Post-Taliban Kabul Blossoms for the Rich

…The owners of these mansions "are commanders, ministers. It makes me angry. These people use everything that isn't theirs and they ruin the houses of the poor people to build their homes," said Mohammed. "The Taliban were no good, they were just stupid people. But in this new life there is no job, nothing."….(AP, 11 Nov 06)

Britain's MI5 Warns Of Rising Terror Threat
British spies are watching 1,600 people in 200 cells believed to be plotting terrorist acts in Britain or overseas, according to the head of Britain's domestic spy agency. "More and more people are moving from passive sympathy towards active terrorism," said Eliza Manningham-Buller, director general of the MI5 intelligence agency….(Washington Post, 11 Nov 06)

U.N. Delivers Plan for Court in Hariri Case to Lebanon

The United Nations delivered a draft document to the Lebanese government on Friday outlining the framework of an international tribunal to try suspects in the assassination of the country’s former prime minister, Rafik Hariri….(New York Times, 11 Nov 06)

Judge Lets Guilty Plea Stand in Terrorism Case
…Iyman Faris, an Ohio truck driver, pleaded guilty in 2003 to plotting to bring down the Brooklyn Bridge and launch a simultaneous attack in Washington. He asked a judge to vacate the plea, arguing in part that the alleged surveillance violated his rights and that the government could not use it to build a case against him….(Washington Post, 11 Nov 06)

Gunmen Ambush Buses Near Baghdad, Killing 10, Kidnapping 50

…Police said the mass kidnapping and killing was near the volatile town of Latifiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad in the so-called Triangle of Death….(AP, 11 Nov 06)

In Pakistan, Recent Attacks Shred Hopes for Regional Peace Model

Two months ago, Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, triumphantly announced a peace pact with Islamic extremists in the North Waziristan tribal district near the Afghan border, saying he hoped it would become a model for curbing domestic Islamic militancy and cross-border insurgent attacks in Afghanistan….(Washington Post, 11 Nov 06)

Bomb Explodes at Jakarta Restaurant

A bomb exploded at an American fast food restaurant in the Indonesian capital on Saturday, wounding a man believed to have been carrying the device….(AP, 11 Nov 06)

Toy bomb kills five schoolgirls in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

Five schoolgirls were killed when a ‘toy bomb’ exploded in the grounds of their school in the Neelum Valley in Pakistan-controlled Azad Kashmir on Friday…(Khaleej Times, 10 Nov 06)

Badr man Fahad set up sleeper cells

Al-Badr terrorist Mohammad Fahad, arrested in Mysore for planning a headline-grabbing terror attack on Vidhana Soudha, has revealed links leading to a terror sleeper cell he helped set up in the Capital. Sources said the arrested terrorist told his interrogators that he had visited Delhi four times since April to distribute huge cash amounts to different members of the Badr module…(Times of India, 10 Nov 06)

Vietnam court jails US citizens

…Correspondents say the case threatened to complicate ties with the US ahead of President George W Bush's visit next week and a Congressional vote on trade. All of the seven defendants are of Vietnamese origin, but three - Nguyen Thuong Cuc, also known as Cuc Foshee, Huynh Bich Lien and Le Van Binh - also have US citizenship. Local press reports have linked them to a California-based anti-communist organization called the Government of Free Vietnam….(BBC, 10 Nov 06)

Social Security Data a Major Source in Terrorism Probes

… Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Social Security Administration's vast databases of personal information have become a resource for federal investigators, who have asked the agency to check tens of thousands of records for number misuse and identity fraud -- potential precursors to terrorist activity….(Washington Post, 10 Nov 06)

US gives Lebanon army 10.5 million dollars of equipment

The United States gave 10.5 million dollars of equipment to the Lebanese army in a show of support for its deployment to Hezbollah's former stronghold in the south following this summer's war with Israel….(Agence France-Presse, 10 Nov 06)

Terrorists are recruiting in our schools, says MI5 boss

MI5 is fighting to contain a rapidly-growing terrorist threat, with at least 30 top-priority plots under investigation, the head of the security service said yesterday. Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller said Islamic militants linked to al-Qa'eda were recruiting teenagers to carry out suicide attacks and will use chemical, biological or nuclear weapons if they get the chance...(Telegraph, 10 Nov 06)

Video: Persuading Britain that the threat is real

U.S., U.K. Soldiers Captured by Iran in 2004 Shown on New Iranian TV Documentary: Iranian Naval Official Explains 'America is Not a Superpower' and Calls Captured U.S. Marines Cowards

The following are excerpts from an Iranian TV documentary on U.S. and U.K. soldiers who were captured and later released by Iran…(MEMRI, 10 Nov 06)

