If a court proves that Saudis are the perpetrators of 9/11, then they should be held accountable
TURBAT: It was in this month, on September 11, 2001, when 19 hijackers made their grips strong to control four commercial passenger jets flying out of airports on the eastern coast of the United States of America. Two of the planes were deliberately flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York. They were widely considered symbols of America’s power and influence. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon, headquarters of the US Department of Defense, while the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the total loss of life on 9/11 was nearly 3,000 people. The attack was deemed to be the worst loss of life due to a terrorist incident on US soil, because people worldwide saw a significant effect in world economic markets and international confidence.
Recently, the US Senate moved a very controversial bill which would permit the families of victims of 9/11 to sue Saudi Arabia’s government for the damages. However, the Saudis, who deny the attack of 2001, vigorously object the bill and say that the legislation runs against the principles of international law. They maintain it also sets a destructive precedent for foreign relations.
While the White House has indicated that President Barack Obama would veto the law over concerns, I am happy that the US government has taken this step forward to work towards providing justice to families of the victims of 9/11. There are always political and diplomatic considerations that are witnessed to come directly in the way of justice. If a court proves that Saudis are the perpetrators of 9/11, then they should be held accountable. Otherwise, they shouldn’t be worried about anything. I hope the families who have suffered so much loss and confronted so many hurdles will be given justice through this legislation.
Zeeshan Nasir
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2016.
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