http://digbig.com/4fddj
"French and British interior ministers pledged Thursday to share information and experience combating terrorism as both countries worked to tighten their anti-terrorism legislation. In a joint article published in Thursday's edition of the Paris-based daily Le Figaro, French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and British Home Secretary Charles Clarke argued that 'to better protect our fellow citizens and people residing peacefully in our countries, our laws must evolve."
Monday, October 31, 2005
[Australia] Anxious media look to law, not faith, to guard reporting rights / sydney Morning Herald, 31 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fdch
Tom Allard
"The media are deeply worried that the proposed anti-terrorism laws will infringe on the work of journalists and substantially curb freedom of speech.
Journalists already face tight restrictions when they report on national security matters, including the details of ASIO raids. The new measures would expand those restrictions and introduce harsh new penalties.
Under the proposed sedition laws reporters could be jailed for seven years if they published or broadcast comments judged to incite violence against people in Australia, or Australian troops abroad."
Tom Allard
"The media are deeply worried that the proposed anti-terrorism laws will infringe on the work of journalists and substantially curb freedom of speech.
Journalists already face tight restrictions when they report on national security matters, including the details of ASIO raids. The new measures would expand those restrictions and introduce harsh new penalties.
Under the proposed sedition laws reporters could be jailed for seven years if they published or broadcast comments judged to incite violence against people in Australia, or Australian troops abroad."
UK IT chief calls for downscaling of ID card plans / The Register, 31 Oct 2005
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/31/watmore_wants_phased_idcards/
John Lettice
"Whitehall IT chiefs may be poised to pull the rug from under the UK's ID card scheme on the basis that the technology isn't ready for prime time, and the project too unfocussed to pass Whitehall risk assessments. According to a report in the Independent on Sunday, Government CIO Ian Watmore has told ministers that the complexity and scale of the plan means that it may have to be phased in, while William Heath of Kable cites senior Whitehall sources as being on the brink of blocking the project."
John Lettice
"Whitehall IT chiefs may be poised to pull the rug from under the UK's ID card scheme on the basis that the technology isn't ready for prime time, and the project too unfocussed to pass Whitehall risk assessments. According to a report in the Independent on Sunday, Government CIO Ian Watmore has told ministers that the complexity and scale of the plan means that it may have to be phased in, while William Heath of Kable cites senior Whitehall sources as being on the brink of blocking the project."
Warning about race hatred 'danger' of Fresh Talent initiative / Scotsman, 31 Oct 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=2170652005
MICHAEL HOWIE
Key points
� Initiative to encourage immigrants may lead to racial tensions
� New arrivals to Scotland not being integrated into society warns report
� Report warns Fresh Talent initiative ignores Scotland's existing pool of labour
Key quote
'The Executive may understand the benefits of increased immigration, but we are not certain that the wider public is ready for it.' - Excerpt from the CRE's report"
MICHAEL HOWIE
Key points
� Initiative to encourage immigrants may lead to racial tensions
� New arrivals to Scotland not being integrated into society warns report
� Report warns Fresh Talent initiative ignores Scotland's existing pool of labour
Key quote
'The Executive may understand the benefits of increased immigration, but we are not certain that the wider public is ready for it.' - Excerpt from the CRE's report"
What is Britishness? / CRE, Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.cre.gov.uk/downloads/what_is_britishness.pdf
"The Commission for Racial Equality commissioned ETHNOS to carry out research on the ways in which British people of different ethnic backgrounds living in England, Scotland and Wales think about 'Britishness', and about 'success'."
"The Commission for Racial Equality commissioned ETHNOS to carry out research on the ways in which British people of different ethnic backgrounds living in England, Scotland and Wales think about 'Britishness', and about 'success'."
PM faces pressure on terror law / The Age, 31 Oct 2005
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/10/30/1130607151948.html?from=rss
Michelle Grattan
"JOHN Howard is under pressure to make further changes to his controversial counter-terrorism legislation, as the premiers refuse to be rushed into approving it."
Michelle Grattan
"JOHN Howard is under pressure to make further changes to his controversial counter-terrorism legislation, as the premiers refuse to be rushed into approving it."
Such a shameful record -/ The Herald, 31 Oct 2005
Such a shameful record - The Herald:
"The solution, according to Mr Cameron, is to make prison a last resort for convicted criminals who have committed serious offences. It would cut the prison population and ease the pressures on the SPS."
"The solution, according to Mr Cameron, is to make prison a last resort for convicted criminals who have committed serious offences. It would cut the prison population and ease the pressures on the SPS."
Shock figures of our ASBO kids / icWales, 30 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fdby
Lucy Ballinger, Wales on Sunday
"A THIRD of children with ASBOs in Wales are suffering from learning difficulties, according to a leading children's group. And some break the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders because they simply cannot understand the rules. The shocking figure comes from Youth Offending Teams across the country who are at the forefront in dealing with ASBOs."
Lucy Ballinger, Wales on Sunday
"A THIRD of children with ASBOs in Wales are suffering from learning difficulties, according to a leading children's group. And some break the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders because they simply cannot understand the rules. The shocking figure comes from Youth Offending Teams across the country who are at the forefront in dealing with ASBOs."
Lashkar, Al-Qaeda share cadres / The Times of India, 30 Oct 2005
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1280243.cms
"Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is the primary suspect in the serial bomb blasts in New Delhi, has close links with the global terrorist outfit Al-Qaida, besides Palestinian terrorist outfit Hamas. Though banned, it has not only managed to execute its violent activities but also succeeded in working in tandem with al-Qaeda and Hamas, according highly-placed sources in Intelligence Bureau. 'We have strong inputs that the cadres, ammunition and funds are shared by al-Qaeda with LeT,' a top intelligence officer told TOI.
According to a senior state police officer, Lashkar is a sister or an ally of al-Qaeda because ideologically and nature wise they are alike. Both seek rule of Nizam-e-Mustafa in the world. Lashkar, according to the intelligence sources was born out of the forces that fought in Afghanistan against Russians in 1980s.
The success in Afghanistan gave the confidence to Pakistan that it had the expertise to create terrorists and it was in 1983 alone that Markaz-e-Dawa-ul-Irshad set up its terrorist wing Lashkar-e-Taiba to establish pan-Islamic rule in the world. " [Snippet]
"Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is the primary suspect in the serial bomb blasts in New Delhi, has close links with the global terrorist outfit Al-Qaida, besides Palestinian terrorist outfit Hamas. Though banned, it has not only managed to execute its violent activities but also succeeded in working in tandem with al-Qaeda and Hamas, according highly-placed sources in Intelligence Bureau. 'We have strong inputs that the cadres, ammunition and funds are shared by al-Qaeda with LeT,' a top intelligence officer told TOI.
According to a senior state police officer, Lashkar is a sister or an ally of al-Qaeda because ideologically and nature wise they are alike. Both seek rule of Nizam-e-Mustafa in the world. Lashkar, according to the intelligence sources was born out of the forces that fought in Afghanistan against Russians in 1980s.
The success in Afghanistan gave the confidence to Pakistan that it had the expertise to create terrorists and it was in 1983 alone that Markaz-e-Dawa-ul-Irshad set up its terrorist wing Lashkar-e-Taiba to establish pan-Islamic rule in the world. " [Snippet]
New Islam in an old English town / International Herald Tribune, 30 Oct 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/30/news/islam2.php
Graham Bowley
"LEICESTER, England As Europe gropes for answers to the recent surge of questions regarding its large and growing population of immigrants, many of them Muslims, one place to look might be this slightly down-at-the-heel town smack in England's centre. Yet Leicester is now being challenged by troubling new dynamics, officials admit, one of which is a growing Muslim assertiveness. The city's success with multiculturalism is being put to the test by ethnic tensions between Muslims and Hindus, fresh Muslim immigration from countries like Somalia and Bosnia, and a simmering resentment among the city's poor white groups toward the immigrants."
Graham Bowley
"LEICESTER, England As Europe gropes for answers to the recent surge of questions regarding its large and growing population of immigrants, many of them Muslims, one place to look might be this slightly down-at-the-heel town smack in England's centre. Yet Leicester is now being challenged by troubling new dynamics, officials admit, one of which is a growing Muslim assertiveness. The city's success with multiculturalism is being put to the test by ethnic tensions between Muslims and Hindus, fresh Muslim immigration from countries like Somalia and Bosnia, and a simmering resentment among the city's poor white groups toward the immigrants."
Zero tolerance crackdown on binge-drinking troublemakers / Alcoholics Anonymous Reviews:
http://digbig.com/4fdbn
"A police campaign called The Party's Over in Newcastle has led to dramatic falls in drunken assaults. Now ministers want every police force in the country to copy the "zero tolerance to drunkenness" programme over the festive season."
"A police campaign called The Party's Over in Newcastle has led to dramatic falls in drunken assaults. Now ministers want every police force in the country to copy the "zero tolerance to drunkenness" programme over the festive season."
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Al Qaeda now a generic term / Daily Times, 30 Oct 2005
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2005\10\30\story_30-10-2005_pg7_50
"Al Qaeda has become a generic term and often misleading and erroneous terminology is in use to describe Islam and Islamic groups and concepts, according to an analysis published "
"Al Qaeda has become a generic term and often misleading and erroneous terminology is in use to describe Islam and Islamic groups and concepts, according to an analysis published "
Dark Fear of Terrorists Gaining Access to WMD Often More Fictional Than Factual / WRKO, Oct 2005
http://www.wrko.com/apnews.asp?id=429742
Includes other examples of stories of exaggerated threats or ill-conceived plans.
Includes other examples of stories of exaggerated threats or ill-conceived plans.
Indonesia follows Thailand on phone-SIM registration / Bangkok Post, Oct 2005
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=58577
"Indonesia ordered users of pre-paid cellular phone to be registered, a move aimed at aiding its efforts to combat terrorism. Minister of Communications and Information said a decision to register the prepaid cellular phone users was in anticipation of electronic crimes ranging from scams to terrorism."
"Indonesia ordered users of pre-paid cellular phone to be registered, a move aimed at aiding its efforts to combat terrorism. Minister of Communications and Information said a decision to register the prepaid cellular phone users was in anticipation of electronic crimes ranging from scams to terrorism."
[Denmsark] V / Latest Jyllands-Posten, 28 Oct 2005
http://www.jp.dk/english_news/artikel:aid=3350666/
"The government plans to increase the powers and surveillance of the Police Intelligence Service. The government is deeply concerned about reports of four young men scheming a terrorist attack, national broadcaster DR reported on Friday. The Police Intelligence Service (PET) is to be granted increased authority to investigate and prevent terrorist activity in the country. more surveillance was needed for the country's main traffic hubs, and that PET needed to have access to airplanes' passenger lists and public authorities' information on citizens. It would lead to more security, as the police would be able to solve possible terror cases faster in the future." [Snippet]
"The government plans to increase the powers and surveillance of the Police Intelligence Service. The government is deeply concerned about reports of four young men scheming a terrorist attack, national broadcaster DR reported on Friday. The Police Intelligence Service (PET) is to be granted increased authority to investigate and prevent terrorist activity in the country. more surveillance was needed for the country's main traffic hubs, and that PET needed to have access to airplanes' passenger lists and public authorities' information on citizens. It would lead to more security, as the police would be able to solve possible terror cases faster in the future." [Snippet]
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Early Lessons from the Prolific and Other Priority Offenders Evaluation: Development and practice report 46 / HO, 27 Oct 2005
PDF http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/dpr46.pdf
"The purpose of this report is to give feedback to practitioners on the early findings of the Prolific and Other Priority Offenders Strategy evaluation, in particular the findings on the implementation of the scheme and the targeting of resources."
[Public order, justice and rights]
"The purpose of this report is to give feedback to practitioners on the early findings of the Prolific and Other Priority Offenders Strategy evaluation, in particular the findings on the implementation of the scheme and the targeting of resources."
[Public order, justice and rights]
info4local: Assessing the Impact of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry: Research study 294 HO, 27 Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/hors294.pdf
"This is a report on an evaluation of the overall impact of the inquiry on the police, examining changes in police policy and practice, and Black and ethnic minority confidence. It is one of the most extensive and detailed to have been carried out on police-community relations."
"This is a report on an evaluation of the overall impact of the inquiry on the police, examining changes in police policy and practice, and Black and ethnic minority confidence. It is one of the most extensive and detailed to have been carried out on police-community relations."
Racist Incidents: Progress since the Lawrence Inquiry - Online report 42/05 / HO, 27 Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/rdsolr4205.pdf
"This is a report on research into the effect of the Lawrence Inquiry recommendations and the Home Office 2000 code of practice on the reporting and recording of racist incidents on the handling of racist incidents. "
"This is a report on research into the effect of the Lawrence Inquiry recommendations and the Home Office 2000 code of practice on the reporting and recording of racist incidents on the handling of racist incidents. "
The CARAT Drug Service in Prisons: Findings from the research database / HO, 27 Oct 2005
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/r262.pdf
"This report presents the findings from a database set up to monitor prisoners accessing the CARAT drug service across prisons in England and Wales, their profile, and services received. This study outlines the profile of prisoners accessing the service in terms of demographic factors, offences, sentence length and drug use. The findings provide contextual background information to inform policy."
"This report presents the findings from a database set up to monitor prisoners accessing the CARAT drug service across prisons in England and Wales, their profile, and services received. This study outlines the profile of prisoners accessing the service in terms of demographic factors, offences, sentence length and drug use. The findings provide contextual background information to inform policy."
Sustainable Development and UK Faith Groups: Two sides of the same coin?
PDF - http://digbig.com/4fcnx
"This report attempts to show the multiplicity of initiatives taking place across the UK, and points the way forward for other faith groups who share a concern for social justice and environmental issues."
"This report attempts to show the multiplicity of initiatives taking place across the UK, and points the way forward for other faith groups who share a concern for social justice and environmental issues."
Tackling Prison Drugs Markets: An exploratory qualitative study - Online report 39/05 / HO, 2005
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/rdsolr3905.pdf
"This qualitative research report documents supply routes into prisons and 'markets' within prisons, and recommends ways in which supply and demand can be reduced."
"This qualitative research report documents supply routes into prisons and 'markets' within prisons, and recommends ways in which supply and demand can be reduced."
Trained wasps may be used to detect bombs, bugs, bodies and more / Medical News today, 22 Oct 2005
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=32433
"An unusual device that uses trained wasps, rather than trained dogs, to detect specific chemical odors could one day be used to find hidden explosives, plant diseases, illegal drugs, cancer and even buried bodies, according to a joint study by researchers at the University of Georgia and U.S. Department of Agriculture. "
"An unusual device that uses trained wasps, rather than trained dogs, to detect specific chemical odors could one day be used to find hidden explosives, plant diseases, illegal drugs, cancer and even buried bodies, according to a joint study by researchers at the University of Georgia and U.S. Department of Agriculture. "
CONTROL OF IMMIGRANT IDENTITY IS KEY TO SMOOTH ASSIMILATION / uExpress.com, 21 Oct 2005
http://www.uexpress.com/georgieannegeyer/?uc_full_date=20051021
Georgie Anne Geyer
"'What happened was that today British identity is a far less proud identity. It is a soft and seductive identity; instead of joining a tremendous enterprise, it's 'Come along, sign on, get welfare indefinitely.' Meanwhile, the Muslims brought with them to Britain a stronger ID. Before, they would have been incorporated as 'soldiers of the queen.' Now that looks, to other Muslims, as shameful."
Georgie Anne Geyer
"'What happened was that today British identity is a far less proud identity. It is a soft and seductive identity; instead of joining a tremendous enterprise, it's 'Come along, sign on, get welfare indefinitely.' Meanwhile, the Muslims brought with them to Britain a stronger ID. Before, they would have been incorporated as 'soldiers of the queen.' Now that looks, to other Muslims, as shameful."
