Despite promising to end United States involvement in costly and destructive foreign wars, President Donald Trump, together with Israel, has launched a massive military assault on Iran, targeting its leadership and nuclear and missile infrastructure.
Much like his predecessors, Trump has relied on military force to pursue US strategic interests, continuing a pattern that has defined US foreign policy for more than two decades.
Since the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and the US capital, the US has engaged in three full-scale wars and bombed at least 10 countries in operations ranging from drone strikes to invasions, often multiple times within a single year.
The graphic below shows all the countries the US has bombed since 2001.
These may not include all military strikes, particularly covert or special operations.
The US has bombed at least 10 countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, Nigeria and Iran since 2001. [Al Jazeera]
The cost of decades of war
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, President George W Bush launched what he called a “war on terror”, a global military campaign that reshaped US foreign policy and triggered wars, invasions and air strikes across numerous countries.
According to an analysis by Brown University’s Watson Institute of International & Public Affairs, US-led wars since 2001 have directly caused the deaths of about 940,000 people across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and other conflict zones.
This does not include indirect deaths, namely those caused by loss of access to food, healthcare or war-related diseases.
(Al Jazeera)
The US has spent an estimated $5.8 trillion funding its more than two decades of conflict.
This includes $2.1 trillion spent by the Department of Defense (DOD), $1.1 trillion by Homeland Security, $884bn to increase the DOD base budget, $465bn on veterans’ medical care and an additional $1 trillion in interest payments on loans taken out to fund the wars.
In addition to the $5.8 trillion already spent, the US is expected to have to lay out at least another $2.2 trillion for veterans’ care over the next 30 years.
This would bring the total estimated cost of US wars since 2001 to $8 trillion.
Afghanistan war (2001-2021)
The first and most direct response to 9/11 was the invasion of Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.
On October 7, 2001, the US launched Operation Enduring Freedom.
The initial invasion succeeded in toppling the Taliban regime within just a few weeks. However, armed resistance groups mounted a prolonged resistance against US and coalition forces.
The war went on to become the longest conflict in US history, spanning four presidencies and lasting 20 years until the final withdrawal in 2021, after which the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan.
An estimated 241,000 people died as a direct result of the war, according to an analysis from Brown University’s Costs of War project. Hundreds of thousands more people, mostly civilians, died due to hunger, disease and injuries caused by the war.
At least 3,586 soldiers from the US and its NATO allies were killed in the war, which is estimated to have cost $2.26 trillion for the US, according to the Cost of War project.
Iraq war (2003-2011)
On March 20, 2003, Bush launched a second war, this time in Iraq, claiming that President Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction – a claim that proved to be false.
On May 1, 2003, Bush declared “mission accomplished” and the end of major combat operations in Iraq.
Bush on board the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, where he declared combat operations in Iraq over on May 1, 2003 [Larry Downing/Reuters]
However, the subsequent years were defined by violence from armed groups and a power vacuum that fuelled the rise of ISIL (ISIS).
In 2008, Bush agreed to withdraw US combat troops, a process completed in 2011 under President Barack Obama.
The drone wars: Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen
Although not declared wars, the US has also expanded its air and drone campaigns.
Beginning in the mid-2000s, the CIA launched drone strikes inside Pakistan’s tribal areas along the Afghan border, targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban figures believed to be operating there. These strikes marked the early expansion of remote warfare.
Obama dramatically expanded the drone strikes in Pakistan, particularly in the early years of his presidency.
At the same time, the US conducted air strikes in Somalia against suspected al-Qaeda affiliates, later targeting fighters linked to al-Shabab as that armed group grew in strength.
In Yemen, US forces carried out missile and drone strikes against al-Qaeda leaders.
Libya intervention
In 2011 during an uprising against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the US joined a NATO-led intervention in Libya. American forces launched air and missile strikes to enforce a no-fly zone.
Gaddafi was overthrown and killed, and Libya descended into prolonged instability and factional fighting.
Iraq and Syria
From 2014 onwards, the US intervened in the Syrian war with the stated goal of defeating ISIL. Building on its campaign in Iraq, the US conducted sustained air strikes in Syria while supporting local partner forces on the ground.
