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Thursday, 20 September, 2001, 11:39 GMT 12:39 UK
Europe mourns: How have the US attacks affected you?
Europe is in mourning as it counts the human cost of Tuesday's terror attacks in the US.
The 43 nations of the Council of Europe called for all of their 800 million citizens to observe three minutes of silence on Friday. Up to 20,000 people may have died in the US tragedy, according to new estimates and it is not just the US who is counting its dead. Countries all over Europe and the rest of the world have confirmed that their citizens are among the fatalities. In the UK, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has warned that the final toll of UK victims in the attacks is expected to be in the "middle hundreds" and may be higher still. How have Tuesday's attacks affected Europe? Have you lost any friends or relatives in the tragedy? This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
Your reaction
In light of this terrible attack, I would like to send out a simple message to the people. Know that we will all get through this as long as we stand united to fight this evil. It's not going to be easy, I know.
My boyfriend is a Senior Airman in the USAF based at RAF Lakenheath(UK). I feel very proud that he and the rest of the brave military troops are willing to fight for our country so gallantly. Good will triumphs over evil, and justice will prevail. In the meantime, pray for the victims and wish all the luck in the world to the people who are being sent to fight. Just remember to keep smiling.
God bless us all, and may God have mercy on the terrorists souls - they are going to need it.
Jim Pastorius, Portland, Oregon Thank you, Your Majesty and Brits for playing our national anthem at the changing of the guard. I cried when I heard it on the radio. I felt that our Mother Country had not forgotten us. And thanks to all people from all over for your letters. Our TV media still doesn't get it about keeping us informed about what's going on in the rest of the world. There has been only skimpy coverage of the outpouring of support from the rest of the world. Reading the letters from all over the world on the internet has helped to keep me sane over the past several days. At least some of us Americans know that the irritation, anger, and sometimes condescension that other countries direct toward us is sometimes, or even often, justified. We can be arrogant, incredibly selfish, and simplistic, but we truly would like to be friends with everybody.
May our hearts not be broken but broken open to new ways to relate to one another, to learn more about our Muslim brothers and sisters, to better distribute the world's resources and goodies, etc. so that fewer will succumb to the insane tenets of terrorism. God/Yahweh/Allah/Brahma, bless us all.
I, too, have felt a hundred different emotions over the last few days, including fear, anger, great sorrow, compassion, and hopelessness. Every day when I think of all the people who died from so many different countries, I cry. I am originally from NYC and my father has worked at the WTC for 12 years. My family was lucky that he took a vacation day that day. He is there now working as part of the rescue efforts. I have been reading the words of Martin Luther King Jnr and praying that my government follows a path of non-violence.
Honestly, one of the hardest things for me has been admitting and truly acknowledging the role that my own government played in this terrible tragedy. And I feel great sorrow for all the countries in the world. The WTC housed banks from all over the world and so there were many, many international workers and tourists there. My father reminded me of how many Afghanis worked with him and also lost their lives.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the people of England, the Queen, and Tony Blair for your support.
Tony Blair gave a riveting speech, and one of the most touching moments last week, was hearing the Star Spangled Banner played at Buckingham Palace during the changing of the guard, and seeing the tears on the faces of our British neighbours grieving with us.
That was most honourable and touching.
As an American proud of my British ancestry, thank for your support.
My heart goes to those who lost their loved ones in the World Trade Centre and Pentagon tragedies. My heart also goes out to those who have lost their beloved ones to any senseless violence.
I, for one believe mankind, has the right to live in peace and harmony. Misery has got no place on this earth. No one has the right cause misery to another
I have felt sick to the core of my stomach, since watching Tuesday's tragic events unfold live on my television in front of me. I felt terror, even though I was thousands of miles away, Tony Blair is right this was an attack on all of us, and in reality could have happened anywhere, we would be wrong to sit back and let others fight this war in the name of freedom, my only hope is, that in the process more innocent lives are not lost around the world. Act in haste, and repent at your leisure! God bless all victims of this most tragic event.
While I respect the views of Richard of Cambridge and others who may share his opinion, I'm troubled by the rationale he's applying to the situation. Using his contention that leaders like Bush and Blair are to some degree the cause of world terrorism, I would submit that his logic is backward and ill conceived. This would be like suggesting that a woman has only herself to blame for a rape, since she shouldn't have been wearing such provocative clothes in the first place. Shame on you Richard and your ilk!!
The events that took place on Tuesday 11th September has changed everybody's life. The images seen on this dreadful day will stay with me forever and my heart goes out to all those affected by it. When my nine year-old daughter watches these horrific scenes of violence on television I realise that these terrorist have taken not only taken innocent lives but they have taken an innocence from the young, they have exposed our children to vile, cowardly violence. How can such hatred justify that?
