Tuesday

Belgium Bombing Attack

Not to be left out, Belgium is now the victim of a coordinated terror attack. Bombs at major transport areas have crippled Brussels and most of Europe.

Twin blasts struck the departures area of Zaventem international airport, in the north-east of the city.
Another explosion hit the Maelbeek metro station in the city centre, close to several European Union offices.
The attacks come four days after the capture in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the jihadist attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015.
Reprisal? Yes sir it sure is.
 The new world norm is massive terror attacks in our political, business and cultural centers. What can we do to prevent such attacks? Very little. So if government, the police and anti terror experts can do little to protect us, what should "we" do?
You go back to the roots of personal safety.  Being suspicious of others my be the onset of paranoid behavior but it is the first step in survival. If our streets are to become a combat zone, then acting appropriate for a combat zone is called for.
It is not politically correct to profile others or accuse others without cause however what makes you feel uncomfortable counts. Believe yourself !
Do the math, a reexamination of the areas we live and work in should be done. Look at your neighborhood and asses how vulnerable it is to terror attack.  Are there any significant potential targets that might affect you directly or collaterally? Where do you work? Is it or other nearby locations near by a juicy target?
What critical infrastructure is near by? What important political targets are in your area or on route to home or work? Are there any high visibility targets near you, monuments, large malls, historic sites? Can these areas be avoided? Symbolism is not only important to terrorist planning, in order for the full effect to be realized, it is necessary. 
After doing your security assessment, what can you do to modify or insulate how a terror attack might affect you?
I have family in Belgium, my cousin works very near the attacked area.  He was not affected because he prefers to walk a few blocks instead of using the station. This could have saved his life.
Vary your routine to differ from the crowd, avoid "target" areas, plan alternatives, have options.
Have alternative shelter, travel and communication available to you. Be prepared to provide your own protection. Never discuss your plans with people other then family and friends.
Many parts of the free world are now a free fire zone, this is not an exaggeration. We can not live thinking that it can never happen to us....

RJ Mosca