Homeland Security Dep't Turns 5

'We had no domestic attacks under Bush,' Giuliani says. Except...

(NEWSER) - Rudy Giuliani has some advice about terrorism for President Obama: Follow George W. Bush's example, because “we had no domestic attacks under Bush.” Dubbing American's Mayor "Mr. 9/11," Talking Points Memo points out that Sept. 11, 2001 was well into Bush’s tenure. As was shoe bomber Richard Reid's attempt to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001. More»

Ignore the alarmists and recall how safe the last 8 years have been

(NEWSER) - No matter how fear-mongers spin it, Friday’s terror attempt on Northwest Flight 253 “was not 2001 all over again,” Walter Shapiro writes. GOP Rep. Pete King and others can wax "apocalyptic" about what “would have been remembered forevermore as the Christmas Day massacre,” but note that Up in the Air—which illustrates the blissful ease of business travel—is a hit at the multiplex. It's a "symbol of how far we have come since the 'world will never be the same' grief of 2001." More»

(AP) - The Homeland Security Department will review the multicolored terror alert system created in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has created a task force to determine in 60 days how effective the current system is. The system could get an overhaul—or could be eliminated entirely. More»

But no evidence of specific plot, says FBI

(NEWSER) - Al-Qaeda supporters will use an Internet video to call for the use of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons in a new attack on civilians in the West, reports ABC News. FBI officials have alerted US law enforcement of the tape, said a spokesman, but emphasized that there is no evidence of a specific plot. More»

Security chief envisions stricter safety measures

(NEWSER) - Americans face a "real risk that Europe will become a platform for terrorists," US Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff told the BBC yesterday. America will likely boost security measures to protect the country from such a threat, but will also make an effort not to unduly hinder travel and trade, he said. "Home grown terrorism has begun to rise in Europe," said Chertoff, citing attacks in Madrid and London. More»