Global Security Studies Practicum

7 November 2011 NAIROBI, KENYA- With four weeks into military operations in Somalia, Kenya military is targeting the key financial and logistical locations used by al-Shabab. According to Emmanuel Chirchir, Kenya's military spokesperson the key targets of the Kenya military operation are Afmadow and Kismayo. Afmadow is a critical target because it provides facilities for money transferring therefore providing providing income for al-Shabab's army. Kismayo being a port city is highly likely the nerve center where al-Shabab plans its battles and a major source of financial and material support. Source: Kenyan Military Targeting al-Shabab Finances http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Kenyan-Military-Targeting-al-Shabab-Finances-133358078.html Reliability: 9

HOUSTON- A Texan man accused of attempting to sneak out of the United States to aid terrorist group, Al-Qaida, was tried Monday on terrorism charges. After a two-year investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Joint Task Force, Barry Walter Bujol Jr. was finally apprehended when he attempted to use fake identification to sneak into a Houston port and board a ship bound for the Middle East. Prior to the arrest an FBI undercover informant who posed as a recruiter for al-Qaida for the Arabian Peninsula gave Bujol a bag containing GPS receivers, two nonpublic restricted-access Army manuals, money and other items that he agreed to take to al-Qaida operatives in the Middle East. In email exchanges with U.S born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki , who has ties to al-Qaida, Bujol expressed he wanted to “die with the brothers for the cause of Allah , and to be in Heaven.” On the contrary, Bujol claims he was never in contact with a real terrorist and that he "t...

04 November 2011 Security forces in Bahrain fired teargas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of anti-government protesters demanding greater rights for the Sunni-led Gulf kingdom's Shia majority. Hundreds of opposition supporters have been detained and tried on anti-state crimes. Witnesses yesterday said hundreds of people marched on Pearl Square , in Bahrain's capital Manama, after a massive funeral procession for a 78-year-old man who opposition groups claimed had died after being beaten by police. Authorities said the man died of natural causes. There were no immediate reports of injuries. The authorities yesterday released a teenage Iraqi football player detained for seven months on suspicion of participating in anti-government protests. The Bahraini government confirmed the Iraqi teenager was among more than 300 prisoners freed after being pardoned by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in honour of Eid al-Adha . Zulfiqar Naji's detention sparked demonstrations in Iraq...

Turkey surprised international observers when it supported rebels in recent uprising in Syria. Turkey is harboring insurgents and political opponents of the Assad's regime as it readies unilateral sanctions against Syria . This signals in shift in supporting the various democratic Arab awakenings throughout the Middle East. Turkey’s chasm with Syria reaffirms its commitment to NATO , who had began to question Turkeys role in the alliance. In the face of the Arab Spring , Turkey is reassess its place in the new realities of the Middle East . Turkey had sought to ought new open new markets  and expand its influence in the region through a policy of non-confrontation with its neighbors. It disavowed democratic preconditions with economic partners like Syria and Iran in the past and this caused friction with NATO. Source :http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/1103/Turkey-s-bold-about-face-on-Syria Reliability (9) Comments: Turkey’s break from its policy of “zero prob...

09 November 2011 Dakahlia, Egypt : Aziza Police Station is the victim of attack from thugs who attempted to burn down the station today within the Egyptian delta governorate of Dakahilia. These thugs also prevented police officers from entering the area by blocking them. The attack is the result of Aziza police officers arresting their leader. Deputy Director of the Dakahilia security Sami al-Mehi took the report of the attack and he reports Molotov cocktails were the weapon of choice during the attack. The damage consists of burning down a police van that is part of the police station. The police officers claim some attackers were able to get inside the police station but were able to escape. Aziza police officers arrested Hamdino, the thugs’ leader, yesterday on charges ranging from crimes involving drugs and robbery gangs. Source: Thugs burn Azizia police station after arresting their leader http://english.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=348040& Reliability: 8

7 November 2011 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the inventors of the internet are now looking at ways the world wide web might be used to fight the next war. DARPA , a Pentagon office that strategically researchs everything technology related from cybersecurity to hypesonic airplance. DARPA along with other DoD cybersecurity offices have protected the Penatagon’s worldwide network of computers from hackers and malware. DARPA is now strategizing on how to reach out and attack the entities attempting to disrupt DoD computers. Agency Director, Regina Dugan stated; “To this end, in the coming years, DARPA will focus an increasing portion of our cyber research on the investigation of offensive capabilities to address military specific needs.” Cyber secuirty has gone well beyond many notorious threats to privacy and the release of pertinent information. “Malicious cyberattacks are not merely an existential threat to out bits and bytes, they are a real threat to an increas...

