The Challenge of Terrorism and War on Terror: Chinese Response
Economic Costs: War always produces a huge burden on the economy. According to a CRS report, prepared in March 2011, the total US cost of war operations have crossed $1.28 trillion mark. This however does not reflect the total economic burden; earlier in 2008, Joseph Stiglitz and Linda Blimes had estimated that the two wars would cost more than $ 3 trillion. Eisen Hower study group suggests that if the estimates of liabilities payable to war veterans and injured and physically disabled soldiers are added, the cost reaches up to $ 4.4 trillion. However, this gives the estimate of war costs only for America while the cost of NATO and other allies, and the amount of resources that would be needed to rebuild the infrastructure, destroyed in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, are not included in it. There is no doubt that the economic crisis, America is facing today, owes a lot to its military pursuits in the name of WoT.
Social Costs: There are social costs as well which in most cases may not be easily described in statistical terms. In the wake of operations by American forces, along with increased security measures, laws curtailing the civil liberties, steps hindering the free movement of the people, and gross human rights violations have been frequently witnessed. A very pessimistic estimate suggests that at least 100,000 people have faced inhuman treatment in the US detention centers in Iraq. Apart from Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghuraib, there are several centers in Afghanistan, being run by CIA. The number of detainees who have spent some time in Bagram is around 3000, most of whom have faced worst kinds of torture; hundreds of people have been killed in these centers and there is no hope, at least for the time being, that there will be any judicial process and they will ever be able to get relief for the injustices they have faced. Drug production, which had come to almost zero before the American-led attack in Afghanistan, has invigorated and the Mafias involved in this trade have renewed their influence.
Political Costs: Looking from US perspective, most important aspect of the evaluation of war should be its global standing. Though there are several dimensions of it, it dominantly appears that the war has caused a constant decline in the global standing of US. A number of doubts and perceptions have now been engendered about to the role and response of the US in global affairs.
Perceptions about its leadership: Although US always had a controversial image, the post-cold war period had provided a perfect setting for it by bringing it into the position to lead the world, with a human face. No doubt, US did provide leadership, but contrary to its claims, it did not genuinely aim winning the hearts and minds; it rather opted to demonstrate its military power — which should be the last resort in International Relations — and technological capabilities to kill the people. Consider the aggressive rhetoric in which Muslims have been exposed by US administration or its public proponents: If
you’re not with us, you’re against us … Bring it on … Axis of evil …Islamofascism … A Crusade … U.S. soldiers are God’s warriors …The only thing (Arabs) understand is force … Shock and awe.
Such arrogant rhetoric in combination with the unilateral use of military force and refusal to respect international norms on torture and rendition has naturally resulted in the “perfect storm”, bringing down America’s international goodwill and reputation . And it is quite obvious that the one who is perceived as arrogant cannot enjoy sustainable support for its leadership.
