The Business Times
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THINKING ALOUD

The cost of the US’ preventive wars after 9/11

It is debatable if America has achieved its aims of security or destabilised the world order more

Summarise
    • Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz are visible near the beach of Bandar Abbas, Iran. The US attack on Iran dragged its Gulf allies into a regional war against their will and has resulted in a closed Strait of Hormuz.
    • Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz are visible near the beach of Bandar Abbas, Iran. The US attack on Iran dragged its Gulf allies into a regional war against their will and has resulted in a closed Strait of Hormuz. PHOTO: REUTERS
    Mohan Kuppusamy

    Mohan Kuppusamy

    Published Tue, Sep 15, 2026 · 07:00 AM

    THE events of Sep 11, 2001, were tragic. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost.

    Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda that claimed responsibility, said the attacks grew out of America’s involvement in West Asia and its support of Israel over Palestinian issues.

    Washington’s response was a skewed US foreign policy, with the adoption of the paradoxical doctrine of preventive war.

    Thinking AloudUS-Middle East relationsUS foreign policyWar and atrocities

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