October 28, 2002

10:03 AM

America Still Unprepared - America Still in Danger,a new report sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations, claims that "a year after September 11, 2001, America remains dangerously unprepared to prevent and respond to a catastrophic terrorist attack on U.S. soil. In all likelihood, the next attack will result in even greater casualties and widespread disruption to American lives and the economy. The need for immediate action is made more urgent by the prospect of the United States going to war with Iraq and the possibility that Saddam Hussein might threaten the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in America." While of al Qaeda, George Tenet says that "the threat environment we face is as bad as it was before Sept. 11. It is serious—they have reconstituted, they are coming after us." This is not comforting (more inside.)
posted by homunculus (4 comments total)

This follows CFR's earlier report, Terrorist Financing, which singled out Saudi Arabian charities and individuals as al Qaeda's primary source of funds. On the connection between Saudi Arabia and al Qaeda, the latest episode of NOW did a good piece on the lawsuit by relatives of Sept. 11 victims targeting Saudi money, and the New York Times claims that the Bush administration may ask the court to delay or dismiss the suit in order to preserve Saudi-American relations. All this suggests to me that even over a year after Sept. 11, the security and welfare of Americans are still not a high priority for the Bush administration.
posted by homunculus at 10:11 AM on October 28, 2002

Group writing at its finest (in the first sentence!):

Attacks against Americans on U.S. soil that may involve weapons of mass destruction are likely [...]

It's equally true to say that attacks against Americans on U.S. soil that may involve Vegans from the Galactic Star League are likely.

Duh.
posted by Cerebus at 12:19 PM on October 28, 2002

Where's Osama?

The only solution is obviously to invade Iraq. Does anyone dare question the fearless leeduhr? How unpatriotic!!

Smoke 'em Georgie boy!!! Sic!!
posted by nofundy at 12:38 PM on October 28, 2002

It's equally true to say that attacks against Americans on U.S. soil that may involve Vegans from the Galactic Star League are likely.

I doubt it. Most vegans and vegeterians I've met wouldn't hurt a fly.
posted by DakotaPaul at 3:06 PM on October 28, 2002