Threat Matrix: February 2008

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[nwctwx]

Is the U.S. Failing in Afghanistan?

It was malice in wonderland at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday as Bush Administration envoys insisted things are getting better in Afghanistan, while angry lawmakers from both parties cited facts and figures showing just the opposite. Even the senior Republican on the panel, Senator Richard Lugar, found the Administration's claims wanting. "I'm not sure that we have a plan for Afghanistan," he said.

Long seen as the "forgotten war" eclipsed by Iraq in U.S. priorities, Afghanistan is in the Washington spotlight this week with the release of three independent reports concluding that without a change in U.S. policy there, the erstwhile sanctuary of Osama bin Laden would remain a failed state. Read More

	Why the Taliban Feel Confident
	Top US Officer Lauds al-Qaida Death
	US Air Strike Signals al-Qaida Onslaught

Threat Matrix:
February 2008

January 2007

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Preparedness

[Cindy]

EVENT:

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

#

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/02/09/religion-of-perpetual-outrage-prepares-for-march-madness/

[Cindy]

http://www.investigativeproject.org/article/603

“Looking Under a Rock: FBI and CIA Hit New Low in Recruitment Drive”

by Steven Emerson
IPT News
February 8, 2008

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.investigativeproject.org/article/600

“Paper of CAIR
Glossing over Hamas ties”

by Steven Emerson
National Review Online
February 8, 2008

[Cindy]

Let’s get some of these for our borders pronto. -Cindy

#

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

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967875/posts

“Israel has new tool in search for tunnels”
Breitbart ^ | 02/08/08 | UPI
Posted on 02/09/2008 6:38:31 PM PST by AKSurprise
GAZA, Feb. 8 (UPI)

[Cindy]

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

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/02/20080209.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 9, 2008

President’s Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. One of the most important jobs of any President is to find good men and women to lead government agencies, preside over our courts, and provide vital services to the American people. So I have nominated talented individuals for these positions. Unfortunately, the Senate is not meeting its responsibility to consider these nominees in a timely manner. More than 180 of my nominees are waiting for confirmation. Some have been waiting for more than a year. As a result, careers have been put on hold, families have been placed in limbo, and our government has been deprived of the service of these fine nominees.

On Thursday I stood with many of these nominees at the White House. They are decent and talented people. The Senate needs to confirm them to address important issues, from the economy to public safety to national security.
One of the most important institutions for America’s economy is the Federal Reserve. The Fed decides monetary policy, and it sets key interest rates that have an impact on homeowners and businesses across our country. Yet the Senate has been delaying three of my nominations to the Fed for nearly 9 months. My nominees have valuable experience and skills, and I urge the Senate to confirm them as soon as possible.

Another important institution is the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA plays a vital role in keeping you safe when you fly. In October I nominated Bobby Sturgell to lead the FAA. Bobby has nearly 20 years of cockpit experience from his time as a Navy fighter pilot, Top Gun instructor, and commercial airline pilot. He’s committed to addressing problems that have caused airline delays, and I urge senators to put politics aside and confirm him to office.

In this time of war, we need a strong Department of Justice. Yet the Senate has not voted on nominations for seven senior leadership positions at the department. One of those vacancies is for Deputy Attorney General. The Deputy Attorney General helps lead efforts to detect and prevent terrorist attacks at home.

I’ve selected an outstanding nominee for this position: Judge Mark Filip. This former prosecutor has earned a reputation for being fair-minded and dedicated. Several years ago the Senate confirmed him unanimously for a lifetime position on the Federal bench. Now I ask senators to confirm him once again so he can help keep our nation safe.

As senators confirm these nominees, they must also confirm judges to the Federal bench. I have nominated highly qualified individuals who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Unfortunately, the Senate continues to delay votes for 28 of my judicial nominees. Three of my nominees for the Court of Appeals have waited nearly 600 days. These delays are irresponsible, they undermine the cause of justice, and I call on the United States Senate to give these nominees the up or down vote they deserve.

When men and women agree to serve in public office, we should treat them with respect and dignity, and that means giving them a prompt confirmation vote. When the Senate fails to give nominees a timely vote, it leaves important positions in our government vacant, and it makes it harder for Presidents of both parties to attract good men and women to serve in these vital posts.

By working together, Republicans and Democrats can chart a better course. We can bring every nomination to the floor for a vote, and give the American people the kind of public servants they deserve.

Thank you for listening.

