Counter Terror Forum

State Department Creates Bureau of Counter Terrorism

2012-01-08T10:51:00.003-05:00

While attending the Jamestown Foundation's conference regarding al Qaeda last month, I heard whispers in the hallway that the State Department was working to officially form a Bureau of Counter Terrorism, to codify ongoing activities and formalize the effort.

The CT Bureau has now been formally established and Ambassador-at-large Dan Benjamin is at the helm. When I was a senior defense fellow at a think tank several years ago, I was fortunate to work down the hall from Mr. Benjamin, who was in residence at the time. His book "The Age of Sacred Terror" is superior to all others of the genre, and provides rare insight into the roots and rise of al Qaeda - from someone who was the director of transnational threats at the National Security Council in the years prior to 9/11. Mr. Benjamin and his staff sounded early alarms about al Qaeda and an imminent, coordinated, major terrorist attack against the United States. I recall him discussing his warnings at an informal think tank luncheon, where he recalled his colleagues at the time calling him a "horseman of the apocalypse" for predicting such a dire event. As someone who works in the emergent threats arena, I appreciate and value his ability to see beyond today's fight and groups to what lurks around the corner. Who best to lead State's CT efforts?

Back to the CT Bureau...the mission is what we would expect, however this sentence is worthy of thought:
It will lead in supporting U.S. counterterrorism diplomacy. After the destruction of al Qaeda's homebase in Afghanistan, it scattered to the far corners of the planet and we now have many nation states harboring cells (whether wittingly or unwittingly). As we hunt terrorists in these countries, and ask for permission to engage with force, or train the country to do the mission themselves, engaging in diplomacy is certainly wise to preserve relationships, keep lines of communication open, and allow us continued access.

The CT Bureau will implement its mission by:

Developing and implementing counterterrorism strategies, policies, and operations. Nothing new here, although this new organization pulls CT efforts together with "support for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law."
Strengthening counterterrorism diplomacy. Strengthening existing partnerships and building new relationships is critical to countering terrorists and their operations. I found this interesting: "The Bureau will lead U.S. government efforts on behalf of the State Department to support the Global Counterterrorism Forum, a new multilateral initiative focused on setting the international counterterrorism agenda for the 21st century." The GCTF as it is being called, has 30 founding members, some of which surprised me - China and Russia, for example. The inaugural meeting was September 22nd, although it didn't get much press. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2011/09/172010.htm
Strengthening homeland security. Interesting that State is leaning forward in this realm. "The Bureau will work in partnership with DHS, as well as other agencies and bureaus, to strengthen international cooperation on a wide range of homeland security issues including transportation security, the interdiction of terrorist travel, and critical infrastructure protection." Some telling language here about the bureau's engagement in countering the threat in the homeland.
Countering violent extremism. The language regarding this mission specifically discusses recruitment. "The Bureau will work to delegitimize the violent extremist narrative, to develop positive alternatives for populations vulnerable to recruitment, and to build partner government and civil society capacity to counter violent extremism themselves." Naturally, we have work to do here at home on these same issues, so perhaps some cross effort between this Bureau, DHS, the FBI and others would be of value.
Building the capacity of foreign partners. Nothing new here, State has been engaged in capacity building in terms or rule of law, police training, and strengthen foreign militaries since its inception.

Israel has had a similar bureau since 1996, with a broader mission. One key difference is their engagement in border security, something conspicuously absent from the stated mission of State's effort.

Israel's Bureau of Counter Terrorism

Overall, this is a step in the right direction, pulling State's CT ongoing efforts under one umbrella and giving new credence and strength to their overarching goals.

http://www.state.gov/g/ct/
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/01/180136.htm

The Jamestown Foundation's 5th Annual Terrorism Conference on December 8th in DC

2011-11-24T22:11:00.001-05:00

The Jamestown Foundation's webpage is one of my daily stops when looking for current, balanced analysis on current events related to terrorism. This year's annual conference lineup is their best ever: Gen Mike Hayden, Bruce Hoffman, and many other terrorism experts will discuss al Qaeda after bin Laden, including the group's ongoing activity in Africa, India and their other operational bases. The event is from 8:30-5:00 at the National Press Club in D.C. Please visit this page for more details Conference Information

Drowning in Rhetoric....and Completely Missing the Learning Points from the Drone Plot

2011-10-05T21:51:00.006-04:00

All American Boy Turned Jihadist:

Rezwan Ferdaus

Rezwan Ferdaus, a U.S. citizen from Ashland, Massachusetts with a degree in Physics, planned to use a remote controlled aircraft packed with 25 pound of C-4 plastic explosives to attack the Pentagon. Following the attack, he was also planning to use six people armed with AK-47s to shoot into the panicked crowd in the aftermath. He acquired one of the aircraft through a Paypal account under a false name. The drone was 6 feet long and capable of flying up to 100 mph.While planning this attack, he rigged IED detonators and gave them to FBI agents who he believed were al Qaeda operatives who would deliver them downrange. He was pleased to learn that his first detonator killed American soldiers. Make no mistake about it - Ferdaus was determined to kill Americans and attack what he called the "great Satan", which would be his own country of birth.

Upon his arrest last week, I've been in debates with colleagues regarding the following points

1) He wasn't actually a Lone Wolf because he received help from other people.
2) The plot wouldn't have worked anyhow based on the radio signal, weight of the C-4 load, detonator, etc.
3) The FBI baited him into the plot and led him along. He might not have followed through otherwise.

We can't afford to get bogged down in definitions, details and the legalities of the case- instead, I propose we examine the revelations from this case:

- There are radicalized American citizens sitting at home right now, in our neighborhoods, thinking of ways to attack our government and kill us.
- The number of uncovered terrorists plots is on the rise, meaning there are potentially many other undetected would-be terrorists or terrorist cells operating in our country.
- Radicalized Americans could be highly educated. We routinely underestimate the sophistication of terrorists. Al Qaeda's leadership and operatives have always been highly educated - engineers, doctors, scientists. We should expect no less from American jihadists.
- They will move quickly along the continuum from contemplating, to planning, to execution.
- They are being creative - for instance, using drones w/ C4 and buying components via paypal.
- They are looking at alternate staging venues like parks. They will accomplish surveillance (similar to the Mumbai terrorists).
- We need to understand how the switch is flipped from OFF to ON in the minds of Americans - how was Ferdaus radicalized? How can we eliminate, or at least recognize and mitigate these paths to radicalization?

Now that the press has reported this tactic wouldn't have worked -- giving very specific reasons why, along with detailed commentary from our top engineers and scientists -- we are once again perfecting our enemy. Feeding him valuable information that will likely be taken into account for the next plot.

When the Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad left his vehicle with a smoking dud for a bomb, failing to stay and work on the device until it exploded, internal al Qaeda correspondence indicated this scenario would never happen again. Yet, on the 9/11 anniversary, when we were focused on the VBIED abandoned vehicle, it reminded me that we've learned very little. We keep expecting the last scenario. Do we really think the next attacker will run away from his vehicle without ensuring mission success like Faisal Shahzad?

The bottom line: there is no such thing as a failed operation for al Qaeda or any terrorist group, these are learning experiences to improve and perfect. In fact, some recent events in our country sound very much like probes, including the suspicious package and its mailer in Alabama yesterday. Our very public "celebration" over disrupting a plot should be tempered by the thought that the next bomber is American and in his/her home tonight, thinking of ways to kill us and destroy our way of life.

Although the American public should be educated on the threat, there is no reason to feed the public the amount of detailed information we have recently on operations abroad (such as the tactics used to find and track Awlaki) and at home (the play-by-play on the disruption of home grown plots).

We need to remember who may be reading...and learning.

Review of the New Book by Dr. Joel Brenner: America the Vulnerable

2011-10-01T00:33:00.013-04:00

I was honored when asked to review Dr. Brenner's latest book, America the Vulnerable: Inside the New Threat Matrix of Digital Espionage, Crime and Warfare. Dr. Brenner was not only a top level official at the NSA, but the National Counterintelligence Executive for the Director of National Intelligence. He was awarded a PhD from the London School of Economics and a JD from the Harvard Law school. Dr. Brenner is one of those "deep thinking operators" that I attempt to cultivate while directing the Graduate Intelligence and National Security Studies program at American Military University. His book offers us rare insight into the cyber threat...and we would be wise to listen to his warnings and advice.

The real world events and potential cyber scenarios covered by Dr. Brenner in his book are things that keep those in the security realm awake at night, such as a cyber attack on our electric grid by a rising superpower, in this case, China. Last year, I wrote a blog about a Chinese graduate student who gathered information through open source data and, along with his professor, assessed the impact of an attack to the U.S grid.and published their findings. I am not sure a complimentary undertaking could be accomplished since China is a "closed" society that has resisted the proliferation and uncontrolled use of the Internet by its citizens. What we view as a weakness, their resistance to the Internet, may in fact be a strength.

Dr. Brenner's book covers many vulnerabilities of the Internet and social networking such as identity theft. I worked a very sensitive government identity theft case where we chased the IP address all over the globe, from country to country, then suddenly...a dead end. It was the frustrating end of a long, arduous chase. We had no idea why the information was taken, who was the perpetrator and whether we would find out in the future at a date and time of their choosing. Checkmate.

The book also covers topics from small scams that can empty bank accounts to potential attacks that could cripple Wall Street. As he states, in terms of financial transactions over the Internet, we have come too far now to turn back and our entire financial system would be crippled if we tried to control the types, amounts and method of transaction. I've written many magazine articles regarding the use of auction sites and "nonbanks" for criminal activities such as money laundering and fundraising. Factoring in prepaid cards, throw away phones (and now computers) - the bad guys have an advantage.

I was pleased to see Dr. Brenner's discussion of how we field technology without security precautions. I recently explained to a group of senior executives how the Kindle can be purchased and used anonymously to transmit documents and communicate through the internet. I took them from step 1, which was the use of prepaid Amazon cards, purchased with "clean" cash, the entire way through the process of communication. Our continual blind spot is that we assume the bad guys are unsophisticated. In my research, I've found that if we use it, they use it. The Taliban tweet from the battlefield, the Mumbai terrorists used satellite phones. The bottom line -- and I wonder if Dr. Brenner would agree -- is that technology must be fielded with the assumption that the bad guys will leverage/defeat it, and the government must get involved in the development and fielding of commercial technology to protect our national security.

I enjoyed Dr. Brenner's scenario entitled "June 2017" regarding a situation with Taiwan and a Chinese attack on our powergrid. This vignette is written in a way that exposes how decisions made now, in 2011, will render us vulnerable to this type of massive and unopposed attack. I also enjoy futurist work. In one of my speeches, I laid out a scenario for a conflict with Mexico that stems from a mass migration of its starving populace to our southern border and our civilian revolt and government response. During the question period, an audience member called me one of the "horsemen of the apocalypse", and I thanked him for the compliment. We need to plan now for what is next.

We don't have enough thinkers working in the realm of emergent threats. We continually posture, train and organized to fight our last war. Dr. Brenner's book discusses the book "Unrestricted Warfare: China's Master Plan to Destroy America", written by Chinese authors. China is studying 5th Generation Warfare and how to leverage technological advances such as cyber, along with conventional tactics, to win a war against a major superpower. At the 5th Generation Warfare Education Institute, founded to study the emergent warfare that is on our doorstep, we've found that very few strategic thinkers/doers in our country are schooled on this theory. Some argue with us that we've had evolutions in warfare. During all of this philosophical debate, a rising superpower and potential threat to our national security is becoming the sole expert on how the next war will be fought. I hope that Dr. Brenner's book will result in some new activity to study emergent methods of warfare. He also approaches the difficult question regarding cyber: "When is it war?" and I agree that we've already been attacked, and need a line of demarcation that when crossed, results in nation state sanctions.

I very much enjoyed Dr. Brenner's discussion of how the Chinese watched Desert Storm 1 from afar and took notice of our technology and tactics. It is important to remember that any time we engage in conflict, we peel the tent flap back for potential enemies. Operations this year alone have exposed our drone technology as well as a high tech helicopter we had to leave behind at the bin Laden compound. Since the bin Laden operation was covered in depth by the press, HUMINT tactics were exposed, as well as listening and tracking capabilities. We should always remember the enemy is gathering, copying and countering. The :"transparency in intel" topic is also covered by Dr. Brenner, when he discusses how technology makes the art and science of espionage more difficult not only for the bad guys, but the good guys, as well.

Finally, Dr. Brenner offers sage and informed advice for our government to mitigate the damage already done, and prevent future catastrophe. I can only hope our top officials read this section of the book with an open mind, willing to avoid a "sunk cost" mentality that seems to permeate a bureaucracy.

I look forward to hearing Dr. Brenner's comments on my assessment of his work and I encourage all of my colleagues and students to order a copy of America The Vulnerable today from Penguin Press or on your ebook.

The Death of Anwar al-Awlaki

2011-09-30T14:30:00.001-04:00

He met with and inspired the 9/11 hijackers at a mosque in Northern Virginia.

He inspired and encouraged Nidal Hassan to kill at Ft Hood through 18 e-mails sent from abroad.

He met Christmas Day airline terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab at an al Qaeda training camp in Yemen.

He inspired and encouraged Faisal Shahzad to bomb Times Square.

He was the operations officer for al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, a powerful franchise.

Radical Islamist cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S. citizen, was killed earlier today in a U.S. led drone attack in Yemen. Also in the vehicle was the editor of Inspire, al Qaeda's online magazine used for recruitment, rhetoric and to educate followers on bomb building and terrorist tactics.

Almost a year ago, the President authorized the killing of Awlaki, a nearly unprecedented act from the Oval Office. A great debate ensued as to whether Awlaki was a really a "terrorist", by the strictest definition of the term. The President's action confirmed that a terrorist doesn't have to be the trigger man or have blood on his hands - if you provide logistical support, or in this case, the ideological fuel that fans the flames of radicalism, you are a terrorist and you are in the cross hair of the United States and all who join us in the fight against terrorism.

Who was Awlaki? Recall the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia, which was a place of worship for several of the 9/11 hijackers. According to the 9/11 commission report, Awlaki had personal contact with 2 of the hijackers, both at the mosque in VA, and at a mosque in San Diego.

At Dar al-Hijrah, Awlaki also preached to Ft Hood killer Hasan and his family, notably around the early 2001 time period. The two may have maintained contact throughout the years, and investigators are looking at Hasan's e-mail accounts for the evidence. Awlaki praised Hasan's actions, calling him a "hero" and using his first name several times, indicating familiarity.

Awlaki was born in the U.S. and obtained a B.S. (Civil Engineering) from Colorado State University, an M.A. (Education Leadership) from San Diego State University, and worked toward on a PhD at George Washington University. He was living in Yemen, as the operations officer for AQAP. A few months ago, he attempted to enter the UK to speak at a fundraiser for the prisoners at Guantanamo but was banned from the county. I will always wonder why we didn't pay for his one way plane ticket.

His most recent website is no longer accessible, but I was previously able to access and read his works. There were many of Awlaki's radical speeches, some of which had been accessed thousands of times. A common theme was his distinct respect for Sayyid Qutb, who was also Osama bin Laden's inspiration.

Qutb was educated in the U.S. (in Colorado and DC) in the 1950s. While here, he came to hate the Western culture and returned to Egypt. He radicalized and influenced many others to take up the cause of Jihad. He was imprisoned and later executed by hanging when found guilty of trying to overthrow the government. His book entitled "Milestones" was written in prison, and has served as a source of radicalization and inspiration for many Islamist terrorists including Zawahiri. It is worthy of reading as we try to understand the roots of the radical ideology. Military strategist Sun Tzu's philosophy of "know thy enemy" has perhaps never been more relevant than today. I also recommend The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright, which explores Qutb and his influence on bin Laden.

If you want to read more of Awlaki's writings and the comments of his followers, I located his 2008 blogs through an internet search engine that finds archived web sites:

http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.anwar-alawlaki.com

Although he is dead, it is important to study the psychological and sociological make up of a terrorist such as Awlaki, and to recognize how he ascended to power as a spiritual leader of a religious group - the mechanisms that were in place, and the laws and controls that were absent. This analysis should help prevent another Awlaki from rising to power in our back yard.

Cocaine: A History BetweenThe Lines -- HALO Corporation and History Channel Documentary

2011-08-29T20:35:00.003-04:00

Watch the History Channel Tuesday August 30^th at 8:00 p.m. for this riveting and important documentary of how narco-terrorism threatens our national security.

Cocaine: A History Between the Lines

Preview here:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/8537a1fc#/8537a1fc/1

Congrats to my friend Brad Barker and his team on another successful documentary!

Chaos in Libya: Dangerous Void in Leadership, Rule of Law Ripe for Exploitation by al Qaeda

2011-08-26T10:32:00.005-04:00

The old adage rings true: be careful what you wish for. With us cheering from afar (and perhaps, quite close by), rebels have breached Tripoli, and Gaddafi no longer has his ironclad grip on the nation. We chose not to enable his flee from the country a few days before the fall of the capital, and now he is missing. Hopefully we won't have to hunt for Gaddafi on the ground like we did Saddam Hussein.

Now on to a more vexing problem: who (or what entity) will step into the leadership/rule-of-law void that now exists in Libya?

I will couch this discussion by first saying we routinely underestimate the sophistication of terrorists and terror groups. This gives us a blind spot that is recognized by the enemy and then exploited through asymmetric attacks. These "attacks" may be subtle in form. They can occur by leveraging social networking to recruit, organize and fund. An attack can also be prosecuted through the political process. We need to remember the tenet of 5th Generation Warfare - it is unrestricted and is not merely fought with weapons on a battlefield. The enemy will use social, religious and political means to exert its will on the unsuspecting and achieve its goals.

There has been much in the press lately about a weakened al Qaeda. Perhaps this is what al Qaeda wants us to believe. Although loosely franchised, al Qaeda (read: the radical Islamist ideology) is still a force to reckon with and could easily step into a leadership void created by movements like the Arab Spring, or activities to remove a dictator from power.

I have always considered an overarching goal of a maturing al Qaeda to control a country and its resources. Imagine if AQ/AQ offshoots persist and have staying power like Hezbollah, in business and thriving for 30 years. They use profits extracted from their narco nexus with FARC and others and get into the care and feeding business, building schools and hospitals in war torn or poor areas such as Somalia, or Guinea Bissua. As the benefactors, they are welcomed into towns and cities, and provided safe harbor.

They legitimately enter the political process in a country (at least 7 are ripe for this activity), perhaps winning small elections at first, then gaining seats at the table of power. They attend meetings at the UN, like Hezbollah now does while representing the people of Lebanon. Slowly, al Qaeda ascends to power in a country and eventually takes over. Their political ascension could be an overt activity, or in through "sleepers" in the form of al Qaeda agents, who bide time and patiently work their way into the position of power.

Or, this political ascension is not eventual, but immediate as the group capitalizes on chaos and voids in power and law to seize control of people, land and resources.

For instance, Libya has approximately 20,000 shoulder fired anti-aircraft missiles which are either lost or secured, depending on which news source you choose to believe.

Libya has stockpiles of mustard agent scattered throughout the country and uranium enriched "yellow cake" at the Tajjura nuclear research facility. News reports today indicate the rebels have this situation firmly in control. Not exactly reassuring.

According to security and news sources on the ground in Tripoli this morning, convicted and imprisoned Libyan nationals affiliated with al Qaeda have escaped from their jail cells. No word on the size of this group. I wonder, did they truly escape, or did the rebels let them go?

Perhaps for the first time, the U.S. and al Qaeda have been on the same side of the fight in Libya - we both backed the rebels. The bad news is that AQ is on the ground and we aren't, at least not in an official capacity. Recall that Abdel-Hakim al-Hasidi, the Libyan rebel leader, said in May that al Qaeda Jihadists who fought against allied troops in Iraq were on the front lines of the battle against Gaddafi's regime.

Please see my March post on Libya, regarding its highly educated, healthy populace and rich amount of natural resources, namely $32 billion in oil exported annually.

In our eagerness to rid the world of yet another dictator, we may have handed al Qaeda its biggest prize yet.

Inside the Mind of Breivik

2011-07-28T10:24:00.006-04:00

Many of my students have asked this question: if the shooter was against Muslims "invading" Norway, why did he go to a camp and kill white Norwegian children? Why not blow up a Mosque and kill Muslims? I skimmed Breivik's manifesto and watched his YouTube video, but the answer was not clear, so I visited a White Supremacist chat room to gather some opinions. Here are a few comments:

(member talking about how the shooter tried to friend her on FaceBook) To be fair, he had back then quite a lot of known Nationalists on his FB friend list, that's how he found me. I wonder what was he thinking when he decided to shoot Whites...

- If this "knight" was fighting against Muslims, why did he kill white christian children?

- That being said, why didn't he kill Muslims then? *Because that would not have gotten people to think, like this will.*

- They deserved it. Terrorism is when you deliberately target non-combatant civilians in order to extract certain demands. Anders Behring Breivik did not do that. He did not target the Muslim or ethnic quarters of Oslo which motivated his actions, he targeted those parties directly responsible.

What sort of “democracy” is it which weans its future political leaders from a narrow group of teenagers whom are all ideologically motivated both within and by an ideologically biased, Cultural Marxist educational system? – That is not a “democracy”, that is a single party state.
If you make ethno-masochist Marxist Extremists out of Norwegian teenagers it’s no different from making boy soldiers out of Congolese minors.
They were all legitimate military targets of political interest, no different from when the United States, or Israel or NATO eliminates Islamic leaders in Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine.
These were all legitimate military targets and this was a completely justified act of war by Norwegian National Resistance Forces.
While I cannot speak for Mr. Breivik’s Zionist leanings, as Nationalists, our only regret is that more enemy combatants were not killed in this, including the corrupt Prime Minister of that enemy state.

So therein lies the answer to the question, posted by a chat room participant who obviously shares the same ideology and possibly would follow a similar course of action. Breivik targeted the camp because they were children of the social-democratic Labor party, which supports immigration. As a Nationalist, his "duty" is to protect the State, and he viewed the children at this camp as legitimate targets, since they were Labor party members in the making. Reading through his manifesto, I found him repeatedly saying he bore no ill will toward Muslims, in fact he called them peace-loving people.

Another point from a chat room participant implied this act was more shocking and improbable, it had people talking and thinking. Certainly, had Breivik blown up a Mosque we would be equally as horrified (and we can't forget that he set off a very large fertilizer bomb in the attempt to kill the Prime Minister), but targeting the camp children was more attention getting - this is a main goal of terrorism and actors who want to draw attention to their cause and change the political landscape. It was an asymmetric tactic to target Norwegian children - no one could ever predict this action or defend against it. Dressing as a police officer to gain their trust and lure them closer was also an asymmetric tactic, although something we've seen on the battlefield and domestic terror attacks many times in differing variations.

