Posted on 07/15/2004 10:28:27 PM PDT by churchillbuff
Washington - Warnings that terrorists are plotting "something big" against the United States are based on "very, very solid" information, the CIA's acting director said on Wednesday, likening the threat reports to those that preceded the September 11, 2001 attacks.
John McLaughlin, the acting CIA director, noted in an interview with National Public Radio that the US had ample warning of an attack before the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington but no specifics on the timing and targets.
"But we did have conviction that something big was coming at us. We have that same conviction now," he said.
"And the reason I say that it is serious is that I think the information I've seen is very, very solid. We have very little doubt about the information we have in terms of its sourcing and its authenticity," he said.
McLaughlin would not comment on the specificity of the intelligence this time, but said the agency has developed much more intelligence on al-Qaeda and its intentions since September 11.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge warned last week that "credible reports" indicate al-Qaeda plans to carry out a large scale attack in the US to disrupt the elections.
Ridge said precise knowledge of the time, place and method of attack was lacking, but security is being stepped up at the sites of the Democratic and Republican nominating conventions this summer.
The Democratic Party's national convention is to be held in Boston July 26-29, while President George Bush's Republican Party is to hold its convention in New York August 30-September 2, ahead of the November 2 US presidential election.
Asked whether Americans should cancel vacation plans or stay away from Boston and New York during the conventions, McLaughlin said people should go about their business.
"But citizens themselves need to keep their eyes open and be alert," he said
I don't even a President Kerry could avoid it.
I don't even THINK a ......
Heads up, Miami.......
Gracias, Spain
You mean there will still be an Iran?
Whatever happened to those six guys the AG was looking for?
Could be false labor.. given how much closer everyone is paying attention. It could just be, these patterns were there all along (evidence suggests this), but now, that clarity and attention is focused; those who wish us harm are becoming much more apparent.
Islamothuggery Delenda Est.
Heads up...an ashtray hurling cankle on a broom stick
We are so screwed.
The conventions are the distraction, the diversion..
Interesting - to say the least.
I DO wish the author would use the proper "Democrat National Convention" instead of "Democratic." I know - I'm picking fly poop outta pepper, but for some reason that always bugs me....
I think a president Kerry would placate.
Nostradamus predicted something 'big was coming'.
Maybe he should be put on the CIA pay-roll.
Saying something 'big is coming' is ridiculous. Find out what it is, and prevent it.
OMG! I thought the same thing! BIG BEER SNORT!!! LOL
On the other hand, if there another large attack on us, Iran would be the obvious whipping boy and I think the public would demand action( Mikey Moore excluded).
Hi Alia,What patterns do you see online?
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