ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that the attacks of 9/11 were committed by individuals and do not constitute an act of war by any state. As such, those attacks constitute crimes against humanity under international law, 11 in addition to any crimes committed under the federal and state jurisdictions of the United States. In pursuing its legitimate right to justice and accountability for those crimes against humanity, the United States was and is bound by relevant principles of customary international law and the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. The chapter discusses that the twin pillars of a successful and sustainable process of reconciliation are justice and accountability. Reconciliation is a constant process whose outcome is contingent upon various factors but always requires building consensus across cultural and ideological boundaries. Justice addresses the underlying causes of that desperate and lawless behavior, and accountability addresses the violation of the rule of law in international and national affairs.
