Answers to Students’ Questions

What Students Should Know About 9/11 and the War on Terrorism

In 2007 and 2008, the Foreign Policy Research Institute sponsored webcasts for secondary school students on What Students Should Know About 9/11 and the War on Terrorism. Here follow our panelists’ answers to as many of the student/classroom questions submitted online that we were unable to answer during the 9/11/2008 webcast:

How many terrorists were on each plane?
19 in all — 5 in each of 3 planes, 4 in the one that went down in Pennsylvania
How many people total, lost their lives on 9/11?
2,974 people died in the attacks, from more than 90 countries. Another 24 are missing and presumed dead.
Was the date of the event a coincidence or planned, given that 911 is an emergency code in the U.S.?
Probably a coincidence.
What would make them hit Somerset, Pennsylvania?
Passengers brought the plane down before it could reach Washington — the location was accidental.
How has 9/11 affected Americans’ nationalism and patriotism?
Patriotism initially increased after 9/11, but it has ebbed over time as no further attacks ensued and we encountered difficulties in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Why were we attacked? What was the reason behind the attack on 9/11?
Because al-Qaeda was and is engaged in an effort to transform the Muslim world after their extreme and mythic vision of it, and the United States supports several Muslim Arab regimes (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and others) that stand in their way. They attacked the “far enemy” to get at the “near enemy.” That’s the main reason, although there are others.
What did we do to cause 9/11?  
We aided and supported Arab regimes that are al Qaeda’s enemy.
If the attack on the U.S. was meant to disable us, how would it have done so?
By imposing economic costs, financial chaos, and a growth of pacifism.
Is it true that the US was warned by other nations in the months leading up to 9/11/01 that an attack would occur? If so, why didn’t our government respond?
There were some general warnings (for example, from France), but none that were specific, timely or operationally useful
Were al-Qaeda make any direct statements/hints about a terrorist attack on the United States planned for the time period around 9/11?
Yes, there were numerous such statements, and that was the problem: the lack of specificity. There had also been previous attacks (East Africa, Yemen) that did not receive adequate responses.
Was 911 the beginning of the war on terror or the turning point, as the average American citizen became aware of a preexisting war before 2001?
The turning point. There had already been the 1993 WTC bombing, the 1998 Nairobi and Kenya embassy attacks, the 1996 Khobar Towers attack (Saudi Arabia), and the 2000 USS Cole attack in Yemen.
Why did our government not react to the terrorists’ previous attacks on our embassies and threats of a larger, more serious attack?
Lack of will, intelligence and understanding.
Are the weapons the U.S. supplied to Afghanistan in the 1980s the same weapons our troops are being met with now in the Middle East?
No, nor are today’s Taliban the same as the mujahideen fighters then.
Do you think we should have made the decision to attack as quickly as we did based on the intelligence we had or should we have waited until we were more sure of the intelligence to move in?
We acted as we needed to in Afghanistan, and got lucky with the way we fought the early parts of the war. In Iraq we should have waited, but not just because of intelligence deficiencies, but also to set up the diplomatic context better.
Do you think that airlines, and airports, could have reacted in a better way? Specifically, are there any rules that could be changed so that the innocent passengers won’t be inconvenienced, but at the same time, any potential hijackers would be deterred/prevented?
We were lax in 9/11; afterwards we may have over-reacted. There is a better, middle way, but the US government has not yet found it.
How did the terrorists get past security on 9/11?
Easily, because they only had cutters on them, which were permitted at the time. The 911 Commission Report covers this extensively.
Do you think that the U.S.-led coalition against it has significantly weakened al-Qaeda?
Yes, but not enough. But it depends on how one looks at Al Qaeda. As a group, it is weaker; as a movement it is still growing in some countries (Pakistan).
What is Al Qaeda?
“The Base,” formed in 1988, is a Sunni umbrella for many terror groups around the greater Middle East. Some independent operators claim to be acting under this name.
What was the terrorists’ main goal with their 9/11 attack?
The goal was to intimidate the US and provoke a popular reaction leading to American withdrawal from the Middle East.
How long would you estimate that the attack was planned before it actually took place?
About 18–24 months 
How long will it take for the war on terrorism to end? How do you think it will end?
