Framing the War Against Terrorism

Editorial writers for the US’ 10 largest newspapers created - during perhaps the most critical month in the war against terrorism - a singular symbolic narrative about possible military strikes in that ‘new kind of war’. The period of study is 12 September 2001, the day following the terrorist attacks, to 8 October, the day the bombing of Kabul began. It was during this critical period that the US decided to use military strikes as part of its response. Editorial writers drew selectively on historical references, government sources and contextual statements in similar ways to frame the tragedy and the potential US response to it. No editorial suggested that military intervention would be inappropriate and none stated that military intervention would not ultimately succeed, although some urged caution.