This past week has shook us to the bone and I believe 100% in supporting any action taken against those accountable. I would fight for my freedom and for my child's and other people's children's safety for the future which means being strong willed and not relenting to fear. I would urge others to do the same.
I wish to thank all from around the world who have mourned and sent us their prayers - and I want to send my sympathies and prayers to the 30 plus countries worldwide who have also lost family and friends - who have hope against hope for a miracle that their missing will be found - along with the many here in the USA. May God touch you all and ease your pain. I also pray for God to bless and protect our militaries who are called to duty. May he guide all of our leaders - American and all of our allies alike. We all need to come together now more than ever and with God's help - may we be blessed with strength and endurance in what is yet to come. This is not only our crisis in the USA - but your crisis as well.
It is difficult not to be affected. Nobody could have ever imagined that something so horrific could happen in reality. Up to now, only the worse Hollywood movies have depicted something similar. All the sympathy and prayers go to the dead, and to those who have suffered and continue to suffer as a consequence of the worse act of terrorism of all times. Now we have to live with this and I hope we can learn something too.
I see so much nationalism around. So may American flags, national anthems, talks of war and hate. Nationalism is not the way. We should try to live in this world as individuals rather that American, British, European, or Arabs. We have to accept our differences. We shouldn't believe that there are American heroes and Arab terrorists. There are only good and bad people regardless of origins. Lets pull together rather that embarking in a destructive war. After all I am sure the terrorist aim is to provoke a conflict, a clash of civilisations.
Hope we are not so foolish as to repeat the errors of the past.
The attacks on the US have badly shaken me and my heart goes out to everybody affected. This is a thing almost too horrible to even think about. However, what scares me most now is that this will turn into a war of different world views. The fanatics that have lead and organised the attacks on the US are just that, fanatics. They are not everyday people with real reasons behind what they do. They are no different from a serial killer who kills for incomprehensible reasons. This has nothing to do with Islam or capitalism. However, some of the people and governments supporting the terrorists, without getting involved in the details, are doing so for a reason. Their reasoning has to do with mishandling of situations in the past and present, with famine, with valid reasons. An attack on Afghanistan or any other Muslim country would just lead to more atrocities instead of stopping terrorism.
I am scared of all this talk of war. The discussion should be about what diplomatic means can be used to prevent more atrocities like this to happen again, not about military actions.
The other thing that really scares me is that people in this country and others now start to lay the blame on their Muslim neighbours or on refugees and asylum seekers from Muslim countries.
I wish people would not mistake fanatics for human beings. They are NOT.
I agree that some action has to be taken, but I really wish that the action will be against the terrorists and not against innocent people.
Julie, Washington DC, USA
While I have been saddened at the loss of life in America I have found myself infuriated by the hypocrisy of George Bush and Tony Blair. Both are heads of governments that have repeatedly supported terrorist organisations in other countries because of political dogma. This action is directly responsible for the creation of the Taliban, Saddam Hussein's army, Pinochet and a hundred other objectionable regimes around the world. If America wants to smite terrorism from the face of the earth it would do well to start at its own front door.
Isn't it strange how Nato countries can train terrorists when it serves their purpose but declare war on them when they are attacked themselves?
As a dual citizen of the USA and UK, I am feeling embarrassed that I have never sung the US national anthem. I am currently learning the words and will be in Michigan next July 4th, ready to sing with all my might.
I am Muslim. My eyes got wet when I saw south tower of WTC collapsed, just a moment before it collapsed, I saw few people waving shirts in their hands for help. I was just praying if some helicopters come and would rescue them - but they never got that chance, THEY JUST GONE IN A GLIMPSE. My God, how cruel it is to kill innocent people. It is same "red" blood, which ran in all humans; regardless they are Muslims, Christians, and Jews etc. I feel same pain when I saw Israel killing innocent PalestineS and Serbs killing people in Bosnia.
Now the Question is: What are the lessons to be learned from this such disasters?
We must work towards greater mutual understanding. We must listen to each other. We must humanize one another, and this cannot be done at a distance. We cannot afford let bomb teach this moment. Are we not all God's creatures? Do we not all have stomachs, feel cold, feel pain, and need comfort? Do we not all deserve to be secure from harm and dispossession?
I watched in horror as terrorism struck New York. I cry for all those who don't know how their loved ones are. I have a younger brother in New York. The world may never understand Israel, but I know after this, that they share the same feelings as I have many times, not knowing if my loved ones are okay after a terrorist suicide attack. It is a terrible feeling.
