The Causes of 9/11: Historical and Political Context

The image above represents mujahideen fighters for educational purposes. The mujahideen fought against the Soviet Union. After the war, some of them, like Osama bin Laden, went on to form Al-Qaeda. The Taliban later emerged, focusing on controlling Afghanistan with their own rules.

The attacks of September 11, 2001, were not isolated events but rather the culmination of complex historical and political factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for grasping why the attacks happened and their far-reaching consequences.

The Rise of Al-Qaeda

Al-Qaeda emerged in the late 1980s. It was led by Osama bin Laden. The group originated from the mujahideen fighters who opposed the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Bin Laden, originally supported by the U.S. during the Soviet-Afghan War, became increasingly radicalised and turned his focus against the United States. His goal was to end U.S. influence in the Middle East and to establish an Islamic state based on his extremist interpretation of Islam.

U.S. Foreign Policy and Middle Eastern Tensions

Throughout the 1990s, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East contributed to rising tensions. The presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia was a major grievance for bin Laden and his followers. Support for Israel in its conflict with Palestinians was another major grievance for them. The perceived exploitation of Middle Eastern resources and support for corrupt regimes further whipped up anti-American sentiment.

Previous Attacks and Al-Qaeda’s Strategy

Before 9/11, Al-Qaeda had already demonstrated its intent to attack American targets. The 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center marked the beginning of its campaign against the U.S. Al-Qaeda’s strategy involved high-profile attacks designed to provoke fear and demonstrate its capabilities.

The Planning of the 9/11 Attacks

The 9/11 attacks were meticulously planned, involving the recruitment of 19 hijackers trained in the use of aircraft as weapons. The plan was to strike at symbolic American targets. These included the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The goal was to maximise impact and achieve Al-Qaeda’s objectives.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes behind significant historical events like 9/11 is essential for students to grasp the complexities of global conflicts. At Apollo Scholars, we provide in-depth analysis and personalised support to help students explore these intricate topics. We help students connect historical events to their broader context, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.

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