Taking the temperature of the world's refugees / Reuters AlertNet , 28 Oct 2005
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/UNHCR/247afcde62e3cb95b6ba6a327c24c424.htm
"In October, the UN refugee agency has been holding a series of meetings with refugees and asylum seekers in some 40 countries throughout the world. This is part of the Gender Age and Diversity (GAD) roll-out, a new global exercise designed to improve understanding of the concerns of refugees themselves. The title is somewhat off-putting, but the exercise is considerably more interesting and less bureaucratic than it sounds. And it should result in some very tangible benefits for refugees and asylum seekers"
"In October, the UN refugee agency has been holding a series of meetings with refugees and asylum seekers in some 40 countries throughout the world. This is part of the Gender Age and Diversity (GAD) roll-out, a new global exercise designed to improve understanding of the concerns of refugees themselves. The title is somewhat off-putting, but the exercise is considerably more interesting and less bureaucratic than it sounds. And it should result in some very tangible benefits for refugees and asylum seekers"
Police may decide to oppose merger / East Anglian Daily Times , 28 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcse
"POLICE authority members agreed to include a proposal to keep Suffolk's force independent in a business case to be submitted to the Home Office on future policing. The Government has made it clear its preference for police forces to merge across the country in a bid to improve efficiency and response to major incidents. Suffolk Police Authority has outlined three options that explore the possibility of an amalgamation with neighbouring forces but has added an additional fourth choice which is to maintain and enhance the status quo."
"POLICE authority members agreed to include a proposal to keep Suffolk's force independent in a business case to be submitted to the Home Office on future policing. The Government has made it clear its preference for police forces to merge across the country in a bid to improve efficiency and response to major incidents. Suffolk Police Authority has outlined three options that explore the possibility of an amalgamation with neighbouring forces but has added an additional fourth choice which is to maintain and enhance the status quo."
Conditional Sentencing Reform Bill / Dept of Justice, Canada, Oct 2005
http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/news/nr/2005/doc_31692.html
"While Canada's conditional sentencing regime has generally worked well and garnered praise from sentencing experts around the world, the federal government recognizes that reforms can be made that will help strengthen confidence in the sanction and the administration of justice."
"While Canada's conditional sentencing regime has generally worked well and garnered praise from sentencing experts around the world, the federal government recognizes that reforms can be made that will help strengthen confidence in the sanction and the administration of justice."
Australia says ready to act once anti-terror laws passed / Netscape News, 28 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcry
"Australia could put terrorist suspects under surveillance and possible house arrest immediately after tough new counter-terrorism laws are passed. Speaking on public television lthe Attorney General refused to speculate on the number of people who could be targeted by the new laws, which allow for preventative detention and the electronic tagging of terrorist suspects. "
"Australia could put terrorist suspects under surveillance and possible house arrest immediately after tough new counter-terrorism laws are passed. Speaking on public television lthe Attorney General refused to speculate on the number of people who could be targeted by the new laws, which allow for preventative detention and the electronic tagging of terrorist suspects. "
Q: Are there links between the Birmingham riots and the building of more faith schools? / Johann Hari - Home
http://www.johannhari.com/index.php
"After every Brum-style race riot in Britain over the past decade, there has been a government inquiry - and every time, the sober professors in charge issue the same warning. Segregating children according to their parents' superstitions is a great way to create a volatile, violent town where ethnic groups glare at each other across a chasm of mutual incomprehension."
"After every Brum-style race riot in Britain over the past decade, there has been a government inquiry - and every time, the sober professors in charge issue the same warning. Segregating children according to their parents' superstitions is a great way to create a volatile, violent town where ethnic groups glare at each other across a chasm of mutual incomprehension."
Aegis has means to link police, fire radios / United Press International, 27 Oct 2005
http://www.upi.com/Hi-Tech/view.php?StoryID=20051027-122537-1064r
"An Arizona company says it has a means of linking incompatible radios used by police and fire agencies responding to major emergencies and disasters. Aegis Assessments said it would unveil its SafetyNet RadioBridge solution next month at the Fire Rescue Expo in Las Vegas. The inability of various emergency agencies to communicate at large disaster scenes has vexed commanders since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and is considered a major homeland-security issue. Aegis said in a news release that its enhanced RadioBridge allows for the bridging of both trunked and non-trunked radios, improves sound quality and adds storage space for headphones and other accessory gear." [Snippet]
"An Arizona company says it has a means of linking incompatible radios used by police and fire agencies responding to major emergencies and disasters. Aegis Assessments said it would unveil its SafetyNet RadioBridge solution next month at the Fire Rescue Expo in Las Vegas. The inability of various emergency agencies to communicate at large disaster scenes has vexed commanders since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and is considered a major homeland-security issue. Aegis said in a news release that its enhanced RadioBridge allows for the bridging of both trunked and non-trunked radios, improves sound quality and adds storage space for headphones and other accessory gear." [Snippet]
French media: Islamists plotting strikes / United Press International, 28 Oct 2005
United Press International - Intl. Intelligence - French media: Islamists plotting strikes:
"Islamists have acquired surface-to-air missiles to strike French or European targets. The Islamists of French and Algerian origin reportedly bought two missiles in Chechnya in 2002 and smuggled them into France via Georgia, Le Figaro newspaper reported.
The would-be terrorists allegedly aimed to strike civilian planes in France and possibly in Britain, too. The current whereabouts of the missiles appears unknown. But Le Figaro reported the information was obtained during confessions by top al-Qaida official, Adnan Muhammad Sadik, who is imprisoned in Jordan.
The allegations are being investigated by France's top counter-terrorist judge, Jean-Louis Bruguiere, the newspaper said.
According to Le Figaro, Islamists implicated in the missile plot are veterans of Afghan training camps.
Many allegedly participated in a foiled plot to bomb the Strasbourg cathedral in eastern France in 2000. They are also reportedly linked to another foiled plot targeting the Los Angeles airport in 1999. Le Figaro also reported that London's Heathrow airport was put on red alert in February 2003 for fear of a plot to strike a civilian plan with a missile. The newspaper suggested there may be a link between the missing missiles in France and the Heathrow scare." [Snippet]
"Islamists have acquired surface-to-air missiles to strike French or European targets. The Islamists of French and Algerian origin reportedly bought two missiles in Chechnya in 2002 and smuggled them into France via Georgia, Le Figaro newspaper reported.
The would-be terrorists allegedly aimed to strike civilian planes in France and possibly in Britain, too. The current whereabouts of the missiles appears unknown. But Le Figaro reported the information was obtained during confessions by top al-Qaida official, Adnan Muhammad Sadik, who is imprisoned in Jordan.
The allegations are being investigated by France's top counter-terrorist judge, Jean-Louis Bruguiere, the newspaper said.
According to Le Figaro, Islamists implicated in the missile plot are veterans of Afghan training camps.
Many allegedly participated in a foiled plot to bomb the Strasbourg cathedral in eastern France in 2000. They are also reportedly linked to another foiled plot targeting the Los Angeles airport in 1999. Le Figaro also reported that London's Heathrow airport was put on red alert in February 2003 for fear of a plot to strike a civilian plan with a missile. The newspaper suggested there may be a link between the missing missiles in France and the Heathrow scare." [Snippet]
Cybercrime laws aren't working, says minister / ZDNet UK News, 28 Oct 2005
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/business/0,39020645,39234106,00.htm
Tom Espiner
"Present legislation is ineffective, and is not stopping criminals from perpetrating cybercrime. Murphy also suggested that bringing cyberciminals to justice is extremely difficult"
Tom Espiner
"Present legislation is ineffective, and is not stopping criminals from perpetrating cybercrime. Murphy also suggested that bringing cyberciminals to justice is extremely difficult"
Friday, October 28, 2005
ISSP The Final Report / Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.youth-justice-board.gov.uk/Publications/Scripts/fileDownload.asp?file=ISSP the final report.pdf
"New data on the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) showed 91 per cent of youths on the scheme committed an offence in the period. "
"New data on the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) showed 91 per cent of youths on the scheme committed an offence in the period. "
Terrorists with German Visas / SPIEGEL ONLINE, 27 Oct 2005
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,381940,00.html
"Once again, the terror spotlight is shining on Germany. On Wednesday in Dusseldorf, four Arabs were convicted of plotting terror attacks in Germany and three of them -- Mohamed Abu Dhess, Ashraf al-Dagma and Ismail Shalabi all from Jordan -- were found to be members of a terrorist organization called al-Tawhid, a radical Palestinian network connected to al-Qaida and headed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The fourth, Djamel Mustafa from Algeria, was jailed for supporting a terrorist group."
"Once again, the terror spotlight is shining on Germany. On Wednesday in Dusseldorf, four Arabs were convicted of plotting terror attacks in Germany and three of them -- Mohamed Abu Dhess, Ashraf al-Dagma and Ismail Shalabi all from Jordan -- were found to be members of a terrorist organization called al-Tawhid, a radical Palestinian network connected to al-Qaida and headed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The fourth, Djamel Mustafa from Algeria, was jailed for supporting a terrorist group."
Why do we believe these anti-human horror stories? / spiked, 28 Oct 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAE02.htm
Mick Hume
"From Lozells to New Orleans, unsubstantiated rumours of rape, murder and depravity are now being spread as hard fact."
Mick Hume
"From Lozells to New Orleans, unsubstantiated rumours of rape, murder and depravity are now being spread as hard fact."
What's behind the battle of Lozells? / spiked-politics, 26 Oct 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CADF2.htm
Josie Appleton
"The black v Asian riots in Birmingham have roots in the politics of multiculturalism."
Josie Appleton
"The black v Asian riots in Birmingham have roots in the politics of multiculturalism."
Terrorism in the Internet: The Cyber-Cemetery of the Mujahedeen / SPIEGEL ONLINE, 28 Oct 2005
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,382097,00.html
Yassin Musharbash
"They were once medical students, fathers or businessmen who took their own lives -- as suicide bombers in Iraq. Their obituaries, which can be read on the Internet, are documents of men who were blinded by their deadly version of faith."
Yassin Musharbash
"They were once medical students, fathers or businessmen who took their own lives -- as suicide bombers in Iraq. Their obituaries, which can be read on the Internet, are documents of men who were blinded by their deadly version of faith."
Fresh claims of low morale on beat / Courier, 28 Oct 2005
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2005/10/28/newsstory7684096t0.asp
"Bruce Robbins
TAYSIDE CHIEF constable John Vine came under renewed pressure yesterday over his management style after two serving officers backed up claims that morale in the force is suffering under his leadership. The officers, both of whom gave their names and contact details but asked for anonymity, claimed that a statistics-led culture within Tayside was setting officer against officer. It was also alleged that senior management figures in Tayside treated the rank and file officers with 'disdain'. "
"Bruce Robbins
TAYSIDE CHIEF constable John Vine came under renewed pressure yesterday over his management style after two serving officers backed up claims that morale in the force is suffering under his leadership. The officers, both of whom gave their names and contact details but asked for anonymity, claimed that a statistics-led culture within Tayside was setting officer against officer. It was also alleged that senior management figures in Tayside treated the rank and file officers with 'disdain'. "
Poll shows 96% against shift system / Courier, 28 Oct 2005
http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2005/10/28/newsstory7684139t0.asp
"OVER 96% OF rank and file officers interviewed in a Tayside Police Federation poll said they were opposed to the seven-day shift system. The Email poll, in which about 90% of members responded, is to be published in the next couple of weeks in the federation newsletter. "
"OVER 96% OF rank and file officers interviewed in a Tayside Police Federation poll said they were opposed to the seven-day shift system. The Email poll, in which about 90% of members responded, is to be published in the next couple of weeks in the federation newsletter. "
[Denmark] Youngest suspect denies terror charges / Jyllands-Posten, 28 Oct 2005
http://www.jp.dk/english_news/artikel:aid=3350430/
"Bro would neither confirm nor reject speculations that the attack was planned on a target in Denmark, but said police suspected that the four boys were to be used as suicide bombers."
"Bro would neither confirm nor reject speculations that the attack was planned on a target in Denmark, but said police suspected that the four boys were to be used as suicide bombers."
Guidance on reporting under age sex is confusing / Coombes 331 (7523): 984 -- BMJ, 29 Oct 2005
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/331/7523/984-a?etoc
"The BMA is reporting a surge in telephone calls from doctors who are confused about new guidance that compels health professionals to report evidence of under age sexual activity to social workers and the police."
"The BMA is reporting a surge in telephone calls from doctors who are confused about new guidance that compels health professionals to report evidence of under age sexual activity to social workers and the police."
Use biometric passports rather then ID cards / Security Park, 27 Oct 2005
http://www.securitypark.co.uk/article.asp?articleid=24500&CategoryID=1
"A leading academic at the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, is calling on Charles Clarke to upgrade work on next-generation passports as part of new anti-terror measures aimed at boosting Britain�s defence against suicide bombers. He is urging the Home Secretary to shelve the introduction of unpopular ID cards until government officials have successfully completed the launch of biometric passports"
"A leading academic at the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, is calling on Charles Clarke to upgrade work on next-generation passports as part of new anti-terror measures aimed at boosting Britain�s defence against suicide bombers. He is urging the Home Secretary to shelve the introduction of unpopular ID cards until government officials have successfully completed the launch of biometric passports"
An EU Approach to Labour Migration: What is the Added Value and the Way Ahead? / CEPS Working Paper, Oct 2005
PDF - http://shop.ceps.be/downfree.php?item_id=1272
Sergio Carrera & Marco Formisano
Sergio Carrera & Marco Formisano
Former[Canada] Immigration Head says "Dysfunctional" Asylum System a Threat to National Security / Embassy, 26 Oct 2005
http://www.embassymag.ca/html/index.php?display=story&full_path=/2005/october/26/immigration/
Brian Adeba
"The government is reluctant to act against terrorist groups in Canada because of fear of alienating the ethnic vote. That is the reason it took the government 18 years to declare Baba Khalsar, an organization dedicated to the creation of an independent Sikh nation in India, a terrorist group, said Mr. Bissett. He also said it is the same reason Canada was hesitant to outlaw groups like the Tamil Tigers, Hamas and Hezbollah, who are now on the list of 38 organizations the Canadian government considers to be terrorists. "
Brian Adeba
"The government is reluctant to act against terrorist groups in Canada because of fear of alienating the ethnic vote. That is the reason it took the government 18 years to declare Baba Khalsar, an organization dedicated to the creation of an independent Sikh nation in India, a terrorist group, said Mr. Bissett. He also said it is the same reason Canada was hesitant to outlaw groups like the Tamil Tigers, Hamas and Hezbollah, who are now on the list of 38 organizations the Canadian government considers to be terrorists. "
[Belgium] Minister plans to restrict marriage migration / Expatica Belgium, 27 Oct 2005
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=24&story_id=24827
"The federal government has unveiled plans to restrict the number of foreigners entering Belgium for the purpose of marriage. Starting from 2006, immigrants who enter Belgium for marriage will be obligated to take out health insurance. Assessment periods will also be lengthened. "
"The federal government has unveiled plans to restrict the number of foreigners entering Belgium for the purpose of marriage. Starting from 2006, immigrants who enter Belgium for marriage will be obligated to take out health insurance. Assessment periods will also be lengthened. "
German terror cell �could have been halted / Financial Times, 26 Oct 2005
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/7e8270da-464b-11da-8880-00000e2511c8.html
"The formation of a potentially deadly Islamic terror cell could have been prevented if German immigration laws had been implemented correctly, the judge in a high-profile terror case said."
"The formation of a potentially deadly Islamic terror cell could have been prevented if German immigration laws had been implemented correctly, the judge in a high-profile terror case said."
[Australia] Terror laws won't stop detention bungles / The Age, 27 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcnf
"Australians could be wrongfully detained under new anti-terrorism laws, critics predict, after confirmation Australian citizens were among more than 200 people possibly wrongfully held in immigration detention."
"Australians could be wrongfully detained under new anti-terrorism laws, critics predict, after confirmation Australian citizens were among more than 200 people possibly wrongfully held in immigration detention."
