Threat Matrix: January 2007

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[nwctwx]

Fighting Jihad: Strategic Thinking Needed
-Full Story-

The United States of America has some of the smartest leaders in government, military, and business in the world. Yet the American government has failed to collectively use this formidable brain-power 5+ years after the attack by Jihadists on the American homeland to develop a truly strategic plan to fight the global threat of Jihad and Islamist extremism. In one of the most complex wars in American history, rather than starting with holistic, big-picture thinking towards the challenges and prioritizing resources and actions accordingly, America has spent much of the past five years after 9/11 in reactive and bureaucratic churning.

	Zawahri Decries Moderate Arabs | Transcript: LauraMansfield.com
	There Is No Substitute For Knowing Your Enemy
	A Terror So Great We Forgot It At Once?

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[Oorang]

Thanks for the post ffnj. Sure has been a busy, but strange, week.

[Oorang]

Police seize bombs, explosives from rural Ontario home (Canada)
Friday, January 12, 2007

Police in southwestern Ontario arrested a 19-year-old man Thursday after finding what they say was a bomb factory in a rural farmhouse. Officers raided the Norfolk County home, seizing explosives, two live bombs that had been buried in a field on the property, at least one firearm and bomb-making materials, said the Hamilton Spectator.

Police didn't give any details about the explosives, which were destroyed by bomb disposal experts, said the report. A 19-year-old man who occupied the isolated home in the community of Middleton was arrested on several explosives and weapons charges, said the report. Police described him as having expertise with explosives.

An officer close to the investigation said Thursday night that neither the RCMP nor the Canadian Security Intelligence Service are involved "at this time." Police said they acted on a tip.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/01/12/bomb-factory.html

Authorities raise alert in Serbian prison after finding explosives
January 12, 2007

BELGRADE, Serbia: Authorities raised an alert at Serbia's top security prison after finding what appeared to be explosives within the compound, the justice minister said Friday.

Zoran Stojkovic said police were investigating the "suspicious material" found at the Central Prison in Belgrade. He gave no details about the suspected explosives, but said security had been increased to the highest level. "Our reaction was quick," he told reporters. "There is indication explosives were found."

Excerpted

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/12/europe/EU-GEN-Serbia-Prison-Alert.php

Over 30 Prague schools scoured for bomb after anonymous threat
12-01-2007

Over 30 church schools in Prague closed for the day on Friday after getting an anonymous bomb threat. Police and bomb disposal experts have been scouring the schools and premises and an intensive search is on for the culprit. It is the biggest security operation in the Czech capital since last September when there were fears of a possible terrorist attack against Jewish targets.

Excerpted

http://www.radio.cz/en/article/87189

[freeperfromnj]

It certainly. Hopefully it will be a quiet weekend!

[freeperfromnj]

Oops - left off the "has"

[Oorang]

Explosions hit southern Iran
Jan.11.2007

Three explosions have occurred in the south of Iran, an Iranian news agency reported. The explosions were recorded on Thursday in Khorramshahr in the Iranian border province of Khuzestan. "The three explosions were so strong that they shook windows of houses," the semi-official Fars news agency said.

Excerpted

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1AD1804A-599E-4003-8F54-21AFCC1E3200.htm

Report: Nuclear Explosion in Iran (UPDATE: 3 explosions)
January 11, 2007

A major explosion is being reported in the Iranian desert. It said to be a nuclear explosion. In the general area of one of Iran's nuclear testing sitees.

The alternative theory is that a UFO crashed. That is what one Iranian blogger is reporting, anyway. Anti-Mullah: Reports emanating from Iran on Wednesday indicate a huge explosion - reportedly NUCLEAR - from the Kerman area at the edge of the Kavir Lut (major desert). I waited to get confirmation of the event that was felt a 100 kilometers away but apart from on the ground phone reports, the local Islamic Iranian news media reported that an UFO had crashed and blown up to explain the incident. The explosion took place at what would be the Islamic Regime's testing ground for an atomic weapon.

Since even North Korea tested its nuke underground, I'm guessing that the even the Iranians aren't stupid enough for an above ground test. Which leaves the UFO theory. Kerman: Iran's Roswell. Now excuse me while I go feed my pet sasquatch. But GM seems to think that the explosion might have been a detonator test. My guess is that this is just rumor compounded by fear.

Lots of updates below the fold.

Excerpted

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/186028.php

[Cindy]

You're welcome PGalt.

[Cindy]

I looked for an update on the body, but basically allI could find was that it was frozen in pieces and no mention if any ID was found.

Thanks for the post, freeperfromnj.

[Cindy]

UPDATE:

http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/183702.php?contentType=4&contentId=288649
AP

"Bomb Threat On Chicago-Bound Plane Proves False"

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) -- A spokeswoman for American Eagle says there was no bomb onboard a Chicago-bound plane that was detained today at Toledo Express Airport.