Tape claims al-Qaeda has mobilized 12,000 fighters

...The group also said it welcomed the Republican electoral defeat that led to the departure of Defence Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. Abu Ayyub al-Masri, also known as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, also urged the U.S. to stay in Iraq so his group would have more opportunities to kill American troops. “The al-Qaeda army has 12,000 fighters in Iraq, and they have vowed to die for God's sake,” a man introduced as Mr. al-Muhajir said in an audio tape made available on militant Web sites….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Mullahs' Islamic "Censorship, Dungeon & Executions" Paid Off in Iran
Iran's university campuses are falling silent. Student activists, once at the vanguard of a movement seeking political and social change in the Islamic Republic, say they are increasingly afraid to speak out….(Reuters, 10 Nov 06)

Al-Fajr Information Center Distributes a Video Inciting Jihad in East Turkestan

A 32:28 minute video featuring incitement for Jihad in Eastern Turkestan was issued on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, by the al-Fajr Information Center….(SITE, 9 Nov 06)

Britain: Lawyers May Wear Veils in Court

Lawyers and other legal advisers will be allowed to wear the Islamic veil in court unless it interferes with the “interests of justice,” the top judge in England and Wales announced…(Agence France-Presse, 10 Nov 06)

Veil or Not to Veil?

Earlier this year on an Arabic Web site, a Muslim woman scholar posted an open letter to the Islamic world. "Take off the veil, sister," began Elham Manea, a professor of Yemeni descent who now works in Switzerland….(AP, 9 Nov 06)

Khamenei Calls Elections a Victory for Iran

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday called U.S. President George W. Bush's defeat in congressional elections a victory for Iran….(Reuters, 10 Nov 06)

'Iraq al-Qaeda' welcomes US poll

A statement purportedly from the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq hails the defeat of Republicans in the US mid-term polls. The audio message, whose authenticity has not been verified, was published on Islamist websites and was said to be the voice of Abu Hamza al-Muhajir….(BBC, 10 Nov 06)

Al Qaeda crows over Rumsfeld, U.S. ponders change

…Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, said in the recording posted on the Internet on Friday that the group has 12,000 armed fighters and 10,000 others waiting to be equipped to fight U.S. troops in Iraq. "I tell the lame duck (U.S. administration) do not rush to escape as did your defence minister...stay on the battleground," he said….(Reuters, 10 Nov 06)

Islamist Websites Monitor No. 20

.…(MEMRI, 10 Nov 06)

AP: Detainees May Lose Access to Lawyers

Guantanamo Bay prisoners could soon lose access to their lawyers _ one of their only contacts with the outside world _ because of a new law that eliminates their right to challenge their detention in civilian courts, the lawyers fear….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Qaeda, Taliban come together’

Al Qaeda is back in business and has a nexus with the Taliban, who have enlarged their agenda to include what they perceive as Islamic causes beyond the borders of Afghanistan, according to leading terrorism expert Peter Bergen….(Daily Times, 10 Nov 06)

'Groups blamed for terror in India have links in Pak.'

The US today said the terrorist groups responsible for attacks in India, including in Mumbai recently, have "origin" and "links" in Pakistan and hoped the anti-terror joint mechanism proposed to be set by the two neighbors would produce results….(The Hindu, 10 Nov 06)

U.S. pushes for progress at India, Pakistan talks

…Peace talks between the nuclear-armed neighbours were launched in 2004 after intense global pressure, led by the United States, forced them to pull back from the brink of a war following an attack on Indian parliament blamed on Pakistan-based Islamist militants….(Reuters, 10 Nov 06)

Iraqi Official: 150,000 Civilians Dead

A stunning new death count emerged Thursday, as Iraq's health minister estimated 150,000 civilians have been killed in the war _ about three times previously accepted estimates….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Afghans Losing Faith in Nation’s Path, Poll Shows

… In it, 44 percent of Afghans interviewed said the country was headed in the right direction, compared with 64 percent in 2004 on the eve of the first democratic presidential elections in Afghanistan….(New York Times, 10 Nov 06)

Egypt fears Hussein death backlash

Egypt's president came out strongly against hanging Saddam Hussein, saying in remarks published Thursday that it could make Iraq explode into more violence. But Iraq's prime minister said the execution could take place by the end of the year…(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Prominent Gaddafi son leaves to work abroad

…Speaking to loud cheers, Saif al-Islam criticized an array of alleged ills in Libyan public life, from the greed of "fat cats" in state institutions to the poor state of the health and education sectors, and called for a range of reforms…Eleven days later Gaddafi, in a speech marking the 37 anniversary of the coup d'etat that brought him to power, urged his supporters to kill enemies if they asked for political change….(Reuters, 10 Nov 06)

