International News

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Iraq ‘Facing Collapse,’ Says Chatham House (BBC) “Iraq faces the distinct possibility of collapse and fragmentation,” British “foreign policy think tank Chatham House says,” according to the British Broadcasting Corporation. “Its report says the Iraqi government is now largely powerless and irrelevant in many parts of the country. It warns there is not one war but many local civil wars, and urges a major change in US and British strategy, such as consulting Iraq’s neighbours more. The report comes as Iran said Iranian and US diplomats would hold talks on 28 May on the security situation in Iraq.” [View article] [View report]

Canada Creates No-Fly List The Passenger Protect program, which goes into effect June 18, will prevent persons who pose an immediate threat to aviation security from boarding a commercial aircraft. The program “complies with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and federal privacy legislation,” according to Transport Canada, which has “established a reconsideration process to provide a non-judicial, efficient way for any members of the public who have been denied boarding to have their cases reviewed by persons independent of those who made the original recommendation.” [View press release]

Egypt Arrests 59 Muslims After Attacks on Christians (Washington Post) “Egyptian security forces arrested 59 Muslims on [May 12] accused of setting fire to Christian homes and shops in clashes over church construction that underlined lingering sectarian tensions,” reports Reuters. “… prosecutors ordered the arrests after taking the testimony of 10 Coptic Christians who were hurt in the clashes on [May 11] in the village of Behma, about 60 km (40 miles) south of Cairo, in which hundreds of people from both faiths fought with sticks and hurled bricks and firebombs at one another.” Those arrested “were charged with arson and with spreading sectarian strife. Security sources said an unspecified additional number of Muslim villagers were being held without charges pending an investigation. No Christians were being held.” [View article]

Greece Increases Antiterror Measures (Athens, Greece, Kathimerini) Greece’s Prime Minister, Costas Karamanlis, has increased anti-terror measures “to restore calm to central Athens” and “restore order in Exarchia, a traditional anarchist stronghold that has been plagued by violence over the past few months,” reports Kathimerini. The “terror group Revolutionary Struggle … claimed responsibility for a strike on a police station last month” and threatened “more attacks on police targets.” Police think that Revolutionary Struggle “is seeking wider acceptance, claiming allegiance with striking teachers, contract workers and farmers.” [View article]

Key Taliban Leader Killed in Afghanistan (New York Times; Los Angeles Times; Reuters AlertNet) “The man who probably was the Taliban’s foremost operational commander, Mullah Dadullah, was killed in a joint operation by Afghan security forces, American forces and NATO troops” on May 13, reports the New York Times. “Military officials say he organized fighters, weapons, supplies and finances across much of southern and southeastern Afghanistan” and was “thought to be responsible for ordering numerous assassinations of clerics, government officials and health and education workers, as well as kidnappings and beheadings, including of foreigners. The intelligence officials said he was responsible for training and sending scores of suicide bombers to Afghanistan.… Military and intelligence officials said his death would be a serious blow to the Taliban.” Also killed in the raid were “three Taliban released in exchange for a kidnapped Italian journalist”—Daniele Mastrogiacomo, reports the Associated Press. Dadullah “has been replaced by his younger brother”—Mullah Bakht Mohammad—“a Taliban spokesman said,” according to Reuters. [View NY Times article] [View AP article] [View Reuters article]

Al-Qaeda Tactics Expand in Gaza (Christian Science Monitor) “Amid an unprecedented deterioration of security conditions in the Gaza Strip and a slide toward lawlessness, … Israeli officials have … indications that Al Qaeda groups have infiltrated the Gaza Strip through the Egyptian border,” reports the Christian Science Monitor. “More likely, say many Palestinians, is that Islamic groups here have taken inspiration from Al Qaeda’s ideology and are trying to impose such a vision on the conflict.… Israeli observers … say websites tied to Al Qaeda have claimed to have cells operating in both the West Bank and Gaza.” [View article]

Israel, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka Join Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism Israel, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka have announced their decisions to become partner nations of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, which is led by the United States and Russia. [View press release]

Sydney, Australia, Plans Strict Security for Asia-Pacific Meeting (Australian) “Three central Sydney railway stations will be closed and areas of the city centre locked down for three days in September for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation … meeting of 21 world leaders, including US President George W Bush,” reports the Australian Associated Press. “Unprecedented security will be in force in Sydney for [the] week of” meetings. [View article]

Oklahoma Air Guard: ‘Angels in Azerbaijan’ (DefenseLink) “Oklahoma Air National Guard members arrived” in Azerbaijan “May 14 to participate in Operation Cherokee Angel, a medical humanitarian mission aimed at improving the health and welfare of the local population while training and working alongside Azeri medical personnel,” reports American Forces Press Service. “… The Oklahoma-Azerbaijan partnership was established in 2002 under the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program, which aligns selected states with nations around the world in an effort to promote stability.” [View article]

