The September 11 attacks were not just a terrorist act but also a turning point in global history. They transformed how we view security, individual freedoms, and international relations. More than two decades after the event, its impacts are still evident in ongoing wars, changes in security policies, and the tensions between civilizations.

On September 11, 2001, the world was shaken by a series of terrorist attacks on the United States, leaving deep scars in world history and changing how we perceive national security and international relations. Known as "9/11," this event not only marked a turning point in the global war on terrorism but also profoundly influenced politics, the economy, and society worldwide. This essay will delve into the 9/11 attacks, the causes leading to them, the events of that day, and their global impact.

1. Historical Context and Causes Leading to 9/11

The 9/11 attacks did not happen randomly; they were the result of decades-long tensions between the West and the Islamic world. One of the primary causes of this event was the strained relations between the U.S. and Middle Eastern countries. Since the 1980s, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the U.S. had been actively involved in the region, supporting Islamist militant groups against the Soviets. However, after the Soviet withdrawal, the U.S. maintained a military presence, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

U.S. intervention in Middle Eastern wars and its support for Israel in the conflict with Palestine created animosity and hostility from many extremist Islamic groups, including Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden, who was once supported by the U.S. during the Afghan war, later became America's number one enemy, citing his opposition to U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia and its foreign policies in the Middle East.

2. The Events of September 11

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from the Al-Qaeda organization hijacked four commercial planes in a large-scale plot to attack the U.S. They divided into four groups, targeting symbols of America's economic, military, and political power.

• The Attack on the World Trade Center (WTC): Two of the hijacked planes were flown directly into the twin towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City. American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower at 8:46 a.m., and United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. These crashes caused massive explosions, and both towers collapsed within two hours of the attacks.

• The Attack on the Pentagon: American Airlines Flight 77, after being hijacked, crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, at 9:37 a.m. This attack not only caused severe material damage but also underscored the terrorists' aim to strike at the heart of America's military power.

• United Airlines Flight 93: The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was likely headed for the White House or the Capitol (the U.S. Congress). However, passengers aboard fought back against the hijackers, causing the plane to crash into a field in Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m. Although everyone on board was killed, their brave actions may have prevented an even greater tragedy.

3. Immediate Consequences of 9/11

The 9/11 attacks caused severe losses in terms of both human life and property. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, including passengers on the flights, employees in the attacked buildings, and rescue workers. Thousands more were injured, and many faced long-term health problems from inhaling toxic dust after the towers collapsed.

Economically, the destruction of the World Trade Center led to billions of dollars in losses. The U.S. stock market was suspended for several days, and when it reopened, the Dow Jones index plummeted. Many large companies, particularly in the insurance and aviation sectors, faced serious crises.

The psychological impact of 9/11 was equally profound. For the first time in modern history, America experienced its vulnerability to external attacks. This event created a deep-seated fear of terrorism and forced the world to reconsider concepts of security and safety.

4. The Global War on Terrorism

In the aftermath of 9/11, U.S. President George W. Bush declared a global war on terrorism, targeting not only Al-Qaeda but also any nation, organization, or individual that harbored or supported terrorists. The primary goal of this war was to hunt down and eliminate terrorists, particularly Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.

4.1 The War in Afghanistan

The global war on terrorism began with the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, aimed at toppling the Taliban regime, which had provided a safe haven for Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. This war stretched on for more than two decades, resulting in the deaths of thousands of soldiers and civilians, along with prolonged instability in Afghanistan. Although the Taliban was overthrown, terrorist groups and Taliban insurgency continued for years.

4.2 The War in Iraq

The war on terrorism extended beyond Afghanistan. In 2003, the U.S. invaded Iraq, claiming that Saddam Hussein's regime was connected to terrorism and possessed weapons of mass destruction. The Iraq War was highly controversial and widely criticized, especially when no evidence of weapons of mass destruction was found. The U.S. intervention in Iraq led to the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime but also created a power vacuum, plunging the country into chaos and providing fertile ground for terrorist groups like ISIS.

5. Long-Term Impact of 9/11

The September 11 attacks had lasting effects not just on the U.S. but globally. One of the most significant impacts was the shift in how nations dealt with terrorism and national security.

5.1 National Security and Civil Liberties

In the wake of 9/11, the U.S. and many other countries ramped up security measures, particularly in aviation and border control. Airport security became stricter, with tighter regulations on baggage and passenger screening. National intelligence and security agencies were granted greater powers to monitor and track citizens' activities.

However, these enhanced security measures raised concerns about civil liberties and privacy rights. Many feared that these measures could be abused, leading to violations of citizens' freedoms. Mass surveillance programs, such as the U.S. National Security Agency’s (NSA) PRISM program, sparked major debates over privacy and free speech.

5.2 International Relations and Global Divisions

The 9/11 attacks and the global war on terrorism brought significant changes to international relations. Many countries had to adjust their foreign policies to address the threat of terrorism while balancing security and human rights.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq also caused deep divisions within the international community, as many nations criticized the U.S. for its approach to combating terrorism. These events further fueled tensions between the West and the Islamic world, increasing discrimination and hatred in various regions worldwide.