Terrorism Kept At Bay – For Now

In the run-up to the US-led attack on Iraq, everyone from domestic security chief Tom Ridge to FBI whistle-blower Colleen Rowley warned of a nearly inexorable wave of terrorist attacks being unleashed on the American homeland during the war. Yet more than three weeks later, not a single attack has been carried out. It’s a fact that has surprised even some close observers – and may reveal stronger-than-expected progress in America’s war on terror, both at home and abroad. Most important in preventing attacks, many say, is the US strategy of aggressively pursuing Al Qaeda members – including new cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies. It appears to be bearing big fruit, including the recent capture of top Al Qaeda leader Khalid Sheik Mohammed. Almost as important is public vigilance in the US, Europe, and elsewhere, which may make it tougher for terrorists to quietly carry out complicated planning for large-scale attacks. Also, certain aspects of the war itself – including the fact that it was relatively brief – may be preventing Arab anger from exploding into outright attacks, at least for now. Full Story