Car bomb in Baghdad kills 11; wounds 64
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 6:31am
A car bomb detonated in the middle of a busy market in central Baghdad on Friday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 64, police and hospital officials said. At least one woman and a child were killed in the blast, a police officer said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to talk to the press. Full Story
Sixteen dead in violence in Pakistan's Sindh
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 6:33am
Sixteen people, including three policemen, have been killed in violent protests in Sindh province since Thursday's assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, a provincial government minister said on Friday. Sindh Interior Minister Akhtar Zaman said the toll of 16 covered the period from 6 p.m. on Thursday when violence erupted as word spread of Bhutto's killing after an election rally in Rawalpindi. Full Story
French convicts flown out of Chad
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 8:40am
Six French aid workers who were jailed in Chad on child trafficking charges have flown out of the capital N'Djamena, bound for France. The six were sentenced to eight years' hard labour in Chad on Wednesday for attempting to kidnap 103 children. Full Story
Two Israelis killed in West Bank
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:00am
Two Israeli settlers have been shot dead in the West Bank, Israeli officials have said. The two men - both in their 20s - were shot while walking in the hills near the town of Hebron, which is divided between Israelis and Palestinians. The victims lived in a settlement near Hebron. An Israeli police official said the attackers had not been found. Full Story
Lebanon vote to be delayed until next week
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:14am
Lebanon's presidential election will be delayed until "the end of next week", a senior political source said on Friday, in what would be the eleventh delay to a vote first scheduled to take place more than three months ago. The vote had been set for Saturday.
While rival leaders have agreed on army chief General Michel Suleiman as a consensus candidate for the presidency, they are still wrangling over how to share power once he takes office. "Complications in regional and international negotiations and the severing of domestic talks contributed to the delay of tomorrow's session until the end of next week," the source told Reuters. Full Story
Nepal lawmakers approve abolition of monarchy
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:16am
Nepal lawmakers formally approved a decision to abolish the monarchy and declare the country a republic as part of a deal with former Maoist rebels.
However, King Gyanendra will remain on the throne for the time being as the agreement between the Maoists and the government last weekend to make Nepal a republic can only be put into effect at the first meeting of a new constituent assembly. Full Story
Italian deficit lower than expected, Prodi says
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:23am
Prime Minister Romano Prodi of Italy said Thursday that the budget deficit this year would be significantly below the official government target, thanks in part to his measures to combat tax evasion. In his end-of-year news conference, Prodi said the deficit would amount to about 2 percent of gross domestic product, compared with the official forecast of 2.4 percent, as revenues continued to exceed expectations. Full Story
U.S. Troops Kill 11 Shiite Militiamen
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:26am
American soldiers raided a neighborhood in the southern Iraqi city of Kut early Thursday morning, killing 11 members of the Mahdi Army, the militia loyal to the anti-American Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr, the American military and witnesses said. Leaders of the Sadr movement, which has abided by a cease-fire for several months, condemned the American operation.
Witnesses said that explosions, thumping helicopters and bursts of automatic-weapons fire echoed through the Kut neighborhood of Al Jameea for at least three hours as American forces fought Mahdi militiamen. At least four people were wounded during the clash, the police said. Full Story
FM: Estonia ready to join Conventional Forces in Europe treaty
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:34am
Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet has said in a recent interview with Interfax news agency that the nation would seek to join the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty immediately after its ratification, news from the Estonian capital Tallin said Thursday. Full Story
Kosovo Armed Group Issues Warning
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:37am
A shadowy armed group in Kosovo, the Albanian National Army, is preparing for potential trouble in the Serb-inhabited north of the region after Kosovos expected declaration of independence, Balkan Insight can reveal. Full Story
Britain urges democracy in Pakistan after Bhutto killing
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:38am
Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf Friday to "stick to the course he has outlined to build democracy" after the death of Benazir Bhutto.
Brown called Musharraf to pass on Britain's condolences over Bhutto's death and later his Downing Street office issued a statement in which he also pledged extra support to help Pakistan combat the Al-Qaeda network if necessary. Full Story
Israeli and Palestinian Leaders Meet to Ease Tensions
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:47am
The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, met here on Thursday to try to dispel the tensions of recent days, and they recommitted themselves to refrain from acts that would prejudice a final peace treaty while they try to negotiate one, officials from both sides said.
This was the first meeting of the two men since the Middle East conference convened by the United States in Annapolis, Md., a month ago, when they agreed to try to negotiate a final peace settlement before the end of 2008. Their negotiating teams had met twice since then, but both times fruitlessly, as mutual grievances were aired.
Mr. Abbas and Mr. Olmert get along well, their aides say, and Thursdays meeting in Mr. Olmerts official residence here was described as cordial and positive. The two men met with their three lead negotiators for an hour, then met alone for another hour, but little of substance emerged regarding the task before the two sides. Full Story
March 14 MPs deliver petition calling for Parliament session
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:57am
The March 14 coalition delivered to Parliament Thursday a petition signed by 13 MPs calling for an emergency session to discuss and ratify an amendment to Article 49 of the Lebanese Constitution.
The amendment would pave the way for the election of Lebanese Armed Forces commander General Michel Suleiman as president. Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Zahra, Democratic Gathering MP Akram Chehayeb and Future Movement MP Ammar Houri presented the petition to the Parliament Secretary General Adnan Daher at noon on Thursday. Full Story
Britain tightens Pakistan travel advice
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 9:59am
Britain strengthened its advice to travellers to Pakistan Friday, warning against "all but essential travel" following the death of Benazir Bhutto. The Foreign Office said it was also advising travellers already in Pakistan to stay indoors "until the situation becomes clearer". Full Story
Iraq says captures senior al Qaeda figure
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 10:01am
The Iraqi army captured a senior al Qaeda militant in a clash south of Baghdad on Thursday, a government security spokesman said.Baghdad security spokesman Qassim al-Moussawi said the militant, Ahmed Turki Abbas, claimed the rank of defense minister of the al Qaeda-linked group Islamic State of Iraq.
Moussawi said Abbas was lightly wounded and was in the custody of Iraqi forces after being captured in the clash near the town of Mahmudiya, 30 km south of Baghdad. Violence in Iraq has declined in recent months after Sunni Arab tribes turned against strict Islamist militants from al Qaeda and related groups. But U.S. commanders say al Qaeda remains a dangerous foe in Iraq.
Poland to send additional 400 troops to AfghanistanPosted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 10:37amPoland's government is expected to send 400 additional troops to its mission in Afghanistan, a move of increased importance amid destabilization in neighboring Pakistan, the nation's defense minister said Friday.
Some 1,200 Polish troops already serve as part of the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan. Earlier this month the country pledged to strengthen that force with more troops and eight helicopters. Full Story
Pakistan PM: Jan. 8 election to go ahead
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 11:19am
Pakistan's prime minister said Friday the government has no immediate plan to postpone Jan. 8 parliamentary elections after the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. Mohammedmian Soomro, head of the interim government that is meant to oversee the vote, said that if there was any decision on delaying the election it would be done in consultation with all political parties. Full Story
Sri Lanka defence secretary calls for formal end to truce
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 10:57am
Sri Lanka's defence secretary said the government should formally pull out of a ceasefire with Tamil Tiger rebels amid escalating fighting in the island, a state-run daily reported Saturday. Full Story
Malaysia frees four alleged JI militants, says rights group
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 11:54am
The government here has released four alleged members of the militant group Jemaah Islamiyah after holding most for nearly five years, a rights group said Saturday. Full Story
Qaeda Network Expands Base in Pakistan
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 2:12pm
The Qaeda network accused by Pakistans government of killing the opposition leader Benazir Bhutto is increasingly made up not of foreign fighters but of homegrown Pakistani militants bent on destabilizing the country, analysts and security officials here say. Full Story
"Kremlin turf war" moves into Russian court
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 2:13pm
Russia's state arms exporter has filed a lawsuit against a businessman who said it was seeking to grab private assets, the latest salvo in what analysts have said is a turf war raging behind the scenes between Kremlin clans. Full Story
Kenya's election deadlock sparks violence
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 2:14pm
Tensions over Kenya's closest-ever election erupted into violence Saturday as supporters of both President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga predicted victory. Full Story
Chavez launches hostage mission
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 2:16pm
A sensitive mission to retrieve three hostages from the rebel-held jungle this weekend entered a key phase as two helicopters sent by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Colombia. Full Story
Algerian troops kill at least six suspected Islamist militants
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 2:17pm
The Algerian army has killed at least six suspected Islamists during operations in the east of the country against the North African arm of the al-Qaeda terror network, Algerian media reported Saturday. The army was engaged with militants of the al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb movement in Tebessa, around 600 kilometres east of the capital Algiers, reports said. Full Story
Pro-Abbas security arrests 14 Hamas members in West Bank
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 2:20pm
Palestinian security forces arrested 14 members of Hamas as part of a West Bank crackdown on the Islamic movement, Hamas said Saturday. Full Story
Bin Laden warns Iraqi Sunnis, threatens Israel
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 4:18pm
Osama bin Laden warned Iraq's Sunni Arabs against joining tribal councils fighting al-Qaida or participating in any unity government in a new audiotape posted on the Web on Saturday. Full Story
Police die in Mexico convoy raid
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 8:29am
Seven police officers have died after gunmen attacked a convoy carrying three alleged kidnappers arrested in northern Mexico, officials have said. Full Story
Bhutto's party discusses successor
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 8:30am
The party of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto is to meet Sunday to discuss her successor and whether to boycott Pakistan's election. Full Story
Kibaki named victor in Kenya vote
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 10:03am
Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki has won the country's closely-fought election, the Electoral Commission has declared. The announcement came after opposition leader Raila Odinga accused Mr Kibaki of electoral fraud and called for a full re-assessment of the results. Full Story
Taliban commander denies being sacked
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 10:45am
A key Taliban commander has denied he has been sacked by the rebels' leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, claiming the report was part of a "conspiracy" against him. Full Story
Sharif's party says likely to run in Pakistan vote
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 10:46am
Pakistani opposition leader Nawaz Sharif's party is likely to abandon plans to boycott an upcoming general election, a party spokesman said on Sunday. Full Story
Ten die in anti-Kibaki protests in west Kenya - TV
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 11:24am
Ten people have died in west Kenya as protests against President Mwai Kibaki's controversial re-election erupted around the nation, the respected local broadcaster Nation Television (NTV) said. Full Story
Brussels cancels New Year fireworks over security
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 11:25am
The city of Brussels has cancelled its traditional fireworks display to see in the New Year on Monday night due to an ongoing state of heightened security. Full Story
Egyptian woman dies of bird flu, 2nd in week
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 4:00pm
A 25-year-old Egyptian woman died of bird flu on Sunday, the second fatality among humans in Egypt in less than one week, the Health Ministry said. Full Story
Iran sets summer date for launching 1st nuke plant
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 4:01pm
Iran said Sunday that it will begin operation of the country's first nuclear power plant in the summer of 2008 using half its 1,000 megawatt capacity, the official news agency IRNA reported. Full Story
Election test for Georgian democracy
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 5:24pm
Young, energetic and friendly to the West, Mikhail Saakashvili became a symbol of democratic reform in the former Soviet Union in 2003 for leading street rallies that ousted a graying veteran of the Communist era and catapulted him into power. Full Story
1 NATO Soldier Killed in Bomb Attack
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 5:26pm
A roadside bomb killed a NATO soldier and wounded four others in southern Afghanistan on Sunday, while a Taliban ambush left eight Afghan security personnel dead, officials said. Full Story
Pakistan's Largest City Paralyzed
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 5:27pm
Residents of Pakistan's largest city cautiously emerged from their homes Sunday and struggled to find food and fuel amid the blackened buildings, shattered glass and burnt-out vehicles littering the streets of Karachi. Full Story
Mortar kills Somali mother, 5 children
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 6:21pm
A mother and her five children were killed Sunday by a mortar round fired during fighting between Somali insurgents and Ethiopian troops. Full Story
Dozens injured in bombings in Thai south: police
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 12:27am
Five bombs planted by suspected separatist rebels rocked Thailand's troubled south early Monday, injuring dozens of people in a town on the Malaysian border, police said. Explosives planted at entertainment venues across Sun Ngai Kolok town in Narathiwat province wounded 27 people, two of them seriously, police said. Full Story
NKorea set to miss nuclear deadline
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 12:28am
North Korea showed no signs of meeting its deadline Monday for declaring all of its nuclear programs, a key component of its agreement to disarm in exchange for economic aid. The United States expressed disappointment and urged the North to meet its commitments.
