Two Sentenced in Federal Courthouse Bombing Case

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that Ella Louise Sanders and Eric Reginald Robinson were each sentenced today in federal court in San Diego before the Honorable Margaret M. McKeown based on their convictions on federal charges arising out of the May 4, 2008 bombing of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse. Judge McKeown sentenced Sanders to serve 10 years in federal custody and Robinson to serve 11 years in federal custody. The court also ordered that each term of imprisonment be followed by a term of supervised release of five years.

In the fall of 2008, Sanders and Robinson each pled guilty to the use of, and carrying, a destructive device, that is, pipe bombs, during and in relation to a crime of violence, that is, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and (B)(ii), and 2.

As part of their guilty pleas, they each admitted to conspiring with others to construct and detonate a series of pipe bombs, including the bomb used against the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in San Diego, California on May 4, 2008. In their pleas, Sanders and Robinson each admitted that they assisted in the construction of pipe bombs. Sanders admitted that she purchased explosive material and stole pipes for the purpose of constructing pipe bombs. Robinson admitted that he drove Sanders to stores for the purpose of stealing pipes and end caps to be used in the manufacture of pipe bombs. Sanders and Robinson also each admitted that they assisted co-conspirator Rachelle Lynette Carlock in the May 4, 2008 bombing of the federal courthouse. Specifically, Sanders helped Carlock conceal her identity before she traveled to the federal courthouse, and Robinson drove the getaway car after Carlock detonated an improvised explosive device, which consisted of three pipe bombs containing two pounds of explosives and 100 nails. The resulting explosion caused substantial property damage to the courthouse and sent shrapnel flying for over a city block. Co-defendant Carlock was sentenced on October 31, 2011 to serve 10 years in federal prison for her role in the bombing.

On June 6, 2011, Donny Love, Sr., charged separately in Criminal Case 10cr2418-MMM, was found guilty by a federal jury of various charges, arising from the bombing of the courthouse. According to evidence presented at trial, Love was the mastermind of the scheme to bomb the federal courthouse, and used Carlock, Sanders, and Robinson to carry out that scheme. Love is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge McKeown.

U.S. Attorney Duffy praised the coordinated effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that participated in the Joint Terrorism Task Force’s investigation of this case.

Defendants

Ella Louise Sanders, age 60
Eric Reginald Robinson, age 44

Criminal Case No. 08-CR-1895-MMM

Summary of charges
Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and (B)(ii) and 2—Use and Carrying of a Destructive Device During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Aiding and Abetting

Investigating agencies

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Joint Terrorism Task Force

Seeking Assistance in Locating Terrorist Daniel Andreas San Diego

The FBI in Boston and San Francisco are asking the public’s assistance in locating Daniel Andreas San Diego, a fugitive on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorist” list who may be hiding in western Massachusetts.

The FBI received a tip that San Diego may be in the Northampton, Massachusetts area. The FBI is offering a reward for up to $250,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of San Diego. 

San Diego, who was the first domestic terrorism suspect added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist list on April 21, 2009, is wanted for his alleged involvement in two bombings in the San Francisco, California area.

On August 28, 2003, two bombs exploded approximately one hour apart on the campus of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville, Calif. Then, on September 26, 2003, one bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, Calif.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for San Diego in October 2003. However, he disappeared before he could be taken into custody. San Diego is six feet tall, weighs about 160 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. He wears glasses and is known to carry a 9mm handgun.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- October 31, 2008

Bio terror 'next threat' for US
"Nuclear and biological terrorism is the emerging threat the next US President should focus on, the US security chief has told Sky News. US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, speaking to Sky News In an exclusive interview, Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff said sources of radioactive and biological materials must be properly secured ‘at all costs’. He warned terrorists are actively seeking to acquire such materials. Mr Chertoff said he did not think a weapon of mass destruction, like a biological or nuclear bomb, was a danger that could be just months away. […] His comments echo those of the British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who told Sky News last year that intelligence suggested terrorists were trying to get their hands on materials and know how to make a dirty bomb." (Sky News; 31Oct08; Mark White) http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News

Custer [ND] health exercise
"The days of bubonic plague and typhoid fever are long gone, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune from a pandemic or an outbreak of other dangerous illnesses. […] So the question arises, what would we do if another one happened tomorrow? Custer Public Health in Mandan [ND] doesn’t want to wait to find out. Today, they tested out a POD, or Point of Dispensing, exercise to see how fast they could treat the public in the event of a health emergency. […] With this exercise, people were merely getting their flu shots, but they weren’t given the same treatment they would get if they were at an every day flu clinic, where time isn’t an issue." (KFYR-TV; 30Oct08; Anne Kelly)
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=23731

FBI: Anthrax hoaxes from Calif. man still in mail
"A California man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of sending hoax letters labeled ‘anthrax’ to scores of media outlets, the FBI said Wednesday, warning that many of the threats may still be in the mail. Marc M. Keyser, 66, sent more than 120 envelopes containing a compact disc that had a packet of sugar labeled ‘Anthrax Sample’ along with a biohazard symbol, the FBI said in a news release. The CD was titled ‘Anthrax: Shock & Awe Terror.’ Keyser was taken into custody without incident at his home in Sacramento on three counts of sending a hoax letter, the FBI said. At least some of the packages had Keyser's return address on them, said FBI agent Steve Dupre." (Associated Press; 30Oct08; Sudhin Thanawala) http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/o/1110/10-30-2008/20081030010505_35.html

Russia eliminates 30 percent of [its] chemical weapons
"Russia has destroyed about 30 percent of its chemical warfare agents, Interfax reported yesterday. ‘According to the [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons], as of now Russia has scrapped 11,600 metric tons of poisonous substances of the first grade, which amounts to 30 percent of the stock,’ OPCW special projects chief Krzysztof Paturej said during a meeting in Moscow. ‘The rates of chemical disarmament in Russia are the highest among other states.’ […] Russia originally possessed 40,000 metric tons of chemical agents banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention. That was the world’s largest stockpile, topping those held by the other declared chemical-agent possessors, Albania, Libya, India, the United States and a nation widely assumed to be South Korea."
(Global Security Newswire; 29Oct08; Source: Interfax) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20081029_1780.php

Bekaert hosts mock [chemical attack] exercise
"Members of the military’s Civil Support Team ran tests Thursday on a chemical found outside of a package as part of a drill. […] It was a horrible scenario at the Bekaert Corp. [chemical] plant early Thursday morning. Luckily, it was only a drill to test disaster response. […] A former employee had brought in a package that contained the deadly poison ricin and it spilled onto some powered doughnuts that had been eaten by employees. […] Multiple agencies participated in the training exercise.
[…] Police and firefighter were all out on the scene along with the U.S.
Army’s 4th Civil Support Team from Atlanta. Along with first responders, ‘victims’ had to go through two different contamination areas at the plant before they were rushed off to the mythical hospital." (Rome News-Tribune; 31Oct08; Kevin Myrick) http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news933415.html

