One of the effects of the September 11th attacks was the initiation of the U.S. "War on Terror," which led directly to the war in Afghanistan and later the invasion of Iraq, conflicts that continue to affect those regions today
. Domestically, the attacks had a profound emotional and psychological impact on Americans, causing widespread fear, sadness, and anger, with many people experiencing depression, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping in the immediate aftermath
. Additionally, thousands of survivors, first responders, and others exposed to toxins at Ground Zero have suffered long-term health problems, including respiratory diseases and cancers, with many deaths attributed to these exposures
. The attacks also caused significant economic repercussions, including layoffs and increased unemployment, as well as an estimated economic loss to New York City of up to $94.8 billion
. Politically, the attacks influenced long-term changes in the political behavior of victims' families and neighbors, increasing political participation and shifting some toward more conservative views
. Furthermore, the attacks led to major changes in U.S. air travel security protocols to prevent similar terrorist acts in the future
