Threat Matrix: January 2008

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[nwctwx]

Still in Control

Pervez Musharraf was calm, confident and—despite a flurry of rumors—not about to announce his resignation. Instead, the Pakistani president's "concession" to his troubled nation was an announcement that he would allow Britain's Scotland Yard to help local law enforcement agencies with their investigation into last week's assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Speaking in a nationally televised address two hours after Pakistan's election commission announced the postponement of the ballot to Feb. 18, six weeks later than had been scheduled, Musharraf was notably deferential in his remarks about Bhutto, often invoking her "martyrdom" and extolling her liberal democratic credentials. "May she go to heaven," he said. "I stand for the same things she said." Read More

	Pakistan's Frayed Politics
	Musharraf's Dangerous Liaisons
	Pakistan after Bhutto

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January 2008

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[Cindy]

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/Page/IndexParMult&cid=1145961369337

###

Thanks to a special freepmailer for pointing to this link:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1200572519478&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Jan 22, 2008 17:38 | Updated Jan 23, 2008 15:47
“Ahmadinejad, Mubarak discuss Gaza”
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

CAIRO, Egypt

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad telephoned his Egyptian counterpart for the first time and discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip in the latest sign of warming ties between the two long time Middle East rivals, the official Iranian News Agency reported Tuesday.”

[MamaDearest]

Off Topic:

24 Clinical trial deaths in the Netherlands

It's been revealed that at least 24 people have died after taking part in research into a new treatment for pancreatitis being run at major Dutch hospitals. The University Medical Centre in Utrecht, which spearheaded the trials, announced today that the patients died between 2004 and 2007 during the research. Tests were carried out on a total of 296 patients in 15 hospitals across the country.

Brain dead or not depends on the hospital

Major hospitals and neurological centers across America use different protocols for determining brain death, and often stray from standards established by the American Academy of Neurology, a recent survey reveals.

Unqualified nurse worked at Winnipeg hospital for 2 years

A Winnipeg hospital has fired a man who worked as a registered nurse for two years after it learned he didn't have proper credentials to be a nurse.

Drug resistant TB kills 250 in one hospital

The malignant diseases, Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) and Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, have killed eight medical staff and 250 patients in just one hospital in South Africa in three years.

15 Galena Park students, faculty test positive for TB

Nearly 20 people at North Shore High School have tested positive for exposure to tuberculosis after a student was diagnosed with the infectious disease last month, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services officials said Tuesday.

Nineteen out of 150 students and faculty tested had a positive skin test result, indicating they were exposed to TB, said HCPHES spokeswoman Sandy Kachur. Those tested were considered to have had prolonged contact with a teen diagnosed with the disease in December, Kachur said.

[Cindy]

Thank you Mama Dearest.
Very disturbing, to say the least.

#

http://www.cdc.gov/tb/

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

[Cindy]

ADDING to post no. 869.

Thanks to RDTF for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958449/posts

“Spanish Terror Sting Foils Planned Attack”
AP via CBS News ^ | Jan. 23, 2008
Posted on 01/23/2008 3:00:06 PM PST by james500

[Oorang]

U.S. Web site said to offer strengthened encryption tool for al-Qaeda backers
January 23, 2008

An Arabic-language Web site hosted on a server located in Tampa, Fla., is apparently offering a new version of software that was designed to help al-Qaeda supporters encrypt their Internet communications.

The new encryption tool is called Mujahideen Secrets 2 and appears to be an updated version of easier-to-crack software that was released early last year, said Paul Henry, vice president of technology evangelism at Secure Computing Corp. in San Jose.

The tool is being distributed free of charge on a password-protected Web site that belongs to an Islamic forum known as al-Ekhlaas, according to Henry and a blog posting by the Middle East Media Research Institute. MEMRI is a Washington-based organization that monitors what it describes as jihadist Web sites and publishes translations of online content originally posted in Arabic, Persian or Turkish.

Excerpted

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyId=16&articleId=9058619&intsrc=hm_topic

[Cindy]

Thanks Oorang...I’ll add a link to that article to my list.

#

http://internet-haganah.com/haganah/internet.html

http://internet-haganah.com/harchives/006283.html

14 January 2008
“TERRORISTS (HEART) ADOBE”

#

http://memriiwmp.org/content/en/blog_personal.htm?id=342

“Al-Ekhlas Announces New Version of ‘Mujahideen Secrets’ Software”
Posted at January 14, 2008

[Oorang]

Thanks Cindy.

