raveendran nair / security

Obama 2012 State Of The Union Address

2012-01-26T09:20:00.001+08:00

UN Security Council Reform: Is it Time?

2012-01-16T10:17:00.000+08:00

Nato Oil Tankers

2012-01-12T08:37:00.004+08:00

The aftermath of a Taliban attack on NATO oil tankers can be seen near Quetta in Pakistan in this Aug 22, 2011. Picture by AFP

Kim Jong-un stars in new documentary broadcast on North Korean state TV

2012-01-10T15:58:00.001+08:00

Wife of Bali Bombing Suspect Sentenced to Jail

2012-01-09T18:16:00.001+08:00

An Indonesian court on Wednesday sentenced the wife of the top suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings to 27 months in jail for immigration violations. The East Jakarta District Court found Ruqayyah binti Husein Luceno, a 32-year-old Philippine national, guilty of using falsified personal data to get an Indonesian passport. Luceno and her husband, Umar Patek, were arrested in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad on Jan. 25, ending a decade-long manhunt for one of Southeast Asia's most wanted terrorist suspects. Patek is accused of making the explosives used in the Bali bombings, which killed 202 people. He is awaiting trial. "The defendant has been proven guilty of violating the law ... by giving wrong information to the immigration office," said presiding judge Suharjono, who uses a single name. Luceno and her husband traveled in August 2010 to Pakistan, where they were captured five months later in the same town where Osama bin Laden was killed.Luceno and her lawyers have not yet decided whether to appeal the sentence, which was lighter than the prosecutor's demand of four years

Former Pakistan Army Chief Reveals Intelligence Bureau Harbored Bin Laden in Abbottabad

2011-12-23T09:17:00.007+08:00

Former Pakistan Army Chief Reveals Intelligence Bureau Harbored Bin Laden in Abbottabad

Arif Jamal

In spite of denials by the Pakistani military, evidence is emerging that elements within the Pakistani military harbored Osama bin Laden with the knowledge of former army chief General Pervez Musharraf and possibly current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani. Former Pakistani Army Chief General Ziauddin Butt (a.k.a. General Ziauddin Khawaja) revealed at a conference on Pakistani-U.S. relations in October 2011 that according to his knowledge the then former Director-General of Intelligence Bureau of Pakistan (2004 – 2008), Brigadier Ijaz Shah (Retd.), had kept Osama bin Laden in an Intelligence Bureau safe house in Abbottabad. In the same address, he revealed that the ISI had helped the CIA to track him down and kill on May 1. The revelation remained unreported for some time because some intelligence officers had asked journalists to refrain from publishing General Butt’s remarks. [1] No mention of the charges appeared until right-wing columnist Altaf Hassan Qureshi referred to them in an Urdu-language article that appeared on December 8. [2]

In a subsequent and revealing Urdu-language interview with TV channel Dawn News, General Butt repeated the allegation on December 11, saying he fully believed that “[Brigadier] Ijaz Shah had kept this man [Bin Laden in the Abbottabad compound] with the full knowledge of General Pervez Musharraf… Ijaz Shah was an all-powerful official in the government of General Musharraf.” [3] Asked whether General Kayani knew of this, he first said yes, but later reconsidered: “[Kayani] may have known – I do not know – he might not have known.” [4] The general’s remarks appeared to confirm investigations by this author in May 2011 that showed that the Abbottabad compound where bin Laden was captured and killed was being used by a Pakistani intelligence agency (see Terrorism Monitor, May 5). However, General Butt failed to explain why Bin Laden was not discovered even after Brigadier Shah and General Musharraf had left the government.

General Butt was the first head of the Strategic Plans Division of the Pakistan army and the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) under Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1990 to 1993, and again from 1997 to 1999. Sharif promoted General Ziauddin Butt to COAS after forcibly retiring General Pervez Musharraf on October 12, 1999, but the army’s top brass revolted against the decision and arrested both Prime Minister Sharif and General Butt while installing Musharraf as the nation’s new chief executive, a post he kept as a chief U.S. ally until resigning in 2008 in the face of an impending impeachment procedure.

Brigadier Shah has been known or is alleged to have been involved in several high profile cases of terrorism. The Brigadier was heading the ISI bureau in Lahore when General Musharraf overthrew Prime Minister Sharif in October 1999. Later, General Musharraf appointed Shah as Home Secretary in Punjab. As an ISI officer he was also the handler for Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was involved in the kidnapping of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. [5] Omar Saeed Sheikh surrendered to Brigadier Shah who hid him for several weeks before turning him over to authorities. In February 2004, Musharraf appointed Shah as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau, a post he kept until March 2008 (Daily Times [Lahore] February 26, 2004; Dawn [Karachi] March 18, 2008). The late Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto accused Brigadier Shah, among others, of hatching a conspiracy to assassinate her (The Friday Times [Lahore], February 18-24).

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani top military brass had serious differences on several issues. One of the most serious of these concerned Pakistan’s relations with Osama bin Laden. However, the disastrous1999 Kargil conflict in Kashmir overshadowed all of these. General Butt says that Prime Minister Sharif had decided to cooperate with the United States and track down Bin Laden in 1999. [6] According to a senior adviser to the Prime Minister, the general staff ousted Sharif to scuttle the “get-Osama” plan, among other reasons: “The evidence is that the military regime abandoned that plan.” [7] General Butt corroborates this. In his latest interview, he says that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had constituted a special task force of 90 American-trained commandos to track down Bin Laden in Afghanistan. If the Sharif government had continued on this course, this force would likely have caught Bin Laden by December 2001, but the plan was aborted by Ziauddin Butt’s successor as ISI general director, Lieutenant General Mahmud Ahmed. [8]

Arif Jamal is an independent security and terrorism expert and author of “Shadow War – The Untold Story of Jihad in Kashmir.”

Notes:

1. Author’s telephone interview with an Islamabad journalist who requested anonymity, November 16, 2011.

2. Altaf Hassan Qureshi, “Resetting Pak-U.S. relations” (in Urdu), Jang [Rawalpindi], December 8, 2011. Available at http://e.jang.com.pk/pic.asp?npic=12-08-2011/Pindi/images/06_08.gif

3. See “Government – Army - America on Dawn News – 11the Dec 2011 part 2,” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4bYHC2_ito&feature=youtu.be

4. Ibid

5. Author’s interview with a security officer who requested anonymity, Islamabad, May 2000.

6. “Government – Army - America on Dawn News –December 11, 2011, part 1,” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4WLtaxxPPw.

7. Author’s interview with a former government minister who requested anonymity, Rawalpindi, February 2006.

8. “Government – Army - America on Dawn News –December 11, 2011, part 1,” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4WLtaxxPPw.

The Proposed PLA Naval Base in Seychelles and India’s Options | Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

2011-12-16T11:14:00.000+08:00

The Proposed PLA Naval Base in Seychelles and India’s Options | Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

Foreign Affairs Focus On: Military Spending with Barney Frank

2011-12-01T14:57:00.000+08:00

Foreign Affairs Focus On: Military Spending with Barney Frank: An interview with U.S. Representative Barney Frank.

