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Posted on 07/02/2008 7:02:59 PM PDT by nwctwx
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http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1216227063453.shtm
“Joint Statement of Mr. Robert Hooks; Mr. Eric Myers; Dr. Jeffrey Stiefel; Office of Health Affairs, Before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Regarding One Year Later-Implementing the Biosurveillance Requirements of the 9/11 Act”
Release Date: July 16, 2008
Cannon House Office Building
(Remarks as Prepared)
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/uzbekistan
#
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08070087.htm
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
“Uzbekistan Christian Faces Possible 15-Year Prison Sentence for Reading “Prohibited” Christian Literature”
By Jeremy Reynalds
Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
UZBEKISTAN
UPDATE:
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/021815.php
July 17, 2008
“New York: Muslim stabs his sister because she was a ‘bad Muslim girl’”
Off Topic, but just wondering...did our tax-payer $$$ pay for the printing of these calendars?
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http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/MosquesofAmerica1.php
http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/MosquesofAmerica2.php
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http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/archives/021807.php
July 17, 2008
“Available now: the State Department’s 2009 Churches of America Calendar!”
SNIPPET: “Just kidding.
But you can get this one: “2009 Mosques of America Wall Calendar: Limited Edition for Ramadan.” Available from the U. S. State Department’s “Global Publishing Solutions” department.”
UPDATE:
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/021821.php
(YORKSHIRE EVENING POST)
July 17, 2008
“Update: Altruist turned terrorist motivated by ‘childhood anger’”
###
Previously...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7508685.stm
Page last updated at 22:35 GMT, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 23:35 UK
“Jihad ‘interested terror accused’”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A Muslim who returned from Pakistan with computer files on weapons, explosives and poisons has admitted he was interested in “jihad and warfare”.
Aabid Khan, 23, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, told Blackfriars Crown Court he went to Pakistan in 2006 to sell phones and help earthquake survivors.
Jurors have heard he visited Balakot in Pakistan which hosted a training camp for terrorist group Jaishe-Mohammed.
Mr Khan and three others deny charges of possessing terror-related documents.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/wisconsin
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047373/posts
“Anarchist group meets in Waldo woods (Wisconsin)”
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ^ | 18 july 08 | ERICA PEREZ
Posted on July 18, 2008 3:11:26 AM PDT by rellimpank
Waldo
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/colorado
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047375/posts
“Protesters, police educate, gear up for convention (Protesters have BIG plans...)”
Rocky Mountain News ^ | 17 July 08 | Sara Burnett,
Posted on July 18, 2008 3:41:58 AM PDT by SkyPilot
UPDATE:
http://www.kansas.com/news/story/467155.html
Posted on Fri, Jul. 18, 2008
“Explosives detonating cord found; 2 arrested”
BY HURST LAVIANA
The Wichita Eagle
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Federal explosive charges were filed Thursday against two men in a case that prompted Wichita police to issue a warning earlier in the week that dangerous explosives were being sold on the black market.
Darrell E. Cook, 33, and Shane A. Knoffloch, 36, both of Wichita, were being held on $250,000 bond after they were charged with one count of possession of stolen explosive materials. They are scheduled to appear today in U.S. District Court in Wichita.
The item identified in court papers was a detonating cord that can burn underwater and is similar to fuses used in mining operations.
Police issued their warning Monday after Crime Stoppers got a call from a man who said someone had offered to sell him detonating cord and 3-foot tubes of explosives. Police said Thursday that the tubes have not been recovered.”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Anyone with information about the explosives should call 911 or toll-free 888-283-2662, authorities said.”
Previously...
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/story/463848.html
http://media.kansas.com/smedia/2008/07/14/17/966-Explosive_Chubs_1_copy.embedded.prod_affiliate.80.jpg
Posted on Tue, Jul. 15, 2008
“Police seek explosives peddled in Wichita”
BY ROY WENZL
The Wichita Eagle
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
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http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21268&Itemid=128
Press Release A080718a-078
July 18, 2008
Coalition forces target suspected Special Group financier
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured five suspected Special Groups criminals during operations early Friday morning in the Adhamiyah section of Baghdad.
Based on intelligence information, Coalition forces targeted the location of a suspected financier of Iranian-sponsored Special Groups operations. According to previously captured Special Groups criminals, he is the paying agent for operations revolving around the criminals’ propaganda activities. These propaganda activities are aimed at collecting payments for attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces, as well as trying to win support for their crimes.