Iran has potential WMD capabilities, reports say
"Iran’s growing industrial and medical capabilities could enable the country to produce chemical or biological weapons if it chose to do so, security expert Anthony Cordesman said in two draft reports released this month. ‘Iran’s technology base is advanced enough ... so that Iran retains some capability to make chemical weapons, and it may have inactive or mothballed facilities. While there have been no public reports of active production, this is possible and such efforts can occur at low levels and be easy to conceal,’ Cordesman, an analyst for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in a draft report on Iran’s potential chemical-weapon capabilities." (Online; 31Oct08; Source: Canada Free Press)
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/5946

The weakest link: more delays in nuclear detection at borders
"It is one of the most likely ways that terrorists can cause mass casualties: a crude nuclear device smuggled into the country via a cargo container, truck, or boat. Yet, experts say, […] a gaping nuclear loophole remains at the nation's borders and seaports. The original wide-sweeping and aggressive plan by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to install advanced radiation detection monitors at all the nation's seaports, borders, rail stations, and more has ballooned in cost even though its goals have been scaled back. […] But cost is not the only issue; […] the new and 'advanced' radiation portal monitors that the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) proposes buying aren't worth their high price tag. […] The new monitors, according to Tom Cochran, [senior scientist at the Nuclear Program of the Natural Resources Defense Council], do not reliably detect highly enriched uranium." (ABC News; 31Oct08; Maddy Sauer)
http://www.abcnews.go.com/print?id=6155832

U.S. justifies cross-border strikes
"A country should have the right to attack another if it is harbouring a potential terrorist threat, the U.S. Homeland Security chief said in remarks appearing to justify recent U.S. raids in Pakistan and Syria. […] Michael Chertoff said international law should accommodate a country's need to deter a possible threat abroad even if it meant taking pre-emptive action. […] ‘International law must begin to recognise that part of the responsibility of sovereignty is the responsibility to make sure that your own country does not become a platform for attacking other countries,’ Chertoff told an audience. ‘There are areas of the world that are ungoverned or ungovernable but nevertheless technically within the sovereignty of boundaries. Does that mean we simply have to allow terrorists to operate there, in kind of badlands, where they can plan, they can set up laboratories, they can experiment with chemical weapons and with biological weapons?’ he said." (The International News; 31Oct08) http://www.thenews.com.pk/print.asp?id=58940

Muslims quizzed in '04 pre-election survey [about access to biological or chemical weapons, among other topics]
"A 2004 pre-election operation to disrupt potential terrorist plots focused on more than 2,000 immigrants from mostly Muslim countries, government data show. Most of those questioned were found to have done nothing wrong, The New York Times reported Friday. Some, however, were deported for overstaying their visas. There was no word of a similar operation before next week's election. […] 79 percent of the suspects were from Muslim-majority countries, the Times said. The newly released data showed that immigration agents questioned the foreigners about what they thought of the United States, whether violence was preached at their mosques and whether they had access to biological or chemical weapons."
(UPI; 31Oct08; Source: New York Times)
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/10/31/Muslims_quizzed_in_04_pre-election_survey/UPI-33091225462875/

Security experts forced to expect the worst
"Planners must consider the risk of a chemical, biological or radiological attack, former CSIS [Canadian Security Intelligence Service] official says. […] In Canada now, there is a growing group of security planners who are thinking about […] the deliberate release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear compounds at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. ‘If they are not thinking about this, then they're not doing their jobs,’ said David Harris, a security expert and former strategic operations director with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. ‘We are involved in a technological war with actual adversaries and we have seen ample evidence of medieval minds that are consumed with finding the means of intimidating and destroying civilization.’" (Vancouver Sun; 30Oct08; Jeff Lee) http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/features/2010/story.html?id=bccb22a4-f059-4e40-9982-296b2d9f64de

CNS ChemBio-WMD terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

California Guard Conducts Predator Maintenance Training

By Air Force Capt. Al Bosco
Special to American Forces Press Service

Oct. 16, 2008 - As the unmanned aerial system mission continues to grow in the Air National Guard, the 163rd Maintenance Group is stepping up its training program to ensure the availability of enough highly skilled people to support these systems. Initially operating under the 372nd Training Squadron's Detachment 13 assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the unit spent its infancy getting its staff trained and completing its state-of-the-art facilities, while also providing limited training here and augmenting the active-duty schoolhouse.

Now, the unit no longer operates under Nellis' training umbrella, but as a stand-alone training facility, Detachment 26, assigned under Air Education and Training Command.

The training operation here has grown and has transformed into a one-stop shop for active-duty and Guard units seeking Predator maintenance training.

What began in April with an introductory course has since expanded to include specialized courses such as ground control station and communications maintenance, Rotax engine maintenance, tactical aircraft maintenance and avionics.

The unit also has provided training to more than 150 maintainers from active-duty units, as well as airmen from Guard units across the United States also involved in the Predator mission.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ron Egan, chief of Detachment 26, said the unit's growth has been a boon, not only for the maintenance group, but also for the Predator mission and the Air Force as a whole.

"By providing instruction across the spectrum of Predator maintenance, and continuing to expand to meet the mission's training needs, we are bridging the gap providing the kinds of capabilities that were once only available at active-duty training locations," Egan said. "That has made us an important part of the UAS mission, and has certainly made this an exciting time to be involved with the Predator."

In fact, Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Adams, a Predator communications instructor who spent two years teaching at Nellis before the detachment stood up here, said the unit has nearly a dozen instructors and owns all of its own equipment, detached and separated from the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing's operational Predator mission, allowing training to be provided regardless of operational demands elsewhere.

"Having instructors and equipment available to teach the courses here is great for us and for the students," Adams said. "We can provide the training students need when they need it, and we can tailor our instruction to meet their needs. The impact is huge, because it allows the students to see and understand how processes work a step at a time and prepares them to apply the skills they'll need in an operational environment as soon as they get there."

The unit soon will be able to take its training to a new level, as the 163rd opens a flying training unit and begins flying the Predator locally at Southern California Logistics Airport, formerly George Air Force Base, near Victorville, about 40 miles from March.

"When the wing starts its flying training mission, that will open up a lot of doors for us," Adams said. "We'll be able to provide hands-on training and let the students interact with flying aircraft so they can learn and practice what they will be doing in a realistic environment."

On the horizon, Egan said, plans are in the works to expand the unit's training capabilities. In fact, plans include offering a KU-band satellite communications class, as well as adding maintenance courses for the Predator's big brother, the MQ-9 Reaper. The unit may even provide training for Department of Homeland Security personnel.

"It's really a shot in the arm for the Predator program," Egan said. "Everyone is happy that we're up and running, and we've received a lot of positive feedback on our operations."

(Air Force Capt. Al Bosco serves with the California National Guard.)

Guard Unit Prepares for Predator Training Operations

By Air Force Capt. Al Bosco
Special to American Forces Press Service

Sept. 17, 2008 - Having successfully surpassed two years of combat operations flying the MQ-1 Predator, the nation's first Air National Guard Predator unit is poised to spread its history-making wings again. With only minor details remaining, the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing is ready to begin training the Air Force's next generation of unmanned aerial system warriors.

