Introduction

The events of September 11, 2001 (9/11) are widely recognized as one of the most significant moments in modern history. However, the impact of these attacks might have been quite different if the targets had not been in the United States but in Europe. This thought experiment will explore such an alternate scenario, examining the immediate and long-term consequences on international relations, geopolitical dynamics, and domestic policies.

Immediate Geopolitical Shifts

If the attacks had occurred in key European targets like the Palace of Westminster, the German Reichstag, the European Parliament in Brussels, and the Vatican, the immediate geopolitical consequences would have been profound. For instance, Europe’s relationship with the United States would have been dramatically altered. The U.S. would have needed to address the perceived betrayal of a close ally, which could have led to a cooling in relations rather than a strengthening.

Relations with the EU and Iran

EU-Iran Relations: The geopolitical landscape in Europe would have seen a sudden warming up of relations between the EU and Iran. This unexpected thaw would likely have been motivated by geopolitical interests, as the EU sought to buffer itself against potential U.S. hostility. The shift would have been driven by the necessity to stabilize the region and counterbalance the perceived imbalance of power.

Saudi Arabia’s Approach: Conversely, Saudi Arabia would have found itself out of favor. The sudden abundance of lucrative business deals would have fallen into the laps of countries eager to have good relations with the EU, such as France, Germany, and Italy. The political shift could have led to large-scale anti-Saudi sentiment, with businesses and governments in Europe scrambling to distance themselves from the kingdom.

Internal Consequences and Assassinations

The geopolitical fallout would have extended to internal politics and relations within Europe. The 9/11-like attacks would have generated a wave of political and social unrest, leading to internal power struggles and a rise in far-right ideologies.

Gruesome Assassinations and Political Instability

The attacks would have spurred a series of gruesome assassinations, both among relevant organizations and prominent Saudi princes who had supported the perpetrators. These actions would have been tied to internal power struggles, with factions vying for control amidst the chaos. The far right in Europe would have thrived, leading to a significant increase in anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies across political spectrums. These narratives would have evolved to include more extreme anti-immigrant and anti-ISIS sentiments.

Targets of Attacks

The attack on the Vatican City, in particular, would have been seen as a major blow to Christianity and Western Christendom. It would have fostered a sense of grievance and betrayal among European Christians, potentially leading to a surge in far-right extremism and religious tensions.

Long-Term Consequences

The aftermath of such attacks would have been far-reaching and long-lasting. The loss of life and the resulting political climate would have had profound effects on public perception and political stability.

European Politicians and Sunni Extremism

EU politicians would have felt personally targeted by Sunni extremism, leading to a drive for imperial supremacy in the Middle East. This could have resulted in military interventions and diplomatic pressures to curb the rise of Iranian influence, which would have been seen as a counterbalance to the Saudis. The clandestine nature of the attacks would have made it difficult for the EU to attribute responsibility, leading to a climate of suspicion and conspiracy theories.

Avoidance of Military Interventions

Unlike the U.S., Europe would not have invaded Afghanistan due to a lack of logistical capability and a recognition that the 9/11 attacks were not driven by the Taliban but by the Saudi royals and their proxies, particularly the Bin Laden family. Such an acknowledgment would have shifted the blame and disastrously impacted EU-Saudi relations.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of 9/11-like attacks in Europe would have had far more complex and interconnected consequences than the actual attack on the United States. The geopolitical ramifications would have extended from international relations and military interventions to domestic political shifts and the rise of extremist ideologies. The immediate and long-lasting effects would have created a new chapter in global geopolitics, filled with new alliances, enmities, and internal conflicts.

The hypothetical analysis should not be taken as a forecast of future events, but rather as a thought experiment that highlights the complexities and interconnected nature of modern global politics.