text:
DIPLOMATIC SECURITY DAILY
2009 April 2, 17:24 (Thursday)
09STATE32025_a
SECRET,NOFORN
ASEC - Administration--Security
Libya Tripoli | Morocco Casablanca | SECURITY OFFICER COLLECTIVE | South Africa Johannesburg
S E C R E T STATE 032025 NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: MR TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: DIPLOMATIC SECURITY DAILY Classified By: Derived from Multiple Sources
SECRET//FGI//NOFORN Declassify on: Source marked 25X1-human, Date of source: April 1, 2009 1. (U) Diplomatic Security Daily, April 2, 2009 2. (U) 2009 NATO Summit - Paragraphs 8-13 3. (U) Iraq - Paragraphs 14-21 4. (U) Significant Events - Paragraphs 22-24 5. (U) Key Concerns - Paragraphs 25-38 6. (U) Cyber Threats - Paragraphs 39-47 7. (U) Suspicious Activity Incidents - Paragraphs 48-60 8. (U) 2009 NATO Summit 9. (SBU) DS/TIA/ITA is not in possession of any information that affects summit plans for the end of this week. Imminent threat information will be passed immediately. ITA notes some violence has now been experienced in London for the G20 Summit, as well as in Strasbourg (see below) ahead of the NATO Summit. 10. (U) Camp: The International Resistance Camp in La Ganzau, 12 km south of the main summit venue in Strasbourg, officially opened on Wednesday. Approximately 5,000 protesters are expected at this site; currently, there are about 500 protesters onsite, in approximately 150 tents. The first instance of violence in Strasbourg in the lead-up to the NATO Summit occurred Tuesday night between police and anti-NATO protesters just outside the camp. According to police, tear gas was used after 150 protesters from the camp assembled to protest identity control measures. Police forces had been ordered to the area after an earlier incident at a military base approximately 3 km from the camp, when a group of approximately 15 people began throwing rocks in the direction of helicopters stationed on the site. Paramedics were also on site, reportedly due to several intoxicated protesters obtaining injuries due to contact with campfires. Police report 80 to 100 aggressive hooded individuals armed with sticks approached officers who, for their own security, used flash-ball guns and tear gas to deter further violence. Stones were also thrown at police, smashing the windows of some vehicles. No one was injured due to the clashes, and no one was taken into custody. Within an hour, the situation returned to normal. Afterward, protesters denounced the "harassment" and "police pressure" they claim are victimizing members of the village. 11. (U) Counter-summit: Thursday marks the beginning of the protesters' counter-summit, being held at a recreation center in the suburb of Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 10 km south of the main summit venue. The counter-summit will run throughout the summit and will feature high-profile speakers such as the American anti-war activist Noam Chomsky lecturing and giving workshops on issues including environmentalism, anti-militarism, and anti-globalization. While it is unlikely there will be violence at the counter-summit site, it is possible large numbers of attendees will congregate at the counter-summit and advance on summit venues or other previously planned protest locations. 12. (U) Europa Bridge closure: On Wednesday morning, German police detected a truck carrying a mobile kitchen (capable of feeding 3,500 people) attempting to cross into France at the Europa Bridge (a.k.a. Pont de l'Europe and Europabrcke; vehicular bridge connecting Strasbourg and Kehl). The truck and its occupants -- some of whom were "hidden" in a refrigeration truck -- were refused entry into France, and were likely heading to the International Resistance Camp. At that time, approximately 100 to 150 militants blocked the bridge on the French side, forcing authorities to close the bridge to traffic. By noon, the event involved 500 protesters, 200 of whom were protesting as Black Bloc, an anarchist tactic whereas protesters dress similarly in dark clothes, usually with hoods and/or masks, so police cannot positively identify those who create trouble. 13. (U) Road closures and blockades: There are no protests scheduled for today; however, there is a high likelihood protest activity that has not been announced publicly will occur in Strasbourg. Thursday marks the beginning of major road closures in and around the three host cities. Public transportation in Strasbourg will be re-routed around security perimeters, and several tram lines will stop services; although, credentials will not be necessary in town until Friday, the Europa Bridge should re-open and remain open through Saturday morning, unless future demonstration activity forces it again to shut down. Access to downtown Baden-Baden will be restricted to all but those with government-issued credentials at 10 a.m.; major routes into and out of Baden-Baden will remain open until Friday morning, as will the rail line running between Baden-Baden and Kehl. 14. (U) Iraq 15. (S//NF) NGA looks at suicide SVBIEDs, locations, tactics, and trends in Mosul: 16. (S//NF) Despite Government of Iraq successes -- aided by the U.S. military "surge" and armed "Awakening" groups -- in pushing back and weakening al-Qa'ida in Iraq (AQI) and other Sunni extremists, Mosul and its surrounding areas have continued to provide pockets of safe harbor for terrorists dedicated to producing suicide bombs. Vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) causing high casualty counts in northern Iraq and near Baghdad continue to make headlines as the U.S. military begins its gradual withdrawal from the country. DS/TIA/ITA wishes to highlight excerpts from a recent NGA report that shines a light on AQI preparation and execution of suicide VBIEDs (SVBIEDs). Additional details are available in the full NGA report. 17. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) Analysis of Constant Hawk motion imagery between October 1 and November 5, 2008, revealed eight locations that are probably linked to AQI/Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) SVBIED networks in Mosul. Further Constant Hawk vehicle backtracking revealed a probable link between two separate SVBIED attacks that took place on December 1 and 4, 2008, in western Mosul. Both of these attacks targeted Coalition forces mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles inside convoys. Geospatial analysis reveals insurgents are increasingly attacking convoys and patrols and high-profile MRAP vehicles using SVBIEDs in the city. AQI/ISI insurgents will probably continue to target convoys and patrols in Mosul on the basis of their ability to effectively carry out these attacks. Insurgents may also be selectively targeting high-profile MRAP vehicles with SVBIEDs both for propaganda purposes and for their ability to defeat these heavily armored Coalition vehicles. 18. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) AQI/ISI is the predominant insurgent group operating in Mosul and is affiliated with a majority of SVBIED attacks in the city. There were multiple Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces offensive operations in Mosul during 2008 that have degraded AQI/ISI's ability to carry out attacks. However, the latest series of SVBIED attacks show that AQI/ISI still has a residual capacity to conduct high-profile attacks in Mosul. 19. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) Geospatial analysis of Multi-National Corps-Iraq Significant Activities data collected since January 2008 in Mosul reveals that SVBIED attacks have occurred predominantly in western Mosul since September 2008. Further analysis reveals that although the number of SVBIED attacks in the city has declined, the percentage of SVBIED attacks against convoys and patrols has increased. HUMINT reporting from February 4 indicates insurgents in Mosul perceived that Coalition forces are allowing civilian traffic to approach convoys more freely than in the past and plan to use SVBIEDs as a means of increasing attacks. Military reporting indicates, recently, SVBIED attacks have been the most effective tactic used by insurgents against Coalition convoys and joint patrols in Mosul. Therefore, AQI/ISI insurgents will probably continue to target convoys and patrols in Mosul on the basis of their ability to effectively carry out these attacks. 20. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) There have been at least six reported SVBIED attacks against MRAP vehicles since August 2008, as opposed to only one attack against an MRAP vehicle prior to August. Military reporting indicates an AQI/ISI insurgent probably filmed the December 4 SVBIED attack. In addition to increasingly targeting Coalition convoys and joint patrols in Mosul, the recent increase of attacks against MRAPs suggests insurgents are selectively targeting these high-profile vehicles as opposed to randomly engaging targets of opportunity. Furthermore, the reported filming of these attacks indicates AQI/ISI is probably also attacking these high-profile vehicles for propaganda purposes. 21. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) Although SVBIED attacks in Mosul have decreased since January 2008, insurgent networks in Mosul have demonstrated a residual capability to carry out effective SVBIED attacks. Attack trends indicate insurgent networks in Mosul have shifted the focus of SVBIED attacks to increasingly target convoys, patrols, and Coalition MRAP vehicles. This shift may be a result of AQI/ISI's perception of the effectiveness of these attacks, as well as the potential to utilize video of these attacks for propaganda purposes. (Appendix source 1) 22. (U) Significant Events 23. (SBU) WHA Trinidad and Tobago Update - Post received warning of a terrorist plot aimed at U.S. Embassy Port-of-Spain and the Summit of the Americas on Monday, March 31; on Tuesday afternoon, the Legal attach (LEGATT) interviewed the caller who supplied the threat information; and on Wednesday, April 1, the RSO, various law enforcement contacts, and senior management at Post met to discuss the interview. The caller gave specific details of the planned attack and the people involved, but he failed to give any substantive proof of his allegations. The caller also made mention of a detailed diary of his surveillance activities and a laptop that contained information. LEGATT is attempting to obtain these materials and to verify the caller's bona fides. (RSO Port-of-Spain Spot Report) 24. (SBU) EAP Australia - Five U.S. Embassy Canberra employees were evacuated from an Australian Government building after an apparent white powder incident on April 1. None of the employees came into direct contact with the suspect powder; however, as a precaution, Post's medical officer evaluated the personnel and indicated they had no symptoms. The ARSO contacted Australian Government officials, who confirmed the tests on the substance were negative. The Regional Security Office is coordinating with Australian Federal Police to determine the circumstances of the incident. (RSO Canberra Spot Report) 25. (U) Key Concerns 26. (SBU) WHA Colombia - On April 1, DS/TIA/OSAC passed the following tearline to several named international organizations. "As of early March, the USG is aware of information indicating (company name) may be a target for extortion and/or attack in Bogot from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)." Several of these organizations noted they were unaware of the threats posed by the FARC and that they had not been contacted by the group. One organization indicated the FARC has threatened its company in the past. (DS/TIA/OSAC) 27. (S//NF) SCA Afghanistan - Arrest of IED cell operatives planning attack against U.S. Embassy: As of late March, an IED cell comprising six terrorists operating out of the Gulzar Hotel in Kabul city was planning an attack against U.S. Embassy Kabul. The Afghan Ministry of Interior reported that between March 21 and 24, five of the terrorists were captured by the Afghan National Police, while the group's commander, Musa, was at the Shamshatu refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan. The arrests began on March 21, when Hizbullah was captured while attempting to place an IED in the vicinity of Massoud Circle. Hizbullah provided information that led to the capture of Fazul Haq and Mohammad Gul at the Gulzar Hotel and the apprehension of Mohammad Osman and Asef in the Chekhel Stoon areas of district 7 in Kabul city. 28. