Posts tagged as Terrorism
Let's Not Build Anything Ever Again, Never Forget
“Now, if we have a more decentralized mass transit system using buses, if the terrorists blow up a single bus, we can work around that. When they blow up a rail, that just brings the system to a grinding halt. So how much security are we going to have on this rail system, and how much will it cost?” READ MORE
Things to Worry About: "Surgically Implanted Explosive Devices"
"Air security is expected to tighten, particularly for international flights into the United States, in light of recent intelligence that terrorists might be considering boarding flights with surgically implanted explosive devices, an American security official said Wednesday." READ MORE
This is Russia's Fifth Major Terrorist Event in a Year
Today's rather horrific bombing at Domodedovo airport in south Moscow—in the baggage claim, it looks like—is Russia's first act of terrorism in ten months. (Unless you count the Chechen Parliament attack in October. Or the Vladikavkaz bombing in September, or the bombing in Stavropol in May.) There are more! (No really. Anyone remember Dagestan? Ingushetia?)
Miami Terror Machine: Who Is Francisco Chávez Abarca?
According to this convoluted Miami Herald article that macerates its own opening, the recently arrested Francisco Chávez Abarca, who is accused of terrorist attacks in Cuba in the 90s, is actually a double-agent mystery man in a thriller of international suspense and intrigue. He admits to planting bombs in hotels and colluding with others on the bombing of Cubana Flight 455, but maybe he's just a patsy in a game of cloak and dagger and disinformation to tarnish the good name of admitted terrorist Posada Carriles? READ MORE
Germany: America Still Being Stupid, Even Though Stupid George Bush Is Not President Anymore
"What the US broadcaster Fox News and other media are putting out to the world as allegedly concrete warnings is negligent and damaging, and the substance is ridiculous. Of course, in Berlin if one wanted to conduct an attack, one wouldn't target a snack bar, but rather the Hotel Adlon, the TV Tower, and the central train station. And maybe a couple of other places, that anyone who knows the city a little would think of... The warnings, whose origins and explosiveness have not been proven, reminds one of the terror panic caused by the Bush administration, who, almost on a weekly basis, would raise and lower the alarm levels at their pleasure, accompanied by a great fuss in the media. That's how you keep the population afraid and legitimize a foreign war." READ MORE
The Intelligence Edifice: Too Big To Succeed
A tantalizing Twitter from @Wikileaks went up on Saturday morning: "Real change begins Monday in the WashPost. By the years end, a reformation. Lights on. Rats out." READ MORE
Dear America, Please Come Visit
Hey, America, howyoudoin'?
Hahaha, I kid! I know that's the sort of greeting so many of you associate with me, New York City, but I assure you I am much more classy and sophisticated than the impression given by the many television sitcoms and Hollywood exaggerations you have seen over the years. I exude elegance. I am, of course, the Greatest City in the World. You should come see for yourself!
Now, listen, America: I know you're probably a little uneasy about me right now. You resent my associates downtown for the way they wrecked the economy. You have probably heard that there's been a tiny-infinitesimal, really-increase in the crime rate. You're a little tired of all the Jews. I understand, believe me. But you're misplacing your anger.
We are not that different, you and I, America. We have the same values (money trumps everything, only winners matter, misery is best countered by an illogical belief that you will somehow succeed no matter how deeply stacked against you the deck is, etc.), although I might tend to express them a little more loudly. It's just my way! I'm a can-do go-getter with sharp elbows. And I know you admire that!
So why not come stay with me for a week or so? The weather's starting to warm up, and as much as I'm happy to take the euros and riyals that foreign tourists are clamoring to dump into my coffers, I would really prefer to see you, my fellow countrymen. There's something about the special bond we share that makes me feel like-WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?
Oh, I'm sorry. It was just an empty gas can someone carelessly discarded near a pack of matches. Did I scare you? I did not mean to. I've been a little jumpy lately is all. I apologize if you were alarmed. Can't be too cautious these days, you know?
Anyway, as I was saying: There is so much to see and do here. I am not knocking the cultural opportunities in your own hometowns-which I'm sure are lovely, in that understated provincial way you do so well; it's adorable, really-but you don't get to the top of the heap by taking half-measures. My museums, my theater district, my many amazing restaurants: They are prized above all others for a reason. It's because they're-HOLY SHIT WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT GUY HOLDING IN HIS HAND? EVERYBODY DOWN!
Whew! Excuse me! I don't know what is going on with my nerves these days. It was very silly of me to mistake that man with the bucket and broom for someone who was up to no good. He is one of the many people who help to keep my streets free of garbage and clutter. I appreciate all the work he does, and I am beyond embarrassed by my reaction just now.
But that brings up an excellent point! I am not just a city where you go to see things and eat well, although of course there's plenty of chances for you to do that. No, I am also a great example of a city as a city, a place with clean streets but a vibrant club scene, a place where so many different people come together in harmony to make a better life for themselves, a town whose energy never sags or falters or-OH MY FUCKING GOD WHAT JUST HAPPENED? DID YOU SEE THAT?
What? A small child chasing after a butterfly? Ugh, so so sorry! You know how you catch something out of the corner of your eye sometimes and your mind envisions the worst possible scenario? I have been sleeping poorly of late-no, nothing for you to concern yourself with, I'll handle it-so I'm more susceptible to that sort of thing than usual.
But that beautiful, vibrant toddler we just saw loping after a flying insect reminds me: I am very family friendly! My parks are tailored for your small children, my zoos are world-renowned, there are parts of my lesser boroughs where you'd almost be convinced that babies run the show! Bring the whole family, because there's plenty-
OH GOD.
READ MORESomeday You Will Explain What "Civil Liberties" Were To Your Children
Doubts about the efficacy of increased video surveillance aside, New Yorkers should just swallow hard and expect a slew of new "safety enhancement procedures." After a while you won't even remember the way things used to be, so you might as well not even worry about it!
Times Square Evacuated Again: So What About NYC's Anti-Terror Surveillance Campaign?
Today, a week after an major attempted terrorist bombing, Times Square was evacuated due to a "suspicious package"-a "white cooler" found at 46th and Broadway. About 1:50 p.m., the bomb squad arrived. In the end, it turned out to be a false alarm-the seventh since Saturday. And as for the previous real attempts-well, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab and Faisal Shahzad were both, thankfully, woefully incompetent at actual terror. But they did prove effective at spurring furious debates over national security, civil liberties, and citizenship that make Glenn Beck appear sane. (Although, I'm pretty sure that was not their intent.) Now Shahzad–perhaps to confirm his resume's boast of being "result-oriented"–may help to ensure that every inch of Midtown is covered by an omniscient, unblinking eye. Times Square is already a panopticon. Still: is it worthwhile to put the entire island under surveillance? Are cameras a logical solution, or an invasive waste? Does mass surveillance mean the terrorists won? READ MORE