In Iraq, US forces advised Iraqi troops, fought ISIL remnants and tried to counter Iranian influence, highlighted by a Trump-ordered 2020 strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
The Foreign Office has taken measures amid the war in the Middle East and several holiday hotspots, such as Thailand, Egypt and United Arab Emirates, are impacted
23:40, 02 Mar 2026Updated 23:43, 02 Mar 2026
A passenger sits on her suitcase in an empty section of the check-in area at Heathrow Airport this weekend(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Brits have been warned not to travel to dozens of countries due to the war in the Middle East.
Keir Starmer has insisted the UK Government will help keep Brits abroad safe. However, his FCDO team has listed 76 countries Brits should avoid for the time being due to the conflict. Of 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 76 are currently flagged as having no-go zones.
Larges areas of airspace remained closed across the Middle East. Various airlines, including British Airways, have said they are “closely monitoring the situation” and have cancelled “a number of our flights to the Middle East”. Our sister title, Birmingham Live, has carefully broken down the full list, which features countries all across the world.
DREAMING of swapping British grey skies for year-round sunshine?
Good news: moving abroad to a place by the beach may be easier than you’d think, plus you can even save hundreds of pounds on rent every month and cut the cost of food, beer, and tax.
Polly made the move to Barbados after the pandemic wiped out her travel business back in the UKCredit: Supplied
From European coastal cities to Caribbean islands, these expat hotspots provide year-round sun, and your money can stretch much further.
Here’s our pick of sunshine spots with affordable rent, cheap drinks and laid-back lifestyles – plus how to actually go about moving there in 2026.
Portugal
With 300 days of sun a year, world-class cuisine and a laid-back vibe – why would you not want to move to Portugal?
It turns out many Brits have been asking themselves this question. In fact, the country is becoming an increasingly popular choice for British expats.
And it’s no surprise this European hotspot is becoming so popular to relocate to, with plenty of postcard-perfect towns to explore and an extensive, stunning coastline.
From the cobbled streets and grand cathedral of Faro Old Town, to kayaking through Benagil Cave, there’s plenty to explore here that feels worlds away from the UK grind.
The Algarve has long been a popular choice for Brits to settle down in, with its golden coves, affordable bars and a sizeable expat community.
And with around 3000 hours of sun a year, and beaches like Praia da Marinha on your doorstep, the southernmost tip of Portugal is pretty hard to beat.
Plus, one of the best parts about this region is its affordability.
A bottle of local beer will only cost you €0.95 (83p), and a meal at a restaurant averages just €13.68 (£11.97) according to data from Wise.
Those looking for a younger crowd and a trendy feel can opt for the country’s capital, Lisbon.
Hop on the vintage yellow tram and spend your days stopping off at magnificent castles, strolling the city’s lively, narrow streets and finding treasures at flea markets.
In the evenings, the capital glows orange with dramatic sunsets. These views are best enjoyed outdoors at a tapas bar, with a glass of local wine and some affordable petiscos (small plates) to snack on.
Expat Lauren Clark relocated from busy London to laid-back Lisbon, and reflected on just how much cheaper her day-to-day has been.
And rent in this region is inexpensive, too. We found charming, traditional apartments from just €400 (£350) per month on the “Rightmove of Portugal” site, Idealista.
Expat Lauren relocated from busy London to laid-back LisbonCredit: SuppliedPraia da Marinha in the Algarve could become your local beachCredit: GettyLisbon’s pretty pastel streets are best explored by its eléctricos, or tramsCredit: Alamy
“I have been amazed how my money has been able to go further compared to back home.
“At many bars, restaurants and quiosques, you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.
“A ride on a regional train service – such as from the 40 minutes from Lisbon to Caiscais – will set you back only a couple of euros.
“Meanwhile, the monthly ‘Navegante’ travel pass gives you unlimited use of publictransport– including the famous trams – in the capital area for less than £30 per month”.
Barbados
Ever wished you could ditch the work desk to sip from coconuts on the white sandy beach of a tropical island?
It’s safe to say that the views working from Barbados beat those of back home.
