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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Jim Willie CB who wrote (10051)11/12/2001 11:27:49 AM
From: maceng2  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 281500
 
FBI says explosion on plane before crash

ananova.com

The FBI believes there was an explosion on board the jet which crashed in New York with 255 people on board.

Officers are now investigating whether the blast was the result of a mechanical failure or sabotage.

Intelligence agencies, the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration are reviewing all recent intelligence for any signs that terrorism was involved.

An official said: "They are comparing information to see if it provides any insight into what transpired. At this point, there's no indication of a terrorist attack, but it certainly can't be ruled out in the current environment."

The American Airlines jetliner was on its way to the Dominican Republic from John F Kennedy Airport.

In Washington, George W Bush is holding a meeting with advisers, seeking details of the crash.

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has put the city on high alert and fighter jets have been seen flying over the area. There are reports that the Empire State Building has been evacuated.

Mr Giuliani cancelled his morning engagements and headed to the scene, where he said: "People should remain calm. We're just being tested one more time and we're going pass this test too. Now we should focus all our efforts on finding survivors."

Bill Schumann, of the Federal Aviation Administration, said there was no immediate indication of what caused the crash.

At the Pentagon two defence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no additional fighters had been dispatched to the New York area and that the entire matter was being handled by the FAA as a domestic disaster with no apparent military implications. The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to investigate.



To: Jim Willie CB who wrote (10051)11/12/2001 11:31:54 AM
From: No Mo Mo  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 281500
 
Agreed, Jim-

I'm listening to the radio (NPR) right now. A reporter just said, "we have no reason to think this is a terrorist act." That's the first cause we should consider under the circumstances. If it's not terrorists, great. Anything less than direct aggression is a bonus relatively speaking. Unless we treat each and every event (and most threats) as potential attacks, we leave ourselves open to more.

-Darin



To: Jim Willie CB who wrote (10051)11/12/2001 11:55:53 AM
From: maceng2  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 281500
 
Jim,

I think it will be quickly established to a high degree of confidence whether this is terrorist related or not within 24 hrs.

edit
(a) If it is terrorist (explosives) will know very soon for sure.
(b)mechnical problem or maintenance procedure. May take a long time to sort out terrorist/otherwise.

With all the changes that are being put onto Airlines in the short term, safety could be compromised. There have always been various valid arguments not to arm pilots, increase strength of door cockpit doors etc. Security has been more alert, not saying it's perfect.

Intelligent increase of security, PLUS overall improved safety record may still be a challenge.