I ask myself, how many more knew of this plot? If nine people in my immediate vicinity were actually planning an attack, how many more would at least be sympathetic to the action? Sadly, I think the answer is, "quite a few". This is probably why they say nothing to the authorities.
I saw an interesting documentary recently exploring how people get involved in extremist actions. It works on the 'Band of Brothers' principle. The groups spontaneously form and have a split life. Some of it is perfectly normal day to day, and some of it is spent with one's brothers. What happens with the brothers stays with the brothers and nobody else is trusted. Eventually the percentages shift and more time is spent with your small surrogate family. The insulation breeds a loyalty that can go beyond one's actual family, like tight bands of infantry etc.
Whenever we hear of extremists being arrested the friends, family, neighbours and workmates are almost universally shocked. Sometimes they have noticed a change in moods or the like, but nothing that would be worth calling anti-terrorism agents in on.
These people are mostly second generation citizens of their country, and know how to go about their business without drawing attention to their secret life.
So I don't think many other people around them are let in on things, or have any strong suspicions that things have gotten this far. Here's the thing: most Muslims don't know people that are extremists. They probably know quite a lot of people who are very devout and have strong opinions on the foreign policies of the west. What clues should they be looking for, that they can tip off the police to begin intrusive investigations and possibly worse on their neighbours and community members?
I would hope that those few that do catch wind of something serious, would tell the authorities - and maybe that is how some of these arrests are brought about. However, I fear the police's media image of being guns free will hamper information flow. I'm sure there are some sympathisers who keep silent along the way too - as well as some who are too afraid to speak out.
I led a double life. Y'know, my family came secondary. My parents, my sisters, noone knew I was a loyalist paramilitary. It was a secret life I had...I lived a selfish existence, secretive...murderous.
Family activities, family life clashed. I never went to my brother's wedding. I couldn't say to my brother, 'I'm not going to your wedding...I have an individual to kill'...So, you fall out with them.
Michael Stone, who was given a 684-year sentence in 1989 for six murders and five attempted murders - including the
Milltown Cemetery attack.
Edited by Modulous, : added quote for substance.