This report begins with a direct counterfactual premise. It argues that the failure to eliminate Osama bin Laden before September 11, 2001, was a critical link in the chain of events that led to the attacks.
This analysis traces the plausible, cascading consequences of that inaction for Americans. It ranks the ten primary consequences by their direct impact on daily life, security, liberty, and economic well-being.
The report is structured in three parts:
- Part I establishes the historical context of the missed opportunities.
- Part II details the ten primary consequences for Americans.
- Part III offers a concluding analysis of the counterfactual argument.
The analysis is grounded in the historical record, including the findings of the 9/11 Commission. It also examines Al-Qaeda’s ideology using bin Laden’s own public declarations, or fatwas. These documents explain the grievances that animated his war on the United States.¹˒ ²˒ ³
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