The Terror Timeline
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founder | Paul Thompson |
| Products | Book, digital timeline |
The Terror Timeline: Year by Year, Day by Day, Minute by Minute: A Thorough Record of the Path to 9/11 and America's Reaction compiles more than 5,000 reports and articles related to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
This extensive chronology was assembled by Paul Thompson, a Stanford graduate and dedicated 9/11 investigator, together with contributors from the History Commons platform (previously managed by the Center for Cooperative Research). The book offers an in-depth timeline of events preceding and succeeding the 9/11 tragedy.
Impact
Both the book and its digital counterpart played a significant role in assisting the Jersey Girls to impact the 9/11 Commission. Kristen Breitweiser praised it, remarking, "For a complete understanding of 9/11, this book is essential ... Intelligence agencies should be enlisting individuals like Paul Thompson because of his exceptional insight." The documentary film 9/11: Press for Truth, associated with the 9/11 Truth Movement, relies heavily on this book and website as foundational sources.
Thompson’s findings were referenced in a Complaint and Petition submitted to the New York Attorney General's Office, requesting a criminal investigation into unresolved offenses linked to September 11.
His research is also cited in Tom Fenton’s Bad News and Larry Beinhart’s Fog Facts. Moreover, Richard A. Clarke includes this work as recommended reading for his Harvard University course on "Terrorism, Security, and Intelligence."
Structure
- "Before 9/11" – explores the background of Osama bin Laden and traces the formation of al-Qaeda, along with early intelligence evaluations regarding potential large-scale attacks.
- "The Terrorists" – presents profiles of the al-Qaeda cell based in Hamburg, Germany, mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, and other key conspirators.
- "Geopolitics and 9/11" – examines the involvement of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iraq in relation to al-Qaeda activities.
- "The Attacks" – provides a comprehensive narration of the events on September 11, 2001.
- "The post 9/11 World" – outlines America’s response through the War on Terror and ensuing investigations.
Early editions of The Terror Timeline contained allegations that Saudi businessman Mohammed Al Amoudi financed or was connected to Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. These assertions were based on news stories that were later withdrawn. Consequently, these references were excluded from editions published after January 2005. Both Paul Thompson and the Center for Cooperative Research issued public apologies and amended their website content accordingly.
About the Author – Paul Thompson
Paul Thompson is the author behind The Terror Timeline, having gathered over 5,000 documents relating to the September 11, 2001 attacks. His investigative efforts alongside History Commons contributors have garnered considerable media attention, including more than 100 radio interviews, appearances on television networks such as Fox News and Air America Radio, as well as features in print media like Buzz Magazine. Esteemed outlets including The Village Voice and Esquire Magazine have recognized him as "an authority on terrorism," despite his unconventional background.
In 2005, Thompson delivered testimony at a congressional briefing concerning the final report of the 9/11 Commission, emphasizing shortcomings by both the FAA and NORAD.
Originally from Pacific Beach, California, Thompson earned a psychology degree from Stanford University in 1990. He currently divides his time between California and New Zealand while working as an independent researcher. Prior to this, he was engaged in environmental activism through an environmental-protection organization.
Thompson regularly appears on independent networks such as Link TV and Free Speech TV, where he also supports fundraising initiatives.