Pakistan foils suicide attack on Islamabad

Makeda Young

November 28th 2010

11:00am

Friday, November 26 Pakistans security forces arrested two would-be bombers that planned to attack parliment and a mosque in Islamabad. It has been said that there were more people involved so the security forces launched a search for the others. Officials explained that the bombings could have caused an uproar in the guarded capital where in the past had been the target of Westerners. Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that they foiled the attack which one of the militants intended on carrying out a suicide attack on a mosque which is in a neighborhood of villas where Westerners and many wealthy Pakistanis live. The information about the militants was backed by Islamabad police official Bani Amin. The search for other members of the plot came about because a Amin said: "These type of groups never operate alone and there is a whole network behind them."

I am glad that improvements have been made to stop the attacks and this article was great about having the sources, names and quotes which allows me to research even further into the events. As we have seen over the last few weeks, U.S. representatives have been talking with Pakistan on the terrorist attacks as well as lessening our involvement in order that they stand alone as a strong force. This is just one advantage that I believe will come after they are able to train their security forces and intelligence agencies to stop the attacks all together and become a more cohesive country. Over the course of the War on Terror we have seen the transition of the attacks from Iraq, Afghanistan and now Pakistan. The capital of Pakistan has been on alert for some time now but over the last two years has been protected from many attacks. An extremist mosque was raided in July 2007 where they found Taliban members which is a great start to securing the country the capital to now preventing attacks all together. This article is another claim to how far we have come in the fight and stop members of extremist organizations who intend to hurt others.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101126/wl_sthasia_afp/pakistanunrestislamabadarrest_20101126151613

Nato to turn Afgan security control over 2014

Makeda Young
November 19, 2010
3:00pm

NATO has stated that by next July it will start to drawing down its troops in Afghanistan. Also its combat role will end by 2014 or perhaps earlier so that security can maintained by the Afghans exclaimed a top alliance official. In response NATO's top civilian representative in Afghanistan Mark Sedwill said "We think that goal is realistic, and we have made plans to achieve it, but of course if circumstances agree, it could be sooner, absolutely." He also says that the withdrawal next year will be slight. The withdrawal plan comes after Afghan President Hamid Karzi requested the withdrawal and the alliance which contains 28 leaders approved the decision as well. There still isn't word on how many NATO troops would remain after 2014 and be used as a supportive force but troops will be allocated to help. Hillary Clinton met with Afghanistan's president and it was reported that the Afghan-NATO partnership has come to a common understanding.

I believe that this article was well developed and demonstrates a high degree of knowledge concerning the War on Terror. Over the last nine years we have seen how our diplomacy with other nations has fallen short because of our forceful intentions upon other countries. I believe the request of the withdrawal will produce a more stable Afghanistan with the support coming from within their own country. I believe it produces more nationalistic qualities and gives our troops rest for our own domestic issues. This can be the start of a great international relationship between the alliance members. If NATO effectively assists Afghanistan with its terrorism and build forces collectively but under a well developed plan it can be better. There is a lot of Anti-American feelings and allowing another country to dictates it's success may be the better option.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_nato_summit

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Police Building attacked: Karachi, Pakistan

Makeda Tiye Young

November 12, 2010

4:13pm

Karachi, Pakistan which is the country's largest city of 18 million was home to the police facility located in the center of the city that was attacked by the Pakistani Taliban. As for the latest report there has been atleast 18 people killed and as many as 100 injured from the gunmen and vehicle bomber. Karachi has a "red zone" in which highly secured areas which contain elite hotels, the provincial minister's residence, U.S. Consulate as well as the criminal investigations office that was attacked. It was determined that the assault was well-organized with about six militants opening fire and a truck bombing that made the building into nothing more than a pile of rocks. The police facility was also the leading terrorist tracking agency which was believed to have detainees but the police chief Khattak spoke to journalist explaining that there were no terrorist suspects inside. The attacks usually have targeted security forces that were present in tribal areas along the border of Afghanistan but now are on a much larger scale.

