Grif,
Whilst I fully agree with your views on the diminished credibility of "information" and "intelligence" stemming from the US, I find it difficult to understand why they would enhance this reputation by issuing statements relating to the source of the attack so soon and yet not provide any evidence.On the face of things, it appears like a move designed to provoke.
You really are looking hard for a reason to be critical. Perhaps too hard.
Perhaps the intel was not
imagery, but other sorts of intel on missile systems/launches.
We shall see, in due course. Over time, a lot of stuff gets released as its classification level is decreased.
Any airliner operating within the engagement zone survives only if the missile operator chooses NOT to fire.
The point that needs to be raised again and again, when the question of "how do you prevent this" gets asked.
Modern missile systems versus passenger plane yields one shot down passenger plane, unless the missile system operator screws up, or there is a technical glitch/malfunction with the weapon.
In reality no one actually cares anymore, its all last week's problem. The Dutch are just going to have to take it up the ass because there is nothing they can do.
The uncomfortable truth: what they can do is limited by the practicalities of power and politics.
Same is true for Malaysia.