Does foreign involvement in wars lead to more terrorism?

 

Collateral Damage and Civilian Casualties

• Civilian Suffering: Foreign military operations often result in civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. The suffering of civilians can create deep-seated grievances and a desire for revenge, which terrorist groups can exploit for recruitment.
• Example: Drone strikes and other military operations in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia have often resulted in civilian casualties, fueling anti-American sentiment and bolstering the ranks of groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

Anti-Foreign Sentiment and Perceived Occupation

• Resentment and Resistance: Foreign military interventions are often perceived as invasions or occupations by local populations. This can lead to widespread resentment and a sense of national or cultural humiliation, motivating individuals to join terrorist groups that frame their actions as resistance against foreign aggressors.
• Example: The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 led to a significant rise in anti-American sentiment and the emergence of insurgent groups like Al-Qaeda in Iraq, which later evolved into ISIS.