Beginning in early January, the unit expects to fly its first "live" training sortie at home from the former George Air Force Base, now known as Southern California Logistics Airport, about 40 miles from March.

"We are really excited about taking this critical next step in our employment of the Predator," said Air Force Col. Randall Ball, 163rd Operations Group commander. "We've been working toward this since getting the Predator mission in 2006, and it has taken a total team effort to go from concept to reality as quickly as we have."

Since transitioning from its support mission flying the KC-135 Stratotanker to conducting active combat flying the Predator, the wing has proven it has the mettle to meet any challenge head-on. In fact, shortly after beginning Predator flight operations, the wing was charged to provide three continuous combat air patrols over Southwest Asia.

As a result of the "surge," the wing has amassed more than 21,000 flying hours supporting combat operations overseas by providing combatant commanders with 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week aerial surveillance and precision strike capability.

"This has truly been an historic event for us," Air Force Col. Al Aimar, 163rd RW commander, said. "It's been quite an exciting time, and we're eager to begin the next chapter in this remarkable mission."

Once the facilities and infrastructure needed to support the flying program at SCLA are in place, the wing will begin flying the Predator locally in preparation for its first class of Predator aviators, scheduled to begin in April.

"We need to make sure we take a steady approach to starting the flight training program here so we can ensure we are training the best Predator pilots possible, able to step out of the classroom and into the combat theater providing the kind of support commanders need and have come to expect," Air Force Lt. Col. Kirby Colas, 196th Reconnaissance Squadron commander, said.

Initially, the wing will begin training Air National Guard personnel as Predator aircrews, but the program is expected to expand to include training active-duty aviators as well relieving some of the load for Creech Air Force Base, Nev., currently the only base training Predator aircrews.

Since the wing already has extensive experience with the platform, providing the training to both Guard and active-duty aircrews is expected to be a smooth process. In fact, several of the unit's current senior-level pilots and sensor operators already have gained valuable experience in the academic environment, having served as instructor pilots and sensor operators at Creech.

"Our wing is really a unique organization," Aimar said. "We've gone through a tremendous amount of change over the past couple years, but the amazing thing is nobody complains. Every time a new mission or task has come up, everyone across the wing was quick to jump in to figure out how we could get it done. As a commander, it makes me proud to see that kind of dedication, not only to our nation, but to the warfighters on the ground, who rely on our support to accomplish their missions."

Currently, the wing conducts Predator maintenance training in its recently established state-of-the-art field training detachment operating under Creech's Detachment 13 as part of Air Education and Training Command. The fully accredited maintenance training facility trains active-duty and Guard Predator maintenance personnel.

(Air Force Capt. Al Bosco serves with the California National Guard.)

Troop-Support Groups Meet Freedom Walk Participants at Pentagon

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 7, 2008 - While the fourth annual National America Supports You Freedom Walk was winding down for its nearly 10,000 participants, the day's activities were just beginning for troop-support groups set up in the Pentagon's South Parking lot. Representatives of more than 20 groups that support America Supports You gathered here Sept. 7, to let the walkers know how they support the troops. America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

"You don't just have to be a big corporation to help out," said Clint Green, with Operation from the Heart, a Michigan-based care package group. "Participation of average, everyday citizens is what really matters."

Green's organization was joined by other care package groups and veteran service organizations, as well as organizations providing a variety of other services to troops and their families.

No matter the individual missions, all the groups agreed with Green. They were there to show their support for the troops.

"I really think ... we need to show our support for the troops that are out there fighting for us on the pointy end of the spear," said Shelley Marshall, with Military Officers Association of America's "The Scholarship Fund."

Marshall, a retired Navy captain who was in Washington on Sept. 11, 2001, said the walk had a lot of personal meaning to her as well and it's an important way to commemorate the day.

MOAA's Scholarship Fund provides interest free loans and grants to qualified children of retired Military officers and active or retired enlisted Military personnel. The funding is available for up to five years of undergraduate study at an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university.

Like MOAA, some groups have been supporting the troops for decades. The American Red Cross is a perfect example.

"We're an organization that's over 125 years old," said Su Ferguson, with Service to the Armed Forces America Red Cross. "Our foundation is helping servicemembers and their family members.

"It started with our founder, Clara Barton, during the Civil War," she added. "So we have a long tradition of providing service to Military members, their family members and veterans."

Ferguson said the America Supports You Freedom Walk sends troops a clear message.

"That we support them," she said. "That we're here for them and we're proud of what they're doing."

No matter the support they offer, each organization has unique circumstances that motivate them to ensure the troops and their families are cared for.

For Becky Mizener, founder of California-based Packed With Pride, her son Jesse, provided that motivation by enlisting in the Army.

When he left for Basic Training, she wrote and asked him if she could write to any of his "Battle Buddies" as well. When he deployed to Iraq, she sent a care package and of course, asked if he had friends who could use a boost.

"Before I knew it, we were mailing packages to Jesse and 17 other soldiers," she said in a flier introducing her project.

Even after her son was killed in January 2004, while serving with the 542nd Maintenance Company in Iraq, Mizener continued to send care packages, her mother, Irene Bustamante, said.

"It's like a religion," she said. "It's something that she's constantly thinking about.

"She keeps on expanding and expanding," Bustamante said. "Now she's got a whole [area] a church donated to use as long as she wants, but she's outgrowing that, too!"

Currently, 1,500 servicemembers receive regular packages from Packed With Pride, she added.

Mizener had left earlier to participate in the walk, which began at 9 a.m. at the Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery and covered a mile route to the Pentagon. The Oak Ridge Boys treated the walkers to a musical tribute filled with patriotic songs soon after they arrived at the Pentagon.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- July 30, 2008

Universal Detection Technology Releases Corporate Update From Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
“It is unfortunate that we are living under the threat of terrorism and biological warfare. What's of greatest concern is the lack of proper preparation at various levels for dealing with a potential attack with these deadly agents. Consequently, we have intensified our efforts to address the growing need to protect our families and businesses.” (CNN Money; 29July08) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0419949.htm

Slow to Pick Up The Pepper Trail
“Just after the Fourth of July, Cheryl Grubbs called her local health department in Cortez, Colo., to report that her husband had nearly lost his only kidney to a salmonella infection after eating several raw jalapeÒos and a sandwich with a tomato in it during a camping trip. By then, investigators had been searching for the source of a nationwide salmonella outbreak for more than two months; tomatoes were the prime suspect. Grubbs told three nurses her story and was transferred to the voice mail of a fourth. After hearing nothing for three days, she called the state health department in Denver.” (Washington Post; 30July08; Annys Shin)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/29/AR2008072902287.html

