Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat - Thread Thirty-Five

[nwctwx]

Unrest in Pakistan Setback for Terror War
(Full Story)

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- A week of unprecedented urban fighting in the wild tribal belt of North Waziristan has left scores dead and forced thousands to flee their homes, raising the stakes in Pakistan's war on Islamic militancy along the Afghan border.

A jumbled alliance of foreign militants, local tribesmen and Islamic students eager for jihad have stepped up resistance in a region where the army already claims to have wiped out al-Qaida as a viable fighting force.

The unrest, brewing for months, is a setback to the U.S.-led war on terror. Further hampering that effort are deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan over Afghan claims that Taliban leader Mullah Omar is hiding in Pakistan and suicide bombers are training here.

	Growing strength of Pakistani Taliban worries U.S. officials
	Are global events spiraling out of control?
	Zawahri calls for strikes against West

Thread Thirty-Five

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[Cindy]

RECAP, UPDATES AND ON THE NET...

INTELLIGENCE-SUMMIT.BLOGSPOT.com (AKI): Beijing - "ENERGY: CHINA AND RUSSIA CLINCH MAJOR GAS DEAL" (March 21, 2006) (Read More...)

MonstersAndCritics.com - Intelligence Roundup: "RUSSIA IS SIGNIFICANTLY UPGRADING ITS BALLISTIC MISSILE NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBMARINE FLEET." by John C.K. Daly (March 20, 2006)

WorldNetDaily.com: Washington - "U.S. FINANCES CHINA NUKES" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "U.S. taxpayers are lending Westinghouse Electric Co. almost $5 billion to build nuclear power plants in China -- even though the company, based in Pennsylvania, is about to be sold to Japan's Toshiba Corp., and even though the company is currently owned by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd.") (March 19, 2006) (Read More...)

NEWSMAX.com - Hot Topics: "CHINA-TAIWAN" (Read More...)

JAMESTOWN.org - China Brief: "THEATER BALLISTIC MISSILES AND CHINA'S DOCTRINE OF 'ACTIVE DEFENSE'" by Martin Andrew (March 15, 2006) (Read More...)

JAMESTOWN.org - China Brief: "PRAGMATISM OVER IDEOLOGY: CHINA'S RELATIONS WITH VENEZUELA" by William Ratliff (March 15, 2006) (Read More...)

WTOP.com (AP): Caracas, Venezuela - "CHAVEZ DEFENDS IRANIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM" (March 21, 2006) (Read More...)

TOWNHALL.com: "DOWNPLAYING THE DANGER OF HUGO CHAVEZ" -Column by Dan Gainor (March 8, 2008) (Read More...)

WASHINGTON TIMES.com: "HUGO CHAVEZ, IMPERIALIST" by Stephen Johnson (March 6, 2006) (Read More...)

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

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

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

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=iran
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=venezuela
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=cuba

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=alqaeda
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=alqaida
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=taliban
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=taleban

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=zetas
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=ms13
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=ms18
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=surenos
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=nortenos
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=gangs
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=illegaldrugs
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=illicitdrugs
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=drugs

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=borders
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=border
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=borderviolence
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=bordercrime

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

[Jeff Head]

Folks, see the news report Cindy posted at post number 1317.

Here's a snippet:

Tuesday, March 21, 2006
ENERGY: CHINA AND RUSSIA CLINCH MAJOR GAS DEAL

Beijing, 21 March (AKI) - China and Russia on Tuesday signed major energy cooperation deals during Russian president Vladimir Putin's visit to China, under which Russia will supply the country with up to 80 billion cubic metres of gas annually to China via pipelines from fields in west Siberia and the Russian far east.

This is a major:

DRAGON'S FURY SERIES

ping (pardon any duplicates). This is another occurance right out of the pages of the books which have correctly predicted the rapid rise in Chinese Naval power, thedeveloping ties between India and China, the rise of a belligerent leader in Iran, Chinese ties to that leader, the spreading Chinese influence and collaboration in South America, and the growing economic ties between China and Russia, specifically in Siberia dealing with the natural resources there.

I pray we will turn our foreign policy completely around in this area (Bush has made some movement in thios direction ver the last several years, but, IMHO, not nearly enough) and realize that a kingpin behind a lot of the rising resentment and hostility towards the US has China written all over it. In my extimation, we need to treat them, pronto, as Reagan did the Soviets during his day.

[Golden Eagle]

In my estimation, we need to treat them, pronto, as Reagan did the Soviets during his day.

This is so obvious, and can't ever be said enough. All the investment by the US into China has essentially been a bribe to try to prevent them from attacking Taiwan, only time will tell if it ends up backfiring or not. And it could, in more ways than one.

[Wiz]

Wow! What a fancy design like an independent page of FR.

