Many writers to reevaluate the myth of American heroes
It would be drier because the mountains would stop rain from coming over into the valley. It's called the rain shadow effect or something. That's has much as I know.
For a start, the surveillance in airports throughout the world has been modified ( full body scans, long lines, no liquids allowed, etc). Society became aware of terrorism and deportation since 9/11 was massive. Before that date, society has never heard of Al Qaeda, Bin Laden, Taliban movements and terrorist groups.
