Threat Matrix: January 2008

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[nwctwx]

Still in Control

Pervez Musharraf was calm, confident and—despite a flurry of rumors—not about to announce his resignation. Instead, the Pakistani president's "concession" to his troubled nation was an announcement that he would allow Britain's Scotland Yard to help local law enforcement agencies with their investigation into last week's assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Speaking in a nationally televised address two hours after Pakistan's election commission announced the postponement of the ballot to Feb. 18, six weeks later than had been scheduled, Musharraf was notably deferential in his remarks about Bhutto, often invoking her "martyrdom" and extolling her liberal democratic credentials. "May she go to heaven," he said. "I stand for the same things she said." Read More

	Pakistan's Frayed Politics
	Musharraf's Dangerous Liaisons
	Pakistan after Bhutto

Threat Matrix:
January 2008

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[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=77890

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
“Warden Message: Kenya Fluid Security Conditions”
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Kenya
4 Jan 2008

[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=77843

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
“Warden Message: Guinea Capital Airport Area Civil Disturbances”
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Guinea
4 Jan 2008

[Cindy]

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2876.html

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

This information is current as of today, Sat Jan 05 2008 03:27:48 GMT-0800 (PST).

CHAD

January 03, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=77891

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Colombia Threat to Domestic Airline Flights
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Americas - Colombia
4 Jan 2008

Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
6 Dec 2007
WARDEN MESSAGE: COLOMBIA VIOLENT ARMED ROBBERIES ON HIKING TRAILS
26 Oct 2007
WARDEN MESSAGE: COLOMBIA ELECTION-RELATED VIOLENCE EXPECTED
U.S. Embassy Bogotá issued the following Warden Message on January 4:

This Warden Message is to alert American citizens traveling to or residing in Colombia that the Embassy has received unsubstantiated information regarding a threat to domestic airline flights in Colombia. As a precaution, all U.S. government employees and their dependents have been advised to consider postponing nonessential air travel within Colombia until this matter can be resolved.

This restriction will be in effect through Monday, January 7, 2008 unless otherwise amended. As always, U.S. citizens in Colombia should be proactive in taking security precautions. They should vary their travel routes and the times of their arrivals and departures, and remain aware of their surroundings. U.S. citizens in Colombia should always avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. 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). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

In case of an emergency, please contact the Consular Section at the Embassy in Bogota, located at Calle 22D-Bis # 47-51, Bogota, D.C., Colombia. Emergency telephone contact may be made 24 hours a day at (571) 315-0811.

[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 Jan 05 2008 03:36:04 GMT-0800 (PST).

Worldwide Caution

October 09, 2007

[Cindy]

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

[WestCoastGal]

I don’t understand why Mr Bush is dead set on throwing us all under the bus or truck in this instance.

We get a few border patrol guys here who go hunting, they have a lot to say about the treatment of their fellow workers. They are NOT happy.

MS13 is a direct result of illegal immigration. I’m wondering when the law abiding folks of this country will say enough?? They seem to be willing to vote for Obama because Oprah says so, but putting him in charge will just open the flood gates more than they are. These hoodlums are perfect candidates for terrorist recruits.

Eventually we will all have to pick a northern state and move there. Texas is much worse than California ever was as far as these illegal mexicans running around killing people. They are everywhere!

[drymans wife]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,320489,00.html

American Airlines to Test Anti-Missile System on Commercial Jets

Saturday, January 05, 2008

DALLAS ( — Up to three American Airlines jets will be outfitted this spring with laser technology being developed to protect planes from missiles fired by terrorists.

Officials said Friday the anti-missile systems won’t be tested on passenger flights. But the tests, which could involve more than 1,000 flights, will determine how well the technology holds up under the rigors of flight, they said.

The first Boeing 767-200 will be equipped in April or later, American spokesman Tim Wagner said. American operates that Boeing model mostly between New York and San Francisco and Los Angeles.

American said it is “not in favor” of putting anti-missile systems on commercial planes but agreed to take part in the tests to understand technologies that might be available in the future.

The anti-missile technology was developed for military planes, and U.K.-based BAE Systems PLC said Friday it won a $29 million contract from the Department of Homeland Security to test it on passenger planes.

