Ground Zero visitors remember 9/11 as experts sound alarm on US counter-terror efforts

As the United States commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, visitors are gathering at Ground Zero in New York City to remember those lost. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is hosting its annual commemoration, including the poignant reading of victims' names by their families. A new moment of silence has been added to honor individuals who later succumbed to illnesses related to the attacks. Many attendees feel compelled to visit the memorial, which features inscriptions and cascading water within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, serving as a solemn place of remembrance.

However, alongside the somber commemorations, national security experts are voicing significant concerns regarding the current state of U.S. counter-terrorism efforts a quarter-century after 9/11. Warnings highlight an erosion of the post-9/11 counter-terrorism framework due to budget cuts, the departure of experienced officials, and a perceived increase in complacency. Concerns also stem from a shift in focus and resources, with some experts criticizing the politicization of counter-terrorism and the downplaying of threats from right-wing extremism in favor of issues like drug cartels or "left-wing violence".

Experts caution that the nation faces growing challenges from a diverse threat landscape, including evolving technologies like drones and artificial intelligence that were not significant concerns 25 years ago. They emphasize that the U.S. is "unprepared for terrorism's next wave" and faces a complex array of threats from formal groups, loose networks, and lone actors, with the time between radicalization and violent action reportedly shortening. The dwindling public memory of 9/11 among younger generations, coupled with reduced resources, poses additional risks to national security.