Global Security Studies Practicum

14 November 2011 The explosion was so powerful it killed 17 people, seriously wounded 15 and was felt 30 miles away in the capital, Tehran . The eruption, which occurred at the Bid Ganeh base, a military facility in Iran has many people questioning if it is part of a series of covert attacks against Iran’s Nuclear Program . In the past two years there has been at least three Iranian nuclear scientists killed, the Stuxnet virus last winter infected Iran's nuclear enrichment centrifuges, causing huge disruptions and setting back the program several months, now a storage facility for long-range missiles is completely destroyed. Although, Iranian officials insist the explosion at the Bid Ganeh base was accidental, caused by the movement of ammunition, there have been anonymous claims from western and Israeli officials that the blast was a covert Israeli operation. Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15741989 Reliability: 9

16 November 2011 Three men accused of terrorist plot against a Danish newspaper are facing 20 years in prison if found guilty. Mikael Davud of Uighur origin, Shawan Sadek Saeed Bujak an Iraqi, and David Jakobsen an Uzbek are the men who deny they had anything to do with the al-Qaida linked plot. Their plan consisted of attacking a controversial cartoonist who printed cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed . At the time of the arrest the three men possessed hydrogen peroxide and acetone materials used to make a bomb. It is highly likely that Davud is the mastermind of this plot as he holds ties with the al-Qaida network and trained with explosives in a Pakistan camp. Davud stated that “he was planning an attack on his own and the target was Chinese interest.” Their trial will begin in two weeks. Source: http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1760101 (Reliability: 8.5)

10 November 2011 (CNN)- The Human Rights Watch organization claims to have conducted field investigations in five distinctive states, Baja California, Chihuahua, Guerrero, Nuevo Leon, and Tabasco, in Mexico. They claim that Mexican Special Forces, and Federal Police are responsible for 170 cases of torture, 29 ”disappearances” and 24 cases of extrajudicial killings within these five states. With the threat of these findings the Mexico’s Defense Ministry announced the convictions of 14 servicemen, including 2 officers of homicide, adding, its army is “always ensuring adherence to the law”, despite the many complaints filed by victims. Eric Rojo, a security analyst, states, “You cannot have 45,000 soldiers, around the country, fighting battles, and claim there are no violations of any kind. That would be impossible.” Rojo also states that the Human Rights Watch is yet to raise any human rights violations against the Mexican drug cartels and others who violate the rights of many Mexicans.

10 November 2011 Moscow (CNN) – A local historian, of Celtic studies and former professor was identified as Anatoly Moskvin by state run- RIA and local media, Moskvin was arrested for the suspected desecration of 29 women’s bodies between the ages of 15 - 25 and their burial sites. The historian was apparently mummifying their bodies and dressing them in shabby clothes as life size dolls and posing them in his apartment. The Russian Interior Minister spokesman General Valery Gribakin said, “… police couldn’t figure out for a long time who was behind the “numerous blasphemous acts against graves and the dead bodies” at several cemeteries in and around Nizhuy Novgorod, 250 miles east of Moscow.” It was first thought to have been an extremist organization; senior investigators in the specialty were assigned to investigate the grave robberies. If convicted the historian may be punishable by serving three months in jail or a year of correctional labor. Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/09/

5 November 2011 (CNN) – The Kara tribe in Ethiopia’s Omo River Valley have been killing mingi infants for generations. Children born out of wedlock or with visible illness or disease, are considered “mingi” – cursed. Children born to married couples who have yet to complete their series of rites before conceiving are also killed, and considered “kusbaso” – cursed as well. The Kara believe that these cursed children could stop the rain from falling or the sun to get hotter. Mothers of mingi children are not disposed to the murder of their new borns, but accepting because of their cultural customs. The tribe’s elders justify their beliefs by stating that they sacrifice these children for the livelihood of the entire tribe. However, there has been an effort to stop these killings by young educated Kara, and members of other surrounding tribe’s, the Banna, and Hamar. A Christian group has also joined in the efforts to save these children. An orphanage has been established to house, care fo

14 November 2011 The Prime Office of Kenya disclosed that during Kenya's Prime Minister Ralia Odinga's visit to Israle ; Israel offered support on its war against al-Shabab. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said, "Kenya's enemies are Israel's enemies." and he sees this as an opportunity to " Strengthen ties". Mr. Odinga also said Israel could aid Kenya's police by detecting and destroying al-Shabab's network in Kenya, providing vehicles for border patrols as well as equipment for sea surveillance. Israel's President Shimon Peres stated that, "Kenya has shown a positive attitude towards Israel and Israel is ready to help". Source: Israel-Kenya deal to help fight Somalia's al-Shabab http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15725632 Reliability: 9