America is a dysfunctional family indeed. We bicker with each other incessantly about money, race, religion, and politics. We possess an unheathly fixation with pop culture and the socially elite. We are wealthy and spoiled. And yes, we are powerful and arrogant. It's not difficult to imagine why so many dislike and resent us.
Despite all our troubles, we are still a family. And we are, for the most part, decent people. We struggle toward peace in our communities and compassion for each other. We try to do the right thing, though sometimes it goes horribly wrong.
The purpose of the letter is not to defend our mistakes nor to exault our accomplishments. This is actually my small attempt to express my gratitude to the world.
Like most Americans, the attacks on our country have shaken me to the core. This last week has been a tearful blur of anguish, fear, and smouldering rage. We are alone, I thought, and the world despises us.
Then I witnessed something quite remarkable. People from all corners of the world, weeping for our dead and praying for their families. Strangers expressing their sincere condolences and unconditional support. People I've never met from countries I've never been to, coming together to share in our outrage and grief. I know now that we are not alone. This week I have seen the very worst and the absolute best humanity has to offer. My spirit is renewed by the compassion and love displayed by so many across the world. I know we will overcome this together. THANK YOU!
One outcome of this whole tragedy is the fact that those who are not US citizens don't seem to figure in the nation's grief. Countries other than the US lost citizens in this attack... how can we mourn our dead when the focus is overwhelmingly on those unfortunate US citizens?
If terrorist can use a passenger jet as a weapon of mass destruction and have the sophistication, organization and secrecy to attact the Pentagon, it is just a matter of time before terrorist target some significant landmark in Europe. We should all be concerned for our safety.
Before it happened, the morning was one of the most beautiful skies I have ever seen. So blue, I even asked my 10 year old son if he had ever seen the sky look more prettier. Then 8:48am EDT. The evil dark cloud of smoke which hoovered over NYC to my west was a grim reminder of how close this attack was.
Later that evening the stars were as brilliant as they ever have been here. But the skies were different now. Fighter planes filled my sky now. Yes, I felt more protected. Then I read the reactions of people from this web site and felt mostly comforted. To know that you felt the same pain as I. I then realized that for this was not just an attack on America, but all mankind. The killings only happened to take place here. This is a battle for which we most win and win now. These terrorists have told the world who ever is against them will be hurt. That means all of us. The time is now. This is our planet, our only planet. We should not have to worry where the next attack comes from. In final, I'd like to thank all from across the globe who have sent their prayers and sympathy. May we all live in peace soon.
My fiancée and I are Graduate Students at Western Illinois University. We had not viewed any of the media as we were busy preparing for our next class that met in the evening of the WTC tragedy. Upon reaching the building our class was being held we saw there was a posting on the door announcing that all classes at WIU were cancelled, and it asked that we display an American flag. We thought it strange, but we thought it may be a prank, so we proceeded to class when we noticed the news on a monitor in an empty hall except for us it was surrealistic. It was 5 pm CST and it all happened earlier at 9:30 am CST. We stood there not understanding what we were watching on the monitors, we then noticed how alone we were, in a building that is usually full of people, and activity.
This is personal. I have relatives in New York. I just wonder what next? Nuclear devices? Islamic world should hunt down these inhumane people themselves. Otherwise there might be very dark future for the whole world!
The selfless spirit of co-operation and sacrifice being displayed by ordinary Americans in New York is showing the true greatness of the American Spirit.
During the 3 minutes silence, I was in the World Trade Center of Genova, Italy with a British citizen representing an American firm discussing some business with one of our Italian clients. I would call it the world against the terrorists. 70 Italians, working in the financial district are still missing. America must react and punish the guilty ones but then America must sit down and discuss why this has happened otherwise the risk is to see more and more Twin Towers, skyscrapers, Eiffel tours end up in rubble and smoke.
My thoughts are with not only those who have lost friends, collegues and loved ones in America but also those in Afghanistan and throughout the middle east; to those who are also innocent civillians living in fear because of actions they could neither control or want.
My wife had two cousins working on the twin towers till very recently luckily for them their company moved from their premises. So many were not so fortunate. I still can't comprehend the actions of the terrorists ,who can? I mean, do they honestly believe they are going to heaven? Is God going to say "welcome to heaven. Thankyou for killing 20,000 of my creations".
As a child I was bombed, and as an ex Serviceman, I have been shot at, shelled, bombed some more, and have often been scared. But I never felt the need for tears. But by hell I've shed some tears this week for America and the Free World. To all who have lost loved ones and workmates, my heart goes out to you.
