Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat - Thread Twenty-Two

[nwctwx]

Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat

Thread Twenty-Two (Index)

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The Threat Matrix

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!

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Connect these dots, now
Full Story

"We should have secured the Mexican border."

That could be the pitiful lament we hear from negligent U.S. officials if Al Qaeda pulls off an attack on the United States using weapons of mass destruction smuggled across our southern frontier.

Were that horrendous event to happen, leaders in the administration and Congress would be justly hit with the same question that was perhaps unjustly cast at them and their predecessors after the unprecedented Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: Why didn't they connect the dots?

Related:
Bordering on Nukes?
'Bin Laden has fatwa for nuclear attack'
Jihadists Anticipate Imminent Nuclear Strike Against U.S.

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

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Threat Matrix "TM'er" Tips	Link to Thread Twenty-One "Code Red Implications: Code Red - Stay Home and Await Word." From Tm'er and Freeper ~MamaDearest~	Cindy's Links of Interest
TM Code of Conduct		ExSoldier's Invaluable Tips
TM's 'Be on the Lookout'		Godzilla's Summaries
Threat Matrix Book List		Arabic Image Links

[Lucy Lake]

Try BugMeNot.com. It lets you bypass registration most of the time.

[Velveeta]

It is a PC mouse.

I think I have another one around here somewhere, I'll try that...thanks to you both!

[Velveeta]

Prayers

[Oorang]

Ready or Not?
Protecting the Public's Health in the Age of Bioterrorism 2004

TFAH’s second annual study of preparedness against public health emergencies finds that, despite incremental progress, three years after September 11, 2001, there is still a long way to go to protect the American people from a bioterror attack. The report examined 10 key indicators to gauge state preparedness and determine America’s overall readiness to respond to bioterrorist attacks and other health emergencies. This is the second year in a row that TFAH conducted a review of bioterrorism and public health preparedness, while the federal government’s efforts to release performance measures have stalled.

Over two-thirds of states and D.C. achieved a score of six or less. Florida and North Carolina scored the highest, achieving nine out of the possible 10 indicators, and Alaska and Massachusetts scored the lowest, at three out of 10.

Excerpted

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/bioterror04/

[subsea06]

re: crash commercial airliners into a New Hampshire nuclear reactor

They'd better pick a big plane. The design basis for a commercial nuclear containment (the structure that houses the reactor itself) includes a top dead center collision by a fully fueled and loaded Boeing 727 performing a 0 degree dive (straight down) from 30,000ft at 70% (don't ask me why 70% - I'm not a flight engineer) maximum throttle during a Magnitude 5 earthquake.

sub6

[Oorang]

E.U. Official: Terrorists Training In Secret Iraqi Camps

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/3996802/detail.html

[Myrddin]

Make sure the mouse connection to the computer is clean and tight. If it is a wireless mouse, make sure the batteries are not getting weak. My Logitech Cordless Trackman FX goes about 6 weeks on a battery. A weak battery shows up as flaky mouse button and cursor moving behavior.

[Cindy]

You're welcome.

[Velveeta]

Thanks, it's not a wireless.

I just took it apart and cleaned it out and...by gosh, it seems to be working better.

Freepers know everything!

[Velveeta]

Article reminder regarding Washington ferry system



Why Feds Believe Terrorists Are Probing Ferry System


Mike Carter
Seattle Times
October 10, 2004
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Original Article

Groups of men, including one tied to a federal terrorism investigation, have videotaped Washington ferry operations, prompting federal authorities to conclude the system has been under surveillance as a possible target for an attack. ...snip..

http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&program=Cascadia&id=2246

[MamaDearest]

It's such a large system, so many ferries with so many passangers, and very inadequate security.

The Washington ferries don't routinely check backpacks or coolers. Most I've been on have been full or near capacity.

If you've ever taken your car across the border, you know they question you thoroughly and humorlessly. Foot traffic on the ferries is a whole 'nother ballgame. If inspections were done adequately, that backpack would have been searched before it became a security question. Seems to me the cost of a ferry and numerous people and vehicles would warrant someone doing cursory screening of passengers and vehicles, but nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Guessing it will take the worst case scenario before they get it together and protect passengers, crew and ferries...and its not as if this wasn't mentioned in the past as a possible terrorist target.

[JellyJam]

no url yet:

LA Airport security increased to guard against missiles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Counterterrorism officials are beefing up security at Los Angeles International Airport to protect jetliners from terrorists armed with shoulder-launched missiles.