UCF professor develops vaccine to protect against black plague bioterror attack
“University of Central Florida researcher may have found a defense against the Black Plague, a disease that wiped out a third of Europe's population in the Middle Ages and which government agencies perceive as a terrorist threat today. UCF Professor Henry Daniell and his team have developed a vaccine that early research shows is highly effective against the plague. Findings of his National Institutes of Health and USDA funded research appear in the August edition of Infection and Immunity. The vaccine, which is taken orally or by injection, was given to rats at UCF and the efficacy was evaluated by measuring immunity (antibody) developed in their blood.” (EurekAlert; 30July08) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/uocf-upd073008.php

Opponents of bio-hazard lab in Triangle heckle feds
“Opponents of a proposed $450 million research lab took control of two public hearings Tuesday, making it clear to state and federal officials that efforts to build the project in Granville County would trigger a lengthy battle. The 520,000-square-foot lab -- about five times the size of a regular Wal-Mart -- would handle a wide range of pathogens that could be used as biological threats. About 10 percent of the lab would be set aside for viruses with no known cures.” (McClatchy News Service; 30July08) http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/lab_16134___article.html/opponents_security.html

White powder creates a scare at office building
“An envelope containing a white, powdery substance sent workers inside a South County office [St. Louis] building out into the heat Tuesday morning while federal and local officials investigated. Tests done in Jefferson City later determined that the substance was not dangerous, authorities said, but they did not immediately reveal what the substance was.” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch; 30July08; Carolyn Tuft) http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/3DA13D17F3913A9086257496000A7599?OpenDocument

Canada donates $209K worth of anti-biological warfare suits to RP
“A total of 300 modern suits that could be used in responding to possible biological and nuclear attacks by terrorist groups were donated Wednesday by the Canadian government to Filipino authorities. The suits, with a combined worth of C$209,425, could also be used in responding to calamities involving hazardous chemicals.” (GMA News; 30July08) http://www.gmanews.tv/story/110328/Canada-donates-209K-worth-of-anti-biological-warfare-suits-to-RP

Two Residents Taken to Hospital With Suspected Anthrax in Kyrgyz Southwest
“The press service of the Emergencies Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic has announced that a 23-year-old resident of Nooken District has been taken to the infectious diseases department of the Kochkor-Ata territorial hospital with suspected anthrax. According to information from the press service of the Emergencies Ministry, the total number of people who were taken to hospital is 35, of which 28 have been discharged and seven are being given appropriate treatment.”(Red Orbit; 30July08) http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1501034/two_residents_taken_to_hospital_with_suspected_anthrax_in_kyrgyz/

Army: Mustard gas leaks at Blue Grass
“The Army said yesterday that a mustard gas leak had been detected inside a storage igloo at the Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond. But the leak presents no danger to the community or the environment, the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency said. Richard Sloan, spokesman for the Blue Grass Chemical Activity, said the leak was ëvery small, very minute.” (Courier-Journal; 30July08; James R. Carroll)
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080730/NEWS01/807301095

Museveni aide ëbought chemical, bio weapons
“A Danish national appeared before a London court on Monday on charges of transferring chemical and biological weapons to Mr Ananias Tumukunde, an aide to President Museveni who has been in the custody of British authorities for several weeks on charges of money laundering.” (Daily Monitor; 30July08) http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/news/Museveni_aide_bought_chemical_bio_weapons_69027.shtml

Digger [slang: New Zealand and Australia military] advisers to help Pakistan
“Australia is prepared to send military advisers to Pakistan to help its Army in training for counter-insurgency warfare and stabilising the border with Afghanistan. Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon will today call for a more concerted international effort to combat Taliban insurgents based in Pakistan's tribal areas, including economic aid and providing its Army with the skills to conduct counter-insurgency campaigns as well as civil operations.” (The Australian; 30July08; Patrick Walters) http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24099496-31477,00.html

Hawaii, California troops train with island locals
“Hawaii and California National Guard troops are joining Big Island police and fire units for a week of training and exercises to deal with a terrorist attack or a major hazardous material release. This week's effort is designed to help the personnel respond to an act of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons, officials said.” (Sign on San Diego; 29July08) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080729-1853-wst-trainingexercise.html

Careful science can help to fight terrorism
“Science and Technology are usually seen as western strengths in fighting terrorism. Counterterrorism depends on science ñ but, at the same time, science generates terrorist risks and could compound the problems terrorism creates. For a start, scientists, engineers and doctors have played a considerable role as terrorists since the mid-20th century. The high status of these professions may be partly responsible, as modern terrorists are drawn disproportionately from the better-educated sections of societies.” (Financial Times; 28July08; Richard Mottram and Clive
Cookson)
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0a5579ac-5ca3-11dd-8d38-000077b07658.html

U.S. air strike on al-Qaeda hideout lays bare Pakistan's border weakness
“U.S. forces struck a suspected al-Qaeda hideout inside Pakistan Monday, exposing growing tensions between the allies over Pakistan's inability to deal with militants in its tribal regions. The attack, believed to have killed a top al-Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert, came as Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Washington in an effort to reassure Americans of his country's efforts to eradicate the militants based in Pakistan, who are believed to be feeding the rising insurgency in Afghanistan.” (Globe and Mail; 29July08; Saeed Shah, Graeme Smith)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080729.wpakistan29/BNStory/Afghanistan/home

Nanotechnology At NASA Could Play Medical Role On Earth
“Nanotechnology-driven development could affect many areas of space exploration: it could create new materials that are stronger and self-healing, for example, or develop tiny rovers capable of driving, flying and taking measurements. Other applications in security, for example the sensor could be useful in detecting nerve gas or anthrax. It could also be used in environmental monitoring, which is why a partnership formed between Dr. Meyyappan's team and Early Warning, a company based in New York that develops systems to detect biohazards.” (U.S. Medicine; 29July08; Katie Leitch)
http://www.usmedicine.com/dailyNews.cfm?dailyID=399

CNS ChemBio-WMD terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- July 23, 2008

Georgia reports two cases of anthrax
“Two cases of anthrax have been registered in western Georgia's Imereti Region, the national disease control center said on Wednesday. Two villagers from the region's Zestaponi District became infected after contact with a sick cow. ‘After putting the cow down, they discovered signs of the disease and buried the animal,’ the center's chief, Paata Imnadze, said. ‘Several days after, they were admitted to hospital with anthrax.’ Both patients are currently in a stable condition.” (RIA Novosti; 23July08) http://en.rian.ru/world/20080723/114765125.html

Bioterrorism Threat Is Disputed
“William R. Clark, the chair emeritus of immunology at the University of California, doesn't think that bioterrorism is a serious threat, right now. He just wrote a book on the politics of bioterrorism called Bracing for Armegeddon? In an interview with Matt Palmquist in May, Professor Clark explained how he really feels about reports of a bioterrorism threat […].” (About.com; 23July08; Amy Zalman, Ph.D.) http://terrorism.about.com/b/2008/07/23/bioterror-threat-is-hotly-debated.htm

