Threat Matrix: November 2006

The Price of Victory
-Full Story-

The "bombshell" revelation from last April's National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), which was leaked to the New York Times in September, was that the war in Iraq had resulted in more terrorism, not less. As reported by United Press International's Claude Salhani, "Did we really need 16 intelligence agencies to tell us that? Ten minutes of watching the newscast of your choice, from Al-Jazeera to Fox News, would be enough to convince most observers." But the key question is why the war has provoked the global Jihad.

One answer has to be the influence in the Arab world of the America-
hating network Al-Jazeera. The AIM DVD on "Terror Television" shows film footage of captured terrorists saying they came to Iraq to kill Americans because of the words and images on Al-Jazeera.

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=2202

Scores of Suspected Terrorists Detained in Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2006 – Coalition and Iraqi forces have detained scores of suspected terrorists, freed hostages and seized a major weapons cache in operations over the last few days, military officials reported.
Soldiers from 4th “Eagle” Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and U.S. advisors from 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd “Commando” Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, detained 45 suspects during a combat operation yesterday in Lutufiyah, Iraq.

The brigade-size operation, Operation Silver Eagle, targeted people implicated in various crimes, terrorist activities and murders, officials said. The Iraqi army is holding the suspects are for questioning.

In another operation yesterday, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, currently attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained a suspected terrorist in southern Baghdad. The suspect, wanted for questioning in connection with attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces and Iraqi civilians, was detained immediately after a resident reported the suspect's whereabouts to soldiers on patrol in the Abu Tschir neighborhood, about 12 miles south of downtown Baghdad. The suspect was taken into custody and is being held for questioning.

Units from Multinational Division Baghdad found a large weapons cache Nov. 21 in a location known as a haven for insurgent activity.

“We have found caches in this area before,” said Staff Sgt. Rodney London, a squad leader in 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “It just goes to show that the enemy will come back to the same location after we have unearthed previous caches.”

On this day, the patrol unearthed three 155 mm artillery rounds, three 130 mm artillery rounds, five 120 mm mortar rounds, five 120 mm artillery rounds, nine 82 mm mortar rounds, four 100-round machine-gun ammunition belts, four rocket-propelled grenade rounds, 10 RPG boosters, eight anti-aircraft rocket launchers, two machine guns, 5,000 7.62 mm rounds of ammunition, four homemade bomb detonators, four 80 mm mortar tubes, three 73 mm rockets, eight anti-aircraft guns and other materials used for fabricating bombs.

Soldiers from Company A, known as the “Gators,” have shown the ability to find large caches, officials said. With the size of the weapons found in this particular cache, the Gators are proud of their discovery.

“This cache really showed us what we are fighting for,” said Spc. Matthew Neel, an infantryman with the company. “All of these weapons could have caused terror, now they have been destroyed. We did a really good job.”

On Nov. 20, special Iraqi police forces, with coalition advisors, captured 28 people during a raid against an insurgent cell near Mahmudiyah. The cell is suspected of conducting roadside bomb and mortar attacks against Iraqi security forces, as well as well as kidnapping, extortion and murder of Iraqi civilians.

Iraqi forces detained 10 insurgents, 18 others with outstanding Ministry of Interior arrest warrants, and another 15 suspects were detained and later released from Iraqi custody.

The insurgent cell is also believed to be responsible for conducting attacks against Iraqi police and army forces, and promoting sectarian violence in the northern Babil province area, officials said. No Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or coalition forces casualties were reported.

Also on Nov. 20, Marines from Regimental Combat Team 5, operating in concert with 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, rescued two hostages and detained 13 suspected insurgents north of Fallujah.

Acting on reliable intelligence, officials said, the coalition and Iraqi forces were conducting cordon-and-search operations as part of Operation Talon when they found the hostages and apprehended the suspects. Coalition forces also uncovered a weapons cache.

In a separate incident, Marines from RCT-5 detained six suspected insurgents near Habbaniyah today.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

A bit Off Topic...

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=23433#c0045

---

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=89107&d=22&m=11&y=2006

"Women Asked to Leave Semina"r
Raid Qusti, Arab News

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "RIYADH, 22 November 2006 — A presenter from King Saud University at an international medical seminar at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center caused a stir yesterday when he insisted that all women — including medical and media professionals — leave the room before he would enter the room to give his presentation. Initially some women expressed consternation at the request, but later relented and left the room so the doctor and orthodox man could give his presentation about Islam and the ethics of organ donation and end-of-life issues.

Prior to the presentation by Dr. Yousef Al-Ahmed, the audience was informed that the doctor would not be in the same room with women when he spoke about medical ethics."

---

http://www.arabview.com/articles.asp?article=739
"Rape: Who Gets Punished and Who Does Not?"
Abeer Mishkhas

COMMENTARY SNIPPET: "Last week the Arabic daily Okaz carried a story on two more rape cases in Qatif. One of them involved a 17-year-old boy who was dragged into a field by two men and raped. The atrocity was also filmed. The two rapists then attempted to assault another young man who managed to escape and go to the police. The two men were eventually caught and are now awaiting trial.

