December 2005 Security News

DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 30 Dec 2005
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 29 Dec 2005
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 28 Dec 2005
Russia Absolves Security Forces in Beslan Siege VOA 27 Dec 2005 -- Russian prosecutors found no mistakes in the way officials handled the hostage siege at a school in southern Russia last year. More than 330 people died in the chaotic, bloody end to the siege, more than half of them children.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 27 Dec 2005
Report: Domestic Spying Broader Than Bush Acknowledged VOA 24 Dec 2005 -- A published report says the U.S. National Security Agency has conducted broader surveillance of e-mails and telephone conversations without court orders than the Bush administration has admitted.
Human Death Toll from Deadly Bird Flu Strain Still Rising Washington File 23 Dec 2005 -- The first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in humans occurred in December 2003, putting international health officials on notice that pandemic influenza could repeat history, sweep the world and cause millions of deaths.
Italy Arrests Three Algerian Suspected Terrorists VOA 23 Dec 2005 -- Three Algerians were served with arrest warrants in Italy on Friday on suspicion of links to international terrorism.
Daschle Contradicts Bush on Wiretaps VOA 23 Dec 2005 -- A former U.S. Senate majority leader says he never agreed to let the Bush administration eavesdrop, without court approval, on phone calls that cross U.S. borders.
Congress Approves One Month Extension of Patriot Act VOA 23 Dec 2005 -- After days of intense political debate and maneuvering over the nation's primary anti-terrorism law, Congress has sent President Bush legislation to extend the Patriot Act by five weeks.
U.S. Coast Guard Commissions New Rescue 21 System for Locating and Saving Distressed Boaters General Dynamics 23 Dec 2005 -- Rescue 21 improves the Coast Guard’s ability to locate and assist distressed boaters by integrating digital technology for better direction finding capability, which improves response time and reliability.
Berlusconi Defends Italy's Strategy on Terrorism, Iraq VOA 23 Dec 2005 -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi held a lengthy end-of-year press conference in Rome and has confirmed that Italy
US Denies Removal of Bolivian Missiles Was Secret VOA 23 Dec 2005 -- The United States denied Thursday that it removed anti-aircraft missiles from Bolivia without the knowledge of top officials in La Paz.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 23 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Rumsfeld Admits Bin Laden's Location Unknown RFE/RL 22 Dec 2005 -- Speaking aboard a U.S. Air Force flight from Washington to Pakistan on 21 December, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stated that the U.S. government does not know the whereabouts of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, but has a "reasonable assumption" that he is in the remote area along the Afghan-Pakistan border.
Africa Faces Bird Flu, Pandemic with Special Challenges Washington File 22 Dec 2005 -- As the world faces the further spread of avian influenza and the possibility of human pandemic influenza, Africa will encounter special challenges preparing its own defense, says development economist Asif M. Shaikh, president and chief executive officer of the International Resources Group (IRG).
Public Might Confuse Avian and Pandemic Flu, Expert Says Washington File 22 Dec 2005 -- Officials at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said December 20 that the spread of avian influenza from Asia to Europe has raised public concern that the H5N1 virus could reach the Americas.
Study Finds Bird Flu Strain Developing Resistance to Drug Washington File 22 Dec 2005 -- The strain of avian influenza that has caused 139 cases of human illness in Asia is developing resistance to one of the few drugs available to treat infected people, according to research published December 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
Bush Welcomes Patriot Act Extension VOA 22 Dec 2005 -- President Bush is welcoming the temporary extension of anti-terrorism laws that were first passed following the 2001 attacks in New York and Washington.
US Court Decision a Setback for Government Terror Case VOA 22 Dec 2005 -- A U.S. federal court has handed the government a stinging defeat in the terrorism case against Jose Padilla, a U.S. citizen held for more than three years in military detention as an enemy combatant.
Bird Flu Expands Worldwide in 2005 VOA 22 Dec 2005 -- Fears of a long-predicted global influenza pandemic grew stronger in 2005 as a deadly form of the virus spread among birds worldwide and killed 36 more people in the disease's Southeast Asian epicenter.
Congress Approves Ban on Torture, Inhuman Treatment of Detainees Washington File 22 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Congress approved a $453.5 billion 2006 defense budget December 22 that includes a measure outlawing the use of torture, or cruel and inhuman treatment of detainees being held by the U.S. military and civilian federal agencies such as the CIA.
US Senate Approves Six-Month Extension of Anti-Terror Law VOA 22 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Senate has approved a six-month extension of the anti-terrorism law, known as the Patriot Act, to allow lawmakers more time to consider stronger civil liberties' protections to the law.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 22 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Security Council endorses efforts to strengthen fight against terrorism UN News Centre 21 Dec 2005 -- The United Nations Security Council today endorsed the call of its Counter-Terrorism Committee for greater assistance to Member States by providing technical expertise and by finding ways to improve cooperation with international, regional and sub-regional organizations.
