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Politics · Defense & national security · published 2026-09-11 · via Foreign Policy

A Quarter Century On, 9/11's Legacy Still Drives U.S. Missteps in the Middle East

Image via Foreign Policy
Image via Foreign Policy

Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the author argues that the event's consequences remain a moving target, with U.S. policy still entangled in the region. The piece contrasts the 2003 Iraq invasion with the current conflict in Iran, noting that both stem from failed regime-change ambitions. It highlights a U.S. Army study concluding that the Iraq war ultimately strengthened Iran, suggesting that Washington's strategic blunders continue to deepen the Middle East quagmire.

Expanded Detail

The author notes that the post-9/11 military campaigns constitute the longest continuous conflict in U.S. history. An internal Army study concluded that the 2003 Iraq invasion primarily strengthened Iran's regional influence and expansionist ambitions.

The 2026 strikes against Iran have reportedly drained American military capabilities and added substantial debt, while potentially reviving al Qaeda. Strategic observers also contend that the focus on counterinsurgency allowed China to build a peer-level military force, prompting a delayed U.S. response.

Context

This retrospective could influence public debate over ongoing defense commitments, potentially prompting voters and policymakers to question the long-term value of regime-change operations. Families of service members and taxpayers may feel the strain of continued resource depletion. The analysis might also reshape national security discourse, encouraging a re-evaluation of how the U.S. balances counterterrorism against rising great-power competition.

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
Read the full article at Foreign Policy →
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Why 9/11 Baffles Us 25 Years Later.” Browse more stories.