Threat Matrix: January 2007

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[nwctwx]

Fighting Jihad: Strategic Thinking Needed
-Full Story-

The United States of America has some of the smartest leaders in government, military, and business in the world. Yet the American government has failed to collectively use this formidable brain-power 5+ years after the attack by Jihadists on the American homeland to develop a truly strategic plan to fight the global threat of Jihad and Islamist extremism. In one of the most complex wars in American history, rather than starting with holistic, big-picture thinking towards the challenges and prioritizing resources and actions accordingly, America has spent much of the past five years after 9/11 in reactive and bureaucratic churning.

	Zawahri Decries Moderate Arabs | Transcript: LauraMansfield.com
	There Is No Substitute For Knowing Your Enemy
	A Terror So Great We Forgot It At Once?

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[Cindy]

http://www.dia.mil/publicaffairs/Testimonies/statement26.html

"Current and Projected National Security Threats to the United States


Lieutenant General Michael D. Maples, U.S. Army Director, Defense Intelligence Agency


Statement for the Record Senate Select Committee on Intelligence 11 January 2007"

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote;

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3351447,00.html

IDF arrests 4 Palestinian suspects in West Bank
Published: 01.12.07, 06:10

During searches in a West Bank village near Ramallah early Friday, IDF forces discoverd an ammunition stock.

Forces also arrested four Palestinian suspects in the area. Three were Hamas operatives arrested in the Bethlehem area, and another suspect was caught near Hebron. (Ynet)

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1766319/posts?page=183#183


http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/Rocket_attack_at_U_S_embassy_in_Athens.html?siteSect=143&sid=7423285&cKey=1168591979000
(REUTERS) (IDS)

January 12, 2007 - 8:49 AM

"Rocket attack at U.S. embassy in Athens"
By Karolos Grohmann

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "ATHENS (Reuters) - Assailants fired a rocket at the U.S. embassy in Athens on Friday but no one was hurt in the attack, which anonymous callers said was staged by Greek leftists, authorities said.

In the most serious attack against the mission in 10 years, the small rocket launched from across the street shattered windows and woke up nearby residents in the central Athens area at 5:58 AM (3:58 a.m. British time).

"There is one or two anonymous phone calls which claim that the Revolutionary Struggle was behind the attack," Public Order Minister Byron Polydoras told reporters outside the embassy.

The leftist guerrilla group has emerged as the most serious domestic threat since the dismantling of the deadly November 17 group in 2002. It claimed an assassination attempt on Greece's Culture Minister last May and a bomb at the Economy Ministry which wounded two people and damaged buildings 13 months ago.

"I am treating this as a very serious attack," U.S. ambassador to Athens, Charles Ries, told reporters outside the mission. "The embassy was attacked in a senseless act of violence. There were no injuries."

Greek police said the rocket was launched from a building across the road from the mission, which is often the target of Greek protests and demonstrations, and landed inside a toilet on the third floor.

"The projectile caused slight damage to the facade's glass and the ceiling," police said in a statement."

[Cindy]

UPDATE to post no.653:

http://www.middletownpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17702694&BRD=1645&PAG=461&dept_id=10856&rfi=6

"Portland resident arrested in Pep Boys bomb scare"
By: Francine Maglione, Special to The Press
01/12/2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "BERLIN - An employee of the Pep Boys automotive store on the Berlin Turnpike who was arrested Wednesday afternoon, as well as at least one other employee, were responsible for creating the explosive device that went off in a car parked next to the store Wednesday.

Police arrested 19-year-old Jonathan Roath, of 6 Old Mill Lane in Portland, about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on charges of interfering with an officer, tampering with/fabricating evidence, manufacturing of bombs and first-degree breach of peace.

He was detained and held on $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Jan. 24.

Another arrest is pending, police reported. That warrant was issued at around 1 p.m. Thursday and is expected to be served soon, police said."

[Cindy]

UPDATE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1766319/posts?page=197#197

http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=102
"GROUP PROFILE
Revolutionary People's Struggle
Mothertongue Name:
Epanastatikos Laikos Agonas (ELA)

Aliases: ELA, National Front (Greece), Revolutionary Popular Struggle

Base of Operation: Greece"

(Note: Click link above for furhter details)

===
===

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6254399.stm

Last Updated: Friday, 12 January 2007, 10:22 GMT

"Rocket hits US embassy in Athens"


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The US envoy condemned the "very serious attack", as fire engines and police cordoned off the area.

Greece's Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras said it was "very likely" a domestic group was behind the attack.

He said police were investigating claims that a left-wing radical group, Revolutionary Struggle, was responsible."

[Cindy]

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200701/CUL20070111d.html

"Expect Long War Against 'Irreconcilable Wing of Islam,' Gingrich Says"
By Kevin Mooney
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
January 11, 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "(CNSNews.com) - Americans must steel themselves for a long and arduous war against the "irreconcilable wing of Islam," which could last anywhere from 30 to 70 years, according to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Addressing a free-market group in Baltimore, Md., Gingrich said the current generation of Americans could witness the destruction of U.S. cities in their lifetime, since Islamic extremists have openly expressed their desire to obtain and use both nuclear and biological weapons.

He singled out the "elite media" and "left-of-center" politicians for embracing a "level of routine cowardice" that works to embolden America's enemies."

