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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[MamaDearest]

Thank you very much Cindy.

Columbia professors plan to visit Iran to apologize to Ahmadinejad

An academic delegation of Columbia University professors and deans of faculties plans to visit Tehran to officially apologize to Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.

The delegation plans to express regret for the insulting remarks Columbia University President Lee Bollinger directed at Ahmadinejad on September 24 in his introductory speech, the Mehr News Agency correspondent in New York reported.

[Rushmore Rocks]

I think I’m about to lose my lunch.

Never apologize to the devil.

[MamaDearest]

Mexico natives plead not guilty to being in country illegally

Snippets:

Mata-Sosa, 34, was previously convicted of robbery and auto theft and had already been deported seven times, prosecutors said.

Hernandez-Perez, 38, also pleaded not guilty to charges of re-entering the United States after being deported. He had been convicted in the past for making criminal threats and domestic violence, prosecutors said.

UAE counters terrorism threat with world-class homeland security

This oil-rich Persian Gulf state has outfitted high-rises with the latest security, installed an iris-recognition ID system and nearly completed a 500-mile-long barrier along its borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia.

With such efforts, the United Arab Emirates has created one of the world's most comprehensive homeland security and anti-terrorism systems. That has kept Dubai – the jewel in the nation's crown and a stop on President Bush's Mideast trip – free from the Islamic extremist attacks that have plagued other countries in the region.

[Cindy]

Thank you ExSoldier and I agree with your post #19 exSoldier.

[Fred Nerks]

I think the following information belongs on Threat Matrix. The enemy is WITHIN:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1949514/replies?c=15

http://www.freedomsenemies.com/_more/obama.htm

http://www.themidnightsun.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/obama.jpg

OBAMA’S ‘CLOSE FRIEND’ A BLOODTHIRSTY MUSLIM EXTREMIST

[MamaDearest]

I think I’m about to lose my lunch.

Disgusting in my opinion.

Too bad there's no homeschooling for college.

Whatever happened to this word? trai·tor (trtr) n.

One who betrays one's country, a cause, or a trust, especially one who commits treason.

# In law, treason is the crime of disloyalty to one's nation. A person who betrays the nation of their citizenship and/or reneges on an oath of loyalty and in some way willfully cooperates with an enemy, is considered to be a traitor. Oran's Dictionary of the Law (1983) defines treason as: "... ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traitor

[Cindy]

Yep, I was thinking of Greek desserts when I saw that name. (January is diet month — traditional).

[MamaDearest]

Too bad there's no homeschooling for college.

Online courses, of course, take away the opportunity for contrasting opinions and observations. However, radical ideas come with that scenario, as evidenced here.

[Cindy]

It’s snow, snow, snow here.

[MamaDearest]

Now we have to worry about group of extreme Scottish nationalists".

Many many threads ago we discussed opportunism at water treatment plants and this plot targeted that possibility. Hopefully those in charge at our nation's water treatment plants are advised to double-check their security plans.

[MamaDearest]

Bringing forward a couple of lines from your post 19 that merit repeating (I agree):

Frankly I think a negative ruling with have more dire results in an oblique manner when it comes to issues concerning our sovereignty comes to issues like the looming North American Union and bigger issues like a resurgent UN down the line. Resurgent maybe in a form far different from than we see it now. At that point, I think all issues and personalities become moot as God literally steps into the picture.

[Cindy]

Well that’s interesting, Mama Dearest.
I do hope they ignore the travel warning as they apparently are on the low end of the learning curve and need an eye-opener.
Maybe, while they are there; they can locate the missing retired FBI agent.

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_920.html

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

This information is current as of today, Tue Jan 08 2008 14:40:27 GMT-0800 (PST).

IRAN

January 03, 2008

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Iran. Dual national Iranian-American citizens may encounter difficulty in departing Iran. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Iran issued May 31, 2007.

