re: Why we haven't been attacked again
You already know I agree with your cynical view of politicians. 'Course, that same cynicism makes it equally plausible that the threat's been inflated for political gain. Don't ask me to back it up, we're both speculating.
So I wonder, would we be better off inflating our capabilities, or minimizing them? Pros and cons to either approach. Inflation could be a deterrent, while minimization could instill false confidence and carelessness. And each one would have the opposite effect on us at the same time. It's a funhouse maze.