Threat Matrix: October 2006

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOMAtNHysUM
"An Inconvenient Fact"
Posted October 25, 2006

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag0YOLCX2Fo
"The Project"
Posted October 28, 2006

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/5356DC54-DA32-4231-A178-1791CA2C5FCF.htm
"Al Jazeera sets English launch date"

Wednesday 01 November 2006, 8:11 Makka Time, 5:11 GMT


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Al Jazeera is to launch its English-language news and current affairs channel on November 15."

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Agenda-setting

The English channel will have broadcast centres in Doha, Kuala Lumpur, London and Washington DC.

The website aljazeera.net/english will showcase the English channel's agenda-setting editorial mission and provide constantly updated coverage of news events from around the world, along with in-depth analysis and background.

It will provide RSS feeds, live streams and downloadable clips from the channel, as well as interactive discussions and polling."

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


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http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/FDAAB8BF-18F3-4C56-8127-D46C793D7E4F.htm

"Hezbollah in talks over prisoner swap"

Wednesday 01 November 2006, 7:37 Makka Time, 4:37 GMT



ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Nasrallah said in an interview with the Hezbollah television station, Al-Manar, that a negotiator appointed by Kofi Annan, the United Nations secretary-general, has been meeting both Hezbollah and Israeli officials.

He would not provide details about the negotiations, but said that both sides had "reached a stage of exchanging ideas, proposals or conditions".

"They are serious negotiations. It's better to keep it away from the media [but] this issue is on track and we are moving ahead," he said on Tuesday.

Nasrallah has offered to exchange the two for Arab prisoners in Israeli jails, but Israel has repeatedly refused.

Although the UN resolution that ended the 34-day war called for the soldiers' unconditional release, Israel has exchanged prisoners in the past.

Resistance 'strong'"



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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1724062/posts

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

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http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=5573678&nav=3YeX

"Iraq-Sniper Video
Al-Jazeera airs more sniper video"
(Cairo, Egypt-AP, Oct. 22, 2006 9:00 PM) --

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "More video has aired, allegedly showing Iraqi snipers targeting American troops.

This latest footage was broadcast by al-Jazeera, the Arab satellite channel often criticized by U-S officials as a terrorist tool.

The video shows at least three soldiers falling to the ground after apparently being shot by snipers in separate attacks. It's unclear when or where the attacks took place. The footage was stamped with the emblem of the Islamic Army in Iraq, a major Sunni Arab insurgent group."


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

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http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/7BF82C7F-E9E2-469D-A790-0A176F00FDA7.htm

"Pro-caliphate group targets Zanzibar"

Tuesday 31 October 2006, 21:59 Makka Time, 18:59 GMT


ARTICLW SNIPPET: "Hizb ut Tahrir, a pan-Islamic group banned in several countries, has launched a new campaign in politically volatile Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania.


The new campaign began when the group put up a series of posters overnight on Monday on the main island of the semi-autonomous Indian Ocean archipelago.

The posters read simply 'The Solution is Khilaffa'. The slogan refers to the group's aim of creating a worldwide caliphate - or Islamic state - led by a single Islamic leader.

"We are part of the international alliance calling and believing that Muslims should be led by one caliphate," Chande Khamis, a member of the group, said in Zanzibar's business district on Tuesday.

Zanzibar is 95 per cent Muslim, and its ties with mainland, mainly Christian, Tanzania have been strained in recent years."

[Cindy]

SP= article

[Cindy]

Note: Updates appreciated.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1729711/posts


http://cbs5.com/local/local_story_305004735.html

Oct 31, 2006 11:18 pm US/Pacific

"Bomb Explodes At eBay PayPal Headquarters In SJ"


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "(BCN) SAN JOSE An explosive device left at the eBay-owned PayPal headquarters in San Jose exploded Tuesday night, shattering a plate-glass window on the four-story building.

Some 26 employees were working inside the building at the time of the explosion. They reportedly called 911 after hearing the blast.

"Whatever caused this was pretty strong,' said San Jose Fire Department Capt. Jose Guerrero. "It's tough to break one of these windows."

The bomb was placed outside an exit at the PayPal building that leads to the company's conference center.

The fire department responded to the building at 2211 North 1st St. at 7:31 pm after being contacted by the building's private alarm company that some windows were broken and several explosions may have occurred inside, according to Guerrero."


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http://www.google.com

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1729718/posts

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=413730&in_page_id=1773

"Christian groups accuse BBC drama of inciting anti-Christian bias"
By PAUL REVOIRLast updated at 22:53pm on 31st October 2006


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The BBC are facing accusations of anti-Christian bias after a BBC drama portrayed evangelical extremists murdering Muslims.

One Christian group said the corporation had a "sinister" and "malicious" agenda against their faith, while another claimed the BBC1 Spooks programme could be an "incitement to hatred" against them.

The row comes in the wake of recent revelations that senior BBC executives had admitted that the corporation was guilty of bias against Christianity at a special "impartiality" summit."