Violence is so prevalent is this city because of the ethnic and sectarian rivalries. The problem that this attack proposed other than tragedy of terrorism itself is the large-scale bombings. This brings another state of terror alert because the fears are that the Pakistani Taliban and other Islamist groups may have been gathering funds for their terrorist operations which only extends their influence and reach. What I find interesting from a sociological yet political perspective is the Karachi’s party socially blaming the large population of Pashtun migrants for the uprising of the Taliban. It is something like what we have seen with the Tamil Tigers and the discrimination of the Tamil people. This in turn have produced terrorists which some people have no control over.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/11/AR2010111101995.html

Deadly Suicide Attack on Mosque in Pakistan

Makeda Tiye Young
November 5, 2010
4:00pm

From Peshawar and Islamabad, Pakistan suicide bombings killed 65 people in a mosque full of worshippers. Not only was there one suicide bomb but a series of strikes on the shrines and mosques around the country of Pakistan. The other attack conducted by a grenade was on a mosque in Badhber which is located just outside of the north eastern city of Peshawar. It was reported that there were three people killed and 15 injured. It is said that a town outside of Pakistan called Darra Adam Khel is ruled by the Taliban and Al Qaeda where the Wali Muhammad mosque holding prayer on Friday was attacked with atleast 300 people in attendance. The town is also known for its production and sale of firearms in which the Pakistani army is trying to dilute. The roof of the building collapsed and there is television footage of cars and ambulances evacuating people from the sites to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. It is said that the Taliban and other Islamic militants are targeting the mosques and shrines that are related to groups and sects that oppose them.

From a sociological perspective we view this as a state of terror. Not only have the number of terrorist attack risen but we have to worry about international terrorism as well as domestic terrorism. As we have read in "Global Problems," by Sernau it has been difficult to restore order and than withdraw from countries in the middleeast without have the reverse affect of more attacks and less stability. It is the small-scale conflicts like those in Pashawar, Pakistan and towns like Darra Adam Khel that pose more problems for global order. It is the civil wars like suicide bombings on mosques and shrines within the country of Pakistan that destabilize entire regions. Although I am not an advocate of allocating our resources to countries that have the ability to restore order themselves but it seems that if we do not isolate these attacks and target the extremist we may find ourselves with a threat of these groups extending their influence outside of Pakistan. The United States has seen how our efforts of instilling democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan has been a difficult ordeal but terrorist attacks have been kept to a minimum over this last year. I do believe that our help in Pakistan could potentially lead to a more stable region.



http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pakistan-bombing-20101106,0,3051575.story

"Bin Laden" targets France

Makeda Tiye Young
October 28, 2010
2:15am

Over the years we have learned that the communication streamline between Osama Bin Laden and he world is the Al Jazeera. On Wednesday, the 27th of October, the network aired statements made by Bin Laden on his thoughts and rationale of the burqa ban and the presence of French troops in Afghanistan. Bin Laden threaten to kill french nationals that were kidnapped in Niger in retaliation of Frances decision to ban the burqa. Bin Laden made statements specifically targeting France because he fills that there are practices that are against the Muslim nation. France along with other European counties have been on a high alert for terrorism because of the al-Qeada leader Bin Laden rationalizing the attacks against French citizens. Bin Laden says "The way to preserve your security is to end all aspects of your injustices against our Muslim nation, the most important of which is for you to withdraw from (former US president George W.) Bush." AQIM has claimed responsibility and instigated issues by threatening France. It has even been said that Bin Laden has asked France to stop its aid in the North and West parts of Africa.
Although the authenticity of the message is in question I believe this is what will fuel wars and cause division between other countries. What it seems that Bin Laden is trying to do is persuade countries to abide by their rules in the name of the Muslim nation. It is also to cause a disconnect between countries who are working with United States to fight terrorism. This may have been one of the first videos in a very long time from Bin Laden but I believe the violence will continue unless we use social control efforts in changing beliefs. This has become more of a retaliation scheme. Bin Laden explains that the presence of French troops comes with a threat to French security. This is exactly the effects that we don't want. We have seen with other countries when the United States sanctions a country for it's behavior and usually those in power end up affecting the people. It is just as we have seen in Asia where trade was halted and the government did not allow the dissemination of resources. It's a very hard concept because not only is no one safe but the parameter of protecting people extends much larger making it more difficult for terrorist attacks, kidnappings of being prevented.
http://www.france24.com/en/20101027-osama-bin-laden-terrorism-france-al-qaeda-burqa-ban

