Immediately after 11 September, the U.S. closed down the Somali charitable network Al-Barakaat on grounds that it was financing terror. This achievement was hailed one of the great successes of the 'war on terror.' In contrast, Washington's withdrawal of its charges as without merit a year later aroused little notice.
This quote highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of counterterrorism efforts. It points out how actions like shutting down Al-Barakaat were celebrated as victories, yet later reversals or dismissals of charges receive little attention, revealing potential issues of transparency and consistency in policy and propaganda. It prompts reflection on how political narratives can overshadow the nuanced reality of law enforcement and international relations, especially within the context of the 'war on terror.' The focus on symbolic victories sometimes obscures the real effectiveness and fairness of such measures.
