On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress in response to the September 11 attacks. In this address, he emphasized national unity, resilience, and the need for a strong response to terrorism. Bush referred to the attackers as “enemies of freedom” and declared that the United States would “make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.”
He outlined his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism globally, stating, “We will bring to justice those who seek to harm us.” Bush also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, asserting that the nation would not be intimidated by acts of terror.
He urged the American people to unite and support the nation’s efforts to rebuild and recover. He emphasized the importance of defending democracy and liberty: “This will not be an easy task. But America will persevere.”
In 2005, while I was in Iraq, we were actively hunting and pursuing Al-Qaeda of Iraq, which is now known as ISIS. We were aggressive and kept them on their toes. I had weekly meetings with Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army personnel. I learned that, for the most part, their loyalties are not so much for the country but to either the Sunni side of the religion or the Shia side of the religion.
For example, the Mahdi Army is an armed group led by Muqtada al-Sadr, stemming from a prominent Shia clerical family that suffered persecution under Saddam Hussein. Established in 2003 after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, it aimed to protect Shia communities amid the ensuing chaos and breakdown of order. The group has garnered local support by providing essential services that the Iraqi government fails to deliver, such as street cleaning, school protection, and fuel distribution. Residents of areas like Sadr City, a stronghold for the Mahdi Army, often regard its members positively, noting their role as both community leaders and security providers. The Mahdi Army has also imposed bans on black markets and established security checkpoints to detect car bombs, enhancing safety within the neighborhoods it controls.
This complex dynamic of loyalty and identity among Iraqi forces and militias has continued to influence the region’s dynamics. Various groups, including remnants of the Mahdi Army and newly emerged factions, remain active, often focusing on their communities’ needs and security concerns rather than national unity.
As we see in current events, the sectarian divisions that shaped the conflict in Iraq still resonate today, causing ongoing tensions and violence. The rise of ISIS marked a significant shift in the battle against extremism, yet even after its territorial defeat, the ideology persists, and many affiliated groups have adapted by shifting to guerrilla tactics and insurgent operations. The evolving security environment also reflects the persistent challenges faced by local authorities and international forces in combatting not just radical organizations but also addressing the underlying socio-political issues that foster extremism. Thus, the lessons learned and the realities confronted during my time in Iraq remain crucial in shaping contemporary security dialogues as we work toward stabilizing the region while navigating the complexities of local loyalties and sectarianism.
The fall of Afghanistan in 2021 further exacerbated these complexities, illustrating how quickly the geopolitical landscape can shift and the potential ramifications for global security. Following the U.S. withdrawal, the Taliban regained control, leading to a power vacuum that allowed terrorist organizations such as ISIS-K to reorganize and expand their influence. This chaotic transition highlighted the fragility of stability in post-conflict regions and intensified the risk of a resurgence in violent extremism.
The Afghan situation has also contributed to a broader sense of uncertainty in the Middle East and beyond, as former allies and adversaries reassess their strategies in light of the Taliban’s ascension and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Additionally, the rapid unraveling of Afghan institutions has raised alarm over the potential for increased terrorism and the spread of extremist ideologies, reinforcing the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering resilient governance. As we continue to face threats from groups with shifting loyalties and operational strategies, the lessons learned from both Iraq and Afghanistan remain pertinent, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that considers local dynamics and the long-term consequences of military interventions.
So, back to the question: Are we safer now? I respond that we are not safer now due to certain governmental policies and actions in the last five years. Pre-COVID, I would’ve had a different answer.
Post-Fall of Afghanistan and Iraq Analysis
I predicted after the fall of Iraq and then Afghanistan that there would be a major terrorist attack due to the way we just abandoned our allies. Watching the Taliban and other terrorist groups using our equipment to harm the innocent hurt a lot of us veterans who lost friends there and who still wear our inner battle scars every single day. In Afghanistan, ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, and other groups have now set up camps since the US left the country. The Taliban controls all aspects of the government. A letter was sent to the Inspector General (IG), John F. Sopko, by the Committee on Oversight and Reform and Subcommittee on National Security concerning the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The IG was working on several reports focused on various aspects, including investigating the reasons behind the swift collapse of Afghanistan and its National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), evaluating any potential loss or compromise of U.S. reconstruction aid due to the Taliban’s resurgence, and analyzing the effects of the U.S. military and diplomatic withdrawal on national security and the Afghan populace. Additionally, the reports assess the risk of U.S. taxpayer funds being misappropriated by the Taliban or the Haqqani Network and compile regular updates for Congress on the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, including information on humanitarian aid and economic support. These reports are essential for understanding the fallout from the withdrawal and ensuring accountability for U.S. actions in Afghanistan.
