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Author Steven Clark Bradley

IT'S TIME FOR THE MUSLIM SOCIETY TO BRING REAL CHANGES

ARVIND K. PANDEY

It’s very clear that radical Islamists are cause of worry for the whole world .There is urgent need of right interpretation of Quranic verses to bring peace and order in world .It’s another thing that it’s very difficult for the Muslims to rise above the hard-core interpretations of Islamic perceptions . But I wonder why the feeling of alienation is felt so strongly by the Muslim community while being placed amidst other societies? Who has given them the right to butcher people in the name of creating Islamic state across the globe?

One cannot ignore the fact the dangerous interpretation of the Islamic perceptions have given rise to all sorts of problem .Probably, this is why it’s difficult for average Muslim to remain faithful to a particular country even if they have been living there from thousands of years .Only because greater faith in the rules framed by the Allah are superior than the land of law. No wonder why the killings are always in the name of Allah!!

It’s indeed a hard nut to crack for people outside the realm of Islamic perceptions to think of bringing substantial change in the Muslim mindset. The word of kafirs wouldn’t impress the Muslim society. So the only option left is that Muslim Ulemmas come out with better and honest interpretations .Otherwise , it’s very clear that we are moving towards a sharp and ominous polarization of the world community .It remains to be seen whether virtuous souls within Muslim community are able to marginalize the radical Islamists .

BLOGGERS OF PAKISTAN : BOGGED DOWN BY LIMITATIONS

ARVIND K. PANDEY

The bloggers from Pakistan seems to be on par with frogs in the well . They refuse not only to see the truth but are experts in manipulating the facts for their vested interests .Yes , Western media is guilty of suppressing the truth but who can deny the fact that Islamic terrorism is spreading like a jungle fire in most parts of the world ? The mindsets of the Pakistani people have failed to evolve with time much like the destiny of nation bogged down by the medieval hotchpotch !!!!

PAKISTAN : PICTURE OF CHAOS AND CONFUSION

ARVIND K. PANDEY

For the past 60 years, it has remained tormented by extremists of all types .In 1958, barely eleven years after coming in existence, Ayub Khan deposed Mirza on October 27 in a bloodless coup. Pakistan, from then, for most of the time remained directly or indirectly under control of Army. Only for a very brief period it has been fortunate enough to have democratic governments at Center .One of the ardent supporters of democracy Julfikar Ali Bhutto was given death punishment. Musharraf came into the power Ayub Khan way. In brief, Army has always had the upper hand in the affairs of Pakistan. Lastly, it has received Ten thousand million dollars from U.S. till now as aids for fighting terrorism .Still, it has not been able to curb the extremists. It’s indeed a remarkable nation!!

PAKISTAN : A FAILED STATE ?

ARVIND K. PANDEY

Pakistan should take all steps to ensure stability -something that has always remained peculiarly elusive .How can you point accusing fingers at India when democratic norms remain a distant dream in Pakistan ? Even judiciary remains in disarray for most of the time , being unable to rise above the diktats of military .

India is a very large country with an excellent track record when it comes to enforcement of rules and regulations within democratic framework .Yes,there are serious problems , plaguing the country from a long time but then that's the case with almost all the major nations across the globe . What matters most are the steps taken to tackle them .The wheel of reforms are indeed slow but the good thing is that they are moving ! The ridiculous observations that a large section of people in India are marginalized holds no water . Dalits are not only the part of mainstream politics but reservation policies have ensured that they get proper representation . I agree that there are contradictions in our approach to tackle them but these contradictions , in my eyes, are blessings in disguise as they create platform for right peopleto enter in political arena .

Pakistan is not only devoid of national character but also became haven for most dangerous minds in the world . Against this background , how can anyone have the guts to offer so-called sane advices ? Is there a mechanism of accountability in Pakistan ? Pakistan may or may not accept ISI's hand in the terrorist activities but recent rebuke at the hands of U.S. should be a wake-up call .

True, " most of the countries have an army ,but as they say, in Pakistan army has a country " . It's really difficult for Pakistan to leave its past behind or ,for that matter , rise above the grip of Jihadis and Military-Mullah nexus .It's there for everybody to see who really needs sound advices .America may be hesitant ,being in league with its vested interests , to declare Pakistan a 'terrorist state ' but it's a harsh reality that it's not only a "terrorist state" but also a "failed state" .

