Threat Matrix: December 2007

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946864/posts

“Libya becomes U.N. council president (It’s a ‘rotation’ thing)”
Reuters on Yahoo ^ | 1/1/08 | Patrick Worsnip
Posted on 01/01/2008 12:59:30 PM PST by NormsRevenge

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Libya took over the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday in a major step back to global respectability after decades as a pariah of the West.

The North African country was elected in October, as were Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Croatia and Vietnam, to sit on the council in 2008-09 after the United States, which foiled two earlier bids by Tripoli, decided not to block it this time.

By an alphabetical accident, Libya becomes president of the 15-nation body from its very first day as a member, succeeding Italy. Each country is president for a month, the rotation going in English alphabetical order of names.

Libya and Burkina Faso had been unopposed after being endorsed by the African regional grouping for two African seats that fell vacant on December 31.

The Security Council is the powerhouse of the United Nations, with the ability to send peacekeeping troops around the world and impose sanctions on specific countries.

Unlike the five permanent members — the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China — the nonpermanent members have no individual veto. But an alliance of seven of them can stop a resolution even if the big powers want it.”

Islamic Center Building Target Of Arsonist? (Tennessee)
December 31, 2007

Is it a random act of violence or is the Islamic community in Dalton the target of a hate crime? That's what investigators are trying to figure out after a fire destroys part of what will become a new place of worship for Muslims. Early Christmas morning fire tears through a three-bedroom house that's on the Dug Gap Road site where the new Dalton Islamic Center is being built.

Hammad El-Ameen, President of the Dalton Islamic Center, said "it's devastating because it's a security factor, we're concerned for our families, our children. So we want to set a precedent right now and find out and prosecute who did this." Whitfield County Fire Chief Carl Collins says the fire damage is concentrated inside what was the attic and spread from a back bedroom to the rest of the $100,000 building.

Even though Chief Collins says he has his suspicions this fire was deliberately set he says his investigators still haven't found any evidence, right now at least, that an accelerant was used, like gasoline or kerosene. "We're still looking into some different things. It is suspicious in the fact there was no power on it," Chief Collins said.

Excerpted

http://www.newschannel9.com/news/fire_965390___article.html/islamic_chief.html

Suspicious substance in Charlestown remains unidentified (Rhode Island)
1/1/08

CHARLESTOWN — A suspected toxic substance that sent four people to the hospital Sunday tested “inconclusive,” Charlestown police said yesterday, citing findings from a test conducted by the state Department of Environmental Management. “The sample that they were able to retrieve from the scene may have been diluted by rainwater,” Lt. Patrick J. McMahon said.

Michael Sweeney, chief of investigations with the state fire marshal’s office, said paper towels found in the glass jar that contained the substance will be tested this week at the State Crime Laboratory at the University of Rhode Island. “We don’t even know if we have a crime at this point,” said Sweeney. “It appears to be a Molotov cocktail.” Molotov cocktails are makeshift bombs made of a breakable container filled with flammable liquid, typically with a fuel-soaked rag in its top that is ignited and hurled.

Tracy Ready, of 4371 Old Post Rd., called 911 around 9:40 Sunday night after she came in contact with an unknown substance on her hands. Charlestown police said Ready shattered the container as she was backing up in her driveway. Ready, who somehow touched the liquid, complained of a burning sensation on her hands, according to Sweeney.

Charlestown police, fire and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) parked away from the area, approaching the house cautiously on foot. Still, Patrolman Philip Gingerella and his younger brother Peter Gingerella, a reserve police officer, “were both overcome by low lying toxic fumes coming from the property,” according to a statement released by the police. The police closed to traffic the 4700 block of Old Post Road — where the town’s police and rescue headquarters, Ninigret Park and the Arnolda neighborhood are located — from 9:45 p.m. to just after midnight.

HAZMAT teams were called to investigate while the Westerly Fire Department established a decontamination area at Route 1 and Old Post Road, near the South Shore Mental Health Center. The two officers, Ready, and a friend of hers, Calbert Edwards, who was also exposed to the substance, were decontaminated and then taken to South County Hospital. All four were treated and released, McMahon said, noting they mostly showed symptoms of hypothermia due to the wintry temperatures. The incident remains under investigation.

http://www.projo.com/ri/charlestown/content/CHARLESTOWN_SPILL01_01-01-08_8E8EMVI_v33.26feab0.html

blog:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/01/taliban_kidnap_pakis.php

“Taliban kidnap Pakistani troops in last known location of Baitullah Mehsud”
By BILL ROGGIO
January 1, 2008 1:24 PM

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The Taliban have kidnapped four Pakistani paramilitary forces in the town of Makeen in the tribal agency of South Waziristan. Makeen is the last reported location of Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud, who has privately claimed credit for Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

The four Pakistani paramilitary soldiers of the South Waziristan Scouts were kidnapped after the Taliban attacked the Ladha Fort near the town of Makeen. The Taliban “seized the soldiers as they descended from their observation post on a hill near Makeen in South Waziristan,” AFP reported. “The rebels launched rocket and mortar attacks on a military base near Ladda town from rugged terrain bordering Afghanistan,” a security official told the news organization.”

