November 13, 2015: Open Lines - Paris Attacks
Nov 13, 2015
2h 23m
0:00 / 0:00
Art Bell opens the broadcast with breaking coverage of the devastating terrorist attacks in Paris, where six sites were targeted and over 150 people were reported dead. He is joined by retired FBI agent Rick Hahn, a counterterrorism specialist, who discusses the likely involvement of ISIS, the vulnerability of Western nations to sleeper cells, and the role of social media in terrorist recruitment.
New York broadcaster John Batchelor provides additional analysis, comparing the Paris assault to the 2008 Mumbai attacks and warning that French intelligence, among the best in the world, was caught completely off guard. Both guests agree that the political class in the United States lacks the resolve to confront the growing threat, and that no current presidential candidate appears equipped to lead on the issue.
Art then opens the phone lines, where callers share their reactions to the attacks, debate concealed carry laws, discuss the implications for American cities, and speculate about which targets ISIS might strike next. Several callers draw parallels between the spread of ISIS and the spread of a virus, echoing a theme Art returns to throughout the night.
New York broadcaster John Batchelor provides additional analysis, comparing the Paris assault to the 2008 Mumbai attacks and warning that French intelligence, among the best in the world, was caught completely off guard. Both guests agree that the political class in the United States lacks the resolve to confront the growing threat, and that no current presidential candidate appears equipped to lead on the issue.
Art then opens the phone lines, where callers share their reactions to the attacks, debate concealed carry laws, discuss the implications for American cities, and speculate about which targets ISIS might strike next. Several callers draw parallels between the spread of ISIS and the spread of a virus, echoing a theme Art returns to throughout the night.
Key Moments
Paris breaks into the broadcast: Art opens with the unfolding Paris attacks and compares the feeling to watching 9/11.
ISIS celebrates Paris: Art notes that ISIS is celebrating the Paris attacks before officially claiming responsibility.
Sleeper cells on short notice: John Batchelor and Art discuss sleeper cells capable of being activated in major cities around the world.
Paris compared to Mumbai: The attacks are compared to Mumbai because of multiple attackers striking six separate public targets.
Recruitment through social media: The discussion identifies social media as central to recruiting, fundraising, and moving support to terrorist organizations.