Changes in Foreign Policies, Culture, and Domestic Policies After 9/11

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 changed the skyscape of New York City. They also changed the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the United States. September 11th showed Americans that not even the strongest military country in the world can protect its citizens from terrorism. The changes in America since 9/11 have not only impacted Americans but have impacted citizens of other nations worldwide. This infamous day in history had the power to turn the world upside down in only a matter of hours.

U.S. foreign policy, specifically our relationships with other countries, was significantly changed after September 11th. After the terrorist attacks on this day of 2001, most nations were ready to accept U.S. leadership against terrorism. This was an opportunity for President Bush and his administration to exploit this rare opportunity to stabilize the Middle East and Asia. It was also an opportunity to unite world leaders in a combined effort to curb the production of weapons of mass destruction. Instead, the Bush administration has hurt our relationships with foreign countries, including some of our allies, and sharpened the insecurities of other countries.

Differences that divided the United States and other nations before September 11th gave way to widespread solidarity and support. "An outpouring of sympathy from countries throughout the world reflected the fact that even though other countries might dislike U.S. policies, they understood that the U.S. is a just power who had been wrongfully attacked." On September 12, 2001, the United Nations passed a resolution condemning those responsible for the attacks. NATO, for the first time in its history, invoked Article 5 of its charter, c...

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...the presidential nominating convention in New York City until the end of August 2004 so Bush's acceptance speech would flow into a commemoration honoring the third anniversary of 9/11." Whether or not Bush can parlay this into a reelection victory remains to be seen. But there is no doubt that the events of 9/11 changed the scope of the George W. Bush presidency and public opinion.

The planes that crashed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon turned the world upside- down. David Frum, a Bush speechwriter, said that "the United States changed more in those 10 hours than in the past ten years." The events of September 11th have brought about changes in economics, foreign policies, culture, technology, and domestic policies.

These changes have not been for the good of the U.S. They have hurt our economy, our government, and, most importantly, our people.