The technology is intended to stop a missile attack by detecting heat from the rocket, then responding in a fraction of a second by firing a laser beam that jams the missile’s guidance system.

The device on the belly of the Boeing 767-200 aircraft will be operational but won’t be tested on regular flights, Wagner said. The use of a signal to mimic a missile attack has already been tested in the air, Wagner said.

Those tests also showed that the anti-missile systems didn’t interfere with the jet’s other controls, officials said.

snip..

[Cindy]

Thanks to RDTF for the ping to this thread.

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1948745/posts

Navy Terror [Hassan Abu-Jihaad knew Illinois mall grenade planner]
WTNH.com, New Haven ^ | January 4, 2008 | AP
Posted on 01/05/2008 6:55:39 AM PST by LurkedLongEnough

New Haven (AP) _ A federal judge says prosecutors may not introduce at trial a claim that a former Navy sailor plotted to attack military personnel. Hassan Abu-Jihaad is charged with disclosing the location of Navy ships to terrorism supporters.

The 31-year-old Abu-Jihaad of Phoenix pleaded not guilty in April to charges he provided material support to terrorists with intent to kill U.S. citizens and disclosed classified information relating to national defense. He is accused of disclosing the location of Navy ships and the best ways to attack them.

During a hearing in November, prosecutors played secretly recorded phone calls as they tried to show how Abu-Jihaad spoke in code about plotting sniper attacks on military personnel and recruiting stations. Some of the calls were with his former roommate who was convicted in November in an unrelated plot to attack an Illinois mall with hand grenades.

[Cindy]

http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=1572.0

#

UPDATE:

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2008/01/sudan-jihadis-claim-slaying-of.html

#

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2008/01/sudan_jihadis_claim_slaying_of.php

“Sudan Jihadis Claim Slaying of U.S. Diplo From New York”
By James Gordon Meek
(January 4, 2008)

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1948886/posts

“Mexican violence driving away U.S. tourists”
Houston Chronicle/AP ^ | 1-5-08 | ELLIOT SPAGAT
Posted on 01/05/2008 12:57:35 PM PST by Snickering Hound
PLAYAS DE ROSARITO, Mexico

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1948772/posts

“Mexican Drug Cartels Threaten Elections”
Washington Post ^ | anuary 5, 2008 | Manuel Roig-Franzia
Posted on 01/05/2008 8:18:27 AM PST by 3AngelaD
MEXICO CITY

[Cindy]

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Jan 05 2008 13:12:26 GMT-0800 (PST).

Mexico

October 24, 2007

[Cindy]

blog:

http://www.TheAviationNation.com/2008/01/05/dhs-decides-shoulder-fired-missiles-are-a-threat/

“DHS Decides Shoulder Fired Missiles are a Threat”
By Annie Jacobsen in category The Al-Qaeda Threat

SNIPPET: “The revelation in USA Today that DHS is beginning to outfit passenger jets with anti-missile technology has prompted a flood of emails in my in box. I’m republishing what I had to say on the subject of Shoulder Fired Missiles, or SFMs, back in December of 2005.”

stepping back in time...

http://www.TheAviationNation.com/2008/01/05/dhs-decides-shoulder-fired-missiles-are-a-threat/

“Shoulder-Fired Missiles: Threat or No Threat?”
By Annie Jacobsen
Originally published by WomensWallStreet.com
December 18, 2005

[Cindy]

http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=1521.0

#

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/speeches/sp_1197513975365.shtm

“Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on 2007 Achievements and 2008 Priorities”
Release Date: December 12, 2007
Woodrow Wilson Institute
Washington, D.C.

[Cindy]

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/t31dec_07e.htm

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC)

“News of the Israeli-Palestinian Confrontation”
December 15-31 , 2007

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/mideast/

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080105.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 5, 2008

President’s Radio Address
In Focus: Middle East

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Tuesday, I will board Air Force One and depart for a trip to the Middle East. This is a region of great strategic importance to the United States, and I’m looking forward to my visit.

