9/11 - 25 years on
9/11 - 25 years on
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9/11 - 25 years on
Yes
No
A little
Have you seen or heard this news yet?
What do you already know about...
9 / 11 ?
How do you feel about this news?
At the end
of this lesson
Explain what happened on 11 September 2001 in the United States.
Elaborate on the global impacts and security implications of the attacks?
Describe how the different involved parties experienced the events and their consequences.
What happened?
Where?
In the United States (New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania), but the impact was felt worldwide.
Why?
The leaders of al-Qaeda wanted to fight against the Western world. They aimed to target the US
because of their political
and military influence in the
Middle East.
What?
Terrorists from the Al-Qaeda group hijacked four passenger planes.
Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers, one hit the Pentagon, and one crashed into a field. Nearly 3,000 people died.
Background
Start of the 'War on Terror': The American President Bush immediately declared war on international terrorism, which led to prolonged conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, in which the Netherlands also participated.
Changed Security: To prevent attacks, airport security checks became stricter and intelligence agencies were granted more powers.
Increased Polarisation: The events led to tensions between different communities, with the fear of terrorism unfortunately often resulting in increased distrust towards Muslims and minorities.
Commemoration after a Quarter Century: After 25 years, the world reflects on the victims and the lasting impact on international politics, citizens' rights, and our approach to security.
Why specifically in 2001?
In the late 1990s, Al-Qaida developed plans to use aeroplanes as weapons. In 1999, the plan for the so-called 'planes operation' was further elaborated.
From 2000, the main pilots came to the United States to undergo flight training. By the summer of 2001, the key preparations were largely complete, and the targets, teams, and flights were further finalised.
The exact date of the attack was not chosen until August 2001. One reason for this was that the American political scene reconvened after the summer recess. The attack was eventually planned for 11 September 2001.
Why do
you think this news is important?
Travellers and Citizens Worldwide
Everyone notices it to this day. Freedoms and privacy have been partially sacrificed for security. You notice it not only when travelling but also at concerts, sports events, etc.
What does this mean for...
Muslims and Islamic Communities in the West
Many Muslims faced prejudice, discrimination, and Islamophobia after 9/11, as the actions of a small extremist group were associated with an entire religion.
The Current Generation
For young people, a world with stricter security, surveillance, and constant alertness to terrorism is the 'normal' reality.
What could be a consequence?
Core Concepts
Terrorism
The perpetration of severe violence to instil fear among the population and thereby enforce political or religious objectives.
War on Terror
The global military and political campaign led by the US to combat terrorist groups and their supporters.
Polarisation
The intensification of differences between various groups within society, leading to people more readily opposing each other.
Surveillance
The continuous monitoring of individuals, data, or
communication by the government for security protection.
What question do you still have about this news?
News Focus lessons - short lessons on current events