The Economist gives the terrorists a guide to which countries to target next
As is well known, the Madrid bombings and their aftermath have taught the terrorists that terrorism works. Expect more of it. From AP, with thanks to Mrs. Obelix and DC Watson:
The deadly train bombings in Spain and the impact they had on Spanish elections are increasing concern that terrorists might target the U.S. presidential nominating conventions and the Olympics to make an even bolder statement, FBI Director Robert Mueller says.
“We understand that between now and the election, there is a window of time in which terrorists may well wish to influence events, whether it’s in the United States or overseas,” Mueller said in an interview with The Associated Press.
He also said Islamic extremists are changing tactics to focus on recruitment of local sympathizers less likely to arouse suspicion than outsiders. And terrorist groups may well move away from fortified targets, such as airports and government buildings, he said Thursday.
“I do believe that when we enhance our security, harden targets, terrorists look for other targets that are soft targets,” Mueller said. When new security measures are taken, he said, “the terrorists are thinking about ways to circumvent them.”
The March 11 train bombings in Madrid that killed 190 people were a factor in the ouster of Spain’s government. That has added to uneasiness about the U.S. political conventions in New York and Boston this summer.
“In the wake of what happened in Madrid, we have to be concerned about the possibility of terrorists attempting to influence elections in the United States by committing a terrorist act,” Mueller said. “Quite clearly, there will be substantial preparations for each of the conventions.”