COMMENT The trust that binds citizens of free societies together was violated last week when suspected Islamist terrorists set off a wave of bombs at the height of London’s morning rush hour, killing at least 52 people and injuring 700.
The latest tragedy is the 17th bombing carried out by al-Qaeda’s franchisees since the September 11 2001 attacks on the US. Its deft planning and execution indicates that al-Qaeda continues to function efficiently. For the perpetrators of London’s attacks to escape the notice of the world’s most formidable domestic counter-terrorism service underscores their resolve and cunning. Shopping centre bombings and attacks on global trade routes cannot be far behind.
