Breaking: House passes resolution of disapproval --The House passed a resolution chastising Rep. Wilson, by a vote of 240 to 179. 15 Sep 2009 House Democrats dealt South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson a formal rebuke Wednesday, taking the rare step of passing a resolution of disapproval for his "you lie!" outburst last week in the House chamber. The vote was 240-179, falling almost exclusively along party lines.
Has Osama Bin Laden been dead for seven years - and are the U.S. and Britain covering it up to continue war on terror? --'In the video, Bin Laden can be seen writing a note with his right hand, although he is left-handed.' 11 Sep 2009 This new offensive is, of course, based on the premise that the 9/11 terrorist is alive. After all, there are the plethora of 'Bin Laden tapes' to prove it. Yet what if he isn't? What if he has been dead for years, and the British and U.S. intelligence services are actually playing a game of double bluff? What if everything we have seen or heard of him on video and audio tapes since the early days after 9/11 is a fake - and that he is being kept 'alive' by the Western allies to stir up support for the war on [of] terror?
'Hundreds of FBI agents are on the ground in Colorado, conducting round-the-clock surveillance on five suspects' Queens terror raids part of FBI probe into Denver-based cell plotting attack on 9/11 scale 15 Sep 2009 The massive FBI probe that triggered raids in Queens is focused on a Denver-based terror cell plotting another attack on the scale of 9/11, the Daily News learned Tuesday. Hundreds of FBI agents are on the ground in Colorado, conducting round-the-clock surveillance on five suspects - including a man who recently visited Queens, sources told The News. New York authorities searched three Flushing apartments and detained several men - later released - after getting a warrant to look for bomb-making components, explosive powders and fuses. "The FBI is seriously spooked about these guys planning another 9/11," a former senior counterterrorism official told the News. "This is not some ... FBI informant-driven case. This is the real thing."
FBI Warns Police Depts After NYC Anti-Terror Raid --FBI, Homeland Security warning lists indicators that could tip off police to homemade explosives, such as foul odors coming from a room or multiple window fans 15 Sep 2009 Counterterrorism officials are warning police departments around the country to be on the lookout for evidence of homemade bombs following raids on several New York City apartments in a hunt for explosives and possible links to al-Qaida operatives. Investigators issued warrants to search the residences early Monday for explosives material but did not find any, according to a person briefed on the matter who was not authorized to discuss the case and requested anonymity. The joint FBI and Homeland Security intelligence warning, issued Monday, lists indicators that could tip off police to homemade hydrogen peroxide-based explosives, such as people with burn marks on their hands, face or arms; foul odors coming from a room or building; and large industrial fans or multiple window fans. The warning, obtained by The Associated Press, also said that these homemade explosive materials can be hidden in backpacks, suitcases or plastic containers.
Police states we can believe in: 'Preventive' terror raid targets NYC apartments 15 Sep 2009 The investigation of a suspected 'al-Qaida' associate prompted the "preventive" raid of three New York City apartments -- but authorities said the target of any terror attack plan remained unclear. The searches early Monday came after the man, who was under surveillance for possible links to the terrorism network, visited New York City over the weekend and then left the area, said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. Sen. Charles Schumer said the law enforcement action was unrelated to President Barack Obama's visit to the city Monday. "There was nothing imminent, and they are very good now at tracking potentially dangerous actions, and this was preventive," said Schumer, D-N.Y.
FBI, NYPD Hunting For Al-Qaida In NYC --Feds looking through Queens neighborhoods for powders, gels, TNT and fuses 15 Sep 2009 Federal agents walked out of homes with bags and boxes of evidence after raiding several locations on Monday. "Full body armor, bulletproof vests ... two of them are holding machine guns," witness George Pollakis said. A swarm of FBI agents and NYPD detectives, part of the joint terrorist task force, carted away bags and boxes of material. A federal search warrant mentioning bomb-making components such as powder, gel, TNT, and nitroglycerin were among the items to be seized. Those who were there said the operation was a blitzkrieg at about 2 a.m. Monday at an address on 41st Avenue near 144th Street. [Click here for further updates.]
'When he arrived home from work afterward, he was told that one of his roommates had been hauled away.' 3 New York residences raided in terrorism probe 14 Sep 2009 FBI agents and police raided three apartments in New York City before dawn Monday during an investigation of a man suspected of being 'an al-Qaida' associate... New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne confirmed that searches were conducted in the borough of Queens by agents of a joint terrorism task force. Residents on Monday described officers armed with search warrants swarming their immigrant neighborhood at about 2:30 a.m. One, Afghanistan native Akbari Amanullah, said when he arrived home from work afterward, he was told that one of his roommates had been hauled away.