[Cindy]

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/keyword?k=venezuela

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

http://www.internet-haganah.com/harchives/005763.html

25 October 2006
"UN SACRIFICIO POR LA CAUSA DE ALLAH"


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http://tancredo.house.gov/irc/Investigaions-Border-Report.pdf

"A Line in the Sand:
Confronting the Threat at
the Southwest Border
PREPARED BY THE MAJORITY STAFF OF THE
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS
MICHAEL T. McCAUL, Chairman"



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October 17 2006

Note: The following press release is a quote:

http://tancredo.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1242

Homeland Security Report Confirms Hezbollah “Has Already” Entered Through Porous Mexico-U.S. Border

Homeland Security Sub-Committee Report Available on Tancredo Website


(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) today commented on the Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security Report on border violence.

“This report is alarming and eye opening to say the least,” said Tancredo, Chairman of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus. “The report confirms our worst fears and shows that we must focus on border security now, and a guest worker plan later, much later.”

“The only thing compromised will be the lives of the American people if we continue to allow big business and unions to force the issue on the guest worker aspect of the immigration/border security debate,” added Tancredo.

The report confirms:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations have revealed that aliens were smuggled from the Middle East to staging areas in Central and South America, before being smuggled illegally into the United States
Members of Hezbollah have already entered the United States across the Southwest border.

U.S. military and intelligence officials believe that Venezuela is emerging as a potential hub of terrorism in the Western Hemisphere. The Venezuelan government is issuing identity documents that could subsequently be used to obtain a U.S. visa and enter the country.

Tancredo concluded, “The report unfortunately confirms once again what the American people have known for years – that our porous borders are a welcome mat for terrorists.”

For a copy of the report titled “A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border,” please visit the Congressman’s website at:

*WARNING: SOME OF THE MATERIAL IS VIOLENT & GRAPHIC IN NATURE*

http://tancredo.house.gov/irc/welcome.htm

# # # #

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1729723/posts

[Cindy]

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

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http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=25242

"Ortega's Return?"
By Frank J Gaffney Jr.
FrontPageMagazine.com | November 1, 2006

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061031-2.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 31, 2006

"Executive Order: Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo"


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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2198.html

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

This information is current as of today, Wed Nov 01 2006 01:32:56 GMT-0800.

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE
October 20, 2006

[Cindy]

http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/hp148.htm

October 31, 2006
HP-148

"Treasury Acts Against Narco Leader’s Front Companies, Cohorts"

[Cindy]

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

http://www.memri.org/iran.html

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'http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=/ForeignBureaus/archive/200610/INT20061031a.html

"Former Iranian President to Be Honored at Scottish University"
By Julie Stahl
CNSNews.com Jerusalem Bureau Chief
October 31, 2006

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

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

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1729744/posts

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http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3321427,00.html

"India: Israeli gets passport back"
Roee Mendel
Published: 10.30.06, 14:32


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A month and a half after being arrested in Mumbai for carrying bullets in her rucksack, Noa Haviv is expected to gain back her freedom Monday after an Indian judge instructed authorities to return her passport.

She is expected to return to Israel in the coming days.

Haviv, a 28-year-old from Jerusalem, was arrested upon arrival to India on an El Al plane from Israel. A cartridge loaded with 16 9mm bullets was found in her bag, which belonged to her brother.

Haviv was released about a week later, but her passport was held by local authorities and she was forbidden to leave India. In the meantime she continued to travel throughout the country."

[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, Wed Nov 01 2006 02:25:23 GMT-0800.

Worldwide Caution
October 11, 2006

[Cindy]

Thanks to piasa for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1729448/posts

"Suspect and A Setback In Al-Qaeda Anthrax Case - Scientist With Ties To Group Goes Free"
Washington Post ^ | October 31, 2006 | Joby Warrick

Posted on 10/31/2006 2:52:25 PM PST by RDTF

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1072.html

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

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1729594/posts

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Suitor_Slain.html

Tuesday, October 31, 2006 · Last updated 10:29 a.m. PT
"Calif. man killed in Brazil in ripoff"

By KIM CURTIS AND STAN LEHMAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITERS

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "SAN BRUNO, Calif. -- The lonely, divorced carpenter thought he was going to Brazil to make wedding plans.

Instead, he was drugged and held captive for six days at his fiancee's home while she and another man emptied his bank accounts, according to Brazilian authorities. Then they drove the 56-year-old victim to a vacant lot, where they strangled him with copper wire, doused his body with fuel, and set it on fire, investigators say.

Authorities found Raymond Merrill's charred body in April.

Now, the woman he believed was his betrothed is under arrest, along with a man suspected of helping to kill him.

"He would talk to me about ideal relationships and pure love," said Merrill's best friend, Bill Rauch. "With age doesn't necessarily come wisdom. He was used to doing things his way and, in the end, it did him in."

For months, his family knew nothing of his horrifying end. It was only after a bungled robbery in Brazil that investigators even learned of Merrill's fate."