Judge Seeks Detention of Ex-Iran Leader

An Argentine judge wants a former Iranian president and eight other officials detained in connection with the 1994 suicide vehicle bombing of a Jewish cultural center, which killed 85 people and injured more than 200….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Israeli: Strike on Iran a possibility

The deputy defense minister suggested in comments published Friday that Israel might be forced to launch a military strike against Iran's nuclear program — the clearest statement yet of such a possibility from a high-ranking official….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Palestinian PM offers to resign

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya of the ruling Hamas group has said he is willing to resign if this will end a Western aid boycott. His comments came after talks on a unity government with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas….(BBC, 10 Nov 06)

Britain's spy chief warns of terrorist plots

…"We are aware of numerous plots to kill people and damage our economy. What do I mean by numerous? Five? Ten? No, nearer 30 ... that we know of," Manningham-Buller said in a speech to a specially invited audience in London on Thursday evening. Her remarks were posted on the MI5 Web site on Friday….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Thai Govt Tries to Quell Muslim Insurgency

…The new regime has made overtures to some of the less radical groups, but there has been no known contact with the shadowy organizations believed to be spearheading an insurgency which has taken the lives of more than 1,800 people….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Five dead, 50 wounded in Kashmir mosque blast

Five people were killed and at least 50 wounded, including women and children, when a grenade was hurled at worshippers in a crowded mosque in revolt-hit Indian Kashmir…(Agence France-Presse, 10 Nov 06)

American Strike in January Missed Al Qaeda’s No. 2 by a Few Hours

A strike by an American Predator drone in Pakistan’s tribal areas in January missed Al Qaeda’s second in command, Ayman al-Zawahri, by just two hours, an intelligence official here says, disclosing that the hunt for Al Qaeda’s leaders had come much closer to killing him than was previously thought….(New York Times, 10 Nov 06)

Britain says Kenya corruption invites terrorists

…The United States warned last week that both Kenya and Ethiopia could be targets of suicide attacks by "extremist elements" from Somalia. "There is terrorism movement in Kenya. It has been going on for some time…(Reuters, 10 Nov 06)

Italy wants U.S. to press Israel, rethink Afghan war

Italy's Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema called on the United States on Friday to refocus its foreign policy following midterm elections, saying it was time to stand up to Israeli hawks over the Palestinian conflict….(Reuters, 10 Nov 06)

Britain Spy Agency Tracking Terror Plots

….(BBC, 10 Nov 06)

3 Americans Convicted of Terror Charges

Three Vietnamese-Americans were convicted on terrorism charges Friday after being accused of trying to take over radio airwaves and call for an uprising against Vietnam's communist government….(AP, 10 Nov 06)

NYC retrial for San Diego man linked to 9/11 hijacker

…In opening statements at the retrial of Osama Awadallah, prosecutor Brendan McGuire told jurors the defendant lied repeatedly under oath while testifying before a grand jury investigating the 2001 terrorist attacks…(AP, 10 Nov 06)

Another Israeli agent testifies

…An Israeli Shin Bet security service agent identified only by the code name Benny -- the second such agent to appear at the trial under heavy security -- testified (Mohammed ) Salah had been under surveillance and investigators were monitoring his Hamas activities in the region….(Daily South Town,  10 Nov 06)

Ortega's Victory: Another Administration Blunder?
Analysis: Washington's public efforts to stop Nicaraguans from electing the Sandinista leader prompted a backlash against yanqui interference…(Time Magazine, 9 Nov 06)

Mortar rounds slam into Sadr City soccer field as more than 60 Iraqis die in violence Wednesday

A pair of mortar rounds slammed into a soccer field in Baghdad's Shiite neighborhood of Sadr City on Wednesday, killing at least eight players and bystanders, on a day when more than 60 Iraqis died in the country's relentless violence….(AP, 9 Nov 06)

'Pakistani Taliban' take credit for blast

An investigation into a deadly attack on Pakistani troops waging a counterinsurgency campaign along the Afghan border was progressing well, an investigator said Thursday, as a previously unknown group said "Pakistani Taliban" were responsible for the attack, a suicide bombing that killed 42 soldiers….(AP, 9 Nov 06)

Suicide Bombing Kills 41 Troops at Pakistani Army Base

A suicide bomber detonated explosives on a field filled with army recruits doing exercises in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday morning, killing at least 41 soldiers and wounding dozens in one of the worst such attacks in Pakistan's recent history….(Washington Post, 9 Nov 06)

Pakistan bombing may be retaliation

Senior Pakistani officials said Wednesday that they thought Islamic militants were responsible for a suicide bombing at an army training base that killed at least 42 soldiers and injured about 20 others. If those suspicions prove true, it would be the deadliest such attack against Pakistan's military…(LA Times, 9 Nov 06)

