Freelance Terrorism

Accused Ft. Hood mass murderer Nidal Malik Hasan apparently had contact with an extreme Islamic Imam and attempted to contact Al Qaeda. Whether Hasan had any direct support or, as is likely, he acted alone, the killings now appear to have been an act of terrorism, an act of war against the US. Those that want to destroy us can use the Internet and other means to encourage and advise freelance terrorists without giving direct and specific orders.

This deadly attack once again raises the issue of signals that were missed and of an excessive political correctness that may weaken our ability to detect and counter threats in this dangerous kind of war.