Threat Matrix: February 2008

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[nwctwx]

Is the U.S. Failing in Afghanistan?

It was malice in wonderland at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday as Bush Administration envoys insisted things are getting better in Afghanistan, while angry lawmakers from both parties cited facts and figures showing just the opposite. Even the senior Republican on the panel, Senator Richard Lugar, found the Administration's claims wanting. "I'm not sure that we have a plan for Afghanistan," he said.

Long seen as the "forgotten war" eclipsed by Iraq in U.S. priorities, Afghanistan is in the Washington spotlight this week with the release of three independent reports concluding that without a change in U.S. policy there, the erstwhile sanctuary of Osama bin Laden would remain a failed state. Read More

	Why the Taliban Feel Confident
	Top US Officer Lauds al-Qaida Death
	US Air Strike Signals al-Qaida Onslaught

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February 2008

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[Cindy]

...and now let’s leave the global jihad and check in on the “entertainment” news.

#

A little Friday RECAP:

blog:

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/191253.php

February 15, 2008
“Omar, Son of Osama bin Laden on Egypt TV”

###

http://www.cbc.ca/passionateeyemonday/feature_110208.html

“MR. & MRS. BIN LADEN”

Monday February 11, 2008 at 10pm ET/PT & Sunday February 10, 2008 at 8pm ET on CBC Newsworld

#

[Cindy]

and for our a Florida friends, here is an update:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,334110,00.html

“Power Company: Human Error Behind Massive Florida Blackout”
Friday, February 29, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “JUNO BEACH, Fla. — Human error was behind a massive power outage that left hundreds of thousands of customers in the dark and caused a nuclear power plant to shut down, Florida Power & Light Co. said Friday in releasing preliminary findings on the cause.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Olivera said while the investigation continues, precautionary measures have been taken “out of an abundance of caution” to prevent a recurrence.”

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=cartoonjihad
http://www.truthusa.com/MoreThanCartoons.html

#

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/5833.htm

Sudanese President Leads Mass Khartoum Demonstration Against Denmark

On February 28, Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir led hundreds of thousands of people in a Khartoum demonstration against Denmark.

The demonstration came in the wake of the reprinting of the Muhammad cartoons by Danish newspapers.

At the demonstration, Al-Bashir announced the waving the banner of jihad in Sudan, and promised that Sudan would respond appropriately to the insult.

He said that no defiled Danish foot would step on Sudanese land, and called on the Arab and Muslim countries to follow Sudan’s example and boycott Danish products and Danish officials.

The demonstrators shouted slogans such as “Oh bin Laden, Strike Denmark and Never Stop” and “Oh Denmark, You Have Opened the Door to Terrorism.”

Source: Al-Sudani, Sudan, February 28, 2008

Posted at: 2008-02-29

###
###

RECAP:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=80369

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
“Warden Message: Khartoum Demonstrations Possible February 27”
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Sudan
26 Feb 2008

[KylaStarr]

Now this news just made my heart soar! May goatboy be getting his eternal rewards.. : )

[Godzilla]

Like I told WCG, don’t break the bubbly yet until it true, but it is looking like we got someone big.

[KylaStarr]

I'll just keep it chilling then : ) Since brandy isn't bubbly though.. break out those snifters!

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1978497/posts

#

blog:

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/02/the_danger_of_obamas_amateur_d.html

February 29, 2008

“The danger of Obama’s amateur diplomacy”
by Thomas Lifson

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “After suggesting that he would invade our ally Pakistan and talk to our enemy Iran, Barack Obama has moved on to potentially damage our relations with Canada, our friendly neighbor and number one foreign oil supplier.

Under the terms of NAFTA, Canada is prohibited from cutting off oil exports to the US if there is a worldwide shortage or supply disruption unless supplies are also rationed to Canadian consumers by the same amount.

After the Hillary/Obama debate, Canada’s trade minister pointed out that if NAFTA is re-opened, Canada might want to opt out of this clause, which would then leave Canada free to sell its oil to any other country for whatever price it could get.