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United Nations News

Counter-Terrorism Committee Launches Online Information Assistance The Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (see the Website of the Week) has launched an online database of information about technical assistance requested by and provided to UN member states. The matrix provides potential donors with a snapshot of where assistance is still needed by states in implementing Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), which calls on countries to adopt counter-terrorism measures in their national legislation, and the relevant provisions of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. [View press release] [View matrix]

Gunmen Attack UN Office in Mogadishu (Scotsman) “Gunmen attacked a U.N. World Health Organisation … office in Mogadishu and wounded a guard, in the latest strike near the world body’s facilities in Somalia since the weekend,” reports Reuters. “… bombs planted by insurgents killed three people near a U.N. compound” on May 12. There was “a similar attack on Mogadishu’s largest market, the Bakara market.… The United Nations says recent battles between rebels and allied Somali-Ethiopian forces have killed some 1,300 civilians and triggered the worst displacement crisis in the world.” [View article]

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National News

Three Fort Dix Suspects Were in U.S. Illegally for 20 Years (Newsweek) “Three of the Fort Dix suspects [see last week’s newsletter] entered the United States illegally more than two decades ago,” reports Newsweek. “… an application for asylum filed in 1989 by the family of three suspects in the New Jersey plot stalled inside the federal bureaucracy for 16 years due to a paperwork ‘backlog.’ … Federal immigration officials finally took a more careful look at the family’s immigration history two years ago, and recommended a more thorough investigation by the FBI and Homeland Security agents … But before anything came of that investigation, the FBI and local authorities launched a separate undercover operation.” [View article]

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DHS News

Customs Fails to Disclose Use of Private Data, Says GAO (Government Executive) “The Customs and Border Protection agency has failed to inform the public how personal information collected from international travelers is being used, as required by law, according to … the Government Accountability Office,” reports Government Executive. “… The current process allows passenger information to be used in multiple prescreening procedures and to be transferred among various [Customs and Border Protection] systems in ways that are not fully explained in the agency’s privacy disclosures.” [View article] [View GAO abstract]

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Other Federal News

NSA Lacking Trust and Accountability (Baltimore Sun) “Lawmakers, Pentagon officials and the director of national intelligence want the National Security Agency to explain an internal report that concluded the NSA suffers from a lack of trust and accountability,” reports the Sun. The “28-page classified internal report … described management problems and recommended changes.” A “classified May 8 memo detailing background information on the report” went “to agency managers, as well as lawmakers, Pentagon officials and” Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell. The Sun reported the NSA’s findings on May 6. [View article] [View May 6 article]

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State and Local News

Cities and States Act Against Illegal Immigration (Dallas Morning News) “From Farmers Branch [TX] to Hazleton, Pa., more than 100 municipalities across the country are taking it upon themselves to tackle illegal immigration,” reports the Dallas Morning News. “In Pennsylvania, 32 municipalities have considered or enacted resolutions—such as making English the official language, cracking down on employers who hire illegal immigrants and punishing landlords who rent to them. In California, 13 cities have passed or considered local laws to crack down on illegal immigrants and push for comprehensive immigration legislation.… state legislatures in all 50 states, dissatisfied with congressional inaction, are considering more than twice the number of immigration-related laws as in previous years—with most imposing tougher restrictions on illegal immigrants.” [View article]

National Guard Drill Tests Response to Nuclear Attack (Columbus [OH] Dispatch) “The scenario: A nuclear bomb has exploded in Indianapolis. There are mass casualties and 300,000 fleeing people are clogging the roads. The water is tainted. Seven hospitals are destroyed,” reports the Columbus Dispatch. The drill, called “Vigilant Guard, the largest National Guard exercise in history,” took place May 10-13. “About 450 Ohio National Guard members, and more than 1,500 troops from other states, [came] to see how they and local responders might deal with a nuclear terrorist attack.” [View article]

Border Inspectors in Texas Shun Biometrics (McAllen, TX, Monitor) “The face- and fingerprint-matching technology that has been touted over the past decade as a sophisticated new way to stop terrorists and illegal immigrants from entering the country through Mexico has one major drawback: U.S. border inspectors almost never use it. In fact, the necessary equipment is not even installed in vehicle lanes along the border. Government officials told The Associated Press that checking more people would create too big a backup at the border, where hours-long traffic jams are already common.” [View article]

