Editing Second Cold War crisis (section)

==September 11 attacks and international realignment==

{{Main|September 11 attacks (alternate timeline)}}

The terrorist attacks of [[September 11 attacks|September 11, 2001]] occurred during a period of increasing tensions between Moscow and Washington. Unlike the historical timeline, where the United States and Russia briefly cooperated after the attacks, relations remained hostile due to competing strategic interests.

The United States accused several governments aligned with Moscow of providing indirect support to extremist organizations, while the Union State accused Washington of using counterterrorism as a justification for expanding Western military influence.

The invasion of [[Afghanistan War (2001–)|Afghanistan]] by the United States and its allies was criticized by Moscow, which argued that NATO was establishing a permanent military presence near Central Asia.