The U.S. Department of the Treasury targeted the support network of the Sri Lanka-based designated terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by designating the U.S.-based Tamil Foundation under Executive Order 13224. Executive Order 13224 targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.

"The LTTE, like other terrorist groups, has relied on so-called charities to raise funds and advance its violent aims," said Adam J. Szubin, Director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. "We will continue to aggressively target attempts by any terrorist group to hide behind charities, front companies, or name changes to propagate terror against innocents around the world."

The head of the Tamil Foundation is also president of the Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) in the United States. The TRO was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224 on November 15, 2007. Over the course of many years, the Tamil Foundation and the TRO have co-mingled funds and carried out coordinated financial actions. Additional information links the Tamil Foundation to the TRO through a matching gift program. The common leadership of the TRO and the Tamil Foundation has facilitated these activities.

The TRO is a charitable organization that acts as a front to facilitate fundraising and procurement for the LTTE. Prior to its designation, Sri Lanka-based TRO operated offices in seventeen other countries worldwide, including the United States. In the U.S., TRO has raised funds for the LTTE through a network of individual representatives. According to sources within the organization, TRO is the preferred means for sending funds from the United States to the LTTE in Sri Lanka.

The LTTE is a terrorist group that seeks an independent state in northeastern Sri Lanka, where most of Sri Lanka's minority ethnic Tamil population lives. For over two decades, the LTTE has employed conventional, guerrilla, and terror tactics in a civil war that has claimed over 60,000 lives. The U.S. Department of State designated the LTTE a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on October 8, 1997. On November 2, 2001, the U.S. Department of State named the LTTE an SDGT under E.O. 13224.

Under E.O. 13224, any assets the Tamil Foundation has under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the Tamil Foundation.

Identifying Information:
TAMIL FOUNDATION
Address: 517 E. Oldtown Road, Cumberland, MD 21502
Tax ID number: 52-1699409

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated 26 companies and 14 individuals tied to Peruvian drug kingpin Fernando Zevallos Gonzales. This financial network, based in Peru, Panama and the British Virgin Islands, is now subject to financial sanctions pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act ("Kingpin Act").

"Our action demonstrates the importance of following the changing networks of major drug kingpins, like Fernando Zevallos," said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin.  "This designation identifies additional front companies and supports the Peruvian authorities' ongoing efforts to shut down the Fernando Zevallos criminal organization."

Fernando Zevallos Gonzales, currently imprisoned in Peru, has been a major figure in Peruvian narcotics trafficking activities since 1980.  On June 1, 2004, President Bush named Fernando Zevallos Gonzales as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act.  At the same time, OFAC blocked, pending investigation, six companies and six individuals, including the Peruvian airline Aerocontinente S.A.  On November 10, 2004, OFAC formally designated Aerocontinente S.A., which subsequently changed its name to Nuevo Continente S.A.  Finally, on July 27, 2007, Fernando Zevallos Gonzales was indicted on money laundering and multiple violations of the Kingpin Act in the Southern District of Florida. 

Despite Fernando Zevallos Gonzales's imprisonment, the OFAC sanctions investigation found that his financial network has continued to function under the leadership of key family members and close business associates.  Key Fernando Zevallos family members designated today include his sisters Lupe Maritza Zevallos Gonzales, Sara Marilyn Zevallos Gonzales, Maria del Rosario Zevallos Gonzales, and Milagros Angelina Zevallos Gonzales; his brother Winston Ricardo Zevallos Gonzales; and his mother, Sara Maria Gonzales Garbancho de Zevallos.  Key business associates designated today are Maximo Zadi Desme Hurtado, John Ivan Mejia Magnani, Ricardo Hernandez San Martin, Jose Manuel Mejia Regalado, Enrique Canaval Landazuri, Luis Miguel Carrillo Rodriguez, Percy Dangello Aranibar Castellanos, and Jorge Portilla Barraza.

The financial network designated today principally consists of aviation and travel companies in Peru, including four air transportation service companies - Aviandina S.A.C., Lasa Peru S.A.C., Vuela Peru S.A.C, and Transportes Aereos Unidos Selva Amazonica S.A.; three travel agencies - Peru Global Tours S.A.C., Oriente Tours S.R.L., and Representaciones Oriente Tours S.R.L.  In addition, two aviation cleaning service companies - Lucero Import S.A.C. and Peru Total Market E.I.R.L., and two printing press companies - Editora Transparencia S.A. and Empresa Editora Continente Press S.A. were designated.  Finally, the OFAC investigation targeted key offshore companies in Panama - Bellosom Enterprise Inc. and Blissey Panama Inc. and the British Virgin Islands - La Crosse Group Inc. that supported the Fernando Zevallos financial network.

This action is part of ongoing efforts under the Kingpin Act to apply financial measures against significant foreign narcotics traffickers worldwide.  Including today's action, 580 entities and individuals associated with 75 drug kingpins have been designated pursuant to the Kingpin Act since June 2000. 

The designation would not have been possible without key support from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Field Division.

The action freezes any assets the designated individuals may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions involving those assets.  Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act range from civil penalties of up to $1,075,000 per violation to more severe criminal penalties.  Criminal penalties for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $5 million.  Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10 million.  Other individuals face up to 10 years in prison for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act and fines pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code.

The study of terrorism has not been without its faulty conclusions and theories concerning the mechanics of terrorist operations. At one time, an over-paid psychologist put forth the theory on why terrorists took over airplanes. The psychologist theorized, after interviewing a number of these individuals, that they were all late walkers as children and held a deep psychological hatred for gravity. This hatred manifested itself in the form of terrorism targeting airplanes. The psychologist went on to theorize that people in the Middle East had inner ear development deficiencies which could be cured if the West were to start a program of zinc treatments. Thus terrorism could be ended with a vitamin!

Another current theory prevailing in the world of counter-terrorism is that ideologically opposed groups will not work together. This is almost a daily mantra proclaimed by those fighting on the front in Iraq. Sunni and Shia insurgent/terrorist groups will never work together. Has anyone paid attention to the fact that the Iranians (Shias) have had senior al-Qa'ida (Sunni) leadership under "house arrest" for years since 9/11? This house arrest is merely a way for the Iranians to monitor and have an open line of communication with the Sunni extremists. This relationship goes back to the 1990s when Iran hosted a "terrorist summit" between Shia and Sunni organizations. The goal was to stop the in-fighting and share intelligence and training while targeting the West. Usama bin Laden's third eldest son, Sa'ad, bridged communications between the Iranians Qods Force and Zawahiri after the 2008 US embassy attack in Yemen. When these groups run low on resources, money and people, they will work with anybody. It becomes survival at any cost and the enemy of my enemy is my friend becomes that much truer. Cooperation between threat elements must be taken seriously or we may miss the indicators of a larger, newer threat emerging.

We now find that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - FARC) and the Basque Homeland and Freedom group (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna - ETA) have been working together for years together. The Irish Republican Army has helped the ETA train the FARC on guerrilla tactics and explosives training. Documents found in France in 2008 demonstrate a(n) ETA-FARC relationship dating back to 2003. Ex-FARC members recount training by the ETA in Venezuela. This relationship also crossed into the criminal world with both groups supporting drug trafficking. Last year saw the revelation of connections between Hugo Chavez and the FARC with money being funneled to the organizations. 

Another development in the world of inter-connected terrorism is the apparent relationship between Chavez and Iran. There has been for some time, a 'Hezbollah in Latin America' which wants to bring Khomeini style Islam to the western world. This is a development that must be watched carefully as Iran tries to spread its influence into the region. Hezbollah and Iran have already been charged with the bombing attack of a Jewish center in Argentina that killed 85 people.   

The Superseding Indictment alleges that the defendants purchased, and then illegally exported to ultimate buyers in Iran, numerous "dual use" commodities. "Dual-use" commodities are goods and technologies that have commercial application, but could also be used to further the military or nuclear potential of other nations and could be detrimental to the foreign policy or national security of the United States. In this regard, the Superseding Indictment alleges that the defendants caused the export of 120 field-programmable gate arrays, more than 5000 integrated circuits of varying types, approximately 345 Global Positioning Systems ("GPS"), 12,000 Microchip brand micro-controllers, and a Field Communicator. All of these items have potential military applications, including as components in the construction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The charges announced are the result of an extensive inter-agency investigation into the use of U.S.-made goods in the construction of IEDs and other explosive devices used against Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Charged in the Superseding Indictment are: Ali Akbar Yahya, an Iranian national and naturalized British citizen; F.N. Yaghmaei, a/k/a " Farrokh Nia Yaghmaei," an Iranian national; Mayrow General Trading, Atlinx Electronics, Micatic General Trading, Madjico Micro Electronics, a/k/a "MME," and Al-Faris, all Dubai-based businesses; Neda Industrial Group, an Iran-based business; Bahman Ghandi, a/k/a "Brian Ghandi," an Iranian national; Farshid Gillardian, a/k/a "Isaac Gillardian," a/k/a "Isaac Gill," an Iranian national and a naturalized British citizen; Kaam Chee Mun, a/k/a "Brian Kaam," a resident of Malaysia; Djamshid Nezhad, a/k/a "Reza," a resident of Germany; Ahmad Rahzad, a/k/a "Saeb Karim," an Iranian national; Majid Seif, a/k/a "Mark Ong,"a/k/a "Matti Chong," an Iranian national residing in Malaysia; and Eco Biochem Sdn BHD and Vast Solution Sdn BHD, Malaysian businesses.

The defendants are charged with purchasing and causing the export of U.S. goods to Iran through middle countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, England, Germany, and Singapore. More specifically, the charges in the Indictment are as follows:

• Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment charges defendants Yahya, Yaghmaei, Mayrow General Trading, Atlinx Electronics, Micatic General Trading, Majidco Micro Electronics, Al-Faris, and Neda Industrial Group with conspiracy to export goods to Iran and to defraud the United States, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Title 50, United States Code, Sections 1702 and 1705(a), the United States Iran Embargo, and the Export Administration Regulations, and Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
• Counts 2 through 5 charge defendants Yahya, Yaghmaei, Micatic, and Mayrow with exporting U.S. goods from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the United States Iran Embargo.
• Counts 6 through 8 charge defendants Yahya, Yaghmaei, Majidco, Micatic, and Mayrow with making false statements in federally mandated shipping documents regarding the ultimate destination and use of the goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).
• Count 9 charges defendants Yahya, Mayrow, Al-Faris, Ghandi, Gillardian, Mun, Nezhad, Rahzad, Seif, Eco Biochem, and Vast Solution with conspiracy to export goods to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Title 50 United States Code, Sections 1702 and 1705(a), the United States Iran Embargo, and the Export Administration Regulations, and to defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
• Counts 10 and 11 charge defendants Al-Faris, Seif, and Vast Solution with exporting U.S. goods from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the United States Iran Embargo.
• Counts 12 and 13 charge defendant Seif with making false statements by misrepresenting the ultimate destination and use of the goods on Federal Form BS-711 Statement By Ultimate Consignee and Purchaser, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).

U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta stated, "The dual use items that the defendants illegally exported to Iran have military applications, including the making of improvised explosive devices. I urge any domestic supplier who may have unwittingly helped the defendants, or others like them, to come forth and report the matter to federal law enforcement. We cannot profit at the expense of our soldiers’ safety abroad. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate this matter as additional information is uncovered."

"This extensive, effective government effort has broken up a lethal international ring seeking to harm American and allied forces as well as innocent civilians by acquiring sensitive U.S. technology capable of producing improvised explosive devices (IED) similar to those being used in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Mario Mancuso, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security. "The Commerce Department remains firmly committed to protect our forces by prosecuting those who try to do them harm, and today’s action illustrates the broad scope of that endeavor."

Adam Szubin, Director of the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, added, "The U.S. Government is wielding a powerful array of authorities against Iran's proliferation supply chain. In concert with today's unsealed indictment against Iran's suppliers and middlemen, Treasury is levying sanctions against Iranian military end-users that procured goods from those named in today's indictment. Together, the actions of the Justice, Commerce, and Treasury Departments will expose Iran's proxies to the world and undermine its procurement activities."

Sharon Woods, Director of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, stated, "The illegal diversion of U.S. military technologies through deception, by domestic and foreign companies, poses a significant danger to America's soldiers on the battlefield. These illegally exported goods provided our enemies with necessary components to manufacture improvised explosive devices, designed to kill and maim U.S. troops and allies. The Pentagon's Defense Criminal Investigative Service and its investigative partners will continue to pursue and expose these hidden enemies to help protect our soldiers as we fight against global terrorism."

"The national security implications of this case cannot be underestimated," said Julie L. Myers, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE. "The export of dual use technology is controlled for good reason. In the wrong hands, these items could be used to harm our soldiers, our homeland, and our allies. Enforcing U.S. export laws is one of our top priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who put our country at risk are brought to justice."

If convicted on the conspiracy charges, the defendants each face a statutory maximum sentence of up to five (5) years’ imprisonment. If convicted of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iran Embargo, the defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of up to twenty (20) years’ imprisonment. If convicted of making false statements, the defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of up to five (5) years’ imprisonment. In addition, the defendants face possible fines of up to $1 million.

Mr. Acosta commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which led this investigation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of Department of the Treasury, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Investigations, for their work on this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Damian.

The As-Sabiqun movement is an Islamic movement/organization under the leadership of founder Imam Abdul Alim Musa. It is based in Washington, D.C., and has branches in Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and Philadelphia. The goal of this organization is to promote Islam as a way of life over the way of life guaranteed by the United States Constitution. This organization follows the teaching of Hasan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood Founder, and Sayyid Qutb, considered by most the father of the current extremist version of Islam. Qutb's book milstones is the cornerstone of the Islamists movement and blamed the West for the decline of the Muslims. This book also charged Muslims with the task of destroying the West in return for the blessing of Allah upon the Muslim people.  

The organization was created by Imam Musa in the early 1990s, at the Masjid Al-Islam mosque in Philadelphia, PA. The name As-Sabiqun is approximately translated from Arabic as “the vanguard”. The inspiration for the name comes from the ayah (verse) in the Holy Qur’an (9:100):

Ideologically, the group is influenced by the writings and life work of El-Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X), Maulana Mawdudi, Shaikh ‘Uthman dan Fodio, Hasan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Kalim Siddiqui, Imam Khomeini, and others. The organization's leadership has delivered numerous speeches in the United States and abroad, contributing their analyses and efforts to solve contemporary problems in the Muslim world and in urban America. The paramount goal of the movement is the establishment of Islam as a complete way of life in America. This ultimate goal is predicated on the belief—shared by many Muslims worldwide—that Islam is fully capable of producing a working and just social, political, economic order. The group does not advocate participation in the American political process as an ideal method for advancing Islamic issues in the U.S.; instead, it believes in a strong and active outreach to the people of the U.S. (this is the Dawa). Nevertheless, Imam Musa has indicated a dedication to avoid what he calls an “absolutist” outlook on the advancement of Muslims. The As-Sabiqun philosophy stresses unity between the various Islamic organizations in the attainment of common goals. Cooperation on domestic social issues with like-minded non-Muslim groups is also encouraged, as long as Islamic ethics and morality are not compromised. Additionally, although As-Sabiqun is a Sunni movement, they have publicly voiced support for Shi’a movements and organizations such as the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran and Hizbullah. Imam Musa has repeatedly stressed that the tendency by some Muslims to focus on the differences between Sunni and Shi’a Islam at this juncture in history is counterproductive to the goals of the Islamic movement as a whole.

The group encourages social-political advancement concurrent with a program of spiritual and moral development according to the Qur’an and Sunnah (example) of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Leadership stresses a do-for-self methodology to achieve independence and self-determination. The inspiration for this concept is based on the Qur’anic ayah: “Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls).” (13:11)

The group has a six-point plan of action which is implemented at each location where a branch of the movement is established:

Daily Islamic studies classes are offered at the various As-Sabiqun masajid (mosques) across the country on a variety of topics, including basic Islamic beliefs and practices, Qur’anic tafseer (commentary on the meanings of the Qur’an and their practical significance), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence and law), the Islamic movement, and analysis of contemporary political events. New members of the group are encouraged to attend these classes as well as to individually familiarize themselves with the works of Islamic thinkers such as Maulana Mawdudi, Hasan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Kalim Siddiqui, Shaikh ‘Uthman dan Fodio, and others. Special emphasis is placed on personal development and growth based on the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw),and incorporating tightly knit family units within the overall community structure.

In addition to daily classes, each masjid also provides youth mentorship, marriage counseling, a prison outreach program, and employment assistance for ex-convicts. The As-Sabiqun branch in Los Angeles was instrumental in creating a free health clinic in cooperation with other Islamic groups. The headquarters branch in D.C. has developed scout programs for young members of the community.

Introduction to Islam

Fundamentals of Islam by Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdudi
Towards Understanding Islam by Abul A'la Mawdudi
Let Us Be Muslims by Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdudi
Milestones by Sayyid Qutb
The Life of Muhammad by Muhammad Husein Haykal, or same title by Abdul

Brotherhood/Leadership 

Organization of Government Under the Holy Prophet (saw) by Dr. Muhammad Yasin Mazhar Siddiqui
Memoirs of Hasan al Banna Shaheed by N.M. Shaikh
Islamic Education and Hasan al Banna by Yusuf al Qardawi
A Short History of the Revivalist Movement in Islam by Abul A'la Mawdudi
Selected Writings of Hasan al-Banna Shaheed by S.A. Qureshi
Problems Faced By the Da'wah and the Da'iyah by Fathi Yakan
Priorities of the Islamic Movement in the Coming Phase by Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi
Stages of Islamic Revolution by Kalim Siddiqui
In Pursuit of the Power of Islam: Major Writings of Kalim Siddiqui ed. by Zafar Bangash
Methodology of Education Adopted by the Muslim Brotherhood by Dr. Ali Abdel- Hameed Mahmoud

Imam Musa Biography

Imam Abdul Alim Musa was born in Arkansas but grew up in Oakland, California during the 1960s—a time of intense social upheaval which produced groups like the Black Panthers and offshoots of the Nation of Islam. While being a supporter of the community’s revolutionary sentiment, Imam Musa became an active and very successful drug-dealer. His “street” background helps explain part of his appeal to inner-city youths and ex-convicts, with whom he can identify through personal experiences. After evading the authorities for several years, Imam Musa was forced to leave the U.S. He traveled to various countries in Africa, Europe, and Central and South America, at one time becoming a leading cocaine-exporter in Colombia, an experience that led him to discover the direct involvement of the CIA in cocaine and heroine importation to the U.S. In Algeria, he came in contact with several exiled Black Panther leaders such as Eldridge Cleaver and Pete O'Neal, as well as many prominent figures active in the decolonization struggles of African countries. After returning to the U.S., he turned himself in and was sent to prison. While incarcerated, Imam Musa accepted traditional Islam before his release. 