Real ID Reforms Don’t Go Far Enough, Say Governors and Legislatures “The draft regulations released in early March by DHS” for implementing the Real ID Act “reflect a number of recommendations” made by the states last year, but they “do not address several major state recommendations designed to ensure successful and cost-effective implementation of the act,” according to a May 8 letter to the Homeland Security Department from the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. On the states’ list of requests are federal funding and a 10-year enrollment period. [View letter]

Lung Disease Linked to World Trade Center Dust (New York Newsday) “Rescue workers and firefighters contracted a serious lung-scarring disease called sarcoidosis at a much higher rate after the Sept. 11 attacks than before, said a study that is the first to link the disease to exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero”—the site of the World Trade Center in New York City—reports the Associated Press. The study was published in the May issue of Chest Physician. [View article]

National Guard Fights Wildfires in Four States (DefenseLink) “National Guard troops” this week responded “to wildfires in Florida, Georgia, Minnesota and California, using air assets to deliver water and providing logistics and communication support,” according to American Forces Press Service. [View article]

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Private-Sector News

England’s Financial Sector Unprepared for Terror Attack (International Herald Tribune) England’s “financial sector is not fully prepared for another terrorist attack …” reports the Associated Press. “Lord Levene, chairman of the Lloyds insurance market, said that while terrorism is talked about in boardrooms more today, only one-third of companies believe they have a good understanding of the political violence and risk they may face.” [View article]

Education The Homeland Security Institute lists these education programs as a service to readers who may be interested; it does not endorse them or their courses. New education listings are posted for four weeks. Identifying and Controlling Human Infections and Illness Associated With Avian Influenza (online) This three-day training course sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists provides a standardized curriculum to state and local public-health responders. [View press release] [View course website] Building Security Certified Professional Seminar (May 22-23; Portland, OR) This is a new multidisciplinary certification program for licensed engineers, architects, landscape architects, certified protection professionals, and physical security professionals, sponsored by the Building Security Council. It offers 13 professional development hours and is intended to prepare candidates by addressing all seven domains that the examination covers: project process, risk assessment, site considerations, building envelope, interior space, facility operations, and rating system. The three-hour test is now available by computer at more than 250 locations across the United States. [View seminar website] U.S. Public Health Service Scientific and Training Symposium (June 3-7; Cincinnati) The theme of this year’s Symposium is “The Many Faces of Public Health.” It offers continuing education seminars on the latest trends and innovations in public health care delivery, administration, and research. [View symposium website] Emergency Preparedness for Government Facilities (June 4-5; Arlington, VA) This course provides “strategic resources to prepare for, and recover from, any emergency or disaster.” It will help the students create or improve their organization-wide emergency management plan to ensure that all procedures are in place and that all equipment and personnel needs are addressed so that they can respond to an emergency quickly and instinctively. [View course website] Hospital Security Preparedness (June 5-8; Washington, DC) The ER One Institute at the Washington Hospital Center is offering an immersion course for hospital protective services and law enforcement. It uses hands-on training, live drills, and classroom instruction from faculty with extensive security and counterterrorism experience. The course goal is to achieve competency in handling all hazards to hospital security, from routine situations to mass-casualty incidents and terrorist attacks against the facility. For more information, call Lisa Rizzolo at (202) 877-7453. [View course website] Terrorism: Threats, Training, Tactics and Technology (June 11-13, Boston) Nationally renowned experts will discuss terrorism, emerging threats, training, tactics, and technology. Participants will have the opportunity to explore some of the challenges and gain a comprehensive understanding of issues related to terrorism. [View course website] Teaching About Terrorism for Institutions Serving Minorities (June 16–24; Atlanta) The Homeland Security Department’s Science and Technology Directorate Office of University Programs is sponsoring a Summer Workshop on Teaching Terrorism for faculty and graduate students at institutions serving minorities. It will be held at Morehouse College and will offer an intensive short course on the fundamentals of terrorism, introduce academics to new and innovative techniques utilized to teach terrorism, and provide access to high-level officials working in the intelligence and counterterrorism fields. [View course website] Mirror Image (June 17-22; Moyock, NC) Mirror Image is an intensive classroom and field training program, designed to realistically simulate terrorist recruiting, training techniques, and operational tactics. Participants will receive insight into the mindset and rationale of the terrorist through hands-on experience with the methods and means they use, plus education about the ideologies that motivate them and cultural dimensions that influence their decision making. [View course website] Physical Infrastructure Technologies in Homeland Security (June 20; Washington, DC) This course will discuss evaluating and implementing technologies and techniques for sustainability and integration, with a special emphasis on information technology convergence, surveillance, and inspection. [View course website] Managing Today’s Threats to Homeland Security (June 27; Washington, DC) With a special focus on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive weapons, this class will give attendees a quick snapshot of how government and industry are addressing the threat, from policy decisions through recent research and technology development. [View course website] Discounts for sworn officers and security professionals (online) Ellis College, a fully accredited online college for working professionals, has a new tuition discount program for active and retired sworn officers in law enforcement, corrections, probation, and parole, along with security professionals. It also offers discounted tuition to active, retired, and veteran military personnel. [View press release] Security Leadership Essentials with Knowledge Compression (July 30–Aug. 4; Charlottesville, VA) This course is designed to empower senior and advancing managers who want to get up to speed fast on information security issues and terminology. It will help students meet the requirements of Department of Defense Directive 8570 and includes a test pass guarantee. [Register online] Security Essentials Bootcamp Style (August 6-11; Virginia Beach, VA) Students will learn the language and underlying theory of computer security and gain essential, up-to-the-minute knowledge and skills required for effective performance if they are given the responsibility for securing systems and/or organizations. The course will help students meet the requirements of Department of Defense Directive 8570 and includes a test pass guarantee. [Register online] Introduction to the Incident Command System The National Wildfire Coordination Group and the U.S. Fire Administration have jointly developed and implemented a new online course that will enable firefighters, incident responders, and others to learn and understand the basics of the Incident Command System. It is available on the National Wildfire Coordination Group’s training website. [View press release] [View course website]