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA name checks on these individuals were inconclusive (multiple hits without definitive matches). However, uncorroborated reporting in December 2008 from an Afghan national with indirect access notes a Mullah Osman, purportedly an agent for Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), gave the vehicle to Taliban fighter Abdul Wahid that was used in the attack near Massoud Circle and the U.S. Embassy on November 27, 2008. 29. (S//NF) This reporting specifies that this cell has ties to the Shamshatu refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan. The camp houses senior members of Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin (HIG), but also likely contains Taliban fighters. It is possible this cell was connected to HIG. 30. (S//NF) While the arrest of this cell eliminates one cell, it is likely there are other cells from other groups targeting the U.S. Embassy and diplomatic convoys. Multiple reports over the last six months indicate the Taliban, Haqqani network, and al-Qa'ida are keen to strike the U.S. Embassy or U.S. convoys on Airport or Jalalabad Road. (Appendix sources 2-3) 31. (S//NF) Afghanistan - Belgians investigating e-mail threat: The Belgian Military Intelligence Service was investigating a non-specific Dari-language e-mail threat from a group identifying itself as "Al-Hamza Estish Hadi Kandark" received by the Belgian Embassy in Kabul. The threat was linked to Belgium's participation in the International Security Assistance Force. A sensitive source with secondhand access reported similar threats were received by the embassies of Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania in Kabul. 32. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA assesses the threat to be not credible. Earlier reporting, on likely the same e-mail threat, received by the Lithuanian Embassy specified ethnic European Islamic suicide attackers had infiltrated Lithuanian Government agencies and could be called upon to execute their attacks imminently. The e-mail came from the address fatihkarwan@yahoo.com with the associated name Mohammad Badr. Specific threat warnings prior to attacks from militants, particularly on what would be a major attack, are not common in Afghanistan. There is no history of an extremist group by this name. (Appendix sources 4-5) 33. (S//NF) Pakistan - Alleged suicide attack planning targeting major hotels in Islamabad: In late March, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer stated Baitullah Mehsud sent a group of 15 suicide operatives to Islamabad to possibly orchestrate an attack against the Serena, Marriott, and Islamabad hotels, in addition to the Islamabad Club, according to a sensitive source claiming secondhand access. The IB officer cited unnamed IB sources. 34. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA suspects this information is linked to Pakistani press reports ostensibly gleaned from detainee debriefs of the operative caught during the March 30 armed assault of a police academy outside of Lahore outlining plans for additional attacks against hotels and government buildings in the Punjabi capital. Although the substance of any detainee intelligence cannot be verified or corroborated at the present time, concerns of suicide operations targeting foreigners or foreign interests in Islamabad have surfaced in reporting approximately three to four times per week since early February. While many of the reports are circular in nature, it is likely extremist elements indeed intend to launch additional attacks in Pakistan's urban areas. (Appendix sources 6-18) 35. (S//FGI//NF) Pakistan - Detention of Afghan Taliban plotting attacks against U.S. diplomats in Karachi: According to an Arab intelligence service, Pakistani police arrested five Afghans from Ghazni Province affiliated with the Afghan Taliban staying at the Yasser Hotel as of mid-January and charged them with planning to assassinate U.S. diplomats in Karachi. Their names were Mohammad Zaman Khan, Mussa Khan Mendokhan, Mohammed Salim Allah, Mohammed Alias Khan, and Zumer Khan But Khilah. Pakistan's ISI arrested several other individuals associated with the Taliban as of mid-March in Karachi named Saifullah Khan, Abdullah Khan Barak Zaki, Mohammed Khan Oid Allah, and Abdul Aziz Barak Allah Khan. Additionally, the Pakistani Criminal Investigation Department arrested a Pakistani national named Zaid Zada Mohammad Akhbar Kabuli for his links to the Afghan Taliban when he applied for a visa at the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Karachi. Also as of mid-March, ISI arrested Hagi Heen Ali and Said Abrar Shah in Karachi for their affiliation with HIG. 36. (S//FGI//NF) This threat cannot be corroborated; although, ISI previously expressed concern of a possible suicide operation in Karachi following mid-February arrests carried out by Pakistan's IB of six purported Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members. The cell reportedly aimed to carry out kidnapping and ransom operations, as well as terrorist attacks against Karachi-based Shi'a worshippers and oil transport tankers. ISI also suspected the group may have planned to attack foreign-owned vessels at Karachi Port. DS/TIA/ITA judges, however, groups such as Qari Zafar Network, al-Qa'ida, Tehrik-e-Taliban, and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi continue to possess the capability and intention to strike against Western interests in Karachi more so than the Afghan Taliban, which relies on the city for supplies and logistics to carry out attacks west of the Durand Line. Separate reporting from mid-February also indicated ISI arrested a Taliban weapons expert, and three other suspects, and believed the group was planning to conduct an attack against foreign-owned vessels; although, DS/TIA/ITA assesses an Afghan-based Taliban commander likely aimed to acquire weapons or gain familiarity with shipping routes that could be used in the procurement of weapons for use in his insurgent operations in Afghanistan, vice conducting surveillance to conduct an attack in Karachi. (Appendix sources 19-40) 37. (S//FGI//NF) Pakistan - TTP deploys militants to attack foreigners and government: As of late March, TTP senior commander Qari Hussein dispatched suicide bombers and extremists to attack foreigners, specifically the embassies and consulates of the U.S., Denmark, Australia, and UK, as well as the Pakistani military and government. Qari Hussein also contemplated attacks against unspecified luxury hotels due to the presence of foreigners and government officials. The attacks were in response to continued explosions in the tribal areas. Hussein also sent suicide bombers to Kabul for an attack against unspecified targets similar to the late-November 2008 armed siege of Mumbai, according to a sensitive source claiming firsthand access to senior members of TTP. 38. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA notes a review of available reporting suggests Qari Hussein is linked to earlier suicide operations targeting the capital; although, it remains unclear if TTP's network has established sufficient infrastructure in the vicinity of urban centers to support large-scale bombings such as the September 20, 2008, VBIED against the Marriott hotel. The group has, however, repeatedly showcased its ability to execute kidnappings, assassinations, and multiple operative ambushes in the tribal areas and Northwest Frontier Province. A sensitive source reported that in early September 2008, Qari Hussein was ordered by Haqqani network leader Siraj Haqqani and TTP leader Baitullah Mehsud to deploy suicide bombers to conduct attacks against U.S. and Pakistani targets, to include U.S. Consulate Peshawar. In addition, Haqqani and Mehsud planned to conduct sniper and assassination-style attacks against U.S. persons as they drove out of Consulate Peshawar and Embassy Islamabad. Pakistan's IB has been tracking Qari Hussein (Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment number 14002106) closely following arrests of suicide cells in December 2007 and January 2008 that were linked to the July 17 and 27, 2007, suicide attacks in Islamabad, both of which utilized single suicide operatives who ultimately conducted their attacks on foot. (Appendix sources 41-55) 39. (U) Cyber Threats 40. (U) Worldwide - Has "GhostNet" been seen within the USG? 41. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) Key highlights: o Canadian researchers recently identified a "cyber-espionage" network. o Domain names identified in the IWM report have been identified during previous BH activity. o Tenuous connections were made between the reported hostile domains and the PLA First TRB. o The Gh0st RAT tool used in Tibetan attacks has also been detected in incidents involving a DoS LES in Japan. 42. (U) Source paragraph: "A vast electronic spying operation has infiltrated computers and has stolen documents from hundreds of government and private offices around the world, including those of the Dalai Lama, Canadian researchers have concluded. ... The researchers, who have a record of detecting computer espionage, said they believed that in addition to the spying on the Dalai Lama, the system, which they called GhostNet, was focused on the governments of South Asian and Southeast Asian countries." 43. (U) CTAD comment: Canadian researchers from initiative "Information Warfare Monitor" (IWM) released a report detailing what they believe to be a large-scale cyber espionage network comprising more than 1,295 hosts in 103 countries. IWM researchers recently conducted a 10-month investigation into alleged "cyber spying" on Tibetan organizations, which may have been conducted by the People's Republic of China, and found that approximately 70 percent of the control servers behind the attacks are associated with Chinese Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. However, servers have also been identified in the U.S., Sweden, South Korea, and Taiwan. Between September and October 2008, IWM researchers focused their efforts on the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (OHHDL) in Dharamsala, India; the Tibetan Government in Exile; Offices of Tibet in several cities around the world; and a Tibetan activist non-governmental organization. 44. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: Most interesting was data captured from computers compromised at the OHHDL. Analysis of this data by IWM researchers discovered some of the infected OHHDL computers communicated with control servers previously associated with hostile activity against Tibetan targets during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In addition, the domain names www.lookbytheway.net and www.macfeefesponse.org were found to be associated with identified control servers. According to classified reporting, lookbytheway.net and macfeefesponse.org, as well as a variety of associated domains also noted in the IWM report, have been previously associated with hostile activity against the USG. 45. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: Sensitive reports indicate the domains www.indexnews.org, www.indexindian.com, www.lookbytheway.net, and www.macfeeresponse.org were involved in Byzantine Hades (BH) intrusion activity in 2006. All four domains were registered in Chengdu, China. The IP addresses associated with these domains substantiate this as the location. Subsequent analysis of registration information also leads to a tenuous connection between these hostile domains and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chengdu Military Region First Technical Reconnaissance Bureau (TRB). When registering the indexnews and indexindian domains, Chen Xingpeng (a.k.a. Richard Chen) listed his postal code as 610041, the precise area of Chengdu associated with the PLA First TRB (a.k.a. Military Unit Cover Designator 78006). There is no official connection between BH activity and the PLA's First TRB. However, much of the intrusion activity traced to Chengdu is similar in tactics, techniques, and procedures to BH activity attributed to other PLA TRBs. 46. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: The Gh0st Remote Access Tool (Gh0st RAT) -- the tool used in the aforementioned OHHDL targeting -- is a remote monitoring tool that can capture keystrokes, take screen shots, install and change files, as well as record sound with a connected microphone and video with a connected webcam. Gh0st RAT has been identified in incidents -- believed to be the work of BH actors -- affecting a locally employed staff (LES) member at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan (see CTAD Report TR-09-013). Despite this, Gh0st RAT is a publicly available tool, and no strong connections can be made at the current time between the Tibetan attacks and incidents involving the DoS; CTAD continues to investigate these incidents. 47. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: Though GhostNet appears to have been used in exploitation attempts targeting USG networks, evidence suggests that GhostNet has not infiltrated USG systems. However, the connections between recently identified domains and previous BH activity targeting the USG are noteworthy. Additionally, the possibility of the domain registrant's affiliation to the PLA First TRB further emphasizes the idea that this clandestine "cyber-spying" network may in fact be a state-sponsored intelligence-gathering operation. (The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com), "Vast Spy System Loots Computers in 103 Countries," March 28, 2009; Appendix sources 56-57) 48. (U) Suspicious Activity Incidents 49. (SBU) WHA Canada - A Middle Eastern woman stood at a bus stop observing the parking lot utilized by U.S. Consulate General Calgary personnel on March 23. She remained in the area for over 20 minutes, during which time she sent text messages on her cell phone. Several buses passed by before she boarded one and departed the area. 50. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be notified if the subject is seen again. (SIMAS Event: Calgary-00342-2009) 51. (SBU) EUR Slovakia - Two men sat on a bench opposite U.S. Embassy Bratislava March 31; one photographed Post using a cell phone camera. Police stopped and questioned the subjects, who are British citizen medical students. They then departed the area. 52. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: Subject 1: Varyn Shankaar. Driver's license number: Shank807146V990X02. Subject 2: Vivek Ramamoorthy. Passport number: 706023124. (SIMAS Event: Bratislava-00305-2009) 53. (SBU) Ukraine - A man used a digital camera to photograph the USAID facility in Kyiv, including nearby intersections and streets, March 31. He then went into a local market and had a cup of coffee. As he departed, he continued photographing the area. 54. (SBU) RSO Action/Assessment: The incident report and the subject's photographs were sent to all Local Guard Force and Surveillance Detection Team (SDT) posts. Interdiction did not occur because the subject was positioned on a large, busy street divided by a central park. (SIMAS Event: Kyiv-00641-2009) 55. (SBU) AF Sudan - On March 31, four men in a vehicle drove behind the charg d'affair's (CDAs) vehicle in Khartoum and attempted to photograph the vehicle. The CDA was not in the vehicle at the time. Police stopped and questioned the subjects, who indicated the driver had picked up his brother from school, and the other occupants (friends of the brother) were en route to their homes in Omdurman. They noticed the CDA's vehicle, knew it belonged to the Embassy, and decided to photograph it. The brother indicated he took the photographs because photography was his hobby; police found photographs of other vehicles in his camera. The men were then allowed to leave. 56. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: Subject 1/driver: Ahmed Abdelmonim Fadlulla. DOB: September 13, 1990. Subject 2/driver's brother: Mohamed Abdelmonim Fadlulla. DOB: January 30, 1989. Subject 3: Ahmed Magdi Murrsi. DOB: March 15, 1990. Subject 4: Yousif Abdul Rahman Abdul Karim. DOB: August 12, 1990. (SIMAS Event: Khartoum-00195-2009) 57. (SBU) NEA Tunisia - A taxi stopped in front of U.S. Embassy Tunis March 31 while the driver checked under the hood. During this time, the Ambassador departed the Embassy to go jogging. A few minutes later, the driver got back into the taxi and departed the area. 58. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: Vehicle: Yellow Renault; License plate: 5061TU108. (SIMAS Event: Tunis-01993-2009) 59. (SBU) SCA Tajikistan - An unidentified Asian male carried a blue plastic bag and painter's case near the southeasterly corner of U.S. Embassy Dushanbe on March 30. For the next 40 minutes, the subject walked around the area, and, at one point, he photographed Post. From his location, he could see the Tajik security service's rear security booth, the new recreation center under construction, the utility building's rooftop, the Embassy container storage area, and the window of the Ambassador's office. He looked around the area and appeared to ensure that no one was observing his activity. The subject then walked away very fast, but the SDT member was able to photograph him. The Embassy guards followed the subject; however, he eluded the guard and departed the area. 60. (SBU) RSO Action/Assessment: All relevant Embassy offices and the Tajik security service were briefed on the incident. It is not known why the subject was in the area. The RSO noted the man's suspicious behavior is indicative of information gathering and possibly a test of the Embassy's interdiction procedures. (SIMAS Event: Dushanbe-00299-2009) SECRET//FGI//NOFORN Full Appendix with sourcing available upon request. CLINTON
S E C R E T STATE 032025 NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: MR TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: DIPLOMATIC SECURITY DAILY Classified By: Derived from Multiple Sources SECRET//FGI//NOFORN Declassify on: Source marked 25X1-human, Date of source: April 1, 2009 1. (U) Diplomatic Security Daily, April 2, 2009 2. (U) 2009 NATO Summit - Paragraphs 8-13 3. (U) Iraq - Paragraphs 14-21 4. (U) Significant Events - Paragraphs 22-24 5. (U) Key Concerns - Paragraphs 25-38 6. (U) Cyber Threats - Paragraphs 39-47 7. (U) Suspicious Activity Incidents - Paragraphs 48-60 8. (U) 2009 NATO Summit 9. (SBU) DS/TIA/ITA is not in possession of any information that affects summit plans for the end of this week. Imminent threat information will be passed immediately. ITA notes some violence has now been experienced in London for the G20 Summit, as well as in Strasbourg (see below) ahead of the NATO Summit. 10. (U) Camp: The International Resistance Camp in La Ganzau, 12 km south of the main summit venue in Strasbourg, officially opened on Wednesday. Approximately 5,000 protesters are expected at this site; currently, there are about 500 protesters onsite, in approximately 150 tents. The first instance of violence in Strasbourg in the lead-up to the NATO Summit occurred Tuesday night between police and anti-NATO protesters just outside the camp. According to police, tear gas was used after 150 protesters from the camp assembled to protest identity control measures. Police forces had been ordered to the area after an earlier incident at a military base approximately 3 km from the camp, when a group of approximately 15 people began throwing rocks in the direction of helicopters stationed on the site. Paramedics were also on site, reportedly due to several intoxicated protesters obtaining injuries due to contact with campfires. Police report 80 to 100 aggressive hooded individuals armed with sticks approached officers who, for their own security, used flash-ball guns and tear gas to deter further violence. Stones were also thrown at police, smashing the windows of some vehicles. No one was injured due to the clashes, and no one was taken into custody. Within an hour, the situation returned to normal. Afterward, protesters denounced the "harassment" and "police pressure" they claim are victimizing members of the village. 11. (U) Counter-summit: Thursday marks the beginning of the protesters' counter-summit, being held at a recreation center in the suburb of Illkirch-Graffenstaden, 10 km south of the main summit venue. The counter-summit will run throughout the summit and will feature high-profile speakers such as the American anti-war activist Noam Chomsky lecturing and giving workshops on issues including environmentalism, anti-militarism, and anti-globalization. While it is unlikely there will be violence at the counter-summit site, it is possible large numbers of attendees will congregate at the counter-summit and advance on summit venues or other previously planned protest locations. 12. (U) Europa Bridge closure: On Wednesday morning, German police detected a truck carrying a mobile kitchen (capable of feeding 3,500 people) attempting to cross into France at the Europa Bridge (a.k.a. Pont de l'Europe and Europabrcke; vehicular bridge connecting Strasbourg and Kehl). The truck and its occupants -- some of whom were "hidden" in a refrigeration truck -- were refused entry into France, and were likely heading to the International Resistance Camp. At that time, approximately 100 to 150 militants blocked the bridge on the French side, forcing authorities to close the bridge to traffic. By noon, the event involved 500 protesters, 200 of whom were protesting as Black Bloc, an anarchist tactic whereas protesters dress similarly in dark clothes, usually with hoods and/or masks, so police cannot positively identify those who create trouble. 