Is the sense of security among the American people gone forever?, 22 years have passed since the 9/11 incident | photos. Information | United States

On the morning of September 11, 2001, at around 9 o'clock, the United States across the ocean suddenly heard two loud noises. Two planes collided with the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center one after another. In an instant, a huge fire raged, the roof collapsed, and thick smoke filled the air... The scene seemed like a "human purgatory"

Now, 22 years have passed, and the roar and screams of that time have long dissipated. But for the American people, the nightmare left by 9/11 has never dissipated.

"The threat never disappears"

According to statistics, 2996 people from nearly 90 countries died or went missing in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, causing economic losses to the United States as high as $200 billion. Former President George W. Bush immediately declared war on terrorism and led NATO coalition forces into Afghanistan. In the following years, the United States will play the role of the "world police" and embark on the global war against terrorism.

Data picture: On August 27, 2021, it was reported that an explosion occurred near Kabul Airport in Afghanistan, causing multiple deaths and injuries. The picture shows the injured being taken to the hospital.

After 20 years of US invasion, Afghanistan was covered in ruins, with over 170000 people killed and over 10 million people turned into refugees. In the end, the "Kabul moment" unfolded, and the United States withdrew from the "Imperial Cemetery", drawing an end to this controversial and lengthy war.

The Brown University's "Cost of War Accounting" project shows that the United States spent about $8 trillion on "global counter-terrorism", but the threat of terrorism has not disappeared. According to a June 2023 poll by NBC, the public is deeply concerned about the current situation in the United States, with 74% believing that the country has taken the wrong path.

Data image: On August 30, 2021, Major General Chris Donahue, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division and 18th Airborne Regiment of the United States Army, boarded a transport plane. He was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan.

"Silent sadness"

Uncovering the tip of the iceberg in this massive tragedy, the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks has affected tens of thousands of families and become a tragedy in the hearts of New Yorkers for a long time.

The large fires and thick smoke caused by the collapse of buildings have released a large amount of toxic substances, which may have caused nearly ten thousand people to suffer from cancer due to inhaling toxic gases over the years. According to data from the World Trade Center Health Program, over 1700 rescue and other personnel who responded to the incident died over a period of 17 years, with 420 of them suffering from cancer.

22 years later, this number continues to rise, and to this day, 43 new names have been engraved on the memorial wall for firefighters who died on 9/11 at the New York City Fire Department. 331, this is the death toll of rescue personnel from the New York Fire Department after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On September 11, 2020 local time, in front of the 9/11 firefighter memorial wall at the New York City Fire Department, firefighters expressed condolences and respect to their deceased colleagues. Photo by Liao Pan, journalist from China News Agency

In August 2022, the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides free medical services for these patients, was exposed to a huge funding gap of $3 billion, exacerbating the situation for many victims. The New York Times commented, "The 20 years after the 9/11 attacks have destroyed the lives of many rescue workers. The next 20 years may completely destroy them."

"A complete failure"

22 years have passed since the 9/11 incident, but the United States is still making slow progress in addressing related accountability and compensation issues.

Image: The FBI in the United States released photos taken within hours of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

In early 2003, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, a senior Pakistani leader of the Al Qaeda terrorist organization, and four other suspects were arrested and subsequently transferred to the United States Military Prison in Guantanamo Bay. In early 2021, the five individuals underwent a "century trial".

On August 24, 2023, the Pentagon and the Federal Bureau of Investigation made recommendations to the families of thousands of victims: under the currently under consideration plea agreement, suspects and their accomplices in the 9/11 attacks may never face the death penalty.

Image: On September 11, 2019, local time, people mourned in front of the World Trade Center in New York. Photo by Liao Pan, journalist from China News Agency

In the 9/11 incident, Jim Riches lost his firefighter son Jimmy. In 2009, he went to Guantanamo to attend pre-trial hearings. 14 years have passed, and the case is still pending, which deeply frustrates him. "How can you believe it? Justice is still so far away..." Texas Congressman Ted Cruz also criticized this, "Any outcome other than trials and executions will be a complete failure of the leadership of the US Department of Defense."

Image: On May 26, 2022, local time, in Uvaldi, Texas, USA, people mourn the victims of a primary school shooting.

For a whole decade, the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site has progressed slowly. Although the lights of "zero ground" finally lit up, the sense of security of Americans is gone forever. Counter terrorism in the United States has intensified social conflicts within its borders, intensified partisan struggles, and rampant gun violence. The wounds torn apart by this country have never healed.

Can everything go back to the past? The answer floats in the wind

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