Both Clinton and Obama have made a big issue out President Bush’s alleged insensitivies to other countries. And now these two geniuses are blithely talking about canceling a trade agreement with our two neighbors on which both their economies now depend.”

[Cindy]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,333933,00.html

“Chaldean Archbishop Kidnapped in Northern Iraq”
Friday, February 29, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “BAGHDAD —

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/02/20080229-5.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 29, 2008

“Executive Order: President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and Intelligence Oversight Board”

[MamaDearest]

May goatboy be getting his eternal rewards.. :

Visualizing smelter hot flames and no virgins to greet him - only a horrid man with inward curved black horns and a long black tail with pitchfork type staff.

Presidential daily brief on Anthrax - February 2001 - O Canada

After the January 2001 anthrax threat, a Canadian defense research team undertook to assess the risk. The report titled “Risk Assessment of Anthrax Threat Letters” issued September 2001. In contrast to the 1998 study by William Patrick that had been requested by Dr. Hatfill’s employer SAIC, the Canadian study found considerable exposure to those in the room resulted when such a letter was opened. Bacillus globigii spores (in dry powder form) were donated by the US Department of Defense (Dugway Proving Ground, Utah). Stock concentration powder was -1 x 10 11 cfu/gm. The anthrax sent to the Senators had a smaller particle size –tending toward a uniform 1 micron, subject to clumping that easily broke apart. Bacillus globigii (BG) spores are routinely used as a simulant for Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores. “The letter was prepared by putting BG spores in the center of a sheet of paper, folding it over into thirds, placing the folded sheet into the envelope and sealing using the adhesive present on the envelope. The envelope was then shaken to mimic the handling and tumbling that would occur during its passage through the postal system.” The aerosol, produced by opening the BG spore containing envelope, was not confined to the area of the desk but spread throughout the chamber. Values were almost as high at the opposite end of the chamber, shortly after opening the envelopes. 99% of the particles collected were in the 2.5 to 10 mm size range. The report explained: “In addition, the aerosol would quickly spread throughout the room so that other workers, depending on their exact locations and the directional air flow within the office, would likely inhale lethal doses. Envelopes with the open corners not specifically sealed could also pose a threat to individuals in the mail handling system.”

[CindyDawg]

The dog might not have had access to food but he should have been able to get to water.

[Cindy]

I agree.

[Cindy]

Small update:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-waukegan-explode-webmar01,0,674140.story

“Waukegan explosion rips apart merchant’s dream
Years of work demolished in an instant”

Andrew L. Wang | Tribune reporter
12:50 PM CST, February 29, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Meanwhile, investigators from several agencies were at the scene of the blast in the 1900 block of Grand Avenue in the far northern suburb. Eight people, one of whom remains hospitalized, were injured in the blast, which shook buildings blocks away and sent mannequins from a tuxedo store flying into the street.

“I don’t know if it was a leak,” said Waukegan Fire Marshal Steve Lenzi. “There was natural gas in the building and something ignited it, creating the explosion.”

Officials focused on the water heater and boiler in the rear maintenance area of Tuxedo World, 1918 Grand Ave., where the roof caved in, leaving a tangled pile of splintered wood, masonry, pipes and formal wear.

Investigators from the building owner’s insurance company are set to take the boiler and water heater in for lab analysis to determine if they malfunctioned. The other shops in the building have their own gas equipment, which did not ignite, Lenzi said.

All the inspections would likely be done by Friday afternoon, and city building officials hope to begin demolition by early Friday evening, Lenzi said.”

[Cindy]

Thanks to Kyla Starr for all the updates and pings for this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1978641/posts

“Ricin Vial Discovery At Las Vegas Motel May Be Part of Murder Plot, 1 Man in Critical Condition”
Fox News Channel ^ | 2-29-08 | an McCaleb, Catherine Herridge, Catherine Donaldson-Evans, AP
Posted on 02/29/2008 8:18:37 PM PST by STARWISE

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17376&Itemid=128

Press Release A080301a
March 1, 2008

Coalition forces capture Special Groups facilitator, detain three other suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured an alleged Special Groups facilitator and detained three other suspected criminals early today in Baghdad.

