London/Glasgow Non-Bombs

[DanaC]

I would say the threat is exactly as serious as its been treated. This particular attempt was foiled, at least in part by happenstance (the woman who fell at Tiger Tiger, thus necessitating an ambulance whose crew noticed the smoke coming from the car outside).

[TheMercenary]

It is my impression that there are quite a few more radical Clerics in the UK. The UK has suffered far more (numerous) attacks in the recent years. Why? We have basically had little to nothing since 9/11. Sure a few groups have been thwarted, and I would bet to say quite a few more than those that make the press. But we have not had any train bombings, bus bombings, or car bombs.

[Kitsune]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

So do you guys think this is not as big as previously thought given the spate of arrests they have made? Do you think that extremists elements in the UK are not really a threat? It was my understanding that these "non-bombs" discovered were bombs. Lethal ones at that.

I believe they are a threat, yes, and I believe the threat should be taken seriously. Judging how "big" a threat this is can be done simply by seeing that an organized group of people were attempting to make car bombs -- the feasibility of the devices doesn't play into that, much. I do not, however, think the authorities and media should hype this up beyond what it was by saying the devices could have killed thousands "had they detonated" when, in effect, the only thing that could possibly have happened was a fire that would have caused an evacuation. The investigating authorities do not need to do the terrorists' job for them when they could, in fact, help by calling this what it really is: a failed attempt by some inept wanna-be terrorist goons.

This is the same as the JFK plot as cited in the original article, but Homeland Security at least corrected the initial speculation that the devastation and death would have been massive:

Homeland Security sources said there is no current threat at the airport and the attack as planned was "not technically feasible."

I don't see any valid reason to for anyone to generate fear by mixing in more "ifs" in this.

If the cars had been filled with...
If they had known how to get the mixture correct...
If they had better technology...
If they had used an oxidizer...

If my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle. This was not a fuel-air bomb despite their attempts and despite what the media says.

Originally Posted by Undertoad

Well now that you've told 'em, sparky, I'm sure they'll get it right next time.

Like they could find this information anywhere else. Everything, sir, is on the internets.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

The UK has suffered far more (numerous) attacks in the recent years. Why?

These are the wages of colonialism and empire. We should consider that as we let our oligarchs extend their grasp.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Griff

These are the wages of colonialism and empire. We should consider that as we let our oligarchs extend their grasp.

I find it hard to believe that we, the US, is on some type of continum with the UK in front of us. I am not sure what it is, but there is a difference here, directly in front of our face.

[Griff]

It is a difference in methods, style if you will.

[Aliantha]

I don't think there's a whole lot of difference at all really. The US is in charge of the world at the moment just as GB was in the past, and prior to that the French and Prior to that the Greeks, and Prior to that the Romans...etc etc etc.

Believe me, colonialism is alive and well in the world today. The only difference is, it's got a new name.

[TheMercenary]

This was good.

http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk...idnt-go-s.html

[DanaC]

Anyhoo, Achmed finally says, "how about packing cars with explosives and killing hundreds of random infidels in a coordinated series of gigantic fireballs?" And we're like, fuckin' A! Not only would it be an awesome bonding experience (with plenty of Paradise poontang, LOL), we would be doing a valuable community service. Okay, so we high-fived and made a solemn promise that we'd target two years after graduation for the big weekend prank blowout.

Hahaha. Okay that really made me laugh.