The foiled attack and the scurry of activities to improve security at airports in the U.S and internationally is a reminder of the potent threat of international terrorism perpetuated by militant religious extremists, and how fragile security is at airports and elsewhere.

Terrorist attacks, especially by al Qaeda, are particularly concerning. Al Qaeda is growing like a gigantic octopus, with the head purportedly centered in Afghanistan and its tentacles spreading all over the world. The octopus-like pattern of al Qaeda makes it very difficult to exterminate these terrorists. While attempts are being made to destroy one branch in one location, another branch remains active. The Obama administration just deployed 30,000 additional troops aimed at destroying al Qaeda in Afghanistan and along the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. But weeks later, an attack, albeit unsuccessful, is launched against the U.S. from Yemin - now considered a more active al Qaeda location than formerly suspected. The government cannot be expected to now send troops into Yemin to exterminate terrorists there. At that rate, U.S. troops would be chasing terrorists in several countries around the world.

But something must be done to rid our societies of the threat of terrorism which can flare up anytime, anywhere - not only on airplanes. Understandably, since airplanes are vulnerable vehicles while in flight, they are targets for terrorists and the inconveniences that are being implemented to make flying safer for airline passengers must be tolerated. However, terrorists can strike in airports, on trains, at sports venues as they did at a volleyball game in Pakistan, in shopping malls, anywhere.

These terrorists are holding entire societies ransom with the fear and threat they perpetuate. No society can accept this way of living. To live in fear cripples the creative potential of man, causing him to have to watch every step he makes. Unfortunately, the society most targeted by terrorists is the American society.

It must be admitted that we are really at war with terrorism. After the 9/11 attacks, and the U.S.'s retaliation on the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, it appeared a lull had taken place in terrorism. But that was all it was - a lull. Not too long after, other attacks flared in other parts of the world. It has been revealed in recent weeks that al Qaeda has been quietly but deliberately planning attacks against the U.S. and U.S. interests around the world. What is needed is a strong, concentrated plan to eradicate the terrorist octopus.

From the various reports circulated since the failed Northwest Airline attack, it is obvious that there is intelligence being gathered by the U.S. to confirm terrorist activities, and for the U.S. to build a plan to eliminate the head of the terrorist octopus. If the head is destroyed, most likely so will its tentacles.

The problem is that our national security structure is so complex, that information flow gets choked. The structure consists of the CIA, the FBI, the National Security Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Council, the Committee on National Security Systems, the National Cyber Security Division, the Counter Terrorism Division and several other agencies. It must be difficult to share vital security information with so many agencies, divisions, and departments. It can be understood why such a large country as the U.S. needs specialized security divisions, but they have to find a way to filter vital national security information through the complex structure swiftly. It is also understood that some security information is very sensitive and cannot be generally disseminated, but certainly, there are people who must be trusted in these agencies to act responsibly on the information disseminated.

Security information on the Northwest Airline Nigerian passenger was passed on to one agency, but that agency did not think it important to inform another which could have revoked the man's U.S. visa, or another that could have placed him on a no-fly list. One of the goals for the Obama administration's review of our security system is to implement the effective and confidential dissemination of national security information. For too long have different national security agencies have been selfish with vital information. This is ridiculous and dangerous to the country's security, and must no longer be tolerated. If security information is effectively disseminated, it will allow relevant agencies to take immediate steps to counter terrorism and eliminate terrorists, especially those that comprise the head of the terrorism octopus. In the meantime, we all have to watch our step, wherever we step.

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