Threat Matrix: August 2008

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[nwctwx]

Pentagon Makes Fighting Extremism Top Priority

Seven years after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Pentagon on Thursday officially named "the long war" against global extremism as its top priority and pledged to avert any conventional military threat from China or Russia through dialogue.

The Defense Department, in a new national defense strategy, also emphasized the need to subordinate military operations to "soft power" initiatives to undermine Islamist militancy by promoting economic, political and social development in vulnerable corners of the world.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he hoped the change would help establish permanent institutional support for counterinsurgency skills acquired in Iraq and Afghanistan within a defense community heavily skewed in favor of expensive conventional and strategic modernization programs. Read More

	Rethinking the Post-9/11 Strategy
	Al-Qaida in Iraq Leaders Reportedly Leaving for Afghanistan
	Defense Rests at 1st Guantanamo War Crimes Trail

Threat Matrix:
August 2008

July 2008

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[Cindy]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,404104,00.html
(AP)

“Georgia: 100-Vehicle Russian Convoy Pushing Toward City”
Thursday, August 14, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia’s prime minister said a convoy of more than 100 Russian tanks and other vehicles are moving from the western city of Zugdidi deeper into Georgia.”

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###

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50816

Georgian Invasion Sends Message to World, Gates Says

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008 – With their invasion of Georgia, the Russians are sending a message not only to neighbors, but also to the world, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
Georgia, a nation of 5 million in the Caucasus region, has allied itself with the West and is seeking membership in NATO. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are provinces that are seeking to break away from Georgia and ally with Russia.

Gates noted that, like clockwork, there have been exchanges of gunfire between Georgian and South Ossetian troops every August. “And this year, it escalated very quickly,” he said. “The Russians were prepared to take advantage of an opportunity.”

The Russian air, land and sea attacks against Georgia went far beyond asserting the Russian view of the autonomy of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Russians, Gates said, wanted “to punish Georgia for daring to try to integrate with the West economically and politically and in security arrangements.”

The Russian military action was directed against Georgia, but Kremlin leaders wanted nations in all parts of the former Soviet Union to understand the dangers of integrating with the West, Gates said. “I think that they had an opportunity to make some very broad points [to these nations] and, I think, [the Russians] seized that opportunity,” he said. Gates holds a doctorate in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University.

The message has been received by the nations of the world, Gates said.

“My guess is that everyone is going to be looking at Russia through a different set of lenses as … we look ahead,” the secretary said. “I think Russia’s got some serious work to do to try and work its way back into the family of nations that are trying to work together and build democracy and build … their economies, working together.”

Gates said he does not want to repeat the Cold War, and that he certainly does not want to see U.S. and Russian troops in a hot war.

“The United States spent 45 years working very hard to avoid a military confrontation with Russia,” he said. “I see no reason to change that approach today.”

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50808

Gates Says Russian Actions Have Long-Term Implications

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008 – Countries around the world are looking at Russia “through new lenses” following its aggression against the former Soviet republic of Georgia, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Video
Meanwhile, the United States continues humanitarian efforts to help Georgians affected by the conflict. Two U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo jets have delivered supplies to Georgia, and another aircraft delivered a U.S. military survey team to the country.

“During these humanitarian relief operations, the United States expects Russia to ensure that all lines of communication and transport — including seaports, airports, roads and airspace — remain open,” Gates said during a Pentagon news conference.

Gates echoed President Bush’s call for Russia to abide by its commitment to cease all military activities in Georgia. “We expect all Russian forces that entered Georgia in recent days to withdraw from that country,” Gates said.

Russian aggression against Georgia will have long-term implications for U.S.-Russian relations, the secretary said. The military incursion into Georgia will affect ongoing and long-term strategic dialogue with the Russian Federation that he and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had engaged in since 2007, Gates said.

“The expectation was that our two nations, despite our differences, shared areas of common interest where we could work together as real partners,” he said.

But Russia’s military action in Georgia and in the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia “has called into question the entire premise of that dialogue, and has profound implications for our security relationship going forward, both bilaterally and with NATO,” Gates said. “If Russia does not step back from its aggressive posture and actions in Georgia, the U.S.-Russian relationship could be adversely affected for years to come.”

The United States cancelled participation in a multinational naval exercise with Russia due to begin tomorrow. “We’ve also canceled a U.S.-Canadian-Russian exercise — Vigilant Eagle — that was to have begun on Aug. 20,” Gates said.

“In the days and weeks ahead, the Department of Defense will reexamine the entire gamut of our military-to-military activities with Russia and will make changes as necessary and appropriate, depending on Russian actions in the days ahead,” the secretary said.

