The main news this week, Osama bin Laden's videotape, released yesterday, brings to mind one of my pet theories about U.S. vulnerability. Bin Laden, or one of his deputies, previously stated that the next time they attack America, it will reach into everyone's homes. To me, this suggests an attempt to bring down the Internet. What else would affect just about every individual? The economic damage would be incalculable, and our country would grind to a halt.
The problem with anticipating the enemy's next move is that we are always "fighting the last war." Because Al Qaeda attacked our physical infrastructure, the World Trade Center, the last time, we are scurrying around protecting our ports, chemical facilities, nuclear plants, etc. But our enemy is cunning and resourceful. An attack on our virtual infrastructure is a real danger, and I'm not sure how much attention it is receiving from our law enforcement officials.
One scary item about the tape: Bin Laden said we should convert to Islam to avoid Al Qaeda's retribution. But the Koran commands the Muslim to make this very offer prior to engaging in jihad. Thus, this statement may portend an imminent action.
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About Me
- Willy Gissen
- In 2003, Willy Gissen founded Cut-It-Out Communications, a full-service public relations agency based in Hartsdale, New York. His organization specializes in the incorporation of online activities into traditional public relations programs, primarily for business-to-business clients.
These activities include the creation of e-newsletters, the set up and maintenance of internal blogs, and the development of inbound links to maximize a client’s search engine ranking.
See his other articles at public relations instruction, and visit his other blog, New York Times Leader, for an analysis of each morning's lead story.