But there was no indication that North Korea would immediately face any sanction over the delay suggesting countries involved in negotiating the agreement were reluctant to raise tensions after a year of progress in the long-standing dispute. Full Story
Bhutto's son, husband to lead her party
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 12:29am
Benazir Bhutto's 19-year-old son a student with no political experience was named symbolic leader of her party Sunday, while her husband took effective control, extending Pakistan's most enduring political dynasty.
The major parties appeared to agree that the elections should take place as scheduled on Jan. 8 despite street violence and political turmoil triggered by the assassination of Bhutto. The Election Commission is to discuss the timing of the polls Monday. Full Story
Pakistan vote 'likely' delayed several weeks: official
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 2:39am
Pakistan's election will "likely" be delayed a few weeks after Benazir Bhutto's killing, followed by unrest that destroyed dozens of election offices, a senior government official told AFP on Monday. "It is likely that the elections will be delayed for a few weeks," the official said. The parliament vote is scheduled for January 8. Full Story
Iraq on alert for Saddam anniversary
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 3:53am
Hundreds of people, including many children, chanted slogans praising Saddam Hussein on Sunday as they tossed flowers onto his tomb one year after he was executed.
The muted anniversary of Saddam's death saw little violence, a far cry from the blood spilled on the day the former Iraqi leader was executed and the horrific wave of killing that ensued until the surge of U.S. troops six months later. Full Story
Thai party says it can form coalition
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 4:27am
The political party allied with deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced Monday it had enough seats to form a coalition government after Thailand's first post-military coup election.
Samak Sundaravej the leading candidate to become Thailand's next leader said his pro-Thaksin People's Power Party had formed a government after wooing three small political parties. Full Story
Sri Lanka vows victory against Tigers in 2008
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 4:28am
Sri Lanka's top military commanders have vowed to win the decades-old war against Tamil separatists in the new year, a state-run daily said. Army chief Sarath Fonseka said he hoped government forces would be able to dislodge the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from the line of bunkers guarding their de facto mini-state in the north of the island. Full Story
Protests in Kenya as leader re-elected
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 4:56am
Kenya's opposition leader compared President Mwai Kibaki to a military dictator Monday amid protests and violent clashes over an election marred by allegations that Kibaki stole the vote. Several people were shot as heavily armed police tried to contain demonstrations in Nairobi's slums.
"There is no difference between him (Kibaki) and Idi Amin and other military dictators who have seized power through the barrel of the gun," Raila Odinga said Monday. Full Story
25 police, soldiers killed in Afghanistan: officials
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 4:57am
Twenty-five policemen and soldiers have been killed across insurgency-hit Afghanistan in fresh -- mainly Taliban-linked -- violence, authorities said. Sixteen policemen were killed when their post in the southern province of Kandahar -- a hotbed of Taliban activities -- was attacked by Islamic rebels on Saturday, the interior ministry said. Full Story
Video, report spur Bhutto controversy
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 4:58am
A newly released video of Benazir Bhutto's assassination and an inconclusive medical report raised new doubts Monday about the official explanation of her death and were likely to intensify calls for an independent, international investigation. The footage, obtained by Britain's Channel 4 television, showed a man firing a pistol at Bhutto from just feet away as she greeted supporters through the sunroof of her armored vehicle after a rally Thursday. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
IRAQ EVENTS 12/29
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Air Force received a new, technologically advanced aircraft in a ceremony here Dec. 28. The Beechcraft KingAir 350 was delivered to the Iraqi Air Force through Foreign Military Sales, a process that allows the Iraqi government to purchase military equipment and supplies from other countries, including the United States, with its own money.
Additional KingAir aircraft, which are fitted with intelligence gathering sensors, will be delivered throughout next year, said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bob Allardice, Coalition Air Force Transition Team commander.
BAGHDAD — For Yousef Kasim, living in the “Five Farms” area of Baghdad is a challenge. His family lives in a mud brick home, with no running water or electricity, in a place where, until recently, al-Qaida terrorists roamed the area generating a swath of destruction. Coalition and Iraqi security forces helped Yousef and his family by first clearing the area of terrorists, then again Dec. 13 when they treated the boy’s severe burns.
That day, Yousef was chasing the family kitten around the family’s outdoor oven when his pants snagged on a grate covering the fire pit; he tripped and landed in the stew his mother was cooking, causing severe burns from his right hip down to his right knee.
With the terrorists being forced out by the surge of 30,000 U.S. troops and Iraqi National Police (NP) into Baghdad, Yousef was able to be seen by competent medical personnel.
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's interior ministry spokesman said Saturday that 75 percent of al-Qaida in Iraq's terrorist network had been destroyed this year, but the top American commander in the country said the terror group remained his chief concern.
Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf said the disruption of the terrorist network was due to improvements in the Iraqi security forces, which he said had made strides in weeding out commanders and officers with ties to militias or who were involved in criminal activities.
He also credited the rise of anti-al-Qaida in Iraq groups, mostly made up of Sunni fighters the Shiite-dominated government has cautiously begun to embrace. Additionally, an increase in American troops since June has been credited with pushing many militants out of Baghdad.
Khalaf's assertion that three-fourths of al-Qaida in Iraq had been destroyed could not be independently verified and he did not elaborate on how the percentage was determined.
But violence in Iraq has dropped significantly since June—the U.S. military says it is down 60 percent nationwide—demonstrating success in fighting the terrorist network.
KIRKUK — “Upon entering our academy…you are no longer Turkman, Arab, Christian, Kurd…you are an Iraqi,” Col. Samir Murshed Khushid, commandant of the Kirkuk Police Academy and former Peshmerga Soldier, said.
He tells his recruits that they are there to serve their fellow citizen. “Protect them: ethnicity does not matter.”
That sentiment is built into the screening process. Ministry of Interior (MoI) standards are based on the ethnic make-up of a particular province. “The three major ethnic groups here are Arab, Kurd, and Turkman. MoI has set the following percentages for us to hire: Arab, 29 percent; Kurd, 40 percent; and Turkman, 29 percent,”
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Aker of 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division’s Provincial Police Training Team (PPTT), said. “Don’t ask Samir what religion he or any one of his cadres or recruits are, he would be offended as, ‘that is their personal choice,’ he would say,” Aker said.
“Everyone in Kirkuk is working together to eliminate the terrorists here,” Recruit Muhammad Abdul Abas, 22, an Arab said. “We – Arab, Kurd, Turkman, and Christian, are united in this belief and as a team, we work in peace to protect everyone in Kirkuk against those that want to separate us and try to make us fight each other,” he said.
The team Abas refers to is his brotherhood…one formed with all ethnic groups within each Iraqi police platoon. “We will work together to protect our citizens.”
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — What was once known as the Triangle of Death in this war-torn county is now the Triangle of Hope, an Iraqi adviser to an American Army unit said.
“We are building schools, roads and we have repaired a bridge,” Hashim Khidir, said of an area that is part of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) responsibility south of Baghdad.
And efforts are being made to again increase the agricultural output of the Euphrates River Valley, which he calls the most fertile area in Iraq, a Sunni region long known for its farms.
One of those programs is re-establishing the once large poultry industry south of Baghdad, said the English-trained engineer.
Khidir helps provide engineering expertise to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry, 3rd Bridge Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Assault). But he said many other projects are helping to build a base for democracy in his homeland.
As a bilingual and bicultural adviser to the unit, he said he sees his job as being a bridge between the U.S. Army and the Iraqi people.
ALSO from McClatchy Papers
Baghdad
Two policemen were killed inside their car when gunmen attacked them near Al Shaab stadium in Zayuna east Baghdad
around 7,00 am.
Police found two bodies in Baghdad. One body was found in Amil neighborhood while the other body was found in Amin.
Diyala
A Kurdish security officer was killed in an IED which was planted near his house in Jalwla city northeast Baquba early morning today.
Mosul
Mosul police operation room officer Brigadier General Abdul Kareem al Jobori said that 7 people were injured in a car bomb in al Qadisiyah neighborhood east Mosul city last night. Al jobori added that some buildings were damaged by the explosion.
The media officer of Mosul police Ahmed al Jobori survived from an assassination attempt when gunmen attacked his convoy in Al Qadisiyah neighborhood northeast Mosul city today afternoon.
One of al Jobori guards was killed and another was injured while two gunmen were killed in the clashes.
Additional KingAir aircraft, which are fitted with intelligence gathering sensors, will be delivered throughout next year, said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bob Allardice, Coalition Air Force Transition Team commander.
BAGHDAD — For Yousef Kasim, living in the “Five Farms” area of Baghdad is a challenge. His family lives in a mud brick home, with no running water or electricity, in a place where, until recently, al-Qaida terrorists roamed the area generating a swath of destruction. Coalition and Iraqi security forces helped Yousef and his family by first clearing the area of terrorists, then again Dec. 13 when they treated the boy’s severe burns.
That day, Yousef was chasing the family kitten around the family’s outdoor oven when his pants snagged on a grate covering the fire pit; he tripped and landed in the stew his mother was cooking, causing severe burns from his right hip down to his right knee.
With the terrorists being forced out by the surge of 30,000 U.S. troops and Iraqi National Police (NP) into Baghdad, Yousef was able to be seen by competent medical personnel.
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's interior ministry spokesman said Saturday that 75 percent of al-Qaida in Iraq's terrorist network had been destroyed this year, but the top American commander in the country said the terror group remained his chief concern.
Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf said the disruption of the terrorist network was due to improvements in the Iraqi security forces, which he said had made strides in weeding out commanders and officers with ties to militias or who were involved in criminal activities.
He also credited the rise of anti-al-Qaida in Iraq groups, mostly made up of Sunni fighters the Shiite-dominated government has cautiously begun to embrace. Additionally, an increase in American troops since June has been credited with pushing many militants out of Baghdad.
Khalaf's assertion that three-fourths of al-Qaida in Iraq had been destroyed could not be independently verified and he did not elaborate on how the percentage was determined.
But violence in Iraq has dropped significantly since June—the U.S. military says it is down 60 percent nationwide—demonstrating success in fighting the terrorist network.
KIRKUK — “Upon entering our academy…you are no longer Turkman, Arab, Christian, Kurd…you are an Iraqi,” Col. Samir Murshed Khushid, commandant of the Kirkuk Police Academy and former Peshmerga Soldier, said.
He tells his recruits that they are there to serve their fellow citizen. “Protect them: ethnicity does not matter.”
That sentiment is built into the screening process. Ministry of Interior (MoI) standards are based on the ethnic make-up of a particular province. “The three major ethnic groups here are Arab, Kurd, and Turkman. MoI has set the following percentages for us to hire: Arab, 29 percent; Kurd, 40 percent; and Turkman, 29 percent,”
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Aker of 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division’s Provincial Police Training Team (PPTT), said. “Don’t ask Samir what religion he or any one of his cadres or recruits are, he would be offended as, ‘that is their personal choice,’ he would say,” Aker said.
