9/11, with Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire (RedHanded)
Sep 9, 2021
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True crime podcast hosts Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire discuss the events of 9/11 with experts, exploring the impact of al-Qaeda, the invasion of Afghanistan, the hunt for Osama bin Laden, the origins of ISIS, and the unintended consequences of the West's response to terrorism.
The podcast explores the origins and beliefs of Al-Qaeda, revealing its evolution and the influential figures behind its ideology.
The aftermath of the September 11th attacks led to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, causing destabilization and the emergence of new terrorist actors.
The legacy of 9/11 is evident in increased security measures and the unintended consequences of the West's militaristic response to terrorism.
Deep dives
The Impact of September 11th
The podcast episode explores the significance of the September 11th attacks, discussing the connections between Al-Qaeda, bin Laden, the Twin Towers, and the War on Terror. It highlights the acts of mass murder as an attempt to instill fear and chaos in the nation. The hosts share their personal memories of the day and reflect on the global impact of the attacks.
Understanding Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden
The podcast delves into the origins and beliefs of Al-Qaeda, tracing its roots back to the war in Afghanistan in the 1980s. It emphasizes the role of jihadist movements and explores how Al-Qaeda's ideology evolved over time through the influence of key figures like Abdullah Azam. The discussion also touches on Osama bin Laden's background, his transformation from a follower to a leader, and his vision of challenging Western presence in the Arab and Muslim world.
The Consequences of the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
The podcast examines the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, focusing on the military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. It discusses the motivations behind these interventions and questions their effectiveness in achieving long-term security. The episode highlights the destabilization caused by the wars, the emergence of new terrorist actors, and the impact on Western societies, including polarization and the erosion of democratic consensus.
The Global Impact of 9/11
The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon marked a significant turning point in global affairs. The United States, at the height of its global supremacy, faced a formidable challenge to its dominance. The response from the US, characterized by flags, military mobilization, and war rhetoric, created a backlash and fueled a clash of cultures and worldviews. The War on Terror, with its focus on the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, led to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, these actions had unintended consequences, creating a power vacuum that allowed new groups like ISIS to rise. The West's pursuit of security by militarizing conflicts undermined liberal values and marginalized progressive voices. The magnitude of the attacks and the subsequent global response fundamentally changed international relations and created a new security paradigm.
The Legacy of 9/11 and the Impact on Daily Life
The legacy of 9/11 is felt in the everyday lives of people around the world. Increased security measures at airports and public spaces became the norm as the threats of terrorism became more apparent. The heightened state of vigilance and the visible presence of armed soldiers in public places, which is uncommon in countries like the UK, served as constant reminders of the ongoing risks. The West's response to terrorism, driven by nationalistic fervor and militaristic actions, seemed to create the opposite effect of what was intended. The West's failure to achieve its goals and the success of terrorist groups in provoking overreactions highlight the need to craft new narratives that emphasize shared human values and address global challenges such as pandemics and climate change.
In this bonus episode of Conflict of Interest podcast, marking the twentieth anniversary of the attacks on September 11th, 2001, we examine this monumental moment in history which profoundly impacted the world of war and conflict, and the way we live our lives today.
Our guests Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala, hosts of the true crime podcast RedHanded, ask the simple but important questions about the events of 9/11: Who were al-Qaeda and what did they believe? What actually happened on September 11th? How have the attacks shaped our current world and values?
Answering these questions are IWM curator Amanda Mason and King’s College London terrorism expert Shiraz Maher. We are also joined by special guest Mohsin Hamid, author of The Reluctant Fundamentalist.
Want the chance to win a £50 Amazon gift voucher? Just fill in this quick survey on what you thought of the podcast: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7DH98XM. Terms and conditions apply.
IWM is also inviting listeners to share their stories of how 9/11, and how the events that followed have impacted their lives today. Share your story here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/911