There is much to learn from this shooting as we work to prevent similar incidents from happening in our country. Are we hardening soft targets like schools, churches and hospitals...or continuing to shore up heavily defended places and people that aren't really domestic targets at all? Do we look through the eyes of a disgruntled "patriots" in our country to identify their possible targets or assume that we know how and what they are thinking? Questions worth pondering.

Matthew Olsen Named New Director of the NCTC

2011-07-03T21:48:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been waiting for the phone to ring...and even offered to do the job for no salary...but the President has decided to go with lawyer and intelligence guru Matthew Olsen as the new director of the National Counter Terrorism Center.

"Olsen, 49, currently serves as the general counsel for the National Security Agency. He has also held high-level roles in overseeing intelligence matters at the Justice Department and the FBI. From 2009 to 2010, Olsen directed the task force that, on Obama's orders, reviewed the intelligence on detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba."

Good job and God speed to the outgoing director, former Naval flight officer Michael Leiter, who spent 4 years in the hot seat. One of his great accomplishments was establishing the annual counterterrorism calendar. For those not lucky enough to secure a hard copy, the online interactive version is outstanding.

http://www.nctc.gov/site/index.html

Hizb ut Tahrir America Conference Live Now Online

2011-06-26T17:32:00.001-04:00

Watch Hizb ut Tahrir America's conference in Chicago live now. The topic is restoring the Khalifah, or caliphate. HuT is banned in several countries as a terrorist group, but operates openly in the U.S. as an Islamist political group.

http://www.ustream.co.in/channel/ht-usa-ustream-channel

See my post from last year for more info on HTA:

http://jennihesterman.blogspot.com/2010/02/hizb-ut-tahrir-america-hta-launches.html

al Qaeda military leader Kashmiri killed by the thing that angered him most...a U.S. drone

2011-06-04T19:50:00.001-04:00

al Qaeda military leader Ilyas Kashmiri

Mumbai attack plotter, Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and U.S. citizen David Coleman Headley told a federal court in Chicago a few days ago that al Qaeda military commander Ilyas Kashmiri wanted him to gather information on the CEO of Lockheed Martin to support an assassination attempt. Headley said Lockheed was singled out because of frustration with relentless drone attacks by the U.S. that were interfering with al Qaeda operations on the border.

Our response?

Ilyas Kashmiri, targeted and killed today by a U.S. drone strike.

Now, to the failed cyber attack against Lockheed Martin on 21 May. Could this also be the work of al Qaeda, per direction of Kashmiri? If so, this could be the first illustration of their technology and capabilities. Attackers typically expose their flank in these situations, so we might be able to pinpoint the origin and perpetrators.

HSPI Event: "Jihad Joe" Book Launch

2011-05-19T19:23:00.000-04:00

HSPI Event: "Jihad Joe: Americans Who Go To War in the Name of Islam" Book Launch

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)

The George Washington University - Elliott School
1957 E St NW
Seventh Floor
Washington, DC 20052

Or join via webinar - register here:

http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/events/jihadjoePRF405.cfm

UK on Highest Alert in 10 Years for Irish Dissident Attacks

2011-05-16T17:39:00.000-04:00

As the Queen of England prepares to visit Ireland tomorrow morning, the country is in its highest state of alert in over 10 years. This in light of last year's IRA bombing of a courthouse and ongoing threats to banks and courthouses throughout the region.

Train stations and airports in London were on high alert today after authorities received a coded bomb message from dissidents, suspected members of the IRA. This is the first coded message received in 10 years.

What is behind these recent events and resurgence of the IRA?

Let's go back to February 17, 2010,. when a 250 pound bomb exploded in front of a court house in Newry, Northern Ireland in February. Police received a message from the bombers and were able to clear the area just minutes before the device went off.

Takeaways from this bombing:

- Officials in Ireland knew that due to the sophistication of the bomb and other data not released to the public that the CIRA (Continuity IRA) and RIRA (Real IRA) are now sharing tactics and have "crossfertilized".

- Police were told the bomb was set to go off in 30 minutes, the actual explosion was 17 minutes after the call. Whether this was an attempt to also target first responders is unknown, but worthy of noting.

- This is the first large car bomb attack since the deadly Omagh attack in 1998 and the bombing of a police station in 2000.

- Other smaller attacks are taking place across Northern Ireland, including a live mortar left outside of a police station, and a car bomb that killed a police officer. The attacks are widespread and persistent.

Many attacks were foiled in Ireland in the last year, included a second bomb in Newry, set to go off in a major shopping district in last spring.

Last September, the RIRA. publicly blamed banks in the UK for their financial crisis and threatened to target bankers. They are specifically targeting Barclays' Banks in the UK.

A resurgence of the IRA is a concern. The UK is a major thoroughfare for aircraft and cargo headed in and out of Afghanistan and Iraq and home to several U.S. military bases with thousands of personnel and family members. It is a major tourist area for American citizens and a stopover for U.S. cruise lines

The IRA and FARC have a relationship that dates back to the late 1990s when they shared bomb building techniques. The relationship was brokered by Spain's ethno-separatist group, ETA. 3 IRA members were arrest in Colombia, traveling on falsified passports and with traces of explosives on their clothing. The IRA has also been linked to HAMAS and Hezbollah. Al Qaeda is active in England, the groups are operating in the same "space"

Unfortunately, with countries hyperfocusing on al Qaeda and its splinter groups, some terrorist factions like the IRA have regrouped, recruited and grown in strength under the radar. We are resource constrained in terms of law enforcement and intelligence, therefore must strike a balance when countering threats from the 47 groups on the Foreign Terror list, domestic terror groups and radicalized Americans. Hyper-focusing in any one direction could cause a dangerous blindspot.

The Hunt for Hamza bin Laden

2011-05-12T09:46:00.000-04:00

bin Laden and son Umar Hamza, undated photo (Getty Images)

Pakistani officials report that during their questioning of bin Laden's widows, they learned his youngest son and close confidant, Umar Hamza bin Laden, has not been seen since the raid and was not accounted for as one of the dead or captured at the scene. Based on surveillance video, U.S. officials are confident that no one escaped prior to, during or after the raid. Therefore, Hamza may have disappeared from the compound before the raid. This raises interesting questions, but I will save those for another blog.

Hamza is somewhere between 18-22 years old, depending on the source, and dangerous. In this 2005 video The Mujahideen of Waziristan, Hamza participates in an al-Qaeda assault.

He is also known for his rants about Western societies, and wrote a poem praising the 7/7 London bombings. Prior to her death, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto publicly implicated Hamza of the 2007 assassination attempt in Pakistan that killed 136 people and injured at least 450. The dead included at least 50 of the security guards from her PPP who had formed a human chain around her truck to keep potential bombers away, as well as six police officers. This was a well planned, brazen operation.

On 5 May, STRATFOR reported a source has indicated "Umar Hamza is focused on recruiting minors with low IQs or with mental disabilities or those who come from broken homes. The jihadist group is especially intent on boosting recruitment in the West African state of Mauritania, where a jihadist presence has reared its head in recent months and where poverty and homelessness among children is high."

Certainly the use of children and mentally ill in Jihadist suicide bombings is nothing new - we've seen the tactic employed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is a form of asymmetric warfare that exploits an area of vulnerability with our troops and first responders. Therefore, we need to train and otherwise prepare for operations employing children, the mentally and physically challenged, and the elderly. We can expect these tactics not only overseas, but possibly here in the States.

As a side note: if you want to get involved in the grassroots effort to remove Jihadist videos from You Tube, please file a protest against this channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/313mujahideen

While the debate goes on about the Internet and whether it should be patrolled and/or controlled, there is a difference between freedom of speech and hateful speech that recruits, incites violence, and glorifies killing. Why should we sit back and allow our First Amendment be used against us by the enemy when these videos clearly exceed the law and reside on a U.S. hosted website? Take a look at the subscribers to this channel, visit their sites. Read the comments posted below the videos. Would we allow a U.S. extremist group to post these kinds of unrestrained rants on YouTube that call for the violent killing of a specific nationality, race or religion? Something to consider.

DHS Statement on Threat to Rail System

2011-05-06T10:49:00.001-04:00

A possible plot to attack our rail system on this year's 10th anniversary of 9/11 was found in items retrieved from bin Laden's compound. The notes included specific instructions to cause derailments by tampering with the tracks.

Train security received extra focus after the arrest of Najibullah Zazi and disruption of his backpack bomb plot against the New York train system on 9/11/09. This operation led to increased screening at major train stations around the country, including random bag checks and extra security. Perhaps in response to Zazi's failed operation, bin Laden and al Qaeda developed the train derailment plot in Feb 2010. Here is the DHS statement, not much here but at least acknowledging concern.

"DHS issued an intelligence message May 5 to its federal, state, local and tribal partners about potential Al-Qa'ida contemplation in February 2010 of plots against the U.S. rail sector. For the same reason, the Transportation Security Administration will issue a bulletin to rail sector stakeholders. We have no information of any imminent terrorist threat to the U.S. rail sector, but wanted to make our partners aware of the alleged plotting; it is unclear if any further planning has been conducted since February of last year.
We want to stress that this alleged Al Qa’ida plotting is based on initial reporting, which is often misleading or inaccurate and subject to change. We remain at a heightened state of vigilance, but do not intend to issue an NTAS alert at this time. We will issue alerts only when we have specific or credible information to convey to the American public. Our security posture, which always includes a number of measures both seen and unseen, will continue to respond appropriately to protect the American people from an evolving threat picture both in the coming days and beyond.
Since Sunday, DHS and its partners have taken a number of actions, including but not limited to: reviewing protective measures for all potential terrorist targets, including critical infrastructure and transportation systems across the country; deploying additional officers to non-secured areas at our nation’s airports; and identifying any new targeting rules that should be instituted to strengthen the ways we assess the risk of both passengers and cargo coming to the United States.
As always, we urge our state, local, tribal and private sector partners, as well as the general public, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to federal, state or local law enforcement."

DHS statement

Why "Geronimo" was the Perfect Code Name for bin Laden

2011-05-04T10:26:00.004-04:00

I find it very interesting that the code name "Geronimo" was used for bin Laden in the recent operation that resulted in his death. In two previous blogs, I made reference to a recent book which drew parallels between bin Laden and Geronimo, who was the "Nant’an", or spiritual leader of the Apache Nation. I have re-posted the relevant portion of my blog below and provided a link to the original, which also discusses why he would never be taken alive.

From my blog, Feb 16, 2011:

Like many emergent organizations, al Qaeda and its offshoots are leaderless, yet high performing. In the book The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations, the authors state the reason al Qaeda became so powerful is that bin Laden never assumed a traditional leadership role of the organization.

The book uses a very applicable illustration, discussing how the Apache Indians managed to hold off the Spanish Army for over 200 years. They had no Chief; instead, they had a Nant’an, a spiritual and cultural leader. He led by example and had no positional or coercive power. The Apaches followed him because they wanted to, not because they had to. Geronimo was a Nant’an, and although he was never in an official leadership position, he had great power and many wanted to take up arms and fight next to him.

Another reason the Spanish Army could not defeat the Apaches is attributed to the way the Apaches were organized – power was spread out and the organization was decentralized. A raid on a Spanish settlement could be planned, organized, and executed in three different places. In fact, attacks by the Spanish made the Apaches stronger, and they became even more dispersed and decentralized.

Ori Brafman, Rod A. Beckstrom The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations (Portfolio Publishers, 2006)