Anneke van den Berg, Tilburg, The Netherlands e-mail: info§prisedeau-golf.nl
Since Tuesday my thoughts and my heart have been with the American people. I know how they feel, not knowing what has happened to their family members and friends.
My family lived through the horror of the war in Kosova. America and American people were there to help us, and today all I can do is pray for them.
Laura, Jersey, Channel Islands
It does this cynic's heart a world of good to read this page and see the outpouring of sympathy/empathy for the Tragedy that's befallen NYC and America. I understand there's a fair amount of anti-American sentiment in the world - we can be an arrogant bunch, sometimes - but my eyes are honestly filling with tears as I write this, after reading of the emotional solidarity of the people in Europe and the world. In a world that can at times be so horrible and insane, it's good to know that there are decent folks out there who care, and "we" are not completely alone. Take care of yourself and each other. Thank you all!
Annette, Russia, Moscow
I never thought it possible to have so many different feelings at one time, and I can't express them enough. I am so sad for the people who were killed, or hurt, and for their families and friends. I am enraged that anyone could do this, but scared of what will happen next. My thoughts are with the injured, the families and friends of anyone who has been killed, and also with the rescue services, relief workers, and anyone who is helping - hope they have continuous strength and courage.
I'm writing from Spain to say that I feel completely sorry about what happened and that I hope that the consequences of this terrorist act don't bring more violent attacks. People should think carefully about what to do and not use violence or anger against innocent people. (Yesterday lots of shops and houses of Muslims in Madrid were burnt, they don't have to be blamed. I only hope that people stop behaving so foolishly.)
Hubert, Rennes, France
I was staying in New York in June of this year with good friends who live in Brooklyn. One of them teaches children in Brooklyn. She told me in an e-mail yesterday that it is quite possible at least two of the children she teaches have lost their parents. I cannot get this out of my mind, I have children and the thought of them being orphaned is unbelievably painful. Since Tuesday I have been receiving emails from friends who live in New York all heartbroken at what has happened, all sincerely wishing that governments in the West will think very carefully about their response to these events. My friends are hurting and afraid at the same time.
I have never been to New York or Washington, nor do I have any friends or family members living in either area. However, words cannot begin to express the sickening sadness, anger, fear, and helplessness I felt witnessing the horrific events of this past Tuesday on TV. Now, my co-workers and I spend much of our time at work making pins with colored ribbons and selling them to raise money for the relief effort and no one, not even our boss, seems to mind. We've also baked brownies etc, and sold those to raise money. This has been therapeutic in a small way - at least we've done something. Before Tuesday, I would come home in the evening and work on some craft project, do some cleaning, or catch some re-runs of my favorite sitcoms. Now, I find myself tuning in to CNN, MSNBC, the BBC coverage on the Discovery Channel, or my local news to try and find out the latest details, and I usually end up crying.
To the British, Italian, German, Scottish, Russian, and all other people in the world who have lit a candle, shed a tear, said a prayer, or wished there was something they could do to help - thank you! Such strong support will not be forgotten!
I don't think that I am alone when I say that I have been in shock and on the verge of tears since Tuesday. When I saw that plane ramming into the WTC for the first time, I expected a director to yell "cut!" Part of me still does. I did have a brief moment of panic because I have a friend who works for United as a Flight Attendant. She is currently on holiday, so she is okay. I'm very relieved that no one will have to explain to her little girl what happened to her mom. Lots of other little girls won't be so lucky. I have been very moved by the outpouring of support from the world. I am so used to hearing how hated we are the world over (often with good reason), that I was taken aback. I am aware and appalled of the various dastardly ways that the USA throws its weight around in other lands. But any sympathy that these perpetrators might have engendered among the US populace went down with the WTC on Tuesday.
I'd also like to extend a big thank you to the Queen
for the playing of the National Anthem during the
Changing of the Guard. It was a small gesture, but
it means more to me than you know. Also, a
big hug and thank you to the people of Britain. I cried
when I saw the photo of the card that read "To all the New York Yanks, from all your Cockney friends,"
even though I'm only a Minneapolis Yank. So thank you, whoever you are. I haven't been to London
in 15 years, but if I'm ever there again, I'll buy you a beer.
I am Irish, I lived in London for many years and in New York for a few years. Now I live in Florida. All my friends are in NY, what I don't understand is why people keep killing other people. Everywhere I have lived I have been in fear of this kind of horrible thing happening. When I lived in London sometimes I was afraid to say I was Irish because of the things that happened. Now I am scared for all my friends in NY - American, Irish, English, I just wish it would all stop.
