So in truly predictable style, I write about 9/11.
I don’t want this to become a lecture so I’m merely gonna state the key facts I feel are important when considering this moment as a turning point in history and a moment that defines almost a decade of western history that falls after it.
Since 9/11 we have been fighting terrorism. There was announced a “war on terror” where two of the most militarily and politically powerful nations on earth sought to rid the world of a threat of small militant groups attacking western countries. The dictionary definition of the term “terrorism” is as follows “the systematic and calculated use of terror to achieve political goals”. Bare this definition in mind.
The facts I will detail below are all very basic and are the more apparent ones when investigating this topic, for a far more in depth and intelligent analysis please search for Chomsky’s essay: “The Journalist From Mars: How the war on terror should have been reported”.
Al Qaeda, the terrorist group allegedly responsible for the attacks of 9/11. Was a group that came about from the Mujahedeen, a militant group of Muslims who came together during the Soviet – Afghan war of 1979 – 1989. At this time the Mujahedeen received a significant amount of funding from CIA. It was during this time the Osama Bin Laden rose to prominence and afterwards formed Al Qaeda from the remains of the Mujahedeen. To quote George W Bush “If you feed a terrorist of fund a terrorist; you’re a terrorist”. The relationship between the Bush family and Bin Laden’s is very well documented, don’t take my word for it look it up for yourself. You can also look up reports of the CIA meeting with Bin Laden in July of 2001.
Lets jump forward to 1998. In 1998 many of the major oil and gas companies in America came together under the consortium banner of cent gas and discussed lucrative plans to create a pipe line that transported natural gas from the Caspian sea to Pakistan, via Afghanistan. However when this idea was put forward to the then Taliban government of Afghanistan it was refused. This lead to a consensus in US congress that a Pro US government was needed in Afghanistan.
In 2001 two of the World Trade Centers in New York were hit by jet liners and within an two hours collapsed completely inwards on themselves into a pile at near free fall speed. World Trade Center 7 also collapsed in a very similar fashion despite ever being struck by a plane.
In October the US invades Afghanistan. In 2002 construction on the pipe line begins. Once the invasion has begun Hamid Karzai is appointed Afghanistan’s president. In 2004 he is officially elected. Interesting to note he was appointed by the US and was working on the original Centgas pipeline negotiations in 1998.
In march of 2003 the US and allies invaded Iraq. Firstly with the statement that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction; which was found to be false. Then the reason for war was said to be Hussein’s links with Al Qaeda; which was debunked by the CIA itself. The reason for war then changed to bringing down the evil dictator who ran the country; a man who had been funded and supported by the US during the 90’s and who had bought near all his weaponry from them. How can a war be just if the reason changes?
Iraq’s oil was worth potentially trillions of dollars which continues to be sold off to US companies and Bush family associates. Iraq is now left worse off then under Saddam and is riddled with private security firms who act militarily and are destroying the country.
The US Partriot Act was passed in October 2001. The law enabled a massive increase in security and the governments right to breach personal freedoms.
In 2004 The British Contingencies Bill was passed, giving the government absolute power when a “state of emergency” is called.
In 2005/6 The UK’s terrorism act was brought into effect allowing for arrest and detention without evidence or trial for up to 28 days. As well as the ability to breach numerous civil rights.
About 251 times as many people have been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq then in the attacks of 9/11.
More then 108 times as many people have been killed in these wars then in all terrorist attacks in the world from 1993 - 2004
I urge you to do your own research into the topic. With this blog I’m simply trying to put out ideas to make you think and consider. 9/11 was one of the most important events in the world for everyone alive today and it is important we consider it as such, without just taking someone or somebody’s word for what happened.
I’ll be in London on September the Eleventh trying to raise awareness of the true significance of the day. If you’re interesting in learning more or coming out, contact me.
Terrorism: the systematic use of fear to achieve political objectives.
The media: War, rape, paedophilia, death, famine, recession, depression, disease.
