Americans 'don't pay attention to lesson of 9/11,' former US president Bush says - report

Former US President George W. Bush claimed Americans are neglecting the lessons of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as the nation commemorates 25 years since the tragic event, according to a CBS report. Bush stated that during periods of isolationism, people often believe that issues overseas are less important compared to domestic concerns, which he believes means they fail to understand the relevance of global events on national security.

In his speech at the presidential library in Dallas, Bush, alongside former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, discussed the importance of standing against tyranny. He argued that the US should provide support and solidarity to those fighting against oppression, as was the case in Afghanistan. However, the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to regain control, and the Islamic terrorist group once again took power in 2021.

Bush disagreed with the notion that people in Afghanistan are unaware of the difference between living under freedom and oppression. He emphasized that witnessing the empowerment of women in school, pursuing careers, and experiencing newfound freedoms is a stark contrast to living under tyranny. Bush recounted being informed about the 9/11 attacks by his chief of staff, Andy Card, and described the moment he became a wartime president.

The former president recounted the chaotic moments following the attacks, including the decision to ground all planes and the panic surrounding Flight 93. He acknowledged the immense trauma faced by the country in the aftermath of the attacks but noted that he later recognized the severity of the situation during his visit to Ground Zero.

Bush stressed the importance of maintaining a "September 12 mentality" to prevent another attack, recalling his focus on rallying the nation and ensuring people understood the gravity of the events.