Threat Matrix: April 2008

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[nwctwx]

Afghanistan to Ask NATO for Bigger Army

Afghan officials will go to the NATO summit in Romania Thursday with a request: pay to increase our national Army by 40 percent. A bigger Army, Afghan officials argue, will allow the US and other coalition members to scale back in the coming years.

This appeal comes amid pleas from the US and Canada for other NATO members to commit more to the Afghanistan mission, which many analysts say has floundered over the past year for lack of resources and a coherent strategy. France is expected to contribute another 1,000 forces and Germany is likely to make a bigger commitment.

But American and Afghan government sources with knowledge of the expected Afghan proposal say that an increase from the current authorization of 86,000 Afghan Army soldiers to 120,000 is the only way to create an enduring defense against a resurgent Taliban and elusive Al Qaeda operatives. Read More

	France May Send More Troops to Afghanistan
	Special Operations Increase Possible for Iraq
	Al-Qaeda Grooming Militants Who 'Look Western': CIA Chief

Threat Matrix:
April 2008

March 2007

Threat Matrix Index

Theat Matrix Handbook

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Preparedness

[Cindy]

You’re very welcome MamaDearest.

~

from your post: “Professor Glees called on the Government to ban universities from accepting money from Saudi or Islamic groups to fund Islamic studies and wants all university donations to be made public.”

MY OPINION:

What a GREAT idea.

[Cindy]

ADDING to post no. 619:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1995304/posts?page=619#619

###

http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1738.htm

“Title of Video: Palestinian Authority Representative in Lebanon Abbas Zaki Supports Anti-Israeli Attacks and States: We Act According to the Phased Plan. Once We Get Jerusalem, We Will Move On to Drive Israelis Out of All of Palestine”

“Clip #1738 Broadcast: April 9, 2008”

###

http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1739.htm

“Title of Video: Hamas MP and Cleric Yunis Al-Astal in a Friday Sermon: We Will Conquer Rome, and from There Continue to Conquer the Two Americas and Eastern Europe”

“Clip #1739 Broadcast: April 11, 2008”

###

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1207650003494&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

JPost.com » Israel » Article

Apr 13, 2008 23:39 | Updated Apr 14, 2008 2:39
“PLO: We’ll drive Israel out of Palestine”
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “And in a sermon televised on Friday, Yunis al-Astal, a Hamas MP and cleric, told worshipers that Islam would soon conquer Rome, “the capital of the Catholics, or the Crusader capital, which has declared its hostility to Islam, and which has planted the brothers of apes and pigs in Palestine in order to prevent the reawakening of Islam,” just as Constantinople was.

Rome, he said, would become “an advanced post for the Islamic conquests which will spread through Europe in its entirety, and then will turn to the two Americas, and even Eastern Europe.””

###

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/6726.htm

Egypt On Alert For Another Gaza Border Breach

Since yesterday, April 9, the Egyptian cities of Rafah and El-Arish have been on high alert for fear of another border breach by Gaza Palestinians.

A senior Egyptian Foreign Ministry source said that any attempts at illegal border crossing will be treated severely.

The alert came in response to statements by senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad officials on the possibility of another border breach.

Sources: Al-Masri Al-Yawm, Al-Ahram, Egypt, April 10, 2008

Posted at: 2008-04-10

###

Note: Includes photos.

RECAP:

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/hamas_080408.pdf

“Hamas’s military buildup in the
Gaza Strip
(Updated April 2008)”
(Posted April 9, 2008)

###

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

#

RECAP:

http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP189008

Special Dispatch Series - No. 1890
April 8, 2008 No. 1890

“Hamas-Iraq: Al-Qaeda in Iraq is Subservient to Iran; ‘The U.S. is Our Main Enemy, But a More Dangerous Enemy is Iran’”

[MamaDearest]

*** wants all university donations to be made public.”***

******What a GREAT idea.*******

Ditto here. An astute observation and it should be duly noted by the powers that be here in the USA as well.

[Cindy]

BIG DITTO.

[Cindy]

Ok, some updates and info here for archival and info purposes.

http://www4.oakland.edu/
OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

#

http://www4.oakland.edu/?id=30&sid=34
“The News @ OU”

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

Sunday, April 13, 2008
CAMPUS SAFETY ALERT: OU CLOSED

Sunday, April 13, 2008
Originally posted 11:15 a.m.
Updated 8:40 p.m.

