Threat Matrix: February 2007

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[nwctwx]

How al-Qaida Fared in 2006
-Full Story-

In 2006, agents of al-Qaida, as well as those inspired by its ideology, continued their attacks. Violence in Iraq intensified, and Afghanistan saw its bloodiest year since 2001.

Despite worsening chaos on those fronts, counterterrorist forces arrested and killed high-profile terrorists and kept the West free from attack. But these actions don't appear to have weakened the appeal of al-Qaida's agenda. "Home-grown" militants around the world joined its jihad, as regional fighting heightened perceptions of a global war on Islam.

Here's an assessment of some of the most significant gains and losses for al-Qaida last year: Read more..

	Azzam the American: The Making of an al Qaida Homegrown
	Islamic Cells of Revenge Joins the al Qaida Movement
	Most Dangerous Destinations 2007

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[Cindy]

http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=5&id=10057

Updated: February 1st, 2007 01:27 PM EDT
Home > Airline and Airport Security News

"Paris-Rome Air France Flight Diverted by Bomb Threat"
The Associated Press

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A bomb alert prompted the pilot of a Paris-Rome flight to divert to Lyon in southeast France on Thursday, and police searched the plane after passengers and crew disembarked, French authorities said.

Authorities in Lyon said the search did not turn up anything suspicious, adding the bomb alert had been received in Rome."

[Cindy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CgxTsZc3fs&eurl=

"Blackfive rips Arkin"
(Added February 01, 2007)

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http://hotair.com/archives/2007/01/30/if-theyre-going-to-support-us-support-us-all-the-way/

"'If they’re going to support us, support us all the way.'"
posted at 10:39 am on January 30, 2007 by Bryan

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http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DavidLimbaugh/2007/02/02/dont_underestimate_antiwar_forces

"Don't Underestimate Antiwar Forces"
By David Limbaugh
Friday, February 2, 2007


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "With the growing influence of the antiwar left in this country, particularly emboldened by the November congressional elections, I fear for our nation as I consider the strong possibility it could elect a liberal, antiwar commander in chief during wartime.

"Chill out," you say. "These people have been protesting for years. They're just fringe extremists and no one listens to them."

Really? It would be nice if they could be so easily dismissed. But these so-called extremists -- many of them Sixties radicals -- just happen to dominate our universities, and their sympathizers "own" the mainstream media. There are far more of them in government and politics than you think, and their impact is significant.

One of them would be commander in chief today but for some 120,000 votes in Ohio, or the noble efforts of certain Swift Boat patriots to highlight the other side of his military record."

[Cindy]

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/01-30-2007/0004516061&EDATE=TUE+Jan+30+2007,+09:59+AM

"New Iraq Report Makes Case for Victory"
(January 30, 2007)

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http://www.freerepublic.com/CitizensReportonIraq.pdf

"CITIZENS REPORT ON IRAQ
Attainable Victory vs. The Propaganda of Defeat"

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=nuclear
http://www.memritv.org/Search.asp?ACT=S5&P1=148

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=iran
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.memri.org/iran.html

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=syria
http://www.memri.org/syria.html

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Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1777856/posts


Iran Seeking Longer-Range Strike Force
DefenceTalk.com ^

Posted on 02/02/2007 12:35:00 AM PST by DTAD

Iran is working to increase the strike range of its air force to deliver "more powerful strategic weapons systems," including through cooperation with Syria, Jane's Defence Weekly reported Thursday. Citing Western defence sources, the Jane's military information group publication also said Tehran was seeking ways of delivering nuclear payloads other than by missiles.

The weekly said the Islamic republic had been conducting night-time refueling exercises and has increased training of pilots for long-range missions, which it implies could involve a target in the Mediterranean.

(Excerpt) Read more at defencetalk.com ...

