Terrorism Training and the Taliban

The lead article in this morning’s New York Times, titled “Terrorism Suspect, Charged, Admits to Role in Bomb Plot,” describes the arrest of Faisal Shahzad, a 30-year old naturalized U.S. citizen hailing from Pakistan. He admitted his role in leaving a Nissan Pathfinder in Times Square filled with firecrackers, propane tanks and fertilizer as well as prior explosives training by the Pakistani Taliban. He also said he acted alone.

The arrest came quickly just 53 hours after the incident, thanks to some crackerjack work by the F.B.I. This included finding a hidden vehicle identification number, tracing the woman who sold the Pathfinder to the suspect, with no paperwork, and catching the terrorist as he sat on a plane bound for Dubai at JFK airport.

Yes, there were some minor snafus — the suspect should not have been allowed on the plane in the first place, especially since he was put on the no-fly list on Monday afternoon, and the fact that he paid for a $800 ticket with cash should have raised some eyebrows, but one can’t quibble with success. His arrest and admission of complicity were followed by about eight arrests in Pakistan, supposedly of his trainers.

The right wing is making a big deal about reading him his Miranda rights, but reportedly Glenn Beck said he deserved the same as a U.S. citizen. Apparently, Mr. Beck is not a total hypocrite. Of course, John McCain and the usual cast of characters tried to protest, but apparently Mr. Shahzad is still talking, and the F.B.I. knows what it’s doing.