USA: The Events of September 11, 2001
September 11, 2001, marks a defining moment in modern history, altering the course of global events. On that day, coordinated terrorist attacks shocked the United States and the world, bringing a superpower to its knees while forging a rare sense of national unity. The attacks reshaped global security strategies and foreign policies, with lasting effects on international relations and personal lives. Known simply as "9/11," the tragedy claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives and set the stage for sweeping changes in how nations address security and terrorism.
In this blog post, marking the 23rd anniversary of this tragic event, we will explore the events leading up to September 11, 2001, the harrowing occurrences of that day, and the profound aftermath that transformed both the United States and the world.
The two towers of the World Trade Centre on fire after the attack. (Picture credit: Unknown)
THE BACKGROUND OF THE ATTACKS
Al-Qaeda, responsible for the 9/11 attacks, traces its roots to 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden, who traveled to support the Afghan resistance, co-founded Maktab al-Khidamat (MAK) in 1984 with Abdullah Azzam to aid the mujahideen fighters. While the U.S. CIA provided support to the Afghan resistance, there is no evidence that bin Laden or Al-Qaeda directly received this aid. Following the Soviet withdrawal, bin Laden became more radical, issuing a 1996 fatwa declaring war on the U.S., calling for the removal of American troops from Saudi Arabia, and condemning U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Bin Laden continued to advocate for attacks on the U.S., claiming that Muslims had a duty to retaliate against American actions. The Hamburg cell, a group of Islamist extremists in Germany, led by Mohamed Atta, played a key role in planning the 9/11 attacks. In a 1998 interview, bin Laden justified targeting American civilians, citing U.S. military actions, such as sanctions against Iraq. He warned that unless Americans held their government accountable, they would face further violence, as previously seen in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Before 9/11, Al-Qaeda had already attacked U.S. targets, including the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole.
The September 11 attacks were Al-Qaeda's deadliest operation, meticulously planned over several years at a cost of $400,000 to $500,000. Recruiting suitable jihadists took time, with Al-Qaeda prioritizing those who could fly planes and blend into Western society. The 19 terrorists chosen for the mission were divided into two groups: the pilots, and the "muscle" tasked with overpowering passengers and crew.
THE ATTACKS ON SEPTEMBER 11
On the morning of September 11, 2001, four U.S. flights were hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists. American Airlines Flight 11 departed from Boston at 7:59 a.m. and was seized 15 minutes later. Shortly after, United Airlines Flight 175, with 65 people on board, also left Boston and was hijacked by 8:42 a.m. In Washington, D.C., American Airlines Flight 77 took off at 8:20 a.m. and was overtaken by 8:51 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93, delayed by 42 minutes after leaving Newark, New Jersey, would later experience a significant event involving its passengers. The terrorists were armed with small knives and box cutters.
At 8:46 a.m., Flight 11, a Boeing 767 carrying 92 passengers, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The impact was devastating. Debris and papers scattered through the air, falling on nearby pedestrians. People in the South Tower were told to stay at their desks. Some, stunned by the events, stayed put, while others evacuated as quickly as possible—a decision that would save their lives.
Less than twenty minutes later, at 9:03 a.m., another tragedy unfolded. Flight 175, another Boeing 767, hit the South Tower, crashing between the 77th and 85th floors. The plane carried 65 passengers, including men, women, and children. Smoke billowed into the sky, marking the second attack.
On that day, it is estimated that about 17,400 people were in the towers. Those who survived the initial impact raced down fire stairs, fighting for their lives. Tragically, some leapt from high-rise windows, choosing death over the horrors inside.
At 9:37 a.m., the third plane, Flight 77, struck the west side of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.—the heart of the U.S. military and one of bin Laden’s key targets. All 64 people on the plane and 125 inside the building died instantly. Chaos engulfed the U.S. capital as the White House and Capitol were evacuated. It was a chilling sight: one of the most secure buildings in the world engulfed in flames, with military leaders in hiding and the army in disarray.
Meanwhile, President George W. Bush was visiting a second-grade classroom in Florida when the attacks began. Initially, he did not react, later explaining that he did not want to alarm the children. However, his stunned expression upon hearing the news from his chief of staff revealed his horror.
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| The stunned look on President Bush's face betrayed his calm demeanor |
At 9:59 a.m., the South Tower collapsed, disintegrating in less than 10 seconds. At 10:30 a.m., the North Tower followed. The iconic landmarks of New York’s financial district were gone. Only 16 survivors were pulled from the rubble, and 2753 people lost their lives that day. This included the civilians in the buildings, the first responders and the passengers in the planes.
