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AP Photographer Richard Drew's famous "Falling Man" photograph.
In 2001, less than a month after the 9/11 attacks, Noam Chomsky, the philosopher and astute critic of modern society, had this to say:
“Insofar as we have information, the U.S. government is now trying to exploit the opportunity to ram through its own agenda: militarization, including ‘missile defense,’ code words for the militarization of space; undermining social democratic programs, also undermining concerns over the harsh effects of corporate ‘globalization,’ or environmental issues, or health insurance, and so on; instituting measures that will intensify the transfer of wealth to the very few (for example, eliminating corporate taxes), and regimenting the society, so as to eliminate public debate and protest.”
Mission accomplished. And talk about prescient.
These words were written in a slim volume called simply “9/11” on November, 2001. The book went on to become an instant bestseller and one of the most influential books on the terrorist attacks. Chomsky’s groundbreaking book has now been reissued for the 10th anniversary of the attacks under a new title “9/11: Was There an Alternative.” The book includes a new essay written after the assassination of Osama bin Laden.
With the predictable crush of mass media coverage expected for the 9/11 anniversary – much of it exploitative and one-sided – this is the one book that provides a refreshing, yet unyielding perspective on 9/11. Chomsky dismisses the fabricated half-truths for the alleged reasons for the attacks “they hate us because we’re free” or “they hate democracy and our way of life” and cuts to the most likely reason: Decades of U.S. foreign policy supporting repressive and violent regimes in the Middle East.
Chomsky makes his arguments without diminishing the savageness or barbarity of the attacks. He also does so by honoring and respecting those killed on 9/11.
The book is a fast and furious read. Chomsky, the bane of the conservative class, has a talent for cutting to the heart of the matter and calling out hypocrisy, especially when the hypocrisy is blatant and egregious.
For example:
- When the U.S. demanded that the Taliban hand over bin Laden, the government of Afghanistan did not refuse as many people seem to remember. The Taliban asked for the U.S. to provide evidence of bin Laden’s crime before doing so – in accordance with international law. The U.S. government, however, refused to do so, which lead to the invasion. In fact, the U.S. has yet to produced any evidence of bin Laden’s involvement in the attacks.
- The only country to ever have been condemned by the World Court for “international terrorism” is the United States for our atrocities in Nicaragua in the 1980s (which included supporting the bombings of churches, markets and civilian targets). The World court found the U.S. guilty of “unlawful use of force” and in violation of international treaties. The U.S. dismissed the proceedings and escalated the attacks. Nicaragua then turned to the United Nations for help, which passed a resolution calling for nations to “observe international laws.” The U.S. vetoed the resolution.
- The Taliban and Al-Queda were heavily supported and funded by the CIA during Russia’s war in Afghanistan. The U.S. and its allies (namely Great Britain) pumped millions of dollars to the holy warriors and exported modern weaponry into the country to help the rebels combat the invading Russian army.
As you can see, Chomsky cuts to the bone and reading “9/11: Was There an Alternative” can be difficult – and emotional. While many on the right (and even in the center) are often tempted to marginalize Chomsky, his deep knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and his acute understanding of the nature of governments and human beings makes it impossible to do so.
He’s just too smart and his arguments too compelling.
BUY NOAM CHOMSKY’S BOOK AT AMAZON.COM
Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
