174-The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks: reflections on how they happened & lessons learned

[@PeterAttiaMD]

In this episode, we discuss: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:10 - Lawrence and Peter recount their personal experiences on September 11th, 2001 00:06:32 - How 9/11 changed the US into a security state and affected a generation 00:12:34 - Lawrence’s early coverage of 9/11 and how he knew it was going to be “the story of our lifetime” 00:21:18 - Egyptian politics and the foundation of radical Islam 00:33:09 - Anwar Sadat’s presidency, assassination, and the birth of the radical Islamic movement 00:52:54 - Aftermath of the Sadat assassination, and establishment of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan 01:00:29 - Osama bin Laden: upbringing, involvement in the Soviet-Afghan War, and rise to celebrity status in Saudi Arabia 01:24:15 - How the Western intervention in Saudi Arabia impacted Arab nationalist’s hatred of America 01:29:58 - Theorizing on the role of the religion in holding back Islamic states from making progress towards democracy 01:43:28 - Bin Laden’s time in Sudan 01:48:53 - The CIA vs. the FBI: setting the stage for the failure of US intelligence 01:58:40 - The mistake by US intelligence of not taking the bombings of the US embassies and the USS Cole seriously 02:10:04 - Al-Qaeda in America: Losing the planners of the 9/11 attacks from our clutches and incompetence at the FBI and CIA 02:19:40 - Problematic policies in Europe, and a direct message warning of the 9/11 attacks 02:32:49 - The role of political infighting and personality conflicts that helped enable the 9/11 attacks and the lack of accountability 02:56:07 - What came of the 9/11 commission, the role of the Saudi government, and the trials of Ali Soufan 03:08:16 - Lessons from 9/11 and the future of terrorism

[@6789uiop]

3.5 hours very well spent. I learned so much that I regret the countless hours I wasted since 2001 trying to figure out if this was LIHOP or not.

[@21972012145525]

Loved this. More content on the Middle East, you are obviously well versed in the history

[@newpersonal3762]

Every war creates new millionaires. Remember that. Government contracts for weaponry to fight it, companies that supply resources for troops with everything from food to clothing, oil companies moving in, stealing of resources, controlling the region strategically to ensure dominance. That day opened the flood gates for never ending war and near unlimited budgets. Your guest acted like there would be no motivation. Don't ever believe the official story.

[@starrycrown]

@@6789uiop, I couldn’t agree more. Incredible.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

HOW DOES THIS ONLY HAVE 12K VIEWS?! Wright is surprisingly charismatic, and obviously brilliant. This was one of the best interviews I've ever heard. Great work, Pete.

[@leeanncornett5246]

Most people don't watch because of its length sadly

[@patrickwitt1323]

Not only is this channel important for longevity; the topics discussed are always very compelling. Thank you Dr. Attia and Lawrence Wright for this episode!

[@sk874158]

Occoocodpdpph bt😢. Fouppuii liocooc😢r. D. Defiiloh😅t I😅 😅

[@hankochai]

Such a good interview - you let Wright speak without butting in as so many hosts feel the need to do. And I love that it’s so long - no way could you cover this topic adequately in one hour or even two.

[@cherylhd4315]

I don't care that this podcast isn't related to longevity! Lawrence Wright is obviously an important voice in this area and Peter Attia, being both highly intelligent and born of Egyptian immigrants gives this conversation a unique perspective. People have to know this stuff. Thanks for the great podcast!

[@emomo7146]

Algorithm brought me here... phenomenal conversation and subscribed ... 👊🏼🇨🇦

[@AniMerci]

Thank you for this indepth interview. All Americans need to see this. And see, or read, The Looming Tower. Thank you Lawrence and Peter. 🇺🇸

[@Dbt8249]

What a masterful interview and a brilliant guest. I’m shocked this video has only 33k views. Just finished reading the book and was looking for information on the subject. In this conversation Peter asked a lot of questions I’ve had myself while reading and Lawrence gave a lot of additional context and details that I’ve missed.

[@irenablay4659]

Another tremendous episode! Dr. Attias personal connection to Egypt and obvious fascination with the subject shows. Peter’s informed questions allowed the great and powerful Lawrence Wright to tell the story he knows so well. This was a much better convo than Joe had with LW. Thank you and very much appreciated. It is obviously the authors choice, but I very much enjoy occasional divinations from longevity. I feel like Peter has much to say and I wana listen.

[@GlobeHackers]

Every minute, fascinating.

[@VeryLikeLeigh]

This has been one of the best, absolute BEST talks I've heard about this topic. Mr Wright's insight, research and history of radical Islam and what it has done to our lives, our world was just captivating. I learned so much. Thank you Peter for having him on.

