14 years later, social media reminds us of mixed feelings about 9/11

Published September 12th, 2015 - 01:39 GMT
Al-Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center in New York killed more than 3,000 civilians in 2001. (AFP/File)
Al-Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center in New York killed more than 3,000 civilians in 2001. (AFP/File)

Fourteen years ago, al-Qaeda instigated attacks on the World Trade Center in New York that killed more than 3,000 civilians. But social media users were quick to remind us those weren't the last of the casualties.

Twitter hashtags #September11 and #NeverForget911 were both trending Friday as users around the world tweeted out their thoughts about the attacks. Some stuck with thoughtful rememberances of lost lives and relatives who continue feeling the effects of that day years later.

Others had more complicated outlooks on the attacks — here's one that stands out.

For some Americans, the tragedy ended with the World Trade Center. But people in the Muslim world may see things differently. Because 2001 attacks by al-Qaeda militants drastically changed US foreign policy as we knew it. And people living in poverty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan felt those effects immediately.

The US "war on terror" and counterextremism efforts have changed views of Islam for Americans. Abroad, countries most targeted by military efforts to distinguish Osama bin Laden and his allies have seen stark civilian casualties due to air raids and even ground troops.

Here are some other reactions.

That's not to diminish Americans' lives lost in the tragedy. Whether in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan or the US, every innocent life matters. It's important to note, for friends and family, the anniversary serves as a lifeline and an opportunity to remember those loved ones. 

By Hayat Norimine

Tags:New YorkTwitteral-QaedaHayat NorimineFollowbin LadenStephanie O'Quigley
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