“Everyone in Kirkuk is working together to eliminate the terrorists here,” Recruit Muhammad Abdul Abas, 22, an Arab said. “We – Arab, Kurd, Turkman, and Christian, are united in this belief and as a team, we work in peace to protect everyone in Kirkuk against those that want to separate us and try to make us fight each other,” he said.
The team Abas refers to is his brotherhood…one formed with all ethnic groups within each Iraqi police platoon. “We will work together to protect our citizens.”
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — What was once known as the Triangle of Death in this war-torn county is now the Triangle of Hope, an Iraqi adviser to an American Army unit said.
“We are building schools, roads and we have repaired a bridge,” Hashim Khidir, said of an area that is part of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) responsibility south of Baghdad.
And efforts are being made to again increase the agricultural output of the Euphrates River Valley, which he calls the most fertile area in Iraq, a Sunni region long known for its farms.
One of those programs is re-establishing the once large poultry industry south of Baghdad, said the English-trained engineer.
Khidir helps provide engineering expertise to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry, 3rd Bridge Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Assault). But he said many other projects are helping to build a base for democracy in his homeland.
As a bilingual and bicultural adviser to the unit, he said he sees his job as being a bridge between the U.S. Army and the Iraqi people.
ALSO from McClatchy Papers
Baghdad
Two policemen were killed inside their car when gunmen attacked them near Al Shaab stadium in Zayuna east Baghdad
around 7,00 am.
Police found two bodies in Baghdad. One body was found in Amil neighborhood while the other body was found in Amin.
Diyala
A Kurdish security officer was killed in an IED which was planted near his house in Jalwla city northeast Baquba early morning today.
Mosul
Mosul police operation room officer Brigadier General Abdul Kareem al Jobori said that 7 people were injured in a car bomb in al Qadisiyah neighborhood east Mosul city last night. Al jobori added that some buildings were damaged by the explosion.
The media officer of Mosul police Ahmed al Jobori survived from an assassination attempt when gunmen attacked his convoy in Al Qadisiyah neighborhood northeast Mosul city today afternoon.
One of al Jobori guards was killed and another was injured while two gunmen were killed in the clashes.
CONFLICT & TERR0R 12/28
Security tight ahead of Bhutto rally
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 5:24am
Hundreds of riot police manned security checkpoints Thursday as opposition leader Benazir Bhutto prepared to hold her first campaign rally since returning from exile two months ago. Bhutto had planned an earlier rally in the city, but Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf forced her to cancel it, citing security fears. In October, suicide bombers struck a parade celebrating Bhutto's return, killing more than 140 people in the southern city of Karachi. Full Story
Several hurt in Pakistani election shooting
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 5:39am
Gunmen opened fire on supporters of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday while he was campaigning for a January election, wounding several of them, Sharif said. Sharif blamed supporters of the party that supports President Pervez Musharraf for the violence near the city of Rawalpindi. Police confirmed several people had been hurt in shooting. Full Story
Diplomats expelled by Afghanistan
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 9:29am
Two diplomats accused by Afghan officials of making contacts with the Taleban have left the country after talks to stop their expulsions failed. One is a high-ranking British UN employee, Mervyn Patterson. The other is the acting head of the EU mission in Afghanistan, Irishman Michael Semple. The Kabul-based pair were accused of posing a threat to national security during a visit to Helmand province. Full Story
Somali troops hunt for kidnappers
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 9:34am
The Somali security forces are hunting for the gang which kidnapped two women who work for an aid agency. The pair, a Spanish doctor and an Argentine nurse, were seized near the northern port of Bossasso, in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland. They work for the aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). Full Story
Pakistan on the brink as suicide attack kills Benazir Bhutto
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:25am
Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was killed by a suicide bomber as she left a public rally today, threatening to plunge Pakistan into a civil war. The former prime minister was caught by the blast as she was driven from the rally in the city of Rawalpindi. Full Story
Little-known mafia is cocaine 'king'
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:28am
Europe is fast overtaking the U.S. as the leading destination for the world's cocaine, and a single Italian mafia is largely responsible. The 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate, a ruthless and mysterious network of 155 families born in the rough hills here in southern Italy's Calabria region, now dominates the European drug trade. Full Story
Iran and Malaysia signed $16 billion agreement
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:34am
Iran's Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC) and Malaysia's SKS Ventures signed the multibillion dollar contract to develop Golshan and Ferdows gas fields in southern Iran. Iran and Malaysia signed a $16 billion agreement to develop two Iranian gas fields, state-run television reported Wednesday, describing the deal as the largest energy contract in Iran.
Sri Lanka says fighter jets destroy Sea Tiger base
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:35am
Sri Lankan jets bombed and destroyed a northern Tamil Tiger naval base on Thursday, the military said, a day after a fierce sea battle that left up to 52 rebels and navy sailors dead. The bombing raid by MiGs and Israeli-made Kfir jets is the latest in a series of air strikes in recent months as President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government seeks to destroy the Tigers militarily to end a new chapter in a 25-year civil war. Full Story
Dozens of vehicles torched and vandalized in Turkey
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:36am
Assailants wearing balaclavas torched at least 10 vehicles overnight in Istanbul and the southern city of Adana, news agencies reported Thursday, raising the number of vehicles vandalized across Turkey in the past two weeks to more than 40. The attacks have coincided with a Turkish military assault against separatist Kurdish rebel hideouts both inside Turkey and across the border in northern Iraq. Full Story
Turkish Jets Strike Kurdish Rebels
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:37am
Turkish warplanes attacked Kurdish rebel camps in northern Iraq on Wednesday, the Turkish military said, acknowledging its second cross-border airstrike this week and its third in recent days. The warplanes shelled eight locations in the Zap region of northern Iraq, across Turkeys southeastern border, the army said in a statement. It gave no information on any casualties or injuries. Full Story
4 Sunni Allies of U.S. Killed in Iraq
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:41am
Four members of an American-backed neighborhood watch group in Diyala Province were killed Wednesday when a house they were raiding exploded, the police said. The blast, north of Baquba, the provincial capital, also wounded at least four people. It was one of several attacks this month against the volunteer Awakening groups and their members, who are also known as Concerned Local Citizens. On Tuesday, several members of an Awakening group were killed by a suicide truck bomber near a checkpoint outside the Baiji oil refinery, in northern Iraq. Full Story
Egypt and Israel Meet Over Arms Smuggling
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:43am
Israels defense minister, Ehud Barak, met President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, amid tension over weapons smuggling from Egypt into Gaza. Earlier in the day, Egypts foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, had complained about the Israeli lobbys efforts to harm Egypts interests with the Congress, referring to moves to make some American military aid to Egypt conditional on its taking steps to stop the smuggling and protect human rights. After the meeting, Mr. Barak said, Whenever we have points of dispute, we will discuss them through face-to-face dialogue in good faith.
New Air Defense System for Iran
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:44am
Russia is preparing to equip Iran with a powerful new air defense system that would significantly increase its ability to repel an attack, Irans defense minister said Wednesday. The S-300 antiaircraft missile defense system is capable of shooting down aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missile warheads at over 90 miles and at altitudes of about 90,000 feet. The S-300 is an improvement over the Tor-M1 air defense missile system. Russia delivered 29 Tor-M1s to Iran this year under a $700 million contract signed in 2005. Full Story
Belgium Frees 14 Held as Plot Suspects
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:53am
A judge on Saturday released 14 men who had been accused of plotting to break a suspected supporter of Al Qaeda out of prison here, saying there was too little evidence to hold them. Prosecutors said the investigation would continue, as would heightened security measures imposed across the country after the men were detained in raids on Friday. Full Story
Palestinians killed in Israeli raid
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:20pm
Three Palestinians have been killed and six others wounded in Gaza Strip during the latest Israeli army incursion in the Hamas-run territory. Two of the victims belonged to the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad group and the third was a member of the armed wing of Hamas, medics and witnesses said. The Israeli army carried out an air raid and fired artillery into an area around the southern town of Khan Yunis on Thursday, they said. Full Story
Brown condemns Bhutto killers as 'cowards'
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:22pm
Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the killing of Benazir Bhutto Thursday, saying she was "assassinated by cowards afraid of democracy". He described the Pakistani opposition leader as a woman of "immense personal courage and bravery", adding, "This atrocity strengthens our resolve that terrorists will not win there, here or anywhere in the world". Full Story
Israeli building plan clouds talks
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:23pm
An Israeli building programme planned for East Jerusalem is set to overshadow a meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Thursday's summit between Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, and Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, is the first since the two agreed to renew peace talks at the US-sponsored Annapolis meeting last month. The Jerusalem dispute has already clouded earlier meetings between negotiating teams. Full Story
London shares close up
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 2:55pm
Leading shares gained momentum in late afternoon deals to close higher after the assassination of Pakistan's opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, reignited geopolitical concerns and sent oil prices to a fresh 1-month high, fuelling oil heavyweight share prices. The FTSE 100 index closed up 18.5 points at 6,497.8, while the FTSE 250 index ended 21.6 points ahead at 10,608.3. Full Story
Energy sector fuels gains on Europe's bourses
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:04pm
European equities shrugged off negative sentiment on Wall Street to end narrowly higher as rising commodities prices gave a lift to energy and resources companies across the continent. The FTSE Eurofirst 300 closed up 0.1 per cent at 1,509.10 as European companies looked to China and other emerging markets for growth in 2008. Stocks pared early gains after the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and poor US economic data cast a pall over markets. Full Story
British airport strike talks deadlocked
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 8:42pm
Talks between unions and management aimed at averting strikes next month at some of Britain's busiest airports ended without agreement Thursday night, officials said. Workers at seven airports, including London's Heathrow and Gatwick, voted last week to stage three strikes in the new year after airport operator BAA PLC announced plans to change its employee pension plan. Full Story
WHO confirms inter-human bird flu transmission in Pakistan
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 8:42pm
Experts with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday confirmed the first case of inter-human transmission of bird flu in Pakistan, but ruled out any risk of a widespread outbreak. Laboratory tests established that the person had been infected with the potentially fatal H5N1 strain of the virus, even though had not been in contact with contaminated poultry. Full Story
German Neo-Nazi Party Under Investigation for Fraud
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 8:43pm
While an outright ban of the extreme right-wing NPD party has proven difficult, the neo-Nazis may now face a different kind of legal trouble. The party may have defrauded the state out of federal matching funds for political donations. The letter, addressed to the "Dear Comrades" of the right-extremist National Democratic Party (NPD) leadership in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, arrived just in time for Christmas and contained its share of holiday surprises.