US to Spare No Effort to Bring Freed Hijacker to Justice VOA 21 Dec 2005 -- The Bush administration said Wednesday it will do everything it can to bring a Lebanese airline hijacker, released from a German prison last week, to justice in the United States for the 1985 murder of a U.S. Navy diver.
Bush Steps Up Appeal to Congress to Extend Anti-Terror Law VOA 21 Dec 2005 -- A bipartisan group of senators is standing firm in its opposition to the renewal of controversial anti-terrorism laws because of concerns about the infringement of civil liberties.
Bush Urges Extension of Patriot Act VOA 21 Dec 2005 -- President Bush says it is inexcusable that opposition Democrats are blocking the extension of anti-terrorism laws first passed following the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington.
The War Against Terror and Constitutional Rights of Ordinary Americans VOA 21 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Senate last week voted to continue debate on renewal of several controversial provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, a law that has given investigators legal authority to hunt down suspected terrorists.
Brazil Releases Secret Files on Military Dictatorship VOA 21 Dec 2005 -- The Brazilian government has released secret intelligence files compiled on dissidents during the country's 1964 to 1985 military dictatorship.
US Judge Resigns From Special Security Court VOA 21 Dec 2005 -- The Bush administration found itself on the defensive again Wednesday over the issue of domestic spying as part of the war on terrorism.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 21 Dec 2005 [PDF]
US-Held Detainees Remain in Limbo VOA 20 Dec 2005 -- In the four years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, thousands of people have been taken into U.S. custody, both on the battlefield and off.
Senators Seek to Prevent Lapse in US Anti-Terror Law VOA 20 Dec 2005 -- Members of the U.S. Senate are looking for a compromise to prevent an anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act from expiring at the end of next week.
Cheney Defends White House Wiretapping Policy VOA 20 Dec 2005 -- Vice President Dick Cheney has defended the White House's authority over a secret domestic surveillance program, saying the action is legal and the American public backs the president's terror-fighting strategy.
Belfast Court Sentences Algerian on Terrorism Charges VOA 20 Dec 2005 -- A Belfast court has sentenced an Algerian man to six years in prison after he was found guilty of possessing bomb-making information for terrorist purposes.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 20 Dec 2005 [PDF]
U.S.: Bush Cites Threats, Vows To Pursue Wiretap Program RFE/RL 20 Dec 2005 -- U.S. President George W. Bush says he plans to continue a controversial program of monitoring telephone calls as long as the United States faces a threat of terrorism.
Boxer Asks Presidential Scholars About Former White House Counsel's Statement that Bush Admitted to an 'Impeachable Offense' Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer 19 Dec 2005 -- U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today asked four presidential scholars for their opinion on former White House Counsel John Dean's statement that President Bush admitted to an "impeachable offense" when he said he authorized the National Security Agency to spy on Americans without getting a warrant from a judge.
VICE CHAIRMAN ROCKEFELLER REACTS TO REPORTS OF NSA INTERCEPT PROGRAM IN UNITED STATES Office of Senator Jay Rockeffeller 19 Dec 2005 -- Senator Releases His '03 Letter to White House Raising Questions About White House Actions and Need for Congressional Oversight
Rockefeller '03 letter to House Raising Questions About White House Actions and Need for Congressional Oversight Office of Senator Jay Rockeffeller 17 Jul 2003, Released 19 Dec 2005 [PDF 564KB]
State Department Designates Sajid Badat as Foreign Terrorist Washignton File 19 Dec 2005 -- Sajid Badat, the British-born citizen who pled guilty to a charge of conspiring with "Shoe Bomber" Richard Reid to blow up U.S. airliners in 2001, has been designated a foreign terrorist by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Spanish Police Arrest Terrorist Recruiters VOA 19 Dec 2005 -- Spanish police have arrested at least 15 people suspected of recruiting fighters to send to Iraq to participate in the insurgency. Spanish police have made several arrests during the past month of people suspected of extremist activities.
Transcript: Press Briefing By Attorney General Alberto Gonzales And General Michael V. Hayden, Principal Deputy Director Of National Intelligence Office of the Director of National Intelligence 19 Dec 2005
Military Commission Charges Referred 19 Dec 2005 -- The Department of Defense announced today that charges were referred to a military commission in the cases of Jabran Said Bin al Qahtani and Sufyian Barhoumi by the appointing authority, John D. Altenburg Jr. on Dec. 16, 2005.
