[TeleStraightShooter]

To avoid panicking the passengers, the crew informed them that the problem had been caused by a minor technical mishap.

A reacurring theme in this war on terrorism.
Deny the "incident" had any terrorist connection or origin..........

[L`enn]

But the thing is, they DID report it and rather soon actually. That is what struck me about this incident as opposed to TWA-800 , with as many or more witnesses (though sadly none from the plane). What struck me is the range of the SAM's. TWA-800 was inside those parameters.

It truly is a miracle that the passengers are alive. Just think how you would be feeling knowing that you came within a metre of being incinerated. And looking at the pictures of the passengers after disembarking, those are the faces and emotions of living breathing people these vermin would have destroyed. One Freeper made the point that the community should be as outraged when one of these plots are foiled as they are when they are carried to conclusion. I heartily agree.