#

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50814

“Georgian Humanitarian Mission Continue”s

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008

#

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50806

“Air Force Completes First Georgia Humanitarian Aid Mission”

By Air Force Capt. Erin Dorrance
Special to American Forces Press Service

TBILISI, Georgia, Aug. 14, 2008

#

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50804

“Soldiers, Airmen in Europe Work to Provide Georgia Aid”

By Army Capt. Bryan Woods
Special to American Forces Press Service

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany, Aug. 14, 2008

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http://www.messenger.com.ge/

#

http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1669_august_14_2008/1669_ceasefire.html

“Ceasefire proposed, but not kept”
By Mikheil Svanidze
Thursday, August 14

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “United States President George W. Bush has made a statement condemning Russian military adventures in Georgia, welcoming French peace efforts and sending Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to France and Georgia to take part in negotiations.

“We expect Russia to meet its commitment to cease all military activities in Georgia, and we expect all Russian forces that entered Georgia in recent days to withdraw from that country,” Bush said.

Earlier, President Saakashvili had accused Russia of violating the agreement on ceasefire and the non-resumption of hostilities reached between Georgia and Russia. “This is the sort of ceasefire that, I don’t know, they had with Afghanistan I guess, in 1979,” Saakashvili said. “There is no ceasefire, they [Russian troops] are still moving around.””

#

Note: Photo included.

http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/1669_august_14_2008/1669_gori.html

“Torrent of refugees surges through Tbilisi”
By Shorena Labadze
Thursday, August 14

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###

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 13, 2008

“President Bush Discusses Situation in Georgia, Urges Russia to Cease Military Operations”
11:10 A.M. EDT

#

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/08/20080813-2.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 13, 2008

“Setting the Record Straight: President Bush Has Taken Action to Ensure Peace, Security and Humanitarian Aid in Georgia”

[Cindy]

http://israel.internet-haganah.com/

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Note: The following news brief is a qote:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1218710366175&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Aug 14, 2008 21:28
Airplane carrying 120 passengers arrives in Israel from Georgia
By JPOST.COM STAFF

A Georgian Airlines airplane landed in Ben-Gurion International Airport Thursday evening, Army Radio reported.

The plane’s passengers included Israelis returning from Tbilisi and 10 new immigrants to Israel.

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http://www.infolive.tv

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/site/html/search.asp?isSearch=yes&isT8=yes&searchText=T104&pid=167&sid=13&preview=

#

Note: Video included.

http://www.infolive.tv/en/infolive.tv-27340-israelnews-israel-prepares-next-conflict-it-monitors-weapons-flow-hizbullah

“Israel Prepares For The Next Conflict As It Monitors Weapons Flow To Hizbullah”

[Cindy]

Fyi Only.

#

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/08/preliminary_study_says_polluti.html

“Preliminary study says pollution not cause of dead fish in Quaboag River”
by The Republican Newsroom
Thursday August 14, 2008, 4:35 PM

By CHRIS HAMEL

BROOKFIELD -

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife received several public complaints early last week about dead fish floating in the river. Although natural causes have not been ruled out, the division requested the DEP’s laboratory studies.

Among the species positively identified in the fish kill were brown bullheads, yellow and white perch, large mouth bass, chain pickerel, and pumpkinseed and bluegill, which are types of sunfish. Some of the fish were found decomposing, the division said.

More details in The Republican tomorrow. “

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/cyanide

#

UPDATE:

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=97631&catid=188

“Official: Man mixed cyanide with water, no plans for terrorist attack”
written & reported by: Jace Larson 4 mins ago

#

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2061906/posts

Group Cautions Linking Denver Cyanide To Terrorism (Somali immigrant group)
cbs4denver.com ^ | August 14, 2008 | Rick Sallinger
Posted on August 14, 2008 11:37:01 AM PDT by Free ThinkerNY

DENVER (AP/CBS4) An advocacy group for Somali immigrants has cautioned against linking terrorism to a man found dead in a Denver hotel with a pound of highly toxic sodium cyanide in his room. U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey said Thursday terrorism couldn’t be ruled out, but that it was not indicated in the investigation.

Saleman Abdirahman Dirie, 29, of Ottawa was found dead Monday, and police say a powder found in his room was cyanide.

The cause of death hasn’t been established. Police say they don’t suspect foul play and the FBI says there’s no apparent connection to terrorism.

The Somali Justice Advocacy Center in St. Paul, Minn., said Thursday that connecting Dirie’s death to terrorism “is a rush to judgment.”

