LTNman--You're absolutely right. American's paid little attention to terrorism abroad prior to 9/11. That's over.
I've always felt it was inexcusable for Irish-Americans to support the IRA. They should have been prosecuted as terrorist collaborators.
Part of the reason for the over reaction by the Government agencies is the fact that if something happens on their watch, there will be an inquest and someone will pay for it--generally not the responsible party.
Or, maybe the U.S. is just trying to bring our bureaucracy up to EU standards!
TC