- How has the war made an impact on the lives of soldiers?
From an interview with Tony, an afghanistan war veteran, he reveals that war teaches soldiers to have a better appreciation of freedom and rights offered in the United States. Most soldiers who joined the Vietnam War were young and not exposed to much of the violence going on in other countries unlike the older generations at the time. By participating in this war, these soldiers are exposed to rough training, poor conditions, and exposure to violence corruption in other countries. Many soldiers develop PTSD, depression, and other mental illnesses due to extreme stress. However, most of these soldiers develop close comradery with others, and form strong friendships that last lifetimes.
- What factors led to the war on terror? What led to U.S. involvement in the war?
Many factors led to the attacks of 9/11, which was the start of the war on terror. Western involvement in the middle east was the first to spark tension between the two sides, such as profiting off of their oil fields and dividing up Arab lands. The United States would support Iraq’s enemies in these conflicts, and as a result, Bin Laden’s hatred for America grew. He started to encourage suicide bombers to attack Americans, and eventually started planning 9/11. The events of 9/11 were what led to U.S. involvement on the War of Terror. In the speech after the disaster delivered by George W. Bush, he vows to bring the terrorists to justice and continues building up the U.S. military.
- How has this war affected U.S. society as a whole?
The War on Terror has affected the lives of almost every American. Aside from more security measures, such as more restrictions at airports and on airplanes, there has been a bigger increase of racism and stereotyping against other Americans. Peaceful muslims have been exposed to racial profiling, and Americans in general feel more fearful of other people. This can be seen in court cases that have convicted innocent people of crimes. Cases such as these include rulings against people such as Abdullah al-Kidd and Walter Murray, who had their rights taken away even though they were innocent.