British Heighten Terror Alert Level

By Douglas V. Gibbs

British authorities have raised the terrorism alert level to "substantial," from "severe," for all transportation hubs. The increased terror alert level heightens police presence at airports, train stations, and other transportation locations. Though there are no specific intelligence warnings regarding an imminent attack, BBC has reported that the network has seen a government letter (British domestic intelligence agency MI5) to aviation officials suggesting that Al Qaeda “may be considering an attack.”

The planned method of attack is unclear, but Scotland Yard and British counterterrorism officials have warned their U.S. counterparts of a possible terror threat to planes flying through the U.K.

It's like watching dogs chase their tails. Islamic terrorists have used planes, and they know that security is tight at the airports. Considering that factoid alone, it seems reasonable that though we should not relax security at the transportation hubs (especially airports), the next attack will use a method totally unexpected - something we haven't thought of protecting.

Britain's MI5 states that a significant number of British nationals and foreign citizens who reside in the UK are known to be linked to, or are sympathetic with, al Qaeda. Therefore, the terrorists have access to more than just transportation.

With a growing number of Europeans and Americans travelling to the Middle East to participate in terrorism training, it is likely that the next big attack will be coordinated with home-grown terrorists striking against locations that attract large populations (malls, ball games, events).

Terrorism is a worldwide problem, and quite often intermingled in the organized network are lone wolves who believe the Islamic teachings, but choose to act on their own. These can be the most difficult to plan against, for they are among us, working and living among us, waiting for the right moment to carry out their own personal jihad.

Of course the alert level in Britain is good for thwarting terror activities, but I wonder if the fact that the same alert level has not been raised in the parts of the country not near transportation hubs reveals that the British are vulnerable in those regions?

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

British Brace for Possible Terror Attack - Examiner

Britain Raises Terror Alert Level - New York Times