Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat - Thread Sixteen

Yahoo ^ | 8-02-04 | AP

[JustPiper]

Credit: The Cabal

The title refers to a daily report given to the president of the United States detailing the most serious terrorist threats against the country. To tackle those threats, the government has formed a top-notch task force to infiltrate the terror cells and cut off the danger.

"Every morning, the president receives a list of the top ten terrorist threats - this list is known as the threat matrix."

We here at FR are trying to be in conjunction with the daily reports around the world that involve threats. We try to provide a storehouse of information that takes hours of research.

YOU be the Judge and get informed.


"I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat."

Link to Thread Fifteen

Police Secure Businesses on Terror Alert
NEW YORK - Police searched trucks, blocked streets and posted machine-gun toting officers outside financial landmarks Monday, a day after the government's chilling warning that terrorists might target the buildings with bombs.

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."
-- Jewish proverb

We are the "Stotters" who make ourselves aware of the
enemy who wishes to do us harm.




"What good are the color codes at all if we are suddenly hit with a bio or chem attack? There would be no warning and the danger would be instant."

"Code Red Implications
Code Red - Stay Home and Await Word."
by MamaDearest

Meet It!
Greet It!
Defeat It!

[Honestly]

FBI searches car at airport in anthrax case
Spokesman: Raid outside Pittsburgh finds no threat

Saturday, August 7, 2004 Posted: 8:46 PM EDT (0046 GMT)

(CNN) -- FBI agents searched a car in an airport parking lot outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Saturday in connection with the 2001 anthrax attacks.

The car was parked at Connellsville Airport, about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, FBI spokesman Jeff Killeen said. He said investigators at the scene concluded there was no threat to the public's health. (snip)

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/08/07/anthrax.probe/

[Diogenesis]

In Sadr City, today, behind enemy lines with the
Sh'ite terrorists. The graffiti states in Arabic 'No more Bush'.

[null and void]

A Democrat?

[ExSoldier]

there is an intricate and disciplined network of cells (that for some reason has slipped passed our detection)

This stuck in my head. How are they escaping detection? There's only one plausible reason. They have indigenous help. Some of this "help" may be coerced. I can buy that in the same way that the VC coerced the vietnamese population. But I'll bet the proverbial farm we've got a whole lot more of those militant Imams than we ever thought. I'll also bet (not a big stretch here) that the Mosques hold the key. Even the threat of coersion should not hold hostage the population of supposedly law abiding citizens who condemn Jihad, right?

[Fred Nerks]

Thanks for the Guide. And thanks for posting the picture of the MOA.

[null and void]

I'll also bet (not a big stretch here) that the Mosques hold the key. Even the threat of coercion should not hold hostage the population of supposedly law abiding citizens who condemn Jihad, right?

If they disagree with the goals, that is...

[null and void]

No problem! Let me know if you have any problems using it.

[Diogenesis]

Fer sure.

This should summarize it:

[HipShot]

I'm trying to gather some info on NK's new boat and Venezuelan movements.

The Israeli security situation WRT to the dome is worth keeping an eye on. The 14th (next Friday) may be interesting in that neck of the woods.

I don't have a lot to say yet.

If it walks like a duck, etc.

[Imperialist]

"Their ability to engage in limited guerilla warfare operations is beyond question, and they have the capability to conduct localized operations in about 40 states as we speak. If they are in some kind of agreement state with Hamas and Hizbullah, they can combine forces and project operations in all 50 states."(judicial meanz)

I fully agree with that statement. I can feel it from most of the ME's I cross paths with. They are up to something.

[Honestly]

Iranians held over spying: Iraq
From correspondents in Baghdad August 8, 2004

FOUR Iranian intelligence officers have been arrested by Iraqi authorities on suspicion of spying and carrying out acts of sabotage in the country.

"The investigation is still continuing," said Sabah Kadhim, a spokesman for the interior ministry, today.

"We will announce all the developments."

Earlier, the Azzaman newspaper reported that four Iranian intelligence officers, led by a senior official, Taimouri Mohammed Mahdi, had been detained on suspicion of operating spy and sabotage operations out of a Baghdad house.

Forged documents, Iranian intelligence and Iraqi ID cards were confiscated during the arrests, it quoted an anonymous source as saying. (snip)

http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10380987%255E1702,00.html

[HipShot]

It's not just our borders, it's our government. We're infiltrated.