13. (U) Road closures and blockades: There are no protests scheduled for today; however, there is a high likelihood protest activity that has not been announced publicly will occur in Strasbourg. Thursday marks the beginning of major road closures in and around the three host cities. Public transportation in Strasbourg will be re-routed around security perimeters, and several tram lines will stop services; although, credentials will not be necessary in town until Friday, the Europa Bridge should re-open and remain open through Saturday morning, unless future demonstration activity forces it again to shut down. Access to downtown Baden-Baden will be restricted to all but those with government-issued credentials at 10 a.m.; major routes into and out of Baden-Baden will remain open until Friday morning, as will the rail line running between Baden-Baden and Kehl. 14. (U) Iraq 15. (S//NF) NGA looks at suicide SVBIEDs, locations, tactics, and trends in Mosul: 16. (S//NF) Despite Government of Iraq successes -- aided by the U.S. military "surge" and armed "Awakening" groups -- in pushing back and weakening al-Qa'ida in Iraq (AQI) and other Sunni extremists, Mosul and its surrounding areas have continued to provide pockets of safe harbor for terrorists dedicated to producing suicide bombs. Vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) causing high casualty counts in northern Iraq and near Baghdad continue to make headlines as the U.S. military begins its gradual withdrawal from the country. DS/TIA/ITA wishes to highlight excerpts from a recent NGA report that shines a light on AQI preparation and execution of suicide VBIEDs (SVBIEDs). Additional details are available in the full NGA report. 17. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) Analysis of Constant Hawk motion imagery between October 1 and November 5, 2008, revealed eight locations that are probably linked to AQI/Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) SVBIED networks in Mosul. Further Constant Hawk vehicle backtracking revealed a probable link between two separate SVBIED attacks that took place on December 1 and 4, 2008, in western Mosul. Both of these attacks targeted Coalition forces mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles inside convoys. Geospatial analysis reveals insurgents are increasingly attacking convoys and patrols and high-profile MRAP vehicles using SVBIEDs in the city. AQI/ISI insurgents will probably continue to target convoys and patrols in Mosul on the basis of their ability to effectively carry out these attacks. Insurgents may also be selectively targeting high-profile MRAP vehicles with SVBIEDs both for propaganda purposes and for their ability to defeat these heavily armored Coalition vehicles. 18. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) AQI/ISI is the predominant insurgent group operating in Mosul and is affiliated with a majority of SVBIED attacks in the city. There were multiple Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces offensive operations in Mosul during 2008 that have degraded AQI/ISI's ability to carry out attacks. However, the latest series of SVBIED attacks show that AQI/ISI still has a residual capacity to conduct high-profile attacks in Mosul. 19. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) Geospatial analysis of Multi-National Corps-Iraq Significant Activities data collected since January 2008 in Mosul reveals that SVBIED attacks have occurred predominantly in western Mosul since September 2008. Further analysis reveals that although the number of SVBIED attacks in the city has declined, the percentage of SVBIED attacks against convoys and patrols has increased. HUMINT reporting from February 4 indicates insurgents in Mosul perceived that Coalition forces are allowing civilian traffic to approach convoys more freely than in the past and plan to use SVBIEDs as a means of increasing attacks. Military reporting indicates, recently, SVBIED attacks have been the most effective tactic used by insurgents against Coalition convoys and joint patrols in Mosul. Therefore, AQI/ISI insurgents will probably continue to target convoys and patrols in Mosul on the basis of their ability to effectively carry out these attacks. 20. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) There have been at least six reported SVBIED attacks against MRAP vehicles since August 2008, as opposed to only one attack against an MRAP vehicle prior to August. Military reporting indicates an AQI/ISI insurgent probably filmed the December 4 SVBIED attack. In addition to increasingly targeting Coalition convoys and joint patrols in Mosul, the recent increase of attacks against MRAPs suggests insurgents are selectively targeting these high-profile vehicles as opposed to randomly engaging targets of opportunity. Furthermore, the reported filming of these attacks indicates AQI/ISI is probably also attacking these high-profile vehicles for propaganda purposes. 21. (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) Although SVBIED attacks in Mosul have decreased since January 2008, insurgent networks in Mosul have demonstrated a residual capability to carry out effective SVBIED attacks. Attack trends indicate insurgent networks in Mosul have shifted the focus of SVBIED attacks to increasingly target convoys, patrols, and Coalition MRAP vehicles. This shift may be a result of AQI/ISI's perception of the effectiveness of these attacks, as well as the potential to utilize video of these attacks for propaganda purposes. (Appendix source 1) 22. (U) Significant Events 23. (SBU) WHA Trinidad and Tobago Update - Post received warning of a terrorist plot aimed at U.S. Embassy Port-of-Spain and the Summit of the Americas on Monday, March 31; on Tuesday afternoon, the Legal attach (LEGATT) interviewed the caller who supplied the threat information; and on Wednesday, April 1, the RSO, various law enforcement contacts, and senior management at Post met to discuss the interview. The caller gave specific details of the planned attack and the people involved, but he failed to give any substantive proof of his allegations. The caller also made mention of a detailed diary of his surveillance activities and a laptop that contained information. LEGATT is attempting to obtain these materials and to verify the caller's bona fides. (RSO Port-of-Spain Spot Report) 24. (SBU) EAP Australia - Five U.S. Embassy Canberra employees were evacuated from an Australian Government building after an apparent white powder incident on April 1. None of the employees came into direct contact with the suspect powder; however, as a precaution, Post's medical officer evaluated the personnel and indicated they had no symptoms. The ARSO contacted Australian Government officials, who confirmed the tests on the substance were negative. The Regional Security Office is coordinating with Australian Federal Police to determine the circumstances of the incident. (RSO Canberra Spot Report) 25. (U) Key Concerns 26. (SBU) WHA Colombia - On April 1, DS/TIA/OSAC passed the following tearline to several named international organizations. "As of early March, the USG is aware of information indicating (company name) may be a target for extortion and/or attack in Bogot from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)." Several of these organizations noted they were unaware of the threats posed by the FARC and that they had not been contacted by the group. One organization indicated the FARC has threatened its company in the past. (DS/TIA/OSAC) 27. (S//NF) SCA Afghanistan - Arrest of IED cell operatives planning attack against U.S. Embassy: As of late March, an IED cell comprising six terrorists operating out of the Gulzar Hotel in Kabul city was planning an attack against U.S. Embassy Kabul. The Afghan Ministry of Interior reported that between March 21 and 24, five of the terrorists were captured by the Afghan National Police, while the group's commander, Musa, was at the Shamshatu refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan. The arrests began on March 21, when Hizbullah was captured while attempting to place an IED in the vicinity of Massoud Circle. Hizbullah provided information that led to the capture of Fazul Haq and Mohammad Gul at the Gulzar Hotel and the apprehension of Mohammad Osman and Asef in the Chekhel Stoon areas of district 7 in Kabul city. 28. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA name checks on these individuals were inconclusive (multiple hits without definitive matches). However, uncorroborated reporting in December 2008 from an Afghan national with indirect access notes a Mullah Osman, purportedly an agent for Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), gave the vehicle to Taliban fighter Abdul Wahid that was used in the attack near Massoud Circle and the U.S. Embassy on November 27, 2008. 29. (S//NF) This reporting specifies that this cell has ties to the Shamshatu refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan. The camp houses senior members of Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin (HIG), but also likely contains Taliban fighters. It is possible this cell was connected to HIG. 30. (S//NF) While the arrest of this cell eliminates one cell, it is likely there are other cells from other groups targeting the U.S. Embassy and diplomatic convoys. Multiple reports over the last six months indicate the Taliban, Haqqani network, and al-Qa'ida are keen to strike the U.S. Embassy or U.S. convoys on Airport or Jalalabad Road. (Appendix sources 2-3) 31. (S//NF) Afghanistan - Belgians investigating e-mail threat: The Belgian Military Intelligence Service was investigating a non-specific Dari-language e-mail threat from a group identifying itself as "Al-Hamza Estish Hadi Kandark" received by the Belgian Embassy in Kabul. The threat was linked to Belgium's participation in the International Security Assistance Force. A sensitive source with secondhand access reported similar threats were received by the embassies of Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania in Kabul. 32. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA assesses the threat to be not credible. Earlier reporting, on likely the same e-mail threat, received by the Lithuanian Embassy specified ethnic European Islamic suicide attackers had infiltrated Lithuanian Government agencies and could be called upon to execute their attacks imminently. The e-mail came from the address fatihkarwan@yahoo.com with the associated name Mohammad Badr. Specific threat warnings prior to attacks from militants, particularly on what would be a major attack, are not common in Afghanistan. There is no history of an extremist group by this name. (Appendix sources 4-5) 33. (S//NF) Pakistan - Alleged suicide attack planning targeting major hotels in Islamabad: In late March, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer stated Baitullah Mehsud sent a group of 15 suicide operatives to Islamabad to possibly orchestrate an attack against the Serena, Marriott, and Islamabad hotels, in addition to the Islamabad Club, according to a sensitive source claiming secondhand access. The IB officer cited unnamed IB sources. 34. