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Posted on 05/01/2008 3:06:29 PM PDT by nwctwx
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_3072.html
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Sat May 31 2008 00:33:11 GMT-0700 (PDT).
LEBANON
May 30, 2008
This Travel Warning updates information on security threats and ongoing political violence in Lebanon and informs U.S. citizens of current safety and security concerns. The Department of State continues to urge that Americans avoid all travel to Lebanon. Americans who live and work in Lebanon presently should understand that they are accepting risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Lebanon issued on May 19, 2008.
On May 7, 2008, Hizballah militants blocked the road to Rafiq Hariri International Airport. The action rendered the airport inaccessible and travelers were unable to enter or leave the country via commercial air carriers. Armed Hizballah and other opposition members proceeded to enter areas of Lebanon not traditionally under their control resulting in heavy fighting and a number of casualties. While there is now full access to the airport and widespread hostilities have subsided, the United States is concerned about Hizballah’s willingness to use violence to achieve political ends with little or no warning.
The threat of anti-Western terrorist activity exists in
Lebanon; groups such as Al-Qaeda and Jund al-Sham are present in the country and have issued statements calling for attacks against Western interests in the past.
U.S. citizens traveling to Lebanon or resident in Lebanon should be aware that the U.S. Embassy has limited ability to reach all areas of Lebanon. The Embassy cannot guarantee that Embassy employees can render assistance to U.S. citizens in all areas of the country. Furthermore, in the event that the security climate in the country worsens, American citizens should be aware that they will bear the responsibility of arranging their own travel out of Lebanon. American citizens with special medical or other needs should be aware of the risks of remaining given their condition and be prepared to be treated in Lebanon if they cannot arrange for travel out of the country.
U.S. Government-facilitated evacuations such as took place in 2006 occur only when no safe commercial alternatives exist. Evacuation would be provided on a cost-recovery basis, which means the traveler must reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of the travel. The lack of valid travel documents (U.S. passport or U.S. visa, as appropriate) will slow the U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide assistance. Further information on the department’s role during emergencies is provided at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
Landmines and unexploded ordnance continually pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, as well as in areas of the country where civil war fighting was intense. More than a dozen civilians have been killed and over 100 injured by unexploded ordnance following the armed conflict in July-August 2006. Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present.
The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, access by U.S. Embassy officials to certain areas of the country. Unofficial travel to Lebanon by U.S. government employees and their family members requires prior approval by the Department of State.
The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; however, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209.
American citizens may register with the embassy online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. Americans are strongly encouraged to update their registration information if it is no longer current. Information on consular services and registration can also be found at http://lebanon.usembassy.gov or by phone at the above telephone numbers between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday local time.
Updated information on travel and security in Lebanon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Additional details can be found in the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Lebanon, and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov .
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4180.html
ravel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
This information is current as of today, Sat May 31 2008 00:34:35 GMT-0700 (PDT).
China
May 30, 2008
sp= Travel Alert
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3245.html
Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
This information is current as of today, Sat May 31 2008 00:35:56 GMT-0700 (PDT).
Hurricane Season
May 30, 2008
PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
“Worldwide Caution”
January 17, 2008
SNIPPET: “This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/egypt
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PHOTO CAPTION: “Nothing stolen from the shop”
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http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=26141
“Four Copts killed in Cairo gangland style”
“Two men on motorbike enter jewellery shop in Egyptian capital’s Zeitoun district, shoot dead owner, staff.”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “CAIRO - Two men in wigs and sunglasses shot dead four Coptic Christians jewellery shop workers in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday in an apparent gangland-style killing, a security official and witnesses said.
The shooting happened at around 12:30 pm (0930 GMT) in the mixed Christian-Muslim district of Zeitoun in northeast Cairo, the official said, adding that the attackers escaped without stealing anything from the shop.
Eyewitnesses said that the men arrived at the shop on a motorbike, walked in and shot dead the shop’s owner and three employees before driving away, in a rare act of brazen bloodshed in the capital.”
ADDING thread link to post no. 1247.
http://www.truthusa.com/911.html
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2024125/posts
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http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20080531_Pinning_the_blame_for_terror.html
Posted on Sat, May. 31, 2008
First of two parts
“Pinning the blame for terror
Special Report: A Phila. law firm wages an epic legal battle to recover billions in damages for 9/11.”
By Chris Mondics
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The Islamic Charities
Most of the Islamic charities named in the Cozen lawsuit are based in Saudi Arabia or trace their origins to the kingdom. Here are brief descriptions of six that are central to the case:
The Muslim World League was founded in 1962 in Saudi Arabia. It is closely tied to the government and is one of the world’s largest Islamic charities.