Catherine, Florida, USA
We as Indians have been facing terrorism for a long time. What we have watched on TV is horryfying. I also have so many cousins in the USA, I can only hope all are fine as some are not contacting us. How can anybody be immune to such an horryfying act of barbarism? All my sympathies are with those who have lost their loved ones.
In every situation there has been one country in the world who we feel an extreme kinship with, and that is Britain. I can trace my ancestry back to your country, and I love Britain like my own country. Steadfast, you have been our friends through many a hardship, and we have been your friends. Right now, I not only cry for the people from this country who lost their lives in something senseless, but I cry for those from all over the world, of all races, creeds, and nationalities that also lost their lives in this senseless act. And when I heard of over 200 UK victims of this, I was hurt even more, not only were we attacked, our friends were attacked. I want to express my heartfelt condolences for all of those across the sea who have lost their loved ones as well, because wherever you are, the pain is equal, and although the focus is on us over here, yes, we did lose, Britain lost, and many people from all around the world lost. Humanity lost.
It touched me deeply when our national anthem was played at the changing of the guard, more than perhaps many other things. Thank you for the show of friendship and honor, and thank you for always being our friend.
Four days after this horrible event
I am still numb. Even though I did not know anyone directly victimized in the attack, I feel as though I have lost many friends. My only hope is that the person who is responsible be brought to justice, if not by the world, then by God. Like so many I
am left with so many questions that
may never be answered. I am comforted by the the thought that so many people outside the USA are praying for us. Please continue to do so, we need all of the prayers and support we can get. May all of this be over soon and may we one day live in
global peace.
We're 110 miles southwest of New York City, but Philadelphia has been on high alert since Tuesday. My husband and I felt the need to get out of the city's center, as did thousands of others, when they began to evacuate skyscrapers and close down "potential targets." Unfortunately for us, we felt no safer going home as our neighbourhood contains some of the city's, if not the country's, most beloved historical landmarks. In our minds, we knew the risk was small, but when you see men with machine guns on the tops of buildings, your gut tells you to "get the hell out of town." We did, going to a friend's house near the edge of the city for the tense afternoon hours. Phone lines were jammed, even here, and cell phones were next to useless. We felt guilty trying to use them at all, though, knowing that the networks were crowded with concerned families and friends of ground zero victims.
I wanted to cry, when I sat on my friend's sofa watching the live feeds. But I couldn't. My mind was, and is, swimming in the sights and sounds. I know I am angry, I know I am scared, but I know that I am not feeling what I am going to feel when all of this sinks in. And that scares me. Things are slowly returning to "normal" here. But no one is pretending to call it normal. We all look at each other knowingly. We all speak in slightly lowered tones. People are kinder to one another, for the most part. People are desperate to be involved somehow. Giving blood, donating money, whatever they can do not to feel so helpless. But we still do. Our hospitals are on standby for casualties we fear may never come. The news people say that the cries for help from the rubble are becoming more and more infrequent. Companies that had large numbers of employees in the towers are mostly reporting that many have been accounted for and were evacuated safely. Many are also saying that they've had no word at all. We're still waiting to hear from one friend. My cousin and her husband work at the Pentagon. She went into labour Tuesday morning and didn't go into work. Her husband didn't know yet and he thought that she was in the area that was hit, because her office is there. Was there. He finally got a call that she was at the hospital in labour. At first they would not let him leave, because he is military security, but then they did when they learned what'd happened.
There are a lot of stories of bravery and courage, but mostly of loss. For every hopeful bit of news we hear, there's more than enough to remind us of the loss of life. It will truly be unbearable for all of us when we realize the full scale. I know I'll cry then.
I already fear for my life - not only from the terrorists, but also from the American's who cannot distinguish my Indian background. Over the past 2 days, I have been abused at, and been subjected to various incidents of road rage. It's ironic because my country faces the same problems of terrorism.
I think the best thing to do is follow Mayor Rudy Giuliani's lead and have every politician (especially Bush) strongly condemn such actions against ANY person from South and Middle Asia.
This day shall be a day that stands out like no other, and all that is mighty shall weep like a mother, as life on this planet chokes to learn, the darkest of souls still twist and turn; it's not of an era that has passed us by there's life out there, wanting humanity to die No matter the distance, the creed or relation, when they stand trial, it's to a world, not a nation, for the pain that is flowing in one city alone, is felt the world-over, in every heart, every home. Sheer terror engulfs this world so rotten, such tragedies are all, but never forgotten; be at once brought to justice those to blame and beg for forgiveness for causing such pain; no matter their lives, it's not worth their taking, it's not our right, despite hearts that are breaking
And shall our spirits rise, whilst we stand in fear, unable to fight back a single tear,
as memories flash to a place we love most, and remember the greatness of our host,
for Mother Nature is might over all, and those defiant, will surely fall.