These two crimes follow the famous rape case known in Saudi Arabia as the “Qatif Girl” incident which was a top news story a few months ago. For those who don’t know, it was the gang rape of a girl in Qatif who called for help and when a man attempted to help her, he was beaten up and raped as well. The sentences, as reported by Arab News, were “Four of the seven men have been sent to jail for periods ranging from one to five years and will be given 80 to 1,000 lashes.” In addition, “The court also sentenced the woman and the man she was meeting to 90 lashes for having met in private. The security source from the Eastern Province said, ‘The judge sentenced the girl and the man to 90 lashes because they were alone with the intention of doing something bad. Because of that, they will be punished.’” Relatives of the woman said that they would appeal the 90-lash-sentence.

The subsequent outcry and debate after the sentence is worth considering — especially in light of a sentence in another famous rape case in Riyadh a few years ago. A girl was set up by a former boyfriend and raped by the boyfriend’s Nigerian driver. The rape was filmed by another friend of the boyfriend. The man who filmed the attack was sentenced to 12 years and 1,200 lashes. The Nigerian rapist was given 6 years and 600 lashes and the former boyfriend who arranged everything got only 2 years and 200 lashes. Now, there is a big discrepancy here. The men in Qatif were sentenced to from 1 to 5 years. What is the difference in the two cases? The girl in the Riyadh case was not punished though she had been involved earlier with one of the men. The Qatif girl was sentenced to 90 lashes because the court suspected the “intention of doing something bad.”

I certainly am not suggesting that the Riyadh girl be punished; what I am doing is wondering about the different sentences. "

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=59135

Warden Message: Potential Turkey Violence
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Turkey
22 Nov 2006

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
20 Nov 2006
Demonstrators Occupy U.S. Media Outlet's Ankara Offices
17 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Increase Turkey Security Awareness
8 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Ankara Temporary Consular Section Closure
13 Oct 2006
Warden Message: Izmir Consular Section Closed until February
30 Sep 2006
Istanbul Criminals Using Distraction Techniques
U.S. Embassy Ankara issued the following warden message on November 22:

The Embassy wishes to alert Americans in Turkey to two events occurring the last week of November.

Pope Benedict XVI will visit Turkey between November 28 and December 1. It is expected that there will be large gatherings of people wishing to see the Pope as he carries out his schedule in Ankara, Ephesus and Istanbul during this period. While there is no firm information available about any demonstrations against the Pope, there may be gatherings to protest his visit.

The other event we want to alert Americans to is the anniversary of the founding of the PKK on November 27. On this date, unauthorized gatherings are likely to occur in cities throughout Turkey.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for violence, to avoid those areas where disturbances have occurred, and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

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).
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara http://ankara.usembassy.gov is at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131. The Internet address is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's website http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana http://adana.usconsulate.gov is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: 90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916,web site at http://adana.usconsulate.gov.

http://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=59149

Warden Message: Kabul Airport Road Threat
Consular Affairs Bulletins
South / Central Asia - Afghanistan
22 Nov 2006

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
Today
ANSO Incident Report: Kabul Shooting
21 Nov 2006
ANSO Incident Report: Khost Suicide Bombing
20 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Embassy Kabul Holiday Closure
15 Nov 2006
ANSO Incident Report: Parwan Province Suicide Attack
8 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Embassy Kabul Holiday Closure
U.S. Embassy Kabul released the following Warden Message on November 22, 2006:

The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform American citizens in Afghanistan that it continues to receive reports which convey threats of attacks against U.S. and coalition personnel along the Great Massoud (Airport) and Jalalabad roads. These attacks may involve Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) or other types of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Due to these reports, the Embassy has minimized travel of its personnel along these two routes.

The Embassy has received additional reports that indicate similar threats against facilities frequented by U.S. and coalition personnel, including the Serena and Intercontinental Hotels. For the immediate future and until further notice, the Embassy is advising its personnel not to schedule or attend activities at these two sites.

The Embassy reminds Americans that they should restrict their own travel in Kabul to essential business only and to consider the current threat environment when planning necessary travel around the city.

The Embassy urges Americans to practice good security measures:

- be aware of your surroundings;
- vary your times and routes of travel;
- avoid traveling after dark;
- do not travel alone
- avoid crowded areas and demonstrations;
- avoid Afghan and international government buildings and compounds;
- do not approach any international or local military or government convoys.

Americans in Afghanistan are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. As the Embassy continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan, it will share them with the American community via the Warden System. We take this opportunity to remind the community of the continuing threats outlined in the current Travel Warning for Afghanistan and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement. The full text of each can be found at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information may also be obtained by contacting the American Embassy in Kabul at usconsulkabul@state.gov or by calling the Consular Section on 070-20-1908.

The Department of State also shares information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_929.html

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

This information is current as of today, Wed Nov 22 2006 15:31:11 GMT-0800.