Someone made a 911 call reporting a bomb onboard American Eagle Flight 4359. But American Eagle spokeswoman Andrea Huguely says authorities have determined that there was no bomb."

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The airline says all of the passengers were interviewed.

Twenty-nine passengers got back on the plane for the flight to Chicago.

The airline spokeswoman says one passenger decided not to make the trip but she didn't have further details."

[Cindy]

CANADA/explosives ping and thanks to Oorang for pointing to this article.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1761584/posts?page=702#702


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/01/12/bomb-factory.html

[Cindy]

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

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NOTE: The second snippet ("See also") on the following post is from YNETNEWS.com

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://off-topic.internet-haganah.com/archives/000724.html

January 12, 2007

IDF Keeps a Wary Eye on Egypt

Yaakov Katz (Jerusalem Post)

There is growing anxiety within the Israeli defense establishment regarding the stability of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's regime and the possibility that an Islamic takeover there could lead to war with Israel. The IDF's work plan for 2007 includes a section dedicated to "finding answers to counter Western military equipment in the region." High-ranking officers warned this week that while certain countries in the region might appear to be stable, they could easily collapse.
What is most troubling for Israel is that Egypt has built up a powerful and massive, Westernized military force. Egypt recently increased its defense expenditures by 30% and has ballistic missiles from North Korea and missile patrol boats from Germany, as well as F-16 combat jets, Abrams tanks, and Apache helicopters. Egypt has 450,000 regular troops as compared to Israel's tens of thousands. As long as Mubarak remains in power, a defense official said, Israel doesn't need to worry. "But the moment he falls and the Muslim Brotherhood takes over we could find ourselves facing a new front," he warned.

See also

Mubarak: "Muslim Brotherhood Is Danger to Egyptian Security":

Roee Nahmias (Ynet News) - In an interview with the Egyptian weekly al-Osboa Thursday, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak warned against the establishment of a religious Islamic state in Egypt, and against the ascendance of the Muslim Brotherhood to power. "The Muslim Brotherhood is a danger to the security of Egypt because it is walking in a religious path....We support a secular country in which citizens can enjoy civil rights."

Posted on 12 January 2007 @ 14:38 GMT

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3351564,00.html

Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for Qassam attack
Published: 01.12.07, 16:21

The Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for the firing of a Qassam rocket attack at Israel on Friday afternoon.

The rocket landed in an open field. (Ali Waked)

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://news.google.com/nwshp?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wn&q=%22Regent%27s+Park+Mosque%22&scoring=d

http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?hl=en&client=news&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22Regent%27s+Park+Mosque%22&scoring=d

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http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=119330

"London Mosque DVD: Jews Face Mass Extermination"
12:26 Jan 12, '07 / 22 Tevet 5767
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A leading mosque in London is selling DVDs that proclaim the coming mass extermination of Jews around the world on a "day of judgment." It also attacks Christian groups and the United Nations.


The London Central Mosque, also known as Regent's Park Mosque, is "the spiritual focal point for Muslims" throughout Great Britain, the European Jewish Press reported. It is also home to the Islamic Cultural Center, which educates Muslim children."

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/cartoonprotests/story/0,,1983936,00.html

"Cartoon protest leader guilty of soliciting murder"


Duncan Campbell
Saturday January 6, 2007
The Guardian


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The protest had been called following publication of a number of cartoons in Denmark which portrayed Mohammed in various unflattering forms. The original protesters were later joined by between 200 and 300 others, who had marched from the Regent's Park mosque."

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6216202.stm

Last Updated: Thursday, 7 December 2006, 22:37 GMT


"'Solemn' burial for murdered spy"

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "But after Mr Litvinenko's father Walter had spoken at his graveside - watched by Mr Litvinenko 's wife Marina and the couple's son Anatoly - an Islamic associate of his Chechen friend Ahmed Zakayev interrupted and performed a Muslim prayer.

Earlier, mourners, including Mr Litvinenko's father had joined Muslims for midday prayers at the Central London mosque in Regent's Park, where a funeral reading was given."

[Oorang]

Northwest Evacuates Plane Due to "Suspicious" Baggage
Jan 12, 2007 12:27 PM PST

A plane scheduled to be leaving McCarran Airport for Minneapolis was delayed from leaving Friday morning after concern for a passenger's baggage caused an evacuation. The plane was searched shortly after 9 a.m., with Metro and County Fire assisting. The FBI is now involved as well.

Northwest Airlines released the following statement:
"Northwest Airlines flight 778, a Boeing 757 aircraft from Las Vegas to Minneapolis/St. Paul with 179 passengers, experienced a delay today after concern was raised regarding a passenger's carry-on baggage while the aircraft was parked at the gate. Northwest is cooperating with the appropriate government agencies. As a precautionary measure, passengers have been asked to deplane while the situation is reviewed. Northwest apologizes to its customers for the inconvenience."

