Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

This thread has been locked, it will not receive new replies.
Locked on 11/01/2007 8:57:07 PM PDT by Religion Moderator, reason:

New thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1919875/posts



Skip to comments.

Threat Matrix: October 2007
Previous Thread ^

Posted on 10/02/2007 7:01:23 PM PDT by nwctwx

:::FreeRepublic's Threat Matrix:::
Al Qaeda 'Re-Emerging' in Pakistan Sanctuaries

The U.S. military said Tuesday it expected Al Qaeda to continue its "re-emergence" in sanctuaries in Pakistan's tribal areas from where it supported attacks in Afghanistan.

Sanctuary was provided to Al Qaeda and Taliban rebels after Islamabad signed a peace deal with militants in a desperate attempt to quell the unrest in its federally administered areas in September 2006, a U.S. military official said.

The militants called off the deal in July this year after Pakistani security forces raided a radical mosque in Islamabad where rebels had massed. Dozens were killed in those raids. Full story...

Critical Threats: Blank When None
Threat Matrix:
October 2007
Click for Color Code Information


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: alqaeda; alqaida; australia; austria; bomb; bus; california; canada; cellphone; dart; embassy; etimor; europe; farc; fremont; gang; gangs; gchq; gilbuena; gimf; globaljihad; hamas; homicidebombers; hospital; hospitals; humanbombs; iran; iraq; jihad; litvinenko; maldives; ms13; pakistan; peru; pkk; post520stadiums; roseville; rossmiller; sanjose; school; schoolbus; shannenrossmiller; siddique; somalia; stadium; stadiums; stevengilbuena; suicidebombers; terrorism; terroristfinancing; threatmatrix; tunnel; tunnels; turkey; yvonnezuniga; zuniga
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 1,021-1,022 next last
To: Cindy

Note: The snippet from Arab News on The Avaiation Nation blog is a snippet - quote.


41 posted on 10/03/2007 2:48:52 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: Clive; All

Thanks to Clive for the ping to this thread.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1905747/posts

“Dallaire testifies at Montreal genocide trial (Rwanda genocide)”
Canadian Press via Sun Media ^ | 2007-10-03 | Les Perreaux

Posted on 10/03/2007 2:38:14 AM PDT by Clive

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “MONTREAL - Former general Romeo Dallaire gave a chilling account Tuesday of how roadblocks popped up like mushrooms and served only to pick out and murder Tutsis in the 1994 Rwandan massacre.

Dallaire testified at the Canadian war crimes trial of former Toronto resident Desire Munyaneza how the roadblocks run by government-backed militia served no military purpose.

“It was simply there as a tool of ethnic cleansing,” Dallaire testified in Quebec Superior Court.

“There was no military or technical value,” he said. “it was purely to destroy human beings.”

Munyaneza is charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Butare region of Rwanda.”


42 posted on 10/03/2007 2:57:09 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: fanfan; Clive; GMMAC; backhoe; piasa; All

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=02a7fe2d-79c5-4cbd-b9e1-d22206866ffe&k=63199

“Unclear how information on terrorist funds used, inquiry told”
Kim Bolan , CanWest News Service
Published: Tuesday, October 02, 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Millions of dollars are spent to identify tens of millions in suspected terrorist financing in Canada each year.

But the agency charged with gathering the intelligence about terrorists and their cash says it doesn’t really know what is happening once the information is passed to the RCMP and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Air India inquiry heard Tuesday.

Two officials with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada testified in Ottawa about the limitations of the current information sharing.”


43 posted on 10/03/2007 3:01:11 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: All; backhoe; piasa; Godzilla; nwctwx

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14397&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071003-02
October 3, 2007

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain four extremists in Southern Iraq
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisers, detained four suspected extremists in two separate operations Sept. 30 in Southern Iraq.

Iraqi Security forces detained a suspected Special Groups member in An Nasariyah who is suspected of conducting improvised explosive devices and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces. He and his group are also suspected of conducting an assassination attempt against Nasariyah Tactical Support Unit commander which resulted in several deaths of innocent civilians.

The extremist is also suspected of smuggling weapons into the country. Intelligence reports tie him to an Iranian explosively formed penetrator ring. His group is linked to an Aug. 8 attack against Iraqi Police with IEDs, an Aug. 14 indirect fire attack on Tallil Air Base and an April 23 attack on an Australian convoy operating in the area.

