Former US President George W. Bush has warned against isolationism in US foreign policy, saying that turning away from global developments could risk ignoring the lessons learned from the September 11 attacks.
Speaking on the 25th anniversary of the attacks, Bush said the United States sometimes enters periods in which isolationist thinking becomes more prominent in its foreign policy. He cautioned that such an approach could lead the country to overlook important developments and emerging threats around the world.
Recalling the response to the September 11 attacks, Bush said his administration had demanded that the Taliban hand over al-Qaeda leaders. He emphasized that the Taliban did not take Washington’s warnings seriously at the time.
The September 11 attacks took place during Bush’s presidency and led to a major shift in US foreign and security policy. The attacks also triggered the US-led military campaign in Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to meet Washington’s demands regarding al-Qaeda leadership.
Bush warned that believing an attack similar to September 11 “will never happen again” would be a dangerous mindset in a world facing numerous threats. He stressed the importance of ensuring that younger generations understand history and remain aware of the dangers that can emerge when threats are underestimated.
The former president urged continued vigilance and said the lessons of September 11 should remain relevant for future generations. His remarks come as the United States and other countries continue to debate the balance between international engagement, national security and isolationist policies.