Bali Bombing Mastermind

2011-11-04T10:58:00.000+08:00

Mexico Drug Routes

2011-11-04T08:40:00.000+08:00

10 reasons why Russia still matters

2011-11-02T15:58:00.005+08:00

Graham Allison and Robert D. Blackwill

House Speaker John Boehner recently delivered a fiery indictment of Russia and the Obama administration’s entire “reset” in Russian policy.

From the vantage point of two longtime Russia watchers — one a Republican who served in the George W. Bush administration and the other a Democrat who served in the Pentagon under President Bill Clinton — Boehner misses the point.

That central point is that Russia matters a great deal to a U.S. government seeking to defend and advance its national interests. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s decision to return next year as president makes it all the more critical for Washington to manage its relationship with Russia through coherent, realistic policies.

No one denies that Russia is a dangerous, difficult, often disappointing state to do business with. We should not overlook its many human rights and legal failures. Nonetheless, Russia is a player whose choices affect our vital interests in nuclear security and energy. It is key to supplying 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Ten realities require U.S. policymakers to advance our nation’s interests by engaging and working with Moscow.

First, Russia remains the only nation that can erase the United States from the map in 30 minutes. As every president since John F. Kennedy has recognized, Russia’s cooperation is critical to averting nuclear war.

Second, Russia is our most consequential partner in preventing nuclear terrorism. Through a combination of more than $11 billion in U.S. aid, provided through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program, and impressive Russian professionalism, two decades after the collapse of the “evil empire,” not one nuclear weapon has been found loose.

Third, Russia plays an essential role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missile-delivery systems. As Washington seeks to stop Iran’s drive toward nuclear weapons, Russian choices to sell or withhold sensitive technologies are the difference between failure and the possibility of success.

Fourth, Russian support in sharing intelligence and cooperating in operations remains essential to the U.S. war to destroy Al Qaeda and combat other transnational terrorist groups.

Fifth, Russia provides a vital supply line to 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan. As U.S. relations with Pakistan have deteriorated, the Russian lifeline has grown ever more important and now accounts for half all daily deliveries.

Sixth, Russia is the world’s largest oil producer and second largest gas producer. Over the past decade, Russia has added more oil and gas exports to world energy markets than any other nation. Most major energy transport routes from Eurasia start in Russia or cross its nine time zones. As citizens of a country that imports two of every three of the 20 million barrels of oil that fuel U.S. cars daily, Americans feel Russia’s impact at our gas pumps.

Seventh, Moscow is an important player in today’s international system. It is no accident that Russia is one of the five veto-wielding, permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, as well as a member of the G-8 and G-20. A Moscow more closely aligned with U.S. goals would be significant in the balance of power to shape an environment in which China can emerge as a global power without overturning the existing order.

Eighth, Russia is the largest country on Earth by land area, abutting China on the East, Poland in the West and the United States across the Arctic. This territory provides transit corridors for supplies to global markets whose stability is vital to the U.S. economy.

Ninth, Russia’s brainpower is reflected in the fact that it has won more Nobel Prizes for science than all of Asia, places first in most math competitions and dominates the world chess masters list. The only way U.S. astronauts can now travel to and from the International Space Station is to hitch a ride on Russian rockets. The co-founder of the most advanced digital company in the world, Google, is Russian-born Sergei Brin.

Tenth, Russia’s potential as a spoiler is difficult to exaggerate. Consider what a Russian president intent on frustrating U.S. international objectives could do — from stopping the supply flow to Afghanistan to selling S-300 air defense missiles to Tehran to joining China in preventing U.N. Security Council resolutions.

So next time you hear a policymaker dismissing Russia with rhetoric about “who cares?” ask them to identify nations that matter more to U.S. success, or failure, in advancing our national interests.

Graham Allison is director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard’s Kennedy School and a former assistant secretary of defense in the Clinton administration. Robert D. Blackwill is Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations and served as U.S. ambassador to India and as deputy national security adviser for strategic planning in the Bush administration. They are co-chairmen of the Task Force on Russia and U.S. National Interests, co-sponsored by the Belfer Center and the Center for the National Interest. The group’s new report, “Russia and U.S. National Interests: Why Should Americans Care?” is due out Oct. 31.

Jangan Lupa Mengundi

2011-09-23T09:40:00.008+08:00

Malaysia: US, Country Reports on Terrorism 2010

2011-08-29T17:46:00.004+08:00

MALAYSIA

Overview: As a result of a combination of effective law enforcement efforts and close counterterrorism cooperation with the United States and the international community, Malaysia has not suffered a serious incident of terrorism in recent years. Malaysia has been used as a transit and planning site for terrorists, however. Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) cooperated closely with the international community on counterterrorism efforts, and RMP officers received training in a range of counterterrorism skills.The effectiveness of the police in identifying terrorist networks was limited by their continued reliance on the Internal Security Act to detain suspects on the basis of intelligence rather than on information gained through investigations. Moreover, in spite of new measures to tighten immigration requirements for some foreign citizens, the country remained vulnerable to potential terrorist activity as a result of weak border controls and gaps in maritime security in the areas bordering Thailand in Northern Malaysia and the Philippines and Indonesia in Eastern Malaysia. Persons with terrorist affiliations were able to take advantage of these weak controls to travel within Malaysia and to transit to third countries.

2010 Terrorist Incidents: In January, Malaysian police detained 10 persons reportedly involved in a plot to carry out terrorist attacks against Hindu and Buddhist religious shrines in Kuala Lumpur. In February, two Malaysians citizens were kidnapped in Sabah state, by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group terrorist organization, and taken to the Philippines to be held for ransom. The two men were subsequently rescued by Philippine armed forces in late December.

Legislation and Law Enforcement: During 2010, the Royal Malaysian Police Special Task Force-Operations/Counter-Terrorism detained 15 suspected terrorists under the Internal Security Act. Most of those detained were foreigners with connections to Jemaah Islamiya or to Jamaah Anshorut Tauhid, and were later deported to their home countries. At the end of the year, three terrorist suspects remained in detention. The recruiting activities within Malaysian universities of a number of these suspects led the Malaysian Government to more closely scrutinize foreign students and to begin publicizing its counterterrorism successes. In general, immigration authorities' vetting of arriving travelers was perfunctory, although the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the implementation of a new biometrics system for arriving travelers beginning in December 2010. Malaysian authorities detained terrorist suspects when the authorities became aware of the suspects’ presence in the country. Malaysian authorities also actively cooperated with other countries to deport suspect foreigners to their home countries.

Countering Terrorist Finance: Malaysia's central bank (Bank Negara Malaysia) has signed memoranda of understanding on the sharing of financial intelligence with the Financial Intelligence Unit of many countries in the region. Malaysia is an active member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, and its subsidiary Donors and Provider Group for Technical Assistance, and has worked with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, the UN Counterterrorism Committee Executive Directorate, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Malaysia acted on UNSCRs 1267 and 1373 requests to freeze terrorist assets. While Malaysia improved the legislative framework to criminalize terrorist financing, there have been no investigations, prosecutions, or convictions related to terrorist financing under this new scheme. The Government of Malaysia continued to use the Internal Security Act as a preventive measure instead of investigating cases.

