September 11 was a warning of what was to come

The terrorist attacks on America were the first sign that the 21st century would not bring boundless peace and prosperity.

For almost a decade, radical Islamists had been trying to get America’s attention. AP

George Packer

Aug 27, 2021 – 5.00am

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September 11 is buried so deep under layers of subsequent history and interpretation that it’s hard to sort out the true feelings of that day. But I remember one image with indelible clarity. It’s the face of a young woman in a colour photograph on a flyer that appeared at the entrance to my subway stop in Brooklyn, around my neighbourhood, and then all over the city. WE NEED YOUR HELP, the flyer said.

Giovanna ‘Gennie’ Gambale

Atlantic