" The war being fought in Afghanistan and Iraq is bringing about a fundamental change to the environment that has given rise and power to the extremists who export terrorism. "
- Craig L. Thomas

The quote suggests that the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq are fundamentally altering the circumstances that have allowed extremist groups to flourish and spread terrorism beyond their borders. Essentially, it argues that these wars are reshaping the environment that supports terrorist activities.

At a deeper level, this statement implies that military interventions may inadvertently create conditions more favorable for extremism rather than suppressing it. By disrupting local political stability and economic structures, such conflicts can provide fertile ground for radical ideologies to take root and gain followers. The quote also highlights the complex interplay between geopolitical strategies and their unintended consequences, suggesting that simplistic solutions like military action are insufficient to address the nuanced challenges of terrorism.

Craig L. Thomas is a U.S. Air Force veteran and currently serves as an American politician representing the state of Montana in the United States Senate since 2019. His background in both military service and political leadership informs his perspective on national security issues, including the impact of foreign policy decisions on global stability.