Regional and International Cooperation: The Malaysian government engaged on issues related to counterterrorism and transnational crime with its neighbors, both bilaterally and in international fora such as the ASEAN and APEC. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs operated the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Counterterrorism, which has served to facilitate the training of Malaysians officials involved in counterterrorism efforts, but has done less to identify forward-looking or regional counterterrorism priorities. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced plans to establish a Counterterrorism Training Center, focused on improving the skills of law enforcement officers, on Langkawi Island. In September, Malaysian authorities extradited known terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari to Singapore, from where he had been imprisoned and had escaped in 2008. The RMP has a good working relationship with both regional and international law enforcement agencies.

Countering Radicalization and Violent Extremism: Malaysia took the view that "extremists," at least those who have not yet committed a crime, are misguided individuals who can best be treated by rehabilitation rather than by punishment. School curricula and instruction encouraged tolerance and Malaysian authorities were quick to take action when they detected efforts to undermine social harmony. The Malaysian government monitored radical Internet web sites, but generally did not attempt to disrupt these sites, believing it can better follow radical activity by allowing such sites to operate. The government did not have a comprehensive strategic communication approach to counter-radicalization, but during the year, the RMP began to publicize the detentions of terrorist suspects, which has resulted in greater public awareness of the dangers posed by extremists and has led to an increase in public tips to the police regarding activities of extremists, according to RMP contacts. The RMP operated a de-radicalization program for terrorist suspects in Malaysia's Kamunting Prison. The police employed clerics, family members, and former radicals to convince terrorist suspects to renounce violence. On release from detention, these persons continued to face restrictions on their activities, including curfews and limits on their travel and contacts, until they have demonstrated that they no longer have affiliations with violent extremists. While the government touts the deradicalization program as highly successful, there were no available figures on the rates of recidivism of those who have completed it.

Source: US, Country Reports on Terrorism 2010

Gaddafi's decades-long rule nears end

2011-08-22T19:54:00.000+08:00

My Tweeter

2011-06-09T20:06:00.001+08:00

Singapore's Ambassador to U.S. Chan Heng Chee on Singapore's GE

2011-05-28T09:04:00.002+08:00

Ernest Bower Interviews Singapore's Ambassador to U.S. Chan Heng Chee on Singapore's recent election and governance in Southeast Asia. Source: CSIS Southeast Asia Program

Will CM Jeya Dictate Central GOI?

2011-05-21T08:39:00.005+08:00

Tamil Nadu (TN) state general election is over and the result is known all over the world. The voting trend shows 2G scam and Tamil's issue in Sri Lanka was being among the important factor for the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) & coalition unbelievable defeat. DMK was left behind as third runner while Congress performance is worst in TN Congress history (correct me if I'm wrong). TN new Chief Minister (CM) first statement called upon the central government for action against the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) President Mahinda Rajapaksa for alleged war crimes and genocide of Tamils is really a powerful statement which indicates the central government cannot prolong his friendly policy with GOSL any more in near future. One of the major question is will CM Jeya dictate Central Government of India to change foreign policy on Sri Lanka Issue?

US vs SK: psycological warfare

2011-03-04T09:51:00.005+08:00

US soldiers wear chemical warfare gear during a joint military exercise with South Korea at a US Army base in Dongducheon, 40kms north of Seoul. Excess military deterrence strategy was part of psycological warfare used to slow down the NK military agresiveness.

US vs SK: joint military exercise

2011-03-04T09:45:00.004+08:00

US soldiers wear chemical warfare gear during a joint military exercise with South Korea at a US Army base in Dongducheon, 40kms north of Seoul. The exercise aimed to simulate the detection and disposal of North Korea's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. It's believed that military exercise was part of the deterrence strategy to counter North Korea aggresiveness.

It's over for Hosni Mubarak

2011-02-10T23:44:00.006+08:00

Egypt's 82-year-old President Hosni Mubarak, has been in power for almost 30 years but today might be his last day in office. Egypt Armed Forces Council has minus Hosni Mubarak from the meeting and maked the national statement saying protester's demand will be met while NDP press released read Hosni Mubarak will resign from office tonight. It's a good lesson for political master's, do not underestimate the people's intelligentsia. You must know when to exit.

Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)

2010-11-10T22:41:00.004+08:00

Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) are foreign organizations that are designated by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. FTO designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business.

Current List of Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Abu Nidal Organization (ANO)
Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AAMS)
Al-Shabaab
Ansar al-Islam (AAI)
Asbat al-Ansar
Aum Shinrikyo (AUM)
Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)
Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army (CPP/NPA)
Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA)
Gama’a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group)
HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement)
Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh (HUJI-B)
Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HUM)
Hizballah (Party of God)
Islamic Jihad Group (IJG)
Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU)
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) (Army of Mohammed)
Jemaah Islamiya organization (JI)
Kahane Chai (Kach)
Kata'ib Hizballah (KH)
Kongra-Gel (KGK, formerly Kurdistan Workers' Party, PKK, KADEK)
Lashkar-e Tayyiba (LT) (Army of the Righteous)
Lashkar i Jhangvi (LJ)
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG)
Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group (GICM)
Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK)
National Liberation Army (ELN)
Palestine Liberation Front (PLF)
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLF)
PFLP-General Command (PFLP-GC)
Tanzim Qa'idat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn (QJBR) (al-Qaida in Iraq) (formerly Jama'at al-Tawhid wa'al-Jihad, JTJ, al-Zarqawi Network)
al-Qa’ida (AQ)
al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (formerly GSPC)
Real IRA (RIRA)
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17N)
Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)
Revolutionary Struggle (RS)
Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso, SL)
United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC)
Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI)
Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Jundallah

Happy Deepavali

2010-11-03T22:46:00.002+08:00

Naragaasuran was an egoistic king who treated his people badly. He loved darkness. His pride and egoism prompted him to crave unreasonable pleasures and to wield tyrannical power. The people prayed to Lord Vishnu who, with the gentle persuasion of his consort Lakshmi, descended, as Sri Krishna, from his abode to humble Naragaasuran. With his dying breath, the repentant Naragaasuram asked that this day be remembered as the day of the death of evil and the birth of good. He requested that it be celebrated by all with the lighting of lamps.Lord Vishnu acceded to the request and the day was celebrated by the Hindus. Wish all of you HAPPY DEEPAVALI.

My ID in FB

2010-10-28T09:33:00.001+08:00

Raveendran Nair Create your badge

Raveendran Nair in Face Book

2010-10-08T14:28:00.004+08:00

Dear friends/bloggers,

Currently I'm using facebook to discuss about Security issues. I feel facebook is the current trend in cyber world. If you don't mind please visit me in facebook to share your opinion. Definitely you will get more faster feedback compare to blog. Any how I will maintain my blog with a short write-up once a month. Thank you for your support. Search me in facebook. Type Raveendran Nair and definitely you can get me ......