Thank you Canada. -Cindy

###

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946900/posts

Note: The following text - snippet is a quote:

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2535

Statement

The Dion Family Wishes To Share This Message

DM 07.013 - December 31, 2007

GATINEAU, Qc - The family of private Jonathan Dion killed in service in Afghanistan on December the 30th 2007, wishes to make public the following declaration:

It is never easy for parents to lose a child. We are devastated by the death of Jonathan who, with dignity, gave up his life serving his country with honour and pride alongside his brothers in arms in Afghanistan. We are extremely proud of our son and of what he accomplished during his life including his career in the Canadian Armed Forces. It will be his distinctive smile and his joie de vivre which will remain in our minds as we think of him. He loved being a soldier and loved being in the company of brothers and sisters in arms.

Jonathan had found his rightful place in the Canadian Forces. He was maturing rapidly and showed that he was living life to the fullest and was developing his full potential. He was an example to all of his family and he was a great brother. Since he passionately believed in his mission in Afghanistan we supported him when he volunteered for this mission. Quite recently he was telling us he would like to return should there be a second tour.

Jonathan lived the major part of his life in the city of Gatineau. He loved his city, his small part of the country, and his neighbourhood. He wanted more than anything else to make a difference in the world around him. He died doing what he loved best, to be a soldier and serve his country.

- 30 -

FYI only.

QUOTE:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071231-4.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 31, 2007

President Bush Signs S. 2488 into Law

White House News
On Monday, December 31, 2007, the President signed into law:

S. 2488, the “Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007,” which amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by: (1) establishing a definition of “a representative of the news media;” (2) directing that required attorney fees be paid from an agency’s own appropriation rather than from the Judgment Fund; (3) prohibiting an agency from assessing certain fees if it fails to comply with FOIA deadlines; and (4) establishing an Office of Government Information Services in the National Archives and Records Administration to review agency compliance with FOIA.

# # #

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

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071231.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 31, 2007

Statement by the President

White House News

Today, I have signed into law S. 2271, the “Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007.” I share the deep concern of the Congress over the continued violence in Darfur perpetrated by the Government of Sudan and rebel groups. My Administration will continue its efforts to bring about significant improvements in the conditions in Sudan through sanctions against the Government of Sudan and high level diplomatic engagement and by supporting the deployment of peacekeepers in Darfur.

This Act purports to authorize State and local governments to divest from companies doing business in named sectors in Sudan and thus risks being interpreted as insulating from Federal oversight State and local divestment actions that could interfere with implementation of national foreign policy. However, as the Constitution vests the exclusive authority to conduct foreign relations with the Federal Government, the executive branch shall construe and enforce this legislation in a manner that does not conflict with that authority.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

December 31, 2007.

# # #

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

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946710/posts

US diplomat killed in Sudan shooting
AP Via Yahoo! News ^ | January 1, 2008 | MOHAMED OSMAN

Posted on 01/01/2008 5:52:49 AM PST by rightwingintelligentsia
KHARTOUM, Sudan - An American diplomat and his driver were shot to death Tuesday in the Sudanese capital, the U.S. Embassy said, a day after a joint African Union-United Nations force took over peacekeeping in Sudan’s Darfur region.

It was not immediately known if the motive for the attack was political or a random crime.

“This afternoon, the American officer succumbed to his injuries and passed away,” said Walter Braunohler, the spokesman at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum.

Braunohler said the diplomat, whose name was not released, worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry identified the wounded American as a humanitarian aid official and said he was shot five times in the hand, shoulder and belly. The diplomat underwent surgery following the attack, according to the ministry’s statement.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_934.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Tue Jan 01 2008 15:34:27 GMT-0800 (PST).

SUDAN

September 06, 2007

This Travel Warning for Sudan alerts U.S. citizens to the threat from armed conflicts and warns of continued threats from terrorism in Sudan . This supersedes the Travel Warning issued for Sudan on October 5, 2006.

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence between government forces and various armed militias continues. Americans and other westerners have been victims of carjackings and armed robbery while traveling in Sudan . Land travel at night should be avoided.

Travelers are reminded that the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and western interests in Sudan . Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds.

Travel outside of the capital city of Khartoum and the adjacent town of Omdurman is potentially dangerous. Sporadic fighting instigated by militias often is reported in the southern parts of the country. Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nilestate.