FDA [Food & Drug Administration] Finds Salmonella Strain on Jalapeno Pepper
“More than 1,200 Americans have gotten sick and two people have died after eating produce contaminated with Salmonella Saintpaul. With an investigation spanning many weeks, food safety regulators have had a challenging time trying to track suspected tomatoes and peppers up or down the supply chain, hampered by paper records and repacking practices that effectively hide the identity of produce in the distribution chain. Today FDA announced an important breakthrough in the case: A Jalapeno pepper from a Mexican farm -- repacked at a Texas distribution facility -- has been found with the identical strain fingerprint of Salmonella as the human victims.” (CSPI Newsroom; 21July08) http://cspinet.org/new/200807213.html

Testimony of Jeffrey W. Runge, MD before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology
“Good morning Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before the Subcommittee on this important and timely issue. My colleagues and I have testified before your Subcommittee on several occasions on this topic, and I appreciate your continued interest in ensuring that an outbreak of a disease, intentional or natural in origin, does not threaten our Homeland Security, economic stability, and our Nation's critical infrastructures and key resources. I am thus pleased to have the opportunity to share our views with you and your constituents through this hearing in Providence, RI.” (Homeland Security; 22July08) http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1216677175660.shtm

Dr. Jeffrey W.] Runge [of the Department of Homeland Security] Stresses Threat of Anthrax Attack
“Al Qaeda continues to plot terror attacks that would include biological agents, and the terror group has focused specifically on the use of anthrax as a weapon, the chief medical officer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told a congressional panel during a field hearing in Rhode Island Tuesday.” (HS Today; 23July08; Mickey McCarter) http://hstoday.us/content/view/4375/128/

Pentagon Slices and Dices DARPA [Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency] Budget
“The Pentagon's storied research and development arm turned 50 years old this year, and its birthday present appears to be another $100 million in budget cuts, according to a Defense Department document provided to DANGER ROOM [Wired Magazine Blog Network]. Cognitive computing systems, which has previously been hit by congressional cuts, will lose another $13 million, while Network Centric Technology is sliced by $19 million. Another $18 million is being diced from biological warfare defense, and a big cut is taken out of DARPA's Electronics Technology program, which loses $26 million.” (Wired; 22July08; Sharon Weinberger) http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/07/pentagon-slices.html

Foreign-born TB [Tuberculosis] cases need better control, US says
“Tuberculosis cases continue to fall in the United States, but some immigrants have disturbingly high rates of the disease, according to a study released Tuesday that called for more aggressive action. TB rates were highest among residents from lower Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. Most drug-resistant TB cases also were from foreign-born residents, the study noted. The researchers called for wider testing, including efforts to seek out latent cases of TB from long-term immigrant residents in certain populations.” (FindLaw; 23July08; Lindsey Tanner) http://news.lp.findlaw.com/ap/o/1500/07-23-2008/20080723002006_17.html

Biofilms use chemical weapons
“Scientists at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig have now identified one of the fundamental mechanisms used by the bacteria in biofilms to protect themselves against the attacking phagocytes. The scientists are now publishing their findings in the renowned specialist publication PLoS ONE, together with colleagues from Australia, Great Britain and the USA – the discovery being that biofilm bacteria use chemical weapons to defend themselves.” (Nanowerk News; 23July08) http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=6491.php

EMA [Emergency Management Agency] official loses $8,300 weapons detector
“A Delaware County Emergency Management official lost a chemical weapon detector worth $8,300 last month, reporting that it fell out his truck. Delaware County sheriff's investigators reported no leads recently in the case where Jeff Evans, EMA deputy director, reported the device lost while be was driving home to Anderson. […] The device detects chemical agents such as weaponized Sarin and VX nerve gases, and also has civilian uses to detect chemical spills.” (The Star Press; 22July08)
http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080722/NEWS01/807220318/1002

Court rejects appeal by bomb plotters
“Five men jailed last year for plotting an Al-Qaeda-linked bombing campaign lost an appeal against their convictions Wednesday.Omar Khyam, Waheed Mahmood, Jawad Akbar, Anthony Garcia and Salahuddin Amin were found guilty last April and jailed for a minimum of between 35 and 40 years for plotting to cause ‘indiscriminate death and suffering.’ […] One of the five also discussed trying to buy a radioactive ‘dirty bomb’ from the Russian mafia to be ‘bigger than 9/11’, but nothing appeared to have come from his enquiries, the trial was told.” (AFP; 23July2008) http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g9D5Cxun1qXFG-qyVcoAOKWFaCNw

Is Bioterrorism Threat Credible?
“Even terrorists play pranks on WMD use these days! Late May 2008 a purported terrorist video caught media attention and some serious coverage. As per the reports, the Al Qaeda video message urged Islamic jihadists to use ‘biological, chemical and nuclear weapons to attack the West.’ Experts suspecting the authenticity of the video message dismissed the threat as a prank and not ‘Qaedaesque’ enough to get scared. The big question is whether the threat of biological weapon use is real or a product of fearful future thinking? As far as terrorist groups are concerned, they not only wish to survive, but endeavor to thrive with continuous innovation and improvisation. The paucity of empirical data on terrorist use of biological weapons does not limit their future planning concerning biological weapon.” (Counterterrorism Blog; 22July08; Animesh
Roul)
http://counterterrorismblog.org/2008/07/is_bioterrorism_threat_credibl.php

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

Hollywood Effects Aid Marine Training

By Amy May
Special to American Forces Press Service

June 23, 2008 - The scene in Building 7 at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center here was chilling. Visitors were greeted by the sounds of a screaming man, covered in blood and missing his legs just above the knees. A walk up the blood-stained and cartridge-littered staircase revealed another injured man attempting to lift his automatic weapon for a shot at whoever appears in the doorway. All the while, eerie music played on the loudspeakers and other gun-toting, shouting men darted out of the shadows to take shots at the training Marines.

A California special effects company set up the scene to imitate the real thing.

This realistic urban warfare training is what training center strives to do for everyone from local police officers to its latest guests, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

An expeditionary unit, explained Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Bryce Piper, is a self-sufficient, 2,200-member unit that is rapidly deployable and cross-trained for a number of missions. Although much of their training here centered on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marine expeditionary unit could be called upon to conduct a wide variety of missions, including conducting humanitarian, security or rescue operations anywhere in the world, clearing buildings and performing diplomatic missions in a war zone.

"This training is part of the regular work up for every MEU. We do this type of training as part of our regular cycle to make sure every Marine knows his job and knows the job of the Marine next to him," Piper said.

The Marines have excellent facilities at Camp Lejeune, said Capt. Shawn Rickrode, but they get used to them after training there daily, so it's beneficial to require them to use their skills in an unfamiliar environment, just as they would in a real mission.

The Marines spent their days at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center rotating through several training stations.

One scenario had the Marines guarding an entry point of the forward operating base, searching vehicles and their drivers played by actors seeking entry. If the Marines miss a bomb or fail to notice the driver is armed, they pay the price.

"We give them the general scenario, but the actors run with it," Rickrode said. "Obviously, we can't blow a vehicle apart, but some [explosions] are very loud and very sudden. We use cork to imitate the shrapnel."