For many years after his release, the Imam continued his studies of Islam and was a keen observer of the political and social events taking place in the Muslim world. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, in a move that was rare for Sunni Muslims, Imam Musa publicly expressed his support for the Islamic Republic and its leader Imam Khomeini. Since the early 1980s, he made several visits to Iran as a representative of Muslims in the United States and a supporter of the Islamic revival. He made connections with a wide array of Muslim leaders during the decade—both Sunni and Shi’a—and stressed that unity was a primary objective for the Islamic movement’s success. After searching for leadership for several years without success, he took it upon himself to create an organization—the As-Sabiqun movement—that was capable of supporting the unique needs of Muslims living in the U.S. while simultaneously incorporating an international outlook and agenda. His methodology draws heavily on the writings of Malcolm X, Maulana Mawdudi, Shaikh ‘Uthman dan Fodio, Hasan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Kalim Siddiqui, and Imam Khomeini. The movement has spread across the U.S. and is extremely popular among college students and African-American youth.

Excerpts from a Newsletter entitiled "Paradigm Shift" Dec 2006:

Over the last several decades, history has propelled the Islamic movement in the direction of improvement, expansion, correction, and reconditioning. This rejuvenated global Islamic consciousness is aided by a high tide reflected in the areas of common goals, sincere coordinated efforts, and the imminence of an emerging system or structure.

In our analysis, some of the important steps that have led us to today’s paradigm shift are as follows:
1. Islamic Revolution in Iran (1979) and its survival
2. Defeat of the Soviet Union by the mujahideen in Afghanistan (1979-1989)
3. Formation of Hizbullāh, the leading group in the Islamic Resistance of Lebanon (1985)
4. Gulf War (1991)
5. September 11, 2001
6. U.S. invasion of Afghanistan (2001)
7. U.S. invasion of Iraq (2003)
8. Defeat of the Zionist invasion of Lebanon by Hizbullāh (2006)

Today, the majority of Muslims worldwide believe that the United States government, along with Israeli and Saudi intelligence operatives, is responsible for designing and executing the attack on the World Trade Center which took place on September 11, 2001. Reasons are obvious, even to the political novice. This attack, blamed on Muslims worldwide, provided the necessary justification for global arrogance—made up of imperialistic nations—to declare open warfare on peace-loving Muslims across the world, and to garner support for a pre-conceived agenda of expanding and solidifying a position of global political and military prominence. With radio waves, TV screens, and newspapers blasting indignation at the attack, the U.S. was enabled to invade Afghanistan. Within a few weeks’ time, it subdued the Taliban. Militarily, what the Soviets were unable to do in ten years, the U.S. had seemingly done in an instant.

In today’s world, great revolution and change come from the most unexpected places, i.e., the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the halting of U.S. aggression in Iraq, the great victory of Hizbullāh over Zionism, and the list is bound to continue.

We believe that in Somalia, Palestine, and everywhere else on the map, Islam will rise—and surprise—the world (insha’Allāh).

Always cherish the intention of jihād and the desire for martyrdom in the way of Allah and actually prepare yourself for that.

Excerpts from a Newsletter entitiled "As-Sabiqun is on the Move!!!" Dec 1996:

We are currently in another phase of Islamic struggle. This phase is one of communitybuilding and institutional construction. We believe that in order for Islam to grow, develop, and prosper in America, we must take the offensive in laying the groundwork and making preparation for calling America to Islam. At this time, we are working to build a strong infrastructure capable of launching this needed offensive. Our concerns are presently focused on four major areas: 1) masājid, 2) schools, 3)businesses, and 4) geographical integrity.

In the absence of an Islamic government, the masjid (especially in foreign societies) should become our focal point of action. In fact, the collectivity of masājid in many of our countries has proven to be the greatest source of opposition against anti-Islamic laws and policies and against those who wish to obstruct the establishment of an Islamic society. Similar to what has taken place throughout Muslim history, as outlined above, the masājid that we establish shall act, insha’Allāh, as fortresses against general societal pollution. They will serve as a place to collect the Muslims, organize them, and direct our human and material resources towards the cause of Allah (swt).

The second pillar in our structure is Islamic education. We have bore witness to the pollution of a non-believing society and the harm it has caused to our adult population. We can only imagine how much more dangerous it must be for our children. Therefore, Islamic education is of foremost importance to us. For the past seven years, we have been operating a full-time school in Oakland, CA. Insha’Allāh, our next targets for this project are Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA.

Most Islamic movements or organizations are dependent upon rich governments, wealthy individuals, and/or assistance from organizations who, in the future, may exercise control over their direction and freedom of action. For this reason, we have striven to support ourselves and all of our activities independently.

For us, geographical integrity means that after establishing a masjid, we should consolidate our efforts by living in close proximity to it. As we move closer to the locale of the masjid, we become a concentrated, single-minded people. As this process continues, we become a community within a community, a city within a city, a nation within a nation—an Ummah determining and directing its own affairs.

Final goal. Harness the power and resources of the West for Islam. Establish the system of Islamic governance known as Khilāfah, or the Caliphate, patterned after the leadership exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Call others to Islam. Familiarize your leadership with your activities, and never undertake any action without first consulting your leadership. Keep yourself in constant spiritual and physical contact with your community and always consider yourself a soldier in the barracks awaiting a command.

Excerpts from a Newsletter entitiled "Bay’ah: Oath of Allegiance" Mar 1996:

The office of Khalīfah is a great threat to colonial powers. International disunity is reflected in the so-called Muslim “nation-states” who, along with their Western masters, cannot agree on anything regarding Islam except their need to unify against their most dangerous threat: Islamic unity. The last thing these “nation-states” and their masters want is the revival of the universal Islamic principle of jamā’ah. Already, the discipline which flows from the fountain of our belief manifests itself in our regular practice of Islam. For example, Salāt is a form of training which we faithfully undertake five times a day. Another example is Sawm (fasting), which trains us to incorporate in our lives the willingness to control our nafs so that our desires (to eat, to engage in sexual activity, to fill our minds with the mundane, etc.) and our energies are instead placed in the service of Islam. One of the highest levels of discipline is hearing and obeying the amīr, imām, or (in times past and in the future, insha’Allāh) the Khalīfah. This requirement is at odds with the Western ideal of the “supremacy of the individual,” whose “good” is often in direct conflict with Allah and with the good of the community. The cult of individualism is, however, a wonderful tool for the forces of kufr, whose good is obtained through allegiance and attachment to the things of this material world. It is no wonder, then, that our enemies invariably tie the tag of “terrorist” and “fundamentalist” to
those who are disciplined enough to reject individualism; those who instead gather in groups and make Salāt, who fast together, and of course, those who further foster discipline and jamā’ah by being involved in Islamic movement. In short, the enemies of Islam have declared their enemy to be all Muslims who wish to practice Islam in its full sense.

In conclusion, bay’ah is for all believers, for all times, in all places, and under all conditions. We exist in a non-Islamic society, with little resources and few dependable institutions, and so we have plenty of work to do. Let us spend our efforts in the building of these institutions. If we are without leadership then we must seek it out, support it, develop it, guard and protect it. The great mission of Iqāmatul-Deen (establishment of the Deen of Islam) cannot be carried on by scattered individuals. It must be taken up by a jamā’at—a group or party. This jamā’at must have leadership. In order to oversee the collection, distribution, and administration of resources of the Ummah, both human and material, there must be a structured organization. Over recent centuries, the lack of planning, organization, and general principles of management has been a major thorn in the side of the Muslim Ummah. Bay’ah is an Islamic principle that is needed today more than ever. We should be cautious of those who encourage us to avoid bay’ah and give the excuse that since we don’t have a state or territory, there is no need for this principle. This view leaves us with only one alternative: to wander from one masjid to another, to float from one gathering of Muslims to another without any
commitment or focus.

Because of human failure, bay’ah has been misused and abused, but misuse does not nullify the value that this crucial principle of Islam carries. As we mature as an Islamic community and as an Ummah, we will, insha’Allāh, better handle our responsibilities and duties to Allah and to each other and avoid the past misuse of bay’ah. From the Hijrah of the Prophet (saw) up to the present, the organizing principle in Islamic movements has been bay’ah. The Sokoto Khilāfah in northern Nigeria under the leadership of Uthmān dan Fodio, Ikhwān al-Muslimeen under Hasan al-Banna, and Jamā’at Islāmī under Maulana Mawdudi all have developed through the act of bay’ah. Here in the West, it is not
necessary for someone to float in on a flying carpet to give us the “okay” for bay’ah. We must strive to establish—first locally, then nationally—a system of governance patterned after the leadership exemplified by the Prophet (saw). Insha’Allāh, we will work towards and contribute to the re-establishment of international Khilāfah.

Foster Islamic wealth in general by encouraging and helping Islamic economic institutions. Be careful about your money; don’t let it fall into un-Islamic hands regardless of the circumstances. Eat and wear products of Islamic enterprises.

Excerpts from a Newsletter entitiled "A Call to Organized Struggle " Nov 1995:

“Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion—the one that He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: ‘They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me.’ If any do reject Faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked. So establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and obey the Messenger; that ye may receive mercy. Never think thou that the Unbelievers are going to frustrate (Allah’s Plan) on earth: Their abode is the Fire—and it is indeed an evil refuge!” (al Nūr, 24:55-57)

At the end of this century, we find the Muslim Ummah around the world struggling to recover from colonialism and/or neo-colonialism. Simultaneously, in the West, we find large number of people embracing Islam as a way of life. These converts (or reverts) come with a strong
commitment to work in the cause of Allah because they understand that Islam, and only Islam, brings both personal and global salvation.
This movement toward Islam has not gone unnoticed by the opponents of Islam—our opponents—who seek to stem the tide of Islamic
awakening in the West by diverting potential Muslims away from true īmān (belief) to true kufr (unbelief). They have adopted as their primary strategy the building up of kufr through their various information outlets while simultaneously playing down true Islam with either blatant distortions or silence. It now becomes incumbent upon believers to launch a genuine Islamic movement, capable of challenging Western society at its very roots—UNBELIEF (KUFR)!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
AS-SĀBIQŪN RESOLUTION
OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Safar 8, 1416 AH (July 4, 1995)

We could have begun this historic document with such world-famous and often honored statements as “We the people in order to form a more perfect union do ordain to establish...,” the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America, or perhaps “When in the course of human events...,” from the Declaration of Independence. As Muslims, however, we are constrained from offering such earthbound and man-created covenants. Far from proclaiming what “we” as humans can assert, we acknowledge and turn for help to Allah (swt). We understand that Allah (swt) and Allah (swt) alone is in charge of the course of human events. As Muslims, we have the responsibility of resolving to do His will in accordance with His revelation, using the methodology of His final Messenger—Prophet Muhammad (saw). This, then, is our “Declaration of Independence.” By statement of the following Resolutions, we declare our independence from man-made concepts:

1. We resolve to take Sūrah al Nisā’, āyah 59 as the guiding principle of our actions:
“O ye who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.” (4:59)

2. We resolve to work with each other and to guard and support each other.

3. We resolve to establish Islamic homes, wherein Islamic etiquette, as outlined in the Qur'ān and Hadīth, will be in full force and effect.

4. We resolve to adopt the attitude of optimism in times of distress as exemplified by the Prophets and Messengers.

5. We resolve to maintain continuous struggles with our nafs, greed, envy, and arrogance.

6. We resolve to exercise a regular program of self-improvement by incorporating new knowledge and practicing self-control and self-discipline. We are committed to developing ourselves physically, mentally, and Islamically.

7. We resolve to work toward total economic independence.

8. We resolve to work with other communities (movements), whether they are local, national, or international, toward the end of harnessing the power of Muslims and their resources for the purpose of reestablishing the system of governance known as Khilāfah, or the Caliphate, patterned after the leadership exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (saw).

9. We resolve to utilize all the tools of Islam to develop an analysis and plan of action to totally and completely obliterate the hold of jāhiliyyah and enable Islam to take complete control of our lives, and ultimately, the lives of all human beings on Earth.

10. We resolve to shape the ideas, beliefs, and moral viewpoints of the people into an Islamic mold. Toward this end we will, insha'Allāh, develop the comprehensive educational system that is necessary to inform, inspire, and direct the society toward Islamic revolution (or evolution).

11. We resolve to make Islam a living force by challenging and breaking the hold of social and political forces seeking to suppress and destroy Islam.

The undersigned hereby acknowledge and agree with the Resolutions noted above. As such, the signatories hereby submit themselves and their
families to the program outlined above.

Saudi Arabia promotes itself to be the jewel of the Middle East and home of the most important place to those who follow the religion of Islam. The country holds itself up as a beacon of the way Islam should be practiced and claims it can be done without the radical elements which seem to connect the religion and terrorism. Although it can be argued that the militant extremist version that Usama bin Laden purports has its roots deep in the Saudi Arabia government sanctioned version of Wahabism. However, when one examines the practice of "perfect Islam" in Saudi, one finds some very disturbing facts about the way "others" are treated under this religion.

People from third world countries flock to Saudi for the promise of a better life but typically fall into "modern slavery" where the price of living outweighs the pay. The downward spiral begins when the women go through worker recruitment agencies which charge for the job in another country. The employer may also levy charges on top of the recruiting fee for hiring the worker and then charge for room and board. This deadly cycle creates a mountain of debt which can never be repaid and keeps that person enslaved to the employer. The outlook is even worse for migrant domestic workers (almost two million are women) who are not guaranteed overtime pay or a weekly rest day. The accusations of physical and sexual abuse run rampant but when taken to court, a Saudi court, the victims often get a double dose of abuse. The employers accuse the worker of witchcraft or moral crimes which can then bring a sentence of 60 to 490 lashes and up to 10 years of imprisonment. 24 Filipino guest workers were sentenced in 1996 to 200 lashes for "homosexual behavior".

If you are a foreigner in Saudi Arabia, you cannot own a business or land and typically you work for a Saudi business owner who can take away your work visa at a moments notice. The workers cannot legally leave the country, travel outside the city of their employment, change jobs or get an exit visa without obtaining the written permission of their sponsors. There are many cases where Saudis have refused to pay workers and keep them locked up when they are not working.

Take the case of Nour Miyati, an Indonesian domestic worker, who lost her fingers due to gangrene in 2005 after she was locked up by her employer and then sentenced to 79 lashes by a court in Riyadh for accusing him of abuse. - Amnesty International

Seven members of a Saudi family who employed four Indonesian women as domestic workers severely beat them after accusing them of practicing “black magic” on the family’s teenage son. Siti Tarwiyah Slamet, 32, and Susmiyati Abdul Fulan, 28, died from their injuries. Ruminih Surtim, 25, and Tari Tarsim, 27, are receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of Riyadh Medical Complex. - Human Rights Watch

Siti Mujiati, an Indonesian domestic worker, was not allowed to return to Indonesia for 6 years and 8 months and never received any pay for all the years of service. - Human Rights Watch

Haima G., a Filipino domestic worker was brought into the bedroom of her employer and raped over and over again. She told the woman of the house and was then locked away until she escaped and hid in her embassy for 9 months. She was then told she was going to be deported after an unsuccessful attempt at a trial against her former employer. - Human Rights Watch

Ponnamma S., Sri Lankan domestic worker was physically abused for nearly 18 months every time pay was mentioned. - Human Rights Watch

Masad Mohamed Abou Wafi el-Gawhari, an Egyptian, was found guilty of stealing 259,000 Saudi riyal from his guarantor. When Masad asked his guarantor, Saudi Fuhad bin Aoud al-Rashidi, to let him go back to Egypt, the man kept stalling and when Masad insisted, his guarantor accused him of robbing him. - EgyptSearch.com

Rizana Nafeek a 17 year old Sri Lankan domestic worker was sentenced to death by a Saudi court for murdering a baby in her care. Nafeek described the incident as an accident, but did not have access to legal or consular assistance during the trial, and alleged she was forced to confess. - World Report 2008

Even more disturbing is to hear the abuse from the victim's own mouth:

"She beat me until my whole body burned. She beat me almost every day.... She would beat my head against the stove until it was swollen. She threw a knife at me but I dodged it. I had a big black bruise on my arm where she had beaten my arm with a cooking spoon, she beat me until the spoon broke into two pieces. This behavior began from the first week I arrived. It was the lady employer, the man was good…. She would scream, “I hope you die! I hope your family dies! I hope you become deformed!” She never paid me for 10 months. I thought if I don’t escape, I will die." —Wati S., Indonesian domestic worker, Human Rights Watch

“They treated me like a dog, not like a human being. The whole family treated me like this….Everything [had to be] separate for me. I was not allowed to be with them. Even my clothes couldn’t be put in the washing machine. I had to hand wash them separately. I had to use separate forks and spoons.” Nur A., an Indonesian migrant, Human Rights Watch.

These are not isolated cases, the embassies of the migrant workers receive thousands of complaints a year. Our own government recognizes the problem. US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report 2007 - "The Government of Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so. The government continues to lack adequate anti-trafficking laws, and, despite evidence of widespread
trafficking abuses, did not report any criminal prosecutions, convictions, or prison sentences for trafficking crimes committed
against foreign domestic workers."

Ed Husein the author of The Islamist, writes about his travels to Saudi and seeing the rows of houses, made from corrugated metal slapped together, where the third class citizens lived. These were people who were followers of Islam but because they were not Saudi or Arab were treated with as much respect as a dog. Husein is deeply affected by his eye-opening experience and how it revealed the hypocricsy of Saudis being a perfect example of Islam.  

Analysis:
The King of Saudi Arabia has an anti-human trafficking law that is awaiting his approval. The law was submitted by religious scholars who say that under Sharia Law that legal human trafficking should be criminalized. While everyone waits to see what the King will do, the real question is can Saudi change a way of life and bigotry that plagues it? How long will the international community turn a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens before calling for change? An even bigger question for Americans, is why does our government turn a blind eye to a government that does nothing to stop human trafficking and modern slavery? Why do we continue to be an enabler of human rights violaters and abusers?

How can we change our image in the world when the people know we don't really stand for freedom and the pursuit of happiness? How can we ever really have an effective foreign policy when people are abused in every way imaginable and we shake hands with those same abusive governments and call them friends? These are some of the root causes for the animosity that the world feels towards us. Let's hope we can actually address this issue.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced financial sanctions against family members of regime leaders and key additional individuals and businesses that are part of  the financial network of Tay Za, a Burmese business tycoon and arms dealer with close ties to Burma's military junta. 

"We are tightening financial sanctions against Tay Za, an arms dealer and financial henchman of Burma's repressive junta," said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin.  "The President has made clear that we will continue to take action against the military junta and those who prop it up so long as human rights violations continue and democracy is suppressed."

The action targets the Htoo Group of Companies, which carries out key projects on behalf of the Burmese junta, including the purchase of military equipment and aircraft for the Burmese military.  