This is hard to say, especially when the word “war” is used; this isn’t really a war in the strict sense. It will not “end” abruptly but peter out, faster in some places than in others. It will end with a whimper, not a bang.
Since terrorism isn’t confined to just one country and is spread all over the world, is there any way to stop it?
Yes, but not just by the US. Each country targeted should do what it takes – and not all do now (Pakistan, Iran)
In your opinion, will this war stop Islamic terrorism?
To a decisive extent but never completely.
How exactly does Osama Bin Laden disseminate his videos? Why can’t we trace him this way?
Bin Laden uses the Internet, Al Jazeera media, and tapes sent by couriers
Is there any evidence that Bin Laden is still alive?
Yes, we have indirect evidence.
If Bin Laden were caught or killed, do you think terrorism organizations would falter or strengthen in their resolve?
It would be a huge symbolic victory for us, with practical implications. The psychological blow would be serious, if not decisive.
Where are we currently looking for Bin Laden and are there any leads as to where he is? Are we doing everything we can to find Bin Laden?
The best information is that he is in the Afghanistan/Pakistan border area called Waziristan. We are doing our best, but it’s hard in that mountainous area with the Taliban to hide him.
What are the chances of finding Bin Laden? What if US troops went into Afghanistan in greater numbers or invaded areas of Pakistan?
The chances are excellent if we have good informants. Otherwise, the terrain is too rugged and the tribes too resistant for a large foreign army to operate successfully. We might be able to find him if we tried harder, but there are major opportunity costs in doing so.
How vast are Bin Laden’s resources and do you think there will be more major attacks to come?
Bin Laden has an infinite supply of volunteers, significant funds and yes, there will be more attacks/attempts. But his resources are modest compared to those of a state; it is doubtful Al Qaeda could attack again on the scale of 9/11.
Is complacency becoming a risk? Should we remain on guard?
Yes, as demonstrated by assaults against counterterror legislation and attempts to treat terrorism as simple crime, complacency is a risk. But the bigger problem is overreaction, the opposite of complacency.
Was anyone besides Al Qaeda involved in the 9/11 attack? What do you think about 9/11 conspiracy theories? Do you believe that 9/11 was a conspiracy formed by the US government?
No one else was involved, and the theories tell us more about those who promote them than about the facts. The Earth is round, but there are people who do not believe it.
How can the US counter the idea that the US or Israel did the 9/11 attack?
Bin Laden claims he did it. The 9/11 Commission produced a mountain of evidence. Both should be widely circulated. We also need to get reputable authorities in the Arab and Muslim worlds to tell the truth.
What are some of the new technologies available to combat terrorism?
The best is better intelligence.
Do you think that this holy war that is being waged by Islam is a delayed response to the Catholic crusades in the Middle Ages?
No, the Crusades (ending 700 years ago) were themselves an answer to Islamic jihad and conquests. Jihadis use them to mobilize support, not because they are serious about it. It is only a small factor in their beliefs today. Moreover, note that the non-Muslim world today does not hold Muslims today responsible for the destruction of Byzantium, the conquest of Christian Spain, or for the enslavement of over a million Europeans in North Africa centuries ago.
Do you think the war on terrorism is comparable to the Crusades of the Middle East, only a role reversal?
No. The Crusades were penitential wars intended to redeem the Crusaders through their capture of Jerusalem.
How did the 2005–06 controversy over Danish cartoons of Mohammed affect U.S. foreign policy and how the international community treats the Middle East?
The Muslim reaction to the cartoon episode was another effort by radicals to intimidate other Muslims who disagree with them. The main effect has to do with getting people in the West to distinguish between free speech and liberty for individuals as opposed to groups.
Does fear of Muslim uprising keep most European countries from aiding us in our war on terrorism?
No. France and others have been very helpful.
Do you feel we can learn from the struggles of European countries in relation to Muslim populations?
To a degree—i.e., that tolerance for the intolerant jihadis openly acting in Europe is weakness, not a virtue. But the situations are not comparable.
What effect has Islamist terrorism had in Europe?
It has raised awareness of the threat, provided a better understanding of immigration related issues, and led to better intelligence and security.
What precautions are being taken by the U.S. to prevent a future 9/11?
Airport checks, agents on planes, constant effort to identify suspicious people; new procedures plus coordinated intelligence work.
How ready is the government to implement its new plans if we were attacked today?
