Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
Terror begets terror
The unprecedented size of the anti-war movement that followed 9/11 is an inspiration, even if it failed — 20 years on and its simple message that to stop terrorism, the West must stop committing acts of terrorism itself has been vindicated, writes JOHN WIGHT
Al-Qaida terrorists crash two hijacked planes in the World Trade Centre Towers, killing thousands

I WAS living in America on 9/11 — in Los Angeles to be exact — and will never forget the palpable fear and confusion which reigned in its immediate aftermath.

Streets normally teeming with traffic were eerily quiet. The world-famous Sunset Strip was completely deserted, its bars and restaurants closed and its flashing neon lights now reminiscent of an abandoned theme park.

During those initial few days immediately afterwards, shock not rage or anger predominated, as the US tried to get to grips with the enormity of what had just taken place and why.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
American boxer Mike Tyson (left) throws a punch at Briton's Julius Francis, during their heavyweight fight at the MEN Arena, Manchester
Men’s Boxing / 16 August 2025
16 August 2025

In recently published book Baddest Man, Mark Kriegel revisits the Faustian pact at the heart of Mike Tyson’s rise and the emotional fallout that followed, writes JOHN WIGHT

The Atomic Bomb Dome is seen on July 10, 2025, in Hiroshima, western Japan
Features / 9 August 2025
9 August 2025

As we mark the anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, JOHN WIGHT reflects on the enormity of the US decision to drop the atom bombs

Josh Taylor, May 25, 2024
Men’s boxing / 1 August 2025
1 August 2025

From humble beginnings to becoming the undisputed super lightweight champion of the world, Josh Taylor’s career was marked by fire, ferocity, and national pride, writes JOHN WIGHT

Northern Ireland's Kristina O'Hara (left) in action against India's MC Mery Kom at Oxenford Studios during day ten of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia
Women’s boxing / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

Mary Kom’s fists made history in the boxing world. Malak Mesleh’s never got the chance. One story ends in glory, the other in grief — but both highlight the defiance of women who dare to fight, writes JOHN WIGHT

Similar stories
Laibach play Islington Town Hall, February 22 2025
Attila the Stockbroker Diary / 7 March 2025
7 March 2025
The Bard encounters Laibach’s revival of their 1987 album Opus Dei, and is stirred to verse
BRUTE FORCE: An Israeli war plane at Tel Nof air base prepar
Features / 24 December 2024
24 December 2024
After the Gaza genocide and unleashing chaos in Syria, the US and Israel prepare to target Tehran next, leaving the Iranian people caught between foreign intervention and continued theocratic oppression, writes GAWAIN LITTLE