9 November 2011 According to U.S. military officials in province, Taliban fighters were killed by American soldiers Tuesday evening in an attempt to storm a small U.S. outpost along the Pakistani border. The Taliban launched an attack on two schools located near Combat Outpost Margah, by firing rocket-propelled grenades and rifles from the grounds. American soldiers stationed there fired back as large groups of fighters moved toward the base. The fighting lasted less than two hours, and no U.S. troops were killed. The U.S. base has become a favorite target for the Taliban. The large groups of insurgents to assault U.S. positions has grown rare in Afghanistan this year, as the Taliban resorts to safer guerilla tactics to take on U.S. and Afghan forces. Source : http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/us-base-in-eastern-afghanistan-attacked/2011/11/09/gIQAPBas4M_story.html Reliability : 8.5

Cairo- A meeting between the Arab League and the agency's chief was prevented by angry Syrian protesters on Wednesday. The protesters accuse members of the delegation of being agents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad , not representers of the opposition. The Syrians want the Arab League to freeze Syria 's membership, protect civilians with an international force and a complete change in leadership. Across Syria, 25 people, including two children, were killed in Wednesday's violence, which followed the death of 18 on Tuesday. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , an estimated 3,500 Syrians have been killed since the government crackdown on protesters in mid-March. A newly formed opposition grouped formed in Turkey and compromised of Egyptian activists will begin "a broad political move to urge member states of the Arab League to take a strong and effective position against the Syrian regime." The plan includes visiting or contacti...

09 November 2011 The new Showtime drama television show, “Homeland” depicts counterterrorism measures. The ratings are quite high for just six episodes aired, and it was created after the Israeli drama, “ Hatufim ”. The difference between the Israeli version and the American version is that it focuses on a POW and a CIA agent, who thinks the POW, is covertly working for al-Qaeda . The thriller effect of the show revolves around the idea of an American hero soldier betraying the country and working towards terrorism. “Homeland” depicts the involvement of the military, politicians, and the intelligence community working together in the fight against terrorism. Source: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/67860.html Reliability: 9 Homeland trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqddY2sOk6U

9 November 2011 Inmates are subdued at a prison riot in Cabimas that killed 22 people. Venezuela’s Supreme Court fined Globovision , the largest opposition TV channel in the country, for allegedly presenting coverage that encouraged violence during a prison uprising that killed 22 people. Globovision has appealed the US 2 million fine to the Supreme Court, saying it will likely force it to cut back news coverage or lead it to bankruptcy. Globovision is the sole remaining anti-Chavez TV Channel after RCTV , another opposition station, was not granted a broadcasting license in 2007. Source:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/americas/anti-chavez-tv-2-million-fine.html (Reliability: 8.5) Comment: Globovision is the only major TV channel that openly criticizes President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela . In recent years, other privately-run TV channels in Venezuela have curbed their criticisms of Chavez as a result of alleged government intimidation. Meanwhile, the Chavez gove...

9 November 2011 The recent heavy flooding that has ravished the Southeast Asian country of Thailand has not only rattled infrastructure, but is now causing political unease within the country. Former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva , has recently made criticizing statements towards the current political party, whom his party lost the Prime Minister seat to. The former Prime Minister has criticized Thailand’s current Prime Minister in office, Yingluck Shinawatra , of failing to properly respond to the recent heavy flooding. The current party is facing criticism from it’s political opponents for using funds towards populist programs such as, providing tablet computers for schoolchildren and offering tax breaks to individuals who are purchasing a vehicle or home for the first time, rather than using these funds towards the country’s current flood crisis. The former Prime Minister spoke at the Thai Parliament last week, where discontent for the current flood relief situat...

