The Perils Of...

"American officials and analysts said a variety of factors in Pakistan had come together to allow “core Al Qaeda” — a reference to Mr. bin Laden and his immediate circle — to regain some of its strength. The emergence of a relative haven in North Waziristan and the surrounding area has helped senior operatives communicate more effectively with the outside world via courier and the Internet.

The investigation into last summer’s failed plot to bomb airliners in London has led counterterrorism officials to what they say are “clear linkages” between the plotters and core Qaeda operatives in Pakistan. American analysts point out that the trials of terrorism suspects in Britain revealed that some of the defendants had been trained in Pakistan.

In a videotaped statement last year, Mr. Zawahri claimed responsibility for the July 2005 London suicide bombings. [ I suspect you might have ignored it? Or were perhaps just averting your eyes? -ed. ] Included in the same tape was a statement by one of the London suicide bombers, pledging allegiance to Al Qaeda. Two of the four bombers traveled to Pakistan prior to the attack." [ ... apocalyptic terrorists sheltered by a nuclear power. Next door to another soon to be nuclear power -- if not already one -- ruled by apocalyptic terrorist rulers. You hadn't noticed? Another indicator that in spite of that little voice smothered inside you might be a Septenthian perhaps? Or just very, very deep in the ostrich position? If the left were actually a loyal opposition they would have been busy for months trying to bring down W and Tony for failed leadership on the war. And I might even join them if so! But of course this would ruin their "terrorism isn't really a threat and W made it all up" meme -- so down the memory hole it prospectively goes... P.S. To cheer you up, many of Pakistan's nuclear tests were "fizzles" much like what recently happened to the NorKorComs. Pray *hard* that they don't have the formula down for either construction or maintenance. -ed. ]

UPDATE: And then there was the the "Friendship Express". And then there wasn't... [ Are you dizzy yet? -ed. ]