Threat Matrix: November 2006

[nwctwx]

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.

	Al-Qaeda Doctrine for International Political Warfare
	- 2006 Midterms: Another bin Laden Victory?
	Three Years Ago: Threat Matrix Begins

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[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

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

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Nov 18 2006 02:54:29 GMT-0800.

TONGA

November 17, 2006

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in the Kingdom of Tonga that major civil disturbances have taken place in the capital, Nuku’alofa. Many fires were set on November 16 and much of the city has been made off-limits by the authorities. There is risk of continued unrest. Although none of the unrest appears to be directed at Americans, we advise Americans to avoid the downtown areas of Nuku’alofa, especially areas around government buildings. This Public Announcement expires on March 17.

The Department of State advises all American citizens contemplating travel to Tonga to be aware of these civil disturbances. All American citizens in Tonga are urged to continue to monitor events closely and to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.

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 Tonga 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.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

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

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

This information is current as of today, Sat Nov 18 2006 02:56:16 GMT-0800.

Central African Republic
November 17, 2006

This Travel Warning is revised to strongly advise Americans against travel to the Central African Republic and to provide an update on the security situation. It supersedes the Travel Warning for the Central African Republic issued April 20, 2006.

American citizens are strongly advised not to travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) at this time. Americans in the CAR should consider departing. Active rebel movements, beginning with an attack from Sudanese territory and capture of the northeastern city of Birao, began on October 30 and are increasing in frequency. Rebel units are seizing territory and/or mounting attacks against military and civilian targets in all the northern prefectures of the country, from the Cameroon border on the west, along the northern frontier with Chad, up to the Sudan border on the east. Many civilians have died in these attacks. Rebel units are moving south and their leaders have announced their intention to attack the cities of Bria and Bangui unless the present government agrees to negotiations on sharing political power with the rebel front. The Government of the Central African Republic is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors to any part of the country, including the capital.

U.S. citizens already in the Central African Republic should contact the American Embassy in Bangui at once to verify their locations and contact points (see below). They should avoid travel outside the capital unless absolutely necessary and exercise caution at all times, particularly at public gatherings.

In Bangui, tensions are high due to unpaid civil servant salaries and skirmishes between government forces and opposition groups. There are approximately 300 peacekeeping troops from neighboring member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of Central Africa (CEMAC) that move in and out of the capital. CAR security forces, sometimes with French military assistance, staff checkpoints throughout the city. Some crimes are perpetrated by uniformed CAR security and military personnel. Two World Health Organization physicians were murdered by unidentified assailants on the outskirts of Bangui in April 2006.

Outside the capital many areas are lawless; rebel groups are active in the western, northern, northeastern, and southeastern provinces. The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to take a CAR military escort when traveling outside the capital, particularly near the borders with Chad, Sudan, and Cameroon. The country held peaceful elections in March 2005, but the country’s economic and security situations have not improved markedly. The rebels wish to overthrow the constitutionally elected president and seek new elections.

The U.S. Embassy in Bangui has just two American officers and can provide only limited emergency services to U.S. citizens.

U.S. citizens in the CAR are strongly urged to register on the State Department’s web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Bangui. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in the CAR is located at Avenue David Dacko, B.P. 924, Bangui; tel. (236) 61-02-00; fax (236) 61-44-94. For additional information on safety and security in the CAR, contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, at telephone (237) 223-4014, (237) 223-0512, or 223-0581; fax (237) 223-0753; web site http://yaounde.usembassy.gov/. Americans may also obtain updated information from the American Embassy in N'djamena, Chad, at telephone (235) 51-70-09, 51-92-33 or 51-90-52; fax (235) 51-56-54; web site http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's most recent Consular Information Sheet for Central African Republic and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are located on the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on safety and security is also available at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers from other countries, on 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]

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1162378426326&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull


Nov. 18, 2006 12:35 | Updated Nov. 18, 2006 12:39
"N. Korea, Iran seek closer relations"
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEOUL, South Korea

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Officials from North Korea and Iran met in Teheran and exchanged views on how to boost friendly relations between and on issues of mutual concern, the North's official news agency said Saturday.

Choe Thae Bok, the head of North Korea's rubber-stamp legislature, held talks with Iranian parliamentary Speaker Gholamali Haddad Adel on Thursday "in a friendly atmosphere," the Korean Central News Agency said, without providing further details.

Choe met with Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Wednesday, KCNA said.

North Korea and Iran - both labeled parts of an "axis of evil" along with pre-war Iraq by US President George W. Bush - are under growing international pressure to give up their pursuit of nuclear programs."

[Cindy]

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

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6156956.stm

Last Updated: Friday, 17 November 2006, 07:30 GMT


"Bombs follow Thai PM peace visit"


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Three bombs have exploded in a predominantly-Muslim province in southern Thailand, killing one person and injuring about 30.
The attacks followed a visit and a call for peace on Thursday by the new Prime Minister, Surayud Chulanont.

