EVERY time someone mentions 9/11, people globally tend to share superficial observations. Nobody discusses the real motive or cause behind the attacks, or who their ‘political beneficiaries’ happen to be. For instance, on the technical side, proponents of controlled demolition theory, like physicist Steven E. Jones, architect Richard Gage and software engineer Jim Hoffman, claim that the aircraft impact and resulting fire alone could not have weakened the building sufficiently to initiate a collapse.

Jones suggested that thermite or super thermite may have been used to demolish the Twin Towers. His suggestion is based on undeniable evidence because active thermite material as well as evidence of nanothermite were found in the dust of the collapsed towers.

On the political side, soon after the Twin Tower attacks, the idea of transnational terrorism was floated and prompted by the United States, and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) hurriedly adopted Resolution 1373 on Sept 28, 2001, which bound all member states to prevent, suppress and criminalise the financing of terrorism. This resolution provided solid basis and authorisation to the US and its Nato allies to attack any country they consider a ‘terrorist state’.

Some other countries, too, took much advantage of Resolution 1373 to join Washington against the so-called ‘radical Islam’. For instance, India has been using it to hide its own Hindutva agenda practised by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Last, but extremely dangerous, is the use of military power as the main arbiter of disputes between two countries. The US and Israel have committed the folly of using military force against Iran, but this time it has backfired strongly with telling effects.

Abid Mahmud Ansari
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026