Threat Matrix: December 2006

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[nwctwx]

Fighting Jihad in Cyberspace
-Full Story-

The setting is familiar to anyone who watches the evening news. A large, executive-style desk, a laptop perched on top, a logo in the background and a screen showing shifting images to reinforce the newsreader's message. The only difference is the presenter, who is swathed in an Arab headdress and masked to hide his identity, and the subject of the broadcast, a call for an Islamic state for Iraq and a vow to use Iraq as a launching pad to crush the "Zionists" in Israel.

Welcome to the "Voice of the Caliphate", the latest offering from the Global Islamic Media Front, widely regarded as the mouthpiece of al-Qaeda and the worldwide jihadist movement.

Distributed over the internet, the mock news format is just one of many employed by al-Qaeda's highly sophisticated propaganda arm.

	Mystery Surrounds Zawahri’s Silence
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	Significant Terrorist Incidents, 1961-2003: A Brief Chronology

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[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=60518

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
"Warden Message: Bolivian Political Volatility, Protests"
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Americas - Bolivia
15 Dec 2006

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=60516

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: South Korea Bird Flu Outbreak
Consular Affairs Bulletins
East Asia / Pacific - Korea, South
15 Dec 2006

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Related Reports
11 Oct 2006
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
9 Oct 2006
Warden Message: North Korea Nuclear Test
11 Aug 2006
Warden Message: Korean Liberation Day August 15
13 Jul 2006
Warden Message: Seoul Anti-FTA Demonstrations July 13-14
6 Jul 2006
Warden Message: Seoul Demonstrations July 10-14
U.S. Embassy Seoul issued the following Warden Message on December 15:

Since late November, there have been three reported outbreaks of Avian Influenza (AI) among domesticated poultry in South Korea. The Korean Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has destroyed poultry in a specified zone surrounding the areas and has established poultry quarantine and movement controls in order to prevent the spread of the AI virus. The MAF has stated that it will continue to conduct monitoring and surveillance throughout the country.

The Korean authorities have determined that the outbreaks involve the H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. All three outbreaks occurred on commercial poultry farms in North Jeolla Province, about 75 miles south of Seoul and 15 miles east of Kunsan Air Base. No human case of bird flu has been reported in conjunction with these outbreaks. (There have never been any reports of humans falling ill with H5N1 in Korea, but several of the workers involved in culling affected fowl during outbreaks in 2003 and 2004 developed antibodies for the disease.)

The Korean Ministry of Agriculture's website includes pages in English that have information on avian flu and the MAF's efforts to combat it: http://english.maf.go.kr/index.jsp

The U.S. Embassy and State Department have issued worldwide guidance on measures you can take to protect yourself and your family, including getting a seasonal flu shot, practicing good hygiene, and preparing for a possible AI pandemic. For specific information on these topics, please see the Embassy webpage at: http://korea.usembassy.gov/avian_flu2.html.

Another excellent source of up-to-date avian flu information is www.pandemicflu.gov.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=60515

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Baghdad Hotel Threat
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Middle East / N. Africa - Iraq
15 Dec 2006

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20 Nov 2006
Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement
11 Oct 2006
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
28 Aug 2006
Iraq Travel Warning
28 Aug 2006
Travel Warning: Iraq
U.S. Embassy Baghdad issued the following Warden Message on December 15:

There is a threat against American Citizens at the Sheraton Hotel and vicinity in Baghdad, Iraq. Americans should increase vigilance as a result.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Consular Section at 1-240-553-0589 (US) or 0790-1-910-058 (Iraqna/AsiaCell/Atheer). You can also reach us via email at USConsulBaghdad@state.gov.

[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=60514

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
"Warden Message: Philippines Demonstrations December 15-17"
Consular Affairs Bulletins
East Asia / Pacific - Philippines
15 Dec 2006

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=60517

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Tripoli Demonstrations December 19-20
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Middle East / N. Africa - Libya
15 Dec 2006

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20 Nov 2006
Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement
18 Nov 2006
Libya Attack on Female Expatriate
11 Oct 2006
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
7 Aug 2006
Libya: Open for Business
U.S. Embassy Tripoli issued the following Warden Message on December 15:

A verdict in the case of the five Bulgarian nurses and one Palestinian doctor imprisoned on charges of deliberately infecting over 400 children with HIV is expected to be issued on December 19, 2006. Depending upon the outcome, local sentiments may run high. Prior government approval is required for public demonstrations in Libya, and security oversight is routinely provided for participants and passersby. However, the U.S. Embassy wishes to remind American citizens of the potential for demonstrations to occur with little or no warning, and that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

American citizens are, therefore, urged to avoid areas where demonstrations could potentially occur - such as the court building, the Bulgarian embassy and areas around the Corinthia Hotel and Fateh Towers, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security, especially on December 19th and 20th. U.S. citizens should keep a low profile, exercise caution when traveling around the country and to avoid crowds and areas where demonstrations may occur.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate protective measures travelers can take in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States 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).