Oakland University is closed Sunday, April 13, and Monday, April 14. Campus will reopen at 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 15. Following the campus safety alert sent Saturday evening, two additional threatening graffiti messages were found in separate locations on campus. All classes and campus events are cancelled. Residential facilities will remain open and the Oakland University Police Department (OUPD) will provide extra patrols throughout those facilities during the closure. However, residential students are encouraged to go home if possible.

“We are committed to the security of Oakland University. We are taking this threat seriously and are closing to ensure the safety of the entire campus community,” said Sam Lucido, OU Chief of Police.

Instances of threatening graffiti were found Saturday, April 12 in men’s restrooms in O’Dowd Hall, Kresge Library, and the Oakland Center. The Oakland County Field Office of the FBI has been made aware and is monitoring the situation.

Similar messages were found at Saint Xavier University in Chicago this week, and they are also closed as a result.

Only essential health and safety staff members should report to work on Monday. Supervisors will notify individuals identified as essential. Other staff and faculty are asked to stay home.

Faculty members will reschedule missed assignments and tests. Vandenberg Dining Center will remain open for food service. All buildings and non-essential services will be closed, including the Lowry Center for Early Childhood Education, Oakland Center, Kresge Library, Meadow Brook Hall and the Recreation and Athletic Center. All classes and campus events -— including athletic events, student productions in Varner Hall, and Meadow Brook Theatre performances -— are cancelled.

Extension sites will be open Sunday and Monday. The MaTilDa Awards will be held as scheduled on Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m. at the Marriott at Centrepoint.

Updates will be posted at www.oakland.edu.

Anyone with information on the graffiti is urged to call OUPD at 911 from a campus phone or (248) 370-3331 from a cell phone. As always, report unusual or suspicious activity to OUPD.

[Cindy]

Time out here for a refrehser course.

When calling 9/11 to report an emergency, present the information factually and promptly.

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE:

When describing a person, do it from head to toe.

Here is an example:

white male adult
20’s
6-0 (Taller than me and my height is ___)
275 lbs. (heavy set, chunky, etc.)
long black curly hair; dread locks
brown eyes (dark colored eyes)
(wearing a hat, or earrings, or tattoos, etc.)
black hoodie jacket with a (describe it) emblazoned
on the front of the jacket
black jeans
Brown boots
l/s/ heading west on So and So street (or last seen heading
towards the 7/11 store)

and now describing a vehicle:

Silver Stretch Limousine, (name the make),
6 Doors
License number: ABC123/NY plates
(or Dispatcher, I couldn’t get the whole plate, but the partial plate is:)
Describe any additional details about the vehicle.

l/s/ heading west on So and So street (or last seen heading
towards the 7/11 store)

[Cindy]

Adding to post no. 646:

When describing a person, if you heard the person describe his accent (if any) and the language he was speaking (ie Spanish, other than English, etc.).

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2001163/posts?page=11#11
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2001163/posts

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-24/0804131796143712.htm

Iran preparing package to help resolve world problems: FM
Tehran, April 13, IRNA

Iran-Philippines-FMs
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Sunday that Iran is preparing a package to help resolve the regional and international problems.

He made the remarks in a joint press conference with his visiting counterpart from the Philippines, Alberto Romulo.

“Since the Middle East region and the entire world are suffering from a variety of crises, Tehran is preparing a package to put forward for the settlement of regional and international problems and present it publicly,” Mottaki noted.
“We think all sides, including the Group 5+1 would make use of the package.”
The Group 5+1 — United States, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany — are to meet in Shanghai, eastern China, on April 16.

The meeting, to be held at the level of political directors of the Group, is expected to discuss Iran’s nuclear standoff with the West.

[Cindy]

Let’s review how to handle suspicious packages.
We haven’t done that for awhile.

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/mail/suspiciouspackages.asp

Bioterrorism > Agents > Anthrax >
How to Recognize and Handle a Suspicious Package or Envelope
E
Between September and October 2001, several letters containing Bacillus anthracis were sent through the mail in several areas of the United States. As a result, CDC developed the following guidelines for recognizing and handling suspicious packages as a result. Although there have been no recent mail-related anthrax exposures, all persons should take appropriate steps to protect themselves and others from exposure to Bacillus anthracis by following these guidelines for recognizing and handling suspicious packages.

