This archive report was first published on 4 September 2021.
September 4, 2021, marked a somber milestone in the United States: the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York. Two decades have passed since that fateful day, shaping the world and leaving an indelible mark on a generation.
For those who lived through the event, the aftermath has become the new normal. However, it wasn't until the recent evacuation of Afghanistan that the full extent of the war on terror's influence on modernity became apparent.
As I watched the news with my child, I was taken aback by their innocent yet piercing question: 'What's going on? I was told America is the best country in the world!' I had forgotten that children absorb information with a remarkable capacity for retention and a knack for asking difficult questions.
As I struggled to provide an answer, I realized that the 20 years of war have left us all with more questions than answers. The complexities of imperialism, war, occupation, and the role of technology in the Middle East are daunting topics, even for adults.
Explaining these issues to a child is a daunting task, and I must admit that I couldn't do it justice. The horrors of human nature and the propaganda of American superiority have left many with unanswered questions.
As I delved deeper into the history of the war in Afghanistan, I rediscovered the importance of studying the past to avoid repeating its mistakes. The quagmire of the war is a head-scratcher, but revisiting it came with an unexpected gift: the rediscovery of the value of public broadcasting.
Despite the US's limited public broadcasting presence, there are exceptions to the rule. A public broadcasting service's frontline outlet provided calm and incisive journalism, revealing a situation that is indeed complex and multifaceted.
As I tried to give my child context about the situation in Afghanistan, I was met with a cheerful assertion that 'at least Mr. President Biden cares and is definitely going to make sure he fixes things in Afghanistan!' I smiled and said nothing, aware that the truth is often difficult to confront.
Perhaps in 20 years' time, my child will have figured out the complexities of Pax Americana for themselves. For now, I am reminded of the importance of journalism in recording the truths of our human story, giving us a fighting chance of learning from our mistakes.
Elsie Eyakuze is a consultant and blogger for The Mikocheni Report.
