Based on the definition I have read of a "black swan event" I wouldn't say it is. I doubt it will have far-reaching, change-on-a-massive-scale consequences and it certainly wasn't unexpected. We even warned them about the high likelihood of a terrorist attack in the immediate future just a week or two ago, and it was similar enough to a previous event that until I became aware of the new one, I thought we were talking about the 2002 attack.
If ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, I would take them at their word on that.
Edit: If I wanted to pull out the tin foil I would say that Vlad contracted with ISIS to carry out the attack so he could blame it on Ukraine, and it turned out to be so successful ISIS decided to claim credit for it and double-cross Vlad. But, that would be odd because Vlad has enough people loyal to him to do it without bringing in an unreliable third-party.
As far as information, the USA can only depend on what we see and gather ourselves. And than will the people receive the truth? Doubtful. The administration, any administration tells us what is in their best interest.
Of one thing I am certain. If Putin thinks he has a target(s) he's gonna go get it, and leave a lasting impression. We will respond as a "nation" with a "strongly" worded condemnation. Maybe even on the floor of the UN, Oh, no...
It's almost as if there's a lesson in there somewhere...
Three of the four suspects charged with carrying out the concert hall attack in Moscow that killed more than 130 people admitted guilt for the incident in a Russian court Sunday. Moscow’s Basmanny District Court formally charged Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 32; Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, 30...