Americans who must travel to Sudan despite this Travel Warning must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a Sudanese visa. Travelers must apply for a visa in their own country of residence. In August 2006, five foreigners, including two Americans, were arrested and detained in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Banal without the appropriate documentation. Several of these individuals had solicited and obtained escorts in Chad who allegedly promised to facilitate entry into Sudan but who were ultimately unable to follow through with their commitments. Without appropriate travel documents and permits, travelers may face arrest and detention for crimes including illegal entry, publication of false information, and espionage. If convicted, sentences range from deportation to life in prison or the death penalty.

The Sudanese Government requires that anyone seeking to enter the Darfur area, and some other areas, obtain a special travel permit. This includes humanitarian workers, journalists, photographers, and other media employees. Separate additional permits are required to take photographs, even for private use, and to conduct journalism anywhere in Sudan . Additional information about entry requirements for Sudan and other countries is located on the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens are strongly urged to register with the Embassy in Khartoum or through the State Department’s Travel Registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. 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 .) For after-hours emergencies, please call 249-183-774-705 and leave a message with Post One for the Consular Duty Officer.

More Details - Update:

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3489292,00.html

American diplomat killed in Sudan
Published: 01.02.08, 00:39 / Israel News

An American diplomat was shot and killed early Tuesday by gunmen in a passing car who cut him off as he was being driven home in Sudan’s capital. Sudanese officials insisted it was not a terrorist attack but the US embassy said it was too soon to determine the motive.

John Granville, 33, was an official for the US Agency for International Development, or USAID, working to implement a 2005 peace agreement between Sudan’s north and south that ended more than two decades of civil war. (AP)

Note: Photo included.

UPDATE:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/01/01/american.diplomat/

“Gunman kills U.S. diplomat, driver in Sudan”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “KHARTOUM, Sudan (CNN) — An American diplomat working toward restoring peace in war-torn Sudan was shot and killed along with his driver early Tuesday as he headed home from a New Year’s party in the Sudanese capital, his family said.

U.S. officials are working with Sudanese authorities to determine whether it was a targeted attack or an isolated incident.

John Granville, 33, was a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat from Buffalo, New York.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The Sudanese Interior Ministry identified the driver as 40-year-old Abdel Rahman Abbas and said the car was heading to a western suburb of Sudan’s capital, The Associated Press reported. Abbas, who was killed instantly in the attack, was employed by the U.S. Embassy, said Walter Braunohler, a spokesman for the embassy.

Granville died several hours later from his injuries.

Granville’s sister, Katie McCabe, said she believes hospital workers did not notice that her brother had been shot in the stomach — in addition to the hand and shoulder — which caused fatal internal bleeding.”

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=77680

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Sudan Heightened Security Awareness Advised
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Sudan
1 Jan 2008

Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
9 Oct 2007
WARDEN MESSAGE: DARFUR VIOLENCE ESCALATION, TEMPORARY STAFF WITHDRAWAL
6 Sep 2007
TRAVEL WARNING: SUDAN
31 Aug 2007
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: EAST AFRICA
17 Aug 2007
WARDEN MESSAGE: SUDAN TERRORISM THREAT
1 Aug 2007
WARDEN MESSAGE: EL FASHER, DARFUR ARMED GROUPS ACTIVE
U.S. Embassy Khartoum released the following Warden Message on January 1:

Early this morning, January 1, 2008, in Khartoum, Sudan, a United States Agency for International Development American officer and a locally employed Sudanese driver were attacked in their vehicle by unknown assailants. The Sudanese driver died at the scene of the incident. The American officer died later in hospital. We are working closely with local authorities to investigate the incident. The motive of the assailants is unknown. We continue to urge all American citizens living in Sudan to exercise heightened security awareness. The Embassy will provide further guidance as the investigation continues.

As stated in the Sudan Consular Information Sheet: Terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to carry out attacks against U.S. interests. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or Western interests.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. , or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens are strongly urged to register with the Embassy in Khartoum or through the State Department’s Travel Registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov . 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 .) For after-hours emergencies, please call 249-183-774-700 and leave a message with Post One for the Consular Duty Officer.

THANKS to Diogenesis for the ping to this photo essay.

QUOTE - SNIPPET:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946943/posts

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It's interesting to read the editorials in the Pakistani newspapers, where "locals" are commenting about suicide bombers:

Spate of suicide bombings

Snip: Led our"Spiritual Leaders" do the honor of strapping the belt around their Children's bodies and lead them on this Heavenly mission to meet the creator.How audacious to send someone else's child to be slaughtered for their polity.

Writer on prominent radical Islamic website gloats over Bhutto's death

The article headline read, “Another sworn enemy of Allah hit the dust.”

The commentary was carried on the Al-Ekhlaas forum, which the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) in an Oct. 2007 bulletin said has become “become one of the most prominent and popular Islamist forums.”

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