[Russia] Minister Slams Police on Crime Statistics / The St. Petersburg Times, Oct 2005
http://www.sptimes.ru/story/15931
Carl Schreck
The state of affairs at police stations across Russia is 'catastrophic' with rank-and-file officers widely corrupted and detectives whitewashing statistics"
Carl Schreck
The state of affairs at police stations across Russia is 'catastrophic' with rank-and-file officers widely corrupted and detectives whitewashing statistics"
[Russia] Academy To End Animal Testing / The St. Petersburg Times , Oct 2005
http://www.sptimes.ru/story/15933
Galina Stolyarova
"The St. Petersburg Veterinary Academy this week committed itself to bringing an end to vivisection for educational purposes, becoming the first university in Russia to do so. Far more are killed in research on new drugs or cosmetic products. "
Galina Stolyarova
"The St. Petersburg Veterinary Academy this week committed itself to bringing an end to vivisection for educational purposes, becoming the first university in Russia to do so. Far more are killed in research on new drugs or cosmetic products. "
Journalism training in Prisons / Holdthefrontpage., 27 Oct 2005
http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/2005/10oct/051027nibs.shtml
"A course to help prisoners gain valuable journalism skills and qualifications is about to be launched nationwide. The Pathways to Journalism course, devised and developed by the NUJ and writers and educationalists in prisons, has been piloted in eight prisons since 2001 and during that time has been endorsed by high profile journalists and held up by prisons as a model scheme." [Snippet]
"A course to help prisoners gain valuable journalism skills and qualifications is about to be launched nationwide. The Pathways to Journalism course, devised and developed by the NUJ and writers and educationalists in prisons, has been piloted in eight prisons since 2001 and during that time has been endorsed by high profile journalists and held up by prisons as a model scheme." [Snippet]
New technology dazzles aggressors / Blackanthem.com, KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M., 27 Oct 2005
http://www.blackanthem.com/scitech/military_2005102701.html
"A laser technology being developed by Air Force Research Laboratory employees at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. will be the first man-portable, non-lethal deterrent weapon intended for protecting troops and controlling hostile crowds. The weapon, developed by the laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate, employs a two-wavelength laser system and is the first of its kind as a hand-held, single-operator system for troop and perimeter defense. The laser light used in the weapon temporarily impairs aggressors by illuminating or 'dazzling' individuals, removing their ability to see the laser source. " [Snippet]
"A laser technology being developed by Air Force Research Laboratory employees at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. will be the first man-portable, non-lethal deterrent weapon intended for protecting troops and controlling hostile crowds. The weapon, developed by the laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate, employs a two-wavelength laser system and is the first of its kind as a hand-held, single-operator system for troop and perimeter defense. The laser light used in the weapon temporarily impairs aggressors by illuminating or 'dazzling' individuals, removing their ability to see the laser source. " [Snippet]
Terrorist Capabilities for Cyberattack: Overview and Policy Issues /
Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists)
PDF - http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL33123.pdf
"This report examines possible terrorists’ objectives and computer vulnerabilities that might lead to an attempted cyberattack against the critical infrastructure of the U.S. homeland, and also discusses the emerging computer and other technical skills of terrorists and extremists. Policy issues include exploring ways to improve technology for cybersecurity, or whether U.S. counterterrorism efforts should be linked more closely to international efforts to prevent cybercrime."
PDF - http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL33123.pdf
"This report examines possible terrorists’ objectives and computer vulnerabilities that might lead to an attempted cyberattack against the critical infrastructure of the U.S. homeland, and also discusses the emerging computer and other technical skills of terrorists and extremists. Policy issues include exploring ways to improve technology for cybersecurity, or whether U.S. counterterrorism efforts should be linked more closely to international efforts to prevent cybercrime."
Thursday, October 27, 2005
London bomb link to Bali mastermind The Age, 27 Oct 2005
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/10/26/1130302841341.html?from=rss
Ian Munro
"The man who led the July 7 attack on London trained with Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiah and has been directly linked with the mastermind of the first Bali bombing."
Ian Munro
"The man who led the July 7 attack on London trained with Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiah and has been directly linked with the mastermind of the first Bali bombing."
[Australia] 'Shoot to kill' clause can be changed: PM / The Age, 26 Oct 2005
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/10/26/1130302838517.html?from=rss
"Prime Minister John Howard tonight said he was happy to change a controversial shoot-to-kill clause criticised by state leaders considering new anti-terror legislation."
"Prime Minister John Howard tonight said he was happy to change a controversial shoot-to-kill clause criticised by state leaders considering new anti-terror legislation."
Doubts over biometric passports / BBC, 27 Oct 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4381160.stm
Jane Wakefield
"Biometric passports alone will not be enough to counter terrorism threats, Barry Kefauver of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) a leading expert, has warned. "
Jane Wakefield
"Biometric passports alone will not be enough to counter terrorism threats, Barry Kefauver of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) a leading expert, has warned. "
[Australia] The Sydney methamphetamine market: Patterns of supply, use, personal harms and social consequences /
National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/pub/Sydney_Meth_Final_Report.pdf
PDF - http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/pub/Sydney_Meth_Final_Report.pdf
Prisoners get touch-screen rehab / Silicon.com, 27 Oct 2005
Dan Ilett
"Prisoners are using touch-screen information kiosks as part of a government scheme to reduce rates of reoffending and depression.
'Quality advice on the inside means that [prisoners] can better prepare for life on the outside. Prisoners and their families can take early action to avoid problems escalating and reduce the risk of reoffending.' Information will be available in eight languages, including Arabic, Russian and Welsh. PIPs are being piloted in Leicester, Lincoln and Nottingham. BT installed the kiosks and has also implemented a phone system based on inmates using PINs instead of phone cards in 138 prisons." [Snippet]
"Prisoners are using touch-screen information kiosks as part of a government scheme to reduce rates of reoffending and depression.
'Quality advice on the inside means that [prisoners] can better prepare for life on the outside. Prisoners and their families can take early action to avoid problems escalating and reduce the risk of reoffending.' Information will be available in eight languages, including Arabic, Russian and Welsh. PIPs are being piloted in Leicester, Lincoln and Nottingham. BT installed the kiosks and has also implemented a phone system based on inmates using PINs instead of phone cards in 138 prisons." [Snippet]
Jumping the gun on terror / The Age, 27 Oct 2005
http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/jumping-the-gun-on-terror/2005/10/26/1130302840036.html
George Williams
"Britain inspired our new anti-terror laws. Unlike us, they are proceeding with caution."
George Williams
"Britain inspired our new anti-terror laws. Unlike us, they are proceeding with caution."
The state of ASBO Britain - the rise of intolerance / ECLN, Octy 2005
PDF - http://www.ecln.org/essays/essay-9.pdf
Max Rowlands
"The reality is that ASBOs are being used far beyond their initial remit of dealing with vandals and nuisance neighbours. Behaviour that is overtly noncriminal is being criminalised and society’s vulnerable groups are being targeted. Increasingly it is behaviour that is different rather than ‘antisocial’ that is being penalised."
Max Rowlands
"The reality is that ASBOs are being used far beyond their initial remit of dealing with vandals and nuisance neighbours. Behaviour that is overtly noncriminal is being criminalised and society’s vulnerable groups are being targeted. Increasingly it is behaviour that is different rather than ‘antisocial’ that is being penalised."
The denial of children’s rights and liberties in the UK and the North of Ireland / ECLN, Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.ecln.org/essays/essay-14.pdf
Phil Scraton
"The UN Committee presented the UK Government with a raft of recommendations giving greater priority to the general principles of the UNCRC regarding legislative and administrative measures. More specifically it recommended the raising of the age of criminal
responsibility and it criticised the placement of secure training orders on 12 to 14 year-olds, indeterminate detention and the doubling of custodial sentences on 15 to 17 year-olds. It stressed the need for strategies and programmes to ensure appropriate measures promoting the physical and psychological recovery and
social reintegration of children engaged by the youth justice system."
Phil Scraton
"The UN Committee presented the UK Government with a raft of recommendations giving greater priority to the general principles of the UNCRC regarding legislative and administrative measures. More specifically it recommended the raising of the age of criminal
responsibility and it criticised the placement of secure training orders on 12 to 14 year-olds, indeterminate detention and the doubling of custodial sentences on 15 to 17 year-olds. It stressed the need for strategies and programmes to ensure appropriate measures promoting the physical and psychological recovery and
social reintegration of children engaged by the youth justice system."
EU law and family reunion: a human rights critique ECLN, Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.ecln.org/essays/essay-16.pdf
Steve Peers
"October 3, 2005, was the deadline for EU Member States to implement the EU’s new Directive on family reunion for third-country [non-EU] nationals.[2] This is an opportune time to examine EC rules on family reunion for various categories of persons, which have been criticised for racism, class bias, sex discrimination, human rights breaches, homophobia and violation of children’s rights."
Steve Peers
"October 3, 2005, was the deadline for EU Member States to implement the EU’s new Directive on family reunion for third-country [non-EU] nationals.[2] This is an opportune time to examine EC rules on family reunion for various categories of persons, which have been criticised for racism, class bias, sex discrimination, human rights breaches, homophobia and violation of children’s rights."
“Speech crime” and deportation / ECLN, Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.ecln.org/essays/essay-2.pdf
Liz Fekete
"The debate over ‘speech crimes’ has intensified, with several European countries, including France, Germany and Italy, citing the London bombings to justify further counter-terror measures and amendments to immigration laws. The UK government, for its part, has introduced a new antiterrorist bill which, if passed, would criminalise any speech that glorifies terrorism. While the UK legislation is deeply disturbing, most attempts to outlaw speech have come not from primary legislation of this sort, but through littleknown and less keenly observed administrative measures and reforms to immigration law."
Liz Fekete
"The debate over ‘speech crimes’ has intensified, with several European countries, including France, Germany and Italy, citing the London bombings to justify further counter-terror measures and amendments to immigration laws. The UK government, for its part, has introduced a new antiterrorist bill which, if passed, would criminalise any speech that glorifies terrorism. While the UK legislation is deeply disturbing, most attempts to outlaw speech have come not from primary legislation of this sort, but through littleknown and less keenly observed administrative measures and reforms to immigration law."
Public sector must share data - Public Sector / Silicon.com, 26 Oct 2005
http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39153686,00.htm
Dan Ilett
"Police, NHS and local authorities should start sharing data to ensure their partnerships aren't wasting taxpayers' money, a government watchdog has warned. The Audit Commission has published a report, Governing Partnerships: Bridging the Accountability Gap, which says the benefits of public sector partnerships are 'undermined by blurred lines of accountability leading to poor value for money'."
Report - PDF - http://digbig.com/4fcfk
Dan Ilett
"Police, NHS and local authorities should start sharing data to ensure their partnerships aren't wasting taxpayers' money, a government watchdog has warned. The Audit Commission has published a report, Governing Partnerships: Bridging the Accountability Gap, which says the benefits of public sector partnerships are 'undermined by blurred lines of accountability leading to poor value for money'."
Report - PDF - http://digbig.com/4fcfk
Radical initiative aims to ensure cleaner streets / Yorkshire Post, 27 Oct 2005
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?sectionid=1084&articleid=1234061
Dave Mark
"Streetscene brings together services previously provided by two city council departments - waste management and public protection. A new enforcement team is being put in place. Streetscene will introduce new rigorous environmental enforcement delivered in conjunction with education and promotion.
The decision to introduce this radical change in the delivery of frontline services follows a 100-day clean-up in 2004.
The aim is to secure a cleaner, greener and safer environment. The condition of streets and open spaces directly affects the well-being and image of the city. It is also recognised that there are strong links with anti-social behaviour and untidy streets erode the perception of the city. However, anyone found painting or spraying graffiti can be given a £50 fixed penalty notice.
'Nationally, fly-tipping is on the increase. Locally, Hull has a big problem with litter. Streetscene is about introducing a more responsive service that is fair, transparent but effective in tackling these problems." [Snippet]
Dave Mark
"Streetscene brings together services previously provided by two city council departments - waste management and public protection. A new enforcement team is being put in place. Streetscene will introduce new rigorous environmental enforcement delivered in conjunction with education and promotion.
The decision to introduce this radical change in the delivery of frontline services follows a 100-day clean-up in 2004.
The aim is to secure a cleaner, greener and safer environment. The condition of streets and open spaces directly affects the well-being and image of the city. It is also recognised that there are strong links with anti-social behaviour and untidy streets erode the perception of the city. However, anyone found painting or spraying graffiti can be given a £50 fixed penalty notice.
'Nationally, fly-tipping is on the increase. Locally, Hull has a big problem with litter. Streetscene is about introducing a more responsive service that is fair, transparent but effective in tackling these problems." [Snippet]
NIST and the World Trade Center - website - Link to reports
http://wtc.nist.gov/
"In response to the WTC tragedy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology conducted a 3-year building and fire safety investigation to study the factors contributing to the probable cause (or causes) of post-impact collapse of the WTC Towers (WTC 1 and 2) and WTC 7; expanded its research in areas of high-priority need such as prevention of progressive collapse, fire resistance design and retrofit of structures, and fire resistive coatings for structural steel; and is reaching out to the building and fire safety communities to pave the way for timely, expedited considerations of recommendations stemmng from the investigation." [Architecture & Building]
"In response to the WTC tragedy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology conducted a 3-year building and fire safety investigation to study the factors contributing to the probable cause (or causes) of post-impact collapse of the WTC Towers (WTC 1 and 2) and WTC 7; expanded its research in areas of high-priority need such as prevention of progressive collapse, fire resistance design and retrofit of structures, and fire resistive coatings for structural steel; and is reaching out to the building and fire safety communities to pave the way for timely, expedited considerations of recommendations stemmng from the investigation." [Architecture & Building]
New anti-terrorist law is a lose-lose scenario for IT / Silicon.com, 26 Oct 2005
http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39153672,00.htm
Brian White
"The anti-terrorism legislation under review by parliament could ruin the UK's changes of becoming a top place to do ebusiness - and thus hand terrorists a victory. The proposed new legislation again shows that the British civil servants do not understand the technological changes that are happening in the global economy. They are like Canute's advisers telling him he can hold back the sea."
Brian White
"The anti-terrorism legislation under review by parliament could ruin the UK's changes of becoming a top place to do ebusiness - and thus hand terrorists a victory. The proposed new legislation again shows that the British civil servants do not understand the technological changes that are happening in the global economy. They are like Canute's advisers telling him he can hold back the sea."
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Zarqawi's terrorism goes worldwide, says US / Sydney Morning Herald, 24 Oct 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/10/23/1130006003681.html?from=rss
Katherine Shrader
"US intelligence officials say Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has expanded his terrorism campaign in Iraq to extremists in two dozen terrorist groups in about 40 countries, creating a network that rivals Osama bin Laden's.
US government officials said the threat to US interests from Zarqawi compared with that from bin Laden, to whom Zarqawi pledged his loyalty a year ago."
Katherine Shrader
"US intelligence officials say Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has expanded his terrorism campaign in Iraq to extremists in two dozen terrorist groups in about 40 countries, creating a network that rivals Osama bin Laden's.
US government officials said the threat to US interests from Zarqawi compared with that from bin Laden, to whom Zarqawi pledged his loyalty a year ago."
Can biometrics move beyond borders? / CNET News.com, 25 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcbg
Karen Gomm
"The hype surrounding biometrics technologies such as facial and iris recognition has prompted some countries to invest in the technology where they think it is most needed--protecting borders. "
Karen Gomm
"The hype surrounding biometrics technologies such as facial and iris recognition has prompted some countries to invest in the technology where they think it is most needed--protecting borders. "
Future nanotech tools made from clay | CNET News.com
http://digbig.com/4fcbf
"NaturalNano says that by filling Halloysite tubes with copper and then mixing the tubes into a polymer, a manufacturer could make an electrically conductive plastic. If filled with fungicides, the Halloysite particles--which consist of aluminum, oxygen, silicon and hydrogen--could be swirled into paint to make it more resistant to mildew and mold. Time-released coatings could also be added to make all-day deodorant. "
"NaturalNano says that by filling Halloysite tubes with copper and then mixing the tubes into a polymer, a manufacturer could make an electrically conductive plastic. If filled with fungicides, the Halloysite particles--which consist of aluminum, oxygen, silicon and hydrogen--could be swirled into paint to make it more resistant to mildew and mold. Time-released coatings could also be added to make all-day deodorant. "
Internet child porn block calls / BBC, 26 Oct 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4377348.stm
"Internet service providers have been urged to publicly declare whether they block the use of websites containing child pornography. the Home Office has said it would prefer the industry to regulate itself."
