Editorials

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is seriously considering lowering the nationwide terror alert back to code yellow because of disruptions in the al-Qaida terrorist network, including the arrest of a suspected Sept. 11 plotter, government officials said Monday. 

President Bush raised the alert to orange — the second-highest level — after U.S. intelligence warned of a “high risk” of a terrorist attack in connection with the Sept. 11 anniversary two weeks ago. 

Officials stressed that Americans should remain alert; even at code yellow, the nation faces a significant risk of attack. 

The change could be made as early as Tuesday as senior administration officials review new intelligence, weigh the potential for attack on U.S. targets and prepare a recommendation for Bush, said two officials familiar with the deliberations. They spoke on condition of anonymity.