N.Y. Terror Suspect Admits Guilt ad Cooperates

Najibullah Zazi, a member of Al Qaeda, pleaded guilty today to terrorist charges. He was convicted of attempting to detonate a bomb in a New York City subway, which posed a highly serious threat to the city of New York and the United States. Zazi was very close to committing this suicide bombing near the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, but since he realized he was under government surveillance, his "martyrdom operation" was cancelled. He was charged in court with attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, attempting to committ murder in a foreign country, and supporting a terrorist organization. According to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., this situation poses one of the greatest terrorist threats to our nation since the September 11 attacks. In court, Zazi reacted to these charges in a highly unapologetic manner, arguing that his terrorist intentions were inspired by his concerns about the United States's relationship with Afghanistan. He was fighting against the United States's "invasion" of Afghanistan in honor/order of the Taliban. Many of his family members were even arrested in this case. The United States is proud to proclaim though that this case has represented effective defense of/a successful avoiding of an advanced terrorist plot. In fact, the weapons that were directed toward this subway bombing were the same types of weapons used in the 2005 London Subway/Bus Attacks. Mayor Bloomberg described this terrorist plot to be highly dangerous and a huge threat to the city and nation: "This is not an amateur operation. It was a very serious plot against New York City."
The prevention of this mass suicide bombing represents a strength in the United States. Lately, our nation has been overwhelmingly criticized of its economy, foreign policy, health care reform, other domestic issues, etc. However, our Homeland Security made a remarkable effort in the Zazi case and proved that in this difficult era for our nation, we can still prevail. Also, New York City's (and the overall nation's) reaction to this foiled plot has been extraordinary. When was the last time we saw our nation pull together so strongly and demonstrate as effective a defense as in the Zazi case? It truly is a catalyst for hope that can be induced on the American public. Upon recently viewing the February 14th, 2010 episode of "The McLoughlin Group," a significant debate was brought up about how the United States would respond to a mass terrorist attack or the threat of a terrorist attack if the city of Washington D.C. could barely shovel its way out of the snow. These political pundits made some frightening remarks that warned of a possible failure against the next terrorist attack on the United States. However, the Zazi case clearly proved those from "The McLoughlin Group" who denounced the United States's defense against terrorist attacks wrong. As an American, I can finally speak proudly again now that I realize I can truly have hope for our country and have faith that I will be safe as an American that lives in a country of constant fear of a massive terrorist attack.