Analysis of the Times Square bombing attempt

During interviews yesterday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano described the failed vehicle bomb in Times Square as “one off,” suggesting, by definition that the event appears to be a one-time occurrence. Other counter-terrorism officials and commentators have further depicted the bomb assembly as “amateurish.”

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Meanwhile, political agendas appear to be overruling logical analysis and common sense. Liberals and progressives are speculating that the person or persons behind the failed attack are likely to be angry right-wing “tea-baggers,” while the right wing conservatives are suggesting possibilities that range from Islamic terrorists to a possible false flag operation intent on curtailing more of our liberties. Let’s look at the facts outside of the influence of politics and political correctness: Bomb composition: The bomb was composed of three filled propane tanks, two 5-gallon containers of gasoline, an ammunition locker type of box filled with inert fertilizer. The triggering mechanism was identified as a can filled with about 2 dozen M-88 type commercial firecrackers hooked to at least one alarm clock. A second alarm clock inside the vehicle was destroyed by fire. The construction of the bomb is very similar in design to the vehicle bombs used in the attempted attack in London in 2007. The vehicle bomb in London failed to detonate due to an incorrect fuel-air mixture. The Times Square bomb failed, perhaps, due to design flaws, although further investigation will bear that out. In both cases, however, the bombs were noticed when smoke began coming from each vehicle. As detailed in our report on 2 May 2010, the currently incarcerated Islamic terrorist Dhiren BAROT conducted surveillance of various potential targets in New York City in 2000 and 2001. Included in his surveillance were targets where vehicle bombs would cause the most death and destruction, including areas at and around Times Square. Based on his research, BAROT authored a detailed instruction manual that included targets of dense population, and further included bomb designs very similar to the construction of the Times Square bomb. That manual has reached a wide audience via the Internet, including Islamists in the U.S. Bomb location: The vehicle was parked at the southwest corner of 45th and Broadway, arriving at that location at approximately 6:30 p.m. It was “parked” at one of the most densely populated pedestrian areas in the U.S., at a time when a successful detonation would have caused a significant number of casualties. The same process of “target selection” was employed in the failed London bombing attempt. While its proximity to the Viacom office might be relevant considering the recent threats made against the animated television series South Park, the close proximity to an army recruiting station can also be considered. Its exact location, however, more likely appears to be a result of simple logistics, as anyone who has driven through Times Square can attest. The most logical conclusion for its placement is based on opportunity, or where it could quickly be parked in order to cause the maximum number of deaths and human suffering. History: In recent history, there have been over 1500 incidents involving the implementation of vehicle borne improved explosive devices. Although those statistics include the activities of the IRA and other “separatist groups,” it is important to consider that we are a nation at war with the terrorist element of Islam. Islamic terrorists have repeatedly warned us of their intention of bringing the war to the United States. Unfortunately, pressure from activists groups and the irrationality of American adherence to politically correct speech has forced many to deny this war. Although there has not yet been any identification of a suspect or suspects in this case, it is only due to the irrational influence of political correctness that we have not publicly placed Islamic terrorists as number-one on the list of prime suspects given the facts we have. To characterize the bomb composition as amateurish is an attempt to psychologically minimize its potential to kill. It’s important to remember that the 9/11 hijackers were armed simply with box cutters. By the logic being employed today, the events of 9/11 might well be described as amateurish in design and operation had the hijackings failed to succeed. The vehicle at Times Square was loaded with items readily available, although when properly combined and constructed, can be as lethal as military bombs. Many Americans appear to have this notion inspired by Hollywood movies that if the bomb is not sophisticated in design, contain fancy military ordinance or any other level of sophistication, it is not that dangerous. The numerous deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Israel by crudely designed bombs constructed of easily obtained materials should provide a much different perception. Lastly, the reference by Napolitano as the incident being a “one off” also presents a false or incorrect characterization of the war being waged against us. It is important that we recall that the day after the failed London bombing, the perpetrators drove their SUV, containing propane cylinders into the Glasgow Airport in the first terror attack in that country since Lockerbie. It is certainly premature to suggest that this incident is an isolated attempt, and equally dangerous.