We now realize the military principle of decimation, or lopping off the top 10% of the organization, will not result in the demise of al Qaeda. In fact, according to a landmark RAND study entitled "How Terrorist Groups End" - the military solution is only effective 7% of the time. More effective are the microlevel changes - the small course corrections and engagements that lead to overall success.

~~~~~~

Now that he is dead, bin Laden is no longer al Qaeda's Nant'an, or spiritual leader. However, al Qaeda will go on since its true leader emerged post 9/11: the radical ideology itself.

This battlefield really lies in the hearts and minds of the Jihadists, and it is there we will find our victory.

http://jennihesterman.blogspot.com/2010/03/bin-laden-is-irrelevant.html

Bill to Add 6 Mexican Cartels to FTO List on the House Floor

2011-04-13T22:56:00.003-04:00

Congress is presently considering a Bill, HR 1270, to put Mexico's six biggest cartels on the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), a move that I think is long overdue. I've been personally lobbying and pushing for this for the last 3 years, mentioning it at every speech and writing about it in two articles in the Counter Terrorist Magazine and this blog many times. Of course the problem with designation is the diplomatic entanglement with the host nation - designation basically says they are harboring a terrorist group and complicit in their activity by the mere fact they aren't engaging enough to eliminate the activity. All of which is true.

The political wrangling started with a letter to the editor of the Dallas Morning News on Tuesday, Arturo Sarukhan, Mexico's Ambassador to the U.S. basically says the cartel members are businessmen. According to the Ambassador: They pursue a single goal. They want to maximize their profits and do what most business do: hostile takeovers and pursue mergers and acquisitions. They use violence to protect their business from other competitors as well as from our two governments' efforts to roll them back. There is no political motivation or agenda whatsoever beyond their attempt to defend their illegal business.
Letter to the Editor, 11 Apr

I completely disagree. Does defending their business including the rampant assassination of mayors and police chiefs? The cartels are not just violent criminal organizations - they are clearly a threat to Mexico's national security and ours, as well. They have a political agenda - to take control of a city through the systematic elimination of its leadership and law enforcement. They seek to infiltrate a government and corrupt its leaders and terrorize the citizens. They have a complete disregard for the law and law enforcement. Even worse - they step up, they don't run. We have no criminal faction in the U.S. in present day or history to compare. The cartels represent a new, modern type of threat known as 5th Generation Warfare.

Consider that members of the Los Zetas have paramilitary training. They operate in small fire teams, with high tech military equipment. They are brutal in their tactics - putting police officers into tanks of acid and watching them die; participating in the decapitation of government leaders, then displaying their heads at kid's soccer fields or birthday parties; dousing police chiefs and mayors with gasoline and setting them on fire; killing a mayor and hanging him in effigy from a bridge in a major metropolitan city a stone's throw from our border.

Americans have never seen this level of violence and brutality, they are clearly not prepared . With some preemptive strikes such as this Bill, they may be spared.

H.R. 1270: Republican Representative Michael McCaul of Texas introduced this bill which directs Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to declare the following Mexican Drug Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

(1) The Arellano Feliz Organization.

(2) The Los Zetas Cartel.

(3) The Beltran Leyva Organization.

(4) La Familia Michoacana.

(5) The Sinaloa Cartel.

(6) The Gulf Cartel/New Federation.

This bill is in response to the overflow of Cartel violence from Mexico into states along the southern border.

It is imperative that we are proactive and designate at least the Los Zetas cartel now. Designation will allow us to pursue and prosecute Americans who are complicit in providing material assistance to the cartels, whether money, housing, logistics, medical assistance or weapons. Zetas are already living and operating in our country. Designation would help harness and focus all the powers of the State against them and dissuade our citizens from assisting. We also need to consider changes to our laws to expand the powers of the military to fight this asymmetric threat to our national security.

Consider it took the Times Square Bomb attempt to get the Pakistani Taliban on the list, when it was clear they threatened the U.S. and were recruiting American citizens to become operatives and terrorists within our country. Let's not wait until the Zetas or another cartel strike within our borders - we need to get this Bill passed now.

Links to two magazine articles I've written on cartel violence crossing the border, the Zetas and other terrorist groups on/at the border:
June 2009
Oct 2010

Unsealed Indictment: 9/11 Conspirators

2011-04-06T21:06:00.023-04:00

Click here to read:

KSM Unsealed Indictment

Reading this document, we learn nothing new until page 14, when the extent of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's leadership in the 9/11 plot is discussed. The document states he was originator of idea to hijack aircraft and fly them into key buildings in the U.S. He was the key trainer of the 9/11 hijackers, using sheep and camels to illustrate how to properly stab a human with short blade knife. He gave direction on how to slip the knives past airport security, and obtain documents in the U.S. such as driver's licenses. His guiding hand was on the entire operation.

The money trail is explained in detail, as are the movements of the hijackers throughout the world as they received various training. Their purchases and meetings are covered, including activities with the Hamburg cell and a meeting in Las Vegas prior to 9/11.

Page 43 links KSM to the shoe bombing attempt. There is a comment regarding defendant Walid bin Attash, the mastermind of the USS Cole bombing and other al Qaeda terrorist attacks. When captured in 2003, he was apparently traveling in Pakistan with 400-500 kilograms of explosives that were to be used to kill Americans, no further info available on that plot.

The names of all 2,796 people killed in the 9/11 attacks are listed at the end of the document. This trial will seek justice for the victims and their families, as well as the many first responders injured during the rescue attempts and all Americans who were traumatized by the violent attacks. Let's hope the military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay proceeds swiftly and justly, and that media coverage is low to nonexistent, so as not to give any further publicity, recruitment or morale-boosting opportunities for jihadists.

Read al Qaeda Inspire Magazine 5

2011-03-30T09:19:00.000-04:00

Click Here to Safely Access the Unredacted Magazine:

March 2011 Inspire Magazine

More analysis forthcoming, but a few items of interest:

"Terrorizing the enemies is a religious duty, and assassinating their leaders is a Prophetic tradition"

Call to individual Jihad:

Abu Mus’ab as-Suri starts discussing the practical steps of partaking in the individual jihad:
“The Islamic Nation is vast and so are the arenas in which targets and interests of the invader enemy are present. It is furthermore impossible for all the youth who want to participate in the Resistance to travel to
the arenas of [open] confrontation. It is even unlikely that such Fronts should emerge in the foreseeable future. Hence, our method should therefore be to guide the Muslim who wants to participate and resist,
to operate where he is, or where he is able to be present in a natural way. We should advise him to pursue his everyday life in a natural way, and to pursue jihad and Resistance in secrecy and alone, or with
a small cell of trustworthy people, who form an independent unit for Resistance and for the individual jihad.”

Speaking at GovSec 29 Mar/1000

2011-03-28T20:17:00.001-04:00

Session DI-2, Homegrown Terrorism and the Lone Wolf

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Halls B and C
801 Mount Vernon Place NW
Washington DC 20001

Metro stop is Mt Vernon Place, there are 5 parking garages within several blocks.

My session is in Hall C, Theater 4. Hope to see you there!

AQAP Set to Strike?

2011-03-27T21:34:00.001-04:00

According to the National Security Council, al Qaeda on the Arabian Peninsula, AQAP, is "the most active AQ franchise." Unfortunately, growing instability in Yemen is interfering with U.S. intelligence efforts to monitor the group and gather information about a possible upcoming attack.

Yemen, the ancestral home land of Osama bin Laden, has been associated with al Qaeda since its official formation 22 years ago. The AQ attack on the USS Cole in a Yemen Harbor in 2000 was the first indication that a branch of AQ was active in the area. AQAP next carried out attacks in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in 2004 and 2005, before turning its attention to the United States.

Present day AQAP is led by Said Ali al-Shihri and Ibrahim Suleiman al-Rubaysh, both former Guantanamo Bay detainees, which the U.S. released to the Saudi deradicalization program. Unfortunately, they both escaped this program, made their way to Yemen, and joined 2 other escapees, Naser al-Wuhayshi and Qassim al-Raimi who fled from Yemen jails. Together, these 4 terrorists built AQAP into a formidable, transnational enterprise.

AQAP has already had one successful attack in the U.S. American citizen Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, formerly known as Carlos Leon Bledsoe, a Muslim convert who spent time in Yemen training with AQAP, used an assault rifle on soldiers in front of a recruiting office in Little Rock in June 2009, killing Private William Long, and seriously wounding Private Quinton Ezeagwula.

In Nov 2009, Army officer Nidal Hassan attacked soldiers in a murderous rampage at Ft Hood. He was in e-mail contact and inspired by Anwar al-Awlaki, who is in Yemen and a spiritual leader of AQAP.

In May 2010, al-Raimi, the military leader of AQAP, warned Americans in an article published in an online militant magazine that the group "will blow up the earth from below your feet. You have attacked us in the midst of our household, so wait for what will attack you in the midst of yours."

An AQAP plot almost succeeded with Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab and his attempted 2009 Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 as it approached Detroit.

The UPS package bombs found on separate aircraft in the UK and UAE in late Oct 2010 was a plot instigated by AQAP.

Operation Hemorrhage, announced in al Qaeda's Nov 2010 Inspire magazine, is a new campaign by AQAP to carry out multiple small scale attacks in the U.S. to increase fear among our citizens.

Recent events:

- Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, the chief bombmaker for AQAP, was sanctioned on 25 Mar by the State Department for his part in designing the bomb Abdulmutallab had in his underwear and in the attempted assassination of a Saudi official in 2009. He is now wanted by the Saudi government and Interpol.

- Intelligence officials are reporting there is a credible, current and serious threat against the West. Unfortunately, our ability to gather information on this plot is hindered by the chaos unfolding on the ground in Yemen, which has been swept up in revolts in the Middle East.

- AQAP members have fled north from Sana'a to embed with tribal groups in the mountainous region.

- AQAP is still carrying out attacks in Yemen, a nod to their continued ability to plan and execute operations.

- Awlaki, one of America's most wanted terrorists, is on the run and actively posting his rhetoric on the internet.

- Two days ago, a British court convicted a Bangladeshi-born British Airways employee of terrorism charges, including plotting a "spectacular" airplane bombing. This was an AQAP plot - terrorist Rajib Karim, went to Yemen to meet with Awlaki and the two communicated through e-mail.

The bottom line: AQAP is still active and dangerous, possibly more so now than ever. We need to fight complacency, stay alert and engaged.

Libya: Interesting Facts about the Country and Its People

2011-03-21T10:11:00.001-04:00

There are many interesting things about the country and culture of Libya which are worthy of review as we engage militarily to protect their citizens from the brutal assault received at the hands of its government.

For instance, Libya's official name is:

Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Qaddafi coined the word "Jamahiriya", which means "State of the Masses."

And the country's motto is an interesting grouping of words: "Freedom, Socialism, and Unity."

A country of 6.5 million, Libya is 97% Arab and 97% Sunni Muslim, a very homogeneous populace.

Facts that may surprise you: over 90% of children attend school for the compulsory length. This is very high, considering the high school graduation rate in the U.S. is only 86%.

Subsequently, the literacy rate is quite high, at 83% of the population over the age of 15. The life expectancy far exceeds that of its neighbors in the region, at an average of 77 years -- compare this to the life expectancy in Afghanistan (44 years) and Somalia (48 years). The infant mortality rate is just 16 deaths in 1000 births, on par with many modern nations. About 33% of the population is under the age of 15 (compared to 21% in the U.S.)

Libya's GDP is $85 B. $32 B is reaped from oil exports to Europe, primarily to Italy. 75% of the food is imported, as Libya is quite a barren country.

Italy relinquished its ownership of Libya in 1947. Things were fairly stable until 1969, when Qaddafi led a coup d'etat against the King, who exiled to Egypt. Through the 1970s, the country reorganized the government into "people's bureaus" and started forming a close relationship with the U.S.S.R. This led to tension with the West, which escalated with Libya's carefully planned April 5, 1986 bombing of a disco in West Berlin that resulted in the deaths of 2 U.S. soldiers. The U.S. retaliated with Operation El Dorado Canyon and the bombing of key targets in Libya. Follow on economic sanctions put a tight squeeze on the economy and Gaddafi lashed out with the catastrophic terror attack in 1988, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, over Lockerbie, Scotland. The horrifying images of the debris scattered over the countryside will always be with me.

The intervening years were filled with a variety of sanctions and UN demands on Libya to turn over evidence related to the Pan Am attack and comply with international demands to disengage. The country turned inward and virtually disappeared off the radar.

In 2003, Libya announced that it was ending its WMD program and began cooperating with the U.S. They briefly joined us in the fight against al Qaeda. In 2006, the State Department took Libya off of the list of State Sponsored Terrorists. Until the recent citizen unrest and harsh response by the government against its own people, there was actually a normalizing of relations between the U.S. and Libya.

What a difference a month can make.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5425.htm

Domestic Terror Groups Increasingly Violent : Spotlight on the Group "Sovereign Citizens"

2011-03-13T16:24:00.000-04:00

"We the People inhabiting the North American continent, free men and women convened under God, having been granted by the Creator dominion over all the earth, to restore the blessings of liberty for ourselves and the posterity, do hereby invoke our sacred right to alter or abolish destructive government as memorialized in The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, c. 1776 by declaring herewith this solemn declaration to the people of the earth and all governments and nations derived there from." From the Sovereign Citizen Declaration of Independence.
_______________________
Five people, including militia activist Schaeffer Cox, were arrested Thursday in the Fairbanks, Alaska for allegedly conspiring to kill multiple Alaska State Troopers and a federal judge. The group had stockpiled weapons and conducted surveillance on the homes of two troopers, according to Alaska State Troopers.
The arrests were made by the Alaska State Troopers’ Special Emergency Reaction Team, along with Fairbanks troopers, the FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service and the Fairbanks Police Department. The five arrested Thursday face several state charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, conspiracy to commit arson, and tampering with evidence, according to troopers.

The FBI describes the Sovereign Citizen Movement as a domestic terrorism group. Numbering 300,000, Sovereign Citizens are anti-government extremists who believe that even though they physically reside in this country, they are separate or “sovereign” from the United States. As a result, they believe they don’t have to answer to any government authority, including courts, taxing entities, motor vehicle departments, or law enforcement. Members of the Sovereign Citizens group have participated in the following activities:

Commit murder and physical assault;
Threaten judges, law enforcement professionals, and government personnel;
Impersonate police officers and diplomats;
Use fake currency, passports, license plates, and driver’s licenses; and
Engineer various white-collar scams, including mortgage fraud and so-called “redemption” schemes.

In the last year, group members were prosecuted for running fraudulent insurance schemes; selling false diplomatic credentials; and money laundering.

Cox has been on LE radar for many years.
- Previously appeared as a public figure as gun rights activist and a legislative candidate; unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2008
- Leader of the Alaska Peacemakers Militia and the Second Amendment Task Force
- Organized multiple gun-rights and personal freedoms rallies, including the 2009 “Freedom Fest”
- A member of a “Liberty Bell network,” which sends out mass notifications to assemble a crowd of witnesses when a member believes his or her rights are being violated.

Cox has posted several videos on You Tube that provide insight into the mindset of anti[government extremists.

Schaeffer Cox YouTube Video Channel

Here is a website for a branch of the Sovereign Citizens:

http://www.sovereign-citizenship.net/home.html

You can also listen to a sovereign society radio station online, it comes from Ireland
radio channel

Sovereign Authority is an affiliate that runs Cop Watch, "Keeping Communities Safe from Public Renegades and Corporate Pirates"
http://sovereigncopwatch.ning.com/profile/sovereignauthority

The latest plot in Alaska illustrates the violent tendency of some group members and leaders. We must keep an eye on these groups: they are fueled by conspiracy theories, stockpile illegal weapons and now appear willing to use them to further their goals.

John Doe #2 in OKC Bombing Arrested for Assault

2011-03-10T21:15:00.006-05:00

It is a fact that Hussain Al-Hussaini was seen with Timothy McVeigh in the weeks before - and on the day of the OKC Murrah Building bombing on April 19, 1995, the worst domestic terror event in our country's history. Some accounts, although never proven, put him in the Ryder truck with McVeigh. A former soldier in Sadaam Hussein's Republican Guard, Al-Hussaini was thoroughly investigated and cleared by authorities. Today, he was arrested for slashing another man's face with a piece of glass at their homeless shelter in Quincy, Mass. Hussaini has been living on the streets for several years. Hussain Al-Hussaini is John Doe #2, as verified today by law enforcement officials. I supposed this will put down the conspiracy theory that Jose Padilla, the "dirty bomber" was John Doe #2. But it will give life to other theories about the OKC bombing, including a connection to al Qaeda.

I am not a conspiracy theorist, I prefer to live in the factual, heavily footed-noted world, especially when it comes to the topic of terrorism. But few would argue that the connection between McVeigh, a former Army soldier who served in Desert Storm, and Al-Hussaini, a soldier he theoretically fought against, is interesting, at the very least.

There are many disconnected pieces of odd information out there about the OKC bombing. For instance, it is a fact that in late 1994, co-conspirator Terry Nichols traveled to the Philippines, visited a college campus in Cebu City (a school that teaches the radical Islamist ideology) and was there at the same time as Ramzi Yousef, nephew of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, leader of the Abu Sayaaf Group and mastermind 1993 World Trade Center Bombing. No one knows if they met, but some accounts have them passing by each other, perhaps by inches. When in the Philippines, Nichols stayed at a house in Cebu City that was run by relatives of ASG terrorists. He made multiple calls to Star Glad Lumber, a lumberyard also linked to members of ASG. And the bombs used in the WTC and OKC bombings were very similar.

Yousef was also the creative force behind the Bojinka plot to simultaneously detonate bombs on up to 9 airliners, a plot that was unraveled a few weeks before it could come to fruition on Jan 21, 1995. Oddly enough, Nichols had already obtained a visa to fly to the Philippines on Bojinka day. He had an immediate return ticket on one of the flights into LA targeted by Yousef. Nichols made sure his will was in order and had written a note directing how life insurance money should be spent in the event of his death. He stated that he was going on a mission that could cost him his life.

Another weird twist - Al-Hussaini worked at Logan Airport in Boston before 9/11. His roommates were also ex-Iraqi republican Guard, who owned a catering service that delivered food to the aircraft. At one point, law enforcement believed the box cutters were inconspicuously placed on the aircraft at Logan along with the catered food.

Everything stated here is factual and taken from Nichols testimony and other official open source documents. Obviously law enforcement spent years and millions of dollars running down every lead in the OKC bombing. If they say there is no connection between the OKC bombing and Ramzi Yousef, KSM and AQ, that is good enough for me. Thankfully, McVeigh received the sentence he deserved and is taking the eternal dirt bath and Nichols sits in a prison serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Mission accomplished. Nothing will bring back the lives of 161 innocent victims.

The Third Terrorist: The Middle East Connection to the Oklahoma City Bombing is a well documented book by reporter Jayna Davis for those who still "what-if" the OKC bombing.

Article from Quincy MA newspaper

John Doe #2

Hussain Al-Hussaini

Free Webcast - Inside the Terrorist Mind

2011-03-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. ET

Register here:
http://www.amu.apus.edu/lp/webcast/inside-the-terrorist-mind/index.htm

After the attack of September 11th, the United States has spent billions of dollars to analyze and dissolve terrorist groups on a global scale. However, to be able to track down organizations such as Al Qaeda, one must understand the complexity of an individual's motivation to join. With the multitude of terrorist cells in the world, how do the United States and counterterrorist organizations classify these combatants in the context of their radical ideologies?
Join American Military University for an in-depth analysis of the terrorist mind and how the culture of terrorism fits into the rest of the civilized world. Our panelists will cover topics including:

Root causes of terrorism
Variations and history of terrorism
Views on why individuals join
The complexity of motivation
Where do we go from here?

This webcast will also include a Q&A session with the speakers.

Shooting at Frankfurt Airport Kills Two Airmen, Injures Two Others

2011-03-02T18:15:00.006-05:00

A 21 year old man from Kosovo shot and killed two Air Force personnel, injuring two others, outside of Terminal 2 at Frankfurt airport. Prior to the shooting, the gunman was engaged in a verbal altercation with the Airmen, who were en route from RAF Lakenheath, UK to deployed locations. The guman **allegedly** shouted "Allahu Akbar" prior to shooting the unarmed Airmen.

Frankfurt International Airport is regularly used as a transit point for U.S. military to and from the theater of operations - since the 2005 closing of Rhein Main Air Base, which was the primary military airlift hub in Europe.

Security inside Frankfurt Airport is robust and has been so for many years. I regularly transited Frankfurt in the mid 1990s; everyone was subjected to a thorough pat down and soldiers patrolled the airport, carrying submachine guns. After 9/11, security was bolstered.

However, under the current security laydown at airports, passengers are not protected until they are deep into the terminal, at the first security checkpoint. The shooting at Moscow's airport last month illustrated the vulnerability of a large crowd gathered at baggage claim and the easy access by the terrorist.

Also recall the 2007 terror attack at Glasgow airport, in which a Jeep loaded with explosives was driven into the airline departure check in area, which was filled with summer travelers. Thankfully the propane tanks/bomb did not explode and the Jeep merely burned. However, this showed a vulnerability at the check in area, again, where large crowds gather.

What if airport security was pushed out, beyond the terminal building itself? A facility to screen passengers and baggage away from the airport - then a secure route to bus travelers to their departure terminal. No luggage is dragged into the terminal building, no visitors loitering outside, no errant Jeeps driving into the building, no suicide bomber at baggage claim. No shooter approaching a busload of unarmed military personnel. Some would say then the screening facility would be vulnerable, and there is no way to truly protect travelers. Would be interested to hear your thoughts!

Having been stationed at RAF Lakenheath twice, it holds a special place in my heart. I would like to send my condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of these brave Airmen.

Khalid Aldawsari: Terrorist Attack Plotter on Facebook

2011-02-24T20:29:00.003-05:00

Khalid Adawsari, 20, a Saudi citizen on a valid student visa to study at Texas Tech, was arrested yesterday for plotting chemical attacks in the U.S., possibly at the house of former President Bush in Texas.

- Purchased chemicals from a company in North Carolina; company notifies authorities
- Previously purchased chemicals from at least two other sources

- Researched how to conceal bombs in children's toys and dolls
From his journal:

“I excelled in my studies in high school in order to take advantage of an opportunity for a scholarship to America ... And now, after mastering the English language, learning how to build explosives, and continuous planning to target the infidel Americans, it is time for Jihad.”

Joining the ranks of other suspected terrorists and the Russian spy ring infiltrated last year, Adawsari was on Facebook. In fact, he had at least 2 accounts:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Khalid-Aldawsari/691333618

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000394152081#!/profile.php?id=100000394152081&sk=wall

His favorite quotation: If you see the teeth of the lion, do not think that the lion is smiling at you.

Here is a picture embedded in his page from the Saudi Revolution, a Facebook group that recently formed on 21 February calling for mass protest in Saudi on 10 March:
:

This group has been online just 3 days and already has 5,000 "likes" and hundreds of posts and comments.

This may be Aldawsari's profile on LinkedIn:

http://sa.linkedin.com/pub/khalid-aldawsari/2a/b98/85b

Aldawsari appears to be another Lone Wolf using the internet as a platform to express views, as a means of socialization and possibly as a way to recruit others to the cause.

Will The Iranian People Join The Pro-Democracy Surge In The Middle East?

2011-02-19T18:34:00.002-05:00

First Egypt, now Bahrain, Tunisia and Libya -- is Iran next?

Memri has reprinted a televised speech made yesterday by Iraqi Liberal Cleric Ayad Jamal Al-Din invoked Iranians to "Revolt and Change the Face of the Middle East":

"In the Name of Allah the Merciful.

"Peace Be Upon You and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings.

"Oh, Noble People of Iran. You who have suffered so much for the sake of freedom and human dignity against the ruling dictatorship in Tehran. You who have sacrificed tens of thousands of victims during the thirty year-life of this dictatorial, gloomy and despotic regime.

"Oh, Noble people of Iran. Today the wind of freedom and democracy is blowing across the Great Middle East. Here is Tunisia. It has become free and sovereign, and the great Tunisian people have achieved victory over a corrupt dictator. And here is the great people of Egypt. It has written history anew and has produced the epic of freedom and human dignity. And here are the Libyan people, the Bahraini people, and the Yemeni people on their road to secure dignity, freedom and democracy. And so are your brethren in Iraq. Our eyes are now focused on beloved Tehran; on the noble Iranian people - the people that gave birth to the great Iranian revolution in 1979. To our sorrow, as you are well aware, the Iranian people’s revolution was abducted by the dictatorial and corrupt Khomeini regime, which is far worse than the regime of the Shah [Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]. If the Shah's regime was dictatorial and corrupt it did at least not claim to be Allah’s representative on earth. The dictatorial regime of the Shah did not claim to be the representative of the noble Prophet Mohammad. But the corrupt and dictatorial Khomeini regime has abducted Allah; it has abducted the Noble Prophet Mohammad; and it has abducted the Noble Koran. It is the worst dictatorship known to humanity.

"Oh, Dear brothers!.There is no difference between a dictator who wears a [crown], a dictator who wears a turban and a dictator who wears the traditional Arab gear. Dictators are the same regardless of their styles and languages. Freedom and dignity are the same for every people. And you, the Noble People of Iran, you were the first people in the Middle East to revolt against the dictatorship and corruption in 1979. Today is your day to reclaim your dignity, your freedom and the treasures of your rich country from the grasp of those thieves who stole religion and state.

