The September 11 Terrorist Attacks

Omnigraphics' Defining Moments series was created for the express purpose of meeting the growing appetite for authoritative, useful resources on the nation's history. This series, which focuses on pivotal events that transformed the United States' political, cultural, and social landscape, will be of enduring value to anyone interested in learning more about America's past-and in understanding how these events continue to reverberate today.

The September 11 Terrorist Attacks-like all volumes in the Defining Moments series-is arranged in three distinct sections. The Narrative Overview section provides a detailed, factual account of this "defining moment" in American history, from its earliest inception to its legacy today. The Biographies section includes valuable biographical background on leading figures involved in the era, concluding with a list of sources for further information on the individual. The Primary Sources section collects a broad range of essential and enlightening documents on the topic, from official documents to letters, memoirs, and more.

Other valuable features include a glossary of important people, places, and terms, a chronology of events; a bibliography; an annotated list of sources; and a subject index.

Students using Defining Moments: The September 11 Terrorist Attacks will find information on a wide range of topics suitable for historical research and writing reports.

Social and political factors that enabled Osama bin Laden to build his al-Qaeda terrorist network into an organization with cells operating around the world.

The importance of Ayman al-Zawahiri and other Islamic radicals in pushing terrorist activities that directly contradicted teachings of the Koran.

Key points in the development of the September 11 terrorist plot.

Reasons why the United States failed to uncover and derail the plot before it could be carried out, with special emphasis on failure within the FBI and CIA.

Ways in which America's clashes with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 1991 and 2003 have influenced the trajectory of U.S. counterterrorism efforts.

Impact of 9/11 on Americans' attitudes about their country and the wider world.