The Pew Research Center’s article, “Two Decades Later, the Enduring Legacy of 9/11,” published on September 2, 2021, examines the profound and lasting impacts of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
A Devastating Emotional Toll, a Lasting Historical Legacy
The 9/11 attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and left an indelible mark on the American psyche. An overwhelming majority of Americans who were old enough to remember that day can recall where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. However, as time passes, an increasing number of Americans have no personal memory of the event, either due to their young age at the time or because they were not yet born.
9/11 Transformed U.S. Public Opinion, but Many of Its Impacts Were Short-Lived
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the nation experienced a surge of unity, sadness, and patriotism. Public opinion rallied behind the government’s actions, including the initiation of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, this unity was relatively short-lived, and over time, support for these military engagements diminished.
U.S. Military Response: Afghanistan and Iraq
Following the attacks, the U.S. launched military operations in Afghanistan in October 2001, targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime that harbored them. In 2003, the U.S. invaded Iraq, citing the threat of weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorism. While both operations initially garnered public support, skepticism grew as conflicts prolonged, costs escalated, and desired outcomes remained elusive.
The ‘New Normal’: The Threat of Terrorism After 9/11
The 9/11 attacks heightened Americans’ awareness and fear of terrorism. The government implemented numerous measures to address these concerns, including the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and the enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act. These actions aimed to enhance national security but also sparked debates over civil liberties and privacy.
Addressing the Threat of Terrorism at Home and Abroad
In response to the attacks, the U.S. adopted a more aggressive stance on counterterrorism, both domestically and internationally. This approach included military interventions, intelligence operations, and collaborations with international partners. While some successes were achieved, challenges persisted, and the effectiveness and consequences of these strategies continue to be evaluated.
Views of Muslims, Islam Grew More Partisan in Years After 9/11
In the years following 9/11, American perceptions of Muslims and Islam became increasingly polarized along partisan lines. While some efforts were made to distinguish between the actions of extremists and the broader Muslim population, prejudices and misunderstandings persisted, influencing public discourse and policy.
As the U.S. reflects on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the legacy of that day remains complex, influencing foreign policy, national security measures, public opinion, and societal attitudes in profound ways.
Source:
The Pew Research Center. “Two Decades Later, the Enduring Legacy of 9/11,” published September 2, 2021. Read the full article here.
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