It's not just hidden "cells", it's constitutionally protected activities.

It's not just imported goblins, it's gang bangers and ex-cons, (jailhouse converts).

[Honestly]

Another one bites the dust.

UAE hands over Al Qaeda operative

ISLAMABAD, Aug 7: A senior Al Qaeda operative who knew Osama bin Laden and was linked to two assassination attempts on President Pervez Musharraf has been arrested in Dubai and handed over to Islamabad, Pakistani intelligence sources said on Saturday.

Qari Saifullah Akhtar, a leader of the radical Islamic group Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, was arrested by authorities in Dubai on Friday after Pakistan had requested his detention, and handed over on Saturday.

Pakistan's intelligence services used information gleaned from a spate of high-profile arrests of Al Qaeda operatives in recent weeks to track down Akhtar, described by one source as "an operational head of Al Qaeda in Pakistan".

He was with Al Qaeda chief bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar in Afghanistan at the time of the US-led war against the hardline Islamic militia late in 2001 and fled first to Saudi Arabia and then to United Arab Emirates.

Akhtar is also allegedly linked to two assassination attempts on Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in December and a bid to kill Prime Minister-designate Shaukat Aziz in July. Radical Islamic groups, including Al Qaeda, are angered by Gen Musharraf's decision to back the US-led war on terror.

http://www.dawn.com/2004/08/08/top5.htm

[liberallyconservative]

I would like to think that our response to such a scenario (another attack along the lines of 9/11 or a "day of terror") is correct, but I'm not so sure. Look at the numbers; even though most here strongly support President Bush and all he stands for, the race is still too close to call.

I have almost daily discussions with co-workers about the terrorist threats/upcoming elections, and I can tell you that the numbers are split almost down the middle. Most/too many who are my age or younger have no stomach for war and all that it entails. They don't understand the realities that "the greatest generation" lived through. So many today spout the ACLU line of crap that it's sickening. They fail to realize that the personal freedoms they so enjoy were purchased at the unbelievable cost of the blood of patriots. Defending their own property/lives? Yeah, most would. But defending the property/lives of others? Doubtful.

Sure, there will be the patriotic few who defend the many, but even those heroes may receive a "Vietnam homecoming." After all, aren't we supposed to solve the world's problems with just a little more love? (sarcasm)

We have become a nation of privilege that knows the price of everything and the cost of nothing. I hope and pray that we have time to come to our senses on our own, instead of having the rude awakening that is planned for us by those who hate our very existence.

[HipShot]

Ok, let's "follow the money". What specifically are we standing in the way of currently? Whose plans/goals are we interfering with?

North Korea --> South Korea
China --> Taiwan
Venezuela --> Domestic Government Overthrow/Columbia
Iran --> ME en toto (theocratic), Death of Israel
Syria --> Death of Israel
Lebanon --> Death of Israel
AQ --> Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
Ivan --> US, Nato (Yes, the missiles are still aimed)

Mix and match at will. There is surely cooperation somewhere.

[HipShot]

Vel found the photo of the Astrodome. Cindy found the drawing.

[HipShot]

"Very good point. It's even possible that some of the recruited fighters were not totally honest with AQ in volunteering to come over here for Jihad, and in fact only wanted to get here and disappear into a better life. Maybe."

Offset that with local recruiting.

"Exactly! They have a choice, go for the high body count and propaganda values to "show" the world and yada yada yada. OR Go for the kill shot and that means maybe foregoing civilian casualties in favor of primarily infrastructure and economic shots. Power grid. Petroleum. Financial. Food Distribution. Transportation."

Both together wouldn't be enough to bring us to our knees, militarily anyway. The bullets still exist. They are either exaggerating, or they have a big brother or two in the wings. Our allies would have to be hit hard at the same time. Nato countries, too. Our most faithful allies are the Australians. They may have their own fight with Indonesia while all this is going on.

Just rambling.

[Honestly]

Interesting developments for Iraqi Shi'ites:

Sistani Away, US In Anti-Sadr Decisive Battle: Report

Sistani's sudden London visit raised many questions

BAGHDAD, August 7 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) As fierce fighting continued Saturday, August 7, for the third day running between US troops and fighters loyal to firebrand Shiite scholar Moqtada Al-Sadr, Iraq's highest-ranking Shiite scholar, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, headed to London for "heart treatment".