05 November 2011 Nairobi (The Seattle Times) — Half a million victims of famine in southern Somalia, trapped inside territory contro lled by the rebel militia al-Shabaab, may be largely beyond the help of Western agencies, Somalia expert Ken Menkhaus writes in a paper for the Enough Project. Access to the south, the region hardest hit by famine, remains difficult and dangerous for humanitarian agencies, with some banned from operating in the south, and myriad rules and bureaucratic requirements for those allowed access. Al-Shabaab’s handling of the famine amounts to crimes against humanity, terrorizing people into submission, confiscating their produce and taxing them into poverty in the name of jihad. As they now starve, al-Shabaab denies them even the opportunity to migrate in search of food. Menkhaus says that the bizarre and extremist behavior of al-Shabaab, has made it unclear whether the West and the United Nations can realistically do much to help the 500,000 famine ...

7 November 2011 Symbol for Anonymous hacker group.  The "suit without a head" represents leaderless organization and anonymity. JERUSALEM – Many government websites, including those of the Mossad , the Shin Bet Secret Service , the Israeli army , and other government ministries, failed on Sunday.   On Friday, the hacker group Anonymous posted a YouTube video threatening to strike back at Israel if they persisted with blocking vessels trying to reach Gaza by sea.   They accused Israel of “piracy on the high seas” and that their actions went against democracy, human rights, international, and maritime laws.   The group stated that Israel ’s actions would not go unnoticed and that kind of behavior would not be tolerated.   The Israeli sited crashed approximately 48 hours later.   Israel denies that it was Anonymous and that the crash was coincidental.   Last week, several Palestinian sites were hacked and the Russell tribunal was hacked. ...

Antonis Samara leads New Democracy     08 November 2011 (ATHENS) -- Greek officials will announce the make-up of the interim government on Wednesday. Prime Minister George Papandreou and Antonis Samaras have been in negotiations since Monday. Samaras is the leader of New Democracy , the largest opposition party. The following names could be possible candidates to lead the new government: Lucas Papademos, a former vice-president of the European Central Bank, Nikiforos Diamandouros, Greece's European ombudsman , and Panagiotis Roumeliotis, Greece's representative to the International Monetary Fund. Greece is set to run out of money within weeks. Jean-Claude Juncker, the Eurozone chief, wants the leaders of the two main parties in Greece to sign an agreement committing to the previously agreed upon reforms. Comment – Turbulence within the government has been apparent. The second loan tranche continues to be the source of much debate. Some members of the ruling pa...

04 November 2011 Most Americans have heard about Anwar al-Awlaki’s death and President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s struggle to remain in office; however, they fail to realize the increase of Al Qaeda’s presence in the Arabian Peninsula ( AQAP ). Al-Awlaki, an American-born Yemeni, was one of AQAP’s prominent leaders who specialized in recruiting and inspiring terrorists. His assassination and the convergence of Islamist fighters to regions around Zinjibar and Jaar have strengthened AQAP control of Yemen’s South. Bearded men have allowed the flow of artillery weapons and tanks in that area, as well. Although, Al Qaeda has dominated this region for some time, Saleh’s cooperation with the United States allowed the West to maintain some control. Saleh currently waits on the international guarantees of no prosecution, while the country remains at a stalemate due to the recent violence in Sana. Pro-democracy youths are angered at the Saudis and U.S. for agreeing to overlook Saleh’s past crimes t...

29 October 2011 China changes its definition of terrorism to fit in closer with international practices. The revised piece of legislation formally states government actions against declared individuals or groups of terrorist. One action includes freezing terrorist’s assets. This will make it easier for law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute terrorist. Changes on this legislation are due to the ongoing violence acts from retaliating exile groups. This is a strategic move on behalf of China which will likely promote international cooperation on terrorism. “Increasingly the Chinese government has realized it must work with international partners to fight the existing terrorist threat to China,” said Rohan Gunaratna , a terrorism expert at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. The expected outcome for China is to bridge gaps with other countries such as the U.S. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/china-clarifies-terrorism-definition-in-hopes-of-winning...

U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton , demands Pakistani authorities in a press conference to take action against the Haqqani network , an Islamist militant organization that is responsible for terrorist attacks both inside Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan . Clinton also met with Pakistan ’s president and foreign minister in a U.S. delegation to warn Pakistan on the impatient atmosphere rising from U.S. officials for Pakistan ’s refusal to take military action against the Taliban-linked Haqqani network. The U.S. will no longer tolerate Pakistan ’s draw back stance and instead encourages Pakistan ’s officials to deny Afghan rebels or Haqqanis a safe territory. Pakistan ’s Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, expressed that Pakistan shared the same goals with the U.S. and takes terrorism as a serious issue and that collaboration with the Haqqanis does not exists. Both Khar and Clinton agreed that an “operationalization” must take place in the next days in efforts...

