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Are rogue terrorists a bigger threat now?

by YankeeJim | June 28, 2011 at 05:59 am

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July 4th

When we saw how a lone Jihadist could join the Marine Corps and subsequently take shots at the Pentagon and Marine Corps museum and recruiting station and move with freedom for nearly year thereafter, that is troubling, don’t you think?

On one hand, I don’t like fueling conspiracy theorists that believe 1) jihadists are already here and operating or 2) the government is stirring up fears to stay in the homeland security business.

However, it is prudent to believe that the community of American Muslims harbors some radicals who would commit crime against innocent Americans if they could. The fact is, our vigilance is probably our best defense.

Last year, I watched fireworks on the fourth of July from the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington VA. I won’t do that this year because I stepped in chewing gum in the grass last year and the portajohns were full.

“US intelligence: No known or specific terrorism threat targeting July 4 holiday

By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, June 28, 3:10 AM

WASHINGTON — U.S. intelligence officials say there is no specific or credible information that terrorists intend to strike over the upcoming holiday weekend.

Documents found in Osama bin Laden’s home show that, as recently as February 2010, al-Qaida was considering plots against the U.S. during major holidays, including Independence Day.

Bin Laden was killed in a U.S. military operation in May.

A joint FBI and Homeland Security Department intelligence bulletin, obtained by The Associated Press, shows that counterterrorism officials remain concerned that terrorists will target large gatherings in urban areas across the U.S. Yet they have no specific intelligence about an attack tied to the July 4 holiday.

Counterterrorism officials say the driving factor for the timing of attacks is whether the operatives are ready to carry out the plan.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.”