U.S. officials are right to warn citizens of the danger of continued terrorism on American soil. Since Sept. 11, the chances of another strike against the United States would seem to be a foregone conclusion, and people should be aware that intelligence reports point to plans for another strike by al-Qaida forces, among others.
But this is another opportunity for American agencies to show resourcefulness and skill through a combined effort to halt terrorist operations.
It may be impossible to stop every possible terrorist action. After all, with small operations such as suicide bombers becoming an all-too-familiar method of destruction - such terror can be undetectable until it is too late - an individual working alone can cause significant damage.
This is certainly not an excuse for U.S. intelligence agencies to give up the fight. Recent revelations that intelligence prior to Sept. 11 may have provided crucial clues to the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center are a sign that, while America may have some of the best security forces in the world, they may not be working together.
Government officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney, admit that had there been more coordination between agencies. Analysis of the information may have led to greater cause for concern. A July memo warning of a large number of possible terrorists in flight schools and the arrest of Zacarias Moussaoui, who has now been charged as a conspirator in the attacks,at a Minnesota flight school in August, were crucial clues to detect of terrorist activities that apparently were not shared throughout the government.
For these agencies, which are all supposed to be working to protect U.S. interests, to not share information is inexcusable. Agencies that may have traditionally worked alone must share as much information as possible.
We hope a new attitude has taken hold of this nation in the post-Sept. 11 world. Along with intelligence agencies working cooperatively together, other efforts to increase security are being widely encouraged by the public. People are much more forgiving of the cancellation of some flights, or closely of U.S. monuments, in the interests of preventing attacks.
It is with this new attitude that America as a whole approach the world we find ourselves in. Attacks are certainly being planned, and regardless of our best efforts, horrible things may happen.
Israel finds itself attacked routinely despite in-depth investigation and massive intelligence efforts.
Terror is becoming a sad routine all over the world, and for America to become a target is no surprise. Our wealth, consumption of resources and support of particular policies has made us a target.
We are a symbol for some terrorist groups, and one that would appear to be squarely in the sights of those who have no respect for the loss of innocent lives.