Among the individuals named today is Aung Thet Mann, a director of Tay Za's Htoo Group of Companies. Aung Thet Mann is the son of General Thura Shwe Mann, a senior official in the Burmese government and a member of the State Peace and Development Council.  Tay Za has used his business relationship with Aung Thet Mann to win favorable business contracts from the Burmese junta. OFAC also designated Thiha, Tay Za's brother and business partner, and U Kyaw Thein, a director of Tay Za's business ventures in Singapore. 

The companies designated include Myanmar Avia Export Company Ltd., a company Tay Za has used to purchase helicopters and aircraft on behalf of the Burmese regime; Ayer Shwe Wah Company Limited, an enterprise for which Aung Thet Mann serves as a director; and Pavo Aircraft Leasing Pte. Ltd. in Singapore.

Four spouses of senior Burmese government officials have also been named - Khin Lay Thet, the wife of General Thura Shwe Mann; Myint Myint Ko, the wife of Construction Minister Saw Tun; Tin Lin Myint, the wife of Lieutenant-General Ye Myint; and Myint Myint Soe, the wife of Foreign Affairs Minister Nyan Win. 

These actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13448, which authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to designate senior regime officials, human rights violators in Burma, persons engaged in public corruption in Burma, financial and material supporters of the Government of Burma, and spouses and dependent children of previously designated individuals. Tay Za was named along with five of his companies by President George W. Bush in the Annex to E.O. 13448 of October 18, 2007.

This designation freezes any assets the designees may have subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and prohibits all financial and commercial transactions by any U.S. person with the designated companies and individuals.  It also puts the world on notice about the financial operations of key junta associates and their companies.

Identifying Information:

ROYAL KUMUDRA HOTEL
Address: No. 1 Ywama Curve, Ba Yint Naung Road, Block (2), Hlaing Township, Rangoon, Burma; No. 9 Hotel Zone, Nay Pyi Taw, Burma

SENTOSA TREASURE PTE. LTD.
Address: 3 Shenton Way, 10-01 Shenton House, Singapore 068805, Singapore[JADE] [BURMA}

"The Waad Project is another example of Hezbollah's use of deceptive tactics to support its military and terrorist apparatus," said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey.

Hezbollah established the Waad Project, in part, because Jihad al-Bina--Hezbollah's main construction company--had difficulty receiving funds from donors following its designation under E.O. 13224 by the Treasury Department on February 20, 2007. Hezbollah Secretary General Hasan Nasrallah publicly endorsed the Waad Project in May 2007.

Hezballah has used the Waad Project to rebuild its command headquarters in Beirut's southern suburbs, which was destroyed in the summer 2006 conflict with Israel. The Waad Project has built Hezbollah's underground weapons storage facilities and parts of the group's military infrastructure in Lebanon. Additionally, the Waad Project's website has provided telephone numbers for those wishing to donate aid to Hezbollah, Jihad al-Bina, and the Hezbollah-controlled Martyrs Association, an organization named as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in July 2007 for providing financial support to Hezbollah.

The Waad Project has tried to hide its affiliation with Hezbollah, just as Jihad al-Bina used deceptive means to seek funding projects from international development organizations. Additionally, the general manager of the Waad Project has stated that donors to the Waad Project have wished to remain anonymous because Hezbollah is a terrorist organization and they preferred not to be identified due to the risks of dealings with a terrorist group.

Under E.O. 13224, any assets held by the Waad Project under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the Waad Project.

Identifier Information
WAAD PROJECT
AKAs: Wa'id Company; Wa'ed Organization; Waad Waed; Wa'd Project; Al-Waad Al-Sadiq; Waad Company; Waad for Rebuilding the Southern Suburb;
`Mashura Waad Laadat Al-Aamar; Waad Project for Reconstruction; Wa'ad As Sadi
Telephone No.: 009613679153; 009613380223; 03889402; 03669916
Location: Harat Hurayk, Lebanon; Beirut, Lebanon

Analysis:
Only by exposing the support network of terrorists will we be able to actually damage the terrorist organization. As history and current events show us, there seems to be an abundance of individuals who will step up to be the "action" (the one who carries out the attack) terrorist. These are the ones who challenge our armed forces overseas and who law enforcment are now dealing with on an almost daily basis. The problem doesn't seem to be catching the "action" terrorists. Identifying and targeting the more elusive support network emerges as a new priority. These are the ones behind the scenes who just move on to supporting other "action" terrorists and carrying out more attacks. The Treasury Deprtment should be applauded for its effort in understanding the complexities of terrorism and taking action against the support networks.

The following individuals and companies are all tied to the infamous nuclear smuggling network led by Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan. The United States Government determined on January 9, 2009 that foreign persons have engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery. The following foreign persons' property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13382:

Identifying Information:

SELIM ALGUADIS
DOB: 27 May 1944
POB: Turkey
Nationality: Turkey
Passport#: 585843 (Turkey) issued 11 November 1999 in Istanbul
Background Information: According to Input Solutions, in 2004 Turkish businessman Selim Alguadis claimed to have no knowledge of supplying sophisticated electrical goods to Libya. Alguadis was cited in a public report from the Malaysian inspector-general of police into the Malaysian end of a Pakistani-led clandestine network that supplied Libya, Iran and North Korea with nuclear weapons technologies, designs and expertise. He had, the report alleged, "supplied electrical cabinets and power supplier-voltage regulators to Libya." Selim says he did meet with Abdul Qadeer Khan but "the relationship has been purely social" and Abu Tahir. Tahir was named as the network's CFO and main money launderer.

SHANSUL BAHRIN BIN RUKIBAN
Nationality: Malaysia

KURSAD ZAFER CIRE
AKA: KURSAT ZAFER
DOB: 30 August 1967
POB: Germany
Nationality: Turkey
Passport #: 778456 (Turkey) issued 14 May 1997 in Istanbul expired 13 May 2007

MUHAMMAD FAROOQ
DOB: 12 March 1949
Nationality: Pakistan
Passport #: S122252 (Pakistan)

DANIEL GEIGES
DOB: 25 January 1938
POB: Lachen, Switzerland
Nationality: Switzerland
Passport #: 8071366 (Switzerland)

PAUL NICHOLAS GRIFFIN
DOB: 16 February 1964
Nationality: United Kingdom

PETER GRIFFIN
DOB: 9 September 1935
POB: Oxford, United Kingdom
Nationality: United Kingdom
Passport #: B401584 (United Kingdom) issued 28 September 1989 in Newport, Gwent, expired 28 September 1999; Passport B109455 (United Kingdom) issued 3 October 1979

ABDUL QADEER KHAN
AKA: HAYDAR ZAMAN
DOB: 27 April 1936
POB: Bhopal, India
Nationality: Pakistan
Passport #: D000428 (Pakistan)

GOTTHARD LERCH
DOB: 21 December 1942
POB: Germany
Nationality: German
Passport #: 3545767791D (Germany) issued 7 August 1998 at General Consulate, Zurich expired 6 August 2008; alt. Passport 3545767791 (Germany)
ADDRESS: Kreuzbergstrasse 4, 9472 Grabs, St. Gallen Canton, Switzerland

BUHARY SEYED ABU TAHIR
AKA: Bukhari Sayed Abu Tahir
DOB: 17 April 1959
POB: Chennai, India
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Passport #: M2068357 (Sri Lanka) issued 4 September 2001 in Colombo expired September 2006; M1754102 (Sri Lanka) issued 16 March 1999 expired 16 March 2004

GERHARD WISSER
DOB: 2 July 1939
POB: Lohne, Germany
Nationality: German
Passport #: 3139001443 (Germany)

SHAH HAKIM SHAHNAZIM ZAIN
Nationality: Malaysia

EKA ELEKTRONIK KONTROL ALETLERI SANAYI VE TICARET A.S., Turkey

ETI ELEKTROTEKNIK SANAYI VE TICARET A.S., Turkey

TRADEFIN ENGINEERING, South Africa

Along these same lines, the United States government took action against a network of WMD supporters connected to North Korea.

"Proliferators depend on access to the international financial and commercial systems to support their dangerous trade," said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "Our action today exposes a North Korean procurement channel, and we urge governments and companies worldwide to cut this channel off entirely."
Alex H.T. Tsai (Tsai) has been designated for providing, or attempting to provide, financial, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID), which was identified as a proliferator by President George W. Bush in the June 2005 Annex to Executive Order 13382.

Identifying Information:

ALEX H.T. TSAI
AKA: Hsein Tai Tsai
DOB: August 8, 1945
POB: Tainan, Taiwan
Passport #: 131134049 (Taiwan)
Background Information: Tsai has been supplying goods associated with weapons production capabilities to KOMID and its subordinates since the late 1990s, and he has been involved in shipping items to North Korea that could be used to support North Korea's advanced weapons program. On June 19, 2008, Tsai was indicted by Taiwan's Taipei District Prosecutors Office for forging shipping invoices and illegally shipping restricted materials to North Korea.

LU-CHI SU
AKA: Lu-Chi Tsai Su
DOB: February 7 1950
Alt DOB: November 1950
POB: Yun Lin Hsien, Taiwan
Passport #: 210215095 (Taiwan)
Background Information: Alex H.T. Tsai's wife, Lu-chi Su, has also been designated pursuant to Executive Order 13382 for acting or purporting to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Trans Merits Co. Ltd. Lu-chi Su is an officer in Global Interface Company Inc. and Trans Merits Co. Ltd. and is directly involved in the companies' operations.

GLOBAL INTERFACE COMPANY INC.
Formerly Known As: Trans Scientific Corp.
Address: 9F-1, No. 22, Hsin Yi Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, Taiwan
Alt. Address: 1st Floor, No. 49, Lane 280, Kuang Fu S. Road, Taipei, Taiwan
Business Registration Document Number: 12873346 (Taiwan)
Background Information: Global Interface Company Inc. has been designated for being owned or controlled by Tsai, who is a shareholder of the company and acts as its president. Tsai is also the general manager of Trans Merits Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Global Interface Company Inc. that has been designated for being owned or controlled by Global Interface Company Inc.

TRANS MERITS CO. LTD.
Address: 1F, NO. 49, Lane 280, Kuang Fu S. Road, Taipei, Taiwan
Business Registration Document Number: 16316976 (Taiwan)

Iran continues to pull the strings on worldwide terrorism with the continuous "house arrest" of senior al-Qa'ida terrorists. The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated four al-Qa’ida associates under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.

"It is important that Iran give a public accounting of how it is meeting its international obligations to constrain al-Qa’ida," said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.  "Global efforts to financially isolate al-Qa’ida have made it difficult for the core leadership to raise funds and sustain itself.  Nevertheless, al-Qa’ida remains a very dangerous threat, and it is crucial to keep targeting the support lines of al-Qa’ida and its affiliates."

Under E.O. 13224, any assets held by these individuals under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the designees.

"Even though individual terrorist attacks are relatively inexpensive to carry out, it costs a great deal of money for al-Qa’ida to operate globally.  These realities demand that we keep up the financial pressure against al-Qa’ida and like-minded terrorist organizations," Levey continued. "Designations have a far reaching impact, deterring would-be donors from providing financial support to terrorism and leaving al-Qa’ida leadership struggling to identify much-needed funding resources."

Identifying Information:

 
(Photo Source: NBC)
SA'AD BIN LADEN
AKAs: Sad Bin Laden; Sa'ad Muhammad Awad Abud; Muhammad Awad;
Muhammad 'Awad Adbud; Sa'ad Muhammad Baabood; Abdul Rahman Al-Kahtane; Bin Muhammad Awad Abbud
DOB: 1982
POB: Saudi Arabia
Nationality: Saudi Araibian
Passport #: 520951 (Sudan); 530951 (Sudan)
Background Information: Sa'ad bin Laden, the third oldest son of Usama bin Laden, has been involved in al-Qa’ida activities. Saad accompanied Osama on his exile to Sudan from 1991-96, and again moved with his father to Afghanistan. He is believed to be married. In late 2001, Sa'ad facilitated the travel of Usama bin Laden's family members from Afghanistan to Iran. Sa'ad made key decisions for al-Qa’ida and was part of a small group of al-Qa'ida members that was involved in managing the terrorist organization from Iran. Sa'ad bin Laden is said to play a major role planning the attack of a synagogue in Tunisia in April 2002. He was arrested by Iranian authorities in early 2003.

MUSTAFA HAMID
AKAs: Mustafa Muhammad `Atiya Hamid; Mustafa Atiya; Abu Walid al-Misri; Abu al-Walid al-Masri; Abu al-Walid; Hashim al-Makki
POB: Alexandria, Egypt
DOB: March 1945
Nationality: Egyptian / Pakistani
Background Information: Mustafa Hamid is a senior al-Qa’ida associate who served as a primary interlocutor between al-Qa’ida and the Government of Iran. Before the fall of the Taliban, Hamid served as an instructor at a terrorist camp near Jalalabad that trained in the use of explosives. Hamid is the father-in-law of senior al-Qa’ida military commander Sayf al-Adl. He formerly served as a correspondent for a satellite television station, at the request of senior al-Qa’ida leadership. While living in Iran, Hamid was harbored by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which served as Hamid's point of contact for communications between al-Qa’ida and Iran. In the mid-1990s, Mustafa Hamid reportedly negotiated a secret relationship between Usama Bin Laden and Iran, allowing many al-Qa’ida members safe transit through Iran to Afghanistan.

In the late 1990s, Mustafa Hamid passed communications between Usama bin Laden and the Government of Iran. When tensions were high between Iran and Afghanistan, Mustafa Hamid traveled multiple times from Kandahar to Tehran as an intermediary for the Taliban.

In late 2001, Mustafa Hamid was in Tehran delivering messages from the Taliban to the Government of Iran. Hamid also negotiated on behalf of al-Qa’ida in an attempt to relocate al-Qa’ida families to Iran. As part of this effort, senior al-Qa’ida member Abu Hafs, the Mauritanian, traveled with Hamid and two IRGC members to Tehran for meetings. Beginning in late 2001, the family of a senior al-Qa’ida military commander lived with Mustafa Hamid's family in Iran. Separately, in 2002 Mustafa Hamid facilitated contacts between the IRGC and another senior al-Qa’ida military commander. In mid-2003, Mustafa Hamid was arrested in Iran along with other al-Qa’ida members and associates.

MUHAMMAD RAB'A AL-SA YID AL-BAHTIYTI
AKAs: Muhammad Mahmud Rabi' al-Zayd al-Bahtiti; Muhammad Mahmud al-Bahtiti; Muhammad Rabi' al-Sa'id al-Hatiti; Muhammad Rabi' al-Bahtiti; Abu Dujana al-Masri
DOB:1971
P0B: Al-Sharqiyyah, Egypt
Nationality: Egyptian / Pakistani
Background Information: Muhammad Rab'a al-Sayid al-Bahtiyti is a senior member of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ) and an al-Qa’ida operative. Bahtiyti has served as a trusted aide to his father-in-law Ayman al-­Zawahiri.

In the mid-1990s, Bahtiyti served on an al-Qa’ida military committee and provided military training that included urban warfare tactics for al-Qa’ida members. Bahtiyti drafted training manuals for al-Qa’ida as well as a book on security that was used as a template for al-Qa’ida's surveillance operations.

In 1995, Bahtiyti reportedly was involved in the bombing of the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

After September 11, 2001, Ayman al-Zawahiri instructed Bahtiyti to take al-Zawahiri's family to Iran. Bahtiyti reportedly traveled to Iran with al-Zawahiri's daughters, where he was subsequently responsible for them. In January 2003, while working from Iran, Bahtiyti arranged housing on behalf of al-Qa’ida. Bahtiyti reportedly was arrested by Iranian authorities in mid-2003.

ALI SALEH HUSAIN
AKAs: Abu Dahhak; 'Ali Salih Husayn al-Dhahak al-Tabuki; Ali Saleh Husain al-Tabuki; 'Ali Salih Husayn 'Ula'lah; 'Ali Salih Husayn; 'Ala'lah Dhahhak al-Tabuki; Abu Dhahak al-Yemeni
DOB: Circa 1970
POB: al-Hudaydah, Yemen
Nationality: Yemeni
Height: 5'9"
Background Information: Ali Saleh Husain is a senior al-Qa’ida associate who had close relations with Usama bin Laden. Husain was responsible for logistics pertaining to al-Qa’ida-affiliated fighters and acted as an interlocutor between al-Qa’ida and its Chechnya-based affiliates. Husain coordinated with Usama bin Laden on the training of fighters in terrorist camps in Afghanistan who were preparing to travel to Chechnya.

Circa early 2001, Husain reportedly arranged a meeting that included a senior al-Qa’ida operations chief to discuss operations planned against Israel. In April 2002, al-Qa’ida senior official Abu Zubaydah indicated that the responsibility for operational meetings for attacks against Israel had been handed over to Husain. Husain also was reportedly Abu Zubaydah's secondary point of contact for obtaining fraudulent passports.

In 2001 after the fall of the Taliban, Husain facilitated the move of al-Qa’ida-associated fighters, including an al-Qa’ida military commander, from Afghanistan to Iran. After leaving Afghanistan, Husain was responsible for smuggling al-Qa’ida members and associates via networks in Zahedan, Iran. In early 2002, Husain sent $20,000 to a senior al-Qa’ida lieutenant who had requested financial assistance. Husain was detained by the Government of Iran in early 2003.

Call to Jihad to stop the aggression against Gaza

A message from Sheikh Osama Bin Laden, may God protect him, to the Nation of Islam.

My dear Muslim nation, I am not the one who will stand in front of you these difficult days to announce words of denunciation or condemnation to what is going on to our people in Gaza as a curtain I hide behind but I stand in front of you today so I can say a righteous word that will help us with God's permission to restore the rights that were robbed from us.

Analysis Comment: Usama bin Laden (UBL) starts off the speech by saying he will not preach to the Nation of Islam about what is going on in Gaza. The main reason for this tactic is because the Palestinian people can partially blame their current situation on al-Qa'ida (AQ). UBL had the chance to take the organization from Afghanistan to Palestine but decided to take on the "far enemy" instead. These speeches along with others UBL and Zawahiri have released continue to push a message of connection to the Palestinian people. However, the truth remains that AQ has yet to commit any real effort in Palestine and use current events as a back drop for pushing its own agenda. 

These deceptions continue even though the faces and the names have changed.  In every capital today, there is a new Bremer, either openly or behind closed doors, and with him there is an Alawi who is following his orders, and another Sistani or Tantawi backed up by scholars and intellectuals who promote their agendas.  All of these elements are enemies to our nation and I warn you about them because they are well known.  What makes them different from the others is that the ruler allows them access to media outlets so they can speak to the masses and regularly deceive them while the true scholars are not allowed to conduct a Friday sermon in a small forgotten village. There is only one powerful means to restore Palestine and that is Jihad in the path of God, as we have said before.

