Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Cost of 911

Ten years ago, four airplanes were hijacked in the USA.  Two of them slammed into the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both towers to collapse.

According to the South China Morning Post graphics, the 911 attacks killed ~3,000 people.  They also led directly to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and indirectly to conflicts in Pakistan and elsewhere, killing 224,000+ people, including soldiers, insurgents, and civilians in the countries affected by the conflicts.  That is roughly 75 times more than the direct casualty in the original attacks. 

On the financial side, the 911 attacks cost the USA 100 billion US dollars.  But the following wars were estimated to cost ~4,400 billion - to the USA alone.  That is roughly 44 times the direct costs of the original attacks. It does not even start to account for the costs to the other nations.

The 911 attacks were due to previous conflicts.   And the current conflicts will not stop today.  As rich and powerful as the American military is, it will not be able to truly subdue its enemies.  It does not even know exactly who the enemies are, let alone where they are and how to stop them.  Its enemies are not going to stop themselves either.  As angry and determined as they are, they are not able to really destroy the USA in the foreseeable future.  If anything, the conflicts will continue and just get worse, the way it is going. 

What, then? If neither military might nor devious terrorism can provide the answer; can people come up with better ways to get us out of this killing frenzy?  Can people at least try to identify the vast majority of the people who do not really want to kill each other, distinguish them from the die-hard incorrigible extremists, and see if something can be done to help those who simply wish to live in peace?

For the sake of the human race, would you please try?  For practical reasons, would the ones with the power, the upper hand, take the initiative to find a better way?  For those who believe in God, whatever you call Him, wouldn't God want you to do that?




11 comments:

Cyiu Chau said...

I am not an expert of economies or politics but I've heard people saying the US government tried to stimulate domestic demand by means of war and I suspect that might be the truth. Probably a part of the 4400 billion spent on firearms and kevlar became the direct income of certain American (and Japanese) companies.

StephenC said...

There is also evidence that a lot of the re-construction business in Iraq went to American companies.

Anonymous said...

Howdy! This post could not be written any better!
Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept preaching about this. I will send this information to him.
Pretty sure he'll have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

Also visit my blog :: diet plans that work

Anonymous said...

you are really a good webmaster. The site loading pace is amazing.
It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick.
Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you've performed a magnificent process on this subject!

My website: best webhosting reseller

Anonymous said...

I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I'm assuming having a blog
like yours would cost a pretty penny? I'm not very web savvy so I'm not 100% certain.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks

Visit my homepage :: hair extensions ()

Anonymous said...

Yes! Finally something about anydvd download.

My weblog - fap turbo software ()

Anonymous said...

An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do believe that you ought to publish more about this topic, it may not
be a taboo matter but typically folks don't talk about such topics. To the next! Cheers!!

my page hair care []

Anonymous said...

Good response in return of this difficulty with firm arguments and explaining the whole thing regarding that.


Here is my homepage - hosting providers

Anonymous said...

I would like to thank you for the efforts you
have put in writing this website. I'm hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal site now ;)

My page; sports betting lines

Anonymous said...

Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the
pictures aren't loading correctly. I'm not sure why but I think
its a linking issue. I've tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.

Look at my webpage; hair straightners **

Anonymous said...

Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if
you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

Have a look at my homepage ... forex broker - -