In a separate operation, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained a suspected extremist in Hay Aamel who is responsible for multiple improvised explosive device attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

The most recent occurred Aug. 12, when the group attacked a convoy headed for the International Zone by placing an IED under a Hay Al Alem bridge. He and his group are also responsible for kidnapping and extrajudicial killings of Sunni citizens in the Hay Aamel area.

The assault force found several tools or devices that were used to conduct kidnapping and torture. The devices consisted of electric saws, drills and ropes. Three other suspicious men were detained for further questioning.

No Iraqi or U.S. forces were injured during these raids.

-30-


44 posted on 10/03/2007 3:05:33 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: All

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14398&Itemid=21

Oct. 3, 2007
Press Release A071003a

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda killing six terrorists, two suspects detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained two suspects during operations Monday and Tuesday targeting associates of al-Qaeda in Iraq in the central part of the country.

West of Balad Tuesday, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq member believed to be the key communications link between senior leaders of al-Qaeda and al-Qaeda in Iraq. When the ground force approached the target, they were engaged by an armed man who emerged from a vehicle. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire, killing two terrorists, and igniting the vehicle. Multiple secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle after it was engaged, indicating explosives stored inside. The nature of the explosions and detainee reporting indicated weapons and explosives were present in the vehicle. The ground force also detained one suspect on site.

Early Monday, Coalition forces discovered three men attempting to re-seed improvised explosive devices in an area where the ground force had previously destroyed several two IEDs. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged, killing one terrorist. The ground forces searched a nearby building in the same location and discovered two IED pressure plates which were safely destroyed on-site. That afternoon, surveillance elements witnessed three men emplacing several IEDs along a canal road. Again, perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces called an air strike on the time-sensitive target, killing the three terrorists.

During a two-day operation the Coalition forces also discovered three significant weapons caches. Intelligence led the ground force to a local school reported to be used as an al-Qaeda in Iraq safe house and mortar team staging area. Numerous weapons and ammunition were found on site to include mortar rounds, rocket propelled grenades, pressure plates, blasting caps, and rockets reported to be used as surface-to-air weapons in field expedient rocket launchers. Near the school, Coalition forces also discovered two other large caches with similar material to include hand grenades, IED making material and a training manual. The ground force detained one suspect during the operation. All weapons were safely destroyed by the ground force.

“Successful operations like these will assist the Iraqi people in their reconciliation efforts,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “We will continue dismantling al-Qaeda so Iraqis can regain control of their villages.”

-30-


45 posted on 10/03/2007 3:07:00 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: All; Clive

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

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3234.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Wed Oct 03 2007 03:09:35 GMT-0700.

Zimbabwe

October 02, 2007

This Public Announcement is being issued to update travelers on security concerns in Zimbabwe and to advise Americans to consider the risks of travel to Zimbabwe at this time. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on July 12, 2007, and expires on December 30, 2007.

The security situation in Zimbabwe is volatile and could deteriorate quickly without warning. Sharp price cuts on local goods have caused widespread shortages of bread, milk, meat, poultry and gasoline, and other basic goods, resulting in occasional outbreaks of violence as security agents seek to enforce the price cuts and citizens rush to buy available goods. Visitors should be prepared for food shortages and avoid large gatherings, particularly around shopping areas and in the high-density suburbs of Harare and Bulawayo .

In response to growing public protests against deteriorating conditions, the Zimbabwe Government continues to authorize its security forces to suppress all dissent by whatever means deemed necessary. In recent months, political leaders at the highest levels of the Zimbabwean government have condoned the security forces’ use of violence against opponents of the government. The government has defended its right to treat individuals roughly, including those in custody, and has warned of more such actions.

As campaigning and preparations for 2008 presidential elections take place, there is an increased potential for political violence, particularly at large rallies or demonstrations. American citizens in Zimbabwe should, therefore, exercise caution when traveling within the country and avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings.

The government frequently uses roadblocks to enforce order. Roadblocks can be particularly dangerous, and extreme caution should be used when approaching them. Travelers should comply with instructions from police or other security officials to stop at roadblocks. Travelers are advised to carry a mobile phone or other means of communication.

