Psychology of Terrorism and 9/11

This assignment delves into the psychological factors contributing to terrorism, using the 9/11 attacks as a focal point. It examines various sources, including scholarly articles and online resources, to analyze the motivations, behaviors, and consequences of terrorism. The analysis considers the impact of collective identity, postdisaster intervention, and the psycho-cultural aspects of terrorism.

Terror as crime
essay and Case
Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 2: CASE STUDY................................................................................................................13
September 11, 2001 case facts...................................................................................................13
Factors influencing the entire event...........................................................................................15
Objective of terrorists behind the occurred incident..................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................21
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Terrorism: “It is not individual psychology, but group, organizational, and social psychology,
with a particular emphasis on “collective identity,” that provides the most powerful lens to
understand terrorist psychology and behaviour.”
Terrorism can be defined as act of coercing civilians in a brutal manner for the attainment
of unjustifiable aims and objectives. Present era is dominated by the acts of terror or terrorism.
The era of modern terrorism initiated in the end of 1970 as terrorists community had shown
severe acts that cause to catastrophic death and destruction in the economy (Ridley and Ridley,
2012). There are various philosophies related to the terrorism, behaviour of terrorists and their
psychology. Present study shows critical evaluation of the fact that terrorism is group,
organizational, and social psychology instead of individual psychology. For this aspect, various
philosophies regarding terrorism will be considered along with the viable case incidents of
terrorism attacks (Tokgoz, 2012). On the basis of these provisions cited statement will be
evaluated in order to draw valid conclusion.
Terrorism
Terrorism can be defined as unauthorized or unofficial use of violence and intimidations
in the pursuit of political objectives. Terrorism in an international problem in present global
community. It is because, it had affected various countries either in direct or indirect manner. In
accordance with the US state department terrorism consists four elements i.e. threat of violence,
political objective, direct attack on civilians and last is perpetrated by a supporting a country or
countries (Archetti, 2012). In accordance with the Horgan and Braddock (2011), terrorism is
illegal use of violence or force against individuals and proper in order to coerce civilians
government for the attainment of political and social purpose. Main target of terrorism are
government, corporations, political parties, ethnic or religious groups and media enterprises.
Consequences of terrorism are always catastrophic (Horgan and Braddock, 2011). It is because;
it does not only kill people but also destroys the economy and livelihood of civilians. Individual
and groups involved in such activities are treated as terrorists.
Study of Pearse (2015) shows that existence of terrorists is in all over the world.
Examples of major terrorism community in world are Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Boko
Haram and al-Nusra Front (Pearse, 2015). This aspect shows that terrorism does not belong to
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single community. Furthermore, there are the few individuals that operate alone but mostly
operate in a group. It is not possible to track down these severe criminals because they operate
with a low profile that no one can point out them from the regular public. According to Pearse
(2015) there are various countries that have harboured terrorism worldwide and most of the
terrorist organization are radical fundamentalists who commit such actions on the name of their
religion (Pearse, 2015). Depending on the country and their political system there are various
types of terrorism such as civil disorder, political terrorism, official or state terrorism, passive
terrorism, data terrorism. Main purpose of terrorists is to incite the counter terrorism by the state
in order to polarize the population.
Factors that constitutes a terrorist
There are few factors that constitutes a terrorist, classification can be as social, political
and religious. As per the detailed study of statements, the terrorist activities are mostly motivated
due to social and political gap in the society. According to Perl (2010), most of the people are
attracted towards terrorism at situation where they have efforts to attain justice against any
wrong historical event. For such historical event, various individuals were involved in terrorism
in order to support their community (Perl, 2010). In addition to this, they had attempted to make
damage to the innocent civilians despite of fact they were not involved in the misconduct. In
terrorism individuals do not think as per the rationale approach while conduct of act they firmly
believe on the facts and values cited by their community. This fact is clarified in by considering
the group activities of major terrorist group such as Taliban and Al-Qaeda (Shanty, 2011). In
other aspect, it can be said that the political and social avoidance that person has faced in the past
motivates him to pursue a terrorist activity. For example, the person has been stripped from their
land in past and human rights were ignored by the government authorities. These kinds of
incidences forces person to take part in terrorism activities. In addition to this, such aggression is
also transferred to the coming generation and their relative parties. They are motivated to take
revenge for such misconduct by making injury to the innocent parties (Carlton and chaerf, 2015).