Under the heading "Memorandum about incorrect reporting," the head of the NPD's local organization in the Lauenburg-Stormarn county informed his party leaders in the state capital Kiel about unsavory details of an affair that could prove disastrous for the nationalist party. Full Story
Group: Bin Laden to release Iraq message
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 9:24pm
Terror leader Osama bin Laden will release a new Internet message that focuses on Iraq, a terrorism monitoring group said Thursday. The SITE intelligence group said it has learned that the al-Qaida leader will discuss Iraq and the insurgent group the Islamic State of Iraq, which is a front organization for al-Qaida. Full Story
Taiwan court clears presidential candidate of corruption
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 12:12am
Taiwan's High Court cleared opposition leader and presidential favourite Ma Ying-jeou of corruption Friday in a high-profile ruling that frees him to stand in the March vote. Ma, who is representing the Kuomintang (KMT) party, could have been barred from running for president in the March vote if he had been convicted. Full Story
Bhutto's body flown to home province
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 12:13am
The body of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was taken to her family village for burial on Friday, a day after her assassination plunged the nuclear-armed country into one of the worst crises in its 60-year history. Her killing after an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi triggered a wave of violence, especially in her native Sindh province, and stoked fears a January 8 election meant to return Pakistan to civilian-led democracy could be put off. Full Story
Sri Lanka says kills 29 Tamil Tigers
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3:16am
Sri Lanka's military said on Friday troops had killed 29 Tamil Tigers in a series of land clashes over 24 hours, as the death toll from renewed civil war continued its inexorable climb. The army said troops battled the rebels in the northern district of Vavuniya on Thursday killing 25 rebels, and killed four more in Jaffna on Friday. Full Story
Tamil Nadu police combs coastal areas for LTTE men
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3:17am
Tamil Nadu police and its intelligence wing "Q Branch" have launched a combing operation following reports that a group of LTTE militants had sneaked into the coastal areas of Ramanathapuram district. "We have asked all the lodges and hotels to be checked," a police official said here on Friday. Full Story
Iran gets 2nd Russian fuel shipment
Posted on Friday,
December 28, 2007 at 3:26am
Iran received the second shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia on Friday for a power plant being constructed in the southern Iranian town of Bushehr, the official news agency IRNA reported. The delivery signaled continued momentum toward beginning operations at the long-delayed 1,000 megawatt light-water reactor, which the Russians are helping to construct and the Iranians say will come online in 2008. Full Story
Russia says no plans to sell missile system to Iran
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3:46am
Russia has no plans to sell its advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Iran, a Russian government agency said on Friday. "The issue of supplying Iran with S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, raised by mass media, is not on the agenda, is not being considered and is not being discussed with the Iranian side at the moment," Russia's Federal Military and Technical Cooperation Service said on its Web site. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 5:24am
Hundreds of riot police manned security checkpoints Thursday as opposition leader Benazir Bhutto prepared to hold her first campaign rally since returning from exile two months ago. Bhutto had planned an earlier rally in the city, but Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf forced her to cancel it, citing security fears. In October, suicide bombers struck a parade celebrating Bhutto's return, killing more than 140 people in the southern city of Karachi. Full Story
Several hurt in Pakistani election shooting
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 5:39am
Gunmen opened fire on supporters of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday while he was campaigning for a January election, wounding several of them, Sharif said. Sharif blamed supporters of the party that supports President Pervez Musharraf for the violence near the city of Rawalpindi. Police confirmed several people had been hurt in shooting. Full Story
Diplomats expelled by Afghanistan
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 9:29am
Two diplomats accused by Afghan officials of making contacts with the Taleban have left the country after talks to stop their expulsions failed. One is a high-ranking British UN employee, Mervyn Patterson. The other is the acting head of the EU mission in Afghanistan, Irishman Michael Semple. The Kabul-based pair were accused of posing a threat to national security during a visit to Helmand province. Full Story
Somali troops hunt for kidnappers
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 9:34am
The Somali security forces are hunting for the gang which kidnapped two women who work for an aid agency. The pair, a Spanish doctor and an Argentine nurse, were seized near the northern port of Bossasso, in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland. They work for the aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). Full Story
Pakistan on the brink as suicide attack kills Benazir Bhutto
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:25am
Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was killed by a suicide bomber as she left a public rally today, threatening to plunge Pakistan into a civil war. The former prime minister was caught by the blast as she was driven from the rally in the city of Rawalpindi. Full Story
Little-known mafia is cocaine 'king'
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:28am
Europe is fast overtaking the U.S. as the leading destination for the world's cocaine, and a single Italian mafia is largely responsible. The 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate, a ruthless and mysterious network of 155 families born in the rough hills here in southern Italy's Calabria region, now dominates the European drug trade. Full Story
Iran and Malaysia signed $16 billion agreement
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:34am
Iran's Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC) and Malaysia's SKS Ventures signed the multibillion dollar contract to develop Golshan and Ferdows gas fields in southern Iran. Iran and Malaysia signed a $16 billion agreement to develop two Iranian gas fields, state-run television reported Wednesday, describing the deal as the largest energy contract in Iran.
Sri Lanka says fighter jets destroy Sea Tiger base
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 10:35am
Sri Lankan jets bombed and destroyed a northern Tamil Tiger naval base on Thursday, the military said, a day after a fierce sea battle that left up to 52 rebels and navy sailors dead. The bombing raid by MiGs and Israeli-made Kfir jets is the latest in a series of air strikes in recent months as President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government seeks to destroy the Tigers militarily to end a new chapter in a 25-year civil war. Full Story
Dozens of vehicles torched and vandalized in Turkey
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:36am
Assailants wearing balaclavas torched at least 10 vehicles overnight in Istanbul and the southern city of Adana, news agencies reported Thursday, raising the number of vehicles vandalized across Turkey in the past two weeks to more than 40. The attacks have coincided with a Turkish military assault against separatist Kurdish rebel hideouts both inside Turkey and across the border in northern Iraq. Full Story
Turkish Jets Strike Kurdish Rebels
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:37am
Turkish warplanes attacked Kurdish rebel camps in northern Iraq on Wednesday, the Turkish military said, acknowledging its second cross-border airstrike this week and its third in recent days. The warplanes shelled eight locations in the Zap region of northern Iraq, across Turkeys southeastern border, the army said in a statement. It gave no information on any casualties or injuries. Full Story
4 Sunni Allies of U.S. Killed in Iraq
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:41am
Four members of an American-backed neighborhood watch group in Diyala Province were killed Wednesday when a house they were raiding exploded, the police said. The blast, north of Baquba, the provincial capital, also wounded at least four people. It was one of several attacks this month against the volunteer Awakening groups and their members, who are also known as Concerned Local Citizens. On Tuesday, several members of an Awakening group were killed by a suicide truck bomber near a checkpoint outside the Baiji oil refinery, in northern Iraq. Full Story
Egypt and Israel Meet Over Arms Smuggling
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:43am
Israels defense minister, Ehud Barak, met President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, amid tension over weapons smuggling from Egypt into Gaza. Earlier in the day, Egypts foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, had complained about the Israeli lobbys efforts to harm Egypts interests with the Congress, referring to moves to make some American military aid to Egypt conditional on its taking steps to stop the smuggling and protect human rights. After the meeting, Mr. Barak said, Whenever we have points of dispute, we will discuss them through face-to-face dialogue in good faith.
New Air Defense System for Iran
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:44am
Russia is preparing to equip Iran with a powerful new air defense system that would significantly increase its ability to repel an attack, Irans defense minister said Wednesday. The S-300 antiaircraft missile defense system is capable of shooting down aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missile warheads at over 90 miles and at altitudes of about 90,000 feet. The S-300 is an improvement over the Tor-M1 air defense missile system. Russia delivered 29 Tor-M1s to Iran this year under a $700 million contract signed in 2005. Full Story
Belgium Frees 14 Held as Plot Suspects
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:53am
A judge on Saturday released 14 men who had been accused of plotting to break a suspected supporter of Al Qaeda out of prison here, saying there was too little evidence to hold them. Prosecutors said the investigation would continue, as would heightened security measures imposed across the country after the men were detained in raids on Friday. Full Story
Palestinians killed in Israeli raid
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:20pm
Three Palestinians have been killed and six others wounded in Gaza Strip during the latest Israeli army incursion in the Hamas-run territory. Two of the victims belonged to the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad group and the third was a member of the armed wing of Hamas, medics and witnesses said. The Israeli army carried out an air raid and fired artillery into an area around the southern town of Khan Yunis on Thursday, they said. Full Story
Brown condemns Bhutto killers as 'cowards'
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:22pm
Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the killing of Benazir Bhutto Thursday, saying she was "assassinated by cowards afraid of democracy". He described the Pakistani opposition leader as a woman of "immense personal courage and bravery", adding, "This atrocity strengthens our resolve that terrorists will not win there, here or anywhere in the world". Full Story
Israeli building plan clouds talks
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:23pm
An Israeli building programme planned for East Jerusalem is set to overshadow a meeting between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Thursday's summit between Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, and Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, is the first since the two agreed to renew peace talks at the US-sponsored Annapolis meeting last month. The Jerusalem dispute has already clouded earlier meetings between negotiating teams. Full Story
London shares close up
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 2:55pm
Leading shares gained momentum in late afternoon deals to close higher after the assassination of Pakistan's opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, reignited geopolitical concerns and sent oil prices to a fresh 1-month high, fuelling oil heavyweight share prices. The FTSE 100 index closed up 18.5 points at 6,497.8, while the FTSE 250 index ended 21.6 points ahead at 10,608.3. Full Story
Energy sector fuels gains on Europe's bourses
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:04pm
European equities shrugged off negative sentiment on Wall Street to end narrowly higher as rising commodities prices gave a lift to energy and resources companies across the continent. The FTSE Eurofirst 300 closed up 0.1 per cent at 1,509.10 as European companies looked to China and other emerging markets for growth in 2008. Stocks pared early gains after the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and poor US economic data cast a pall over markets. Full Story
British airport strike talks deadlocked
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 8:42pm
Talks between unions and management aimed at averting strikes next month at some of Britain's busiest airports ended without agreement Thursday night, officials said. Workers at seven airports, including London's Heathrow and Gatwick, voted last week to stage three strikes in the new year after airport operator BAA PLC announced plans to change its employee pension plan. Full Story
WHO confirms inter-human bird flu transmission in Pakistan
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 8:42pm
Experts with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday confirmed the first case of inter-human transmission of bird flu in Pakistan, but ruled out any risk of a widespread outbreak. Laboratory tests established that the person had been infected with the potentially fatal H5N1 strain of the virus, even though had not been in contact with contaminated poultry. Full Story
German Neo-Nazi Party Under Investigation for Fraud
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 8:43pm
While an outright ban of the extreme right-wing NPD party has proven difficult, the neo-Nazis may now face a different kind of legal trouble. The party may have defrauded the state out of federal matching funds for political donations. The letter, addressed to the "Dear Comrades" of the right-extremist National Democratic Party (NPD) leadership in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, arrived just in time for Christmas and contained its share of holiday surprises.
