July 7 bombing inquiries fail to draw proper lessons

Two reports by the government on the July 7, 2005 suicide bomb attacks in London, issued Thursday, May 11, leave important questions about intelligence failures unresolved, writes the progressive daily. "Both reports are conscientious and significant. Yet there is no point to the reports if all they do is send a shiver down the spine as we read and remember last year's dreadful deeds. The purpose of such reports is to draw lessons and point to ways of improving the public's safety. ... No one should imagine that intelligence can prevent every terrorist act. That is unrealistic. But intelligence should be held accountable for its failures nevertheless. How else can a society learn from mistakes? ... There is much less of a case here for a public inquiry than there is for an independent, no-holds-barred, effective and ongoing review of the governmental and departmental efforts."

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