Kind of weird how this took place on the same day as an alert was sounded for an attack on the NYC subway system. Makes you wonder if there was an interpertation error or theres more to come. Spooky how the intel works, but I'm glad it does. Keep an eye out folks and lets pray for the victims.

Murph, Madisonville, kentucky

Perhaps, out of respect for the many people who have either lost their lives, or the lives of those that they love, individuals commenting could have the decency to not turn this thread into a bickering political bunfight, replete with as much value as the average kindergarten squabble.

Jamie, Cardiff, UK

When Spain caved in to the murder/blackmail of Islamists by high tailing it out of Iraq to avoid more train bombings, it committed an act of incalculable betrayal of Western Civilization.
Spain rewarded these murderous creeps, and by doing so doomed countless others to future acts of terror.

C. Parker, Seattle, USA

Oh, dubya....(sigh).

You will be sorely missed.

J Wright, Eugene, Oregon, USA

To R Edwards (Newquay): the term "spectacular" is used for attacks trapping media attention, due the huge numbers of casualties and the enormous destruction. No positive meaning is intended by this term. Another one is "catastrophic" terrorism.

Sylvia, Heidelberg, FRG

Let's see how long it takes for the rest of the world to stop being complacent. Hopefully, Pres-Elect Obama will not cut corners on our National Security and anti-terrorism. Hopefully, the rest of the world's leaders will come to their senses, and stop dragging their feet in this war on terror.

Fearless Patriot, Denver, USA

UNSOLVED PROBLEMS lead to more terrorist attacks in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and also in Europe and the United States. The recent bloody Mumbay attack could be linked to the dispute over Kashmir, which is engaging both Pakistan and India. Al Qaeda does not control separatist groups.

DAVID DASTYCH, Warsaw, Poland

It is 'spectacular' in it's cowardliness,'spectacular' because it creates a 'media spectacle' that dominates the airwaves. It is 'spectacular' because it clearly shows the anti- islam credentials of the perpetrators,for the Qu'rn does NOT condone such atrocities.
Decent people reject such actions.

Keith R, Dalsland, Sweden

Prayers for all those who died and who lost loved ones in these attacks. Prevention of terrorism is an international effort, and as members of the Commonwealth I feel that Britain should be prepared to offer as much support as necessary to the Indian government to help them improve security.

Ian Knight, Henley-on-Thames, England

@John,Tustin:..gosh,Obama is not even in power yet....shhhhhhhhhhhh

Lola, Il, USA

India will never be a super power with the trouble they have with al-Qaeda and they ease of movement in the country, pull out now if your from the west?

bill, Liverpool, UK

Isn' t it insensitive at this point to end your article with a top 10 list of the "worst attacks"? By what measure? Only western targets qualify? Maybe you should mention that!

Aditya, London,

Where is Obama, I was told if I vote for him,t he world would love AMerican again. So Obama, What's up? I thought you were our messiah???
John, Tustin, USA
John, Obama isn't President yet. Remember before you demand he turn water into wine next time.

Ray, Philadelphia, USA

To Mike Hall:
Around 7pm EST on Wednesday, the White House released a statement on the attacks. It's a fair guess that the intelligence community is moving quickly on this.

Lonald, Ocala, FL,

The use of "specatcular" is appropriate, in that it means "an eye catching or dramatic display", and the writer clearly was referring to that characteristic of the attacks - to wit, that as many people as possible would take notice. "Spectacular" is not perfectly synonomous with "impressive".

T. Burson, Ashburn, USA

Al Qaeda attacks before the inauguration hmmm... major economic collapse.....hmmm maybe bush will declare martial law. hmmm just somthing to think about. ...........Scared Yet?

H.J.Simpson, huntsville,

John...of Tustin, there's one president at a time. You can't be shallow enough not to know that Bush is still president.

So which Barak are you referring to, the Presidential elect or ....the candidate.

Hollow heads.

Patrick O, Kampala, UGANDA

Where is George Bush? He pardoned 2 turkeys and has said nothing about yet another terrorist attack happening on his watch.

Mike Hall, State College, PA, USA

Why does the media give credibility to these "sources?" Aren't they the same entities that made George Bush "lie" to the American Public? Will the media suffer the same slings and arrows hurled at Bush because he followed the intel he was given. I doubt it... the media is never wrong!!

Charles, Harrberry, USA

Yes, R Edwards, "spectacular" is a questionable choice of words, but at root, it does refer to a "spectacle." Advertisers and marketers have attached the word to things they wish to imply are "cool."

david, Oklahoma City, USA

John, Obama is the president elect, not the president until Jan 2009. He has zero power. To think that change could have already taken place, is not being realistic. Give Obama two years. Then criticize.

Heather M, Columbus, USA

Perhaps it's too early, but I notice an absence dumb remarks from the left blaming President Bush for this. There is a war on terror, and it's not about to end anytime soon. My sympathies to all those murdered or wounded, and their families.

Jim, Somersworth, U.S.A.

@John, the world does love Obama, just don't expect the whole world too. Or have you been drinking Repub. kool aid again?

Jambazi, Kampala,

This usage of "Spectacular" is more towards the sense of "Extravaganza" rather than "Impressive." It strikes me as a decidedly British colloquialism, although it certainly can be used as such in the States as well. I don't find anything disagreeable about it, per se.

Tom, Los Angeles,

i agree with mr. edwards.the adjectives used were shockingly insensitive,to say the least,though i am sure the terrorists would be very pleased with them.

sujatha, chennai, india

John in Tustin....
Don't believe everything Rush Limbaugh says. al-Qaeda has enough "love' to go around for all of us.

Steve, OC,

Where is Obama, I was told if I vote for him,t he world would love AMerican again. So Obama, What's up? I thought you were our messiah???

John, Tustin, USA

Given the usual acceptance of the term "spectacular" as being "impressive", isn't the intelligence wording of such an attack a bit callous? I can't see how targetting so-called "soft targets" can ever be seen as a "spectacular" event.

R Edwards, Newquay, UK