Medina and Hepner (2013) has said that the dissatisfaction from such activities impacts the belief
of person in negative manner. In addition to this, in situation where person started belief that the
violence will threat the society and forces to bring change so that his motive can be
accomplished. It is also referred as a belief that violent means the justified end of the pain and
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problem (Medina and Hepner, 2013). Number of terrorists has confessed in the history that
before choosing the terrorism activities and violence they have deliberated in critical manner and
analysed they had no choice rather than violence. It is because of their surrounding and collective
approaches adopted by their community. Due to this aspect they were forced to grow up as a
terrorists and they do not have option for their livelihood (Medina and Hepner, 2013). Even in
various countries, children are educated and trained with this terrorism. They live their entire life
in such environment and as a consequence they are firm towards to the objectives of their
community.
Ridley and Ridley (2012) has critically asserted that the condition of lack of political
presence is also one of key aspect in constitution of a terrorist. The circumstances where
complaints and needs of society are ignored by political aspects forces person to adopt violence.
It is one of critical issue or barrier in democracies that impacts belief of person (Ridley and
Ridley, 2012). For example, in the early of year 2011, the government of UK has introduced a
new fiscal policies without consulting the public. People were in against of the policy so they
were protesting in respect to subject but British government has not considered it as critical
aspect. Tokgoz (2012) has contended that it has created a political violence situation which may
also turn into terrorist response. If democratic aspects allows citizens to participate in decision
making process then governments must ensure about it in order to avoid such negative outcomes
(Tokgoz, 2012).
As per the Archetti (2012) view, the explanations and justifications of terrorist in
historical events indicates that the terrorism may be difficult to taste. But terrorist groups are
formed on the basis of historical events by society and political aspects. Religious and over
concern are also factors that forces individual to adopt terrorist activities (Archetti, 2012). The
forces of religion aspects means, most of terrorist groups are established with a motive to make a
state of their religion. For example, ISIS targets young and helpless people of Muslim religion to
expand its reach. ISIS key motive is to create an Islamic state that will rule the world. It indicates
that the religion is also one of key aspect that constitutes a terrorist. Horgan and Braddock (2011)
has critically explained that the over concern of groups also forces individual to take part in
terrorism activities. Most of the people are over concerned about their land and fear that other
will destroy it for personal benefits (Horgan and Braddock, 2011). For example, in 1980 the IRA
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(Irish Republican Army) has said that they attracted to England because they realize that their
land was inhabited by British sovereign. Another example, Osama Bin Laden has stated in the
declaration of war against America that he believes U.S. troops has created a horror conditions in
the Saudi Arabia due as it is an Islamic state. It clearly indicates that the over-concern, social
and political injustice are key factors that constitutes a terrorist.
Terrorism as individual and collective identity
Individuals vs Group Psychology
Terrorism is diverse approach and it is not easy to determine factors of its constitution. It
is because; terrorists aren't likely to volunteer as experimental subject and examination of their
activities can lead to the erroneous subjects.
In accordance with the viewpoint of Pearse (2015), explanations of terrorism at the level
of individual psychology is insufficient in order to gain understanding that why individuals are
involved in such kind of actions. In addition to this, terrorists are psychologically normal in the
sense of not being clinically psychotic (Pearse, 2015). It is because; they are neither depressed
nor they have any crazy fantasies. Research of Perl (2010) shows that terrorists groups not
considers the individual who not emotionally stable as there is high risk of security. However,
there is multiplicity in the individual motivations. Some individuals are motivated to attain
power while some are motivated to take revenge from the targeted group (Perl, 2010). Within
each group there are motivational differences in the group members to different degrees on the
basis of their interests. In addition to this, self serving actions are inspired by the ideology of
group.
As per the viewpoint of Shanty (2011) terrorism is not individual psychology but a social,
organizational or group psychology because it mainly emphasized on the collective identity. This
aspect provide most powerful lens for the understanding of terrorist psychology and behavior
(Shanty, 2011). For some terrorist groups this collective identity is formed so early so that
“hatred is bred in the bone.” significance of the collective identity cannot be ignored in terrorism
because socio cultural context of terrorism determines the balance between individual and
collective identity. In this aspect Carlton and chaerf, (2015) had stated that terrorists had
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subordinated their individual identity for the formation of collective identity in order to serve the
purpose of group (Carlton and chaerf, 2015).