Panel to recommend keeping some color-coded terror alerts 15 Sep 2009 After a 60-day review of the nation's terror-alert system, a special task force is expected to recommend that the Obama administration keep color-coded alerts, but reduce the number of colors -- or levels of risk. There are currently five colors in the coded terrorism advisories. A bipartisan task force is expected to recommend reducing that to three colors, an official familiar with the review told The Associated Press.
City council delays giving police new powers for G-20 15 Sep 2009 Pittsburgh City Council balked at giving final approval today to legislation that could give police new powers in advance of anticipated G-20 Summit protests, putting the matter off until tomorrow. Council members said they have not gotten clear responses from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's administration to concerns they've had with the proposed ordinance allowing police to cite people for having an array of items if they detect intent to defy a crowd dispersal order.
Blackwater Recruiting Agents Fluent In Urdu and Punjabi For Pakistan --Report Suggests Pakistani Envoy In Washington Has Issued 360 Visas to Americans In One Month Without Consulting Islamabad By AHMED QURAISHI 15 Sep 2009 Blackwater USA is looking for mercenaries fluent in Urdu, Pakistan's national language, and Punjabi, the language spoken by natives of Pakistan's largest populated province. The US military already deploys officers and commando units manned by people fluent in Pashto, spoken in most of western Pakistan and southern Afghanistan... A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan today requesting that the government of Pakistan be ordered to explain why the US embassy in Islamabad is building a fortified embassy the size of an international airport, spread over 52 to 54 acres. The petitioner, who is a private Pakistani citizen, has accused the United States of constructing a military base in the heart of the Pakistani capital in the guise of an embassy.
Embassy guard photos evoke Abu Ghraib comparison 14 Sep 2009 A member of a federal commission investigating wartime spending said Monday that photos showing private security guards in various stages of nudity at drunken parties may be as damaging to U.S. interests in Afghanistan as images of detainee mistreatment at Abu Ghraib were in Iraq. Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller, made the comment at a hearing Monday held by the Commission on Wartime Contracting on allegations of lewd behavior and sexual misconduct by employees of ArmorGroup North America, the company hired to protect the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
Pittsburgh soldier suing KBR Inc. over Iraq toxin 14 Sep 2009 A retired Pittsburgh soldier has joined dozens of others nationwide in suing a contractor for exposure to a dangerous chemical while he guarded a water treatment plant in Iraq. Glen Bootay's federal lawsuit was filed Friday against KBR Inc., the same firm that has also been sued for allegedly faulty systems that led 18 soldiers to be electrocuted in barracks during the Iraq war.
KBR Australian unit wins $2.3 billion contract from Chevron 14 Sep 2009 A unit of KBR Inc. has been awarded a $2.3 billion engineering, procurement and construction management contract by Chevron Australia Pty Ltd. Kellogg Joint Venture Group will manage the liquefied natural gas downstream and logistics portion of the Chevron-operated Gorgon LNG Project. The project plans to develop the Greater Gorgon gas fields, located off the northwest coast of Western Australia.
Freed Iraq shoe-thrower claims "tortured" in custody 15 Sep 2009 The released Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at former U.S. President [sic] George W. Bush said Tuesday he was tortured during the first days of being in custody. "I have been tortured by electric shocks, beatings and whipped by cords," Muntadhar al-Zaidi, who was freed earlier in the day after nine months of imprisonment, told in the news conference at the TV station where he works in Baghdad's northern neighborhood of Waziryah.
Biden welcomed by mortars shells in Baghdad 15 Sep 2009 Iraq's heavily fortified Green Zone has come under fire the same day US Vice President Joe Biden visited Baghdad, an Iraqi security official says. At least four mortar shells landed about 100 meters (yards) from the US embassy as Biden paid a surprise visit to the city on Tuesday, AFP reported.
Mortar attack during Vice-President Biden's green zone visit 16 Sep 2009 Four mortar shells exploded in Baghdad’s heavily secured green zone yesterday as Vice-President Biden arrived in Iraq to discuss the withdrawal of American forces. Iraqi police said that two of the mortar rounds, which were fired from the east bank of the River Tigris, landed near the US Embassy’s compound. Two civilians were killed and five wounded.
'One does not cooperate with a kangaroo court.' Israel and Hamas 'war crimes' in Gaza 15 Sep 2009 A UN investigation said "actions amounting to war crimes, and possibly in some respects, crimes against humanity" were committed by Israel in January, while the firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas meant it was also responsible for crimes. There is now a possibility that the allegations could be referred to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. Israeli government spokesman, Mark Regev, told Channel 4 news that Israel has conducted a "whole series of independent investigations" which are continuing, but said "this report was born in sin and is the product, unfortunately, of an unholy union between propaganda and between untruth". When asked why Israel had not participated in the inquiry, he said: "One does not cooperate with a kangaroo court."