Malaysian Day "16 September"

2010-09-15T08:49:00.000+08:00

Animated Flag Images

Blackberry

2010-08-30T08:01:00.002+08:00

Security Analyst has raised their concern with Blackberry communication device supported with secure networks which can be diverted for covert communications and went un-traced by Intelligence. Lately India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, all of which face significant terror threats have expressed security concern with this new technology device. Terrorists are using new media sources to facilitate covert communications that directly or indirectly have led to numerous deaths. Mumbai attacks in 2008 was undeniable precedents for using the technologigal devices by terrorist.

Blackberry user’s can communicate through secured networks among the group members without going through the mobile phone operator’s server. In such cases, it’s impossible for the Intelligence to keep track the communication among the suspected terrorist. The only way to overcome the threat is to hand over encryption keys to government but this might not be a good decision for the Blackberry. Putting a band on sales is not a good idea since the sales will go into the black market easily.

Bushehr

2010-08-25T10:06:00.003+08:00

Thirty-six years after construction began, finally Iranian and Russian engineers started loading fuel into the Russian-built nuclear power plant in the southern Iranian port city of Bushehr. While the Bushehr opening spurred nationwide celebrations in Iran, it added fears elsewhere especially in middle east. It also revived questions whether an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is imminent? Will Israel use his air power to thrash Iranian's dream to join nuclear powers? Hard question but defence policy makers have to look into it.

AGAIN: Abu Bakar Bashir Detained

2010-08-11T10:44:00.003+08:00

Indonesian Counter Terrorism Unit, Detachment 88 detained Abu Bakar Bashir in Ciamis, West Jawa for alleged involvement in Aceh Terror Camp. Indonesian authority said the camp was used to train young recruiters. More than 50 of them detained. Bashir alleged the mastermind behind the training and camp administration. Last year the Indonesian authority successfuly disrupted two plot which are targeted Indonesian president Susilo Bambang and Danish embassy.

Sabah Heading For Separation ???

2010-08-04T08:43:00.004+08:00

16 September 1963 was the historical day for Malaysian since Federation of Malaysia was ink officially. The idea to form Federation of Malaysia didn’t go down well to our neighbour’s. Since then Indonesia and Philippines registered their dissenting opinion. Indonesia lead by then premier Jeneral Sukarno launched military attacks under “Ganyang Malaysia” slogan while Philippines was said has train a group of military man with guerila tactics to create havoc in Sabah. While both states has their point of arguments but the fact was, Sabahan’s and Sarawakian was given an opportunity to decide whether to join the Federation of Malaysia or otherwise. The majority decided to enter the federation which was the brainchild of The Late Tunku Abdul Rahman, first Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Past few years I’m hearing many dissenting voice to the extent some state leader (either from the leaders who run government or from opponents) has publicly said “Sabahan’s made a mistake by joining the Federation of Malaysia.” Federal government which is dominated by peninsular Malaysian and lack of solution to the state issues has mooted for the disatisfaction. The statement which is against the Federation of Malaysia is very negative while I don’t deny, immediate remedy needed to overcome the state issues.

Lately former Suhakam Vice-Chairperson Simon Sipaun said, “Sabah made a mistake in joining the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.” I read the sentence as a threat to Federation of Malaysia and Sabah is heading for separation. Any failure to overcome the state issue will provoked the Sabahans to seek for separation from Federation of Malaysia. Fast remedy needed rather than political gimmick.

Khalistan Liberation Force

2010-07-29T08:05:00.001+08:00

Punjab Police Intelligence Wing disclosed that, Kuala Lumpur might be another base for Khalistan Liberation Force who are seeking an independent state for Sikh community. The information revealed after the cops recovered explosives and the duo were apprehended and identified as Jasbir Singh, a resident of Maanki village (Malerkotla) and Harjant, a resident of Bijliwala (Gurdaspur).” Any how no further information was revealed. On another statement from Royal Malaysian Police, IGP denied the existence of the KLF in Malaysia. Assuming KL as a base for militant activities just because few of the KLF members have traveled to Malaysia might not be accurate statement.

Arrest Warrant for Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir

2010-07-13T13:14:00.003+08:00

Finally The International Criminal Court (ICC), issued an arrest warrant to Sudan's President Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir for for his alleged criminal responsibility in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against members of the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups in Darfur from March 2003 to July 2008.

why for Sri Lanka, India is indispensable

2010-06-23T10:09:00.004+08:00

Recently Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, formerly Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, is currently a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore. In his interview appeared in Lakbima News, he explains why for Sri Lanka, India is indispensable. The Full article was published in http://www.colhariharan.org/ . Col Hari Haran is a retired Military Intelligence officer of the Indian Army with nearly three decades of service.

The below was my comments for Dr.Dayan's interview;

1. Generally I believe Dr.Dayan agreed for autonomy but will GOSL accept his opinion?

2. GOSL has win the military war since the state power was supported by other world actors especially India during the war. But the reality was GOSL lost the ground since the end of war due to their thick sinhalese policy. For past 30 years GOSL said they can't implement any political solutions due to the on-going separatism activity. Since the war is over past one year, where is the political solutions?

3. Lee Kuan Yew said "Rajapaksa extremism cannot be changed and I don't think they [Tamils] are going to be submissive or go away." This is the reality and just matter of time for another crisis to burst. Its really shame, when GOSL cant even honour his own man who lead the army then how are they going to devolute the political power to Tamil's who they only see as terrorist?

Abu Bakar Bashir back into Terrorism Radar

2010-06-18T08:13:00.005+08:00

Indonesian police said evidence shows the hardline Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir has funded an armed terrorist cell in Aceh. Bashir who was JI spritual leader, established the Jamaah Anshorut Tawhid. Indonesian police believed he is using the new group to fund the terrorist activitives while gettting the new recruitment especially graduate muslims.

Meanwhile Malaysian Special Branch reveal that JI has penetrated the higher education institution to get the new recruitment. Counter terrorism source said at least 22 under graduate students recruited after going through a series of so-called religious classes but in reality it was a doctrination lecture.

Elie Cohen

2010-06-13T21:11:00.002+08:00

In 1962, Egyptian-born Elie Cohen (1924-1965) began spying for Israel in Syria, posting as a wealthy Syrian businessman. He infiltrated Syrian society and used the contacts he made to gather intelligence. Cohen passed information about the Syrian armed forces by radio to Israel but his frequent and predictable transmission led to his detection by RDF equipment. He was tried and publicly hanged in 1965. [Source: Ultimate Spy]

Mustafa Death

2010-06-01T11:22:00.000+08:00

AL-QA'IDA has announced the death of a trusted aide to Osama bin Laden and its top leader in Afghanistan, Mustafa Abu al-Yazid.