Analysis Comment: Usama has never had a problem promoting his message but continues to say that he has no access to the media. Yet, every time a message is released it grabs headlines and is translated and published almost immediately. The underlying truth is that his message is repetitive and continues to bring up the same subjects without offering any real solutions. UBL continues the message to the Nation of Islam that the only way to solve problems is violence. This tactic was used extensively by Zarqawi and al-Qa’ida in Iraq (AQI) but has proven to be the turning point for the Sunni support. Sunnis who fought hard for AQI turned their back on the organization with its blatant disregard for Muslim lives. AQI is now almost non-existent and find themselves aligning with any group that can help them survive the backlash.

My Muslim nation, you are capable of defeating the Zionist entity with your masses and your enormous resources that do not depend on the support of your rulers, and in spite of the fact that the majority of them are in collaboration with the Zionist Crusader alliance.  I want to assure you, my nation, that this will be easy for you to do is we work on this seriously.

I want to remind you of two pieces of evidence that prove that you can defeat our enemy with very limited resources.  The first is the major defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and its subsequent fall with the permission of Allah and with the help of the masses without any help from your governments' armies. Since then, the flag of the Soviet Union was snatched from the world, and has been trashed in the basket of forgetfulness, thanks be to God.

Analysis Comment: Another repetitive diatribe about the Soviet-Afghan war. Facts reveal that the native Afghan Mujahedeen with the help of American stinger missiles helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the Afghanistan people. Usama ran a camp for Saudis who would go to Afghanistan, receive training at the bin Laden camp and return to Saudi as "warriors." The UBL forces very rarely engaged in any combat operations and were seen by the Afghanistan forces as "Mujahedeen wanna-bees." UBL continues to refuse to talk about how his organization lost Afghanistan to Coalition Forces (CF) in a matter of weeks in 2001. While al-Qa'ida and the Taliban continue its harassment of CF and the government of Afghanistan, it is still a nomadic organization with no real home.

The second evidence is that after the fall of the Soviet Union, the American regime took advantage of the moment and tried to force its dominance and policies all over the world.  The leaders of our region surrendered to them more and more despite its tyranny and its full support of the Zionist entity.  Right then, a few of your own sons decided to wage Jihad against this sole power and confront the Hitler of the century, the rhinoceros of his time but we broke its horn even though he claims that he will bring the leaders of Jihad dead or alive so he can restore the pride of America and make them an example to follow but we have drawn his limit, killed his soldiers and targeted his people with God's permission America is faltering under the strikes of the Mujahedeen. They are bleeding manpower, politically and also financially.  They are now drowning in the financial crisis so much that they are even begging from smaller nations in addition to bigger nations and therefore America is no longer feared by its enemies and not respected by its allies.

Analysis Comment: At one time UBL predicted the demise of America when the price of a barrel of oil would reach 121 dollars. Unfortunately, the short-sighted terrorist leader forgot that in the world economy, problems in America can have a ripple affect across the world. America did not crumble as UBL predicted and again his organization did not have the power to create the situation in the first place. A recent 60 Minutes piece revealed that oil prices were driven by a group of speculators more than any other factor.

The biggest loser when it comes to this American decline is the Zionist entity because they will lose the vital veins that support its life.
This quick and tremendous decline of the American might is one of the main reasons that the Israelis rushed their barbaric aggression on Gaza in a desperate attempt to take advantage of the last days of the Bush's term and the Neo-conservatives, this phase where they received more support than ever to attack Muslims everywhere and press on the American dominance in the region.

Analysis Comment: Israel revealed one of the main reasons for the launch of the attack was the continuous rocket attack by Hamas even though there was a cease fire in place.  If UBL really cared about the Palestinian people he would have criticized Hamas for endangering the Palestinian people. 

The forces of the White House are being smashed on the rock of the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan and are drowning in the swamps of Iraq.  That is why the Israelis are rushing to annihilate their opponents in Gaza and replace them with Abbas and his so called authority so that he can protect their backs.  That is why they carried out this horrible massacre before the end of Bush's term and before the American weakness becomes more apparent and the veto regime falls.

Analysis Comment: UBL does not want to face the reality that Iraq is almost a non-issue when it comes to American forces. The Iraqi government is now in charge of apprehending, arresting, detaining and prosecuting the insurgent / terrorist elements in its country. This came to fruition with the new security agreement that was implemented on 1 Jan 2009. The Iraqi people now control its destiny while CF now only provides requested support. Given the loss of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq claimed by AQI, the U.S. will withdraw based on Iraqi Government request and not any al-Qa'ida influence.

Here is Biden, the vice president elect saying that the crisis is bigger that they expected and that the American economy, all of it, is open to collapse. Even Alan Greenspan said that the Great Depression will look like a nice picnic when comparing it to the current situation.
The world will never go back to the way it was before and the United States will lose its stature as  a super power when it comes to the financial system.

My Muslim nation, the Jihad of your sons against the Crusader-Zionist alliance is one of the main factors after the blessing of God, of the destructive results to our enemy and that is now showing after the seven years war.  I would like to assure you, my dear nation that God had bestowed us with endurance that will allow us to keep on the course of Jihad for seven more years and another seven and another seven.  Know that patience is the best weapon and faith is the best ammunition and the flag of Jihad will never fall down until Judgment Day
The question here is, will American be able to continue its war against us for more coming decades. The reports and the signs show us otherwise. There are reports that 75% of the American people are happy that the current president is leaving office because he dragged them in wars that they had nothing to do with and drowned them in a financial abyss that reached their ears. He has left his successor with a heavy inheritance.  He has left him between two issues, the sweetest of them is still bitter. It is like someone swallowing a dagger with double edges.  No matter how he moves, it will cut him.

The worst inheritance is when someone inherits a long guerilla war with a tough and patient enemy that is financed by divine loans so if he withdraws from the war, it would be a military defeat and if he continues the war, he will drown in the financial crisis.  It is even worse when he inherited him two wars and not just one and he is incompetent in continuing them.

Analysis Comment: Now Usama finally reveals the real reason for the speech, AQ needs money. UBL mentions divine loans but the fact is that this money has to come from the people of the Nation of Islam. American Forces will pull out of Iraq having defeated the AQ push into the country. While there will be remnants in Iraq, it will never reach the tempo, power or size that AQI achieved with the Zarqawi leadership. One should realize that Zarqawi made tactical mistakes when he turned against the Sunni people with indiscriminate killings. The Sons of Iraq program and its success is a direct result of AQI operations. UBL and his organization can claim credit for those results. 

We are on the course of opening more fronts, with God's permission, so what would be better my dear nation than putting your hand in the hands of your sons the Mujahedeen so we can continue Jihad against the enemies of the faith so we can continue bleeding them out in these two wars, these two open fronts in front of you against the crusader Zionist alliance and their agents in the region in Palestine Iraq, Afghanistan, and Waziristan and Islamic North Africa and in Somalia.  Your duty is to support them in all means.  I have the expertise of Jihad all thanks to God and I know the financial expenses so one businessman's donation is sufficient to help in any of these fronts.

Analysis Comment: AQ has no real authority over al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Algeria or the Isalmists in Somalia. These second generation organizations use the name because of the media attention and as a recruitment tool but do not take orders from AQ or UBL. While the terrorist organizations may talk about a unified front, each one is interested in its own agenda and cannot afford to lend itself to other organizations’ goals.  This is especially true of the Somalia Islamists if it has any connection to the pirates who seem to have a very lucrative ship hostage operation. 

UBL the great jihad fighter was only ever in one direct conflict. This must be the experience required to be an expert in Jihad. Again the listeners are hit up for money as bin Laden tries to allay fears by pointing out that he knows how to run a business and any money donated will be safe. Of course, this is the real reason that UBL became so influential in Afghanistan and important to the Mujahedeen, his access to money. The asking for additional funds reveals a financial problem for AQ and UBL personally. The actions by the U.S. Treasury Department to shut down financial streams for terrorist organizations may have made more impacts than we have realized. While AQ points out financial problems in the U.S., its leader asks the people for a bailout!

"We commend the vigilant and effective work of German authorities in apprehending this terrorist cell before it could carry out its brutal and horrifying attack plans," said Adam Szubin, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.  "In concert with this important law enforcement action, United Nations global sanctions provide a tool of unparalleled scope to disrupt the support lines of this and other al Qaida-affiliated cells."

On September 4, 2007, German authorities arrested three members of a German IJU cell--Fritz Martin Gelowicz, Daniel Martin Schneider, and Adem Yilmaz--on suspicion that they were preparing terrorist attacks on public places and possibly U.S. military facilities in Germany.  German authorities had monitored the three for months and arrested them when they advanced the plot to the point of building explosive devices.  The suspects had acquired 735 kilograms of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide--enough to produce approximately 550 kilograms of explosives--in order to build bombs.

German authorities also found military detonators, apparently intended for use in car bombs.  Had the attacks occurred, estimates show the casualty toll could have far exceeded the 2004 train bombings in Madrid or the 2005 transport bombings in London.

Following the arrests, IJU leadership issued a statement confirming that Gelowicz, Schneider and Yilmaz had been operating under IJU direction in plotting the attacks. According to the statement, the terror plot was intended to hit U.S. and Uzbek targets in Germany.

Gelowicz reportedly played a key role in the Germany plot by purchasing the chemicals necessary for the attacks. In addition, Gelowicz allegedly was part of a group of IJU members who cased U.S. military facilities in Hanau, Germany in December 2006. Gelowicz and others reportedly were observed driving back and forth in front of the U.S. military base in Hanau.

The IJU, formerly known as the Islamic Jihad Group (IJG), is a terrorist organization that has coordinated multiple attacks in Central Asia, including the July 2004 bombings of the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The IJG was added to the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee's Consolidated List of individuals and entities associated with Usama bin Ladin, al-Qa'ida and the Taliban on June 1, 2005 and Gelowicz, Schneider, and Yilmaz were added to the Consolidated List on October 27, 2008. The IJG was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to E.O. 13224 on May 25, 2005.

Under E.O. 13224, any assets these three individuals hold under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the designees.  

Identifying Information

FRITZ MARTIN GELOWICZ
AKAs: Abdullah Gelowicz; Fritz Martin Abdullah Gelowicz; Fritz Martin Abdullah Gelowitz; Benzl; Robert Konars; Markus Gebert
DOB: September 1, 1979
Alt. DOB: April 10, 1979
POB: Munich, Germany
Alt. POB: Liege, Belgium
Citizenship: German
Personal ID Card: No. 7020783883
Passport: German, 7020069907
Address: Prison at Stuttgart-Stammheim, Germany
Former Address: Boefinger Weg 20, 89075 Ulm, Germany
Alt. Former Address: Eberhardstrasse 70, 89073 Ulm, Germany

DANIEL MARTIN SCHNEIDER
AKA: Martin Daniel Schneider
DOB: September 9, 1985
POB: Neunkirchen, Germany
Citizenship: German
Federal ID Card: No. 2318229333
Passport: German, 2318047793
Address: Prison at Schwalmstadt, Germany
Former Address:                    
Petrusstrasse 32                                            
66125 Herrensohr Dudweiler                                
Saarbruecken, Germany
Alt. Former Address:             
zum Gruehlingsstollen 1A                                       
66299 Friedrichstahl, Germany
Alt. Former Address:             
Rosenstrasse 2
66299 Friedrichstahl, Germany              

ADEM YILMAZ
DOB: November 4, 1978
Alt. DOB: April 11, 1978
POB: Bayburt, Turkey
Citizenship: Turkish
Passport: Turkish, TR-P 614166
Alt Passport: Turkish, 0018850
Address: Prison at Weiterstadt, Germany
Former Address:                    
Sudliche Ringstrasse 133                                           
63225 Langen, Germany

Foreword:
The job of the NGIA is to provide reporting and analysis on articles that may seem insignificant to the main media but have a deep impact on our lives that needs to be examined. Many times you will find the stories can be found (if one looks hard enough) in many other forms of media but our perspective is what makes us unique. As we have pointed out in the past, we are at war with the Islamists who will not rest until its banner waves over the entire world. One person who has had personal experience with the Islamists is Wafa Sultan, a woman who I admire deeply. She recently wrote an article about the threat that also showed how our "leaders" are still misinformed on the nature of the threat. The Islamists continue to make headway in their war while we chip away at our conviction to punish those who attacked us. I could not write a better article and I am submitting it in its entirety for you to read.


Contemplating Islam by Wafa Sultan, Hudson Institute - Dec 23, 2008

The "good guys" scored a blow against the covert use of charities funding money to terrorists as the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) retrial ended with 108 guilty verdicts. Hams was designated as a terrorist organization in 1995 which meant that funding the organization was a criminal act. The indictment took over one hour for the judge to read.



The foundation eventually funneled $12 million dollars to the terrorist organization. The impact of the guilty verdict means that charity organizations can be held accountable if the money they collect is sent to support terrorist groups.

Al-Shabaab has used intimidation and violence to undermine the Somali government and threaten civil society activists working to bring about peace through political dialogue and reconciliation. It has claimed responsibility for shooting Deputy District Administrators in Somalia and for several bombings and shootings in Mogadishu targeting Ethiopian troops and Somali government officials.

In addition to attacks that have killed or wounded various Somali government officials, al­-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the February 6, 2008 bombings in Boosaaso, Puntland, which killed 22 Ethiopian civilians and wounded 66.

Further, a number of al-Shabaab members are affiliated with al-Qa'ida, and many of al-Shabaab's senior leaders are believed to have trained and fought with al-Qa'ida in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Department of State named al-Shabaab as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on February 26, 2008.

The action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.  Any assets these individuals hold under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the designees.

Identifying Information

AHMED ABDI AW-MOHAMED
AKAs: Ahmed Abdi Aw Mohammed; Muktar Abdulrahim Abuzubair; Shaykh Mukhtar; Abu Zubeyr; Godani; Godane
DOB: 10 July 1977
POB: Hargeysa, Somalia
Nationality: Somali
Background: Ahmed Abdi aw-Mohamed is the founder and a current leader of al-Shabaab. He claimed his group was responsible for the May 2007 assassination of a judge in Beledweyne, Somalia, and in March 2007 he coordinated attacks on Ethiopian troops in Somalia. Aw-Mohamed has also served as a conduit for financing to al-Shabaab.

ISSA OSMAN ISSA
AKA: Musse; Abdullah Bur; Abdullah Atto; Abdala Sudani; Afadey            
DOB: 1973
POB: Malindi, Kenya
Nationality: Kenyan
Background: Issa Osman Issa has a leadership role in al-Shabaab and has served as a commander of al­-Shabaab forces in Somalia.

In late April 2007, Issa led a militia assault against Mogadishu's Basil Hotel, which was often frequented by Ugandan peacekeepers. He also was reportedly involved in recruiting an individual to carry out a successful April 2007 suicide attack against the Ethiopian military presence in Afgooye, Somalia.

Before al-Shabaab's creation, Issa was one of the operatives who fired the surface-to-air missiles used in the failed 2002 attempt to shoot down an Israeli airliner in Mombasa, Kenya. Issa was also involved in the planning of the near-simultaneous attack in 2002 against the Paradise Hotel in Kikambala, Kenya, in which a vehicle-borne explosive device struck the hotel, killing 12 and injuring 40.

MUKHTAR ROBOW
AKAs: Mukhtar Ali Rubu; Mukhtar Abdullahi Ali; Mujahid Mukhtar Robow Ali; Shaykh Mukhtar Robo Ali; Abu Mansur; Abu Mansour
DOB: 1969
ALT. DOB: 10 October 1969*
POB:  Xudur, Somalia
ALT. POB: Keren, Eritrea*
Nationality: Eritrean*
National ID No.: 1372584, Kenya*
Passport No.: 0310857, Eritrea, issued 21 August 2006, expires 20 August 2008*

*This identifying information is derived from an Eritrean passport issued under the alias name of Mukhtar Abdullahi Ali.

Mukhtar Robow serves as al-Shabaab's spokesperson, communicating to the press and public on its behalf. He has also served as al-Shabaab's spiritual leader and as its military commander in Southern Somalia.

As an al-Shabaab military commander, Robow has targeted Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG), Ethiopian and African Union troops in Somalia. In December 2007, Robow's al-Shabaab forces attacked military bases of the Somali government forces, Ethiopian forces and African Union peacekeepers in Mogadishu. In addition, Robow and former al­-Shabaab leader Aden Hashi Ayrow (deceased) were responsible for the November 2006 suicide attack against a TFG checkpoint in Baidoa, Somalia. The attack killed at least eight and wounded four.

"The United Wa State Army is the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organization in Southeast Asia and is a major producer and exporter of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine," said OFAC Deputy Director Barbara C. Hammerle. "Today OFAC is targeting the Wa's lieutenants and the financial holdings of this massive drug trafficking organization. We call on other nations to do the same." 

On June 1, 2000, the President identified Wei Hsueh Kang as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker under the Kingpin Act. Wei is a senior commander of the UWSA, which the President subsequently identified as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker on May 29, 2003. In January 2005, federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York unsealed a criminal indictment charging Wei, along with his brothers Wei Hsueh Lung and Wei Hsueh Ying, who are designated today, for narcotics trafficking. The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $2,000,000 for information leading to Wei Hsueh Kang's capture.

Other key individuals designated by OFAC are Pao Yu Hsiang, Ho Chun Ting and Shih Kuo Neng. Pao Yu Hsiang, indicted in 2005 with Wei Hsueh Kang, is the Commander-in-Chief of the UWSA. In May 2005, prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York charged Ho Chun Ting and Shih Kuo Neng, among others, with money laundering and narcotics trafficking.  In October 2007, Hong Kong authorities arrested Ho Chun Ting, a partner of Wei Hsueh Kang, but Hong Kong later released him for unknown reasons. Shih Kuo Neng is the manager of the Hong Pang conglomerate of companies, many of which are also designated today. 

Wei Hsueh Kang
AKAs: Prasit Chivinnitipanya
Date of Birth: 5/29/52
Place of Birth: China
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 125 lbs
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Race: Asian
Nationality: Chinese

For a complete layout of the United Wa State Army download the following document United Wa State Army Organization.

This action is part of ongoing efforts under the Kingpin Act to apply financial measures against significant foreign narcotics traffickers worldwide.  Internationally, 419 businesses and individuals associated with 75 drug kingpins have been designated by OFAC pursuant to the Kingpin Act since June 2000.

The designation action freezes any assets the 43 designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting transactions or dealings in the property interests of the designated individuals and entities. Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act range from civil penalties of up to $1,075,000 per violation to more severe criminal penalties. Criminal penalties for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $5,000,000. Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10,000,000. Other individuals face up to 10 years in prison, and fines pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code, for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act.

A very refreshing story about a magazine called "Muslim Girl" that promotes a message of cultural integration without endangering religious values. Too many times the only stories we hear about Islam is about the extremists and terrorists who are trying to steal away the meaning of Islam. Check out the video profile below:

During his election bid, President Barack Obama said that he would be willing to meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. this has certainly sparked interest from leaders in the Middle East. It now seems that Hamas has been encouraged by the President's stance enough to express a desire to talk with the President-elect.  "We are ready to hold a serious duologue with the new United States president," de facto Gaza prime minister and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Thursday.

