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The U.S. War on Terror campaign has done nothing to reduce world terrorism, but it has expended more than four trillion dollars in its global efforts, creating the "oligarchs of 9/11," war profiteers who are now wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. According to a new book by journalist James Risen, the U.S. War on Terror is responsible for “one of the largest transfers of wealth from public to private hands in American history.”

A response to Chelsea Manning's strategy to leave `self contained' enclaves for IS to rule - it is a crude, self righteous, inhuman lack of consideration for the populations involved, on the ground, and for what they want for themselves. (Response to original piece in The Guardian and re-posted on Portside.)

Chelsea Manning, the intelligence analyst arrested for passing cache of documents to WikiLeaks, breaks her silence, warns the US-led mission to destroy the extremist group is destined to fail - it will merely feed a "cycle of outrage, recruitment, organizing and even more fighting that goes back decades". Veteran Mideast and world reporter Seumas Milne declares, 'bombing and more intervention can't destroy Isis. The US is at the heart of the crisis in the Middle East.'

Syria, Iraq, ISIS and the increased role of the U.S. (once again) has prompted wide-spread opposition, discussion and disagreements by those on the left. Yesterday's Congressional vote on war appropriations, with many who have opposed the Afghanistan and Iraq war, now voting for a new war, shows this lack of clarity and unity. Two long-time activists for peace and social justice, Seymour Joseph and James E. Vann sent Portisde opposing perspectives.

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This video tells the story of the “Detroit Sleeper Cell,” the first terrorism trial after 9/11. Here, a reporter who covers terrorism for The New York Times recalls the charged atmosphere at the time and the consequences for the Justice Department.

A wider view of the War on Terror may be necessary, but it is by no means more comforting.

"We ask that the FBI be directed to publicly produce documentation to support these claims, and that until and unless this is done, its officials be directed to withdraw these assertions. The FBI’s accompanying actions should also be immediately withdrawn for the following additional reasons."