London-based daily Al-Hayat quoted Saturday an unnamed Iraqi official as implying that the US forces were seeking to eradicate Sadr forces in Najaf once and for all, in the absence of Sistani.

"Sistani flew to London on a short notice as he wanted to be away from Najaf at this time that witnesses decisive fighting between the US troops and the Iraqi police on one hand, and the Shiite Muslim militiamen on the other hand. (snip)

http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2004-08/07/article07.shtml

_________________________________________________________________________


Sadr invited to stand in election
From correspondents in Baghdad
08aug04

IRAQ'S interim Prime Minister has invited radical cleric Moqtada Sadr to run for office in next year's elections, while offering a limited amnesty to some elements of the insurgency.

"I invite from this platform Moqtada Sadr to participate in the elections next year and if the Iraqi people decide to pick him as a leader, this is the choice of the Iraqi people," Iyad Allawi said overnight.

"The political process is open for everybody who abides by the rule of law."

He said he had received "positive signals" from Sadr without providing further details.

Mr Allawi described the fighters clashing with US and Iraqi forces in Najaf over the past three days as outlaws who have no direct connection to Sadr himself.

"What has been happening in Najaf in the past 48 hours involves elements backed by some media outlets that are trying to hinder our progress and disrupt the normal functioning of the Government," he said.

"We are clamping down on outlaws, not innocent Iraqis, and we plan to continue doing that."

Mr Allawi confirmed that 1200 militiamen in Najaf had surrendered to Iraqi security forces as announced by the country's general police directorate yesterday.

He said preliminary investigations showed that at least 400 people in this group were former inmates in Baghdad's notorious Abu Gharib prison before they were released by ousted president Saddam Hussein prior to the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

"They are going back there," he said.

Mr Allawi thanked members of the Al-Ghazalat, Bani Hassan, Al-Shibl and Jubburi tribes in Najaf for backing Iraqi forces in their fight against the militiamen.

The US military has said 300 militiamen were killed in the Najaf clashes, while the province's governor Adnan al-Zorfi said the toll was as high 400.

But Mr Allawi refused to confirm either toll.

"I just have not seen the figures yet," said a visibly angry Mr Allawi after being pressed several times on the matter.

He was flanked by Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib and his deputy Adnan al-Asadi, Defence Minister Hazem al-Shalan, Minister of State Adnan al-Janabi and National Security Advisor Muwafaq al-Rubaie

Besides offering an olive branch to Sadr, Mr Allawi officially launched a limited amnesty to some elements of Iraq's insurgency.

"We have issued today an amnesty to those who have committed minor crimes," he said.

He said the amnesty would cover previous regime elements, individuals who were caught in possession of light weapons and explosive materials, those who concealed information about insurgents or sheltered them and those who financed them or participated in actions that threatened the country's security.

It was not immediately clear if the amnesty would cover any of the 5000 prisoners held without trial in US-run detention facilities in Abu Gharib and Camp Bucca in the south.

Mr Allawi said those that qualified for the amnesty had 30 days to come clean.

"This gives those people the chance to integrate back into society instead of pursuing false hopes."

Mr Allawi's government hopes the amnesty will help quell the stubborn insurgency that shows no sign of abating 16 months after the fall of Saddam.

http://www.themercury.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,10380995,00.html

[judicial meanz]

Thanks for the insight guys. You folks help more than you know. I've always been a "big picture" type of guy, and I have to fit the mosiac before I look for a solution.

I think each of you has great insight into the situaton, and added a great deal to the picture.

I agree with the one shot scenario. I dont think they can sustain operations for more than a week or two before their logistics collapse and they are left rudderless. Americans would also lash out with a fury at anyone even remotely connected with any terrorist activity.

There is some type of storm brewing, but only the goblins know for sure what it is. Whatever it is, it will be assymetric in nature, and designed to make traditional military forces unable to respond or limit their power to act against it. Thats the nature of the beast.

Gotta run for now guys....thanks a lot for the input

[Oorang]

I'm certainly not going to try and tell anyone what to post or not post but I will say I appreciate the "raw" data. That is what TM is about. Having as much info as possible makes researching threats, or chasing terrorists, much more plausible. One needs as many pieces of the puzzle as they can get. If someone is on data overload than that person should step back and take a break. If the information on this thread upsets someone too much than perhaps TM is not the thread for them. Just my opinion.