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Pepe Escobar : 25 Years Later - What We Know About 9/11

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Summary of Key Arguments and Discussion

  • Rejecting the “official” 9/11 narrative: Pepe Escobar argues that no serious commentators accept the U.S. government’s official version of 9/11. He frames the event as part of a broader pattern of illegitimate or preemptive force by governments.

  • Escobar’s personal / pre-9/11 context: He claims he was a journalist on the ground in the relevant region before 9/11, including interviewing Commander Ahmed Shah Massoud in the Hindu Kush shortly before Massoud was assassinated. Escobar suggests Massoud’s death was connected to plans that shaped what followed after 9/11.

  • Massoud’s role and alleged necessity to remove him: Escobar portrays Massoud as an anti-Taliban leader whose influence was such that attackers/planners allegedly needed him removed to prevent an independent Afghanistan from emerging after 2001. He also claims Massoud was indirectly supported by the U.S., because he could counter the Taliban.

  • Osama bin Laden as a scapegoat (in Escobar’s view): Escobar asserts bin Laden had “absolutely not” been involved in 9/11, pointing to bin Laden’s post-9/11 statements denying involvement. He claims the speed with which blame was assigned—mentioning early high-level political pointing, including Benjamin Netanyahu—indicates a pre-chosen scapegoat rather than a proved culprit.

  • Why bin Laden wasn’t arrested if truly responsible: Escobar argues that if the U.S. believed bin Laden masterminded 9/11, the U.S. would have captured/arrested him rather than rely on the narrative alone. He describes discussions in late 2001 involving Pakistan/Taliban channels and argues the U.S. lacked sufficient evidence for extradition—implying the case was weak or manufactured.

  • WTC Building 7 and “control demolition”: Escobar claims World Trade Center Building 7 (and by implication broader demolitions) fell via control demolition, arguing that physics-focused researchers have shown it was not consistent with normal collapse. He also cites accounts from responders (e.g., fire department personnel) who allegedly heard “loud booms,” and claims these were later erased from the record.

  • Long-term pre-planning for wars after 9/11: He argues U.S. policies for Afghanistan and Iraq were already set in motion before 9/11, referencing Cheney-era planning and early moves to obtain geological maps of Iraq. He also claims the Patriot Act and expanded surveillance powers were not a new response but had been prepared in advance.

  • Israeli involvement / links (alleged): Escobar repeatedly states that while the mechanics remain disputed, research by multiple non-ideological analysts indicates links involving Israeli sources of financing, planning, and logistics. He cites:

    • Lucky Larry Silverstein securing leases shortly before the attacks (presented as suspicious timing)
    • Netanyahu’s remarks on 9/11 as an example of Israel benefiting
    • A broader “reshape the Middle East” framework connecting 9/11 to later campaigns and targeting, including Iran

  • Shift to present-day Iran diplomacy and escalation: Escobar claims attempts to mediate U.S.-Iran talks through Pakistan have failed. He portrays Pakistan’s leadership as disillusioned with the U.S. and argues the only path left is an “escalation ladder,” which he says is already unfolding.

  • Houthis / Ansarallah and the Red Sea: He argues the Houthis (Ansarallah) are highly effective and have rapidly expanded control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including Bab al-Mandab. He claims they seized large amounts of equipment, defeated mercenaries, released prisoners, and were welcomed by locals—framing their moves as decisive and rapid.

  • UAE / Netanyahu warning claim (reaction in the Arab street): He discusses a report that the UAE warned Netanyahu shortly before October 7 (framed as an “earthquake” warning from Gaza). He says Netanyahu denied it, but claims the strongest response is in the Arab street, where consensus holds that the UAE is aligned with Israel and will “pay a price” later.

  • Israel’s alleged “letting it happen” logic: Escobar suggests that Israeli intelligence knew something was coming and allowed it to unfold to create a pretext for later actions. He characterizes this as genocidal and argues it has been normalized by Western powers.

Presenters / Contributors

  • Judge Andrew Napolitaniano — host / presenter
  • Pepe Escobar — guest

Original video