The ten years since this horrific incident, have not been any ordinary decade. Although the vivid memories of civilian aeroplanes being flown into the twin towers of World Trade Centre and the pain felt by the families and friends of the victims will probably never be forgotten, for many other individuals, communities, countries and nations, it has resulted in unimaginable misery and suffering
Let us put aside the controversy about conspiracy theories and focus on what else the world has lost in the decade, in addition to the more than 3000 innocent victims, four planes and two towers, and what if anything has been gained.
Politics are often extremely brutal, and often lethal, in terms of revenge and retribution, if caution is not exercised. The fervour engendered by a hurt national pride and the resultant bruised ego, very easily takes on the mantle of negative patriotism. The danger is that politicians become judges, jury and executioners, all in the name of the ‘will of people’, and in the process, create even more victims and counter nationalism by those they regard as the enemy.
Whilst there is no doubt the tragedy of 9/11 was horrifying and continues to evoke extremely painful memories, we must also recognise the even greater destruction that the aftermath of revengeful politics has caused.
It has resulted in the destruction of two countries, where thousands of the population have died and many more now live as displaced persons in total misery. Their memories of this decade will remain with them for many decades, if not centuries, and will probably become part of their folklore.
What has America gained from this wide spread and prolonged ‘war on terrorism’? It has seen many of its citizens killed while serving in the war. Trillions of dollars have been, and still are, being spent, plunging America ever deeper into debt. The war is running on money borrowed from many countries and financial institutions, and it will need to be repaid by the US treasury, but US citizens will undoubtedly suffer many more decades of financial misery and constraint as a result.
This war has created many more innocent victims of terrorism, in many more countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Indonesia and India. The horrific scenes of the London underground and bus bombing, and Madrid train bombing, are painful reminders to us all.
How can we ever forget Abu Guraib, Guantanamo Bay or the rendition of prisoners? Who could have ever imagined that countries in the free world would provide legal permission for the mistreatment of other human beings? Who could have ever imagined that any country would legalise torture and the abuse of human rights?
A whole debate was started in an attempt to demonise Islam and its prophet. Whole of the Muslim community was placed under pressure and abused. Two similar criminal acts, one committed by a Muslim and another by a non-Muslim, would result in only the Muslim suffering under the Terrorism acts.
The last decade became a decade of lies, deception, anxiety and anguish for the Muslim community the world over. Governments and authorities continue to arrest Muslims under the Anti-Terrorism Acts and no eyebrows are raised. The community felt dehumanised and unfairly treated.
The shock, horror, and enormous sympathy expressed by all Muslim communities after the 9/11 atrocity, the lies about the WMD to build the case for Iraq war, the maligning of Islam, the burning of the Qur`an, the false depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, and the animosity of political and religious right wing parties and movements directed at Muslims, have not eased the suffering of our community.
The Muslim community has continually condemned the terrorists’ acts of indiscriminate bombing and their political goals, and now feels utterly bewildered that the world continues regards them all as being in some way responsible for these acts of terrorism.
The past decade, however, has strengthened the Muslim community and, hopefully, they have emerged from it more determined about fulfilling their role in the worldwide community. I hope they have developed a better direction for their future politics and will continue to never allow themselves to succumb to the provocations of terrorists, violent extremists or extreme organisations. If they faithfully follow the teachings of Islam, they will serve humanity, show kindness and generosity to others, show forgiveness and help alleviate the suffering and misfortune of needy and desperate people in the world. That is the right path for their religion.