3rd World War started since 911

2010-05-14T08:04:00.004+08:00

Malaysia former foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar during his lecture at the International Conference on World War II said 3rd world war cannot be ruled out as it might be caused by non-state actors. Sir for your information 3rd WW started the day Al-Qaeda cadre attacks World Trade Center in New York city. The attacks was followed by the declaration of “war against terrorist and terrorism” by the then American president George Bush. While first two world war was conventional war where you can clearly identify & define the reason and whose in war zone but the 3rd WW will be the unconventional war where you only can define one party which is the state actor going after the non-state actor [unknown enemy]. This is the "New War" which will bring the world down since the state which is under the attacks of non-state fighters will go after any one suspected behind the non-state actors. For the strategist who believe the 3rd WW will be in a same method as the previous two then you are wrong since we already in war zone.

Nuclear Reactor in Malaysia

2010-05-05T07:45:00.002+08:00

Nuclear not necessary about the weapon of mass destruction but we can used it for civilian purposed too. Well I believe it's a good decision from the Government of Malaysia. (Malaysian has approved the setting up of a nuclear power plant with possible assistance from China or Japan, a project slated to start operations from 2021 to help meet the country's soaring energy needs)

China feel threaten?

2010-03-31T22:20:00.002+08:00

Recently China's Admiral said his country are very much concern on the military development among the ASEAN members which indirectly jeoparadising the Chinese military present in this region........ will write more later...........

Where is Political Reconcilation?

2010-03-12T10:58:00.005+08:00

“United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon expressed concerns about the lack of progress on political reconciliation, the treatment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the setting up of an accountability process in Sri Lanka since the United Nations signed a joint statement with the Government last year in the wake of the end of its civil war with separatist Tamil rebels.”

Why the sudden change from UN Secretary General? What make him to change overnite? When the International Community was begging to him to stop the killings of civilians, he send his office aide for tour to Sri Lanka just to back and report “nothing happen” and “all is fine.” Then why now? Self repent or looking forward to retain the Secretary General post in UN office?

The presidential election is over and parliament election is end of the corner yet the Tamil people did not see any progress for their future. Their future was black out from the election manifesto. The supression is continued and more than 100 thousand of Tamilians is still behind the barbed wire and not to forget thousands of ex-cadre in illegal detention at unknown locations. Without the political solutions I dont think peace will prevail in Sri Lanka. Autonomy will be a good start-up for political reconcilation.

Terror Alert in the Malacca Strait

2010-03-05T00:27:00.001+08:00

Terror Alert from Singapore’s Navy read that a terrorist group is planning attacks on oil tankers in the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Due to the alert Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore has increased the security level to avoid any unexpected maritime terrorism. Last week South East Asia back to terrorism alert after Detachment 88 raided the suspected JI training camp in Acheh. The camp was used to train the recruits in guerilla strategy. While the camp now under the state control but not all the trainees detain and more than half was still out there. May be they might plan to cross over to Indonesia neighbor country to avoid the detention or they have planned in advance to terrorize in Strait of Malacca.

Detachment 88 Crashed JI Training Camp

2010-02-24T09:29:00.003+08:00

Media source fron Indonesia said Detachment 88 successfully crashed JI military training camp in Janto of Aceh Besar, Indonesia self autonomy district. The suspected militants which was said around 50 of them manage to escaped except four. Indonesia Police believe the group take command from Al-Qaeda.

Snippet - Counter Insurgency

2010-02-22T11:15:00.003+08:00

1. The Philippines government said Abu Sayaff top leaders Jumadail Arad was among the six militants killed in an early morning attack in the south of the country.

2. Thailand military said his man killed one of the most wanted rebel suspect during a house raid on Thursday in Pattani. Huzaifah Hayisamo, 32 was a suspected key figure in the Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) was found dead in Ban Ma Nangyong of Thung Yang Daeng district.

3. Seven bombs exploded across Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak visited the South on Dec 9 last year, killing one defence volunteer and wounding 44 other people. [source: Bangkok Post]

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar detained

2010-02-17T13:47:00.002+08:00

International media reported second man in Taliban Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar captured by Pakistan Intelligence with the assistant of US intelligence. Mullah Abdul Ghani has been a close associate of Osama Bin Laden and he was identified as key man to get more information on Taliban and Al-Qaeda strategy.

Enhanced Autonomy for MILF

2010-02-10T08:26:00.000+08:00

The Philippines government has offered the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) “enhanced autonomy” to end 40 years of separatism struggle. The government negotiators said the enhance autonomy was president idea to share powers with MILF which include tax collection and the control of natural resources in the areas that Filipino muslims claims as their ancestral domain. Even though the proposal will be negotiated further on 2nd round in mid feb 2010, the idea sounds much better than going to full scale of war. The defeat of separatist will not end at gun point but will continue unless the people who want the separate state decided to abondon their goal. Hopefully both parties can seal a peace accord this time to avoid the future all out of war.

Philip Agee

2010-02-08T22:31:00.002+08:00

In 1968 Philip Agee, a CIA officer, resigned. In a book published in 1975, he exposed details of every CIA officer and operation that he had ever encountered during his 12 year career. Agee denied cooperating with any hostiles agencies but former KGB officers revealed he had worked with the KGB. [source: ultimate SPY]

FBI Digitally Enhanced Osama bin Laden

2010-01-18T13:58:00.004+08:00

FBI released digitally enhanced picture of the most wanted man Osama Bin Laden few days ago. Unfortunately FBI used a photograph of a Spanish lawmaker as part of a digitally enhanced picture which has make the politicians to decide will not put his foot in US soil for fear of his safety. Spanish government have sent their diplomatic protest to US embassy in Spanish. [picture source: BBC]

India and Pakistan will go to WAR again?

2010-01-17T01:04:00.003+08:00

Pakistan National Comman Authority (NCA) that oversees the country's nuclear assets warned that India continued to pursue militarisation programme with high level offensive military doctrines. Advanced weapon system, installation of anti ballistic missiles and nuclear arsenal systems tend to destabilise the region. NCA further said "Pakistan cannot be oblivious to these developments." India and Pakistan have blood relationship yet they couldn't negotiate the peace settlement. India surrounded by his enemy and they have no option other than developing massive weapons of mass destruction as deterrent strategy. I believe the "Defence Diplomacy" concept will be very useful to low down the tension between this two neighbours. Round table negotiation will be the right platform to bargain for peace treaty. But then the peace treaty is not that easy as i put it in a few sentence. I believe India and Pakistan will go to war again before they sign a peace agreement which will last longer.

Powerful Intelligence

2010-01-15T08:55:00.000+08:00

Have you watch James Bond movie? Defintely yes or at least you have heard about it. People used to refer to James Bond whenever they want to describe about the intelligence work. Many including me used to think James Bond is a movie which does not represent the reality. While most of the action task was not reality but the present of intelligence community is real. The most powerful intelligence organisation in the world is belongs to Israel, known as Mossad.

The Truth Will Prevail

2010-01-08T09:02:00.001+08:00

The truth will prevail and GOSL must take the resposnibility: An investigation commissioned for the United Nations says that a video broadcast on Channel 4 News showing Sri Lankan soldiers apparently executing naked Tamils 'appears to be authentic'.

Political Solutions to address Violence in Southern Thailand

2010-01-07T09:39:00.004+08:00

Despite the various violence attacks in Southern Thailand, I believe it’s inappropriate to categories the separatism struggle in Southern Thailand as an act of terrorist. International community shall not do injustice to separatism issues as an act of terrorism.

