Everyone knew the first week of July would be busy in Europe and especially in the United Kingdom . The week began with the Live 8 Concerts, protests and marches, and violence in anticipation of the G8 Summit; the start of the Summit itself where world leaders convened in Gleneagles, Scotland; and then the announcement that the United Kingdom had won the next Olympic bid. All eyes were on the United Kingdom when the unthinkable, but not entirely unexpected, happened, as the London Underground system and a bus were bombed on July 7 . The bombing, tied to a morning rush hour in a capital city, seemed to be an eerie replay of the Madrid train bombings over a year ago . While many terrorist cells, networks, and plots have been uncovered in Europe in the last few years, the Madrid bombings still seemed to take Europe by surprise. Ironically, while London has long been considered a target, the bombing is still a shock, although not a surprise. The question lurking in everyone?s mind is: what next?

Certainly, the previously unknown group that claimed responsibility (TRC Translation and Content Analysis) for the London bombings (still unverified), the Secret Organization of al Qaeda in Europe , also threatened Italy and Denmark next because of their commitments in Iraq . The Organization of al Qaeda-Jihad in the Arabian Peninsula also referred to Italy as the capital of ?Infidels.? Certainly, other European countries have been threatened before because of their support of the US in Iraq. However, many do not want to be bullied in their political and strategic choices by terrorists. However, Europe has long been a target as well; the Iraq war is used a justification, a fact that realists in Europe would probably concede. Even France concedes they may also be a target despite their opposition to the Iraq War. They point out that they share intelligence on terrorism with the US and the UK as well as with leaders in North Africa to go after Islamic radicals. It should be also be noted that France has a sizable Islamic community, some of whom have been marginalized by both sides, and decisions — like the headscarf ban — do not always foster good relations. Their colonial and post-colonial industry in parts of the Islamic world also refreshes old wounds.