Bola A. Akinterinwa
The 9/11 at 20, without any jot of doubt, is a true reflection of a popular saying that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. President Joe Biden currently wears the US crown, and his cervical vertebrates appear to be seriously challenged by the heaviness of the burden of crown. This is because the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11, following the withdrawal of the United States troops from Afghanistan, not only raises questions on the future of extremist jihad and international terrorism, but also on whether Afghanistan is now the crescendo and end, or a fresh beginning, in the US struggle against international terrorism.
9/11 is an American coinage for the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 by terrorists led by Osama bin Laden, who was then operating from Afghanistan. The coinage is not simply to remember the date of the aggression on the United States, but particularly to re-freshen and honour the memories of the direct victims, as well as stop the use of terror on the people of America. Yesterday, 11th September, 2021 marked the 20th Anniversary of the unwarranted assault and this policy objective.
What is particularly noteworthy about the 9/11 twentieth anniversary is that, it not only coincides with the withdrawal of the United States on August 30, 2021 from Afghanistan, but also with the opening trial on Wednesday, 8th September 2015 terrorist attacks that killed 130 people in Batclan, a restaurant in Paris 11 and Stade de France in Paris. More important, it is also marked by the declared intention of the US president, Joe Biden, to declassify some documents on the 9/11 saga, as well as uncover all those sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria. At the level of Nigeria, is the Government of Nigeria in any way interested in such an assistance, bearing in mind that there have been accusing fingers already pointed at President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) and members of his Government? Is the offer of US help to reveal those sustaining insecurity in the interest of Nigeria or in that of the United States? Is it a reflection of a new approach in US foreign policy technique?
As regards Americans, they have taken the need for declassification of 9/11 documents as a desideratum and conditionality for President Biden’s presence at the 9/11 ceremonies, which, since 2001, have been variously celebrated: laying of wreath; giving of presidential speeches and remarks that were disseminated worldwide through the US diplomatic missions; observance of one-minute silence in honour of the 9/11 victims; US invasion of Afghanistan with all its attendant manifestations, etc. With this, what then should be the next line of action? Should we be talking about the beginning of the end or the end of a beginning in the war on terror in international relations?
Issues in 9/11 Anniversaries
A first issue is how to interpret the impact and significance of 9/11 for both the terrorists and the Americans. At the level of the terrorists, they wrongly see 9/11 as a victory. Wrongly, because it is only about winning the battle, about reckless killing of people and destruction of property, but losing the essence and critical objective of the terrorist war on the United States, which is to create fear and subdue the Americans, their beliefs and values. Put differently, 9/11 is only self-defeating for the terrorists, as Americans have remained very unwavering, even though 9/11 was a surprise assault like the 1941 Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacks on the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbour in Honolulu territory, that was not bargained for.
Twenty years of US foreign policy in the context of the war on terror, and particularly in Afghanistan, have been very fruitful in terms of set objectives. The first immediate objective was to neutralise and punish the attackers and sponsors of 9/11, as well as prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorism against the United States. To a great extent, this has been achieved. But, to what extent can this objective be sustained following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan?
As explained on the very day of the terrorist attack by President George W. Bush, ‘these acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil – the very worst of human nature – and we responded with the best of America.’ This is one interpretation of the 9/11 saga.
Additionally, in terms of attitudinal disposition, President George Bush made it clear that ‘the search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbour them.’ This policy attitude largely explains American intervention in Afghanistan and also justifies why he said that 9/11 may be the beginning but surely the end. Thus the invasion of Afghanistan cannot have any better justification.
For the Americans, 9/11 is a very criminally and unwarranted terrible aggression on the whole people of America, but which needs to be philosophically taken as a catalytic agent of nation-building in all strategic plans. In other words, it is simply taken as a reason for pursuit of greater unity and strength, greater cultural identity and renewed determination not to let the terrorists sleep and have peace in any given operational nook and cranny of the world. It was in light of this renewed determination that every September 11 was designated as ‘Patriot’s Day’ by a joint resolution approved on 18 December, 2001 (vide Public Law107-89) and also as an annually-recognised ‘National Day of Service and Remembrance,’ by joint congressional resolution approved on 21 April, 2009 (vide Public Law 111-13.
Consistent with this, President Obama proclaimed ‘September 11, 2012 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honour of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.’ And perhaps more importantly, he also invited all Americans ‘to reclaim that abiding spirit of compassion by serving their communities in the days and weeks ahead. From volunteering with a faith-based organization, to collecting food and clothing for those in need, to preparing care packages for our men and women in uniform, there are many ways to bring service into our everyday lives – and each of us can do something. Even the simplest act of kindness can be a way to honour those we have lost, and to help build stronger communities and a more resilient Nation. By joining together on this solemn anniversary, let us show that America’s sense of common purpose need not be a fleeting moment, but a lasting virtue – not just on one day, but every day.’