Violence in Southern Thailand is due to the absent of political solutions despite of hundreds of promises which was not materialised either by present of past Bangkok elites. It’s an openly known fact Southern Thailand formely an autonomous Malay Muslim Sultanate was annexed in 1902 by Bangkok administration. Administrative control over the south was abruptly instated by the central government in 1909 but there was no distruption for the practice of culture and language until the later Bangkok elites decided to centralise the education system which emphasized on Thai language, Buddhism and assimilation of southern muslim into Thai-Bhuddist majority. Since then the decision inflame separatism, destabilized the peace in Southern Thailand.

Separatism will not come to the end by just killing the people who take arm to fight for the independence. Sri Lanka is the good example on this issue. Mahindra Rajapakse succesfully has overcome the arm struggle of Tamil people of Eelam but he failed to silence the Tamilians aspirations voice. The aspirations will continue until Eelam prevail. Since 2004 more than 4000 people, both Buddhist, Muslims, civilians, separatist or government security personnel have been killed and thousands more wounded yet there are no strategic solutions to end the violence. The recent concluded joint visit by Malaysian and Thailand Prime Minister to conflict area was seen very prominent to give some confidence to the locals but violence still continue since then have jeopardise the peace initiative.

I believe higher level visit is not good enough to give confidence to Southern Thailand Muslims aspiration unless Bangkok elites prove they mean business. Southern Thailand need urgently political solutions and not military weapons. It’s never too late to mend Thailand constitution to legalise the autonomous for muslims region in Southern Thailand. What’s done can’t be undone but confessed faults are half-mended. May peace prevail in Southern Thailand.

I'm sorry

2010-01-07T09:29:00.004+08:00

Dear friends, i'm sorry since i couldn't put my opinion in this blogs for last few days. I was fully committed to complete my disertation before end of 2009. Thank GOD, I have compeleted and submited to my university. I'm sorry too for accidentaly "delete" the readers comments recently. If you read this message please leave your comments again and for sure I will not repeat the same mistakes. Thank you very much for your time and opinion.

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year

2009-12-24T09:16:00.001+08:00

Wish all my friends Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. May GOD bless you.

Abdul Basir Latip - Abu Sayyaf co-founder Nabbed

2009-12-18T01:59:00.001+08:00

Abdul Basir Latip the suspected co-founders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) based in Southern Philippines had been detained at Jakarta airport for using a fake travelling document. Source said he was picked up by Indonesian authorities on 21 November 2009 and deported back to Manila. Abdul Basir was identified as a fund manager between Al-Qaeda and Abu Sayaff. United States was keen to extradite him as main suspect to kidnap American missionary Charles Walton in 1993. However, Abdul Basir said "I was not a member of the ASG but I am a close friend of Janjalani."

1975 Balibo – East Timor

2009-12-08T07:54:00.004+08:00

Yesterday 7th December 2009, “The Austalian” reported about the Killings of Balibo Five, Australian based journalist with the intention to silence the report of Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975. Balibo was a small town in East Timor where all five journalist was hidding to film the invasion. Even though they was only equiped with cameras, paper and pen, the shooting happened from only 15 metres away, revealed Colonel Gato Purwanto ex-member of “Team Susi”.

Definitely revelations will open back the old wounds but justice need to prevail even if injustice was commited during the war time. Since 1975 until the independence of East Timor many freedom fighters was gun down by the Indonesian military, thousands went missing without records. The International Community must deliver a fact findings team to investigate the Indonesian military role in killings East Timor citizens during the war time. Not to forget the mass murder of member’s of Gerakan Acheh Merdeka in post Tsunami.

Defence Diplomacy

2009-11-28T10:28:00.005+08:00

Defence Diplomacy was coined to give greater priority, impetus and coherence to military activities and to ensure alignment with the government’s foreign and security policy objectives. One part of defence diplomacy is joint military exercise.

Recently Singapore and Indonesia conducted their defence diplomacy training codenamed “Safkar Indopura” 2009. 600 soldiers from the 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade and 5th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment, as well as TNI-AD's 13th Infantry Brigade/KOSTRAD and 100 Raider Battalion/KODAM I-BB participated in the exercise.

They shared battle procedures, military knowledge and military skills, and took part in combined arms training exercises. The 21st annual bilateral exercise between the two country's was aimed to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding. This is just one example of defence diplomacy and it’s good to strengthen this ties.

75 Tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate

2009-11-24T22:45:00.002+08:00

12 October 2002, huge explosive was detonated in Kuta Bali which killed 202 people and led to the estimated loss of more than $1 billion in properties and tourist revenue for Indonesia. The cost for terrorist was their suicide cadre’s and $35,000 to plan & execute their operation. It’s not about the money but the capabilities own by terrorist to harm the nations, his citizens and foreign tourist. The image of the nations and region was jeopardize. The damage was huge and the psycological impact was unbelieveable.

Few days ago, Indonesian custom officer confiscated 75 tonnes of an explosive material, ammonium nitrate from KM Fungka Sejahtera an Indonesian registered ship. The material was loaded at Pasir Gudang port. Media source said the ship has no proper documentation to carry the material. Even though the ammonium nitrate can be used for fertilizer yet in Indonesia case almost 95% of the said material was used to develop the bombs. Hope Detachment 88 will track until the root of the tail and defuse any plan to create havoc. Christmas is getting near followed by new year 2010, let’s celebrate in peace.

Singapore Unveil First Rocket Artillery System

2009-11-19T08:14:00.002+08:00

The first rocket artillery system for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been unveiled during an ongoing exercise in Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the US. The high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS), which can be operated by a crew of three is a light truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher. HIMARS can carry a single pod of six multiple-launch rocket systems that can shoot over 3,800 bomblets to penetrate enemy armour up to 10cm thick. HIMARS Commander Second Sergeant Darren Lee said the system can pinpoint the target from 50km to 70km away with minimal collateral damage. The SAF is scheduled to receive first 18 HIMARS units in the middle of 2010. Exercise Forging Sabre, currently being held in Fort Sill involves integrated live-firing by multiple air and land sensors, and shooter assets. Over 370 soldiers and airmen from the SAF are participating in the 24-day exercise, which is scheduled to end on 24 November 2009. [Article was paste from Army Technology]

Palestine –Israel: Two State Solutions

2009-11-10T17:02:00.009+08:00

Robert Malley, who was a special assistant to President Bill Clinton for Arab-Israeli affairs suggested the US government to rethink on peace negotiations in middle-east. He further said, the negotiation team shall emphasizes on two issues; i. Rights to return for Palestinian; and ii. Rights to exist for Israeli.

From strategic and human rights perspective, both demand is equally important and shall be given top priority on peace negotiations. However I believe, accepting the “rights to exist” while denying the independent Palestine state will not end the conflict. Recognition of “rights to exist” will be an endorsement for Israel but how/in which way the “rights to return” will legitimate the creation of Palestine is unknown. Security analyst believe Israel-Palestine conflict was one of the major root cause of international terrorism. International terrorist using Palestine-Israel conflict as a justification to bomb the targetted state. To overcome the conflict, negotiation for independent Palestine state shall be given top priority while not denying the “rights to exist”. It will be illogical while Israel will get their endorsement from middle-east country but Palestinian soil remain unresolved. Failure to resolve the conflict with win-win environment will push the whole process back to zero ground.