[@newpersonal3762]

What it has done to your lives? 3 and a half hours is too long but you're the ones who invaded us. The women of Iraq didn't say come save me. There wasn't anyone asking you to "free it's people".

[@VeryLikeLeigh]

​@@newpersonal3762 Are you a defender of RADICAL Islam? Because that's what he's talking about here, NOT the Islam of everyday people. What has it done to our lives?? Are you aware of what happened on Sept.11, 2001? The World Trade Center in New York? 3,000 lives lost because of RADICAL Islam! And The USS Cole bombing, suicide attack by the terrorist group al Qaeda, October 2000. And other attacks by al Qaeda. And now 20 years later we have all these restriction on flying and traveling because of RADICAL Islam. You have NO idea what this man said in this video because 3 hours is too long for you. I suggest you listen, spend 30 minutes a day and listen, you need to know what he says, THEN you can make an informed comment, you shouldn't comment until you've heard what he says. And just so you know we don't condone the invasion of Iraq to save women but just the same, RADICAL Islam has affected the lives of the non-radical Muslims.

[@newpersonal3762]

@@VeryLikeLeigh Stop it with the radical/non radical language. Muslims and Islam have been made the Boogeyman for the public and nearly every event has officials pulling strings and clear cases of entrapment. There must be a Boogeyman for the wheels to keep turning and maybe you thought over $700 billion a year was necessary. You're clearly triggered because your view is being questioned.

[@VeryLikeLeigh]

@@newpersonal3762 Who got triggered here? Seems like you were when I mentioned what radical Islam has done to our lives. Ok I'll take out the word radical... I guess you want me to consider all Muslims to be extremists? The point is, life is different post 9-11. Where do you get the idea that we think spending 700 Billion a year was necessary? Most Americans certainly don't feel that way. And neither did the guest. If you would just listen to the podcast you will know what he says, instead you want to just keep your fingers in your ears and stick to your biased and bitter view of Americans. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were pointless. All the lives lost and all the money spent, over what? I never backed my country over that. I learned a lot from listening to Lawrence Wright. I hope you listen.

[@arsenaultgmpei]

The depth of knowledge and informed perspective.... wow. Great interview, appreciated.

[@gfindlay70]

So sad. And infuriating. I can’t imagine how I would feel if I had lost my husband or son or anyone close to me. Thank you, Lawrence Wright, forgiving us such a testimony to all who lost their lives on 9/11 and those who continue to suffer.

[@kristianas8180]

I first became aware of Wright after seeing The Looming Tower. He is an outstanding and incredibly interesting account of the rise of religion of peace-ism, religion of peace-violence and the culmination (so far at least) of that day, surrounded by the US counter-approach in politics and intelligence. A document for the future indeed!

[@jf1763]

Such an interesting, enriching interview! Thank you very much. I appreciate your personal input and the unintrusive way you conducted the interview, Mr. Attia, and Mr. Wright's most impressive research, unveiling the truth and captivating narrative manner. It leaves me very grateful, thoughtful and sad...

[@aaas7282]

Thank you, peter, for an enlightening and insightful episode,. Regardless of the irrelevance of the topic to ‘the drive’, it is a conversation between a great interviewer and a key reference in this area, by all means. I found the episode engaging to the point of devoting 3:30 h in one setting for it! I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering the new dimension of the mr. Attia, and hope to meet you in your next trip to Saudi Arabia. Asya

[@RichieProth]

What a brilliant conversation. So sad seeing Lawrence speaking about Ali Soufan at the end

[@6789uiop]

Thanks guys! I Love the historical background explained here. Great story-telling and interview skills. Attia even knew about the Tacoma Narrows effect, respect.

[@mariposamoreno]

i am STILL traumatized by 9/11… and i, too, didn’t know one soul who died. i can truly relate to this

[@jessecallahan6515]

Top notch interview.

[@DaboooogA]

Excellent podcast - thanks again Peter

[@kates6371]

Dr Attia , your dad sounds absolutely lovely. I hope he is still doing his wonderful human thing !

[@sandracepoi1178]

What an interesting discussion! Thank you for posting it

[@sophieyi3776]

Awesome interview!

[@Rookie11]

Loving every second of this!

[@nekronurse]

Amazing interview. Thank you.

[@joachim5080]

Lawrence is my favorite non fiction writer!

[@wpageabc]

Interesting and revealing.

[@Jacob-hk6to]

Thank you for the very thorough interview! Just discovered your channel through my search for a Lawrence Wright interview. I’ll look into your other stuff now

[@alisade127]

So many people were late that day. It must have been a miracle. I’ve listened to so many stories and over and over, I heave heard so many people who ran late that day. People who were rarely or never late. It’s amazing.

[@sherrisRN]

This is a great book and great docu series. I really learned so much by watching it!