According to the interviews conducted with the Middle East terrorist, collective identity
is formed very early. It is because, they are influenced by the representative quotations from
nationalist separatist terrorists in Fatah. As per the psychologists who had studies terrorist groups
had stated that, it will be mistake to label terrorists as evil or psychologically deranged (Medina
and Hepner, 2013). Furthermore, terrorists are different from the other only on the basis of their
ability to switch off the sense of empathy in service to their beliefs and goals. Generally terrorists
are teenagers or young individuals. This part of life is considered to be a psychologically difficult
period. It is because; in this period an individual became aware of themselves with a sense of
vulnerability and fragility (Cooney and Bigman, 2015). As a consequence, they are required to
provided with the strong need of identity and belonging. Psychology shows that adolescents are
easily attracted to the popular group and become there follower. Similarly, in terrorism, youth is
provoked to join the community for the sake of nation, religion or any political objectives.
Terrorists are not individually concerned for the objective of terrorism (Campbell, 2015). They
are only motivated for the attainment of group objective which is cited by their leaders or
belongings.
Study of Kron, Braun and Heinke (2015) shows that terrorism is genetic in population in
modern era. It is because, eve individuals are aggressive even they have not faced any kind of
attack or negative aspect. They are in terrorism because their ancients or elders had told them
that targeted group had done wrong with them (Kron, Braun and Heinke, 2015). For this reason,
they are grown with the mind set that they have duty to take revenge from the targeted group.
This approach shows that adolescents are vulnerable to the religious and political orientation.
Furthermore, belonging to a particular religion or terrorist group in that religion provides a like
minded community and supporting beliefs (Karaffa, 2015).
In this aspect Kron, Braun and Heinke (2015) had stated that the sense of identity and
purpose is significantly intoxicating that it can convince individual subconsciously to let go their
empathy and feeling towards the other individuals (Comer, 2010). In addition to this, they are
motivated by their leaders and member to get engaged in these actions after completion of their
training. In this training period, transformation of human mind set is done so logically that they
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think they are dealing with the objects. In accordance with the Cooney and Bigman (2015) due to
such training, individual lost their identity and tend to adopt the view and beliefs provided by the
group (Cooney and Bigman, 2015). These training programs make them brutal and dishearten
due to which they are not concerned about the injury of innocent persons. Leaders of the
terrorists groups de-humanise the members of other groups and consider them as collective
instead of individuals. Furthermore, they consider each member of the group responsible for
their criminal actions (Tofangsaz, 2015). With this collective approach morality is withdrawn
and behavior of terrorist get neutralized.
Cited ideology of terrorists influenced them to consider world in an abstract (intellectual
manner) instead of considering direct perception (rationale approach). In accordance with the
terrorist mindset world is bifurcated in terms of categories and concepts (Shields and et. Al.,
2015). In addition to this, they develop a dry and rigid outlook which became so significant that
they cut themselves from the immediacy of experience and contact. Further, it also motivates
them to consider other people as units in an abstract in their conceptual and deadly game
(Okamoto and Bladek, 2011).
As per the consideration of the Lint (2015) statements the individual psychology in
context to terrorist are due to improper understanding of psychological factors. Personal belief
and other injustice aspects forces an individual to take part in terrorism activities. In other aspect,
it can be said that the terrorists are psychologically normal in the sense of not being clinically
psychotic (Lint, 2015). It is all about violence activities performed by individual with a motive to
take revenge. Tofangsaz (2015) has also asserted that the most of terrorist activities are
performed by the groups because it requires high amount of finance. Purchase of ammunition
and other tools requires high amount of money and it is not easy task for individual to gather
such amount of money (Tofangsaz, 2015). In terrorist attacks the ideology of groups also
reflects. For example, the after every attack of ISIS, its members issue a message that their key
motive is to expand reach to different nations and rule as a Islamic state in world.
In addition to this, it can be stated that the terrorist groups always ensure that the
members are working with a motive of group goals rather than personal objectives. It helps them
in effective accomplishment of objectives and helps in spreading fear effectively (Alam, 2013).