Bush Defends Domestic Surveillance Decision VOA 19 Dec 2005 -- President Bush has defended his decision to authorize a secret program to eavesdrop on the telephone calls and e-mails between people in the United States and suspected terrorists abroad.
Bush Eavesdropping Program Stirs US Debate VOA 19 Dec 2005 -- President Bush is aggressively defending his decision to use a secretive intelligence agency to monitor phone calls and e-mails of some U.S. citizens and others inside the United States without a court order as part of the war on terrorism.
Democrats Question Legality of Domestic Surveillance VOA 19 Dec 2005 -- Senate Democrats are questioning the legality of an intelligence program authorized by President Bush to secretly monitor telephone calls and e-mails between people in the United States and suspected terrorists in other countries.
U.K.: Law Lords Ruling On Torture Affecting Status Of Terror Suspects RFE/RL 19 Dec 2005 -- Has Britain allowed evidence obtained under torture to be used in its courts? British authorities are reexamining evidence in the cases of several foreign terrorist suspects who are awaiting appeals trials.
Rights Group Says U.S. Had Secret Prison In Afghanistan RFE/RL 19 Dec 2005 -- A U.S. human rights group has accused the United States of running a secret prison for terrorism suspects as recently as last year in Afghanistan.
Bush Defends Decision Domestic Surveillance Decision VOA 19 Dec 2005 -- President Bush Mr. Bush has defended his authorization of the monitoring of some domestic e-mail and telephone calls, a program that has drawn harsh criticism in Congress.
Press Conference of the President The White House 19 Dec 2005
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Radio Address by the President to the Nation The White House 17 Dec 2005 -- "In the weeks following the terrorist attacks on our nation, I authorized the National Security Agency, consistent with U.S. law and the Constitution, to intercept the international communications of people with known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations. "
Bush Acknowledges Secret Surveillance VOA 17 Dec 2005 -- President Bush says he has authorized the secret surveillance of people within the United States without court-approved warrants.
Portugal Implements Cargo Container Security Initiative Washington File 16 Dec 2005 -- Lisbon, Portugal, has become the latest port to implement the Container Security Initiative (CSI), a screening and inspection program aimed at securing maritime cargo shipments against the threat of terrorism.
US Senate Fails to Renew Anti-Terror Law VOA 16 Dec 2005 -- In an embarrassing defeat for President Bush, the Republican-led Senate Friday failed to renew the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act, which expires at the end of the month.
Bush Reportedly Approved Domestic Eavesdropping VOA 16 Dec 2005 -- The New York Times reported Friday that President Bush authorized a secretive U.S. intelligence agency to spy on some Americans and others inside the country suspected of terrorist links in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
TSA trains bomb dog teams for transit systems AFPN 16 Dec 2005 -- Six mass transit officers partnered with bomb dogs are graduating today at Lackland, marking the Transportation Security Administration's first full-scale expansion into canine protection for people riding trains, light rail and buses in America's major cities.
Rights Group Welcomes Bush Reversal on Torture Ban VOA 16 Dec 2005 -- Leading human rights groups are praising President Bush for reversing his position on congressional legislation banning torture.
US Detainee Debate Complicated by Elusive Definition of Torture VOA 16 Dec 2005 -- The Bush administration has decided to go along with a bill pending in Congress that would bar cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment of any detainee held anywhere in U.S. custody.
US Senators Reject Anti-Terror Law Provisions VOA 16 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Senate has rejected attempts to renew controversial provisions of the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act, set to expire at the end of the month.
FSB: Alleged Al-Qaeda Leader Killed In North Caucasus RFE/RL 16 Dec 2005 -- The head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed today that an alleged Al-Qaeda leader in southern Russia has been killed.
Military Commission Charges Referred 16 Dec 2005 -- The Department of Defense announced today that charges were referred to a military commission in the cases of Binyam Ahmed Muhammad and Ghassan Abdullah al Sharbi by the appointing authority, John D. Altenburg Jr. on Dec. 12, 2005.
Bush Backs Antitorture Measure In Congress RFE/RL 16 Dec 2005 -- President George W. Bush has announced his support for legislation that would ban American military, CIA, and other personnel from inflicting cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment on terrorism suspects either inside the United States or abroad.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 16 Dec 2005 [PDF]
White House, Congress Reach Agreement on Torture Ban VOA 15 Dec 2005 -- President Bush has reached agreement with Republican Senators on a law barring the cruel or inhuman treatment of foreign detainees in U.S. custody.
DoD Orders Review of Anti-Threat Intel-Gathering System AFPS 15 Dec 2005 -- The Defense Department has ordered a review of an intelligence system that compiles information on possible worldwide threats to U.S. military personnel and installations, a senior DoD official said here today.
