Security concerns, particularly terrorist attacks, at the WC

The odds of being a victim of a terrorist attack are so slim that it's not worth worrying about.

 

It's something to be aware of (i.e. report suspicious activity), but I don't plan on changing my plans or behavior because of it.

I live just outside Washington DC. If I wasn't here I would be back in the ancestral homelands of New York. I figure if they haven't got me yet while I have been living in these two high profile targets, I'm not going to let it bother me while in Germany.

Again, I will observe my surroundings (it comes naturally with city life ), but don't plan on doing anything different.

I can understand your concerns, and if you feel safer renting a car, go for it. You don't want to ruin your vacation worry about terrorists.

 

Attacking an event like the WC would be a real stupid move on their part. Such an attack would just strenghten and unify more nations against the terrorist at a time when Bush and Co. are losing all the momentum they had after 9/11.

 

Perhaps, but an attack on Americans may be viewed less critically in the Moslem world than blowing up a Palestinian wedding. IMO, that was the act most reviled by Moslems since the Iraq invasion, perhaps more because it occurred in Jordan.

 

Even Osama loves soccer, dude! It's good to be aware, but it's not worth the stress to worry about it. Terrorists thrive on the element of surprise, and Germany being super secure for Cup, they'd lose that (not to say that it isn't possible). People said the same thing about the 2002 Olympics...and that was IN the states, where there were plenty more Americans at large gatherings. If it happens, it happens. As long as I get to one damn game, I'd die happy.

 

Hey, I'm all pumped up for this tournament, but I also want to return home to watch my two kids grow up.

I'm not particularly paranoid about the security. I imagine that there are lots of things going on behind the scenes with the intelligence and police agencies. That said, I'm also going to avoid waving an American flag everywhere until I'm at the US matches. We're renting a car so we can see some things off the beaten path, but I like the idea of having my own source of transportation simply for the security aspect.

 

Well, the US team will be travelling incognito.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20....wcup.us.bus.1st.ld.writethru.0197/index.html

Here's a picture of some of the other buses.

http://img310.imageshack.us/img310/9563/teambuses8mv.jpg


Also, Al Qaeda and other terrorists plan their attacks well in advance. If there is going to be an attack it is surely already planned. A USA rally planned at this point would not be a potential target for terrorists. However, it would be a potential target for ordinary hooligans.

 

As do countless other Muslims, and unfortunatly many of the terrorist themselves. I'd say they would much rather watch the WC, then ******** it up. There are much easier targets then the WC, and with Muslim nations competing in the WC it could even have a bit of a backlash in thier homelands.

 

Iran has a team going to the World Cup.

While I support erring on the side of more security during an event like this, AQ has been able to launch an attack against much more American events (Super Bowl, World Series, Championship Bowling) since 9/11.

That's because, in spite of Iraq, they are on their ass operationally. And if they did do something during the World Cup, I'd hate think of the massacre that would ensue once all the Polish, Brit, and Czech hooligans figure out where the Muslim enclaves are in Germany.

******** terrorists.

 

Of course, there were also the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002, and in Turin, Italy, 2006. I think a few westerners might have participated in and viewed those events...

Terrorist cells or not, for years, travelers were warned off using Athens airport because of suspected lax security.

While it's a good idea to be smart and be careful, some people worry too much.

 

I'm a fairly paranoid person, let's say "safe" & cautious. However, you've put way to much thought into this! If there wasn't something horrible planned already, well......you've given some hooligans and outright nutcases some great ideas for their own sick plots. You've even outlined the details pretty clearly.

Being cautious is one thing, freaking people out is another.

 

Well if no one ask you to come to Germany. If are afraid or have concenrs particuarly terrorist attack, then you can stay home. This is the most safe place for you.

Here in Cologne is super game England-Sweden. I´m not afriad of all these english hooligans. I think Cologne will be prepared at this.

The slogan is "it is a time to make friends"...so I hope we will get only friendly fans...

of course there is always some risk..but this is during any big event...
olympia, world cups, politican meetings etc. So I´m not worry about it.
Germany is prepared.

 

yes and the Iran President wants to come to Germany and watch games. I think Iran plays in NÜRNBERG AND FRANFURT. This might be a risk. People in Nürnberg are not very happy about it. This is only worry I have. But I´m sure Germany will manage it.

 

Amen to that.

I again suggest that if I didn't die on a NYC subway during the Koch administration, the odds of me getting the eternal red card now, on a train, are way too remote.

It's a concern, but what is the upside to AQ if they do this? Is Germany the great satan as well? The absolute quickest way to inspire the full ire of the world (not to mention Pol/German hooligans) would be to suspend the Brazil- Italy R.16 game because someone threw a bomb at the USA bus...

 

I don't think any terrorists would dare come to Germany because they are afraid of catching avian influeza (bird flu).

 

...from the maurading hooligans.

 

uhh... you're more likely to be injured or dead while driving a car in Germany than from a terrorist attack.

Try to watch less than 16 hours of CNN/day if you can manage.

 

The World Cup dwarfs those events. In fact, it dwarfs the summer olympics too.

 

As a westerner living in the Middle East I can only roll my eyes at this thread...

(and I speak English with an American accent)

I think FOX News is more his style.

 

Did you perhaps mean to say "has not been able"? OTOH, perhaps AQ is unaware of the primary American sports. (Of course, MLS Cup has been unscathed also!)

Well, that settles it then! bltleo has spoken!

So you're predicting Italy for second in our group? If the USA bus is still around, then we won the group?

 

I absolutely refuse to let fear of terrorism alter my plans in any way.