There is no immediate threat to aircraft, according to authorities, who said they were prompted to step up security because of recent overseas strikes against airliners, coupled with the availability of such weapons on the black market.

“The threat is real,” said John Miller, head of the Los Angeles Police Department’s counterterrorism bureau. “With about 20,000 of these available on the black market, for $2,000 to $3,000 each, there is no indication it will not be tried again.”

Among the new measures are expanded helicopter surveillance, new perimeter fencing, stepped-up police patrols and additional training to help authorities identify such weapons.

While shoulder-launched missiles haven’t been used against airliners in the United States, terrorists have fired missiles weighing less than 40 pounds at some two dozen commercial aircraft around the world.

[JellyJam]

http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/10417401.htm

[Oorang]

I couldn't agree with you more MamaD, and, with some of the ferries going back and forth to Canada every day, it's just a matter of time...

[Oorang]

Interesting, thanks JellyJam.

[Oorang]

Border checks to start early
Louie Gilot
El Paso Times

The US-VISIT border security program will start in El Paso on Dec. 20, instead of the previously announced Dec. 31, U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials said.

Inspectors at international bridges will fingerprint and photograph visa holders coming into the United States, and will check the prints against databases of terrorist suspects.

Excerpted

http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20041214-206336.shtml

[Cindy]

Thanks JellyJam.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
===
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/sudan_warning.html

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



This information is current as of today, Tue Dec 14 2004 19:42:01 GMT-0800.


Sudan


December 14, 2004


This Travel Warning is being re-issued to remind Americans of continued terrorist threats aimed at Western and U.S. interests, and update them on concerns regarding the security situation in Sudan. This supersedes the Travel Warning of June 30, 2004.


The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan. Although the two parties to the long-running civil war are negotiating a peace accord to end the war, travel in the south is still dangerous. In addition, there is fighting in Darfur and a serious humanitarian crisis continues throughout western Sudan.


As noted in previous Travel Warnings for Sudan, the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds.


Sporadic fighting has continued between Sudanese government forces, the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army (SPLA), and various militias in the southern and western parts of the country. The ceasefire in the Nuba Mountains generally has been respected, but any travel outside of the capital city of Khartoum is potentially dangerous. Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nile province. Travel into opposition-held areas of Sudan requires a specific travel permit from the SPLA or other rebel movements controlling the territory. As a result of violence and banditry, the government of Sudan has declared many parts of Darfur “No-Go” areas for UN personnel. Due to the potential for banditry and general lawlessness in rural areas, land travel at night should be avoided. The U.S. Government remains seriously concerned about aviation safety, especially aircraft operated by Sarit Airlines.


There have been demonstrations in Khartoum against United States foreign policy. In some instances, demonstrators have thrown rocks at the U.S. Embassy and Westerners. Americans should avoid large crowds and demonstrations.


The U.S. Embassy's ability to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, is severely limited. There is no consular officer resident in Sudan on a regular basis. Information describing the services available for American citizens can be found on the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo: http://www.usembassy.egnet.net/sudan.htm.


U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Sudan despite this Warning are encouraged to register their presence via the Internet through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also visit the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Sudan. The Embassy in Sudan is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum. The mailing address is P.O. Box 699, Khartoum, Sudan. The telephone number is (249) 183-774-701 (0183-774-701 inside Sudan); fax (249) 183-774-137 (0183-774-137 inside Sudan). The after-hours emergency number is (249) 183-774-705 (0183-444-705 inside Sudan). The workweek in Khartoum is Sunday through Thursday.


American travelers to southern Sudan are also encouraged to register via the Internet, or directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The Embassy in Kenya is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254)(20) 363-6000; facsimile (254)(20) 363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254)(20) 363-6170. The Embassy's international mailing address is P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using U.S. domestic postage may be addressed to Unit 64100, APO AE 09831, USA.


Further information on Sudan may be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Sudan, and the East Africa Public Announcement, on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. Updates to security conditions may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or 317-472-2328 from overseas.

[Godzilla]

I am able to sit at the computer more consistently since my ear surgery and will begin to compile another summary beginning tomorrow. I know that this misses some intersting international events but I was unable to keep track of it (was all I could do to keep up with just the thread). Doc says I should recover enough hearing in the ear that it is unlikely that I'll need any hearing aids. TTFN

[JellyJam]

You're a trouper!