Hi watchwoman. Most of what we see on the English forums from people like Daleel, EOM, traVeller2020 , etc. is crap; because they are writing to us -- the infidels. It is the bevy of messages from one muslim to other muslims on the Arabic boards that are key. That said, for a year now, Arabic messages have been intercepted that repeat over and again the plea for muslims to remain patient, that every "hit" will not be the "big hit" against America like they so eagerly await. That one will come at the right time though.
Just as importantly, these messages also say that their efforts to tire us and cause economic hardship to us are crucial to their jihadi cause. Of course, they tire us and cause economic hardship to us whenever we see a threat that causes the national or local alert levels to heighten. The real active terrorists (not just the supporters) may indeed be waiting for the USA to be so weary and tired and cash strapped before they make their next big move. But even here, the Daleels and EOMs of the world (if they are not our side's "plants" in the first place) have their place because they are helping to further the cry wolf effect that will help keep the public's guard down.
I think you are right about the forums. And those who can read Arabic or in some way figure out what is going on in there private forums are going to be the real info getters, However there is plenty of real life news going on right now for the rest of us to call to attention and to analyse.