Post (2010) has also contended that the terrorist groups also percept that the member's identity is
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reflects by the name and objectives of group rather than individual one. Moreover, the risk and
advantages of activities are also functions collectively to actualize the ability of its members. In
group working the leader plays a vital role in accomplishment of activities (Post, 2010). Leaders
performs number of activities that can provide effective identification of external enemy. As per
the view of Shanty (2011), collective identification and establishment of activities also impacts
the perception of members. Without the instructions of leaders the individual activities also gets
influenced. It also reflects that the group psychology is one of significant factor in the terrorism
activities (Shanty, 2011). In the support of this, it can be said that the individual does not have
any kind of violence motive and groups forces them to accomplish violence activities. Osama
Bin Laden was one of great leader that has created a positive identification of objectives and
accomplished recruitment of thousands of young Arab and Muslim youth. Al- Qaeda key focus
was to creating activities that can destruct America from development (Carlton and chaerf,
2015). Al- Qaeda has mostly attacked to the America in order to meet the group objectives. It
also reflects that the terrorism activities are mostly performed with a motive of group. According
to Medina and Hepner (2013), the differences in culture also impacts the perception and
objectives of terrorist groups. It has been determined that the terrorism provides a different
expression in collectivist and individualist cultures.
In addition to this, the individual terrorist activities and identity is derived according to
personal needs and goals (Medina and Hepner, 2013). On the other side, in group terrorist the
activities are classified with a perception of social system. Cooney and Bigman, (2015) has
critically argued that the collective terrorist activities are more likely preferable as compared to
individualist because it provides better opportunities to meet goals. It has also been spotted that
the collective terrorist activities are more focused to attack foreigners because it provides a better
reach to international media (Cooney and Bigman, 2015). With an assistance of international
media attention the collectivist creates a better fear in the world. On the other side, in
individualist terrorism the activities are more likely to attack members of other individualist
cultures. Individualist terrorism feels morally attached with the innocents but the collectivist
attack activities does not have any kind of morale attachment with innocent people (.Campbell,
2015)). Due to activities and training provided by the groups, the individual lost their identity
and tend to adopt the view and beliefs provided by the group.
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International terrorism
International terrorism activity is referred as an act that destruct social aspects at global
level. As per the view of Kron, Braun and Heinke (2015), it creates a fear among the perception
of all people and create social issue. In this, violence activities are used against the criminal laws
of government (Kron, Braun and Heinke, 2015). It has been identified that the terrorism have
strong political impacts which also influences social aspects. Terrorist groups targets people who
are convinced with the statement that society is deeply unfair. These kinds of persons percept
that the normal politics can not overcome the issue therefore, violence acceptance and law
breaking is only choice to resolve situation (Karaffa, 2015). However, Tofangsaz (2015). has
critically stated that the international terrorist activities have various key motives under the acts
of violence. International terrorist groups expects to spread fear at wider scale and get attention
of international media. Negative impacts on the nation economy is also one of critical motive
behind the international terrorist attacks (Tofangsaz, 2015).
It has been identified that there are various outcomes of terrorism on society. Shields and
et. Al. (2015) has asserted that it causes the psychological shock and interrupt the normal life. It
also creates a barriers and conflict situations for the government. In addition to this, international
terrorism is use of violence activity by a group who have connection with foreign power (Shields
and et. Al., 2015)). There are few major participants in global terrorist such as Al-Qaeda, Abu
Nidal Organization, Harakat ul-Ansar and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. All these groups were
formed for the attainment of community objective for which individual party is not concerned. In
addition to this, individuals involved in such activities were engaged on the facts cited by the
group instead of consideration of their rational focus on this aspect (Okamoto and Bladek,
2011). Aggressive attitude of terrorists is consequence of previous dealings in which they were
not involved but they are acting in brutal manner just because their community, relatives or
surrounding environment is involved in it Lint, 2015). For such actions, they sacrificed their
personal life and belief and act as per the ideology provided by their respective community.
Tofangsaz (2015) has also contended that these kinds of groups has performed various terrorist
activities to impact international social aspects. For example, on 11 September 2001, Al-Qaeda
members has hijacked four passenger aircraft's and crashed them into the World Trade Centre
and the Pentagon (Tofangsaz, 2015). It has provided an international media attention to Al-
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Qaeda. Moreover, the economic system of America has also influenced which impacted the
working of international trade market as well. It has also created a fear among people and
affected the belief of society.
Other than this, it has also been identified that the terrorist groups hire experts to perform
violence acts. For example, most of terrorist are engineers, doctors, graduate students, etc but
they have faced injustice circumstances by government. Terrorist groups takes advantage of such
negative belief and perform various terrorist activities at global level (Alam, 2013). Youth is
provoked by such actions and they are easily influenced to act in a group. In the attack of 9/11,
individual had contributed in terrorism not because they have personal benefit but they were
emotionally and mentally influenced to the motive of the subject matter. In addition to this, they
have even not consider the threat on their life and act so brutally for the destruction of the
economy (Employer Vicarious Liability. 2013).