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New Upcoming Events (After four weeks, new events will be moved to the Upcoming Events page) ACE Exchange IV and V (May 21-23, Laredo, TX; June 4-6, Buffalo, NY) The Automated Commercial Environment is the commercial trade processing system being developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to facilitate legitimate trade while strengthening border security. The ACE Exchanges will provide information on ACE and allow an open forum of communication between Customs and Border Protection and the trade community. The conferences will educate the trade community on the benefits of ACE, its impact on business operations, and legal policy changes under way, such as the new mandatory electronic manifest policy. [View conference website] Biodefense Vaccines and Therapeutics (June 4-6; Washington, DC) The theme of this year’s conference is policy, funding, and development. The conference is a place where government and industry come together to share their strategic plans and discuss industry’s participation in the government’s biodefense efforts. [View conference website] Sensors Expo and Conference (June 11-13; Rosemont, IL) This event focuses exclusively on sensors and sensor-integrated systems. The program will cover measurement and detection, emerging technologies and applications, systems and embedded intelligence, wireless sensing, and low-power sensing. [View conference website] Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism–International Nuclear Terrorism Law Enforcement Conference (June 11-13; Miami) The conference will feature 2½ days of industry exhibits and “will be attended by policy, program and tactical levels from participating agencies and an international contingent of” U.S. partner nations. [View conference website] CRTI Summer Symposium (June 11-15; Gatineau, Quebec) Canada’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Research and Technology Initiative summer symposium will focus on building resiliency from concept to operations. CRTI is responsible for building new science and technology necessary for response and preparedness. [View conference website] (June 26-28; Washington, DC) This conference offers a “solutions-oriented dialogue” to define the real communication problems faced and the capabilities needed to address them, identify interoperability and information-sharing needs and requirements, work towards aligning missions among federal, state, local, and non-governmental actors, and create the social and technical networks necessary for collaboration with a diverse array of participants. [View conference website] Creating and Using Multi-Hazards Knowledge and Strategies (June 28; Washington, DC) This workshop of the National Academies’ Disasters Roundtable will feature presentations by experts from the hazards research, policy, and practitioner communities, including both public- and private-sector representatives, and will include audience discussion. [View conference website] 17th World Conference on Disaster Management (July 8-11; Toronto) A venue for disaster management professionals from around the world to present, network, and learn. It comprises over 80 educational sessions and 16 half-day workshops and seminars. [View conference website] Heartland Security Conference & Exhibition (July 9-11; Minneapolis) The National Defense Industrial Association and the Defense Alliance of Minnesota will address the urgent and long-range system and technology needs of homeland security and national defense, focusing on threat awareness, preparedness, and responsiveness. [View conference website] NACCHO 2007 (July 11-13; Columbus, OH) Local health officials and their public health partners will examine strategies, share ideas, and plan actions designed to address issues of health inequity and environmental public health from local to global perspectives. [View conference website] (July 17-19; Oak Brook, IL) This is a multidisciplinary conference of public health professionals involved in bioterrorism planning and response, including public health administration, environmental health, nursing, communicable disease, laboratory services, food protection, immunization, hospital emergency services, and allied health. The conference includes over 30 concurrent and plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, a networking reception, and an exhibit hall. [View conference website]

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