3 Killed: Mosque Blast in Peshawar NW Pakistan

Makeda Tiye Young
October 22, 2010
12:17pm

A mosque in Peshawar was attacked and at least three people were killed and twenty-two injured when an explosion claimed those lives in northwest Pakistan. News has said that Peshawar has been the worst-hit city and the explosion was a direct hit against worshipers that were leaving the mosque at the Pistakhara area of the northwest city.The explosives were put in the veranda and were detonated by remote control. As police have investigated further the bomb was said to contain 1.5 kg of explosives partially damaging the mosque and nearby buildings. The rescue team assisted the victims to the hospital and cordoned off the blast site to start searching for more evidence or members of the terrorist group. The Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has spoken on the incident and will continue to investigate.

It is sad that Pakistan has again fallen victim to another terrorist attack. Over the last few months the attacks have become more prevalent in the country along its border. It seems that they are attacking more worshipers to make a statement. There are so many terrorist organizations that are targeting its own citizen in deviance and now it is causing the United States to have be involved. Also in recent news the United States is sending 2 billion over the next five years in military aid to help the country fight against violent extremism. As the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the aid they follow by saying the United States has full confidence in Pakistan's commitment in the anti-terrorist fight. In my opinion as a citizen of the United States I am in extreme disagreement with sending money to Pakistan. Although our efforts are in the best interest of fighting terrorism we can not keep doing this especially after the results have not been great enough to make a difference. It deeply saddens me to see yet another terrorist attack on incident victims but we have to allow Pakistan to deal with its own problems.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-10/22/c_13570788.htm

Advisory for Europe: Prep for Terrorist Attack

Makeda Tiye Young
October 16th 2010
4:02pm

As Europe has been on a high terror alert after an intelligence report notified the authorities of a Mumbai style attack the New York Police Department decided to conduct an terrorist attack prep drill. Even the London counterterror chief issued a advisement to travelers in Europe to use more precaution because of such an alert. The drill was conducted in the Manhattan Financial district on civilians to simulate an actual event. The Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on site gave an explanation of the drill. The drill began with two large explosions simulated with multiple bombs and shooters. There were bombs underneath cars in the location and many types of weaponry. This type of preparation comes from the 2008 Mumbai assault that killed 175 people so the NYPD changed their tactics in order that it dealt with a terrorist commando assault. During the actual drill the armed Emergency Service Unit officers supported by officers from the Organized Crime Control Bureau that were trained to handle an attack. The purpose of the OCCB officers were to make the NYPD response seem much larger and prevent multiple simultaneous attacks from overwhelming the forces responding to the attack. The response in the simulation was conducted with helicopters, automatic weapons and even an armored car.

As we have read in the past weeks security and preventative measures for terrorist attacks are on the rise and more people have been caught and prosecuted. I find it interesting that we have drills to prepare for an attack and I believe it is a great way to always have a plan. With the heightened alert in Europe intelligence agencies as well as counterterrorist organization sending advisories to the public is something I think should be universal. If more places had set plans, ways to communicate and an emergency plan some of these terrorist attacks along with better resources could have had less damaging results. I also think that the more involvement we have and more training the more difficult it is for the attacks to be fully carried out. This one program could be a solvent to a much larger problem.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/terror-alert-continues-nypd-holds-drill-prep-mumbai/story?id=11879452