Employer Vicarious Liability (2013) has critically explained that terrorist activities are
also combination of management aspects such as planning, organizing and implementation.
There are four types of terrorism which are operated at international level. State terrorism means
the forces are used to threaten citizens and normal life (Employer Vicarious Liability. 2013). Bio
terrorism refers to spreading of harmful bio toxic-ants that can impacts the health of citizens.
This aspect is clarified in the attack of Mid-Air Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. In this attack,
major target of the terrorists were plane as passengers and crew members were killed (Victoroff,
2005). In addition to this, falling detritus from the explosion struck homes in Lockerbee had
caused injuries to the various residents. This aspect depicts that terrorism is a way to create fear
by spread of disease and influence economic development of nation. All such types of terrorism
shows collective approach because these groups were established from the objectives of
attainment of collective aims (Leventhal, 2012). Taylor (2016) has said that the Marco terrorism
impacts social aspects in diverse manner. It is all about spread of drugs and impacts the working
of government. It is also referred as an illegal trade of drugs in international borders.
International terrorist groups are also focusing foundation of Islamic states in order to control
social and economic development of world (Taylor, 2016). Number of international terrorist has
commented that they do it in the favour of Allah. One of the terrorist has said in the interview
that it is not suicide or selfish, it is istishad. Post (2005) has contended that there are various
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ways that can be adopted by international bodies to resolve the issue of terrorism. However, in
this aspect main dilemma in this aspect is absence of individuality in such actions (Post, 2005).
Formulation and implementation of the strict law against terrorism is not effective because on
such provisions counter attacking the government. In this aspect Post (2005) had also stated that
the modernized terrorism is strong and effective all because of their collectivity and unity.
In accordance with the present study conclusion can be drawn that terrorism is more
collective approach in comparison to the individual identity. It is because; study conducted by
the criminologist on the subject matter shows that terrorists are influenced by group motive or
objectives. They do no have personal grievances on the target association or community (Post,
2003). In addition to this, they do not have any feeling towards the humanity and they follow
neutralized approach in which they blindly follow the guidance provided by their head or
leaders. Individual engaged in terrorist activities have collective identity towards their work. This
aspect is represented by their work behavior and objectives (Victoroff, 2005). It is because; they
operate to attain the collective social and political objective instead of consideration of individual
purpose of revenge. In addition to this, in terrorism individual are not able to attain the purpose
of revenge on their sole power and identity. For such activities, they require an entire group
which wholly focused towards the common objective (Taylor, 2016). On the basis of this factor,
terrorism is considered as group philosophy not as individual act.
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PART 2: CASE STUDY
September 11, 2001 case facts
September 11, 2001 is considered to one of the most unbelievable and horrible day in the
United states. Occurred event on this day had certainly affected the Americans and each person
in the world in some manner. It is because; it was deadly terrorist attack in which thousand of
lives ended with the despicable act of terror. On this day, none of the individual had idea of an
attack due to which this incident had left the entire nation horrified (Thrall and Cramer, 2009).
Consequence of this attack was not only to the American economy but it has also leaded to the
later wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Attack of 9/11 had affected the entire economy, US financial
market and livelihood of citizens. On this day, three airplanes were hijacked by the terrorists on
the basis of weapons (Roberts, 2009). In this attack, two planes hit the World Trade Centre due
to which 2752 people died. Furthermore, third plane crashed in Pentagon and 189 people in it
were killed. This entire act was planned and executed by the Al-Qaeda leaded by Osama Bin
Laden. For this attack, he had made plan to hijack several civilian airplanes and crash them on
multiple buildings of the America for the purpose of terror. On that day two another aircraft were
also taken over by the terrorists but they were rescued and there was not severe damage (Hirst,
2009).
In other aspect, it can be said that the 19 members of Islamic terrorist group named Al-
Qaeda were involved in the attack. They have hijacked the four airlines and accomplished the
activities to meet the objective of attack. In addition to this, the two of aircraft's were crashed
into the towers of the world trade centre. Third plane hit the pentagon just outside the
Washington, D.C. And fourth one crashed in the filed. It has outcomes as a high ratio of death
and destruction (Gershoff, 2010). It has been identified that the over 3000 people were killed in
the attacks. During the investigation, it has also been spotted that some of the members of
terrorist group were living in United States from more than a year. Terrorists has joined
American commercial flights school to learn the operations of flight and pilot (Dunmire, 2009).
