" The 9/11 attack itself played out around the world, with planning meetings in Malaysia, operatives taking flight lessons in the United States, coordination by plot leaders based in Hamburg, and money transfers from Dubai – activities overseen by al-Qaeda’s senior command from secure bases in Afghanistan. "
- Peter Bergen

The quote describes how the September 11 attacks were a globally coordinated effort involving operatives from different countries who worked together under the direction of Al-Qaeda's leadership. These individuals participated in various preparatory activities such as training and financial transactions, which all contributed to the successful execution of the attack.

When we delve deeper into the meaning behind these words, it becomes clear that the quote highlights the international nature of terrorism. It suggests that terrorist networks like Al-Qaeda can operate across multiple countries, utilizing different locations for planning, financing, and training their operatives. This global approach makes it challenging for any single nation to address or prevent such threats alone. The statement also emphasizes the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration among nations to counteract these transnational threats effectively.

Peter Bergen is a renowned journalist and author who has extensively covered terrorism and national security issues. His expertise spans across television appearances, books, and articles where he provides insightful commentary on global affairs related to extremism and its impact around the world.