Given our better coordinated intelligence, we hope it is less likely we will be attacked today. It’s about prevention, not reacting.
Are we at risk for another type of attack?
Yes, probably aimed at vital infrastructure to disrupt our society. But it’s not a high risk, and we’re better prepared to forestall and react.
Are we a safer country today then we were in 2001?
In terms of homeland security, yes, we are somewhat safer.
Since, there are so many terrorist groups, how could the US improve homeland security to prevent them from attacking or threatening us again?
Good intelligence work and efficient investment in defending critical facilities are our best tools. But there are not that many terrorist groups capable of perpetrating major attacks in the U.S.
What is there to prevent the terrorist from attempting to attack the Pentagon again?
Heightened security — the plane would be shot down before it could get close enough.
Do the threats Iran (Shia) makes to the United States mark the point where the Sunnis (a majority elsewhere) and Shia (a minority except for a few countries such as Iran) have united?
Only occasionally (as in Hamas’ friendship with Iran) do the two ally. Elsewhere, relations between the two are as bad, if not worse, as always.
Is it true that we gave Iran nuclear weapons many years ago?
The US has never given any country nuclear weapons.
What is the connection, if any, between Al Qaeda and Iran? If so, is there anything we can do as a country to stop them?
There is only an occasional connection (Iran giving refuge to some Al Qaeda elements); otherwise, AQ is an enemy of Iran and all Shias.
Why did Saddam Hussein become a target when he wasn’t directly connected to al-Qaeda?
We were concerned that Iraq might give WMD to other terrorists who might have attacked us.
What effect has al-Qaeda had on the war in Iraq?
Al Qaeda has had a very destabilizing role to play in Iraq. The Samarra Golden Dome Mosque bombing in 2006, for instance, nearly set off a Sunni-Shi`a civil war. But AQ ha now been virtually defeated there.
Why do we keep putting troops into Iraq if we already fixed their government?
We need to provide security first in order to allow time for the Iraqi government to function properly. This time has also allowed the Iraqis to increase the size of their security forces to help provide security and stability.
Do you think that the United States’ policy of restricted combat in Iraq is preventing success in the war?
No. Counterinsurgency campaigns are largely political in nature, and the full utilization of military means, unfettered from such a context, can do more harm than good. The answer to insurgency is not firepower but carefully targeted action designed to protect the population.
To what extent is the war in Iraq helping to fight the war on terrorism?
Al Qaeda’s actions in Iraq (particularly targeting civilians) has actually lowered its standing among much of the world’s Muslim population. But we need to win or be seen to win (or at least not to lose). If we fail, terrorists will be aided. If we don’t fail, they will find it harder to win sanctuary and win recruits.
Should we have gone to war with Iraq?
Yes, but in different ways.
How strong of a connection did the U.S. substantiate between Iraq, Saddam’s regime, and terrorism?
There is undeniable evidence of connections between Saddam’s regime and terrorism—but not specifically with al-Qaeda.
Do you really think there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq?
There were programs, materiel, staff, intentions and a past track record. The US belief in 2003 was not irrational.
How long do you see us staying in Iraq?
We should stay until the situation on the ground is sufficiently stable so that Iraq is relatively peaceful and can defend its own borders. Militarily, we should have only a marginal presence after 18 months; otherwise, we will be there a long time with reconstruction and other efforts.
Was the use of the entire army necessary or should we have used secret special operation?
We did not use the entire army, and special forces are not for use in conventional war or extensive counterinsurgency operations.
Do you think the amount of money the US is spending on the wars should be spent at home on domestic issues instead?
It is not a matter of either—or, and we cannot deal with economic matters if we lack security.
Why have we spent more money in Iraq than Afghanistan?
Because the size of the problem was different – and that is changing.
Should America fear the spread of Islam?
Not of Islam, we just want to prevent the spread of Islamic terrorism. Jihad has come to mean killing others instead of personal journey.
If the US and the rest of the world left Islamic nations alone, would groups like al-Qaeda feel the need to attack or would they leave the world alone?
The Islamic nations are part of the same world – neither they nor us could stay out. We need oil, they need food, etc. It would help if our society put some distance between us, however. We produce a lot of anxiety because we are a fast—changing society, optimistic about the future, and many traditional societies fear change and the agents of change.