Pentagon Reviews Domestic Threat Database VOA 15 Dec 2005 -- The Defense Department is reviewing its procedures for collecting and saving information on potential threats to its installations in the United States
China Reports New Human Bird Flu Case, New Poultry Outbreak VOA 15 Dec 2005 -- China's state media report a sixth person in the country has been diagnosed with bird flu, while a new outbreak of the disease has been spotted in a flock of ducks.
Lebanon: Al-Qaeda Promotion Of Religious Divisions Angers Shi'a RFE/RL 15 Dec 2005 -- Western military personnel, contractors, aid workers, and journalists, as well as Iraqi security forces, were the traditional targets of Iraqi insurgents and Al-Qaeda's leader in Iraq, Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi.
Bangladesh: Arrests May Help End Militant Bombing Campaign VOA 15 Dec 2005 -- Bangladeshi authorities say the recent arrest of several militants is a significant breakthrough in efforts to crack down on an Islamic militant group accused of a series of recent bombings.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 15 Dec 2005 [PDF]
US House Approves Renewal of Patriot Act VOA 14 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 251-174 to renew key provisions of the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act.
Pandemic Flu Could Depress U.S. Economy 5 Percent Washington File 14 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that a wave of pandemic influenza could depress gross domestic product (GDP) by 5 percent at worst, and at its mildest, the flu would cause barely a ripple in the economy.
US Security Teams to Patrol Train, Bus, Subway Stations VOA 14 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration says starting this week, it is deploying teams of federal air marshals and uniformed law enforcement officers at bus and train stations across the country.
Amnesty Blasts EU Reaction To Allegations Of Secret U.S.-Operated Jails RFE/RL 14 Dec 2005 -- Amnesty International today said that the European Union's response to allegations of secret jails operated by U.S. intelligence services in European nations has been unsatisfactory.
EU: Britain Seeks To Quell Controversy Over Alleged CIA Prisons RFE/RL 14 Dec 2005 -- Britain, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, has signaled it is satisfied with U.S. answers to allegations that its secret service held and tortured terror suspects in secret prisons in Europe.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 14 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Warden Message 17: Worldwide Caution Embassy of the United States of America in Kuwait 13 Dec 2005 -- This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas.
Philippines Proposes Anti-Terror Alliance VOA 13 Dec 2005 -- Philippine president Gloria Arroyo has proposed expanding a Southeast Asian anti-terrorism coalition to include China, Russia and four Central Asian nations.
Human Rights Expert Accepts U.S. Offer to Visit Guantanamo AFPS 13 Dec 2005 -- A human rights specialist from Europe has accepted the U. S. offer to visit the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba, a senior Defense Department official said here today.
Investigator: Evidence May Support Claims of Alleged CIA Prisons in Europe VOA 13 Dec 2005 -- A European investigator says there appears to be evidence that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency abducted people in Europe and transferred them between countries illegally.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 13 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Terrorism: Islamic Scholars Debate Suicide Bombing And Hostage Taking RFE/RL 12 Dec 2005 -- In the current nomenclature, "martyrdom operations" is a euphemism for suicide bombings.
U.S. Dismantles International Drug/Money-Laundering Organization Washington File 12 Dec 2005 -- U.S. law enforcement authorities have dismantled a large drug-trafficking and money-laundering organization that operated in the United States and five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Transportation Security Administration Selects Lockheed Martin Team to Enhance US Airport Explosives Detection Systems Lockheed Martin 12 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has awarded a Lockheed Martin-led [NYSE: LMT] team a contract to begin field testing advanced certified explosives detection systems (EDS) in two major U.S. airports.
US Ambassador in Pakistan: Bin Laden No Longer Controls al-Qaida VOA 12 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan Crocker, says he no longer believes Osama bin Laden is in operational control of the al-Qaida terrorist network.
Medical Experts Debate Ethics of Military Interrogations VOA 12 Dec 2005 -- Medical Experts Debate Ethics of Military Interrogations
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Poland to Investigate Secret CIA Prison Allegations VOA 11 Dec 2005 -- The Polish prime minister has ordered an investigation into allegations that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency operated secret prisons for terrorist suspects in Poland
UN Chief: Governments Cannot Ignore Human Rights Rules on Torture VOA 10 Dec 2005 -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has warned governments around the world not to ignore international agreements prohibiting torture.
Bush Wants Patriot Act Reauthorized VOA 10 Dec 2005 -- President Bush says reauthorizing security measures passed following the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington are critical to preventing another attack in the United States.
Red Cross Seeking Access To Secret U.S. Terror Prisoners RFE/RL 09 Dec 2005 -- The Red Cross says it seeking access to prisoners held in secret jails as part of the U.S. war on terrorism.