[@VeryLikeLeigh]

I'm not aware of a documentary series on his book. I'd like to see what you are talking about, can you put a link to it here?

[@MyronLuis]

Such depth - thank you for sharing

[@celesteschacht8996]

Wow!!! Thank you!

[@gfx2943]

Imagine how sickening it must have felt to have been actually tracking and following the 9/11 participants, and to know something is coming, as they watched the attacks unfold like the rest of the world. Very sad.

[@applerunner1184]

Thanks for posting.Very interesting!

[@nomopms1]

Yes, the U.S. is now a security state. We're never going to get back to the way we were before 9/11. Although, I still try to live as though I'm free as much as possible.

[@coolbugfacts1234]

It is possible to get back to that world, the GOP and the Democrats need to go. Even a politician like H.W. Bush sounds like Bernie Sanders in comparison to the insane fascistic rhetoric of today on issues like immigration. The modern GOP wants to engage refugees seeking asylum as if they were enemy combatants in a war. Our politics have been so perverted into far-right fascism and no one realizes it due to surface level culture war bullshit that is only there to divide us.

[@28bits20]

After listening to the whole thing, it's hard not to understand the point of view of this Egyptian women that Lawrence met at 1:42:20. The attacks were caused because of incompetence, but it's very easy to see how someone could see this as deliberate negligence.

[@newpersonal3762]

And I was just starting to listen to this channel. They defended the bull* official narrative and slandered those who question. Will they slander victims families who are still asking questions?

[@bennguyen1313]

Radiolab's '60 words, 20 years later' piece revisits the un-intended consequences* that occurred when congress allowed the presidency to use force (bypass congress' declaration of war) "That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons." *NSA surveillance , Gitmo, and any non-related 9/11 agendas despite no catch-all "associated forces" category, etc.

[@Joel-kw9tj]

His book was excellent and I enjoyed the Looming Tower series on Hulu. Also, he sounds a lot like Rand Paul.

[@macmannin]

Superb

[@GossipJuliet]

When he spoke about Ali I fucking lost it. Thank you Laurence abt your investigation.

[@n.hashemireza2157]

The Looming Tower seems to have an absorbing story to tell. Details about Sadat killing interested me, and I think further research could shed new light on what actually happened at the military parade which removed the Egyptian president. Note the following coincident: --- Peter Attia's uncle, who then stood beside Sadat, says that Sadat was at attention and didn't take cover like all others; because he thought (or perhaps he had been told) that it was part of the military show to spring a surprise number for the audience. --- Most of the hand-grenades, which were intended to wipe out a whole bunch of officers, didn't go off. This made me think: Was the parade event actually a military coup planned to replace Sadat with Mubarak for some reason we don't know: Perhaps because Sadat was very pious and would not order wholesale massacre of Islamists. Removal of Sadat while blaming the Islamists for it, would create the right atmosphere and excuse for the new president to take very tough action. It would free the hand of military to purge all Jihadis and their worrisome presence in the Egyptian armed forces.

[@madison1446]

Thanks for an honest show; unfortunately it is becoming more rare. If 911 is not accurately covered, what can we expect for with nutrition, virus, etc.

[@21972012145525]

Does anyone have more videos regarding the conflict between fbi and csi pre 9/11?

[@jaytweedy7759]

See Jamie Gorelick.

[@jaytweedy7759]

If Google hadn’t already scrubbed her bio clean. Research pre-Google.

[@21972012145525]

@@jaytweedy7759 actually already figured it out. There was an old PBS frontline doc called the man who knew 9 11 or something and it went over it briefly if I'm remembering correctly

[@leanneadams2549]

Oh I think this one is going to be good. This has hit me hard for 23 years and these videos hurt because I truly believe EVERY American was affected by this. This American sure was !!!! 😞💯❤️🙏🏙️👨‍🚒❤️👮‍♀️❤️👩‍⚕️🥀✈️🏙️❤️🥀🇺🇸😢

[@peterlahey5457]

My advice going forward... Peter Attia should stop talking and let the person he's interviewing speak.

[@n.hashemireza2157]

Lawrence Wright's blind spot emerges, when together with Peter Attia he puzzles and stumbles over the reasons for lack of democracy in Egypt: The fundamental fact and basic truth about the existence of true democracy in any society has always been the fact that: Democracy is an invention of middle classes in order to best protect their material gains and interests in the societies they inhabit. People of a country with impoverished or non-existent middle classes will never attain democratic rights to determine their own destinies because they simply lack the material means, muscle and institutional power to enforce it.

[@watch710]

He’s concerned about white supremicist…not blm or Antifa, or politicians. I’d like to hear about that I hope you are not another racist sjw

[@coolbugfacts1234]

The original antifa were the ones who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Now the Nazis are here among us, and they call themselves Republicans!