"Internet service providers have been urged to publicly declare whether they block the use of websites containing child pornography. the Home Office has said it would prefer the industry to regulate itself."
Australia terror bill in Cup clash / BBC, 26 Oct 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4377422.stm
Phil Mercer
"Australia's government is under fire after it said controversial new anti-terrorism laws would be introduced to parliament on Melbourne Cup day. "
Phil Mercer
"Australia's government is under fire after it said controversial new anti-terrorism laws would be introduced to parliament on Melbourne Cup day. "
U.S. Passports to Receive Electronic Identification Chips / Washington Post, 26 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcba
"The State Department yesterday issued final rules for implanting electronic identification chips into all U.S. passports, despite continuing controversy over the security of the system and its impact on personal privacy. The regulations mean that as of October 2006, all new and renewed U.S. passports will contain radio frequency identification chips that will include a digital photo and all other information currently printed in passports"
"The State Department yesterday issued final rules for implanting electronic identification chips into all U.S. passports, despite continuing controversy over the security of the system and its impact on personal privacy. The regulations mean that as of October 2006, all new and renewed U.S. passports will contain radio frequency identification chips that will include a digital photo and all other information currently printed in passports"
Comment: Digital fingerprint cracks the case / Sydney Morning Herals, 25 October, 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcay
Nigel Carson
"Wilcox relied on crucial digital evidence from forensic computer specialists. In a situation where there was no smoking gun, these specialists were able to build a solid case on purely digital evidence"
Nigel Carson
"Wilcox relied on crucial digital evidence from forensic computer specialists. In a situation where there was no smoking gun, these specialists were able to build a solid case on purely digital evidence"
Courts' role in new laws called into question / The Age, 26 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcax
"THE key problem facing new anti-terror legislation is whether federal courts have the authority to issue control orders or preventive detention orders against individuals, constitutional law expert Simon Evans said. As queries over the legality of the Federal Government's new proposals widened, Dr Evans, the director of Melbourne University's Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies, said the High Court would have to resolve whether the courts had authority to make the orders."
"THE key problem facing new anti-terror legislation is whether federal courts have the authority to issue control orders or preventive detention orders against individuals, constitutional law expert Simon Evans said. As queries over the legality of the Federal Government's new proposals widened, Dr Evans, the director of Melbourne University's Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies, said the High Court would have to resolve whether the courts had authority to make the orders."
'Anti-rape' glass launched / The Age, 26 oCT 2005
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/10/26/1130239530445.html
"Nightclubs in Italy are to try out a cone-shaped, sealable glass intended to prevent partygoers' drinks being spiked with the so-called date-rape drug, according to the its French inventors. Made of coloured plastic, the disposable 'Billglass', designed by Stephane Mathieu and Richard Bille from Nice in southeastern France, will be introduced in several clubs across the Alps in Italy from January."
"Nightclubs in Italy are to try out a cone-shaped, sealable glass intended to prevent partygoers' drinks being spiked with the so-called date-rape drug, according to the its French inventors. Made of coloured plastic, the disposable 'Billglass', designed by Stephane Mathieu and Richard Bille from Nice in southeastern France, will be introduced in several clubs across the Alps in Italy from January."
UK 'ancestral visa' under threat: report / Sydney Morning Herald, 26 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcaw
An overhaul of British immigration rules could end the traditional entry and settlement rights of Australians with British grandparents, a UK newspaper says.
The Times said that Britain's new points-based immigration system could end a scheme whereby Commonwealth citizens with a British grandparent are allowed to enter and settle in Britain.
People from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and Zimbabwe are the most likely to be affected.
Immigration is a hot topic in Britain, with tabloid newspapers regularly labelling the government's immigration and asylum policy 'chaos'."
An overhaul of British immigration rules could end the traditional entry and settlement rights of Australians with British grandparents, a UK newspaper says.
The Times said that Britain's new points-based immigration system could end a scheme whereby Commonwealth citizens with a British grandparent are allowed to enter and settle in Britain.
People from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and Zimbabwe are the most likely to be affected.
Immigration is a hot topic in Britain, with tabloid newspapers regularly labelling the government's immigration and asylum policy 'chaos'."
More Competition in Stun Gun Marketplace May Improve the Accuracy of Debate over these Weapons' Safety
http://www.expertclick.com/NewsReleaseWire/default.cfm?Action=ReleaseDetail&ID=10573
"As one stun gun company weathers questions about possible connections to accidental deaths, a rising player has announced production of a rival weapon that features safety-minded technology. Robert Siciliano, security expert and president of StunGun.com, believes any stun gun company that can gain the public's trust will eventually rule this market space. He also says more competition may improve the accuracy of debate over stun guns' safety."
"As one stun gun company weathers questions about possible connections to accidental deaths, a rising player has announced production of a rival weapon that features safety-minded technology. Robert Siciliano, security expert and president of StunGun.com, believes any stun gun company that can gain the public's trust will eventually rule this market space. He also says more competition may improve the accuracy of debate over stun guns' safety."
Police force backs merger plans / BBC, 25 Oct 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/4374352.stm
"Durham Police has confirmed its backing for a 'super force' to cover much of North East England. Home Secretary Charles Clarke wants forces across the country to amalgamate to save cash and better use resources. "
"Durham Police has confirmed its backing for a 'super force' to cover much of North East England. Home Secretary Charles Clarke wants forces across the country to amalgamate to save cash and better use resources. "
Chief scientist to put ID biometrics under the microscope / Telegraph, 26 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fcah
"The Government's top scientist is to head a panel of experts examining whether the biometrics underpinning the proposed ID card actually work."
"The Government's top scientist is to head a panel of experts examining whether the biometrics underpinning the proposed ID card actually work."
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Identity Cards Bill has inadequate safeguards, says Parliamentary Committee / OUT-LAW.COM, 25 Oct 2005
http://www.out-law.com/page-6263
"The all-party House of Lords Constitution Committee has published a critical report which reiterates concerns about insufficient safeguards in the Identity Cards Bill. But with a curious history lesson, the Government was quick to reject its comments.
The Government has previously rejected comments about the need for safeguards made by the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights."
The Report - PDF - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldconst/44/44.pdf
"The all-party House of Lords Constitution Committee has published a critical report which reiterates concerns about insufficient safeguards in the Identity Cards Bill. But with a curious history lesson, the Government was quick to reject its comments.
The Government has previously rejected comments about the need for safeguards made by the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights."
The Report - PDF - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldselect/ldconst/44/44.pdf
Companies urged to switch PCs off / ZDNet UK , 24 Oct 2005
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/business/0,39020645,39233177,00.htm
Graeme Wearden
"Computers left on overnight for no good reason are costing UK companies millions of pounds every year. Companies should encourage employees to switch off PCs at night or continue wasting thousands of pounds a year, according to research by Fujitsu Siemens."
Graeme Wearden
"Computers left on overnight for no good reason are costing UK companies millions of pounds every year. Companies should encourage employees to switch off PCs at night or continue wasting thousands of pounds a year, according to research by Fujitsu Siemens."
Human trafficking is an elusive target for unusual coalition trying to combat it / Boston.com News, 24 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbwq
David Crary
"Trafficking is a stubborn problem and a staggering one worldwide, affecting an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims a year. Federal officials say 14,500 to 17,500 of them are trafficked to the United States, where the myriad forms of modern-day slavery present an elusive target for those trying to eradicate it."
David Crary
"Trafficking is a stubborn problem and a staggering one worldwide, affecting an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims a year. Federal officials say 14,500 to 17,500 of them are trafficked to the United States, where the myriad forms of modern-day slavery present an elusive target for those trying to eradicate it."
[Australia] Voters say yes to terror Australis / Sydney Morning Herald, 25 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbwp
"Australians overwhelmingly endorse the anti-terrorism plan agreed by the Commonwealth, states and territories, but strongly oppose the one key point of political dispute - John Howard's push to give police new shoot-to-kill powers over suspects."
"Australians overwhelmingly endorse the anti-terrorism plan agreed by the Commonwealth, states and territories, but strongly oppose the one key point of political dispute - John Howard's push to give police new shoot-to-kill powers over suspects."
U.K. terror strategy 'immature' / United Press International,
http://www.upi.com/InternationalIntelligence/view.php?StoryID=20051024-010343-8932r
Hannah K Strange
"The British government's counter-terrorism strategy is immature, disjointed and lacks accountability, according to a leaked paper prepared by a Downing Street delivery unit. The document, prepared for a meeting at No. 10 and leaked to the Times of London Sunday, criticizes the government for failing to coordinate across departments and to measure the effectiveness of strategy delivery. Forward planning and clear leadership is often absent, it says. "
Hannah K Strange
"The British government's counter-terrorism strategy is immature, disjointed and lacks accountability, according to a leaked paper prepared by a Downing Street delivery unit. The document, prepared for a meeting at No. 10 and leaked to the Times of London Sunday, criticizes the government for failing to coordinate across departments and to measure the effectiveness of strategy delivery. Forward planning and clear leadership is often absent, it says. "
Leaked No 10 dossier reveals Al-Qaeda�s British recruits / Sunday Times, 23 Oct 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1688261,00.html
"The confidential assessment, covering more than 100 pages of letters, papers and other documents, forms the basis of the government's counter-terrorism strategy, codenamed Operation Contest."
PDF Links - Parts 1 - 4
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet1.pdf
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet2.pdf
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet3.pdf
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet4.pdf
"The confidential assessment, covering more than 100 pages of letters, papers and other documents, forms the basis of the government's counter-terrorism strategy, codenamed Operation Contest."
PDF Links - Parts 1 - 4
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet1.pdf
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet2.pdf
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet3.pdf
http://www.times-archive.co.uk/onlinespecials/cabinet4.pdf
Police chief tries to bar creation of superforce / icBirmingham, 24 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbwj
"Mike Poulter, from Staffordshire Police Authority, said leaving the highachieving force as it is should be a 'serious option' over either amalgamating it with West Mercia or creating a regional superforce consisting of the Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Mercia and West Midlands forces. "
"Mike Poulter, from Staffordshire Police Authority, said leaving the highachieving force as it is should be a 'serious option' over either amalgamating it with West Mercia or creating a regional superforce consisting of the Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Mercia and West Midlands forces. "
Biometric ID - are they counting on your fingers? / The Register, 24 Oct 2005
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/24/bio_test_accuracy_letters/
"Three ID card-related stories in the past week drew attention to the issues of accuracy and security in biometrics. Slightly unexpectedly, Jerry Fishenden added Microsoft to the ranks of those critical of the UK ID card scheme, worrying that it could actually increase ID fraud. Jerry, whose full article can be read here, is concerned that the existence of a centralised biometric database could have a honeypot effect, while the widespread use of biometrics could spawn 'new hi-tech ways of perpetrating massive identity fraud'."
"Three ID card-related stories in the past week drew attention to the issues of accuracy and security in biometrics. Slightly unexpectedly, Jerry Fishenden added Microsoft to the ranks of those critical of the UK ID card scheme, worrying that it could actually increase ID fraud. Jerry, whose full article can be read here, is concerned that the existence of a centralised biometric database could have a honeypot effect, while the widespread use of biometrics could spawn 'new hi-tech ways of perpetrating massive identity fraud'."
Views polarise on civil liberties versus terrorist threat / Euractiv, 24 Oct 2005
http://www.euractiv.com/Article?tcmuri=tcm:29-146373-16&type=News&_lang=EN&email=59014
"To raise awareness of the possible consequences for civil rights of the increased police and executive powers being granted in the fight against terror, a group of civil rights organisations throughout Europe have joined together to form the European Civil Liberties Network, which met in Brussels on 19 October 2005."
"To raise awareness of the possible consequences for civil rights of the increased police and executive powers being granted in the fight against terror, a group of civil rights organisations throughout Europe have joined together to form the European Civil Liberties Network, which met in Brussels on 19 October 2005."
[Australia] Anti-terror laws: 'unconstitutional' summit / Sydney Morning Herald, 25 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbtn
"Prime Minister John Howard has agreed to a meeting between state and federal legal heads to ensure new anti-terrorism laws are constitutional"
"Prime Minister John Howard has agreed to a meeting between state and federal legal heads to ensure new anti-terrorism laws are constitutional"
ID cards: Government wants your views / Silicon.com, 24 Oct 2005
http://www.silicon.com/research/specialreports/idcards/0,3800010140,39153581,00.htm
"The government's ID cards programme has started a 'market sounding' exercise in order to get the views of the IT industry on design of key systems. In a written statement to parliament, Home Office minister Tom McNulty said that the programme is looking to 'validate the emerging procurement strategy' for ID cards."
"The government's ID cards programme has started a 'market sounding' exercise in order to get the views of the IT industry on design of key systems. In a written statement to parliament, Home Office minister Tom McNulty said that the programme is looking to 'validate the emerging procurement strategy' for ID cards."
UK Home Secretary says anti-terror laws will impact animal rights radicals / JURIST - Paper Chase: 24 Oct 2005
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2005/10/uk-home-secretary-says-anti-terror.php
"Speaking before the UK Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights [official website] Monday, UK Home Secretary Charles Clarke [official profile] said that new anti-terror legislation [JURIST document] recently proposed by the government would have a direct impact on militant animal rights groups that encourage deadly radical behavior."
"Speaking before the UK Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights [official website] Monday, UK Home Secretary Charles Clarke [official profile] said that new anti-terror legislation [JURIST document] recently proposed by the government would have a direct impact on militant animal rights groups that encourage deadly radical behavior."
Monday, October 24, 2005
Abuse victims forced on to streets / The Big Issue in Scotland, Oct 2005
http://www.bigissuescotland.com/latest_news/2005_10/abuse_victims_forced_on_to/
The Big Issue in Scotland -
"Women who have experienced domestic abuse are left destitute on Scotland's streets because of their immigration status. Immigration laws prevent groups of women - including asylum seekers, students and those in arranged marriages - from seeking protection against violence in the home. "
The Big Issue in Scotland -
"Women who have experienced domestic abuse are left destitute on Scotland's streets because of their immigration status. Immigration laws prevent groups of women - including asylum seekers, students and those in arranged marriages - from seeking protection against violence in the home. "
Testing times / Holyrood Issue 133, 24 )ct 2005
http://www.holyrood.com/nav/publications/magazine/issue138/content.aspx?content=feature05
A look into mandatory fdrug testing - That illegal drugs are one of the driving forces behind the majority of crime in Scotland is common knowledge. Exact figures are hard to come by - largely because there are no universally agreed definitions of what constitutes drug-related crime - but the Executive estimates that 70 per cent of all crime has some drug-related aspect. Now, with the new Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, the Executive is positioning itself to not only determine with greater accuracy the extent of drug-related crime in Scotland but also to try to identify offenders and provide targeted interventions as early as possible.
A look into mandatory fdrug testing - That illegal drugs are one of the driving forces behind the majority of crime in Scotland is common knowledge. Exact figures are hard to come by - largely because there are no universally agreed definitions of what constitutes drug-related crime - but the Executive estimates that 70 per cent of all crime has some drug-related aspect. Now, with the new Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, the Executive is positioning itself to not only determine with greater accuracy the extent of drug-related crime in Scotland but also to try to identify offenders and provide targeted interventions as early as possible.