Piper said another important lesson is cultural sensitivity. The Marines must try to learn the customs of a society they might be deployed to. For example, in Middle Eastern culture, it's rude to show the bottoms of your feet, and there are strict rules about men interacting with women.

The Marines can use a voice recognition translator when interacting with local citizens. Rickrode demonstrated the device, which takes sentences in English and translates them. It can be hooked up to a megaphone if the Marines wish to address a crowd.

It's an important device, Rickrode said, because there is no way the Marines could learn all the languages they might encounter.

At the mock checkpoint, the Marines dealt with vehicles attempting to storm the gate, cooperative drivers and exploding vans -- all situations they might face in a real war zone.

Another scenario required the Marines to visit a village tribal leader in Afghanistan.

The leader, an actor, expressed his distrust of the United States, but finally offered some intelligence about a cache of weapons behind a building where two suspicious men had been seen. As the Marines checked that out, a land mine exploded on a nearby soccer field, and several people were seriously injured. In that situation, the Marines must assume defensive postures, check out the immediate danger and then offer aid to the injured.

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Brandon Ward, in charge of the scenario, said it tests the Marines on several levels.

"They come in planning to bring peace and stability. Now we'll see if they'll hold true to their word and help out. The challenge is to get out of the aggressive mind set and just help the people," he said.

The most spectacular special effects were at the building-clearing scenario. The Marines were required to go through several buildings, looking for insurgents. Thin wires stretched across the courtyards to fire simulated, and loud, rocket-propelled grenades at anyone foolish enough to stick his head out a door or window. Inside, the Marines were shot at with small, paint-filled cartridges that bore an uneasy resemblance to blood upon impact.

In the Building 7 scenario, the Marines blasted open the door with an explosive and found an injured man inside.

After the initial push into the building, a few Marines stayed behind to offer help to the man who lost his legs in the explosion. Another man inside, however, wouldn't stop trying to raise his weapon and fire, so he had to be shot.

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Craig Bryan said the training should instill a willingness to help the injured, even if they are insurgents. If the person displays no aggression and drops his weapon as ordered, the Marines should offer medical aid. "Everyone deserves that," he said.

The special effects workers labored nearby, mixing buckets of fake blood and restringing their RPGs. The company has worked on TV shows such as "Point Pleasant," "Silk Stalkings" and "Pensacola: Wings of Gold." It formed a second division after Sept. 11, 2001, which offers military training complete with pyrotechnics, sound effects, realistic wounds and actors to play the enemy. Rickrode said about 40 actors portrayed various insurgents, injured people or drivers for the Marine training exercises.

The Marines also practiced techniques used when pulling over vehicles and attended a demonstration of military working dogs.

The dogs are trained for aggressive patrol work or to sniff out explosives. The MEU does not have dog handlers, but the commanders wanted them to be familiar with the dogs as a resource they could call upon.

After each scenario, the Marines went through the "hot wash," or after-action review. This is usually conducted by the trainers and commanders, but Muscatatuck Urban Training Center offers an additional tool: video. Building 7 is equipped with 58 cameras.

Doug Barker, a former Indianapolis Police Department employee, set up the system and hopes to install video surveillance in 23 locations at the training center. After an exercise, he can create a video for the trainees to watch. Showing people what they did right or wrong is much more effective than telling them, he said.

"They need to see what it looks like. It's not real effective until they actually see it," Barker said.

The Marines also trained for urban scenarios in nearby communities and at Camp Atterbury, Ind., but much of their time there was cut short by flooding and a tornado. Some of them put their training on hold to help with sandbagging at Indiana towns threatened by flooding.

"Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief are among the primary mission capabilities of the 26th MEU," Marine Corps Col. Mark J. Desens, the unit's commander, said. "Though it's not what we came here to do, we are ready to help those affected by this crisis."

The Marines said their training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center was challenging. It was their first visit, and they were glad they made the journey, they said, even if the Indiana weather was a little inhospitable.

"This facility is so perfect for this type of training," Piper said. "The urban environment is exactly the kind of thing we're trying to train to."

(Amy May is a Camp Atterbury Crier staff writer.)

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- April 2, 2008

Weaponizing the Pentagon's Cyborg Insects
“Biological weapons delivered by cyborg insects. It sounds like a nightmare scenario straight out of the wilder realms of science fiction, but it could be a reality, if a current Pentagon project comes to fruition. […] Right now, researchers are already growing insects with electronics inside them. They're creating cyborg moths and flying beetles that can be remotely controlled. One day, the US military may field squadrons of winged insect/machine hybrids with on-board audio, video or chemical sensors. These cyborg insects could conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions on distant battlefields, in far-off caves, or maybe even in cities closer to home, and transmit detailed data back to their handlers at US military bases.” (Middle East Online; 01Apr08; Nick Turse).
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/opinion/?id=25148

Researcher discovers pathway plants use to fight back against pathogens
“Previous studies have shown that plants can sense attacks by pathogens and activate their defenses. However, it has not been known what happens between the pathogen attacks and the defense activation, until now. A new MU [sic] [University of Missouri] study revealed a very complex process that explains how plants counter attack pathogens. […] In his study, [Shuqun] Zhang [associate professor of biochemistry] found the specific signaling path, known as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, in the plants that ends when the defense chemical camalexin is created. […] By understanding at the molecular and cellular levels how plants protect themselves under adverse environmental conditions, such as pathogen attacks, we could eventually improve the disease resistance of crops, Zhang said.” (Genetic Engineering News; 31Mar08).
http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=32984362

Testimony of Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer Jeffery Runge, M.D. before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security
“[Dr. Runge transcript] I would like to report on the progress that OHA [Office of Health Affairs] has made in leading the Department’s efforts in protecting our Nation from the threats of a bioterrorist attack and a pandemic, as well as OHA’s progress in leading the Department’s efforts to ensure full integration of our Nation’s medical readiness capabilities and protecting the health and safety of the Department’s own workforce. […]The President is requesting $161.3 million for FY 2009 to further objectives of the OHA mission.~ This amount represents an increase of $44.8 million over the FY 2008 enacted level.” (Department of Homeland Security; 01Apr08; Jeffrey Runge).
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1207069086551.shtm

Vaccine for Ebola virus
“‘The biothreat posed by Ebola virus cannot be overlooked. We are seeing more and more naturally occurring human outbreaks of this deadly disease.With worldwide air travel and tourism the virus can now be transported to and from remote regions of the world. And it has huge potential as a possible weapon of bioterrorism,’ says Dr. [Anthony] Sanchez [Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in Atlanta]. ‘We desperately need a protective vaccine.’ […] Researchers have now used several different recombinant DNA techniques, which have allowed them to trigger a cell-mediated response and produce a vaccine that is effective in non-human primates. One of the candidate vaccines is about to be tested on people for the first time, after entering Phase 1 clinical trials in autumn 2006.” (Innovations Report; 01Apr08).
http://www.innovations-report.de/html/berichte/biowissenschaften_chemie/bericht-106630.html

