islam and then posits three root causes of this conflict: the lack of wealth-sharing in Islamic countries, resentment of Western exploitation of Islamic countries, and a US credibility gap within the Islamic community. Following this discussion of root causes, this analysis compares the Ends, Ways and Means of the US Strategy for Combating Terrorism with that of terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda. This SRP concludes that the United States is not achieving its long term strategic objectives in the GWOT. It then recommends that US strategy focus on the root causes of Islamic hostility. Accordingly, the United States should combat radical Islam from within the Islamic community by consistently supporting the efforts of moderate Islamic nations to build democratic institutions that are acceptable in Islamic terms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468448
Entities
People
- Laurence A. Dobrot
Organizations
- United States Army War College