Coalition forces approached the targeted individual’s location about three kilometers northwest of Sadr City, where they captured three suspected Special Groups criminals. Forces moved to another location in the same neighborhood where they captured an additional two suspected outlaws without incident.
- 30 -
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/jordan
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Note: The following text is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=87631
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Amman Shooting
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Middle East / N. Africa - Jordan
17 Jul 2008
Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
5 Mar 2008
JORDAN 2008 CRIME & SAFETY REPORT
24 Jan 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: JORDAN PROTESTS JANUARY 25
U.S. Embassy Amman issued the following Warden Message on July 17, 2008:
On July 16 a gunman fired upon six people in the Hashimiyah Square area of Amman. In light of this event, and three previous attacks in that vicinity since 2006, Embassy Amman has advised its personnel to avoid the area for 30 days while the security situation is being reviewed.
Regardless of where you travel in the Middle East, Embassy Amman advises American citizens to be mindful of the general security situation, as outlined below in the new Worldwide Caution. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping areas.
Americans living or traveling in Jordan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Jordan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the new Worldwide Caution, Jordan Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and other Travel Alerts 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 and Canada, 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).
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
Worldwide Caution
July 16, 2008
This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world. In some countries, the rise in oil and food prices has caused political and economic instability and social unrest. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated January 17, 2008.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.
Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. A July 9, 2008 terrorist attack on Turkish police guarding the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul killed three police officers and wounded other police personnel. On March 15, a bomb was detonated at an Italian restaurant in Islamabad, killing two and injuring twelve, including five Americans. Also on March 15, two bombs exploded at the CS Pattani Hotel in southern Thailand killing two and injuring thirteen. In January, a bomb in a disco pub in the Philippines killed one and injured eight.
Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. Recent examples include multiple anti-personnel mine detonations on passenger buses in June 2008 in Sri Lanka, multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid. Extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid’s Barajas International Airport. In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.
The Middle East and North Africa
Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.
On March 18, 2008, a mortar attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen injured several Yemeni citizens in the vicinity. On January 15, a roadside explosion in Beirut, Lebanon damaged a U.S. Embassy vehicle, killing three Lebanese and injuring an American citizen. On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council. Three suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 in Algeria killed more than 80 people. In July 2007, suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis Temple in Yemen, killing eight Spanish tourists and their two Yemeni drivers. There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca. Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007. These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.
Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.
The violence in Iraq, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, and clashes between terrorist extremists and the Lebanese Armed Forces have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.
The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.
East Africa
A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region. Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings or targeting maritime vessels. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks. In particular, terrorists and likeminded extremists may target international aid workers, civil aviation and seaports in various locations throughout East Africa, including Somalia. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.
Americans considering travel by sea near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates during the past several years. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 300 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia in international waters.
The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times.
South and Central Asia
The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in South and Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests. The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, indigenous sectarian groups, and other terror organizations, many of which are on the U.S. Government’s list of foreign terror organizations, poses a potential danger to American citizens in the region. Continuing tensions in the Middle East may also increase the threat of anti-Western or anti-American violence in the region.
Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Their actions may include, but are not limited to, vehicle-born explosives, improvised explosive devices, assassinations, carjackings, rocket attacks, assaults or kidnappings. On June 2, 2008, a large bomb exploded in front of the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan killing at least six people and wounding nearly 20. In May 2008, a series of coordinated bombings occurred in market and temple areas of the tourist city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. In Afghanistan, kidnappings and terrorist attacks on international organizations, international aid workers, and foreign interests continue. In Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and other groups have conducted suicide bombings at political rallies, government buildings, and major economic targets, and in recent months have increasingly targeted public transportation. Although there is no indication that American citizens were targeted in these attacks, and none were injured, there is a heightened risk of American citizens being victims of violence by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan. In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.