Lesson in survival / Holyrood Issue 133, 24 Oct 2005
http://www.holyrood.com/nav/publications/magazine/issue138/content.aspx?content=feature03
Rory Cahill follows in the footsteps of Lord Watson and gets a unique introduction to prison life.
Rory Cahill follows in the footsteps of Lord Watson and gets a unique introduction to prison life.
Behind bars / Holyrood Issue 133, 24 Oct 2005
Holyrood Issue 133
William Peakin interviews Tony Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service
William Peakin interviews Tony Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service
Criminal Justice / Holyrood Issue 133, 24 Oct 2005
Holyrood Issue 133
Mandy Rhodes talks getting tough with Cathy Jamieson, the Justice Minister
Mandy Rhodes talks getting tough with Cathy Jamieson, the Justice Minister
Building safety on shifting sands / Holyrood magazine - 138, 24 Oct 2005
http://www.holyrood.com/nav/publications/magazine/issue138/content.aspx?content=feature06
Rachel Hamada speaks to Graeme Pearson, director of the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, about the changes and challenges ahead
Rachel Hamada speaks to Graeme Pearson, director of the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, about the changes and challenges ahead
Dutch planning dial-a-jail network / Expatica Netherlands, 21 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbpm
"A plan by justice officials to establish commercial call centres in jails in the Netherlands was greeted with scepticism. WGCC, the Dutch association of call centres, said the plan was totally unacceptable. 'We advise our members and companies not to offer any services via prisoners,' WGCC spokesman Herman Nieuwenhuis told newspaper 'De Telegraaf'. 'Certainly not in relation to insurance policies, such as fire and theft coverage.'"
"A plan by justice officials to establish commercial call centres in jails in the Netherlands was greeted with scepticism. WGCC, the Dutch association of call centres, said the plan was totally unacceptable. 'We advise our members and companies not to offer any services via prisoners,' WGCC spokesman Herman Nieuwenhuis told newspaper 'De Telegraaf'. 'Certainly not in relation to insurance policies, such as fire and theft coverage.'"
Prison Statistics 2004 / Bureau of Justice Statistics, 23 Oct 2005
Summary - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm
"Reports the number of persons in State and Federal prisons at yearend, compares the increase in the prison population during 2004 with that of the previous year, and gives the prison growth rates since 1995. NCJ 210677"
"Reports the number of persons in State and Federal prisons at yearend, compares the increase in the prison population during 2004 with that of the previous year, and gives the prison growth rates since 1995. NCJ 210677"
Concern over bomb-making guide / Asia News, 24 Oct 2005
http://www.asianewsnet.net/level3_template4.php?l3sec=1&news_id=47254
Tanya Fong
"Terror groups around the world have been spreading detailed "how-to" videos which give step-by-step instructions to would-be attackers on creating a deadly bomb. "
Tanya Fong
"Terror groups around the world have been spreading detailed "how-to" videos which give step-by-step instructions to would-be attackers on creating a deadly bomb. "
News Analysis: Globalization drives a wedge into EU / International Herald Tribune, 23 Oct 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/23/business/union1.php
"Traditionally, the Union was an instrument that France used to project power beyond its borders. But the swelling of the bloc to 25 members from 15 in May 2004 has meant a loss of influence for France in Brussels. The surprising result is that, suddenly, the country that helped invent European integration over the past 50 years has become its biggest opponent"
"Traditionally, the Union was an instrument that France used to project power beyond its borders. But the swelling of the bloc to 25 members from 15 in May 2004 has meant a loss of influence for France in Brussels. The surprising result is that, suddenly, the country that helped invent European integration over the past 50 years has become its biggest opponent"
[Spain] Barcelona to issue on spot fines for tourist yobs / Expatica Spain, 20 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbnm
"Barcelona plans to introduce on the spot fines for foreign tourists who break strict new anti-lout rules.
The new measures would see visitors caught vomiting, urinating, wandering around with open beer cans or taking their clothes off in public forced to either pay instant fines or have an even larger fine delivered to their hotel room the next day, the Spanish daily La Vanguardia reported."
"Barcelona plans to introduce on the spot fines for foreign tourists who break strict new anti-lout rules.
The new measures would see visitors caught vomiting, urinating, wandering around with open beer cans or taking their clothes off in public forced to either pay instant fines or have an even larger fine delivered to their hotel room the next day, the Spanish daily La Vanguardia reported."
Rethinking the Gains from Immigration: Theory and Evidence from the U.S. / NBER, Oct 2005
http://www.nber.org/papers/w11672
Gianmarco I.P. Ottaviano and Giovanni Peri
NBER Working Paper No. 11672, October 2005
Gianmarco I.P. Ottaviano and Giovanni Peri
NBER Working Paper No. 11672, October 2005
Britain Debates Outlawing Forced Marriage / Women's e-News, 23 Oct 2005
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/2499/context/cover/
Kavitha Rao
"Britain may soon begin to prosecute parents who force their children into marriage by making it a specific criminal offense. The practice largely affects South Asian immigrants, where it's a divisive cultural issue."
Kavitha Rao
"Britain may soon begin to prosecute parents who force their children into marriage by making it a specific criminal offense. The practice largely affects South Asian immigrants, where it's a divisive cultural issue."
Contesting the Threat of Terrorism / The Heritage foundation, 21 Oct 2005
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HomelandDefense/hl902.cfm
The Right Honorable Charles Clarke, M.P.
Heritage Lecture #902
The Right Honorable Charles Clarke, M.P.
Heritage Lecture #902
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Prisons chief hits at 'gross' overcrowding / Observer, 23 Oct 2005
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,11026,1598827,00.htmlJamie Doward
"The departing head of the prison and probation service has launched a scathing attack on Britain's penal system, expressing his deep concern that a record number of prisoners are behind bars when the crime rate is falling."
"The departing head of the prison and probation service has launched a scathing attack on Britain's penal system, expressing his deep concern that a record number of prisoners are behind bars when the crime rate is falling."
East Europeans Crowd Through Britain's Wide-Open Door / New York Times, 23 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbjw
Thomas Fuller
"Nearly a year and a half after the expansion of the European Union, waves of East Europeans have washed into Britain. They work as bus drivers, farmhands and dentists, as waitresses, builders and saleswomen; they are transforming parts of London into Slavic and Baltic enclaves where pickles and Polish beer are stacked in delicatessens and Polish can be heard on the streets almost as often as English."
Thomas Fuller
"Nearly a year and a half after the expansion of the European Union, waves of East Europeans have washed into Britain. They work as bus drivers, farmhands and dentists, as waitresses, builders and saleswomen; they are transforming parts of London into Slavic and Baltic enclaves where pickles and Polish beer are stacked in delicatessens and Polish can be heard on the streets almost as often as English."
List of Foiled Plots Puzzling to Some / Washington Post, 23 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbjt
Sara Kehaulani Goo
"A White House list of 10 terrorist plots disrupted by the United States has confused counterterrorism experts and officials, who say they cannot distinguish between the importance of some incidents on the list and others that were left off."
Sara Kehaulani Goo
"A White House list of 10 terrorist plots disrupted by the United States has confused counterterrorism experts and officials, who say they cannot distinguish between the importance of some incidents on the list and others that were left off."
Torn between cultures, Britain's 'orphans of Islam' turn to terror / The Observer, 23 Oct 2005
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1598719,00.html
Navid Akhtar
"What stands out is the overwhelming sense that the younger generation is being hemmed in by both their own community, with its cultural responsibilities, and a wider society focused on individualism. In this pressure cooker tension, a political Islamic identity offers an attractive alternative. It gives clear answers: good guys, bad guys. You know where you stand." [Integration]
Navid Akhtar
"What stands out is the overwhelming sense that the younger generation is being hemmed in by both their own community, with its cultural responsibilities, and a wider society focused on individualism. In this pressure cooker tension, a political Islamic identity offers an attractive alternative. It gives clear answers: good guys, bad guys. You know where you stand." [Integration]
Are police misusing stop-and-search? / BBC, 23 Oct 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4365572.stm
Christian Fraser
"Stops and searches under anti-terror laws have risen dramatically since the London suicide bombings of 7 July, research for the BBC shows."
Christian Fraser
"Stops and searches under anti-terror laws have risen dramatically since the London suicide bombings of 7 July, research for the BBC shows."
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Broken Borders / Newsweek: International Editions , 24 Oct 2005
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9711920/site/newsweek/
Moises Naim
"Trafficking: Globalization has lowered barriers to illegal as well as legal commerce, and international smuggling now threatens to derail the world economy." [Organised Crime]
Moises Naim
"Trafficking: Globalization has lowered barriers to illegal as well as legal commerce, and international smuggling now threatens to derail the world economy." [Organised Crime]
Proofreading and error-correction in nanomaterials inspired by nature / PhysOrg, 18 Oct 2005
http://www.physorg.com/news7349.html
"Mimicking nature, a procedure developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can find and correct defects in self-assembled nanomaterials. The new proofreading and error-removal process is based on catalytic DNA and represents a paradigm shift in nanoscale science and engineering."
"Mimicking nature, a procedure developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can find and correct defects in self-assembled nanomaterials. The new proofreading and error-removal process is based on catalytic DNA and represents a paradigm shift in nanoscale science and engineering."
Why Muslims reject British values / Mathaba, 16 Oct 2005
http://mathaba.net/0_index.shtml?x=392739
A. Sivanandan / Sunday October 16, 2005 / The Observer
"As ministers accuse Muslims of failing to integrate into mainstream society, a leading black intellectual and anti-racist campaigner calls on Tony Blair's government to face up to the reality of continued racism in Britain"
A. Sivanandan / Sunday October 16, 2005 / The Observer
"As ministers accuse Muslims of failing to integrate into mainstream society, a leading black intellectual and anti-racist campaigner calls on Tony Blair's government to face up to the reality of continued racism in Britain"
Another al-Qaeda group forms in Saudi Arabia / Terrorism Focus Volume 2, Issue 19 (October 18, 2005)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369805
Stephen Ulph
"A new al-Qaeda affiliate in Saudi Arabia announced its presence via the jihadi forums on October 13. A declaration by the 'Echo of Tuwayq Brigades in al-Zulfa,' dated October 9, was released on the al-Tajdeed forum, announcing that the Brigades were subordinated to the Organization of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The declaration, authored by Abu Hajir al-Zulfi, is intended as an 'introduction' and limited itself to declaring six principal objectives: support for the Muslims' battle with the enemies of God; clarification of its religious aims; refutation of Saudi and American propaganda; guidance on the nature of the true faith and publication of mujahideen activities and statements. A sixth objective appears to be a specific act of vengeance to be carried out imminently.
The group, which takes its name from the Jabal Tuwayq escarpment that runs north to south through the area of Riyadh, declared its allegiance to Mulla Omar, Osama bin Laden and Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi. It also pledged its loyalty to the 36 members of the latest 'most wanted' list issued by the Saudi authorities on June 29, among them were three natives of the al-Zulfa region: Fahd Farraj al-Juwayr, Abd al-Rahman al-Mut'ib and Ibrahim al-Mutayyir. Forthcoming media releases include a manifesto by Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Zulfawi, an interview with Abd al-Rahman al-Mut'ib and a publication, 'Tuwayq Echo,' on doctrinal, educational, historical and cultural matters www.tajdeed.org.uk)." [Snippet]
Stephen Ulph
"A new al-Qaeda affiliate in Saudi Arabia announced its presence via the jihadi forums on October 13. A declaration by the 'Echo of Tuwayq Brigades in al-Zulfa,' dated October 9, was released on the al-Tajdeed forum, announcing that the Brigades were subordinated to the Organization of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The declaration, authored by Abu Hajir al-Zulfi, is intended as an 'introduction' and limited itself to declaring six principal objectives: support for the Muslims' battle with the enemies of God; clarification of its religious aims; refutation of Saudi and American propaganda; guidance on the nature of the true faith and publication of mujahideen activities and statements. A sixth objective appears to be a specific act of vengeance to be carried out imminently.
The group, which takes its name from the Jabal Tuwayq escarpment that runs north to south through the area of Riyadh, declared its allegiance to Mulla Omar, Osama bin Laden and Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi. It also pledged its loyalty to the 36 members of the latest 'most wanted' list issued by the Saudi authorities on June 29, among them were three natives of the al-Zulfa region: Fahd Farraj al-Juwayr, Abd al-Rahman al-Mut'ib and Ibrahim al-Mutayyir. Forthcoming media releases include a manifesto by Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Zulfawi, an interview with Abd al-Rahman al-Mut'ib and a publication, 'Tuwayq Echo,' on doctrinal, educational, historical and cultural matters www.tajdeed.org.uk)." [Snippet]
An Online "University" for Jihad / Terrorism Focus, Volume 2, Issue 19 (October 18, 2005)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369807
Stephen Ulph
In an interesting new development, the al-Qaeda network is making strides to present itself as a permanent cultural--as well as military--phenomenon. An October 7 posting on the al-Farouq jihadi forum (www.al-farouq.com) by Ahmad al-Wathiq bi-Llah, the 'deputy general emir' of the Global Islamic Media Front, announced what it referred to as an 'al-Qaeda University of Jihad Studies.' The accompanying statement explained that 'al-Qaeda is an organization, a state and a university, this is a fact which cannot be denied.' Readers, it noted, might be amused by the headline, but the writer simply refers them to the experience of al-Qaeda's origins in Afghanistan: 'it began with the Bureau of Services, the Bait al-Ansar and the al-Farouq Training Camp--until it reached the present stage.' The author then reflects on al-Qaeda's achievements made on the Internet, 'Since the events of the USS Cole and Manhattan, hundreds of Muslims from all corners of the world have joined this global jihadist university, studying all the sciences, rules and methods of jihad.' The method of enrollment may differ, as indeed the methods of instruction and application of training, 'but it is a tangible reality for the enemies of the Nation and the Faith; a de-centralized university without geographical borders, present in every place.'" [Snippet]
Stephen Ulph
In an interesting new development, the al-Qaeda network is making strides to present itself as a permanent cultural--as well as military--phenomenon. An October 7 posting on the al-Farouq jihadi forum (www.al-farouq.com) by Ahmad al-Wathiq bi-Llah, the 'deputy general emir' of the Global Islamic Media Front, announced what it referred to as an 'al-Qaeda University of Jihad Studies.' The accompanying statement explained that 'al-Qaeda is an organization, a state and a university, this is a fact which cannot be denied.' Readers, it noted, might be amused by the headline, but the writer simply refers them to the experience of al-Qaeda's origins in Afghanistan: 'it began with the Bureau of Services, the Bait al-Ansar and the al-Farouq Training Camp--until it reached the present stage.' The author then reflects on al-Qaeda's achievements made on the Internet, 'Since the events of the USS Cole and Manhattan, hundreds of Muslims from all corners of the world have joined this global jihadist university, studying all the sciences, rules and methods of jihad.' The method of enrollment may differ, as indeed the methods of instruction and application of training, 'but it is a tangible reality for the enemies of the Nation and the Faith; a de-centralized university without geographical borders, present in every place.'" [Snippet]
Analysis: European morale hits bottom / World Peace Herald, 18 Oct 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20051018-011718-4198r
Gareth Harding
"'Pessimism reigns over Europe,' wrote former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar Monday in the Financial Times newspaper. 'We are at the bottom of the cycle, and populism is at its height,' added Olli Rehn, the EU commissioner in charge of enlargement"
Gareth Harding
"'Pessimism reigns over Europe,' wrote former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar Monday in the Financial Times newspaper. 'We are at the bottom of the cycle, and populism is at its height,' added Olli Rehn, the EU commissioner in charge of enlargement"
The new underground economy / World Peace Herald, 18 Oct 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20051018-105230-3604r
Martin Walker
"Three years ago, Moises Naim, new editor of the relaunched and revitalized Foreign Policy magazine, enthralled the American Society of International Law by delivering in the annual Grotius lecture a startling new perspective on the world. Titled 'The Five Wars of Globalization,' Naim brought together a great deal of disparate and unconnected research on the illicit trades in drugs, arms, human beings, money and intellectual property."