Keep in mind that President Obama has made comments that he would not meet with outlawed terrorist organizations. In the world of politics it is always interesting to see the difference between a politician's promise, talk and pen. While Obama has made stern statements about Hamas, the Democrats did meet with Hamas leaders, remember the summer trip by former President Carter?

This is a definite turn-around for the terrorist organization that made the following comments during the Presidential race: 

Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri chastised both the Democratic and Republic candidates. "Hamas does not differentiate between the two presidential candidates, Obama and McCain, because their policies regarding the Arab-Israel conflict are the same and are hostile to us. Therefore we… have no preference and are not wishing for either of them to win," he said.

Conclusion:
President-elect Barack Obama faces many international challenges as he assembles his staff for the transition. While the President may not meet directly with Hamas it will be interesting to see if he sends any representatives to deal with the terrorist group that is a legitimate, democratically elected government representative. Another aspect of this development is why did the terrorist organization change its tune, since Obama says that Hamas has to give up violence and recognize Israel? What is the endgame that Hamas is playing? Is this another ploy to continue to gain legitimacy for this terrorist organization? Will it try to gain funds to continue its operations? Only time will tell, stay posted.

On October 16, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which has members representing 32 jurisdictions and is the world's premier standard-setting body for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT), warned for the fourth time about the risks posed to the international financial system by continuing deficiencies in Iran's AML/CFT regime. The FATF called for all countries to strengthen preventive measures to protect their financial systems from this risk.  Additionally, the UN Security Council called upon all states in March 2008 to exercise vigilance over the activities of financial institutions in their territories with all Iranian banks.

Consistent with these multilateral calls for action, the Treasury Department is revoking the "U-turn" general license today to protect U.S. financial institutions individually, and the U.S. financial system as a whole, from the significant terrorist financing and proliferation risks posed by Iran.  This regulatory action will close the last general entry point for Iran to the U.S. financial system.

Iran's access to the international financial system enables the Iranian regime to facilitate its support for terrorism and proliferation. The Iranian regime disguises its involvement in these illicit activities through the use of a wide array of deceptive techniques, specifically designed to avoid suspicion and evade detection by responsible financial institutions and companies. Iran also is finding ways to adapt to existing sanctions, including by turning to non-designated Iranian banks to handle illicit transactions. 

The Treasury Department is taking a range of measures to counter these deceptive activities. The Treasury Department encourages all jurisdictions to adopt robust preventive measures consistent with the FATF warnings and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs). 

Iran Misuses the International Financial System to Support Terrorism

Iran is the world's most active state sponsor of terror. The support provided by the regime to terrorist groups includes financing that is routed through the international financial system, especially through Iranian state-owned banks.          

• Iran's Support to Terror.  The Department of State designated Iran as a state sponsor of international terrorism in 1984, and Iran remains the most active of the listed state sponsors of terrorism, routinely providing substantial resources and guidance to multiple terrorist organizations.  For example, Hamas, Hizballah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) maintain representative offices in Tehran to help coordinate Iranian financing and training of these groups.

• Iran's IRGC and IRGC-Qods Force Support Terrorist Groups.  Elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been directly involved in the planning and support of terrorist acts throughout the world, including in the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America.  The IRGC-Qods Force, which has been designated under Executive Order 13224 for providing material support to the Taliban and other terrorist groups, is the Iranian regime's primary mechanism for cultivating and supporting terrorist and militant groups abroad.  Qods Force-supported groups include: Lebanese Hizballah; Palestinian terrorists; certain Iraqi Shi'a militant groups; and Islamic militants in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Qods Force is especially active in the Levant, providing Lebanese Hizballah with funding, weapons and training. It has a long history of supporting Hizballah's military, paramilitary and terrorist activities, and provides Hizballah with more than $100 to $200 million in funding each year. The Qods Force continues to provide the Taliban in Afghanistan with limited weapons, funding, logistics and training in support of anti-U.S. and anti-coalition activities.

• Iran Uses its Banks to Finance Terrorism.  In a number of cases, Iran has used its state-owned banks to channel funds to terrorist organizations.  Between 2001 and 2006, Bank Saderat transferred $50 million from the Central Bank of Iran through Bank Saderat's subsidiary in London to its branch in Beirut for the benefit of Hizballah fronts that support acts of violence. Hizballah also used Bank Saderat to send funds to other terrorist organizations, including Hamas, which itself had substantial assets deposited in Bank Saderat as of early 2005.  The Treasury Department designated Bank Saderat under E.O. 13224 for providing financial services to Hizballah, Hamas and PIJ. Australia has also designated Bank Saderat. Iran's Bank Melli, which has been designated by the United States under E.O. 13382 for proliferation-related activities, was used to transfer at least $100 million to the IRGC-Qods Force between 2002 and 2006.       

• Iran Lacks a Counter-Terrorist Financing Legal Regime.  In addition to its regime-directed support to terrorist organizations, Iran continues to lack a legal framework to counter the risk of terrorist financing and has not indicated a willingness to address this deficiency.  The FATF's October statement on Iran notes that, while Iran has taken some steps towards implementing an anti-money laundering regime, there is a lack of even such a minimal "corresponding effort" by Iran in the area of counter-terrorist financing.            

Iran Misuses the International Financial System to Facilitate Proliferation

• Iran Continues to Pursue Nuclear Capabilities and Develop Ballistic Missiles.  In addition to its active support to terrorist and militant activities, Iran continues to defy the international community by pursuing nuclear capabilities and developing ballistic missiles in violation of five UNSCRs. Iran's failure to comply with these various resolutions has resulted in the UN Security Council's imposing sanctions against Iran. These have included specific provisions aimed at preventing Iran from abusing banks and the international financial system to pursue nuclear capabilities and develop ballistic missiles. 

• Iran Uses its Banks to Finance its Nuclear and Missile Programs. Multiple Iranian financial institutions have been implicated in facilitating Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. 

➢ Bank Sepah.  Iran's state-owned Bank Sepah has been designated in the United States under E.O. 13382 and by the UN Security Council under UNSCR 1747. Bank Sepah has provided direct and extensive financial services, such as arranging financing and processing dozens of multi-million dollar transactions, for the Shahid Hemmat Industries Group (SHIG) and the Shahid Bakeri Industries Group (SBIG), two Iranian missile firms designated by the UN Security Council in UNSCR 1737 and identified by President Bush in the Annex to E.O. 13382 for their direct roles in advancing Iran's ballistic missile programs. Bank Sepah also has provided financial services to SHIG's and SBIG's parent entity, Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), which also was identified by President Bush in the Annex to E.O. 13382 for its role in overseeing all of Iran's missile industries.

➢ Bank Melli.  Iran's largest state-owned bank, Bank Melli, has facilitated numerous purchases of sensitive materials for Iran's nuclear and missile programs on behalf of UN-designated entities. In doing so, Bank Melli has provided a range of financial services to known proliferators, including letters of credit and the maintenance of accounts. The United States, the European Union, and Australia have designated Bank Melli.  

➢ Bank Mellat.  Iran's state-owned Bank Mellat has provided banking services in support of Iran's nuclear entities, namely the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and Novin Energy Company.  Bank Mellat, which was designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 in October 2007, has serviced and maintained AEOI accounts, mainly through AEOI's financial conduit, Novin Energy. Bank Mellat has facilitated the movement of millions of dollars for Iran's nuclear program since at least 2003.

➢ Export Development Bank of Iran.  On October 22, 2008, the Treasury Department designated the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) under E.O. 13382 for providing or attempting to provide financial services to Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), which had been designated by both the European Union and the United States for its involvement in Iranian proliferation activities. Some MODAFL scientists and officials have also been designated by the UN. The EDBI provides financial services to multiple MODAFL-subordinate entities that permit these entities to advance Iran's WMD programs.  Furthermore, the EDBI has facilitated the ongoing procurement activities of various front companies associated with MODAFL-subordinate entities. In addition, since Bank Sepah's designation by the United States and the UN Security Council, the EDBI has served as one of the leading intermediaries handling Bank Sepah's financing, including WMD-related payments. The EDBI has also facilitated financing for other proliferation-related entities sanctioned under U.S. and UN authorities.

• International Focus on Proliferation Risks Associated with Iranian Financial Institutions.  The role that Iranian financial institutions play in Iranian proliferation activities is underscored by UNSCR 1803, which was adopted in March 2008 and calls upon states to exercise vigilance over the activities of their financial institutions with all Iranian banks. The FATF issued guidance in October 2008 to assist countries in implementing this provision. That guidance recommends that jurisdictions encourage their financial institutions to take strong preventive measures for the mitigation of risks posed by Iranian banks, including refusing to process transactions involving Iranian banks when full information regarding the parties to the transaction is unavailable. The FATF guidance also recommends that jurisdictions encourage their financial institutions to reassess, and if necessary, terminate correspondent relationships with Iranian banks, and take steps to satisfy themselves that their correspondent relationships with non-Iranian financial institutions are not used to circumvent the risk-mitigation practices in place for Iranian banks.

Iran Uses Deceptive Financial Practices to Evade Sanctions

• Iranian Commercial Banks.  It has been a standard practice for Iranian financial institutions to conceal their identity to evade detection when conducting transactions. For example, Bank Sepah has requested that its name be removed from transactions in order to make it more difficult for intermediary financial institutions to determine the true parties to a transaction. Following the designation of Bank Sepah under UNSCR 1747, Bank Melli took precautions not to identify Bank Sepah in transactions. Bank Melli also has employed similar deceptive practices to obscure its involvement from the international banking system when handling financial transactions on behalf of the IRGC. In addition, when Iranian assets were targeted in Europe, branches of Iranian state-owned banks in Europe took steps to disguise ownership of assets on their books in order to protect assets from future actions.        

• Central Bank of Iran.  The Central Bank of Iran (CBI), the sole Iranian entity that regulates all Iranian banks, has not only engaged in deceptive practices itself – such as asking for its name to be removed from transactions – but has also encouraged such practices among Iran's state-owned banks. For example, prior to EU and UN sanctions, the CBI attempted to help Banks Sepah and Melli protect their assets from being frozen. Later, the CBI instructed non-sanctioned Iranian state-owned banks to issue payment instructions on behalf of Sepah in order to circumvent sanctions. In the case of Bank Melli, the CBI provided substantive assistance to minimize the impact of sanctions. In fact, between January and March 2008, the CBI handled tens of millions of dollars in transactions to and from the accounts of U.S.- and UN-designated banks held at the CBI.

• Use of Front Companies and Misuse of Bank Accounts.  Iran hides behind front companies and intermediaries to engage in ostensibly legitimate financial and commercial transactions that are actually related to its nuclear or missile programs. Iranian entities form front companies outside of Iran for the sole purpose of exporting dual-use items to Iran that can be used in these programs. These front companies enable the regime to obtain materials that the country of origin would typically prohibit from being exported to Iran. Iran also has a history of using accounts set up for one purpose to facilitate activities with designated entities.  

• Use of Money Service Business Accounts.  Iran also has exploited its relationship with certain foreign money service businesses, capitalizing on a business model where the absence of an ongoing account relationship may mean that less information is collected on certain transactions. 

Effect of the Revocation of U-Turn License

OFAC has revoked the authorization of "U-turn" transfers for the direct or indirect benefit of Iran, through an amendment of the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR part 560, to narrow the scope of existing § 560.516. This action affects the "U-turn" class of funds transfers, which are so named because, while they are conducted on behalf of Iranian account holders and banks or in connection with Iran-related transactions, they only pass through the U.S. financial system on their way from one offshore non-Iranian financial institution to another.

As a result of the action, U.S. depository institutions are no longer allowed to process "U-turn" transfers to or from Iran, or for the direct or indirect benefit of persons in Iran or the Government of Iran.  The prohibition on U-turns applies not only to state-owned Iranian banks and the Central Bank of Iran, but also to privately-owned Iranian banks, Iranian companies, and the settlement of third-country trade transactions that involve Iran. 

Allowable Transactions

This action will not affect funds transfers by U.S. depository institutions, through intermediary third-country banks, to or from Iran or for the direct or indirect benefit of the Government of Iran or a person in Iran arising from several types of underlying transactions including:

• A non-commercial remittance to or from Iran (e.g., a family remittance not related to a family-owned enterprise);
• The exportation to Iran or importation from Iran of information and informational materials;
• A travel-related remittance;
• Payment for the shipment of a donation of articles to relieve human suffering; or
• An underlying transaction authorized by OFAC through a specific or general license. Allowable funds transfers would include, for example, payments arising from over-flights of Iranian airspace, legal services, intellectual property protection, and authorized sales of agricultural products, medicine, and medical devices to Iran pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) pursuant to Executive Order 13382 for providing or attempting to provide financial services to Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).

"In response to international sanctions and the refusal of many responsible banks to do business with Iranian banks, Iran has adopted a strategy of using less prominent institutions, such as the Export Development Bank of Iran, to handle its illicit transactions." said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey. "Today's action exposes EDBI's role in helping Iran violate UN sanctions so that financial institutions around the world can take appropriate steps to protect themselves."

Established in 1991, the EDBI is an Iranian state-owned financial institution whose primary purpose is to serve Iran's import and export communities. In addition, the EDBI operates as the Iranian representative for the Islamic Development Bank, a multinational institution that cultivates economic and social improvements in member nations, in accordance with Islamic law. 

However, the EDBI provides financial services to multiple MODAFL-subordinate entities that permit these entities to advance Iran's WMD programs.  Furthermore, the EDBI has facilitated the ongoing procurement activities of various front companies associated with MODAFL-subordinate entities.

Since the United States and United Nations designated Bank Sepah in early 2007, the EDBI has served as one of the leading intermediaries handling Bank Sepah's financing, including WMD-related payments.  In addition to handling business for Bank Sepah, the EDBI has facilitated financing for other proliferation-related entities sanctioned under U.S. and UN authorities.

Also designated are three additional entities which were determined to be owned or controlled by or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the EDBI. These entities are: the EDBI Stock Brokerage Company and the EDBI Exchange Company, both located in Iran, and Banco Internacional de Desarollo, C.A., a financial institution located in Venezuela.

These actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13382, an authority aimed at freezing the assets of proliferators of WMDs and their supporters, and at isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems. Designations under E.O. 13382 are implemented by Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, and they prohibit all transactions between the designees and any U.S. person, and freeze any assets the designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction.

Background on Entities Previously Designated Under E.O. 13382
In October 2007, the U.S. Department of State designated MODAFL pursuant to E.O. 13382.  MODAFL controls the Defense Industries Organization, an entity identified in the Annex to UNSCR 1737 and designated by the United States pursuant to E.O. 13382 on March 30, 2007.

MODAFL has ultimate authority over the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), an umbrella group that controls Iran's ballistic missile research, development and production activities and organizations, including the Shahid Hemmat Industrial group (SHIG) and the Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG). AIO, SHIG and SBIG were named in the Annex to E.O. 13382; SHIG and SBIG were also listed in the Annex to UNSCR 1737. MODAFL has publicly stated that one of its major products is the manufacture of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile.

The Treasury Department designated Bank Sepah under E.O. 13382 in January 2007 for providing financial support and services to Iran's AIO, SHIG and SBIG.  Since at least 2000, Bank Sepah has provided a variety of critical financial services to Iran's missile industry, arranging financing and processing dozens of multimillion dollar transactions for AIO and its subordinates, including SBIG and SHIG.

Identifying Information

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT BANK OF IRAN
AKAs: EDBI; Bank Toseh Saderat Iran; Bank Towseeh Saderat Iran
Addresses: Tose'e Tower, Corner of 15 St., Ahmad Qasir Ave., Argentine Square, Tehran, Iran; No. 129, 21's Khaled Eslamboli, No. 1 Building, Tehran, Iran; Export Development Building, Next to the 15 Alley, Bokharest Street, Argentina Square, Tehran, Iran
C.R. No.: 86936 (Iran)
All branches worldwide

EDBI STOCK BROKERAGE COMPANY
Address: Tehran, Iran

EDBI EXCHANGE COMPANY
Address: Tehran, Iran

BANCO INTERNACIONAL DE DESAROLLO, C.A.
Address: Urb. El Rosal, Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Edificio Dozsa, Piso 8, Caracas, Venezuela, C.P. 1060
Tax Identification: RIF No. J294640109 (Venezuela) 
SWIFT/BIC No: IDUNVECA

Note: Banco Internacional de Desarrollo, C.A. is a separate and distinct entity from Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo, known in English as the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and Banco Desarrollo Economico y Social De Venezuela (BANDES), an entity owned by the Government of Venezuela.

A recognized non partisan organization that researches the media published a report about the way the press has covered the presidential candidates. The results of this report will no doubt surprise some people.

At one time in our country, the media's job was to report the news without any bias or opinion. We have moved away from these tenets as the age of activism now infects all aspects of the media. Reporters are no longer content to give us the news, they now have to give us their opinion of the news. The media now decides which facts to give the public and coincidentally, these are the facts that support their world view and opinion.  

As those in the media have portrayed, this presidential election is historic in nature. Some of the candidates have made claims of media bias while the media denies these charges. The Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism is a research organization that specializes in using empirical methods to evaluate and study the performance of the press.

Here are highlights from three of the media areas (Cable News, Network News and Newspapers):

• MSNBC stood out for having less negative coverage of Obama than the press generally (14% of stories vs. 29% in the press overall) and for having more negative stories about McCain (73% of its coverage vs. 57% in the press overall).
• On Fox News, in contrast, coverage of Obama was more negative than the norm (40% of stories vs. 29% overall) and less positive (25% of stories vs. 36% generally). For McCain, the news channel was somewhat more positive (22% vs. 14% in the press overall) and substantially less negative (40% vs. 57% in the press overall). Yet even here, his negative stories outweighed positive ones by almost 2 to 1.
• CNN fell distinctly in the middle of the three cable channels when it came to tone. In general, the tone of its coverage was closer than any other cable news channel to the press overall, though also somewhat more negative than the media overall.
• The distinct tone of MSNBC—more positive toward Democrats and more negative toward Republicans—was not reflected in the coverage of its broadcast sibling, NBC News. Even though it has correspondents appear on their cable shows and even anchor some programs on there, the broadcast channel showed no such ideological tilt. Indeed, NBC’s coverage of Palin was the most positive of any TV organization studied, including Fox News.
• The same was true for Sarah Palin. She received generally more negative coverage from morning network programs than evening newscasts. In the morning, 39% of Palin stories studied were negative, compared with 30% in the evening. Meanwhile, mornings were less likely to be neutral toward her (30% compared with 47% at night). The only break from this pattern was that morning shows were also more likely to run positive stories about Palin (32% in the morning vs. 23% at night). In all this, the morning shows resembled the media overall (28% positive, 39% negative, 33% neutral).
• At night, the newscasts of the three traditional broadcast networks stood out for being more neutral—and also less negative—than most other news outlets. The morning shows of the networks, by contrast, more closely resembled the media generally in tone. That might surprise some who imagined those morning programs were somehow easier on political figures. Overall, 44% of the morning show stories were clearly negative, compared with 34% on the nightly news and 42% in the press overall.
• Indeed, of all the media sectors studied, John McCain received the most negative coverage in print. In all, 69% of the newspaper stories studied about McCain were clearly negative, while only 6% were positive, a ratio of about 11-to-1. (The press overall was 57% to 14%, a ratio of closer to 4-to-1.)

