We don’t know who sent the packages with explosive materials from Yemen, apparently destined for Chicago synagogues. Authorities intercepted them before they reached O’Hare. Nothing exploded.
There’s speculation that this was a dry run, so the terrorists could gauge the authorities’ response, probe for vulnerabilities.
If so, they got their response.
We seem to be seeing this more often. Last spring, New York police swarmed an SUV rigged to explode in Times Square, then nabbed the suspect before he could escape on an international flight. Earlier this week in the Washington, D.C. area, law enforcement agents pounced on a suspect allegedly plotting to blow up D.C. subway stations. And now, Chicago.
Once again the three factors that for the most part have protected American interests since the Sept. 11 attacks were on display: fast work by intelligence professionals, one or more crucial tips from informants and good luck.
The Heritage Foundation has tallied 32 thwarted terror plots on American interests since 2001. Friday marks No. 33.
Each of these episodes is a reminder that:
*There is no ignoring that many people, some of whom have the means, want to kill Americans on U.S. soil.
*Vigilance isn’t just a slogan. Americans need to keep pushing Congress to fully fund and broadly authorize aggressive intelligence measures.
*Americans can never lose the resoluteness born of the 2001 attacks. We and our descendants may live our entire lives fighting the threat that hangs over the nation.
Back to work.
