9/11

On the morning of 11 September 2001, terrorists hijacked four passenger flights and crashed the planes into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania (the plane was heading for Washington, but the passengers fought to wrest control from the terrorists), killing almost 3000 people and wounding thousands more. This terrorist attack sent shockwaves around the world and marked a turning point in American politics, resulting in the War on Terror, the passing of the Patriot Act and the invasion of Afghanistan. In just 50 minutes, you will find out about the major consequences of the September 11 attacks and the part they played in shaping the international geopolitical landscape of the early 21^st century.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough discussion of the key moments in the 9/11 attacks, which unfolded against the backdrop of a contentious election and the growing threat posed by jihadism. It also features an introduction to the main figures involved, including Osama bin Laden, and an examination of the political, social and economic consequences, giving you all the information you need to understand this momentous event in American history.

About 9/11

The September 11 attacks in 2001 were the work of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, and remain the deadliest terrorist attack in history. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the attacks had profound and far-reaching consequences: the USA escalated its fight against jihadism and embarked on a protracted and costly foreign war with the aim of capturing Osama bin Laden. More than 15 years after 9/11, the tragedy continues to claim victims, as many of those caught up in the events of that day have since developed illnesses, which often prove fatal, linked to the inhalation of toxic substances and fumes.

This clear and accessible 43-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to the 9/11 attacks
• Political and social context
  • A contested election
  • The war on terror
  • The threat posed by bin Laden
  • The American authorities and their failures
• Biographies
  • George W. Bush, American statesman
  • Osama bin Laden, Saudi Arabian jihadist
  • Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, al-Qaeda military leader
• The 9/11 attacks
  • The Twin Towers
  • The Pentagon
  • Shanksville
  • A humanitarian disaster
• Impact of 9/11
  • A turning point in American politics
  • The Patriotic Act
  • Afghanistan and the hunt for bin Laden
  • Conspiracy theories
• Summary