# # #

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=egypt
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=copticchristians
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=copticchristian

#

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=28894_Video-_Treatment_of_Christians_in_Egypt&only

#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36TNd3c0K8Q
“Egypt ; Treatment of Christians 1 of 3.”
(Added February 8, 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D1WhNwN5qk
“Egypt ; Treatment of Christians 2 of 3.”
(Added February 8, 2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOKKjaTAKQ
“Egypt ; Treatment of Christians 3 of 3.”
(Added February 8, 2008)

[Oorang]

Police: Matthews man had explosives (North Carolina)
Sat, Feb. 09

A 21-year-old man pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving this morning had a functional explosive device inside his car that was later detonated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg bomb squad, Matthews police said.

Sasan Ghazal, of east Charlotte, was in Mecklenburg jail Saturday afternoon on $101,500 bond. He's charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction and with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Police haven't said what kind of device they found or what they believe Ghazal intended to do with it.

Excerpted

http://www.charlotte.com/breaking_news/story/486272.html

Worker at SFO held on gun charge
02/09/2008

SFO — A United Airlines employee at San Francisco International Airport was arrested Thursday on suspicion of sneaking a loaded handgun into a secure area of the airport, authorities said Friday. The employee reportedly had a dispute with colleagues at work and someone discovered during the argument that the person had a firearm, FBI Special Agent Joseph Schadler said.

A spokeswoman for the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating the incident, said Traci Bracken was charged on suspicion of one count of possessing a concealed weapon and one count of possessing a loaded gun. No further information about Bracken was available by press time, according to Sgt. Linda Gibbons of the Sheriff's Office.

But a spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office said there were no records of a Traci Bracken in the computer system. She said a 55-year-old man by the name of Timothy Bracken was arrested Thursday on the same charges of concealing and possessing a loaded weapon. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, Deputy District Attorney Elaine Tipton said.

Excerpted

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/ci_8216493

[Cindy]

Thank you, Oorang..and those incidents are in the USA.

[Cindy]

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

#

Thanks to a special freepmailer for pointing to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967924/posts

#

http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1675.htm

“Title of Video: Former Terrorist of the “Islamic Army” in Iraq Abu Azzam Al-Tamimi: An American Withdrawal Will Spell Disaster - Iranian Occupation More Dangerous”

“Clip #1675 Broadcast: January 18, 2008”

###

Transcript:

http://www.memritv.org/clip_transcript/en/1675.htm

January 18, 2008 Clip No. 1675
“Former Terrorist of the “Islamic Army” in Iraq Abu Azzam Al-Tamimi: An American Withdrawal Will Spell Disaster - Iranian Occupation More Dangerous”

SNIPPET: “Following are excerpts from an interview with Abu ‘Azzam Al-Tamimi, a former leader in the “Islamic Army” in Iraq, which aired on Al-Arabiya TV on January 18, 2008”

[Cindy]

INFOLIVE.TV
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/site/html/infoLive.asp

#

http://www.idf.il

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967929/posts

Note: The following post is a quote:

IDF: Hezbollah deploys rockets, missiles in south Lebanon
haaretz ^ | 10/02/2008 | By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent
Posted on 02/09/2008 9:19:48 PM PST by Flavius

Hezbollah has managed to deploy large numbers of Katyusha rockets and antitank missiles in southern Lebanon, senior Israel Defense Forces officials have told Haaretz. These weapons in Shi’ite villages have been undetected by UN observers, the officials say.

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

[Cindy]

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/01/19/mosque-arsonist-can-stay-91466-20369559/

“Mosque arsonist can stay
Jan 19 2008 by Ben Glaze, South Wales Echo”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “AN asylum seeker who burned down a mosque could be allowed to stay in the UK because sending him home might endanger his life.
Mentally-ill Iranian Ali Ghahremani, who admitting starting the blaze at the Madina Mosque in Cathays, Cardiff, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order at Newport Crown Court.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to arson and being reckless as to whether life was endangered after setting fire to the Madina and shouting: “You’re all going to burn.”

Immigrants convicted of serious offences in Britain are usually recommended for deportation at the end of their sentences but because 37-year-old Ghahremani also insulted Islam by destroying a holy building, the court heard sending him back might jeopardise his safety.

Peter Davies, prosecuting, said: “This defendant is a citizen of Iran and one who could be in danger returning, having being convicted of defiling a mosque.”

Judge Roderick Denyer QC said the Home Secretary would decide whether Ghahremani should leave when his treatment is complete.

