Newsfeed Options

News Headlines

May 4, 2010 - 11:49

Two Suspects in Custody over Times Square Plot

By William Tucker

t1main.times.square.suspect.orkt.jpgLaw enforcement officials have announced that Faisal Shahzad, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Pakistani decent, has been arrested in connection with the failed bombing plot in Times Square. While Shahzad claimed that he acted alone, news reports are claiming that Pakistan has arrested an individual also linked to the Times Square plot in Karachi. Media reports have stated that Shahzad traveled to Pakistan recently; however the specific places that he visited were not immediately available. If the reports of another arrest are indeed accurate it would come as no surprise as the Pakistani Taliban have increased their presence in the city in the last few years. Pakistani military operations in the Afghan border areas have forced many people to flee, including some Taliban leadership, making it possible that Shahzad didn't have to travel far to make contact with the Taliban. I will post more information as it becomes available.

Photo: Drudge Report

May 3, 2010 - 21:33

Suspect Sought in Failed Times Square Bombing

By William Tucker

alg_times_square_nissan.jpgBoth the FBI and the NYPD are searching for a Connecticut man in connection with the attempt to detonate a vehicle borne improvised explosive device in Times Square. According to news reports the individual being sought has not reported to work and his girlfriend has not seen him since the failed attack. With this type of attempted attack it is curious that law enforcement has not yet released a name, nor the identity of the suspect as help from the public in locating this person of interest would be beneficial. As is the trend for would be vehicle bombings in the U.S. the individual made the mistake of not removing all identifying markings allowing law enforcement to learn that the vehicle had been purchased via craigslist.com.

We still don't have a solid lead on the motivation for this attack. I wrote yesterday that the Pakistani Taliban had claimed responsibility and released a video that appeared to have been made prior to the discovery of the VBIED lending credence to their claim. On the other hand it could have been nothing more than an attempt to garner attention from the media. An interesting twist on this possibility occurred today when a Taliban spokesman denied they were responsible for the failed attack, thus undermining the claim from Taliban bomb maker Qari Hussain Mehsud. Hopefully more information will be released from the government shortly.

Photo: NY Daily News

May 2, 2010 - 22:30

Attempted Car Bombing in Times Square

By William Tucker

On the evening of May 1, the NYPD was notified of a smoking vehicle by an observant street vendor. According to the New York Times, a white male was seen fleeing the scene shortly after parking the vehicle. On the heels of this was a YouTube video from the Pakistani Taliban claiming responsibility, and judging by the audio it appears as if the video was recorded beforehand because the video expected the bombing to be successful leading credence to the TTP claim. At this point that is the only verification we have as too the responsibility for the attempted attack, although Fox News did report that a 911 call was made several hours after the bombs discovery claiming that it was to be a prelude to a larger attack. Any connection between the two is purely speculative until more information is released.

Continue reading "Attempted Car Bombing in Times Square" »

April 15, 2010 - 13:56

Upcoming Live Events - Civil War Webcast Series

Civil War Webcast SeriesAmerican Military University has partnered with the Weider History Group for a great series of webcasts centered around the Civil War. Topics range from the common soldier of the Civil War, weaponry, Battle of Shiloh, and an in-depth discussion of the bloodiest battle in Civil War history, the Battle of Gettysburg.

Continue reading "Upcoming Live Events - Civil War Webcast Series" »

March 10, 2010 - 16:13

More Sectarian Violence in Jos, Nigeria

By William Tucker

Un-nigeria.jpgThe city of Jos, Nigeria is experiencing violence between Christian and Muslims once again in what appears to be a continuation of fighting that began in January. Since fighting in this city is frequent it is unclear what set off this bout of violence, but what we do know is that aid organizations have given body counts of over 600 since the fighting began in January. I discussed one possible reason back in February:

Nigeria is once again suffering violence between Christians and Muslims in the central city of Jos. The Nigerian constitution requires a power sharing between members of the two faiths, but with the Muslim President currently in Saudi Arabia undergoing treatment for a heart condition without an accurate picture of his status things are getting tense. The Christian Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, has been given ceremonial powers to act as President, but many Muslims view this suspiciously. Further complicating matters is the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has declared an end to a ceasefire agreement with the government. The Niger Delta is the region where Nigeria harvests most of its crude oil.

