Dec 1, 2008 7:25 am US/Eastern
India Attacks Put American Travelers On Edge
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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The recent terrorist attacks in India have put domestic travelers on edge.
WBZ
The recent
terrorist strike in India only re-enforces the need for vigilant safety precautions -- both overseas and the United States.
With thousands traveling by train, security was tight at South Station during the Thanksgiving holiday. The India attacks have brought up memories of Sept. 11, 2001, and many travelers were anxious.
"The parallels between 911 and those that are occurring are kind of eerie and just startling to see that thing happening again with such an awful lost of life," said traveler Dan King.
However, one local terrorism expert argues that the type of attack carried out in Mumbai could never happen here.
"I think it would be very difficult for them to pull that off," said Boston University Professor Arthur Holnick.
Holnick is the author of "Keeping Us Safe: Secret Intelligence of Homeland Security." He says there are too many systems in place for terrorists to attack a Boston hotel like they did in Mumbai.
"They would have to have confederates on the inside," Holnick explained. "They would have to scout the place out and take pictures."
"Some would rat them out because we are conscience of the fact that this could be terrorism," he added.
But Holinick says tourists and business travelers should be concerned when they travel.
"I'm just guessing that terrorists may go back to the old system that they used before 911 of targeting Americans overseas," he said. "I think anyone who travels in the developing world needs to be very careful because of criminals and other kinds of random violence."
But travelers don't have to feel helpless.
"If they see something -- nothing is too small – don't ignore it," advised MBTA Transit police Sgt. Mike Morris. "Find a transit officer, and we will look into it."
While people are not afraid to travel overseas, they are concerned about security there.
Condoleeza Rice is in Brussels for a NATO gathering until Wednesday and will head to New Delhi.
Nearly 200 people were killed in the Mumbai attack, including six Americans.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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