Under the heading "Memorandum about incorrect reporting," the head of the NPD's local organization in the Lauenburg-Stormarn county informed his party leaders in the state capital Kiel about unsavory details of an affair that could prove disastrous for the nationalist party. Full Story
Group: Bin Laden to release Iraq message
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 9:24pm
Terror leader Osama bin Laden will release a new Internet message that focuses on Iraq, a terrorism monitoring group said Thursday. The SITE intelligence group said it has learned that the al-Qaida leader will discuss Iraq and the insurgent group the Islamic State of Iraq, which is a front organization for al-Qaida. Full Story
Taiwan court clears presidential candidate of corruption
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 12:12am
Taiwan's High Court cleared opposition leader and presidential favourite Ma Ying-jeou of corruption Friday in a high-profile ruling that frees him to stand in the March vote. Ma, who is representing the Kuomintang (KMT) party, could have been barred from running for president in the March vote if he had been convicted. Full Story
Bhutto's body flown to home province
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 12:13am
The body of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was taken to her family village for burial on Friday, a day after her assassination plunged the nuclear-armed country into one of the worst crises in its 60-year history. Her killing after an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi triggered a wave of violence, especially in her native Sindh province, and stoked fears a January 8 election meant to return Pakistan to civilian-led democracy could be put off. Full Story
Sri Lanka says kills 29 Tamil Tigers
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3:16am
Sri Lanka's military said on Friday troops had killed 29 Tamil Tigers in a series of land clashes over 24 hours, as the death toll from renewed civil war continued its inexorable climb. The army said troops battled the rebels in the northern district of Vavuniya on Thursday killing 25 rebels, and killed four more in Jaffna on Friday. Full Story
Tamil Nadu police combs coastal areas for LTTE men
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3:17am
Tamil Nadu police and its intelligence wing "Q Branch" have launched a combing operation following reports that a group of LTTE militants had sneaked into the coastal areas of Ramanathapuram district. "We have asked all the lodges and hotels to be checked," a police official said here on Friday. Full Story
Iran gets 2nd Russian fuel shipment
Posted on Friday,
December 28, 2007 at 3:26am
Iran received the second shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia on Friday for a power plant being constructed in the southern Iranian town of Bushehr, the official news agency IRNA reported. The delivery signaled continued momentum toward beginning operations at the long-delayed 1,000 megawatt light-water reactor, which the Russians are helping to construct and the Iranians say will come online in 2008. Full Story
Russia says no plans to sell missile system to Iran
Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 3:46am
Russia has no plans to sell its advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Iran, a Russian government agency said on Friday. "The issue of supplying Iran with S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, raised by mass media, is not on the agenda, is not being considered and is not being discussed with the Iranian side at the moment," Russia's Federal Military and Technical Cooperation Service said on its Web site. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
CONFLICT & TERR0R 12/27
Heavy sea battle in Sri Lanka: military and Tigers
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 5:51am
Sri Lanka's navy clashed with suspected Tamil Tiger vessels off the island's northern coast of Jaffna, the defence ministry and the rebels said. Full Story
Experts worry about college stadium security
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 5:57am
After more than a decade in counterterrorism, Jim McGee can no longer relax and enjoy watching a sports event. The fans look like potential victims of terrorism to the former FBI agent turned college instructor. The players are possible targets and the security gaps are easy to detect. Full Story
Army could be called for polls
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:25am
Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan said on Tuesday that the army would be deployed at sensitive places across the country to assist police and Rangers during the January 8 elections, APP reported. He told Geo News that the Interior Ministry had not received requests from the provinces till yet regarding the armys deployment, adding that it was difficult to provide the number of sensitive locations where army and Rangers would be deployed. Full Story
Iraqi cabinet approves bill to free prisoners
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:27am
The Iraqi cabinet approved a draft law on Wednesday which could see thousands of prisoners freed, one of the main demands of Sunni Arab politicians boycotting the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad. U.S. forces and Iraqi authorities each hold about 25,000 prisoners, many from the Sunni Arab community that fought an insurgency against the American-backed government after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Full Story
Gunmen in Somalia kidnap aid workers
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:28am
Security forces on Wednesday pursued and surrounded kidnappers who abducted two foreign aid workers in northern Somalia hours earlier, a regional official said. A witness said the victims, women from Spain and Argentina, were kidnapped by six gunmen near the building where they worked for the aid group Doctors Without Borders in the Puntland region. Full Story
Suicide attacks are part of al Qaeda's plan to disrupt Pak elections
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:31am
Pakistan's top security brass believe that the recent suicide attacks are part of a vicious campaign launched by al-Qaeda and its allied militant organisations to disrupt the January 8 elections. Security officials have termed the recurring suicide attacks, including the recent Charsadda bombing which targeted former Interior Minister, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, as a part of an al-Qaeda plan to derail the electoral process. Full Story
South Korea cabinet OKs probe of president-elect
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:33am
South Korea's cabinet on Wednesday approved a special counsel to look into securities fraud allegations against president-elect Lee Myung-bak, the presidential Blue House said in a statement. Conservative Lee will become the country's first president-elect to face a criminal investigation and the probe is likely to undermine his leadership when he takes office in late February. Full Story
France seeks return of Chad aid workers
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:14pm
Paris on Wednesday said it would seek the repatriation of six French aid workers after a Chadian court condemned them to eight years hard labour for the attempted kidnapping of 103 children from the former colony. The French foreign ministry said inquiries about repatriation to allow the six to serve their sentences in France had been made on Wednesday, immediately after the verdict was handed down. Agency reports suggested that the six members of the Zoes Ark charity could be returned to France in days. Full Story
Colombia approves Chavez hostage plan
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:15pm
Colombia agreed on Wednesday to allow Venezuelan planes and helicopters to land in the country and pick up three hostages held for years by Marxist guerrillas, including a child born in captivity. The plan was proposed earlier by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a fiery left-wing leader who has been negotiating with Colombia's guerrilla leaders and is authorized by them to receive the captives. Full Story
14 terrorists due to surrender in Western Algeria
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:17pm
Judicial police of the locality of Tlemcen (300 Kms west of Algiers) dismantled this month, two networks working for the support and supply of terrorist groups. Five terrorists were arrested bearing nicknames were arrested in the first operation at the small village of Tadjmout located in the southern borders of Tlemcen. Full Story
Karzai, Musharraf pledge cooperation on fighting militants, other issues
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:18pm
The presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan pledged Wednesday to increase the cooperation of their intelligence agencies and tighten border controls in an effort to crack down on Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked militants along the two countries' chaotic border region. Full Story
Russian Withdraws Presidential Candidacy
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:19pm
The number of candidates challenging the Kremlin's choice for president dwindled Wednesday when the leader of a pro-business party dropped out of the race. Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister, said he was withdrawing so as not to split the vote with what he described as the only other remaining candidate from the liberal opposition, former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. Full Story
Colombians rescue kidnapped 9-year old
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 9:59pm
An elite anti-kidnapping force has rescued a 9-year old boy who was snatched seven months ago by leftist rebels, authorities said Wednesday. Police freed the boy Tuesday in the city of Neiva after several months of investigation, said Col. Jorge Armando Molina, head of police in the southern province of Huila. One person was arrested in connection with his abduction. Full Story
Thaksin faces arrest if he returns to Thailand: senior official
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:23am
Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would face arrest on corruption and fraud charges if he returned to Thailand, a senior official at the Attorney General's office said Thursday. "If they were in Thailand, police can arrest him and his wife because both are still wanted on Thai arrest warrants," Samphan Sarathana, chief of international affairs for the Attorney General, told AFP. Full Story
Musharraf, Karzai pledge to fight terror
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:24am
The presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan pledged during an unusually friendly meeting Wednesday to share intelligence and tighten border controls to quash rising militant attacks.
Talks between the two leaders who frequently argue over the source of cross-border terrorism came amid a wave of violence in Pakistan blamed on local Islamic extremists in the largely lawless border region. A suicide bombing during a prayer service at a mosque Friday killed 56 people and an attack on a military convoy in the area Sunday killed nine. Full Story
Militants free seven Pakistani security personnel: officials
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:25am
Suspected pro-Taliban militants released seven Pakistani security personnel kidnapped about three weeks ago in a troubled tribal region near the Afghan border, officials said. The militants abducted the seven from two security posts in early December and then blew up the posts located around Khar, the main town of the Bajaur tribal district bordering Afghanistan. Full Story
Sri Lankan military bomb rebel navy basePosted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:26amAir force fighter planes destroyed a separatist Tamil Tiger rebel naval base in the country's north Thursday, a day after a fierce sea battle killed at least 40 rebels and 12 navy troops, Sri Lanka's military said. The planes bombed and destroyed a naval training camp in the northern rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu early Thursday, military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said. He did not give details of casualties. Full Story
Diplomats expelled from Afghanistan
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:27am
The Afghan government expelled two senior European diplomats Thursday on accusations they held unauthorized meetings with Taliban militants, officials said. The diplomats one worked for the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the other was the acting head of the European Union mission had traveled to Musa Qala, a former Taliban stronghold in southern Helmand province on Monday, where they met with local leaders, said Aleem Siddique, a spokesman for the U.N. mission. Full Story
Some tourists shunning India's Goa over protests
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:33am
Tourists are cancelling holidays to the Indian beach resort of Goa over fears of violent protests against government plans to build more industrial parks here, an official and a hotelier said. Opposition political parties and environmental groups have set a Friday deadline for visitors to leave the former Portuguese enclave on the Arabian Sea. Full Story
Putin heir Medvedev's popularity soars
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:06am
The popularity of Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has more than doubled since President Vladimir Putin named him his preferred successor two weeks ago, an opinion poll showed on Thursday. According to the poll, conducted by the independent Levada Centre polling company, 79 percent of those questioned would vote for Medvedev if a presidential election were held this weekend. Full Story
11 more churches torched in Orissa
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:08am
Eleven churches and prayer houses were ransacked and torched in several areas of Kandhamal district in Orissa in the early hours on Thursday. Seven churches and prayer houses were attacked and set afire in Gandapadar, Badahapanga, Bhandarapada, Pisupadar, Masapadar, Minia and Adigara under Phulbani Sadar police station area, police said. Full Story
Reporters hold Sri Lanka minister
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:54am
Police in Sri Lanka have been sent to rescue a minister held by journalists at a TV station after one of his aides allegedly assaulted one of them. The minister, Mervyn Silva, went to state-run Rupavahini television to complain that one of his speeches had not been covered in the news. A "henchman" manhandled the news director, the station said and journalists wanted an apology. Full Story
Abbas wants settlement freeze at summit
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 4:15am
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will demand Israel commit to a freeze on all settlement construction at a peace summit Thursday, the first since the two sides agreed to resume peace talks at a U.S.-sponsored conference last month. On Wednesday, Abbas appealed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to press Israel on the construction issue, Abbas aide Nabil Abu Rdeneh said. A State Department spokesman said Rice called both Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and urged them to make progress toward an agreement. Full Story
Kenyans vote amid fears of corruption
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 4:16am
President Mwai Kibaki tried to fend off a fiery opposition leader Thursday in an election that was shaping up to be the closest in this East African country's history. Allegations of corruption including voter intimidation and violence have been central campaign themes, with both Kibaki and challenger Raila Odinga vowing to end the graft that has scared off foreign investment and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Full Story
Police enforce curfew after India religious riots
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 4:18am
Hundreds of federal police enforced a curfew in parts of eastern India on Thursday after clashes between Hindus and Christians in which one person was killed and 14 churches and 3 Hindu temples were damaged. Police said the clashes had ended but curfews remained in place in three towns in central Orissa. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 5:51am
Sri Lanka's navy clashed with suspected Tamil Tiger vessels off the island's northern coast of Jaffna, the defence ministry and the rebels said. Full Story
Experts worry about college stadium security
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 5:57am
After more than a decade in counterterrorism, Jim McGee can no longer relax and enjoy watching a sports event. The fans look like potential victims of terrorism to the former FBI agent turned college instructor. The players are possible targets and the security gaps are easy to detect. Full Story
Army could be called for polls
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:25am
Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Khan said on Tuesday that the army would be deployed at sensitive places across the country to assist police and Rangers during the January 8 elections, APP reported. He told Geo News that the Interior Ministry had not received requests from the provinces till yet regarding the armys deployment, adding that it was difficult to provide the number of sensitive locations where army and Rangers would be deployed. Full Story
Iraqi cabinet approves bill to free prisoners
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:27am
The Iraqi cabinet approved a draft law on Wednesday which could see thousands of prisoners freed, one of the main demands of Sunni Arab politicians boycotting the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad. U.S. forces and Iraqi authorities each hold about 25,000 prisoners, many from the Sunni Arab community that fought an insurgency against the American-backed government after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Full Story
Gunmen in Somalia kidnap aid workers
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:28am
Security forces on Wednesday pursued and surrounded kidnappers who abducted two foreign aid workers in northern Somalia hours earlier, a regional official said. A witness said the victims, women from Spain and Argentina, were kidnapped by six gunmen near the building where they worked for the aid group Doctors Without Borders in the Puntland region. Full Story
Suicide attacks are part of al Qaeda's plan to disrupt Pak elections
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:31am
Pakistan's top security brass believe that the recent suicide attacks are part of a vicious campaign launched by al-Qaeda and its allied militant organisations to disrupt the January 8 elections. Security officials have termed the recurring suicide attacks, including the recent Charsadda bombing which targeted former Interior Minister, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, as a part of an al-Qaeda plan to derail the electoral process. Full Story
South Korea cabinet OKs probe of president-elect
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 8:33am
South Korea's cabinet on Wednesday approved a special counsel to look into securities fraud allegations against president-elect Lee Myung-bak, the presidential Blue House said in a statement. Conservative Lee will become the country's first president-elect to face a criminal investigation and the probe is likely to undermine his leadership when he takes office in late February. Full Story
France seeks return of Chad aid workers
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:14pm
Paris on Wednesday said it would seek the repatriation of six French aid workers after a Chadian court condemned them to eight years hard labour for the attempted kidnapping of 103 children from the former colony. The French foreign ministry said inquiries about repatriation to allow the six to serve their sentences in France had been made on Wednesday, immediately after the verdict was handed down. Agency reports suggested that the six members of the Zoes Ark charity could be returned to France in days. Full Story
Colombia approves Chavez hostage plan
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:15pm
Colombia agreed on Wednesday to allow Venezuelan planes and helicopters to land in the country and pick up three hostages held for years by Marxist guerrillas, including a child born in captivity. The plan was proposed earlier by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a fiery left-wing leader who has been negotiating with Colombia's guerrilla leaders and is authorized by them to receive the captives. Full Story
14 terrorists due to surrender in Western Algeria
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:17pm
Judicial police of the locality of Tlemcen (300 Kms west of Algiers) dismantled this month, two networks working for the support and supply of terrorist groups. Five terrorists were arrested bearing nicknames were arrested in the first operation at the small village of Tadjmout located in the southern borders of Tlemcen. Full Story
Karzai, Musharraf pledge cooperation on fighting militants, other issues
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:18pm
The presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan pledged Wednesday to increase the cooperation of their intelligence agencies and tighten border controls in an effort to crack down on Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked militants along the two countries' chaotic border region. Full Story
Russian Withdraws Presidential Candidacy
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 6:19pm
The number of candidates challenging the Kremlin's choice for president dwindled Wednesday when the leader of a pro-business party dropped out of the race. Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister, said he was withdrawing so as not to split the vote with what he described as the only other remaining candidate from the liberal opposition, former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. Full Story
Colombians rescue kidnapped 9-year old
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 9:59pm
An elite anti-kidnapping force has rescued a 9-year old boy who was snatched seven months ago by leftist rebels, authorities said Wednesday. Police freed the boy Tuesday in the city of Neiva after several months of investigation, said Col. Jorge Armando Molina, head of police in the southern province of Huila. One person was arrested in connection with his abduction. Full Story
Thaksin faces arrest if he returns to Thailand: senior official
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:23am
Deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would face arrest on corruption and fraud charges if he returned to Thailand, a senior official at the Attorney General's office said Thursday. "If they were in Thailand, police can arrest him and his wife because both are still wanted on Thai arrest warrants," Samphan Sarathana, chief of international affairs for the Attorney General, told AFP. Full Story
Musharraf, Karzai pledge to fight terror
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 12:24am
The presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan pledged during an unusually friendly meeting Wednesday to share intelligence and tighten border controls to quash rising militant attacks.