Red Cross Seeks Access to All US Terrorism Detainees VOA 09 Dec 2005 -- The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross says his organization is in intense dialogue with U.S. authorities to gain access to all detainees held under the struggle against terrorism.
New Report Criticizes Both Congress, Goverment for Slowing Down Anti-Terror Efforts VOA 09 Dec 2005 -- A final report this past week by the independent bipartisan commission that investigated intelligence and other failures leading to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks sharply criticized the U.S. government and Congress for failing to implement key recommendations to strengthen defenses against future terrorist attacks.
Spanish Police Arrest 7 Suspected of Funding Terror VOA 09 Dec 2005 -- Spanish police have arrested seven people suspected of helping fund Islamic militants with links to the al-Qaida terrorist group.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 09 Dec 2005 [PDF]
NATO-Russia Council Discusses Anti-Terrorism Action Plan Washington File 08 Dec 2005 -- The NATO-Russia Council met in Brussels, Belgium, December 8, the same day the alliance's 26 foreign ministers gathered for their traditional December meeting.
Congress Might Seek Changes to Bush Flu Plan Washington File 08 Dec 2005 -- Bipartisan support is emerging in the U.S. Congress for a heightened national commitment to addressing the problem of pandemic influenza abroad.
NATO Chief Says Rice Cleared the Air on Detainees Washington File 08 Dec 2005 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, praising NATO's role as a trans-Atlantic forum for political dialogue, said there was a serious discussion on questions concerning the war on terrorism and detainee policy during the NATO foreign ministers' meeting December 8 in Brussels, Belgium.
Study: Flu Pandemic in US Would Kill Millions, Cripple Economy VOA 08 Dec 2005 -- A U.S. government study says a bird flu pandemic in the United States would kill as many as two million Americans and cause an economic recession.
Britain's Highest Court Bans Evidence Obtained by Torture VOA 08 Dec 2005 -- Britain's highest court says evidence obtained by torture cannot be introduced in British legal proceedings.
H5N1 Bird-Flu Strain Detected In Crimea RFE/RL 08 Dec 2005 -- Ukraine's health officials today said that preliminary findings show the bird-flu strain detected in the Crimean Peninsula is potentially dangerous to humans, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported.
NATO Chief: Rice 'Cleared the Air' on Detainee Charges VOA 08 Dec 2005 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has briefed NATO and European Union colleagues on the Bush administration response to allegations the CIA has abused terrorism suspects and had secret detention sites in Europe.
NATO: Ministers Discuss U.S. Terror 'Dilemma' RFE/RL 08 Dec 2005 -- Today's meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels was overshadowed by the controversy that has erupted in Europe over allegations that the United States is using unlawful tactics in the fight against terrorism.
Suicide Bomber Kills 7 in Bangladesh VOA 08 Dec 2005 -- Bangladeshi authorities say a suicide bomb attack in the northern town of Netrokona has killed at least seven people, including the bomber, and injured more than 50 others.
US Intelligence Officials Visit Philippines to Assess Security VOA 08 Dec 2005 -- A senior U.S. politician and expert on intelligence has praised the Philippines for its efforts to fight terrorism, but warns that fight will continue.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 08 Dec 2005 [PDF]
JORDAN: Islamic groups oppose draft anti-terror law IRIN 07 Dec 2005 -- Islamic groups in Jordan have rejected the government’s new draft anti-terror law saying that it intends to control religion as a measure for preventing further terror attacks in the country.
Airline Passenger Killed by US Air Marshal VOA 07 Dec 2005 -- A U.S. citizen was shot and killed by federal air marshals at Miami's International Airport on Wednesday.
U.S.: Do Rice's Remarks On Torture Amount To Policy Shift? RFE/RL 07 Dec 2005 -- Amid an uproar over allegations that the United States may have abused detained terrorist suspects, Washington today signaled what appeared to be a shift in its policy.
U.S. Ban on Torture Applies Worldwide, Rice Says Washington File 07 Dec 2005 -- The United States bans its personnel from subjecting detainees to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment no matter where in the world they happen to be, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said during a news conference in Ukraine December 7.
PRESS CONFERENCE ON TORTURE BY HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS United Nations 07 Dec 2005
Al-Qaeda Leader Says Bin Laden Still Leading Jihad RFE/RL 07 Dec 2005 -- The second-ranking leader of Al-Qaeda has appeared in a new video saying that the terror group's leader Osama bin Laden is alive and still leading the jihad holy war against Western countries.
Rice Says U.S. Bound By Torture Convention Worldwide RFE/RL 07 Dec 2005 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking today in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, said the United Nations' Convention against Torture applies to all U.S. personnel, with no exceptions, everywhere in the world.