No-one was inside the mosque when Ghahremani, who had worked and worshipped at the Madina, started the blaze at 8.10am on November 14, 2006.

He had earlier bought petrol from a Newport Road garage, gone to Woodville Road and broken in.

Ghahremani, of Pontypridd Road, Porth, Rhondda, started six fires inside before running into Woodville Road where witnesses reported a man “ranting and raving in a foreign language”.”

[Cindy]

http://www.examiner.com/a-1212101~Fire_Destroys_Tenn__Mosque__Arson_Eyed.html

“Fire Destroys Tenn. Mosque; Arson Eyed”

Feb 9, 2008 11:44 PM (2 hrs 19 mins ago) AP
COLUMBIA, Tenn.

[Cindy]

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967921/posts

Syria develops new missile with Iran’s aid
UPI ^ | Published: Feb. 8, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Posted on 02/09/2008 8:44:19 PM PST by Perdogg

Syria says it has developed, with Iranian help, a surface-to-surface missile that could better target Israeli installations like airports and factories.

It is believed the missile is more accurate than other similar surface-to-surface weapons in the Syrian arsenal, Haaretz said.

This apparent Syria-Iran deal comes at a time when Israeli defense sources have expressed growing concern about Syria’s rearmament program, with most arms reportedly supplied by Russia.

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

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967969/posts

#

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article3340854.ece

From The Sunday Times
February 10, 2008
“Saudi royal Prince Bandar Bin Sultan’s assets frozen”
Grant Ringshaw

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “PRINCE Bandar Bin Sultan, the former Saudi Arabian ambassador to America, has been hit by a court order in effect freezing some of his US assets, as part of a class-action lawsuit over bribery allegations at British defence giant BAE Systems.

A Michigan pension scheme the City of Harper Woods Employees’ Retirement System has been granted a restraining order, according to documents filed in the US district of Columbia and seen by The Sunday Times.

The order, granted last Tuesday, blocks Bandar from transferring out of the country any money he makes from the sale of property in America.”

[Cindy]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NATION04/795782028/1008

“Inside the Ring”
By Bill Gertz
February 8, 2008

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080208/NATION04/795782028/1008&template=nextpage

Inside the Ring
By Bill Gertz
February 8, 2008
Page 2

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Saudi mosque

New information has surfaced during an embezzlement case on the leader of the Islamic Center of Washington, who is the government’s chief witness in a case against its former manager.

Documents obtained under court subpoena by lawyers for Farzad Darui, the defendant in the embezzling case, revealed that mosque director Abdullah M. Khouj, a Saudi cleric, failed to comply with a court order regarding his use of post office boxes.

A federal court in December ordered Mr. Khouj to provide documents related to the use of post office boxes between 1984 and 2006, and he provided one envelope from 1995 from the Saudi Embassy to Mr. Khouj at a Washington post office box address.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “China threats

Director of National Intelligence Michael McConnell said this week that China and Russia have the capabilities to attack U.S. computer networks.”

[Cindy]

UPDATE:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1342498

“Stolen Tanker Trucks Found”
February 9, 2008 - 5:06pm

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “WASHINGTON—Police say they have found two tanker trucks that were stolen from a construction company lot in northern Virginia.
The second truck was found in Baltimore Saturday morning. Police say they found the tanker thanks to an anonymous tip.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Police say they are searching for a suspect in the case.

Police are offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who has information to call the Crime Solvers tip line at 1-866-411-TIPS.”

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1967682/posts

“Blood supply’s safety at stake”
Waterbury Republican-American ^ | February 8, 2008 | Editorial
Posted on 02/09/2008 9:18:35 AM PST by Graybeard58

[penelopesire]

Here is a little more info on where the EMPTY tankers were found in Baltimore for those interested.

http://www.manassasjm.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=MJM/MGArticle/WPN_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173354547616&path=

(snip)

“Citizen tips led police to the trucks, one of which was found on Frederick Avenue in Baltimore City; the other was found behind a grocery store on Joppa Road in Baltimore County.”

I know alot of folks are writing this off as ‘just thieves stealing expensive diesel, etc.’....but finding these empty tankers in Baltimore (near the inner harbor) has put the hairs up on the back of my neck.

[Cindy]

Thank you penelopesire.

I appreciate the update.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1968203/posts

“The unsavoury truth of lost 9/11 body parts”
Sunday Post ^ | 10th February 2008 | Sunday Post
Posted on 02/10/2008 2:30:51 PM PST by the scotsman