The International Journal of Emergency Mental Health is a practice-oriented resource for active professionals in the fields of psychology, law enforcement, public safety, emergency medical services, mental health, education, criminal justice, social work, pastoral counseling, and the military. The journal publishes articles dealing with traumatic stress, crisis intervention, specialized counseling and psychotherapy, suicide intervention, crime victim trauma, hostage crises, disaster response and terrorism, bullying and school violence, workplace violence and corporate crisis management, medical disability stress, armed services trauma and military psychology, helper stress and vicarious trauma, family crisis intervention, and the education and training of emergency mental health professionals. The journal publishes several types of articles: Research reports: Empirical studies that contribute to the knowledge and understanding of traumatic disability syndromes and effective interventions. Integrative reviews: Articles that summarize and explain a topic of general or specialized interest to emergency medical, mental health, or public safety professionals. Practice guides: Reports of existing, developing, or proposed programs that provide practical guidelines, procedures, and strategies for working emergency service and mental health professionals.  Case studies: Clinical or field reports of professional experiences that illustrate principles and/or practice guidelines for crisis intervention and emergency mental health. Book and media reviews: Reviews of books, films, DVDs, or electronic media of relevance to emergency response and mental health professionals.  First person: Personal accounts of dealing with traumatic stress and crises, either as a victim or caregiver, that provide insight into coping and recovery. The International Journal of Emergency Mental Health is your place to say something that can make a difference in the lives of victims and helpers and have a real-world impact on the daily practice of emergency medical, public safety, and mental health services.  Complete Instructions for Authors can be found on-line at:

www.chevronpublishing.com/authorinfo.pdf

Not too very long ago, a government bod declared the obesity crisis to be as dire as global warming, (Supersize Me).
Now a public health expert from Durham University suggest that the threat to Britain and the NHS from rising obesity levels is the same as the threat posed by terrorists.
What on earth does he mean? Are hospitals, Gp's surgeries, polyclinics etc. at risk because the fat patients are liable to explode?
What can the government do about this?
Boggartblog has received some interesting draft, or should that be daft, legislation from an unnamed source in the Health MInistry.

1. All people with a BMI (Body Mass Index, think of a number, divide it by two, times it by the number you first thought of, add the square root of 1600 and then put the answer into binary form, or something like that) of 30 or more will be stopped and searched for evidence of junk food.
2. Health officials will have the right to monitor phone calls, mobile phone calls, text messages and e-mails of anyone suspected of having a fetish for deep fried Mars Bars, Lambrini, Full coke, going large or anything else that doesn't involve five portions of fruit and veg per day.
3.Anyone found to be, or thought to be, overweight may be held for up to 42 days without food, apart from droopy lettuce, sad celery and cucumber.

You have been warned. If you see any unattended fat people please do not approach them but report them to the authorities immediately. A government fat disposal squad will be deployed to secure the area and perform a controlled explosion if necessay.

KILLING TERRORISM

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Neither hand of providence nor convulated responses would sabotage the network of al-Qaida .The American dilemma is further compounded by its dubious stand on 'war on terror'. The way al-Qaida is devising new ways and means to punish its enemies should make it clear to US and its allies that full-proof strategies ,devoid of bias , have become need of the hour. One is ,indeed, baffled over the superpowers' inability to wipe out the devilish empire of jehadi operatives .

**************

WISHING " HAPPY I-DAY " TO EVERYONE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY .IT'S TIME TO SING " BHARAT HUMKO JAAN SE PYARA HAI .."

TACKLING APPEASEMENT POLICIES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

But I must add that our country has always had weak Central governments .Worse , appeasement policies have created new problems in the way of total elimination of governments . Just look what’s happening in Jammu and Kashmir .

True , it’s very difficult for the Muslims to rise above limitations . More so when likes of Dr.Zakir Naik (peace channel fame )with their half truths emerge as a great preacher amongst them . It’s just like a blind man showing the path .I firmly believe that unless Muslims come to rise above half-baked truths ,the war against terrorism would always be a failure . Though there are good things in Holy Quran but I know it’s too difficult for Islamic organizations to grasp their true essence .

THE RISE OF DOUBLE STANDARDS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Double standards prevailing in the name of secularism is preventing us to take tough steps against the terrorists . Recently , MK Naryanan , the National Security Advisor , informed us that 800 terrorist cells are operating in India with the help of "external support" .Sadly , likes of Lalu and Mulayam feel that organizations like SIMI should not be banned . Probably this is why Islamic terrorists are getting bolder day by day .Against the backdrop of a weak governance ,it's a threatening development . We all need to tackle the flawed Islamic ideologies,the real cause of rise of Islamic terrorists ,to prevent another division of India .Also global war on terrorism should be devoid of dubious intentions . If America is so sure about ISI's involvement in terrorist activities then what's preventing it to take tough action against Pakistan ? It's better that it takes tough actions against Pakistan instead of issuing empty warnings .

