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]

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

#

http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP184308

Special Dispatch Series - No. 1843
February 14, 2008 No. 1843

“The Iran-Venezuela Connection”

[Cindy]

blog:

http://memriiwmp.org/content/en/blog_personal.htm?id=355

“Commander of Fath Al-Islam in Palestine: Palestinians’ War with the Jews is Part of Global Jihad”

Posted at : 2008-02-14

[Cindy]

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

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1970758/posts

#

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=56452

“China-made blood thinner killing Americans?
Investigation follows 4 deaths, hundreds of ‘reactions’”
Posted: February 14, 2008
6:53 pm Eastern

[Squantos]

see derailment..........:o)

[Cindy]

Thanks to Ernest for pointing to this blog entry:

blog:

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/190717.php

January 10, 2008
“Hizbollah in Iraq’s YouTube Jihad hosted from ... Dallas (UPDATE: PWND!!)”

[Cindy]

Thanks to Ernest for also pointing to this thread that goes with post no. 666:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1951744/posts

[Cindy]

Thanks to Milford421 for pointing to this incident:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1940757/posts?page=2235#2235

#

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330799,00.html
(AP)

“Explosion Reported at South Texas Oil Pipeline”
Friday, February 15, 2008

McCOOK, Texas —

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The fire marshal was investigating the cause of the explosion, Pena said.

Black smoke rushed across a cloudy sky in northern Hidalgo County on Friday, driven by winds gusting to 40 mph. Orange flames were visible just over a rise. Flames from the rupture reached 400 feet to 500 feet, Pena said.

Firefighters shut flow of crude oil distillate about 10 miles down the pipeline and were waiting for the rest of the crude to burn off.”

[Oorang]

That MRSA product certainly looks promising. They need to use it on cruise ships as well as the other institutions they listed. Thanks MamaD.

[Oorang]

Adding to your Mugniyah posts:

Mugniyah's mother: I wish I had another shahid son
02.15.08

The investigation conducted by Syrian security services into the assassination of arch-terrorist Imad Mugniyah is in its final stages, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported Friday. According to the report, Hizbullah representatives are helping in the investigation.

Meanwhile, Lebanese media outlets have released transcripts of statements made by the top Hizbullah commander's mother during his funeral on Thursday. The woman, who has lost two other sons besides Imad, was quoted as saying "I wish I had more sons to continue on the path."

The mother told a woman sitting beside her during the service that she met Imad for the last time just two days before his death by a car bomb in Damascus on Tuesday. "He was sick and I gave him a shot," she said. "We were anticipating such news (Imad's death) since my son chose the path of resistance."

Excerpted

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3507167,00.html

[Cindy]

Like rabid dogs...

[Cindy]

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

#

Note: Photos included.

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019970.php
February 15, 2008

“Cartoon Rage in Hamastan”

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http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019969.php
February 15, 2008

“Cartoon Rage in Pakistan”

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http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019966.php
February 15, 2008

“Rage Boy is back!”

[Oorang]

Discovery of 140 kg of explosives in Turkey
2/1/08

ISTANBUL -- Turkish authorities found on Thursday over 140 kilograms of explosives in town of Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey. Turkish security forces found about 140 kilogram of C-4 explosives in the Kurdish majority city of Hazro, near Diyarbakir town, noting that the explosives were hidden in an agricultural land and was discovered in a combing operation was executed in region, Turkish Chief of Staff said.

The authorities also found grenades and bombs manufacturing materials, adding that explosives experts deactivated the bombs and evacuated the area.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=1070922

Female suicide bomber gives herself up to security forces (Algeria)
February 14 2008

Security sources told Echorouk newspaper that a young woman named Hanane Kebaili, suspected of belonging to Al Qaeda terror group, had finally gave herself up to security forces in the province of Blida, 50 km west of Algiers.

The same sources indicated that the young woman was believed to be involved in an armed robbery of a jewellers’ shop in the city of Blida during which the owner of the shop was killed by bullets and a large quantity of gold and money was stolen. The armed robbery was carried out, according to the same sources, by a group of terrorists operating in the region of Blida.

The young woman told the police investigators that she was in constant touch with a group of still unidentified terrorists who were planning to use her as a suicide bomber against her will.

