Why did the terrorists attack the world trade center?
The attack on the world trade center (as well as the other attacks on that day) were symbolic acts on symbolic targets, intended (so it seems) more as an attack on the American self-image than to kill large numbers of Americans. had they been interested in body counts, they could have easily quadrupled the number of deaths in the WTC by attacking later in the day, and could have chosen far more populated targets than the pentagon and white house. plus, note the symbolism of scheduling the attacks on 9/11 – 911, the number to dial in an emergency. As a symbolic act it was incredibly effective, prompting a radical and aggressive shift in American foreign policy which has damaged our international reputation, involved us in two largely fruitless wars, and has nearly driven the entire US into bankruptcy.
