Episode 26: Could 9/11 Happen Again? A Chilling Look at Modern Terrorism

In the latest installment of Elevated Thoughts, we dive deep into the final chapter of our Could 9/11 Happen Again? mini docuseries. Throughout this series, we've meticulously examined the rise of Osama bin Laden, the devastating 9/11 attacks, and the evolving global threats that followed. Today, Mike and I focus on the critical question: Could a catastrophic attack like 9/11 strike the U.S. again? Unfortunately, the answer may not bring much comfort.

We started by recapping key moments from our prior episodes—how the Soviet-Afghan war and the rise of Al-Qaeda set the stage for bin Laden’s ascendancy, the U.S. government's initial response, and our insightful interview with former CIA Director Michael Morell. Mike reiterated that although the U.S. didn't directly fund Osama bin Laden, our policies and lack of early intervention contributed to an environment where terrorist networks like Al-Qaeda could flourish. This episode was about connecting the dots between past mistakes and current vulnerabilities.

An Evolving Threat Landscape

One of the most striking points in this episode was the ongoing danger we face from terrorism today. As we discussed, many of the conditions that enabled the rise of Al-Qaeda remain—if not in the exact form, then in dangerous new evolutions. ISIS-K, for example, recently executed an attack in Moscow, sparking fresh concerns from FBI Director Christopher Wray, who warned that the potential for a coordinated attack on U.S. soil is increasingly concerning. These threats are not relics of the past but are very much alive in today’s volatile global landscape.

Mike and I also touched on the constant challenges the intelligence community faces. Despite ramping up efforts after 9/11, complacency has crept in over the years. Many young Americans today have no personal memory of 9/11, leading to a dangerous sense of complacency. As we noted, national security isn’t something you can “fix” after the fact—it's about constant vigilance.

Internal Struggles and External Threats

A central theme of this episode was how America’s internal struggles could be its biggest vulnerability. Political infighting, inconsistent policies, and shifting priorities have created cracks that our adversaries—both state and non-state actors—are eager to exploit. Whether it’s Russia, China, or terrorist groups like ISIS, the narrative remains the same: A divided America is a vulnerable America. As Mike pointed out, whoever takes office in the coming election must prioritize national security and address these looming threats head-on.

We wrapped up with a sobering thought: While the world’s attention is often on domestic politics, our enemies are watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. The intelligence community is doing its best to keep America safe, but as we’ve learned throughout this series, it only takes one lucky strike for the terrorists to win.

This conversation is a wake-up call for all Americans—regardless of political affiliation. Our security is a shared responsibility, and it’s critical that we address these threats as one nation.