Re:This increases safety and security by ... ? (Score 2, Insightful)

I have also directly experienced an IRA attack when my office was destroyed in the 1996 South Quay bombing. Fortunately I was in the pub at the base of the office block at the time. The windows blew in but we were sheltered from the direct blast. The attack happened in a single moment. Then there was half an hour when everyone was running on pure adrenaline. Then there were the days and weeks of discussing the moment and its aftermath in minute detail. I don't know anyone who experienced it who felt fear at the time or afterwards.

In contrast, the aftermath of the 7/7 attack, which I did not experience directly, was far more stressful for me. Over the next week I was very stressed when using the tube. There would actually be beads of sweat on my face.

I found the difference in my response rather surprising. There could be a number of reasons:

• I was ten years older - and more aware of my mortality.
• The 'war-on-terror' (TM) had influenced the way the events were reported by the media.
• I had directly experienced the first event and not the second.
• Explosions in tunnels scare me more than explosions above ground.

Personally I think that terrorism is far more frightening for the detached observer. For those involved it is really no different to any other kind of tragedy such as a serious car accident - something that happens to people all the time. Suddenly something bad happens. Hopefully you get through it and then you get on with your life.