[humblegunner]

Thanks for the ping.

This is sobering stuff, and close to the mark.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:
---

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_bangladesh.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue Mar 21 2006 17:25:55 GMT-0800.

BANGLADESH

March 21, 2006

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to recent events related to the security situation in Bangladesh. Those residing in or traveling to Bangladesh are urged to use extra care and precaution while in the country. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement dated September 21, 2005 and expires on September 21, 2006.

An outlawed Islamist terrorist organization, Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), took responsibility for a series of bombings and suicide attacks in Bangladesh between August and December 2005 that killed approximately 30 Bangladeshis and wounded nearly 200. JMB leaflets call for the implementation of strict Islamic law in Bangladesh, justify the use of indiscriminate suicide attacks, and condemn Western social and political concepts as un-Islamic. They also identify the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom as enemies of Islam. Newspapers and Bangladeshi non-governmental organizations, including several which receive funding from the United States Government, have received threats purportedly from JMB. No Americans were killed or wounded in any of the attacks.

Since December 9, 2005, the Bangladesh government has captured many JMB activists, and five of JMB’s top seven leaders are now in custody. The judicial process has already begun for some JMB detainees, with 22 JMB activists having been convicted and sentenced. The Government has also recovered large amounts of bomb-making materials.

On March 12, the Peace Corps decided to suspend indefinitely its program in Bangladesh due to concern that JMB elements still at large might attempt to attack Peace Corps Volunteers in Bangladesh, perhaps in retaliation for the capture of JMB leaders. Consequently, all Peace Corps volunteers have departed Bangladesh. The Embassy received several plausible but unsubstantiated threat reports involving the Peace Corps in Bangladesh. However, the decision to suspend the program followed a careful assessment of Bangladesh’s broader security environment, and was not based on any single threat or incident.

It remains unclear whether JMB, despite its recent setbacks, retains the ability to launch new attacks. The target of new JMB attacks could be Americans, other Westerners, or Bangladeshis.

The Embassy advises all Americans in or traveling to Bangladesh to take extra care and precaution while going out in public and to be cognizant of the current situation. American citizens in Bangladesh should remain vigilant, especially if visiting courts or municipal government offices.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Bangladesh should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Bangladesh and the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and (202)501-4444 from overseas.

U.S. citizens visiting or resident in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans with an e-mail address. American citizens may complete a registration form on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. During normal business hours American citizens may call the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka at (880-2) 882-3805; for after-hours emergencies call (880-2)885-5500, dial "0" and ask for the duty officer. The fax number of the consular section is (880-2) 882-4449. The U.S. Embassy is located in the diplomatic enclave north of downtown Dhaka, at Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212. The Embassy's workweek is Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The American Citizens Services (ACS) unit is open from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, except for American and most local holidays.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:
---

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_italy.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue Mar 21 2006 17:28:08 GMT-0800.

ITALY

March 21, 2006

This Public Announcement is issued to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in Italy. Demonstrations are planned in various parts of the country in anticipation of the upcoming Italian Parliamentary elections April 9 and 10, and municipal elections in May. This Public Announcement will expire on June 19, 2006.

Demonstrations may be large, but even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to escalate into violence. Some of the demonstrations may be announced; others may be spontaneous. On March 11, demonstrations by “No Global” and anarchist groups in Milan became violent, resulting in broken windows and streets blockages; fifteen police officers were injured and 40-45 individuals were arrested. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Italy to avoid areas where crowds are expected to gather, take common sense precautions, and closely follow media reports.

The Department of State reminds Americans of the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Italy continues to be under heightened public threat by al-Qaida and other Islamic extremists for its continued participation in multinational activities in
Iraq and Afghanistan. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain vigilance, take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, and exercise caution in public places or while using public transportation. U.S. citizens are advised to immediately report any unusual or suspicious activity in Italy to the police or the U.S. Embassy in Rome.

The U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Rome is located at Via Boncompagni 2. Our website is: italy.usembassy.gov.

U.S. Consulates are located at:
Milan: Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10
Florence: Via Lungarno A. Vespucci, 38
Naples: Piazza della Repubblica.

Consular Agents are located in:
Genoa: Via Dante 2
Palermo: Via Vaccarini 1
Venice: Venice Marco Polo Airport, General Aviation Terminal
Viale Galileo Galilei

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. 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).

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_922.html
"TRAVEL WARNING"

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

This information is current as of today, Tue Mar 21 2006 17:30:27 GMT-0800.

"ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK AND GAZA"
February 27, 2006

===
===

ON THE NET...

