Introduction
The attacks on the world trade center and pentagon on September 11 2001 were tragic and devastating not only for the victims and the people of the United States of America; they came as a shock to people around the world. Today after six years have passed, the effects of the tragedy are felt by people. The effects of the event were not only social and political, but were also psychological, mental, and health-related. In addition, there has been an economic impact also. This paper will look at the various impacts of the 9/11 attacks.
Political
Today the world is a changed place as the reaction of the American government after the attack has been very aggressive as president George Bush has been active all over the world in trying to find the mastermind behind the attack, he has attacked and invaded, Afghanistan and Iraq and hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives in this fight against the terrorists who attacked the on 9/11. Although the Americans have not been very successful in finding Osama Bin Laden but the initial sympathy for the Americans have been changed to confusion and total opposition to the killings and invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, especially now it has been found that there is no connection between the terrorists and Saddam Hussein as was said by the US government.
Psychological and Health-Related Risks
According to research the rescue teams and other workers at the sight of the tragedy are still suffering from health and psychological impacts. It was reported that 70% of the rescue personnel had lung problems. And these problems were not short-term but had a long-term impact. And even after five years, people report new or deteriorating nasal and sinuses problems. In addition, many of them face psychological distress. More than half the survivors report respiratory problems and all of them have a strong possibility of mental and emotional distress, while 10% of the screened tested positive for psychological distress. It is thought that the debris from the falling tower was toxic and can cause serious diseases like cancer. (Medical Research News, 2006).
Economic Impact
The economic impact although there was not that great. The policies adopted by the government were able to keep in check the possible problems. However, in the short term, there were major falls in the stock market and the losses were huge. In addition, tourism and airlines have been adversely affected as people have become more cautious especially when traveling to certain parts of the world. A majority of the economic problems that resulted were not the direct result of the 9/11 attack but a result of the policies and the regulations that were taken by various governments to protect against more terror attacks in the future.
Conclusion
9/11 attacks have turned out to be a major world tragedy and the impact of the events of that day have been serious and far-reaching. It is not wrong to say that the world has changed forever after these attacks. The political turmoil has been tremendous and mostly in the Islamic world as two countries have been attacked as a result of 9/11 and those people who have witnessed or experienced the attacks have also suffered many health and psychological problems. And this is not the end as the effects even today are being experienced.
References
World economic effects arising from 2001 attacks. Web.
Lingering and Long Lasting Effect of 9/11. (2006). Medical Research News. Web.