"Oh, Noble People of Iran! Do not allow the Egyptians and the Tunisians to race ahead of you in attaining freedom, dignity and democracy. You are the people of civilization and dignity. We are with you. The eyes of the world are on beloved Tehran, awaiting your great revolution that will change the face of the Middle East and put an end to dictatorships and terrorism which are two faces of the same currency.

"And to a bright and happy tomorrow filled with freedom and democracy for all the people of the Middle East!.

"Thank you and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings Be Upon You."

If Iran answers this call, resulting instability in the country will surely impact the security of the region. With its nuclear capability, tenuous relationship with Israel and support to terrorist groups in the region such as Hezbollah, the U.S. could quickly get pulled into the situation on many fronts.

Bin Laden's Capture Discussed Today on the Hill

2011-02-16T21:26:00.006-05:00

Today, CIA Director Leon Panetta was testifying before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence when a member asked what would happen to Osama bin Laden or Ayman al-Zawahiri if they were captured. Mr Panetta said that after being moved into military detention at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden would be shipped to Cuba and held at the Guantánamo Bay prison.

A more timely and relevant question might have gone like this: "Where and how do we plan to imprison Americans who are radicalized and execute terrorist acts in their own country?" How will we keep them from radicalizing inmates? Do we have a rehabilitation plan -- how will we prepare for return to society and our neighborhoods? How about the Lackawanna Six - a few will be out of prison soon - what's the plan for their reintegration? Can you deprogram a radicalist Jihadist? We all need to start asking these tough questions.

Back to today's hearing question - I think it is completely irrelevant to discuss where we would hypothetically imprison bin Laden and I am sorry Director Panetta had to field this question.

Last year at this time, while under intense fire on the Hill and facing the same committee, Attorney General Eric Holder let it slip -- something many of us have known for a long time -- the odds of Osama bin Laden being brought to justice in a court of law are "infinitesimal", to use Mr. Holder's word.

The "last 100 yards" to bin Laden is something the community has discussed for a while, while spending billions in the hunt. Obviously we would face an intense battle around the target, and the odds of bin Laden being killed in the process (or killing himself to avoid capture) are very high. A Predator missile into his vehicle or cave would meet with similar results. Bringing him in alive may only serve as a recruitment tool or incite sleeper cells to action. Of course his death ma bring martydom, with the same results. It is very difficult to predict which course of action would minimally feed the beast.

But all of this really doesn't matter: although he should be brought to justice for his crimes against humanity, the capture or death of bin Laden is completely irrelevant to the fight against al Qaeda.

Similar to a multinational corporation, al Qaeda has franchised. Its tentacles are everywhere. Of the 49 Foreign Terrorist Organizations on the State Department's list, almost half espouse the radical Islamist ideology in some fashion. These franchises participate in their own fund raising, recruiting and operational planning. They no longer need to travel to Afghanistan for training or to meet with bin Laden for the "once over". The glue that holds al Qaeda together isn't a man - it's the ideology. The call to jihad. Whether a hungry, hopeless man on the streets of Nigeria, or a middle class all-American young man in Minneapolis - the call to jihad is powerful and all encompassing. Like moths drawn to the flame, they answer the call.

Just after 9/11, we aggrandized bin Laden and he indeed, was holding the reins of the organization. However, al Qaeda is now basically leaderless. Looking for historical references to our situation, here is a passage from research I accomplished last year:

Ori Brafman, Rod A. Beckstrom The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations (Portfolio Publishers, 2006)

We now realize the military principle of decimation, or lopping off the top 10% of the organization, will not result in the demise of al Qaeda. In fact, according to a landmark RAND study entitled "How Terrorist Groups End" - the military solution is only effective 7% of the time. More effective are the microlevel changes - the small course corrections and engagements that lead to overall success.

And I now believe that bin Laden is no longer al Qaeda's Nant'an, or spiritual leader. If he dies or is captured today, al Qaeda will go on. Which leaves us with the true "leader" of al Qaeda, the radical ideology itself.

This battlefield really lies in the hearts and minds of the Jihadists, and it is there we will find our victory.

"What If" - Revisiting the 2001 Anthrax Attacks

2011-02-15T17:02:00.001-05:00

A study released today indicates that perhaps Dr. Bruce Ivins, who committed suicide during the "Amerithrax" investigation, was not the anthrax killer. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021502251.html?wpisrc=nl_buzz

I wanted to re-run my blog from a year ago with some of my observations of this intriguing case. I am interested in your thoughts and comments!
_______________________________________________________________

Perhaps it will go down as one of the most complex, expensive and frustrating investigations in history - the anthrax laced letters that killed 5 innocent people and infected 17 others.

In 2008, Dr. Bruce Ivins was named the primary suspect in the attacks. Shortly thereafter, he took an overdose of Tylenol PM as the FBI was preparing to move in and formally charge him. He left no suicide note, and there was really no "smoking gun" in the case. To be fair, there is a convincing chain of evidence regarding the spores used, however one would have to be a bio expert themselves to actually understand the surrounding issues. Closing this case is a great relief to many who have dedicated the last 9 years to fruitless tasks such as handwriting analysis. Who would fold the letters in question a certain way? What kind of scotch tape was used and was it from the same roll? And where is the photocopier the perpetrator used to copy the letters before mailing? Where were the originals? The list of questions gets longer as you dig and when answers don't come, it can be very frustrating to investigators. So kudos to the thousands of LE professionals who worked this case, to fruition. Here is a link to the FBI's final report and evidence against Ivins: http://www.justice.gov/amerithrax/

But this post is about Steven Hatfill, a biowarfare expert, and the first "person of interest" in this case. The facts about Hatfill are still very hard to pin down, and despite the government's $4.6M settlement with Hatfill, many mysteries about this man remain.

Hatfill is one of a very small handful of scientists in the U.S. with the training and access to pull off the attacks. He worked for the government on many sensitive projects. He was working for SAIC at the time of the attacks.

A man of bravado, Hatfill's resume was embellished with training he never received, including a PhD that he "assumed" he received after leaving the university early.

He once bragged about being a special forces veteran (he actually attended training, but washed out of the school and the active Army after a few weeks). He often conjured up a limp from an old "war injury". As a joke, he showed colleagues a picture of himself in protective gear cooking up germ in a saucepan.

At conferences he openly spoke (and was chided by the community) about how easy it would be to get into places like the Pentagon and pull off a bio attack. He wrote a fiction piece about a highly trained U.S. scientist who defeats White House security to employ a bio agent.

He wrote a paper in 1999 detailing how an anthrax attack was possible through the mail system. He detailed how many grams of anthrax would have to be in the envelope. Many experts who have read the study say it is the blueprint for the 2001 attacks.

In August, 2001, Hatfill failed a polygraph for a Top Secret clearance and position with the CIA. No details have been released regarding the poly failure, but DoD also suspended his active clearance. During the period of the attacks, his position at SAIC was in jeopardy. (in fact, SAIC did fire him in the spring of 2002)

He was on Cipro at the time of the attacks. Sinus infection, he claims.

His resume stated that he went to school in a suburb of Rhodesia called "Greendale". The "Greendale School" was used in the return address on two of the anthrax letters.

Weeks after the actual letters had been mailed, a second letter showed up in Senator Daschle's office filled with a white powdery substance -- this one was benign, it was not anthrax. The letter was mailed from London. Hatfill was in England at the time of the mailing, at a conference 70 miles from the originating post office.

An anthrax laced package was mailed from Malaysia. Hatfill had previously been involved with a Malaysian woman.

Specially trained dogs "alerted" in Hatfill's apartment, suggesting the presence of anthrax.

Remember the pond in Maryland that was completely drained, revealing a special box that may have been used to fill the enveloped without contaminating the perpetrator, wrapped vials, gloves and anthrax spores? Not linked to Hatfill...but also not linked to Ivins, still a mystery.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A49717-2003Sep9

How many people in the United States have the kind of knowledge to pull off an attack such as that in 2001? Maybe 50, per what has been reported in the press. Investigations don't just focus on the person of interest, they eliminate others. So the list of who could have pulled off this attack was very, very short. And a psychological profile of the killer might point in a different direction than the final ruling.

But the question I often pose to my students: in the course of the early investigation in 2002/2003, what if Hatfill had taken an overdose of Tylenol PM? What if he left no suicide note? Would the trail ever had led to Ivins or would the case be closed?

This is a good examination of the investigative process. In our zeal to gather evidence that leads to conviction, in the name of the innocent victims and their families, it is understandably easy to get hyperfocused on the person of interest. By removing him/her from the equation, and doing some good old fashioned "what if-ing", it might be possible to push an investigation in a different, and perhaps correct direction.

Secretary Napolitano: Threat May Be Highest Since 9/11

2011-02-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

"Understanding the Homeland Threat Landscape – Considerations for the 112th Congress” on February 9, 2011

I watched it so you didn't have to....

- "The threat facing us is at its most heightened state since those attacks. This fact requires us to continually adapt our counterterrorism techniques to effectively detect, deter, and prevent terrorist acts."

- "Perhaps most crucially, we face a threat environment where violent extremism is not defined or contained by international borders. Today, we must address threats that are homegrown as well as those that originate abroad."

- "This threat of homegrown violent extremism fundamentally changes who is most often in the best position to spot terrorist activity, investigate, and respond. More and more, state, local, and tribal front-line law enforcement officers are most likely to notice the first signs of terrorist activity. "

- Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) curriculum is under development for state and local law enforcement that is focused on community-oriented policing, The first training with this CVE curriculum will take place this month at DHS’ Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).

- DHS has also conducted “deep dive” sessions with the intelligence directors of major city police departments and with the leadership of state and major urban area fusion centers.

- A major role of DHS is to get information and resources out of Washington, D.C. and into the hands of law enforcement throughout the country.

- There are now 104 JTTFs and 74 fusion centers in the U.S.

- There are 33 sites collected Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) from the public; “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign appears to be working well.

- In 2010, DHS gave the states $3.8 B to strengthen first response for terror attacks.

- Useless color coded chart (useless is my word) being replaces by National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) which will provide localized threat info. Let's hope this one actually changes with the threat (again, my commentary).

- Commercial aviation still on terrorist's radar and ours

- Protecting the "Global Supply Chain" is critical; shipping containers, packages on planes, etc

- Security for surface transportation such as trains is increasingly important focus

- DHS opened the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), which is a 24/7 watch-and-warning center. In 2011, DHS will complete the deployment of the EINSTEIN 2 threat detection system across the Federal space.

Radical Cleric Continues Broadcasting from UK Prison

2011-02-04T21:45:00.007-05:00

Abu Hamza al Masri is in prison in the UK, yet he continues to spread his radical Islamist views through You Tube, his latest being a phone call expressing his opinion on the situation in Egypt and how Muslims in all countries should respond.

Americans need to understand Masri's background and modus operandi: when his 7 year sentence is up in the UK later this year, he likely will be headed to the U.S. to face charges and possible imprisonment. His hateful, inciting message and ability to continue transmitting to his followers is a serious problem. Masri is officially a British citizen; the terms of his extradition will include a promise by the U.S. that we will not incarcerate him in a "Supermax" prison or keep him in solitary confinement, as this is considered a violation of his human rights and too harsh. Radicalization is happening in our prison system, and the addition of this cleric is definitely cause for concern.

Background:

al Masri was born in Egypt in 1958. He moved to the UK on a student visa in 1979 which expired, yet he stayed in the country for a decade. After marrying twice and having 8 children, he forged documents and left the UK in the 1990s to fight with the Bosnian Muslims (known as the "Bosniaks") against the Serbs. He claims that he lost both eyes and a hand to a land mine in Afghanistan. Two of Masri's sons were convicted in a 1999 terrorist plot in Yemen, after he sent them to carry out attacks against Westerners.

Masri was the Imam of the Finsbury Park Mosque in London. He was arrested in 2003 after an MI5 agent in London infiltrated the mosque and was alarmed by his hateful rants in which he praised 9/11 terrorists and called followers to jihad and continued attacks on the West. He also said the Columbia Shuttle accident was a sign from God that the U.S. should be a caliphate, and he called for suicide attacks against the West and promised martydom.

The U.S. hopes to eventually extradite him for attempting to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon and plotting to kidnap Americans in Yemen.

Communicating from Prison:

Masri was able to create and smuggle out a video from prison in 2008; here is a news article with a link to the tape where he calls followers to jihad and recites a poem with images in the background - this is reminiscent of al Qaeda styled videos.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1726776.ece

His recent rant was made on a telephone discussion with Hani al-Sibai, who taped the call and posted it on the internet. al-Sibai is a radical Islamist who was banned from Egypt and lives in London as a "political refugee."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4utOY_-YG8

Obviously there are insiders that facilitate the smuggling of a tape to the outside or allow a long, rant-filled telephone call to another radical Islamist. These are lessons learned for us as we prepare to accept Masri into our court and prison system later this year.

Kidnap and Rescue - Watch It!

2011-02-01T12:32:00.000-05:00

On Discovery Saturday evenings at 10 PM - here are the details:
About the show/episode line up

Promotional video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cimi_pk4SIQ about 2 hours ago

Congrats to friend and colleague Brad Barker and his HALO hostage rescue team! Outstanding!

Read al Qaeda's Recent "Inspire" 4 Here

2011-01-30T14:19:00.003-05:00

Al Qaeda recently released the 4th edition of its magazine "Inspire" which has grown to 67 pages. This has articles from two "Most Wanted: Americans, Adam Gadahn ("Know That Jihad is Your Duty") and Anwar al Awlaki. ("Why I Chose al Qaeda"). We have disinformation (50,000 in the World Trade Centers) and a discussion of the military strategy of "open fronts."

This tactical advice is given to planners and operators: "That the basic axis of the Resistance's military activity against America and her allies now, must lie within the framework of 'light guerilla warfare', 'civilian terror' and secret methods, especially on the level of individual operations and small Resistance Units completely and totally separated from each other. "

A section entitled "Open Source Jihad" gives instructions on bomb building and how to detonate a device to properly bring down a large building. The article also breaks down an AK-47 for the novice. Finally, we have a poem or battle cry of sorts that clearly written for and directed at Westerners:

Click here to access the January edition of al Qaeda's Inspire Magazine:

info.publicintelligence.net/InspireJanuary2011.pdf

Egyptian Unrest Will Impact Terror Groups in Region

2011-01-29T14:12:00.001-05:00

According to a Red Alert just issued by STRATFOR, there are reports of HAMAS members crossing the border of Egypt today to join the Muslim Brotherhood, which is engaged the fighting in Cairo. The border is currently open and unpatrolled as soldiers and police have left their posts.

STRATFOR article

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) is not a designated State Department foreign terrorist organization as it is seen more as a transnational movement, not a specific group with nation state support. They are viewed as a terrorist group in other countries and were technically banned from Egypt. They arguably the world's oldest terrorist organization, founded in 1928. Their most notable member was Sayaad Qutb, author of Milestones and mentor to Osama bin Laden among others.

MB is active in the U.S., mainly through religious fund raising activities such as the Holy Land foundation, which was shut down by the government for funneling money to HAMAS. Here is a link to the MB English website:

Muslim Brotherhood's English Website

New Twitter Account

2011-01-28T15:48:00.002-05:00

Please follow my new Twitter account:
http://twitter.com/#!/jennihesterman
I've also placed a running list of my Twitter communiques in the sidebar. Twitter will supplement this blog with real time updates on terrorism-related events.

The blog will return this weekend with a look at the bombing at the Moscow airport: lessons learned and little known facts - stay tuned!

This Time, Baltimore: Another U.S. Citizen Arrested For Jihadi Bomb Plot and HUMINT Emerging as Most Effective Tool in Fight Against Home Grown Terror

2010-12-08T11:53:00.024-05:00

Antonio Martinez, 21, a U.S. citizen and Muslim convert known as Muhammad Hussain, was upset by U.S. forces "killing Muslims overseas." His retribution? To blow up the Armed Forces Career Center in Catonsville, Maryland.

Once again, the FBI was able to get inside the plot and stop a would-be terrorist. Martinez told a confidential source of his intentions in October. He was set to detonate an inert device supplied to him by an undercover FBI agent when he was arrested.

Recent domestic cases involving terrorists were foiled by one thing - not fancy equipment, satellites or computers - but human sources.

Officials in Israel have spoken openly about their recent success hindering suicide bombings that caused their country incalculable psychological and economic damage. Although the U.S. has been spared this particularly brutal and effective means of terrorizing the populace, law enforcement must be ever vigilant of the threat of suicide bombing in public areas such as shopping malls, amusement parks, sports venues, restaurants and hotels. Lessons learned by Israel and other countries combating suicide bombings are certainly applicable and worthy of analysis by all engaged in the war on terror. srael places a high value on Human Intelligence and weaves HUMINT into all aspects of their law enforcement activities. A prevalent saying in their intelligence community guides their efforts: “the small bring in the big”.

Israeli law enforcement and intelligence collection agents build long term, lasting relationships on the ground with all types of business people. For instance waitresses, bartenders, taxi drivers and barbers can be a wealth of information. Emergency room employees, gas station workers, and grocery or drug store employees are all good collection sources. Around a specific target, street vendors are worthy of engagement since they frequent the same area and have a perfect viewpoint for noticing out-of-the-ordinary activity. If protecting a church is the objective, the clergy and worshipers are valuable informants. The key is to cultivate the relationship; visit the sources regularly, build their trust, instruct them on what to look for, and make sure they have a way of contacting you 24/7 if they notice something suspicious.

Your sources are force multipliers and critical to gleaning the information needed to identify, monitor and then disrupt terrorist activities. As the recent domestic cases illustrate, source cultivation is time well spent.

Lessons From The Oregon "Tree Lighting Ceremony" Plot

2010-11-30T13:03:00.002-05:00

The arrest of Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 19, a Somali-born U.S. citizen who sought to detonate a bomb in Portland, Oregon at a packed public Christmas-tree-lighting ceremony, was yet another in a string of successful FBI operations this year to stop the lone wolf domestic radicalized Islamist terrorist. This is the biggest threat to our country - lone citizens (or very small groups) in our communities who become radicalized and then target the homeland. I've pulled out the following key take aways from this case:

- Mohamud was an average U.S. teen from a good family. Unfortunately, he was influenced by radical material on the internet -- al Shabaab continues to use Facebook and YouTube as a way to recruit Somali Americans. Their first try at this recruitment technique was a success in Dec 2007 when they lured young men from Minneapolis away from their home Christmas Eve and flew them to Somalia to become suicide bombers. At least 20 young men disappeared during that time period, recruited by al Shabaab.

Here we are, 3 years later, with al Shabaab using the exact same modus operandi. The difference this time? The target was in our country, not abroad.

You Tube is filled with recruiting propaganda. The jihadifanclub channel has scores of videos and over 100 subscribers and friends (each with their own stations filled with jihadi videos and sentiments). Just read the comment section on these video sites and you will identify Americans who are radicalized and pro-jihad. The jihadifanclub proclaims:

This Channel is dedicated to the Muslim youth! Don't waste the best years of your life (your youth) watching movies, playing video games and shopping. Use the strength that you have in your youth to push for change by fighting in the way of Allah (swt) against the evils of oppression and disbelief! Don't be foolish by waiting until you are old to fight in the way of Allah (swt) because it may be too late.

It is time for some international protocol and laws governing the world wide web so we can collectively bring down these recruitment sites. A curiosity seeker is presently just two clicks from effective recruitment tools.

- Mohamud told the FBI Portland was his target - he said that he wasn't worried about U.S. security getting in his way because law enforcement does not "see it as a place where anything will happen. People say, you know, why anybody wants to do something in Portland, you know. It's on the west coast, it's in Oregon; and Oregon's like, you know, nobody ever thinks about it." A good reminder that NYC, DC and LA aren't the only cities in the cross hairs. This year, we've had plots against Houston, Chicago, and other smaller suburban areas. Our lone wolves themselves were living in very small communities where they went about their business of training, collecting materials and building bombs undetected.

- This is the second terror plot in Portland; the "Portland 7" were arrested in 2002 when they attempted to join al Qaeda and started their own jihad training. It is interesting to note that one of the group, Maher "Mike" Hawash has already been released from prison. Which leads me to my next point...

Who is watching Hawash? Do we have the resources to lay eyes on him, the other Portland 7, the Lackawanna 6, the Ft Dix group, and Jihad Jane? They will all be out of prison in the next 2-7 years. When are we going to establish our U.S. deradicalization program for our citizens who serve their jail sentence and are released to the public? I will repost my comments from an earlier blog in case I have new readers who might have some influence in getting this ball rolling:

Our government must immediately start planning for a rehabilitation facility for radicalized U.S. citizens who will be eventually released from the prison system.

- There must be a deradicalization process for these U.S. citizens before they are allowed to return to society
- This program should consist of theologians, psychologists, sociologists
- The Saudi model of rehabilitation provides a good start but is not perfect, even after 7 years in business
- There should be a "step down" process between incarceration and return to society-recall several detainees released from Guantanamo Bay returned with a vengeance and now lead al Qaeda cells

It should be noted that a key element in the jihadist's return to society is support from the community to make sure they don't return to their old ways. Is America ready? Shouldn't we have a database by zipcode like we do for sex offenders? Do we have enough law enforcement resources to monitor released jihadists in addition to working myriad cases such as this one with Hawah?

For now, we have to rely on our overtasked, under-resourced law enforcement community to discover plots hidden in our communities, unravel them, collect enough evidence for prosecution -- then keep watch over suspected jihadists and those released back to the community.

Would it be much easier to kill effective recruiting sources such as the internet, and have a system to return these Americans to society when they have disavowed the call of jihad?

Read the Nov 2010 Special Edition Al Qaeda "Inspire" Magazine Here

2010-11-21T14:12:00.008-05:00

Cover of Nov 2010 Inspire Magazine

http://info.publicintelligence.net/InspireNovember2010.pdf

NOTE - If you are looking for the JANUARY 2011 INSPIRE - click here!
http://jennihesterman.blogspot.com/2011/01/read-al-qaedas-recent-inspire-here.html

Click on the link above to read the latest issue of al Qaeda's magazine in which the group takes credit for the downing of a UPS plane in Dubai and explains "Operation Hemorrhage." Analysis forthcoming, wanted to post this link soonest - download the document before it disappears.

On Page 16

Know Thy Enemy: Saif al-Adel, bin Laden's Appointee to Run AQ Terror Operations Against the West

2010-11-12T20:51:00.009-05:00

We say to those who want a quick victory, that this type of war waged by the Mujahideen employs a strategy of the long-breath and the attrition and terrorization of the enemy, and not the holding of territory. - Saif al-Adel (2003)

Bin Laden recently appointed a new commander to oversee al Qaida's operations against the West -- Egyptian-born Mohammed Ibrahim al-Makkawi, or Saif al-Adel ("Sword of the Just"). Al-Adel is a familiar name and face to those in the counterterrorism world -- he is one of the FBI's most wanted terrorists and wanted in connection with the 1998 near simultaneous embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya that killed 223 and injured over 4,000.

Here is the rundown on al-Adel:

- Was a special forces colonel in the Egyptian Army and a member of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad terrorist group. Played a role in the assasination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. Arrested in Egypt in 1987 for his plans to overthrow the government. Specifically, he wanted to either fly aircraft into the Egyptian parliament or drive explosive laden vehicles into the complex.

- Was either set free or escaped from prison. Fled the country for Afghanistan.

- Fought with the mujaheddin against the Russians until their 1989 withdrawal. Then spends time traveling through various countries, including Lebanon where he trained with Hezbollah and learned bomb building techniques.

- Reappears in 1993, when he helps establish a terrorist training camp in Somalia. Trains and equips the tribal fighters involved in the battle of Mogadishu in 1993, where 19 U.S. soldiers were killed. By now, he is also involved with al Qaeda.

- In the mid 1990s, Bin Laden becomes disillusioned with Zarqawi, seeing him as too ambitious and abrasive. Zarqawi asks bin Laden for money to start a training camp in Afghanistan, but his request is denied. al-Adel sees an opportunity to win favor and move up the AQ hierachy - he convinces bin Laden to give him $5000 to set up an al Qaeda training camp in Herat and his plan is set into motion.

- al Qaeda defector al Fadl testified that at al-Adel's training camp, Hezbollah operatives give explosives instruction to trainees, specifically on how to "blow up big buildings."

