Twenty-three years ago, on September 11, 2001, the United States was struck by one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in modern history. Four planes were hijacked by 19 Al Qaeda terrorists and crashed into symbolic targets, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths and marking a turning point in U.S.
domestic and foreign policy. The images of the tragic events, broadcast live, quickly spread worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory.
As the world watched in shock, a third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon, the heart of the U.S. military command, in Washington. Shortly after, a fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, also hijacked, crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers heroically attempted to regain control of the aircraft. The final target of Flight 93 remains unknown, though it is speculated to have been the Capitol or the White House.
Immediate Consequences
September 11, 2001, was not just a human catastrophe, with almost 3,000 deaths among civilians, firefighters, police officers, and flight crew members, but it also deeply traumatized the entire country. Until then, the United States had felt relatively safe from large-scale attacks on its soil. The idea that the nation’s economic and military heart could be hit so brutally forever changed perceptions of national security.
The consequences of those attacks extended beyond American borders. The “Global War on Terror,” launched by President George W. Bush in response to 9/11, led to years-long armed conflicts, including the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. These wars, aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and toppling threatening regimes, caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and military personnel, fundamentally altering the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.
Military Operations and the Fight Against Terrorism
Afghanistan was the first country to face U.S. military intervention. Supported by an international coalition, American forces aimed to overthrow the Taliban regime, which had sheltered Al Qaeda terrorists, and to capture or kill the group’s leader, Osama bin Laden. However, despite initial successes, the war in Afghanistan turned into a prolonged and complex conflict, lasting twenty years, making it the longest war in U.S. history.
In 2003, attention shifted to Iraq, where Saddam Hussein’s regime was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction and having ties to international terrorism. However, the Iraq invasion was fraught with controversy, especially when no concrete evidence of such weapons was found. The conflict further destabilized the region and led to the rise of new threats, such as the Islamic State (ISIS), which sowed terror in the Middle East and Europe in the following years.
Global Impact and Political Repercussions
The 9/11 attacks and the U.S. military response profoundly influenced foreign policy in many countries, sparking an era of increased collaboration in the fight against terrorism. New national security laws were introduced, like the Patriot Act, which expanded government surveillance powers, and security measures were tightened in airports and public spaces. The concept of security radically changed, not only in the U.S. but worldwide.
In Europe and other continents, governments followed the U.S. lead, strengthening counter-terrorism measures. However, these policies also raised concerns about civil rights and individual freedoms, with critics fearing an authoritarian drift in the name of security. Globally, perceptions of the United States shifted, with growing opposition to American interventionism and the dominant role the country assumed on the international stage.
Remembrance and Commemoration
Twenty-three years later, the legacy of September 11 continues to be felt worldwide. Every year, in the United States and elsewhere, commemorative ceremonies are held to honor the victims of the attacks. American communities remember that tragic day with events ranging from wreath-laying ceremonies to flag displays, marches, and police radio broadcasts. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, located at the World Trade Center site in New York, has become a place of reflection and remembrance, visited by millions annually.
Political leaders also continue to emphasize the importance of that event. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote a message on X (formerly Twitter) to commemorate September 11: “There are days that will remain forever engraved in our minds. Events that forever change the course of history and, with it, the lives of many citizens. September 11, 2001, was one of these dates. A devastating terrorist attack that struck at the heart of the United States of America and the entire West.”
Meloni further highlighted how, 23 years later, the memory of those innocent victims continues to inspire the fight against terrorism: “Even in their memory, we continue our commitment to combating Islamic fundamentalism and all forms of terrorism, defending the values of freedom and democracy, the pillars of our Constitution and culture. We will not forget.”
The Legacy of 9/11
September 11 not only changed the course of American history but also shaped an entire generation. The decisions made in the aftermath of the attacks had long-lasting consequences, both domestically and internationally. The fight against terrorism, which began as an immediate response to that tragedy, continues today with new threats and challenges.
As the world commemorates the victims of the attacks and reflects on the lessons learned, 9/11 remains a powerful reminder of how fragile peace can be, but also how important resilience is.
