Introduction: Out of the 9/11 Decade

Abstract

9/11 and the Arab Uprisings bookend the decade 2001–2011. The al-Qa’ida attacks on the United States were announced by government and media as a defining moment in world history, a moment in which the separation of good and evil became absolute. Invoking both a Christian and a democratic state ideology, the US President declared war on evil:

Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts … Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror … A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundations of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity. And no-one will keep that light from shining. Today our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature … This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve … None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in the world. (Bush, 2001)

By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then The Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah from out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities — and also the vegetation in the land. But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 19: 1–26