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has tasked U.S. embassies in Central Asia to re-categorize existing and planned U.S. funded projects to align with the “New Silk Road” policy. The policy attempts increase the economic presence of the US in the region. The Silk Road initiative includes overlaying the South and Central Asian region with natural gas pipelines, railways, and an electricity grid and modern highways in Afghanistan. It is hoped that increasing economic stability in Afghanistan will help stabilize and secure the region after troop withdrawal. Doubts concerning the policy include the lack of private interest. There is also concern as to whether or not such long term plans can flourish in such a time of instability following the war. Afghanistan’s lack of partners in the region, corruption, and inhospitable environmental conditions may also hinder the implantation of such a policy.

8 November 2011 International Atomic Energy Agency just released a critical report expressing “serious concerns” regarding Iran ’s nuclear program. IAEA has reliable information the Islamic republic may be developing nuclear weapons. IAEA report on Iranian program’s military scope found no evidence on Iran ’s decision to build a bomb, however their nuclear program is now more ambitious and structured than ever before. IAEA carefully assessed and analyzed information made available to them, and concluded Iran has indeed carried out activities pertinent to the development of a nuclear explosive device. A senior US official called the report a “big deal being the report is comprehensive, credible, and alarming. According to IAEA some of the activities assessed on Iran have both civilian and military applications and others are specific to nuclear weapons. Iran has insisted repeatedly its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian energy purposes only. US officials stat...

26 October 2011 ISTANBUL, Turkey – The death toll is currently totaled at 138 in the cities of Van and Erics. Rescuers along with Turkish citizens continue to search for victims in collapsed buildings. The U.S.Geological Survey reported the earthquake to a 7.2 magnitude. The region has suffered roughly 20 aftershocks in the wake of the earthquake. CNN Turk reporter Nevsin Mengu, said “People are really scared.” Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, “… Sunday’s earthquake -- the most powerful to strike the country in more than a decade. From Van, Mengu, also states, the death toll is sure to rise as rescue teams have yet to reach small villages. A crisis center is being set up in Ankara, the Turkish capital. Other nations and organizations have offered aid to Turkey, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated, while graceful, they are prepared to handle the disaster on their own. Source: http://articles.cnn.com/2011-10-23/world/world_europe_turkey-earthquake_1_rescue-teams-death-to...

15 October 2011 Washington - The US has sent special operations forces to Uganda to help the military fight the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Matt Brown of the Enough Project, a US group working to end genocide and crimes against humanity, states, Obama’s purpose maybe to reward Uganda for their troop service in Somalia. Capturing the LRA’s leader, Joseph Kony is Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, priority. Museveni has committed thousands of military troops to Somalia to fight militants from al-Shabab, a group with ties to al-Quaida. Representatives, Senators, and Congressmen agree with Obamha’s decision to send aide, however, Senator John McClain said, it is a “worthy goal” but congress should have been consulted. The US has sent $45 million in military equipment to Uganda. The US legislation passed bipartisan support for the coordination of US diplomatic, economic, intelligence and military efforts against the LRA. Brown believes, “regional stability is also good for US interests....

12 October 2011 Tauranga, NEW ZEALAND – Hundreds of tons of oil have already seeped out of the Rena cargo ship. The New Zealead coast is experiencing, “… the country’s biggest environmental disaster,” said Nick Smith, New Zealand’s Environmental Minister. The ship’s cargo included oil, diesel, and hazardous material, of the 70 containers that have fallen off the ship’s deck, none have contained hazardous material. A vertical crack on the ship’s deck to its waterline is visible. The New Zealand government is demanding to know why the ship wrecked on well-charted, Astrolabe Reef, in calm weather. The government has not received any explanation from the vessel’s owners; Greece based company, Coastmare Inc. The captain’s name is yet to be released but has already faced criminal charges in New Zealand’s courts. Efforts are underway to reduce further seepage of oil and falling containers. Steve Jones, Maritimes New Zealand, advised that salvage crews are idle pending brutal weather conditio...