War on Terrorism

The phrase War on Terrorism (also known as “the War on Terror” or “the Global War on Terror/Terrorism”) refers to the broad military, political, and legal initiatives launched by the United States and its allies following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Although the phrase had been used as early as the 19th century, it came into widespread usage by the Bush administration following the 9/11 attacks to refer to a global campaign against terrorist organizations, individuals, and state sponsors of terrorism that included, but far exceeded, the al Qaeda network. In his 2002 State of the Union address, for example, President Bush defined the War on Terror very broadly as a campaign not just against al Qaeda but also against the “axis of ...