Martin Walker
"Three years ago, Moises Naim, new editor of the relaunched and revitalized Foreign Policy magazine, enthralled the American Society of International Law by delivering in the annual Grotius lecture a startling new perspective on the world. Titled 'The Five Wars of Globalization,' Naim brought together a great deal of disparate and unconnected research on the illicit trades in drugs, arms, human beings, money and intellectual property."
Child victims and witnesses to pick from virtual ID parades / Scotsamn, 19 Oct 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=2112082005
Ian Swanson
"Child victims and witnesses are to be spared the ordeal of picking out an offender in live identity parades, under new guidelines issued today.
Instead of having to go to a police station and identify the guilty man in a line-up, youngsters will now be able to do it all by computer.
Police will be able to visit a child's school and conduct a virtual video identity parade using a laptop. "
Ian Swanson
"Child victims and witnesses are to be spared the ordeal of picking out an offender in live identity parades, under new guidelines issued today.
Instead of having to go to a police station and identify the guilty man in a line-up, youngsters will now be able to do it all by computer.
Police will be able to visit a child's school and conduct a virtual video identity parade using a laptop. "
Expert Encourages Alternate Treatments for Men Who Abuse Women / Newswire, 18 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fank
"The ability to effectively treat men who repeatedly abuse women may be improved through individualized therapy rather than the traditional group treatment approach, according to a Purdue University domestic violence expert. 'We know that group treatments work for some men, but others will continue to physically, verbally, psychologically and sexually abuse women,' said Christopher I. Eckhardt, associate professor of psychological sciences. 'Our perspective is that treatment guidelines should focus on the individual's background, motivations for engaging in abuse, and readiness to change their behavior, rather than a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to treatment.' "
"The ability to effectively treat men who repeatedly abuse women may be improved through individualized therapy rather than the traditional group treatment approach, according to a Purdue University domestic violence expert. 'We know that group treatments work for some men, but others will continue to physically, verbally, psychologically and sexually abuse women,' said Christopher I. Eckhardt, associate professor of psychological sciences. 'Our perspective is that treatment guidelines should focus on the individual's background, motivations for engaging in abuse, and readiness to change their behavior, rather than a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to treatment.' "
World Cup Security Gives Terror Priority / Deutsche Welle 22 Oct. 2005
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1745078,00.html?maca=en-rss_english_top-388-rdf
"'Next year we will have over three million visitors, among them scores of well-known public personalities from all over the world,' Konrad Freiberg said at a police security forum in Gelsenkirchen, one of the 12 host cities at the tournament. 'They will spend long periods of time at previously known places. That makes this big event an attractive target for terrorists.'"
"'Next year we will have over three million visitors, among them scores of well-known public personalities from all over the world,' Konrad Freiberg said at a police security forum in Gelsenkirchen, one of the 12 host cities at the tournament. 'They will spend long periods of time at previously known places. That makes this big event an attractive target for terrorists.'"
For Britain's Muslims, uneasy days / International Herald Tribune, 21 Oct 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/21/opinion/edgreenway.php
H.D.S. Greenway
"Although the majority of Muslims in Britain may originally have come from the Indian subcontinent, there are Arabs, Africans, Central Asians. Since the British empire was more diverse than other empires, so are the Muslims of Britain today"
H.D.S. Greenway
"Although the majority of Muslims in Britain may originally have come from the Indian subcontinent, there are Arabs, Africans, Central Asians. Since the British empire was more diverse than other empires, so are the Muslims of Britain today"
Attempted suicide often a snap decision fuelled by drugs and alcohol / Medical News Today, 19 Oct 2005
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=32242
Understanding deliberate self harm : an enquiry into attempted suicide
Marianne . Wyder, PhD
PDF - http://ariic.library.unsw.edu.au/context/uws/article/1024/index/0/type/native/viewcontent
Understanding deliberate self harm : an enquiry into attempted suicide
Marianne . Wyder, PhD
PDF - http://ariic.library.unsw.edu.au/context/uws/article/1024/index/0/type/native/viewcontent
Helping criminals kick drugs pays off / CEN News, 21 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbgb
"A team of police officers, probation workers, counsellors and health professionals are working together for the first time to get prolific offenders off Class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine.
The Cambridgeshire Drugs Intervention Programme (CDIP), which costs about £1 million a year, is being hailed as a key success in the fight against crime."
"A team of police officers, probation workers, counsellors and health professionals are working together for the first time to get prolific offenders off Class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine.
The Cambridgeshire Drugs Intervention Programme (CDIP), which costs about £1 million a year, is being hailed as a key success in the fight against crime."
Police hope biometrics will provide arresting results / ZDNet UK, 21 Oct 2005
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/0,39020351,39232934,00.htm
Karen Gomm
"The Police IT Organisation (PITO) has outlined plans to greatly increase its use of biometrics over the next five years to help it identify suspects more easily and accurately."
Karen Gomm
"The Police IT Organisation (PITO) has outlined plans to greatly increase its use of biometrics over the next five years to help it identify suspects more easily and accurately."
Dutch integration minister faces difficult questions on deported asylum applicants / Radio Netherlands, 21 Oct 2005
http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/currentaffairs/region/netherlands/ned051021?view=Standard
"The Netherlands supplies information about asylum-seekers to their countries of origin, claims a former deportation official, although the Dutch Immigration and Integration Minister denies that such data was ever provided"
"The Netherlands supplies information about asylum-seekers to their countries of origin, claims a former deportation official, although the Dutch Immigration and Integration Minister denies that such data was ever provided"
Government seeks IT industry feedback over ID cards / ZDNet UK , 21 Oct 2005
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/business/legal/0,39020651,39232725,00.htm
"The questionnaire covers all aspects of the programme. Among other issues, it asks for views on whether the market has capacity to work with biometric technology under the programme; what 'integration issues' there could be in linking different systems; and what the 'appropriate contract length' for deals covering components of the programme would be."
Questionnaire - http://www.identitycards.gov.uk/library/Procurement_Strategy_Questionnaire.doc
"The questionnaire covers all aspects of the programme. Among other issues, it asks for views on whether the market has capacity to work with biometric technology under the programme; what 'integration issues' there could be in linking different systems; and what the 'appropriate contract length' for deals covering components of the programme would be."
Questionnaire - http://www.identitycards.gov.uk/library/Procurement_Strategy_Questionnaire.doc
In Italy, Al Qaeda Turns to Organized Crime for Protection / New America Media, 21 Oct 2005
http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f38d897f8f8818412fb11cc2c68b7912
"Italian media report that Al Qaeda is moving operatives through Italy on their way to North Africa and Europe with the help of a Naples-based criminal network similar to the Mafia. Italian investigators say Osama Bin Laden's Al Qaeda organization is moving deep into the Mediterranean peninsula's underworld of organized crime."
"Italian media report that Al Qaeda is moving operatives through Italy on their way to North Africa and Europe with the help of a Naples-based criminal network similar to the Mafia. Italian investigators say Osama Bin Laden's Al Qaeda organization is moving deep into the Mediterranean peninsula's underworld of organized crime."
Toolkit will transform councils into eco-champions / edie news centre, 19 Oct 2005
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=10671&channel=0
"'Together, Government, local authorities, other agencies and the voluntary sector need to reinvigorate community action. We must join up to deliver this new 'green sustainable development' led vision and to do it we need strong environmental leadership - nationally and locally. "
Greening Communihties - http://www.lga.gov.uk/ProjectHome.asp?lsection=59&ccat=1132
"'Together, Government, local authorities, other agencies and the voluntary sector need to reinvigorate community action. We must join up to deliver this new 'green sustainable development' led vision and to do it we need strong environmental leadership - nationally and locally. "
Greening Communihties - http://www.lga.gov.uk/ProjectHome.asp?lsection=59&ccat=1132
Friday, October 21, 2005
9/11 Panel Criticizes Reform Effort at the F.B.I. - New York Times
http://digbig.com/4fbcx
Philip Shenon
"The Federal Bureau of Investigation has failed to overhaul its antiterrorism programs in response to the Sept. 11 attacks and is plagued by an institutional culture that continues to resist change, members of the Sept. 11 commission said in a privately financed report"
Philip Shenon
"The Federal Bureau of Investigation has failed to overhaul its antiterrorism programs in response to the Sept. 11 attacks and is plagued by an institutional culture that continues to resist change, members of the Sept. 11 commission said in a privately financed report"
Britishness I: Testing Times For British Identity / Global Politician, 20 Oct 2005
http://www.globalpolitician.com/articleshow.asp?ID=1298&cid=3
"On November 1 this year, the British Government will phase in citizenship tests for all new immigrants to the UK. The tests are aimed at ensuring that those wishing to be naturalized British citizens meet certain minimum requirements on English language proficiency, cultural awareness, and knowledge of British government practices."
"On November 1 this year, the British Government will phase in citizenship tests for all new immigrants to the UK. The tests are aimed at ensuring that those wishing to be naturalized British citizens meet certain minimum requirements on English language proficiency, cultural awareness, and knowledge of British government practices."
U.K. agency: Iris recognition needs work / CNET News.com, 20 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbcr
"The U.K. Passport Service claims that iris recognition is still not an accurate enough method of biometric identification for mainstream deployment, following extensive trials of the technology. "
"The U.K. Passport Service claims that iris recognition is still not an accurate enough method of biometric identification for mainstream deployment, following extensive trials of the technology. "
REFUGEES SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER WORK / Community Newswire, 20 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbcq
Rosamond Hutt
"A Yorkshire refugee network announced asylum seekers and refugees were taking up charity work in their new communities after attending a recent volunteering fair. The event, the latest in a series of initiatives in the region to aid the integration of refugees and asylum seekers, was set up to help recent arrivals contribute to their adopted communities while their asylum claims are being considered. "
Rosamond Hutt
"A Yorkshire refugee network announced asylum seekers and refugees were taking up charity work in their new communities after attending a recent volunteering fair. The event, the latest in a series of initiatives in the region to aid the integration of refugees and asylum seekers, was set up to help recent arrivals contribute to their adopted communities while their asylum claims are being considered. "
Racist crime action 'underfunded' / BBC, 19 Oct 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4354808.stm
Dominic Casciani
"Action to prevent racist violence and crime is being underfunded and undervalued"
Dominic Casciani
"Action to prevent racist violence and crime is being underfunded and undervalued"
U.K. Raises Population Estimates After Record 2004 Immigration / Bloomberg, 20 Oct 2005
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000102&sid=ajXq7v_9nHU8&refer=uk
"The U.K. boosted its estimates for future population growth after attracting a record number of migrants last year, suggesting the economy has greater capacity to grow without fuelling inflation"
"The U.K. boosted its estimates for future population growth after attracting a record number of migrants last year, suggesting the economy has greater capacity to grow without fuelling inflation"
Openness grows over animal research / financial Times, 20 Oct 2005
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/3d29e122-4105-11da-b3f9-00000e2511c8.html
Clive Cooksonand Robyn Scott
"Universities are becoming more open about their animal research programmes, a Financial Times survey shows. Reassured by more robust support from the government and police, institutions are abandoning a long-standing practice of collective silence in the face of animal rights extremism."
Clive Cooksonand Robyn Scott
"Universities are becoming more open about their animal research programmes, a Financial Times survey shows. Reassured by more robust support from the government and police, institutions are abandoning a long-standing practice of collective silence in the face of animal rights extremism."
2,500 people to test ID card biometrics / silicon.com, 20 Oct 2005
http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39153530,00.htm
Andy McCue
"To test enrolment and verification performance of the biometric systems the Home Office plans to recruit around 2,100 people who are 'reasonably representative of the working population of the UK' and another 300 people representative of 'persons whose biometrics may be more challenging to record'."
Andy McCue
"To test enrolment and verification performance of the biometric systems the Home Office plans to recruit around 2,100 people who are 'reasonably representative of the working population of the UK' and another 300 people representative of 'persons whose biometrics may be more challenging to record'."
CRIME FIGHT: Forensic vans set to speed up arrests / Peterborough Today, 20 Oct 2005
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=845&ArticleID=1226716
"MURDER and rape suspects could be traced within hours of committing an offence once new forensic vans hit the streets of Peterborough. Deployed within hours, teams of forensic experts will be able to start combing the crime scene for vital clues, obtaining DNA results from blood or bodily fluids straight away, on board the hi-tech mobile laboratories.
And, if a match is found on the national DNA database, detectives could be on the tail of a suspect before they have had the chance to destroy vital evidence.
The Forensic Response Vehicles (FRV), developed by the Forensic Science Service (FSS), based in Huntingdon, are set to be rolling as soon as April next year."
"MURDER and rape suspects could be traced within hours of committing an offence once new forensic vans hit the streets of Peterborough. Deployed within hours, teams of forensic experts will be able to start combing the crime scene for vital clues, obtaining DNA results from blood or bodily fluids straight away, on board the hi-tech mobile laboratories.
And, if a match is found on the national DNA database, detectives could be on the tail of a suspect before they have had the chance to destroy vital evidence.
The Forensic Response Vehicles (FRV), developed by the Forensic Science Service (FSS), based in Huntingdon, are set to be rolling as soon as April next year."
Juvenile Offenders Use Yoga To Straighten Out / abc7news, 19 Oct 2005
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=abc7_focus&id=3552803
"Prisons are now turning to yoga to help set criminals on a straight path? In this ABC7 Solution, we look at an innovative program for young offenders in San Mateo County.
The students in this yoga class are not paying hundreds of dollars, wearing fancy workout clothes, or striving for the perfect body. They are learning self-awareness. "
"Prisons are now turning to yoga to help set criminals on a straight path? In this ABC7 Solution, we look at an innovative program for young offenders in San Mateo County.
The students in this yoga class are not paying hundreds of dollars, wearing fancy workout clothes, or striving for the perfect body. They are learning self-awareness. "
Full biometric ID scheme to reach the UK 'by 2009' / ZDNet UK News, 20 Oct 2005
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/business/0,39020645,39232692,00.htm
Karen gomm
"E-passports with facial biometrics along with ID cards are set to hit the UK early next year and the Government also plans to include fingerprints in both by 2009,"
Karen gomm
"E-passports with facial biometrics along with ID cards are set to hit the UK early next year and the Government also plans to include fingerprints in both by 2009,"
Asbos rule in East Anglia / EDP24, 20 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fbck
"Anti-yob orders are being handed out at a faster rate in rural East Anglia than in some crime-ridden urban areas. An EDP analysis of the latest Home Office figures has found that, by head of population, more anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) have been made in Norfolk than in Merseyside."
"Anti-yob orders are being handed out at a faster rate in rural East Anglia than in some crime-ridden urban areas. An EDP analysis of the latest Home Office figures has found that, by head of population, more anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) have been made in Norfolk than in Merseyside."
Mandatory reporting to the police of all sexually active under-13s -- Bastable and Sheather 331 (7522): 918 -- BMJ
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/331/7522/918?etoc
"Confidential sexual health services for young people are under threat. Several protocols relating to the disclosure of information about sexually active young people have been issued by area child protection committees in England and Wales. At the same time the government is consulting on a new version of its statutory guidance on child protection, Working Together to Safeguard Children.2 The protocols require mandatory reporting of all sexually active young people under 13 to the police and the collection of data in relation to sexually active young people under 16. Although the protocols' legal status is unclear and the intended uses of data about under 16 year olds are uncertain, their combined effects are predictable: health professionals can no longer assume that their work with this age group will be in confidence, and young people will turn their backs on health services. "
"Confidential sexual health services for young people are under threat. Several protocols relating to the disclosure of information about sexually active young people have been issued by area child protection committees in England and Wales. At the same time the government is consulting on a new version of its statutory guidance on child protection, Working Together to Safeguard Children.2 The protocols require mandatory reporting of all sexually active young people under 13 to the police and the collection of data in relation to sexually active young people under 16. Although the protocols' legal status is unclear and the intended uses of data about under 16 year olds are uncertain, their combined effects are predictable: health professionals can no longer assume that their work with this age group will be in confidence, and young people will turn their backs on health services. "
SUNNY FUTURE FOR NANOCRYSTAL SOLAR CELLS / PhysOrg, 20 Oct 2005
http://www.physorg.com/news7433.html
"Imagine a future in which the rooftops of residential homes and commercial buildings can be laminated with inexpensive, ultra-thin films of nano-sized semiconductors that will efficiently convert sunlight into electrical power and provide virtually all of our electricity needs. This future is a step closer to being realized, thanks to a scientific milestone achieved at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory."