Moreover, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed in the Pentagon, along with all 64
people aboard the airliner. As per the study, the passengers of fourth hijacked plane fought with
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the hijackers and attacked them with fire extinguisher. After this, at 10:10 A.M. the plane flipped
over and crashed at western Pennsylvania.
After the attack of 9/11 the president of America George W. Bush has stated that the
terrorist may attack our buildings but they can not touch our foundation. In addition to this, the
US military authorities has also said that we are not going to make any kind of back step decision
(Scheuer, 2011). We will not make any kind of distinction with terrorists who have accomplished
this act. It has also been spotted that after the attack, within two months, the US forces has
removed the Taliban from power but the war was continued. Key motive of US forces was to
destroy Taliban base neighbouring the Pakistan. In order to overcome the fear of Osama Bin
Laden the US forces has designed a secret operation to kill him (Reinold, 2011). On May 2, 2011
he was finally will in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
In addition to this, on Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001, at 8:45 A.M., the
American Alines flight no 767 has crashed into the north tower of World trade Center. Plane
covers 20,000 gallons of jet fuel that has impacted the fire issue near the 80th to 110th floor.
Instant killing was a key issue of the incident because the evacuation of tower got underway. It is
also referred as a freak accident and international media was broadcasting the live image of the
terror attacks. After the 18 minutes of the crash the second plane of United Airline Flight turned
sharply ahead to the World Trade Center and few seconds later it hit to the 60th floor of the south
tower. It has resulted as a monumental explosion which has also created a burning issue at near
by buildings as well as on streets below (Altheide, 2009). This second crash has confirmed that
the America was under attack and it is considered as one of most deadliest day in the history. As
per the analysis of investigation report, it can be asserted that the terrorists has breached the
security of three East Coast airports and chosen planes that were fully loaded with the fuel. Four
hijacked planes were best options for the terrorists because these flights were loaded with high
amount of fuel as they have to journey different continental areas (Obama, 2009). It has also
been noticed in the investigation reports that the right after the take-off the terrorists has hijacked
the planes and placed their control. In other aspect, it can be said that the terrorist have
transformed ordinary jets into guided weapon to create terror among people. Due to the terror
attack the number of people were killed who belongs from the 93 nations. 2753, people were
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killed on the roads of New York City. 184 at Pentagon and 40 at the flight no 93 (Huddy and
Feldman, 2011).
Moreover, when the first the flight crashed into the tower the responders were having
efforts to save people who got injured in the incident. But after the second plane hit the tower the
burning impact was faced by people (Piazza, 2011). The more of injuries were due to jet fuel that
has occurred fire circumstances in the tower. After this, the steel support of building got weak
and the initial damage to the buildings became collapse of the towers. Due to the collapse of both
towers the nearby buildings has also faced damage.
In addition to this, it can be stated that the terrorist of Al- Qaeda were from different
Islamic states such as 19 from Saudi Arabia, 2 from United Arab Emirates, 1 was from Lebanon
and 1 from Egypt. In order to accomplish the objective the Afghanistan based terrorist group Al-
Qaeda was operating its terrorist training camps in different regions of Islamic state (Watson,
2011). It has also been witnessed in the investigation that the training camps were openly
organized in Afghanistan with a support of the Taliban. Moreover, Taliban is a collective
organization that have control over the nation and operate various illegal activities in Islamic
state.
Factors influencing the entire event
As per the structured study, it can be said that there are number of factors that influences
the entire event. The key factor that motivated the terrorist group to perform an activity was
unexpected involvement of western factors in Arabic nations. Another reason behind the conduct
of entire event was belief and perception of terrorist group. In addition to this, the act was
performed by the Al- Qaeda which is referred as an Islamic terror group (Schildkraut, 2009). In
regard to the perception of the Al- Qaeda, it can be said that Islam is the best ideology and it can
have better politics and management of social aspects. It is also considered as a strict belief that
Muslim religion will have rule on the world. Al- Qaeda also percept that their religious law must
be considered as a key aspect while designing the legislation of nations so that cultural and social
life can be managed according to Islamic aspects (Lidgeet, 2015). Moreover, the Islamist terror
group also believe that the violence is acceptable in order to accomplish objectives. Al- Qaeda is
one of Islamist terror group that operates its terrorism activities at wide range of global factors.