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1139395647937&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Mar. 21, 2006 12:33 | Updated Mar. 21, 2006 22:55
"Police foil pre-election terror attack"
By ETGAR LEFKOVITZ AND YAAKOV KATZ

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Following a dramatic high-speed chase, Jerusalem police on Tuesday intercepted a van on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway transporting a Palestinian suicide bomber on his way to carry out an attack in the center of the country, Jerusalem police chief Ilan Franco said.

The van was stopped midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv near Kibbutz Sha'alabim with ten Palestinians inside and a bag containing between five and seven kilograms of explosives.

The would-be bomber, an Arab man in his 20s from the West Bank village of Yamoun, is affiliated with the Islamic Jihad, Franco said. On Friday evening, the IDF shot and killed a 10-year-old girl in a botched arrest operation in the same village.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz on Tuesday called the Islamic Jihad "part of Fatah." Mofaz added that other Palestinian organizations persisted in attacks on Israel, and continued to send suicide bombers to carry out attacks within the Green Line.

Last month, Mofaz said, Iran transferred $1.8 million to the Islamic Jihad terror group in the West Bank. "This money is the fuel for their terror activity," he said.""

===
===

ON THE NET...

http://www.internet-haganah.com/jihadi/pij.html

http://www.internet-haganah.com/jihadi/

[Tailgunner Joe]

A bear clad in the Russian tricolor dances with a panda wearing the Chinese
red and yellow stars on banners around Beijing. "Together Toward Common
Prosperity" reads the slogan on ads for a coming Russian cultural year.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1600641/posts

"Republic of Fear"
weeklystandard ^ | 03/21/2006 | Dan Darling

Posted on 03/21/2006 5:03:23 PM PST by Dog

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "WHEN THE IRAQI REGIME collapsed in April 2003, few observers saw reason to mourn the loss of Saddam's brutal dictatorship. While a great deal of information about the former Iraqi regime's assorted atrocities has been uncovered since the invasion, newly-released documents go even further in demonstrating its manifest depravity.

One such document is CMPC-2003-012666, a letter from Qusay Hussein that directs as follows:

Transfer all Kuwaiti POW's / a total of 448 captured Kuwaitis who are located at the Al-Nida Al-Agher Prison and the Intelligence / General Center and Kazema Prison in Al-Kazema, to make them human shields at all locations that are expected to be attacked by the American aggressors. Put them in communication locations and essential ministries, radio and television, Military Industrial Commissions, and all other locations expected to be attacked by the criminal Anglo-American aggressors.

In addition to the barbarity of using prisoners as human shields, it should be noted that these documents constitute a clear refutation of the official position of the Iraqi government, which claimed from 1996 onwards that while it had taken 126 Kuwaitis prisoner during the Gulf War, they were no longer in Iraqi custody. Clearly, the Iraqi regime had no intention of releasing all of its Gulf War prisoners under any circumstances, but rather chose to retain them for the apparent purpose of creating the appearance of civilian casualties for propaganda purposes during the U.S. bombing campaign.

In a similar vein is CMPC-2004-002219-0, which lays out a series of memos between Saddam's office,"

[nwctwx]

TM in the news:

http://www.uact.us/threat-matrix.php

;-)

[hosepipe]

[ In my extimation, we need to treat them, pronto, as Reagan did the Soviets during his day. ]

My answer?.. help India build up.. both militarily and economically.. They seem to be doing pretty good on thier own, India.. The stronger India is, Pakistan and Chinas eyes are diverted.. India is not hegemonic, China is.. so is Pakistan..

A strong India is threat to both.. first econmically second militarily... Pakistan is one coup away from enemy status.. Any American war stuff, due to be mothballed, could be sold to India.. India should also be ecouraged to develop a military industrial complex.. If only to give Pakistan second thoughts about agressive action.. and to give China third thoughts..

[Eastbound]

Agreed. Thanks for the head's up, Jeff.

[appalachian_dweller]

ADmark....'nite folks.

[JustPiper]

Well, well, well
~Big grin

[JustPiper]

Security Information Regarding Devices for Precision Rocket Attacks Posted to Jihadist Forum
By SITE Institute

http://www.siteinstitute.org/bin/articles.cgi?ID=publications158706&Category=publications&Subcategory=0

_________________________________________________________

A Discussion of the New Crusader by the United States against Islam and Responses in Accordance with Shari’a by the Majelis Mujahidin in Indonesia
By SITE Institute

http://www.siteinstitute.org/bin/articles.cgi?ID=publications158206&Category=publications&Subcategory=0

[JustPiper]

FORMER HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL SECURITY GUARD SENTENCED
By U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

CHICAGO - A 43-year-old former Highland Park High School security guard was sentenced last week to 6 years in prison for child pornography possession, the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/article_4256.shtml

[JustPiper]

You are indispensable AD! So glad your here. I have a good feeling about you being in VA!

[JustPiper]

Welcome Cindy