Thank you Queen Elizabeth, thank you! The simple gesture of your orchestra playing the US national anthem touched Americans in ways you cannot imagine. The British are true friends indeed.
I work in Chicago's financial district across the street from what is considered to be the second-tallest building in the world. Many of my colleagues know of friends who worked at the World Trade Center. As I headed into work this morning, I walked passed thousands of people - fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, partners, and friends. Beautiful people representing all nationalities. The same kinds of people whose innocent lives were snuffed out on Tuesday. My prayer today is that God spared them the pain of what must have been horrible deaths. Please, God, help their families cope with this tremendous burden.
My heart is heavy with sadness at the loss of so many innocent lives in such tragic and horrific circumstances. The images, sound and now personal voices will stay with me all my life. My heartfelt sympathy to all those touched by this mindless tragedy.
Simple words cannot describe how deeply and sincerely appreciative Americans are for the outpouring of support from the United Kingdom. As one who has had the pleasure to study and work closely with British citizens across the globe, I must say that the playing of the U.S. National Anthem at Buckingham Palace brought tears to my eyes. This is not simply an American loss, but a crime foisted on all of humanity. From the bottom of our sorrowful hearts, thank you for your love and support.
I want the British people to know how comforting and moving it was to see and hear the Coldstream Guards play the "Star Spangled Banner". The Queen's choice to do that has been tremendously powerful in the lives of those here who have seen it. It means everything to us here that we have your support. I am keenly aware that there were more than Americans that died at the WTC.... I am so sorry for the losses of the British people as well as the many losses to numerous other countries.
I cannot begin to express the impact that this has had on my feelings. There is nothing I can relate this to. All I know is that today my building stood together and cried in sympathy and pain for ordinary people - just like us - that we have never met in a place that perhaps we have only visited. But we stood together. Isn't that the way it should be?
I just feel so powerless and so desperately sorry for what has happened. As the National Anthem was sung, and the hundreds of people on the street began to hum, I felt deep inside me that as long as so many people can share such grief, and as long as true human kindness continues to exist in ways that have been shown since this devastating atrocity, maybe - just maybe - there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel.
May God bless all who have lost loved ones, and you are all in my thoughts always.
I am so comforted, as an American to read the truly heart-felt words from our friends in the UK and elsewhere. My son was in New York City at the time of the terrorist attack and we had some harrowing hours waiting to hear from him. As a medical student at New York University, he was called in to aid in washing out eyes, giving oxygen, etc.. to the worn out emergency workers at ground zero. He says it is beyond comprehension. My son and our world will never be the same.
My initial shock and disbelief gave way to anger and fear. However, now I just feel impotent. Impotent because I can't do more to help, impotent because I couldn't and can't prevent this kind of senseless tragedy but, most of all, impotent because I live in a world in which some people believe they have the right and the duty to commit these kind of terrible, wicked acts. I think the Universal Declaration on Human Rights say it better than I ever could: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person".
The three-minute silence was observed by the world as a desire to unite against terrorism and out of compassion for those who suffered and their families. What is important now is that the United States does not act without the consensus of the rest of the world and without clear evidence against those responsible for the atrocities. The United States must be seen to listen to the rest of the world. Only together can we defeat terrorism on a worldwide scale.
To my loving American,
If not today or tomorrow, America will rise again with great power and strength. I pray for all those who gave their lives for America, their souls will be blessed by God, the living God. Mr Bush must face the problem with courage and hit back the brutal victims so that they will learn a lesson that humanity have a meaning for leaving a life. It is not a toy to just destroy and make it again, that power belongs to God, no Muslim or a Hindu or a Christian has the right to take a human life. I hope this bit of my words will have some change to all humans in this world. I once again pray to please bless the people who laid their life on this terrorism. By this I am ending my words here....
What is needed is a little perspective. My immediate thoughts (and I do sympathise with families of lost ones) were why the hell would someone want to do this and actually do it?
So... I looked into some detail at some of the reasons. I was, to say the least, horrified at some of the foreign policy that USA and indeed UK and EU governments have adopted towards other nations.
Let us all start to examine these issues in more depth and realise that we are not the global rulers and dictators we (and typically multi-national businesses) like to think we are.
The events in America have rocked me to my very core. My heart goes out everyone affected by this tragedy and I hope that this at least changes peoples lives and way of thinking for the better - we owe that to the victims. I am so sorry for the pain and suffering of all involved.
In his speech to the House of Commons, Mr Blair said "Those that harbour and help them have a choice - either to cease their protection of our enemies or be treated as an enemy themselves."
