Taliban Make Comeback Inside Pakistan, Shari'a Law Imposed

The new fledgling government of Pakistan came to an agreement with Taliban fighters and is allowing the Taliban to impose Shari'a Law in the Swat Valley region of Pakistan.

In the agreement, the Pakistan government declared a truce with the Taliban and according to the Associated Press, gave the insurgents dominance in the Swat region by installing a strict regimen of Islamic law amenable to the militants' authority. The pact was spear headed by a hard-line cleric sent to the region to negotiate with the Taliban and persuade them to give up their arms.

In essence, whether or not Pakistan or other nations will admit it openly, this once again gives the Taliban their own territory, and government. With this territory located near Afghanistan, and within the northern territory of Pakistan near the heavily disputed region of Kashmir it presents a huge problem for western nations in the efforts to combat terrorism.

This is a clear set back for the United States, which has remained largely silent on the issue, and posses a direct national security threat on many levels,as it gives the Taliban an opertunuity to rule, and plan openly.

As spring looms in the northern hemisphere, and an increase in troops that are headed for Afghanistan there may well be some tough fighting ahead.

Either way, the stage has been set for the terrorists to effectively plan more attacks against the West from a protected position. Will an invasion of Pakistan happen next?

Four Taken To Hospital After Chemical Leak At Plant

Four people were taken to a hospital after a chemical leak at an Archer Daniels Midland plant in SW Cedar Rapids. Two were reported to be in serious condition, and two with minor injuries.

Officials are still not sure of exactly what happened at this point but are suspecting the chemical was sulfur dioxide.

The incident started in the refinery department and spread to the Fructose Building. Workers called 911 around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. About 75 workers were evacuated from the areas involved. Those workers were allowed back in just after 1:00 p.m.

Officials say the workers are most likely suffering from sulfur dioxide inhalation, but the problem could be hydrochloric acid. Sulfur dioxide is used to soften corn at the plant.

Around 80 trucks hauling corn to the plant were backed up for a mile on Willow Creek Drive SW, unable to deliver their loads because of the incident.

It is events like this that remind us of the importance of having business continuity plans in place. For more information and FREE report Refer to our earlier post Create a Business Continuity Plan for Your Business.

Syria Stepping Up Chemical Weapons Production

According to an article on Janes Defense Weekly, Syria may be stepping up its production of chemical weapons.

This report also comes at a time when U.S. envoy's are in the Country and region seeking Syria's help and cooperation in the disarming of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Though it has yet to make its way into the mainstream media, this will present a serious problem for the New U.S. administration, and posses yet another problem for Israel.

The real question will be how long will the United States, turn a blind eye to the serious developments?

Improvised Explosive Device Explodes Inside California Prision

An IED was found during a search this week at Victorville Federal Penitentiary during a "routine search of inmate property" said Traci Billingsley a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson. She also said that the device "detonated upon discovery."

Though it was stated that the incident was not terrorist related, and no one was injured in the blast, it is not 100% clear if it was intended to injure one of the guards.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the FBI bomb squads wree called to the scene to ensure that the device didn't pose any further danger.

FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said an investigation was under way.

Billingsley said the prison was locked down at the time the device was found. She could not say what prompted the lockdown, or if there was any connection to the search. No inmates were in the area when the explosion occurred.

"The prison remains secure," she said.

GovSec Conference Taking Place March 11-12

I have been asked to share Information on the following event, so here you go:

Government Security Expo & Conference; known as GovSec and U.S. Law. The Expo is being held on March 11-12, 2009 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Feel free to share this information with those in your circles!

Established a year after the September 11, 2001 attacks, GovSec features tools, systems, and products that meet the security needs of federal, state, and local governments and the U.S. military. These include asset protection, cyber and information protection, terrorism and information technology, detection systems, disaster preparedness & recovery, specialty & security services, IT systems & security, intrusion detection/perimeter security & surveillance and public safety & law enforcement. To learn more about GovSec briefings, please visit: http://www.govsecinfo.com/briefings.html.

To register for the Expo: http://www.govsecinfo.com *

* While the Expo is free for qualified attendees with pre-registration, there is a fee for the Conference.
** Conference fees apply.