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA suspects this information is linked to Pakistani press reports ostensibly gleaned from detainee debriefs of the operative caught during the March 30 armed assault of a police academy outside of Lahore outlining plans for additional attacks against hotels and government buildings in the Punjabi capital. Although the substance of any detainee intelligence cannot be verified or corroborated at the present time, concerns of suicide operations targeting foreigners or foreign interests in Islamabad have surfaced in reporting approximately three to four times per week since early February. While many of the reports are circular in nature, it is likely extremist elements indeed intend to launch additional attacks in Pakistan's urban areas. (Appendix sources 6-18) 35. (S//FGI//NF) Pakistan - Detention of Afghan Taliban plotting attacks against U.S. diplomats in Karachi: According to an Arab intelligence service, Pakistani police arrested five Afghans from Ghazni Province affiliated with the Afghan Taliban staying at the Yasser Hotel as of mid-January and charged them with planning to assassinate U.S. diplomats in Karachi. Their names were Mohammad Zaman Khan, Mussa Khan Mendokhan, Mohammed Salim Allah, Mohammed Alias Khan, and Zumer Khan But Khilah. Pakistan's ISI arrested several other individuals associated with the Taliban as of mid-March in Karachi named Saifullah Khan, Abdullah Khan Barak Zaki, Mohammed Khan Oid Allah, and Abdul Aziz Barak Allah Khan. Additionally, the Pakistani Criminal Investigation Department arrested a Pakistani national named Zaid Zada Mohammad Akhbar Kabuli for his links to the Afghan Taliban when he applied for a visa at the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Karachi. Also as of mid-March, ISI arrested Hagi Heen Ali and Said Abrar Shah in Karachi for their affiliation with HIG. 36. (S//FGI//NF) This threat cannot be corroborated; although, ISI previously expressed concern of a possible suicide operation in Karachi following mid-February arrests carried out by Pakistan's IB of six purported Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members. The cell reportedly aimed to carry out kidnapping and ransom operations, as well as terrorist attacks against Karachi-based Shi'a worshippers and oil transport tankers. ISI also suspected the group may have planned to attack foreign-owned vessels at Karachi Port. DS/TIA/ITA judges, however, groups such as Qari Zafar Network, al-Qa'ida, Tehrik-e-Taliban, and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi continue to possess the capability and intention to strike against Western interests in Karachi more so than the Afghan Taliban, which relies on the city for supplies and logistics to carry out attacks west of the Durand Line. Separate reporting from mid-February also indicated ISI arrested a Taliban weapons expert, and three other suspects, and believed the group was planning to conduct an attack against foreign-owned vessels; although, DS/TIA/ITA assesses an Afghan-based Taliban commander likely aimed to acquire weapons or gain familiarity with shipping routes that could be used in the procurement of weapons for use in his insurgent operations in Afghanistan, vice conducting surveillance to conduct an attack in Karachi. (Appendix sources 19-40) 37. (S//FGI//NF) Pakistan - TTP deploys militants to attack foreigners and government: As of late March, TTP senior commander Qari Hussein dispatched suicide bombers and extremists to attack foreigners, specifically the embassies and consulates of the U.S., Denmark, Australia, and UK, as well as the Pakistani military and government. Qari Hussein also contemplated attacks against unspecified luxury hotels due to the presence of foreigners and government officials. The attacks were in response to continued explosions in the tribal areas. Hussein also sent suicide bombers to Kabul for an attack against unspecified targets similar to the late-November 2008 armed siege of Mumbai, according to a sensitive source claiming firsthand access to senior members of TTP. 38. (S//NF) DS/TIA/ITA notes a review of available reporting suggests Qari Hussein is linked to earlier suicide operations targeting the capital; although, it remains unclear if TTP's network has established sufficient infrastructure in the vicinity of urban centers to support large-scale bombings such as the September 20, 2008, VBIED against the Marriott hotel. The group has, however, repeatedly showcased its ability to execute kidnappings, assassinations, and multiple operative ambushes in the tribal areas and Northwest Frontier Province. A sensitive source reported that in early September 2008, Qari Hussein was ordered by Haqqani network leader Siraj Haqqani and TTP leader Baitullah Mehsud to deploy suicide bombers to conduct attacks against U.S. and Pakistani targets, to include U.S. Consulate Peshawar. In addition, Haqqani and Mehsud planned to conduct sniper and assassination-style attacks against U.S. persons as they drove out of Consulate Peshawar and Embassy Islamabad. Pakistan's IB has been tracking Qari Hussein (Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment number 14002106) closely following arrests of suicide cells in December 2007 and January 2008 that were linked to the July 17 and 27, 2007, suicide attacks in Islamabad, both of which utilized single suicide operatives who ultimately conducted their attacks on foot. (Appendix sources 41-55) 39. (U) Cyber Threats 40. (U) Worldwide - Has "GhostNet" been seen within the USG? 41. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) Key highlights: o Canadian researchers recently identified a "cyber-espionage" network. o Domain names identified in the IWM report have been identified during previous BH activity. o Tenuous connections were made between the reported hostile domains and the PLA First TRB. o The Gh0st RAT tool used in Tibetan attacks has also been detected in incidents involving a DoS LES in Japan. 42. (U) Source paragraph: "A vast electronic spying operation has infiltrated computers and has stolen documents from hundreds of government and private offices around the world, including those of the Dalai Lama, Canadian researchers have concluded. ... The researchers, who have a record of detecting computer espionage, said they believed that in addition to the spying on the Dalai Lama, the system, which they called GhostNet, was focused on the governments of South Asian and Southeast Asian countries." 43. (U) CTAD comment: Canadian researchers from initiative "Information Warfare Monitor" (IWM) released a report detailing what they believe to be a large-scale cyber espionage network comprising more than 1,295 hosts in 103 countries. IWM researchers recently conducted a 10-month investigation into alleged "cyber spying" on Tibetan organizations, which may have been conducted by the People's Republic of China, and found that approximately 70 percent of the control servers behind the attacks are associated with Chinese Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. However, servers have also been identified in the U.S., Sweden, South Korea, and Taiwan. Between September and October 2008, IWM researchers focused their efforts on the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (OHHDL) in Dharamsala, India; the Tibetan Government in Exile; Offices of Tibet in several cities around the world; and a Tibetan activist non-governmental organization. 44. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: Most interesting was data captured from computers compromised at the OHHDL. Analysis of this data by IWM researchers discovered some of the infected OHHDL computers communicated with control servers previously associated with hostile activity against Tibetan targets during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In addition, the domain names www.lookbytheway.net and www.macfeefesponse.org were found to be associated with identified control servers. According to classified reporting, lookbytheway.net and macfeefesponse.org, as well as a variety of associated domains also noted in the IWM report, have been previously associated with hostile activity against the USG. 45. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: Sensitive reports indicate the domains www.indexnews.org, www.indexindian.com, www.lookbytheway.net, and www.macfeeresponse.org were involved in Byzantine Hades (BH) intrusion activity in 2006. All four domains were registered in Chengdu, China. The IP addresses associated with these domains substantiate this as the location. Subsequent analysis of registration information also leads to a tenuous connection between these hostile domains and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chengdu Military Region First Technical Reconnaissance Bureau (TRB). When registering the indexnews and indexindian domains, Chen Xingpeng (a.k.a. Richard Chen) listed his postal code as 610041, the precise area of Chengdu associated with the PLA First TRB (a.k.a. Military Unit Cover Designator 78006). There is no official connection between BH activity and the PLA's First TRB. However, much of the intrusion activity traced to Chengdu is similar in tactics, techniques, and procedures to BH activity attributed to other PLA TRBs. 46. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: The Gh0st Remote Access Tool (Gh0st RAT) -- the tool used in the aforementioned OHHDL targeting -- is a remote monitoring tool that can capture keystrokes, take screen shots, install and change files, as well as record sound with a connected microphone and video with a connected webcam. Gh0st RAT has been identified in incidents -- believed to be the work of BH actors -- affecting a locally employed staff (LES) member at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan (see CTAD Report TR-09-013). Despite this, Gh0st RAT is a publicly available tool, and no strong connections can be made at the current time between the Tibetan attacks and incidents involving the DoS; CTAD continues to investigate these incidents. 47. (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) CTAD comment: Though GhostNet appears to have been used in exploitation attempts targeting USG networks, evidence suggests that GhostNet has not infiltrated USG systems. However, the connections between recently identified domains and previous BH activity targeting the USG are noteworthy. Additionally, the possibility of the domain registrant's affiliation to the PLA First TRB further emphasizes the idea that this clandestine "cyber-spying" network may in fact be a state-sponsored intelligence-gathering operation. (The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com), "Vast Spy System Loots Computers in 103 Countries," March 28, 2009; Appendix sources 56-57) 48. (U) Suspicious Activity Incidents 49. (SBU) WHA Canada - A Middle Eastern woman stood at a bus stop observing the parking lot utilized by U.S. Consulate General Calgary personnel on March 23. She remained in the area for over 20 minutes, during which time she sent text messages on her cell phone. Several buses passed by before she boarded one and departed the area. 50. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be notified if the subject is seen again. (SIMAS Event: Calgary-00342-2009) 51. (SBU) EUR Slovakia - Two men sat on a bench opposite U.S. Embassy Bratislava March 31; one photographed Post using a cell phone camera. Police stopped and questioned the subjects, who are British citizen medical students. They then departed the area. 52. