Reactions to the September 11 attacks

The September 11 attacks drew widespread condemnation from global leaders, political figures, religious authorities, and international news outlets. Nations across the globe, including those often adversarial to the United States such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, Libya, North Korea, and Afghanistan, publicly denounced the assaults. Allegations of celebrations by Arab communities in New Jersey remain unverified and are associated with baseless conspiracy claims.

In reaction to the events, numerous governments introduced anti-terrorism laws and froze financial assets belonging to companies and individuals suspected of links to al-Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden, who masterminded the attacks.

United States

Following the attacks, the Bush administration initiated a war on terror aimed at capturing Osama bin Laden and dismantling al-Qaeda, while preventing further terrorist activities. This strategy included imposing economic and military sanctions on countries believed to support terrorists, alongside enhanced international intelligence cooperation and surveillance efforts. Within hours, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld raised the possibility of Saddam Hussein’s involvement and ordered planning for strikes against Iraq; although no evidence supported this claim, it contributed to the rationale behind the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The most significant military action related to these events outside U.S. borders was the toppling of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan by a coalition led by the United States.

Presidential address

In a nationally broadcast speech shortly after the attacks, President George W. Bush invoked Psalm 23:

America, along with our friends and allies, stands united with all those who seek peace and security worldwide. Together, we will prevail in the fight against terrorism. Tonight, I ask you to pray for those who mourn, for children whose lives have been irrevocably changed, and for everyone whose sense of safety has been shattered. May they find solace in a power greater than ourselves, as expressed in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me."

President Bush also emphasized unity with Muslim Americans amid attacks targeting Arab-Americans and Muslims, stating: "Terror does not represent the true faith of Islam. Islam is a religion of peace. These terrorists embody evil and conflict."

Religious leaders

A coalition of American Muslim organizations—including the American Muslim Alliance, American Muslim Council, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Islamic Circle of North America, and Muslim Public Affairs Council—issued a joint statement condemning the terrorist acts and demanding prompt justice, underscoring that no political motive can justify such violence.

Reverend Billy Graham addressed congregants at Washington National Cathedral, calling for national unity and spiritual healing in response to the tragedy.

On the Christian television show The 700 Club, televangelists Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson controversially linked the attacks to societal issues such as paganism, abortion, feminism, and homosexuality. Their comments faced rebuke from President Bush; Falwell subsequently offered an apology.

Five days post-attack, Reverend Jeremiah Wright from Chicago’s United Trinity Church of Christ suggested that these events were retaliation for American injustices and urged a period of national introspection.

International responses

Following the attacks, numerous governments and organizations across the western world and U.S. allies voiced shock, condolences, and support for anti-terrorism initiatives.

