"This chronology teaches us four important lessons. First, al Qaeda's top leadership has demonstrated a sustained commitment to buy, steal or construct WMD. Second, al Qaeda was prepared to expend significant resources to cultivate a WMD capability even during the planning phases of 9/11. Third, a clear hallmark of al Qaeda's WMD approach is to pursue parallel paths to procure these deadly materials. Fourth, al Qaeda has taken part in joint development of WMD with other terrorist groups. This collaboration between the most senior members of separate organizations demonstrates that interest in and motivation to possess WMD are not limited to a single group. Notably, this chronology is merely a snapshot of al Qaeda's long-term hunt for the world's most destructive weapons. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, understandably much has been omitted. The bottom line, however, is clear: al Qaeda and its network of affiliates have been determined to acquire WMD"--Foreword.