Psychiatrist Became Murderer

2009-11-07T11:11:00.004+08:00

[updated: 10112009 / 07:54] Major Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, a US-born Palestinian and army psychiatrist, opened fire at Fort Hood on Thursday killed 13 people at a Texas army base. US Army source said he was due to be deployed to Afghanistan and in various event has shown dissenting signal on the deployement. I’m sure this incident will disharmony the ethnic relationship in America and at certain extent to other part of the world. This incident will increase the pressure on American muslim especially those who are serving military organisation. On the other part I believe Obama’s policy to be friendly to muslims nations has not reach to the expectations of muslim community. While this criminal act shall not be condoned I hope the US will run their full investigation on why a psychiatrist became murderer. Hope will not come to blanket conclusion as an act of terrorism.

Snippet 9/11

2009-11-06T00:18:00.005+08:00

11 September 2001 was a day of unprecedented shock and suffering in the history of United States. American was unprepared to counter the wave of new terrorism. What went wrong? To answer these questions US President created National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. The Commission reviewed more than 2.5 million pages of documents and interviewed more than 1,200 individuals in ten countries, 119 days of hearings and took public testimony from 160 witnesses.

In Chapter 5: Al-Qaeda Aims at The American Homeland, The Commission reported After meeting Bin Ladin, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, mastermind of the 9/11 plot, journeyed onward to India, Indonesia, Malaysia, where he met with Jemaah Islamiah's Hambali. Hambali was an Indonesian veteran of the Afghan war looking to expand the jihad into Southeast Asia.

Late 1998 to early 1999, planning for the 9/11 operation began in earnest. Yet while 9/11 project occupied the bulk KSM's attention, he continued to consider other possibilities for terror attacks. For example, he sent Al-Qaeda operative Issa al Britani to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to learn about the jihad in SOutheast Asia from Hambali.

Source: The 9/11 Commission Report

Sri Lanka was never a “model democracy”

2009-10-30T00:53:00.004+08:00

Sri Lanka was never a “model democracy” since its independence in 1947 and I don't think it will be in future after the worst atrocities committed against the Tamilians. The struggle for a Separate State (Eelam) started since the colonial power took over the administration of Kandyan Kingdom in 1815. Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was ruled by 3 kingdoms when the Portuguese arrived in 1506. The Sinhala King Parakramabahu ruled Kotte in the south populated by Sinhalese people. There was a King in Kandy in the central highlands populated by Sinhalese to whom Tamil feudal Vanniar chieftain in Batticaloa in the east paid tribute and there was a Tamil Jaffna Kingdom ruled by Pararajasegaran.

It is historically proven that there was no unitary state when European colonial powers arrived in Ceylon. Portuguese ruled Ceylon for 50 years and 150 years thereafter the country was ruled by the Dutch but Ceylon was never ruled as a unitary state. Principally, each kingdom was administered separately. The British later took over the administration and based on minutes of Sir Hugh Cleghorn the British Colonial Secretary in 1976, it is evident that two different nations, entirely different in their religion, language and manners, lived in Ceylon at that time. The minute was supported by the island map prepared in 1857 by John Arrowsmith. It’s very unfortunate that even though British rulers administered the country justly they omitted the sovereignty of Tamil nation by creating a unitary state when independence was declared for Ceylon in 1947. Sovereignty was retained by the British Queen from 1948 to 1972 and the root of the problem started after Sinhala dominated legislature unilaterally declared Ceylon as a Republic state with Sinhala only policy.

Sinhala only policy discriminated the minority Tamils and denied their social, economy and political rights which were guaranteed by the law. Since then Tamilians stood firm to safeguard their culture and religion. Peaceful platform which was the ideology of Tamilians was countered with well planned pogroms in 1958, 1971 and the worst was in 1983 which thousands of innocent Tamilians were killed. Even today, after the mass killings of innocent civilians in the recent war on Vanni, those who are in power refuse to let go their draconian attitude.

Though Tamilians adopted all non-violent means in their struggle for liberation they only received humiliation not only from the state armed forces but even from the ordinary Sinhala citizens. Tamilians were not given a single space to take breath and they were pushed to declare the demand for a separate state called Eelam through Vadukoddai Resolutions in 1976. The resolution for a separate and independent state was approved by Tamil masses in 1977 general election and that was the last free election. Tamilians did not chose the armed struggle but they were not left with any other option due to the state terrorism unleashed on them.

Now after more than 30 years, with the military assistance from China, a nation which does not give due respect for human rights and intelligence assistance from India, the Government of Sri Lanka successfully defeated the military struggle of Tamilians for and independent separate state. Mere military defeat does not mean the end of a people’s struggle for independence and this reality is not at all recognized. Timor-Timor is a classic example to prove this case.

Today the so-called humanitarian mission to rescue the mass civilians is diverted to those detained in Sri Lanka Army internment camps. Thousands of innocent civilians are behind barbed wire without the freedom of movement in the name of screening the separatist cadres. Unfortunately the International Community is not doing enough or is very slow in taking necessary measures to relieve the suffering of the interned Tamils or to resettle them in their own places. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a United Nations treaty based on Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created on 16 December 1966 and entered into force on 23March 1976. According to this treaty detaining Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's) violates UN treaty yet GOSL was given free hand without any intervention from international community.

However, Sri Lanka government says that it cannot find a political solution to the Tamil people’s problems because of the existence of so called terrorists. Since the GOSL has declared its victory over the Liberation Tigers there is no more justification to delay the political devolution to Tamilians. Whether Sri Lanka will be in peace or otherwise entirely depends on the political will of the present leadership of Sri Lanka to devolve political power for Tamilians.

Any failure to empower the Tamilians will create more chaos in country. The ball of political solution is now within GOSL court and its leadership holds the key for long term peace solutions. How they use it will determine the future not only for Tamilians but also the future of Sri Lanka and its citizens.

Meanwhile, International Community must urge GOSL to act in accordance with the UN treaty.

European Parliament: Human Rights Resolution

2009-10-23T23:17:00.011+08:00

Parliament adopted three urgent resolutions on the need for the EU to impose sanctions further to the violent repression of a demonstration in Guinea Conakry, the abolition of the death penalty in Iran, and access for humanitarian organisations to the 250,000 civilians displaced by the civil war and held in camps in Sri Lanka.

MEPs deplore the fact that over 250,000 Tamil civilians are still held in camps, contrary to undertakings given by the Colombo government. The resolution asks that their return be organised and that humanitarian organisations be given free access to the camps in order to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance.

Tamil leaders must commit themselves to a political settlement and renounce terrorism and violence once and for all. The government must respect human rights in the conduct of trials of LTTE members, says the resolution.

