The Pandora’s Box has been opened: 9/11 victims will now be able to sue the Saudi State for Sponsoring the Attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon
What is the bill’s Long term Implications
by Yacoob Cassim
It has finally happened, in spite of US President Barack Obama’s attempt to veto the Bill known as the Justice Against Sponsors Terrorist Attacks Act (JASTA), the law that states that victims of foreign terrorists, can sue their respective governments has become law. This means that victims who suffer from attacks such as 9/11 are now able to sue not just countries considered official state sponsors of terrorism such as Syria, Sudan or Iran but also those considered to be economic or strategic allies of the United States.
This has been a controversial matter one that is symbolic of the legacy left by the War on Terror. The Law has profound implications for how international relations are conducted.
Philipe Sands a Law Professor at London College says there will be no end to it: “Some people will say OK, if the US is opening the door to cases against Saudi Arabia, why can’t we open the door to the United States? Essentially it could be endless.” However another problem is that the Saudi government had been campaigning vigorously to have the law scrapped as it meant that it would impede on their sovereignty. Despite having financed a lobby to plead their case, the families of those who died in the attacks won.
Stephanie Ross DeSimone, the Widow of Patrick Dunn, a Navy Commander who worked at the Pentagon was among the first to a suit. Her husband was killed when American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon on the day of the Attacks. The other matter is that it is still unclear what means can be used to ensure compensation can be paid. Although a report in 2004 found “no evidence that the Saudi Government as an Institution, or senior officials funded Al Qaeda.” But classified US Documents opened to Public Scrutiny this Summer showed that “while in the United States some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi Government.”
So it would appear that only a handful of individuals connected to the government were found to offer assistance to the alleged hijackers.
However the threat that other foreign countries can now initiate similar legislation against the United States has been brought closer. However some in the United States welcome this despite the fact that it could cost them millions says Media Benjamin Co Founder of Code Pink and Author of Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the US – Saudi Connection: “For example, if the families of victims of Drone Attacks, innocent families, were able to take the US to court instead of joining ISIS or al- Qaeda as their only resort, that would be a very positive thing.”
So the skeletons which have been untidily locked in the closet for the last fifteen years will now be revealed in light of day.