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IEDs Pose Growing Risk on US Soil

Bush administration slow to develop strategy, say critics

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 20, 2007 12:01 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Improvised bombs—terrorists' weapon of choice in Iraq and elsewhere—pose a growing threat on US soil, but the Bush administration has been slow to devise a strategy against them, the Washington Post reports. The Bush team will soon issue a long-overdue plan to counter the so-called IEDs, but critics say a  lack of funding and training remain problems.

Homeland security chief Michael Chertoff, who earlier this year said IED plans "lack strategic guidance," says he's not waiting for the final plan to be approved and has doled out $1.7 billion to beef up training and technology at marine ports and airports. One analyst says action can't come fast enough. "If terrorists initiated an IED campaign in America today, it could paralyze us." 

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is shown as he makes remarks during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Chertoff provided updates on Oregon's progress in the emergency preparedness exercise during a visit at a mock radiation detection facility. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is shown as he makes remarks during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Chertoff provided updates on Oregon's progress in the...   (Associated Press)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff speaks at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. Chertoff warned that a weary complacency could dull America's resolve in the war on terror. (AP Photo/Dan Gill)
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff speaks at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. Chertoff warned that a "weary complacency" could dull America's resolve in the war...   (Associated Press)
Michael Chertoff, U.S Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, center, is shown as he makes remarks during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Chertoff provided updates on Oregon's progress in the emergency preparedness exercise during a visit at a mock radiation detection facility. Oregon...
Michael Chertoff, U.S Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, center, is shown as he makes remarks during a news conference Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Chertoff provided updates...   (Associated Press)
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