US Embassy in Philippines to Reopen Thursday VOA 07 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. embassy in the Philippines is to reopen Thursday, two days after the compound was temporarily closed to the public because of security concerns.
Australia Warns Weapons of Mass Destruction Pose Global Security Threat VOA 07 Dec 2005 -- Australia's foreign minister has warned that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses the greatest global security threat.
Rice Says American Ban on Mistreating Prisoners Applies Worldwide VOA 07 Dec 2005 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday a ban on U.S. personnel subjecting detainees to cruel treatment extends worldwide.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 07 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Poll Indicates US Allies Oppose Secret Terrorist Suspect Interrogations VOA 06 Dec 2005 -- A new opinion poll conducted in eight nations that are U.S. allies indicates a majority of people do not want the United States to secretly interrogate suspected terrorists in their country.
U.K.: Bird-Flu Experts Gather, Say Pandemic 'Not Matter Of If, But When' RFE/RL 06 Dec 2005 -- A major two-day conference opens in London tomorrow to synchronize strategic research in an effort to prevent a global bird-flu pandemic
Rumsfeld Praises Southeastern Europe's Fight With Terror RFE/RL 06 Dec 2005 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld today praised southeastern Europe defense ministers for their increasing cooperation in fighting terrorism.
U.S. Admits Sending German Terror Suspect To Afghanistan RFE/RL 06 Dec 2005 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel today said that the United States has admitted mistakenly detaining a Lebanese-born German citizen.
Interpol publishes first notices for suspected terrorists on UN sanctions list UN News Centre 06 Dec 2005 -- In a bid to tighten the noose around terrorists, the first Interpol-United Nations Security Council Special Notices have been issued for individuals targeted by UN sanctions against Al-Qaida and the Taliban.
U.S. Following Rule of Law, Rice Tells German Chancellor Washington File 06 Dec 2005 -- The United States will do everything it can within the limits of the law to protect its people against terrorists, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said while meeting with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin December 6.
Ukraine Reports Bird Flu; Role of Migratory Birds Debated Washington File 06 Dec 2005 -- Ukraine is the latest European country to report the appearance of the H5 avian influenza strain, according to data reported by the nation's chief veterinary agency to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Merkel urges US to uphold 'democratic principles' in anti-terror war IRNA 06 Dec 2005 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on the United States to adhere to 'democratic principles' in its global anti-terror campaign after news reports surfaced about controversial CIA acts in Europe.
U.S.: Rice Using Trip To Defend Terror Practices, As European Governments Face Tough Questions RFE/RL 06 Dec 2005 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in Europe today for talks that are expected to address the reported use of European airports for the transit of terrorist suspects, and whether the United States has been operating secret prisons for terrorist suspects on European soil.
Ukraine: State Of Emergency Declared In Crimea Following Bird-Flu Outbreak RFE/RL 06 Dec 2005 -- Ukraine's parliament today approved President Viktor Yushchenko's proposal to declare a state of emergency in three regions of the Crimean Peninsula following an outbreak of bird flu.
Questions Surround al-Qaida Leader's Death VOA 06 Dec 2005 -- Days after his reported death, there are more questions than answers surrounding alleged al-Qaida leader Abu Hamza Rabia
Rice, Merkel Discuss Anti-Terrorism Tactics VOA 06 Dec 2005 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said German-American counter-terrorism cooperation will continue, despite the controversy over alleged secret U.S. detention sites in Europe.
US Closes Manila Embassy to Public After Security Threat VOA 06 Dec 2005 -- Philippine officials say a bomb squad, including sniffer dogs, searched the embassy in Manila Tuesday, but nothing unusual was found.
Basque Separatists Reject Cease-fire VOA 06 Dec 2005 -- Spanish authorities have evacuated the airport in the northern city of Santander after receiving a bomb threat believed to be from the Basque separatist group ETA.
Rice Begins Europe Tour Amid Detainee Allegations RFE/RL 06 Dec 2005 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has arrived in Berlin for talks today with new German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Rice Reiterates U.S. Does Not Condone Torture RFE/RL 06 Dec 2005 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the United States "does not condone torture."
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 06 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Yushchenko: Vaccines Ready After Bird Flu Outbreak RFE/RL 05 Dec 2005 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko today told residents of Crimean villages hit by an outbreak of avian flu that the country has sufficient stocks of vaccinations to prevent a human epidemic.
U.S. State, Local Officials Begin Influenza Pandemic Planning Washington File 05 Dec 2005 -- Two top-level U.S. officials convened a meeting December 5 of state and local leaders to emphasize the potential threat of pandemic influenza and the need for integrated plans.