The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli can be reached by telephone during office hours at 021-335-1235 or via e-mail at tripoliconsular@state.gov. In the event of an emergency involving an American citizen, the after-hours mobile telephone number is 091-220-0125.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=60456

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Nepalese Maoist Intimidation
Consular Affairs Bulletins
South / Central Asia - Nepal
15 Dec 2006

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8 Dec 2006
Travel Warning: Nepal
7 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Nepal Maoist Demands
11 Oct 2006
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
15 Sep 2006
Warden Message: Kathmandu Demonstrations Through October 27
13 Sep 2006
Kathmandu Demonstrations Called Off
U.S. Embassy Kathmandu issued the following Warden Message on December 15, 2006:

The Embassy was informed on December 14, 2006 of a number of cases of Maoists approaching American residents of Kathmandu demanding "donations" be made to the Maoists; in some cases the demands were accompanied by threats. The Embassy is extremely concerned about this matter and has already lodged a complaint with the Government of Nepal.

The Embassy urges American citizens to inform us immediately if you are approached by Maoists demanding housing for their cadre, or for any other assistance. (Please contact the Regional Security Office at 441-1179 during working hours or the Embassy Duty Officer at 441-1179 ext. 0 during non-working hours. Americans can also send an email to consktm@state.gov.) The Embassy will keep this information confidential, but, with your permission, will raise specific cases with the Government of Nepal in hopes of stopping this behavior. (It is our experience that raising specific cases of human rights and other abuses with the authorities and with the human rights community has had an ameliorating affect on the abusive behavior.)

Although the Government of Nepal no longer considers the Maoists to be terrorists, the State Department designation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" organization under the "Terrorist Exclusion List" of the Immigration and Nationality Act and under Executive Order 13224 remains. These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States and bar U.S. citizens from transactions such as contribution of funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists.

For further information about security conditions in Nepal, American citizens are encouraged to refer to the Consular Information Sheet for Nepal and the current Travel Warning for Nepal issued on December 08, 2006 (http://travel.state.gov). American citizens are also encouraged to refer to the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement for additional travel safety and security information. These documents are available on the homepage of the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs at http://travel.state.gov and the American Embassy in Nepal's home page at http://nepal.usembassy.gov. The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs maintains an information line at 1-888-407-4747 toll free or (202) 501-4444 Monday through Friday (excluding U.S. Government holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Specific information may also be obtained by calling the Embassy at 977-1-444-5577 during working hours and at 977-1-441-1179 during evenings and weekends and asking for the American Citizen Services unit of the Consular Section.

[Cindy]

PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Dec 16 2006 01:32:22 GMT-0800.

Worldwide Caution

October 11, 2006

[Cindy]

http://www.airportbusiness.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=5&id=9294

Updated: December 15th, 2006 12:51 PM EDT
Home > Airline and Airport Security News
"NY Man Accused of Disrupting Flight Due in Houston Court"
Cindy George
The Houston Chronicle

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A 66-year-old passenger charged with interfering with a Continental Airlines flight attendant while the plane was en route to Houston is due in federal court this morning.

Federal agents on Wednesday arrested Noboru Akao, a Japanese citizen and U.S. permanent resident alien living in New York state, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Akao was held after he arrived from Honolulu, a news release from U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle said.

Akao was apprehended after an on-board episode officials described as "disruptive" and "combative" behavior."

[Cindy]

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1006649

December 16th, 2006
"Home Invasion Involves Grandkids of Senator"
Dec 15th - 6:55pm

Mark Segraves, WTOP Radio

SILVER SPRING, Md. -

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Montgomery County Police say four masked men burst into the home of the daughter of Republican Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM). A 42-year-old nanny was at the home in the 2400 block of Hayden Drive, watching a one-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl when the gunmen came through the front door."



"Home Invasion in Falls Church"

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Police in Fairfax County say three Vietnamese men broke into a house in the 6400 block of South Street Friday afternoon.

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The suspects were between 20 and 30 years old and between 5-feet-7 inches and 5-feet-10 inches tall. One of the men was skinny and the other two had stocky builds.

