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The timing is interesting. The EU court shot down the US/EU PNR agreement (providing info on incoming airline passengers) some months ago, and the EU commission is studying the ruling, with the current PNR remaining in effect only until September 30, 2006.

So why wouldn't the conspirators wait until then, when the airline security bar on international flights will inevitably be lowered?

It appears the execution of the plot was imminent, so my guess is that a) jihadists find it difficult to alter long-range plans and b) the tourist season is in full swing in August, overtaxing whatever security exists, and c) 'tis also the season of foreign student visa holders checking in for the fall college term -- or not checking in, as per the 11 wandering Egyptians.

So why wouldn't the conspirators wait until then, when the airline security bar on international flights will inevitably be lowered?

I'll speculate that the plot was intended to be carried out on Sept. 11th - for obvious reasons - but the authorities prudently decided to move in now.