If the United States goes to war with Iraq, the government is expected to boost the terror-alert status, step up patrols of “symbolic” targets like national monuments and increase its questioning of Arab-Americans. U.S. government and law enforcement officials said on Thursday the Department of Homeland Security in the event of war would likely raise the terror-alert level at least to “orange,” meaning a “high” risk of terrorist attack. The level is now at “yellow” or “elevated.” Officials say intelligence reports show a strong likelihood of some type of retaliation if the United States attacks Iraq. Attacks could come from organized groups or “lone wolves” who might be motivated by a war to act. “Everyone seems to agree that the potential is there. Most people believe there may be an additional motive to do something,” a senior FBI official said. U.S. officials had speculated one of the reasons the government lowered the terror alert back to yellow late last month was to allow for a new increase if war broke out and avoid having to go to the highest, “red” level. Full Story
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