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Remembering 9/11 and fearing for the future | ticker VIEWS

Published

4 years ago

September 9, 2021

Counterterrorism Analyst Oz Sultan was supposed to be in the World Trade Centre tower on September 11, 2001

September 11 or 9/11, marks twenty years since the world changed forever. It’s been two decades since the deadly terrorist attacks covered New York City in terror.

“Sheer horror, sheer panic, is what most Americans felt.”

“As an American-Muslim, it had been difficult enough dealing with Islamaphobia. No one knows the difference between a god-faring Muslim and these cultists.”

Oz Sultan, Counterterrorism Analyst

https://twitter.com/tickerNEWSco/status/1435842295182491649?s=20

September 11, 2001

In a mind flash, most people can tell you where they were and what they were doing when the attacks occurred.

The September 11 attacks were a series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks performed by nineteen militants associated with the Islamic extremist group, al-Queda.

Four commercial airliners were hijacked mid-flight by the terrorists. The first plane was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The second plane hit the South Tower seventeen minutes later.

Both towers collapsed, blanketing New York City in rubble and debris of the 110 story buildings. The third plane crashed into the Pentagon and the fourth had an unsuccessful attempt at reaching The White House.

Now, that time has passed, there is a whole generation that doesn’t have that “I remember” moment. However, fast forward to today, the terror threat posed by extremist terror groups still lingers.

Fears for another 9/11 terror attack

The United States formally responded to the 9/11 attacks by invading Afghanistan and claiming the al-Queda leaders, who were behind it.

The United States successfully did this, but then spent twenty years in the region, to restore democracy and to depose the Taliban. However, the Taliban is back.

Questions now loom over the Taliban’s intentions, their fuel for revenge, their relations with extremist groups, and the potential for more terrorist attacks.

“The terror threat is actually higher now.”

“It’s cost us $2 trillion, and ended up making us far less secure than we were twenty years ago.”

“The nature of terror has changed, the terrorist organisations are now working together.”

“ISIS-K has plenty of money, the Taliban has millions.”

” Biden has set the stage for geopolitics that are unlike any danger we’ve had since World War II”

Oz Sultan, Counterterrorism Analyst

The United States is no longer in Afghanistan to monitor perceived threats and keep extremist groups at bay. There are now concerns about whether their intelligence is equipped to deal with developed extremist groups now.

Now that we live in a digital world, Sultan explains future attacks will vary between physical, financial, and cyber.

“We’re going to have physical attacks, online recruitment challenges that are coming from this, and we’re going to have cyber attacks.”

Oz Sultan, Counterterrorism Analyst

“Younger generations are being approached and radicalised online, from every avenue.”

Oz Sultan, Counterterrorism Analyst

China VS the United States

People have been fearing China’s willingness to resume friendly relations with the Taliban. Now China has pledged 200 million Yuan worth of aid to Afghanistan, including food supplies and COVID vaccines.

The aid comes as Beijing says it is ready to maintain communication with the Taliban Government. It says the establishment of the new interim government was a “necessary step to restore order” in Afghanistan.

Chinese Foreign Minister says the aid measures will include three million vaccine doses to the country. The Taliban’s interim cabinet was announced last week, with the country declared an “Islamic Emirate”.

United States President Joe Biden, says the country is still a “long way off” from recognising the Taliban Government.

So, is this a bold move from China to ensure they’re not the victims of any future terror attacks?

More divided than ever before

9/11 created a religious divide like never before. Extremists’ goal is to create fear, divide, and hatred. So from this perspective, they might have won.

Oz Sultan served as the interfaith coordinator for the ground zero mosque, where the towers once stood. He explains the long-term impacts for people who experienced September 11, 2001, are unimaginable.

“For New Yorkers especially, it’s been traumatic.”

“In the faith communities, it’s a shock. What President Biden has done is basically told the Muslim world not only do you not matter, but we’re legitimising a cult which you’re now going to have to deal with.”

Oz Sultan, Counterterrorism Analyst

Related Topics:9/11 Afghanistan Featured taliban trending United States

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Australian beef industry warns of major export losses under new China tariff

Published

30 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Harvey Vargas

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.

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Five global escapes executives are booking for 2026

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

Ahron Young

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.

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Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals

Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

Published

2 days ago

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Harvey Vargas

Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

In Short:
– 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.