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: Subject 1: Varyn Shankaar. Driver's license number: Shank807146V990X02. Subject 2: Vivek Ramamoorthy. Passport number: 706023124. (SIMAS Event: Bratislava-00305-2009) 53. (SBU) Ukraine - A man used a digital camera to photograph the USAID facility in Kyiv, including nearby intersections and streets, March 31. He then went into a local market and had a cup of coffee. As he departed, he continued photographing the area. 54. (SBU) RSO Action/Assessment: The incident report and the subject's photographs were sent to all Local Guard Force and Surveillance Detection Team (SDT) posts. Interdiction did not occur because the subject was positioned on a large, busy street divided by a central park. (SIMAS Event: Kyiv-00641-2009) 55. (SBU) AF Sudan - On March 31, four men in a vehicle drove behind the charg d'affair's (CDAs) vehicle in Khartoum and attempted to photograph the vehicle. The CDA was not in the vehicle at the time. Police stopped and questioned the subjects, who indicated the driver had picked up his brother from school, and the other occupants (friends of the brother) were en route to their homes in Omdurman. They noticed the CDA's vehicle, knew it belonged to the Embassy, and decided to photograph it. The brother indicated he took the photographs because photography was his hobby; police found photographs of other vehicles in his camera. The men were then allowed to leave. 56. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: Subject 1/driver: Ahmed Abdelmonim Fadlulla. DOB: September 13, 1990. Subject 2/driver's brother: Mohamed Abdelmonim Fadlulla. DOB: January 30, 1989. Subject 3: Ahmed Magdi Murrsi. DOB: March 15, 1990. Subject 4: Yousif Abdul Rahman Abdul Karim. DOB: August 12, 1990. (SIMAS Event: Khartoum-00195-2009) 57. (SBU) NEA Tunisia - A taxi stopped in front of U.S. Embassy Tunis March 31 while the driver checked under the hood. During this time, the Ambassador departed the Embassy to go jogging. A few minutes later, the driver got back into the taxi and departed the area. 58. (SBU) Record Check/Investigation: Vehicle: Yellow Renault; License plate: 5061TU108. (SIMAS Event: Tunis-01993-2009) 59. (SBU) SCA Tajikistan - An unidentified Asian male carried a blue plastic bag and painter's case near the southeasterly corner of U.S. Embassy Dushanbe on March 30. For the next 40 minutes, the subject walked around the area, and, at one point, he photographed Post. From his location, he could see the Tajik security service's rear security booth, the new recreation center under construction, the utility building's rooftop, the Embassy container storage area, and the window of the Ambassador's office. He looked around the area and appeared to ensure that no one was observing his activity. The subject then walked away very fast, but the SDT member was able to photograph him. The Embassy guards followed the subject; however, he eluded the guard and departed the area. 60. (SBU) RSO Action/Assessment: All relevant Embassy offices and the Tajik security service were briefed on the incident. It is not known why the subject was in the area. The RSO noted the man's suspicious behavior is indicative of information gathering and possibly a test of the Embassy's interdiction procedures. (SIMAS Event: Dushanbe-00299-2009) SECRET//FGI//NOFORN Full Appendix with sourcing available upon request. CLINTON
INFO LOG-00 MFA-00 EEB-00 AF-00 CIAE-00 INL-00 DNI-00 DODE-00 DOTE-00 WHA-00 PERC-00 EAP-00 DHSE-00 EUR-00 OIGO-00 FAAE-00 FBIE-00 HHS-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 L-00 CAC-00 MFLO-00 MOFM-00 MOF-00 NEA-00 DCP-00 NSCE-00 OES-00 OIC-00 OIG-00 DOHS-00 FMPC-00 SP-00 IRM-00 SSO-00 SS-00 DPM-00 USSS-00 VO-00 CBP-00 SCRS-00 DSCC-00 PRM-00 SCA-00 SAS-00 FA-00 /000R P 021724Z APR 09 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO SECURITY OFFICER COLLECTIVE PRIORITY AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI PRIORITY INFO AMCONSUL CASABLANCA PRIORITY XMT AMCONSUL JOHANNESBURG AMCONSUL JOHANNESBURG
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Entry and Competition in Local Newspaper Retail Markets - When two are enough
Balmer, Roberto (2013): Entry and Competition in Local Newspaper Retail Markets - When two are enough. Published in:
This chapter estimates sustainable coverage and competitive effects of entry for Swiss newspaper sellers which sell composite goods, including a range of other products such as food and near-food items. It utilises the applied entry threshold ratio methodology from Bresnahan and Reiss (1991), which allows estimation even when the range of products under examination is not exactly defined and when price and quantity data are not available. It is found that under monopoly pricing, single firm entry is sustainable in communes with a market size of over 482 people (leaving 310 Swiss communes without a selling point). With duopoly prices, instead, a first firm would only be able to enter a market with 921 people (leaving another 263 communes, corresponding to 2,1% of the population, without coverage). There are therefore tangible benefits from above duopoly prices in monopoly regions. Thus, a clear and quantifiable trade-off between prices in monopoly regions and coverage exists. Moreover, it is found that a second entrant in this market strongly increases competition, while further entry doesn't have significant additional competitive effects. From a welfare perspective, therefore, "two is enough" to ensure competition in this market. It is shown that this is not the case in some other retail markets, where entry by a third firm may significantly affect competition. Finally, using the estimation results, it is show that the public policy, which consisted of having the government controlled Swiss Post enter the newspaper sellers' retail market, was not optimal as it was focused on urban areas where neither coverage nor competition could be enhanced, while risking competitive distortions. At the same time, it is shown that there are communes in which such a government policy may be welfare enhancing.
entry, investment, coverage, number of competitors, competition, variable profits
D - Microeconomics > D4 - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design > D43 - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
L - Industrial Organization > L1 - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
L - Industrial Organization > L4 - Antitrust Issues and Policies > L41 - Monopolization ; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices
L - Industrial Organization > L5 - Regulation and Industrial Policy > L51 - Economics of Regulation
L - Industrial Organization > L9 - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities
Dr. Roberto Balmer
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In the forest that was covered in a deathly aura, the light was abnormally dark and the grey deathly aura covered the sight and the stretch of Spiritual Energy.
Occasionally, there were beastial roars resounding from the forest along with wind-breaking sounds as several silhouettes quietly flew past. Their figures were robust and their feet gently tapped on the tree branches, causing the leaves to sway as they flew out.
This group of silhouettes was naturally Mu Chen's group who had entered the forest.
Moving through the forest, their gazes were filled with caution as they looked at the region that was filled with a deathly aura. Although the deathly aura had blocked out their Spiritual Energy perceptions, they could still sense a large amount of Beast Spirits in the forest.
"We'll enter from the southwest. According to our distributions, there should be 6 Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits. As for the other Beast Spirits, there's quite a number, at least a hundred of them." As they swiftly moved, Han Shan explained to Mu Chen's group.
When Mu Chen, Nine Nether and the rest heard those words, their eyes contracted. 6 Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits in addition to over a hundred somewhat weaker Beast Spirits. They had no choice but to fear this formation. But fortunately, those fellows did not have any spirituality. Otherwise, even they would have to avoid them.
Mu Chen, Nine Nether and Mo Feng nodded their heads. Although there are still three Seventh Grade Sovereigns from the party of the Demonic Rhino Clan, they had to face a large amount of Beast Spirits. So their difficulty was high as well.
"Get ready, we're approaching the region where the Beast Spirits resides." After explaining the plan, Han Shan roared.
Mu Chen and the rest had instantly tensed their bodies as they felt the deathly aura in the surrounding growing denser. In the far away dark forest, there were numerous pale-grey silhouettes wandering around like ghosts.
When they appeared in this region, those pale-grey silhouettes had immediately directed their eyes over. In the next instant, roars filled with deathly auras resounded in this forest.
Numerous ghostly silhouettes endlessly came out from the darkness along with a cold deathly aura as they surged towards Mu Chen.
Han Shan, Nine Nether, Mu Chen and Mo Feng had moved out and had immediately appeared ahead of the team. Instantly, boundless Spiritual Energy swept out and terrifying streaks of Spiritual Energy whistled.
Sharp streaks of Spiritual Energy pierced through and the heads of ten-odd Beast Spirits exploded. The entire team had charged through the layers of Beast Spirits as they flew towards the distance.
A violent Spiritual Energy endlessly poured out of the deathly forest and the Beast Spirits that were obstructing before Mu Chen's party were sent flying. However, there was still an endless flow of Beast Spirits coming from the surroundings.
However, Mu Chen and the rest paid no attention to them as they entered into the depths. The greatest threat was still the several Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits. As long as they're dealt with, then they would be able to free themselves and deal the massive amount of Beast Spirits.
Han Shan looked up ahead as the deathly aura grew denser with his eyes contracted. He could sense that they were already heading towards the depths of the forest. Furthermore, they had also started to sense a dangerous fluctuation of deathly aura from the distance.
That should've been the region where the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits resided.
The four experts of the Demonic Rhino Clan immediately nodded their heads, then they separated from the group. Boundless Spiritual Energy swept out and massive images of the Demonic Rhino Clan appeared, instantly attracting the attention of the massive group of Beast Spirits.
"Mo Ling, you will go help them, but take care of your safety." Mo Feng barked.
Mo Ling replied, then she retreated shortly after. Torrential scarlet flames swept up from her petite body, instantly causing the temperature in this region to climb and even the atmosphere was on the verge of burning.
With Mo Ling and the rest covering their backs, the four of them immediately felt at peace, then they swiftly increased their speed before charging into the dense deathly aura.
Beyond the deathly aura was a chaotic space with pale-grey trees spreading out, casting shadows on the ground. Within those shadows were cold gazes that were directed over, targeting Mu Chen's group of four. Those shadows flickered, then they appeared before Mu Chen's group.
The six black shadows had bodies that looked like they were made from black metals, looking extremely sturdy. This was caused by their bodies drying up and losing the vitality while being refined by the deathly aura.
