Short Answer 
The September 11 attacks were primarily motivated by al-Qaeda’s goal to provoke the U.S. into a holy war against Islamic nations, showcasing vulnerabilities through symbolic targets like the World Trade Center and Pentagon. This aimed to draw the U.S. into prolonged conflicts in Muslim-majority regions, alienate communities, and reinforce extremist narratives.
Step 1: Understanding the Motivation
The primary motivation behind the September 11, 2001, attacks was to provoke the United States into a holy war against Islamist nations. The terrorist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, aimed to polarize the world into a conflict between the Western world and Islamic countries. This was intended to create a narrative that would unite supporters within the Muslim community against the perception of American aggression.
Step 2: Strategic Targeting
Al-Qaeda intentionally targeted highly symbolic sites like the World Trade Center and the Pentagon to illustrate the vulnerabilities of the United States. By attacking these landmarks, the terrorists sought to showcase the capability of non-state actors in causing massive devastation. This strategy was designed to undermine American power and draw attention to their cause by portraying the U.S. as an enemy of Islam.
Step 3: Aiming for Broader Conflict
The overarching goal of the attacks was to provoke retaliatory military actions by the U.S., leading to protracted conflicts in Muslim-majority regions such as Afghanistan and Iraq. This would drain U.S. resources and further alienate Muslim populations, reinforcing al-Qaeda’s narrative. Ultimately, the attacks were meant to instill fear, disrupt American society, and ignite a vast ideological confrontation that could strengthen extremist movements globally.