Japan and Terror

About 2 weeks ago the bombs went off in the London trains.

All the Japanese I know are convinced Japan is next. Of course they said that after September 11th too.

Why?

Good question.

When I ask why, they look at me as if I asked "Why is 6 after 5?"

I say "Why is Japan next?" and they say "New York, Madrid, London... Tokyo" while counting off on thier fingers. Maybe there's a nursery rhyme I don't know about.

I point out that a bomb is certainly possible here, but it's also possible (actually more likely) in Italy, the Netherlands or Poland because they have been involved in Iraq and have disgruntled Muslim populations. (The usual caveats: I'm not saying all Muslims are terrorists.) Even Paris is more likely. Maybe it was against the war but there, as in many other cities in Europe have foiled numerous terrorist attempts. Of course, successful bombings are easier to remember. Even an attack on Japanese citizens abroad, say like the Bali bombings targeted at Australians would be easier to pull off than one in Tokyo. I'm not a military analyst. I have a day job, side work, hobbies and an active social life but somehow find time to hear, think about and remember these things.

So how about Japan? No immigrant community (of any religion), tight borders not shared with anyone, no foiled attempts so far. Why exactly is Tokyo next?

Because "A Guy On TV Said So." End of story.