Excerpted

http://www.echoroukonline.com/english/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8984

Secret papers reveal threats from Saudi (U.K.)
Friday February 15 2008

Saudi Arabia's rulers threatened to make it easier for terrorists to attack London unless corruption investigations into their arms deals were halted, according to court documents revealed yesterday.

Previously secret files describe how investigators were told they faced "another 7/7" and the loss of "British lives on British streets" if they pressed on with their inquiries and the Saudis carried out their threat to cut off intelligence.

Prince Bandar, the head of the Saudi national security council, and son of the crown prince, was alleged in court to be the man behind the threats to hold back information about suicide bombers and terrorists. He faces accusations that he himself took more than £1bn in secret payments from the arms company BAE. He was accused in yesterday's high court hearings of flying to London in December 2006 and uttering threats which made the prime minister, Tony Blair, force an end to the Serious Fraud Office investigation into bribery allegations involving Bandar and his family.

Excerpted

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/15/bae.armstrade

[Oorang]

Adding to the oil pipeline incident (same area):

Suspicious package closes Progreso bridge
Feb. 14, 2008, 11:06PM

PROGRESO, Texas — The Progreso International Bridge linking Mexico and Texas is shut down while authorities investigate a suspicious package found at the border crossing. U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Felix Garza said a caller to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office reported a bomb on the bridge about 7 p.m. Thursday.

Garza said the crossing was shut down and wasn't sure when the bridge would reopen. He said officers didn't find anything on the U.S. side of the bridge. But Mexican authorities said they found a suspicious package. Garza told The Monitor in McAllen that the package didn't look like it had anything to do with bombs, but they were taking a look at it.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5544043.html

[WestCoastGal]

They recently arrested a mexican police officer in Texas for selling drugs. It need to stop but no one has the guts to do it. Certainly none of our presidential candidates

Thanks for the ping.

[Cindy]

Thanks to Godzilla for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1971102/posts

#

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7248052.stm

Last Updated: Friday, 15 February 2008, 21:45 GMT

E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Large blast hits Mexican capital

Police and ambulances are attending the scene of a large blast in Mexico City, where at least one person is reported to have been killed and another hurt.
The blast occurred at about 1430 (2030 GMT) near the tourist area known as the Zona Rosa (Pink Zone), and the city’s police headquarters.

Police officers in riot gear swarmed about and cordoned off the area.

The cause of the explosion was unclear, though a senior police officer said it may have been an explosive device.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

avel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Feb 15 2008 14:52:19 GMT-0800 (PST).

Mexico

October 24, 2007

This Travel Alert updates information for U.S. citizens on security situations in Mexico that may affect their activities while in that country. This supersedes the previous Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 19, 2007. This Travel Alert expires on April 15, 2008.

Narcotics-Related Violence — U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of the country, urban and rural, including border areas. In the last twelve months there have been execution-style murders of Mexican officials in Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Baja California, Guerrero (particularly Acapulco), Nuevo Leon (especially in and around Monterrey), and other states. Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted, Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In its effort to combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Mexico and many cases remain unresolved. Moreover, new cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Criminals have been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. U.S. citizens who believe they are being followed should notify Mexican officials as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone as a means to better ensure their safety. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Oaxaca City — U.S. citizens traveling to Oaxaca City should be aware that from May to November 2006, protests in Oaxaca City became increasingly violent resulting in at least nine deaths. On October 27, 2006, a U.S. citizen was shot and killed in Oaxaca City as a result of the violence and disorder caused by ongoing civil unrest in the city. Although recent demonstrations have not been violent, many of the issues that were the basis for the protests remain unresolved. U.S. Citizens planning to travel to Oaxaca City should check on current conditions before beginning their travel.

Demonstrations - Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and are usually peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. During violent demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of any protests. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts 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 from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. 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/.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy’s Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: Calle 60 No. 338 K, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.

[Cindy]

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3234.html

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Feb 15 2008 14:55:45 GMT-0800 (PST).

Zimbabwe

February 15, 2008

[Cindy]

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2918.html

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

This information is current as of today, Fri Feb 15 2008 14:56:39 GMT-0800 (PST).

TIMOR-LESTE

February 15, 2008

[Cindy]

For archival purposes only:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=79882

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Tanzania Protest of Bush Visit
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Tanzania
15 Feb 2008