SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: SirRealist who wrote (14908)12/28/2001 12:45:31 AM
From: SirRealist  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 281500
 
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

________________________

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

_________________________________

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.

_______________

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.



To: SirRealist who wrote (14908)12/28/2001 12:47:30 AM
From: tekboy  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 281500
 
"It is very important to concentrate on hitting the American economy with every available tool... the economy is the base of its military power," he explained. "The United States is a great economy but at the same time it is fragile."

aha! has anyone seen Osama and Lucretius in the same room?

tb@maybethebubblewasallaplot.com