16 November 2011 A suspected U.S. drone fired missiles at a house in Pakistan near the Afghan border on Tuesday November 15, 2011. Pakistani intelligence notes that seven alleged Pakistani militants were killed. The strike occurred in Miran Shah, the main town in North Waziristan which is where the key pivot for the Taliban and al-Qaeda is located. Officials also said that insurgent linked to Afghan militant groups who were harboring Pakistani Taliban were also killed. The U.S has conducted around 200 drone strikes in recent years, mostly targeting al-Qaeda and Afghan Taliban fighters who are battling U.S. troops. The U.S. has pushed Pakistan to take military action in North Waziristan, or at least intelligence that could be used to target insurgents battling American forces in Afghanistan. However, many analyst believe that Pakistan is reluctant to target terrorist groups because of their historical ties and they could be useful allies in Afghanistan after foreign forces withdraw. Sou

16 November 2011 A fertilizer plant in northern Egypt is the location of a clash between the Egyptian army and protestors. Protestors were against the pollution caused by the plant. Causalities include one man dead and 11 people injured. Within the last six days, demonstrators used blockage of the port town of Damietta to use to protest the plant. The plant officials have announced the potential production of two more plants locally, which is causing the protesting. The fertilizer plant received news that they are no longer able to operate by Egypt’s ruling military council. These types of activism is becoming more frequent, now under the post Mubarak ruling. State-owned Misr Oil Processing Company and Canada’s Agrium currently jointly own the plant. The residents took to the streets on Tuesday demanding the relocation of the plant. An eyewitness claims protestors took over an ambulance carrying the corpse of a 21-year-old man killed by a gun shot on Sunda

14 November 2011 Authorities in Bahrain have claimed that the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has links with terror cells that attack high profile sites. These attacks include the recent plots against the Saudi ambassador in Washington, the Saudi embassy and the Gulf causeway linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia . The Bahrain News Agency gave no additional information on the suspects and details on the allegations. The Bahrain Shias claim to have no political connections to Shia power groups in Iran. The Sunni Monarchy declare that Iran seeks to attain by creating an unrest in Bahrain. Since the anti-state protests in Bahrain this case of the alleged terror cell in Bahrain is the first time officials are trying to prove a connection to Iran and a plan for attack. Bahrain’s public prosecutor claims that the terror group has links with high profile exiles such as Ali Mushaima whose father Hassan was sentenced to life in prison for anti-state protests and violence. The terror group suspects wil

16 November 2011 The reactor building of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power  Plant is seen, just outside the port city of Bushehr. ISTANBUL – Mark Fitzpatrick, an Iran watcher at the International Institute of Strategic Studies , stated that he worries Iran is close to weaponizing nuclear power. Iran claims nuclear program is strictly for civilian energy.   The InternationalAtomic Energy Agency found Iran to have worked on designing a nuclear weapon and continuing research.   Israel would be likely to act alone against Iran because Russia and China would adhere to any resolution finding Iran to be in non-compliance with the nuclear Non-ProliferationTreaty .   The US will be entering an election year and Israel may not as President Obama for permission to strike against Iran.   An attack against Iran would add to the tensions and isolations brought on by Arab Spring changes.   Fitzpatrick doubts Iran would race to produce a nuclear bomb because of the extensive work with low-enr

16 November 2011 After 9/11 and the anthrax bioterrorism attacks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering to implement new strategies to handle terrorism attacks. Hospital emergency preparedness is not entirely ready to take on such disasters. Therefore, new provisions that include the handling of terrorism events will be added to hospital operations. Emergency management officials want for hospitals to be prepared in case of any terrorist attacks so that the citizens can have the adequate help without the chaotic mismanagement of the hospital. Researchers believe that in order to implement such program it is imperious for hospital leaders to build their new plan based on previous experiences where they have helped in disaster events. Source: http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/better-hospital-responses-terrorist-attacks Reliability: 8.5

16 November 2011 Venezuela's opposition candidates debate ahead of a primary vote. Venezuela ’s five opposition presidential candidates participated in a two-hour nationally televised debate on 14 November, criticizing President Hugo Chavez and addressing mainly three domestic issues: security, employment and education. Opposition candidates are campaigning ahead of a 12 February primary vote that will select a single opposition candidate to challenge President Chavez in the 2012 elections. The debate followed President Chavez's mandatory nationwide radio and TV broadcast. Source:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/venezuela-presidential-debate/ (Reliability: 9) Comment: Venezuela ’s five opposition presidential candidates include: Henrique Capriles Radonski (governor of Miranda state), PabloPerez (governor of Zulia state), Diego Arria (former Venezuelan ambassador to the UN), Leopoldo Lopez (former mayor of Caracas ), and Maria Corina Machado (l

16 November 2011 BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Army , which is typically seen suppressing protests and maintaining political order, is using the recent heavy flooding to show their service and dedication to the people of Thailand. The recent surge of flood-waters that have consumed around a third of the country, including the capital of Bangkok , has not shut down population activity but rather only momentarily halted it. The self-proclaimed “People’s Army” can be seen around the capital using heavy-duty military vehicles to transport citizens around the heavily flooded capital. In the past, the Thai population has been divided because of the military’s role in the lives of civilians, but with the recent flood disaster Thai Army Generals see the opportunity to showcase their dedication and people skills by sending thousands of soldiers to the capital to help cater to the needs of the Thai citizens. Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha , head of the Thai Army, has advocated heavily that he wan

