U.S.: ‘Credible threat’ of major attack in Italy

MSNBC.COM ^ | Updated: 5:56 p.m. ET Dec. 17, 2003 | MSNBC

[Smogger]

St. Peter's Square, Leaning Tower of Pisa get special attention

Italian authorities have clamped unprecedented security coverage over the Vatican and other Christian landmarks after receiving a "credible threat" of a Christmastime terrorist attack, senior U.S. officials said Wednesday.

Over the past two days, officials within the Vatican and elsewhere in Italy have increased security near major Christian symbols, including St. Peter's Square. The step was taken based on a warning from the Mossad, the Israeli security service, that there was a "high index of probability" that "an important symbol of Christianity" would be the target of an attack between Christmas and New Year's, senior officials told NBC News on condition of anonymity.

Italy has increased security around 8,000 or so sites, which are guarded by a 12,000-member security force, Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu told Agence France-Presse.

"There is a legitimate concern, a credible threat," one of the U.S. officials told NBC's Robert Windrem. "Italian police are taking the appropriate precautions."

[NYer]

The step was taken based on a warning from the Mossad, the Israeli security service, that there was a "high index of probability" that "an important symbol of Christianity" would be the target of an attack between Christmas and New Year's

Perhaps we can round up some of the more liberal element in the College of Cardinals and have them form a human chain in front of the Vatican, with Mahony in the center.

Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list

[EuroFrog]

You know, somewhere under the surface of my skull I was thinking exactly that.

And not only that but he also prayed that God forgive the men that were killing him stating that they know not what they do.

Two small examples we should all pay alot more attention to.

[eastsider]

Isn't there some sort of standard one needs to meet to hold that office?

Let's not go there ...

[tob2]

That's right. It didn't work in the middle ages and it won't work now.

[diamond6]

Wow. Very good point marshmallow!

[Coleus]

Pray for the Safety of our Pope, the People of Italy and the rest of the world.

[JustPiper]

Now look at this:
Saudi, Italy, London,DC,NY,LA 2-2-04?

Help me out Dog? Where did the code decipher come from on Saudi, Italy,etc.

[TBall]

Well if that does not work out they can always do April 4, 20044-4-04. I don't know, I will be happy to make it through Christmas or the New Year. What about Feb 13th, 2004? Not only is this the 44th day of the year, but it is also on a Friday.

[JustPiper]

Bump!

[Alamo-Girl]

I join in prayer for Christians and Jews around the world and for protection for the Pope!

[GodBlessUSA]

I’m catholic. I’m really discouraged by the negative language and views speaking from the Vatican now and in the past. It has made me very cynical of them. I have such disappointment. I agree with you. As a Christian, I find it shameful as well.

[Peach]

You stated it well. Thanks for the support.

[Labyrinthos]

JMO, but I think hitting the Vatican would be one of the dumbest things the jihadis could do.

You're ignoring the mindset of the average Eurosnot, who would blame the USA for instigating the attack.

[ninenot]

Since its founding, Islam has targeted the Jews and the Catholics. Evidently they think the Vatican is a softer target than Israel--and they may be right.

[ninenot]

The US Navy has really sizeable force nearby.

The Vatican intelligence guys are tight with CIA and Pentagon.

Not to worry. 6th Fleet has a lot of Catholics...

[ninenot]

Yup. Been a religious jihad since its founding.

Interesting that although the Muslims think much less of non-Jews and non-Christians, they've only directed their armies against Israel and the Christian West, never China or India...

[Coleus]

never China or India.....>>

Good point, I wonder why?