Nine years later, Ground Zero still simmers

On September 11, 2001, two civilian planes turned into terrorist torpedoes and literally slammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, in Lower Manhattan, New York, killing 2,752 people.





Rise of Islamophobia

For the millions of people around the world, especially for Muslims, the collapse of the twin towers signalled a change that was unlike any others - that of defending their faith (like Shahrukh Khan says in his film My Name is Khan, "Mr President, I'm a Muslim and I'm not a terrorist.") and a tendency to brand every terrorist attack as an Islamic one.

For Americans though, it signalled a far more depressing and frightening prospect - of the jihadis bringing the war from far away Iraq and Afghanistan to closer home. This single attack showed the world that even Big Bully America can be hit at will.

Even as the world prepares to mark the ninth anniversary of the tragedy, which coincidentally is also the day Muslims celebrate the end of Ramzan with Eid ul-Fitr, controversies surrounding Ground Zero seem to be making more headlines than ever with each passing year.

The attacks have ignited animosity and anger towards Muslims all over. With reports of a Florida church, Dove World Outreach Center in Gainsville, threatening to burn copies of the Quran on the 9/11 anniversary (later retracted) and that of "Imam Obama" pictures doing the rounds, the scene is definitely hotting up.

Mosque and Islamic Centre at Ground Zero