In light of the current circumstances, U.S. citizens are advised to consider the risks before traveling to Zimbabwe at this time. Americans who do travel to Zimbabwe should closely monitor the situation, keep travel documents up-to-date and make their own contingency plans. Americans overseas are advised to make or update complete inventories of their household effects and to maintain an adequate supply of food, water, and necessary medications in their home. See the State Department’s information on emergency and crisis planning at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html. American citizens already in Zimbabwe should monitor regularly the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Consular Information Sheet for Zimbabwe , the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and other travel information can be found. Up to date information on security also can be obtained by emailing consularharare@state.gov or calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada . Callers outside the United States and Canada may call a toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

All Americans in Zimbabwe are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov , by phone or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Harare . Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Zimbabwe and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans with an e-mail address.


46 posted on 10/03/2007 3:10:23 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

To: Cindy

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

#

http://www.expatica.com/actual/article.asp?subchannel_id=26&story_id=44519

“Under surveillance, German Islamist centre dissolves itself”
2 October 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Ulm, Germany (dpa) - An Islamist club in Germany which has been under long-term surveillance by German anti-terrorism agencies said Tuesday it had voted to dissolve.

The dissolution of the Islamic Information Centre in Ulm, southern Germany, comes ahead of moves by the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg to prohibit the club and confiscate its property.

Mehmet Durbin, deputy chairman of the club, told Ulm broadcaster Radio 7 that a general meeting voted to wind up the Centre. He added there were no plans to create a replacement organization. The club’s registration as a legal society would be cancelled.

Anti-terrorism agencies have suspected the club of promoting Islamist radicalism and of links with violence.”


47 posted on 10/03/2007 3:15:51 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: All

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3456084,00.html

Swastikas discovered at Ashkelon school

Published: 10.03.07, 11:30 / Israel News

Swastikas and symbols linked to devil worship were discovered at a school in Ashkelon Wednesday.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after the markings were discovered, and began investigating the findings. (Shmulik Hadad)

#

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3456067,00.html

Qassam lands near Sderot

Published: 10.03.07, 10:44 / Israel News

A Qassam Rocket launched from the northern Gaza Strip towards Israel landed in open fields near Sderot Wednesday.

No injuries or damages were reported. (Shmulik Hadad)


48 posted on 10/03/2007 3:19:30 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: All

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

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07100018.htm

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Death toll from violence in Nigeria higher than estimated

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

KANO, NIGERIA (ANS) — Indications that the death toll following the weekend’s violence in the Tundun Wada area of Kano State, northern Nigeria, may be higher than initially estimated are beginning to emerge as more information about the causes of the violence are brought to light.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) says official figures suggest around nine Christians were killed, several churches were burnt and businesses and homes belonging to non- Muslims were destroyed during religious violence. Even Christian policemen are reported to have lost their homes and property.
As tensions slowly decrease in the area, the circumstances which triggered the violence are gradually being revealed, CSW said.

“The violence appears to have begun on the morning of 28 September 2007, when a group of Muslim students invaded a room shared by two Christian students at the Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada Na Kande, and began to assault them severely,” says a CSW report.

“When the Christian students asked what they had done wrong, their assailants initially told them to ‘mind their own business.’ However, once the school Principal arrived at the scene, the Christians were accused of drawing a picture of Mohammed on a mosque wall and of planning an assault on Muslim students.”

Reports also indicate that following the violence, Tundun Wada’s chief of police ordered the area to be sealed off.

CSW went on to report: “Local authorities transported Christians out of the area and removed all corpses in a possible attempt to obscure the true death toll. Even those seeking to assist victims of the violence were denied access to the area. Three pastors from the Mountain of Fire Pentecostal Church based in the State Capital, Kano City were detained when they attempted to evacuate members of their denomination. They were accompanied by three uniformed Christian members of the Nigerian Air Force who were also imprisoned. The three pastors have since been released on bail, while the air force men remain in custody.”

As a result of this enforced isolation of the area, the exact number of fatalities is difficult to determine. However, sources suspect that the toll is far higher than originally stated. One policeman was overheard complaining of being “fed up of packing corpses.”

Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, said: “The news that the area was initially cut off from any outside assistance is deeply troubling. Until all the facts surrounding these attacks and resulting fatalities is uncovered, many victims may not be able to find out what has happened to their family and friends.

“These people have lost so much already in the violence that has destroyed their homes and livelihoods. We encourage the authorities to do everything within their power to bring peace and justice to this situation, an essential part of which is to reveal the truth and allow victims to mourn.”

CSW is a human rights organization which specializes in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.

