IWM is marking 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks and exploring their global legacy in 9/11 Twenty Years On.
Conflict of Interest: 9/11

A special episode of Conflict of Interest marking the twentieth anniversary of the attacks on September 11th, 2001. The episode examines this hugely consequential moment in history which had massive impacts on the world of war and conflict, as well as all of our lives.
Conflict of Interest is a podcast series from the IWM Institute, exploring some of the world’s most complicated recent conflicts, including Afghanistan and Iraq. Celebrity guests are taken on a tour of IWM London, coming across the people, objects and stories which bring a conflict to life.
Afghanistan War: How did 9/11 lead to a 20-year war?

In 2001 an international coalition led by the USA invaded Afghanistan to destroy terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda when the Taliban refused to hand over Osama bin Laden. British forces went in alongside US troops.
But, after 20 years of conflict, the Taliban again claim to be in control of Afghanistan.
In this video, we look at how the war in Afghanistan began, what Britain’s role was, and why the war lasted for 20 years.
What were the 9/11 terrorist attacks?

On 11 September 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger planes in the United States.
Remembering 9/11
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©IWM
Janice Brooks
Janice Brooks worked on the 84th floor of Two World Trade Center.
She lost 61 colleagues on 11 September 2001 and in the aftermath of the attacks, would go on to help support others dealing with what had happened.
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David editing a report in Helmand, Afghanistan. Courtesy David Loyn
Memories of 9/11
The attacks on 9/11 had a profound impact on many people’s lives, shaping the direction that their lives took from this point on. Hear how seven people remember the events of that day.
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©IWM (Documents.19699)
A Global Story
The events of 9/11 touched people around the world. Read personal accounts of those who remember that day - from people who were in New York to the schoolchildren who watched the events unfold on television from thousands of miles away.
Explore the 9/11 Story at IWM

IWM's collections include objects that tell the story of 9/11 and the events that followed.
Find out more about items that are on display at IWM London IWM Duxford and IWM North.
War in Afghanistan
After the September 11 terrorist attacks, Britain joined an international military campaign in Afghanistan. Their mission was to find the leaders of al-Qaeda, remove the Taliban from power and reduce the threat from international terrorism. Find out more about what happened.
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What was the British role in Afghanistan?
British forces were sent to Afghanistan in 2011 as part of a coalition tasked with intervening to find the leaders of al-Qaeda after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
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Afghanistan and the British Military
Watch senior Army officers reflect on how the war in Afghanistan affected the British military.
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Twenty Years of British Troops in Afghanistan
Learn more about the role of British troops in Afghanistan after 9/11.
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Remembering Wishtan
2 Rifles were deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Hear some of those who served reflect on what happened that year and how they came to terms with the loss of friends and colleagues while serving in one the most dangerous places in Helmand.
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Contemporary Conflict
Explore other stories related to conflicts since 9/11.
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The Iraq War 2003 Explained
IWM curator Chris Cooper explores the timeline of events that led from the 9/11 terror attacks to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
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Tim Hetherington's photojournalism in the Libyan Revolution
Find out how photojournalist Tim Hetherington captured the events of the Libyan Revolution.
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IWM (OP-TELIC 03-010-18-107)
Important Facts about the Iraq War
On 20 March 2003, a United States-led international coalition - which included Britain - launched an invasion of Iraq.
Supported by
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The 9/11 Twenty Years On activities at IWM are generously supported by the Embassy of the United States of America.