The New American Way of War: Special Operations Forces in the War on Terrorism.

SPECIAL forces (Military science); COUNTERTERRORISM; SPECIAL operations (Military science); WAR on Terrorism, 2001-2009; UNITED States armed forces; MILITARY missions; FOREIGN relations of the United States in the 21st century

This article focuses on the counterterrorism role and activities of U.S. special operations forces (SOF) during the War on Terrorism. It discusses the use of SOF as one of the preeminent instruments of counterterrorism efforts of the U.S. armed forces. The political and strategic advantages of SOF are explored, including their functional competency to perform key counterterrorism missions in hostile territories. The article calls for a renewed debate about the role of SOF in the foreign policy of the U.S.