Since 2001, there have been 28 failed terrorist attacks against the United States. That averages out to about three foiled attempts per year. That was until this year. This year there were six failed attempts that make 2009 a banner year — the most in one year.Read the whole thing here.
The fact that six attacks were foiled is cold comfort. In stopping #28, America just got lucky. Despite the warning signs, authorities did nothing to impede Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's travel. The plan of attack on the Detroit-bound plane didn't work and the passengers and crew stopped the assailant.
Additionally, in 2009, not every terrorist attack was stopped. In November, Nidal Malik Hasan gunned down a dozen of his fellow soldier and shot-up a score more — despite the fact that there were red flags galore that he was some one to worry about. Others were recruited here to attack over there including five young men from northern Virginia who shipped-off to Pakistan; youth from Minneapolis enticed to fight [for] Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate; and David Coleman Headley, who allegedly helped plan the Mumbai attacks and other potential strikes.
In short, the system has failed a number of times in 2009.
This morning lefty flacks were pointing out that "the system" was designed by the Bush administration. Sounds like they are preparing their talking points for the inevitable FAIL! Same as all their other talking points -- blame Bush. But the upsurge this year in attempts suggests that the system worked fine while the Bush people were running it, but that the new managers are less effective.
