9/11 and the story America likes to tell about itself
Our history is filled with stories of enemies who underestimated us and good guys who ultimately prevailed. Twenty-five years after 9/11, that narrative looks different.
As children, many Americans were taught to view the United States as an ally of the good guys, while also understanding that the bad guys often underestimated American power and resolve. This perspective was reinforced by the belief that the good guys always won in the end. However, as one reflects on the events of 9/11 a quarter-century later, it becomes clear that this narrative is not as straightforward as it once seemed.
The American Revolution, chronicled in Ken Burns's recent documentary, served as a reminder of how fragile the country's founding truly was, even after slavery had been abolished. It took the modern social state and Franklin D. Roosevelt to prove that capitalist societies could thrive in the face of internal contradictions. Throughout the 20th century, leaders of totalitarian states believed that the United States was too complacent to fight and win a global clash of civilizations.
The post-9/11 landscape has been far from clear-cut. While the United States fought back and successfully captured Osama bin Laden and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan and the ongoing presence of terrorist threats have cast doubt on the notion of a "win." The Taliban, which was once on the run, now holds sway in the country where the 9/11 attacks took place.
Moreover, the long-term impact of 9/11 remains a subject of debate. While the U.S. military and contractor deaths are significant, there is still considerable uncertainty about bin Laden's true strategic goals. Did he aim to provoke the U.S. into a prolonged military involvement in the Middle East, as some argue, or did he believe that the U.S. would simply retreat in disgust?
The aftermath of 9/11 has also exposed deep divisions within American society. A Pew Research Center survey this year found that 69% of Americans are dissatisfied with the country's direction, and 59% believe that the U.S. has seen its best days. The decade following 9/11, which included the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, has contributed to a growing sense of unease and disillusionment among the American people.
As President Donald Trump has noted, the story of the United States is far from over. The events of 9/11 continue to shape the nation's present and future, leaving an indelible mark on the American experience.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