- In the spring prior to the 1998 embassy bombings, the Prime Minister of Sudan (al-Madhi) approaches the U.S. to discuss al Qaeda operative activity and terrorism threats in Africa. Unfortunately, the U.S. declines and later finds out that al-Madhi had files on the embassy bombers and had been following their travels in and out of the country. al-Adel is one of the masterminds of the embassy bombings. Two other plotters were worshipping at the Hamburg, Germany mosque with Mohammad Atta and another 9/11 hijacker.

- In early 2001, Zarqawi and al-Adel work together to start a new training camp near Herat. al-Adel is the go between between Zarqawi and bin Laden, who asked Zarqawi to come to him and take an oath of allegiance, but he refused.

- Interestingly, it is rumored that al-Adel did not approve of the 9/11 plan. He senses the U.S. would engage militarily in Afghanistan and did not want the Taliban to fight the war, or for the Americans to become an occupation force.

- In Oct 2001, al-Adel is present in Khandahar during a U.S. cruise missile attack in the opening days of the war. He witnesses the death of several close associates and their wives. His wife and 5 children are also in Kabul during the initial fighting in Afghanistan but are not injured.

- In Nov 2001, upon the death of Mohammed Atef, al-Adel moves up the al Qaeda hierarchy to #3, chief of military operations

- In 2002, Iran puts al-Adel, his wife and 5 children and other terrorists under "house arrest", yet they continue to mastermind attacks in Riyadh and elsewhere. al-Adel is able to write several provocative documents while in Iran.

-- Helped write the 112 page "Reality of the New Crusader's War", also known as "The Management of Barbarism", which was given to al Jazeera in September of 2002. Document sought to justify al Qaeda's role in the 9/11 attacks.

-- In 2004, published the first on-line terrorist manual entitled "The Base of the Vanguard" - it gave Jihadists tips on explosive devices, training, and encouraged the procurement and use of WMD. Showing a level of sophistication, the manual and its two follow on editions were encrypted.

-- The same year, he published the "The Al-Battar Military Camp" manual

-- In March, 2005, a Jihadi website publishes al-Adel's document "Al Qaeda's Strategy to the Year 2020"

-- In 2007, excerpts from al-Adel's diary (recovered in a 2004 raid in Saudi Arabia) are introduced in the tribunal hearing of Ramzi Binalshibh. Binalshibh was part of the 9/11 plot and in the U.S. attempting to obtain flight training to join Atta and the other terrorists. al-Adel's diary contained enough evidence regarding Binalshibh's participation to get him a conviction and life in prison.

In March of this year, Iran released al-Adel along with Iman bin Laden (Osama bin Laden's daughter), and senior al-Qaida operatives Suleiman al-Gaith and Mahfouz al-Walid. Iran swapped the terrorists for a Pakistan-based diplomat kidnapped by al-Qaida last year.

Al-Adel is now at large, whereabouts unknown. He is somewhat of an enigma - there are very few pictures of him to circulate, and no exact physical description of height, weight, disfigurements, etc. He has two birthdates: either April 11, 1960 or April 11, 1963. My guess is that he will go to Yemen or Somalia to interact with al Qaeda Arabian Peninsula and al Shabaab to recruit and train terrorists to attack the West.

(from multiple sources)

Kuwaiti Professor Abdallah Nafisi: AQ Should Bring Anthrax Through Mexico to Attack the U.S.

2010-11-06T13:27:00.006-04:00

This video is from February 2009, but a must see.

Somali Pirates Big Pay Day - $9.5M

2010-11-06T13:06:00.002-04:00

Somali pirates were just paid $9.5M for relinquishing the Samho Dream, a South Korean oil tanker that was capture in April and carrying $170M in crude oil from Iraq to the U.S. Pirates also received nearly $2.8M the same day for the Golden Blessing, a Singaporean flagged ship.

"We are now counting our cash," a pirate who gave his name as Hussein told Reuters news agency. "Soon we shall get down from the ship."

This high payout is very worrisome - there are at least 25 more ships currently being held by pirates. Ship hijackings hit an all time high in 2010, and it is little wonder why with countries paying these exorbitant ransom demands. Saudi Arabia paid at least $20M in May for the return of one if their oil supertankers.

There are 5 separate pirating groups in the region with over 1,000 actors, primarily consisting of fisherman. As their fishing livelihood in the Gulf was affected by increased pollution from passing ships, fisherman started the pirate trade as way to lash out against foreign ships and to raise capital. They were soon joined by ex-militiamen who were previously employed by clan warlords. They recruited some technical specialists for communications and GPS support.

The people of Somalia aren't necessarily against the pirating, as the money is an influx into their weak local economies. Business is booming - since January, pirates successfully boarded 43 ships with several events terminated by the host country paying ransom, others in gun battles with U.S. and other warships in the region. Ship have been sunk, pirates killed, hostages rescued. It is an active, ongoing operation - and it is driving shipping costs up in the region and affecting charitable activities such as the U.N.'s World Food program - over 90% of their ships have to traverse the dangerous region and do so with heavy escort.

So far, the pirate attacks have been centered around ransom. However, some reports have the terrorist group al Shabaab (a al Qaeda affiliate) exacting profits from this activity. If countries pay ransom to the pirates, they should know that a portion of the money could very well be going towards the funding of al Qaeda attacks against the United States. Al Shabaab has already tried to strike in our borders and is actively recruiting Americans through the use of You Tube and Facebook

It is obvious the pirates don't care about the cargo on board, as they've seized vessels with $170M in crude oil or nearly worthless shipments of chains. A UN resolution concerning payout to hijackers would help so that countries don't independently feed the pirate's growing appetite for cash which may be going to al Shabaab.

Now that the pirates have perfected their trade, more nefarious actors could step in and ask their assistance, paying millions up front for a capture operation. A large ship, at full speed, could do an incredible amount of damage to important ports in the region. The jury is out as to whether an oil tanker, rigged with explosives, would explode if used as a incendiary device in a port, but perhaps it is possible.

As always, we can't just focus on how the bad guys are operating today - we need to think asymmetrically and get on the offensive in order to prevent future, perhaps catastrophic attacks.

Time to Change the Overall Threat Level to "High"

2010-10-29T17:58:00.014-04:00

Why do we have this system if we aren't going to use it? The overall threat to our country has been "elevated" since August 2005. The overall threat to aviation - "high" since August 2006. It was only "severe" once since 9/11, during that same month when officials uncovered a plot to bomb U.S. flights originating from the U.K. Even when the Christmas Day Bomber was nearly successful, the aviation scale didn't change. We should never assume a failed operation or unraveled plot is a "one off." What if it is merely a dry run or a distraction from a larger operation?

Since 9/11, we've had over 55 domestics plots (by my count, and only what I can find in open source reporting). Over half of those plots/operations were in the last 2 years. The worst of which were in the last 12 months with Nidal Hassan, the Christmas Day bomber Abdumullatab, the Times Square Bomber Shahzad, NY subway backpack bomber Zazi, and now the would-be D.C. Metro bomber Ahmed. Throw in terror plots in Texas and Illinois, Jihad Jane, the father/son team in North Carolina, the would-be synagogue attackers in NYC, the group that traveled to Pakistan for training. Now a shooter in D.C. that has 4 events under his belt - returning last night to the Marine Corps Memorial to punctuate his earlier attack.

It is time to be honest with the American people - the threat is growing in our country. Al Qaeda doesn't view unsuccessful operations and foiled plots as failures -- but as learning opportunities. They are masters of observation and improve incrementally. They will push forward, undeterred, until the operation is a success.

We are responding predictably -- and they are approaching us asymmetrically. Therefore we have to use everything in our arsenal to counter the threat. Raising the alert scale to "High" is a good thing for the law enforcement and intelligence communities - here are some random thoughts as to why.

- By raising the alert, the American public would be snapped out of their catatonic state. Right now, Dancing With the Stars is more important than the fact we have terror cells and radicalized American Lone Wolves in our country that are preparing to move to operational stage.

- This wake up call immediately makes them force multipliers. Right now, the burden is solely on law enforcement and intelligence to watch for out-of-the-ordinary things and people. They think we have enough resources to do the job and don't need their help.

- The truth is, we need a public that engages in threat reduction, they should be on our team. After all, they are on the target list - why shouldn't they engage? And do so under our guidance? To get average citizens on the detection and mitigation team, they first need to realize there is a growing threat. Then they need education on how to report and intervene. Otherwise, the blinders will be on. Citizens and business owners are certainly are seeing "things", but if not put into the larger context, they can't help us. Consider this - the plots we are currently unraveling are not coming from leads generated by the public. Hassan was at the range constantly for weeks, shooting at silhouette targets and working on his head shots. Zazi was buying cases of hydrogen peroxide from beauty parlors. Terrorists plan, they purchase things, they practice, they perform surveillance. There are opportunities to detect them, we need to exploit every avenue.

- After living in the UK on two separate occasions for almost 4 years total, I've seen firsthand how the British government handles terrorist threats. #1 - they tell their citizens. People don't panic, they still go about their business, riding the subway, flying, etc. But they also become eyes and ears for law enforcement and they are savvy on how to handle the threat. It is part of their daily life. They are living with the threat, not dying from it - by "die", I mean hemorrhaging resources and living in fear.

- If we don't warn our citizens and a terrorist attack is successful, they will be over reliant on us for support. We should tell them to prepare and educate themselves now. This should be done in a way that doesn't cause panic. But they need to know what "shelter in place" means in the event of a chem, bio or nuke event. They should have water, batteries, and nonperishable food to take care of themselves and their families in the event the power grid is hit, or we need to lock down a city in a Mumbai type of situation.

- If the advisory system never changes, it is a useless tool that could actually contribute to complacency. "Elevated" means a severe risk of terrorist attack yet you wouldn't know that by talking to the average person on the street. A recent poll indicated that terrorism is ranked last when it comes to the concerns of average Americans.

We have three major challenges with regards to fighting terror on our soil: the public is not educated on the threat. They have no idea how to take care of themselves. And we are resource constrained, and won't be able to provide the support they will expect during an emergency.

The overall terrorist threat is "high" in our country. Either we need to use this advisory system -- or lose it.

Virginia Man Plotted Attacks on D.C. Metro - Thought He Was Working with al Qaeda

2010-10-27T15:31:00.006-04:00

Farooque Ahmed, 34, a naturalized citizen of Pakistani descent, was arrested today on charges he worked with people he thought were al Qaida operatives to plan subway bombing attacks in the DC area. The FBI was aware of his activities before the planning began and the public was never in danger. Ahmed lived in Ashburn, VA.

I was able to locate the court indictment, see it here for more details of the charges:
Ahmed Indictment

According to the report, the targeted sites included the Crystal City, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery and Courthouse Metro stations. In April, Ahmed started meeting with "al Qaeda" operatives and agreed to videotape the metro stations and a hotel. He drafted diagrams of the stations and gathered data regarding the best way to place and detonate the explosives. He was planning simultaneous attacks, a hallmark of an al Qaeda operation. If he is convicted, he will face up to 50 years in prison.

Our government must immediately start planning for a rehabilitation facility for radicalized U.S. citizens such as Ahmed who will be eventually released from the prison system. The Lackawanna 6 will be out of jail in a few years, along with many other radicalized Americans currently in the prison system.

- There must be a deradicalization process for these U.S. citizens before they are allowed to return to society
- This program should consist of theologians, psychologists, sociologists
- The Saudi model of rehabilitation provides a good start but is not perfect, even after 7 years in business
- There should be a "step down" process between incarceration and return to society-recall several detainees released from Guantanamo Bay returned with a vengeance and now lead al Qaeda cells

It should be noted that a key element in the jihadist's return to society is support from the community to make sure they don't return to their old ways. Is America ready? Shouldn't we have a database by zipcode like we do for sex offenders? Do we have enough law enforcement resources to monitor released jihadists in addition to working myriad cases such as this one with Ahmed?

Tough questions, but we should demand answers now.

Third Shooting in D.C. Area: Military Recruiting Office Targeted

2010-10-27T15:10:00.003-04:00

FBI officials released a statement today regarding last week's overnight shootings at the Marine Corps Museum and the Pentagon - the events are connected. A third shooting took place late Monday night or Tuesday morning at the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Chantilly, VA. The recruiting office has been closed for renovation. Investigators point out the gunman is not targeting individuals, but targeting empty buildings in the middle of the night. In light of the shootings at the Pentagon and two Marine Corps related facilities, officials are enhancing security for this weekend's Marine Corps Marathon. Is this a radical jihadist inspired by the recent al Qaeda magazine, videos and letters from bin Laden? Is it a domestic terrorist? Lone wolf? Disgruntled military vet? Theories abound as investigators collect and analyze evidence. Please post your opinion on these incidents, I would be interested to hear your theories.

Shots Fired at The Pentagon, Marine Corps Museum: Inspired by "Inspire"?

2010-10-19T22:35:00.001-04:00

At 0455 this morning, an unknown shooter targeted the Pentagon with a high velocity rifle firing 5-7 shots. Two of the bullets hit windows and shattered the outer pane, but did not penetrate the inside pane.

This follows a strange event over the weekend where an unknown shooter targeted the Museum of the Marine Corps outside of Quantico. Sometime between midnight Sat and early Sunday morning, 5 bullets were fired at the double paned glass at the museum's entryway. The shooter appears to have been some distance away, possibly on the opposite side of I-95 on a hill.

Are these event unrelated? My guess is no. Why would a shooter target a building like the Pentagon when it is devoid of workers at 5AM? As a dry run.

Al Qaeda's Inspire Magazine, published last week, encouraged terrorists to target government workers in the DC area. One idea was on page 54 - driving a 4WD truck with sharpened blades of steel to "cut through bone" into a group of pedestrians. And to carry firearms to then "finish off the work." On page 55, there is a discussion of using firearms to "knock off" government workers in a busy restaurant at lunch time. The article encourages the terrorist to take his time, plan and contemplate with 6 months to a year good pre-planning time period.

The pundits are saying if this is all al Qaeda can muster as an attack methodology, we're in good shape. I wholeheartedly disagree. Having lived in DC during the sniper attacks of 2002, I can unequivocally say these types of attacks terrorize the populace. It took three weeks to catch the shooters. An FBI employee was shot and killed in the parking lot of my Home Depot. Our schools were all locked down after the snipers targeted a little boy getting on his school bus and then sent a note to the media saying "your children aren't safe." Other victims were killed while pumping gas, vacuuming a car, mowing grass, and sitting on a bench reading a book The things we do every day suddenly turned into target opportunities for the bad guys and we were pumping gas from behind sheets and staying away from public transportation. At the Pentagon, we exited the building very quickly, and did not linger around entrances or in the parking lot. Few left the building for lunch and it was rare to see pedestrians. The 2002 event proved that a few well placed shooters could easily bring our city to its knees. So can a few high speed truck attacks at sidewalk cafes at lunchtime.

Reading the Inspire magazine is a must. There are telling comments about the importance of financial attacks, the use of the press as a propoganda tool and the encouragement of jihadists to create WMD by cooking up a batch of botulin, ricin or cyanide. Al Qaeda may now be comprised of splinter faction, but in a way, that makes them more dangerous. No more ability to proactively follow the money trail, or penetrate an operation. The lone jihadist that is inspired by the writing of al Qaeda can undertake an attack without approval from higher ups and without training at a camp. Sleeper cells don't need to communicate with those abroad, so less of a chance of detection.

The ideology is where our battle lies -- the radical Islamist ideology holds al Qaeda together. How do we fight an idea, and one as consuming and powerful as the call to Jihad? We should start by really trying to understand it, and see us through the eyes of the enemy. A few book recommendations:

The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 (Lawrence Wright)
Milestones (by Sayyid Qutb)
Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama bin Laden

Stay vigilant!

Al Qaeda Releases Fall "Inspire" Magazine: Read it Here

2010-10-11T23:09:00.014-04:00

*
NOTE - If you are looking for the JANUARY 2011 INSPIRE - click here!
http://jennihesterman.blogspot.com/2011/01/read-al-qaedas-recent-inspire-here.html

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has released their second issue of "Inspire" magazine, thought to be the brain child of Anwar al-Alwaki. Alwaki is a U.S. citizen and Imam who served as "counsel" to the 9/11 terrorists and Ft Hood murderer Nidal Hassan, among others. The 74 page magazine was discovered today by the SITE organization.

I am still reading through the magazine and will provide my thoughts soon, but wanted to get the link out as soon as possible as it is not easy to find on the web. Articles include "Proud to be a Traitor to America"written by an American Samir Khan; "The New Mardin Declaration", by Alwaki; and an article called "Legitimate Demands 2" written by wanted American terrorist, Adam Gadahn. There are references to possible future operations such as cafe bombings in D.C., and a narrative supposedly written by bin Laden on page 10. Please pass this link on, it is "safe" and hosted by archive.org. I recommend you download the PDF before it disappears.

Link to PDF file

Defiant, Unrepentant Faisal Shahzad Will Spend Life In Prison

2010-10-06T18:03:00.007-04:00

This week in a Manhattan courtroom, Faisal Shahzad pleaded guilty to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and nine other lesser counts. In turn, he received a life sentence for his attempt to detonate an explosive-laden vehicle in Times Square on May 1st. Shahzad, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was sponsored and trained by the Pakistani Taliban, which now resides on the list of State Department designated terror groups. The trial was held in Manhattan and fortunately, didn't turn into a propaganda fest for radical Islamists. Perhaps this is a good model for the pending trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who remains in custody at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

Shahzad's comments to the judge were publicized and a good reminder to U.S. citizens of the determination of this enemy:

“Brace yourself, because the war with Muslims has just begun.” “Consider me only a first droplet of the flood that will follow me.”

“The past nine years, the war with Muslims has achieved nothing for the U.S. except it has awakened Muslims from their slumber.” “We are only trying to defend our religion, our people, our honor and our land. If you call us terrorists for doing that, then we are proud terrorists, and we will keep on terrorizing until you leave our land and people at peace.”

Shahzad praised Osama bin Laden and predicted the establishment of a Muslim caliphate. He compared bin Laden to the 12th century Muslim leader Saladin, who recaptured Palestine from European crusaders.

“And so it’s very clear for us Muslims, either we are with the mujahedeen or we are with crusading, losing Christians,” Shahzad said. “There is no in between. Blessed be the immigrants and the leader Sheikh Osama Bin Laden, who will be known as no less than Saladin of the 21st century crusade, and blessed be those who give him asylum.”

Business Week Article

The U.S. v Shahzad court case is a wealth of information about the terrorist and this operation.First of all, Shahzad has a master's degree in business and worked as an accountant. He has a wife and two children, who are now living in Pakistan. He became a naturalized citizen last year.

With respect to his training in Pakistan with TTP, he stated they taught him:

"The whole thing; how to make a bomb, how to detonate a bomb, how to put a fuse, how many different types of bombs you can make."

Shahzad talks about how he went to Pakistan with the intention of joining the Taliban:

Well, there are two Talibans; one is Taliban Afghanistan, the other is Taliban Pakistan. And I went to join the Taliban Pakistan. THE COURT: I see. Has that always been there? THE DEFENDANT: It recently -- they -- the organization was made -- was made like six years ago when the first time the Pakistan took a U-turn on the Taliban Afghanistan, and obviously the tribal area in Pakistan is the -- was the harboring for the mujahideen fighting in Afghanistan. So the Pakistan took a U-turn and they became allied with US and they went against the Taliban and start fighting and killing them. So during that time, the Afghan Taliban made a group to encounter the Pakistan government forces, and that's when Taliban Pakistan came into being. Six years ago, maybe.

Regarding the funds needed for the operation:

I was there for 40 days. I got the training, five days. And I asked them for some cash 'cause I only had -- my cash was like 4,500 that I had with me when I was leaving, and I asked for some more cash because I had to do the whole operation here, so they gave me initially 4,900 something. So I came back with 8,000 something in cash, US, with 4,500 my cash and 4,000 their cash. And when I came back on February 2nd, I started -- started planning on the plan. So I started looking for a place first to rent and slowly got together what I think could make a bomb. During that time -- it took me from February up to end of April to do all that, find a place. I also required some more cash and I requested that from the Taliban, and they sent it to me, twice, once in March and the other time in end of April. So I got the cash, I worked on it, I made the bomb in a car, and I drove it to Times Square.

The cash transfers from TTP in Pakistan to Shahzad in the U.S. obviously happened off the radar and were below the reportable threshhold.

From the case files we also learn that Shahzad transported a loaded 9 mm Kel-Tec SUB 2000 semi-automatic carbine through Grand Central Station and then on a train from New York city to his home in Connecticut the evening of the failed bombing.

It is hard to feel happy about the successful prosecution of this case. We must remember that this operation was nearly successful, in which case Shahzad may have escaped and moved to operation #2, where he was planning to set off another bomb either at the Boeing Plant in Connecticut or again in NYC. We've had many successes in the last year disrupting cells and plots, but the Christmas Day bomber and Shahzad got way to close for comfort.

Thankfully, Shahzad will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Others, like the Lackawanna 6 will soon be out of jail and back in society. Not every U.S. citizen-turned-jihadist will spend their life in jail, so we must make a plan now for their rehabilitation and release back to society. A program similar to the Saudi effort is needed in our country and time is of the essence.

Revisting the Lessons Learned from Mumbai

2010-10-03T13:07:00.004-04:00

Recently, State Department officials alerted U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe. See the official release here:
State Dept Warning

This threat has been in the making for several months. Last December, I wrote about chatter on a jihadist website that was intercepted by intelligence analysts in the UK, who believed an attack was being planned for late 2010:

In an online discussion, one contributor suggested fighters could use automatic weapons to strike places such as nightclubs, sporting venues and Jewish centers. Another contributor invited suggestions for carrying out “guerrilla warfare” and proposed “a group of mujaheddin raid police stations and fire at them”. Another said: “Make sure that all those at the location are of age, that there are no children and so on. Insist on the locations and times where no Muslims or children are to be expected. “If machine guns are available, and explosive and expertise for [explosives] are not available, this is a good way ... The [Mumbai] operation is the ideal scenario for operations you are talking about.” A third contributor said targets should be “chosen in a studied manner”. He added: “In general, targeting economic joints and intelligence centres if possible has priority over police stations.”

In recent weeks, intelligence operatives in Pakistan became aware of planning for Mumbai-style attacks in Europe. Counterterrorism officials in the UK, France and Germany have been on high alert. The Eiffel Tower was closed several times due to suspicious packages and/or people. German officials have posted snipers at official events.

This is a good time to revisit lessons learned from Mumbai. On November 26, 2008, a small group of heavily armed men from the radical Islamist group Lashkar-e-Toiba, headquartered in Pakistan, attacked hotels, cafes, hospitals and train stations. At least 172 people were killed and the event brought the city to its knees. Many valuable lessons were learned from the event:

#1 - The terrorists accomplished significant pre-planning, including surveillance of the targets. They had hotel diagrams and were able to navigate emergency exits and back doors. In fact, the planning for the Mumbai attacks may have started a year or more before the actual event. This surveillance was not detected.

#2 - The terrorists entered the city by sea - they hijacked a fishing vessel, killed the crew, kept the captain alive long enough for him to navigate the ship into the harbor, then beheaded him. The terrorists then boarded two prepositioned inflatable boats and entered the city at two different points. A maritime assault was not anticipated. Most of our major cities have waterways, as do large cities in Europe.

#3 - Heavy resources were moved to the terrorists before the attack - money wired in by several people to different places, allowing for purchase of weapons and bomb building material. "Financial forensics" and stricter monetary transaction laws may have prevented this attack.

#4 - The terrorists were heavily armed. Weapons and ammo was preplaced in the hotels. The amount of firepower brought to this fight enabled the terrorists to dig in for 3 days.

#5 - The simultaneous, multiple attacks, by small fire teams of 2-4 men, were spread throughout the city and confused and overwhelmed law enforcement. The attacks were sequential, again, showing extensive planning. Law enforcement must train for simultaneous terrorist attacks that may overwhelm their communications networks.

#6 - The terrorists' purpose: to kill as many people as possible by hitting soft targets. We typically harden targets like headquarters buildings. All targets are on the table for this enemy: churches, schools, buses, hospitals. We must harden these soft targets in anticipation of attack.

#7 - The use of blackberries and encrypted satellite phones allowed for constant communication between the terrorists during the attack, as well as with their "handlers" in Pakistan. After hijacking the boat they used to approach the city, terrorists called their leaders for advice on how to kill the ship's captain. The handlers told them to slit his throat, and they did while on the phone call. Audio of the event was introduced as evidence in the trial of the lone surviving terrorist. This real time interaction between the operatives and their base increased the effectiveness of the attack. Knowing how to target, intercept, manipulate or kill the comm of the enemy is critical. Underestimating their sophistication is a mistake and creates blindspots in our planning and counterattacks.

#8 - Mumbai proved that use of WMD is not necessary to incite mass panic, confusion and fear. A small, heavily armed, well financed and trained group that is willing to die for their cause can inflict great damage.

If you want to further research the Mumbai terrorist attack, here are two great sources:

http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/2009/RAND_OP249.pdf