U.S., Russia To Enhance Cooperation Against Narco-trafficking Washington File 05 Dec 2005 -- Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns praised counterterrorism cooperation between the United States and Russia December 2 following the 14th meeting of the U.S.-Russian Counterterrorism Working Group in Moscow.
World Bank Official Warns on Bird Flu Impact on Poorer Nations Washington File 05 Dec 2005 -- The current worldwide alert for an avian influenza pandemic has an economic perspective, as well as a health view, says a World Bank official.
New Terror Report Criticizes White House, Congress VOA 05 Dec 2005 -- The independent commission that investigated the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States has issued a new report highly critical of the Bush administration and Congress for their efforts to make the country safer from future attacks.
US Planning to Cope with Possible Flu Pandemic VOA 05 Dec 2005 -- Public health and emergency preparedness officials from across the United States gathered in Washington Monday to begin coordinating a national response to a possible influenza pandemic.
U.S. Doesn't Condone Torture of Captive Terrorists, Rice Says AFPS 05 Dec 2005 -- The United States is a law-abiding nation and never has transported captured terrorists to another country to be tortured as part of the interrogation process, the senior U.S. diplomat said today.
Eurocopter succeeds with EC 225 in open Japanese competition EADS 05 Dec 2005 -- Eurocopter, leading the world market for helicopters, won an open competition in Japan, to equip the Japanese coast guard with two EC 225 helicopters. Being a well-proven, powerful system in the 11 metric ton class with a renowned price/performance ratio, Eurocopter’s EC 225, the latest member of the Super Puma family, proved to be best suited for the mission requirements of Japanese authorities.
Secret CIA prisons no thorn in Europe-US relations IRNA 05 Dec 2005 -- The European Union is not expected to make any fuss with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who this week begins a four-nation European tour, over reports that the American secret service, the CIA, is using airports and secret prisons to incarcerate terror suspects on European soil.
Transcript: Remarks Upon Her Departure for Europe US Department of State 05 Dec 2005Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the United States does not permit or tolerate the torture of any terrorists detained in its custody.
Rice in Europe to Defend US Anti-Terrorism Tactics VOA 05 Dec 2005 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, beginning a four-nation European trip, says she hopes U.S. allies can refocus on how to deal with terrorism after a new assurance that CIA tactics in the terror war are lawful and do not involve torture.
September 11 Panel Says US Not Well-Prepared for Terrorist Attack VOA 05 Dec 2005 -- The independent commission that investigated the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States is releasing its final assessments this hour on the government's efforts to prevent future attacks.
Rice Defends Detainee Treatment VOA 05 Dec 2005 -- Defending U.S. policy on the detention of terrorism suspects, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice says other governments have to decide if they want to cooperate with the United States in anti-terrorist efforts
U.S.: Rice Trying To Mend Fences In Europe RFE/RL 05 Dec 2005 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is using a tour of European capitals this week to ask allies to ease the pressure on the United States over allegations that the CIA has run secret prisons for terrorist suspects in some European countries.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Romania Demands Proof Of CIA-Prison Allegations RFE/RL 04 Dec 2005 -- Romania has asked the rights organization Human Rights Watch for detailed evidence to support the group's allegations that Romania may have hosted secret CIA prisons for terrorist suspects
Rice to Address Reports of Secret CIA Prisons During Europe Trip VOA 04 Dec 2005 -- The White House says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will address reports of secret U.S. prisons during her trip to Europe this week.
New Orleans Mayor Urges Federal Government to Speed Rebuilding City VOA 04 Dec 2005 -- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is urging federal authorities to work quickly to help rebuild the city, which was devastated three-months ago by Hurricane Katrina.
Washington Declines to Confirm Senior al-Qaida Leader's Death VOA 04 Dec 2005 -- President Bush's national security advisor says the U.S. government is looking into reports that one of al-Qaida's top leaders was killed Thursday in Pakistan, but cannot confirm his death.
Pakistan: U.S. Involvement Denied In Death Of Al-Qaeda Commander RFE/RL 04 Dec 2005 -- Pakistan is denying reports that a U.S. missile was used to kill a senior Al Qaeda official in Pakistan earlier this week
Air traffic controllers report 437 CIA flights over Germany: Spiegel IRNA 03 Dec 2005 -- At least 437 CIA flights either made stopovers in Germany or crossed its air space over the past years, Germany's national air traffic control agency said in a report submitted to the German government.
State Of Emergency In Crimea After Bird-Flu Outbreak RFE/RL 03 Dec 2005 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko today ordered a state of emergency in parts of Crimea that have registered cases of the potentially deadly bird flu.