My first stops will be in the Holy Land, where I’ll meet with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas. I will encourage both leaders to move forward with the peace negotiations they began last November in Annapolis. This is difficult work. It will require tough decisions on complex questions. But I am optimistic about the prospects. And I will make clear that America is deeply committed to helping both parties realize the historic vision we share: two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

During the second part of my trip, I will visit five of America’s key allies in the Arab world: Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. I will thank the leaders of these countries for their friendship. I will urge them to strongly support negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. I will discuss the importance of countering the aggressive ambitions of Iran. And I will assure them that America’s commitment to the security of our friends in the region is strong and enduring.
I know it is not always obvious why events in the nations of the Middle East should matter to the American people. But in the 21st century, developments there have a direct impact on our lives here. As we saw on September the 11th, 2001, dangers that arise on the other side of the world can bring death and destruction to our own streets. Since then, extremists have assassinated democratic leaders from Afghanistan to Lebanon to Pakistan. They have murdered innocent people from Saudi Arabia to Jordan and Iraq. They are seeking new weapons and new operatives, so they can attack America again, overthrow governments in the Middle East, and impose their hateful vision on millions.

On my trip, I will consult closely with our partners in the war against these extremists. I will reaffirm our pledge to use every necessary tool of intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, finance, and military power to bring our common enemies to justice. The terrorists and extremists will not let down their guard, and we must not let down ours.

At its core, the battle unfolding in the Middle East is more than a clash of arms. It is an ideological struggle. On one side are the forces of terror and death. On the other are tens of millions of ordinary people who want a free and peaceful life for their children. The future of the Middle East depends on the outcome of this struggle, and so does the security of the United States. We know that societies growing in tolerance and hope are less likely to become sources of radicalism and violence. So America will stay engaged in the region. We will support democrats and reformers from Beirut and Baghdad to Damascus and Tehran. We will stand with all those working to build a future of liberty and justice and peace.

Prevailing in this struggle will not be easy, but we know from history that it can be done. After World War II, many said that advancing freedom in Europe and East Asia would be impossible. Yet America invested the time and resources to help nations make the transition from dictatorship to democracy. There were trying moments along the way, and progress did not arrive overnight. But with patience and resolve, we have seen an extraordinary return on our investment — vital regions of the world that live in stability and prosperity and peace with America.

I believe a similar transformation can take place in the Middle East. At this decisive moment in their history, the people of the Middle East can have confidence in the power of liberty to overcome tyranny and terror. And all who step forward in freedom’s cause can count on a friend in the United States. I look forward to sharing this message in the region.

Thank you for listening.

END

[Cindy]

Discussion Forum:

“A Closer Look at EGYPT”
http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=1604.0

[Cindy]

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1948632/posts

Egypt: 4 Women Die of Bird Flu
NYT ^ | 01/03/08 | DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
Posted on 01/04/2008 10:32:47 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster
Egypt: 4 Women Die of Bird Flu

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.

Published: January 3, 2008

Bird flu has killed four Egyptian women in the past week, according to Egyptian health officials and the World Health Organization. The women, ages 25 to 50, were from different provinces, and the cases were not related, officials said. At least one was a chicken seller, and the others were said to have kept poultry at home. The H5N1 strain of avian flu appears endemic in Egyptian poultry; previously the last human case was in June. A total of 43 Egyptians have been infected with H5N1 since it arrived in early 2006; 19 died.

(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16233&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080105-04
January 5, 2008

Soldiers allegedly killed by an Iraqi Army Soldier
Multinational Division-North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – Two US Soldiers killed during a combined Iraqi Army and CF operation in Ninewah province on Dec. 26, were allegedly shot by an Iraqi Soldier.

For reasons that are as yet unknown, at least one Iraqi Army Soldier allegedly opened fire killing Capt. Rowdy Inman and Sgt. Benjamin Portell, both of whom were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. The incident occurred as US and Iraqi Army Soldiers were conducting operations to establish a combat outpost. Three other US Soldiers and one civilian interpreter were wounded in the attack.

The Iraqi Soldier who allegedly opened fire fled the scene but was identified by other Iraqi Army personnel and was then apprehended. Two Iraqi Army Soldiers are now being held in connection with the incident.

Coalition and Iraqi investigations into the incident are underway.

-30-

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1948936/posts

“Great Britain: Bishop warns of no-go zones for non-Muslims (Too dangerous to enter)”
The Telegraph (U.K.) ^ | January 5, 2007 | Jonathan Wynne-Jones
Posted on 01/05/2008 2:54:47 PM PST by Stoat