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=61825

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Venezuela Park Attacks
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Americas - Venezuela
11 Jan 2007

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
24 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Caracas Rallies November 25-26
13 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Venezuelan Elections
3 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Caracas Demonstration November 4
11 Oct 2006
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
4 Oct 2006
Warden Message: Caracas Demonstration October 7
U.S. Embassy Caracas issued the following Warden Message on January 11:

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens traveling to and residing in Venezuela of a recent incident involving American citizens hiking in the Avila National Park outside of Caracas.

During the weekend of January 6, 2007, two American citizens were assaulted, bound and robbed between the Distribuidor Sebucan and Pico Oriental areas of the Avila trail. The group consisted of five assailants posted in two locations along the trail, which allowed one group to 'spot' oncoming hikers, while the other group had a tent set up further along the trail. Once the assailants subdued the hikers at knifepoint, the victims were led into a tent where they were tied up and robbed.

The assailants apprehended a Venezuelan couple shortly thereafter and attempted to catch two more hikers (one was captured and the other managed to escape). The escaped hiker apparently led the attackers to panic and immediately flee the area.

Although the only weapons seen were edged weapons with six inch blades, the assailants spoke openly of having a gun. No serious injuries resulted from these attacks. There is no indication that American citizens have been targeted.

As a result of this incident, the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens planning to hike the Avila trails do so only in groups, not alone, and that they advise friends/family of their itinerary. The Embassy reminds all American citizens in Venezuela to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. The assault on the Avila trail is a reminder of the deteriorating crime situation in Caracas and the need to adhere to good personal security practices. Local police have indicated this type of assault is not uncommon on the Avila.

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, 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 overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=61823

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Bangladesh State of Emergency
Consular Affairs Bulletins
South / Central Asia - Bangladesh
11 Jan 2007

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
11 Jan 2007
Bangladesh Demonstrations January 12-15
11 Jan 2007
Bangladesh Demonstrations January 11
10 Jan 2007
Bangladesh Demonstrations January 10
9 Jan 2007
Bangladesh Election Violence
9 Jan 2007
Bangladesh 2007 Crime & Safety Report
U.S. Embassy Dhaka released the following Warden Message on January 11, 2007:

On the evening of January 11, 2007, the Caretaker Government declared a State of Emergency and imposed a 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew until further notice. In view of the fluid political and security situation, the U.S. Embassy recommends that American citizens limit their movements and monitor announcements in the local media. We have instructed U.S. Embassy employees to go home go home tonight and remain there until further notice.

English language news is available on the following channels at the following times:

ATN - 18:00
Banglavision - 21:05
BTV - 22:00
BTV - 23:30 (also broadcast by all local Satellite stations: ATN, Channel I, NTV, RTV, Banglavision Channel 1, Boishaki)

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka can be reached at (880-2) 885-5500 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies. Our website address is dhaka.usembassy.gov. 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 Announcement, Bangladesh Public Announcement, Bangladesh Consular Information Sheet and other 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. and Canada; 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 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_3072.html

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

This information is current as of today, Fri Jan 12 2007 03:53:34 GMT-0800.

LEBANON

December 22, 2006

[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, Fri Jan 12 2007 03:54:24 GMT-0800.

Worldwide Caution

October 11, 2006

[Cindy]

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

[Cindy]

http://www.dni.gov/testimonies/20070111_testimony.pdf

---

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6254375.stm
Last Updated: Friday, 12 January 2007, 11:59 GMT

"Al-Qaeda 'rebuilding' in Pakistan"

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The head of US spying operations says the leaders of al-Qaeda have found a secure hideout in Pakistan from where they are rebuilding their strength.

National Intelligence Director John Negroponte said al-Qaeda was strengthening itself across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe."

[PGalt]

Thanks for your contributions. #656 via jihadwatch...Dominic's post very telling, #621...Good news.

Outstanding thread bump! Thanks to all contributors.

[freeperfromnj]

Dead Body Found on Africa-Atlanta FlightDead

Stowaway Found at Atlanta Airport, Hidden in Wheel Well of Flight From Africa

ATLANTA Jan 12, 2007 (AP)— A body was found in an airplane wheel well after a Delta Air Lines flight from Africa landed in Atlanta Friday morning, airline spokeswoman Betsy Talton said.

The flight had left Dakar, Senegal, more than nine hours earlier. It landed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

No additional details were available pending an investigation by federal and local law enforcement

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2790462

[freeperfromnj]

White powder found in Pennsylvania courthouse

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A suspicious white powder was found in a county courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Friday, a local sheriff said.

The Lehigh County Courthouse was not evacuated and there were no injuries reported, Lehigh County Sheriff Ronald Rossi said.

Rossi said a letter had arrived in the courthouse mail room on Friday morning and an assistant had found white powder inside the envelope.

"That is what started this whole thing," Rossi said. "They don't know if this is the real thing. They have to test the powder."

A local Hazardous Material team was examining the powder, Rossi said.

Suspicious substances were sent to two Florida courthouses on Thursday, reviving memories of the 2001 anthrax attacks that raised biological warfare fears soon after September 11.

Up to five people came into contact with the potentially hazardous materials at each Florida courthouse, located in Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale. No injuries were reported.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070112/ts_nm/security_pennsylvania_dc

[Godzilla]

placemark

[freeperfromnj]

Man with a Bomb in a plane barricaded in a bathroom at Toledo Express Airport.

Posted on 01/12/2007 8:07:20 AM PST by FoxPro

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1766525/posts

[SheLion]

Thanks for the ping. Keeping my eye on this!

[Oorang]

Thanks very much for that update.

[freeperfromnj]

Update on plane incident: in a word -- HOAX