Had this question on my exam today and I came to the conclusion that the War has been productive in the short term and will be counter-productive in the long term.

In the short term, the US has obtained influence in the most oil rich region on the planet. The US also gained several bases inC entral Asia and thus has influence in traditional Chinese and Russian spheres of influence, which consequently gives us an advantage when their challenge to our hegemony arises.

However in the Long term the US has alientated much of the world and bred a culture of hate against the US. This will prove detrimental in the long term as it will increase the likelihood of future terrorist bombing. Also, the US has alienated traditional allies which will also make problems in the future, as America is forced down the path of multilateralism.

Any opinions on the issue?

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