Nigerian President Umaru Yaradua has since returned to his country, but has not resumed his role leaving Jonathan as acting President. While we don't have a clear connection between national political issues affecting regional violence we cannot rule it out either.

Map credit: United Nations Cartography. Text in red is mine.

February 10, 2010 - 22:20

New Sanctions, Same Problem

By William Tucker

The Obama administration has levied new sanctions against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), or more specifically, Gen. Rostam Qasemi and four subsidiaries of a construction firm that he operates. This action is not unprecedented, and in fact was initiated under executive order 13224 which President Bush signed two weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to obstruct terrorist funding. Furthermore, the U.S. officially designated the IRGC as a "specially designated global terrorist" in 2007 following allegations of Iranian support for insurgents in Iraq.

While the original purpose of targeted sanctions against IRGC entities was to discourage foreign nations and businesses from working with Iran for its ties to terrorism, they have now become a tool for pressuring Tehran from continuing work on its nuclear program. The new sanctions may make for good press, but they are hardly expected to yield results. The reason for this is the sanctions are only binding to U.S. persons and businesses, leaving foreign nations the ability to fully cooperate with Iran on any number of business opportunities. As the world's largest economy the U.S. does have the ability to wield its massive buying power to pressure other countries to prevent them from doing business with Tehran, but this action is not guaranteed to work and could very well work against Washington's interests.

In the immediate future the U.N. Security Council will take up the topic of imposing international sanctions against Iran, but once again success in this action faces serious challenges. For international sanctions to be passed all permanent members of the Security Council must vote in favor of implementation, but with diplomatic ties between the U.S., Russia, and China strained at the moment this is unlikely to happen. Although these sanctions are new the same problems exist in implementation making the other options for dealing with the Iranian nuclear program, such as military action, more likely.

January 28, 2010 - 08:58

Former NASA Astronauts Discuss Life in Space

Dr. Jim ReillyIn a live webcast February 17, Capt. Wendy Lawrence, (USN, Ret.) Professor of Space Physiology at American Public University, and Dr. Jim Reilly, Dean of the School of Science and Technology, will discuss their personal experiences of Living in Space.

Topics discussed will inlcude:

  • Living and working onboard the International Space Station
  • Long-term effects of living in space has on the human body and mind, including challenges such as bone and muscle mass loss.
  • Traveling in space - the journey from liftoff to re-entry
  • How education will shape the future of the U.S. space program and exploration of interplanetary space

Additionally, this live webcast will include a question and answer session. For more information about the event, visit http://www.studyatapu.com/web-cast/space.


December 11, 2009 - 13:11

American Public University to Hold H1N1 Emergency Planning Webcast

flu1.jpgDec. 16, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET, American Public University System (APUS) will be hosting Insights into the Current Situation and a Midstream Planning Reassessment an H1N1 emergency planning webcast that will cover the current threat, how the current knowledge affects planning and how the plan needs to be revised. In addition, the guest speakers will discuss what systems are working and lessons learned.

Guest speakers include:

  • Anthony Mangeri, Professor, American Public University System, School of Public Safety and Health
  • Michael Cornell, Director of the Center for Emergency Preparedness, Owens Community College
  • Nancy Mangieri, Epidemiologist at Bergen County Department of Health Services

For more information, visit http://www.studyatapu.com/web-cast/h1n1/index.htm.

November 20, 2009 - 08:50

Hometown Crisis Management Exercise

The Philadelphia University Disaster Medicine and Management Program and the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response are teaming up to present a workshop designed to teach how to manage local disasters caused by global terror or natural causes using real scenarios re-enacted on site.

The exercise will be held January 26, 2010. Registration is $150. That includes participation in the workshop, networking events, handouts, CD-ROM of materials, completion certificate, and refreshments.

To register, or for additional information, contact Annetta Solarski solarskia@philau.edu.

October 8, 2009 - 16:38

Live Webcast: Trends, Issues and Career Opportunities in Hazardous Materials Transportation

American Public University System (APUS) will present a live webcast, Oct 20 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., featuring members of the academic and corporate communities specializing in the transportation and logistics industry for an interactive discussion on Trends, Issues and Career Opportunities in Hazardous Materials Transportation.