[@dinomiles7999]

Get a clue .

[@simonmojarad4806]

Peter, we really enjoy your medical podcast, and I hope your podcast doesn’t turn into a Joe Rogan type podcast that talk about everything under the sun.

[@6789uiop]

I disagree, Attia should not be pigeonholed or limited. This was a better interview than most who do it for a living.

[@duraniegal79]

Seeing that it's his show, I'm sure he's going to do whatever the heck he wants. I only became aware of his channel BECAUSE of his interview with Lawrence Wright. It doesn't hurt to widen out from time to time. Jeez.🙄

[@chris_topher1984]

larry silver STEIN and his dermatologist appointment!!! Oy Vey!

[@scottk1525]

Look, I know this is an important topic, generally speaking, but I feel like this podcast is becoming less and less relevant to longevity.

[@williamerdman4888]

I don't understand, please explain?

[@scottk1525]

@@williamerdman4888 This is a health and longevity podcast. But many of the episodes lately are just about random, irrelevant topics. Dentistry, Hugh Jackman on acting, economics, trauma, 9/11, etc... Again, important topics in their own right, but not why I listen to this podcast.

[@williamerdman4888]

@@scottk1525 I get your point. Let me try to defend this though. I think Peter is taking a holistic approach to longevity - he takes on the direct biological longevity stuff pretty well - I suspect you would agree with that (exercise, nutrition, medicine, research). But longevity also has its softer issues, mental health, stress reduction, and similar approaches. Every time I dismiss interviews, like this one (which I think is tremendously interesting) I examine whether it was good for my head and therefore my longevity in a more holistic way. I think it is..... so I come to the conclusion it fits the longevity wheelhouse. Just my thoughts.

[@scottk1525]

​@@williamerdman4888 I see what you mean, but "holistic" is a pretty elastic word that could be used (or abused) to depict just about anything as "relevant." We could have a climate change episode, because the environment affects our health. We could have an episode about facebook or the media, because emotional stress and political anxiety are bound to have health effects. etc. Sure, you can justify all these topics as being part of a "holistic" approach to longevity, but when I tune in to a longevity podcast, I want to hear about things that couldn't be mistaken for anything other than longevity topics; I want to head about experiments, genetics, diet, exercise, mitochondria, sirtuins, centenarian studies, metabolic health, etc... That said, I actually don't think a holistic philosophy is the true reason for so many episodes of questionable relevance. I think it's much more likely that it's just very difficult to find, contact, and schedule a lot of guests that all specialize in longevity, and so Peter kinda takes what he can get. The show must go on and all. Maybe he needs to hire a couple people whose sole job is to find and schedule relevant guests.

[@williamerdman4888]

@@scottk1525 Yea, I hated even pulling out the "holistic" term, but seemed correct in this instance...

[@petercoderch589]

Ok cool, glad Al Quaeda is gone. But what exactly has this got to do with physiology, gerontology, and the molecular mechanisms of ageing, which is what this podcast was created for?

[@6789uiop]

Understood, _however_ His interview skills were excellent, unlike like most attention-whore interviewers. In the Maslow "stay alive" hierarchy of needs - not having bombs dropped on you should be pretty high. Telomere length means squat if you're bombed.

[@petercoderch589]

@@6789uiop Sure. But pretty irrelevant since we actually have a multi-trillion Dollar infra-structure in the form of the military, intelligence agencies, F.B.I, and local and state police forces to stop bullets from hitting our heads and bombs from blowing us up to pieces. Conversely, the N.I..H spends less than a billion Dollars in anti-ageing research a year, 99% of which is spend in irrlevant studies involving current medications for the treatment and prevention of the diseases of ageing, and only 1% of that money involved in the research of innovative technologies and/or drugs to defeat ageing. Also, note that ageing kills people in a far more painful way that bombs do. If you'd rather die in a micro second from a bomb or over 6 months from metastatic cancer, most people would choose the former. Ageing not only has killed more human beings than all wars and all bombs combined, it kills them in a pretty slow and painful manner.

[@petercoderch589]

@@6789uiop Also, in the "hierarchy of needs" not feeling like ST is priority #1. We know that because depressed people tend to kill themselves in pretty high numbers, which tells you that certain forms of physical and emotional pain are actually worse than death. I am going through stimulant withdrawal right now, and I have to really, really motivate myself with the hope that when it's all over that I will be able to feel some pleasure again. Because if I were to base my perspective exclusively on how I feel right now, my "future" would be a Magnum .357 to my head and a bullet at Mach 2 through my brain. I would suggest that certain things, like the physical pain of third degree burns, or the pains of metastatic cancer, or the emotional pain of plummeted dopamine levels, is actually a fate worse than death, by bullets or bombs.

[@Madcat-bc8qt]

Ki my jl