911

There is no doubt that the terrorist attacks of September 11 were terrible. What about the aftermath? Considering the state of world affairs today, what effect do you think 911 has had? Did the United States respond appropriately? Is the world now a safer place? Now that Bin Laden has been killed, do you think that the survivors and those who lost loved ones in the attacks feel better

American society was changed radically following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I don't believe any American was expecting an attack upon their own land, especially in this time and age. It was even more shocking to see a display of aggression against thousands of innocent civilians, affecting thousands of lives through the deaths of loved ones. Following the attacks, President George W. Bush approved the Patriot Act, a controversial act that is seen by some as an infringement upon our freedoms, that allows the government all access to private communication means for the sake of security. Airport security was beefed up and security was maximized, and to protect civilians in the air, Air Marshall frequency increased It is without doubt that following the attacks, America was shocked and insecure, and the government retaliated with a major crackdown on security.
However, the US also united through their patriotism and loyalty to one another. I don't think Americans are more united in their nationalism and comradeship unless it is in the face of disaster and unity against a common enemy - in this case, bin Laden and the Al-Qaida.

I think the US responded relatively appropriately. They unified in the face of disaster against a common enemy, and responded by increasing security. However, the US invasion of Iraq was completely unjustified and utterly uncalled for.