"Imagine a future in which the rooftops of residential homes and commercial buildings can be laminated with inexpensive, ultra-thin films of nano-sized semiconductors that will efficiently convert sunlight into electrical power and provide virtually all of our electricity needs. This future is a step closer to being realized, thanks to a scientific milestone achieved at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory."
'BUCKYPAPER': STRONGER THAN STEEL, HARDER THAN DIAMONDS / PhysOrg, Oct 2005
http://www.physorg.com/news7435.html
Working with a material 10 times lighter than steel - but 250 times stronger - would be a dream come true for any engineer. If this material also had amazing properties that made it highly conductive of heat and electricity, it would start to sound like something out of a science fiction novel. Yet one Florida State University research group, the Florida Advanced Center for Composite Technologies (FAC2T), is working to develop real-world applications for just such a material."
Working with a material 10 times lighter than steel - but 250 times stronger - would be a dream come true for any engineer. If this material also had amazing properties that made it highly conductive of heat and electricity, it would start to sound like something out of a science fiction novel. Yet one Florida State University research group, the Florida Advanced Center for Composite Technologies (FAC2T), is working to develop real-world applications for just such a material."
MIPT Terrorism Annual 2004
PDF - http://www.tkb.org/documents/Downloads/MS-2582%20FNLCOMPILED.pdf
"Features an article on the world’s top ten most active terrorist groups by Dr. Audra Grant and another on al-Qaeda recruitment in the United States by Dr. William Rosenau. The Annual also includes graphs and charts drawn from RAND data showing incidents by weapon, by target, and international and domestic incidents by region."
"Features an article on the world’s top ten most active terrorist groups by Dr. Audra Grant and another on al-Qaeda recruitment in the United States by Dr. William Rosenau. The Annual also includes graphs and charts drawn from RAND data showing incidents by weapon, by target, and international and domestic incidents by region."
NEXT-GENERATION MAPS LEND NEW PERSPECTIVE - MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base
http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp
TKB now offers highly interactive maps that give new vantage points for studying terrorism over space and time. With dozens of new options, users can, for example, filter terrorist incidents by date or tactic and view them in relation to land use, administrative districts, or population density. New tools allow more control over the color and size of incident plots.
In addition to the traditional map backgrounds, we have added a new dimension with satellite country views. Regional maps showing relative terrorist incident intensity are also available. Maps can be saved and added to presentations and briefings by right-clicking.
TKB now offers highly interactive maps that give new vantage points for studying terrorism over space and time. With dozens of new options, users can, for example, filter terrorist incidents by date or tactic and view them in relation to land use, administrative districts, or population density. New tools allow more control over the color and size of incident plots.
In addition to the traditional map backgrounds, we have added a new dimension with satellite country views. Regional maps showing relative terrorist incident intensity are also available. Maps can be saved and added to presentations and briefings by right-clicking.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
'No spare places' in Welsh jails / BBC, 20 Oct 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/4357462.stm
"Wales' five jails were so full on two days in the last week that there were no spare places, say prison managers. New prisoners have been sent to jails in England because of a lack of room. "
"Wales' five jails were so full on two days in the last week that there were no spare places, say prison managers. New prisoners have been sent to jails in England because of a lack of room. "
Officials: Dutch prisoner gave tunnel tip / 19 Oct 2005
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/10/19/baltimore.tunnel/index.html?section=cnn_topstories
5: "The informant who told U.S. authorities about the purported plan to set off explosives in a Baltimore Harbor tunnel is a prisoner in the Netherlands, two federal officials confirmed"
5: "The informant who told U.S. authorities about the purported plan to set off explosives in a Baltimore Harbor tunnel is a prisoner in the Netherlands, two federal officials confirmed"
The MM-Factor: Who is the moderate Muslim / Global Politician, 18 Oct 2005
http://www.globalpolitician.com/articleshow.asp?ID=1291&cid=2
Abukar Arman
"Who are these "moderate Muslims"? What is the ideological engine driving them? What indicators are there to authenticate them? And, more importantly, who should interpret the readings of such indicators?"
Abukar Arman
"Who are these "moderate Muslims"? What is the ideological engine driving them? What indicators are there to authenticate them? And, more importantly, who should interpret the readings of such indicators?"
[Australia] Terror bill will make Aus police state / World at One, 20 Oct 2005
http://ww1.mid-day.com/news/world/2005/october/121416.htm
Khalid A-H Ansari
"With its draconian anti-terrorism laws being rushed through parliament in frenetic hurry, Australia is moving towards a police state, according to the country's Law Council."
Khalid A-H Ansari
"With its draconian anti-terrorism laws being rushed through parliament in frenetic hurry, Australia is moving towards a police state, according to the country's Law Council."
FBI Follows Leads in Tunnel Threat Washington Post, 20 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fawh
Ray Rivera
"Federal officials plan to deport four men arrested on immigration charges as part of an investigation into an uncorroborated terrorist threat that closed a Baltimore harbor tunnel for nearly two hours."
Ray Rivera
"Federal officials plan to deport four men arrested on immigration charges as part of an investigation into an uncorroborated terrorist threat that closed a Baltimore harbor tunnel for nearly two hours."
[Australia] Premiers rebel over shoot-to-kill. / ABC News Online, 20 Oct 2005
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200510/s1486245.htm
"Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and his Victorian counterpart, Steve Bracks, say they never agreed to shoot-to-kill provisions contained in draft Commonwealth anti-terrorism laws.
The premiers say the draft legislation differs from an agreement the state leaders reached with the Prime Minister at last month's Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting."
"Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and his Victorian counterpart, Steve Bracks, say they never agreed to shoot-to-kill provisions contained in draft Commonwealth anti-terrorism laws.
The premiers say the draft legislation differs from an agreement the state leaders reached with the Prime Minister at last month's Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting."
Prosecutors set to release information to the press / Holdthefrontpage.co.uk, 19 Oct 2005
http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/day/law/051019cps.shtml
"A new protocol to guarantee the release of prosecution material to the press has been agreed between editors and the authorities. The announcement was made at the Society of Editors' conference in Windermere, and was subtitled 'the public's need to know'. It means that the media will be allowed access to prosecution material from court that is normally withheld. "
"A new protocol to guarantee the release of prosecution material to the press has been agreed between editors and the authorities. The announcement was made at the Society of Editors' conference in Windermere, and was subtitled 'the public's need to know'. It means that the media will be allowed access to prosecution material from court that is normally withheld. "
Hitachi develops grip-type finger vein authentication technology / Physorg, 19 Oct 2005
http://www.physorg.com/news7389.html
"Hitachi, Ltd. announced the development of a grip-type finger vein authentication technology, which upon gripping of a door handle, instantaneously recognizes the finger vein pattern and confirms the identity of the person trying to enter. Thus, an authorized person only has to grip a door handle to open a locked door to enter a room, home or vehicle. "
"Hitachi, Ltd. announced the development of a grip-type finger vein authentication technology, which upon gripping of a door handle, instantaneously recognizes the finger vein pattern and confirms the identity of the person trying to enter. Thus, an authorized person only has to grip a door handle to open a locked door to enter a room, home or vehicle. "
Police Merger Plan / This Is Local London, 19 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fatp
"LONDON'S police chief said the city could have a single unified force in time for the 2012 Olympic Games."
"LONDON'S police chief said the city could have a single unified force in time for the 2012 Olympic Games."
Fighting trafficking in human beings / EUROPA - 19 Oct 2005Press Releases
http://digbig.com/4fatn
Franco Frattini - Speech at Conference on Human Trafficking
Franco Frattini - Speech at Conference on Human Trafficking
[Germany] Fighting Crime the Teen Way / Deutsche Welle, 19 Oct.2005
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1745128,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html
"Juvenile crime has been climbing in Germany since the 80s, forcing the authorities to come up with innovative ways of instilling a sense of propriety into the nation's youngsters. Teen courts are one such attempt. "
"Juvenile crime has been climbing in Germany since the 80s, forcing the authorities to come up with innovative ways of instilling a sense of propriety into the nation's youngsters. Teen courts are one such attempt. "
New program breaks cycle for juvenile sexual offenders / The Standard Democrat, 18 Oct 2005
http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/865/public/news668801.html
"The desired outcome of this program is to keep the community safe by giving the juvenile sex offender the knowledge and tools to keep him or her from re-offending."
"The desired outcome of this program is to keep the community safe by giving the juvenile sex offender the knowledge and tools to keep him or her from re-offending."
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Sexual offenders are being identified more easily, says Minister ' 24dash.com, 18 Oct 2005
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=748
"Violent and sexual offenders are being identified more easily and managed more effectively. That is the view from Baroness Scotland - the Minister for Criminal Justice and Offender Management. Baroness Scotland praised the success of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)."
MAPPA 2004 Report - http://www.probation.homeoffice.gov.uk/output/Page30.asp
"Violent and sexual offenders are being identified more easily and managed more effectively. That is the view from Baroness Scotland - the Minister for Criminal Justice and Offender Management. Baroness Scotland praised the success of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)."
MAPPA 2004 Report - http://www.probation.homeoffice.gov.uk/output/Page30.asp
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Recycling Offenders Through Prison / Prison Reform Trust, 2005
PDF - http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/pdf%20files/Recalls_Document_AWK4.pdf
"This paper looks at the startling increase over the last five years in the number of adult offenders recalled to custody. It highlights a toughening up in enforcement practices as one of the key factors behind the increase, and raises concerns about the recall process and the conditions for, and treatment of, prisoners who are returned to custody. The new provisions in the Criminal Justice Act are likely to result in a further increase in recalls with the prospect of large numbers of offenders being recycled through the prison system and overall prison numbers continuing to rise."
"This paper looks at the startling increase over the last five years in the number of adult offenders recalled to custody. It highlights a toughening up in enforcement practices as one of the key factors behind the increase, and raises concerns about the recall process and the conditions for, and treatment of, prisoners who are returned to custody. The new provisions in the Criminal Justice Act are likely to result in a further increase in recalls with the prospect of large numbers of offenders being recycled through the prison system and overall prison numbers continuing to rise."
{Bangladesh} Harkatul Jihad banned at last / The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 5 Num 497, 18 Oct 2005
http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/10/18/d5101801033.htm
"The government at last banned Harkatul Jihad Al Islami (HuJi) and its activities in Bangladesh yesterday, over a decade after the international terrorist group had started to spread its tentacles across the country. The fourth Islamist organisation to be banned, HuJi's Bangladesh chapter has been involved in carrying out terrorist activities in Bangladesh for more than half a decade. It has been behind several major bomb attacks as well as assassination attempts on former prime minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina and some leading intellectuals."
"The government at last banned Harkatul Jihad Al Islami (HuJi) and its activities in Bangladesh yesterday, over a decade after the international terrorist group had started to spread its tentacles across the country. The fourth Islamist organisation to be banned, HuJi's Bangladesh chapter has been involved in carrying out terrorist activities in Bangladesh for more than half a decade. It has been behind several major bomb attacks as well as assassination attempts on former prime minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina and some leading intellectuals."
ID Card database could contain medical and criminal records / OUT-LAW.COM, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.out-law.com/default.aspx?page=6232
"The Government has tabled an amendment to the ID Card Bill which could be used to allow the ID Card database to contain 'sensitive personal data' - a term which is defined to include details of criminal and medical records. This prospect reverses the position stated in the Government's public consultation documents in which it confirmed that none of the information in the ID Card database falls within the category of sensitive personal data as defined by the Data Protection Act"
"The Government has tabled an amendment to the ID Card Bill which could be used to allow the ID Card database to contain 'sensitive personal data' - a term which is defined to include details of criminal and medical records. This prospect reverses the position stated in the Government's public consultation documents in which it confirmed that none of the information in the ID Card database falls within the category of sensitive personal data as defined by the Data Protection Act"
[Netherlands] Raids on terror suspects 'have reduced threat' / Expatica Netherlands, 14 Oct 2005
http://digbig.com/4fafq
"The arrest of seven terror suspects in raids in the Netherlands on Friday removes the acute threat faced by national politicians and the security service AIVD, Interior Minister Johan Remkes has claimed."
"The arrest of seven terror suspects in raids in the Netherlands on Friday removes the acute threat faced by national politicians and the security service AIVD, Interior Minister Johan Remkes has claimed."
Executive's plans for database of DNA may be illegal / The Herald, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/48999.html
Lucy Admas
"MINISTERS' plans to create a police DNA database may be unlawful and could lead to inaccurate prosecutions, leading legal figures have warned."
Lucy Admas
"MINISTERS' plans to create a police DNA database may be unlawful and could lead to inaccurate prosecutions, leading legal figures have warned."
DNA database fears / The Herald, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/48973.html
"Ministers are proposing that DNA data should be taken from all those arrested or detained on suspicion of committing a crime for which they could be imprisoned, even if they are never convicted. Essentially, it means innocent people will have very personal information kept on police files"
"Ministers are proposing that DNA data should be taken from all those arrested or detained on suspicion of committing a crime for which they could be imprisoned, even if they are never convicted. Essentially, it means innocent people will have very personal information kept on police files"
Worth it: one ASBO prostitute off drugs, four being treated / Reading Evening Post, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.getreading.co.uk/story.asp?intid=13083
"ONE of the seven street prostitutes given anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) last year has kicked drugs and got a job.
Four others are still receiving treatment for their crippling addictions, an outcome police, health workers and council officials labelled a stunning success. The seven, who were among the town's most prolific prostitutes, were given ASBOs banning them from working the streets 15 months ago because of complaints that they were blighting West Reading."
"ONE of the seven street prostitutes given anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) last year has kicked drugs and got a job.
Four others are still receiving treatment for their crippling addictions, an outcome police, health workers and council officials labelled a stunning success. The seven, who were among the town's most prolific prostitutes, were given ASBOs banning them from working the streets 15 months ago because of complaints that they were blighting West Reading."
Sex with trafficked women is rape, says minister / Observer, 16 Oct 2005
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1593227,00.html
Mark Townsend
"Men who have sex with trafficked prostitutes should be charged with rape, ministers believe - a move that could see thousands prosecuted. Home Office minister Tony McNulty told The Observer: 'Whenever a man knowingly has sex with a woman against her will, that is rape,' he said. 'For example, if a trafficked woman told a man who had paid to have sex with her that she was engaged in prostitution under duress, then he could not reasonably believe that she was freely consenting. To go ahead regardless would be rape.' "
Mark Townsend
"Men who have sex with trafficked prostitutes should be charged with rape, ministers believe - a move that could see thousands prosecuted. Home Office minister Tony McNulty told The Observer: 'Whenever a man knowingly has sex with a woman against her will, that is rape,' he said. 'For example, if a trafficked woman told a man who had paid to have sex with her that she was engaged in prostitution under duress, then he could not reasonably believe that she was freely consenting. To go ahead regardless would be rape.' "
Rift on immigration exposed after UK minister defends dawn raids / Scotsman, 17 Oct 2005
http://mail.google.com/mail/h/1rr03bc33ahwu/?th=10700494b136863b&v=c
"Tony McNulty, the UK immigration minister, exposed a serious rift between Holyrood and Westminster yesterday when he defended the use of dawn raids to remove failed asylum seekers. Mr McNulty stressed that dawn raids would continue, insisted that they were neither heavy-handed nor inhumane and condemned some of the criticism of the system as 'intemperate'. The minister's blunt refusal to accept there was anything wrong with the system revealed a major difference of opinion with the Scottish Executive, particularly as his unapologetic approach was in marked contrast to the way Scottish ministers have addressed the issue. "
"Tony McNulty, the UK immigration minister, exposed a serious rift between Holyrood and Westminster yesterday when he defended the use of dawn raids to remove failed asylum seekers. Mr McNulty stressed that dawn raids would continue, insisted that they were neither heavy-handed nor inhumane and condemned some of the criticism of the system as 'intemperate'. The minister's blunt refusal to accept there was anything wrong with the system revealed a major difference of opinion with the Scottish Executive, particularly as his unapologetic approach was in marked contrast to the way Scottish ministers have addressed the issue. "
Guidelines for Police Psychological Service / Police Chief Magazine, Sep 2005
http://digbig.com/4fafc
"The IACP Police Psychological Service Section provides guidelines for professional psychological practice to the law enforcement community. The guidelines cover pre-employment psychological evaluations, psychological fitness-for-duty evaluations, officer-involved shootings, and peer support. The guidelines reflect currently accepted minimum standards but will be periodically revised to reflect new developments in case law, psychometrics, professional practices, and research."