[Cindy]

NOTE: The following text is a quote:
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2918.html

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

This information is current as of today, Wed Nov 01 2006 12:13:37 GMT-0800.

EAST TIMOR

November 01, 2006

This Travel Warning is being updated to inform Americans of ongoing security concerns in East Timor and to urge American citizens to defer non-essential travel to East Timor at this time. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on July 18, 2006.

Although the Department of State authorized lifting the ordered departure status of the U.S. Embassy in Dili on July 18, the Department remains concerned by the threat to the personal safety of Americans in East Timor due to continued indiscriminate communal and politically motivated violence, particularly in the capital, Dili. American citizens are urged to defer non-essential travel to East Timor. Demonstrations in response to the dismissal of 595 members of the armed forces escalated into rioting and violence in April and May. The presence of international troops and police beginning in late May has improved the security situation. However, an upsurge in violence in late October resulted in the deaths of several people, and a number of serious security concerns remain, including:

The international airport was closed on October 25 due to violent disturbances in its vicinity. The airport has returned to normal operations and security has been augmented. However, travelers who do not defer travel to East Timor should check the status of flights and security in the area prior to commencing travel.

There are continued incidents of gang related violence in Dili and an associated risk to Americans being intentionally or inadvertently injured by such violence. Stone-throwing attacks on cars are frequent, and have affected American citizens on several occasions. The beach road running from the harbor to beyond the U.S. Embassy has become particularly prone to stone throwing at vehicles. Americans who travel to East Timor despite this warning should exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving about in Dili.

Several areas of Dili have become sites of chronic security incidents. These include in particular the areas around the camps for internally displaced people (IDPs). Americans are advised to avoid these areas and check with the U.S. Embassy regarding other areas of concern.

The Government of Australia has revised its travel advice for East Timor to include a warning that Australians and Australian interests may be targeted. There is a risk that such targeting could encompass foreigners indiscriminately, including Americans. The Australian travel advice can be viewed at http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East_Timor
Sexual assaults against foreign nationals have occurred and may increase in the current environment. Female travelers are advised to exercise particular caution and to avoid travel alone on foot or in taxis, especially at night and in unfamiliar or isolated areas.

There have been illegal checkpoints operated in some areas of the city. Most frequently taxis and minibuses are stopped with the intent of extortion; in some cases East Timorese were identified for more violent targeting. American citizens are advised against using taxis or minibuses for transportation.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in East Timor to be alert to the potential for violence, to avoid those areas where disturbances have occurred, and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

Americans in East Timor should immediately register at the Embassy and obtain all recent messages sent to the American community in East Timor. The U.S. Embassy in Dili can be reached at 670 332-4684 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time or the duty officer outside business hours at 670-723-0949. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida de Portugal in the Pantai Kelapa area. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to East Timor can also register through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular information Sheet for East Timor. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada. Callers outside of the U.S. and Canada may call 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 on U.S. federal holidays).

[Cindy]

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/013844.php

November 01, 2006

"Paris fears jihadists may work at airport"

SNIPPET: "But has only moved against some, not all, of them. Why is that? "Paris fears extremists may work at airport," by Katrin Bennhold for the International Herald Tribune, with thanks to Jeffrey Imm:

ROISSY, France: The French authorities charged with assessing security risks at Charles de Gaulle airport have stripped 72 suspect Muslim workers of their security clearance, but about a dozen others are still working in the most restricted areas, including some cleaning planes and handling baggage for flights to the United States, according to a government security official and the airport workers themselves."

[Cindy]

A look at JIHADI PROPAGANDA On The Net...

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52670

"FROM WND'S JERUSALEM BUREAU
'Ramadan prayers caused American deaths in Iraq'
Palestinian preachers, terrorists call record casualties 'gift from Allah,' emboldened by calls for withdrawal"
Posted: October 31, 2006
1:00 a.m. Eastern

By Aaron Klein
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "JERUSALEM – With October becoming the most deadly month for U.S. troops in Iraq in nearly two years, Palestinian preachers in several major mosques in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are celebrating the anti-American violence as a gift from Allah bestowed upon Muslims through prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, according to congregants.

Terror leaders told WND the insurgency in Iraq exposed U.S. weakness and will soon force an American withdrawal, citing as proof the "many" people in the U.S. who are comparing the war in Iraq to Vietnam."

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1990

"America Supports You: California Parade Honors Vietnam Vets"
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2006

[Cindy]

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2006/11/southeast_asia_updates.php
"Southeast Asia Updates"
By Zachary Abuza
(November 1, 2006)

[Cindy]

UPDATE:

BILL ROGGIO.com - THE FOURTH RAIL - blog: "PAKISTANI TERROR GROUPS OPENLY INVOLVED IN BAJAUR PROTESTS" (November 1, 2006)

Bill Roggio.com - THE FOURTH RAIL - blog: "AFTERMATH OF THE BAJAUR AIRSTRIKE" (October 31, 2006)

Regarding Bajaur