Others may disagree with me, but an attack on the infrastructure of the country, such as a pipeline, is out side of the MO of AQ. Attacks in Iraq are something different and for another purpose. AQ has gone for the following types of targets:
1. Assassinations
2. Mass casualties (911, Spain, Sinai resorts)
3. Diplomatic / embassies (African embassies)
4. Military (USS Cole, Kobar towers)
There has been much discussion regarding infrastructure targets, bridges, etc. However, those targets would be likely IMHO only as a multiplier for casualties (cutting off excape / help routes). They love blood and would get very little attacking a pipeline. In most cases they are deeply buried in residential areas and surface in areas where a blast would do limited collaterial damage and loss on life. There are instances daily of this occuring. In many / most cases the ruptured natural gas pipeline just becomes a blow torch, nothing more.
In many / most cases the ruptured natural gas pipeline just becomes a blow torch, nothing more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks I feel better now. I knew someone on here could add information :)
Godzilla, they may be inclined to shift their tactics if they think that going after our infrastructure and our economy would hurt us more. Look at the emphasis in the MSM lately on the price of oil and natural gas, the volatility of supply, especially when the hurricanes in the Gulf shut down production for a while, and the jitters that the public gets every time they think we are going to have to go without.
They may have gotten the impression that we are more vulnerable through our consumption-based economy than through fear for our lives, as demonstrated by the fact that 51% of the country told the pig-lover Osama (may Allah shower hiim with luncheon meat) to get stuffed.