Peter Arnett, a renowned journalist, conducted the first TV interview with Osama bin Laden in 1997, where bin Laden outlined his plans and motivations, which included opposition to US foreign policy in the Middle East. Arnett's career was marked by courageous reporting from war zones, notably in Afghanistan during its civil war, and he played a significant role in shaping global understanding of these conflicts. His interview with bin Laden prefigured the attacks of 9/11 and provided insight into bin Laden's ideology and grievances.
Vice President Vance criticized mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's remarks on Islamophobia after 9/11, amid a broader political debate involving comments from other candidates and figures, highlighting ongoing issues of hate crimes and discrimination against Muslims in the U.S.
Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been named by President-elect Donald Trump as his pick for Secretary of Commerce. Lutnick, a prominent Wall Street figure, is known for his leadership during the 9/11 attacks, which claimed the lives of 658 employees, including his brother. As Commerce Secretary, Lutnick will lead the administration's trade and tariff strategy, advocating for higher tariffs to protect U.S. businesses. His close ties to Trump and potential conflicts of interest, such as his company's involvement with Tether, have raised concerns.
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as his pick for Secretary of Commerce. Lutnick, a prominent Wall Street figure known for his resilience after losing nearly 70% of his employees in the 9/11 attacks, will lead the administration's strategy on tariffs and trade. Lutnick, who has been a significant donor and advisor to Trump's campaign, is expected to focus on raising tariffs to protect U.S. businesses. His appointment has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding cryptocurrency.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy promoted various far-right conspiracy theories during the fourth GOP presidential primary debate, including suggesting that the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol was an "inside job." Ramaswamy also mentioned conspiracy theories about Saudi Arabia's involvement in 9/11, the "great replacement theory," and the alleged theft of the 2020 election by Big Tech. His comments follow previous conspiratorial remarks he made about the 9/11 attacks. Ramaswamy is not the only Republican politician to have promoted Jan. 6 conspiracy theories, as Senator Mike Lee of Utah also shared a post suggesting undercover federal agents disguised as MAGA supporters were involved in the Capitol riot.
A US military judge at Guantanamo Bay has ruled that one of the defendants in the 9/11 attacks case, Ramzi bin al-Shibh, is unfit for trial due to sustained abuse rendering him lastingly psychotic. The judge's ruling means that the prosecution of al-Shibh's four co-defendants will continue without him. Al-Shibh, accused of organizing one cell of the hijackers, remains in custody. The case has faced logistical problems, high turnover, and legal challenges, with no trial date set. Al-Shibh's mental issues were linked to his torture and solitary confinement during his four years in CIA custody. Defense lawyers argue for physical and psychological care for the lasting effects of the torture. The ruling marks the first acknowledgment by the US government of the harm caused by the CIA's "programme of human experimentation."
Ramzi bin al-Shibh, a detainee at Guantanamo Bay who was tortured by the CIA, has been ruled mentally unfit to stand trial in a death penalty case related to the 9/11 attacks. The military judge determined that bin al-Shibh's psychological damage, including post-traumatic stress disorder and delusional disorder, prevents him from understanding the proceedings or cooperating with his defense team. Bin al-Shibh's defense lawyer claims that his client's mental health deterioration was a result of torture, including sleep deprivation and beatings, by the CIA. The trial of alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three other defendants will proceed as scheduled.
The scars of the 9/11 attacks continue to shape Joe Biden's presidency, as he commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy. While the sense of national unity that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks has faded, Biden emphasizes the importance of Americans coming together around the principle of democracy. However, deep distrust and dissatisfaction with the government, fueled in part by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, make it challenging for Biden to govern effectively and may impact his chances for re-election. The fallout from the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan further shadows his presidency, with criticism over the handling of the pullout and demands for transparency from Gold Star families. Lingering skepticism of the wars also affects Biden's efforts to secure emergency funding for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The article suggests that without the 9/11 attacks and subsequent wars, there may not have been a Trump presidency or a President Biden, as they were both products of disillusionment and anger with the system.
Georgians across the state, including students at Georgia Military College, commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with ceremonies and events. The day was marked by the firing of a howitzer, bagpipe music, the ringing of bells, and visits from New York City firefighters and police officers. The attacks, carried out by 19 Al Qaeda terrorists, claimed the lives of 2,753 people in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 on Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Among the victims were 16 individuals with ties to Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp emphasized the bravery of first responders and U.S. service members, and students at the college expressed their gratitude and aspirations for the future.
New York City will host various events to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum's annual ceremony, the Tribute in Light, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Fire Museum. Other events include the Table of Silence Project 9/11 performance and the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk. These events aim to honor the lives lost and provide opportunities for reflection and remembrance.
President Joe Biden will commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at a memorial ceremony in Alaska with military members, first responders, and their families. The event will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage and will include units from various branches of the military. Biden will stop in Alaska while returning from the G-20 summit in India and will also visit Vietnam to discuss cooperation between the two countries. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will participate in a commemoration ceremony in New York City, while First Lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
The Pentagon is considering plea deals for the defendants in the 9/11 attacks, including suspected mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, which would allow them to escape the death penalty in exchange for accepting criminal responsibility for their actions. The potential plea deals have generated outrage among families of the victims, who have been waiting for years to see the defendants face trial. The prosecution of the defendants at Guantanamo Bay has been delayed due to complications surrounding the admissibility of evidence obtained through CIA interrogations. If a plea deal is reached, the Guantanamo prison could remain open indefinitely, as there is a law preventing the transfer of defendants to U.S. soil and federal custody.
The PGA Tour's recent partnership with LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, has angered survivors and families of those killed in the 9/11 attacks. The PGA had previously opposed LIV Golf due to the Saudi government's alleged involvement in the attacks and human rights abuses. Evidence has emerged that Saudi officials may have had more significant dealings with some of the plotters than previously shown. The families are suing the Saudi government, claiming officials helped those involved in the plot. The PGA official who brokered the alliance said he was confident the Saudi officials he negotiated with were not involved in the attacks.