The targeted individual was reportedly an Iranian-trained sniper instructor involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. He reportedly coordinated and facilitated Special Groups militia training in Iran on the use of explosively formed penetrators. Reports indicate he was an associate of several Special Groups criminal leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area, where they captured the wanted individual and the three other suspected criminals without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered two assault rifles.

“Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to target militia groups and criminals who commit hostile acts, dishonoring al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s ceasefire pledge and undermining security and stability in Iraq,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman.

- 30 -

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17377&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080301-03
March 1, 2008

Coalition Forces detain suicide vest cell leader recruiting women
Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq – Coalition Forces detained the leader of a suspected suicide vest cell in Ghailibiyah, north of Khan Bani Sad, in an operation Feb. 28.

The ringleader was a man trying to recruit women to carry out SVEST bombings.

The cell leader used his wife and another woman, to act as carriers of his next SVEST attack. Coalition Forces stopped their plans. The CF questioned all the individuals found in his home during the operation.

“A high level of intelligence led to the successful operation. Another criminal and his SVEST cell was removed from Iraqi society today” said Maj. Daniel J. Meyers, a spokesman for Multi-National Division – North.

No one was injured during the operation.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17378&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080301-06
March 1, 2008

MND- B Soldiers find two weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered two weapons caches northwest of Baghdad Feb. 29.

Acting on a tip from Iraqi citizens, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, seized the munitions.

The caches consisted of 18 mortar rounds, 40 missile warheads, 11 Russian Kopye rockets, six rocket propelled grenades, four tubes of TNT and three bags of burnable fuses.

The caches were turned over to an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team for disposal.

“Finding and destroying the terrorists’ tools in the way that the Iraqi people are contributing information tips, and directly leading our Soldiers to the caches is clearly a message from the Iraqi people that they are tired of the terrorists and their intimidation,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd SBCT. “Because of these tips, and our Soldiers acting on those tips, Iraq is a safer place – and that is truly what the Iraqis want.”

Soldiers from MND-B continue to work with the Iraqi Security Forces and conduct operations to maintain pressure on al Qaeda in Iraq and any other criminals by targeting their leadership, networks and their sanctuaries.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3513168,00.html

Air Force attacks 2 terrorist cells in northern Gaza
Published: 03.01.08, 12:03 / Israel News

The Israel Air Force attacked two terrorist cells in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday as part of the IDF’s activity in the area. The terrorists were spotted near the ground forces.

The IDF also struck a number of rocket launching pads in the northern Strip. (Hanan Greenberg)

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1204213992969&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Mar 1, 2008 10:08
11 Kassam rockets fired at Sderot; no wounded reported
By JPOST.COM STAFF

Palestinians fired 11 Kassam rockets at Sderot on Saturday morning.

Nobody was wounded in the latest barrage, and no damage was reported.

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

#

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/125418

24 Adar 5768, March 1, ‘08

Published: 02/29/08, 9:54 AM

“Ashkelon Katyushas Came From Iran Via Egypt”
by Ezra HaLevi

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “(IsraelNN.com) Israel’s Foreign Ministry says the Grad-type Katyusha rockets fired at Ashkelon came from Iran and may lead Israel back to Gaza.

“In the past 24 hours, over 15 heavy rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza against Israel’s southern port city of Ashkelon,” a Foreign Ministry dispatch to journalists and diplomatic staff said. “The 122 mm Grad rockets (also known as Katyushas), are a type of standard military artillery weapon produced in the former Soviet bloc and by other states deploying non-Western arms. It is manufactured to military standards, by a conventional arms industry, and is equipped with a weapons-grade high explosive fragmentation warhead.”

The Foreign Ministry pointed the finger at Tehran. “The Grad rockets fired today were apparently smuggled into Gaza from Iran via Egypt through tunnels and the breached Rafah border fence,” the dispatch stated. “Israel has repeatedly warned neighboring states and the international community about the arms buildup taking place in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Today’s attacks constitute a regretful yet unequivocal proof of the veracity of Israel’s warnings.”