We do not forget but we still do not know why by Tony Green

I spent much of the evening on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 watching the History Channel’s programming about the people of New York City who witnessed the worst terrorist attack in American history up close and personal.

I remember vividly listening to a voice message left by my mother who at the time lived close enough to the Pentagon to smell the smoke from the fire caused by United Airlines Flight 77. I will always be able to recall the sound of fear in her voice.

Image of Manhattan Skyline

I do not think any of us will forget what they were doing or where they were at the moment we found out the Twin Towers had collapsed. I was at the Alameda County courthouse in Oakland attending jury duty. After some reflection I wish I had a better understanding of why the hijackings took place. From most biographical accounts the hijackers were educated and articulate young men who instead of living their days and nights to the fullest chose to sacrifice their lives along with many innocent bystanders.

The best idea I can think is I know radical Islams are upset at U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly Palestine, and its support of Israel.  In short, the aggressive policy has placed the interests of the U.S. government and its allies ahead of the well-being of the people residing in the Middle East. This, in turn, resulted in many Palestinians living very difficult existences to which these radicals blame the United States.

In light of the successful mission by the Obama administration and Seal Team 6 in particular to kill Osama Bin Laden and the military’s effort to dismantle Al Quida as a terrorist organization I still wonder, as many American might be asking themselves, when are the next group of young men are going to concoct a plan designed at injure and kill as many Americans as possible?

Until a definitive answer as to why the attacks were planned and its corresponding solution it will only be a matter of time before this happens again.  Eight years have passed between the bombing on the World Trade Center in 1993 and the 9/11 attacks. Since that fateful September day 11 years ago I cannot help but to wonder are there people making plans for additional attacks as we speak?