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

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January 2008

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[Cindy]

Thanks to Ex-Soldier for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1948558/posts

“DC files Parker/Heller brief”
Arms and the Law ^ | 4 January 2008 | District of Columbia and Mayor A, Fenty
Posted on 01/04/2008 6:17:56 PM PST by RKV

[Cindy]

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3491611,00.html

“2 Katyushas fired from Lebanon overnight found in Shlomi”

SNIPPET: “Fragments of two 122-mm Katyusha rockets found in yard, balcony of home in western Galilee community. IDF says did not identify rocket launchings, perhaps due to weather conditions”

Ahiya Raved
Published: 01.08.08, 09:56 / Israel News

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16296&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080108-02
January 8, 2008

Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Special Forces detain eight suspected extremists (Mashraf)

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained six alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq members and two additional suspects in two separate operations Jan. 6.

An Iraqi Emergency Response Unit detained six suspected AQI members who are believed to be responsible for a wide range of criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder, against Iraqi civilians, as well as improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces within Tarmiyah and Taji.

Additionally, during a cordon and search operation in Mashraf, two suspects were detained who are believed to be insurgents from the Saddam neighborhood in Mosul.

One PKC with ammunition, two AK-47s, grenades, four mortars, one pistol, a tactical vest and a list of possible cell member names were confiscated during the operation.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16301&Itemid=21

Press Release A080108a
January 8, 2008

Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader; detain four suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader and detained three other suspects early today during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Baghdad area.

The targeted individual was reportedly a Baghdad Special Groups leader who facilitated the training of numerous criminals in activities including murders and kidnappings. The wanted individual was also reported to be an associate of other senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and the three other suspected criminals without incident.

“We continue to welcome al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease fire pledge,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesperson. “However, Coalition forces will take the necessary action against criminals who do not abide by Sadr’s pledge of honor.”

- 30 -

[Cindy]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080108/FOREIGN/11676854/1003

Nicholas Birch
January 8, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “ISTANBUL — Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s White House visit today marks a watershed in U.S.-Turkey relations, which have dramatically improved since Washington began providing Ankara with intelligence on a Kurdish terrorist movement.”

[Cindy]

http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=672.0
http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=1296.0
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

#

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2008/01/iran_to_seek_2009_security_cou.php

“Iran To Seek 2009 Security Council Seat While Ignoring UN Sanctions”
By Victor Comras
(January 7, 2008)

#

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=C6C6C4F3-9252-4E58-BE8B-5A5F5A0505BB

“Iran’s Dangerous Nuke Game”
By Peter Brookes
New York Post | Tuesday, January 08, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “IRAN turned up the heat this week on still-sim mering concerns about its atomic aspirations. It crowed that its 1,000-megawatt Bushehr nuclear-power plant would be “online” as early as this spring, putting in place another important building block of its nuclear program.

That sort of news can’t help but rattle the steadiest of nerves, no matter what the (narrowly focused) US National Intelligence Estimate on Iran’s nuclear-weapons program said about the current state of affairs.

Seemingly not swayed one iota by the NIE’s conclusions, you have to wonder if Israel - the country most threatened by an Iranian nuclear (weapons) breakout - might take matters into its own hands.

It has done so twice before - and the time may be here again.”

[Cindy]

Note: To read the entire text, please click on the link below. Thank you.

#

ICC-CCS.ORG - THE WEEKLY PIRACY REPORT - REPORT SNIPPET - QUOTE:

http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php

Weekly Piracy Report
1-7 January 2008

The following is a summary of the daily reports broadcast by the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre to ships in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions on the SafetyNET service of Inmarsat-C from 1 to 7 January 2008.

ALERT

Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh
The number of attacks has reduced since 2006. However, the area is still listed as a high risk area and mariners are advised to be cautious especially while approaching the anchorage and while at anchor at Chittagong

Nigeria
Violent attacks carried out by pirates on board vessels at anchor and vessel carrying out STS operations. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution in these waters.

Suspicious crafts

Recently reported incidents

04.01.2008: 01740 UTC: 06:16.2N – 003:22.7E, 7.5 NM off shore, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria.
Four armed robbers in a small rubber boat attempted to board a bulk carrier at anchor using grappling hook. Duty crew raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers escaped. Nothing stolen. Master tried to report to port control but no response.

31.12.2007: 0100 UTC: 06:16.1N-003:18.3E: Lagos anchorage, Nigeria.
Two robbers armed with knives boarded a product tanker from the port quarter, while the duty watch keeper was on the stbd side. The robbers held the watch keeper at knifepoint and threatened him. The robbers stole his personal belongings. The second watch keeper noticed the robbers and informed the duty officer. Alarm raised and crew alerted. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped in a small wooden boat.

31.12.2007: 0340 UTC: Berth no. 20, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.
Two armed robbers boarded a berthed, bulk carrier, during cargo operations using a long stick with a hook. Two more robbers remained in the speedboat. Duty watch keeper spotted them and raised alarm. Armed police arrived on scene and tried to stop the robbers but the robbers resisted. Police opened fire and one robber was injured. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped. No injuries to crew and nothing stolen.

04.01.2008: 0920 LT 20:51.8N – 107:07.4E, Vinh Ha Long inner anchorage, Haiphong, Vietnam.
Seven pirates, armed with knives, in a wooden boat came alongside a container ship during anchoring operations. They stole ship’s stores and attacked three crewmembers who tried to stop them. A Vietnamese official watch keeper was onboard but did not take any action to stop the robbers. No injuries to crew. Incident reported to agent. Agent advised not to contact the police. No action taken.

