Studies Debunk 9/11 Myths

In the face of disturbingly widespread beliefs in conspiracy theories about the 9/11 atrocity two official reports published last week disputed claims that the tragedy was caused by the US government.

In an unusual move the separate pieces of research directly addressed a small group of mostly internet-based critics who insist the official history of the day's attacks is a cover-up. One recent survey showed that a third of Americans believed their government played some role in 9/11 or allowed it.

The theories usually suggest the World Trade Centre was demolished by explosives, triggered after the planes hit, to give the US an excuse to invade Middle Eastern countries and steal their oil.

One report, by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, concludes such a demolition would have been impossible.

The second study, by the State Department, debunks eight conspiracy theories, ranging from the explosives idea to a notion that thousands of Jewish people did not show up for work at the centre on 9/11.