The Motivation Behind Attempts to Foil 9/11 and August 06 Airline Plots
I grew up in a privileged existence, surrounded by significant historical and technological legacies. From witnessing America's 200th birthday at the Windows of the World atop the World Trade Center, to my father's connections at NASA, where I met astronauts and witnessed the launch of the last Apollo mission, my life was marked by a deep connection to my nation's history and technological prowess. My experiences were also imbued with a critical consciousness shaped by the Cold War and its backdrop of strategic and ethical dilemmas, including the tragic downing of a civilian airliner by the Soviet Union in 1978.
Legacies and Perspectives
The legacy of the Soviet Union shot down a Korean airliner in 1978 indicted the eternal question of how far nations could go in the name of national security without overstepping moral boundaries. Senator Harrison J. Schmitt, a former astronaut and vocal proponent of protecting civilian aircraft, highlighted the critical need to draw a clear line in the sand against aggressive military actions against civilian aircraft. He argued that action against civilian airliners was unjustified and that international law should be made to reflect this. However, his warnings were often met with resistance from the political establishment.
Historical Debates and Personal Reflections
My personal experiences reaffirmed Schmitt's caution. Returning to Japan to live shortly after the downing of the Korean airliner, I witnessed the aftermath of such an incident and its impact on civilian lives. The plot to blow up Haruki Ikegami, which led to the bombing of the WTC, reminded me of the profound importance of protecting civil aviation from such threats.
The Importance of Vigilance and Justice
The Bojinka plot, which involved bombing and killing Haruki Ikegami, underscored the critical need for a vigilant and rigorous approach to aviation security. The prosecution of those involved in the plot, however, fell short in terms of scope and thoroughness. Lawyers were particularly effective in shielding some high-profile clients from prosecution, a situation that could have been avoided with a broader and more robust legal approach.
Other Motivations and Challenges
Other factors, such as reports of airline screening failures and discrimination lawsuits against airlines, further emphasized the need for improvement in aviation security. Brian Sullivan and Steve Elson's efforts to expose screening failures revealed significant gaps in safety protocols. The discrimination lawsuit against United Airlines highlighted the need for workplace equality and employee protection in the aviation industry.
Personal Experiences in Japan
After college, I turned to education, teaching in Japan and eventually meeting my wife Kumiko. Our experience in 1993 was marked by a brutal attack, which was met with resistance from our employers and their parent company. We found solace and symbolism in the Alamo monument in 1994, which we named our school to honor the professor's efforts to build a bridge between East and West, a testament to the interconnectedness of global communities and the importance of cultural exchange.
The attempts to foil the 9/11 and August 06 plots were driven by the urgent need to protect civil aviation from terror attacks. Lessons from past events like the downing of Korean airliner in 1978 and the actions of Senator Schmitt were essential in shaping a more robust and vigilant approach to aviation security. The road to ensuring the safety of civil aviation remains fraught with challenges, but it is a mission that is worth pursuing for the sake of countless lives and the future of aviation itself.