Identifying Suspicious Packages and Envelopes
Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include the following:

Inappropriate or unusual labeling
Excessive postage
Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
Misspellings of common words
Strange return address or no return address
Incorrect titles or title without a name
Not addressed to a specific person
Marked with restrictions, such as “Personal,” “Confidential,” or “Do not x-ray”
Marked with any threatening language
Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address
Appearance
Powdery substance felt through or appearing on the package or envelope
Oily stains, discolorations, or odor
Lopsided or uneven envelope
Excessive packaging material such as masking tape, string, etc.
Other suspicious signs
Excessive weight
Ticking sound
Protruding wires or aluminum foil
If a package or envelope appears suspicious, DO NOT OPEN IT.

Handling of Suspicious Packages or Envelopes
Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or envelope.
Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow others to examine it.
Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents which may have spilled.
Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
WASH hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin. Seek additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed persons.
If at work, notify a supervisor, a security officer, or a law enforcement official. If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.
If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled this package or letter. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials

Page last modified November 2003
Page last reviewed for accuracy February 22, 2006

[Cindy]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/EDITORIAL/306333846

“Targeting terror dollars”
By Asa Hutchinson
April 14, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3531512,00.html

Qassam lands in Ashkelon Coast Regional Council; no injuries reported
Published: 04.14.08, 11:11 / Israel News

A Qassam rocket fired from the northern Gaza Strip landed Monday near hothouses in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

There were no reports of injuries. (Shmulik Hadad)

[Cindy]

More details with photos UPDATE:

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/ct_100408e.htm

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC)
April 10, 2008

“Two Israeli civilians were killed in a terrorist attack at the fuel terminal of Nahal Oz, the only source of fuel supply for Gaza Strip residents. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees claimed responsibility for the attack.”

Snippet: “The media background prepared by Hamas for the perpetration of the terrorist attack

9. In the days before the terrorist attack at the Nahal Oz fuel terminal, Hamas launched a media campaign which placed particular emphasis on the “fuel crisis” in the Gaza Strip, claiming that the fuel shortage was worsening the humanitarian situation. The campaign was accompanied by severe criticism of Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, calls to “break the blockade” on the Gaza Strip, and threats of a “big explosion” that would have an impact on the entire region.”

[Cindy]

RECAP and UPDATED:

FRONTPAGE MAGAZINE.com: "CARTER'S TERROR TOUR" by Jacob Laksin (April 14, 2008)

WorldNetDaily.com: Jerusalem - "HAMAS TERRORISTS JOIN JIMMY CARTER FAN CLUB Top political adviser calls ex-prez 'noble person who can achieve something no one else can'" by Aaron Klein (April 13, 2008)

ONE NEWS NOW.com (AP): "CARTER DEFENDS PLANNED MEETING WITH TERRORIST LEADERS" by Calvin Woodward (April 13, 2008, 6:15 am)

Link

Link

[Cindy]

RECAP and UPDATED:

SOUTHTOWN STAR.com - Sun-Times News Group: "THREAT AT SAINT XAVIER CLOSES NEARBY SCHOOLS" by Frank Main (April 14, 2008)

OAKLAND.edu - The News at OU: "CAMPUS SAFETY ALERT: OU CLOSED" (Updated April 13, 2008, 8:40 p.m.)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE.com: "ST. XAVIER CLOSES AFTER THREAT FOUND University officials say message warned of attack next week" (April 11, 2008, 11:05 pm CDT)

Link

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/hizbuttahrir
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/ht

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/020666.php
(THE AUSTRALIAN)

April 14, 2008

“Australia: Hizb ut-Tahrir personnel involved in production of propaganda tracts distributed at Sydney universities”

#

stepping back in time...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/007564.php
(THE INDEPENDENT)

August 7, 2005
“The radical Islamic group that acts as ‘conveyor belt’ for terror”

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18442&Itemid=21

APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080414-04
April 14, 2008

MND-B Soldiers defend themselves, kill 6 criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers killed six criminals after they were attacked in eastern Baghdad at approximately 10:30 p.m., April 13.

Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were attacked by rocket propelled grenades while conducting a patrol in their M1A2 Abrams tank. A rotary-wing air weapons team was called in to assist the soldiers on the ground.

The aircrew witnessed armed criminals hiding behind a parked vehicle and another in an open field. The air weapons team engaged and killed the lone individual. Moments later, soldiers in the M1A2 identified additional armed criminals on the rooftop of a nearby building. The criminals then attacked the soldiers with RPG fire. In self defense, the tankers engaged the armed men, killing five criminals.

