America’s ‘lost two decades’

The collapse of the World Trade Center in New York following attacks by terrorists who flew two airliners into the towers. — AFP

NINETEEN years ago on Sept 11, terrorists hijacked two planes and flew them into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing thousands.

George W. Bush, the US president at the time declared a “War on Terror” that led to the US military action in Afghanistan and Iraq. At home, wide-reaching reforms were adopted to secure air travel and prevent another terrorist attack.