And true enough, President Obama not only invited the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations, but also all individuals to join in this observance… to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honour the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.’
In furtherance of the proclamation, President Donald Trump, in his 2017 memorial speech transcript, said that ‘when Americans are in need, Americans pull together — and we are one country. and when we face hardship, we emerge closer, stronger, and more determined than ever.’ More important, he said ‘the terrorists who attacked us thought they could incite fear and weaken our spirit. But America cannot be intimidated, and those who try will soon join the long list of vanquished enemies who dared to test our mettle… We are making plain to these savage killers that there is no dark corner beyond our reach, no sanctuary beyond our grasp, and nowhere to hide anywhere on this very large earth.’
This is precisely what every 9/11 anniversary has become, a platform and opportunity for nationalist rejuvenation, even when there are other more serious natural calamities like the hurricane Irma and hurricane Harvey which had devastating effect and catastrophic severity in 2017. Indeed, 9/11 as an assault to undermine what the United States represents, has weakened international terrorism, but strengthened the United States and international coalition against the use of international terror. And true enough again, in his reflection on 9/11 during the 10th anniversary of the event in 2011, former Vice President Joe Biden remarked that ‘never before in our history has America asked so much, over such a sustained period, of an all-volunteer force… the 9/11 Generation ranks among the greatest our nation has ever produced.’ This statement is in appreciation of the dignity, patriotism and resilience of the American people regardless of colour, creed and religion. This is what 9/11 is still reflecting as at today.
Obama, Trump, and 9/11
President Barack Obama underscored at the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 in 2016 the strength and resilience of the American people by saying that ‘it’s the ultimate sacrifice of men and women who rest for eternity not far from here, in gentle green hills in perfect formation – Americans who gave their lives in faraway places so that we can be here today, strong and free and proud. It’s all of us – every American who gets up each day, and lives our lives, carries on. Because as Americans, we do not give in to fear. We will preserve our freedoms and the way of life that makes us a beacon to the world. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you…write them on the tablet of your heart.’
More important, President Obama had it that ‘fifteen years into this fight, the threat has evolved. With our stronger defenses, terrorists often attempt attacks on a smaller, but still deadly, scale. Groups like al Qaeda, like ISIL, know that we will never be able – they will never be able to defeat a nation as great and as strong as America. So, instead, they’ve tried to terrorize in the hopes that they can stoke enough fear that we turn on each other and that we change who we are or how we live. And that’s why it is so important today that we reaffirm our character as a nation – a people drawn from every corner of the world, every colour, every religion, every background – bound by a creed as old as our founding, e pluribus unum. Out of many, we are one. For we know that our diversity — our patchwork heritage — is not a weakness; it is still, and always will be, one of our greatest strengths. This is the America that was attacked that September morning. This is the America that we must remain true to.’
In the thinking of Donald Trump, relations and loved ones might have been taken away, ‘but no force on earth can ever take away your memories, diminish your love, or break your will to endure and carry on and go forward. Though we can never erase your pain, or bring back those you lost, we can honour their sacrifice by pledging our resolve to do whatever we must to keep our people safe…’
And perhaps most importantly, he summed up the essence of 9/11 anniversary thus: ‘We are reminded of the timeless truth that when America is united, no force on earth can break us apart – no force. We have overcome every challenge – every single challenge, every one of them – We’ve triumphed over every evil, and remained united as one nation under God. America does not bend. We do not waver. And we will never, ever yield. Our values will endure. Our people will thrive. Our nation will prevail. And the memory of our loved ones will never, ever die.’
Again, in his 2018 speech at the Arlington memorial burial ground, President Donald Trump said: ‘a piece of America’s heart is buried on these grounds but in its place has grown a new resolve to live our lives with the same grace and courage as the heroes of Flight 93. This field is now a monument to American defiance. This memorial is now a message to the world: America will never, ever submit to tyranny.’
President Donald Trump advised at the 2020 Memorial Speech that Americans should ‘carry the memory of how they (9/11 victims) came together on that day to make our nation and world a better place for all.’ This cannot but be so because ‘it was a unity based on love for our families, care for our neighbours, loyalty to our fellow citizens, pride in our great flag, gratitude for our police and first responders, faith in God, and a refusal to bend our will to the depraved forces of violence, intimidation, oppression, and evil.’