Plus, relocating to Barbados may be easier than you think – especially if you already work remotely.
With the Welcome Stamp visa, you can spend a year on the island as a non-national working remotely for businesses based elsewhere in the world.
Mullins Beach in Western Barbados is known for green sea and leatherback turtle-spottingCredit: Getty
You must receive an income of at least £36,000 per year to receive this renewable visa, plus individuals must make an initial payment of £1,500.
But once you’ve bagged your Welcome Stamp, you can enjoy your lunch breaks on the beach and spend weekends exploring the island.
Some of the very best beaches include the lively Mullins Beach, as well as Paynes Bay, popular among sun-seekers and green sea turtles alike.
Top-quality rum cocktails can be found at beach bars dotted around the island, whilst local Bajan food can be enjoyed at affordable spots like Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown.
And with a beer averaging BDS $5 (£1.83) and the average meal costing you BDS $40 (£14.67), you can laze on the sands without stressing about spending too much money.
“Once you know where to go, you can get a fish cutter sandwich for around 18 Barbadian dollars” (£7) says expat Polly Gould.
Post-work drinks could look like rum cocktails on the beach in BarbadosCredit: AlamyPolly Gould says she feels ‘extremely blessed’ every day to live on the island of BarbadosCredit: Supplied
“In the evening, you can pop to Oistins (Barbados’ smallest town known for its Friday night Fish Fry) for fish, salad and sides for $35 BDS (£12.87).”
“The island is small and easy to get around, and people are really friendly and welcoming,” agrees fellow expat Nicola.
“The weather is a constant 30°C or thereabouts all year round, the white sand beaches and crystal clear aquamarine seas are stunning, and it’s still possible to get off the beaten track, which we love.”
We found apartments overlooking the sea of Silver Sands beach from £684 a month on rental site Terra Caribbean.
Cyprus
Cyprus sees hot summers with highs of 30°C and mild winters reaching 14°C, making it a year-round winner for sun seekers.
Top beaches include the turquoise crescent of Coral Bay frequented by families, as well as Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, which is popular among party-goers.
Pair this with beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of historical sites to explore, and you won’t be short of things to do in this slice of Mediterranean paradise.
“In the summer it’s a hive of activity – boat trips along the coastline, buggy and jeep safaris in the Akamas, amazing fresh food in the family-owned restaurants” says expat Anna Warburton.
“In the winter it’s a select group of locals and expats – it’s like living in a real life soap, like Emmerdale but much warmer and with less murder.”
Areas such as Paphos are popular for brilliant beaches and great value for money when it comes to property, whilst Limassol has lots of job opportunities and a luxury-feel marina.
The Blue Lagoon of the Akamas Peninsula is reachable by boat from Latchi Harbor in PaphosCredit: GettyBrit expat Anna Warburton swapped life in the UK for the holiday hotspot – where she enjoys year-round sunshine with her cat RichardCredit: Supplied
Plus, apart from the change in surroundings and warmer temperatures, a move here won’t feel like too much of a change.
Cyprus uses the same plug socket style as the UK, and cars drive on the left hand side of the road.
In fact the country has lots of familiar favourites from the UK, including M&S supermarkets and even a Wagamamas restaurant. So you won’t be missing your home comforts!
In fact, Brits enjoy Cyprus so much that they make up the second-largest population of non-national residents after Greek expats.
According to Wise, the average restaurant meal costs just €15.00 (£13.12) whilst a bottle of local beer will set you back just €3.00 (£2.60).
Plus you can find apartments to rent from as little as €390 (£341) per month on popular Cyprus marketplace site Bazaraki.
Australia
You may have seen old friends and colleagues cropping up all over Australia on your Instagram feed recently, and there’s a reason everyone seems to be flocking out there.
The ‘Aussie effect’ is certainly real – and may leave you more relaxed, upbeat and with more sun-kissed skin than ever before.
It’s no surprise that days spent surfing, sunbathing and exercising can leave you looking and feeling more youthful.
And with influencers and celebs like Love Island star Patsy Field ditching the UK for a life down under, it seems a lot of Brits have followed suit.
Sunny Perth has the highest population of English residents in Australia, with almost one in ten Perth residents being born in England.
