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Subsequently, there were those “neo-conservatives” aiming to transform the Middle East, promoting democracy and toppling dictatorships antithetical to the US. Baghdad first, then Tehran, some noted, highlighting how long Iran has been on the radar. Ultimately, following the September 11 attacks in 2001 that claimed 2,977 lives (excluding the 19 hijackers) when airplanes were flown into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania, there were hawkish figures in Washington eager to reestablish America’s deterrent capabilities and demonstrate its power.
