9/11, the US and the World Seven Years Along

Seven years ago the United States was the victim of a premeditated attack that killed more than 3,000 people. In the days following, as expressions of support and sympathy and offers to help poured in from around the world, our government faced a choice of how to respond.

In the grief and panic that gripped the nation after September 11, 2001, the US faced a choice: Seek immediate vengeance or build the foundations of strong and lasting peace. The US chose retribution and preemptive violence. Today we see the results of that choice: More violent groups are planning attacks on the United States than before the attacks, support for the United States has fallen throughout the world, and here at home government policies are undermining fundamental constitutional principles in the name of national security. It is time to take a new approach to global security and to stop living in constant fear.

Terrorism seeks to suffocate hope, tear apart communities and break spirits. It is heinous and insidious. Can we afford to continue giving in, ceding civil liberties at home and condoning torture and barbarous violence abroad?