If the embassy(ies) were/are the target, the terrorists are smart enough to wait until they reopen for maximum effect. If the info intercept was considered real, why was it publicized, and why didn't we implement countermeasures without telling the terrorists what they were?
The way it was handled smacks of misdirection, and as stated above, tail wagging the dog. And how in the world does this justify spying on US citizens, and violating our rights against illegal search and seizures? Rhetorical question, as it doesn't.