Hamas lifts truce as troops kill 18

Hamas' exiled leader yesterday called off a cease-fire with Israel and militants threatened to attack Americans after 18 members of a family, including eight children, were killed in an Israeli artillery barrage on a densely populated Gaza neighborhood….(AP, 9 Nov 06)

Oil workers flee Nigerian siege

Nine oil workers have escaped from a pumping station overrun by militants in southern Nigeria…(BBC, 9 Nov 06)

Dozens die in fresh Iraq violence

At least 30 people have died in renewed violence across Iraq following the lifting of a curfew imposed for the sentencing of Saddam Hussein….(BBC, 9 Nov 06)

Terrorists seek to hide in 'anonymity' of Wales

…Bela Arora, a Swansea-based lecturer in international politics and terrorism, was speaking after it was revealed a leading al-Qaeda figure who planned to kill thousands in the US and Britain used a Swansea internet cafe to send coded emails….(IC Wales, 9 Nov 06)

Thousands flee after Sri Lanka army kills refugees

…The military accused the Tigers of using civilians as human shields and exaggerating casualties. "While we regret this whole episode, we also say that national security is utmost and it has to be maintained, and as such defensive action by the authorities is something that is inevitable," said defense spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella….(Reuters, 9 Nov 06)

Analysis: More rumors of bin Laden's death

…The news first surfaced last September, when a French regional newspaper citing French and Saudi intelligence sources claimed that the most wanted man in the world had died while hiding in the mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan. If one is to read into behavioral changes among Saudi Arabian jihadi fighters returning from Pakistan and Afghanistan, bin Laden could indeed be dead….(UPI, 9 Nov 06)

U.S. surprised by strength of Taliban fightback

Taliban insurgents have fought back against Afghan government and Western forces with surprising intensity this year, strengthened by drug money and the ability to shelter in Pakistan, a top U.S. official said on Thursday….(Reuters, 9 Nov 06)

Taliban fighters talk tactics - while safe in Pakistan

…But with more than 50 suicide attacks in the past six months, resistance by large Taliban units in the increasingly volatile provinces of Kandahar and Helmand in the south, and a greater willingness of Taliban fighters to come out into the open and speak their minds are all indications that the Taliban resurgence is no longer a matter of conjecture….(Christian Science Monitor, 9 Nov 06)

India puts airports on high alert over Al-Qaeda attack fears

India declared a high security alert at several of its airports following the discovery of an anonymous letter threatening car bomb attacks by the Al-Qaeda terror network….(Agence France-Presse, 9 Nov 06)

Jordan: Hamas members go on trial for terror plot

…Ayman Naji Daraghmeh, 34, Ahmed Abu Rabee, 27, and Ahmed Abu Thiyab, appeared in court but did not submit pleas because they have not appointed lawyers….(AP/Jerusalem Post, 9 Nov 06)

Robert Gates Lauded As Breaker of Barriers
…(Robert M.) Gates, 63, is a close associate of former president George H.W. Bush and was deputy national security adviser during the Persian Gulf War. He rose rapidly through CIA ranks as a Soviet expert with extensive White House experience to become director of central intelligence from 1991 to 1993….(Washington Post, 9 Nov 06)

Ex-CIA Chief Robert Gates Nominated to Lead Pentagon

President Bush emerged from an election in which his party took what he described as a "thumping" and ousted Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld yesterday, saying that a "fresh perspective" is needed to guide the military through the difficult war in Iraq….(Washington Post, 9 Nov 06)

Pak hookwinking Bush on Taliban pact: Report

Karzai's fears about the September 5 agreement between the Pakistani authorities and the Taliban-friendly tribals in Northern Waziristan have proved right, judging from the increased attacks across the border, the LA Times says…The Bush administration has now studied the text of the agreement in original Urdu, something Islamabad might have not expected, to find out that the signatories on the other side were representatives of the "Talaba", a plural for the Arabic word "Taliban", which means students…(Indo-Asian News, 9 Nov 06)

Sadr City a militia hive

…U.S. and allied forces are deeply worried that Sadr City is becoming an Iraqi version of the Hezbollah bastions of southern Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. "If we are to avoid a descent into civil war and anarchy, then preventing the Jaish al-Mahdi (the Mahdi Army) from developing into a state within a state, as Hezbollah has done in Lebanon, will be a priority," William Patey, Britain's former ambassador to Iraq, wrote recently in a leaked cable….(Detroit News, 9 Nov 06)

Profile: Algeria's Salafist group

"Salafi" in Arabic means fundamentalist in the sense of going back to the original texts of Islam….(BBC)