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HomelandSecurity/bg2219.cfm

Al Qaeda has splintered into dangerous subgroups and cells. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is growing in strength and resources and presents the greatest threat. AQAP has already attempted several attacks in the U.S., thankfully all were thwarted or failed in execution. The Pakistani Taliban was behind the failed Times Square attack in April and continues to plan operations to hit us at home, thus their recent designation by the State Department.

The bottom line is the enemy is patient and planning. We must fight complacency as time elapses between successful or attempted attacks. Our planning must be "active" and flexible to incorporate and mirror any subtle shifts in their tactics. We need the flexibility to redirect resources as needed to address and neutralize the threat. Understanding the command and control of a situation like Mumbai, if it happened in one of our major cities, is critical.

There is no need to panic or overreact at home or in Europe. The threat of terrorism is now part of our daily lives, and similar to other countries that have been battling separatist or religious terror for decades, our citizens must go about their daily business. They just need to be educated on the threat and reminded to stay vigilant.

RIRA Targeting Barclay's Banks in UK

2010-09-18T19:09:00.002-04:00

A masked member of the Real IRA at a Republican Easter commemoration ceremony at Creggan cemetery in Londonderry. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The Northern Irish militant group Real I.R.A., an offshoot of the Irish Republican Army, blames banks in the UK for the current financial crisis and is threatening to target bankers. They are specifically targeting Barclays' Banks in the UK.

As I stated in my 23 Feb blog, the IRA threat is at its highest level now since 1998. When a 250 pound bomb exploded in front of a court house in Newry, Northern Ireland in February, it was reminiscent of a period known as "The Troubles" when IRA bombings were a regular occurrence in the UK. Police received a message from the bombers and were able to clear the area just minutes before the device went off.

Takeaways from the February bombing:

- Officials in Ireland knew that due to the sophistication of the bomb and other data not released to the public that the CIRA and RIRA are now sharing tactics and have "crossfertilized".

- Police were told the bomb was set to go off in 30 minutes, the actual explosion was 17 minutes after the call. Whether this was an attempt to also target first responders is unknown, but worthy of noting.

- This is the first large car bomb attack since the deadly Omagh attack in 1998 and the bombing of a police station in 2000.

- Other smaller attacks are taking place across Northern Ireland, including a live mortar left outside of a police station, and a car bomb that killed a police officer. The attacks are widespread and persistent.

Why should we care about the increased terrorist activity in Ireland?

- It is a major thoroughfare for aircraft and cargo headed in and out of Afghanistan and Iraq

- It is a major tourist area for American citizens and a stopover for U.S. cruise lines

- The IRA and FARC have a relationship that dates back to the late 1990s when they shared bomb building techniques. The relationship was brokered by Spain's ethno-separatist group, ETA. 3 IRA members were arrest in Colombia, traveling on falsified passports and with traces of explosives on their clothing.

- The IRA has also been linked to HAMAS and Hezbollah

- Al Qaeda is active in England, the groups are operating in the same "space"

Unfortunately, with countries hyperfocusing on al Qaeda, some terrorist groups like the I.R.A. have regrouped, recruited and grown in strength. Interestingly, I had more than 50 hits on my February blog from IRA sympathizers and those looking for information on how to join the group.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2010/sep/15/real-ira-threat-bankers

First U.S.-led Attack on Pirated Ship a Success

2010-09-09T12:35:00.002-04:00

Somali Pirates

U.S. forces have been involved in hostilities against pirates in the Gulf before. Last year, Navy SEAL snipers killed pirates trying to escape in a small craft and rescued their hostage, a U.S. citizen and the captain of the hijacked ship. Today signaled a new chapter in this fight - U.S. Marines boarded a German ship in the Gulf of Aden and quickly seized control from Somali pirates. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit apparently met little resistance and no shots were fired as the pirates surrendered. The ship was located 85 miles southeast of Yemen and was filled with chains. It's important to note that the cargo of a targeted ship is no concern to pirates - this is a purely ransom raising operation, at least for now.

Although officials were quick to point out the boarding operation was not signaling a change in the U.S operations in the Gulf, hopefully it will serve as a deterrent for the Somali pirates. There are 5 separate pirating groups in the region with over 1,000 actors, primarily consisting of fisherman. As their fishing livelihood in the Gulf was affected by increased pollution from passing ships, fisherman started the pirate trade as way to lash out against foreign ships and to raise capital. They were soon joined by ex-militiamen who were previously employed by clan warlords. They recruited some technical specialists for communications and GPS support. Several countries have paid high ransom for the return of their ship, including Saudi Arabia which reportedly shelled out $20 million in March for the return of an oil tanker and crew.

The people of Somalia aren't necessarily against the pirating, as the money is an influx into their weak local economies. Business is booming - since January, pirates successfully boarded 33 ships with several events terminated by the host country paying ransom, others in gun battles with U.S. and other warships in the region. Ship have been sunk, pirates killed, hostages rescued. It is an active, ongoing operation - and it is driving shipping costs up in the region and affecting charitable activities such as the U.N.'s World Food program - over 90% of their ships have to traverse the dangerous region and do so with heavy escort.

Until now, the pirate attacks are centered around ransom. However, some reports have the terrorist group al Shabaab (a al Qaeda affiliate) exacting profits from this activity. If countries pay ransom to the pirates, they should know that a portion of the money could very well be going towards the funding of al Qaeda attacks against the United States. Al Shabaab has already tried to strike in our borders and is actively recruiting Americans through the use of You Tube and Facebook

These hijackings could move to a deadlier realm. A large ship, at full speed, could do an incredible amount of damage to important ports in the region. The jury is out as to whether an oil tanker, rigged with explosives, would explode if used as a incendiary device in a port, but perhaps it is possible. As always, we can't just focus on how the bad guys are operating today - we need to think asymmetrically and get on the offensive in order to prevent future, perhaps catastrophic attacks.

"My Trip to al Qaeda" Provides Insight on Group, Radicalization Process

2010-09-08T08:56:00.000-04:00

Last evening, HBO aired a fascinating documentary entitled "My Trip to al Qaeda" with Lawrence Wright, author of The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 Mr. Wright had access to many sources in and around the group, interviewing over 600 people who helped him understand the roots of radicalization and why al Qaeda materialized and took hold.

The Looming Tower is a MUST READ -- written extraordinarily well, informative and interesting, I couldn't put it down. Mr. Wright received the Pulitzer Prize for the book, a testament to his writing prowess and astute coverage of the subject matter.

Here is a link to the HBO program info:
HBO Documentary

I heard an interview with Mr. Wright yesterday on National Public Radio's Fresh Air program - here is the link to the story and audio:
NPR Program

This is a fascinating look inside al Qaeda and provides great insight into the mind of the Jihadist.

State Department Designates Pakistani Taliban

2010-09-04T22:04:00.004-04:00


Baitullah Mehsud, leader of the Pakistani Taliban (left) and Dr. Hammam Khalid al-Balawi, suicide bomber who attacked CIA camp in Khost, right.

The State Department has officially classified Tehreek-e-Taliban – better known as the Pakistani Taliban or TTP – as a foreign terrorist organization. The new designation will enable the State and Justice departments to freeze the group’s financial holdings, criminalizes funding or supporting the group, and bars any known members from entering the U.S. This brings the number of designated terrorist groups to 47.

TTP was behind the failed Times Square Bombing, and according to Dan Benjamin, CT guru at State, the TTP and Al Qaeda have a symbiotic relationship. "TTP draws ideological guidance from Al Qaeda while Al Qaeda relies on the TTP for safe haven in the Pashtun areas along the Afghan-Pakistani border.
"This mutual cooperation gives TTP access to both Al Qaeda's global terrorist network and the operational experience of its members. Given the proximity of the two groups and the nature of their relationship, TTP is a force multiplier for Al Qaeda."

Please see my previous blog about the designation process and how this opens the door for further engagement. May 4th Blog - Designating the Taliban

TTP leader Baitullah Mehsud was thought killed in a drone attack back in January, but he resurfaced in May. There is a $5M reward for information leading to his capture through the State Dept's rewards for Justice program.

Mehsud was connected to suicide bomber al-Balawi who killed CIA agents and security personnel in Khost, Afghanistan, last December. Here is a YouTube video of the two men, with the al-Balawi speaking in English about how he left his family to kill Americans in the forthcoming attack. Video of Mehsud and al-Balawi
As al-Balawi talks about the U.S. government offering him money to spy against the Taliban, this video reminds us of the multiple intelligence failures that led to the unfortunate event in Khost. It is stunning these men were together multiple times prior to the bombing and made/distributed this video with neither U.S. or Jordanian intelligence aware.

The designation of the Pakistani Taliban is a step in the right direction, as the group is clearly a threat not only to coalition forces in the Middle East, but has proven the reach and desire to strike us here at home.

Al Qaeda Paid Ransom Again, Kidnapping Business is Thriving/Growing

2010-08-30T12:45:00.004-04:00

AQIM Flag: Globe set against a black background. AK-47 rifle and a black flag rise from the globe. Gray lettering below the globe: “In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” Yellow lettering at the bottom is the name of the group.

Spain recently welcomed home two citizens/aid workers kidnapped in Mauritania and held for 9 months in northern Mali by AQIM. Reportedly, Spain paid almost $5 million for their release, one of a string of countries paying ransom for the return of its kidnapped citizens. I'll explore the wisdom of this practice later, but first, some history on AQIM...

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) formed in 2006, but has a long, violent past:

- AQIM evolved from the Algerian militant group, the Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC)
-- GSPC formed in 1998 from the powerful and extremely violent Groupe Islamique Armée (GIA)
-- The GIA grew out of a 1992 decision by Algeria's military government to cancel an election after realizing that a moderate, mainstream Muslim party, the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), was headed for victory
-- GIA was best known for its brutal massacres of thousands of Algerian civilians in the 1990s

In September 2006, the GSPC officially joined forces with Al Qaeda, which terrorist leader Ayman al-Zawahiri called a “blessed union". AQIM named France and the U.S. as their enemies, and announced the goal to turn Algeria in a caliphate, or Islamic ruled state.

With al Qaeda's money, resources and training, AQIM quickly expanded its operations beyond Algeria and is now a formidable force in Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Senegal, and Nigeria. They attempted to kill Algeria's president in 2007 with a car bomb - he lived, but 22 died and 107 were injured in the blast. Modus operandi includes car bombs, attacks against civilians and kidnapping/ransom schemes. AQIM reportedly sent trained combat personnel to Iraq to assist al Qaeda elements in the country fighting coalition forces. The June 4, 2008 document entitled "Here We Come, O' Sister" , issued in response to the beating of a Muslim woman in Morocco by an "apostate", provides insight into the group's ideology.

Regarding the radical Islamist ideology and kidnapping for ransom - according to a Muslim reporter at the Money Jihad website:

It must be recognized that the central role of ransoms in jihadist finance would not be possible without the Koran’s express authorization of the taking of ransoms.

Here is the specific verse:

"Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost." Quran - 047.004

Fueled by these words and repeated success extorting large sums of money from governments, kidnappings by AQIM are on the rise. Tens of millions of dollars have been reportedly secured in the last 2 years from Austria, Canada, Switzerland, Germany and the UK. In recent days, reports from Mali indicate strikes against AQIM camps by a joint force of French and Mauritanians. Mali seems to be the "softest" when dealing with AQIM, as a result, it is becoming their home base.

It is only a matter of time before a U.S. citizen is kidnapped in one of the African countries where AQIM roams freely. Will our government's position of not negotiating with terrorists and terrorist groups stand firm? Should it be up to each country how to respond, or should we have a blanket policy or rule set among UN (or at least NATO countries) on how we will deal with a terrorist-led kidnapping situation in terms of paying ransom?

These are financial attacks and county options will not work. AQIM's coffers are now full and the money will surely lead to a strengthening of the group and increased sophistication in weaponry, training and communication methods. Diplomatic pressure on the countries harboring this group will only go so far - the ransom paying needs to end and citizens warned that if they venture into these areas, despite their overwhelmingly honorable work and intentions, their government will not come to their rescue if captured. To win the war against extremism and terror, we must cut off financial pipelines and a concerted international effort is mandatory.

A New Endeavor

2010-08-28T22:47:00.003-04:00

I apologize for my sporadic blog posts, but it has been a very busy couple of weeks! In addition to my ongoing teaching, lecturing and writing efforts, I am now a student in the doctoral program of Higher Education & Organizational Change at Benedictine University, Illinois. This is an innovative "hybrid" program that combines online education, in residence lectures, an internship and of course, a dissertation!

Benedictine is a private university built in 1887 and their mission is to...."Prepare our students for a lifetime as active, informed and responsible citizens and leaders in the world community" - outstanding! Plus the university mascot is a bald eagle, so how could I resist?!

I would like to publicly thank Leslie Benzion for her assistance - I had just 2 weeks to pull the lengthy application package together, while on the road in 3 different states. Without Leslie's encouragement, I would certainly not be a part of this innovative program -- which is only a year old and highly sought after.

I hope to focus my research on 1) military veterans returning from/impacted by their service in combat zones - their unique needs and how the higher education community can best support, and 2) how to use emerging methods/technologies to support cutting edge training for the CT, CI and LE communities.

Yes, more work, less sleep -- but this is all truly a labor of love. It is an honor to support our unsung heroes on the front lines (the battlefield and our communities) who do the heavy lifting to keep us safe and secure.

DHS Announces New Initiatives to Counter Violent Extremism in Communities

2010-08-21T11:46:00.002-04:00

Six months ago, the Homeland Security Advisory Council’s (HSAC) “Countering Violent Extremism” Working Group--comprised of chiefs of police, sheriffs, community leaders and homeland security experts--made a series of recommendations to the DHS leadership.

HSAC Recommendations

The overarching goal was to incorporate efforts to counter violent extremism into pre-existing, community-oriented violent crime reduction efforts.

There were many great ideas in this report aimed at increasing public awareness of the threat:

- Develop case studies on recent events (Zazi, Ft Hood, Jihad Jane, etc) and use them to train local law enforcement
- Create public service ads to educate public on the threat and how to recognize characteristics of dangerous behavior
- Share threat info and assist with better security practices for faith-based communities
- Create a web sites for parents, caregivers, educators on human trafficking, hate crimes and predators.
- Develop a comment lexicon and definitions for "radicalization", "extremism", etc
- More focus on community-oriented policing

Six months later, DHS released the follow on guidance: Next Steps: Supporting Community-Based Efforts to Reduce Violent Crime (dated August 2, 2010) DHS Fact Sheet
- DHS is developing standardized curriculum for state and local LE
- Will host regional summits to discuss best practices
- More focus on educating the community on recognizing threats and how to report (expand the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign)
- More partnering with communities and sharing threat info

In my opinion, these efforts are late to need, but critical now that more Americans are answering the call to jihad.

I am hopeful this program will better educate our citizens on the threat--and make them force-multipliers for resource constrained law enforcement agencies.

Taliban Murder of 10 Aid Workers Should Be A Wake Up Call

2010-08-09T13:25:00.009-04:00

The 10 medical aid workers killed by the Taliban were on a trek through Northern Afghanistan to provide eye care to poor, remote villagers. The group was sponsored by the International Assistance Mission, a Christian non profit organization that does not proselytize. IAM operated in the country for over 40 years without incident. This particular group turned down Afghani security escorts because they'd moved around the country without problems, and a false sense of security and resulting complacency had set it. Sadly, these wonderfully talented and idealistic people were lined up and executed by the Taliban, which used AK 47s to carry out their "sentence" - carrying a bible apparently equates to being a spy. Their final moments must have been terrifying, although as people of great faith, I hope they found solace and realized their lives had so much purpose and good.

Americans were outraged by the news, and rightly so. The barbarity of this crime is upsetting and is truly indicative of the ruthlessness of our enemy. However, the shock that defenseless, unarmed medical personnel were targeted is worrisome. It tells me our country isn't mentally prepared for asymmetric warfare. That our citizens believe everyone adheres to the Geneva Convention. That we would never purposely target certain buildings or people, so why would they?

Bottom line - For the radical Islamist jihadists who have put our country in their crosshairs everything is on the table as a target. For instance:

- Your church on Sunday morning when it is packed with thousands of people.
- The Kennedy Center, any Broadway theater in New York City, a sold out concert or sporting event you are attending.
- Your hospital --especially after the first enemy attack, when it is full of patients and first responders.
- Your child's school.
- Your child's daycare center.

Unwilling participants that could be used in a suicide bombing include:
- The elderly
- The disabled
- A young child

Looking at terrorist events around our world in the last few years - we've already seen terrorist attacks at all of the above venues and the use of elderly, disabled and children as both suicide bombers and human shields.

We absolutely must secure, harden and protect transportation nodes, utilities and key installations and buildings. But we have to do a better job thinking like the enemy and protecting ourselves. Our flank is exposed - do you agree?

Terrorism is a grand marketing campaign and a major product is fear. What strikes more strongly at the hearts of Americans? A train explosion? Times Square bombing? Or a terrorist attack a school where the bad guys take 1,100 hostages, including over 700 children. An hold them for days, forcing a bloody confrontation and show down with law enforcement that results in the deaths of the children they were trying to save. I strongly recommend everyone read the book Terror at Beslan: A Russian Tragedy with Lessons for America's Schools for an inside look at a terrorist operation that could easily take place in any of our schools.

Our country is not somehow immune to asymmetric attacks. It doesn't just happen "somewhere on the other side of the world." It is coming to your community, and now is the time to prepare.

State Department Issues 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism

2010-08-06T23:35:00.000-04:00

This annual document is a "must read" for anyone in the CI, CT and LE fields as it provides in depth analysis of nation states and their associated threats, discusses terrorist safe havens and reviews the 44 officially designated terrorist organizations.

Country Reports on Terrorism

The Foreword was written by Dan Benjamin, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at State, former director for transnational threats on the National Security Council (1994-1999) and author of The Age of Sacred Terror: Radical Islam's War Against America. I highly recommend his book, which is a detailed, but extremely "readable" account of the history of al Qaeda from its very beginnings through the 9/11 event. Mr. Benjamin was a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies during my 2003-2004 fellowship year. I was fortunate to attend lunch roundtable sessions and other events where he gave his inside accounting of the rise of al Qaeda and how many sounded the alarm before 9/11, but were ignored.

Mr. Benjamin's foreword sets the stage for the document with a few key points:

- Transnational terrorism remains the foremost security threat the United States faces
- The administration is formulating policies that seek to shape and constrain the environments where terrorists operate
-- Central to this approach is taking steps to undermine the appeal of al-Qa’ida’s world view and to isolate violent extremists
- Our actions are guided by a recognition of the phenomenon of radicalization and the need to prevent more people from committing themselves to violence
- In every country where extremism has taken root, three questions guide our approach: Are our actions going to result in the creation of more terrorists? What can we do to shrink the potential pool of recruits? And what is necessary to minimize the near term as well as the long term threat to the United States?
- The administration is looking to address the “upstream” factors of radicalization. We are working to confront the political, social, and economic conditions that our enemies exploit to win over recruits and funders.

I believe that if we truly want to understand, address and counter jihadist recruiting and radicalization, we need to harness the "soft sciences" -- and these efforts are long overdue. Theology, sociology, history, economics, geography, demographics and psychology all play a role in this fight, one which simply can not be won on the battlefield with firepower.

Complicating our understanding of radicalization issues: we have not only the despondent populace in declining countries joining the fight, but U.S. citizens willing to leave their homes, families and jobs to take up arms abroad and fight coalition forces. Even more worrisome is the latest group of Americans-turned-jihadists which sought to commit violent acts here at home.

I feel the threat of domestic radicalization should be our primary focus, and the administration must address the political, social, and economic conditions that our enemies exploit to win over recruits and funders here at home, not just in foreign lands. A little introspection is needed at this point.

Few would argue that the call to jihad is powerful. This video, produced by an American to recruit Americans for al Shabaab, perfectly illustrates how terrorists will use pop culture to reach out to our youth. U.S. citizen Omar Hammami left the United States for Somalia in 2006 and is now known as Abu Mansour al Amriki and he joined with several other Shabaab members to create this recruitment video. I think you will agree the music is almost mesmerizing and the message clear and compelling. As we continue to study how the jihad switch gets turned from "off" to "on" in the human brain, these videos provide insight into how the enemy is tapping into certain messages and themes to persuade and encode.

al Shabaab Recruitment Video

Clearly an "upstream factor" for radicalization not covered in the Foreword is the Internet and cyberspace in general, which lacks any international laws, protocols or a governing body to enforce them. The terrorists are expert marketers, and we should never underestimate their savvy or technical expertise. I've watched the al Shabaab recruitment video bounce around You Tube between "channels" owned by radical organizations. As it is pulled it from one channel, another one publishes it. Certainly, policing cyberspace to counteract recruitment, radicalization and fund raising efforts is necessary, as is addressing all of the other factors.

I will continue to provide analysis of the State Department's document in the coming weeks. Next up: a strategic assessment of the state of al Qaeda - its shifting base and newest franchises. Or how the military tenet of decimation won't work against this enemy.

Heila al Qusayyer: The "First Lady of al Qaeda"

2010-07-03T00:40:00.003-04:00

Saudi authorities have detained Heila al Qusayyer, who was running a cell of 60 al Qaeda militants and was the principle fundraiser for al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Qusayyer is labeled the "First Lady of al Qaeda" in today's newspapers abroad.

According to the British newspaper the Telegraph: "Authorities in Saudi Arabia believe her (Qusayyer's) capture signals a need to rethink counter-terrorism strategy and pay more attention to the activities and recruitment of female operatives. "The story of this woman, who was involved in collecting money, with that money finding its way to al-Qaeda, has been like an alarm call to us," General Mansur al Turki, of the Saudi interior ministry, told The (London) Daily Telegraph."

Although very few al Qaeda operatives arrested or sought have been women, the group clearly invited them to join the fight early on. This is an excerpt from The Al-Qaeda Training Manual, which was discovered in a house in England and introduced as evidence in a 2001 embassy bombing trial.
_________________________________________________
Pledge,O Sister

To the sister believer whose clothes the criminals have stripped off.

To the sister believer whose hair the oppressors have shaved.

To the sister believer who's body has been abused by the human dogs.

To the sister believer whose...

Pledge, O Sister

Covenant, O Sister...to make their women widows and their children orphans.

Covenant, O Sister...to make them desire death and hate appointments and prestige.

Covenant, O Sister... to slaughter them like lambs and let the Nile, al-Asi, and Euphrates rivers flow with their blood.

Covenant, O Sister... to be a pick of destruction for every godless and apostate regime.

Covenant, O Sister... to retaliate for you against every dog who touch you even with a bad word.

The subject of female al Qaeda operatives was also in the headlines last year with the capture of Aafia Siddiqui. An MIT and Brandeis-educated neuroscientist born in Pakistan, Siddiqui was the subject of a 5 year manhunt. When apprehended in Afghanistan, she had documents relating to ebola, dirty bombs and chemical weapons in her possession. During an FBI interview, she grabbed a military weapon and tried to shoot the agents.They returned fire and she was injured, but survived. She was convicted and is awaiting her sentencing hearing in August; she faces multiple punishments that could easily add up to life in prison.

Comments on Anarchist Piece

2010-07-02T19:47:00.010-04:00

Readers: unfortunately, I've had to turn the comments section off on my anarchist blog posting. At first, I received some very insightful and thoughtful comments, which I will re-post below. Then some readers spewed hateful language, and this is not their forum, it is mine, and meant to educate and enlighten.

"Brad" (from the C4SS site) and I had a nice dialogue going. He first noted that "Anarchists have diverse opinions and approaches that they take" which is something to consider. So here are excerpts from our discussion:

Jenni: I do not support the willful lawbreaking and violent acts perpetrated by the anarchists.

Brad: Right. I get that. As I noted above, anarchists don't even always agree with other anarchists. The Black Bloc are simply highly visible in the media environment -- but they're only the tip of the iceberg, most of which is below the waterline. With regard to my own views, depending on the particular acts in question I might 1] support those actions, 2] criticize them as strategically flawed but ethically acceptable or 3] condemn them as ethically wrong or inherently criminal. I don't even always agree with the writers I work with at C4SS. For example, I would have taken a slightly more critical view of the Black Bloc than the writer of this piece we published did.