The International Islamic Relief Organization was founded by royal decree in Mecca on Jan. 29, 1979. It says its purpose is to provide relief to victims of famine, floods, and other natural disasters. It describes itself as an arm of the Muslim World League. The U.S. Treasury Department has designated two IIRO offices, in Indonesia and the Philippines, as terrorism supporters.
The Saudi High Commission for Relief of Bosnia and Herzegovina was founded by the government in 1993 to provide relief to Muslims uprooted during the Balkans war. It describes itself as an instrument of Saudi government policy. In its detainee hearings, the Pentagon considers past employment by the commission a reason to keep someone in custody at Guantanamo Bay.
The Benevolence International Foundation was founded in Saudi Arabia by Saudi financier Adel Batterjee. It moved to Chicago in early 1992. It described its mission as providing humanitarian relief projects throughout the world. The Treasury Department has designated the BIF and Batterjee as terrorism supporters.
Al-Haramain Foundation, a sprawling Islamic relief organization, long enjoyed close ties to the Saudi government. Since 9/11, it has been under pressure from U.S. authorities, which designated more than a dozen of its overseas offices, including one in the United States, as terrorism supporters. The Saudi government joined the United States in making more than half those designations.
The Rabita Trust says it was founded to assist struggling refugees in Bangladesh. It is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, and is headed by Wa’el Julaidan, a financier whom Treasury has designated a terrorism supporter. The Rabita Trust also has been designated.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/einelhilweh
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2024130/posts
“Lebanese troops shoot suspected suicide bomber”
Associated Press ^ | May 31, 2008 | Hussein Dakroub
Posted on May 31, 2008 1:26:44 PM PDT by decimon
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “BEIRUT — Lebanese troops shot and killed a suicide bomber near Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp Saturday, a senior military official said.
The official said the Palestinian man wearing an explosive belt approached an army checkpoint just outside the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp on the outskirts of the southern city of Sidon.
Soldiers manning the army checkpoint saw the young man climb out of a car and throw a hand grenade which failed to explode, the official said. The soldiers warned the man not to move, but he ignored the orders and moved quickly toward them with his hands on his waist.
The man, wearing an explosive belt of 4.41 pounds of TNT and 2.2 pounds of metal balls, tried to blow himself up in an armored personnel carrier with the aim of killing as many soldiers as possible, the official told The Associated Press.
Troops opened fire and killed the man instantly, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.
A military explosive expert removed the explosive belt the man was wearing, and an investigation is under way.
The would-be suicide bomber was identified as Mahmoud Yassin Ahmad, a 28-year-old Palestinian who lives in the Ein el-Hilweh camp.”
stepping back in time...
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/einelhilweh
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1826963/posts?page=1315#1315
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1826963/posts?page=1359#1359
Note: The following news brief is a quote:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3550151,00.html
Qassam rocket lands in Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, no injuries
Published: 05.31.08, 20:54 / Israel News
A Qassam rocket fired from northern Gaza landed in open spaces in the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council late Saturday.
No injuries or damage were reported. (Shmulik Hadad)
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=588_1212094463
“US Soldier Takes Out Insurgent Sniper Hide Out With SMAW - Iraq
US Soldier Firing SMAW At Insurgent Sniper Hiding In Balcony In Baghdad, Iraq.”
(Added May 29, 2008)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/05/20080531.html
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50060
Bush Urges Congressional Action on War Funding, GI Bill Expansion
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2008 – With Congress preparing to return from its Memorial Day recess, President Bush used his weekly radio address this morning to urge lawmakers to pass various pieces of pending legislation.
Here’s what the president had to say about two defense-related issues:
War funding: “Congress needs to pass a responsible war funding bill that puts the needs of our troops first, without loading it up with unrelated domestic spending. Our troops in Afghanistan are performing with courage and honor, delivering blows to the Taliban and al-Qaida. Our troops in Iraq have driven al-Qaida and other extremists from sanctuaries they once held across the country and are chasing them from their last remaining strongholds. Our men and women in uniform are risking their lives every day, and they deserve the resources and flexibility they need to complete their mission.”
GI Bill expansion: “Congress needs to support our military families by passing an expansion of the GI Bill that makes it easier for our troops to transfer unused education benefits to their spouses and children. It is critical for this legislation to support the all-volunteer force and help us recruit and retain the best military in the world.”