• Fully 76% of the stories where McCain was a significant presence were focused on the horserace aspect of the campaign, and of those, only 5% were positive while 73% were negative. Similarly, Obama fared better in the newspaper horserace stories than he did in newspaper stories overall. More than half of the horse race stories (53%) about Obama were positive, which was higher than the 45% of positive coverage he received in all newspaper stories and the 36% positive coverage he received in all media.

Conclusion
We hope that one of the things that come out of this election is that the media can no longer claim they are not bias or partisan. The numbers and facts speak for themselves in this case. We at the NGIA will continue to report the facts to you with our analysis which our expert opinion and is labeled as the conclusion. We do not hide our opinions in an article and claim that it is fact. Please pass this story to a friend so we can take back our media.

The U.S. government designated three members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) a.k.a. Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and the financial, technological, or material support networks of terrorists.

"LIFG, along with other al-Qa'ida affiliates, seeks to exploit our globalized world, raising funds in Europe for transfer to terror cells operating in North Africa," said Adam Szubin, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.  "To combat such transnational threats, the power and reach of the U.N.'s counterterrorism authorities are needed more than ever to shut down financiers of bloodshed wherever they may be."

LIFG officially announced its formation in 1995 among Libyans who had fought Soviet forces in Afghanistan and the Qadhafi regime in Libya. The LIFG is believed to have participated in the planning of the May 2003 Casablanca suicide bombings, and LIFG has been linked to the 2004 Madrid attacks.

Since the late 1990s, many LIFG members have fled Libya for various countries, particularly the United Kingdom. In early November 2007, Ayman al-Zawahiri announced the LIFG had become an official affiliate of al-Qa'ida. The LIFG was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in the annex to E.O. 13224 on September 23, 2001 and was added to the UN 1267 Committee Consolidated List of individuals and entities associated with al Qaida or the Taliban on October 6, 2001.

These three individuals were also recently added to the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee's Consolidated List of individuals and entities associated with Usama bin Laden, al-Qa'ida and the Taliban. All UN member states are obligated to freeze the funds and other assets of listed individuals and entities included on the List and to apply other sanctions, including a travel ban and an arms embargo. The United States implements this asset freeze through E.O. 13224.

Palestinian Authority daily reports the following:

"23 year old [Palestinian] Ibrahim Abu Jayyab sits by the computer in the Nusairat refugee camp [in the Gaza Strip] trying to call American citizens, in order to convince them to vote for the Democratic candidate for president, Barack Obama...
Most of the Palestinians feel hatred towards USA, whose administrations have always stood by Israel...

Abu Jayyab's idea is to make telephone calls to American citizens through Internet sites that allow making free calls... in order to use them [to make phone calls] for the campaign supporting Obama. Abu Jayyab says: We dial random numbers and try to call people without knowing their identity or their affiliation...

He said that a large number of Palestinians dislike their activity... [those] who do not see any difference between the American politicians, because of the hostility that they feel towards America. But his hope is that their activity will have some impact [in support of Obama]."
[Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Oct. 26, 2008]

Conclusion:
As this website has reported in the past the social connections of Barack are disturbing at the very least (Barack Obama's Close Friend Bill Ayers (and the Weather Underground), Hillary Clinton Questions The Obama Barack - Bill Ayers Connection, Barack Obama and the Terrorist Bill Ayers, Barack Obama and the Democrats Tied to Terrorism AGAIN!.) Now we have a case of undue influence by a foreign entity trying to sway voters for a presidential candidate.

If you’re a Democrat who is still open to information or a Republican who wants to learn more, this special is for you; after all if this is the truth don’t you want to know before it’s too late? You have to watch it before you say it isn’t so.

Hello everyone: important information!!

Sean Hannity, of Hannity & Colmes ~ Fox News, is going to air a very important documentary about Barack Obama, sunday night at 9:00 pm. He stated on the air this evening that no one in the news media was willing to do this.

Hannity is going back to Obama's earlier days, showing even then his ties to radical professors, friends, spiritual advisers, etc., he stated this evening that he will show in detail his ties to Rev. Wright for 20+ yrs (which we all know) how he was participating with this man, and not for the reasons he states!

He has uncovered more of Obama's radical leaders and we will see things that no one in the media is willing to put out there.

This will be a night that you will know more about Obama than ever before. Hannity is very passionate about this program and asked that everyone please, please watch~~

Sunday night, 9 pm – on the Fox News Channel.

Hannity is determined this information be put out there because as American's, we still do not know about Obama!! Wake up America!!

This is serious, everyone. I know most of you watch Fox News, and you know who you are voting for, but if you can, please pass this on to everyone you know.

This is critical for our country. My prayer is that we, along with Sean Hannity, will reach someone/anyone before Nov. 4th.

We must not give up!!!!!!!!!

Please watch the above, take your time. Make your decision. The future of America can be decided by your vote.

Let us all go and elect McCain to stop Islamization of America.

Also see the coptic suffering from the attached articles. (Read Copts (Christians Of Egypt) Are Persecuted At All Levels And In All Aspects Of Life In Their Own Land! By Monir Dawoud)

God bless you.

MONIR DAWOUD, MD
201 424 1001

Many Copts are facing severe attacks in different regions of Egypt. The terrorists, supported by the Egyptian government, raid the homes, endanger property and threaten the lives of innocent Christians. The latest atrocities include those of Altayeba township that belongs to Samalout City of Minya Governate; Al-Amireya of Cairo; the Coptic Twins Andrew and Mario of Alexandria; the murder of young Coptic Milad Ibrahim Farag; the unlawful detention of Hani Aziz, a Coptic writer, a blogger and a social worker who lives in the town of Nag Hammadi of Qena Governate; Police torture of six Coptic youth, and illegally closing their Coffee shop in Port Said; Christian farmer that is barred from building his home and is living in a house without roof, doors or windows with his nine children and wife. That is beside the attacks on Abo-Fana monks who were forced to accept reconciling with the criminals under the threats of the Minya Governor. At all levels, there is discrimination against Copts. The subject can be broken down into several aspects as follows:

A)Killing Copts and looting their properties:
1)The Martyrdom of Joshua (Yashoue) of El-Tayeba, Samalout, Minya Oct. 3, 08 
 
On Friday October 3rd, 2008, about 10:30 pm, a group of Muslims from El-Tayeba instigated a fight with a group of Muslims from a nearby El-Zakayebia Village and entered the lumber shop owned by Ayman Boushra Hanna, a Christian, who tried to prevent them from raiding his shop, but suddenly, both groups attacked him and looted the goods shouting “Allah Akbar” (God is Great). This plot was made to force him sell his building and shop to Muslims. This town is inhibited by a majority of 85% Christians and 15% Muslims. Some Muslims wanted to buy the property for 200,000 Egyptian pounds (about $35,000.00) where the fair market value is above one million Egyptian pounds (above $105,000.00). As he refused the offer, they made the plan to force him to accept the offer. They spread rumors that the shop caught fire and that led some Christian neighbors to run to help out. Copts went without weapons, not expecting the confrontation of heavily armed Muslims using machine guns! The situation became a real chaos, while the security forces assaulted the Christians allowing the Muslims to kill Joshua Gamal Nashed, 25 years old, who was shot at the right eye-brow by Gamal Rostom Abdel-Hameed, a young Muslim man who used his pistol as the martyr was passing in front of his house. The victim with other four wounded Christians was taken by their folks to the Hospital of Samalout, Minya. Joshua expired after 1.5 hours after his admission to the hospital. The wounded persons Philip Michael and Samuel Ramzi Mousa are still under treatment.

Security forces surrounded the Christians and used tear gas to disperse them and kept them locked in their homes. Police threatened them and arrested about sixty Copts and only eight Muslims whom they took to the police station in Samalout. The households of the victims are under intense police watch, surrounding and preventing them from getting out. All Christians are forbidden from getting out and arbitrary arrests of Copts are still going on. The unwarranted arrest of Mr. Samy Sayed Greiss, a very prominent, rich, humble and peace-making old Christian man, saddened everyone in the community. He was released after spending a night in custody. This same noble man protected two young Muslim men as he kept them in his house and called a police officer to take them and lest the Christian youth hurt them.

The town is still under curfew and police officers prevent any car to cross the bridge and charge the drivers 50 pounds on leaving and another fifty on coming back. They confiscate drivers’ licenses and car registration of any privately owned vehicle. We received several calls from Christians under siege expressing the terror they live in and the fear of losing their lives as Muslims are moving freely in the streets and the security forces are protecting them and are acting against Christians in an apparent discriminatory way that proves severe persecution.  A lawyer whose office is located in Samalout cannot leave el-Tayeba to go to his work and he is worried about the court scheduled cases for his clients. Coptic children are barred from attending schools while Muslim children go to the nearby town’s schools. In a call from a lady in USA to her father, an aged blind man, he informed her that food supply is running out and he could not go to see his doctor. It is a Christian community under siege.

The father of the murdered Joshua is threatened by Governor Ahmed Diaa el-Din to accept 200,000.00 Egyptian pounds and drop the charges against his son’s killer and reconcile with the criminals! They bring the justice system to an early nomadic Arabian era. They are forcing all the injured and their families to accept reconciliation instead of punishing the criminals. The Governor is putting pressure on the Orthodox and Evangelical communities to convince the father of the victim to receive condolences and reconciliation- a proposal which the father had repeatedly rejected.

Muslims destroyed the house of Fr. Mikhail Kamel, the priest of the town Church. They burned two transportation cars belonging to Muftah Boushreida el-Omda, a Christian and cousin of the town’s Mayor. They also destroyed, burned and looted the house of Mr. Eid Melik El-Ghataisy three days after the initial tragedy. They burned 10 acres of Sesame fields belonging to Mr. Hanna Abdel-Malek El-Omda. They burned fields of cotton and other corps belonging to Christians.

The latest News: Burning the house of Mr. Ibrahim Gad-ElrabTadrous: How can a person or a group of people burn a house in the presence of about five thousands police men and security forces? Because it is a house that is owned by a Christian, all wicked forces will close their eyes or even share in the process!

Now, look to the unjust justice where the prosecutors ordered 15 days extension for the detained Christians who are the victims to make equilibrium to the 8 Muslim killers and aggressors! Nobody knows what will happen to the Christians in this town. This may become another Kosheh’s Massacre (The Massacre of the Millennium) where 21 Copts were killed by Muslims in the first day of the Millennium by the Muslims supported by the security and police forces. All Court levels vindicated the criminals inspire of the witnesses!

2)Shameful unjust ruling of Minya Criminal Court  favoring Khamis Eid Abdel-Hamid, a murderer Muslim who recognized and admitted killing young Coptic Milad Ibrahim Farag, "25” One year with stay (Suspended sentence)

Dr. Ihab, the victim’s lawyer said: It is a government made disaster for the Copts as the deadly recognized and admitted for crime and reconciliation does not mean punishment was abolished!!

Minya Criminal Court issued its ruling against the named Khamis Eid Abdel-Hamid for one year with stay (suspended sentence) for the murder of young Coptic Milad Ibrahim Farag, "25" years last June. This provision was that the case related to the defense of heritage Honor. This provision has aroused the anger of the Copts and Egyptian intellectuals and thinkers as the non-punishment of imprisonment for the killer who recognize the crime and the absence of any condemnation of the killer means that the dead man had not been harassed or any of the women who inveigled the killer of the young man who forced him to a deserted area and stabbed him several times.

Dr. Ihab, the symbolic lawyer commented that the sentence is a disaster and waste of law and the right of society to the lack of legal deterrence in the same murder case and there to harm the victim.  He pointed out that the police investigation report declared that the killer had beaten the man and death resulted from several stabbing wounds. Although suspicion of murder and advance planning of the crime and luring the victim to a deserted place, and was carrying a deadly weapon with him that proves bad intention. Lawyers were not able to attend any hearing due to the operative rule that suspended the record which had been taken by the Magistrate's Court to reduce the punishment to two years. The judge gave the murderer the right to be wrong despite the deadly recognized and admitted offense.

At the same time, there has been grief in the Coptic village "Dyfsh" following the operative rule. This provision means that Christians’ blood is cheap or has no value and that they second class citizens!  The consequences of this provision will be consequences for killing Christians because everyone knew that their blood is as no one who killed a Copt have been punished.
 
In court: the accused was arm-in-arm with his hands, shouting victoriously and glorifying the bearded judge (Muslim Brotherhood Fashion). The killer was acquitted although he admitted and recognized his crime! This is the scales of justice in our country when the victim is a Copts

B) Mubarak Regime destroys Christian Family Ties and Morals:

1) EGYPT: COURT GIVES CHRISTIAN BOYS TO MUSLIM FATHER
Despite a fatwa from the Grand Mufti, Alexandria judge denies custody for mother.

ISTANBUL, October 2 (Compass Direct News) – Following the Appeal Court of Alexandria on Sept. 24 granting custody of 13-year-old Christian twins to their Muslim father, their mother lives with the fear that police will take away her children at any moment.

Kamilia Gaballah has fought with her ex-husband Medhat Ramses Labib over alimony support and custody of sons Andrew and Mario in 40 different cases since he left her and converted to Islam so that he could remarry in 1999.

The court ruled in favor of Labib in spite of Egyptian law’s Article 20, which grants custody of children to their mothers until the age of 15, and a fatwa (religious ruling) from Egypt’s most respected Islamic scholar, Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, giving her custody. “This decision was dangerous because it was not taken in accordance with Egyptian law but according to sharia [Islamic] law,” said Naguib Gobraiel, Gaballah’s lawyer and president of the Egyptian Union of Human Rights Organizations.

He explained that Egypt’s civic code calls for children under the age of 15 to stay with their mother regardless of their religion. Gobraiel said that sharia tends to favor the Muslim parent in such cases.

“They want to stay with their mother,” said Gobraiel. “They don’t know anything about Islam and sharia. They are Christians and go to church on Sundays.”

The twins have publicly stated their faith, and during a test in a mandatory religious class two years ago they scribbled only, “I am a Christian” on their answer sheets and otherwise turned them in blank. The twins intend to go on a hunger strike if they are forced to live with their Muslim father, whom they hardly know, sources said.

“We only want one thing,” said Gobraiel. “We want the law to be applied in our cases like this one, not the sharia, because the government owes us citizenship. This is a civilized, secular country, not a religious country.”

The decision of the presiding judge, El Sayed El Sherbini, to give the father full custody is not even based on sharia but is purely arbitrary, Gaballah and her eldest son George Medhat Ramses claimed, since the country’s State Mufti had granted custody to the mother in April 2006.

“We don’t want to give them to anyone or comply with the sentence,” Ramses told Compass. “All the legal ways have been wrong to us. We’ve been trying to make it as legal as we can, but the court has not been fair.”

Ramses, 21, who is also a Christian and lives with his mother and two little brothers, said the judged showed bias in favor of his father because he converted to Islam shortly after he left Gaballah.

“The decision was unfair and oppressive,” Gaballah told Compass. “I am treated differently than other Egyptians, as if this is not my own country.”

Gaballah, who has been fighting to keep her sons since the court decided in 2006 that custody of her sons should be given to her ex-husband, fears that her children will grow up without hope and a sense of justice.

“I am so sad and afraid about their psychology,” she said, “because they are facing something that is fundamentally against all the principles I have taught them.”

Gaballah said she is ready to keep fighting with the few means left in her power to keep her sons, even if it means tarnishing her with a criminal record by not handing them over to their father.
“And I’m determined to get justice in my own country, because it is my natural right and my sons’ right,” she said. “I cannot see how I can comply with the people who are taking my rights away from me and taking my children from me to give them to an unworthy father and another woman.”
Labib is now married to his third wife, with whom he has a 4-year-old son. He is a businessman working in exports and travels between Alexandria and Cairo.

Gobraiel said that he intends to send a clear message to Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak and the international human rights community that judgments like this one are hypocritical on the part of a government that claims to be “civilized.”

“How can they think we live in a civilized and secular country when they are applying sharia law on us?” he asked. “We will send a message to human rights organizations in Egypt and around the world to help us. We are angry and we want to declare it!”
 
Problematic Birth Certificates
Even under their father’s custody, the twins have the legal right to live with whomever they choose in two years, when they turn 15. But Ramses said he doubts the court would let them return to their mother.
 
“The same law that states that they should stay with mother until the age of 15 is the one that says they can decide where to live after the age of 15,” he explained. “If the court didn’t apply the first part of the law, they won’t apply the second.”

At the age of 16, when Mario and Andrew apply for their identification cards, they will face yet another hurdle, said Ramses. In 2005, Labib went to the population register and changed the twins’ birth certificates from Christian to Muslim, to reflect his own religion.

Over the past few years, as Christians have found out about the twin boys’ case, Ramses said many have called them to give support. Many also have pledged to go on a hunger strike with the boys if they are handed over to their father.

“Christians see them as Coptic heroes and martyrs who stood up in front of all and said they were Christians and held on to it,” said Ramses. “All of them say they see the greatness of their ancestors and Christian heroes of long ago in them … and they carry a lot of respect and love for what they have done.”

2)Forcing Islamization on Mrs. Bahia and Shadia El-Sisi:

The Lawyer Ramses fears that a Sept. 23 court ruling in the case of Bahia Nagy El-Sisi, sentencing her to prison for three years for “forgery of an official document,” could be what awaits him and his little brothers. Nagy El-Sisi’s father had converted to Islam briefly in 1962, when she was 3 years old, and her documents were never altered to reflect the change as she remained a Christian. She and her sister discovered that their father had temporarily converted to Islam when the sister, Shadia Nagy, tried to issue marriage papers for her son.

Shadia Nagy was sentenced to three years in prison in 2007, also for “forgery.”
“These women are us in the future,” said Ramses.

3)Attacks on Patmos Monastery similar to Abu-Fana Monastery:

In spite of the Coptic demonstrations all over the whole world in the past few months, unveiling the true face of the Egyptian regime, the aggression against the Coptic minorities never ended. As a matter of fact near the end of July, the second division of the Egyptian army attacked a Coptic Monastery (PATMOS) and its properties in the area known as Hick Step north of Cairo.

Now, and after the barbaric attacks on the Abu Fana Monastery, the governor of Al Minya is requesting an official apology from the Coptic Church and its attorney! The governor, who was not able to grant safe haven to a few Monks, who have chosen to worship their God in the desert and who were attacked by the barbaric Arabs. None of the attackers were arrested to-date; on the contrary, several Coptic guests who happened to be at the Monastery were arrested and are still in jail. No official Egyptian condemnation was issued regarding the aggression against the innocent and harmless human beings in their worshiping place nor was any aggressor charged through the law enforcement authorities.

