At the start of the 21st century, it is clear that the world is engaged in a great ideological struggle, between extremists who use terror as a weapon to create fear, and moderate people who work for peace.
According to transcripts of Mr Obama's speech, he did say, "No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation", in a statement the day after the attack.
Mullin said that until the terror attacks the airline industry had consumer confidence and a great safety record with no airline fatalities in 1998 and 1999.