Related Sites:
President Bush’s May 31, 2008, Radio Address
TORONTO — An MBA student accused of setting up an elaborate terrorism-support network has been awarded a $5,000 prize for his entrepreneurial acumen. Two years ago, the arrest of the 26-year-old Canadian university student made headlines amid allegations he was known simply as “Waterloo Suresh” to Tamil Tiger figures overseas.
Suresh Sriskandarajah continues to be wanted in the United States to face charges that he set up enterprises to acquire $22,000 worth of sensitive warship-building software for the guerrillas. He stands further accused of dispatching student smugglers from Canada to Sri Lanka, urging them to pack computer equipment under layers of “teddies and chocolates” to throw off detection. Despite the U.S. interest in Mr. Sriskandarajah, he has been freed on bail pending the outcome of his extradition hearings and now spends his time doing graduate work in Ontario.
He has been hailed “a model student” by officials at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. After joining the university's MBA program last year, he became the first and only winner of the university's “CIBC leaders of entrepreneurship award.”
Excerpted
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080530.waward30/BNStory/National/home
Nuclear bomb blueprints and manuals on how to manufacture weapons-grade uranium for warheads are feared to be circulating on the international black market, according to investigators tracking the world's most infamous nuclear smuggling racket. Alarm about the sale of nuclear know-how follows the disclosure that the Swiss government, allegedly acting under US pressure, secretly destroyed tens of thousands of documents from a massive nuclear smuggling investigation.
The information was seized from the home and computers of Urs Tinner, a 43-year-old Swiss engineer who has been in custody for almost four years as a key suspect in the nuclear smuggling ring run by Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani metallurgist who in 2004 admitted leaking nuclear secrets and is under house arrest in Islamabad. The Khan network trafficked nuclear materials, equipment and knowhow to at least three countries: Iran, Libya, and North Korea.
President Pascal Couchepin stunned his Swiss compatriots last week by announcing that the Tinner files, believed to number around 30,000 documents, had been shredded. The extraordinary move, prompting demands for a parliamentary inquiry, was warranted to prevent the documents "getting into the hands of a terrorist organisation or an unauthorised state", according to Couchepin.
However, there are widespread fears this has already happened or still could. "We know that copies were made," said Mark Fitzpatrick, an expert on the illicit networks at the British-based International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). "Both US intelligence and the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog] had been pursuing this with great urgency and diligence. But what happened to the other copies that [Tinner] made? It is worrisome that there are other plans floating around somewhere out there."
Excerpted
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/31/nuclear.internationalcrime
US-AL-QAEDA-JIHAD-NUCLEAR
This computer generated image (Photo At Link Below) released by the SITE Intelligence Group on May 28, 2008, shows Washington, DC, in the aftermath of a nuclear attack. A video entitled, “Nuclear Jihad: the Ultimate Terror” released on May 25 has inspired jihadists on al-Ekhlaas and al-Hesbah, two password-protected al-Qaeda-affiliated forums, to discuss the possibility, permissibility, and risks for a nuclear strike in the United States or Great Britain, according to a SITE statement.
SITE has translated several chatter sessions taking place on al-Ekhlaas and al-Hesbah sites discussing the topic of a nuclear bomb in the US and the west. One of the sessions posted the computer-generated picture depicting what would be the aftermath of the destruction of the capital building located in Washington, DC.
http://www.mediafaxfoto.ro/photo_preview.php?photoId=2922469
WTH?
Two years ago, the arrest of the 26-year-old Canadian university student made headlines amid allegations he was known simply as “Waterloo Suresh” to Tamil Tiger figures overseas..........he became the first and only winner of the university's “CIBC ($5000) leaders of entrepreneurship award.”
I do not deal with CIBC, but if I did, I would pull my accounts.
DOBOJ, Bosnia - For years, Saudi Arabia flatly denied it had provided money and logistical support for Islamist militant groups that attacked Western targets. But that assertion is disputed by a former al-Qaeda commander who testified in a United Nations war-crimes trial that his unit was funded by the Saudi High Commission for Relief of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a government charity.
Ali Ahmed Ali Hamad, the former al-Qaeda fighter, gave the same account to The Inquirer in an interview in this struggling city in the central Balkans. "Because it was the biggest charity, [the commission] helped the mujaheddin the most," Hamad said, adding that it had provided "everything a person needed to exist." Hamad, 37, is expected to be called as a witness in a lawsuit filed by Cozen O'Connor alleging that Saudi Arabia and affiliated charities financed al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups as they geared up for the 9/11 attacks.
Excerpted
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