For more information, please contact Penny Hollings, Campaigns and Media Manager at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045, email pennyhollings@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. His weblog appears at: Michael’s Wor(l)d BLOG

** You may republish this story with proper attribution.


49 posted on 10/03/2007 3:26:07 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 48 | View Replies]

To: All

Note: The following post is a qoote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1891377/posts

Nigerian Catholic faces stoning death back home (Islamic court orders flogging before execution)
ADN Kronos ^ | September 3, 2007

Posted on 09/05/2007 5:19:17 AM PDT by NYer

Turin, 3 Sept.(AKI) - A young Nigerian Roman Catholic who faces death by stoning in his homeland for having had pre-marital sex with his girlfriend, has appealed to Italy not to deport him. “I am safe here. I know by the grace of God I will find life here, Felix Eugene told Adnkronos International (AKI).

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) is due to begin considering on Monday whether Eugene, 27, can remain in Italy, where he has been living since 2004.

“I know that as a young man, I can do any kind of work,” said Eugene. He been working as a casual labourer unloading goods at a supermarket in the northern Italian city of Turin, and working as a hairdresser in his free time.

Magistrates in Nigeria sentenced Eugene to death by stoning preceeded by public flogging. A Sharia court gave him 20 lashes for 21 days for having tried to convert his Muslim girlfriend Fatima to Christianity. “ I wanted to marry her, so she could be the mother of my children,” he told AKI.

He said he has not been able to contact Fatima or his family since his escape from jail in Niger State and his flight from Nigeria. “I would like to get in touch with my family and Fatima, but I know it will not be easy to find her,” said Eugene.

Nigeria’s constitution upholds the secularism of the state and its legal system. But in Niger state and 11 other states, mainly in the Muslim majority north, Islamic (Sharia) law is applied.

Life is harsh for Muslim women in Niger State, where women cannot wear trousers, or speak in public to a Christian, Eugene told AKI. “When Fatima’s family found out she was pregnant by me, they disowned her,” Eugene said.

He does not know what has become of Fatima or their child.

Eugene’s family property was torched by his girfriend’s relatives when they found out Fatimah was pregnant, and Eugene and his father were thrown into jail.

Eugene was flogged for four days before managing to escape after his father paid a hefty bribe to his mullah-jailer to leave the door of his cell unlocked.

The mullah had his throat slit in a public square after it was discovered that Eugene had fled. He got a lift on a large truck headed for the Nigerian capital, Lagos where his uncle lives.

“My uncle decided I must leave Nigeria,” said Eugene.

From Lagos, Eugene managed to reach the northern Italian port of Genova aboard a container ship owned by a company that a friend of his uncle’s in Lagos worked for.

“I didn’t know where to go, but an Italian woman in Genova helped me. She bought me a train ticket to Turin, gave me 10 euros and told me I might find work there,” he said.

“Italians have been doing good for me by helping me,” he stressed.

Via diplomatic channels, documents and photographs, Eugene’s main lawyer, Anna Rosa Oddone, has verified his story. She told AKI she is optimistic that Eugene will be allowed to stay in Italy.

The UNHCR in Italy, which includes representatives from the United Nations, the Italian government and the police, will rule on whether Eugene can obtain refugee status, political asylum, or humanitarian leave, meaning he could stay in the country initially for up to 12 months.

If his recourse to UNHCR fails, Eugene can apply to the Italian courts but will have to do so in absentia, as he will be deported immediately.

Italy has played a part in succesful international campaigns to save two Nigerian women sentenced to lapidation under Islamic law. Amina Lawal, a Nigerian woman sentenced to death by stoning for having a baby as a result of consensual sexual relations while divorced, had her sentence overturned and was freed in 2003.

Safiya Husseini was sentenced to death by stoning for adultery in 2001 but was later acquitted on appeal and in 2002 was made an ‘honorary’ citizen of Rome.


50 posted on 10/03/2007 3:28:37 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 49 | View Replies]

To: All

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


51 posted on 10/03/2007 3:29:15 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 50 | View Replies]

To: All

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 Oct 03 2007 03:30:23 GMT-0700.

Worldwide Caution

April 10, 2007


52 posted on 10/03/2007 3:30:13 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: All

READY.GOV
http://www.ready.gov


53 posted on 10/03/2007 3:30:58 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: All

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

#

UPDATE:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/018345.php
(AP)

October 2, 2007
“Prosecutors say Chicago jihadists sought to topple U.S. government in favor of Islamic regime”

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/012868.php
(CBS)

August 25, 2006
“Sears Tower plot: building “an Islamic army to wage jihad””

#

http://www.nefafoundation.org

http://www.nefafoundation.org/miscellaneous/Miami_Plot.pdf


54 posted on 10/03/2007 4:16:09 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: nwctwx

As if we would not forgive you. *smile*


55 posted on 10/03/2007 4:44:36 AM PDT by Donna Lee Nardo (DEATH TO ISLAMIC TERRORISTS AND ANIMAL AND CHILD ABUSERS.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Cindy

That’s a good roundup of articles, Cindy.