Anyone with information about this incident or the suspects is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131."

[Cindy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6182223.stm

Last Updated: Saturday, 16 December 2006, 00:01 GMT

Drug resistant TB 'more severe'


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The problem of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis may be even more severe than previously thought, experts warn.

A survey of 79 countries by the World Health Organization published in the Lancet found TB drug resistance in virtually every one.

Particularly high levels of resistance were seen in regions of the former Soviet Union and parts of China.

About a third of the world's population is infected with the TB bug, with 8.9 million developing TB each year.

In 2004, the respiratory disease caused 1.7 million deaths worldwide.


MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TB
Kazakhstan: 14.2% of new cases
Tomsk, Russia: 13.7%
Uzbekistan: 13.8%
Estonia: 12.2%
Liaoning province, China: 10.4%
Lithuania: 9.4%
Latvia: 9.3%
Henan province, China: 7.8%

Anti-microbial drugs have proved very effective at treating TB.

But experts believe their misuse has given the bacteria too much chance to evolve new defences which render the drugs less effective.

The biggest problem is patients failing to complete a full course of the drugs.

Even though symptoms might have disappeared, small amounts of the bacteria may remain, and are capable of mutating.

Multidrug-resistant TB strains are those that are resistant to at least the two most potent drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin.

More dangerous strains

Scientists have recently reported an even more worrying from - extensive drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) - which has been found among people with HIV in South Africa."

[Cindy]

Off Topic, but fyi:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1164881904612&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Dec. 16, 2006 7:29
"US: On-board fire forces emergency landing"
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A personal air filter sparked a fire on a Continental Airlines jet with 160 people on board, forcing an emergency landing.

Six people were taken to a hospital, officials said. Their condition was not immediately known, John McGinley, Colorado Springs Airport's assistant director of operations, told The Gazette of Colorado Springs."

[Cindy]

http://www.cnn.com

---

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3340638,00.html

Suspicious envelope with white powder found at UN
Published: 12.16.06, 07:12

A suspicious envelope containing white powder is being analyzed at UN headquarters, prompting security officials to take precautionary measures, including decontamination of some staff, UN spokesmen said.

Security officials said the envelope, found on the building's fourth floor in CNN's mailbox, was taken down to the second-floor media liaison unit and then to the security office on the ground floor for examination. All those areas were sealed off by UN security as New York police experts were brought to examine the package. (AP)

[texpat72]

What is a personal air filter?

[texpat72]

I guess I should have read the article before I asked the question!

[Cindy]

According to the article it is: "The battery-powered device, which is worn around the neck and filters air near the person wearing it..."

[Cindy]

Smiling...I guess I should have scrolled down.

[Cindy]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/296163_ecoli16.html

Saturday, December 16, 2006
"On the trail of E. coli in California"

By LEE BOWMAN
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Where does E. coli come from?

Although cows are certainly prime suspects when E. coli surfaces, researchers know that the bacteria can make a home in the gut of almost any warm-blooded animal.

No one yet knows for sure how the latest outbreaks of a nasty E. coli strain came about.

But in California's Salinas Valley, source of at least nine national outbreaks of E. coli in the past 11 years, a team of scientists is on the hunt for every possible source of E. coli contamination."

[Cindy]

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/speeches/sp_1166137816540.shtm

"Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Protecting the Homeland: Meeting Challenges and Looking Forward"
Release Date: December 14, 2006
Washington, D.C.
George Washington University

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.dia.mil/publicaffairs/Press/press16.htm

Clarification of comment in “The Iraq Study Group Report”

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2006

The Defense Intelligence Agency appreciates the time and effort the Iraq Study Group members put into drafting their report, and we are studying the report and its recommendations. The report stated the Study Group was told that there are ‘fewer than 10 analysts on the job at the Defense Intelligence Agency who have more than two years’ experience in analyzing the insurgency.’ Many news organizations have quoted this inaccurate statement; therefore the Defense Intelligence Agency has found it necessary to correct the record.

The Defense Intelligence Agency has more than 300 dedicated analysts focused on the many complexities of Iraq. They include a core cadre of 49 analysts focused exclusively on the insurgency, at least half of whom have more than 2 years experience working this issue. DIA analysts are rotated to assignments in Iraq to provide support to U.S. Central Command and to gain additional on-the-ground experience and insight.

DIA is committed to providing the best possible military intelligence to the men and women in uniform and to the nation in its ongoing war against terrorism and extremism.

Released by the Defense Intelligence Agency Office of Public Affairs