Governments outside the Islamic world

• : President Fernando De La Rua strongly condemned the attacks, offering medical and humanitarian aid in support of the U.S.-led intervention in Afghanistan. The nation observed three days of mourning with flags lowered to half-staff.
• : Prime Minister John Howard, present in Washington D.C. during the events, invoked the ANZUS Treaty to reaffirm Australia's alliance and commitment to collaborate with the United States.
• : Church bells rang simultaneously nationwide as a gesture of unity.
• : Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt conveyed profound shock and sorrow, while public demonstrations of solidarity took place at the Brussels World Trade Center.
• : President Fernando Henrique Cardoso condemned the attacks, expressed concern for Brazilian nationals in the U.S., and noted potential economic impacts. In Rio de Janeiro, billboards depicted Christ the Redeemer embracing New York’s skyline.
• : The government designated September 13 as a national mourning day; citizens gathered to light candles and offer prayers.
• : President Alexander Lukashenko extended condolences to President Bush, recalling Belarus's own history with tragic events.
• : The Burmese regime pledged commitment to counterterrorism and opposed any use of its territory for terrorist actions.
• : Prime Minister Jean Chrétien declared September 14 a national day of mourning. Following the attacks, Operation Yellow Ribbon was initiated, redirecting U.S.-bound flights to Canadian airports such as Gander International Airport, where passengers received assistance.
• : Authorities condemned the attacks, supported U.S. counterterrorism efforts, and convened regional leaders for coordinated responses.
• : Paramount leader Jiang Zemin expressed shock and sympathy; China condemned all terrorism forms. Thousands gathered in Beijing to leave flowers and messages at the U.S. Embassy.
  • : Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa offered condolences and increased security protocols.
• : Queen Elizabeth II expressed shock and ordered the U.S. national anthem to be played during Buckingham Palace's Changing of the Guard ceremony.
• : Schoolchildren in Dubrovnik observed moments of silence.
• : Expressed sorrow and solidarity, offering airspace and medical facilities for assistance.
• : Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen condemned the attacks; citizens laid flowers at the American embassy in Copenhagen.
  • : Candlelight vigils took place in towns including Nuuk.
• : President Lennart Meri sent condolences to President Bush, pledging support against terrorism.
• : Public transportation briefly ceased operations as a tribute to victims.
• : President Jacques Chirac unequivocally condemned terrorism and expressed solidarity with the United States; Le Monde featured a front-page headline stating "Nous sommes tous Américains" ("We are all Americans").
• : Chancellor Gerhard Schröder described the attacks as "a declaration of war on civilization." Frankfurt’s financial district closed major skyscrapers; Berlin canceled public events. German naval forces showed solidarity with their U.S. counterparts.
• : President Eduard Shevardnadze met with President Bush offering full cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, including granting airspace access for strikes targeting Afghanistan.
• : Prime Minister Costas Simitis condemned the attacks; security was intensified at American and European embassies in Athens.
• : Pope John Paul II referred to the attacks as "a horrific offense against peace" during a Vatican service, praying for strength for Americans.
• : Firefighters paid tribute by attaching black ribbons to their vehicles.
• : Declared nationwide high alert; expressed deepest sympathies while condemning terrorism vehemently.
• : A remembrance mass was held attended by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and President Mary McAleese, marking one of few official global services.
• : Prime Minister Ariel Sharon condemned the attacks, declared a national day of mourning, and offered specialized military assistance to the United States. The 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza was subsequently established in Jerusalem honoring all victims.
• : Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi expressed shock; participants at the Italian Grand Prix observed moments of silence and demonstrated respect by running cars without sponsors or with black nose designs.
• : Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi condemned the attacks; security measures were heightened at U.S. military bases throughout Japan.
• : The Maasai community donated cattle as a symbolic gesture supporting the United States.
• : Official statements opposed terrorism but reflected skepticism about U.S. intentions, indicating complex political perspectives.
• : President Kim Dae-jung extended condolences, pledged full support to the U.S., strengthened anti-terror laws, enhanced security at American facilities, and designated September 14 as a national day of mourning.
• : Condemned terrorism; instructed banks to freeze terrorist-related assets despite delayed ratification of international agreements.
• : Leadership expressed condolences and readiness for potential threats following the attacks.
• : Ambassador Claudia Fritsche sent sympathies to President Bush denouncing the assaults.
• : President Valdas Adamkus, during a Washington D.C. visit, conveyed condolences affirming Lithuania’s support against terrorism.
• : President Vicente Fox expressed solidarity; increased border security caused notable delays amid threat concerns.
• : Condemned attacks as barbaric acts; reaffirmed dedication to combating global terrorism.
• : Prime Minister Wim Kok expressed deep shock; Queen Beatrix sent condolences. The typically festive Prinsjesdag was subdued with royal guards donning black robes and a moment of silence held before the American embassy in The Hague.
• : Prime Minister Helen Clark condemned the attacks; public opinion strongly favored troop deployment to Afghanistan. New Zealand established a Pacific Security Fund allocating NZD$3 million annually to enhance regional counterterrorism capabilities.
• : Public transport briefly halted as a tribute to victims.
• : President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assured protection of U.S. facilities, declared September 16 a national day of prayer, extended condolences, ordered assessments on casualties among Filipinos in New York, provided medical aid to coalition forces, granted overflight rights for U.S. aircraft, and enacted anti-money laundering laws targeting terrorist financing networks.
• : Rescue personnel sounded sirens while citizens lit candles at Warsaw’s U.S. embassy. President Aleksander Kwaśniewski ordered flags lowered for three days marking national mourning.
• : Churches conducted memorial prayers honoring victims of the tragedy.
• : President Vladimir Putin endorsed strong counterterrorism measures, sent condolences to President Bush, suspended hostilities between Russia and the United States, placed troops on alert status, and observed moments of silence across media outlets.
• : Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong condemned attacks; government agencies investigated possible domestic terrorist cells while pledging backing for U.S.-led counterterrorism operations.
• : President Thabo Mbeki halted broadcasts as a sign of respect after offering financial aid to America.
• : Prime Minister José María Aznar pledged unwavering support for Americans; King Juan Carlos sent personal messages expressing solidarity with the United States.
• : Although no formal government statement was issued, LTTE spokesperson condemned the assaults as brutal crimes against humanity.
• : Public transportation ceased briefly as a mark of respect for victims.
• : President Chen Shui-bian promised full backing for anti-terror campaigns and adherence to United Nations counterterrorism conventions despite Taiwan's UN status; relevant laws were strengthened following the attacks.
• : Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra condemned assaults; committed Thailand to full cooperation in international counterterrorism efforts under UN frameworks.
• : Parliament declared solidarity with America by offering moral support alongside technical and military assistance. Congressman Bob Schaffer praised Ukraine’s dedication to combating terrorism alongside global partners.
• : Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit and President Ahmet Necdet Sezer denounced attacks; government ordered flags flown at half-mast for one day as mourning observance.
• : Prime Minister Tony Blair vowed complete support alongside the United States; British armed forces and law enforcement were placed on highest alert levels. A Service of Remembrance was held at St. Paul's Cathedral attended by senior officials, members of royalty, diplomats, military personnel from both nations, and thousands from public sectors.
• : Leaders expressed sympathy towards America while condemning terrorism but cautioned against excessive responses such as airstrikes on Kabul. Vietnam joined Laos and Burma in signing agreements aimed at combating international terrorism.
• : Presidents Vojislav Koštunica and Milo Đukanović strongly repudiated the attacks. Montenegro declared September 14 a Day of Remembrance.

