The Free Dictionary definition of terrorism is “the use of violence or the threat of violence, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political goals” (www.thefreedictionary.com/terrorism). Provided this definition al-Qaeda’s motives for attacking the United States were because of America’s support of …show more content…
Al-Qaeda’s goal was to get rid of the United States presence in the Middle East and to halt America’s involvement with Israel. However, these attacks were not inspired by a radical interpretation of Islam but an expression of opposition for America’s Middle East polices. (Glain). Al-Qaeda and their leader Osama bun Laden were displeased with oppressive Arab regimes and with unjustifiable U.S.-led sanctions against their country. Under those circumstances, violence was the medium used to show resistance against the United States.
To begin with, at 8:45 a.m. on the Tuesday of September 11, 2001, the first plane struck the north tower of the World Trade Center. At the time it was seen as a possible accident but as the second plane struck the south tower of the World Trade Center it was clear America was under attack. As the news outlets played live footage of what was going on you could see not only the physical damage the attacks had left but the emotional damage as well. It was a horrific sight watching the two towers up in smoke and realizing how hopeless people felt all around the …show more content…
Although, the building was built to withstand high winds and conventional fires the building could not support the burning of the jet fuel. Minutes after the first tower fell the second would also fall causing massive dust clouds and smoke around the area. A staggering 3,000 people died in the World Trade Center, including firefighters and paramedics, New York City police and Port Authority police whom were all struggling to save people trapped in the building. Another 10,000 people in the vicinity received treatment for injuries sustained because of the