ALGERIA

November 22, 2006

This Travel Warning is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in Algeria. The security environment in many areas continues to pose a significant security risk. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on August 31, 2006.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risk posed to their personal safety while in-country. Although the security services in Algiers and most urban centers are generally effective in limiting terrorist activities, there were three terrorist attacks against police stations in the eastern suburbs of Algiers in October 2006. Sustained small-scale attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur, primarily in rural and remote sections of the country. Overland travel between major cities should be avoided.

The Department of State cautions those U.S. citizens who travel to the mountainous northern regions as well as the southern regions near Tamanrasset despite this Travel Warning to use reputable local agents and tour guides who are able to make reliable security arrangements.

The Government of Algeria requires U.S. Embassy personnel traveling outside the Wilaya of Algiers or to the Casbah within Algiers to seek permission and to have a security escort. Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires Government of Algeria authorization. Within many areas, primarily in the center of the city of Algiers, there are no restrictions on the movement of U.S. government personnel. However, travel by U.S government personnel to or within other neighborhoods requires prior coordination with the Embassy’s regional security office. American visitors are encouraged to contact the Embassy’s Consular Section for the most recent safety and security information concerning travel in the city of Algiers.

The Department of State cautions Americans who reside or travel in Algeria to take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support. This support should include being met upon arrival and accompanied for the duration of the visit. Visitors should ensure that tour operators and host organizations perform all notifications and coordination with Algerian police and security officials during their stay. Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided. All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices.

American citizens in or traveling to Algeria are also urged to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Algeria at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Algiers or on our travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. The Embassy is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 408 (Alger-Gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The Embassy can be reached at telephone [213] (21) 691-425; [213] (21) 691-186; or fax [213] (21) 693-979. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy at [213](21) 691-255.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Algeria, and the current Worldwide Caution and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcements, which are located on the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain updated information on travel and security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3073.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Wed Nov 22 2006 15:33:33 GMT-0800.

Fiji

November 22, 2006

This Public Announcement updates the Department of State’s concerns about the situation in Fiji, particularly the military commander’s November 21 public threat to forcibly remove the government by early December if the government does not accede to his demands. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on November 3, 2006, and expires on January 22, 2007.

The Department of State reminds U.S. citizens of the current security situation in Fiji, including the November 21 public threat by the military commander to forcibly remove the government by early December if the government does not accede to his demands. All American citizens in Fiji are urged to continue to monitor events closely and to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security. At present, Fiji remains calm; however, the security situation could deteriorate without warning. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid any political or military demonstrations, and at a minimum to exercise caution in the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The Department of State and the Embassy in Suva are continuing to follow developments closely. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements 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).

American citizens traveling or residing in Fiji are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. American citizens may also register at https://travelregistration.state.gov. The Embassy is located at 31 Loftus Street in Suva. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling (679) 331-4466 and by e-mail at consularsuva@state.gov.

THIS IS NEW.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1164209628449.shtm

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Rule Outlines New Document Requirements for Air Travel
Release Date: November 22, 2006
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282-8010

Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State announced the official requirement for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere beginning January 23, 2007.

“The ability to misuse travel documents to enter this country opens the door for a terrorist to carry out an attack. We can not continue to allow loopholes that could facilitate access to the United States through false claims of citizenship or fake identities,” said DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff. “This initiative strengthens our border security by designating verifiable secure documents that may be used at our air ports of entry.”

The travel document requirements make up the departments of State and Homeland Security’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). This change in travel document requirements is the result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, which Congress subsequently passed into law in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re?enter the United States from within the Western Hemisphere.

By limiting the types of documents presented will result in a more efficient border. There are more than 8,000 different state and local entities in the U.S., which issue birth certificates and driver’s licenses. Currently, a CBP Officer needs to assess the authenticity of each birth certificate and license, regardless of when or where it was issued. The challenge at the borders is how to assess individual travelers, based on the documents they present, without significantly slowing the processing time for admission into the United States.

CBP Officers intercepted more than 75,000 fraudulent documents in FY2005 and apprehended over 84,000 individuals at the ports of entry trying to cross the border with fraudulent claims of citizenship or documents.

The only acceptable alternative documents to a passport for air travel will be the Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) and the NEXUS Air card. The MMD or “z?card” is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to U.S. merchant mariners and the NEXUS Air card is issued to citizens of Canada and the United States, lawful permanent residents of the United States and permanent residents of Canada who meet certain eligibility requirements. The NEXUS Air card may only be accepted when used in conjunction with the NEXUS Air program. The MMD card may only be accepted when used on official business by U.S. Citizen Merchant Mariners. Members of the United States military, when traveling on official orders, may continue to present their military ID and orders for entry.
A separate proposed rule addressing land and sea travel will be published at a later date proposing specific requirements for travelers entering the United States through land and sea border crossings. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea will be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain acceptable documents for land and sea entries.

Those wishing to view the final rule may visit www.dhs.gov or travel.state.gov. The rule will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, November 24, 2006, where it can be viewed at www.regulations.gov.

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