Patterns of global terrorism 2001

History will record 2001 as a watershed year in the international fight against ter rorism. On September 11, the United States suffered its bloodiest day on Ameri can soil since the Civil War, and the world experienced the most devastating international terrorist attack in recorded history. Out of the horror, we have fought back, rallying the most diverse international coalition ever assembled. The events of 9/11 galvanized civilized nations as no other event has; ironically, by their own hand, terrorists set in motion their own ultimate demise.

Early results from this unprecedented international cooperation and common resolve have been encouraging. Afghanistan has been liberated and is working to establish a government representative of its people and one that is not a threat to its neighbors. The Taliban has been overthrown, and the terrorist infrastructure it supported has been all but destroyed. Al-Qaida-linked organizations and people around the world are being pressed by aggressive intelligence and law enforcement operations that have resulted in more than 1,000 arrests/detentions since September 11.