Some elements of the Iranian regime and the population remain hostile to the United States. As a result, American citizens may be subject to harassment or arrest while traveling or residing in Iran. Recently, Iranian authorities prevented a number of Iranian-American citizen academics, journalists, and others who traveled to Iran for personal reasons from leaving for several months, and in some cases detained and imprisoned them on various charges, including espionage and posing a threat to national security. Americans of Iranian origin should consider the risk of being targeted by authorities before planning travel to Iran. Iranian authorities may deny dual nationals access to the United States Interests Section in Tehran, because they are considered to be solely Iranian citizens.

The Iranian regime continues to repress its minority religious and ethnic groups, including Bahai, Arabs, Kurds, Azeris, and others. Consequently, some areas within the country where these minorities reside, including the Baluchistan border area near Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Kurdish northwest of the country, and areas near the Iraqi border, remain unsafe. Armed attacks on the road between Bam and Kerman in May 2007 also render this area unsafe.

Large-scale demonstrations have taken place in various regions throughout Iran over the past several years as a result of a sometimes volatile political climate. U.S. citizens who travel to Iran despite this Travel Warning should exercise caution.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to American citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the United States are issued in Tehran. The Iranian Government does not recognize dual citizenship and generally does not permit the Swiss to provide protective services for U.S. citizens who are also Iranian nationals. U.S. citizens of Iranian origin who are considered by Iran to be Iranian citizens have been detained and harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and prosecution.

Americans who travel or reside in Iran despite this Travel Warning are strongly encouraged to register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. If they are in Tehran, American citizens may also register in person at the U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy at Africa Avenue, West Farzan Street, no. 59, Tehran. The local telephone numbers are 021-8878-2964 and 021-8879-2364, fax 021-8877-3265, e-mail: tie.vertretung@eda.admin.ch.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Iran, and the current Worldwide Caution and Middle East and North Africa Travel Alerts, which are located on the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain updated information on travel and security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.

[Cindy]

Wowser — a barrier fence.
Now, that’s common sense.

[MamaDearest]

It’s snow, snow, snow here.

Ditto that forecast here. Snow shovels, electric blankets, snowblower, and lit fireplace are the norm here.

[Cindy]

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019485.php

January 8, 2008
“’Do you think I am mad? I won’t be alive an hour after I say this in public’”

SNIPPET: “An Indian reporter asks a Pakistani TV host, “As a believer, why are you afraid of shari’ah law?” His answer is illuminating in many ways.”

[Cindy]

I totally understand.

[Cindy]

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019493.php
(DAILY MAIL.co.uk)

January 8, 2008

“’Pray that I kill many’: UK Muslim dentist jailed for planning jihad attacks on UK troops in Afganistan”

[Cindy]

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019489.php
(DAILY MAIL.co.uk)

January 8, 2008

“UK: ‘Family turned a blind eye’ as teenage bride was beaten to death by arranged husband”

[MamaDearest]

Maybe, while they are there; they can locate the missing retired FBI agent.

Don't see any indication in news articles that they plan to plead regarding the fate of the missing retired FBI agent. It appears they'll be busy throwing themselves at the feet of Ahmadinejab and begging forgiveness for their perceived wrong to him.

Wife of missing ex-FBI agent gets no news

Snippets:

When he failed to call on his 59th birthday two days later his wife and seven children suspected something was wrong. They have not heard from him since.

In August, the U.S. State Department said it had urged his family to think twice about visiting Iran, where four U.S. citizens have been detained this year. They were released later.

[Rushmore Rocks]

Could you send some of that snow my way? Terribly dry here. All the storms seem to slide south of us. A few days ago we saw a mountain lion drinking from our horse tank. By the time Mr. RR got the rifle, he sprinted away. They are becoming a big problem around here............lots of small pets missing recently, and my son’s cat. Mostly, I worry about my toddler grandchildren next door, who are always outside (but, with a really big dog).

On a personal note, I am finally recovering my strength after the pneumonia and hospital stay. It’s been a rough stretch. Mr. RR is also slowly, but steadily, recovering from his heart surgery. (It was rather interesting being hospitalized together. I think we gave the nurses a lot of laughs.) Looking forward to a better 2008.