What did 9/11 accomplish?

Or to be more precise, what did Osama bin Laden’s evil 9/11 attack and George Bush’s knee-jerk “war on terror” response to this attack accomplish? I am tempted to say absolutely nothing, except lost lives, two pointless wars, and billions of wasted hours in security lines, so I asked Google Gemini this very question. Below the fold is the AI’s automated response to my query:

The 9/11 attacks failed to accomplish the main objective of al-Qaeda, which was to drive the U.S. out of the Middle East, destabilize governments, and create a global Islamic caliphate. Instead, the attacks had the following major consequences, both as a direct result and in the long-term aftermath:

Consequences for the United States

Prompted the “War on Terror”: In response to the attacks, the U.S. launched the “War on Terror” with the stated goal of defeating violent extremism globally.

Triggered military interventions: The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001 to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime that harbored it. It also invaded Iraq in 2003 based on unproven claims that Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction.

Led to federal restructuring and new powers: Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act to expand surveillance powers and created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by consolidating 22 existing agencies.

Increased security measures: Sweeping new security protocols were implemented, especially in aviation. These included the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), reinforced cockpit doors, and expanded air marshal programs.

Resulted in increased partisanship: Over time, U.S. public opinion on issues related to Muslims and Islam became more partisan.

Caused enormous economic damage: The financial damage from the attacks was significant, and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq cost trillions of dollars.

Consequences for al-Qaeda and Islamist extremism

Killed or captured most of al-Qaeda’s leadership: U.S. efforts killed or captured a majority of al-Qaeda’s senior leaders, including Osama bin Laden in 2011.

Decentralized the extremist movement: Instead of being eliminated, al-Qaeda was transformed and decentralized. It survived as a global ideological movement that continues to inspire violence, though it no longer directs all attacks centrally.

Spread the terrorist threat: The interventions and resulting instability in the Middle East contributed to the rise of new terrorist organizations.