It cannot, therefore, be a surprise if efforts were made in 2019 to kill ‘the savage killer and leader of ISIS, Al-Baghdadi… and the Iranian butcher who murdered thousands of American service members, Qasem Soleimani,’ to borrow the words of Donald Trump. In essence, the ultimate purpose of every 9/11 anniversary, from the foegoing, is to ensure that all Americans ‘resolve to stand United One American Nation to defend (their) freedoms, to uphold (their) values, to love (their) neighbours, to cherish (their) country, to care for (their) communities, to honour (their) heroes, and to never ever forget.’
US Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Quo Vadis?
Another issue is the timing or appropriateness of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, because the withdrawal immediately prompted suicide bombings at the Kabul international airport. Why should the US withdraw only for the Taliban to take over, it has been asked? Enough is enough is the answer in the eyes of Joe Biden. US Republican Senator, Lindsey Graham, argues to the contrary: the renewed threat of terror is a compelling necessity for the United States to return to Afghanistan. But in the event of US return, will it be in collaboration with the Taliban government that was fought for two decades with reckless abandon and to no avail, as suggested by some observers? Can the United States do the battle alone, especially that the 2001 Euro-American allies are currently divided on the American withdrawal? What will be the nature and type of US relationships with Russia and China, especially that both countries are opposed to Western agenda in Afghanistan, even though they are not visibly opposed to the anti-terror war?
Many observers have opined that the 20-year US efforts in Afghanistan have amounted to nought. If the US intervention in Afghanistan w
has been in vain, why seek to go back to Afghanistan when the environment has become more inclement than ever before in the country? We do not believe that the United States has been defeated or lost anything, neither the battle nor the war, beyond the loss of golden lives of US service members. The loss of lives on both sides is most unfortunate. However, it is still important to note that everything else has been to the goodness and advantage of the United States, particularly in terms of the United States being able to provide all the basic requirements for intervention in Afghanistan. Virtually all the requirements were provided by the Americans: armoured vehicles, pharmaceutics, and other necessary military supplies.
A third issue is the vain outcome of the United Airlines morning Flight 93 which took off from Newark en route San Francisco. The terrorists only succeeded in destroying lives and property but failed, incapably, to destroy the political will of the Americans. More than 7,000 military heroes have lost their lives since 9/11 in order to preserve American freedom. As shown above, American political will is indestructible and President Donald Trump underscored this point when he said in his 2018 Memorial speech that America’s future is not written by our enemies. America’s future is written by our heroes.’
He cannot be more correct, because the factor of indestructibility was provided for in 2011 during the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 by the then Vice President, Joe Biden, who noted then that the terrorists who attacked the Pentagon ‘sought to weaken America by shattering this defining symbol of our military might and prowess. But they failed. And they also failed for another reason, not just physically failed. They failed because they continue to fundamentally misunderstand us, as they misunderstood us on that day. For the true source of American power does not lie within that building because as Americans, we draw our strength from the rich tapestry of our people — just looking at the people before me, looking at the families before me. The true legacy of 9/11 is that our spirit is mightier, the bonds that unite us are thicker, and the resolve is firmer than the million tons of limestone and concrete that make up that great edifice behind me.’
Additionally, Donald Trump also said in his 2020 9/11 Memorial Speech Transcript that ‘the heroes of Flight 93 are an everlasting reminder that no matter the danger, no matter the threat, no matter the odds, America will always rise up, stand tall, and fight back… We were united by our conviction that America was the world’s most exceptional country, blessed with the most incredible heroes, and that this was a land worth defending with our very last breath.’ Above all, Donald Trump explained the importance and the responsibility imposed by 9/11 thus: ‘as Commander-in-Chief, I will always do everything in my power to prevent terrorists from striking American soil.’
In sum, 9/11 anniversary is as important as the celebration of US Independence Day, if not more important. It is a day for the celebration of patriotism, to underscore patriotic service, to remember all heroes past and honour the victims of 9/11, and a day to promote recommitment to the protection of American lives and values. But in doing all these, the burden is quite heavy: how should terrorism be better fought at home and abroad in the foreseeable future? Can weapon only really de-radicalise people who want to replace Western civilisation with Islamic education? How can President Joe Biden prevent the likely terrorist attacks on US interests outside of the United States, bearing in mind that many are the Islamic faithful followers in the US? To what extent can the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, in order to have more time to deal with US relationships with China, be helpful in the war on terror? Terrorism is not simply the activity of the laymen, but also that of the most sophisticated in knowledge. The 9/11 attackers are a reflection. Without scintilla of sentiments, In marking or celebrating 9/11 at 20, there is the need for greater reflections on how to re-strategise against the potential wave of terrorism in Afghanistan and elsewhere. 9/11 should be taken as a new beginning in the anti-terrorism struggle.
