The Conflict

In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, many people have asked the question "why?" Why did those who hijacked four passenger airliners with the intent to fly them into buildings, killing thousands—including themselves—do what they did? The question of what motivated these men to willingly, determinedly, and violently give up their lives is an important one for many seeking to understand what happened.

Psychological

• Prior to September 11, few people could imagine that such a shocking and large-scale terrorist attack could occur on U.S. soil. After September 11, few could comprehend what motivated the attackers. With responsibility linked to the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda, possible religious motivations or hatred for the West were considered by those surviving the chaos...