California Gets 26 New Disaster Support Vehicles
“The state of California just acquired 26 of these [support] trucks at a total cost of $2 million, paid for by the federal government's bioterrorism preparedness grant. The vehicles carry a large supply of trauma supplies, as well as items like blankets. […] The 26 trucks are now strategically placed around the state.” (CBS13; 31Mar08).
http://cbs13.com/local/disaster.support.vehicles.2.689304.html

The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed Monday that the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year has been reported in Lincoln County
“Although a March case of West Nile virus is atypical, as the season for the virus extends from mid-summer through fall, [Dr. Mary] Currier said cases have been reported as early as January and as late as December. […] Four people died as a result of the virus in 2007, with 136 total reported infections. Currier said the number of infections reported last year, and possibly this year, may be more, since only 20 percent of the people who are infected with West Nile virus actually display the symptoms. ‘For every case we have reported, there are at least four others that go unreported,’ she [Dr. Currier] said.” (Zwire; 01Apr08; Adam Northam).
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19443430&BRD=1377&PAG=461&dept_id=172922&rfi=6

Anthrax exercise this afternoon at Mansfield school [Arlington, Texas]
“If you see a lot of police car, fire units and ambulances at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy about 3 p.m. today, relax. It’s a test. […] The school district, the city and other agencies are involved in the exercise. Students, parents and other volunteers will simulate exposed victims. […] ‘We are pleased to partner with Tarrant County Public Health in this massive undertaking,’ Mansfield school Superintendent Vernon Newsom said.
‘Our hope is that the lessons learned during this exercise will be to the benefit of all of our communities.’" (Star Telegram; 01Apr08; Paul Bourgeois).
http://www.star-telegram.com/arlington_news/story/559444.html

CPSO arrest Lake Charles man on terrorizing charges [Louisiana]
“On March 30th around 8 p.m., the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Isle of Capri Casino in Westlake where they learned Joseph I. Hudson, 34, 1901 Alvin St., Lake Charles, stole a jet-ski from a boathouse on Shell Beach Dr., and drove it to the Isle of Capri where he abandoned it about 15 to 20 yards away from the casino boat. […] While in route to the Correctional Center Hudson informed the deputy that he had Anthrax in his wallet. His wallet was checked and no Anthrax was found.”
(Southwest Daily News; 31Mar08).
http://www.sulphurdailynews.com/articles/2008/04/01/news/news3.txt

Jihadist posts anthrax-making instructions
“In a chilling sign that Islamist terrorists continue seeking weapons of mass destruction, a jihadist website recently posted instructions on making deadly anthrax for biological weapons. The website disclosed the illustrated instructions March 17 and included additional links, and promised to provide information on a delivery system in the future, a Cessna airplane. […] The instructions include using Petri dishes to multiply samples of anthrax, and then adding powder that will allow it to float in the air.” (World Tribune; 31Mar08).
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/me_terror0008_03_31.html

Japan's China Weapons Cleanup Hits a Snag
“The news out of Japan is likely to compound the nation's failures in dealing with its wartime abuses against China: The Japanese company responsible for removing chemical weapons abandoned by Japanese forces in China at the end of World War II will not be able to complete its work, with a corruption scandal forcing its closure. […] Despite the cleanup stalling over the corruption scandal, Japanese officials claim Tokyo can still fulfill its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention to remove and destroy all such munitions left in China by 2012.” (Time; 31Mar08; Andrew Monahan).
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1726529,00.html

Army reports 44 percent of chemical munitions destroyed
“A project manager says more than 44.2 percent of the chemical weapons stored at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility have now been safely destroyed. […] [Anniston Army Depot] Westinghouse officials said so far workers have used the chemical weapons incinerator to get rid of all GB nerve agent stored in Anniston and about 68 percent of munitions filled with VX nerve agent.” (Everything Alabama; 01Apr08; Associated Press).
http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-35/1207050543308620.xml&storylist=alabamanews

Cleaning up after nerve agents
“A new decontamination agent devised by US chemists can deactivate toxic chemicals such as nerve agents and pesticides leaving only non-toxic, easily disposable by-products, according to research in the New Journal of Chemistry. The work could lead to cheaper and more effective cleanup of contaminated sites such as chemical weapons stockpiles. […] 'The search for a non-corrosive decontamination of sensitive material and skin after exposure by toxic chemicals, for example pesticides and nerve agents, is an important but challenging task,' said Franz Worek, an expert in organophosphate toxicology at the Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, Germany. 'This new and promising approach may ultimately lead to a new type of mild and effective decontamination,' he added.”(The Engineer; 01Apr08).
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/305349/Cleaning+up+after+nerve+agents.htm

Gulf War veterans 'more likely to commit suicide'
“Gulf War veterans are committing suicide at a greater rate than Services personnel who took no part in the 1991 conflict, the latest Ministry of Defence statistics disclosed yesterday. […] The figures, published by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (Dasa), are based on the mortality rates of the 53,409 personnel who took part in the Gulf War, and a comparison group of a similar age, gender, rank and regular/reserve status. […] Since the war, many veterans who have fallen ill have blamed the cocktail of vaccines given to all frontline units, and other factors such as the toxic pesticides used to kill bugs on the army tents and leaks of Iraqi chemical warfare products. The illnesses were originally termed Gulf War Syndrome, but the MoD, having carried out numerous research studies, has found no evidence to support the syndrome claim.” (Times Online; 31Mar08; Micheal Evans).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3653601.ece

RF informs CSTO about pace of talks with US – Lavrov
“Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov [Kazakhstan] said Russia had informed CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] about the pace of talks with the United States. […] ‘The discussions were very interesting and useful. About 20 resolutions were adopted,” [Lavrov said]. […] Among key foreign political topics Lavrov riveted attention to discussion of Russia’s initiative on chemical weapons […].”
http://www.inform.kz/showarticle.php?lang=eng&id=162449

Stress high during ‘terrorist attack’ [update on Toronto exercise]
“Overall, the response was successful, although the event turned up inevitable cracks, said Gail Beagan, chairperson of Centennial's inter-professional health education program. […] Centennial holds mock disasters twice a year. […] Crews handled not only the victims but their anxious family members and panicking members of the public worried about their exposure to radioactive materials. To test the participants' mettle, organizers threw further hiccups into the exercise, such as a malfunctioning electrical system.” (Scarborough, The Mirror; 01Apr08; Lisa Queen).
http://www.insidetoronto.ca/News/Scarborough/article/44931

Iraq: What has the US achieved?
“Before the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was tasked with determining whether Iraq in fact possessed weapons of mass destruction, US & UK governments decried Saddam’s refusal to cooperate to justify renewed bombing & the economic sanctions. Subsequent reports filed by Scott Ritter, the Chief UN weapons inspector stated that UNSCOM had successfully destroyed over 90% of Iraq’s weapons & weapons making facilities & were corroborated by Raymond Zalinskas. […] ‘The nuclear weapons programme was completely eliminated. The long range ballistic missile programme was completely eliminated. If I had to quantify Iraq’s threat, I would say zero.’” (Sinhala News Agency; 01Apr08; Shinali Waduge).
http://www.sinhalaya.com/news/english/wmview.php?ArtID=15055

