U.S. sees increased terror threat

Ridge says country could be in gravest danger since Sept. 11, 2001. The Bush administration raised the national threat status to orange — the second highest level — on Sunday, warning that new intelligence from extremists overseas suggested that terrorists are plotting attacks in America over the holiday season that could rival the events of Sept. 11. Administration officials said new reports indicate the al Qaeda terrorist network is still seeking to use planes as weapons, although the intelligence community now believes that terrorists view commercial and cargo planes originating abroad as easier targets than domestic aircraft because of increased security at U.S. airports. The alert, the highest threat level in six months, immediately triggered stepped-up security patrols at airports, bridges and other sites across California, and could lead to delays for millions of holiday travelers nationwide. Administration officials said intercepted communications and other intelligence suggested that West Coast cities could be at risk, but New York City and Washington are seen as the most high-profile targets. Full Story