[thomas11]

The end-goal of terrorism is the psychological impact, not killing a few people more or less. And there's just something about airplanes that creates a larger psychological impact when they're hit. Maybe it's the thought of being stuck in one, helpless and with no way out. Or maybe they symbolize progress and freedom, making traveling the world so easy. Whatever it is, that's what the terrorist attacking airplanes are going for.

[beat]

And 911 was tremendously successful in that regard. Americans more or less willingly gave up many freedoms and accepted a police state.