MUSLIMS : IT'S TIME TO FACE THE TRUTH

ARVIND K. PANDEY

Very few can dare to ignore the fact that Islamic radicals have turned the world into hell . Even small children can feel that outside world is no longer safe -the bombs have been planted everywhere .Let's Muslims face the truth .It’s time for them to get real .

I know very well that Islam does contain some better standards of living .But some inherent contradictions in the Islamic percepts have given rise to misguided followers right from the arrival of Islam on earth .It has gone to the heads of Islamic radicals that ” Only Allah is Supreme God ” and all those who don’t fall within the line of Islamic ideology needs to be wiped out .This in their eyes is essential for establishment of Shariat governed world . There is nothing wrong in expanding the cause of religion but when one starts assuming that his religion is superior than others it leads to rise of distorted forces . Today , these negative forces are ruling the Islamic world and playing havoc with the lives of non-followers .Sadly , they are more powerful than positive forces in Islam .

Today , not only the metros but even small cities of India are in the grip of Islamic radicals . Ayodhya , Varanasi , Jaipur , Ahmedabad , Surat , Coimbatore ...the list is endless . Do you want me to ignore the threatening developments ? I am not secular enough to turn a blind eye to the dangerous mindsets of the jihadis . Prophet Muhammad may have delivered sound teachings but most of his followers have come out with sinister interpretations .Probably this is why bloodshed has been the key element governing its affairs right from its arrival .And the modern world seems to be no exception !!!!! It’s time for Muslims to see things in perspective .There is no point in sticking to illusions of the medieval times .It’s time to borrow better things from the past to provide a better world to future generations . Bombs and swords should not be used to promote the cause of religion or , for that matter , Islamic percepts .

STOP JIHAD ,STOP TERRORISM

ARVIND K.PANDEY

I am still confused how come perceptions laid down in the Quran have fallen prey to the distorted minds ? Why is the fallacious interpretation of Jihad has gained so much strength in the Muslim world ? Today , most of the nations across the globe are on the back foot because of the sinister implications arising out of wrong interpretation of Islamic precepts .However , it would be better if the Muslim world comes to redefine and reshape its priorities . It would make world a better place to live in .Or else , we would all sooner or later become victim of Jihad .

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.

According Zhongxinshe (China News Agency) on July 28, 2008 , the Chinese government is taking serious measures to prepare for any type of terrorist attacks, including suiside attacks and even attacks of chemical and biological weapons during Beijing Olympics.

For the first time in Chinese history, several tens of thousand of civilian and military hospitals have received an operational manual for treatment of injuries from chemical and biological weapons last Sunday.

Air control has been tightened for the anti-terrorist purpose.

Last week, there was report from a US website dedicated to terrorism that a Xinjiang separatist and terrorist organization has claimed responsibilities for several deadly accidents in China's Yunnan province and elsewhere. Undoubtedly, terrorist threats are real to this country in this globalized world.

It has also been reported that the US government has sent security officers to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts in anti-terrorist actions. Security equipments which have been banned to be sold to China have been delivered too.

While nobody believes such an attack by chemical and biological weapons will even take place during the Beijing Olympics, China has learned the lesson from world wide terrorist attacks esp. those launched against the USA following the Sep. 11 2001 to prepare for the worst only to ensure absolute safety on this occasion.

By Navy Seaman William Selby

Special to American Forces Press Service

July 25, 2008 - An Iraqi organization tasked with consolidating and coordinating that country's counterterrorism effort is now capable of conducting unilateral missions, a U.S. military official said yesterday. "[The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force's] primary mission is to synchronize and focus all elements of Iraqi national power to defeat terrorism here in Iraq," U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, director of the Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force Transition Team, told online journalist and bloggers.

The Iraqi unit was formed in 2003 and has since been trained by U.S. Special Forces soldiers, Trombitas said.

While U.S. forces still train with the specialized Iraqi force and conduct missions with the Iraqis, they're now capable of running their own missions with limited U.S. help, he said.

"They're comfortable, at this point in time, doing unilateral operations, even without some of our enablers," Trombitas explained. "I think that they're well on the road to conducting the majority of their operations."

Trombitas attributed the Iraqis' capability to the high level of training they receive from U.S. Special Forces soldiers.

"They are trained to a high level," Trombitas said. "Our Special Forces have a high level of confidence in them. They never hesitate to run a mission with each other, and I think that speaks highly of their capability and our guys' trust in them."

The Iraqi counterterrorism force's demanding selection process is similar to that of U.S. Army Special Forces, he said.