______________________________________________________

Two arrested in pre-school terror probe (Sweden)
22 Jan 08

Police arrested two people on Tuesday for allegedly defrauding Stockholm taxpayers of millions of kronor, on the pretext that the money was to be used to finance preschools. The money was allegedly transferred to accounts in Africa and the Middle East, in a case that is reported to have links to a terror financing probe.

The arrests are related to the arrest on Friday of a 41-year-old preschool principal on suspicion of tax and bookeeping offences. Prosecutor Björn Rosenlöf told Dagens Nyheter that at least 9 million kronor has been illegally transferred from Stockholm daycare centres to accounts in Africa and the Middle East.

The money was paid to the principal's company, Bismilahi AB, by Stockholm council. It was then forwarded by four charities based in Rinkeby, one of Stockholm's western suburbs. Bismilahi received a total of 23.5 million kronor of government money in 2006 to run Muslim preschools. The investigation into the daycare swindle is linked to an investigation into a 42-year-old man suspected of financing terrorism, Dagens Nyheter writes.

The 42-year-old, who runs a not-for-profit organization, is suspected of serious breach of bookeeping rules and of hindering tax controls. Svenska Dagbladet reports that the man's organization is suspected by the Swedish Security Police (Säpo) of transferring a large sum of money to foreign terrorist groups. The man is also suspected of having used his own money to fund terror organizations.

The man, who denies all accusations against him, was arrested in late November and was released on bail one month later. He is the subject of a travel ban and must report to the police once a week.

http://www.thelocal.se/9736/20080122/

[Cindy]

I didn’t know that.

The Jihad using children again.

Thanks Oorang.

[Oorang]

Dozens dead in Pakistan as Musharraf scorns Al-Qaeda threat
1 day ago

WANA, Pakistan — Islamic militants launched new attacks on border forts in Pakistan Tuesday, leaving seven troops and 37 rebels dead even as President Pervez Musharraf dismissed fears of a takeover by Al-Qaeda.

The attacks in the rugged belt of mountains bordering Afghanistan underlined growing insecurity across the nuclear-armed nation and came just before a top US commander flew in for talks on tackling the rebels.

Fighting has escalated sharply in nuclear-armed Pakistan since former premier Benazir Bhutto was assassinated last month, an attack blamed on an Al-Qaeda-linked tribal warlord based in the tribal region.

Excerpted

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i4mQ75AdnlKxKfUEai-L75sSiQeA

Forces seize explosives and arms in Swat
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

MINGORA: Security forces recovered a large quantity of weapons in the Shakardara area of Matta tehsil in multiple search operations conducted in Swat on Tuesday, sources said. The forces dug up two sacks filled with mortar shells, hand grenades — arms snatched from Frontier Constabulary personnel — and two cartons of ammunition from the garden of militant commander Iqbal Hussainin’s house.

They also raided the house of another militant commander, Qari Mushtaq, in Khawzakhela tehsil, where they seized weapons, 21 computers and a fax machine looted from the PAITHAM institute in Gulibagh. Police discovered and disarmed a bomb planted in a pressure cooker in the house of a retired policeman, Jamal, in the same area.

On Monday, security forces took control of Chaparyal, a key locality in Matta tehsil. In a subsequent search operation, they arrested a would-be suicide bomber and 35 other suspected militants, and seized weapons.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008/01/23/story_23-1-2008_pg7_5

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1603333/posts

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1603333/posts?page=110#110

blog:

http://www.westernresistance.com/blog/archives/003950.html

January 23, 2008

“’Terrorist 007’ And His Islamist Internet Adventures (3 of 3)”

(Note: “This article by Adrian Morgan (Giraldus Cambrensis of Western Resistance) appeared today in Family Security Matters and is reproduced with their permission.”)

110 posted on 01/23/2008 3:37:39 PM PST by Cindy

[Oorang]

You’re most welcome.

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/defense/

#

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080122-2.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 22, 2008

“Fact Sheet: Congress Must Act Now to Keep a Critical Intelligence Gap Closed
10 Days And Counting – Congress Should Act Now To Ensure Our Intelligence Community Has The Tools It Needs To Protect Us From Foreign Terrorists”

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080123-9.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 23, 2008

“Executive Order: Further Amendment of Executive Order 11858 Concerning Foreign Investment in the United States”

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080123-11.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 23, 2008

Statement by the President

Today, I issued an Executive Order reforming how the United States reviews national security concerns that may arise from foreign investments, in light of the Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007. The Executive Order furthers the goals of the new law by ensuring that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States will review carefully the national security concerns, if any, raised by certain foreign investments into the United States. The Executive Order reaffirms our commitment to open economies and our policy of welcoming foreign investment and the important economic benefits that such investment brings. At the same time, the Executive Order sets forth procedures for protecting our national security, recognizing that our openness is vital to our prosperity and security.

