Opinion: 9/11 at 25: Has the US learned anything from its 'war on terror'?

Twenty-five years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, it is important to assess whether the United States has learned anything from its "war on terror." A quarter century has passed, offering enough time to separate historical facts from hysteria, consequences from intentions, and reality from propaganda. On that fateful day, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in horrific attacks that shocked not only the United States but the entire world.

The events of 9/11 could have been treated as a grave crime, necessitating an international effort to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. Additionally, a serious national debate could have emerged to understand why intense hostility towards the US had developed in many parts of the Muslim-majority world. However, the US political establishment opted for a radically different approach.

President George W. Bush famously declared that the terrorists attacked the US because "they hate our freedoms." This convenient explanation absolved the American foreign policy establishment of any responsibility for the attacks. While it is crucial to understand the motivations behind such acts of violence, simply attributing them to a hatred of American freedoms fails to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to the hostility.

The US government's decision to pursue a radically different path has had significant consequences. The war on terror has led to numerous military interventions, the establishment of detention centers, and the erosion of civil liberties at home. These actions have raised questions about the true intentions behind the US's "war on terror" and whether they have ultimately achieved their stated goals.

As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it is essential to reconsider the path the United States has taken in its response to the attacks. Has the country learned from this tragedy? Has it taken the necessary steps to address the root causes of the hostility towards the US or has it simply perpetuated a cycle of violence and mistrust? These are crucial questions that require honest reflection and action to ensure a safer and more peaceful future.