They have been very patterned over the years. Evaluating the pattern is one of the first, basic methods of evaluating an opponent.
First the car bombings throughout the ME and carried over into Iraq. First WTC attack, Beriut, Saudi Arabia, African embassies to name a few.
The 911 attacks were outside of the box for them, except for the coordination.
Now a second, non-ME metropolitan attack, focusing upon mass transit. Seems to be a pattern developing. I do not discount car bomb attacks against malls, they would be a high priority IMHO and within their MO and capability. However, their MO doesn't support attacks against landmarks or Nuke plants.
Because of personnel and resource requirements, terrorists will generally stick with a tried and proven method of operation. Those with the least potential for discovery are favored. Training and preparation are more simple for a suicide bombing than for a more complex attack upon a nuke facility.
The Associated Press Published: Jul 7, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) - A suspicious vehicle spotted outside the Treasury Department was deemed not a security threat, officials said Thursday, shortly after ordering people to move away from windows in one section of the main building. Norman Foote, the building's security specialist, said authorities announced an "all clear" allowing staffers and reporters to go back to their offices. Foote did not have further details.
During the investigation, the building was not evacuated. Roughly 15 minutes elapsed from the time people were told to move away from the windows to when the all-clear signal was given.
The department is next to the White House. The security precautions were taken several hours after a series of explosions rocked the British transit system in London.
I see your point ... but how could they achieve their goals (mass killings) if everyone's staying away from the transit systems after an attack?
I agree.