# # #

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp768.htm

January 23, 2008
HP-768

Statement by Secretary Paulson on Executive Order
Concerning Foreign Investment in the United States

“Foreign investment plays an important role in maintaining America’s economic strength. When foreign companies invest in the United States, they are sending a clear signal of confidence in the American economy and American workers. The President’s Executive Order today strengthens the process of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and will ensure that all appropriate federal agencies rigorously review potential foreign investments with national security implications. The Executive Order makes clear that America remains open to investment, consistent with the protection of our national security.”

[Cindy]

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958550/posts

Suicide bomber falls down stairs ...
news.com.au ^
Posted on 01/23/2008 6:10:08 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Suicide bomber falls down stairs ...

From correspondents in Khost, Afghanistan

January 24, 2008 12:39pm Article from: Agence France-Presse

A WOULD-be suicide bomber fell down a flight of stairs and blew himself up as he headed out for an attack in Afghanistan, police say.

It was the second such incident in two days, with another man killing himself and three others on Tuesday when his bomb-filled waistcoat exploded as he was putting it on in the southern town of Lashkar Gah.

Yesterday’s blast was in a busy market area of the eastern town of Khost, a deputy provincial police chief said.

The would-be attacker tripped as he was leaving a building apparently to target an opening ceremony for a mosque that was expected to be attended by Afghan and international military officials, said Sakhi Mir.

“Coming down the stairs, he fell down and exploded. Two civilian women and a man were wounded,’’ Mir said.

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

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958562/posts

#

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7204322.stm

Last Updated: Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 13:00 GMT
“W Bengal bird flu ‘is spreading’”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Officials in the Indian state of West Bengal say that the bird flu epidemic has spread to two more of the state’s 19 districts, taking the total to nine.

They say that the spread of the H5N1 virus means that even more chicken and duck will have to be killed than was originally estimated.

On Monday officials said that around 2m birds would need to be culled - a figure that will now rise.

Health experts have warned that the outbreak could get out of control.

The H5N1 strain of bird flu is regarded as highly pathogenic and can also cause disease and death in humans.

However, most human victims have contracted the disease through close contact with affected birds.”

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=78727

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Avian Influenza in Ukraine
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Europe - Ukraine
23 Jan 2008

Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
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RECENT THEFTS IN UKRAINE INVOLVING AMERICANS
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WARDEN MESSAGE: UKRAINE CONSULAR SERVICES OFFERED IN IVANO-FRANKIVSK, SEPTEMBER 28
U.S. Embassy Kyiv released the following Warden Message on January 23:

On January 18, 2008, the Government of Ukraine announced that an outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected at a poultry farm in the Krasnogvardiysky Rayon in Crimea. Thus far no human cases of avian influenza have been detected anywhere in Ukraine.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises travelers to countries with documented H5N1 outbreaks to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces or fluids from poultry or other animals. The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Ukraine that information about avian influenza (”avian flu,” “bird flu,” “chicken flu”), including suggested precautions, is available in the U.S. Department of State’s “Avian Flu Fact Sheet” at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html. This web site includes links to avian influenza information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please visit www.pandemicflu.gov for all the official U.S. Government information regarding avian/pandemic influenza.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings 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 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

In the event further information is obtained regarding this or any other security or safety situation in Ukraine, the Embassy will provide updates via this same channel and on the Embassy’s web site at http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/. American citizens who need to contact the Embassy may do so during working hours by calling the main Embassy telephone number at (38-044) 490-4000. The Embassy’s duty officer may be reached after hours via this same number, or by contacting (38-050) 311-1796.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at #6 Mykola Pymonenko St., 01901 Kiev, Ukraine. Telephone:(38-044) 490-4422; fax 236-4892. The Embassy is located at #10 Yuriy Kotsyubynsky St. 01901, Kiev, Ukraine.

[MamaDearest]

I hadn’t talked with Crabbie since the middle of October and did some checking. She is no longer with us. God took her to be with Him on October 26th. I am distraught as we had talked on the phone several times and became friends. She leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly, as will many of us FReepers.

[Cindy]

Crabbie was and is (in heaven) a beautiful, strong and hearty person.
We have missed her.
We will miss her.

We thank God for the time we had with her here on TM.

May God comfort her family.

In Jesus’ Holy name.
Amen.

[MamaDearest]

Thank you Cindy for the prayer for Crabbie. She was one remarkable woman. TM was very special to her.