America’s New War Against Terrorism

Brookings scholars provided insights and background on some of the larger implications of what President Bush refers to as the U.S. war against terrorism.

Among the topics examined:

How, when, and where might the United States use a military force in response to the terrorist attacks? Should the response be directed at terrorist hideouts alone, or also at the countries suspected of harboring them? Are Afghanistan, Iraq or other states possible targets on the list?

What support can the United States expect from other countries for its immediate retaliation, and for the longer struggle to defeat terrorism? From its European allies? Arab countries? China?

What will be the impact of the U.S. response to terrorism on other elements of U.S. foreign policy, ranging from the Middle East and Persian Gulf states to South Asia and to other defense priorities? What current policies will have to be re-thought in order to pursue a war against terrorism?

What effects will a war against terrorism have on the U.S. economy—short-term and long-term—and on the day-to-day life of Americans?

What are the implications for U.S. intelligence and military special forces as a result of this week’s terrorism attack?