"The IACP Police Psychological Service Section provides guidelines for professional psychological practice to the law enforcement community. The guidelines cover pre-employment psychological evaluations, psychological fitness-for-duty evaluations, officer-involved shootings, and peer support. The guidelines reflect currently accepted minimum standards but will be periodically revised to reflect new developments in case law, psychometrics, professional practices, and research."
Biometrics for the Masses / Top Tech News, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.toptechnews.com/story.xhtml?story_id=38457
Elizabeth Millard
"'People usually think of biometrics as an iris scan or a fingerprint reader, but that's only part of the technology,' said Joseph Kim, associate director of consulting at International Biometric Group. 'By bringing behavior into play, there's a potential for greater accuracy.' "
Elizabeth Millard
"'People usually think of biometrics as an iris scan or a fingerprint reader, but that's only part of the technology,' said Joseph Kim, associate director of consulting at International Biometric Group. 'By bringing behavior into play, there's a potential for greater accuracy.' "
Teenagers research drugs on internet / New Zealand Herald, 15 Oct 2005
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&ObjectID=10350419
Rachel tiffin
"Some teenagers are using the internet to research drugs before perusing medicine cabinets for their chosen high, a counselling centre says. Tauranga Help - the Bay of Plenty's sexual abuse and counselling centre - says a small number of youths as young as 13 are obtaining drugs such as LSD, P - pure methamphetamine - and ADHD medication and making informed, internet-aided decisions on what to take."
Rachel tiffin
"Some teenagers are using the internet to research drugs before perusing medicine cabinets for their chosen high, a counselling centre says. Tauranga Help - the Bay of Plenty's sexual abuse and counselling centre - says a small number of youths as young as 13 are obtaining drugs such as LSD, P - pure methamphetamine - and ADHD medication and making informed, internet-aided decisions on what to take."
Minister's shock claim: ID scheme to check 13 biometrics / The Register, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/10/17/mcnulty_fingers_id_problem/
John Lettice
"Beating off newspaper reports that biometric scans could misidentify up to one in 1,000 users, Home Office Minister Tony McNulty told Sunday's BBC Radio 4 World at One programme that the possibility of errors in one type of scan was precisely why the UK ID card system would be able to check 13 biometrics. Impressed? Confused? Both? Previously the Home Office had shrugged-off suggestions of unreliability by pointing out that three biometrics will be used, fingerprint, iris and facial, but as McNulty continued it became apparent that it's actually 13, if you count fingers individually."
John Lettice
"Beating off newspaper reports that biometric scans could misidentify up to one in 1,000 users, Home Office Minister Tony McNulty told Sunday's BBC Radio 4 World at One programme that the possibility of errors in one type of scan was precisely why the UK ID card system would be able to check 13 biometrics. Impressed? Confused? Both? Previously the Home Office had shrugged-off suggestions of unreliability by pointing out that three biometrics will be used, fingerprint, iris and facial, but as McNulty continued it became apparent that it's actually 13, if you count fingers individually."
Crime does pay - so long as you are a Mr Big / Scotsman, 18 Oct 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=2104732005
Craig Brown
"A team of professors at Southampton University used complex mathematical formulas to work out that a well-run system of bribery and corruption generates high profit margins. Furthermore, they say putting more police on the streets and toughening jail sentences even benefits real-life Godfathers because it has no effect on their operations but clamps down on petty criminals. "
Craig Brown
"A team of professors at Southampton University used complex mathematical formulas to work out that a well-run system of bribery and corruption generates high profit margins. Furthermore, they say putting more police on the streets and toughening jail sentences even benefits real-life Godfathers because it has no effect on their operations but clamps down on petty criminals. "
Watching the detectives / Sydney Morning Herald, 13 Oct 2005
http://smh.com.au/articles/2005/10/12/1128796533271.html
Benjamin Preiss
"Modern-day sleuths are more likely to use a range of spy gadgets, the latest digital photography and advanced tracking devices, rather than rely on a conspicuous trench coat and an upturned collar."
Benjamin Preiss
"Modern-day sleuths are more likely to use a range of spy gadgets, the latest digital photography and advanced tracking devices, rather than rely on a conspicuous trench coat and an upturned collar."
Send them back: Dutch integration minister wants to deport immigrant petty criminals Radio Netherlands, 17 Oct 2005
http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/currentaffairs/dutchaffairs/NL051017?view=Standard
"Dutch immigration minister Rita Verdonk is pushing through new measures to expel all foreigners who commit crimes, irrespective of how serious they are.
Under current law, moves can only be made to deport an immigrant from the Netherlands if they are imprisoned for serious offences, and the length of time they have already spent in the Netherlands must also be taken into account."
"Dutch immigration minister Rita Verdonk is pushing through new measures to expel all foreigners who commit crimes, irrespective of how serious they are.
Under current law, moves can only be made to deport an immigrant from the Netherlands if they are imprisoned for serious offences, and the length of time they have already spent in the Netherlands must also be taken into account."
ID cards will lead to 'massive fraud' / Scotsman, 18 Oct 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2103982005
"Key points
� Microsoft warned the scheme could generate a massive amount of ID fraud
� May be a Commons rebellion over whether the bill should get a 3rd reading
� It is proposed the ID cards will carry 13 personal identifiers, such as iris scans and finger prints
Key quote
'Unlike other forms of information, such as credit card details, if core biometric details such as your fingerprints are compromised, it is not going to be possible to provide you with new ones,' - Mr Fishenden, national technology officer for Microsoft"
"Key points
� Microsoft warned the scheme could generate a massive amount of ID fraud
� May be a Commons rebellion over whether the bill should get a 3rd reading
� It is proposed the ID cards will carry 13 personal identifiers, such as iris scans and finger prints
Key quote
'Unlike other forms of information, such as credit card details, if core biometric details such as your fingerprints are compromised, it is not going to be possible to provide you with new ones,' - Mr Fishenden, national technology officer for Microsoft"
Monday, October 17, 2005
Criminal Obsessions. Why harm matters more than crime / CSF, Oct 2005
PDF - http://www.crimeandsociety.org.uk/pdfs/monograph1_17Oct05.pdf
"Criminal Obsessions is an innovative, groundbreaking critique of conventional criminological approaches to social issues. The contributors show how social harm relates to social and economic inequalities that are at the heart of the liberal state. Only once we have identified the causes of social harm, they argue, can we begin to formulate possible responses, whether criminological or political. "
"Criminal Obsessions is an innovative, groundbreaking critique of conventional criminological approaches to social issues. The contributors show how social harm relates to social and economic inequalities that are at the heart of the liberal state. Only once we have identified the causes of social harm, they argue, can we begin to formulate possible responses, whether criminological or political. "
Phone Tap: How's the Traffic? / Wired News, 15 Oct 2005
http://www.wired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,69227,00.html?tw=rss.TOP
"Driving to work, you notice the traffic beginning to slow. And because you have your cell phone on, the government senses the delay, too. A congestion alert is issued, automatically updating electronic road signs and websites and dispatching text messages to mobile phones and auto dashboards.
In what would be the largest project of its kind, the Missouri Department of Transportation is finalizing a contract to monitor thousands of cell phones, using their movements to map real-time traffic conditions statewide on all 5,500 miles of major roads. It's just one of a number of initiatives to more intelligently manage traffic flow through wireless data collection. "
"Driving to work, you notice the traffic beginning to slow. And because you have your cell phone on, the government senses the delay, too. A congestion alert is issued, automatically updating electronic road signs and websites and dispatching text messages to mobile phones and auto dashboards.
In what would be the largest project of its kind, the Missouri Department of Transportation is finalizing a contract to monitor thousands of cell phones, using their movements to map real-time traffic conditions statewide on all 5,500 miles of major roads. It's just one of a number of initiatives to more intelligently manage traffic flow through wireless data collection. "
New Screening Tech Misses Nothing / Wired News:, 11 Oct 2005
http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,69137,00.html?tw=rss.TOP
Abby Christopher
"Bad news for terrorists and drug traffickers: The hunt for narcotics, explosives and biohazards is about to get faster and easier thanks to new research from Purdue University. A new testing method can, for the first time, speedily check objects and people for traces of chemical compounds. The detection technology known as mass spectrometry is already in use by forensic scientists. "
Abby Christopher
"Bad news for terrorists and drug traffickers: The hunt for narcotics, explosives and biohazards is about to get faster and easier thanks to new research from Purdue University. A new testing method can, for the first time, speedily check objects and people for traces of chemical compounds. The detection technology known as mass spectrometry is already in use by forensic scientists. "
Al Qaeda in Iraq: Letter to�al-Zarqawi�a fake/ CNN.com, 13 Oct 2005
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/13/alqaeda.letter/index.html?section=cnn_topstories
"Al Qaeda in Iraq said Thursday a letter purportedly from Osama bin Laden's top lieutenant to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is a fake, according to a statement on several Islamist Web sites.
The terrorist group denied the letter was from al Qaeda and claimed it was 'another fabrication ... by the Black House,' using its term for the White House."
"Al Qaeda in Iraq said Thursday a letter purportedly from Osama bin Laden's top lieutenant to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is a fake, according to a statement on several Islamist Web sites.
The terrorist group denied the letter was from al Qaeda and claimed it was 'another fabrication ... by the Black House,' using its term for the White House."
Blair in dock over his case for terror laws / Scotsman, 17 Oct 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2099032005
James Kirkup
"'The three-month period is what the police and Security Service say is necessary,' Ms Blears said at the Home Office. In fact, The Scotsman has learned from credible Whitehall sources that MI5 has not given any such advice to ministers. "
James Kirkup
"'The three-month period is what the police and Security Service say is necessary,' Ms Blears said at the Home Office. In fact, The Scotsman has learned from credible Whitehall sources that MI5 has not given any such advice to ministers. "
Dutch virtue of tolerance under strain / International Herald Tribune, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/16/news/islam1.php
Roger Cohen
"Europe needs migrangts. But this need now coexists with a growing awareness of a bungled approach to immigration, not least in asylum policy and education, and the danger spawned by the failed integration of Muslim communities as the West and Islam confront each other."
Roger Cohen
"Europe needs migrangts. But this need now coexists with a growing awareness of a bungled approach to immigration, not least in asylum policy and education, and the danger spawned by the failed integration of Muslim communities as the West and Islam confront each other."
In Al Qaeda letter, a strategic blueprint / The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1017/p02s02-usfp.html?s=hns
Peter Grier
"Some experts suspect that the letter is a fake, and that the CIA - not Al Qaeda bigwig Ayman al-Zawahiri - may be its true author. It was US Intelligence that made public the 13-page missive, after all. Others call it a fascinating document, and say much of it rings true."
Peter Grier
"Some experts suspect that the letter is a fake, and that the CIA - not Al Qaeda bigwig Ayman al-Zawahiri - may be its true author. It was US Intelligence that made public the 13-page missive, after all. Others call it a fascinating document, and say much of it rings true."
Can device stop drunken driving? / The Desert Sun, 16 Oct 2005
http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051016/NEWS08/510160331
Marie McCain
"It looks like a watch. It's worn like a watch. It even says Timex.
But it's not for keeping time - it's for keeping convicted drunken drivers sober. Thanks to advances in satellite technology, 10 convicted drunken drivers in Riverside County will, by the end of December, be fitted with wristwatches that contain a Global Positioning System microchip. The watches will record their every move and let officials know if they go into bars or somewhere else forbidden by the terms of their probation."
Marie McCain
"It looks like a watch. It's worn like a watch. It even says Timex.
But it's not for keeping time - it's for keeping convicted drunken drivers sober. Thanks to advances in satellite technology, 10 convicted drunken drivers in Riverside County will, by the end of December, be fitted with wristwatches that contain a Global Positioning System microchip. The watches will record their every move and let officials know if they go into bars or somewhere else forbidden by the terms of their probation."
Human trafficking in the quake's aftermath / Rediff, 16 Oct 2005
http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/oct/16quake5.htm?q=tp&file=.htm
Mohammad Shehzad
"Although the October 8 earthquake is a great human tragedy, for the human traffickers it is a perfect 'business opportunity'. The mafia has become active creatively. Human smugglers are collecting information about children and women who have lost their parents and spouses respectively. They visit various relief camps, pretend to be the close relatives of such victims and claim their custody"
Mohammad Shehzad
"Although the October 8 earthquake is a great human tragedy, for the human traffickers it is a perfect 'business opportunity'. The mafia has become active creatively. Human smugglers are collecting information about children and women who have lost their parents and spouses respectively. They visit various relief camps, pretend to be the close relatives of such victims and claim their custody"
Comment: Allan Massie: Bring back reform school - Sunday Times/ 16 Oct 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-1828202,00.html
"Most people are probably fortunate enough not to have suffered much from the actions of unruly and abusive neighbours or out-of-control adolescents. We may therefore have reservations about the use of Asbos (anti-social behaviour orders), even more when leaflets are issued bearing photographs of those in receipt of such orders and a map of those areas from which the offenders are banned. "
"Most people are probably fortunate enough not to have suffered much from the actions of unruly and abusive neighbours or out-of-control adolescents. We may therefore have reservations about the use of Asbos (anti-social behaviour orders), even more when leaflets are issued bearing photographs of those in receipt of such orders and a map of those areas from which the offenders are banned. "
[Netherlands] Holland fears killings over ban on burqa / Sunday Times, 16 Oct 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1827632,00.html
"HOLLAND'S Muslims have responded with outrage to government proposals to ban the burqa, and there are fears that Rita Verdonk, the minister behind the move, will be added to a list of 'enemies of Islam' targeted for assassination. "
"HOLLAND'S Muslims have responded with outrage to government proposals to ban the burqa, and there are fears that Rita Verdonk, the minister behind the move, will be added to a list of 'enemies of Islam' targeted for assassination. "
[USA] Muslim leaders, authorities strive for common ground / Daily Breeze, 17 Oct 2005
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/1793386.html
Matt Krasnowski"Leaders of local Islamic groups and law enforcement officers are meeting to build trust. Groups offer authorities insights into cultural differences. "
Matt Krasnowski"Leaders of local Islamic groups and law enforcement officers are meeting to build trust. Groups offer authorities insights into cultural differences. "
ID card scanning system riddled with errors / Independent , 17 Oct 2005
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article320003.ece
"The Government is planning to use face, iris and fingerprint scans to identify people on ID cards. But studies have found that being scanned in the wrong type of light or in shadow could lead to an inaccurate ID, because biometric technology is flawed. Why the bald and pianists may fail test....."
"The Government is planning to use face, iris and fingerprint scans to identify people on ID cards. But studies have found that being scanned in the wrong type of light or in shadow could lead to an inaccurate ID, because biometric technology is flawed. Why the bald and pianists may fail test....."
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