[Cindy]

Well now, this is NOT nice:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24260_Video-_Muslim_Students_Disrupt_Daniel_Pipes_Speech_at_UC_Irvine&only

Thursday, February 01, 2007
"Video: Muslim Students Disrupt Daniel Pipes Speech at UC Irvine"

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http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5158780407631950723&hl=en

---


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4939925831604188462&hl=en

[Cindy]

UPDATE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=boston

---

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1777857/posts

http://news.bostonherald.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=180600

"Dude, like, send Borat packing"
By Howie Carr
Boston Herald Columnist
Friday, February 2, 2007 - Updated: 01:57 AM EST

COLUMN SNIPPET: "What exactly does a noncitizen have to do to get deported around here?

I guess Peter “Borat” Berdovsky, native of Belarus, won’t answer that because it’s not a hair question. And the Russky Rastaman is now officially a victim - a victim of Chernobyl, as his lawyer/foster father put it in court yesterday, before they went out outside to discuss his hair, which he doesn’t appear to have washed since leaving his native Third World hellhole.

The subcontractor on the moronic Turner Broadcasting terror stunt arrived here as an exchange student, then sought asylum as a political refugee - stop me if you’ve heard this one before."

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(Note: Includes video)

http://hotair.com/archives/2007/02/01/video-the-boston-hoaxers-surreal-moronic-press-conference/

"Video: The Boston hoaxers’ surreal, moronic press conference"
posted at 3:18 pm on February 1, 2007 by Allahpundit

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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,249241,00.html


"Suspects Refuse to Answer Questions on Botched 'Aqua Teen' Marketing Scheme"
Thursday, February 01, 2007

BOSTON — UPDATE

[Cindy]

stepping back in time (Regarding toys and explosives) RECAP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5brpySvPhc
"Bomb Workshop Uncovered in Nablus"
(Added November 27, 2006"

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http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,20997042-1702,00.html

"Bombs found hidden in toys - police"
From correspondents in New Delhi
January 01, 2007 05:06am


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "TWO suspected Islamic militants had been arrested with explosives hidden inside toys which they planned to blow up at a busy market in New Delhi, Indian police said today.

Samimullah and Ali Mohammad, both from Indian Kashmir, were arrested at a New Delhi railway station on suspicion of belonging to pro-Pakistan militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, senior police official Karnal Singh said.

The arrests came amid tight security in the Indian capital ahead of New Year festivities.

"We received a tip-off that the two men would be coming by train from Jammu (the winter capital of Indian Kashmir)," Mr Singh said.

"We detained them and during interrogation they admitted to being members of the Lashkar, and their plan was to plant two explosive devices."

In their luggage, a bomb disposal squad found two boxes with the toys - a toy duck and a toy bus - filled with explosives, he said.

"It took the squad around three hours to deactivate the two bombs.""

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http://www.stratfor.com/products/wtr/read_article.php?selected=Terrorism%20Intelligence%20Report&id=237888

[Rushmore Rocks]

Re: "Borat"

That hair really was nasty.

[Cindy]

OPINION: Ditto that...send that guy back to Belarus with a case of shampoo.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

Adding 1 link to post no. 47:

http://news.google.com/news?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wn&scoring=d&q=toy+%2B+explosives&btnG=Search

[Cindy]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20070202-124744-1388r.htm

Page 1 of 2 next »
"Texas deputy to pay price for defending self"
By Jerry Seper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 2, 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A Texas deputy sheriff who fired shots at a fleeing vehicle after the driver tried to run him down faces 10 years in prison for injuring one of the passengers, a Mexican national being smuggled illegally into the United States.

The U.S. attorney, who won lengthy prison terms last year for two U.S. Border Patrol agents in the shooting of a drug-smuggling suspect, also prosecuted Edwards County Deputy Sheriff Guillermo F. Hernandez, who is to be sentenced next month.

The deputy's boss, Sheriff Donald G. Letsinger, said his officer -- who had been on the job for a year -- "followed the letter of the law" in defending himself in the April 2005 incident and questioned why the government brought charges."

[Cindy]

Off Topic...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=bus

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http://www.wbaltv.com/news/10899132/detail.html


"School Bus Evacuated After Flare Goes Off"

POSTED: 10:30 am EST February 1, 2007
UPDATED: 11:06 am EST February 1, 2007


SEVERNA PARK, Md. --


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Officials said one of the students found a boat distress flare lodged in a bus seat. They said he pulled the string and it deployed, creating some smoke inside the bus."

