22 Years On, Is the US Ready for a Next Big Attack?

America’s infrastructure has grown robust enough to survive similar attacks as 9/11, but there are new vulnerabilities that the country needs to address.

Smoke billows from one of the towers of the World Trade Center as flames and debris explode from the second tower, in New York City, on Sept. 11, 2001. Chao Soi Cheong/AP Photo

If 9/11 were to happen again, it would not take the same form. The United States has evolved, and so have our enemies.

When the most significant terrorist attacks on U.S. soil occurred 22 years ago, communications were grounded to a halt. Cell towers were destroyed, and so were switching equipment for landline phones. People formed long lines outside pay phone booths in New York City, hoping to connect with their loved ones.