Of course 9/11 could have been prevented.
Pearl Harbor could also have been prevented
Hitler could also have been prevented

Hindsight is 20/20.    The question is how to prevent further terrorism.

One thing I have learned in life is that it can always get worse.   After the World Trade Center attack in 1993 we said that was the worst.   Than we had Oklahoma city.   That was the worst.   Than we had 9/11.   Will we look back one day after a terrorist sets off a dirty bomb and kills millions and say that 9/11 wasn't the worst?

To say that we are not effective in fighting terrorism is not correct.    Here are the facts from the US State Department.

2001    346 terrorists attacks world wide
2002    198 terrorists attacks world wide
2003    190 terrorists attacks world wide
This is the fewist terrorist attacks in 20 years.

To go to the UN is a joke.   With the oil for food scandals we now know why France, Russia and the UN were supporting Sadaam.   Read the Dick Morris column this week.