The most recent news indicates that the suicide bombers were fanatics, rather than dupes, since 'police sources' have stated that that they had to manually set the bombs off. The authorities have also given the first hint that officers involved in the murder of De Menezes may face criminal charges.
The revelations came as the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was shot on July 22 at Stockwell tube, heard that officers involved may face criminal proceedings. John Cummins, the Independent Police Complaints Commission senior investigation officer, told the hearing that Scotland Yard had given his team a "comprehensive handover package" on July 27, when the IPCC took over the shooting inquiry. But there was still a "considerable amount of fresh work" to be done.
Although those involved must be charged if a crime has been committed, this will prove a further impediment to the successful defence against suicide bombers. It provides doubt and hesitation for police who have seconds to save civilians or die if faced with a real suicide bomber. Given the revelations involved, it is doubtful that any jury would convict. This farce has turned into an absolute mess, compromising our capacity to counter terrorism.
We know that the government prefers to throw the 'rank and file' to the wolves rather than allow any accountability amongst the elite. Charles Clarke's new 'promise' is not promising either. Whilst removing non-citizens from our midst, the policy does not address the problem of homegrown individuals who support terrorism, and provides further powers for the state to deport those it does not like. More rhetoric, whilst London potentially burns.