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In comparison, Bin Laden was successfully indicted for the bombings of U.S. embassies in 1998—a formal indictment stemming from substantial evidence presented to a grand jury. Yet, the contrast with September 11 leads to a multifaceted unfolding of failures in the intelligence and investigative processes.
The Consequences of Assumptions
The narrative of Bin Laden's involvement in 9/11 proved instrumental for the U.S. government, not only justifying military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq but also leading to significant changes in domestic laws, such as the Patriot Act. The public's perception of Bin Laden as a mastermind of terrorism was utilized to foster a sense of urgency in national security reforms.