Five soldiers were hurt in one roadside bombing in Narathiwat province. An hour later another roadside bomb and one in a tea shop killed one and injured 24.

More than 1,500 people have died in the restive south since January 2004.

The first bomb of about 15kg (33lb) and possibly hidden in a fire extinguisher exploded as a patrol of soldiers was passing. Two of the injured soldiers were said to be in critical condition.


VIOLENCE-HIT SOUTH

Home to most of Thailand's 4% Muslim minority
Muslim rebels fought the government up to the mid-1980s
Suspected militants have upped attacks since 2004, targeting Buddhists
Security forces' response criticised by rights groups

Thailand's restive south

An hour later, a 5kg bomb went off in a tea shop followed five minutes later by a similar-sized roadside bomb that killed a street vendor.

Since coming to power following a coup in September, the army-appointed Mr Surayud has apologised for previous tough policies in the Muslim-majority, Malay-speaking region.

But the violence has increased since his appointment.

Bombs also exploded on 9 November, a day after his previous visit."

[Cindy]

ON THE 'NET...

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/images/jdey.jpg
http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/images/jdey2.jpg
http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/images/jdey4.jpg

Note: The following text is a quote:


http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/index.cfm?page=abderraouf

Wanted

Abderraouf Ben Habib Jdey
(aka) Faruq al- Tunisi
Up to $5 Million Reward

Date of birth: May 30, 1965

Place of birth: Grombalia, Tunisia

Height: 6'
Weight: 210 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Sex: Male
Characteristics: Scar on forehead
Aliases: Ibrahim, Mustapha, Papa, Marzouk, Farouq, Rubi'I al-Urduni

Abderraouf Jdey, also known as Faruq al- Tunisi, has an extensive history of extremist affiliations. He has been closely linked with al-Qa'ida operatives and involved in plans for conducting hijacking/terrorist operations. Jdey is an associate of Tunisian terror suspect Faker Boussora, and the two are believed to be traveling together.

Jdey left his native Tunisia in 1991 and immigrated to Montreal, Canada, becoming a Canadian citizen in 1995. While in Canada, Jdey studied biology at the University of Montreal and attended the EI-Sunna (or Assunah) Mosque in Montreal.

Jdey departed Canada in 1999 and received combat training and experience in Afghanistan through 2000. He engaged in fighting against the Afghan Northern Alliance and authored a suicide letter stating his intention to become a martyr for jihad. During this time, Jdey also appeared in a well-known martyrdom video that was later found in an al-Qa'ida leader's house in 2001.

Following a return to the Montreal area in 2001 in which Jdey consorted with extremists on methods of joining the jihad, Jdey left Canada. His whereabouts since then have been unknown. He was last identified as potentially being in Turkey in early 2002, and may be traveling within the surrounding region. However, authorities remain concerned that Jdey may attempt to return to Canada or the United States to plan or participate in a terrorist attack.



===
===

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/images/boussora1.jpg

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/index.cfm?page=faker

Wanted

Faker Ben Abdelaziz Boussora
Abu Yusif al- Tunisi
Up to $5 Million Reward

Date of birth: March 22, 1964

Place of birth: Tunisia

Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 165 pounds
Hair: Black
Eyes: Dark
Sex: Male
Characteristics: Has predominately protruding ears and is believed to have a serious pituitary gland illness.
Aliases: Abdulaziz, Fakeroun, Fakerrou, Fakir.

Faker Boussora, also known as Abu Yusif al- Tunisi, is a Tunisian national with extensive connections to radical Islamic extremism. He is an al-Qa'ida trained operative with declared intentions of becoming a suicide martyr. Boussora is an associate of Tunisian terror suspect Abderraouf Jdey, and the two are believed to be traveling together.

Boussora left his native Tunisia in 1988 to reside in France. He departed France in 1991 and immigrated to Montreal, Canada, traveling back and forth from Canada to Tunisia frequently during the 1990's. Boussora gained Canadian citizenship in 1999 and while in Canada attended the El-Sunna (or Assunah) Mosque in Montreal.

Boussora departed Canada in 1999 and may have made more than one trip to Mghanistan during the 1999- 2000 timeframe. He received training from al-Qa'ida while in Afghanistan, and subsequently returned to Canada.

Boussora was last identified as potentially being in Turkey in early 2002, and may be traveling within the surrounding region. However, authorities remain concerned that he may attempt to return to Canada or the United States to plan or participate in a terrorist attack. Boussora is thought to possibly suffer from a serious illness and may be in extremely poor health, resulting in weight loss and altered physical appearance.

