The Japanese were prepared to fight to the death. They were training the civilian populations for the impending US invasion fleet. If the Emporer had not interveined the Japanese would have ceased to exist and would have been accompanied by huge US losses (550,000+) By bombing them, we saved Japan from it's own fanaticism. It was horrible but it had to be done.
Today's act of terror against the US was also feuled by fanaticism, but this time their is no easily definable enemy. With all of our military might we are helpless.
Terrorism is the perfect tactic against a vastly superior force. I never dreamed it would ever be executed on such a grand scale. I have no idea how to counter-attack an unconcentrated, dynamic, invisible enemy. I pray this is the last attack.