SubscribeNo signs of Qaeda at US-Mexican border
April 14, 2008
“Authorities have seen no signs of al Qaeda trying to insert operatives into the United States from Mexico, but the militant group has considered doing so, a U.S. intelligence official said on Friday.
The comments by Charles Allen, Homeland Security undersecretary for intelligence and analysis, could undercut one argument by advocates in and out of government for get-tough tactics to fight illegal crossings at the southern U.S. border — that they are needed to fight terrorism.” (Reuters)
Top Bush Advisors Approved ‘Enhanced Interrogation’
April 11, 2008
“In dozens of top-secret talks and meetings in the White House, the most senior Bush administration officials discussed and approved specific details of how high-value al Qaeda suspects would be interrogated by the Central Intelligence Agency, sources tell ABC News.
The so-called Principals who participated in the meetings also approved the use of “combined” interrogation techniques — using different techniques during interrogations, instead of using one method at a time — on terrorist suspects who proved difficult to break, sources said.” (ABC News)
US security chief: cyber-threats ‘on par’ with 9/11
April 9, 2008
“One of America’s most senior security officials
has said that the threat posed by cyber-crime is “on a par” with the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Michael Chertoff, the Homeland Security Secretary, said that computer-based attacks had the ability to cripple financial institutions and government networks.” (The Times)
Committee members seek info on Homeland Security use of satellites
April 9, 2008
“Key House Homeland Security Committee Democrats demanded Monday that the Homeland Security Department provide Congress with more information on how a new office that coordinates the use of space satellites will legally operate and protect the privacy and rights of U.S. citizens.
In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, the lawmakers said they will prevent the office from opening until their concerns are addressed.” (GovExec)
Homeland Security blinks on Real ID: No hassles on May 11
April 3, 2008
“In the long-running Real ID staring match, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ended up being the first to blink.
Homeland Security announced Wednesday that all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be technically Real ID-compliant by the May 11, 2008 deadline–even though many states actually have rejected the concept and have zero plans to embrace a national ID card.” (CNET News)
Intelligence officers call al Qaeda nuclear threat real
April 3, 2008
“Two high-level government intelligence experts testified Wednesday that al Qaeda is intent on attacking the United States with a nuclear weapon but has not developed a nuclear device.
In a hearing, Charles Allen, chief intelligence officer for the Homeland Security Department, said there is no doubt that al Qaeda wants a nuclear weapon.” (GovExec)
Homeland Security: We’re ready to launch spy satellite office
April 3, 2008
“A plan to expand the number of government police and security agencies that can tap into detailed satellite images is proceeding, despite concerns from Congress, the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.” (CNET News)
A look inside Al Qaeda
April 2, 2008
“If Al Qaeda strikes the West in the coming months, it’s likely the mastermind will be a stocky Egyptian explosives expert with two missing fingers.
His alias is Abu Ubaida al Masri. Hardly anyone has heard of him outside a select circle of anti-terrorism officials and Islamic militants. But as chief of external operations for Al Qaeda, investigators say, he has one of the most dangerous — and endangered — jobs in international terrorism.” (LA Times)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Orders LaserCard’s Next Generation Encoding Solution For Green Cards
April 2, 2008
“LaserCard Corporation (NASDAQ:LCRD), a leading provider of secure ID solutions, today announced that it has received a purchase order to supply a next generation card encoding solution for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”) Program.” (Earth Times)
Homeland Security waives laws to finish fence
April 2, 2008
“The Homeland Security Department used its legal authority Tuesday to waive environmental and land management laws, so it can complete 670 miles of fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.
The waivers will allow the department to move ahead with miles of pedestrian and vehicle fence construction as well as roads and detection systems.” (USA Today)
