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The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 9/11 Investigation

Dennis Hayes

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In the aftermath of the catastrophic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States embarked on a mission to uncover the truth behind the deadliest assault on its soil. The 9/11 Commission, an independent bipartisan body, was established to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events leading up to the attacks and make recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

The Commission's mandate was broad and ambitious. It was tasked with examining the intelligence failures, security lapses, and decision-making processes that contributed to the success of the terrorist plot. The investigation involved interviewing hundreds of witnesses, reviewing countless documents, and analyzing complex intelligence data. The Commission's work was marked by both intense scrutiny and high expectations.

The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 9/11 Investigation

by Philip Shenon

4.2 out of 5

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Formation and Composition

The 9/11 Commission was created by an executive order issued by President George W. Bush on November 27, 2002. The Commission consisted of ten members: five Democrats and five Republicans. The co-chairs were former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean (R) and former Representative Lee Hamilton (D). Other members included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, and former FBI Director Louis Freeh.

The Commission's bipartisan composition was intended to ensure objectivity and credibility. However, the selection process was not without controversy. Critics argued that some of the members had potential conflicts of interest or were too closely aligned with the Bush administration.

Investigative Process

The Commission's investigation was thorough and far-reaching. It held 12 public hearings, heard testimony from over 1,200 witnesses, and reviewed millions of pages of documents. The Commission's staff conducted extensive research and analysis, including interviews with intelligence officials, law enforcement personnel, and victims' families.

The Commission's investigation focused on several key areas, including:

Intelligence failures: The Commission examined the shortcomings of the intelligence community in detecting and preventing the 9/11 attacks.
Security lapses: The Commission investigated the security vulnerabilities that allowed the terrorists to carry out their plot.
Decision-making: The Commission analyzed the decision-making processes of the Bush administration and other government officials in the lead-up to the attacks.

Findings and Recommendations

The 9/11 Commission released its final report on July 22, 2004. The report was a comprehensive and damning indictment of the intelligence failures and security lapses that had contributed to the attacks. The Commission made a series of recommendations to prevent future terrorist attacks, including:

Creating a new National Counterterrorism Center to coordinate intelligence and law enforcement efforts.
Strengthening border security and aviation security measures.
Improving the sharing of intelligence information between different agencies.
Establishing a new Department of Homeland Security to oversee domestic security efforts.

Controversy and Criticism

The 9/11 Commission's findings and recommendations were met with mixed reactions. Some praised the Commission's thorough investigation and its willingness to expose government failures. Others criticized the report for being too lenient on the Bush administration and for failing to address the role of Saudi Arabia in the attacks.

One of the most controversial aspects of the Commission's report was its that the Bush administration had not received any "specific and credible" intelligence warnings about the impending attacks. This finding was disputed by some critics, who argued that the administration had ignored or downplayed intelligence reports that could have prevented the attacks.

Legacy

The 9/11 Commission's legacy is complex and multifaceted. The Commission's report played a significant role in shaping post-9/11 security policy, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the implementation of new intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

However, the Commission's findings and recommendations have also been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy. Critics argue that the Commission's investigation was incomplete and that it failed to hold the Bush administration fully accountable for its failures. Others argue that the Commission's recommendations have been effective in preventing future terrorist attacks.

The 9/11 Commission's report remains a valuable historical document that provides a comprehensive account of the intelligence failures and security lapses that led to the 9/11 attacks. However, the Commission's legacy is likely to continue to be contested for years to come.

The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 9/11 Investigation

by Philip Shenon

4.2 out of 5