The Inspector General has noted that the Biden Administration’s lack of cooperation obstructs the completion of these reports. This alone should concern every single citizen in the US. Our border security is another aspect that makes me feel we are in far more danger of lone-wolf attacks than ever before.
Border Security
A report that was prepared by the Committee on the Judiciary and Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement U.S. House of Representatives highlights alarming statistics regarding encounters with individuals on the U.S. government’s terrorist watchlist under the Biden-Harris Administration. Border Patrol agents have apprehended at least 375 illegal aliens on the terrorist watchlist, marking a staggering increase of over 3,000 percent compared to the total encounters during the Trump Administration. These encounters involve individuals from 36 different countries, including high-risk nations such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, underscoring the global nature of the threat. In fiscal year 2022 alone, 98 encounters with watch-listed individuals reflected a troubling trend of rising security risks at the southern border.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has expressed significant concerns about the implications of these encounters, noting an “uptick” in known or suspected terrorists crossing the border, which he described as a “massive security threat.” In March 2024, Wray reiterated the FBI’s worries about potential terrorist activities stemming from vulnerabilities at the border. The report criticizes the Biden-Harris Administration for failing to adequately address these threats, arguing that their open-borders policies have allowed terrorist organizations to exploit the situation, potentially leading to the release of individuals with ties to terrorism into American communities. This combination of increased encounters and insufficient policy response raises serious concerns about national security in the current immigration landscape.
While the initial military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan aimed to combat terrorism and protect American soil, recent developments have raised significant concerns about our safety. The rise of lone-wolf attacks, facilitated by radicalization through social media and news of the swift collapse of Afghan security forces, indicate that our threats have evolved rather than diminished. The resurgence of groups like ISIS-K and the troubling data regarding encounters with individuals on the U.S. terrorist watchlist further emphasize that we are facing new challenges.
The increase in illegal crossings at our borders, alongside the lack of decisive governmental response to these risks, has compounded the vulnerabilities we face as a nation. As veterans and citizens, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and demand accountability from our leaders. A proactive approach to national security is essential to safeguard our communities from ongoing threats of terrorism. Our collective experiences, sacrifices, and insights should guide the conversation on how to effectively address and mitigate these dangers moving forward.
References:
Leiter, M. (2021, August 30). Opinion | Losing Afghanistan is bad. But we’re much safer from terrorism now than after 9/11. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/08/30/michael-leiter-afghanistan-safety-terrorism-9-11/
Myer, G. (2021, September 11). Two Decades After 9/11, Are We Safer? NPR. https://www.npr.org/2021/09/11/1035978892/two-decades-after-9-11-are-we-saferLinks to an external site.
Al Jazeera. (2008, April 20). Profile: The Mahdi Army. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2008/4/20/profile-the-mahdi-armyLinks to an external site.
Comer, J., & Grothman, G. (2022, October 25). Letter to John F. Sopko, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Committee on the Judiciary and Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement U.S. House of Representatives. (2024). TERROR AT OUR DOOR: HOW THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION’S OPEN-BORDERS POLICIES UNDERMINE NATIONAL SECURITY AND ENDANGER AMERICANS Interim Staff Report of the Committee on the Judiciary and Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/FILE_6538.pdf
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Ayman Kafel and his family survived civil wars in Africa and Lebanon before immigrating to the United States in 1988. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Ayman enlisted in the Army and deployed to Iraq in 2005, where he conducted over 20,000 miles of combat patrols and military missions. His proficiency in Arabic allowed him to effectively coordinate and collaborate with various Army units.
In October 2007, Ayman began his law enforcement career as a police officer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, initially serving with the MBTA Transit Police Department. In 2011, he transferred to the Attleboro Police Department, where he has held multiple roles, including uniform patrol officer, detective, and DEA task force officer. He has also served as a DEA SRT Operator and assistant team leader, as well as a Metro-SWAT Operator, and he remains an active member of the SWAT team.
Throughout his career, Ayman has led and participated in numerous complex investigations, successfully capturing and prosecuting high-level criminals. In November 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and currently serves as a Patrol Division Sergeant on the day shift.
Ayman is a writer for The Havok Journal, where he has published over 100 articles covering topics such as law enforcement issues, his military experiences in Iraq, and the challenges of PTSD within the law enforcement community. His work has also appeared in The Epoch Times. Recently, he was featured on BBC Arabic to share his insights and experiences in Iraq.
Additionally, Ayman has published a book titled *The Resolute Path* and founded Project Sapient, a podcast, training, and consulting company.
Follow Project Sapient on Instagram, YouTube, and all podcast platforms for engaging content. Feel free to email Ayman at ayman@projectsapient.com.
As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.
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