One sentence summary
The 9/11 Commission Report, published by National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, is a thorough examination of the events leading up to the September 11th terrorist attacks and the response of the U.S. government.
Book genre
Non-fiction, investigative report.
Main topic of the book
The main topic of the book is the September 11th terrorist attacks, specifically looking at the failures and lessons learned from the U.S. government’s response and preparedness.
Key ideas
- The report examines the events leading up to the 9/11 attacks, including the history of Al Qaeda and their leader Osama Bin Laden.
- The report looks at the failures of U.S. intelligence agencies in identifying and preventing the attacks.
- The response of the U.S. government and its agencies during and after the attacks is analyzed, including the role of the military, intelligence, and first responders.
- The report also evaluates the effectiveness of U.S. policies and strategies in combating terrorism, and makes recommendations for improvements.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part I: “We Have Some Planes” – This section recounts the events of the 9/11 attacks, including the hijackings and crashes of the planes into the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- Part II: “The Foundation of the New Terrorism” – This section provides a historical background on Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden, and examines the radicalization and goals of the terrorist group.
- Part III: “Counterterrorism Evolves” – This part explores the U.S. government’s efforts to combat terrorism, including the development of policies and strategies, and the creation of intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI.
- Part IV: “Responses to Al Qaeda’s Initial Assaults” – This section delves into the immediate response of the U.S. government and agencies to the 9/11 attacks, including the investigation and search for perpetrators, and the initiation of the War on Terror.
- Part V: “Al Qaeda Aims at the American Homeland” – This part discusses Al Qaeda’s continued threats and attempts to attack the U.S., such as the shoe bomber and other foiled plots.
- Part VI: “From the Old Terrorism to the New: The Evolving Threat in the Twenty-First Century” – This section looks at the evolution of terrorism and the challenges faced by the U.S. in combating it in the modern age.
- Part VII: “The Attack Looms” – With a focus on the months leading up to the 9/11 attacks, this part examines the intelligence failures and missed opportunities to prevent the attacks.
- Part VIII: “The System Was Blinking Red” – This section highlights the specific warnings and intelligence that were available to U.S. agencies prior to 9/11, and the failure to act on this information.
- Part IX: “Heroism and Horror” – This part tells the stories of individuals who played heroic roles during the 9/11 attacks, as well as the human toll and devastation caused by the attacks.
- Part X: “Wartime” – This section looks at the U.S. response after 9/11, including military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the impact on civil liberties.
Key takeaways
- The 9/11 Commission Report highlights key failures in the U.S. government’s response to the attacks, including poor communication and coordination among agencies, and a lack of preparedness and response plans.
- The report emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering, sharing, and analysis in preventing and responding to terrorist threats.
- The report suggests changes and improvements to U.S. policies and strategies, as well as the need for reform within government agencies to better address the evolving threat of terrorism.
Author’s background and qualifications
The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks, also known as the 9/11 Commission, was an independent bipartisan commission created by President George W. Bush and the U.S. Congress in 2002. The commission was chaired by former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean and included former U.S. Senator Lee Hamilton, among other experienced individuals from government, law enforcement, and the private sector. The report was researched and written over the course of nearly two years, with extensive testimonies, interviews, and analysis of evidence.
Target audience
The primary audience for this book is policymakers, government officials, and academics interested in national security and counterterrorism efforts.
Publisher and first publication date
The 9/11 Commission Report was published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2004, with subsequent editions and versions released in subsequent years.