"Those things that we expect of our Rangers and Special Forces are the type of things we train [the Iraqis] in," Trombitas said.

The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force headquarters is located in Baghdad, but the organization's leaders are planning to expand capabilities by moving to four other locations throughout the country. The cities include Mosul, Basra, Asad, and Diyala.

"These capabilities will allow us to plan, execute, synchronize air assault operations on multiple objectives, and give us the ability to infiltrate, ex-filtrate, and have casualty evacuation," Trombitas said.

Right now, there are four operational battalions, a training battalion, and a support battalion.  Trombitas stressed that, while there are no plans for any more battalions, there is a possibility that leaders will split the headquarters due to the size of the battalions.

As a result of the long presence U.S. forces have had in Iraq, Trombitas said he can envision working with Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force troops in the future on other operations.

"Right now there is a battalion of Salvadorians in combat here in Iraq, ... and they're here due to our long presence in working with them," he said. "I foresee that in the future of Iraq."

He also lauded the U.S. forces who had a hand in training the Iraqi units. "Our Special Forces are the best in the world, and I think they've exemplified that," Trombitas said. "I'm just awful proud of our effort and theirs in conducting counterterrorism operations."

(Navy Seaman William Selby works for the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity)

Food industry bitten by its lobbying success

“The industry pressured the Bush administration years ago to limit the paperwork companies would have to keep to help U.S. health investigators quickly trace produce that sickens consumers, according to interviews and government reports reviewed by The Associated Press. The White House also killed a plan to require the industry to maintain electronic tracking records that could be reviewed easily during a crisis to search for an outbreak's source. Companies complained the proposals were too burdensome and costly, and warned they could disrupt the availability of consumers' favorite foods. The apparent but unintended consequences of the lobbying success: a paper record-keeping system that has slowed investigators, with estimated business losses of $250 million.” (Google News; 25July08; Associated Press, Larry Margasak) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iVHt-zqI9SBYX7gUbzPTug-Ns3ewD924VCTG0

'It could save a lot of lives': 200 'victims' participate in bioterrorism drill [Lake County, IL]

“Lake County [Illinois] has just been infested with an anthrax outbreak. First responders, emergency crews and health officials are waiting to distribute medicines to thousands of infected residents before it is too late. That was the scenario the Lake County Health Department and emergency agencies were faced with Thursday during a bioterrorism drill at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Lake Zurich.” (Lake CountyNews-Sun; 25July08; Kendrick Marshall) http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1074115,5_1_WA25_HAZARDDRIL_S1.article

Hospitals put to the test during natural disaster drill [Fayetteville, AR]

“Employees at nine hospitals in Northwest Arkansas tested their responses to a large-scale natural disaster in a drill on Wednesday. Organized by Northwest Regional Hospital Bioterrorism Preparedness Committee, the exercise presented difficulties that would result from four or five tornados hitting the area. The committee is part of a statewide effort coordinated by the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services and the Arkansas Hospital Association[.] The scenarios were fed to hospitals in Benton, Boone, Carroll and Washington counties from inside the Washington County Emergency Operations Center in Fayetteville.” (NWA News; 24July08; Adam Wallworth) http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/232184/

One Very Scary Jalapeño [Editorial]

“Federal health officials have finally found a jalapeño tainted with the rare form of salmonella that has poisoned more than 1,200 people in this country since April. The contaminated pepper was grown in Mexico and repacked by a small Texas distributor. The company has pulled its supplies from the marketplace, and the Food and Drug Administration is advising people to eat only jalapeños and serranos that have been safely cooked. This does not mean it’s over. Finding one bad pepper cannot close the lid on the largest outbreak of food-borne illness in America in a decade.”

(New York Times; 24July08)

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/opinion/24thu3.html

Newport [Indiana] Chemical Depot nearly finished in VX disposal

“During the cold war this rural corner of west central Indiana produced thousands of tons of the toxic nerve agent VX for the government. Since 2005 the same area has been dismantling the VX due to an international treaty. […] ‘We have destroyed over 98 percent so we are down to our last approximately two percent,’ Brubaker said. In the next couple of weeks that, two percent of VX will be neutralized and on it's way out of this area.” (WTHITV; 23July08)

http://www.wthitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8724538&nav=menu593_2

