Threat Matrix: February 2007

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[nwctwx]

How al-Qaida Fared in 2006
-Full Story-

In 2006, agents of al-Qaida, as well as those inspired by its ideology, continued their attacks. Violence in Iraq intensified, and Afghanistan saw its bloodiest year since 2001.

Despite worsening chaos on those fronts, counterterrorist forces arrested and killed high-profile terrorists and kept the West free from attack. But these actions don't appear to have weakened the appeal of al-Qaida's agenda. "Home-grown" militants around the world joined its jihad, as regional fighting heightened perceptions of a global war on Islam.

Here's an assessment of some of the most significant gains and losses for al-Qaida last year: Read more..

	Azzam the American: The Making of an al Qaida Homegrown
	Islamic Cells of Revenge Joins the al Qaida Movement
	Most Dangerous Destinations 2007

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[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=62912

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Kosovo Demonstrations
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Serbia (Kosovo)
2 Feb 2007

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
26 Jan 2007
Serbia 2007 Crime & Safety Report
20 Nov 2006
Americans in Pristina Robbed at Gunpoint
27 Oct 2006
Warden Message: Serbian Constitutional Referendum
11 Oct 2006
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
6 Oct 2006
Low-Level Kosovo Attacks
U.S. Office Pristina issued the following Warden Message on February 2:

The next several weeks will see a number of important political events in Kosovo, including the possibility of demonstrations and other public manifestations. Local media announced planned demonstrations for February 10 in Pristina, Mitrovica and Ferizaj.

U.S. Office Pristina (USOP) reminds American citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid roadblocks and areas of demonstrations or where large crowds are gathered, if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

In the event further information is obtained regarding this or any other security or safety situation in Kosovo, USOP will provide updates via this same channel and on the Mission's web page: http://pristina.usmission.gov. American citizens may contact USOP during working hours by calling (038)-549-516. USOP's duty officer may be reached after hours via this same number or at 044-153-594.

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 all current Worldwide Cautions, 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 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=62958

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Hungary Avian Influenza Cases
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Hungary
2 Feb 2007

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
26 Jan 2007
Hungary 2007 Crime & Safety Report
6 Nov 2006
EU Clarifies Carry-On Luggage Restrictions
3 Nov 2006
Warden Message: Budapest Demonstration November 4
24 Oct 2006
Budapest Demonstrations October 23
23 Oct 2006
Warden Message: Budapest Demonstrations October 23

U.S. Embassy Budapest issued the following Warden Message on February 2:

On January 22, 2007, Hungary reported suspected cases of avian influenza among geese at a farm in Liposto in Csongrad county in southeastern Hungary. On January 29, the reference laboratory in Weybridge, England confirmed that the samples from these cases tested positive for the H5N1 virus.

Hungarian authorities also reported on January 27, 2007 a second group of suspected cases at another goose farm in Derekegyhaza, 8 kilometers away from Liposto. Samples from these cases have also been sent to the Weybridge laboratory for testing.

The European Commission was informed immediately by the Hungarian authorities of the outbreaks of the avian influenza in Csongrad County. Tests were carried out for bird flu after an abnormally high mortality rate was reported in geese on the two farms. Samples from these farms were also sent to the laboratory in Weybridge, near London, which the Commission uses to confirm such cases.

A spokesman from the European Commission stressed that in both instances, all EU rules had been carried out, including the slaughter of infected flocks, disinfection of affected farms and the setting up of safety zones within a 10-kilometer (six-mile) perimeter.

In the protection zone, poultry must be kept indoors, movement of poultry is banned, except directly to the slaughterhouse, and the transport of meat outside the zone is forbidden, except under very limited conditions.
In both the protection and surveillance zones, on-farm biosecurity measures must be strengthened and hunting of wild birds is banned, the EU said. The U.S. Embassy in Budapest is monitoring the situation and will continue to disseminate information through the Warden System.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Hungary to review information about AI, including suggested precautions, on the U.S. Department of State?s "Avian Flu Fact Sheet," at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html. The State Department website includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ?s), and links to websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing in Hungary to register their presence with the American Embassy, Budapest, at Szabadsag Ter 12, District 5, or by visiting our website at www.usembassy.hu. For questions regarding registration, this warden message or other matters visit us in person, visit our website or call 475-4164.

The government of Hungary has established and published the following four telephone numbers for questions or incidents relating to Avian Influenza in Hungary:

Only to report suspicious or dead birds: 189

Ministry of Health (they speak only Hungarian) (0-24hours) (no charge) is a number where there is always a medical person to help with human related AI questions: 06-80-374-636

National Epidemiological Center (only Hungarian) (no charge) M-F from 9am-1pm or Fridays 9am to noon: 06-80-204-217

National Public Health Institute (only Hungarian) (no charge) M-Th: from 8 am-16 pm, Fridays 8 am to noon: 06-80-204-264

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2765.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Feb 03 2007 01:59:25 GMT-0800.