Talks between the two leaders who frequently argue over the source of cross-border terrorism came amid a wave of violence in Pakistan blamed on local Islamic extremists in the largely lawless border region. A suicide bombing during a prayer service at a mosque Friday killed 56 people and an attack on a military convoy in the area Sunday killed nine. Full Story
Militants free seven Pakistani security personnel: officials
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:25am
Suspected pro-Taliban militants released seven Pakistani security personnel kidnapped about three weeks ago in a troubled tribal region near the Afghan border, officials said. The militants abducted the seven from two security posts in early December and then blew up the posts located around Khar, the main town of the Bajaur tribal district bordering Afghanistan. Full Story
Sri Lankan military bomb rebel navy basePosted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:26amAir force fighter planes destroyed a separatist Tamil Tiger rebel naval base in the country's north Thursday, a day after a fierce sea battle killed at least 40 rebels and 12 navy troops, Sri Lanka's military said. The planes bombed and destroyed a naval training camp in the northern rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu early Thursday, military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said. He did not give details of casualties. Full Story
Diplomats expelled from Afghanistan
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:27am
The Afghan government expelled two senior European diplomats Thursday on accusations they held unauthorized meetings with Taliban militants, officials said. The diplomats one worked for the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the other was the acting head of the European Union mission had traveled to Musa Qala, a former Taliban stronghold in southern Helmand province on Monday, where they met with local leaders, said Aleem Siddique, a spokesman for the U.N. mission. Full Story
Some tourists shunning India's Goa over protests
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:33am
Tourists are cancelling holidays to the Indian beach resort of Goa over fears of violent protests against government plans to build more industrial parks here, an official and a hotelier said. Opposition political parties and environmental groups have set a Friday deadline for visitors to leave the former Portuguese enclave on the Arabian Sea. Full Story
Putin heir Medvedev's popularity soars
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:06am
The popularity of Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has more than doubled since President Vladimir Putin named him his preferred successor two weeks ago, an opinion poll showed on Thursday. According to the poll, conducted by the independent Levada Centre polling company, 79 percent of those questioned would vote for Medvedev if a presidential election were held this weekend. Full Story
11 more churches torched in Orissa
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:08am
Eleven churches and prayer houses were ransacked and torched in several areas of Kandhamal district in Orissa in the early hours on Thursday. Seven churches and prayer houses were attacked and set afire in Gandapadar, Badahapanga, Bhandarapada, Pisupadar, Masapadar, Minia and Adigara under Phulbani Sadar police station area, police said. Full Story
Reporters hold Sri Lanka minister
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 3:54am
Police in Sri Lanka have been sent to rescue a minister held by journalists at a TV station after one of his aides allegedly assaulted one of them. The minister, Mervyn Silva, went to state-run Rupavahini television to complain that one of his speeches had not been covered in the news. A "henchman" manhandled the news director, the station said and journalists wanted an apology. Full Story
Abbas wants settlement freeze at summit
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 4:15am
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will demand Israel commit to a freeze on all settlement construction at a peace summit Thursday, the first since the two sides agreed to resume peace talks at a U.S.-sponsored conference last month. On Wednesday, Abbas appealed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to press Israel on the construction issue, Abbas aide Nabil Abu Rdeneh said. A State Department spokesman said Rice called both Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and urged them to make progress toward an agreement. Full Story
Kenyans vote amid fears of corruption
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 4:16am
President Mwai Kibaki tried to fend off a fiery opposition leader Thursday in an election that was shaping up to be the closest in this East African country's history. Allegations of corruption including voter intimidation and violence have been central campaign themes, with both Kibaki and challenger Raila Odinga vowing to end the graft that has scared off foreign investment and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Full Story
Police enforce curfew after India religious riots
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 4:18am
Hundreds of federal police enforced a curfew in parts of eastern India on Thursday after clashes between Hindus and Christians in which one person was killed and 14 churches and 3 Hindu temples were damaged. Police said the clashes had ended but curfews remained in place in three towns in central Orissa. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
IRAQ EVENTS IN BRIEF 12/26
Baghdad
- Around 9 a.m., a roadside bomb targeted an American patrol at Bab Al-Muatham ( north Baghdad ) . No casualties recorded but some damage to one of the convoy’s vehicles.
- Police found ( 4 ) unidentified dead bodies in the following neighborhoods in Baghdad: ( 2 ) were found in east Baghdad ( Risafa bank) ; 1 in Nahrwan and 1 in Palestine street. While ( 2 ) were found in west Baghdad ( Karkh bank) ; 1 in Doura and ( 1 ) in Amil
Diyala
- Around 2 p.m., Iraqi army found 17 dead bodies buried at Hadeed area ( 10 km west of Baquba ) .
- Around 5.30 p.m., gunmen attacked an army check point at Buhriz in Kanan ( 10 km north of Baquba ) killing two soldiers and injuring nine others.
Kirkuk
- Wednesday afternoon, gunmen kidnapped Hamid A.Abdul Latif , a member of Democratic Party of Kurdistan in front of his house at Jalwla district (110 km north east Baquba )
Baghdad
Police found 3 bodies in Baghdad today in the following neighborhoods (1 body in Zafaraniyah, 1 body in Sadr city and 1 body in Doura
Salahuddin
25 people were killed and 80 others at least were injured when a suicide car bomb attacked Sahwa (awakening) check point in the entrance of Al Nafet neighborhood west Biji city north of Baghdad at 9,30 am police said. A part of a housing complex was destroyed by the explosion.
A car bomb exploded near Tikrit bridges in Tikrit city early morning. No casualties were reported.
Iraqi police in Samraa city north of Baghdad said that 5 people were killed and 4 others were wounded when a US army helicopter opened fire downtown Samraa city.
The source said that the helicopter opened the fire targeting three insurgents who were planting a roadside bomb in Al Dhubat neighborhood downtown the city.
The three men were hit directly while another two civilians were killed and four others including a woman were injured.
The source said that the US troops took the bodies to a center for the US troops. The US army said in a press release that its troops targeted an alleged senior level foreign terrorist facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq and three other terrorists.
Diyala
Two policemen were killed when gunmen exploded a reconstructed police station downtown Baquba city around 4,30 am.
At 3 am morning, the US troops raided the office of the Iraqi Red Crescent in Sab’aa Nisan neighborhood (the 7th of April neighborhood) downtown Baquba city arresting 3 guards.
While doing a walking patrol in the area, the US troops arrested a member of the local committees. After a while, the US troops killed the man. Another member of the local committees who was in the scene was killed also by the US troops, Iraqi police said.
The US army said in a press release that his troops were attacked while conducting a raid early morning and the forces engaged killing two criminals arresting four.
4 people were killed including Farhan Al Bihrizawi, a member of 20th revolution brigade and 20 others were wounded including a woman and 4 children when a suicide bomber attacked the funeral ceremonies of two members of the local committees who were killed earlier today.
Mosul
The driver and one of the guards of Mosul governor Duraid Kashmola were injured in an IED explosion that targeted Kashmola’s convoy in al-Ghabat area (forests area)northwest Mosul city today afternoon.Kashmola was accompanied by the mayor of Mosul city
Courtesy McClatchy Newspapers
- Around 9 a.m., a roadside bomb targeted an American patrol at Bab Al-Muatham ( north Baghdad ) . No casualties recorded but some damage to one of the convoy’s vehicles.
- Police found ( 4 ) unidentified dead bodies in the following neighborhoods in Baghdad: ( 2 ) were found in east Baghdad ( Risafa bank) ; 1 in Nahrwan and 1 in Palestine street. While ( 2 ) were found in west Baghdad ( Karkh bank) ; 1 in Doura and ( 1 ) in Amil
Diyala
- Around 2 p.m., Iraqi army found 17 dead bodies buried at Hadeed area ( 10 km west of Baquba ) .
- Around 5.30 p.m., gunmen attacked an army check point at Buhriz in Kanan ( 10 km north of Baquba ) killing two soldiers and injuring nine others.
Kirkuk
- Wednesday afternoon, gunmen kidnapped Hamid A.Abdul Latif , a member of Democratic Party of Kurdistan in front of his house at Jalwla district (110 km north east Baquba )
Baghdad
Police found 3 bodies in Baghdad today in the following neighborhoods (1 body in Zafaraniyah, 1 body in Sadr city and 1 body in Doura
Salahuddin
25 people were killed and 80 others at least were injured when a suicide car bomb attacked Sahwa (awakening) check point in the entrance of Al Nafet neighborhood west Biji city north of Baghdad at 9,30 am police said. A part of a housing complex was destroyed by the explosion.
A car bomb exploded near Tikrit bridges in Tikrit city early morning. No casualties were reported.
Iraqi police in Samraa city north of Baghdad said that 5 people were killed and 4 others were wounded when a US army helicopter opened fire downtown Samraa city.
The source said that the helicopter opened the fire targeting three insurgents who were planting a roadside bomb in Al Dhubat neighborhood downtown the city.
The three men were hit directly while another two civilians were killed and four others including a woman were injured.