That said, these kids aren't out there sniping from rooftops or placing IEDs, and it's not as if those options are out of reach. Most of them are quite concerned about the ethical considerations regarding their acts. While I view them as mistaken in some cases, there are compelling reasons to say that they were exercising a greater degree of forebearance than the police were.

Apart from complete pacifists, most people recognize that violence is acceptable in self-defense. It's also rather common to view violence as justifiable in defense of other people suffering unjust attacks. Many extend that view to include defense of property and I'm among them (although I have views of what constitutes a legitimate property claim that don't always agree with the view held by the existing legal system).

Since anarchists view any government as institutionalized violence with no coherent justification, engaged in both ongoing unjustified acts of direct violence and fundamentally criminal coercion, a limited degree of violence in resistance to it is not ethically problematic. My own view is that it's usually a poor strategy, but those who disagree with me would argue that the deck is so stacked against us that we have to accept the condemnation arising from that as the price to be paid in order to reach others with the message that resistance to unjust authority is even possible.

I should add that many anarchists don't consider property destruction "violence", for that matter, because they are opposed to property as a concept. I disagree with them, but their acts may be ethically justifiable from my point of view in cases where the particular property in question was not legitimately obtained.

Jenni: We have laws to keep order in the community. How would you feel if a group that hated you (and there is one that certainly does - a hate group for every race, religion, and sexual preference) came to your home town and wreaked havoc? What if your family member owned a business and their storefront was shattered by that group? Would you then expect that law enforcement should have protected you/them? Or would their violent protest be ok with you?

Brad: The particular vision of a stateless society I advocate is of a lawful society. Like most other anarchists, I consider government itself a criminal gang in terms of inherent human rights determining which acts are "lawful" and which aren't. In this view, taxation is theft, most wars are mass murder, arrest for a victimless crime is kidnapping and so forth.

Now, at this point you're undoubtedly confused because most people don't draw a distinction between law and government. You're undoubtedly wondering how that could be accomplished. My own answer can be summarized as being through consensual mechanisms such as contracts and neutral third-party arbitration of disputes. I can recommend any number of resources on this topic and am about to start teaching an online class in it in a few days.

Reader "b-psycho" had an interesting point: Just because someone is smashing stuff at a protest that has anarchists at it doesn't mean they're an anarchist. They could just be shallow nihilists that think smashing stuff is cool. There's a difference.

Finally, from reader "lounge daddy": There are many many anarchists who arrived at their political ideology primarily because of a strong aversion to violence. (Think Dorothy Day.) They look at people who smash things and act out the same way that pro-life folks look at someone who would bomb an abortion clinic in the name of life.

Bottom line: With any dialogue, we listen to each other and try to learn. We may not agree, or even "agree to disagree", but dialectic thinking requires pushing out of your comfort zone and acknowledging other points of views. It may be painful and make you angry. You may completely disagree. But understanding opposing points of view is absolutely critical when you develop any plan of action, or else it won't be nearly as effective.

This is what makes our country great - freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom to debate openly in a forum like this!

On this National Holiday, Independence Day, we need to remember all of those who have worn the uniform to defend the freedoms we enjoy in this great country of OURS.

Anarchists Storm the G-20 Summit: 900 Arrested

2010-07-01T11:38:00.007-04:00

Canada spent $900 million to secure Toronto for the G-20 summit, but it wasn't enough to keep anarchists from wreaking havoc on the streets - burning police cars, smashing store front windows and terrorizing citizens. And those arrested weren't just Canadians - appears anarchists from other countries traveled to the site to participate in the violence.

Anarchists were also present last year in Pittsburgh, but were mostly peaceful demonstrations. Here is the website of the Pittsburgh group if you want to take a look: http://www.organizepittsburgh.org/

Definition of anarchism: a political philosophy which considers the state undesirable, unnecessary and harmful, and instead promotes a stateless society, or anarchy. Per DHS, it is an individual who is furthering their political and/or social goals (including but not limited to anticapitalist, antiglobalization, communist, or socialist philosophies) through force or violence and violation of law. There are branches of the movement with specific agendas like Left, Green, Freemarket and People of Color.

There are several take aways from recent anarchist demonstrations:

- The use of Twitter to communicate. Here are a few of the anarchist twitter sites (not very cleverly disguised): http://twitter.com/AnarchistNews and http://twitter.com/ANARCHISTS.
Using Twitter, the group leaders give direction about where to rally, what to wear, etc. Twitter allows for instant mass communication - giving the group the edge over LE, which doesn't know whether to expect 100 people or 900 to show, as did in the Canadian protest.

- The use of websites to communicate. http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/11623 is currenltl discussing how the anarchists should prepare for a potential rally in San Francisco. The title post 6 hours ago: "To everyone coming out to 14th and Broadway on Verdict Day" - this is regarding the case of a police officer who shot and killed Oscar Grant in Oakland, CA on New Years Day, 2009. The police officer is currently on trial and a verdict is expected at any time.

An excerpt from this morning's article:

"Some of us will be with you at 14th and Broadway on the day of the verdict. We know that the pigs will be looking to cause trouble, but we're not going to give them an excuse. We want everyone in Oakland to come out to 14th and Broadway. We'll leave it to the will of the people assembled to decide what goes down there. Also, we just heard that Alameda County dropped at least $675,000 on an LRAD 300X sonic weapon system, so bring earplugs."

- The continued use of the black bloc technique which originated in German riots in the 1970s. The group wears black hoods, balaclavas, helmets, etc as a show of solidarity and as disguise. After the violent acts are perpetrated, the clothing can be stripped off so the anarchist will blend in with other citizens and escape.

- The establishment of a "think tank: - The Center for a Stateless Society. CSS has a staff, an advisory panel and a way to collect donations. There is also an in depth 106 question quiz that identifies your "philosophy".
The articles are very well written and academic in nature. The lesson here: do not underestimate the intellectual wattage of some group members. http://c4ss.org/content/3059

Bottom line: the Anarchist movement is very well organized, is leveraging technology to communicate, engaging in deep thinking on the subject, and is willing to "act out" for their causes and step up to law enforcement (which they disdain).

5 Americans in Pakistan Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail

2010-06-27T09:52:00.004-04:00

The 5 American citizens from the Washington, D.C. area who traveled to Pakistan to join radical Islamists in their quest for jihad were convicted Thursday on charges of plotting terrorist attacks on Pakistan soil. They were sentenced to 10 years in prison. The men, aged 19-25, left behind a farewell video for their families in December when they departed the U.S.

They turned up in Punjab at the home of an activist with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM or “the army of Mohammed”) a group linked to al Qaeda that seeks the transfer of Kashmir from India to Pakistan. The organization is banned by the Pakistani government, and is on our Foreign Terrorist Organization list. The men also met with members of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), which was responsible for the Mumbai attacks. Money changed hands at these meetings, adding material support of terrorist groups to the charge list.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1) Six American men were initially detained. The men are Ramy Zamzam, Waqar Hussain Khan, Aman Yamar, Ahmad Abdul Minni, and Umer Farooq and his father, Khalid Farooq. Khalid Farooq owns a computer business in Virginia and traveled regularly between the U.S. and Pakistan. There are also reports that Mrs. Farooq was at the house, as well, but not detained. The father, Khalid Farooq, was not convicted.

2) A source close to the investigation has told Newsweek that at least one of the men, Ramy Zamzam, a 22 year old medical student at Howard University, may have worshiped at the Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque. See my previous blog for the details on this Falls Church, VA mosque which hosted Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter, and 3 of the 9/11 hijackers. Zamzam was the leader of the group.

2) The men told investigators they planned to cross the Pakistan border and join the fight in Afghanistan against coalition forces. They later changed their story to that of a humanitarian mission, to aid the orphaned and the homeless.

3) The men used Facebook and You Tube to reach out to radical Islamist groups prior to arriving in Pakistan.

4) Maps were found on the their computers showing detailed knowledge of the location of radical terrorist cells in the area.

5) The video they left behind for family member contains statements from the men about their intentions to fight, and pictures of American casualties.

6) One of the men, Khan, has a criminal record for embezzlement.

7) Pakistani authorities alleged that the group had clear targets in mind in Pakistan, including an air force base in the western city of Mianwali and a nuclear power plant in Chashma, also in western Punjab province.

Lawyers are filing appeals based on the lack of date time stamps on e-mail correspondence used in the case by the prosecution, and alleged torture used to extract confessions.

The U.S. never asked for extradition, sending a strong signal to other Americans who might contemplate traveling overseas to carry out terrorist acts: they will be subjected to the host country's brand of justice.

Boston,com article
Dallas News Article
AP article

FBI Details 50 Agents to Work Intellectual Property Crime Issues

2010-06-23T19:28:00.004-04:00

An announcement today of a government-wide strategy to address intellectual property crime, including piracy and counterfeit goods includes the addition of a 50 person team of federal agents to focus on nothing but IPC. A 65 page joint strategic plan was issued from the White House today, providing good insight into the increasing threat associated with this crime.

What is IPC? This crime involves counterfeited and pirated goods that are manufactured and sold for profit without the consent of the patent or trademark holder. It’s a black-market activity operating parallel to the formal economy, and includes manufacturing, transporting, storing, and selling counterfeit or pirated goods. in addition to purses, criminals sell pirated CDs, DVDs, clothes, shoes, perfume and computer software. Emerging IPC activity includes sale of knockoff drugs such as Viagra and Rosetta Stone DVDs. Thanks to technology, standing on a cold street corner is unnecessary for the savvy criminal - visit an online auction site and you can find thousands of ads for knock off goods. With the lack of oversight on auction sites and the "nonbanks" that allow for obscure fund transfers, this type of selling is particularly attractive to criminals.

IPC is a lucrative criminal activity with low initial investment and high financial returns, possibly even higher than drug trafficking. For example, a Nintendo game costs $0.20 to duplicate and is resold for $20 at flea markets on online, thus recognizing enormous profit for the criminals. IPC is also a low-risk activity; in the U.S. law-enforcement agencies are often too resource constrained or task saturated to pursue this type of crime and penalty is low, usually a fine and probation.

IPC is occurring throughout the world and generates unbelievable amount of profit. In fact, counterfeit-goods trade is estimated at $450 billion annually, representing 5 to 7 percent of the of global trade value. The FBI estimates US business losses to counterfeiting alone at $200 to $250 billion annually. Last year, we discovered $3.5 M was funneled to Hezbollah from DVD pirating in South America. Other groups have trafficked goods in the U.S. and used profits to equipment and training.

Last year, I took a trip to Italy, where IPC law is strictly enforced. I witnessed the carabinieri shutting down knock off leather purse vendors in both Florence and Venice. The vendors don't actually have stands - they keep their wares in large duffel bags and when they see the police approaching, pack the purses and run. They also use cell phones to call each other to warn of approaching law enforcement. Signs are prominently displayed - not only that IPC is a crime - but the purchase of IPC goods is a crime.

The U.S. must similarly crack down on IPC. Educating the public would go a long way toward this goal - I would bet most women carrying counterfeit bags have no idea what illicit activity they have inadvertently funded.

Link to 23 Jun LA Times Story
My research on the financing of terror, which includes an IPC overview

AQ Hit List Found in Yemen: 37/40 Dead

2010-06-19T21:09:00.005-04:00

According to Strategy.com:

June 19, 2010: The Yemeni government revealed it had captured an al Qaeda hit list, naming 40 political and military officials the terrorist group wanted dead. The government added that 95 percent of the people on the list had been murdered in the last three years. Critics charged the government with inventing the list, to generate more popular support for efforts to destroy al Qaeda in Yemen. Some of those critics believed that al Qaeda was not powerful enough to kill that many people on a specific list. But all agreed that the 37 dead officials were, indeed, dead.

This is worrisome and shows that AQ in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) could be more effective and powerful than previously thought. AQ's presence in Yemen is not new (recall the USS Cole bombing in 2000), but has been energized by leadership from previous Guantanamo Bay detainee Othman Al-Ghamdi and the presence of U.S. citizen and radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. Recognizing that Awlaki is a direct threat to our national security (without ever pulling the trigger himself) President Obama has authorized the CIA to find and neutralize him. See my previous post on Awlaki and his connection to the 9/11 hijackers, as well as Nidal Hassan, the Fort Hood murderer. He has also been connected to the Christmas Day bombing attempt and a recent attempt by an AQ sympathist to blow up a skyscraper in Dallas.

http://jennihesterman.blogspot.com/2009/11/who-is-radical-imam-anwar-al-awlaki.html

AQAP was formed in 2009 from the group AQY (Yemen) and operators from inside Saudi Arabia. AQAP is based primarily in the tribal areas outside of Sanaa, which is pretty much outside the control of the Yemeni Government. AQ forces in Yemen have targeted the US embassy (killing 19 in 2008), and a group of Korean tourists in 2009. AQAP has also been a fringe actor in several recent plots in the U.S. as well as providing training to recruits from Somalia and Nigeria.

U.S. Defense Department is spending $155 million to help Yemen in its fight, including the purchase of four helicopters to support counterterror operations there.This includes $34.5 million to train and equip the Yemeni special forces and another $38 million for aircraft to allow those forces quicker access to hotspots in the country.

We must keep diplomatic and other pressure on the government of Yemen to address AQAP. As their government leaders are successfully targeted and killed by the group, perhaps they will find renewed will to engage the group and allow the U.S. increased access to assist.

Our Most Vulnerable Targets, Revisited

2010-06-16T11:12:00.004-04:00

In his new book Willful Neglect: The Dangerous Illusion of Homeland Security former CIA official and counterterror expert Charles Faddis outlines some terrorist targets that he finds particularly dangerous and if properly hit, would cause catastrophic damage. Those include bio and chem plants, dams and transportation systems. When asked, he cites that terrorist targeting of our passenger rail system (as in the Madrid bombings) as his biggest fear.

Of course I agree that we must protect our vital infrastructures and attacks on these facilities would result in numerous casualties. Indeed, we've spent billions shoring them up and installing layers of security at our key facilities and transportation hubs since 9/11.

But almost 9 years into this fight, I think it is time to look at our vulnerabilities through a different lens.

One of our weaknesses is that we just don't think like the enemy. For example, we would never specifically and willfully target a crowded church on Sunday. A building with a large daycare center, or a hospital filled with wounded soldiers.

Storming a theater and taking everyone hostage, then shooting them one by one on national TV is not on our list of approved operations. Using children, the elderly or the mentally challenged as suicide bombers is reprehensible. Sending suicide bombers into a busy marketplace or a shopping mall, taking busloads of school children hostage - we would never dream of it.

Yet we've seen all of these scenarios play out during the age of modern terrorism -- many in the last few months in Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan.

Bottom line: our enemy doesn't adhere to Geneva Conventions. Everything is on the table and every U.S. citizen is a target or subject to being used by the enemy for propaganda purposes.

We are unprepared as a nation both mentally for these scenarios and also perhaps in terms of physical security -- but it isn't too late to harden those soft targets. To educate our populace and make them force multipliers - our eyes and ears. To make sure they understand the enemy isn't like us at all - they are truly asymmetric, and their target list is not typical or predictable in any way.

Terrorism is a marketing campaign and fear is the main product. Faddis says the enemy chooses targets based on the psychology of what they do, and I couldn't agree more.

What terrorist scenario keeps you awake at night?

LE Battles Mexican Cartels Inside the U.S.

2010-06-11T21:37:00.006-04:00

Federal Agencies announced this week the conclusion of a 22 month counternarcotics operation, Project Deliverance. In addition to the arrest of over 2,200 individuals on drug-related charges during the course of this operation, the assets seized by agents are staggering:

... $154 million in U.S. currency;
... More than 2,600 pounds of heroin and methamphetamine;
... More than 71 tons of cocaine and marijuana;
... And more than 500 weapons and 500 vehicles

The FBI press release is entitled: Fighting Cartels on the Southwest Border but this one hits closer to home than you may think: on June 10th, 429 individuals in 16 states were arrested during the final phase of the operation.

In last few years, we've seen cartels prey on small towns as distribution hubs -- for instance, the DEA discovered during their Project Xcellerator that the Sinloa Cartel was using the small airport in Stow, Ohio to move tons of cocaine into California. In fact, Xcellerator uncovered 70 cartel distribution cells in 26 States.

States with Project Deliverance arrests:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas.

As long as there is an appetite for drugs in our country, the cartels are happy to feed it. Ongoing efforts to reduce demand are important not only to address trafficking issues, but for the health and welfare of our populace. Large busts such as those in Deliverance and Xcellerator will drive up prices on the street and result in a "watered down" product.

Hopefully the combination of these efforts will eventually push the cartels back across the border.

Texas Man Sought to Join His "Brothers" in Al Qaeda

2010-06-09T12:49:00.005-04:00

A two year FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation ended yesterday with the arraignment of Barry Walter Bujol in Houston on charges that he tried to provide monetary and other support to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Some key take aways from the case:

- Bujol attended Prairie View A&M University in Texas, was 29 years old, lived outside of Houston

- In contact with radical cleric Anwar al-Alwaki, who has been at the center of many terrorist plots and activities starting with the 9/11 hijackers. Their relationship started in 2008, which is what caught the FBI's attention. Alwaki provided Bujol with an electronic copy of "44 Ways of Supporting Jihad."

The radical Islamist website "Islamic Awakening" lists the 44 ways - this is the CACHED version, only a google snapshot of the page from a few weeks back, so it is safe to visit. However, do not click on any links! Just scan the page. Interesting to note that #29 is "WWW Jihad" - using the internet to spread the ideology.

Cached page

- Bujol tried to leave the U.S. several times to join his "brothers"- by flight to Yemen in 2009; via the U.S.-Canadian border in March 2009 near Detroit (denied entry by Canadian authorities)

- Was arrested boarding a ship at the Port of Houston using a TWIC (transportation worker information card), vessel was headed to Egypt

- FBI confidential information gave him the TWIC, money, phones, and information which Bujol attempted to deliver to AQAP

- Used at least 14 email addresses and multiple aliases to hide his activities from authorities

- He advocated attacking U.S. facilities where military weapons were manufactured

- Bujol and his wife, Ernestine Johnson, are also charged with fraud for a rent scam they ran using a phony business. Bujol was also using the social security number of a deceased man.

Houston and Texas News
ABC News

Law Enforcement Deaths Up 42% in 2010

2010-06-05T20:45:00.006-04:00

Nationally, law enforcement deaths are up 42 percent compared to last year. Also, of the 68 officer fatalities in 2009, 80 percent -- 27 deaths -- were from gun fire. These startling statistics were released by the Mesa Police Association and National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and published by officer.com.

A mixture of crime scenarios have led to the increase in officer deaths this year, said Stacey Dillon, a spokeswoman for the Mesa Police Association and the Arizona Highway Patrol Association. "No one really knows why," Dillon said of the increase. "It's just across the board. People are just fighting back, and the bad guys just don't want to go to jail."

Ambush tactics at the scene of a domestic call seem to be on the rise, and 2 officers were recently killed during a traffic stop related to drug trafficking. One officer was killed in a hit and run simply putting out flares at the scene of a traffic accident, proving there is no such thing as a "routine" call.

Interesting to note, according to policeone.com, overall crime rate in our country fell last year by 5%, despite the economic crisis, which many feared would spur more violence. Some experts cite large-scale incarceration, better policing and police technology, an aging society, and other factors, but can't really point to one as the reason for success. Of course we can't get complacent. And becoming overreliant on technology is not a good idea. As the military is learning, technology is not great substitute for boots on the ground and good old fashioned HUMINT.

The financial problems in our country have absolutely impacted our national security and the safety of our communities with policing and crime prevention programs victims of budget cuts. Also, many officers who have military commitments have been called up for active service and taken away from the community, causing manpower shortages.

Although overall U.S. trends are hard to predict and analyze, we must keep an eye on what is happening locally in our communities, and engage to ensure our officers have the training, equipment and resources they need to do the job.

The West Coast of Africa; Declining States Provide Haven for FARC, others

2010-06-03T13:41:00.001-04:00

The DEA recently announced success from their partnership with Liberia in "Operation Relentless". Colombian, Russian and African traffickers were all using Liberia to funnel cocaine from FARC into Europe and the operation successfully seized tons of cocaine and closed off a key distribution pipeline.

Little known fact: since 2003, 99% of all drugs seized in Africa have been found in the West. The volume seized has increased 5 fold in the last few years. Agencies involved in counterdrug operations acknowledge the situation in several Western African countries is rapidly deteriorating. The State Department's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report states that "Ghana has become a significant transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America, as well as heroin from Southeast and Southwest Asia." Additionally, DoD has identified Ghana as its "anchor country" for emerging counternarcotics efforts through AFRICOM.

But perhaps the greatest threat lies in Guinea-Bissau, which the UN has dubbed Africa's first "narcostate". With a land mass equal to the state of Maryland, Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world, with two-thirds of its 1.5M population living below the poverty line. It is attractive to traffickers due to its unpatrolled coastline, numerous hidden bays, close proximity to several other declining countries and weak rule of law. In a country with no main source of electricity, the police force has no cars, radios and few weapons. The military is thought to be complicit in the drug trade; in 2006, two military personnel were detained along with a civilian in a truck carrying 635 kilos of cocaine. The army secured the soldiers' release and they have not been charged.

Trafficking and unrest is not new to Guinea-Bissau; it was first known as the "Slave Coast" when African rulers prospered from the slave trade. After centuries of Portuguese rule, a para-military group emerged and, aided by arms and supplies from Cuba, Russia, and China, fought a protracted war to eventually win the country's independence in 1974. Years of unrest ensued; thousands of citizens who had fought alongside the Portuguese against the rebels were slaughtered and buried in unmarked graves. The country has subsequently faced bloody uprisings, conflicts and even a complete economic collapse. The U.S. and Britain's official diplomatic presence pulled out of the country in 1998 during a civil war, moving to nearby Senegal.

In just 4 years since the first cocaine was brought to its shores, Guinea-Bissau has become a major hub for drug trafficking, bringing with it new prosperity. In a country where the average income is $1 a day, Colombians are regularly seen driving expensive SUVs and sports cars, and living in new Spanish style villas with swimming pools and armed guards in the countryside. In fact, officials believe there are more than 60 Colombian drug traffickers currently operating in Guinea-Bissau.

Europe, primarily Spain and Portugal, is the main recipient of cocaine from West Africa. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a quarter of all cocaine consumed in Western Europe is trafficked through West Africa, and it is estimated that one ton of pure Colombian cocaine leaves the country daily for Europe. The Executive Director of UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa, believes the impact on Africa of Europe's cocaine habit is an echo of that of slavery. "In the 19th century, Europe's hunger for slaves devastated West Africa. Two hundred years later, its growing appetite for cocaine could do the same."

The U.S. has been impacted in a slightly different way: DEA and UNODC report that Guinea Bissau and other West African countries are being targeted by Asian and African cartels trafficking heroin across the Atlantic in the opposite direction, to the US. In 2007, the DEA and police in Chicago tracked nine West Africans who had moved heroin originating in Southeast Asia through various West African countries, (mostly Guinea-Bissau), to the central U.S.

Drug trafficking is a transnational threat that directly impacts our national security, and that of our allies. Factor in terrorists, who often extract profit from drug trade, and use established trafficking routes to move money, people and equipment--and the threat becomes alarming.

To See a Fallen Soldier Home

2010-06-02T14:06:00.005-04:00

In lieu of a blog post, I wanted instead to bring you this story, written by Colleen Getz, who works at the Pentagon. It may anger and sadden you, as it did me. There are many changes taking place in our society and culture, and this illustrates them better than any survey or data mining ever could. Your comments welcome, as always.

TO SEE A FALLEN SOLDIER HOME

By Colleen M. Getz

His name was Justin Wilson. Marine Lance Corporal Justin James Wilson. Although I did not know it at the time that his life brushed mine on March 25th at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Corporal Wilson was not there in the terminal that afternoon; he was killed in Afghanistan on March 22, 2010 by a roadside bomb in Helmand province, aged 24 and newly married. We never met, and although I work at the Pentagon, our military establishment is so large and our roles in it so different, it is unlikely that we ever would have. But a coincidence of over-booked flights led our lives to intersect for perhaps an hour, yet the memory will be with me the rest of my life.

I did not meet his family that day at the airport either, although we were there together that evening at the gate, at the open door to the jet way, waiting to board, along with a crowd of others wanting to get on the over-sold flight. I did not know that I had a boarding pass and they did not. I did not know that while I was just going for a weekend to visit friends; they were trying to get home to bury their son and husband, having journeyed to Dover, Delaware to meet his casket upon its arrival from Afghanistan. I did not know they would need our help.

