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I work for ABN Amro (a world bank) and all business trips to London have been cancelled until further notice. Not sure if this is wide spread though.
As far as the terrorists themselves, I think the consensus here has been right. Terrorism is not about defeating a side through casualties, it is about creating chaos and fear enough to eventually topple an enemy. What 9/11 hopefully taught us is that we need to think clearly and calmly about our actions even in the face of terrible acts that demand a response, because the second we jump to conclusions and lose our ability to make rational decisions, the terrorists gain a victory.
What we see now is a very heated internal struggle in the US, one that will be difficult to remedy. Had there not been a 9/11, there would not been as great damage to the economy, there would not have been tough decisions forced upon our governement, etc. and the country would not be as split as it is today. I believe the terrorists' attacks in London were trying to be the catalyst for the same outcome in the UK (it looks like they've failed).
As much as I hate to admit it, the attacks on 9/11 were devastating to the US not just because they were horrible, but tactically, they were severely damaging to the US. A lot of people fail to realize this and blame it on the government's or the citiziens' decisions/attitudes in the aftermath. But if you trace it all back...no 9/11, probably no war, no recession, etc (which is debatable, but obviously very merit worthy). When you realize this, and perhaps give the same motive to the London attacks, you understand that the terrorists' leadership is not a bunch of moronic monkeys with a lot of firepower, but actually very tactically intelligent and steadfast in their ideals, however different they are.
There is no way to justify the attacks of the terrorists, but they truly believe that war has been waged upon them by the US, UK, etc. And in my opinion, I think they know they have no way of winning a face-to-face war with an army. What other way to defend themselves do they have besides the hopes that if they attack the nation through terror, they will force them out of their country?
If an alien race came to the US, placed their army amidst our culture and demanded/forced us to change to their way of life, would you not defend yourself in any way you could to drive them back? You might think this is a strange analogy, but really it isn't all that far from the situation at hand, especially in the eyes of the terrorists. We (the allies) have entered their domain of thousands of years uninvited and unwelcomed, to introduce a completely alien culture, however just our presence is.
Please, don't read that as a defense to the terrorists. I just don't like people thinking that these people are not human beings. They are scared and feel as though they have been backed into a wall. Somewhere along the line, they snapped. People are capable of horrible things, especially when threatened.
Honestly, I don't hate them, I pity them. It's hard to accept change, even when it's a change for the better, especially unwelcomed change. Their incredible resolve obviously means there would be a reaction. And this is what has happened. It is something we must accept, and, I believe, we must meet with compassion, not aggression (for the dark side aggression is...sorry).
Civil Rights is an amazing example. People didn't want to change, and horrible atrocities were the result. But leaders of the movement were so determined, and using non-violent acts, rational ideas, and calm conviction we succeeded as a nation and became better. I think we must do that here.
I know I've exhausted analogies, but I'll give you one more. How would you approach a scared child you find in an alley on the street that is threatened by you? Run up with a mean look and a gun? Or slowly approach with your arms open and a smile?
I believe in all sincererity we will find those responsible. And no matter what your views are on how things have turned out or how the whole situation has been handled, one thing is very clear: We are there with good intentions and hope to bring our success with us. And if we've learned anything, it's that good usually triumphs.
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- Wiegraf Terrik
SWG: Human Commando/Pistoleer
WoW: Dwarvish Rogue (Herbalism/Alchemy)
EQII: Alazin, High Elf Wizard
Former Section 4 Director
"Please, if anyone were to play Obi-Wan it would be me, with the 'Luke, Luke save me' and the lightsabers going 'Vvvwiinnngg, vvwinggg, vvvWING!' -- Professor Frink
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heaven forbid I should correct people in their understanding of history.