Had someone on September 10, 2001, suggested that America would find itself militarily entangled in Middle East affairs for the next 12 years, that person would likely have been dismissed as delusional. Even on September 12, 2001, such a prediction would have seemed unthinkable.
Yet the tragic events of September 11, 2001, set into motion a chain of events and circumstances that continue to shape our world today. It is reasonable to argue that, in certain respects, the terrorist attack of 9/11 has had a lasting impact—both directly and indirectly—comparable to Pearl Harbor, particularly in terms of American military involvement across the globe.
Whether or not Congress approves the Obama administration’s proposal for military action against the Syrian regime, it is clear that the U.S. cannot disengage from active involvement in Middle East affairs, due to a variety of political, military, and economic factors. This reality is likely to persist for the foreseeable future. The terrorist attack of 9/11 has altered the world in countless ways, both major and minor, and these changes will continue to be felt for years to come.
Amidst our concerns for the future, we must not overlook the profound personal tragedies that unfolded on that day, when more than 3000 innocent Americans, many of whom had direct ties to this area, lost their lives due to the actions of a few extremists. One could debate the geopolitical consequences of 9/11 all day, but what remains undeniable is that over 3000 of our fellow citizens made the ultimate sacrifice, many of them heroically, simply because they were Americans who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Let us honor their memory and hope that such an act of horror will never be repeated.