The deathly aura enveloped around them, which made them exceptionally powerful when compared to ordinary Beast spirits.
Just when Mu Chen had sensed it, their rear suddenly exploded and two black shadows slowly crawled up from the ground. They were both shrouded with a deathly aura, it was another two Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits.
This way, they have reached an amount of eight.
When Han Shan saw this scene, his face was a little unsightly. It looked like the amount of Beast Spirits gathered here was greater than what they had imagined.
Han Shan bitterly smiled. 8 Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits, even they would have to spend some time to deal with them. In terms of fighting strength, those Beast Spirits weren't weaker than someone on Lu Sui's level.
"Each of us takes two and will swiftly deal with them." Mu Chen had furrowed his brows as he called out.
Now was not the time to say anything much, Han Shan and the other two nodded their heads, then they instantly shot forth, sending boundless Spiritual Energy to envelop two Seventh Grade Sovereigns each.
Mu Chen shot out as well, his targets were the two Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits that were coming from his rear.
The two Beast Spirits roared and the deathly aura fluctuated and enveloped their sharp bone claws and they clawed towards Mu Chen's chest like bolts of lightning. The sharp claws also tore marks in space.
Mu Chen's arm forcefully blocked them with sparks flying on his arm. However, the bone claws of deathly aura only left white marks on his arm.
Without any expressions, Mu Chen's fist surged with a golden light as he punched towards the chest of the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirit. Instantly, a deep sound rang out and the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirit was instantly sent flying with its chest collapsed.
However, the toughness of dealing with the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirit had exceeded Mu Chen's expectations. When his punch came in contact with its body, it immediately shot out, but the Beast Spirit paid no attention to its collapsed chest as it pounced towards Mu Chen once again.
Mu Chen's gaze flashed at this scene. If it was an ordinary Seventh Grade Sovereign facing his punch, they would have already spewed blood out. But this Beast Spirit was still lively jumping around.
The two Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits pounced forth, launching fearless attacks. As the deathly aura surged, even Mu Chen had taken several steps back. However, he had quickly adapted to this and circulated his Dragon-Phoenix Physique. A dazzling golden light exploded as layers of heavy fists flew out, causing the two Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits to be defeated as their bodies collapsed one after another. If it wasn't for their undead bodies, they would have already been heavily injured.
But even so, it was still a matter of time before they were crushed by Mu Chen.
While Mu Chen's situation was gradually clearing up, Han Shan, Nine Nether and Mo Feng also gradually got used to their opponents and they start to gain the initiative.
In their rear, Mo Ling's group was doing all they could to obstruct the huge amount of Beast Spirits. Although it was getting a little tough, they could still drag the time on, since those Beast Spirits did not have any intellect.
So, judging from the surface, it was all within Han Shan's expectations. As long as they dragged the time on a bit longer, they should be able to deal with all the trouble on their side.
In the rubble, the huge rock beneath Mu Chen's feet shattered and a golden light flashed in his eyes. He had quickly grasped a flaw in the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits and grasped his hand. A golden feather sword appeared in his hand and the golden light flashed, before the head of one of the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits was sliced apart.
Dealing with a Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirit, Mu Chen's pressure dropped and his attacks suddenly grew sharper. He had quickly suppressed the other Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirit to the point that it couldn't move.
Nine Nether and the rest had also sensed the process in Mu Chen's direction and they rose up with spirits. As long as Mu Chen freed himself, then they would be able to break free from this situation quickly.
And their path would no longer pose any danger.
However, just when Han Shan and the rest felt a breath of relief, they had suddenly sensed that the ground had started to tremble, as if the Myriad Beast Graveyard was boiling.
This sudden change caused Mu Chen to be stunned, before he suddenly turned towards the left and right of the forest and his face drastically changed.
That's because he could sense that there was a large amount of deathly auras sweeping over from both sides, which was evidently from a large amount of Beast Spirits. They could even see some black silhouettes amongst them, the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirits!
At the back, the experts of the Demonic Rhino Clan roared with drastic changes in their expressions.
A golden light surged and Mu Chen threw a fist towards the head of the Seventh Grade Sovereign Beast Spirit before looking at the two other directions with a dark expression.
Han Shan's gaze turned completely cold. That also meant that the Sky Wolf Clan had already gone back on their agreement and allied with the Golden Lion Clan.
With the current situation, those scrambles were clearly intending to push the Beast Spirits to their direction and bury them completely.
He had actually been tricked by the Sky Wolf Clan this time!
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KUSANDA RECYCLING & WASTE is a black owned recycling & waste management company based in Durban Clermont in KwaZulu Natal providing NON HAZARDOUS waste management and recycling services to commercial, industrial and Municipal, customers. We pride ourselves on our community involvement, environmental awareness and very strong commitment to personalised and friendly customer service.
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Our values provide the foundation for our company's practices and standards. Our values remain constanteven though our world is changing.
Honesty – We are truthful and use the highest levels of integrity and fairness in dealing with our customers and each other.
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Jeffrey Epstein dies in apparent suicide in New York jail
Wealthy financier, 66, had been accused of sex trafficking and was being held without bail after being arrested on 6 JulyJeffrey Epstein in court in West Palm Beach, Florida, on 30 July 2008. Photograph: Uma Sanghvi/APWealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein has killed himself at a New York jail, according to authorities in New York and media reports."Saturday, August 10, 2019, at approximately 6.30am, inmate Jeffrey Edward Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell … subsequently pronounced dead by hospital staff," reads a statement from the Metropolitan Correctional Center where Epstein, 66, had been held without bail since his arrest on 6 July on charges of sex trafficking girls as young as 14.Multiple media reports said Epstein had died by suicide.The FBI is investigating the incident, and the attorney general, William Barr, said he had also opened an investigation by the Department of Justice's inspector general and was "appalled" by the death. "Epstein's death raises serious questions that must be answered," Barr said. Lawyers for several of Epstein's alleged victims, including Virginia Giuffre, whose depositions detailing her experience as one of the financiers' "slaves" when she was just 14 years old were released yesterday, called for the investigations into his crimes to continue, despite his death."We are hopeful that the government will continue to investigate and will focus on those who participated and facilitated Epstein's horrifying sex trafficking scheme that damaged so many," Sigrid McCawley said.The New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted shortly after Epstein's death was reported: "We need answers. Lots of them."Epstein's death comes a day after unsealed documents in New York revealed the extent of his abuse of young women at his home in Palm Beach, New York and the Virgin Islands.Epstein had been held since he was arrested on charges relating to alleged sexual misconduct from at least 2002 to 2005. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.An earlier attempt to prosecute him on similar charges collapsed when authorities granted him an unusually generous deal to plead guilty to state prostitution charges in Florida.His death comes just days after he was found unconscious in a Manhattan jail cell with injuries to his neck, US media had reported, citing unidentified sources.It was not clear how he suffered those injuries. Two anonymous sources told New York's local NBC News 4 that Epstein's injuries may have been self-inflicted, while another said an assault by another inmate had not been ruled out.After the incident, Epstein had been placed on suicide watch.The Brooklyn-born financier made his name at the investment bank Bear Stearns before opening his own firm in 1982, managing money for clients with wealth in excess of $1bn. The business came with an intensive social schedule. Epstein positioned himself as a party figure in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida, and courted the rich, famous and powerful across America and the world.Epstein's circle of friends and acquaintances has included Donald Trump; Bill Clinton; Prince Andrew; Leslie Wexner, founder of the company that owns the Victoria's Secret lingerie brand; and many other prominent names in law, entertainment and politics.The first allegations of sexual abuse came in 2005 when a woman contacted the Palm Beach police, alleging her 14-year-old stepdaughter had been taken to Epstein's mansion by an older girl. The girl was allegedly paid $300 to strip and massage Epstein.That triggered an 11-month investigation that drew in the FBI. Interviews with alleged victims and witnesses showed that some of the girls involved were under 18.A large tranche of documents released on Friday from a lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell – who allegedly procured girls for the financier – contained both lurid claims and denials of world leaders' involvement in his alleged sex trafficking.Giuffre, who is among Epstein's many accusers, sued Maxwell in 2015, alleging the British socialite and daughter of the former media tycoon Robert Maxwell defamed her by claiming she was a liar in her accusations against Maxwell and Epstein.The documents appeared to bolster claims that many in Epstein's circle had taken part in his hospitality that included "massages" from dozens of underage girls.After original attempts to prosecute Epstein collapsed, Trump's former labor secretary Alex Acosta came under repeated scrutiny for being seen as too lenient when he oversaw the case.In February, a judge ruled prosecutors in the case violated the law by concealing the deal from his underage alleged victims. Acosta resigned from his administration post in July.As Epstein's world unraveled, some of those who had sought his financial investment advice came forward while many more preferred to distance themselves, issuing statements painting their interactions in minimal terms. They included Trump and Clinton, who both issued statements saying they had had little to do with Epstein in recent years.Wexner said this week that financier had "misappropriated" more than $46m of his personal fortune. He said money went missing a decade ago, according to a letter to the Wexner Foundation."We discovered that he had misappropriated vast sums of money from me and my family," Wexner said in the letter. "This was, frankly, a tremendous shock, even though it clearly pales in comparison to the unthinkable allegations against him now."Wexner hired Epstein in 1991 to manage his money, giving him vast power over his investment and tax affairs. Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan also said they were examining trades Epstein made when he was a client.The allegations of fraud came as Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, ordered a state criminal investigation of a Palm Beach sheriff and former Palm Beach state attorney over their handling of Epstein's 2007 sex abuse case.The latest investigation, reported the Miami Herald, will probably focus on the lenient work privileges Epstein enjoyed while serving a 13-month sentence for soliciting prostitution from underage girls, the product of the controversial 2008 deal with federal authorities.The financier was allowed to work from his office six days a week, according to Palm Beach county sheriff's records. His personal limousine picked him up from jail as early as 7.15am and dropped him off as late as 10.40pm. * In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email [email protected] or [email protected] In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
Epstein girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell pictured at burger bar in first public sighting since financier's death
Jeffrey Epstein death: Two guards 'fell asleep' then falsified records after inmate removed from paedophile financier's cell
Ghislaine Maxwell argues for $5 million bail, saying she's 'not Jeffrey Epstein'
Ghislaine Maxwell moved to Brooklyn detention centre ahead of bail hearing
Jeffrey Epstein injuries 'far more consistent with murder than suicide', lawyer says
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The Polish village where no boys have been born for almost a decade
It was during a competition for junior firefighters that somebody first noticed something unusual about the small Polish village of Miejsce Odrzanskie. Every single one of the uniformed children showing off their skills was a girl. The reason is as simple as it is surprising. No boys have been born in Miejsce Odrzanskie for almost a decade, while the village's women in the rural backwater of 300 souls have given birth to 12 girls. The boy shortage is so acute that the mayor has offered a cash reward for the first family to produce a son. The world's media have […]


Swoon worthy Journals for 2018!