Before You Go
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays.)
placemark
bttt
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/zimbabwe
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/china
#
Thanks to Clive for the ping to this thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047379/posts
“How Chinese Arms Keep Mugabe in Power”
The Heritage Foundation ^ | 7/18/08 | Brett D. Schaefer
Posted on July 18, 2008 4:02:46 AM PDT by paltz
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=87728
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Tensions On the Thai-Cambodian Border
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
East Asia / Pacific - Cambodia, Thailand
18 Jul 2008
July 17, 2008
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://buffalo.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel08/falsebomb071708.htm
MAN ARRESTED FOR FALSELY REPORTING A BOMB PLOT
BUFFALO, N.Y.—United States Attorney Terrance P. Flynn announced a Criminal Complaint was filed today in United States District Court, charging Matthew Koziol, 27, with falsely reporting a plot to bomb Thursday at the Square, which takes place at Lafayette Square, in the City of Buffalo, as well as making material false statements to Task Force Officers of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. It should be noted that the fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch stated that the Complaint charges that on June 26, 2008, the defendant telephoned the Buffalo Police Department and reported that he had overheard three men discussing a plot to bomb Thursday at the Square. When questioned further by the FBI task force, the defendant provided the same story. Due to the immediacy of the threat, representatives of the FBI, Federal Protective Service, New York State Police, Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the Buffalo Police Department responded to Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo. After further investigation, FBI agents determined that the defendant had lied about the bomb plot.
United States Attorney Flynn stated that this Complaint demonstrates that the government will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who communicate hoaxes via the telephone or any other medium of commerce. Mr. Flynn also observed that while FBI agents were pursuing leads in this case, which proved in the end to be a hoax, the agents’ time was diverted from pursuing other, more serious terrorism-related matters, which itself poses a danger to the community.
The Complaint was the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Buffalo Police Department under the direction of H. McCarthy Gibson, New York State Police under the direction of Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt and Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Laurie J. Bennett.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/dallas071608.html
Two Men Arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute
Four Kilograms of Opium Gum
JUL 16 — OKLAHOMA CITY , OKLAHOMA - John C. Richter, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, announced that two Oklahoma men made an initial appearance today before a federal magistrate judge on a charge of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute approximately four kilograms of opium gum.
Yaghoub Khorsandnia, 58, of Edmond, and Bahman Asle Hashemi, 53, of Warr Acres, each appeared before Federal Magistrate Judge Gary M. Purcell on the charge. Preliminary and detention hearings for both men have been set for July 18, 2008 at 1:30 pm. If convicted of their respective charge, each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison and a 1 million dollar fine.
“The cooperation among our domestic law enforcement agencies as well as our international partners has been instrumental towards the successful outcome of this investigation,” said James L. Capra, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Dallas Division.
“All law enforcement agencies have a common goal of combating crime,” said John Chakwin, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Dallas. “This case is a model example of international and federal law enforcement agencies working cooperatively to seize imported opium, and arrest those allegedly responsible. It’s law enforcement at its best.” Chakwin oversees 128 counties in north Texas and the State of Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma City Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also provided assistance in this case.
The public is reminded that the complaint is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Reference is made to the complaint for further information.
###
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/states/newsrel/seattle071808.html
Joint Operation Nets 24 Spokane-Area Gang Members
JUL 18— (Seattle, WA) – DEA Special Agent in Charge Arnold R. Moorin and United States Attorney for Eastern District of Washington James A. McDevitt, announced on July 17, 2008, the results of a massive joint law enforcement operation targeting gang activity in the Spokane, Washington region. 24 members and associates of the Crips and Gangster Disciple gangs were charged with over 40 federal crimes to include: Distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy and felons in possession of firearms. One gang associate was charged with two counts of coercing juvenile females to engage in prostitution which was fueled by Internet advertisements
Special Agent Arnold R. Moorin noted, “ Drugs and guns are a lethal combination that breeds violence and other horrific crimes as in this case. The DEA has been a part of this community for over 35 years and will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts to aggressively seek out those responsible for drug trafficking and violent crimes.”
Early this morning more than 175 federal, state and local authorities executed over 20 federal search warrants and arrested 20 suspects in Spokane, and 4 others in Tacoma and Seattle. State charges were filed on 11 others. Today’s operation caps an 18 month long investigation by the Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement Team.
The agencies involved in today’s operation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives, United States Marshal’s Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Protective Service, Washington State Gambling Commission, Washington State Department of Corrections, Spokane Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Spokane Regional Drug Task Force, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Tri-Cities Violent Gang Task Force, and the North Idaho Regional Violent Crime Task Force.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50538
“Pentagon Studies Possibilities for More Troops to Afghanistan”
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 18, 2008
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