London/Glasgow Non-Bombs

[TheMercenary]

So do you guys think this is not as big as previously thought given the spate of arrests they have made? Do you think that extremists elements in the UK are not really a threat? It was my understanding that these "non-bombs" discovered were bombs. Lethal ones at that.

[Kitsune]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

So do you guys think this is not as big as previously thought given the spate of arrests they have made? Do you think that extremists elements in the UK are not really a threat? It was my understanding that these "non-bombs" discovered were bombs. Lethal ones at that.

I believe they are a threat, yes, and I believe the threat should be taken seriously. Judging how "big" a threat this is can be done simply by seeing that an organized group of people were attempting to make car bombs -- the feasibility of the devices doesn't play into that, much. I do not, however, think the authorities and media should hype this up beyond what it was by saying the devices could have killed thousands "had they detonated" when, in effect, the only thing that could possibly have happened was a fire that would have caused an evacuation. The investigating authorities do not need to do the terrorists' job for them when they could, in fact, help by calling this what it really is: a failed attempt by some inept wanna-be terrorist goons.

This is the same as the JFK plot as cited in the original article, but Homeland Security at least corrected the initial speculation that the devastation and death would have been massive:

Homeland Security sources said there is no current threat at the airport and the attack as planned was "not technically feasible."

I don't see any valid reason to for anyone to generate fear by mixing in more "ifs" in this.

If the cars had been filled with...
If they had known how to get the mixture correct...
If they had better technology...
If they had used an oxidizer...

If my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle. This was not a fuel-air bomb despite their attempts and despite what the media says.

Originally Posted by Undertoad

Well now that you've told 'em, sparky, I'm sure they'll get it right next time.

Like they could find this information anywhere else. Everything, sir, is on the internets.