11 November 2011 United Nations envoy Jamal Benomar arrived in Sana on Thursday, November 10, 2011, influencing the violence in the nearby city of Taiz . The violence resulted in eleven deaths, including three women and two children, and dozens wounded. Taiz lies only 120 miles south of Sana and for the recent past weeks there have been multiple antigovernment demonstrations held in the Zaid al-Moshki and al-Rawda districts. The fighting began Thursday after the death of a protester and several others injured. Mr. Benomar’s purpose in Sana was to press for the transition of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s power in order to end conflict in Yemen . Mr. Benomar has held multiple meetings with government and opposing figures in attempts to meet the needs of all Yemenis. Mr. Saleh has agreed to a peace plan proposed by Gulf Arab countries in exchange for immunity from prosecution. However, he has failed to step down from office while violence increases between his supporters and anti-Sale

Kabul, Afghanistan - The International Monetary Fund approved a three year $133.6 million loan for Afghanistan. Afghanistan has been without IMF backing for almost a year due to mismanagement at the Kabul Bank. Kabul Bank, Afghanistan’s largest private financial institution, conducted more than $800 million in fraudulent and questionable loans. IMF approved the new line of credit after Afghan improved banking oversight. As a part of the credit approval, IMF requested Afghan government to strengthen oversight and regulation of the banking sector and work to improve revenue collection. Afghanistan lawmakers also agreed to reimburse the central bank up to $825 million it cost to bail out the Kabul Bank. Source : http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistan-pleased-with-imf-decision-to-reinstate-credit-program-after-kabul-bank-crisis/2011/11/15/gIQA7yYdNN_story.html Reliability: 9

According to Pakistan intelligence officials, a U.S. drone fired missiles at a house located in a Taliban and Al-Qaeda tribal area in Northwestern Pakistan . The attack killed seven suspected militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban. Northwestern Pakistan has been attacked more than 200 times by the U.S. The U.S. has conducted these attacks mainly targeting Al-Qaeda and Taliban militant groups who are fighting against U.S troops in Afghanistan . The U.S. intensified pressure on Pakistan to step up efforts and take military action against dangerous militant groups in Northwestern Pakistan or aid Washington on gathering intelligence against the Haqqani Network, the most dangerous militant group. Pakistan refuses to conduct military actions claiming the number of troops is low to release an operation in Northwester Pakistan. The U.S. believes Pakistan has historical ties with the Haqqani network and it is not in Pakistan ’s best interest to take action against the Haqqanis becau

11 November 2011 Lucas Papademos (ATHENS, Greece) -- Former European Central Bank vice-president, Lucas Papademos , will lead a coalition government in an attempt to secure the nation’s economy. The government will attempt to push through reforms to avoid a default in December. Papademos’s term is likely to only last until February when new elections are expected. He will likely have to balance demands of the leading political parties including the conservatives who wish to cut taxes to rebuild the economy. Many European heads of state have expressed their congratulations to Papademos. They have also stated they hope the new government is able to approve the bailout package to ensure the country stays in the Eurozone . Comment – On 17 November, the next loan tranche for Greece is due to be released. Instead of having one party in control with opposition, there is now a coalition government that must please several interests. To secure the funds, Greece would have to

14 November 2011 Al-Qaeda fighters in Yemen kidnapped two women and a man, French NGO workers, on May 28. The reasons behind the kidnapping are unknown, a ransom payment followed their release on Saturday. The hostages were kept at several locations and moved around in the months of captivity. At the time of their arrival in France they were greeted by France’s ambassador to Oman, who said that the hostages were in good medical conditions, and thanked Sultan Qaboos for helping secure their release. The names of the hostages and the amount paid for ransom have not been released. The three NGO workers are happy to go back home. Source: http://www.france24.com/en/20111114-french-hostages-yemen-freed-al-qaeda-ngo-triangle-generation-humanitaire Reliability: 8.5

13 November 2011 Kabul- A Taliban -affiliated website published today claims to have leaked a document containing confidential government security plans for a vital meeting of tribal elders in Kabul next week to discuss Afghanistan’s long-term relationship with the United States and possible peace talks. The meeting is due to begin Wednesday and continue for several days, the meeting includes hundreds of community leaders invited from across the country. November 13s alleged leak was interpreted in Kabul as anything from a desperate insurgency resorting to deceitful information to a new sign of Taliban’s heightened ability to provoke confidential evidence from government ministries. The online statement went on to promise further detail which consisted of the original security plans of 28 pages and six pictorial maps recomposed and rewritten for intelligence and policy purposes and will release second, third, 28 th sides of the plan and maps to show validation. NATO’s Intern