Islamic governments

The majority of Muslim political and religious figures publicly denounced the attacks, including prominent leaders such as Egypt's Hosni Mubarak, the Palestinian Authority’s Yasser Arafat, Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, Iran’s Mohamed Khatami, and Pakistan’s Pervez Musharraf. An exception to this consensus was Iraq, which attributed the attacks to American "crimes against humanity."

In 2008, John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed released results from a comprehensive six-year survey involving tens of thousands of Muslims across more than 35 nations: 23.1% considered the attacks partially justified, while 7% believed they were entirely justified. Data from Pew Research indicates that a majority of Muslims reject the official account of 9/11.

• : While leaders condemned the attacks, they disputed allegations that Osama bin Laden, who had refuge there, was responsible.
• : Citizens organized candlelight vigils and prayer gatherings.
• : King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a strong condemnation of the attacks.
• : Religious leaders denounced the events during mosque sermons.
• : President Hosni Mubarak called an emergency cabinet session and strongly criticized the attacks. The Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy, condemned the killing of innocent people.
• : President Megawati Sukarnoputri expressed support for international anti-terrorism initiatives but opposed unilateral US military intervention; public prayers were held in mourning.
• : Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Mohammad Khatami condemned both the attacks and their perpetrators. Nationwide candlelight vigils and moments of silence were observed. Khatami conveyed condolences to Americans and stressed that entire nations should not be punished for terrorists’ actions. The US Department of State acknowledged Iran’s expressions of sympathy during this time.
• : The government criticized US policies, suggesting the attacks were a response to American actions. Subsequently, Saddam Hussein sent condolences via email to an American citizen.
• : King Abdullah II condemned the attacks; numerous Jordanians sent messages expressing sympathy.
• : Provided condolences and granted access to its airspace for relief operations.
• : The government condemned the attacks; citizens contributed blood donations; an official statement appeared in The New York Times.
• : Offered condolences and allowed use of airspace.
• : President Émile Lahoud and Prime Minister Rafic Hariri condemned the attacks; military officials extended letters of sympathy.
• : Muammar Gaddafi described the attacks as "horrifying" and called on Muslim humanitarian groups to provide aid irrespective of political considerations.
• : Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad condemned the attacks and committed to combating terrorism domestically; Malaysia and Singapore increased intelligence sharing with the US.
• : King Mohammed VI and government officials condemned the attacks; an interfaith ceremony was held, with Islamist organization Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane expressing condolences.
• : President Pervez Musharraf condemned the attacks, as did some religious leaders. However, a 2004 Pew survey revealed that 65% of Pakistanis held favorable views toward Osama bin Laden.
• : President Yasser Arafat and his administration denounced the attacks.
• : Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani condemned the attacks and rejected terrorism.
• : Official condemnation was issued despite widespread private support among Saudis for Osama bin Laden’s cause.
• : Political leaders and religious authorities condemned the attacks.
• : President Bashar al-Assad issued a condemnation of the attacks.
• : The government publicly denounced the events; citizens gathered for prayers and candlelight vigils.
• : Extended condolences and permitted use of airspace for relief efforts.
• : Leaders condemned the attacks, expressed sympathy, and allowed airspace access for aid operations.
• : Religious clerics strongly denounced the attacks as "cowardly" and incompatible with Islamic principles.