“Coalition forces will continue to defend themselves against criminals who ignore the rule of Iraqi law,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, MND-B spokesman. “We will do so with precision and definitive force.”

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18443&Itemid=21

Press Release A080414a
April 14, 2008

One terrorist killed, 14 detained in operations targeting AQI leaders

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 14 suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s senior leaders and criminal operations Sunday and Monday.

In eastern Baghdad Sunday, Coalition forces used information from an operation Feb. 7 to target a senior leader in the Baghdad AQI propaganda network. When the ground force entered the building, one man drew a weapon. Coalition forces responded to the hostile threat by engaging and killing the armed man. One suspected terrorist was detained, and Coalition forces gathered information that led them to a second target in the area where they detained an additional suspect.

Coalition forces conducted two missions targeting the AQI bombing network Monday. In a precision operation in Bayji, the ground force captured an alleged associate of the area’s bombing cell. Farther south, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists in Tikrit, one of whom is allegedly linked to a senior terrorist leader in the Baghdad bombing network.

Three operations Monday targeted AQI senior leaders. North of Taji, Coalition forces captured a suspected close associate of a senior terrorist leader. Southwest of Tal Afar, Coalition forces captured a suspected AQI terrorist believed to be responsible for the group’s finances in the region and one additional suspect. Two women were slightly injured when the ground force breached the door of the target building, but they were treated on site. Four suspected terrorists were detained in Mosul during an operation targeting AQI senior leaders there.

West of Samarra Monday, Coalition forces detained two individuals allegedly involved in the AQI foreign terrorist facilitation network.

“We will not let up in our mission to dismantle al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman. “Terrorists have no regard for the law, which the Iraqi people have embraced as a step toward peace.”

- 30 -

[Cindy]

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

“Worldwide Caution”
January 17, 2008

“This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”

[Cindy]

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

###

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08040083.htm

Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Hindu Radicals Storm Christian School in India

By James Varghese
Special to ASSIST News Service
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) — A group of Hindu radicals stormed St. Joseph’s Convent Christian School in India.

The incident occurred on April 7 at Raigad in Mahashtra State.

According to a story on www.persecution.in, the radicals were demanding that photographs of Hindu deities be put up inside the school.

The web site reported that when a school parent tried to argue with the approximately 50 radicals in support of the school administrator, a nun, he was assaulted in full view of everyone there.

The school, which was established in 2002, serves children between kindergarten and the fourth grade. It caters to poor children from surrounding villages.

James Varghese is a reporter for the “V” TV news in Gokak, Karnataka state, India, and is freelance journalist working for ANS.

** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

###

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08040081.htm

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Christian Mission Center and Church Desecrated in India

By James Varghese
Special to ASSIST News Service
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA (ANS) — A group of Hindu radicals attacked a Christian Mission Center in India recently.

According to a story reported by www.persecution.in, the attack occurred on April 5 in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh State.

The web site also stated that in addition to desecrating the building, the fundamentalists also destroyed a number of religious materials.

According to www.persecution.in, the attackers arrived at the school in two cars without tags and parked directly in front of the principal’s office. The Hindu fundamentalists reportedly began verbally abusing the female principal when she asked them to park in the appropriate area.

The radicals also threatened a church official who attempted to assist the principal.

The story on the web site reported that more radicals arrived and there were soon more than 20 people. They grabbed a spade, rushed the school office and tore down a bulletin board.

The story on www.persecution.in reported that the assailants tore a religious picture into pieces. Then they descended on the class rooms, where they smashed windows, benches, desks and chairs.

Teachers who had been grading tests in a staff area came out and attempted to calm the situation, but they were just pushed away by the angry radicals.

The story reported that the attackers made allegations of forced conversions at the school, but no arrests have been made.
James Varghese is a reporter for the “V” TV news in Gokak, Karnataka state, India, and is freelance journalist working for ANS.

** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

[Cindy]

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

#

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3531589,00.html

Iran’s Ebadi says threats against her increasing
Published: 04.14.08, 13:18 / Israel News

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi said on Monday the number of threats made against her and her family had increased in recent months.

Ebadi, an outspoken critic of the Islamic Republic’s human rights record, sent a letter to the head of the Iranian police with copies of three anonymous handwritten warnings she said she had received. “Threats against my life and security and those of my family, which began some time ago, have intensified,” wrote Ebadi, 60, who won the Nobel prize in 2003 for her work in defending human rights. (Reuters)