| Submit your comments on this article | ||
| Home Front: WoT | ||
| Fears of a July 4 terrorist attack | ||
| 2004-06-30 | ||
U.S. intelligence agencies are warning the federal government to be on alert for a terrorist attack around the July Fourth holiday, especially at military facilities and large gatherings, according to U.S. officials. Officials familiar with an internal report outlining the concern said it indicates that an attack might take place from a high vantage point, although there was no further explanation. One method of attack could be a car or truck filled with explosives, the officials said.
Other recent intelligence reports indicate that al Qaeda terrorists continue to seek commercial-pilot training, an indication that the group has not given up plans to use hijacked airliners as missiles, the official said. There also is a concern that al Qaeda terrorists have infiltrated the United States in the past several months, including one key al Qaeda leader who is being sought quietly by U.S. intelligence and security officials. Seven suspected al Qaeda terrorists were identified last month as posing what Attorney General John Ashcroft said was "a clear and present danger" to the United States. One official said al Qaeda generally plans attacks "on its own timetable and not necessarily on a date significant to us." Mr. Ashcroft said in a press conference on May 26 that al Qaeda is planning an attack in the United States in "the next few months." He noted that the intelligence "indicates al Qaeda’s specific intention to hit the United States hard." The terrorist group has said, "It’s almost ready to attack the United States," Mr. Ashcroft said. FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III said July Fourth, along with the Democratic and Republican nominating conventions "are seen by terrorists as possible opportunities for attack." | ||
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #9 "But this part is tenuous given the tone of the left: Most Americans tend to blame the attackers for the attack..." The far-left would side against Bush even if he cured cancer and aids and found an environmental friendly alternative to oil. Its best to ignore them. Its the center-left and center in general that concerns me, and attacks on the President after a terrorist attack will cause the left to lose credibility all around. |
| Posted by: yank 2004-06-30 3:52:35 PM |
| #8 If there's a succesful attack on the 4th, the date will have meaning for us both. I expect it will go down as the big nackba, the nackba where no choice was given, just orders. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-06-30 3:24:28 PM |
| #7 eLarson is right regarding the dates IMHO. Still, if there is an attack, let's hope it will be more in the lines of the 4th july el al shooting than anything else. |
| Posted by: Anonymous5089 2004-06-30 2:39:38 PM |
| #6 Be that as it may, I'll be out on the Capitol Mall come July 4. (Look for me on PBS... I'll wave. ;) ) I'll be looking for dropped backpacks and people muttering as I go. If I find one, I'll let the Cap Police know and continue on my way. While July 4 is a date packed with meaning for us, haven't the Osamanauts been more interested in picking dates with meaning for them? |
| Posted by: eLarson 2004-06-30 2:10:11 PM |
| #5 I agree with: Americans tend to rally around the President after an attack... But this part is tenuous given the tone of the left: Most Americans tend to blame the attackers for the attack... |
| Posted by: Dragon Fly 2004-06-30 12:51:21 PM |
| #4 They might scream that (depending upon what/where was attacked) but I don't think it will resonate with the people just as attempts to blame American foreign policy for 9/11 had zero effect on the public. Americans tend to rally around the President after an attack and most Americans tend to blame the attackers for the attack. |
| Posted by: yank 2004-06-30 12:48:52 PM |
| #3 Yank I disagree: an attack on US soil will jump Bush's ratings through the roof. An attack just before the election will allow the partisan media to begin to formulate a narritave based on the following myth: The liberation of Iraq was a distration from The War on Terror. Once they have a lead to further shape the narrative they can draw freely (as they already do) from the LLL. You can bet that the above the fold feeders (within days of an attack) will all scream: Bush Failed. |
| Posted by: Dragon Fly 2004-06-30 12:32:52 PM |
| #2 Alright, let's start a pool. What method will the osamanauts use this time ? 1. Planes 2. Bombing a crowded place 3. Bombing infrastructure 4. Poison/chem/bio weapon 5. Other |
| Posted by: Crikey 2004-06-30 12:27:47 PM |
| #1 Couple of thoughts. First, they have to warn us "just in case" just like they have to keep the color code elevated. If they say all is well and we actually get hit they'll be in big dog-doo. Second, how many warnings have we had, time and time again. Sure Al Queda might be fogging up the system with false warnings, but they also might simply be redirecting so we look here while they attack there. Third, an attack on US soil will jump Bush's ratings through the roof. My prediction, no attacks in the US, at least until after the election. I expect the Olympics, probably a truck bomb somewhere in Athens where the media can get to with ease. Probably a hotel far enough away from the festivities to allow for some sloppier security but close enough for the worlds media to get to with ease so that a smoking column can appear on all broadcasts around the globe. |
| Posted by: yank 2004-06-30 11:56:29 AM |