Why have international terrorist groups targeted the U.S.?
Although this question is far from settled—and any complete answer will likely be complex—there appears to be at least one common theme in many attacks against the U.S. According to a senior terrorism researcher who consults with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, anti-American terrorism is often a reaction to U.S. military, financial, and political support for unpopular regimes.16 Indeed, by one estimate, 85% of all suicide attacks in the past quarter-century have occurred in response to U.S. combat operations.
Although this question is far from settled—and any complete answer will likely be complex—there appears to be at least one common theme in many attacks against the U.S. According to a senior terrorism researcher who consults with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, anti-American terrorism is often a reaction to U.S. military, financial, and political support for unpopular regimes.16 Indeed, by one estimate, 85% of all suicide attacks in the past quarter-century have occurred in response to U.S.