Bangladesh

January 31, 2007

[Cindy]

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

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

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

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

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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/302165_ujaama02.html

Friday, February 2, 2007
Ujaama headed to prison, may lose plea deal

By AMY ROLPH
P-I REPORTER

ARTICLE SNIPPET; "James Ujaama, the Seattle man convicted three years ago of aiding suspected Taliban terrorists, is heading back to prison after he was caught skipping the country while on parole.


Federal prosecutors also are considering rescinding the plea agreement they made with the 41-year-old man in exchange for information about possible terrorist activities.

Ujaama acknowledged to a federal judge in Seattle on Thursday that he used a fake Mexican passport to flee to Belize in December. U.S. District Judge Barbara Rothstein sentenced him to two years in jail, the maximum allowed by law.

Ujaama's attorney, Peter Offenbecker, spoke for his client during most of the hearing, until Rothstein asked if the defendant had anything to say for himself.

"Yes, your honor," Ujaama said softly. "I would just like to say I am very, very sorry."

But neither Ujaama's nor Offenbecker's apologies softened the sentence handed down, and it has yet to be seen if they will keep the federal government from revoking the plea agreement Ujaama signed four years ago while on trial.

In April 2003, Ujaama signed an agreement stating he would cooperate with investigators and reveal information about terrorist activity as long as prosecutors dropped charges he provided training, facilities, computer services, safe houses and personnel to al-Qaida."

[Cindy]

ADDIING 2 links to post no. 164:

Previously...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1769005/posts

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/attack/299991_ujaama17.html

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
"Ujaama returns to court, accused of violating parole"

By MIKE LEWIS
P-I REPORTER

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A Seattle man convicted of supplying Taliban fighters with cash and computers returned to federal court Tuesday to face charges that he violated his parole by traveling overseas with a false Mexican passport.

James Ujaama denied the multiple federal counts that could land him back in prison for two years. Arrested in Belize one month ago, Ujaama had only four months left on his parole stemming from the 2003 conviction.

His attorney, Peter Offenbecher, said he hadn't yet gathered all the information that led to his client's arrest. "I'm investigating the facts to determine the appropriate course of action," he said after the brief court appearance.

Federal prosecutors in the Western District Court charged Ujaama, 41, with four violations of his three-year parole agreement: making false statements to a federal officer; use of a Mexican passport under the assumed name of Jose Luis Ramirez Ramirez; failure to follow a probation officer's order; and leaving the U.S. without permission from a federal court."

[Cindy]

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24269_Postage_from_the_Religion_of_Peace

Friday, February 02, 2007

"Postage from the Religion of Peace"

SNIPPET: "LGF reader El Marco discovered this Iranian stamp commemorating the first anniversary of the Islamic revolution at a New York stamp show"


http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24269_Postage_from_the_Religion_of_Peace#comments

[Cindy]

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


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A few more details update:

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07020008.htm


Friday, February 2, 2007

"Pastor Shot Dead in Sri Lanka"

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

JAFFNA, SRI LANKA (ANS)

[Cindy]

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

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3360311,00.html

Breaking News

Gaza: Hamas gunmen burn down Preventative Security Forces headquarters

Published: 02.03.07, 13:15

Hamas gunmen set fire to the Palestinian Authority’s Preventative Security Forces headquarters, burning it to the ground.

Earlier, Hamas operatives destroyed the command center of Force 17, Fatah’s general and military intelligence branch. (Ali Waked)

[Cindy]

NOTE: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1778518/posts


Plane lands after engine fire (LA bound jet)
news.com.au ^ | 3 February 2007

Posted on 02/03/2007 3:32:03 AM PST by Aussie Dasher

A LOS Angeles-bound Qantas airliner which had flames jetting out of one engine has landed safely at Sydney airport.

The Boeing 747 Flight QF149 with 274 people on board was forced to turn back after taking off at 11.58am (AEDT) today, Qantas said.

It landed at 1.20pm (AEDT) after dumping fuel and circling the city's northern beaches, a Qantas spokesman Lloyd Quartermaine said.

He said flames had been seen coming out of one of the engines, but there was no explosion and passengers were not at risk.

"The engine didn't explode," Mr Quartermaine said.

"At this stage we believe it was an engine surge which can lead to a flame jetting out the back of it, but it is not an engine explosion.

"We will be thoroughly inspecting it. It was a flame-out of the aircraft that can be caused when there's an engine surge, but it's not a safety issue of the aircraft," he said.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...

[Cindy]

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, Sat Feb 03 2007 03:43:41 GMT-0800.

ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK AND GAZA

January 17, 2007

[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, Sat Feb 03 2007 03:44:46 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, Sat Feb 03 2007 03:45:32 GMT-0800.