Iran talks must address nuclear issue, US insists 15 Sep 2009 After Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad cast doubts on talks over the country's nuclear case during negotiations with the West, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton moves to stress that the nuclear issue "cannot be ignored." Ahead of much-anticipated talks with major world powers, President Ahmadinejad urged the West on Sunday to make changes in their approach toward the Iranian nuclear case.
US 'may need more Afghan troops' 15 Sep 2009 The US may require more troops in Afghanistan despite almost doubling the size of its force there this year, its top military officer has said. Adm Mike Mullen told the Senate Armed Services Committee "a properly resourced counterinsurgency probably means more forces". He said that he did not know how many more troops were likely be requested.
Musharraf exit brokered by 'foreign powers' 15 Sep 2009 Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has revealed that his predecessor Pervez Musharraf was given a "safe exit" due to a secret deal in place with foreign powers. International and local powers were guarantors in Musharraf's resignation, Zardari said at an informal dinner meeting with journalists.
US becomes a member of UN Human Rights Council 15 Sep 2009 The United States for the first time has joined the UN Human Rights Council as a full-fledged member. After years of scathing criticism by the Bush regime, the UN Human Rights Council has welcomed US participation. The Bush Administration refused to join as an active member, claiming the panel was overly influenced by countries with their own serious human-rights issues.
U.S. approves H1N1 vaccine, says enough for everyone [No thanks.] 15 Sep 2009 U.S. health officials approved [squalene-laden, mercury-filled, Polysorbate 80-laced] vaccines from four drugmakers to help 'prevent' the H1N1 swine flu, ensuring there will be enough to inoculate Americans who want the protection, U.S. Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told lawmakers on Tuesday. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared vaccines from Sanofi-Aventis SA, CSL Ltd, Medimmune and Novartis AG for the H1N1 strain of influenza, she said. "There will be vaccines for everyone," Sebelius said at a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. [See & sign: Petition against mandatory vaccines.]
BioCryst Inks Flu-Deals In Four Countries; Shares Up 15 Sep 2009 BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. has signed letters of intent with three partners who will exclusively represent the company in selling its peramivir influenza treatment in four countries. The news sent shares up 9.2% premarket to $11.72. The flu-drug developer's stock through the close Monday had already surged nearly eightfold this year as investors have been flcoking to flu-drug makers amid fears about H1N1.
Wells Fargo fires executive who partied at repossessed Malibu mansion --US bank sacks vice president for misuse of $12m California beach house lost by victims of the Bernard Madoff fraud 15 Sep 2009 For an executive at the US bank Wells Fargo, a repossessed $12m beach house in southern California proved just too tempting. The financial institution has fired a top loans officer for using a luxurious Malibu property for a series of family getaways, culminating in a summer party at which guests arrived by yacht.
Previous lead stories: DHS Announces New Information-Sharing Tool to Help Fusion Centers Combat Terrorism --Select fusion center personnel with a federal security clearance will be able to access specific terrorism-related information resident on the DoD Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet). 14 Sep 2009 The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Defense (DoD) today announced an initiative to grant select state and major urban area fusion center personnel access to classified terrorism-related information residing in DoD's classified network. Under this initiative, select fusion center personnel with a federal security clearance will be able to access specific terrorism-related information resident on the DoD Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet)--a secure network used to send classified data. This classified data will be accessed via DHS' Homeland Security Data Network (HSDN)... This joint initiative will promote collaboration between DHS, DoD and other federal departments and agencies, enabling the trusted and secure exchange of terrorism-related information in order to detect, deter, prevent and respond to homeland security threats. [For more on Fusion Centers, see: Virginia Terrorism Threat Assessment: Universities Possible Terror Portals --2009 Virginia Terrorism Threat Assessment.]
Homeland Security tells businesses to quarantine sick workers 14 Sep 2009 A new federal guide for businesses on the H1N1 flu tells employers to quarantine sick workers and have them wear surgical masks. The guide was released Monday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "If an employee does become sick while at work, place the employee in a separate room or area until they can go home, away from other workers," the federal H1N1 guidebook says.
Prosecutors: Blackwater Guards Opened Fire to 'Instigate Gun Battles' 14 Sep 2009 Private security guards Terrorists who worked for Blackwater repeatedly shot wildly into the streets of Baghdad without regard for civilians long before they were involved in a 2007 shooting episode that left at least 14 Iraqis dead, federal prosecutors charge in a new court document. While traveling through Baghdad in heavily armored vehicles, at least one of the guards, under contract with the State Department to provide security for United States Embassy personnel, fired an automatic weapon "without aiming" while another deliberately fired into the streets to "instigate gun battles in a manner that was inconsistent with the use of force and escalation of force policies that governed all Blackwater personnel in Iraq," the federal prosecutors stated. [Looks like CLG was right all along for stating that Blackwater/Xe carries out acts of terrorism so that they are 'needed' to stop attacks that they are blaming on so-called insurgents. --LRP]
