Epilogue: The Afghan Connection to September 11

Abstract

The September 11, 2001, tragic and catastrophic terrorist attack in the United States apparently was the result of individuals affiliated with Al-Qaeda, under Osama bin Laden, based in Afghanistan. Thousands of people lost their lives in a matter of hours, and massive destruction and other physical and psychological damages were inflicted; the international system was challenged, as was the post-Cold War concept of global security. The attacks on the United States occurred just two days after two suicide bombers posing as journalists, and apparently under the command of bin Laden, assassinated Ahmed Shah Massoud, the legendary Afghan commander and the most important leader in the forces opposing the Taliban.