9/11 Commission

Definition

The 9/11 Commission, officially known as the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, was a bipartisan body established by Congress in 2002 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Commission aimed to provide a full and complete account of the events leading up to and during the attacks and to recommend changes to prevent future acts of terrorism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 9/11 Commission released its final report on July 22, 2004, providing detailed accounts of the intelligence failures that allowed the attacks to occur.
2. The Commission's recommendations led to significant changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, including the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security.
3. Key figures from various agencies, including the CIA and FBI, were called to testify before the Commission to explain their roles in preventing the attacks.
4. The Commission highlighted failures in communication and information sharing among intelligence agencies as major factors that contributed to the attacks.
5. The 9/11 Commission's work has had a lasting impact on national security policies and counterterrorism strategies in the United States.

Review Questions

• What were some of the key findings of the 9/11 Commission regarding intelligence failures prior to the attacks?
  • The 9/11 Commission identified significant intelligence failures, particularly in communication and information sharing among agencies like the CIA and FBI. These failures included missed opportunities to connect various pieces of information about terrorist activities leading up to September 11. The lack of a coordinated approach prevented timely action that might have thwarted the attacks.
• Discuss how the recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission influenced U.S. policy changes after the attacks.
  • The recommendations from the 9/11 Commission resulted in sweeping changes in U.S. policies, especially with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security to centralize efforts against terrorism. The report emphasized enhancing intelligence sharing among agencies and adopting a more proactive stance in counterterrorism strategies. These changes have shaped how U.S. government operates in terms of national security.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the 9/11 Commission's findings on America's approach to domestic security and counterterrorism.
  • The long-term effects of the 9/11 Commission's findings have significantly transformed America's approach to domestic security and counterterrorism. By addressing systemic weaknesses exposed by the attacks, such as fragmented intelligence operations, the U.S. implemented policies that prioritize information sharing and collaboration among agencies. This shift not only aimed to prevent future attacks but also redefined civil liberties discussions related to surveillance and personal freedoms in a post-9/11 world, creating an ongoing debate about balancing security and privacy.

Related terms

Homeland Security: A U.S. federal agency created after 9/11 to coordinate national efforts to protect the country from terrorism and respond to natural disasters.

Terrorism: The use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims, which was a central focus of the Commission's investigations.

Intelligence Community: The group of government agencies and organizations responsible for gathering and analyzing information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals to inform national security decisions.