Horrifying images of violence. A new, alien sense of insecurity and existential fear. Belief in the righteousness of one’s cause and a commitment to seeing the mission through to completion. The consequences and emotions surrounding Hamas’ stunning attack on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 are similar to those Americans can remember from the days immediately after Sept. 11, 2001.
In both cases, the country that the terrorists had attacked embarked on a massive military campaign of retribution designed to eliminate the foe. The U.S. invaded Afghanistan to eliminate al Qaeda’s operating bases and topple the Taliban regime that had harbored the jihadists. Israel is conducting an overwhelming bombing campaign in Gaza aimed at breaking Hamas.
In this episode of History As It Happens, journalist and terrorism expert Peter Bergen, one of a handful of Westerners to have interviewed Osama bin Laden, discusses the validity of the 9/11-10/7 comparison. While both incidents involved surprise attacks and the massive loss of human life, Israelis cannot say they were unfamiliar with the enemy or the historical circumstances from which the enemy rose.
“[10/7] is going to be remembered as a hinge event in Israeli history just as 9/11 was a hinge event in American history. And surprise attacks … are surprisingly common. When someone is attacked by surprise, they are far less likely to be amenable to making a deal,” said Mr. Bergen, who credited historian Andrew Roberts and retired U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus with making this observation in an interview on Mr. Bergen’s podcast.
Also discussed in this episode are Hamas’ intentions and ideology, the limits of military power and the possibility of a wider war involving additional states and non-state actors such as Hezbollah.
SEE ALSO: History As It Happens: Who was Osama bin Laden?
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