20 Years Of 9/11
11th September, 2021, marks 20 years of those infamous attacks which resulted in more than two thousand casualties. It also marks 20 years since US declared the ‘War on Terror’ which has ended after the US pulled out all of its troops from Afghanistan. Let us have a look at what happened on 9/11 and the current situation.
Crux of the Matter
Current Scenario
After 20 years, US pulled out troops from Afghanistan, bringing an end to the ‘War on Terror’. On 14th April, 2021, US President Biden announced withdrawal of troops by 31st August.
After 4th May, Taliban’s presence increased and it started capturing Afghan provinces. On 15th August, 2021, Taliban took control of capital city Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. By September 2021, Taliban claims to have captured Panjshir Valley, the last resistance fort, and a new interim Government was announced.
What Happened On 9/11?
On 11th September 2021, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked 4 planes in the US for suicide attacks. 2 planes were crashed into the World Trade Center in NY City, 1 plane into the Pentagon, and 1 plane was crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacks were planned by Osama bin Laden.
Background
In 1979, Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to back the Communist Government there. Mujahideen, in turn, waged a war against
Afghan Communists. US, reportedly through ‘Operation Cyclone’, provided funds and arms to Mujahideen which was also backed by Osama bin Laden.
Later, bin Laden developed anti-US stance and in 1988, the Al-Qaeda was formed. Prior to 9/11, bin Laden had facilitated several attacks on US personnel and had also issued ‘fatwa‘ against the US while accusing it of infiltrating into Islamic world. On 2nd May, 2011, Osama bin Laden was killed by the US troops in Pakistan.
Aftermath Of 9/11
In Oct 2001, the US invaded Afghanistan to eradicate Al-Qaeda and Taliban in ‘War on Terror'.
Over time it's going to be important for nations to know they will be held accountable for inactivity. You're either with us or against us in the fight against terror.
George Bush, US President at time of 9/11
Patriot Act was passed, which allowed security agencies to tap phones or search one’s home without notifying. Guantánamo Bay Naval Station (located in Cuba) was modified to hold prisoners suspected of terrorism against the US. It diminished legal rights for
prisoners as the prison is outside the US where the US Constitution is not applicable.
World Reaction
UK and several EU nations joined US in its ‘War on Terror’. Most of the Islamic nations like Syria, Libya, Egypt, etc condemned the attacks.
The American cowboys are reaping the fruit of their crimes against humanity.
Iran on the attacks
Cost Of Afghan War For America
Duration: 20 years.
Monetory Cost: $2.3 trillion.
Casualties: ~2,400 service members.
Curiopedia
The word Al-Qaeda means ‘The Foundation’. The militant organisation was founded in 1988.
Curated Coverage