War on Terror or War on Terrorism?

The intentions and actions taken immediately following the September 11, 2001 attacks were consistent with the goal of fighting terrorism, however since then the action taken has been misguided and misdirected. According to President Bush, the United States is now fighting a “War on Terror.” A distinction between “War on Terror” and “War on Terrorism” must be understood. This war on terror does not directly, and frankly, cannot serve as a solution to the conflict that led to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001. A “War on Terror” could be considered a fight against all acts of terror not necessarily from any terrorist or organized group, but what could essentially be one-person simply bringing harm to another group of people. In this sense it is not the United States’ responsibility to police the rest of the world and ensure the safety of every human being. However, a war against terrorism does offer an answer to the terrorist attacks that America regrettably experienced almost seven years ago. A war on terrorism would seek to eliminate terrorist organizations that have a global reach and whose existence and ideals pose an immediate threat not only to the United States, but also to other civilizations and people who encompass a Western way of thought. Whether it is a "War on Terror" or a "War on Terrorism," the United States must now make a decision about whether an American military presence in the Middle East is beneficial.