Bird Flu Appears For First Time In Ukraine RFE/RL 03 Dec 2005 -- Ukrainian officials confirmed today that bird flu cases had been recorded for the first time in the country.
Saudis Arrest 17 Suspected al-Qaida Militants VOA 03 Dec 2005 -- Saudi Arabian security forces have arrested 17 suspected militants with ties to al-Qaida.
Top Al-Qaida Leader Killed in Pakistan VOA 03 Dec 2005 -- Pakistan says a senior, Egyptian-born al-Qaida leader has been killed in a mountainous tribal region bordering Afghanistan.
US Readies Public Statement on Alleged Secret Prisons VOA 03 Dec 2005 -- The Bush administration is preparing a public statement on news reports the C.I.A. has operated secret detention sites in Europe for suspected terrorists.
Security Changes for US Airports VOA 02 Dec 2005 -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.) announced it is easing restrictions on the items passengers could carry onto airplanes
U.S. Attorney General Says Terrorist Threats to U.S. Very Real Washington File 02 Dec 2005 -- Terrorists' threats to the United States remain very real, constant and unrelenting, U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales says.
US Announces Changes in Airline Security Procedures VOA 02 Dec 2005 -- U.S. transportation officials have decided to let passengers carry some previously prohibited items aboard aircraft.
PRESS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY UN OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME United Nations 02 Dec 2005
Italian Official Says Terrorism Could Pose Threat for Winter Olympics VOA 02 Dec 2005 -- Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu addressed parliament to give an update on the new anti-terrorism measures adopted in Italy in the summer.
Study Addresses National Security Impact of Disease Threats AFPS 02 Dec 2005 -- A new study addresses the military operational impact of new disease threats by looking at risks to servicemembers around the world.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 02 Dec 2005 [PDF]
Guantanamo Tube Feedings Humane, Within Medical Care Standards AFPS 01 Dec 2005 -- The small number of involuntary feedings conducted at the U.S. detention facility here are done humanely and are well within common standards of medical care, officials said in an effort to counter allegations made by attorneys for some detainees here.
MKO stays on updated EU terror list IRNA 01 Dec 2005 -- The Iranian MKO (Mujahidin-e Khalq) remains on the European Union's updated terror list released Wednesday night.
Annan 'disappointed' at failure to agree on comprehensive treaty on terrorism UN News Centre 01 Dec 2005 -- Long an advocate of completing a treaty against all forms of terrorism by the end of this year, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced disappointment over the failure of the General Assembly's committee on legal affairs to reach agreement on a draft comprehensive convention.
United States Joins U.N. Anti-Trafficking Protocol Washington File 01 Dec 2005 -- The United States on December 3 will become an official party to the U.N. Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, the State Department says.
U.S. Official Outlines U.S. Border Security Goals, Strategy Washington File 01 Dec 2005 -- Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff explained President Bush's proposals and answered questions regarding border security and immigration in a November 30 "Ask the White House" webchat.
US Lawmakers Differ on Changes in Airline Screening Measures VOA 01 Dec 2005 -- A Democratic Party lawmaker says a U.S. government decision to end a ban on scissors and certain other sharp objects airline passengers are permitted to take on aircraft would encourage terrorists.
Indonesia Reports 12th Human Case of Bird Flu VOA 01 Dec 2005 -- Indonesia has reported its 12th human case of bird flu, and says it hopes to start producing the drug Tamiflu within months to fight the virus.
UK MPs press for answers over US 'rendition flights' IRNA 01 Dec 2005 -- A new all-party group of MPs has been set up to challenge the British government to clarify whether UK airports have been used by US planes to ferry terrorist suspects to secret internment camps in eastern Europe.
EU Discussing Probe Into CIA Prison Allegations RFE/RL 01 Dec 2005 -- The European Union is set to push today for a formal EU probe into allegations that the CIA transported terrorist suspects and held them in secret prisons across Eastern Europe.
EU: Controversy Heats Up Over Alleged CIA Prisons, Flights RFE/RL 01 Dec 2005 -- The European Union today began looking into launching a formal EU probe into allegations that the CIA transported terrorist suspects and held them in secret prisons across Eastern Europe.
Bangladesh Investigates New Bombing as Lawyers Protest Wave of Attacks VOA 01 Dec 2005 -- A bomb blast killed one person and injured nearly 20 others in Bangladesh as lawyers staged a national strike to protest a series of earlier deadly bomb attacks.
Military Commission Charges Referred 01 Dec 2005 -- The Department of Defense announced today that charges were referred to a military commission in the case of Omar Ahmed Khadr by the Appointing Authority John D. Altenburg Jr. Altenburg previously approved charges on Khadr on Nov. 4, 2005.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 01 Dec 2005 [PDF]

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December 2005 Security News