Flight 93, was taken over by four al-Qaeda terrorists and it was believed they intended to crash it into a target in Washington, D.C. For example, the White House or the U.S. Capitol. Upon learning about the other attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon through phone calls with loved ones, the passengers realized the gravity of the situation and decided to fight back. They attempted to storm the cockpit to retake control of the plane. Their heroic efforts disrupted the hijackers' plans, and at 10:03 a.m., Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all 40 passengers and crew on board. Some conspiracy theories suggest the plane was shot out of the sky by the US Air Force.
A few hours later, after the initial attack, another unexpected disaster occurred. Tower 7, also know as 7 World Trade Centre, collapsed. This was unexpected as the 47-storey building was not hit directly by the planes. However, it sustained significant damage from debris when the nearby North Tower collapsed and was heavily impacted by fires that burned for several hours. These fires, fueled by office furnishings, were worsened by the building's sprinkler system, which had been compromised by damage from the collapse of the Twin Towers. The collapse occurred in a sudden and symmetrical manner, sparking various conspiracy theories over the years. However, investigations led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) concluded that the collapse was due to the fires causing a critical structural failure.
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| The destroyed west side of the Pentagon building. |
THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ATTACK
In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government quickly called upon search and rescue teams to address the crisis. All matters of authorities were involved to find out who was responsible as fast as possible. President George W. Bush addressed the nation that evening, promising to seek justice against those responsible and their supporters, marking the beginning of the "War on Terror." Rescue and recovery efforts involved a wide range of personnel, including firefighters, police, military, CIA, and Secret Service agents, with many police officers and volunteers traveling to New York to assist.
In response to the September 11 attacks, the U.S. established the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to support victims and their families, aiming to avoid lawsuits against the airlines. Initially set to expire in 2020, the fund was extended in 2019 to remain active through 2090. The attacks also prompted international support for the U.S. and led to significant shifts in global security priorities, including the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002 and the enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act, which sparked debates over civil liberties.
Economically, the attacks had a profound impact: the Dow Jones dropped sharply, and U.S. stock markets lost $1.4 trillion in value. New York's economy was particularly affected, with numerous business closures and a decline in air travel exacerbating the financial strain. The War on Terror, involving extensive military operations and increased security funding, cost approximately $5 trillion. Additionally, workers exposed to toxic dust near Ground Zero faced long-term health issues, and legal disputes over compensation and government actions continued for years.
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| Ground Zero memorial site |
The September 11 attacks had profound and far-reaching effects on global politics, security strategies, and international relations. In October 2001, about a month and a half after the attacks, the U.S. launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime that was harboring Osama bin Laden. This intervention marked the first time NATO invoked Article 5 of its treaty, calling for collective defense in response to an attack on a member state.
Another major consequence was the U.S. expansion of the "War on Terror" to include Iraq. In 2003, the U.S. invaded Iraq based on claims of weapons of mass destruction and alleged ties between Saddam Hussein’s regime and al-Qaeda. While these claims were later discredited, the invasion led to prolonged conflict, regional instability, and strained relations with some of the U.S.'s allies.
Globally, the focus on counterterrorism intensified, leading to increased intelligence sharing and international cooperation. Governments implemented stricter laws, enhanced airport security, and expanded surveillance to prevent further attacks, though these measures often raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Air travel, in particular, underwent significant changes.
Socially, the attacks exacerbated Islamophobia in the U.S. and other Western countries, leading to increased discrimination and violence against Muslims and those perceived as Muslim. This rise in anti-Muslim sentiment also fueled debates over immigration policies, especially regarding refugees from Muslim-majority countries, and highlighted the challenge of balancing security with humanitarian concerns.
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| The war in Afghanistan was devastating for many |
September 11, 2001, marked a pivotal moment in history, exposing the vulnerability of even the mightiest nations to terrorism. The tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives highlighted the urgent need for a unified global response. In the aftermath, the War on Terror significantly transformed international security, foreign policy, and civil liberties.
Each anniversary of 9/11 serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. As global conflicts continue and the threat of terrorism remains ever-present, the importance of sustained and collaborative efforts to address these persistent challenges cannot be overstated.
References
- TSA America: 9/11: As Events Unfold History: September 11 Attacks
- The NY Intelligencer: The Encyclopedia of 9/11
- 60 Minutes Australia: 9/11: The moment the world changed 20 years on | Under Investigation
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