The source said that the US troops took the bodies to a center for the US troops. The US army said in a press release that its troops targeted an alleged senior level foreign terrorist facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq and three other terrorists.
Diyala
Two policemen were killed when gunmen exploded a reconstructed police station downtown Baquba city around 4,30 am.
At 3 am morning, the US troops raided the office of the Iraqi Red Crescent in Sab’aa Nisan neighborhood (the 7th of April neighborhood) downtown Baquba city arresting 3 guards.
While doing a walking patrol in the area, the US troops arrested a member of the local committees. After a while, the US troops killed the man. Another member of the local committees who was in the scene was killed also by the US troops, Iraqi police said.
The US army said in a press release that his troops were attacked while conducting a raid early morning and the forces engaged killing two criminals arresting four.
4 people were killed including Farhan Al Bihrizawi, a member of 20th revolution brigade and 20 others were wounded including a woman and 4 children when a suicide bomber attacked the funeral ceremonies of two members of the local committees who were killed earlier today.
Mosul
The driver and one of the guards of Mosul governor Duraid Kashmola were injured in an IED explosion that targeted Kashmola’s convoy in al-Ghabat area (forests area)northwest Mosul city today afternoon.Kashmola was accompanied by the mayor of Mosul city
Courtesy McClatchy Newspapers
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
IRAQ EVENTS IN BRIEF 12/24
Baghdad
- Around 9:30 a.m. a bomb inside a mini bus targeted civilians in Salhiyah, killing one civilian and injuring five others.
- Around 11 a.m. two roadside bombs targeted civilians in a traffic circle near Al Saidiyah, injuring six civilians.
- Police found two bodies in Baghdad, one in Sadr and one in Saidiyah.
Diyala
- Gunmen set a checkpoint near Al Bu Shaheen village (about 25 kilometers north of Baquba) and kidnapped 14 passengers were traveling in a mini bus.
- A roadside bomb targeted Iraqi army vehicle west Khaniqeen, killing one soldier and injuring three others.
Kirkuk
- Gunmen kidnapped seven truck drivers south of Kirkuk near Amer Li town.
Sulaimaniyah
- Gunmen attacked Garmak police station (about 100 Kilometers north east of Sulaimaniyah city), killing one police officer and injuring two. Police accused Al Qaeda for the attack.
Courtesy McClatchy Newspapers
- Around 9:30 a.m. a bomb inside a mini bus targeted civilians in Salhiyah, killing one civilian and injuring five others.
- Around 11 a.m. two roadside bombs targeted civilians in a traffic circle near Al Saidiyah, injuring six civilians.
- Police found two bodies in Baghdad, one in Sadr and one in Saidiyah.
Diyala
- Gunmen set a checkpoint near Al Bu Shaheen village (about 25 kilometers north of Baquba) and kidnapped 14 passengers were traveling in a mini bus.
- A roadside bomb targeted Iraqi army vehicle west Khaniqeen, killing one soldier and injuring three others.
Kirkuk
- Gunmen kidnapped seven truck drivers south of Kirkuk near Amer Li town.
Sulaimaniyah
- Gunmen attacked Garmak police station (about 100 Kilometers north east of Sulaimaniyah city), killing one police officer and injuring two. Police accused Al Qaeda for the attack.
Courtesy McClatchy Newspapers
Monday, December 24, 2007
IRAQ EVENTS IN BRIEF 12/23 & CONFLICT & TERROR
Baghdad
- Around 6:30 a.m. a roadside bomb targeted civilians in Zafaraniyah, killing two civilians including one woman and injuring two civilians.
- Around 11 a.m. a roadside bomb targeted a joint U.S. and Iraqi convoy in Al Ghazaliyah, no casualties were reported.
- Police found three bodies in Baghdad, one in Sadr, in Doura and Amil.
Diyala
- Gunmen attacked Iraqi army checkpoint in Saqr village near Al Khalis, five gunmen were killed and two soldiers were injured.
Nineveh
- Around 1:30 p.m. a parked car bomb targeted Iraqi police convoy in Al Mashriq neighborhood, killing one civilian and injuring five others.
Kirkuk
- Gunmen attacked police patrol in Al Zarga town south of Kirkuk yesterday, two gunmen were killed and two police officers were injured.
- An IED targeted a house in central Kirkuk. The explosion caused damages to the targeted house. Police said the house belong to Ahmed Zeinal who works with U.S. forces.
Baghdad
- Around 2 p.m. a roadside bomb targeted civilians near Al Madaen hospital, injuring five people.
- Around 3 p.m. a suicide car bomb targeted joint Iraqi police and army checkpoint in Al Ghazaliyah, killing one soldier and three civilians and injuring two soldiers, two police officers and two civilians.
- Police found two bodies in Baghdad, in Saidiyah and Sadr.
Courtesy McClatchy Newspapers
(Iran) Iran reactor 'to open late 2008'
(India) 12 Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants surrender in J & K
(Lebanon) Lebanon's opposition threatens to boycott presidential vote absent deal on future government
(Gaza) Gaza's Christians Keep Low Xmas Profile
(France) Twin bomb attacks injure two in Corsica
Update: Sri Lanka says kills 22 rebels, destroys bunkers
(Iran/Iraq) Iran 'restraining Shia militias in Iraq.'
Also US praises Iran curbs on Sadr militia in Iraq
(Saudi Arabia) Ministry: 28 arrested in Saudi Arabia
(Gaza) Olmert rules out truce talks with Hamas
(Pakistan) Bhutto says some madrasas groom killers
(Afghanistan) Three Canadian soldiers injured
Update: Turkish aircraft in fresh raid in northern Iraq - report
Bombing, gunmen leave 5 dead in Iraq
Saudi says arrests 28 al Qaeda militants
Suicide bomber kills nine in Pakistan
5 Somalis killed in the capital
(UK & Afghanistan) NHS volunteers treat Taliban in frontline hospital
Pakistan agents ‘staged escape’ of terror suspect - Sunday Times: Friends of Rashid Rauf say he kidnapped by Pakistan’s ISI, not escaped
CIA obstructed 9/11 investigators: report and CIA says it cooperated with 9/11 panel
Iraq Qaeda Group Confirms Top Figure Killed: Web - Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of Islamic State in Iraq, hailed Abu Maysara, killed last month
Iraq government vows to disband Sunnis and In a Force for Iraqi Calm, Seeds of Conflict
Turkey bombs Kurd rebel bases in Iraq and
Turkish air strikes targeted 9 camps and 3,500 armed PKK terrorists
(Iraq) Al-Qaeda operative accused of Killing nine U.S. soldiers nabbed in Iraq
Iraq bombs kill one U.S. soldier and wound 11 -- double roadside bomb attack in Kirkuk
(Iraq) Suicide car bomb kills Iraqi in western Baghdad
(Pakistan) Several arrested in Pakistan suicide attack: officials -- Pakistan looks for clues to ID bomber -- and --
'Pakistan bomber loaded with ball bearings'
Pakistan's Islamic Parties Struggling
(India) Two Islamic militants arrested over Indian Lucknow court blasts: police -- believed to be with Bangladesh-based militant group Harkatul Jihad al-Islami
Indian officials clash on terrorism causes
(U.S.) Gitmo Detainee Charged In Terrorism Plot -- Brother-In-Law Of 9/11 Hijacker 4th Guantanamo Detainee Charged -- Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al-Darbi's charges relate to plans to attack vessels off Yemeni coast
(U.S.) Judge defers ruling on Guantanamo tapes inquiry
(U.S.) Judge: 1992 papers relevant in 9/11 lawsuits -- Judge says organizations must turn over evidence, including Muslim World League, the International Islamic Relief Organization and Wa'el Jelaidan
(U.S.) FBI prepares vast database of biometrics
(U.S.) NYT: CIA intentionally impeded Sept. 11 inquiry, officials say
Iran Educates Children to 'Seek Martyrdom'
Hizbullah reports death of member while on 'jihad mission'
(Iran) Wife of missing ex-FBI man gets no news in Iran
Saudi Arabia: Al Qaeda planned haj attacks
Algerian army surrounds armed group
(Nigeria) Militant group to observe Christmas Day cease-fire in Nigeria's oil region
Somali authorities say kidnapped French journalist expected to be freed; may face charges
Uganda announces arrest of 20 suspected Rwandan rebels
Belgium Releases 14 Terror Suspects -- after a court decided there was insufficient evidence to hold them for more than 24 hours
Belgian authorities on high terrorism alert
Germany drops probe of man who was accused of recruiting for terrorism -- "Tolga D." was suspected of having recruited a fellow citizen for terrorism in Pakistan
(UK) Pair face terror charges -- inciting terror in Pakistan - involvement with Baluchistan group
(Sri Lanka) 14 LTTE rebels, 1 trooper killed in separate clashes in Northern Sri Lanka
(North Korea) US expert on Korea returns from trip to NKorea: officials
Rice: US has 'no permanent enemies'
Saudis bust ring planning hajj attack: Al-Arabiya television - Saudi authorities arrested Al-Qaeda linked group planning terrorist attacks during annual pilgrimage
(Pakistan) Gates: Al Qaeda has regrouped in Pakistan border area
Pakistan: Bomb attack on ex-minister lastest in militants' unrelenting campaign
PBS Dispatches - Pakistan: The New Taliban
Hamas TV says group has new anti-aircraft unit in Gaza
(Israel) Gov't releases tape of Hizbullah captive
(Indonesia) Captured JI leader hints at more terror attacks
Libya May Escape Final Judgment in Pan-Am 103 Case
Iraqi Shiite leader urges checks on anti-Qaeda groups
(Iraq) American Army says Thursday's attack northeast of Baghdad targeted US troops
(Afghanistan) 11 Tons of Opium Discovered in Taliban Town of Musa Qala
(Pakistan) At least 50 dead in Pakistan suicide attack: police -- at mosque in northwest Pakistan, bomber detonated as prayer leader said "Allahu Akbar" -- targeting former interior minister Aftab Sherpao, who was also former anti-terrorism official
(Pakistan) Taliban outfit faces ban -- Government may ban Tehrik-i-Taliban
(Pakistan) Benazir Bhutto vows to stop Balochistan military operation
(India) 'Qaida' threatens Delhi High Court -- and -
Al Qaeda threat to courts seems a hoax: police
(India) Engineer shot at by militants in Manipur
(India) 12 police missing in Chhattisgarh -- after gunbattle with Maoists
(U.S.) New York Court: State law won't protect terror author from libel judgment -- regarding Khalid Salim A. Bin Mahfouz suit against Rachel Ehrenfeld
(U.S.) White House faces hearing on CIA tapes
(U.S.) Al-Qaeda DVD sparks dispute over Ft. Dix 5
(Al-Qaeda) Behind Al Qaeda's latest publicity tactic
(Iran) Powers fail to reach deal on Iran sanctions
(Iran) Former CIA official: 'Israel will ultimately decide to attack Iran on its own'
(Gaza) Palestinian militant shot dead near Gaza border
(Gaza) Two IDF soldiers lightly wounded by bomb detonation on Gaza fence
(Israel) Kassam falls north of the Gaza Strip; no casualties
Saudi paper: Hamas asked terror groups to stop rocket attacks
(Bahrain) At least 7 Bahraini Shiite Islamist opposition activists rounded up, group says
Russia to veto UN Security Council resolution granting independence to Kosovo
(Uzbekistan) Leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan: 'Allah Willing, America Will Soon Be Annihilated....'