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "County fire investigators are trying to figure out how the flare ended up on the bus."

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1777773/posts?page=31#31

ON THE NET...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=IRAN
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hamas
http://www.memritv.org/Search.asp?ACT=S5&P1=157
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54048

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1777866/posts

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3360122,00.html
(YNETNEWS.com, AP)

"Iranian general supervised Hamas arms, source says

Following seizure of Iranian agents in Gaza, Palestinian source tells Ynet most senior agent, a general, was in charge of several labs in Islamic University, trained activists manufacturing explosives"

Ali Waked
Published: 02.02.07, 11:43

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=GLOBALJIHAD
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=jihad

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=pakistan

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=rashidrauf
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=rauf


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Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1777869/posts


Pakistan says no to extradite London plane-bombing suspect (Rashid Rauf)
Deutsche Presse-Agentur ^ | February 2, 2007

Posted on 02/02/2007 2:45:25 AM PST by HAL9000

Islamabad, Feb 2 (DPA) Pakistan has told Britain that the alleged mastermind of thwarted bombings of transatlantic flights cannot be extradited until his trial in local courts concludes, news reports said on Friday.
Pakistani authorities earlier clarified their position to a British delegation that was in Islamabad to finalize an agreement on a joint working group to enhance cooperation against terrorism and organized crimes, the Dawn newspaper reported.

'Rashid Rauf is also an accused in a case being tried in Pakistan, and according to the law of the country, he cannot be handed over to the UK unless the case is decided,' sources told Dawn.

Britain has been seeking the custody of Rashid Rauf, a Briton of Pakistani descent, after a terror plot to detonate liquid explosives onboard aircraft flying from London to the US was unearthed in Aug 2006.

Pakistani police arrested Rauf last summer for possessing hydrogen peroxide chemicals that can be used in improvised explosive devices. He also faces charges of forgery and impersonation.

An anti-terrorism court that initially heard the suspect's cases cleared him of terrorism charges but the verdict was challenged in a higher court that has yet to decide the trial's jurisdiction.

The newspaper also said Pakistan is seeking the extradition of six wanted people, including an estate developer after a multi-storey residential constructed by his firm collapsed partially in Oct 2005 earthquake killing up to 48 people in the capital Islamabad.

Some nationalist leaders from Pakistan's restive Balochistan province are also among the list of wanted men.

Pakistan has been saying that handing over of wanted people between the two countries, which have not signed an extradition treaty, will be based on 'reciprocation'.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=venezuela
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hugochavez
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=chavez

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=democrats

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=oil

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http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=26749

"Joe Kennedy Pimps for Hugo Chavez"
By Don Feder
GrassTopsUSA.com | February 2, 2007
This article originally appeared on GrassTopsUSA.com.


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A series of public service announcements seem to be running non-stop on Massachusetts stations. They go something like this:

(Anxious-looking mother and daughter, shivering in a frigid apartment, the thermostat set at 60) “Mommy I’m cold.”

Elderly man with a foreign accent, “I can’t afford to pay for heat.”

(Joe, in a windbreaker, pops up on the screen – classic toothy Kennedy grin): “I’m Joe Kennedy and help is on the way – heating oil at 40 percent off from Citgo and our friends in Venezuela. Dial-1-877-Joe-4-Oil.”

I wish they’d stop running these during the dinner hour. It’s hard to hold food down after Kennedy’s smarmy performance.

Some have had the audacity to criticize this clumsy attempt to buy good will for the Venezuelan regime. (Imagine the nerve, criticizing a Kennedy!)

Joe will hear none of it. “Those who have no problem staying warm at night should not condemn others for accepting Venezuela’s oil. Rhetoric means little to an elderly woman who has to drag an old cot from her basement to sleep by the warmth of her kitchen stove or give up food or medicine to pay her heating bills,” Kennedy self-righteously thundered in a December 24th op-ed piece in The Boston Globe."

