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A well-organized orchestrated terrorist attack hit mass transportation hubs in London during rush hour. Early reports say that there are at least 150 injured and 4 are now confirmed dead. The seven blasts hit London's Underground (subway) and one of the famed double-decker buses.
An unknown al-Qaeda cell in Europe has claimed on its Internet sit responsibility for the attack saying, "Britain is now burning with fear." The claim has not be verified.
Prime Minister Tony Blair attending the G8 conference in Scotland told reporters he will return to London meetings with police officials and ministers, but he said the conference will continue in his absence.
Speaking to reporters before leaving Glengables, Blair said, "It is important that those engaged in terrorism realise that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire to impose extremism on the world."
Terror experts say the timing and coordination of the attacks bore the hallmark of al-Qaeda attacks similar to the ones in Madrid.
More as this story develops.
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online
UPDATE
The Associated Press is reporting that the toll in the London bombings has now reached 40 dead with over 300 injured.
Tags: London, Terror Attacks, al-Qaeda
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As NY Times reporter Judith Miller was taken to jail for refusing to obey a court order to reveal a source, analysts and pundits were concerned about the effect the incarceration will have on whistleblowers and confidential sources. Some say that confidential sources will dry up, others say that the willingness of Miller to go to jail could embolden some sources.
On the government side, Judge Thomas Hogan and special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald took the time to say they were not trying to deny reporters their sources. For his part, Hogan was following through on a contempt charge made in October. He noted that he gave Miller ample time to appeal the decision including an appeal to the US Supreme Court. Instead of agreeing to obey the court order, Miller arrogantly defied the court and is paying the price. Under Hogan's order, Miller will remain in jail until she agrees to testify and reveal her source or until the grand jury ends in October.
Hogan added that a Supreme Court decision 33 years ago that reporters could not always keep their sources confidential had not destroyed press coverage of government scandals, including Watergate.
N.Y. Times Reporter Jailed Over Source - Yahoo! News
Tags: Judith Miller, Shield Laws
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More later.
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