by Nathan Hook

Created on: September 03, 2008

Determining an answer to a question like this largely depends on the parameters with which you define victory. Since the war on terror has not been a traditional war between states, such as the circumstances of World War Two, then it seems logical to assess victory in less traditional terms as well.

If the War on Terror was designed to prevent similar attacks on US soil such as the events of 9/11, then you could easily argue that the mission has been a success. The internal and external security measures implemented by the Federal Government have prevented, to date, any large scale domestic terrorist incidents.

Some may point to the increased instability in places like the Middle-East as a result of the Iraq invasion and the issues associated with rooting out terrorism in Afghanistan as a failure in the war on terror. The issues for these nations, which remain an ongoing mission, are ones which many people are divided on. The cost in lives has been exceedingly high, but it can't be overlooked that the brave men and women who have given their lives to protect the US's citizens from further events such as 9/11 have not been in vain if we enjoy a modicum of freedom.

In the broader context the US has now stretched its' area of operation for rooting out terrorism to the four corners of the globe, frequently in conjunction with the assistance of foreign governments. It is this overall campaign which many people feel is dragging the US into a protracted conflict which it is difficult to see us winning. It is harder to deliver up tangible results when the campaign has lasted years already, but to suggest that it is impossible to win is somewhat defeatist. When the British took control of Baghdad in the early part of the 20th century, they had civil war for 14 years. On this basis we have many years perhaps before we begin to see some more overt results. It again comes back to the reality that the conflict is not a traditional one and that the small victories accomplished by US and coalition forces will eventually lead to greater inroads into terrorism's grip on the West.

Already the shape of the Iraq conflict is beginning to change as the Iraqi government develops into a more independent entity able to enforce and support democratic and religious freedom for its' people. Many areas in Iraq are showing signs of increasing stability with reduced incidents of insurgent activity and a greater increase in locals turning over insurgents to authorities. Various news agencies,

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