LIFE AND RISKS AFTER 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACK

 

 

What about France ? Could it be struck down by terrorism in its turn ?

 

by Jennifer and Paul  (Sept 20, 2003)

the Twin Towers under attack

This situation is not impossible. Indeed, our country belongs to the West World and it is also an ally of the U.S.A. Moreover, President Chirac has never hidden that he supports President Bush in his war against terrorism and he even got involved in the war against the Talibans by sending some warships and fighters.

However, more recently, France has refrained from taking part in the war against Iraq unlike other countries like Great Britain or Spain. So we can imagine that they could be struck by terrorist attacks before us. But unfortunately, we cannot know...

Are we ready for defence ?

We can’t say that we are really ready, but we do our best in order to be up to it if this moment has to arrive. Indeed, since the 9/11 attack, the French government
has been strengthening supervision in airports, train stations or harbours because they are places where there are often attacks, as they are the principal entrances of the territory. Before the end of this year, an exercise simulating an attack will be organized in Paris underground. But you also have to know that there is “Interpol” (the international police organisation of the fight against crime and terrorism), which has an office in Lyon and watches over international security

 
All over the world

 Measures taken

Since 9/11, Americans have created the Patriot Act. President Bush would like to consolidate the country with 3 changes :
- prohibition to release terrorists on bail,
- death penalty for crimes such as acts of sabotage, conspiracy or financial support of terrorist organisations,  

- suspects could appear without a jury.
Now, in the U.S.A., but not in Europe, in air trips, captains can have a gun in their cockpit to be safe. In Germany, as a result of a new regulation, the past of 17,700 workers in air companies has been inspected.

Are there still risks ?

This year, the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks gained less importance than in 2002 in the Americans’ mind. A sample survey said that 58% of Americans expect another attack. Indeed, recently, the American State got a new threat from Oussama Ben Laden, but, unfortunately, we can’t foresee that and there will be probably others. So we have to try to live with this fear everyday...

If you wish to react to this article, write to the editor.


I find no reason for a terrorist attack on France. Chirac chose to not help us in the War on Iraq. I was mad at France for not aiding us, but the decision probably helped protect France from a terrorist attack. Most insurgents tend to target the most powerful and prosperous country, so the US was attacked. Iraq was a definite threat, and the threat had to be dealt with. I felt it was a bad decision for France not to help us in our struggle

John (San Francisco, California, USA)


I think the real problem is not whether France is threatened by terrorist attacks but how we came to such a dramatic situation. I think if a kamikaze really wants to burn himself killing hundreds of people he will manage to and all the protections we are developping won't change anything. I think it's not the solution. We should understand what their "motivations" are. I agree that in general they are extremist but we have a part of responsibility too. They can't stand anymore the dictatorship of the USA and I think extemism was born from this dictatorship.

The other problem is that G.W. Bush and the islamists have turned this war into a religious one, and like in all the wars of religion (which represent the most part of the wars) nobody really knows why he is fighting.

Kevin (Landivisiau, Brittany, France)


Nov 5, 2004

I hated hearing about the twin towers. In that tragic event I lost my uncle. It’s such a shame to lose all these innocent people. I am lucky in a way because I left America the day before 9/11. That’s all I have to say about the tragic event.

Lindzey (Nottingham, UK)