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General discussion

Maybe I've missed something, or just clueless

Feb 11, 2004 9:08PM PST

But is there a particular reason the flights from London to Washington would be such a target for terroist use? another cancellation anounced.

"In a statement on its Web site, the airline said Flight 223, due to fly on Feb. 15 from London's Heathrow to Washington, has been cancelled."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/12/international/europe/12CND-BRIT.html?ex=1077253200&en=f6649142427cad18&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

I realized that Washington destination might in itself increase security concerns. But why would terroist try particularly throught London? it seems there has been more concern from flights there than other origins, both by American and British authorities.

The only thing I can think of is easier access to England going through one of the EC countries then on to the US from there because of the flights from London to Washington.

Or have a missed something completely?

roger

Discussion is locked

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Re: Maybe I've missed something, or just clueless
Feb 11, 2004 9:22PM PST

Hi, Roger.

First, a request -- when it's a large link, please use the template to hide it so stuff doesn't spill off into the margins. The template is {url=site.com}text{/url}, where the curly brackets are replaced by square brackets. Replace "site.com" with the link, and "text" with what you want the highlighted text at the link to read.

Now, then -- remember Richard Reed, the shoebomber? The cell that he belonged to has never been dismantled, AFAIK. Presumably they have evidence that the same or a similar London-based group is trying to use a London-Washington flight as a flying bomb against DC -- perhaps the White House or Capitol this time (remember, the Capitol was targeted by the flight that was crashed in PA).

-- Dave K, Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

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Re:Re: Maybe I've missed something, or just clueless
Feb 11, 2004 10:02PM PST

What I find odd is that they seem to be repeatedly targeting the same flight -- flight 223. There are lots of London-US flights every day; why the fixation on that one? You'd think they'd mix it up a little to make it harder to catch them.

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Good point, Josh...
Feb 11, 2004 10:13PM PST

Good question, Josh. Who knows, could they have a resource in position and want to use it before it gets compromised?

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From cnn.com:
Feb 12, 2004 3:01AM PST
Among the theories as to why Flight 223 may be a target is the fact that the flight number is also the number of a 1997 U.N. resolution criticizing Israel, according to CNN's Senior International Correspondent Sheila MacVicar.
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(NT) that may explain it, the symbolism of it.
Feb 12, 2004 3:14AM PST

.

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(NT) Actually that repetition makes me wonder about disinformation
Feb 11, 2004 10:52PM PST

.

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London & Washington would make a HUGE statement
Feb 11, 2004 10:45PM PST

since Britain and the US are partners in Iraq.

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Something I said a year ago, Kiddpeat....
Feb 11, 2004 11:00PM PST

Kiddpeat, I said something a year ago, and it still worries me. 12 days to Mardi Gras.