Speakers Include:

  • Shannon Schick - Hazardous Materials Safety Manager, Schneider National Inc.
  • Tom Cuthbertson - Member, Board of Directors - Information Technology and Logistics Council, American Trucking Association and Director of Production Systems Operations and Support, XATA Corporation
  • Irvin Varkonyi, CSCP, P.Log. - Professor, American Public University's Transportation & Logistics Programs

Topics & Agenda:

An overview of issues and trends in hazardous materials from the vantage point of leaders in the transportation field, including:

  • The impact of homeland security and emergency management issues on this sub-market in the transportation and logistics industry
  • Social media venues and communications channels that industry leaders leverage to share ideas and best practices

This event is the first of a five-part series of webcasts addressing issues and trends in the public service sector, sponsored by APUS to be held in Fall/Winter 2009.

For more details and registration information, visit http://www.studyatapu.com/web-cast/tlm/index.htm.

November 11, 2008 - 18:03

How to Deal with New WMD Scenarios Workshop

Homeland Defense Journal is sponsoring a two-day workshop in Arlington, VA, Nov 13-14. The event is designed to provide specific details on the crisis response, site management, decontamination/remediation, and site release. Attendees will learn what is required so they can include this information in their disaster response plans and exercises.

Continue reading "How to Deal with New WMD Scenarios Workshop" »

June 19, 2007 - 10:37

Counter-Terror Events and Alerts From Around the World

20 June 2007 London: Anti-war protests are scheduled for 10 AM in Parliament Square. This demonstration is a protest against possible future military actions aimed at Iran.
Peace Strike, the group sponsoring this event, has previously attempted to serve a citizen's arrest warrant on Great on Britain's PM Tony Blair. (Also see 23 June 2007)

22 June 2007 Quebec City: The GUERRE À LA GUERRE coalition has called for the disruption of military ceremonies that are to occur prior to the Afghanistan deployment of the Royal 22nd Regiment of Valcartier. The group has planned "a day of disruptive actions."

23 - 28 June 2007 London: An Anti-war Camp is scheduled to be conducted in Parliament Square. This unauthorized demonstration (no parade/demonstration permit has been obtained) is intended to influence incoming British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The focus of the demonstrations is the Trident nuclear submarine project, the war in Iraq, and the potential for conflict with Iran.

Peace Strike, the group sponsoring this event, has previously attempted to serve a citizen's arrest warrant on Great on Britain's PM Tony Blair. (Also see 20 June 2007). The unauthorized nature of this demonstration will likely produce street disorder as police take enforcement actions.

24 June 2007 Los Angeles: ANSWER is sponsoring a mass march for immigrant rights in Los Angeles. The theme is ". A strong and united movement for immigrant rights will bolster the overall struggle for civil rights and against racism." ANSWER events typically include mass civil disobedience.

27 June - 1 July 2007 Atlanta, GA: The United States Social Forum (USSF) is dedicated to opposing United States policies and actions within the country and abroad. They will be holding a conference in Atlanta to discuss various issues and to build an action calendar for the next year. The Forum includes "anti-imperialism" and anti-war groups. TAM-C analysts expect the USSF to focus attention on the Iraq war through legal demonstrations.

28 June - 3 July 2007 Glen Woods, Scotland: Protests targeting the Faslane Trident nuclear submarine base are scheduled. Billed as a "student camp", it will include protests and direct action.

29 June 2007 Montreal: Anarchy groups will be demonstrating their anger at the CN Railroad and their support of Indian activists who state that the railroad was built a stolen indigenous people's land.

30 June 2007 London: A Gay Pride parade is scheduled to start on Baker Street at 1 PM. This even will end with a rally in Trafalgar Square. Parade organizers expect anti-gay protests along the parade route .

30 June 2007 Leeds, UK: The World Development Movement will be holding a training/educational program at the University of Leeds. The program, aimed at anti-establishment groups from across the world, is entitled "Whose Rules Rule?" Although this is billed as an educational program, TAM-C analysts expect "anti-globalization" protests in the area.

30 June 2007 London: In preparation for protests at August's Climate Action Camp, British ecological activists are conducting a day of Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) training. The training is designed to help the activists prepare for confrontations with police and security personnel. At this time, protest leaders are being asked to use this training opportunity to conduct actual protests in the area of the construction of the International Olympic site that is being prepared for the 2012 Olympics. TAM-C researchers will continue to monitor this in an attempt to confirm that the protests will actually occur and to provide an exact location.

