The September 11 attacks had a profound impact on U.S. policy, leading to immediate and long-term changes in national security and foreign policy. In the aftermath, the U.S. government implemented the USA PATRIOT Act, enhancing surveillance and intelligence capabilities to combat terrorism. The attacks also prompted the invasions of Afghanistan in 2001 with the goal of dismantling al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime and, later, the Iraq War in 2003. Homeland Security was established to coordinate the nation's response to terrorism. Additionally, the attacks fueled a global fight against extremism, shaping U.S. diplomatic relations and military strategies for years to come.