Significance of the 9/11 to Strategic Studies and Development -By Lukuman Tajuddeen

The September 11 terrorist attack was a coordinated terrorist attack that occurred on September 11, 2001. The attack targeted the United States and resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, destruction of property, and significant psychological damage.

The causes of the September 11 attack were complex and multi-faceted. One of the main reasons was the rise of Islamic extremism and the spread of radical ideologies that preached the use of violence to achieve political goals. Another factor was the increasing resentment among some segments of the population towards the United States, primarily due to its foreign policies. Specifically, the US was seen as the world’s premier superpower, and its unilateral policies towards certain countries were viewed by some as dominating.

The 19 suspects who carried out the September 11 attack were members of Al-Qaeda, an Islamic extremist group led by Osama bin Laden. The group originated in Afghanistan in 1988 and is known for several atrocious acts of terrorism. Al-Qaeda operates primarily in the Middle East and Africa and has cells in different parts of the world. The 19 hijackers involved in the September 11 attacks were mostly from Middle Eastern and African nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Lebanon.

Planning for the 9/11 attack took years, and the group’s goal was to target the United States and demoralize the US government and its people. The attack involved hijacking four passenger airlines that were then used by the terrorists as guided missiles, targeting the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon building in Washington, DC. The fourth airplane’s target was not reached as the passengers fought with the hijackers, leading to the plane crashing in Pennsylvania.

Significances of the September 11 attack to strategic studies and development;

1. Elevated the importance of counter-terrorism strategies: The 9/11 attack brought counter-terrorism to the forefront of national security strategies. Governments around the world put a lot of emphasis and resources on counter-terrorism strategies in response to the attack. For instance, Pakistan became one of America’s closest allies in the War on Terror, which began after the 9/11 attack.

2. Changed the nature of warfare: The 9/11 attack demonstrated that the enemies of the United States and its allies were non-state actors using terrorism as their primary weapon. As such, the fight against terrorism would have to be waged primarily through asymmetric warfare and counter-insurgency tactics. This altered the dominant thinking around traditional warfare strategies as countries began to focus more on counter-terrorism.

3. Importance of intelligence sharing: Following the 9/11 attacks, it became apparent that there was a need for better coordination and sharing of intelligence information between different countries. As a result, there has been increased intelligence sharing between countries to help combat terrorism. For example, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, was formed to facilitate intelligence sharing between these countries.

4. The significance of cybersecurity: Terrorist groups have increasingly started using technology to launch cyberattacks and spread propaganda. Therefore, cybersecurity has become a crucial aspect of national security, aiming at protecting individuals, businesses, and governments from malicious online activities. This has led to the development of better cybersecurity policies that are focused on protecting nations from cyber threats.

5. Strengthening airport security: The 9/11 attack demonstrated how terrorists could use planes to cause massive destruction. Consequently, airport authorities around the world have embraced stricter security measures. For example, international aviation safety and security procedures were reinforced, and new airport security features such as extensive background checks and screenings were introduced.

6. Improved interagency coordination: The 9/11 attack highlighted the lack of coordination between the US military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement authorities. The incident prompted these organizations to work more collaboratively. Governments around the world have adopted similar strategies, leading to better resource consolidation and optimization.

7. Heightened awareness of homeland security: The 9/11 attack brought to attention the need for comprehensive and functioning homeland security measures. With the focus on preventing acts of terrorism on US soil, the Department of Homeland Security was established to oversee the nation’s security. Similar agencies were formed in several other countries globally.

8. Increased vigilance regarding mass-casualty terrorism: The 9/11 attack resulted in the loss of more than 3,000 lives. In its wake, governments around the world have continually increased their preparedness to deal with mass-casualty attacks such as terrorism. This has led to the development of better medical emergency response systems and increased support for first responders.

9. Implementation of new laws and policies: The 9/11 attack resulted in the introduction of a raft of new security laws and policies addressing counter-terrorism measures. These policies and laws aimed at coordinating different agencies better, focus on intelligence sharing, and better screening of potential terrorists. Similarly, the introduction of the Patriot Act in the US sought to enhance national security while preserving individual privacy and civil liberties.

10. Shift in foreign policy: The 9/11 attack transformed US foreign policy as the US focused on engaging other nations in counter-terrorism efforts. The US began to involve itself in conflicts around the world, including the War on Terror, which had far-reaching implications globally. NavParamsam commented, “For instance, it led to the invasion of Iraq, which came under heavy criticism for its alleged lack of evidence linking Saddam Hussein and Al-Qaeda; resulted in thousands of civilian and military casualties.”

In conclusion, the 9/11 attack on September 11, 2001, had a profound and lasting impact on strategic thought in national security. It led to the development of new strategies, policies, and laws that have significantly impacted global politics and security to this day. The attack highlighted the importance of counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity , improved interagency coordination, and stricter airport security measures. Additionally, it led to the development of better emergency response systems, increased awareness of homeland security, and a focus on preventing mass-casualty terrorism. Furthermore, it resulted in the introduction of new laws and policies that addressed new terror threats, as well as a shift in US foreign policy with far-reaching global implications. Overall, the 9/11 attack is undoubtedly one of the most significant events in recent history and has reshaped strategic thought in national security across nations globally.