I also did not know at the time that they had already been stuck for most of the day in another airport, due to a lack of boarding passes for other over-sold flights, only to find themselves in the same predicament on the last leg of their trip home. But I did not need to know what they had already been through to realize what they were going through as the event unfolded and to understand the larger cause for it—that no matter how we as a nation have re-learned the lesson forgotten during Vietnam, that our military men and women and their families deserve all the support we can give them—the truth is that despite our nation fighting two wars in this decade, it is all too common and easy for most of us to live our lives without having the very great human cost of those wars ever intrude.

But it did intrude heartbreakingly that day at the airport gate. It began simply enough, with the usual call for volunteers. The flight was overbooked, and anyone willing to take a later flight would receive in exchange a $500 flight voucher. Then, while we were all still mulling the option, came the second announcement, the one none of us was prepared to hear. There was, the airline representative announced, a family on their way home from meeting their son’s body as it returned from Afghanistan and they needed seats on the flight. And there they were, right in front of us standing next to the airline representative waiting to see what we would decide. For me it was easy. I

don’t pretend it was a hard decision, given where I work, given I knew my friends would understand. So I volunteered, as did two women whom, I learned later, had immediately sacrificed important personal plans.

But we three were not enough, six volunteers were needed. So we volunteers stood there together watching the family—dignified and mute, weighed with grief and fatigue that showed in every line of their stature—as the airline representative repeatedly called for assistance for this dead soldier’s family. And no one else stepped forward. I will never forget how her pleas brought one of the two younger women—either his widow or his sister I know now—to tears and how gently one of the older relatives put her arm around the crying girl and rested her cheek on the girl’s head as she comforted her. The calls for volunteers may have lasted only 20 or 30 minutes, but it seemed hours. It was

almost unbearable to watch, yet to look away was to see the more than one hundred other witnesses to this tragedy who were not moved to help. Then it did become unbearable when in a voice laced with desperation and tears the airline representative pleaded, “This young man gave his life for our country, can’t any of you give your seats so his family can get home?” Those words hung in the air. And finally, enough volunteers stepped forward, the family boarded, the plane left, and those of us who stayed behind were rebooked on the next morning’s flight.

I went back home, but could not get out of my mind the image of the family, nor the voice of the airline representative pleading with the unresponsive crowd. I had trouble sleeping that night. When I met up with some of my fellow volunteers the next morning I found I was not alone. One had gone home and cried, another woke up at 3 AM thinking about it; all of us were a bit angry and ashamed that our fellow passengers had not rushed to aid this soldier’s family and consequently forced them to be on public display in their grief. We were deeply bothered that this indifference to their son’s sacrifice for his country could have added to their sorrow.

It turned out that the friends I visited live in the same town as Corporal Wilson, and moved by the story of what I had witnessed, found articles in the local papers so I was able to learn his name and more. I learned he had been a talented artist specializing in graffiti art, and that he married his sweetheart Hannah the day before he deployed to Afghanistan but had plans for a big church wedding with family and friends after he returned home. I learned how long he had admired the Marines and how proud he was to become one in January 2009. I learned that he and his fellow Marines liked to give the candy they were sent from home to Afghani children and that he was killed just five days after his 24th birthday and less than two months before he was to return home. In sum, I learned he was just the kind of honorable, patriotic young person we would want defending our country and how great our loss when he had to give his life in doing so. I posted a message to his family on the on-line condolence book and told them I was sorry for what they went through in trying to see their son’s body home, but because of it many more people were going to have heard of Justin and his dedication to his country because I was going to tell everyone I knew about what I witnessed and tell them his name. And I have.

And I thought that was enough, until I received a thank you note from Corporal Wilson’s father-in-law for giving up my seat. It was a completely humbling experience, made more so when I read that he was glad that I was able to learn about Justin and that he wanted me to know that Justin “served knowing the risks, but felt it was his obligation and privilege to serve his country.” At that moment I realized that in this day of an all-volunteer military and a distant war that touches so few of our lives directly, more people should hear the story of Corporal Justin Wilson and his family.

I’ve thought a lot about what happened that day in the airport and I choose to believe my fellow passengers were not unfeeling in the face of a soldier’s death and a family’s tragedy. They were just caught off guard—they were totally unprepared to confront the fierce consequences of the war in Afghanistan on their way to Palm Beach on a sunny, spring Friday afternoon. And I believe for this reason people did not rush to the podium to volunteer their seats. It was not that they did not want to; it was not that they did not think it was the right thing to do, it was because that they were busy trying to assimilate this unexpected confrontation with the irrevocable cost of war and to figure out how to fit doing the right thing into their plans—to fit it into their lives not previously touched by this war. In the end, though, enough of us figured out how to do the right thing, and it turned out as well as such a painful situation could.

But still I wonder; barring some momentous personal event that necessitated a seat on that flight, how could any of us have even hesitated? How could we have stopped to weigh any inconvenience to our personal plans against the sacrifice that Corporal Wilson and his family had made for our country? In such circumstances, it is not a question of recognizing the right thing to do; we should know it is the only thing to do.

From what I have learned of him, in his short life Corporal Wilson created a legacy of courage and patriotism that will not be forgotten by those who knew him. But I hope that there’s a greater legacy as well. I hope through this account of his family’s struggle to see him home, if ever again the war intrudes unbidden on my life or yours, we will know what we must do, and in their honor, and for all those who serve and sacrifice, we will do it.

Link to Washington Times Article

U.S. Citizens and Terror Threat: CNN Poll Highlights Dichotomy

2010-05-31T10:35:00.003-04:00

A recent CNN poll finds that although the fear of a terrorist attack is rising among our citizens, terrorism still rides the bottom of the list of the important issues facing our country -- along with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Yes, only 1,023 adults were surveyed, a very small segment of our society. However they were chosen as a random sample, from across the country.

Surely our national security is impacted by those things at the top of the list - for us to be a world power that is respected and feared by would-be enemies we need a strong economy, an educated populace and secure borders.

It is a good sign that citizens sense the rising risk of an attack. Perhaps they will be more observant and report potential threats, and think more about preparedness for themselves and their families.

Polls like this can be discouraging for those who dedicate their lives to the "bottom 10%" of the important issues list. But it doesn't really matter how the society we serve feels about the threat - we'll still protect, mitigate and provide first response should the bad guys get through.

Our citizens enjoy their freedom and safety thanks to all of you. On Memorial Day, remember those who took an oath to serve their country and communities, and gave their life in the line of duty -- protecting the innocent and those who were blissfully unaware of the danger on their doorstep.

_______________________________________

Which of the following is the most important issue facing the country today?

How likely is it that there will be further acts of terrorism in the United States over the next several weeks -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely?

Poll Results

Shocking Statistics: Apprehensions at the Border and our National Security

2010-05-28T14:51:00.017-04:00

While investigating how a most wanted terrorist made his way from Mexico to Atlanta twice - just prior to 9/11 and again in 2004 - WSBTV in Atlanta obtained close hold documents from a congressional staffer with data concerning apprehensions at the border. This data was never released to the public, in fact when the TV station interviewed lawmakers who work security issues, they indicated it was the first time they'd seen the list. The list of countries with citizens attempting to get into the U.S. illegally is long and broken down into 4 documents (links at the bottom of this post)

FY 07-09 - OTMs (Other than Mexicans) caught illegally attempting to cross the border into the U.S.:

42 Iran

42 Iraq

12 Afganistan

70 Somalia

110 Pakistan

7 Syria

22 Yemen

3,000 China

145 Russia

4 North Korea

200,000 from Central and South American countries

This clearly illustrates that problems at the border are a national security issue. A retired Border Patrol officer in the video states for every apprehension, another 10 people may slip through.

As we prepared to send 1500 military personnel to the southern border (once again) we need to be careful not to hyperfocus -- the northern border has thousands of miles of wilderness and waterways, making it very difficult to control. Terrorists, money launderers and drug cartel king pins have already attempted to get into the U.S. from Canada.

Government officials announced yesterday more resources will be allocated to the domestic threat, turning our focus inward. But as we address those pressing issues, we must also remember that a nation is only as secure as its borders.

___________________________________________

The TV station ran a two part program (3 min clips each) on how they obtained this data with analysis from a few experts. It is worth watching.

WSBTV Atlanta Program, Part 1

WSBTV Atlanta Program, Part 2

List of countries and number of apprehensions:

List 1
List 2
List 3
List 4

The Case of Hosam Smadi

2010-05-26T16:26:00.008-04:00

Hosam Smadi is only 19 years old, a Jordanian who came to the U.S. on a visitor's visa in 2007 and stayed well past its expiration. He visited extremist websites and radicalized, deciding to blow up a Dallas skyscraper --the 60 story Fountain Place building -- in the name of Jihad.

On September 24, 2009, he parked a truck with an "explosive device" inside, activated the timer, then raced away from the scene with a "friend" in his vehicle so they could watch the explosion from afar. Once they were in position away from the blast site, Smadi used his cell phone to dial a number, believing he would set off the bomb - instead, he called the FBI. The device was a dummy, and the driver of the vehicle an FBI agent posing as an al Qaeda operative.

Smadi has confessed and could easily be in prison the rest of his life for procuring and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. However, just days before his trial, he is expected to plead guilty in exchange for a 30 year sentence in court later today. If he receives the reduced sentence, he will be deported after serving 30 years.

Interesting take aways from this case:

- The FBI started monitoring Smadi after they saw his postings on an extremist website last year

- He was living in the small town of Italy, TX and working at a roadside barbecue restaurant

- Arabic-speaking undercover agents developed a rapport with Smadi and tried to dissuade him from violent acts. but he was determined to kill and was looking for targets in downtown Dallas

- The FBI placed him on the Terrorist Watch List so he was unknowingly unable to leave the county; they had a tracking device installed on his vehicle and monitored his cell phone use

- He told agents that he wanted to set off the bomb on September 11th, but decided to wait until Ramadan was over, thus the 24 Sept date

- According to the FBI, he also considered targeting airports, buildings belonging to credit card companies and a military recruitment center

- He decided to bomb the Fountain Place because of its large presence on the Dallas skyline

- His friends were surprised by his arrest - they said he loved techno music, wore earrings, drank and smoked cigarettes – behavior frowned upon by his religion. I am always interested by the dichotomy among the latest batch of would-be terrorists - enjoying all of the things our country has to offer, yet simultaneously wanting to strike out against us in large scale deadly attacks.

Thanks to great work by the FBI, this story ended well and another would-be terrorist is off the streets and behind bars.

(compiled from multiple sources)

The Effects of a Nuclear Detonation in LA: Must See Video for all First Responders

2010-05-24T20:33:00.009-04:00

What if the bad guys are somehow able to defeat us and set off a nuclear weapon in downtown LA? Not a dirty bomb, but an actual 10 kiloton nuclear device that results in the stereotypical mushroom cloud over the city.

How should first responders plan for this attack? What are the key actions that should be taken in the first hour, the second hour and beyond? How can we educate our public on what to do in the event of this attack?

This briefing was conducted at the Radiological or Nuclear Incident & Clinical Application Seminar. It is presented by Brooke Buddemeier from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and Global Security. Buddemeier works with DHS on preparation of cities for a nuclear detonation. He is a Certified Health Physicist and radiation safety specialist.

I think you will agree this is an eye opening presentation. I encourage you to watch it from beginning to end and absorb some critical information we don't often see in the public domain.

Some key points:

Technical:

- A 10 KT detonation gives off the light of 1,000 midday suns at about a mile away and can cause temporary blindness that can last for about 15 seconds or more

- A 10 KT detonation is the equivalent of 5000 Oklahoma City attack truck bombs
- 3 miles out of from the epicenter, glass will break in buildings - 800,000 people in LA affected within this 3 mile circle
- But, it's not all bad news - if you can get to shelter you could survive the fallout and
there is particle decay as time goes by.

Planning:
- There is apathy in planning - most feel that if a nuclear weapon goes off response doesn't matter, we're all casualties, it's every man for himself. Or it is overwhelming to think about first response to such an event, therefore a lack of planning.
- There are no regional response plans for a nuclear detonation
- There is a misunderstanding about local and federal response and responsibilities
- There is a lack of understanding about the technical aspects of a detonation and the right way to respond
- The first hours are critical and doing the right thing could mean saving hundreds of thousands of lives - or, doing the wrong thing could lead to the death of hundreds of thousands

It is hard to wrap our minds around this type of an attack, but we must. The threat exists - al Qaeda has expressed interest in obtaining nuclear material and building a device; Hezbollah's sponsor Iran is a nuclear State; radical Islamist terrorist groups in Pakistan could get access through an attack on a facility, planting a mole, or a from a sympathetic scientist or engineer.

We must continue planning as first responders. How do we communicate when the radios, cellphones and computers go down as a result of an electromagnetic event? Do we rush out to help (first instinct) or shelter, survive, then help? Where are our shelters and is the public aware? Do we practice for this type of event and if so, is it realistic?

We have to better educate our citizens. An educated populace is less fearful and their will to survive a detonation will be much higher armed with some knowledge than just operating from a position of fear. We can't be afraid to have this conversation with our public, they deserve to know and prepare. They shouldn't over rely on the government during times of crisis, as we've seen time and time again in the past.

It strikes me that the generations before us were much more prepared - they knew the location of fallout shelters, for starters. Remember when the bank, the schools, etc in your hometowns had those black and yellow shelter signs? Our parents and grandparents had canned food and water as rations, a radio with batteries, a rallying point and safe area in their homes. There were civil preparedness drills and videos on TV about what to do in the event of a nuclear detonation or related emergency. It was a part of every day life that a nuclear attack was possible - not inevitable, but possible. This is our reality today, as well, although the average person probably gives it no thought at all.

Hope you find this video helpful in your planning efforts at work, in the community and in your home.

http://client.blueskybroadcast.com/Landauer/1282010/landauer09_v10/index.html

Who is Khalid Ouazzani?

2010-05-21T17:38:00.005-04:00

Here is another case of a U.S. citizen-turned-al Qaeda sympathizer. He was secretly indicted on 3 Feb, and pleaded guilty in court today to supporting a terrorist organization (al Qaeda). Not much coverage in the news, so so thought I would mention it here.

- Khalid Ouazzani is a 32 year old native of Morocco, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2004

- Was a resident of Kansas City, MO since the 1990s, but also had addresses in Brooklyn, N.Y., Forest Hills, N.Y., and Cherry Hill, N.J.

- Owner of Truman Used Auto Parts in Kansas City

- Obtained a $175,000 bank loan in April 2007 under the guise it would be used for his business; instead used it to buy an apartment in the UAE with a co-conspirator, NFI (felony: bank fraud)

- Sold the apartment and sent funds via his Bank of America account to al Qaeda (felonies: money laundering and material support to a designated terrorist organization)

- Sent other payments to al Qaeda throughout this period from his Bank of America account

- Through conversation with the unnamed co conspirators, discussed various specific ways they could support Al Qaeda, including providing currency, advice and assistance including fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq or Somalia at the group's request

- Could serve 65 years in prison with a $1 million restitution

We tend to front load much effort into the capture and conviction of those colluding with al Qaeda, but in actuality, the hard work hasn't yet begun - that of rehabilitation.

With so many cases of U.S. citizens fund raising, recruiting and attempting to carry out terrorist operations, we need to plan now for their eventual return to society. What will happen to citizens such as Ouzzani, "Jihad Jane", Zazi and Shahzad (to name just a few) when their prison sentences are over? How will we prepare for their return to society? Should there be an assessment similar to that conducted for sex offenders before we let them walk out of prison and back into our neighborhoods?

We need to do some strategic thinking on the rehabilitation issue now while we have these al Qaeda sympathists (and worse) in custody.

Times Square Bomber Was Planning Further Attacks

2010-05-19T20:02:00.006-04:00

News channel 5 in NYC has received information from a source inside the investigation of Faisal Shahzad that if the Times Square bombing was a success, he had other targets in mind:

- Rockefeller center
- Grand Central Terminal
- The world financial center (across from Ground Zero)
- Connecticut-based defense contractor Sikorsky

Although the first 3 targets are not a surprise, the fact he wanted to attack Sikorsky should be a wake up call for those who work infrastructure protection issues for defense contractors. Shahzad also performed surveillance at all of these locations, including two Sikorsky plants.

More from the investigation:

- Similar to the Pathfinder used in the Times Square attempt, Shahzad bought a second vehicle with cash on Craig's List - a black Isuzu rodeo

- Shahzad used multiple throw away phones during the planning phase

- The "HIG"--High Value Detainee Investigation Group-- was used to question Shahzad. Recall the HIG (the elite team comprised of FBI, DoD and CIA experts) was not called to Detroit to talk to the Christmas Day bomber, Abdulmutallab. Although the FBI's Detroit office, which has significant experience with terror cases, expertly gathered valuable information leading to arrests in Yemen and the identification of AQ training camps abroad.

- The very year he was naturalized in 2006, Shahzad sent a long e-mail to his friends and family, calling those fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq "infidels" and questioned whether peaceful protest was enough to fight in behalf of those "oppressed". He became increasingly agitated at U.S. policy and became a more strict follower of the Muslim religion. He now says he wants nothing to do with his wife because she is "modernized".

- Shahzad's father-in-law has been arrested. There may be a Colorado connection between Shahzad’s wife, Huma Mian, and Najibullah Zazi, an Afghan national who pleaded guilty to a foiled New York subway attack.

- Officials arrested a Pakistani Army major in connection with this case

So let's not write off Shahzad as a lone actor with poor bomb making skills just yet -- he apparently was a bit more sophisticated and connected than originally thought.

Growing Kidnapping Scam Reaps $$$ For Criminals

2010-05-18T09:14:00.004-04:00

You receive a call at home and a man on the other end says "we have your child". You hear muffled screams and crying in the background, maybe even a call for help from a child with the "right" voice - boy or girl, same age group as your child.

The caller wants you to drop money somewhere, or give him a credit card number on the phone and he will let your child go. Common sense tells you not to do it, but emotions take over - until you can locate your child and make sure he/she is safe, you don't want to let the kidnapper hang up. Maybe they won't call back. You'll do anything to secure the safety of your child and seconds are passing by.

Terrifying, isn't it? It may surprise you to learn that in Mexico, this practice has been going on for at least 9 years and 12,000 of these calls are placed every day, usually from untraceable, unregistered "throw away" cell phones.

And officials estimate that 20 million Mexican citizens have fallen prey, giving money or financial information to the "kidnappers".

Instead of trying to disincentivize the criminals who perpetrate the crime, Mexico is trying to get the situation under control by making the 100 million "throwaway" cell phone users register their phone or face service cut off. Although 65 million phones have been registered, there are two emerging problems with this solution: they are registering under phony names (thousands under pop stars, and even the President) and the registration lists are being sold to the criminal organizations, which will lead to even more "virtual kidnappings". Innocent people are being dragged into investigations because the criminals used their personal data to register a cell phone. The database is causing real headaches for Mexico - it is huge, ever-changing and costly.

We could easily see this fund raising tactic used here at home by terrorist groups, gangs or just common criminals. Now is a good time to educate our citizens so they don't fall prey while under emotional distress of a "virtual" kidnapping.

New Recruitment Video From Al Shabaab Seemingly Targets Americans

2010-05-16T21:52:00.012-04:00

U.S. citizen Omar Hammami left the United States for Somalia in 2006. He quickly rose through the ranks and now leads al Shabaab, which recently declared its official alignment as an arm of al Qaeda. Growing in size and strength, Shabaab now controls a large part of the Somalia and is possibly exacting proceeds from pirating in the Horn of Africa. They are global and have already recruited U.S. citizens (young men) to fly to Somalia and participate in suicide bombings.

Hammami is now known as Abu Mansour al Amriki, and he joined with several other Shabaab members to create this recruitment video. I think you will agree the music is almost mesmerizing and the message clear and compelling. As we continue to study how the jihad switch gets turned from "off" to "on" in the human brain, these videos provide insight into how the enemy is tapping into certain messages and themes to persuade and encode. Clearly, the use of rap in this video is a marketing tool to target demographically.

Before you click on the video, be advised that it will take you to the YouTube website. It may surprise you to know there are jihad forums on YouTube including producer of this video, AQWAH productions, which has 70 videos on their "channel". When you go to this link, you will see more of their videos on the right side of the page. It is also interesting to read the comments of viewers, some obviously American and pro-jihad. You will also see a link to a radical Islamist site, one that has been repeatedly targeted by patriot hacker known as "The Jester" or th3j35t3r.

Al Shabaab Video

Some of the videos on Jihadist channels are disturbing with footage of American casualties. Obviously there is a fine line between freedom of speech and inciting, hateful speech. Our fellow citizens are heavily engaged in policing YouTube. Operaton YouTube Smackdown specifically works to have jihadist videos removed and have taken down over 10,000 videos to date. See their site for more info on how you can flag objectionable videos for review by the host. Note that it is illegal for any U.S. corporation to provide material support to known terrorist groups.

Just a side note, AQWAH productions also has a Facebook page. Remember not to underestimate the sophistication of these groups - if we use it, they use it.

If you don't want to go to the YouTube site, please visit Bill Roggio's fantastic article on this subject, with the video embedded, at the Long War Journal.

Major Gang Takedown in Upstate NY: 78 Bloods, Latin Kings Indicted

2010-05-13T19:19:00.013-04:00

We had a reminder today: deadly street gangs are still around, growing in number and a threat to the stability of our communities and the fabric of our nation.

(hand sign of the Bloods gang)

I also believe gangs are a threat to our national security - they bring instability to our country, add a burden our over tasked/under resourced law enforcement personnel, and possibly divert resources from terrorism related issues. They step up to law enforcement instead of backing away and have a blatant disregard for the law. They now number 1 million members and are engaged in every type of major criminal activity - and they are not just in our big cities anymore.

About 70 miles north of NYC is the town of Newburgh, NY, population 29,o00 - the scene of today's early morning raid by 600 local, state and federal law enforcement officers. This take down culminated the 18 month FBI-led Safe Streets Task Force investigation in which agents made over 100 drug buys that exceeded 5 kilos of cocaine. Newburgh has a rich history - it was visited by Henry Hudson in 1609, and citizens recently restored the waterfront on the Hudson River which now has restaurants and shopping. Despite their efforts, Newburgh remained one of the state's worst cities in terms of crime; two years ago, Newburgh led the state of New York in per capita homicides, most fueled by the drug trade.

Let's hope tonight the people of Newburgh are resting a bit easier as a result of this tremendous effort to rid their town of crime.

Gangs at a Glance

- Approximately one million gang members belonging to more than 20,000 gangs were criminally active within all 50 states and DC in 2008

- Gang members are migrating from urban to suburban areas

- Crminial gangs commit as much as 80 percent of crime in many communities

- The Bloods were formed in the 1970s in LA, they now have a membership of 30,000

- The Latin Kings were formed in Chicago in the 1960s, they now have a population of 20-30,000

Source: National Gang Threat Assessment.

Pakistani Taliban May Be Designated Terror Group by the State Dept

2010-05-11T18:02:00.008-04:00

State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said today the U.S. already was considering designating Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, a "foreign terrorist organization" before the May 1 incident in New York, but in light of the Times Square incident, they were accelerating the process. By my count, that means telling Congress tomorrow, and then in 7 days, making it official. But we'll see how long the diplomatic wrangling takes. See my 4 May blog on the designation process and why the Taliban should be on the list.

It would actually be nice to designate groups that want to do us harm us before they try to carry out an actual bombing of a major metropolitan area, but this is progress in the right direction.

Now that Taliban has risen to the top of the list, I continue my crusade to have the Los Zetas paramilitary drug cartel from Mexico added to the list...before they arrive in Phoenix, El Paso or Dallas and carry out their standard beheadings, acid baths, hanging in effigy or dismemberment of our mayors and law enforcement personnel. They are a direct threat to our national security, and they are coming - let's get out ahead of this one.