Statement of the Holy Synod Committees of the Coptic Orthodox Church on the Attack at Abu Fana Monastery in Mallawi, Minya

The Episcopal Bishops, members of the Holy Synod committees of the Coptic Orthodox Church, were shocked by the dastardly assault on the monks who reside in the monastery of Abu Fana in Mallawi, and on the monastery itself and its church, buildings and property on Saturday, May 31, 2008. This incident did not occur for many centuries in our beloved Egypt. This occurrence is contrary to what Muslims call for and what Egypt represented in President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak many efforts to preserve Egypt's security, which is unity and reputation.

The attack on monks with automatic weapons, kidnapping some of them who were then tortured by whipping and dragging on the ground, the breaking of their bones, forcing them to insult the cross and confess Islam under torture, and other brutal methods that the human conscience refuses, as well as destruction, damage, burning and obliteration of church, other buildings and the property of the monastery – points to the fact that the monastery does not have any kind of weapons except prayers and worship which is contrary to how some try to portray the abused in the monastery as if they were the aggressors. The attempted attack on the monastery workers during their return on June 4th, pushed the Holy Synod committees to call upon President Mubarak, to lead his people, along with all the state officials, to heal these wounds in the body of the nation through:

1 - The release of unjustly detained Copts.
2 - The arrest of the reported offenders. Following, the State must take legal action against them to prevent them and others from repeating such attacks that endanger the social peace of Egypt.
3 - Portray the true reality, which is the deliberate conspiracy of the offenders to commit the crime, as well as showing all the details of the repeated assault on the monks and the monastery property.
4 - Build a fence around the whole monastery under the supervision of the State Patrol to prevent the recurrence of future attacks. Particularly, the fence must be around artifacts premises, the farm, the cemetery, and the monk’s individual cells (rooms).
5 – Compensate the monastery for damage and stolen items that damaged the monastery buildings and properties, which exceeded one million pounds.
6 - Working on not repeating such attacks by examining its causes and removing them.
Our confidence in the wisdom of President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, which endowed by God, and his love for all Egyptians, are the best guarantee for Egypt's security and unity.
Bishop Bishoy
The Holy Synod Secretary

From May 31st 2008 up to September 30th 2008:

The 18th Attack number 18 on the 4th Century Coptic Monastery of 'Abu Fana', one of the oldest Monasteries in the world, in Al-Minya, Upper Egypt.

Three monks were kidnapped, tortured for almost twelve hours and asked to renounce their faith. A fourth man is still in the hands of his kidnappers. As a result of that attack the Monastery’s church and cells were destroyed, and the fields were burned down.

Would you please ask the Government of Egypt what kind of protection they are providing for the people and the old monuments? And where is the fourth kidnapped person after almost 120 days from the date of that barbarian, rootless, inhuman and savage incident?

4) Attacks on a Coptic Church on Rasheed:

An Eighteenth century Church in Rasheed was destroyed by a Counselor at law and his two public prosecutor sons who were accompanied by fifty hired thugs.

Stormed adviser (Counselor) and his two sons and prosecutors and more than fifty bully the Roman Church, which sold to the Orthodox in a rational and they demolished the walls with bulldozers, wounding the church guard, "oversaw Fahmi Abdullah," and the destruction of the remains of fathers and saints, icons and theft and looting of shops next to the church tenants.

5) A Christian farmer is barred from building or repairing his house for two years. 

Coptic families live the tragedy of discrimination in the village, "Sham Al-Bahreya" of Maghagha City, Minya Governate after the security apparatus stopped building the house two years ago on the grounds that the owner, a Coptic poor farmer is accused of church building. Despite the fact that the village has only seven Coptic houses and the majority are Muslims who are very sympathetic with the family. The Coptic, Samir Farag Youssef was "taken aback by the officers and detectives Yahya Tariq who ordered to stop building the house since the date of 11-4 - 2006. He said: “and since then I live with my children, "nine" in the open where I cannot complete the construction of the house since that date, and the house is a six-room forming two apartments. Each apartment consists of three rooms each of which is 3.5X3 meters and the house is erected on an area of one karat. It is only a foundation and walls without completing the building or the installation of roof, Doors or windows.

He continues saying “So I live in agony for two years open to all neighbors and pedestrians without cover for my family, especially my family of nine children, including four girls in the open atmosphere, the freezing winter, rain as well as the blistering sun and bitter cold of winter and heavy rains that precipitate over the winter. I sought to find a solution through Members of the People's Assembly or Anba Agathon, a bishop without any benefit. I address the state security service structures who told me that the subject securities headquarters of a state security in Nasr City at Cairo, they are subject to the decision of the President, Major General Hassan Abdel Rahman, tried to persuade them more than once that this house is not Church and so I've written for approval, but I was unable to reach anyone to lift the injustice and save my children. I am unable to leave them home and go to Cairo because of fear of being exposed to any danger. “

The house is fully distinctive from a church and known to everyone and we all remember the events of Upper Egypt when a Copt started building a house for the marriage of his son Muslims attacked the Copts and started burning of their homes. If this man find sympathy from Muslim neighbors, why not insist on completion of his home in the context of the right to housing and a decent life provided by the Constitution and international covenants?!

6) An innocent Copt is unjustly arrested:

We are not surprised at the Egyptian government's actions!  Hani Aziz, a Coptic writer and blogger and works as a social worker and lives in the town of Nag Hammadi, Qena Governate. Han is always polite and respectful and has a distinctive style in his writings. Hani loves people and loves his country and calls for a national justice and equality among all Egyptians. Hani’s tragedy begins with the emergence of a novel in the Egyptian markets labeled “Azazil” which a writer by the name of Father Uta wrote in response to a person called Zidane Yusuf’s book (one of the hundreds of books and stories that are attacking the Christian faith). But the poor Hani Aziz did not attack any religion. Some of Al-week newspaper journalists known for their hostility not only against all that is a Copt, but all that is Egyptian. They spread roamers among the people of the village that Hani is the author of the novel Azazil and stimulated the young people who gathered to kill Hani, what made him leave his home to escape from the oppression of people The arrest of two brothers and their reservation made him turn himself in to release the two brothers after five days of detention with torture at the police station. Hani’s father has nothing to do with Father Utah who still publishes ideas on the pages of the Internet and the father knows that Utah is just a nick name of a person likely to live outside Egypt.

And how he was captured and did not write the narrator has nothing to do with the Yusuf book while Zidane, who is the cause of the problem live in freedom.

The novel Tess Azazil is written by Dr. Yusuf Zidane, an Alexandria University philosophy professor and director of the Office of manuscripts Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Things reached a peak as the Intergovernmental Ribaldries arrested siblings were swapped first turned him in to security!! This is not happening on the police service all over the world, but only occurs between the bandits and mafia

7) Six Young Christian men, owners of a Port Saed Coffee shop, brutally assaulted by Police:
 
Port Said police brutally beating Coptic citizens within their own cafe called "Cafe Central" for initiating the cafe during the day in Ramadan, despite the presence of other cafes working day in Ramadan.

C) The double standard and discrimination against Copts! What if the Killer in an Honor and Dignity Case was a Copt?

Christian Brother Kills A Terrorist in Search for Kidnapped Sister:

An Egyptian Christian man angry at his kidnapped sister killed a Muslim terrorist. Mariam Khillah, was kidnapped, raped, and forcibly converted to Islam approximately 15 month ago by a terrorist, Ahmed Saleh.  Since Mariam has disappeared, the family never stopped searching for her return. According to our souses, the policy has mistreated, and beaten the family when reported the disappearance of the daughter. The search for Mariam led to locate the place where she kept away from her family. As a result, the family tried very hard to convince the perpetrator for peaceful settlement, but attempts fail. Eventually, and according to the untrusted Police information, Ramy, brother of Mariam, broke into her Cairo hidden place and sprayed gunfire on the terrorist Ahmed Saleh.

The official reports were full of lies. The police accused the Coptic Egyptian family of killing "an Egyptian Muslim". More falsely claimed that Marian converted to Islam without any pressure, and totally ignored the kidnapping, and raping of Mariam by the terrorist, Ahmed Saleh. This incident showed the role of the police in kidnapping, raping, and force conversion on more than 250,000 Coptic Christian girls, and women, on the last 25 years.

The American Coptic Association and the International Christian Union are calling upon US Government, Congress, and Human Rights Organizations to investigate  all the crimes against humanity by the Arab Islamic regime in Egypt, and allow the immediate return of kidnapped girls, and women to their families.

N.B.: All the above incidents represent the active cases of recent origin, but to go to the accumulating atrocities against Copts, you will have no time or way to calculate them!
More than fifty massacres took place during President Mubarak's era, whose government aided these criminals against the victims! The most obvious massacre was that of Al-Kosheh (an upper Egyptian village) at the first day of the millennium, when 21 Copts were killed by the Muslims, aided by police support! These criminals were set free, and the bias justice system did not prosecute any of them, at any judicial level!  The criminals on April 14, 2006 will not receive capital punishment as the Egyptian officials claimed that these criminals were mentally ill, even before their arrest!
Savage attacks and rapes on Coptic females, in an effort to convert them to Islam, have been multiplying in the recent years.  Muslim converts are being assaulted, tortured, and jailed. Christian Copts are deprived from reaching higher levels in society, and governmental positions.  They are severely underrepresented in the political parties, and are denied dignified positions such as Deans of colleges and universities, Chiefs of Policing and Armies.  In all aspects of life, Copts are treated as substandard individuals, second-class. This is not equality, this is not Human Rights, and this is definitely not Democracy! 
 
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN UNION
الأتحـادالمسـيحىالعـالمى
500 SUMMIT AVE., UNION CITY,NJ 07087
TEL: 201-902-9997     
FAX: 201-863-4111
JULY 7, 2008
CAMPAIGN TO ERADICATE COPTS (EGYPT’S CHRISTIANS)

Dear Coptic brothers, sisters, sons and daughters: The Copts are facing firm extermination steps since the events of Khanka, through al-Zawiah al-Hamra, KOSHEH, Assiut, Al-Muharraq monastery, and Alexandria... Etc. They are now hitting monks! They have been killing Copts and looting of their property and oppressing them. The Egyptian government is keen to mention such barbaric actions as individual events. While Copts live in fear, the Government is supporting the criminals and offenders and enables them to escape without any punishment.

Our Christian people in Egypt are humiliated, tortured, persecuted, and even killed. Security agencies go into coma as long as the victims were Copts. Truly, it is the policy of eliminating Christianity in Egypt.

Abu Fana monks in the monastery, have suffered all kinds of torment and humiliation. They were kidnapped and the assailants asked them to spit on the Cross and become Muslims! Can you believe that the governor of Minya, told Abu Fana monks to pay Gizia to the criminal Arab offenders to live in safety? Do you imagine that in the twenty-first century, the aggressors hold modern weapons and the State protect them and protect their weapons as long as they are directed against the Christians?

Four Christians were killed in their Jewelry store a few steps from the Church of Virgin  Mary in Zaiton, Cairo in broad daylight and the offenders until now enjoy complete safety! The same crime was committed in Alexandria. This happened only because they are Copts, and the Muslim believes is that the Christian blood and money are permitted and halal for Muslims. The attack is still ongoing upon underage girls and forced Islamization is still happening through the encouragement of authorities.

The suffering of the monks and victims calls onto you to move and to announce to the world the atrocities of our brothers in Egypt to stop these movements of physical liquidation of the Copts.

Christianity is positive not negative, Christianity is work, not slump! The Christian appeal and cooperation are not selfish. Christianity does not accept injustice or humiliation! The Christian crown over our heads mandates us to show that we deserve it. Our voices have to go to the sky carried by the angels and moving them to the Glory of Jesus Christ. Your voices have to be heard!

Our people in Egypt and His shed blood are crying, and we are in the most anger protest, march in front of all the free world, in an attempt to stop the streams of blood and the campaign of physical liquidation of our brothers. Because we ourselves are members with the rest of the body of Christ, should not be leaving his teachings that require that we have to defend those who cannot defend themselves and to speak for those who do not have the right to speak. 

We, together with the ICU (International Christian Union) are preparing for a Washington D.C. Rally on July 15th 2008. Please expect more information soon. For more information, please contact:
Dr. Monir Dawoud: (201)424-1001, Mr. Adly Awad: (201) 451 3087, Mr. Joe Hakim: 201 832 8058,
Mr. Adel Aguib:(201) 201)376-4011, Mr. Fayez Khellah:(201)424-0278, Mr. Fred Ayad (201)936 8916
Please call the above phone numbers for confirmation. We will meet in front of Martin Luther King School at 7:00am

Zaiton execution    
A Monk from Abu Fana monastery       
IF THIS IS NOT PERSECUTION, PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS IT?!
The real tragedy is the fact that the officials are adopting the policy of burying the heads in the sand and denying the rights of Copts! This will definitely lead to the recurrence of such crimes. The sense of any citizen that his Government did not provide him with protection, security and safety of the spirit and presentation, property and religious sanctities will kill the morals and existence of the persecuted person regardless of all the slogans and hollow promises for the claimed “National Unity” that has to be practiced by the oppressed Copts while the Muslim majority despise and even laugh at it!

REFRENCES: Trustful Eye-Witnesses, Different Web-Sites and Media Sources.
I am not a professional Translator but I did my best to write it in English, so excuse my deficiencies.

Monir A. Dawoud, MD, President of ICU (International Christian Union), President of ACA (American Coptic Association) and President of LEVANT (New Name for the Arab American Physician Foundation)

October 23 probably passed as just another day for most Americans who are now focused on the financial crisis and the upcoming election. However, for those in the engaged in the fight against terrorism, it is a day laden with tragedy and the start of a greater conflict that was largely not realized until 9/11. October 23 was the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Marines barracks in Beirut where 241 Americans lost their lives. This was the first shot across the bow of America as the radical Islamists who overthrew the government of Iran used proxies (a group that would become Hezbollah) in Lebanon to attack U.S. forces. Let us not forget that the French barracks down the road from the Americans were also attacked that day. Of course, the attack on the Marine Barracks was preceded by an attack on the U.S. embassy in Beirut nearly six months prior. Let us not forget the sacrifice our brave Marines gave to ensure our freedom nor forget the dangers that we still face. 

The Embassy Bombing Facts:

Occurred at about 1300 (1:00 pm Lebanon Time) on April 18th, 1983.      Carried out by a terrorist driving a van, reportedly stolen from the Embassy in June 1982. The van carried a 2,000-pound load of explosives, tearing through the front portion of the seven (7) story building.    Most of the victims were at lunch and were killed by the collapsing building. Killed 63 occupants of the building, 17 of whom were Americans. One Marine was killed - Corporal Robert V. McMaugh, an embassy guard. One journalist was killed - Janet Lee Stevens. Sseveral State Department officials were killed, including three USAID employees. The entire U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Middle East contingent were killed. Several Army trainers were killed.

Embassy Before:

Embassy After:
 

The Marines in Beirut:

In the summer of 1982, at the request of the Lebanese government, the United States agreed to establish a U.S. military presence in that country to serve as a peacekeeping force in the conflict between warring Muslim and Christian factions. On March 24, 1983, the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, received orders to Beirut, Lebanon in support of that commitment.

Initially, the U.S. Forces, along with French and Italian Forces provided a measure of stability; however, as diplomatic efforts failed to achieve a basis for a lasting settlement, the Muslim factions came to perceive the Marines as enemies. This led to artillery, mortar, and small arms fires being directed at the Marine Corps positions - with appropriate, measured response being taken against identified targets.

In the early morning of October 23, 1983, the First Battalion, 8th Marines Headquarters building was destroyed by a non-Lebanese, terrorist-driven truck, laden with compressed gas-enhanced explosives. This truck, like many others, had become a familiar sight at the airport and so did not raise any alarm on this morning. The resulting explosion and the collapse of the building killed 241 Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers.

Barracks Before:


Barracks During:


Barracks After:


