WorldTrade Center (USA) 9/11 Terror Attack - 14 Years Anniversary

Source: Oluwatade T. Faith

Where were you 14 years ago today? Most Nigerians can answer that question. I wrote my account two years ago on thenigerianvoice.com (you can read here http://goo.gl/0Q5VJx ) It's often said that 9/11 changed the world. In a very real sense that's true.

On September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists murdered 2,977 Americans. According to Brown University's Watson Institute, warfare in the years since has killed 13,816 U.S. military personnel and contractors. The civilian death count in Iraq and Afghanistan stands between 184,500 and 212,500. The "War on Terror" has cost Americans more than $4.4 trillion.

In another sense, however, 9/11 revealed a war that has been waged against the U.S. (and on the WORLD) as there are over 70 UN recognized terror groups across every continent of the world. ( https://goo.gl/U8beZD ). And Nigeria's localized dreaded BOKO-HARAM.

Now the self-proclaimed Islamic State has captured land the size of Great Britain, claims greater than $2 billion in assets, generates $2 million per week in oil revenues, and boasts a fighting force of up to 100,000 soldiers. They have more than 35 global affiliates, and intend to conquer Europe and then America. ISIS spokesman Sheikh Abu Muhammad al-Adnani: "We will conquer your Rome, break your crosses, and enslave your women. If we do not reach that time, then our children and grandchildren will reach it, and they will sell your sons as slaves at the slave market."

What lessons have we learnt in the years since 9/11?

One: The Local Police cannot secure the villages. It is just too easy to enter a country whose borders is a big as Nigeria's. What about those who are already within the country. Walking the streets of Lagos, Enugu and Kaduna

Two: This is the war of our lifetime. So long as one jihadist is left, the threat is not over. Henry Kissinger noted, "The conventional army loses if it does not win. The guerrilla wins if he does not lose."

Three: Fearing terrorism is just what the terrorists want. We need to take all appropriate measures to secure ourselves and our families, then live with courage and passion. Trust your fears to God in faith.

Four: This is a spiritual war. Our enemy is motivated by religious aims and has been deceived by the evil one. Praying for ISIS leaders and other jihadists is the church's greatest responsibility.

RIP to the over 1 Million people who have lost there lives in all terror attacks around the world since 9/11. Especially the hurting families and friends of terror victims in Nigeria & Success to #PMB against #BH

OLUWATADE T. Faith

Public Commentator,

[email protected]

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