[nmh]

"I disagree. They have attacked in different ways each time, and they attack our economy. Most of all, they want to be effective, and since 9-11, everyone on every hijacked plane would know what was in store and they would try to take back the plane.
Much better would be to have a successful attack which would signal to all foreigners hoping to come to the US on vacation and spend $$$ that they could be next--something even this failure will accomplish."

I don't think they care about tourism. I find it curious that our major cities are all on high alert - NYC, DC, LAX. They like symbolism. These cities are meaningful to them; not an ocean.

I'd like to believe that passengers could be depended on to take back the plane but I don't think that is something you can count on or the success of it.

[Darkwolf377]

I don't think they care about tourism. I find it curious that our major cities are all on high alert - NYC, DC, LAX. They like symbolism. These cities are meaningful to them; not an ocean.

You're missing the point. Cities aren't meaningful to them--our economy is. Panic is. TERROR is. When you dismiss "tourism" so offhandedly you're ignoring the point--economics, psychological isolation. An ocean isn't meaningful to them, but planes, and the mentality of those who use them, are meaningful.

You seem to have forgotten this plan was on its way--with the planes exploding over the ocean--back in the late 90's.

I'd like to believe that passengers could be depended on to take back the plane but I don't think that is something you can count on or the success of it.

When did I say anything about it being counted on? Look at 9-11--indeed, once passengers knew what was up on United 93, they took action. Since then there have been numerous incidents--including the successful foiling of the shoe bomber--where passengers fought back, because they knew what was going to happen--not hijacking, but destruction.

[ClaireSolt]

"These cities are meaningful to them; not an ocean." Reminds me of Ghenghis Khan who considered cities a violation of gods plan that the world be one big pasture for horses.

[traditional1]

"I'd like to believe that passengers could be depended on to take back the plane "

Only if they're not a plane-load of Democrats!