Happy 2018!! So after an insanely busy Christmas period with our gift boxes we are looking forward to an even more exciting 2018. A brand new year has so much in store for us which will be sharing with you soon but for now let's kick of the blog with these gorgeous 2018 planners and journals!
On both a professional and personal note we find it so helpful to have a planner and when you have an absolutely beautiful one sitting on your desk it just makes you want to get planning!!
So here is our top picks……….
This is such a pretty planner!! My 2017 was brilliant and it really helped me set my goals and track my progress. There are various one's available in different colours. The one shown above is £40 and is available in various countries. This one really covers so many different aspects of your life and is full of positivity which i feel is so great and is just what so many of us need on bad days!
This is a great choice if you want to add a little fun into your planning!! Gorgeous colour and comes complete with fun stickers, colour coded tabs, compliments and loads of note space!! This is really great for making your yearly plans and setting out goals and keeps things a little more light-hearted! BAN.DO has fab products, we have several of their notebooks and the quality and finish is super pretty!! Available from their website for just £12.19 at the moment.
After finding Martha Brook last year on Instagram we have become obsessed! They have the most beautiful stationary and their instagram is insanely gorgeous!! This planner is both pretty & practical, priced at £27 and available from their website it is for sure worth a purchase. The fab thing about this planner is you can choose the colour of the planner from the colour range they offer, you can choose the colour of the foil and also personalise the name on the front!! Makes it fun and personal.
This one has such a beautiful cover, who wouldn't want to carry it around in their handbag?! This little beauty i found whilst browsing Etsy, from a store called Happy Life Planners based in Greece. It starts from £16.50 plus postage and has the option to be personalised. You can also pick any month on which to start your planner which is great!
Now this one we adore! It's just so majorly chic! Fabulous design. It's more of a luxury planner than the others as it comes with a £50 price tag and is from Hello Day. It's perfect for an on the go lifestyle and comes with monthly goal planning! Bonus!
Well dolls that is our top 5! If you haven't got yourself a 2018 planner as yet then hopefully one of these beauties will have caught your eye or at least inspired to go grab yourself a planner, set some 2018 goals and smash them!!
We will be back next week with our top picks for Valentines day gifts!! Sign up to the blog to see us land in your inbox weekly!
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The book describe the different decorations and the preparation of the festivals. C. Evaluation of Sources James B. Robinson wrote Hinduism in 2004 in Philadelphia. He wrote it to show the religion and culture of the Hindu community. This book is very detailed, descriptive, and very informative. The book was limited on the subjects; every chapter is a different subject. K. S. Ball Wrote Let's Know Festivals of India in 2005. Ball wrote this book in order to show the purpose and customs Oh the Hindu holidays. This book goes into the origin of the different festivals in the Hindu community.
The author was limited in the length and descriptiveness of each festival. D. Analysis Comparable #1 – How is the holiday Navigator celebrated in a Hindu community compared too Navigator festival in the United States? Comparable #2 – What affects does the Navigator festival have on the Hindu communities?


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The Coastal Arts Center is at the epicenter of OB's cultural campus area. The Arts Center consists of a gallery and gift shop,..
Per ASU's web page, "the new J. Garrick Hardy Student Service Center is a hub for all major student activities. Designed as a..
The University of South Alabama Gordon and Geri Moulton Bell Tower and Alumni Plaza stands between Alumni Hall and the Mitchell..
As one of the new cornerstone building on campus, this facility provided the students and faculty of the University of South..
WAS served as Project Landscape Architect for the University of South Alabama to develop a Master Plan and Construction..
WAS Design teamed with WGK Engineers to provide Master Planning services for this multi-million dollar camp facility planned..
The WAS provided project management, design, and the production of the landscape and irrigation construction documents, as a..
WAS teamed with WGK Engineers to develop a Pedestrian Corridor plan through the heart of Co-Lin's campus. The project scope..
Over a many year relationship with the University of South Alabama, our principals have completed numerous successful projects..
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Here are some of the pieces from today's workshop at the Athenaeum, some in progress, some finished. Now they can embellish, or embroider or needle felt--endless possibilites! Denise at Try Our Designs, online, made up the packages of wool roving for us.
And here's my page from the Botanical Gardens.
On Thursday, I taught "Sketching & Watercolor: Journal Style: Collections" at Art Unraveled. We were inside, as you can see, and folks brought stuff in to draw. Great class--thank you wonderful students!
Friday, a few hardy souls attended my "Watercolor & Sketching: Journal Style: on location" class. We met up at 6:30 am, and got to the gorgeous Desert Botanical Gardens by 7am. Stayed till a little after 10am. We lucked out with much cooler weather!
first day of class bring: liquid matte (or gloss) acrylic medium, a foam brush, scissors, and collage papers (like rice paper, magazines, sheer tissues, painted papers, maps, and book pages), pencils and sketchbook or journal. A materials list for the rest of the class will be discussed in the first class. A $25 materials fee will be collected in class.
An unusual page in my Moleskine. Usually I complete a page in one sitting, or at least in the same location. This page was started in mid July and completed mid August. Crazy, but the colors work, ya know?
I'm back from a wonderful, successful week at Art Unraveled--photos and sketches to come.
On Friday night, a bunch of us went out to dinner. Table for 15 please? In the group are Melly Testa, Pokey, me, Jeannie, Leslie Tucker Jenison, Jamie Fingal, Muna, Carol, Tricia & David, Judy Coates Perez and more.


Now that recreational cannabis is legal, Canadian retailers are carrying a wide range of products, and along with dried flower, stores are selling cannabis oils.
In addition to providing a cleaner alternative to smoking cannabis, a process that releases toxins and carcinogens, taking oils is more convenient and discreet because no special equipment is required to consume them and they are packaged in small bottles.
Cannabis oils are extracts from cannabis plants that have been dissolved in a base (usually coconut oil or olive oil) to create a liquid. Some are higher in the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) while others contain more cannabidiol (CBD), a compound that contributes to a sense of wellness while counteracting the psychoactive effects of THC.
Getting a particular THC:CBD ratio is challenging with dried bud because each strain has a different mix of compounds, and usually contain very little CBD. But that is not the case with oils. Through the production process, producers are able to manipulate the compounds to create a specific THC:CBD ratio. That is why it is possible to find a much higher concentration of CBD in oil than in dried bud, a definite benefit over bud and a reason to have both on hand for all your cannabis needs.
Here are some examples of cannabis oils currently available in Canada.
Cannabis oils can be used in many ways. Most oils on the market come with droppers, which can be used to place the liquid under or over your tongue. Under the tongue is called a "sublingual" application and this method enables the oil's active ingredients to be absorbed by the mucous membrane in your mouth. Blood vessels under your tongue deliver the active ingredients straight to your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive system.
Some consumers prefer to put the cannabis oil directly into food or drinks while others use it to make cannabis-infused butter or oil, which they then use for cooking. In this delivery method, the active ingredients pass through the GI tract, taking a longer route to the blood brain barrier than is the case with the tongue or sublingual application.
The ideal dosage varies from one consumer to the next but, because oils are a concentrated version of bud, experts suggest you "start low and go slow." Try a very low amount of oil and increase your dose incrementally until you achieve the result you're looking for. Generally, one milliliter (mL) is considered one dose but it's fine to start with less.
Keep in mind that the ratio of compounds in a particular oil is based on one mL—so, for example, if an oil has a 5:1 ratio of THC:CBD, it has five mg of THC and one mg of CBD.
How Soon Will I Feel The Effects and How Long Will They Last?
Your body processes ingested and inhaled cannabis differently. It takes longer to feel the desired effect of the cannabis when you take oil, but the effect lasts longer. When you inhale cannabis you feel the effect within a few minutes and it lasts about two hours. When you ingest cannabis oil, however, it can take as long as one or two hours to take effect, but that effect can last as long as six hours.
How Should I Store Cannabis Oil?
Store your cannabis oil in a neutral environment to boost longevity. It's best to store it in a cool, dry place just as you would non-infused olive or coconut oil. Remember, heat and light contribute to the degradation of the cannabis compounds.


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