Belgium arrests 14 in Islamic jail break plot -- plan to break out convicted Al-Qaeda suspect arrested in September 2001 for plotting attacks on U.S. targets -- and -- Belgium steps up security after terror threat
Germany agrees to pass passenger data to FBI
(UK) Vanessa Redgrave helps Guantanamo suspects -- helps terror suspects walk free by putting 40,000 pounds toward their bail fee
(Canada) Terror suspect granted bail -- Yasin Mohamed
(Australia) Restrictions for Australia terror supporter -- convicted terrorist David Hicks to be released from prison next week
(Australia) Haneef wins court battle to return to Australia -- and -- Australia: Govt orders inquiry into Indian doctor's terror case - former suspect in London car bombing plots
(Thailand) Security forces on alert for New Year festival
(Sri Lanka) 12 Tamil Tiger rebels killed in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka) LTTE trying to take Prabhakaran abroad for treatment: report
(Sri Lanka) War crimes inquiry into Tamil rebel living in UK
(North Korea) Report: Uranium found on North Korean tubes --- WP report
(North Korea) Rice does not rule out North Korea visit, speaks of 'normalization' -- and --
US says North Korea won't meet deadline
China taps into U.S. spy operations -- gained access to a secret National Security Agency listening post in Hawaii
Colombian rebels confirm planned release of three hostages
(U.S.) Judge: Gitmo trial for bin Laden driver -- denies POW status for Salim Ahmed Hamdan
(U.S.) CIA to turn over videotape documents
(Iraq) More than 30 killed in restive Iraqi province of Diyala -- and -- Bombings mar peaceful holiday in Iraq - death toll increased, includes U.S. soldier
(Italy) Milan imam convicted for promoting jihad -- Abu Imad
(Germany) Interior Ministry Warns of Radicalization of Muslims -- says 6% of 3 million Muslims in Germany have "violent tendencies"
(Northern Ireland) Judge says man not guilty of IRA bombing
(Iraq) 17 suspected al-Qaida fighters killed in Iraq: Police
Hat tip Counter Terrorism Blog
- Around 6:30 a.m. a roadside bomb targeted civilians in Zafaraniyah, killing two civilians including one woman and injuring two civilians.
- Around 11 a.m. a roadside bomb targeted a joint U.S. and Iraqi convoy in Al Ghazaliyah, no casualties were reported.
- Police found three bodies in Baghdad, one in Sadr, in Doura and Amil.
Diyala
- Gunmen attacked Iraqi army checkpoint in Saqr village near Al Khalis, five gunmen were killed and two soldiers were injured.
Nineveh
- Around 1:30 p.m. a parked car bomb targeted Iraqi police convoy in Al Mashriq neighborhood, killing one civilian and injuring five others.
Kirkuk
- Gunmen attacked police patrol in Al Zarga town south of Kirkuk yesterday, two gunmen were killed and two police officers were injured.
- An IED targeted a house in central Kirkuk. The explosion caused damages to the targeted house. Police said the house belong to Ahmed Zeinal who works with U.S. forces.
Baghdad
- Around 2 p.m. a roadside bomb targeted civilians near Al Madaen hospital, injuring five people.
- Around 3 p.m. a suicide car bomb targeted joint Iraqi police and army checkpoint in Al Ghazaliyah, killing one soldier and three civilians and injuring two soldiers, two police officers and two civilians.
- Police found two bodies in Baghdad, in Saidiyah and Sadr.
Courtesy McClatchy Newspapers
(Iran) Iran reactor 'to open late 2008'
(India) 12 Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants surrender in J & K
(Lebanon) Lebanon's opposition threatens to boycott presidential vote absent deal on future government
(Gaza) Gaza's Christians Keep Low Xmas Profile
(France) Twin bomb attacks injure two in Corsica
Update: Sri Lanka says kills 22 rebels, destroys bunkers
(Iran/Iraq) Iran 'restraining Shia militias in Iraq.'
Also US praises Iran curbs on Sadr militia in Iraq
(Saudi Arabia) Ministry: 28 arrested in Saudi Arabia
(Gaza) Olmert rules out truce talks with Hamas
(Pakistan) Bhutto says some madrasas groom killers
(Afghanistan) Three Canadian soldiers injured
Update: Turkish aircraft in fresh raid in northern Iraq - report
Bombing, gunmen leave 5 dead in Iraq
Saudi says arrests 28 al Qaeda militants
Suicide bomber kills nine in Pakistan
5 Somalis killed in the capital
(UK & Afghanistan) NHS volunteers treat Taliban in frontline hospital
Pakistan agents ‘staged escape’ of terror suspect - Sunday Times: Friends of Rashid Rauf say he kidnapped by Pakistan’s ISI, not escaped
CIA obstructed 9/11 investigators: report and CIA says it cooperated with 9/11 panel
Iraq Qaeda Group Confirms Top Figure Killed: Web - Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of Islamic State in Iraq, hailed Abu Maysara, killed last month
Iraq government vows to disband Sunnis and In a Force for Iraqi Calm, Seeds of Conflict
Turkey bombs Kurd rebel bases in Iraq and
Turkish air strikes targeted 9 camps and 3,500 armed PKK terrorists
(Iraq) Al-Qaeda operative accused of Killing nine U.S. soldiers nabbed in Iraq
Iraq bombs kill one U.S. soldier and wound 11 -- double roadside bomb attack in Kirkuk
(Iraq) Suicide car bomb kills Iraqi in western Baghdad
(Pakistan) Several arrested in Pakistan suicide attack: officials -- Pakistan looks for clues to ID bomber -- and --
'Pakistan bomber loaded with ball bearings'
Pakistan's Islamic Parties Struggling
(India) Two Islamic militants arrested over Indian Lucknow court blasts: police -- believed to be with Bangladesh-based militant group Harkatul Jihad al-Islami
Indian officials clash on terrorism causes
(U.S.) Gitmo Detainee Charged In Terrorism Plot -- Brother-In-Law Of 9/11 Hijacker 4th Guantanamo Detainee Charged -- Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al-Darbi's charges relate to plans to attack vessels off Yemeni coast
(U.S.) Judge defers ruling on Guantanamo tapes inquiry
(U.S.) Judge: 1992 papers relevant in 9/11 lawsuits -- Judge says organizations must turn over evidence, including Muslim World League, the International Islamic Relief Organization and Wa'el Jelaidan
(U.S.) FBI prepares vast database of biometrics
(U.S.) NYT: CIA intentionally impeded Sept. 11 inquiry, officials say
Iran Educates Children to 'Seek Martyrdom'
Hizbullah reports death of member while on 'jihad mission'
(Iran) Wife of missing ex-FBI man gets no news in Iran
Saudi Arabia: Al Qaeda planned haj attacks
Algerian army surrounds armed group
(Nigeria) Militant group to observe Christmas Day cease-fire in Nigeria's oil region
Somali authorities say kidnapped French journalist expected to be freed; may face charges
Uganda announces arrest of 20 suspected Rwandan rebels
Belgium Releases 14 Terror Suspects -- after a court decided there was insufficient evidence to hold them for more than 24 hours
Belgian authorities on high terrorism alert
Germany drops probe of man who was accused of recruiting for terrorism -- "Tolga D." was suspected of having recruited a fellow citizen for terrorism in Pakistan
(UK) Pair face terror charges -- inciting terror in Pakistan - involvement with Baluchistan group
(Sri Lanka) 14 LTTE rebels, 1 trooper killed in separate clashes in Northern Sri Lanka
(North Korea) US expert on Korea returns from trip to NKorea: officials
Rice: US has 'no permanent enemies'
Saudis bust ring planning hajj attack: Al-Arabiya television - Saudi authorities arrested Al-Qaeda linked group planning terrorist attacks during annual pilgrimage
(Pakistan) Gates: Al Qaeda has regrouped in Pakistan border area
Pakistan: Bomb attack on ex-minister lastest in militants' unrelenting campaign
PBS Dispatches - Pakistan: The New Taliban
Hamas TV says group has new anti-aircraft unit in Gaza
(Israel) Gov't releases tape of Hizbullah captive
(Indonesia) Captured JI leader hints at more terror attacks
Libya May Escape Final Judgment in Pan-Am 103 Case
Iraqi Shiite leader urges checks on anti-Qaeda groups
(Iraq) American Army says Thursday's attack northeast of Baghdad targeted US troops
(Afghanistan) 11 Tons of Opium Discovered in Taliban Town of Musa Qala
(Pakistan) At least 50 dead in Pakistan suicide attack: police -- at mosque in northwest Pakistan, bomber detonated as prayer leader said "Allahu Akbar" -- targeting former interior minister Aftab Sherpao, who was also former anti-terrorism official
(Pakistan) Taliban outfit faces ban -- Government may ban Tehrik-i-Taliban
(Pakistan) Benazir Bhutto vows to stop Balochistan military operation
(India) 'Qaida' threatens Delhi High Court -- and -
Al Qaeda threat to courts seems a hoax: police
(India) Engineer shot at by militants in Manipur
(India) 12 police missing in Chhattisgarh -- after gunbattle with Maoists
(U.S.) New York Court: State law won't protect terror author from libel judgment -- regarding Khalid Salim A. Bin Mahfouz suit against Rachel Ehrenfeld
(U.S.) White House faces hearing on CIA tapes
(U.S.) Al-Qaeda DVD sparks dispute over Ft. Dix 5
(Al-Qaeda) Behind Al Qaeda's latest publicity tactic
(Iran) Powers fail to reach deal on Iran sanctions
(Iran) Former CIA official: 'Israel will ultimately decide to attack Iran on its own'
(Gaza) Palestinian militant shot dead near Gaza border
(Gaza) Two IDF soldiers lightly wounded by bomb detonation on Gaza fence
(Israel) Kassam falls north of the Gaza Strip; no casualties
Saudi paper: Hamas asked terror groups to stop rocket attacks
(Bahrain) At least 7 Bahraini Shiite Islamist opposition activists rounded up, group says
Russia to veto UN Security Council resolution granting independence to Kosovo
(Uzbekistan) Leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan: 'Allah Willing, America Will Soon Be Annihilated....'
Belgium arrests 14 in Islamic jail break plot -- plan to break out convicted Al-Qaeda suspect arrested in September 2001 for plotting attacks on U.S. targets -- and -- Belgium steps up security after terror threat
Germany agrees to pass passenger data to FBI
(UK) Vanessa Redgrave helps Guantanamo suspects -- helps terror suspects walk free by putting 40,000 pounds toward their bail fee
(Canada) Terror suspect granted bail -- Yasin Mohamed
(Australia) Restrictions for Australia terror supporter -- convicted terrorist David Hicks to be released from prison next week
(Australia) Haneef wins court battle to return to Australia -- and -- Australia: Govt orders inquiry into Indian doctor's terror case - former suspect in London car bombing plots
(Thailand) Security forces on alert for New Year festival
(Sri Lanka) 12 Tamil Tiger rebels killed in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka) LTTE trying to take Prabhakaran abroad for treatment: report
(Sri Lanka) War crimes inquiry into Tamil rebel living in UK
(North Korea) Report: Uranium found on North Korean tubes --- WP report
(North Korea) Rice does not rule out North Korea visit, speaks of 'normalization' -- and --
US says North Korea won't meet deadline
China taps into U.S. spy operations -- gained access to a secret National Security Agency listening post in Hawaii
Colombian rebels confirm planned release of three hostages
(U.S.) Judge: Gitmo trial for bin Laden driver -- denies POW status for Salim Ahmed Hamdan
(U.S.) CIA to turn over videotape documents
(Iraq) More than 30 killed in restive Iraqi province of Diyala -- and -- Bombings mar peaceful holiday in Iraq - death toll increased, includes U.S. soldier
(Italy) Milan imam convicted for promoting jihad -- Abu Imad
(Germany) Interior Ministry Warns of Radicalization of Muslims -- says 6% of 3 million Muslims in Germany have "violent tendencies"
(Northern Ireland) Judge says man not guilty of IRA bombing
(Iraq) 17 suspected al-Qaida fighters killed in Iraq: Police
Hat tip Counter Terrorism Blog
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