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The term ‘survival of the fittest’ is commonly used to describe the ability of an organisim to change, adapt, and excel above other organisms in it’s environment. Although it is a metaphor, and not a scientific description the term is often used in conjecture with Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution. In this case, the United States of America is the organisim trying to change, adapt, and excel, and the war on terrorism, with it’s constantly changing conflicts, concepts, and rules represents the surrounding environment. America has always seemed to be one of the most ‘fit’ to ‘survive’, seemingly able to conquer any problem or adversity that has come by, weather it be recession, depression, or war. But, this new war it is very different from other adversities that America has faced, today is the age of terrorism and we are actively participating in the war on terror. New methods of attack, greater use and understanding of technology, and unclear or undefineable enemies make this new problem seem to be more formidable than any in the past.
In wars past it is has been relatively easy to discern our enemy. In the Civil War, America was at war with itself and in 1941 because of the attack at Pearl Harbor, America was at war with Japan. Now, due to numerous violations of national and international policies and laws, and the attack on September 11, 2001 America is again at war. We are at war against terrorism, acts of political violence, and those who would commit such acts. The September 11 attack was planned by a Muslim based terrorist group called Al-Qaeda who feel extreme hatred toward the U.S. government and it’s people, the leader of this terrorist group is Osama Bin Laden.
The Al-Qaedas’ hatred is fueled by extreme religious beliefs, inflexible teachings, and radical ideologies. In August 1996 bin Laden issued a fatwa, or declaration of war against the United States, and there were many threats and acts of violence against the U.S. and it’s...