Acquaintances have said Dirie’s family came from Somalia as refugees and are now Canadian citizens.

(Excerpt) Read more at cbs4denver.com ...

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/022205.php
(THE OTTAWA CITIZEN)

August 14, 2008
“Somali Muslim with cyanide was schizophrenic, not a terrorist”

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/022204.php
(DENVER POST)

August 14, 2008

“Somali Muslim found dead in Denver hotel room with a pound of cyanide — FBI says it’s not terrorism”

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/aqim

#

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/193630.php

#

http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.2416452605

“Algeria: Internal conflict stalls release of Austrian tourists”

Algiers, 14 August (AKI) -

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The terrorists are reported to have softened their stance in seeking a ransom in exchange for their release and Austria has reportedly accepted in principle the payment of a ransom in the order of five million euros.

However, negotiations have stalled because of confusion generated by the leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in the Algerian mountains, Abdel Malik Droukedel, who is apparently seeking a political victory.

Yahya Jawadi, also called Abu Omar, is the leader of the Tareq Bin Ziyad Brigade which also operates in the Algerian Sahara, is unlikely to agree to the deal.

Since the kidnapping, this group has been forced to cease its terrorist activities in the area due to lack of funds and is seeking a ransom in order to relaunch their role in the region.”

[Cindy]

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/9193.htm

Fifty-Something Saudi Refuses To Annul Marriage To His Eight-Year-Old Wife

A Saudi man in his 50s has announced that he refuses to annul his year-and-a half-long marriage to an eight-year-old girl, because he claims never to have done anything forbidden by Islamic law.

He said that Islamic law does not set a specific age for marriage, and that the Prophet Muhammad married ‘Aisha when she was nine.

Source: Al-Hayat, London, August 13, 2008

Posted at: 2008-08-14

[Cindy]

ADDING to post no. 461:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2055031/posts?page=461#461

#

Thanks to Jet Jaguar for the ping to this thread.

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2061997/posts

Russia Fires SS-21 Ballistic Missiles at the Republic of Georgia.
MarketWatch ^ | Aug. 14, 2008
Posted on August 14, 2008 2:31:15 PM PDT by lizol

Russia Fires SS-21 Ballistic Missiles at the Republic of Georgia, Poland Agrees to Have US Missile Defense

Last update: 4:33 p.m. EDT Aug. 14, 2008

WASHINGTON, Aug 14, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/

Riki Ellison, President of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance ( www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org), issued the following statements about the situation in Europe concerning Russia, Poland and the Republic of Georgia. “Over the last few days Russia has fired over two dozen SS-21 Ballistic Short Range Missiles into the country of Georgia, integrating ballistic missile strikes with their conventional military forces. The SS-21 is a road mobile, solid fuel, single stage ballistic missile, which is maneuverable in flight and carries a high-explosive warhead weighing up to 1060lbs. with 150 meter accuracy. It has a range of 43 miles. These missiles have been used by the Russians tactically for psychological and military targets as the Georgians do not have the capability to defend against or defeat ballistic missiles.

(Excerpt) Read more at marketwatch.com ...

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/deaththreat
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/deaththreats

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2061993/posts

#

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/08/14/she-ought-to-be-shot-they-gotta-be-stopped/

““She ought to be shot. They gotta be stopped.””
By Michelle Malkin • August 14, 2008 03:41 PM

[Unrepentant VN Vet]

Amen to that, Michelle.

[Cindy]

I agree with Michelle Malkin...it does tend to “give yourself a migraine” listening to that awful music and reading those words.

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50810

“General Reports on Security Operations in Iraqi Province”

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50811

Coalition Forces Kill One, Detain 10 Suspected Terrorists in Baghdad

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008 – Coalition and Iraqi forces killed an enemy fighter, detained 10 suspected terrorists and found weapons during recent operations throughout Baghdad, military officials said.

Coalition troops killed one man and detained five others allegedly connected to al-Qaida. The individuals are believed to be involved in assassinations, bombings and financial conspiracies for the group against coalition and Iraqi forces. Various weapons were confiscated during the operation, officials said.

In operations yesterday:

— Iraqi soldiers captured four suspected terrorists who allegedly attacked coalition forces in the city’s Rashid district. The individuals ambushed the U.S. police training team with small-arms fire, officials said.

— Coalition and Iraqi forces discovered multiple weapons caches in separate operations throughout the city. All together, they found 40 rounds of various munitions filled with explosives, 11 oxygen tanks filled with explosives, multiple artillery rounds, two rocket launchers, body armor, propaganda paraphernalia, and bomb-making material.

