There's extra security on New York City subways today, after a captured Iraqi terrorist spilled the beans that al Qaeda had sent killers to the Big Apple to set off bombs.

While the Department of Homeland Security is now telling the press the tip was of "doubtful credibility," (see this NY Daily News piece for more), New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said it was of "sufficient concern" for heightened security measures. (You can see the video of the New York City press conference here.)

The Counterterrorism Blog has been tracking the terrorists' conversations and Walid Phares offers this:

In short: Is the New York subway system a strategic target in the mind of al Qaida or its satellites? After London, it's attractive; and after Bali, it's exciting. So much for the mind wishes and political projections of the Terrorists. But the main answer remains in the hand of US and Western intelligence agencies. So far, we're all awaiting for the evidence, or shreds of it.

Phares adds:

But the politico-psychological environment is there: the bad guys have the big apple on their minds.