Beirut, Lebanon Oct. 23, 1983 Remembering the Fallen:
Cpl. Terry W Abbott, USMC
Lance Cpl. Clemon S Alexander, USMC
Private 1st Class John R Allman, USMC
Cpl. Moses J Arnold Jr, USMC
Private 1st Class Charles K Bailey, USMC
Lance Cpl. Nicholas Baker, USMC
Lance Cpl. Johansen Banks, USMC
Lance Cpl. Richard E Barrett, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 1 Ronny K Bates, USN
1st Sgt. David L Battle, USMC
Lance Cpl. James R Baynard, USMC
Hospitalman Jesse W Beamon, USN
Gunnery Sgt. Alvin Belmer, USMC
Private 1st Class Stephen Bland, USMC
Sgt. Richard L Blankenship, USMC
Lance Cpl. John W Blocker, USMC
Capt. Joseph J Boccia Jr, USMC
Cpl. Leon Bohannon Jr, USMC
Staff Sgt. John R Bohnet Jr, USMC
Cpl. John J Bonk Jr, USMC
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey L Boulos, USMC
Cpl. David R Bousum, USMC
1st Lt. John N Boyett, USMC
Cpl. Anthony Brown, USMC
Lance Cpl. David W Brown, USMC
Lance Cpl. Bobby S Buchanan Jr, USMC
Cpl. John B Buckmaster, USMC
Private 1st Class William F Burley, USMC
Hospitalman Jimmy R Cain, USN
Cpl. Paul L Callahan, USMC
Sgt. Mecot E Camara, USMC
Private 1st Class Bradley J Campus, USMC
Lance Cpl. Johnnie D Ceasar, USMC
Private 1st Class Marc L Cole, USMC
Spec. 4 Marcus A Coleman, USA
Private 1st Class Juan M Comas, USMC
Sgt. Robert A Conley, USMC
Cpl. Charles D Cook, USMC
Lance Cpl. Curtis J Cooper, USMC
Lance Cpl. Johnny L Copeland, USMC
Cpl. Bert D Corcoran, USMC
Lance Cpl. David L Cosner, USMC
Sgt. Kevin P Coulman, USMC
Lance Cpl. Brett A Croft, USMC
Lance Cpl. Rick R Crudale, USMC
Lance Cpl. Kevin P Custard, USMC
Lance Cpl. Russell E Cyzick, USMC
Maj. Andrew L Davis, USMC
Private 1st Class Sidney James Decker, USMC
Private 1st Class Michael J Devlin, USMC
Lance Cpl. Thomas A Dibenedetto, USMC
Pvt. Nathaniel G Dorsey, USMC
Sgt. Maj. Frederick B Douglass, USMC
Cpl. Timothy J Dunnigan, USMC
Hospitalman Bryan L Earle, USN
Master Sgt. Roy L Edwards, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 3 William D Elliot Jr, USN
Lance Cpl. Jesse Ellison, USMC
Private 1st Class Danny R Estes, USMC
Private 1st Class Sean F Estler, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 3 James E Faulk, USN
Private 1st Class Richard A Fluegel, USMC
Cpl. Steven M Forrester, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 3 William B Foster Jr, USN
Cpl. Michael D Fulcher, USMC
Lance Cpl. Benjamin E Fuller, USMC
Lance Cpl. Michael S Fulton, USMC
Cpl. William Gaines Jr, USMC
Lance Cpl. Sean R Gallagher, USMC
Lance Cpl. David B Gander, USMC
Lance Cpl. George M Gangur, USMC
Staff Sgt. Leland E Gann, USMC
Lance Cpl. Randall J Garcia, USMC
Staff Sgt. Ronald J Garcia, USMC
Lance Cpl. David D Gay, USMC
Staff Sgt. Harold D Ghumm, USMC
Lance Cpl. Warner Gibbs Jr, USMC
Cpl. Timothy R Giblin, USMC
ETC Michael W Gorchinski, USN
Lance Cpl. Richard J Gordon, USMC
Lance Cpl. Harold F Gratton, USMC
Sgt. Robert B Greaser, USMC
Lance Cpl. Davin M Green, USMC
Lance Cpl. Thomas A Hairston, USMC
Sgt. Freddie Haltiwanger Jr, USMC
Lance Cpl. Virgil D Hamilton, USMC
Sgt. Gilbert Hanton, USMC
Lance Cpl. William Hart, USMC
Capt. Michael S Haskell, USMC
Private 1st Class Michael A Hastings, USMC
Capt. Paul A Hein, USMC
Lance Cpl. Douglas E Held, USMC
Private 1st Class Mark A Helms, USMC
Lance Cpl. Ferrandy D Henderson, USMC
Master Sgt. Matilde Hernandez Jr, USMC
Cpl. Stanley G Hester, USMC
Gunnery Sgt. Donald W Hildreth, USMC
Staff Sgt. Richard H Holberton, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 3 Robert S Holland, USN
Lance Cpl. Bruce A Hollingshead, USMC
Private 1st Class Melvin D Holmes, USMC
Cpl. Bruce L Howard, USMC
Lt. John R Hudson, USN
Cpl. Terry L Hudson, USMC
Lance Cpl. Lyndon J Hue, USMC
2nd Lt. Maurice E Hukill, USMC
Lance Cpl. Edward F Iacovino Jr, USMC
Private 1st Class John J Ingalls, USMC
Warrant Offficer 1 Paul G Innocenzi III, USMC
Cpl. James J Jackowski, USMC
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey W James, USMC
Lance Cpl. Nathaniel W Jenkins, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 2 Michael H Johnson, USN
Cpl. Edward A Johnston, USMC
Lance Cpl. Steven Jones, USMC
Private 1st Class Thomas A Julian, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 2 Marion E Kees, USN
Sgt. Thomas C Keown, USMC
Gunnery Sgt. Edward E Kimm, USMC
Lance Cpl. Walter V Kingsley, USMC
Sgt. Daniel S Kluck, USA
Lance Cpl. James C Knipple, USMC
Lance Cpl. Freas H Kreischer III, USMC
Lance Cpl. Keith J Laise, USMC
Lance Cpl. Thomas G Lamb, USMC
Lance Cpl. James J Langon IV, USMC
Sgt. Michael S Lariviere, USMC
Cpl. Steven B Lariviere, USMC
Master Sgt. Richard L Lemnah, USMC
Cpl. David A Lewis, USMC
Sgt. Val S Lewis, USMC
Cpl. Joseph R Livingston, USMC
Lance Cpl. Paul D Lyon Jr, USMC
Maj. John W Macroglou, USMC
Cpl. Samuel Maitland, USMC
Staff Sgt. Charlie R Martin, USMC
Private 1st Class Jack L Martin, USMC
Cpl. David S Massa, USMC
Sgt. Michael R Massman, USMC
Pvt. Joseph J Mattacchione, USMC
Lance Cpl. John Mccall, USMC
Sgt. James E McDonough, USMC
Lance Cpl. Timothy R McMahon, USMC
Lance Cpl. Timothy D McNeely, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 2 George N McVicker II, USN
Private 1st Class Louis Melendez, USMC
Sgt. Menkins, Richard H II, USMC
Cpl. Michael D Mercer, USMC
Lance Cpl. Ronald W Meurer, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 3 Joseph P Milano, USN
Cpl. Joseph P Moore, USMC
Lance Cpl. Richard A Morrow, USMC
Lance Cpl. John F Muffler, USMC
Cpl. Alex Munoz, USMC
Cpl. Harry D Myers, USMC
1st Lt. David J Nairn, USMC
Lance Cpl. Luis A Nava, USMC
Cpl. John A Olson, USMC
Private 1st Class Robert P Olson, USMC
CWO3 Richard C Ortiz, USMC
Private 1st Class Jeffrey B Owen, USMC
Cpl. Joseph A Owens, USMC
Cpl. Connie Ray Page, USMC
Lance Cpl. Ulysses Parker, USMC
Lance Cpl. Mark W Payne, USMC
Gunnery Sgt. John L Pearson, USMC
Private 1st Class Thomas S Perron, USMC
Sgt. John A Phillips Jr, USMC
Chief Hospital Corpsman George W Piercy, USN
1st Lt. Clyde W Plymel, USMC
Sgt. William H Pollard, USMC
Sgt. Rafael I Pomalestorres, USMC
Cpl. Victor M Prevatt, USMC
Private 1st Class James C Price, USMC
Staff Sgt. Patrick K Prindeville, USMC
Private 1st Class Eric A Pulliam, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 3 Diomedes J Quirante, USN
Lance Cpl. David M Randolph, USMC
Gunnery Sgt. Charles R Ray, USMC
Private 1st Class Rui A Relvas, USMC
Private 1st Class Terrence L Rich, USMC
Lance Cpl. Warren Richardson, USMC
Sgt. Juan C Rodriguez, USMC
Lance Cpl. Louis J Rotondo, USMC
Lance Cpl. Guillermo Sanpedro Jr, USMC
Lance Cpl. Michael C Sauls, USMC
1st Lt. Charles J Schnorf, USMC
Private 1st Class Scott L Schultz, USMC
Capt. Peter J Scialabba, USMC
Cpl. Gary R Scott, USMC
Cpl. Ronald L Shallo, USMC
Cpl. Thomas A Shipp, USMC
Lance Cpl. Jerryl D Shropshire, USMC
Lance Cpl. James F Silvia, USMC
Lance Cpl. Stanley J Sliwinski, USMC
Lance Cpl. Kirk H Smith, USMC
Staff Sgt. Thomas G Smith, USMC
Capt. Vincent L Smith, USMC
Lance Cpl. Edward Soares, USMC
1st Lt. William S Sommerhof, USMC
Lance Cpl. Michael C Spaulding, USMC
Lance Cpl. John W Spearing, USMC
Lance Cpl. Stephen E Spencer, USMC
Lance Cpl. Bill J Stelpflug, USMC
Lance Cpl. Horace R Stephens, USMC
Private 1st Class Craig S Stockton, USMC
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey G Stokes, USMC
Lance Cpl. Thomas D Stowe, USMC
Lance Cpl. Eric D Sturghill, USMC
Lance Cpl. Devon L Sundar, USMC
Lt. James F Surch Jr, USN
Cpl. Dennis A Thompson, USMC
Staff Sgt. Thomas P Thorstad, USMC
Private 1st Class Stephen D Tingley, USMC
Lance Cpl. John J Tishmack, USMC
Pvt. Lex D Trahan, USMC
Private 1st Class Donald H Vallone Jr, USMC
Cpl. Eric R Walker, USMC
Cpl. Leonard W Walker, USMC
Cpl. Eric G Washington, USMC
Cpl. Obrian Weekes, USMC
1st Sgt. Tandy W Wells, USMC
Lance Cpl. Steven B Wentworth, USMC
Sgt. Allen D Wesley, USMC
Gunnery Sgt. Lloyd D West, USMC
Staff Sgt. John R Weyl, USMC
Cpl. Burton D Wherland Jr, USMC
Lance Cpl. Dwayne W Wigglesworth, USMC
Lance Cpl. Rodney J Williams, USMC
Gunnery Sgt. Scipio Williams Jr, USMC
Lance Cpl. Johnny A Williamson, USMC
Capt. Walter E Wint Jr, USMC
Capt. William E Winter, USMC
Cpl. John E Wolfe, USMC
1st Lt. Donald E Woollett, USMC
Hospital Corpsman 3 David E Worley, USN
Private 1st Class Craig L Wyche, USMC
Sgt. 1st Class James G Yarber, USA
Sgt. Jeffrey D Young, USMC
1st Lt. William A Zimmerman, USMC

DOD video clip about the 25th Anniversary:

Conclusion:
Although Iran has tried to deny any involvement Ken Timmerman offers us this information:

No one can truly evaluate the impact of the attack on the Marines and how it empowered the Islamists terrorist that we deal with today. The only thing that we can be certain is that the Islamists have been at war with us over 25 years and we only joined the battle seven years ago. To imagine that terrorism can be easily eradicated when the enemy has such a head start boggles the imagination. What we need is to be committed to ending terrorism no matter who becomes President and to realize that this is a generational struggle and not a 4 year problem.

As the video will show, the Bill Ayers terrorist group, the Weather Underground likes to glorify the event called the "Days of Rage." The event being nothing more than rich white kids calling for mass protests and rioting on a national scale which only netted 800 participants. Most of the Weather Underground were jailed and the vandalism and violence associated with the "Days of Rage" adversely affected all peace movements.



Lets look at an excerpt from Tom Wells, "The War Within: America's Battle Over Vietnam" (Henry Holt, 1996):

Day 1

On Monday, October 6, shortly before midnight, antiwar protesters blew up the nation's only monument to policemen. The statue in Chicago's Haymarket Square was blown clear off its twelve-foot pedestal, throwing chunks of the leg onto a nearby expressway. A hundred windows in the surrounding area shattered from the force of the explosion. The blast was the opening salvo of the Weathermen's Days of Rage. "We now feel that it is kill or be killed," a Chicago police official ominously declared.

Over the next forty-eight hours, youths steeled themselves for the first mass action of the Days, a rally in Lincoln Park on Wednesday night followed by a probe into Chicago's streets "to feel out the city and the pig situation." They "struggled" over their fears of violence and anxiety about "offing the pig." Most practiced the "basic moves" of "stick fighting," "some awkwardly, others with obvious experience," as one wrote. Many honed their karate and judo skills. "If you have anything short of a mortal wound, you are expected to fight on," one Weatherleader commanded his troops. Mused a wide-eyed teenager, "It's amazing that in a couple of hours I might be dead."

Come Wednesday evening, only three hundred had gathered in Lincoln Park. Most found the paltry turnout unsettling. "This is an awful small group to start a revolution," one student remarked. The young revolutionaries were outfitted in full battle gear: helmets, "shit-kicker boots," goggles, gas masks, heavy clothes, first-aid kits. Less visible were clubs, lead pipes, chains, brass knuckles. The youths tried to screw their courage up by screaming high-pitched "Battle of Algiers" war whoops. Observing them were hundreds of cops.

At around ten o'clock, Tom Hayden of the Chicago Eight addressed the crowd. A proponent of armed revolution who had begun organizing target practice for movement rifle squads, Hayden conveyed the Chicago Eight's support for the protest. A few minutes later, the Weatherleader Jeff Jones, his blond hair dyed black to conceal his identity, stepped into the flickering light of the bonfire in the center of the group and announced, "I am Marion Delgado." [Delgado was a Chicano youth who had once derailed a train with a piece of concrete for no apparent political reasons.] The nearby Gold Coast district was "where the rich people live," Jones told the crowd, including the rich judge in the Conspiracy trial, Julius Hoffman. "Marion Delgado don't like him and the Weatherman don't like him, so let's go get him," Jones exhorted the demonstrators. His tough talk notwithstanding, Jones was shaking in his combat boots. "More than once I have said that that particular night required the strongest act of will to overcome personal fear," he commented years later. "I mean, to say 'we're going to march out of this park and we're going to march to Judge Hoffman's house, and we're going to fight anyone who gets in our way,' and then do it, is not my natural personality. . . "

Violence Against Innocents

The ragtag army charged out into the streets, whooping and unveiling their weapons. After one youth heaved a rock through a bank window, glass began shattering in every direction. Bystanders caught in the onslaught were knocked to the pavement. Police watched with their jaws open as store and car windows splintered one after the other. "I just don't believe it," one officer gasped. Said a pedestrian, "I don't know what your cause is, but you have just set it back a hundred years." Dave Dellinger, who had secured a safe house for the Weathermen outside of Chicago, was also appalled by the destruction. On the scene as "a disgusted observer," he noticed "that a disproportionately high percentage of the cars wrecked were Volkswagens and other old and lower-priced cars," and that youths were trashing "small shops, proletarian beer halls, and lower-middle-class housing." With each broken window, each trashed automobile--each blow against the pig state--the youths' courage rose another notch. Some cops separated from their brethren were "vamped on severely."

Soon police lines began forming ahead. Jones and other youths in the front of the mob charged directly into one line, screaming and swinging. At last they were going to get to test their mettle, at last they were going to get themselves a few pigs. Jones pierced the line and was immediately pounced on by six cops:

"They grabbed me and knocked me down. I got kicked a few times. The worst thing that happened . . . was that someone Maced me right in my eyes from about two inches away. It blinded me for a couple of minutes. And that scared me. While that was happening ... they said, 'Who are you?' And I identified myself. And they said, 'No, you're not,' and kicked me a couple more times, because my hair was dyed. So I said, 'I have my wallet.' So they took out my wallet, and they said, 'Sure enough, it is Jones.' And then I was thrown into a wagon."

For another hour, the chill Chicago night air was filled with the sound of breaking glass, war whoops, police sirens, burglar alarms. By the end of this "Gandhian violence," as Abbie Hoffman called it (his definition: you announce the time and place and then show up and commit an act of violence), six Weathermen had been shot, a great many had been injured, and nearly seventy were in police custody."

Day 2

The next morning, Weatherman's "women's militia" took to the streets for more hand-to-hand combat. "Showing considerable bravery if not much military sense," the leaders of the militia (helmets, goggles, and all) also stormed into a police line, flailing away. They were swiftly subdued.

Day 3

After a day of calm, the two hundred Weathermen not out of action returned to the streets for "the second battle of the white fighting force" on Saturday. They swooped through Chicago's Loop, bullying more pedestrians, smashing more windows, and swinging at more cops. Within thirty minutes, more than half were sitting in paddy wagons or police cars, bloodied and bruised. The day's worst injury occurred when a city official fond of joining in police roundups of protesters dove to tackle one and smashed into a wall instead. He was paralyzed from the neck down.

That night and the previous two, Weathermen held interminable "criticism-self-criticism" sessions on what had gone down. Many bemoaned the small turnout for the protest. "Some people in the leadership did feel it was a defeat. Some people thought, 'Where were the trainloads from Michigan?'" Bill Ayers recalled. More than a few wondered whether fighting armed cops wasn't a loser. Some "warned against the 'death trip.'" A blue-collar teenager who had participated in one action said from jail, "The guys in here are war-monguls. They all want a revolution and they are all with SDS. They are all fucking crazy." But other Weathermen felt they'd shown that white kids could "do it in the road" and win. "We'd . . . proven that it was possible--we didn't all die, we were still there," Ayers said. Carrying out the protest despite forbidding circumstances was itself a victory. Perhaps most important, they'd strengthened themselves. "People felt, 'We'd proved ourselves, we'd toughened ourselves, this is a necessary step, we're finding out who's really committed,'" Ayers remembered. That most observers thought they were nuts was hardly cause for concern. "Most people will be turned off, you have to expect that," lectured one Weatherleader. "They are going to be fighting on the side of pigs if they ever fight at all." "As you might expect, those of us who had really pushed this thing through had a lot invested in calling it a success," Jones frankly stated.

Some Weathermen felt the military battle was the right battle but that it could ultimately only be waged successfully from underground. The Man would continue to come down hard on militant public demonstrations, they argued. Also, "we had gone to this level of militancy and still the war was going on," Jones recalled thinking. "Even that wasn't enough." Said Ayers: "We felt that there was a need to escalate the opposition to the war and to make it more painful to the warmakers. We felt that we were ineffective . . . and if we can't stop the war by convincing the majority of people, we can certainly make the price greater. ... We can build an underground force that's not going to be constantly persecuted and prosecuted by the state." This force would carry out bombings and other terrorist acts while its members continued to participate in public political activities."

Aftermath

The Days of Rage had attracted few working-class youths to the struggle and had not even begun to tap the rising reservoir of antiwar sentiment in American society as a whole. Jones conceded the failure, even while exaggerating the turnout: "We were mobilizing for the National Action at a time when literally tens of thousands of people would come to an antiwar demonstration--and we got eight hundred people. And the reason we got eight hundred people was because we demanded that people come to a level of struggle where they were willing to fight the police in the streets of Chicago as their antiwar statement. It didn't make sense-although we did it. ."

"I don't want to equivocate on just how big a failure it was," Jones reflected. "Violent, aggressive fighting with the police and property destruction just wasn't something that was going to mobilize masses of people." The Days of Rage also promoted public perceptions that antiwar protest and violence were one and the same, hurting the peace movement's image; as Bill Gavin gloated to Haldeman, "the vital force of radicalism has ... been . . . driven into outright physical violence for all to see." The protest hurt the Weathermen as well; most were injured or arrested (many of the leaders faced stiff charges), their bail bonds were gargantuan, and, according to Dave Dellinger, at least half defected from the group afterward, having seen the light on kamikaze-ism.

Reaction to the Days among other protesters ran from admiration to disgust, but tended heavily toward the latter. The most common response was summed up in the remark of a Wisconsin SDSer: "You don't need a rectal thermometer to know who the assholes are." Years later SDS's Greg Calvert maintained that the Weathermen's actions as a whole "did more to set back the development of a meaningful American left than anybody else in the country. And I think in that sense that they played right into the hands of the state."

Weathermen Paranoia Turns Extreme

Following the Days of Rage, Weatherman became increasingly taken with the notion of building an underground. "From about the National Action on, that's what we ... spent our time doing," Ayers remembered. "I think we all felt it was something we had to do," Jones said. "And I think we all each in our own way felt pretty scared. . . . That period . . . had a lot of sort of ominous feelings to it. And the feeling that you'd never come back from it, you know. That doing this was . . . sort of like victory or death. If not death, then long years in jail."

Weathermen began cutting themselves off from family and old friends. Facing March 1970 court dates for charges stemming from the Days of Rage and having no intention of showing up, some started living under assumed names. "We wanted to get a head start on the official date at which we would become fugitives," Jones recalled. With each step underground, their bunker mentality grew."