The Roots of 9/11 Thomas Friedman
Where were they from? 14 of 19 from Saudi Arabia Mohammed Attah (leader) Egypt Lebanon UAE
What do they have in common? Upper class/educated Macho culture Radicalized while living in Europe (not extreme at home) Charismatic leaders exploit their anger and frustration
What reasons did terrorist give for attacking us on 9/11? They look up to us and we look down upon them US supports oppressive dictators in their countries We are bullies in the region Our support of Israel
What reasons did terrorist give for attacking us on 9/11? “pathologically jealous” They are “dwarfs” who want to bring down “towers” because they can’t be tall like them “poverty of dignity” – should be equal to West but have fallen behind (humiliated) Forced to act extreme