Reuter News, Pt 2 of 2:
In analyzing his latest threat, I highlighted in bold his intent: to hit the "pillars" that hold up our economy. Just as the World Trade Center was such a symbolic pillar, other well-know skyscrapers (Sears Tower, Empire State Building) are at risk. But there are other literal and figurative pillars to consider.
Real pillars:
ustreas.gov
upenn.edu
library.thinkquest.org
nasdaq.com
Symbolic pillars:
federalreserve.gov
and the WTO HQ in Geneva, Switzerland...
IMO, security should be topnotch at all the above. Figuring where to concentrate security among the rest (below) requires more thought.
Sorta looks like a pillar:
geocities.com
Those were the tallest (11 of 'em):
This is the second tallest group(15):
geocities.com
Third group (15):
geocities.com
Fourth (27):
geocities.com
(that covers all between 708 and 995 feet... 68 buildings)
Figuratively could be found among these:
(Public)
business2.com
(Private)
forbes.com
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To pare this list, I'd reconsider his words and define his intent: he wants the pillars supporting the US economy to collapse. Big companies known worldwide would make the list: oil companies, GE, Microsoft, IBM, Intel, auto companies, for starters. Financial companies like Citicorps or Bank of America. Now if you can take these corporate pillars and they also are housed in the tallest 68 skyscrapers, the odds jump higher.
And considering the history of terrorist org attacks, financial centers and military targets are typical, so add Boeing, Northrup Grumman, and Lockheed Martin.
The hatred of Jews means NYC, Florida and Hollywood/Beverly Hills are prime places, plus Washington DC, the government center.
If he means to undercut our economy, subways may be safe but bio/chemical/gas attacks in large malls would certainly change our shopping habits, and a likely starting point would be: mallofamerica.com
and I doubt that bicycles will protect it:
mallofamerica.com
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And the means of attack?
Well, for starters, Mr. Shoe Bomb tested the airline security system and it proved that plane bombs remain a possibility. More likely, an attack on a physical structure would take the form of a less secure carrier, such as a U-Haul truck (thanks, Tim McVeigh).
Malls, Congress and other buildings where thousands work, could face anthrax or sarin gas attacks.
Commerce and trade could be impacted with something Iran pulled, WW1 mines that could be laced through harbors of major ports and placed from something harmless looking, like a small motorboat or sailboat or ten.
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I would hope our Homeland Security team has already reached similar conclusions and will be putting security procedures in place for at least 4 dozen of these likeliest targets.
Because I suspect that video was a clear signal to the terrorist cells. |