30 June 2007 Multiple Locations: Racist organizations are mourning the death of David Lane, the founder of the militant group, The Order, who died in prison. Racist organizations are attempting to organize a Global Day Of Remembrance And Protest For David Lane. Locations with active "White Nationalist" groups should prepare for protests and counter protests surrounding this event.

6 - 8 July 2007 Iceland: A summer of international dissent and action against infrastructure improvement in Iceland will begin 6 July 2007. These protests are aimed at the improvement of roads and the construction of a power plant that will enable the growth of industry in the island nation.

19 - 23 July 2007 Los Angeles: Animal Rights 2007, the animal rights movement's annual national conference will be taking place in Los Angeles. Speakers include representatives of extremely militant AR organizations − from SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) to SPEAK (the organization currently trying to shut down Oxford University's research lab [currently under construction]).

TAM-C analysts expect street demonstrations throughout this period. However, organizers are planning for demonstrations on 23 July 2007. Likely targets are UCLA's animal research labs.

March 14, 2007 - 20:06

AMU Posts Video, Audio, and Presentations from Emergency Preparedness Conference

AMU has recently posted a great site with audio, video and presentations from their homeland security symposium, The Ripple Effect.

Check it out - www.apus.edu/disaster/presentations

It's in Flash, so you'll need to have the Adobe Flash player to view. If you don't have it, you can download it here.

January 10, 2007 - 07:36

AMU to Host Homeland Security Summit at National Press Club

American Military University (AMU) will host “Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect”, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Feb. 6-7.

The two-day event will be one of the first-ever homeland security conferences to address the needs of outlying communities after a catastrophe.

Confirmed speakers include Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, ranking member of the Committee on ; Lieutenant General Russel Honoré, commander of Joint Task Force Katrina; and FEMA Director, R. David Paulison.


What Will Be Discussed? View agenda.


Conference tracks include:

  • Planning and preparation
  • Training, education, and awareness
  • Command, control, and operations

Sessions will address topics such as:

  • Funding and resources
  • Healthcare systems in outlying communities
  • Transportation and mobility
  • Training, education, and public awareness
  • Local government planning:ensuring continuity after disaster strikes
  • Emergency preparation and response for special populations
  • Food and water safety and emergency response
  • Federal response: policy gaps

For more details, visit www.apus.edu/disaster.

December 1, 2006 - 14:43

Events

Below is a list of expos, meetings, courses and symposiums related to homeland security.

Dec 18: National Press Club Event with White House Homeland Security Advisor Fran Townsend on “Preparing for a Pandemic: The National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.” National Press club, 529 14th St NW, 10am.
Dec 18: CSI Event. “Avian and Pandemic Influenza: Bamako Conference Briefing.” 1800 K St NW, 2pm.
Dec 19: CSIS event with DHS Asst. Secretary Stewart Baker on “Terrorist Screening and Privacy Issues.” 1800 K St NW, 11am.
Dec 19: National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee Meeting 1615 H St, NW, 1pm.
Dec 20: Washington Foreign Press Center briefing with DHS Acting Asst. Sec. for International Affairs Paul Rosenzweig on ”Review of 2006 for the Department of Homeland Security and Priorities for 2007.” 14th and F St NW, 4pm.
Feb 6 - 7: Homeland Security Symposium:The Ripple Effect will be one of the first-ever homeland security conferences to address the needs of outlying communities after a catastrophe. It's set for Feb. 6-7 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Speakers include Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Lieutenant General Russel Honoré, and other senior officials. For more details, visit www.apus.edu/disaster.
Mar 15 - 26, 2007: Galillee College in Israel, will offer its International Seminar on . Since its establishment in 1987, Galillee College has offered management training and capacity building seminars to senior officials and decision makers from around the globe. The two-week national security program includes analysis of basic national security issues and potential international and regional conflicts. A key issue will be the application of resources in peace and war in order to strengthen national security. Israeli and Middle East regional security affairs will be considered within the context of global politics. The next session will occur March 15-26. Current American Military University and American Public University students may receive a tuition scholarship. Act now to secure your spot. Click here to learn more.

Is your homeland security event missing from this list? Then E-mail us your event info.