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Did September 11 change a religion? | ticker VIEWS
Twenty years ago, the world changed. The September 11 attacks, and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq shifted the global terrorism discourse forever
September 11 sparked a new age in terrorism. It placed transnational attacks as a central threat to international norms and security.
The collapse of the Twin Towers; the Pentagon explosion; and the airliner crash in Pennsylvania became vivid reminders that a person’s ordinary day could come to an abrupt and devastating end at the hands of violent extremists.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Twenty years on, their stories are not too distant. The images are not in black and white. They are in colour, on our television screens and even referenced popular culture.
“We do not fight Islam, we fight against evil.”
PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
As the world pauses to mark this sombre anniversary, it calls for a reflection on how September 11 changed stereotypes forever.
Representations are important
A few year years ago, I interviewed Shehzi Yusaf, a clinical psychologist who forms part of the Psychology from an Islamic Perspective Interest Group.
The group looks at the mental health concerns of Muslims, and ensures a platform for the definition and nature of Islamic psychology.
But Yusaf said the September 11 attacks had created a lifetime of mental health symptoms for her Muslim clients.
“They have just lived in that era of hostility towards their religion,” she said.
A 2017 study found “significantly more terrorism” has occurred on both a domestic and international front since the September 11 attacks.
Smith and Zeigler’s research concluded that “Jihadist terrorism looks to have become more enduring and wide-spread in the past 15 years.”
Sadly, this appears to have changed perspectives of the Muslim faith.
A 2015 report from the Scanlon Foundation found some groups of Australian Muslims reported high levels of discrimination, including 51 per cent of those who were born in Australia.
The organisation provides grants to improve social cohesion across Australia.
Yusaf said between 15 and 22 per cent of Australians support discrimination based on religion.
Similarly, I recall interviewing Ambreen Mirza who works with Islamic women.
When Mirza gave me the address to her business, she told me to keep it strictly private because of her ongoing fear associated with being Muslim.
“When we work with young people, a lot of their challenges of people a Muslim is not being labelled a terrorist.”
AMBREEN MIRZA
I was stunned, I didn’t think this happened in contemporary society, and it was largely because of the 9/11 attacks.
Who is responsible?
Mirza believes the media, and far-right politicians are to blame for the xenophobic rhetoric on Muslims.
It’s hard to disagree with her. We’ve all seen the September 11-inspired films like United 93, Zero Dark Thirty, or The Reluctant Fundamentalist.
In these films, men with dark features and excessive facial hair are stereotyped as terrorists.
London-based actor Omar Berdouni, who played one of the terrorists in United 93, didn’t expect films like this to be made.
“Not only the passengers were hijacked that day. Also my religion was hijacked in a way that they were killing innocent people in the name of Islam, which couldn’t be far from the truth,” he said.
But xenophobic or Islamaphobic politics isn’t going anywhere. From the Trump Administration’s hardline stance on Muslim immigration, to Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban labelling Muslim migrants as “invaders”.
Ambreen discussed the road out of September 11, and how it shifted depictions of Muslims in contemporary society.
“Often Muslims may not look Muslim, but people aren’t sold on that idea.
“If people don’t get the hijab or they don’t get the traditional ethnic Muslims then they’re not convinced. It’s like they want the ‘real thing’.”
AMBREEN MIRZA
“They think that they are some form of ‘moderate Muslim’, and you’re thinking ‘I’ve never called myself that’,” she said.
What does research tell us?
Even if we put the anecdotal evidence aside, there’s a suite of research into September 11 representations of Muslims.
In fact, research suggests the ‘war on terror’ discourse “ties together terrorism, national security, war and Muslims”.
It also plays into the narrative about Muslims being “‘inherently’ violent, threatening and as potential terrorists”.
“Here in the United States our Muslim citizens are making many contributions in business, science and law, medicine and education, and in other fields.”
PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
As the U.S. marks the 20th anniversary of that fatal day, it’s worth reflecting on our own attitudes and choices.
China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise
China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Calm fears
Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.
The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.
Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week
For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.
In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.
For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.
The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.
Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.
East Coast Barbados
Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.
Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.
Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.
Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.
Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.
It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.
Peloponnese
For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.
Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.
It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.
Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.
The Red Sea
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.
Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.
For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.
Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.
Margaret River
Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.
It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.
In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.
Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.
News
Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals
Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
– Iranian President Pezeshkian urged action to meet protesters’ demands amid economic crisis and currency devaluation.
– Protests intensified with shop closures in Tehran, following significant inflation and political unrest after Mahsa Amini’s death.
Iran is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in years. Mass protests erupted across Tehran following the dramatic collapse of the national currency. The rial plunged to 1.42 million against the U.S. dollar over the weekend, briefly recovering to 1.38 million. This marks a loss of more than two-thirds of its value since 2022.
Annual inflation soared to 42.2 percent in December, with food prices up 72 percent year-on-year. Many Iranians are struggling to make ends meet, fueling public anger and unrest.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered his government to engage directly with protest representatives. Calling the demonstrations “legitimate,” he emphasized the need for reforms in the monetary and banking sectors. Officials announced a dialogue framework to hear the voices of demonstrators.
The unrest coincided with the resignation of Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. Former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati is set to replace him, signaling possible shifts in economic policy.
Tehran’s commercial districts were paralyzed as shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar and major streets closed businesses in solidarity. Videos on social media showed crowds chanting slogans as security forces used tear gas to disperse them.
International pressure is also rising. U.S. officials warned they would support action against Iran if the country resumes nuclear or missile development, following recent airstrikes on Iranian facilities.
The World Bank forecasts Iran’s GDP will contract 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026, deepening economic concerns. How the government responds to these protests and reforms its economy may shape the country’s stability in the months ahead.
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