In 1995,
the CIA was told about possible hijacking of planes that would head for the
World Trade Center, the White House, and the Pentagon. The US knew about
Islamic extremists and even ignored the Phoenix Memo, which stated that Al
Qaeda was taking flight lessons in America.
After
9/11, the families that had lost their loved ones wanted to know the truth.
They tried for a commission, but were denied by the White House. After gaining
support from John McCain and Joe Lieberman, the families tried again for a
second commission and finally received it.
The
families found the testimonies hard to believe. Both the FBI and CIA denied
hearing anything about planes or bombs. It became known that airports received
12 warnings from the FAA about hijackings. But the airports were not given the
tip off list from the FAA, which included some of the names of the hijackers.
Had the FBI and CIA listened to the warnings and information
they received, there could have been investigations on Al Qaeda and other
possible terrorists before 9/11 happened. During the commission, the FBI, CIA,
FAA, and airlines should have told the full truth. While I believe that there
should have been investigations, I do not believe that the US should have
targeted all Middle Easterners and gone to war with Iraq.
Hi, Jordan!
ReplyDeleteI get that you believe the US should have taken a different approach towards the situation revolving around 9/11. However, do you think there was an alternative path we could have taken in regards to going to war? Do you think the war should not have happened altogether, or was it who we were attacking that you disagree with?
-Lizzy
great summary of the events. one thing: your post is titled information before 9/11. You are mostly talking about after. Any possible ideas of how this attack could have been prevented?
ReplyDeleteLizzy -
ReplyDeleteI believe that the war should not have happened all together. I don't believe that there was a reason to attack an entire nation because a few people had attacked us. I think that an alternative path could have been working with Iraq to end extremist groups such as Al Qaeda.
Fiona -
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this attack could have 100% been prevented, but I do believe that there could have been investigations about the knowledge the CIA, FBI, and FAA had received. The CIA was told about the possibility of planes being hijacked and it was also known that airport security was terrible. I believe that if the CIA had investigated this and had airports used the same safety precautions we use now, the hijackers would have not been able to take over the plane. The US should have investigated the Phoenix Memo and investigated the members of Al Qaeda. There are many safety measures the US could have taken.