[Cindy]

Off Topic, but fyi.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1950140/posts

“HMCS Charlottetown Assists Vessel off Coast of Somalia”
DND/Canadian Forces ^ | 2008-01-08 | (press release)
Posted on 01/08/2008 3:12:52 AM PST by Clive

[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=77971

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Safety and Security Reports > Report
“Top 10 Overseas Security Trends for the U.S. Private Sector in 2007”
SAFETY & SECURITY
Worldwide 7 Jan 2008

[Cindy]

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

#

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1950143/posts

Boy scout saves president’s life [Maldives]
news.com.au ^ | 8th January 2008 | Mel Gunasekera

Posted on 01/08/2008 3:39:47 AM PST by naturalman1975
A QUICK-thinking boy scout has thwarted an assassination bid against the president of the Maldives.

Officials said Mohamed Murshid, 20, tried to plunge a knife into President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s stomach, but Asia’s longest serving president was unhurt thanks to Mahamed Jaisham, 15, who wrestled with the attacker before he was detained.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...

[Cindy]

http://sandiego.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel08/mafia010408.htm

January 4, 2008

NEWS RELEASE - SUMMARY - SNIPPET: “
For Immediate Release NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - January 4, 2008

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced today that a federal jury returned guilty verdicts as to seven defendants who were charged with participating in a Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy involving the Mexican Mafia, aka “La Eme,” prison/street gang. During the trial, which began on October 15, 2007 and lasted more than two months, the Government presented evidence of numerous racketeering acts committed by the defendants, including: murder, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, conspiracy to interfere with commerce through threats of violence, and conspiracy to launder drug proceeds.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Todd Robinson, one of the prosecutors on the case, the RICO conspiracy charge of which the defendants were convicted stemmed from a long-term investigation conducted by the multi-agency San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group and North County Regional Gang Task Force, which targeted the criminal activities of Hispanic street gangs with ties to the Mexican Mafia, or “La Eme.”

On September 19, 2007, prior to the commencement of trial, defendants Raul Leon and Salvador Perez entered guilty pleas in federal court in San Diego before United States District Judge Dana M. Sabraw to participating in a Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) conspiracy involving the Mexican Mafia. In their guilty pleas, defendants Leon and Perez admitted that the Mexican Mafia racketeering organization was involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including: murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to import and distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to interfere with commerce through threats of violence, conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, and robbery. The defendants also acknowledged the manner in which the Mexican Mafia has been able to exert control over illegal activities both within the prison system and on the streets of Southern California through its connection to various Hispanic street gangs in San Diego.

United States Attorney Karen Hewitt said, “The Mexican Mafia is a criminal organization that has operated for years in Southern California and has been a poison to our community. The members and associates of the Mexican Mafia have committed countless crimes of violence and engaged in widespread illegal drug activities. This case was a first for the United States Attorney’s Office in San Diego, because we used the federal RICO conspiracy statute to attack nine members of the upper echelon of the Mexican Mafia. After a trial of more than two months, the jury returned guilty verdicts and these nine defendants now each face a possible life sentence in federal prison for their criminal conduct.”

United States Attorney Karen Hewitt stated that this prosecution would not have occurred without the outstanding work by all members of the Violent Crimes Task Force Gang Group led by the FBI San Diego Field Office.

DEFENDANTS Case Number: 06cr1243-DMS

Raul Leon

Ricardo Martinez

Eduardo Gonzalez-Gallegos

George Fernandez

Thomas Durkin

Salvador Perez

Richard Valenzuela

Cesar Abarca

Joshua Cruz

SUMMARY OF CHARGE

United States v. Raul Leon, et. al. (Case Number 96CR1243-DMS)

Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d) - Conspiracy to Conduct Enterprise Affairs Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity

Maximum penalties: life in prison $4,000,000 fine 5 years of supervised release”

[ExSoldier]

See post 19 HERE

Sorry I haven't been around much but I'm spending a lot of time moving into a brand new school building next door to my inner city high school originally built in about 1932. Lots of work for all teachers and other staff.

Also, I must sheepishly admit that I got a brand new iMac computer and discovered the joys of online gaming. I've been playing Battlefield 2142 nearly 24/7 for weeks. I'm almost 51 yrs old but still a kid I guess. For Christmas I got a bunch of television collections so in my household my wife and I have been watching marathons of NCIS, Criminal Minds, and THE UNIT.

Plus we have a 17 year old cat ready to make the trip to Rainbow Bridge and a brand new 9 month old kitty we got as a gift from out vet. Sooooo, life is keeping me off site for a bit.

Threat Matrix folks please ping the normal list that reads my stuff to this thread and my post #19 as well as this post by way of explanation on my whereabouts and updates.

[Godzilla]

Also, I must sheepishly admit that I got a brand new iMac computer and discovered the joys of online gaming. I've been playing Battlefield 2142 nearly 24/7 for weeks.

Welcome to the world of real computers (ducking). I might have to check out that site.

[Oorang]

Now we have to worry about group of extreme Scottish nationalists". *sigh*. Thanks for the info MamaD.

[Oorang]

Excellent catch, thank you Cindy. I'm assuming Tasiopoulos is Greek.

[ExSoldier]

Welcome to the world of real computers (ducking).

Why duck? read my FR "about page" and you'll see I've always been a confirmed mac guy. ALWAYS. I have to use a HP at work but I don't hafta like it.

[Godzilla]

Mostly ducking from other LOL.

[drymans wife]

Just catching up here on TM and the Ozarks.

What a wild 12 hours here. All is well for us, just
very tired, LOL.

[Godzilla]

Been wild here too. Spent last week in the Sierra Nevada just north of Yosemite instructing young Royal Rangers (advanced leadership camp) on the fine arts of winter camping (in the midst of a major storm). Hope you don’t have too much of a mess to clean up.

[drymans wife]

LOL, It has been wild for everyone. I don’t know if I
would trade a blizzard for tornado’s. Pretty bad know
matter how you slice it.