56 posted on 10/03/2007 4:49:19 AM PDT by Donna Lee Nardo (DEATH TO ISLAMIC TERRORISTS AND ANIMAL AND CHILD ABUSERS.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: nwctwx

Awesome as always.

Thank you for all your hard work!!!!!


57 posted on 10/03/2007 6:54:16 AM PDT by drymans wife (They is nothing like the mind of a TM;'er)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: nwctwx

Thanks for the great info!


58 posted on 10/03/2007 8:14:43 AM PDT by matthew fuller (Relocate the Navy's S.F. Fleet Week to a real American city!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: drymans wife; tmp02; Oorang; MamaDearest; nwctwx; Domestic Church; Rushmore Rocks; Labyrinthos; ...
With the summer in Iraq and Afghanistan coming to a close, the tempo of attacks should decrease, particularly in Afghanistan. Early this past spring, AQ and the Taliban announced that the offensive this year would be devastating to Coalition forces. The following is a recap of the season.

The following summarizes pretty well what happened to AQ in Iraq, found at:

http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/iraq/articles/20071003.aspx

Al Qaeda has lost half its leadership over the Summer, and American intelligence collectors have amassed a huge number of desperate messages from al Qaeda leaders and operatives. Terror attacks are down by more than half because al Qaeda keeps getting run out of their refuges, and, in desperation, keeps asking each other for help. There is not much help. Couriers are still getting through with cash, to buy people and bomb making materials. But most of this stuff is now getting captured, as safe houses are quickly abandoned. When the terrorists are unable to escape, they more frequently surrender, rather than fight to the death. This is a sign of falling morale. This is what the psychologists predicted as the number of desperate messages grew. For the troops, this is a mixed blessings. But as more of the hard core are cornered, you also come up against heavily armed men, ready to fight to the death. Sure, you can eventually clear out the civilians, back away and let the smart bombs finish the job. But that initial encounter with desperate terrorists, determined to take an infidel with him, can be unnerving, and dangerous. Increasingly, large groups of terrorists are being cornered. Over the weekend, at least sixty terrorists were killed in several engagements.

The increasing amount of intelligence, from captured materials and interrogations, has also uncovered the identities of many Iraqi army and police personnel who are working for Sunni and Shia terrorist groups. The Shia militias have also been under increasing attack lately, producing much evidence of traitorous cops. As a result, dozens of security force personnel have been arrested in the last week, and accused of working for the enemy. Some worked out of conviction, but most were either bribed or blackmailed (threats of death or kidnapping of kin).

The Afghanistan/Pakistan front

Proportionally, AQ and the Taliban have had it much worse. As with last year, these forces have moved in large numbers which has resulted in their detection, engagement and destruction in large numbers by coalition forces. While still looking for some final figures, the dailies from Afghanistan indicate that the death toll for AQ/Tali in Afghanistan is in the thousands, while few Coalition forces have been killed. AQ/Taliban forces have resorted to intimidation of outlying villages and kidnappings to try to supplement their poorly conducted suicide bombing campaign. This has just galvanized the native Afghani into reporting AQ/Taliban activity, knowing that they will receive support from the Afghan and Coalition forces.

The big question mark for next year is Pakistan's determination to close border provinces and refuse AQ/Taliban sanctuary there. This is a very tough call as Musharrif doesn't have the military or political clout to move into those areas. I think the dam is weakening on the Pakistani reluctance to allow Coalition strikes in these areas, provided they can have plausible deniability and 'rage' against the US. This may also be the reason AQ/Tali camps were abandoned and activity has resumed in the Tora Bora area, anticipating Coalition strikes. Will have to see how this plays out over the next several months.

59 posted on 10/03/2007 8:25:07 AM PDT by Godzilla (Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 57 | View Replies]

To: nwctwx; Cindy
The thread looks wonderful. Thanks a billion for your hard work. I don’t say it enough but you two are really awesome. Your dedication to TM is priceless. Thank you both!
60 posted on 10/03/2007 9:20:13 AM PDT by flutters (God Bless The USA)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 1,021-1,022 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson