September 11: The Clash of Civilizations

1219 Words3 Pages

“First, differences among civilizations are not only real; they are basic. Civilizations are differentiated from each other by history, language, culture, tradition, and, most important, religion” (Huntington 450). On Tuesday September 11, 2001 the unthinkable happened in America. The two World Trade Centers in New York City, along with the Pentagon in Washington D.C., were struck by airplanes that were hijacked by terrorists. This terrible tragedy killing thousands of people had a deep impact on the whole nation. Many are confused as to why the United States of America were targeted instead of any of the other countries in the world. The main reason for the Taliban choosing to attack the United Stated of America on September 11, 2001 is due to the freedoms that Americans live with everyday. The 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (NARA). Americans live with the freedom of speech, religion, and in most cases, the ability to have a second chance, while people living in other countries don’t have these luxuries.

One main reason for the Taliban choosing to attack the United States of America is due to American’s freedom of speech. It is stated in the Bill of rights as stated earlier, “Congress shall make no law […] abridging the freedom of speech, […]” (NARA). Americans live everyday of their lives with this freedom, however people living in Iraq or other countries who have inhabitants who are involved with the Taliban might not have the freedom of speech any time in their life. Therefore, the idea that Americans have this freedom of speech might insult or make people living in these countries jealous, and who better to target than Americans for having this freedom. As stated in an address given by George Bush, “America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining” (Bush). People living in countries involved with the Taliban are not able to speak out about the government in any way. These people hate the United States of America because they are jealous of w...

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...n the world. The main reason for the Taliban choosing to attack the United Stated of American on September 11, 2001 was due to the freedoms that Americans live with everyday. The 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (NARA). Americans live with the freedom of speech, religion, and in most cases, the ability to have a second chance, while people living in other countries don’t have these luxuries.

Works Cited

Bush, George. Text of Bush's address. 16 February 2003.

CUSA. Amendments to the Constitution. 10 March 2003.

Huntington, Samuel P. “The Clash of Civilizations?”. The Aims of Argument. Fourth Edition. Ed. Timothy W. Crusius and Carolyn E. Channell. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003. 449-453.

Landers, Jim. “The Roots of Conflict”. The Aims of Argument. Fourth Edition. Ed. Timothy W. Crusius and Carolyn E. Channell. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003. 387-393.

NARA. The Bill of Rights. 10 March 2003

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