The United States has faced the challenge of terrorism. In the race to end the Cold War, the US overlooked the future challenges hat they would face in the 21st century stemming from actions taken to defeat the Soviet Union. The United States must also balance its global influence and power with its economic and political stability at home.

The only way for the United States to defeat terrorism is to correct the mistakes made during the 20th century. Should the United States choose this path, it could usher in a fresh start for an American-Arab relationship that is currently dictated so heavily in the past.