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=62856

ou are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Sudan Extremist Group Targeting Western Interests
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Sub-Saharan Africa - Sudan
1 Feb 2007

Printer Friendly Email Article
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Apparent Sudanese Soldiers Threaten U.S. Embassy Driver
U.S. Embassy Khartoum issued the following Warden Message on February 1:

The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens in Sudan that the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) has received new information that an extremist group based in the country is likely to target Western interests. Given the focus of extremists on the UN presence in Sudan, it is possible that the primary target of this threat is the UN. As noted in the Department of State Public Announcement dated November 21, 2006, terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings and assassinations. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.

U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Americans should regularly evaluate their personal security practices, exercise caution near likely targets, and take prudent steps to ensure personal safety.

All Americans living or traveling in Sudan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov, to obtain updated information on travel and security within Sudan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the United States Embassy in Khartoum. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum; tel. (249-183) 774-701/2/3 (outside Sudan); tel. (0183) 774-701/2/3 inside Sudan. Americans may call between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. For after-hours emergencies, please call 249-183-774-705 and leave a message for the Consular Duty Officer.

[HipShot]

"Pakistan has been saying that handing over of wanted people between the two countries, which have not signed an extradition treaty, will be based on 'reciprocation'."

The lack of an extradition treaty is the fault of the UK and their opposition to any death penalty. My understanding is that there was a finalized agreement 5 months ago, but it looks like it wasn't signed.

side note:
The Pakistani general elections this year are going to change the face of the region, possibly in a dramatic fashion.

[Cindy]

Thank you for the additional notation, HipShot.

OPINION: I'm not looking forward to the elections.
Time will tell how this will all turn out.

[Cindy]

Note; The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2765.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Feb 02 2007 03:15:49 GMT-0800.

Bangladesh

January 31, 2007


This Public Announcement reminds American citizens of concerns about the fluid security situation in Bangladesh and strongly urges U.S. citizens to closely monitor current information before traveling to the country. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement for Bangladesh dated January 12, 2007, and expires on April 23, 2007.

On January 11, 2007, President Ahmed stepped down as leader of the Caretaker Government after declaring a state of emergency. Elections previously scheduled for January 22 have been postponed indefinitely. The political and security situation throughout Bangladesh remains fluid. An initial curfew has been lifted, but a new curfew could be reinstated at any time. There is the potential for American citizens to become caught up in demonstrations or other situations which do not directly target them. The Embassy expects the situation throughout Bangladesh to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, and the Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to closely monitor the most up-to-date information before traveling to the country.

In late October 2006, political violence erupted in Dhaka and provincial cities, killing approximately 40 people and wounding several hundred. The political opposition successfully shut down the country’s major port in Chittagong, border entry points from India, and major highways leading to Dhaka and Chittagong. All modes of transportation, including rail and river, were temporarily disrupted.

The Embassy advises all Americans traveling or residing in Bangladesh to keep abreast of developments, remain vigilant and avoid large crowds and political demonstrations. U.S. citizens can expect a more robust presence of security forces, including the airport. A curfew would limit the ability to travel, and travelers should plan accordingly.

For the latest information on Bangladesh, U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Bangladesh, the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, which are available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, and (202) 501-4444 from overseas.

U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans with an e-mail address. Registration is done on-line and can be done in advance of travel at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. Information on registering can also be found at the Embassy website: http://dhaka.usembassy.gov or at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html.

During normal business hours American citizens may call the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka at (880-2) 882-3805; for after-hours emergencies call (880-2) 885-5500, dial "0" and ask for the duty officer. The fax number of the consular section is (880-2) 882-4449. The U.S. Embassy is located in the diplomatic enclave north of downtown Dhaka, at Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212. The Embassy's workweek is Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The American Citizens Services (ACS) unit is open to the public from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, except for American and most local holidays.

[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=62881

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
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Consular Affairs Bulletins
Sub-Saharan Africa - Senegal
1 Feb 2007