As if "didn't happen to us, you know" message was spoken by representatives of some countries, condemning the attacks but at the same time not calling the events "acts of war", not realizing that, in fact, they were the acts of war. .
Many countries, in return for their coalition with U.S., demanded something in return. Various countries saw this as opportunistic time to expand their powers, political and military alike. Pakistan asked our government to "forget" about its debt to U.S. India pressured U.S. to influence the resolution of Kashmir conflict. Russian president Putin, declaring his support and alliance with U.S., also pointed out that Chechnya couldn't be viewed outside the context of the combat against terrorism {CNN}. For a long time, Russia has been pressured by U.S. and European Union in its way of dealing with the one-time autonomous republic. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said his government would consider amending Japanese law to permit Japan's military to play a more active role in the war against terrorists {CNN}. Japan's constitution, written by the U.S. after World War II, prohibits the use of force.
The attitude towards Arabs and Muslims in U.S. changed rather drastically during the first days after September 11th. Various acts of vandalism took place all over the country. However, they became almost nonexistent after some strong words from President Bush, pleading the American public not to engage in barbaric actions. But it's tough. People are scared, now more than ever. Almost everyday someone gets exposed to anthrax. And who knows what will happen tomorrow. One wonders when and if all this will turn into mass hysteria, filled with paranoia, fear, inability to live, as we are all used to. American people cannot lead their lives otherwise, it is very unusual for us to be scared or forced to do things. What now appears, a false sense of invulnerability has sunk too deep into our minds.