[Cindy]

PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Nov 18 2006 03:21:50 GMT-0800.

Worldwide Caution
October 11, 2006

[Cindy]

ENTERTAINMENT News & Views:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=23379_Yusuf_Islam_is_Allowed_Entry_to_US&only
(November 17, 2006)

---

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=23332&only
(November 13, 2006)


---

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=23312_Audio-_Cat_Stevens_Linked_to_Radical_Islamists_Convicted_Terrorists&only
(November 11, 2006)
===
===

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

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

RECAP:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1682087/posts

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=cellphones
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=cellphone
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=mobilephones
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=mobilephone

===
===

THIS IS NEW:


http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&tab=wn&q=%22Mohammed+Islam%22&scoring=d

http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?hl=en&client=news&q=%22Mohammed+Islam%22&ie=UTF8===



Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/014090.php


November 18, 2006

Uh, no, I'm not a terrorist...I don't know how that phone got there...
The Courier-Mail's headline for this one is "Terror link probed." Yes, that's right. By Greg Stolz and Paula Doneman in The Courier-Mail, with thanks to Warren:

A SELF-proclaimed British multi-millionaire named Mohammed Islam who was arrested on the Gold Coast with almost $120,000 in cash is under investigation as to whether he has terrorist connections. Queensland police yesterday refused to comment on their investigation into the man, 22, but at this stage there is reportedly no evidence to link him with terrorist activity.
Islam allegedly had $118,000 in $50 notes in a suitcase and a mobile phone concealed in his rectum when he was arrested at a Surfers Paradise bus station on Thursday night.


Give the man a break. Maybe he lost the belt clip for his phone.

[Cindy]

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

===

UPDATE...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1740918/posts

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/16047317.htm

Posted on Sat, Nov. 18, 2006
"Feds say Lodi terror probe continues"
Associated Press

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "LODI, Calif. - Eighteen months after FBI agents swarmed Lodi's Muslim community and arrested a father and son on terrorism-related charges, investigators said they are still examining several individuals named by the pair.

U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott and Drew Parenti, who heads the FBI's Sacramento office, met Friday with about 100 members of the Pakistani community at the Lodi Muslim Mosque." T

[the anti-liberal]

SNIPPET: "In Vancouver, British Columbia, Muslim cab drivers are refusing service to infidels who violate Islamic laws—for example, blind people with guide dogs.

It would be interesting to total up the lost revenue due to this 'selective' (discriminating, actually) servicing, and present it to their bosses.

[Cindy]

Yes, that would be interesting.
(Note: Some cabs may be independently owned, I believe.)

[the anti-liberal]

Hypothetically speaking:

imagine if all Islamic cab drivers were required to post an Islamic medallion prominently on the exterior of their cabs (reminiscent of the Star of David patch required of Jews) so that 'infidels' can choose to forgo their 'services' and catch a 'non-Islmic' cab instead.

If they wish to discriminate, turnabout is fair play.

[Cindy]

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2006/11/clarifying_the_status_of_arab.php
"Clarifying the Status of Arab Bank in the U.S."
By Jonathan Winer
(November 17, 2006)

[Cindy]

http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/terror/terror.shtml
"Terrorism Sanctions"

[Cindy]

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=23394_Jawdropper_of_the_Day
(November 18, 2006)

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=23394_Jawdropper_of_the_Day#comments

===
===

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5154046,00.html

"Suthers reassures Saudis
Feds back Suthers' trip to explain case of captive nanny"
By Chris Barge, Rocky Mountain News
November 18, 2006


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Colorado Attorney General John Suthers flew to Saudi Arabia this week to reassure government officials there that Homaidan Al-Turki was treated fairly when he was convicted of sexually abusing an Indonesian nanny held a virtual captive in his Aurora home.
Suthers sat knee-to-knee for an hour with King Abdullah and also met with Crown Prince Sultan, Saudi journalists and relatives of Al-Turki during his weeklong trip to the capital city of Riyadh, Deputy Attorney General Jason Dunn said Friday.

"There was a lot of public attention in Saudi Arabia on this case," Dunn said, adding that "misperceptions" there about the U.S. judicial system and Colorado in particular convinced U.S. officials that the highly unusual trip was warranted."

[Cindy]

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


---

http://intelligence-summit.blogspot.com/2006/11/taiwan-china-targeting-island-with-900.html
(WorldTribune.com)

Friday, November 17, 2006
"Taiwan: China targeting island with 900 missiles on 5 bases"

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.usdoj.gov/ag/speeches/2006/ag_speech_061117.html

Prepared Remarks of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales
at the Portrait Unveiling of Former Attorney General John Ashcroft

Washington, D.c.
November 17, 2006

Good morning and welcome.

