Ten Years Since 9/11… No Relief Yet

We still remember the disbelief of that day 10 years ago. Planes plunged into the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11, 2001 as the world watched in horror on television. The world fell into a silent fear as the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaida’s surreal imagination transformed passenger airplanes into terror weapons, and 2,977 people from 90 different countries lost their lives on site.

A decade has passed since this unforgettable historical catastrophe. Now, we have to ask two questions. Has the world become safer? Has it become a better place to live? If we were to honor the death of the victims, the answer must be “yes.” However, we face the sad reality that we are unable to say “yes” with confidence on this 10th anniversary of 9/11.

After an attack on its homeland, the U.S. responded quickly and powerfully. President George W. Bush declared a war on terror and the world spiraled into a war. The U.S. invaded Afghanistan, al-Qaida’s stronghold, and brought down the Taliban regime. Citing weapons of mass destruction, the U.S. also invaded Iraq and destroyed Saddam Hussein’s regime. The massive military action against al-Qaida created a new form of war — war against a non-state actor. Al-Qaida’s leader, Osama bin Laden, was killed in May, and currently, the might of al-Qaida is rapidly deteriorating.

However, the U.S. response exposed many problems by dividing the world with an us vs. them mentality, which instigated heavy backlash from Islamic countries and Europe. Investigations of terror suspects also instigated debates on the violation of civil and human rights. Excessive allocation of economic resources and military capacity distorted the distribution resources. About 7,500 men from various countries died in Iraq and Afghanistan, $1.28 trillion was spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and more than $3 trillion was spent in the war on terror. Furthermore, the financial crisis in the U.S. accelerated the country’s economic downfall. Due to the $15 trillion national debt, America’s credit rating was downgraded. On the other hand, China’s influence rapidly increased. There is a good chance that history may mark 9/11 as the beginning of America’s decline. America’s wrath, following the 9/11 attacks, may have been reasonable; however, a more settled and moderate response may have extended the U.S.’s global dominance.

Although al-Qaida’s terror threat has dwindled, it is too early for comfort. As we saw what happened in Norway, terror threats from extremists still exist. The world is watching America’s decline with unease. The Libyan situation confirmed that U.S. influence is being pushed out to the fringe, and world security is increasingly threatened. Life is becoming more difficult for all due to the global economic downturn. With President Barack Obama in attendance, tomorrow’s 10th anniversary ceremony at ground zero in New York City should mark a new commitment for a safer and more livable world.