Drone Strike Kills 8 Germans in Northwest Pakistan

Makeda Tiye Young
October 4th, 2010
5:25pm

News reporting from Pakistan today gives the details for a drone strike that killed 8 Germans belonging to a group called the Jihad Islami. Most believe that two missiles that his the Mirali mosque in Wasiristan were from a CIA aircraft. The United States along with Britain have been warning Europe about the increased risk of terrorist attacks especially with past month of September's reported 21 strike attacks. Mohammad Alam, a witness and resident of Mirali said that there were people at the mosque who had gathered for prayer when the missile hit and now militants are not allowing anyone near the area. It has been said that the tension between the US and Pakistan is steadily rising especially in the case of NATO and the recent attack against tankers. The CIA has been working to eliminate the Haqqani network which is an Afghan Taliban faction in North Waziristan. U.S. officials say that the drone attacks are very useful because the weapon has the ability to kill high profile militants in Pakistan which is thriving as a global hub for terrorists. On the other hand Pakistani's say that because there are civilian casualties it undermines the efforts for the War on Terror.

Believing that our intelligence and technological advances are contributing to the War on Terror, the rising tension with Pakistan seems to be having the reverse affect. Although the drone and other aircraft strikers are pilotless which diminishes the casualty for the US, it's a weapon that produces civilian casualties as well. What I am really interested is how globally spread the terrorist are becoming in Europe and how they are influencing more members to join. It was said that one of the leaders from Germany of Afghan origin Ahmed Sidiqi was influenced by cell mates in Hamburg joining the Islamic Movement Uzbekistan early 2009. It seems that maybe if a problem persists with people being influenced into joining terrorists groups from hatred experienced in prison perhaps there can be a way to watch prisoners who leave and ensure that more information is not passed along allowing the issue continue. Also Europe is now cautioning any American citizens traveling for fear that they become targets which I believe would not only heighten risks but cause major setbacks if an event like that is to occur.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6934JR20101004?pageNumber=2

Terrorist Acts prevented in Dagestan

Makeda Tiye Young
October 1, 2010
4:58pm

Contrary to majority of terrorist acts we hear about concerning the world there were two major terrorist acts that were prevented by police in Russia. On Wednesday, September 29th fifteen militants were killed during a security operation explained by the Russia's National Antiterrorism Committee. Bringing in explosive experts during an inspection special equipment was used to set off the device that had 10 kg of TNT and destroyed the three story tall wall of the house. There was also a car containing 3 kg of TNT that was discovered. Weapons and ammunition were seized from the bodies of the militants as well as messengers of an Al Qaeda emissary. Terrorist attacks and violent shootout within the North Caucasus republics with places such as Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia have been seen all too often and the government has promised to crack down on the issue.

Today society especially with the idea of War on Terror has become so common that success stories give hope to the prevailing issue of terror. Before doing so many articles on terrorism I was not aware of how far Al Qaeda has spread throughout the world. Being that we have made more technological advances in fighting the war it shows that we have made strides towards preventing the war on terror although we have not necessarily stopped the source. I also am very interested in the idea that the police have inspection that take place in areas of increased terror. It proves that military intelligence agencies are working and combining forces with the least possible harm. In past stories we here about the innocent lives lost and unfortunate event but this is a success story on the War on Terror.

http://en.rian.ru/crime/20100929/160770518.html

Roadside Bomb Kills 9 in Turkey

Makeda Tiye Young

September 16, 2010

10:42pm

A roadside bomb exploded on a minibus traveling along the southeast Turkey border near Iraq that claimed victim of at least nine of the passengers who were killed and three that were injured. The group that many of the officials believe to be responsible for this act of terror is the PKK or the separatist Kurdistans Workers Party which is listed as a terrorist organization. Although the group has said they declared a cease-fire for the Muslim holy month violence is still occurring. The leader Murat Karayilan said that if Turkey has agreed to a ceasefire and met the conditions that they described they would have been more than willing to lay down their arms. In the last twenty years 37,000 people have lost their lives from the violence. This is not the first incident of violence between the two countries. Turkey ordered air strikes after 15 soldiers were killed in 2007 from a cross-border attack and since than the Turkey government has even banned pro-Kurdish political party in their siding with the PKK.

