London Expecting Holiday Terror Attack

British counter-terrorism officials have reportedly said that it will be "a miracle" if London doesn't suffer an attack by Islamist terrorists over the holidays.

From ABC's The Blotter [emphasis added]:

British police have been quietly carrying out a series of key arrests as they continue to track at least six active "plots" tied to what they call "al Qaeda of England."

"It is not a matter of if there will be an attack, but how bad the attack will be," an intelligence official told ABCNews.com.

Authorities say they are seeking at least 18 suspected suicide bombers.

Westerners avoided going medieval on radical Muslims following 9/11, even the really mouthy, really stupid ones. There's no telling if that patience will continue following another serious terror attack. I wouldn't place any heavy bets on it.

It would serve moderate Muslims living in the Western world well to start condemning Islamist terrorists as loudly, forcefully, unconditionally, and publicly as possible. Publicity stunts like the blatant provocation pulled off by the flying imams have soured the general public's mood toward Muslims.

A high-profile terrorist attack during the holidays could easily set off vigilante retaliatory attacks.