Provides a detailed account of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Explores the history of Islamist terrorism, Americas military reaction, and the events lasting influence on society.

Table of Contents

• Preface
• How to Use This Book
• Research Topics for Defining Moments: The September 11 Terrorist Attacks
• NARRATIVE OVERVIEW
• Prologue
• Chapter One: Rage and Despair in the Arab World
• Chapter Two: Jihad in Afghanistan and the Birth of al-Qaeda
• Chapter Three: Al-Qaeda Emerges as a Global Threat
• Chapter Four: The September 11 Attacks on America
• Chapter Five: Heartbreak and Heroism on the Ground
• Chapter Six: Investigating 9/11
• Chapter Seven: Missed Clues and Opportunities
• Chapter Eight: Legacy of the September 11 Attacks
• BIOGRAPHIES
• Mohamed Atta (1968-2001): Egyptian-born al-Qaeda Member Who Led the 9/11 Hijackings
• Osama bin Laden (1957-2011): Founder and Leader of the al-Qaeda Terrorist Organization
• George W. Bush (1946-): President of the United States during the September 11 Terrorist Attacks
• Richard A. Clarke (1951-): Top Counterterrorism Official in the Clinton and Bush Administrations
• Khaled Sheikh Mohammed (1964?-): Chief Architect of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks
• Condoleezza Rice (1954-): National Security Advisor and Secretary of State to President George W. Bush
• George Tenet (1953-): Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1997 to 2004
• Ayman al-Zawahiri (1951-): Egyptian Leader of Al-Jihad and Major Figure in al-Qaeda
• PRIMARY SOURCES
• Osama Bin Laden and the World Islamic Front Call for a “Holy War” Against Jews and Crusaders
• An al-Qaeda Manual Urges the Overthrow of “Apostate” Arab Rulers
• The CIA Warns of al-Qaeda Attacks on American Soil
• A New York Police Officer Endures the Fall of the South Tower
• A North Tower Survivor Remembers His Narrow Escape
• A Survivor Recalls the Attack on the Pentagon
• Mourning Lost Firefighters and Police Officers in New York
• President Bush Addresses the Nation after the 9/11 Attacks
• Osama bin Laden Taunts America after September 11
• Condoleezza Rice Defends the Bush Administration's Record on Terrorism
• Richard Clarke's Explosive Testimony before the 9/11 Commission
• The 9/11 Commission Issues Its Final Report
• President Obama Announces the Death of Osama bin Laden
• Important People, Places, and Terms
• Chronology
• Sources for Further Study
• Bibliography
• Photo and Illustration Credits