September, 11, 2001

The world is shocked as 19 terrorists hijack 4 civilian planes and crash them into the biggest suicide attack in the history. Two planes destroy the World Trade Center, one hits the Pentagon and the third falls in Pennsylvania field, after a brave rebellion of the hostages prevents it from reaching the White House. Over 3000 people died in this terror attack.

Ironically, this is not the first aerial terror attack to take place on this date.
28 years before that, just 30 years ago, the democracy has died in Chile. On that day, general Augusto Pinochet launched a well coordinated coup that resulted in the fall of the decades standing Chilean democracy and the rise of Pinochet’s dictatorship.

In the morning, the navy has captured the Valparaiso port. With the support of the army, Pinochet began taking more cities. The capital was also besieged. The democratically elected president, Salvador Allende found himself locked in La Moneda, the presidential palace. A few minutes before noon, two jets launched 18 rockets at the palace.

An hour and a half later, La Moneda has surrendered, and Allende was dead. It is still unclear whether he committed a suicide or was murdered. What is clear, and what links this story to September 11th are three interesting points: 9/11, terrorists that attacks states and the USA.

Nixon’s administration never liked the Marxist Allende. However, he was not communist and was not going to become a USSR puppet. Today it is known beyond any doubt that the CIA was deeply involved in efforts to overthrow Allende. They covertly financed anti government propaganda, and eventually tried to block Allende’s reelection in 1970. The Americans also put embargo against the Chilean economy, attempting to crush it and increase the tension in the country..

We also know that the CIA knew about the coming 1973 coup, but kept silent. It is easy to understand the mentality that ran in the white-house during these times: “I don't see why we need to stand by and watch a country go communist due to the irresponsibility of its people. The issues are much too important for the Chilean voters to be left to decide for themselves” Said Kissinger before the coup. He probably knew what’s good for the Chilean people better than them. And with such generosity, he switched leader for them.

The story did not end in the coup. It took Pinochet years of severe human rights violations and disappearing of at least 3000 people to find himself isolated. The US and UK put arm embargo against Pinochet’s Chile. It is unsurprising that South Africa’s apartheid regime and Israeli “weapons for every dictator” arms industry broke the embargo and equipped Pinochet. The French human rights knights also saw nothing ill selling him arms.

While I don’t subscribe to the anti American slur, we have to remember that the American history also has black spots. Therefore, it is unsurprising that every American action is checked scrutinizingly. It is not all because anti-Americanism and jealousy. Some of the critical looks at America justified. Remembering 9/11/1973 has nothing to do with scorning 9/11/2001. My disgust from the aid to Pinochet is as high as my admiration from the war against terrorism and the toppling of Saddam Hussein. I hate America when it raises dictators and promote oppression. And I like America when they topple dictators and save the world.