On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the search for this tragedy’s truths continues

Several memorial ceremonies will be organized on September 11 to observe the 25th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks. In this most destructive attack on US soil, as many as 2,977 people died, compared to the 2403 who perished in the Pearl Harbor attack. In addition, between 6,000 and 25,000 people were injured, and about 9,000 died due to illnesses caused by hazardous exposures and other impacts of the 9/11 attacks.

Keeping in view the enormous distress and stress caused by these attacks to countless people, not confined to just the USA, as well as the day’s importance in changing contemporary history in numerous ways (including starting the War on Terror, which has caused 4.5 million deaths from its direct and indirect impacts, according to Brown University estimates), the 9/11 attacks need to be studied which has caused 4.5 million deaths from its direct and indirect impacts, according to Brown University estimates) the 9/11 attacks need to be studied and examined carefully in great detail and from many angles to learn important lessons from one of the biggest human tragedies of the 21st century.

One aspect of this tragedy relates to carefully re-examining the day’s events, looking in an unbiased, detailed, and evidence-based way to explore if the well-established official explanations of what really happened need to be modified or even changed significantly. Hundreds of people, including highly qualified professionals, several family members and friends of victims, first responders, rescue personnel, and concerned citizens, have done precisely this. Some have continued their efforts for over two decades, some have risked their careers for this, and some have died in the course of their tireless efforts. However, at the time of writing, these efforts have not yet led to an official re-examination of the 9/11 attacks. Several eminent academics and scholars, who may be critical of other important aspects of US policy, including ‘forever wars,’ have also not included the findings to date of the ‘9/11 Truth Movement’’ in their analysis and understanding of this century’s events.

Despite this, it cannot be denied that sincere and honest efforts to explore and tell the truth regarding some very important events of recent history can make an invaluable contribution to much-needed and significant reforms at a world level. If these efforts can actually succeed in convincing most people that something incredibly wrong and unjust was done in terms of covering up the truth, and there is enough evidence for this (even though all the related facts, of course, cannot be uncovered), then a very large number of people can be involved in reforming existing systems and society—something that is really needed—so that we can move towards a much better situation in terms of peace and democracy.

Of course, it is very difficult for independent efforts, with their very limited resources and other constraints to cover all aspects of such a huge tragedy. It is an achievable objective to convincingly point out how some of the official explanations of certain events of the day are most unlikely to be true, although establishing this in a scientific way can involve enormous time, effort, and risks. It is also possible to give some alternative explanations for certain aspects of what happened on this tragic day. However, it is more difficult to go beyond this and say why this (what is stated in the alternative explanation) happened, who did it, and why. In a situation full of complexities, perhaps including deliberately left false trails, it is very difficult to try to join all the dots to answer: if the official explanation is not correct, then what is a more complete alternative explanation of the day’s events?

Despite this, it remains important that independent, unbiased work on such important issues should continue, as even limited findings, when well-established with a lot of evidence, can in turn lead to more efforts and demands for knowing the wider and more complete truth of what exactly happened and why. Fortunately, a lot of important and sincere work in this direction has already been done, and new efforts can start by acknowledging its importance and value, as several people, in small and big ways, tried to stand up for truth and to further explore truth, at times taking great risks. While those who explored much smaller issues achieved fame and stardom, those who took up some of the biggest and most important issues struggled endlessly. Of course not all of these efforts were equally credible or trustworthy, but it cannot be denied that several sincere and honest efforts were also made and these are the ones which need to be taken forward.