Whenever an important event happens there will be several conflicting theories to explain the incident. Usually there is an official explanation which may convince the majority of people, but there are always those who do not accept it and come up with alternative versions. These often mention a cover-up by the government or the military or the church or some other powerful organisation. Such conspiracy theories are popular because they seem much more interesting than the normally less exciting official version. And conspiracy theories are profitable to some writers if they can sell many books. Many conspiracy theories exist about certain famous incidents such as the assassination of President Kennedy or the death of Princess Diana.

One of the most shocking events of the beginning of the 21st century was the destruction of the World Trade Centre in New York. According to the official government opinion that crime was committed by Muslim terrorists who piloted the planes into the towers. Many people however do not believe that version and are convinced there are other explanations for the destruction. At our meeting on March 29th the speaker will explain why he does not accept the official version. Make up your own mind which version you find more convincing.

Regardless of which version is true and who committed that crime, it is interesting to see the reactions of different sections of the world's population. The majority of people were outraged by that criminal act, but there are some who did not care, and some who supported the destruction and felt happy about it. While many Muslims, probably the majority, condemned the destruction of the buildings and the killing of so many innocent people, there are many others who applauded it. In Palestine many people danced in the street with joy when they heard about that disaster. That should be remembered whenever the Palestinians complain about how they are suppressed; they want the world's sympathy and support (in their fight against Israel) but at the same time many of them rejoice about the slaughter of thousands of infidels.

Some other Muslims go even further: they warn their host nations in Europe that they will suffer and deserve a similar fate. Muslim demonstrators carried posters saying "Europe take some lessons from 9/11" and "Europe you will pay Bin Laden" and "Annihilate those who insult Islam" and "Be prepared for the real holocaust". Those Muslims hate people with different faiths. While only few of them are active terrorists, many more sympathise with them. You can be sure that there will be more such terrorist attacks in the near future.

Alex Hill