The Next Terrorist Attack

July 8, 2005

News Release

Arlington, VA - The devastating attacks in London Thursday underscore the hard reality that terrorism poses an insidious and persistent danger to America and our allies. Indeed, the worst may be ahead unless America’s counter terrorism and homeland security efforts for conventional and mass destruction weapons (WMD) are more sharply focused and better resourced.

The 7/7 London attack follows al Qaeda’s war plan. The attack was symbolically aimed at the west’s economic structure (G8), which is exactly what bin Laden and Al Zawahri have been saying would be the target. Since al Qaeda was hit hard in Afghanistan, bin Laden and his deputies have made periodic public announcements to inspire and guide loosely aligned groups that attack independently and provide the symbolism and effects bin Laden talks about. The London attack fits this model. The next attack is likely to follow a similar path.

Most troubling is that attacks seem to occur every 12-24 months, unless actively prevented, as when the British arrested a group plotting to attack the World Bank last year. The war goes on whether we are paying attention or not. And it is clearly a war, with the scale of potential devastation limited only by the attackers ability to gain access to weapons, not by their will to use them. Only a smart, focused, coordinated and well-resourced effort will enable us to prevail. Despite positive strides, significant gaps in our strategy and execution exist.

Against this backdrop the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies helps educate the public and its leadership at all levels of government on the threat and what can be done to defeat it and eliminate the enormous risks to our society. Potomac established a Center for Terrorism studies in 1998 and has published numerous books and studies in this area. The Institute’s National Security Health Policy Center has provided internationally recognized expertise in countering bio-terrorism.

To arrange an interview with terrorism experts Mike Swetnam, Professor Yonah Alexander or bioterrorism expert Dr. Steven Prior, contact Janelle Gatchalian or Kathryn Schiller at 703-525-0770.

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