American Military History, Volume 2

The speedy American victory in Afghanistan bolstered operations against terrorism worldwide. President Bush's administration clearly recognized that military operations would be only part, and perhaps a lesser part, of their ultimate success. Effective counterterrorism would require extensive diplomatic, financial, legal, public relations, and perhaps humanitarian efforts as well.

Initiatives within each of these venues were already well under way when the fighting in Afghanistan began, but the overthrow of the Taliban generated intelligence and an atmo- sphere that reinforced the American hand in each of them. The over- throw also suggested or encouraged further military action.