Is he going to apply this principle to his own Government, who have given a share of the Government of the United Kingdom to terrorists who still refuse to surrender their weapons?
The Passengers who fought back to stop the fourth jet from hitting any ground targets should awarded the highest honour. Their bravery and self-sacrifice is an example to us all. My most heartfelt feelings go out to the city of New York and the American people. When I saw the second plane hit WTC I was in a busy bar having a working lunch and silence descended on the bar. People sat in shock too shocked to eat or drink anything.
Although it is tempting to begin finding fault with whomever we perceive to have been negligent, it is imperative that the primary fault remains with the terrorists. The fundamental issue, to me, seems to be the prevalence of small, dangerous militant groups throughout the world who receive funding from wealthy nations or citizens of wealthy nations. We of the free world have resolved to create a safe and prosperous environment for *every* individual. For the most part, the free world is comprised of people who are relatively similar. I feel a tremendous kinship with all Europeans who have offered their sympathies from across an ocean. We are united by our views on the human spirit and the rights of individuals. Let our response to this tragedy be framed around these ideals. Thank you.
As a Christian I fear for the safety of my Muslim friends. Most people will understand that this is the most un-Islamic act ever committed by people calling themselves Islamises (if Al Queda are responsible) but a minority may unleash their anger on innocent Muslims around the world - even though all true followers of the religion are equally outraged by this awful act of Godlessness.
Still in shock - it's like living in some ghastly alternative reality and it still hasn't quite sunk in.
Was quite outraged by the comments of Tam Dalyell and Tony Benn, though. Don't use severe force indeed?! I'd like to ask the Right Honourable gentlemen what we are supposed to do? Wring our hands and look earnest? Pat the terrorists on the head and tell them not to do it again and slip them some foreign aid?
The horrible thing that I now realise is that if a nuclear response was to occur then I'm sad to say that I probably wouldn't shed any tears....and it worries me that it's come to this.
As an Israeli and long-term resident of the UK, I understand the anger and desire for revenge after such an attack but, as we have seen in the Middle East over the past year, all this brings is more death and despair. I am concerned about the repercussions of this on the conflict in Israel and what it will mean for the future of the state and its people, as well as the Palestinians if they are to come under attack from the US. The US must pinpoint the identity of the terrorists before they strike, or they will sink to the terrorists' own level. We cannot allow more innocent civilians to suffer.
I went to the American Embassy today to sign the book of condolence and to lay flowers. It was very emotional and distressing but I felt I just had to do something to pay my deepest respects. Tribute must also be paid to the tremendous courage and bravery of all the emergency services, their efforts have been truly incredible and tireless. I don't really know what else to say, it's just too much to bear.
These fools have awakened the civilized nations of our global village. We are now all Israelis in a sense. This will not be a traditional war with a visible enemy, territorial objective, or even with a recognizable point at which we can say it is concluded. I pray that we all are prepared to accept this new reality.
Only one sentence comes to mind, used during Desert Storm. I find it very appropriate, written underneath the stars and stripes "These colours don't run". We will recover from this and I am sure it will make our relationship with our allies stronger. Pray God is listening.
Unfortunately, thousands of innocent people and families are paying now with their lives and happiness the bill of the sometimes scandalous and treachery foreign policy that the United States have led during so many years, especially in the Far and Middle East. Not only are the terrorists guilty and have to be punished, but also some American politicians are guilty, and I hope these politicians finally realise the consequences of their acts in order to improve the future. Nobody is perfect. Of course the terrorist act in itself is an absolute disgrace, but it should also be considered as a result of something, not as an isolated fact.
I am very scared because you don't know what's going to happen next and we as a country have to put this to an end. I don't sleep at nights and I am really scared to fly again..........
Heartfelt condolences to all of the families and friends involved. Respect and admiration to all of the emergency services who have and will continue to risk themselves for the good of others.
Regardless of what else happens during his term of office the next few weeks will determine how history remembers George Bush Jnr. Will he be the most restrained President in history or will he be the President that leads the civilised world into WW3? I for one am feeling rather nervous.
I cannot begin to imagine the grief our American cousins are feeling. I lost no-one in this disaster but cannot stop the tears. The children left without their parents, the mothers without their sons and daughters. We go daily to work hopefully, not to our deaths. My thoughts are with you all now and I will say a little prayer at 11am Friday. But, there are many unanswered questions... why no fire alarms ringing? Why such a senseless waste of life? Why build a tall structure that clearly takes in the region of 3 hrs to evacuate? The authorities must look to the answers ..........
