The Ongoing War on Terror

The concept of the war on terror has not ended, despite the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. The existing authorization to use military force, granted in 2001, continues to empower the president to wage war anywhere, reflecting a normalization of these military operations that can easily resurge. The operational framework for surveillance and security established after 9/11 remains intact, creating concerns about a potential escalation of domestic repression. As institutions like the Department of Homeland Security continue to function, and mass surveillance practices expand, the necessity for a reevaluation of these policies has become crucial.