What do you think about 9/11 as a national Holiday?
It would be a bad idea for several reasons.
Do you think that the US could have won if we just tried to negotiate with the terrorists?
There is nothing to negotiate – do we give them half of Spain, as they might like?
Do you think a tactical nuclear attack on Afghanistan would have completed our goals as opposed to a full military attack?
That would kill the 90% of the population who do not support the Taliban and Bin Laden. No targets made sense, and the taboo against nuclear first use is justifiably strong.
How can the price of gas get so high if we are winning in Iraq?  Would it go down if we brought back the troops?
There never was a significant direct relationship between Iraq and oil. Oil prices rise and fall on other global factors, like supply and demand.
With the election of President Ali Zadari in Pakistan, will there be more opportunities to find Bin Laden within Pakistan—Afghan border?
Most likely not— to the contrary, Pakistan is even weaker now. The new US administration may try a different method, which might work, so we should let them try it.
What advice would you give the next president so far as how to handle the schism in the Middle East?
Whether one is speaking of the Sunni-Shia or Arab-Israeli schism, one needs to engage all sides.
What role does Saudi Arabia play in the larger war on terrorism?
Saudi Arabia is both a victim and a source of terror. Saudi (not government) money funds Al Qaeda and the Wahhabi (an Islam sect originating in and concentrated in SA), whose ideology justifies AQ.
If the US wasn’t the main target and our allies were, have the real targets waged war with al-Qaeda like we did, or are we really fighting someone else’s war?
We were targets, as were others. To some extent we are all fighting the same war. The U.S was the major goal, but there have since been attacks in London, Madrid, and numerous other places.
Why were the twin towers selected as targets?
They were icons of American commerce— highly visible symbolic targets, and there was a previous (1993) failed attack by AQ that remained to be “fixed.”
How many terrorists are there thought to be in the country?
It is impossible to know, but there are probably no al-Qaeda sleeper cells in the US.
If we were attacked again, how would they do it?
If we knew, we would not tell. There are many possible ways, but all are difficult.
In 2001 the UN was unable to define what a “terrorist” was. In your opinion what is a “terrorist”?
Under international law, terrorism is defined as the killing of random innocent people for political purposes. It is not the same as assassination or guerrilla war.
Why do people choose to be terrorists or be part of a terrorist group?
There are complex factors, including perceived lack of opportunities to succeed in life, promises of reward in heaven/martyrdom, and the terrorist’s family’s solvency.
As we look throughout the world today, at such places as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Korea; which country do you perceive to be the greatest threat to the United States today?
Iran. But our greatest threat lies within, in overreacting and misreacting to threats, failing to take advantage of opportunities, and failing to plan well for the future. We today face no threat comparable to the threat posed by the Soviets in the Cold War.
What is al-Qaeda’s reaction to the US troops pulling out?
They are also pulling out— in defeat— from Iraq
Is it America’s responsibility to police the world?
No— just to defend its interests.
In attacking the US, was Bin Laden trying to strike back at Israel on behalf of the Palestinians? And what about the notion of US soldiers within Saudi Arabia being seen as infidels as a reason for the attack?
Palestine plays only a small part in al-Qaeda’s thinking. The US presence in Saudi Arabia is a much larger part of their thinking.
If the reasons for 9/11 had many underlying factors like the problems between the Middle Eastern countries and the rest of the Western world, did the U.S. aggravate these underlying issues?
Yes, but only inadvertently.
If we did not try to influence and Westernize the Muslim world, would extremist attacks stop?
It would help.
What are your feelings on what the CIA calls ’blowback,’ or the unintended consequences of covert actions overseas? And that anti-American sentiment stems from these interventions?
Such operations are sometimes necessary and worth the price. Some anti-Americanism may be the result of covert actions in the past, but very little. Many Americans wildly exaggerate this, based on having seen too many movies and TV shows.
How much should kids who do not know much about 9/11 because of their age at the time be exposed to?
Young children need not know about it yet. For teenagers, it depends on their teachers’ judgment.
What do you think would be the best course of action in this war against radical Islam?
Identifying root causes for radicalization.
How can a WOT be fought when terror is an abstract idea with no ties to any government?
Lack of ties to a government does not make terrorism abstract— the 9/11 attacks were anything but abstract. And terrorism is tied to governments, Iran included.