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Osama Bin Laden was the founder of the Al- Qaeda and transformed it as an international
Islamist extremist terrorist network. The belief of leader also forces the members of terrorism
group to perform such kind of event (Bergen, 2008). Key aim of group to increase its control on
Soviet Union of Afghanistan, but United States was the one of key barrier in accomplishment of
objective. This is because the US military troops were providing a support to Middle East
governments and other areas in the Muslim world. It has strictly forced the Al- Qaeda to perform
such kind of activity in the America (Schanzer, 2010). The involvement of U.S. in Islamic
nations has strengthened the belief of group and its leaders that the violence is the only way to
expand control in Muslim nations and teach lesson to western factors.
In addition to this, there are few other factors that has forced terrorist group to perform
such a collective harmful act in the United States. It has been identified that the U.S. has always
been a target of terrorist groups due to its high involvement in Islamic states and participation in
Anti-terrorist activities. It is also one of key reason that the terrorist group has also attacked
America in the past (Thrall and Cramer, 2009). For example, the U.S. Embassy has been
attacked in the Kenya and Tanzania in the early of 1990 and 1998. Belief of collective group was
one of factor behind the conduction of entire event. Al- Qaeda also believes that the continuous
implementation of terrorist events is essential in order to create wide impact on the social aspects
(Roberts, 2009). Group desires to continue the fear among society about the Islamist extremist
terrorist network. This factor has also forced the terrorist organization to constitute an entire
event and influence global elements.
Moreover, the group belief and leader perception in regard to the activities plays a vital
role in overall outcome. The leader of militant Islamic organization named Al- Qaeda belief was
to start a war against America so that objective of Islamic state creation can be accomplished.
According to the statement of Abu Walid al-Mari an associate of terrorist group. Bin Laden was
convinced that the America is weak. He believed that the United States was much weaker than
some of those factors that are existing around him (Hirst, 2009). As per the consideration of
previous incidences like bombing at Beirut barracks has reflected that the America is a paper
tiger. Abu Walid al-Mari has also stated that these aspects have made belief in Laden that
America is not a big issue for the terrorist group. After some time the US has increased its
involvement in Islamic states such as Somalia (Gershoff, 2010). It has forced Laden and Al-
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Qaeda to plan a terrorist activity that can influence the involvement of U.S. in Islamic nations. It
has also been witnessed that the Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was the operational planner of the
September 11 attack. In the mid of 1990's the Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has also planned to
blow up American planes in Asia. This activity was named as Bojinka but the incident got failed
but the dream of Khalid was still alive (Dunmire, 2009). After some time when he got in touch
with Bin Laden, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed realised that now he may get an another chance to
meet his dream project. In year 1996, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed meet Bin Laden in Tora Bora,
Afghanistan.
Motive behind the 9/11 attack was to create Islamist extremist terrorist network
recognition in the western nations. Along with this, the collective group was also expecting to
improve its control in Islamic states and make Muslim areas developed without any support of
external factors. Collective terrorist psychological aspects also reflects that the Islamist extremist
terrorist network key motive is creates a world that covers Islamic belief (Scheuer 2011). This
psychological factors, belief of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Bin Laden all got combined
during the meeting. It was Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who proposed an operational activities and
decided to reflect identity of collective terrorism. He also proposed that the pilots training must
be provided to the members of Al-Qaeda so that they can hijack planes and accomplish the
objective of attack (Reinold, 2011).
Collective terrorism group Al-Qaeda percept that by carrying the attacks they can easily
simulates the western factors from Islamic states. It has also been identified that the Al-Qaeda
and collective terrorism groups focuses on real discrimination, alienation and homesickness to
constitute a terrorist (Altheide, 2009). The persons who beliefs that they are out of the world and
they have faced ignorance or injustice from the world are more attracted towards terrorist
activities. Leader also plays a key role in creation and formation of activities. Osama Bin Laden
was participating effectively in planning activities and he ensured that the belief of all members
is same in respect to America and Islamic states (Obama, 2009). This clearly indicates that the
terrorism groups works according to perception of overall group rather than individual beliefs.
In addition to this, it can be said that the perception of Al-Qaeda is that to perform anti-
American activities. Collective terrorism groups have efforts to develop Muslim areas and
perception among non Muslim destinations. They want to create an identity in the globe that
17

reflects development of Muslim community (Huddy and Feldman, 2011). Collective terrorism
activities are also more focused towards construction of Muslim society that will host various
activities as per belief of Islamic state. Moreover, the relationship between American
government and Muslim s was also one of key factor that has enhanced the motivation level of
terrorist in order to conduct the terror event. Extreme involvement of America in Islamic states
was also impacting the development opportunities of areas (Piazza, 2011). Economic and
political elements were also not stable in Islamic states due to participation of America in anti-
terrorist activities. Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia both are Islamic constructions and Al-Qaeda
was controlling these kinds of areas. The political instability has also forced collective terrorism
group to perform a terrorist activity in U.S.
