Remembering September 11

The world was recently reminded of one of history’s darkest days when Queen Elizabeth paid tribute to 9/11 victims during her first visit to New York in more than 30 years.

The Queen spoke about stopping global dangers, when addressing the United Nations during her visit to the US last July and then paid tribute to the victims of the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a wreath at Ground Zero and a ceremony honouring British victims of that man-made calamity.

The ninth anniversary of the event this year also happens to fall on Hari Raya day in the US and Malaysians there are worried about celebrating the religious occasion, for fear of being accused of commemorating the anniversary of the attack.

One is also left wondering about the unnecessary media hype over the plan to build a mosque near Ground Zero. The planned house of prayer is not designated to stand exactly on the spot where many have perished but will in fact be a couple of blocks away.

For a lot of people, the anniversary would pass without any special significance. But those in the security services need not be reminded of the minutely planned, synchronised attack that had led to the destruction of the World Trade Center.

The electronic media was full of it, reminding us of the tragedy that befell the world’s most powerful nation.

For those who have been following world events and developments in the Middle East, the event not only triggered mass outrage against the perpetrators, and the attendant loss of innocent lives, but also gave birth to a new effort to understand the people who did it and the reason behind the disaster.

Most initial comments from those not knowing the details of the attack would give their standard biased comments. Some say the US deserved it; some praised the perpetrators for reminding the world of the sufferings of Muslims worldwide, while others were just too shocked to say anything.

The most mature comments and assessments came from those in the security and intelligence agencies but sad to say, none of them were willing to talk about the tragedy, citing security imperatives.

The only choice then was to turn to what was available, and to make educated guesses based on what was written between the lines.

The internet was therefore the best choice, plus whatever would be available from those who would be able to make that educated guess:

the academia, journalists and of course those cynical experts with a penchant for seeing the world from a different perspective.

The concept of taking revenge, while simultaneously making a statement for a belief by killing the innocent, has always been seen as morally wrong by most common thinkers. Diplomats would prefer to pursue negotiation and finding a solution through a process of a win-win situation. The military, on the other hand, would prefer to do it their way, declaring war, or at times attacking the other state through sabotage and espionage.

Not surprisingly, third world countries who support the sufferings of certain religious quarters by stronger states, maintain that acts of terrorism are still wrong in the eyes of international relations.

For those with family and friends travelling in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, trying to get in touch with them was an exercise in frustration and fear. Friends and relatives were worried when some did not respond to calls on their mobiles, not knowing that communication was disrupted in that part of the world. Their relief was palpable when those close to them called from other parts of the States, with happy updates of their well being.

The world has changed a lot since then. Air travel will never be the same again. Some experienced travelers have developed a phobia of flying -- the idea of being blown up in midair and having your remains scattered in open space, is not an idea of a decent burial for most of us. There were news reports of passengers expressing fear whenever they saw Middle Eastern-looking men on board their flight. People were also inconvenienced by the extra security precautions taken at most airports, although many tolerated it for the sake of safety.

The stringent security checks at most airports have also discouraged holiday makers from spending their tourist dollars in certain countries. Most have turned to other safer regions, and in this aspect, our tourism authorities are happy to announce that tourists from the Middle East and other areas have turned up in droves to our country to spend their winter holidays.

Looking back at 9/11 and chatting with fellow travelers over the last few years, a majority blame extremist elements who believe that they could change the current power balance, particularly in regions where there are conflicts involving small minority groups, through terror. They have forgotten that the major world powers will not bow to such an extreme form of public reprisal. In fact, most security experts have voiced their determination to work harder against known terrorist groups in their respective areas.

The bombings in Indonesia have once again seen terrorism against civilians raising its ugly head. It is true that the perpetrators were planning to kill as many foreigners as possible, but statistics revealed by the local government showed that the majority of those killed were locals -- workers and traders who made a living selling local products to tourists. The terrorists have therefore done more harm to their own citizens than against foreigners.

The arrest of the most radical cleric, Abu Bakar Bashir has again thrown the spotlight on the negative association of religion with violence.

The perpetrators’ repeated defence made in the media that the arrest was just a conspiracy by certain states, clearly indicates the group’s righteous insistence in doing what they think is best for their belief.

Acts of terrorism will continue to challenge our security organizations in the current political scenario, both worldwide and regionally. We have also seen closer cooperation between police agencies giving assistance to each other in either preventive or investigative procedures.

Public statements made by security agencies have indicated that terrorism will continue to haunt our society, whether we like it or not. Those who are willing to die for their cause at the expense of hurting others, especially innocent bystanders, will continue to plot their evil deeds.

What these people have forgotten is the collateral damage that they have inflicted on innocent parties. Let us hope that those who planned these atrocities will be able to sleep with a clear conscience.