Terrorism Threat Highest Since 9/11

The failed Times Square bombing defines the new terrorist threat in the United States. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a House committee Wednesday that the danger of attacks is greater than at any time since 9/11. That’s because U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have become radicalized are increasingly willing to mount low-tech attacks that don’t require lots of planning or conspirators, making them much harder for law enforcement to sniff out and prevent. The elevated threat comes despite the fact that officials believe al Qaeda has been significantly weakened by American efforts abroad.