Nearly one in ten Perth residents were born in EnglandCredit: GettyA post-work surf session isn’t a rare occurence in sunny SydneyCredit: Getty
Perth blends sugar-white beaches such as Cottesloe with street art and sculptures, giving the city a relaxed and artsy feel. Plus, trips to Rottnest Island to spot quokkas are an adorable perk of being based here.
Sydney is another popular choice. Here you can enjoy an equally exciting and healthy lifestyle in a major city where the beach is your backyard.
5am run clubs rule the mornings, whilst post-work routines can look like a dip in the Bondi Icebergs before debriefing the day with your mates on the beach. Is there any better way to fast-track that sun-kissed glow?
The trendy bars of Melbourne, the South Bank of Brisbane, the burnt orange sunsets of the Gold Coast – the options are endless in this vast and varied country.
Expat Lewy (lewyp23 on TikTok) and his partner moved to Adelaide in South Australia, and has since raved about his relocation.
Lewy described leaving the UK to escape “miserableweatherand negative people”, and now enjoys sunny weather, a cheaper cost of living and a salary increase since relocating.
“It’s highly likely that we will never live in the UK again because it cannot offer us the life we’ve got now”, he said in one TikTok video.
There are multiple visa options when it comes to relocating to Australia, including a Work-stream permanent visa if you manage to land sponsored employment.
And with the Skills in Demand visa having launched in December of 2025, it has now become even easier for skilled workers to make the move.
If your profession makes the list of skilled occupation shortages, you may be able to land this four-year visa. Occupation shortages include midwives, electricians and headteachers.
We’ve found studio apartments to rent in Perth from as little as £460 per month on Australian rental site realestate.com.au.
Spain
Spain remains a solid choice for Brits relocating abroad for a spot of sun and an inexpensive lifestyle.
As the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world, there’s no shortage of stunning shores to pick from if you want to live by the beach.
Benidorm‘s Playa de Levante has an unbeatable upbeat atmosphere, whilst the scenic Playa de la Caleta in Cádiz sits between two castles.
La Caleta in Cadiz is sandwiched between two impressive castlesCredit: GettyRelax in Spain at tapas bars, where great beers and wines can cost less than €3 (£2.60)Credit: Getty
But Spain’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches. The country offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent food, and a strong expat community – all whilst being just a short flight from the UK.
Whether you’re after a relaxed retirement or a vibrant city scene, there’s a corner of Spain to suit every type of expat.
The Costa del Sol remains one of the most popular areas, with destinations like Marbella, Estepona and Nerja offering sunshine for more than 300 days a year.
Think palm-lined promenades, bustling tapas bars and a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new friends and fellow expats.
Costa Blanca is another solid choice thanks to its affordable lifestyle and charming seaside towns.
Places like Alicante and Torrevieja blend a beachy lifestyle with modern amenities, with many drawn to the relaxed pace and easy access to shops and transport links.
For those looking for city life, Barcelona and Madrid offer a completely different side of Spain.
Barcelona is buzzing with bold architecture, busy markets and a thriving cafe culture, whilst Madrid boasts elegant boulevards and classy late-night dining.
Food and drink across Spain is often far more affordable than in the UK.
Bright and colourful houses line up along the beach in the old town of Vila Joiosa, AlicanteCredit: GettyRelocating somewhere sunny doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult with these picksCredit: Getty
A glass of local wine at the neighbourhood bar is part of the daily rhythm rather than a special occasion, and costs between €2 – €5 (£1.75 – £4.40) on average.
And with a local beer averaging at €3 (£2.60) and a cappuccino costing just €1.90 (£1.66), there’s no need to worry about spending too much whilst you’re out socialising.
“On average, most retirees can live comfortably on around €30,490 (£26,500) per year, covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and leisure” says Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International.
“Those opting for coastal or rural areas typically find their money goes further than in major cities.
“Almería, Granada, Murcia, Lugo, and Torrevieja are some of the cheapest places to retire in Spain”.
Idealista is a popular site for properties to rent in Spain, and we’ve found apartments listed for as little as £447 per month in Costa Brava.
