Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Journalism 2014

Forward

     While this thesis examines various conspiracy theories surrounding the September 11 attack on the Pentagon, it is not my intention to reinvestigate or to further debunk the many false beliefs about the event. Rather, my desire is to better understand the staying power of those false beliefs and their stubborn resistance to fact-checking or attempts at corrective reporting.

     This paper starts from the premise that American Airlines Flight 77 was indisputably flown into the Pentagon September 11, 2001, killing all on board, as well as victims in the Pentagon.


     All reliable evidence supports that premise. If you are unconvinced and looking for further debate or more definitive proof, you’ve come to the wrong place.