You are only too right. We will not take the next uptick in the War on Terror until another big hit. It's not so much the Bush Adminstration's unwillingness to take the next step; rather,it's concern about the outcry at home and abroad that would ensue if it were to be taken before another davastating attack. And what should the next step be after another 9/11-magnitude (or worse)attack? How about ultimatums to all terrorist-harboring nations as confirmed by "reliable" intelligence"? The non-negotiable demands being to immediately give up their known terrorists and/or actively aid in their arrest. After a very short period to confirm their cooperation, major bombing of their capital cities would ensue, followed by attacks on secondary targets if they don't get the message that this is WWIII. the alternative is towait for yeat another attack. On the domestic front what more can we do? Even our courts are hampering the Bush Administration's efforts.