I'm numb right now. My dad works in WTC2 on the 96th floor and he's missing. I don't know what to feel. I just want to know if he's ok.
Katherine Berquin, Brussels, Belgium
If the reports of the passenger fight on UA93 are correct and they overcame the hi-jackers or caused the plane to crash, those people were real heroes - potentially saving hundreds or thousands of lives at the intended target.
At 4am Tuesday morning my phone rang - a friend called to tell me of the attack. I sat there watching BBC. I am so disturbed that I couldn't work. My heart goes out to all the people in America. Pls God give them strength to cope with the loss. God Bless You All.
I would also like to say to the Muslim and Islam people who have shown their support and sympathy that I personally and sincerely
apologise to you for the actions of my countrymen who have decided to blame innocents for the actions of these terrorists. It is wrong and a great many Americans don't support that. To me anyone who attacks or terrorises any Muslim or Islamic person simply because of what happened is no better than the people who carried out the attacks in New York and Washington. Again I apologise to the innocents who are being caught in the backlash. Just know that when and if you encounter people who blame you for what happened, there is at least one person in America who stands by you. Thanks so much.
A real sense of utter disbelief from myself and all my family at the sight of commercial airliners with people on board being used as missiles to attack defenceless people going about their jobs. The news flow of the families affected by this horrible event brought tears to my eyes and my family. A sad, sad day for humanity.
Like everyone with any humanitarian feelings, I was stunned by the sheer magnitude of Tuesday's day of terror but for me it was the total realisation that what had happened could never be undone... the World had changed, now and forever.
I cannot get that image of the plane vanishing into the World Trade Centre out of my mind. It is there as soon as I wake. I don't think I will ever forget it.
Claire Louise Gibbon (nee Fulton), Central Scotland
I was at work in the UK and first heard of these terrible events via the BBC website, I called my wife, she watched the events unfold on TV. My four-year-old daughter also watched the coverage and asked why her normal children's TV programme was not on. My wife told her that it was because something very wicked had happened. My daughter asked what that meant and she told her that it meant a lot of children in the US didn't have a mummy or daddy anymore. My daughter asked why. My wife didn't have an answer - neither do I.
My heart goes out to everyone.
There will not be one person in
the world who is not affected by
this terrible act of terrorism. I myself am
awaiting news from friends working
for Morgan Stanley. I'm praying daily
for their safe return. Please be safe.
daily.
Andy Weir, London, England
To all the people who have lost family or friends I would like to express my feelings of sympathy.
I hope that a small number of fanatics will not be able to drive a wedge between the people of the world. Regardless of our religions we should all be able to live together peacefully! We have more in common than we are different. And why can we not respect our differences? Let's all make that effort!
The above has not affected me in the way of knowing people lost in the devastation but all I can imagine is what everyone is going through. There really are some wicked people in this world. My sincere heart really does go out to everyone in America. I feel so sad, I am sure whatever England can do to help we will. Do not give up hope ever, these people will get caught and punished. I am thinking of you all.
Rebecca, Harrogate, UK
What type of society do we live in that allowed such a horrific crime to be committed. It is frightening to think what the future holds not just for us but for future generations. Is there going to be a future?
As a Scot living far from New York and Washington, I find it hard to comprehend why I personally feel so badly and emotionally affected by Tuesday's events. I have visited the States many times and have always found the American people to be genuinely warm and friendly and in no way did they deserve any of this appalling suffering. I am married and have two young children and I pray for their sakes that the U.S. - and the rest of the world - takes the right course of action to achieve justice against those responsible and that a lasting solution can be found so that people of all religions can live in harmony.
Terrible-Shocking- Disbelief-
John B, London, UK
Once more all the terrorists have proved is that their cause is not just. No cause can be worth such devastation. My heart goes out to all the families of those that died. My loathing goes out to all those that were a part of this.
I must send out my condolences to those who have been hurt and the loved ones of those who have been lost. These events have been an attack on humanity and have shaken the whole world. I am shaken by the events that have occurred in the past few days! I myself am a Muslim, and I fear that the world will strike out at Muslims. Although this attack may have been by Islamic extremists, it was not by each and every Muslim person alive today. Therefore, lashing out at a whole religion because of one group will only make matters worse. However, I do agree that these terrorists must be brought to justice... but it must be done in a reasonable and respectable manner.
I must once again send out my condolences to those who have been affected by this attack. It is a tragic loss and a disgrace to the whole of the human race.
I came to BBC Online to see how the world was reacting to what has happened so close to my own home. As a former New Yorker I am comforted by the sentiments I have read here online and feel secure that the world is behind us.
Jacquie Homscheid, USA
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