Festivities in Palestine

After news of the World Trade Center assaults emerged, footage surfaced showing some Palestinians celebrating near Damascus Gate. Fox News reported that celebratory gunfire occurred within Ein el-Hilweh, Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp, as well as in Rashidiyeh near Tyre. Nevertheless, Yasser Arafat along with the majority of Palestinian National Authority (PNA) officials condemned the attacks, restricted broadcasts that justified them, and attempted to undermine such portrayals. The PNA clarified that these celebrations did not reflect the broader Palestinian viewpoint; Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo characterized them as actions by "a few youngsters." Ahmed Abdel Rahman, Arafat’s Cabinet secretary, threatened the safety of an Associated Press cameraman documenting celebrations in Nablus, leading to a formal protest by AP.

Arafat publicly denounced the attacks and contributed blood donations for victims in Gaza. Despite this, journalist James Bennet noted some instances of celebration in East Jerusalem and large groups chanting pro-bin Laden slogans in Nablus, although Palestinian Authority officials restricted photography there. The German broadcaster ARD’s Panorama program uncovered that some footage of celebrations was orchestrated, with individuals encouraged to act on camera; several participants later expressed apprehension about how their images were broadcast.

Claims that the footage of Palestinian celebrations was recycled from reactions to Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait were disproved by CNN and Reuters. A 2005 survey conducted by the Fafo Foundation revealed that 65% of Palestinians supported Al Qaeda’s bombings in the United States and Europe.

Intergovernmental organizations

• : Secretary General Amr Moussa condemned the attacks as "deeply regrettable" and warned against baseless accusations regarding responsibility. He conveyed condolences through a letter and phone call to United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, describing the events as an affront to humanity.
• : European foreign ministers held an emergency session to coordinate a unified response and expressed solidarity with the United States. External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten described the attacks as "the act of a madman." A European Day of Mourning was observed on 14 September across all member states of the European Union.
• convened an urgent meeting in Brussels where Secretary General Lord Robertson pledged support for the United States. NATO invoked Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty for the first time ever, affirming collective defense on October 4, 2001.
• : The United Nations Security Council condemned the attacks and passed Resolution 1368, expressing willingness to respond and combat terrorism under its Charter. Secretary General Kofi Annan remarked, "We are all deeply shocked by this terrible tragedy."

Other organizations

• Hamas' spiritual leader Ahmed Yassin declared: "We are not prepared to extend our struggle beyond the occupied Palestinian territories" and criticized U.S. policy as unjust, attributing it to oppression against vulnerable groups.
• leader Qais abu Leila denied any involvement and stressed opposition to "terrorist attacks targeting civilians, particularly outside occupied lands."
• representative Nafez Azzam connected the U.S. assaults to American regional policies.
• condemned attacks aimed at civilians during September 11.
• Muslim scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi labeled the attacks a "vile crime," encouraged blood donations for victims, yet criticized U.S. policy toward Israel and urged focus on resisting occupation within Palestinian territories. Lebanese Shia cleric Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, regarded as Hezbollah's "spiritual guide," also condemned these acts.

Subsequent polls by Saudi-owned Al Arabiya and Gallup revealed divided sentiments across the Islamic world: in 2011, 38% of Saudis considered the attacks unjustified while 36% viewed them as justified. A 2008 Gallup survey found that only 7% of Muslims polled regarded the 9/11 attacks as "completely" justified.