U.S., Yemen: Lessons From a Failed Airliner Bombing

The Dec. 25 attempted attack on a U.S. passenger plane over Detroit has shown the ability of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to design innovative improvised explosive devices. The incident was most likely a proof-of-concept attempt, and had it worked, more attacks with similar devices probably would have followed. The attack's failure means the bombmaker will have to think up a new design and will continue trying to attack U.S. targets — assuming he is still alive after recent attacks on AQAP in Yemen. This means security efforts must focus on looking for the bomber, not just on looking for bombs.