After reviewing this event it seems that over the last few years more countries have been involved in the war on terror by endless attacks from extremist. I find that because there has been some communication between governments that perhaps the violence will lessen but what I believe will not solve the fight is the continual use of violence between both parties. As I have researched the PKK through the Muslim Observer it has been said that the FBI has been trying to figure out how the PKK has funding and where it is getting the weapons. I am glad that there has been an effort from multiple groups to stop the violence. Especially now that the United States has decided to end the War in Iraq I believe that there needs to be more effort because smaller incidents between nations only create setbacks for progress. By progress I do not just mean within the United States effort of the last 9 years but for Islam and the Muslim community.

http://www.rttnews.com/Content/MarketSensitiveNews.aspx?Id=1421348&SM=1

Hillary Clinton- Mexico Drug War & Terrorism

Makeda Tiye Young
September 10th, 2010
11:45pm

Throughout Mexico in the last two weeks there has been evens that resemble terrorism such as a car bomb explosion outside of a television news station, the assassination of two mayors and a massacre of 72 migrant workers. In the eyes U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this is comparable to a war on terror that Colombia suffered during the 1990's against its government. The war on terror is described as having insurgents just as one would see during terrorist activity. Clinton says "We need more U.S presence" in these Central American countries to fight against the drug trafficking because U.S. consumption of the drugs fuels some of the violence that has occurred. Since Mexico's president Felipe Calderon took office there has been an account of more than 26,000 people who have been murdered from drug trafficking.

After reading this article I had to investigate exactly what events classify as terrorism and these events are just as explained by Clinton. Terrorist activity of trying to get a group to submit by using forms of terror like bombs, mass murders and publicizing these acts to convey a message are exactly what terrorist do. In my critique of her comparison I do believe that the events especially against the government have turned this drug war into a war on terror. I do not agree with the idea of having more U.S. presence in Mexico. Granted our consumption and illegal trade of drugs especially across our border have a major contribution to the violence and the fueling of this war but we cannot give aid to every country with governmental problems. Many countries have to take accountability for themselves. I think that suggestions on planning to stop the drug war would be great but as we have seen in the late 1990's and early 2000's with Plan Colombia, we wasted a lot of our money and time trying to repair a system that not only was not successful but hasn't improved to this day. I just don't believe at a time when we as the United States is trying to put ourselves back together can extend any more resources than we already have on drug wars.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-08/clinton-says-mexico-drug-war-looks-like-insurgency-.html

Pakistan's nuclear arsenal prevents war with India

Makeda Young
September 3, 2010

Today, the 3rd of September has been a day filled with tragedy and persistent problematic issues of terror and war in Pakistan. It has been said today by the infamous Pakistani scientist A Q Khan that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal capabilities are preventing a war with India. It was reported in an interview that nuclear capabilities create a sense of security and survival for the country of Pakistan in "Newsweek Pakistan." When asked certain questions about the dangers of nuclear power ranging from terrorism to the western ideals of Islam, the interview was filled with statements explaining why people have such negative views on nuclear arsenal weaponry and how they are being profiled because they are Muslim. It was mentioned that not even engineers or scientists would be able to use the nuclear bomb let alone "illiterate and untrained terrorist."


For my reaction to this interview of A Q Khan I am not surprised about the arrogance of having nuclear capabilities as many nations before have exclaimed their power behind destructive means. What I find to be very contradictory is the lack of understanding fear behind the use of nuclear weapons. It is not that "westerners," such as the United States just want to say that they weapons can end up in the wrong hands as stated in the article but it has been seen in history what has happened although safety precautions were used when weapons were mishandled and people died. It was said that terrorist couldn't use these weapons because of intellect. Well it takes many years of planning and training to fly planes, understand security and weaponry yet in only took a few minutes to kill hundreds of people on September 11th, 2001. I don't believe it would take very much to find people that know how nuclear weapons work and by another destructive mean make them use this for faulty purposes.





http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistans-bomb-has-prevented-war-with-India-AQ-Khan/articleshow/6484275.cms