September 11, 2001 was one of the most devastating days in United States history that continues to haunt the nation. On that fatal day, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by an Islamic extremist group named al-Qaeda and crashed into the Pentagon and World Trade Center. Many people woke up that tragic morning with no idea that the events that were about to take place would change their lives forever.
Al-Qaeda is an Islamic extremist group that before their attack on the World Trade Center was not well known by Americans, but has since become a household name. The group is responsible for what is one of the most heinous attacks on United States soil to date. Al-Qaeda was formed during the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan by Osama bin Laden, who passed away in 2011, and Ayman al-Zawahiri, who continues to lead the group, in an effort to aid fellow Muslims against foreign powers. While the terrorist organization was in their early stages they integrated with various Islamist groups such as Egyptian extremist organization Islamic Jihad in order to grow and conquer more than they could alone. The main goal of al-Qaeda in their early years was to train their recruits on serving in hazardous and harsh conditions while fighting in foreign nations as well as paramilitary skills that would crucial for them in their future terrorist attacks. Some of their first terrorist attacks include the demolition of the United States embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Tanzania in 1998 as well as a suicide bomb attack on U.S.S. Cole, an American vessel, in 2000. Since forming Al-Qaeda it was evident that Osama bin Laden had an obsession with the United States, and since 9/11 Bin Laden had planned various anniversary attacks on the U.S. that were thankfully never executed. Al-Qaeda is a terrorist organization whose followers will do anything and everything to destroy Democratic nations that they believe are a threat to Muslim nations.
The attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City took place on September 11, 2001. This brutal attack was executed by nineteen members of al-Qaeda who hijacked four commercial planes departing from Boston, New Jersey, and D.C. Passengers aboard these flights had no clue about the evil acts they were about to witness until al-Qaeda members killed the planes’ pilots mid-flight and took over from there leading everyone on board, including themselves, to their death. The first of four planes known as American Airlines Flight 11 hit the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M. while the second plane known as United Airlines Flight 175 hit into the south tower seventeen minutes later. Contrary to popular belief, the two towers were not the only buildings to collapse that fateful day, several smaller buildings in the World Trade Center complex also came crashing down. A total of 2,819 people died as a result of this act of terrorism and thousands suffered not only physical injury, but also psychological trauma. Although this attack occurred seventeen years ago, the effects are still felt to this day as many people were injured, lost loved ones, experience post-traumatic stress disorder, and much more.
The World Trade Center has had a significant impact on American politics since they were attacked by al-Qaeda in September of 2001. Prior to the twin towers crashing down, airport security was not as strict, the United States was not officially at war with other nations, and al-Qaeda was definitely not the well known name it is today. Since this attack, the United States government was forced to immediately change the emphasis they placed safety, surveillance, and privacy so the nation would not be the target of another horrific act of terrorism. Directly after the 9/11 attack, President George W. Bush announced a War on Terror which lead to the United States invading various nations. The first nation that was invaded was Afghanistan, the United States sought to break up al-Qaeda in order to prevent another monstrous attack. The United States would go on to invade Iraq in March of 2003 after hearing of President Saddam Hussein producing weapons of mass destruction. Although the U.S. has pulled troops from Iraq, we still have troops in Afghanistan and President Donald Trumps only plans to increase the military presence in area. Another impact the attacks of 9/11 have had on the U.S. are in regards to immigration and deportation. In 2002, the Department of Homeland Security was created by the Bush Administration in order to protect the U.S. from possible threats such as another terrorist attack. The Department of Homeland Security deals with aviation security, border control, emergency response and cybersecurity in an attempt to keep the nation safe. Although 9/11 has had major impacts on the U.S., the biggest impact of all seems to have been on airport security. Before 9/11 many could get through TSA without having to show identification, taking off their shoes, or go through full body scanners. This is not the case anymore, if you want to travel now you must show ID and the name on your ID must match your ticket, you are required to take off your shoes, all your baggage must be screened, only travelers with tickets are allowed at gate areas, etc. Although having to go through such long security lines just to reach your gate can add hours to your travel time, it is in an effort to keep everyone safe and prevent another tragedy from hitting home. The devastating events that took place on 9/11 will forever impact on American politics and the nation is always evolving in an effort to keep Americans safe from another tragedy.
Since 9/11, the World Trade Center complex has undergone many changes. The twin towers that were apart of the World Trade Center complex were completed in 1973 and were known as the world’s tallest buildings standing at 1,368 feet tall up until 1974 when the Sears Tower was completed. The twin towers were a symbol of wealth and prosperity and quickly became iconic landmarks of New York City. Since the World Trade Center complex had become so popular, the 107th floor of the north tower was made into a restaurant for visitors to get breathtaking views of the city while enjoying a lovely meal. After the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, then-Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani promised to make it his mission to restore the beauty of the New York skyline. Today, the World Trade Center is a 104-story tower that stands at 1,776 feet tall. On May 29, 2015, the One World Observatory was opened to the public so visitors could see the city from a whole new perspective just like they did when the 107th floor of the north tower was a restaurant. Although the World Trade Center has undergone serious changes since the 9/11 attacks, the complex still remains an iconic landmark of New York City.