Searching For The Roots Of 9/11 - Documentary

Thomas L. Friedman, a New York Times columnist and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, discusses his journey to understand the motivations behind the 9/11 attacks and the widespread Arab and Muslim support for the actions of the hijackers. He poses two critical questions: what drove the hijackers to commit such an act, and why did many in the Arab and Muslim world react with approval. Friedman emphasizes the need to understand the roots of 9/11 in order to repair the broken fabric of civilization.

Friedman speaks with a young Muslim political leader in Belgium who highlights the mixed feelings within the Muslim community about 9/11. The young leader suggests that America's longstanding policies and actions in the Middle East have contributed to a sense of satisfaction among some Muslims when America was attacked. He underscores that America's support for Israel and powerful Arab regimes has led to widespread frustration and anger, contributing to a passive acknowledgement of the 9/11 attacks as a punch to America.

Friedman identifies 'three rivers of Rage' that contributed to 9/11: Arab anger at American support for Israel and regional dictators, the frustration of Muslims at their civilization's decline, and resentment towards their own repressive regimes. In Qatar, he engages with students who express complex feelings towards America, recognizing its educational opportunities while simultaneously sympathizing with the anti-American sentiment as a reaction to perceived global injustices.

Friedman's appearance on an Al Jazeera talk show reveals a sharp division between his views and those of a Jordanian professor, despite the latter's long exposure to America. This encounter exemplifies the deep-seated grievances and misconceptions about America in the Arab world. Friedman meets friends and contacts who express both admiration for American culture and frustration over its foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and perceived double standards.

In Cairo, Friedman explores the connection between extreme anger and ideological manipulation. He meets an Egyptian playwright who describes the 9/11 hijackers' actions as stemming from 'pathological jealousy,' aiming to destroy what they cannot achieve. The Arab Human Development Report of 2002 paints a grim picture of the socio-economic situation in the Arab world, contributing to a widespread 'poverty of dignity' that fuels rage against perceived global disparities.

The narrative examines how economic and social frustrations among young Arabs in Europe, especially Belgium, lead to radicalization in isolation. In Belgium's tense climate, anti-immigrant sentiments and socio-economic exclusion exacerbate feelings of alienation among Muslim youth. Muslim parliamentarians and community leaders speak about the struggle for dignity and recognition, highlighting how stereotypes and discrimination drive these communities towards extremism.

Inside Bahrain, Friedman notes emerging democratic processes despite regional and internal challenges. Discussions reveal a shared feeling of powerlessness and lack of genuine democratic rights, echoing throughout the Arab world. Conversations in Bahrain's burgeoning free press environment expose the disconnect between the ruling elite's pace of reform and public expectations, suggesting that more political freedom might have averted tragic events like 9/11.