Worldwide Caution

October 11, 2006

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=iran
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=ahmadinejad
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.memri.org/iran.html

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http://www.memritv.org/Search.asp?ACT=S5&P1=148
MEMRITV.org - Videos - Topic: "IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM"

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UPDATE:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=105&sid=1034586

"Diplomats: Iran Working on Uranium Plant"
Feb 3rd - 3:37am


By GEORGE JAHN Associated Press Writer

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Technical crews have hauled centrifuges into Iran's vast underground Natanz complex and were on the threshold of launching a program that could be used to create nuclear arms, diplomats said Friday.

Hundreds of technicians have been "working feverishly" in recent weeks in the bunker-like hall beneath the desert near the central Iranian city of Natanz, said a diplomat accredited to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear monitor.


By Thursday, they had installed and tested the pipes, wiring, control panels and air conditioning, setting the stage for hooking up the centrifuges that spin uranium into enriched levels.


Iran says it wants to develop enrichment to generate power, with Natanz as the centerpiece of a program first to link 3,000 centrifuges, and then ultimately to expand to 54,000. The United States and other countries fear Tehran will enrich to a higher level than needed for energy and use the material for the fissile core of nuclear warheads.


The recent activity in Natanz increases the tension between Tehran and the world's major powers over the Islamic republic's nuclear program, and will likely spur U.S. efforts to sharpen existing U.N. sanctions on Iran for its defiance of a Security Council demand that it freeze enrichment efforts.


"This work is not necessary for a peaceful nuclear energy program, but is needed to give Iran's leaders the know-how to make highly enriched uranium for nuclear weapons," said Matt Boland, spokesman for the U.S. delegation to the IAEA."

[Cindy]

http://www.fbi.gov

---

http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=104&sid=1052474

"VA Hard Drive With Personal Data Missing"
Feb 3rd - 12:12am

WASHINGTON (AP)

[Cindy]

UPDATE...

http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=104&sid=1000738

"4 Hate-Crime Beating Teens Get Probation"
Feb 3rd - 4:19am

By NOAKI SCHWARTZ Associated Press Writer


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) - Four of nine black teenagers convicted in the racially charged beating of three white women on Halloween were sentenced to probation Friday.


Punishment could have ranged up to confinement in a California Youth Authority lockup until age 25. The teens were ordered to serve 250 hours of community service, 60 days house arrest, and take anger management and racial tolerance programs.


"It was an awful crime. Terrible, emotional and physical injuries," Juvenile Court Judge Gibson Lee said."

[SlowBoat407]

Thanks for the ping, Cindy. Brigitte is a wonderful fighter for us..

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks Cindy.

This bastard, Ujaama, should be sent to Gitmo for the duration of the WOT. Then, he should be tried for treason and hung in Downtown Portland, and his body left hanging to rot, as a warning to the other America haters there.

[MamaDearest]

Schiavo, a pilot herself, also showed us how many planes and jets don't require keys. She also said larger passenger jets like we found may be locked but that many use the same key.

"Once you're moving, there's no stopping you" she said, like the man who stole this seven million dollar jet two years ago from Atlanta......

What's the point of making people toss their water bottles and eyeliner when gaping holes exist outside the airport interior that allow terrorists, gangbangers or ANYONE to tamper with aircraft? It's plainly Homeland Insecurity, especially when the ACLU, CAIR etc. dictate policy to the nation's courts and other ruling authorities.

2006 story - Gang graffit in Alaska Airlines jet cargo holds

Snip: The pictures show area codes, scratched out symbols, and words that look like they could be related to gangs. Graffiti experts say is associated with gangs covers some areas of the cargo holds of Alaska Airlines planes.

The internal complaints started surfacing nine months ago. But to date, very little has been done about it.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1777773/posts?page=25#25

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1778636/posts?page=33#33

Thanks to Fair Opinion for the ping to this thread and article:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1778636/posts


"Hanging in the Yard (photo of Saddam with noose around neck in Gitmo is "torture" & is removed)"
WSJ ^ | Feb. 2, 2007 | James Taranto

Posted on 02/03/2007 9:20:42 AM PST by FairOpinion

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1778719/posts

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/column.aspx?UrlTitle=terrorism_deniers_like_holocaust_deniers,_only,_like,_way_cooler&ns=JeffEmanuel&dt=02/03/2007&page=1

"'Terrorism Deniers': Like Holocaust Deniers, only, like, way cooler"
By Jeff Emanuel
Saturday, February 3, 2007

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THANKS to FairOpinion for the ping to this thread and article:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1778618/posts

http://www.investors.com/editorial/editorialcontent.asp?secid=1501&status=article&id=255312847986143

EDITORIALS &
OPINION

"Drop The Gloves"
INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY

Posted 2/2/2007
"Global Jihad..."

[Cindy]

You're welcome.

Throw away the key on this guy.