The September 11, 2001 attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,996 people, including 2,763 at the World Trade Center, and had significant economic impacts, costing the U.S. economy billions and leading to massive job losses. In stark contrast, the wars that followed—primarily in Afghanistan and Iraq—have led to an estimated 4.5 to 4.6 million deaths, with 3.6-3.7 million classified as "indirect deaths" due to deteriorating conditions in war zones. Following 9/11, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban and later invaded Iraq based on claims of threats from Saddam Hussein. Civilians have borne the brunt of these conflicts, with around 90% of casualties being non-combatants, many of whom are women and children. Financially, the U.S. has spent approximately $8 trillion on these wars, with costs extending beyond direct military expenses to include veteran care and humanitarian needs. The societal impact has been profound, with significant destruction of infrastructure, particularly in education, as seen in Afghanistan and Syria, leading to long-term implications for affected regions.

The September 11, 2001 attacks were orchestrated by al-Qaeda under the guise of jihad, led by Osama bin Laden, who framed the attacks as a response to grievances against the United States and its allies. Bin Laden cited various injustices, including U.S. support for Israel and military presence in Saudi Arabia, as motivations for the assaults. However, the term "jihad" has a broader meaning in Islamic teachings, defined as "struggle" or "striving," encompassing both an internal (greater) and external (lesser) dimension. The greater jihad refers to the personal, spiritual struggle to align with Islamic principles, while the lesser jihad pertains to defense against aggression. Misinterpretations of jihad, particularly by extremist groups, have emphasized its military aspects at the expense of its spiritual significance. Such groups manipulate Islamic texts to justify violence, often targeting vulnerable individuals for recruitment. While modern scholars have highlighted the non-military aspects of jihad, extremist interpretations dominate the narrative, leading to a distorted understanding of the concept. Overall, the misuse of jihad for violent ends contrasts sharply with its foundational teachings in Islam, which prioritize internal struggle and peaceful coexistence.