DNC [Democratic National Convention] security info released

“Contrary to rumors, there will be no weapons that shoot slime, nor will there be ‘pain ray’ guns that immobilize targets at this year’s Democratic National Convention, according to a security budget proposal released by the city of Denver yesterday.  The city agreed to release some general DNC security information in return for the American civil Liberties Union (ACLU) postponing its lawsuit against them until after the DNC, said Mark Silverstein, legal director for ACLU’s Colorado chapter. […] Although the city did comply with some of ACLU’s requests, it did not disclose the total amount spent on electronic restraints or chemical weapons, which the non-profit requested.” (Denver Daily News; 24July08; Gene Davis)

http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=1311

Sarin leak sealed at Richmond [Kentucky] depot

“Workers at Blue Grass Army Depot have sealed the container that was leaking sarin nerve agent, the Army said Friday. The leak was discovered on July 11 during routine daily monitoring of the storage igloo and is ‘under continuous observation to evaluate the effectiveness of the seals,’ said Richard Sloan, spokesman for Blue Grass Chemical Activity, the chemical weapons operation at the depot.” (Herald-Leader; 25July08; Greg

Kocher)

http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/471237.html

Reprieve’s fight for Binyam Mohamed

“Lawyers acting for Binyam Mohamed, a British resident incarcerated in Guantánamo Bay, have urged the Government to disclose evidence which, they say, would demonstrate he was tortured. […] Mohamed was also accused of plotting to buy uranium in Asia, bring it to the US and build a ‘dirty bomb’ in league with Jose Padilla, a US citizen. Mohammed signed a confession but told his lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, he had never met Padilla, or anyone in al-Qa’ida.” (The Muslim News; 25July08; Zainab

Hemani)

http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/paper/index.php?article=3632

UAD [United Action for Democracy] Chides FG [Federal Government of Nigeria] Over UK security Deal

“The United Action for Democracy (UAD) has accused the Federal Government of compromising Nigeria's sovereignty and internal security in her bid to overcome the lingering militant crisis in the Niger Delta region of the country. […] They further asserted that the implication of the latest deal was what they called ‘imperialist Britain’, similar to the recent failed attempt by America to position its African Command in Nigeria, and that it further showed the mad obsession of the failing regime to commit untold violence against the people of the Niger Delta, plunder the natural endowments, expose the region to the risk of biological and chemical warfare and diseases, and subject the environment to greater destruction.”

(Leadership Nigeria; 25July08)

http://www.leadershipnigeria.com/product_info.php?products_id=31777&osCsid=e872f086f957a289c000693b776414cb

Mega-truck designed for disasters relegated to mundane police work

“In 2005, Uncle Sam bought El Paso County a quartermillion-dollar armored vehicle designed to handle everything from weapons of mass destruction to natural disasters. Since then, it's been used 52 times for ordinary police work: arresting potentially violent suspects or fugitives, protecting dignitaries, handling civil disturbances and dealing with people barricaded in a home or business with hostages. It cost $246,675, with an additional $17,477 spent on such after-market enhancements as ballistic shields, roof-mounted remote-control spotlights, radiation detection equipment, an explosive gas detection system and an intercom system.” (The Gazette; 23July08; Pam Zubeck) http://www.gazette.com/articles/disasters_38536___article.html/police_designed.html

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.

By Samantha L. Quigley

American Forces Press Service

July 23, 2008 - Wounded veterans have a new source to turn to when looking for housing to meet their individual challenges after the expansion of a successful pilot program in Texas. "Helping a Hero" has been working for the past year to provide adaptive homes to wounded veterans of the war on terrorism, said Meredith Iler, chairman of the organization's Wounded Hero Home Program.

"Our principal activity is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying servicemembers as well as engaging the community to provide services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families," she said. "We have awarded 13 homes and have plans to award another 100 homes in the next 12 months."

All the houses the group provides are part of planned communities, she said. The developers donate a lot, and one of the builders in the community matches the amount of the donated land in construction costs.

The homes range from $200,000 to $300,000 in value, with an average of $250,000. Recipients of the homes are required to sign a contract prohibiting them from borrowing against the equity in the house for 10 years, however. That policy is non-negotiable; even if the loan were for a worthy cause like starting a business, it's too risky, Iler explained. If the business were to fail, the veteran and his or her family could lose the home.

"We're trying to establish stability in their lives," Iler said.

To that end, Helping a Hero doesn't just get veterans into homes and wish them well. The group also offers ongoing workshops to help them reintegrate into the community and works to connect them with community service organizations such as the Rotary Club.

These connections not only provide support and a sense of community, but also could lead to employment, Iler said.

Helping a Hero is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. The group's hope is that this affiliation will help spread the word to qualified veterans, Iler said.

"Our goal is to provide a home to every single severely wounded Hero in the next 10 years," she added.

Full details on how to apply for an adaptive home through Helping a Hero are available on the organization's Web site.

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