The Forgotten Tragedy: Honoring the Victims of ‘the other’ 9/11

Remembering ‘the other’ 9/11

September 11th, 2001, will forever be etched in the collective memory of the world as the day of the devastating terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City. It was a tragedy that shook the globe and led to a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics. However, there is another 9/11 that is lesser-known but equally significant, one that took place on September 11, 1973, in Chile.

The 1973 Military Coup in Chile

The September 11th, 1973 military coup d’état in Chile marked the overthrow of the progressive, constitutional government of Dr. Salvador Allende. This event, financed and backed by the US government itself, is often forgotten or overshadowed by the tragedy that occurred decades later in the United States.

Allende’s Popular Unity government had come to power through democratic means, elected on a pro-working people program in 1970. It aimed to implement social reforms, including nationalization of US-owned copper companies and land reform to address inequality. However, the US government, under President Richard Nixon, saw Allende’s presidency as a threat to its interests and ordered the CIA to “make the economy scream” in Chile, destabilizing the country and creating chaos.

The right-wing forces in Chile, supported and financed by the US, unleashed a campaign of economic sabotage, hoarding essential goods, and organizing anti-government groups. Despite these challenges, Allende’s popularity remained high, and in the March 1973 parliamentary elections, his coalition secured 43.2 percent of the vote.

However, the opposition forces, backed by the US, were able to create a situation of chaos and ungovernability. On September 11, 1973, the military launched a coup against Allende’s government. The presidential palace was bombed, and Allende died. The coup sparked a wave of state terrorism that lasted for the next 17 years, during which thousands of people were killed, arrested, imprisoned, and tortured.

A Forgotten Tragedy

It is unfortunate that the events of September 11, 1973, in Chile have been overshadowed and forgotten in the global consciousness. The sheer brutality of the coup, the forced disappearances, and the deaths of countless innocent people were atrocities that demanded attention and condemnation from the international community.

The Chile Solidarity Campaign, along with trades unionists, academics, and individuals all over the world, worked tirelessly to bring attention to the terror in Chile and to support Chilean refugees. Their efforts and the immense solidarity shown by communities globally are a testament to the enduring memory of the tragedy and a reminder that injustices should not be forgotten.

Lessons from the Past

Remembering ‘the other’ 9/11 should serve as a reminder that tragedies occur in different parts of the world, and it is crucial to acknowledge and honor all victims, regardless of their country of origin. The events in Chile demonstrate the enduring struggle for social justice and the challenges faced by progressive movements against oppressive regimes.

Furthermore, the aftermath of the Chilean coup highlights the long-lasting impacts of foreign interference in the affairs of other nations. The US government’s involvement in destabilizing Chile and supporting the subsequent military dictatorship had severe consequences for the Chilean people, leading to economic inequality and social unrest that continues to this day.

The Current Situation in Chile

Since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990, Chile has seen a series of governments that have not challenged the neoliberal economic model imposed after the coup. Privatization has become rampant, leading to growing inequality and economic hardship for the majority of the population.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of social resistance in Chile. In 2019, mass demonstrations erupted across the country, sparked by a metro fare increase but fueled by deep-seated grievances against worsening living standards and glaring inequality. The government responded with repression, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

As a response to the mass protests, Chile held a national referendum in 2020, where the majority voted to draft a new constitution. This was seen as a historic opportunity to address the deep-rooted issues of inequality and injustice in the country. However, the recent elections for the constitutional rewrite committee have raised concerns about the possibility of a progressive constitution.

The right-wing has gained a majority in the committee, raising questions about the future direction of Chile. The resurgent right, led by figures like Jose Antonio Kast, poses a dangerous threat to the still-existing left-wing movements in the country.

A Call for Justice and Progress

The memory of the Chilean coup and the subsequent decades of repression should serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and progress in the world. It is essential to remember the victims and honor their memory by continuing to fight against oppressive systems and support efforts for social change and inclusive governance.

Chile, like many other nations, is currently navigating a critical juncture in its history. The outcome of the constitutional rewrite process will shape the country’s future and determine whether it can move towards a more equitable and democratic society.

The international community has a responsibility to stand in solidarity with the Chilean people and support their aspirations for justice, equality, and self-determination. It is crucial to learn from the past, remember ‘the other’ 9/11, and work towards a world where tragedies like these are not repeated.

Source: The Morning Star