NPA's [The National Prosecuting Authority] poison letter sender nabbed
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it has identified the person responsible for sending a poisoned letter to its offices. Five staff members became ill after handling the letter, addressed to acting head Mokotedi Mpshe. […] The NPA says preliminary test results indicate the letter definitely did not contain extremely hazardous chemical warfare agents. However, a group of staffers reportedly did develop skin rashes and headaches at the time. The substance itself is yet to be identified.”
(SABC News; 31Mar08).
http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0,2172,166799,00.html

How an app called WarmTouch nailed a grenade-stockpiling cyber extortionist [Maryland]
“When the president of a prestigious patent and trademarking firm began receiving emails threatening to bring down its operations […] he reported the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but agents were unable to identify the culprit. […] By applying an algorithm that analyzes the word choice and other characteristics of his writing, the program helped analyst Eric Shaw develop a hypothesis that the suspect was a technically adept man older than 30 who had trouble fitting in at work and in social situations. Building off those findings, Shaw later surmised that he might also own a stockpile of weapons. […] The profile was remarkably accurate. Myron Tereshchuk, the man who pleaded guilty to criminal extortion in the case, was 43 years-old, and when police raided his suburban home in Maryland, they found ingredients for the deadly poison ricin and a stockpile of parts for making improvised grenades.”
(The Register; 01Apr08; Dan Goodin).
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/01/warmtouch_brings_down_cyber_extortionist/

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

Congressional Leaders Unite in Praise, Support for Troops in Iraq

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

March 13, 2008 - Congressional leaders honored U.S. troops who have served in Iraq and elsewhere around the world during a bipartisan remembrance ceremony here today in the Capitol Rotunda. During the ceremony, which marked the upcoming fifth anniversary of the Iraq war, the Congress members extended praise and appreciation to all U.S. servicemembers, emphasizing that their support for the troops transcends political lines.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, speaker of the House, opened the ceremony by lauding servicemembers who responded without delay when their nation called.

"When sent into battle, they performed their duties effectively with bravery, dignity and honor that are the hallmark of American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines," she said. "After five years of the war in Iraq and more than six in Afghanistan, the selflessness of our heroes continues to make us proud."

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, Senate minority leader, acknowledged the ongoing debate about the future of war in Iraq and overall war on terror.

"There is passion and seriousness and patriotism on both sides," he said. "Yet one thing is certain: The men and women of our military have done their jobs. Their purpose is just. And on this day of remembrance, in this place of honor, we thank all who have served."

Nevada Sen. Harry Reid, Senate majority leader, emphasized that today's ceremony rose above any political differences.

"Today we stand together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans, all to honor every airman, soldier, sailor and Marine who has served and every American hero who has perished in that far-off land of Iraq," he said.

Reid joined the other leaders in extending his recognition to troops who have served in Afghanistan. "We could not possibly honor our troops with words to match the honor of their brave action," he said.

Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, House minority leader, thanked troops following in the footsteps of those who have served the country throughout its history.

"The men and women of our military and their families are our nation's greatest heroes, and their incredible accomplishments are indeed a cause for celebration," he said. "Their achievements are too numerous to count and too widespread to fully catalogue. The least we can do is to take time from our daily routine to stop, to think, and to express our thanks and gratitude for the sacrifices our military (and their) families ... continue to make."

The lawmakers paid special tribute to wounded troops and the families of those who have died serving their country.

"We honor the service of our men and women in uniform of our armed services, those who have returned home, and their brothers and sisters in arms we've lost," Pelosi said. "We mourn every day."

"We honor their parents, children, husbands, wives and friends, those they loved and those who loved them," Reid added. "They too bear a heavy burden in service to the ideals we cherish."

McConnell said those who sacrificed did so because "they loved their families and believed their service would keep their families safe."

"We've been humbled by the sacrifice of so many Americans," he said. "And today we recommit ourselves to their service, to the care of those who have returned and to the full support of those who fight."

All the speakers expressed hope for a time of peace.

Pelosi looked to the statue of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who expressed hope for a future when people can live together in peace. "In the spirit of his farewell prayer, we seek to end conflict, to promote peace and to build a future worthy of the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform," she said.

McConnell said America's servicemembers are helping to secure that peace. "On this day of remembrance, we can be sure that as long as good and generous souls rise up to defend America, the world can hope for days of peace to come," he said.

Chairman Discusses Risk Assessments

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 20, 2008 - The United States will continue to face military risks even when the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan end, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, in an interview while on a six-day trip to California, Hawaii and Australia, shared the philosophy he applies to assessing military risks.

First, he said, he constantly assesses the readiness of troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It impacts overall readiness, equipment readiness and people," he noted.

Second, the admiral said, he speaks with the service chiefs about readiness. He said that Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway "have expressed concerns – which I share – about full-spectrum training and that we need to broaden the capabilities for which we are training right now."

Finally, Mullen said, he stays in constant contact with the combatant commanders to solicit their views about the missions they must carry out around the world and the resources they will need. The missions range from military-to-military engagement to training, right up to carrying out war plans should the situation call for it, the admiral said.

The chairman said his assessment of risk "is made in terms of what we're ready for and tied to that is the probability of what's the likely occurrence," he said. For example, he said, the likelihood that the United States would field a ground force in some other areas right now is "pretty slim." This doesn't mean the U.S. military couldn't do it, he emphasized, but simply means it is not likely.

Another aspect of the chairman's assessment process centers on consequences and mitigating them. Assessing readiness is not just about Army brigade combat teams, Marine battalions and other mainstream military capabilities, the admiral said.

"Because we've got 80 percent of our Special Forces in Central Command, there's a lot of Special Forces work that they've been doing for years in other parts of the world that just isn't getting done. That builds risk over time, and we have to assess that."

Even when major operations in Iraq and Afghanistan finish, the Middle East and Central Asia will remain an unstable part of the world, Mullen said. Further, "if I were to magically wave a wand and get everybody back from Iraq and Afghanistan," he added, "it's still going to take a while to reset. It will take some time to reset the Army and a shorter time to reset the Marine Corps."

Resetting doesn't mean just mean replacing equipment and enhancing training, the chairman explained. It also means giving soldiers and Marines well-earned rest.

Contributions from allies and other U.S. government agencies also play a significant part in assessing and mitigating risks, Mullen said.

Noting that dealing with risks facing the nation involves more than bringing the military's capabilities to bear, Mullen said he fully agrees with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' emphasis on the importance of "soft power" -- diplomacy, humanitarian aid and economic and political efforts.

"No one can do it alone any more, especially us," he said. We've got to do it together."

Blog and article sponsored by the Criminal Justice Newsletter.