TERROR MARCHES ON – AT 8:17 A.M. ET:  We put heavy emphasis here on reporting news of terror plots.  We do it not to sensationalize, but to remind readers, constantly, that terror is an ongoing threat around the world, and has the potential to cause great suffering and change and policies of nations.

From London's Telegraph:

Nine alleged terrorists plotted a Christmas bombing campaign targeting sites that included the London Stock Exchange and Big Ben, a court heard.

They are alleged to have carried out reconnaissance missions before deciding on their possible targets.
Police were said to have found a list of six sites, including the full postal address of the Stock Exchange, Boris Johnson’s London mayoral office and the US embassy.

Defendants were seen studying the tower of Big Ben, before inspecting Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and the Church of Scientology.

Al-Qaeda inspired books and leaflets, including instructions on making a pipe bomb, were also uncovered during the counter-terrorism operation.

Details of the alleged plot were outlined at City of Westminster magistrates’ court.

I'm sure it's just a case of cultural misunderstanding.

And from AP:

JOS, Nigeria — A radical Muslim sect has claimed responsibility for the Christmas Eve attacks in Nigeria that left at least 38 people dead.

The Islamic group, formerly known as Boko Haram, said in a press release published on its website that it was responsible for the multiple bombings in central Jos and two attacks on churches in Maiduguri.

Boko Haram changed its name after a prison break earlier this year that freed more than 700 inmates. The group's new name translates as: "The organization of followers of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and champions of Islam and holy wars."

Nigerian authorities had blamed Boko Haram for the church attacks that killed six but had not identified suspects in the bombings.

And in the United States, there is stepped-up attention being given to rail lines and hotels, as we reported yesterday.  Clearly, intelligence information points to a possible Mumbai-style attack here, in which a hotel could be held hostage by "guests" who checked in normally, but are really terrorists carrying out a coordinated attack.

December 28, 2010