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5931557&nav=menu102_2

[Oorang]

Adding to your "white powder" article:

New White Powder Scare At PB Co. Courthouse (Florida)
Jan 12, 2007 1:12 pm US/Eastern

PALM BEACH For the second day in a row, there’s another mysterious powder scare at the Palm Beach County courthouse. It follows two suspicious powder incidents at both the Broward and Palm Beach county courthouses on Thursday.

According to WPEC, an envelope with a mysterious powder substance was found in the Palm Beach County Courthouse jury room Friday morning. The room was sealed and no one was exposed to it. The courthouse remains open, however, a hazardous materials team is on the scene.

According to WPTV, the mayor's office is reporting the substance may be tellurium, the same powder found Thursday in the mailroom. Tellurium can be dangerous if it’s not handled properly and can cause eye and skin irritation.

Excerpted

http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_012104948.html

[Cindy]

Cynical me wonders who the passenger was and what the "concern" with the luggage was.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

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

---

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pS_8Q2oU-o&eurl=

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NOTE: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1766655/posts

Tremoglie: The Inmates Are Running The Asylum
The Bulletin ( Philadelphia) ^ | 01/12/2007 | Michael P. Tremoglie

Posted on 01/12/2007 12:26:42 PM PST by Miami Vice

Terrific treatment of the nefarious characteristics and sordid history of some of the leading Democrats in the new Congress.

This is the link or cut and paste to your browser:

http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm?newsid=17705293&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=6

[Oorang]

Yup, they sure weren't forthcoming with any information of substance.

[Cindy]

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=Ahmadinejad

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=VENEZUELA
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=Chavez
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=HugoChavez

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

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http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=VENEZUELA%20%2B%20IRAN&btnG=Google+Search&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wn

http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?hl=en&client=news&q=VENEZUELA+%2B+IRAN&ie=ISO-8859-1&scoring=d

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ON THE NET...


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hezbollah
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hizballah
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hizbullah


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1747051/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1725936/posts?page=19#19
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1710273/posts

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1765311/posts

"Iran's Ahmadinejad to tour Latin America"
AFP ^ | Jan 10 , 2007

Posted on 01/10/2007 8:31:27 AM PST by Ooh-Ah

[Oorang]

In Tunisia, Extremists Bore Blueprints
Jan 12, 2007

TUNIS, Tunisia -- Nearly 30 Islamic extremists involved in a deadly gunbattle with police in this North African country had blueprints of foreign embassies and documents naming foreign envoys, the interior minister said Friday.

Haj Kacem described the 27 people involved in the Jan. 3 clash as "Salafist terrorists," referring to the hardline movement among Muslim fundamentalists, the official news agency TAP reported.

Excerpted

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TUNISIA_ISLAMIC_GROUP?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-01-12-12-48-14

Morocco sentences Belgian on terrorism charges
01.12.07

A Belgian man who was arrested in Syria and extradited to Morocco was sentenced Friday to three years imprisonment on terrorism charges, the state news agency said.

MAP identified the man as Khalid Oussayeh, and said he was of Moroccan origin. He was accused of having links to foreign terrorist organizations, of aiming to prepare terror attacks and of belonging to a group that MAP identified as the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3351587,00.html

[Oorang]

Algeria: Former Islamist Leader Forms Party

Algiers, 12 Jan. 2007 - The former leader of Algeria's outlawed Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) Anwar Haddam has announced he will form a new party to be called Movement for Freedom and Social Justice. In a statement published Friday by Algerian daily 'Al-Bayane', Haddam also announced his support for a government national reconciliation plan granting an amnesty to Islamist militants who give up armed guerrilla fighting.

Excerpted

http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Politics&loid=8.0.375770131&par=0

Left Behind Leaves Wal-Mart Ahead (Wal-Mart Stands Up To CAIR)

Wal-Mart may be the first corporation to not cave in to Muslim offense-taking and demand-making. The retailer is continuing to sell the “Left Behind: Eternal Forces” video game despite CAIR’s complaints — rather than pull the product and put employees through sensitivity training like every other company has done so far when confronted with even a single complaint by a Muslim.

Excerpted

http://politicalmavens.com/index.php/2007/01/08/left-behind-leaves-wal-mart-ahead/

Islamic Terror Group Posts Video Appearing to Show Chemical Rocket Attack Against U.S. Base in Iraq
Friday, January 12, 2007

A video was posted Thursday on the Web that graphically shows members of a well-known and highly organized Islamic insurgent group preparing and launching four rockets loaded with chemicals at a U.S. military base near Samarra, Iraq.

The video, which is posted on several Islamic Web sites, appears to show the attack being carried out by members of the self-proclaimed Salahaldin Al-Ayoubi Brigades, the military wing of Al Jabha Al-Islamiyya l'il-Muqawama Al-'Iraqiyya (JAMI), which has carried out numerous bombing and rocket attacks against U.S. military installations, including a mortar attack last October 10 that destroyed a major military ammunitions dump and lit up the sky on the outskirts of Baghdad.

Excerpted

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,243306,00.html