Intelligence chiefs were expecting Al-Qaeda spectacular

timesonline.co.uk ^ | November 27, 2008 | Michael Evans

[Free ThinkerNY]

Western intelligence services have been expecting an al-Qaeda spectacular terrorist attack in this crucial period between the end of President George Bush’s administration and the succession of Barack Obama.

Signals intelligence “chatter” in recent weeks indicated that Osama bin Laden’s terrorist organisation might be plotting an attack “to grab the headlines” before Mr Obama takes over in the White House on January 20.

British security and intelligence sources said there had been increasing concern, particularly in the United States, that a “terrorist spectacular” was on the cards.

The multiple attacks on Westerners in Bombay last night showed all the signs of an al-Qaeda strategy — picking on vulnerable Western “soft targets” but not in a country where there would be maximum security. The attacks on Western targets in Bali in 2002 when al-Qaeda-linked terrorists planted bombs in tourist-favoured restaurants and clubs was another example where the group switched its resources to achieve maximum impact.

Counter-terrorist experts last night said that India would have been selected for the latest spectacular “probably because that’s where al-Qaeda has sufficient resources to carry out an attack on this scale. They don’t choose for the sake of it, they look to see where they have the greatest capability and then order an attack,” a counter-terror expert told The Times.

The key to this latest attack was the search by the armed terrorists for American and British passport holders. With a reported 40 Britons held hostage, the terrorists have the upper hand. The counter-terrorist sources said targeting Bombay’s most luxurious hotels and a crowded railway station had all the hallmarks of an al-Qaeda operation.

[Ballygrl]

Thank You liberals and moderates for voting Obama in! we have to worry about this crap again.

[Kleon]

Thank You liberals and moderates for voting Obama in! we have to worry about this crap again.

I draw the line at blaming Americans for terrorist attacks.

[johnthebaptistmoore]

We all already worry about this crap no matter what the political situation is! The ongoing WOT is not even close to being officially over.

[John123]

Perhaps the liberals will finally understands that it isn't the WOT isn't about "oil."

And here is my prediction... if the terrorists try another one of those 911 attacks on our soil... the liberal response will be far bloodier, more expensive and much more extreme than anything President Bush has done to date...

[TonyStark]

1) AQ won the US election, isn't that enough?
2) GWB is out of office, wait until Jan. 21.

[pfflier]

...they look to see where they have the greatest capability and then order an attack,” a counter-terror expert told The Times.

We have been safe for more than 7 years. Thank you President Bush.

[Ballygrl]

I blame the fact that terrorism was a non-issue this campaign, in many peoples minds 9/11 was so long ago that people thought the threat wasn’t still there, well it is, and as someone who lives within the 50 mile zone if a nuclear attack happened in Times Square, terrorism was of utmost importance to me.

[John123]

Oh yeah... and the NYT will continue to run admiring editorials about the steadfastness and determination of Obama to keep our shores safe...

[I see my hands]

"Thank You liberals and moderates for voting Obama in"

Don't forget the non-voting EgoCons who bravely will sacrifice your life in proud adherence to their unblemished principles.

[ronnie raygun]

WAIT A MINUTE! WAIT A MINUTE! Were we not bombarded with the joy of an Obama presidency and convinced by the media, liberal democrates in congress and the senate and for that matter all of Europe and the world that once hated we would once again be loved through out the world? We will now be more vulnerable to attack on our shores like never before. Thank you mindless stupid Americans who vote when they couldn't even recognize Pelosi, Ried, Kerry or Frank, elected officials in thier own party.

[ml/nj]

Intelligence chiefs were expecting ...

Yeah. Sure they were. And they were expecting it 8000 miles from New York, because despite all the complaints I and many others have about President Bush, he has kept the Islamic Swine from forming a critical mass on our shores.

Thank you, Mr. President.

ML/NJ

[Ballygrl]

And let me add to that the people who stayed home to adhere to their principles!

[Ballygrl]

Ooooops, I just realized you said non-voting, I somehow read those conservatives who voted 3rd party.

[bricklayer]

“I draw the line at blaming Americans for terrorist attacks”

Are we really sure an American was blamed...need I spell it out?

[expatpat]

Perhaps the liberals will finally understand that it isn't the WOT isn't about "oil."

Not until San Francisco is hit.

[Red_Devil 232]

Well he is going to lower sea level ... so our current shore lines will be safe ... LOL!

[balls]

People who stay home to adhere to their principles will lead the death of freedom.

[Cicero]

This really has nothing to do with Obama. If they want to embarrass Obama, they’ll bomb NY or Chicago.

[SkyDancer]

I’ll bet the Lame Stream Media will still call it “Bush’s War On Terror” during the Obamanation’s rule .... or “Mr. Zero” ....