— In Baghdad’s Sadr City area, U.S. troops from the 4th Infantry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi forces found a weapons cache consisting of more than 20 mortar rounds and rockets intended to be used for homemade bombs, officials said.

In operations Aug. 12:

— U.S. soldiers in southern Baghdad captured an alleged Iranian-trained “special groups” member wanted for illegal weapons trafficking.

— Iraqi and coalition forces found numerous weapons caches and large amounts of currency during operations throughout Baghdad’s Rashid district. They found 26 AK-47 assault rifles, 18 rockets, 12 RPGs with launcher, a sniper rifle and bomb-making materials. They also discovered more than $75,000 in Iraqi dinars, $5,600 in U.S. currency, $245 in Indian rupees and $140 in United Arab Emirates dirhams, officials said.

— In Sadr City, Iraqi soldiers found a substantial weapons cache hidden in an underground water tank. They found 13 Chinese-made mortars, seven Iranian-made mortars, five Yugoslavian-made mortars, six grenades, three rocket propellants, two rockets, seven pounds of explosive material, 100 blasting caps, 50 feet of detonation cord, a 5-pound bag of propellant, four automatic machine gun barrels, and more than 2,000 rounds of various small-arms ammunition, officials said.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.investigativeproject.org/article/749

“The Heckler’s Veto”

IPT News
August 14, 2008

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/022216.php
(DPA)

August 14, 2008
“Motoonist to Jordan: Go ahead, put me on trial”

#

Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/021261.php
(COPENHAGEN POST)

June 3, 2008
“Jordan summons Danish cartoonists to answer blasphemy charges”

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/mexico

#

RUMOR — RUMOR — RUMOR:

Thanks to Jet Jaguar for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2062083/posts

“Rumors of a Coup in Mexico”
Hugh Hewitt Show ^ | 08-14-08 | attiladhun2
Posted on August 14, 2008 4:47:38 PM PDT by attiladhun2

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

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

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
This information is current as of today, Thu Aug 14 2008 17:17:12 GMT-0700 (PDT).

Mexico

April 14, 2008

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 Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 24, 2007, and expires on October 15, 2008.

Violence Along The U.S.-Mexico Border

---

Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region. In its effort to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Recent Mexican army and police force conflicts with heavily-armed narcotics cartels have escalated to levels equivalent to military small-unit combat and have included use of machine guns and fragmentation grenades. Confrontations have taken place in numerous towns and cities in northern Mexico, including Tijuana in the Mexican state of Baja California, and Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez in the state of Chihuahua. The situation in northern Mexico remains very fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements there cannot be predicted.

Armed robberies and carjackings, apparently unconnected to the narcotics-related violence, have increased in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Dozens of U.S. citizens were kidnapped and/or murdered in Tijuana in 2007. Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas.

Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.

U.S. citizens are urged to be especially alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. While Mexican citizens overwhelmingly are the victims of these crimes, this uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well. Thousands of U.S. citizens cross the border safely each day, exercising common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas of border towns during daylight hours. It is strongly recommended that travelers avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing occur.
Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. There is no evidence, however, that U.S. citizens are targeted because of their nationality.

U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance.

Crime and Violence in Mexico

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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. 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 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. 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.

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. Some deaths occurred during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who died in the 2006 violence in Oaxaca. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised 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 protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.

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 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.

Consular Agencies:

Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.
Cancún: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.
Ciudad Acuña: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661
Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.
Mazatlán: Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.
Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcalá no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.
Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586.
Playa del Carmen: “The Palapa,” Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.
Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.
Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331
San Luis Potosí: Edificio “Las Terrazas”, Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.
San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.

[Cindy]

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN14311681

“Mexico hitmen kill eight at prayer in rehab center”
Thu Aug 14, 2008 3:37pm EDT By Ignacio Alvarado

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Hooded gunmen dressed in black burst into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in northern Mexico, dragged patients out of a prayer session and shot them dead in an attack that killed eight people.

The hitmen, wearing body armor, forced their way into the center in the violent border city of Ciudad Juarez on Wednesday night, ordering the patients onto the floor and then picking out several men and killing them in the back patio.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Eight people died and six others were seriously wounded, the Chihuahua state attorney general’s office said on Thursday.”

[Cindy]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5944663.html\

“Mexico’s president pitches conference to address crime”
By DUDLEY ALTHAUS Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Mexico City Bureau
Aug. 14, 2008, 6:56PM

MEXICO CITY

[Cindy]

Unable to locate any news item documenting a coup/attempted coup in Mexico at this time. FYI.

[Jet Jaguar]

Thanks Cindy.

[Cindy]

You’re welcome Jet Jaguar.