Former National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster Reflects on 9/11 and Two Decades of War

In a recent interview, H.R. McMaster recounted being on the phone with the Pentagon when the planes struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and how that instant realization led him to conclude the United States was about to enter war. He reflects on his subsequent roles, from leading troops on the battlefield in Iraq to serving in the White House Situation Room as national security adviser.

McMaster assesses the two-decade-long series of conflicts, noting that early tactical gains eventually gave way to strategic failures that undermined U.S. objectives. He also examines how those wars have altered American military doctrine and global standing. The discussion includes his perspective on the lessons learned and the lingering impact on current security strategy. Throughout, McMaster emphasizes the need to reconsider how military power is employed in future engagements.