In the past, Muslims were facing various discrimination issues in western nations that has
also created a negative impact among Muslim individuals. These kinds of injustice have created
a belief to accept violence and provide a justice to Muslim community. 9/11 attack was also
considered as revenge event of Muslim terrorist group against America and renders a
justification to overall community (Watson, 2011). Collective terrorist groups also demands
western factors to not participate in Islamic states events so that their belief and culture will
remain according to Islamic aspects. Other than this, the extremist groups such as Taliban and
Al-Qaeda both are considered as groups that combines Islamic states in diverse manner.
(Schildkraut, 2009). It is also one of key reason that the individuals that faces injustice from
social and political aspects gets more attracted towards violence activities. Members of Al-Qaeda
are from different ethnic and racial backgrounds who percept that violence is the only way to
acquire justice.
Collective belief of terrorist groups has also created a perception among individuals that
their activities are against western elements that impacts society or provided an injustice to
Islamic states. Al-Qaeda and Taliban have terrorism efforts with a belief to create a new Islamic
identity by creating destruction in America and other western elements. As per the analysis of
factors, it can be asserted that the collective belief of terrorist groups has influenced the entire
event.
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Objective of terrorists behind the occurred incident
The key motive was to create destruction and reflect that Al- Qaeda is not in favour the
decision of America. During the period of time the America was having involvement in Persian
Gulf War. Al- Qaeda was in oppose of the American troops participation. American troops were
also continuing their presence in Middle East and terrorist group was demanding to leave the
area as it is an Islamic state. In addition to this, the motive behind the attack of 9/11 is considered
as an Osama Bin Laden declaration of war against the United States of America (Lidgeet, 2015).
It is also referred as fatwa against America which is signed by Bin Laden. Osama Bin Laden has
also issued a letter to America and stated that the objective for attack was western support for
offensive Muslims in Somalia. He has also contended that it is an attack against every supporter
who involve in attack against Muslims (Bergen, 2008). As per the letter, it was an attack against
India and Russia too for operations against Muslims.
In addition to this, it has also been identified in the report that the Islamist extremist
terrorist network wants America to back step from the Afghanistan and other Islamic states. But
terrorism group did not have a capability to harm or fight with United States military troops. This
is the another motive behind the terror attack. Collective extremist terrorist network group has
referred the act as an alternative strategy to damage America and influence its social aspects. Al-
Qaeda beliefs that government of U.S. will take them serious and take any back step decision
after the incident because it will also have diverse impact on the social and economic factors.
Another reason behind the selection of World Trade Center was that, it was symbolized as a
promotional factor of globalization (Schanzer, 2010). It was also refereed as an America's
economic power and prosperity. Terrorist group objective was to destroy buildings and impacts
economic condition of U.S. so that government will have destruction towards reconstruction of
economic system rather than participation in anti-terrorist activities. Moreover, it has also been
identified in the investigation report the flight no 93 that has crashed in field was heading
towards Capitol building. It is a centre of American legislative government, this clearly indicates
that the terrorist group wanted to back step U.S. troops from Islamic states (Liability, 2013).
Along with this, they also expected that, the attack will interrupt concentration of
government authorities from terrorist group activities and helps Al- Qaeda to reconstruct a
control in Afghanistan which was destroyed by U.S. military troops. In other aspect, the by the
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attacking these kinds of symbols of American prosperity the Al- Qaeda was expecting to spread
fear in all over the nation. Collective terrorist group also hoped that the attack will weaken the
United States in the international market and impacts its development in negative aspect
(Leventhal, 2012). These kinds of elements were beneficial for Al-Qaeda because it renders a
support to political and religious development in Middle East and Islamic states as per the
perception of group. Moreover, another key objective behind the conduction of the event was
that Al-Qaeda wanted to pass on a message that they are an organization who have global reach
so world must not avoid them (Bergen, 2008).
According to above statements, it can be concluded that the conduction of 9/11 event was
one of most harmful aspects that has impacted social and economic developments. Collective
perception of terrorist group plays a key role in conduction of the terrorist event. In addition to
this, the motive behind the attack of 9/11 is considered as an Osama Bin Laden declaration of
war against the United States of America. Around 3000 people were killed due to incident that
has influenced social perception in diverse manner.
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