This morning, on the eve of Thanksgiving celebrations around dinner tables across America, we gather to celebrate the service of John Ashcroft and to say thank you for a job well done as our Attorney General during one of the most historic and difficult periods in our nation’s history.

We are joined today by many friends and alumni of the Department of Justice, as well as many special guests – Justice Clarence Thomas, Senator Kit Bond, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, thank you for being here – and I want to welcome one and all – whether this is your first time in the Great Hall or a return to once-familiar territory.

I also want to offer a special welcome to John’s wife, Janet Ashcroft. Wonderful to see you here today, Janet.

Our other special guest is the artist for General Ashcroft’s portrait: John Howard Sanden. I’d like to welcome John and his wife, Elizabeth, to the Department.

You know, several members of the media have commented on the different styles between John and me. And I suppose that’s true. For example, John likes blue drapes…I happen to like a more open look.

General Ashcroft had an open door policy with the press. Given John’s high regard for reporters and his close association with both American and foreign journalists, it is not surprising that a large number of members of the media are here for today’s hanging.

Recently, I was in Europe in the offices of one of my law enforcement counterparts. As I stood admiring some portraits of former ministers, my host disclosed that he was an artist – a political cartoonist – and that he could draw a self-portrait when he left government, thus saving the taxpayers and his country a few Euros.

I found the image of John Ashcroft sitting in front of a mirror, sketching himself with crayons and watercolors to be interesting. Although we know John has great respect for the taxpayer’s money, I think we also appreciate that he didn’t try to paint his portrait himself especially given the remarkable talents of Mr. Sanden.

Continuing on with our program please rise and join me in the presentation of the colors and the playing of our National Anthem.

***

President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote:

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

When we think of the man in the arena striving valiantly with great enthusiasm in a worthy cause, it is hard not to think of John Ashcroft. In just the short time that I have known him, John has proven again and again his courage and his strength of character.

We will soon unveil a portrait of not just an Attorney General, but of a consummate statesman. Once-governor, once-senator – John Ashcroft’s record of public service is both long and deep. In each of his public roles, he worked tirelessly for the good of the people he served.

As the wonderful patriotic hymn says of America’s heroes, I think we can say of John Ashcroft – “who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.”

In both his state capital and his Nation’s capital, John has been a consistent, modest and moral leader.

Here at the Justice Department, John led ably after September 11th – a time that will doubtless stand out in history as one of the most challenging times for our nation, when an unthinkable, monstrous criminal act was also an act of war. From my vantage point at the White House, I saw John step up as a warrior for America. A few questioned his approach, but I think his willingness to take the fight to the enemy reassured the American people during those darkest days that this government would not back down in the face of adversity, but would take bold steps to protect them.

Like so many of his law enforcement colleagues, John should know that he deserves a substantial portion of the credit for the fact that America has not been attacked in more than five years. Thanks to his cool head and insightful perspective, I believe he will be remembered as being the right man at the right time for this incredibly complex and challenging job.

John Ashcroft loves his country, and believes deeply in the rule of law and that “thy liberty” is found in law. He knows that one preserves and protects the other, and his public service is a record of that fact.

It is right and fitting that, from this day forward, John Ashcroft’s portrait will hang in the Department of Justice. Because in his public life, John Ashcroft has always stood for justice… everywhere that he stood.

Ladies and gentleman, please join me in welcoming Attorney General John Ashcroft.

***

Thank you, John, and thank you Mr. Sanden. We are all honored to have been part of this special ceremony.

I encourage all of you – colleagues, friends and family members – to join us on the 5th floor for refreshments and a chance to take a closer look at this wonderful piece of art.

It has been a pleasure to host you at the Department of Justice. Thank you all for coming.

[Cindy]

Note: The folloiwng news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3329658,00.html

2 Qassam rockets land in western Negev; no injuries
Published: 11.19.06, 00:37
Palestinian gunmen launched two Qassam rockets into Israeli territory. One of the rockets landed next to a residential building in a western Negev town and caused general panic. Another rocket landed in an open area next to the town.

No one was hurt, and no damage was caused. (Shmulik Hadad)

[Cindy]

Off Topic...

UPDATE:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=977979

"Derailment Could Affect Monday Commute"
Nov 17th - 12:45pm

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "BOWIE, Md. - Amtrak trains heading north out of Washington faced delays of up to 20 minutes Friday and commuter rail service was sharply curtailed as crews worked to clear a derailment.

Delays on Amtrak were expected to last throughout Friday. Officials with the MARC commuter rail, which canceled trains on the Penn Line between Washington and Baltimore, said it was possible service could even be affected Monday.

Three CSX Corp. coal cars derailed about 7:25 p.m. Thursday in Bowie, about 15 miles outside of Washington. The derailed cars pulled down electrical power lines. It was unclear what the cause was, or if severe weather that had passed through a few hours earlier was to blame."