The Sri Lankan government must cease its repression of the media in the name of its anti-terrorist legislation, which must be overhauled, and press freedom must be recognised, stress MEPs.

The Sri Lankan government must also put more effort into clearing minefields, which are serious obstacle to reconstruction and economic recovery in this south-east Asian country. Members call on the government to take measures to comply with the Ottawa Treaty (Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction).

REF. : 20091021IPR62947 European Parliament

Pakistan Most Unstable Nation?

2009-10-18T00:11:00.004+08:00

[edited: 01:58 / 21102009] BBC reported Pakistan has started their military operation in South Waziristan area to bring down Taliban's from controlling the district. Pakistan said 30,000 troops, backed by artillery, had moved into the region where Pakistan Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud is based. Taliban's has increased their counter attacks which killed more than 150 people in recent days. Strategically Pakistan is very important soil for Taliban's and Al-Qaeda. Putting Pakistan under Taliban's control means the extremist group will take control the nuclear plant in Pakistan. They will make used the nuclear capability to attacks any nations which refuse to bow to their interpretation on Islam. If that happen then Pakistan under Taliban's administration will become as a threat to world security. The on going war in Pakistan is a threat not only to Asia Pacific but to the whole world. Pakistan need agressive strategy to counter the rise of talibanisation in Pakistani soil to clear his negative image as most unstable nation.

Happy Deepavali

2009-10-17T01:09:00.003+08:00

Wish all the Hindus, Happy Deepavali. May the day bring peace and prosperity to you and your family.

Obama at the National Counterterrorism Center

2009-10-12T10:34:00.013+08:00

This article was extracted from President Obama's speech at the National Counterterrorism Center. His policy speech shows even though he took a soft approach on counter terrorism strategy yet he was never sliped from American agenda to counter any type of terrorism or terrorist activity.

We know that al Qaeda and its extremist allies threaten us from different corners of the globe -- from Pakistan, but also from East Africa and Southeast Asia; from Europe and the Gulf. And that's why we're applying focused and relentless pressure on al Qaeda -- by sharing more intelligence, strengthening the capacity of our partners, disrupting terrorist financing, cutting off supply chains, and inflicting major losses on al Qaeda's leadership.

It should now be clear -- the United States and our partners have sent an unmistakable message: We will target al Qaeda wherever they take root; we will not yield in our pursuit; and we are developing the capacity and the cooperation to deny a safe haven to any who threaten America and its allies.

We also know that success against al Qaeda must go beyond destroying their network -- it must be about the future that we want to build as well. And that's why we're putting forward a positive vision of American leadership around the world -- one where we lead by example, and engage nations and peoples on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect.

As one counterterrorism expert recently observed, because of our efforts al Qaeda and its allies have not only lost operational capacity, they've lost legitimacy and credibility. Of course, nobody does a better job of discrediting al Qaeda than al Qaeda itself, which has killed men and women and children of many faiths in many nations, and which has absolutely no positive future to offer the people of the world.

So even as we target al Qaeda and its bankrupt vision, we also know that we have to be vigilant in defending our people at home. And that takes aggressive intelligence collection and skillful analysis. And that demands the effective and efficient coordination between federal government and our state and local partners.

Huge Crowd For Mat Top Burial

2009-10-02T23:36:00.004+08:00

[updated: 05102009 / 10:25] Nordin Mat Top was buried in his home village this afternoon (Malaysian Time). He was leading the splinter JI group and was said master mind behind the major attacks in Jakarta and Bali. Even though he managed to fool the Indonesian authority more than once but finally on 17 September 2009, he was gun down. During the funeral procession shouts of “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) rang out several times and many onlookers raised their mobile phones to take pictures and videos. The biggest question now is whether the demise of Nordin Mat Top will put a pull-stop to JI terrorism and will those state effected by JI bombs will back to peace?

Biggest Firearms Bust

2009-09-28T09:06:00.002+08:00

Taiwan, 27 September 2009: Police officers display seized firearms and ammunition for the media after a smuggling bust in Kaohsiung September 26, 2009. A haul of 181 guns and 22,685 rounds of ammunition were displayed for the media on Saturday as six suspects were arrested in what may be the largest arms smuggling bust ever in Taiwan, the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) said. Reuters

Free from Nuclear

2009-09-25T12:12:00.005+08:00

[updated with picture: 07112009 / 11:36] WORLD powers early today adopted a landmark resolution seeking to rid the planet of nuclear arms at an unprecedented Security Council summit. [Source: The Australian]

Water on Moon

2009-09-25T08:12:00.005+08:00

India's maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-I [in a landmark discovery] had discovered water molecules in the polar regions of the moon. The indications also was found that water is being produced in the lunar soil through interactions with charged particles streaming out from the sun. This is a great achievement after 40 years of research on space discipline. I believe the next research will be on whether the human can go for vacation to moon and stay there for a week or longer days.

Why are we still sleeping?

2009-09-18T10:43:00.012+08:00

I was going through some records on genocide reports. The worst was the Holocaust which cost around 2 million jews life during second world war. The mass slaughter was committed by Nazi's with the intention to wipe out Jews from the earth. Other than holocaust, the world recordered Polt Pot military rule (Khmer Rogue) killed 1.7 million people in Cambodia, genocide in Darfur, genocide in Palestinian, genocide in Sarajevo etc. Millions was killed but looks like the International Community and Organisation failed to learn from past failure to stop the genocide.

United Nations Prevention of Genocide office says, The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) defines genocide (article 2) as “any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group…” including:

(a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.

The Convention confirms that genocide, whether committed in time of peace or war, is a crime under international law which parties to the Convention undertake “to prevent and to punish” (article 1). Because it is a part of international customary law the Convention is considered applicable in all countries, irrespective of whether they have signed or ratified it.

Eventhough we have many incidents yet International Community and Organisation was not doing enough to stop the genocide from occuring again. The reports from International Non-Governmental Organisation and individual from Sri Lanka are really disturbing. Initially GOSL said they have successfuly liberated the mass Tamil people from the LTTE control soil but just later it was understood they was sent to internment camp which was barbed with electric wire. Tamilians are living in internment camp as a prisoner which was not found guilty by the court. Source also said, the kids was separated from their parents and as many as 10,000 Tamilians are missing from the camp. Many was taken away from camp without proper records and never seen after that. Suspected cadre which was accounted for 25,000 was separated and no proper records. The worst, Channel 4 clip was not investigated by the neutral party to prove the clip was duped. Why, no action was taken by International Community and Organisation other than writting letter to GOSL?

I don't understand why International Community and Organisation are still sleeping on this atrocities? Please don't tell me they deserved just because they stand for their rights for self determination.

Noordin Mohammed Top Dead?

2009-09-17T17:03:00.007+08:00

[updated: 18092009 / 10:29] Indonesian Police said based on finger prints evidence one of the four body recovered was belongs to Nordin Mat Top. Any how they are waiting for final DNA report. Indonesia Police Chief said, Nordin Mat Top body was among 4 who died in a raid on a suspected militant hideout in Indonesia's Central Java province today. Those killed included Susilo (renter of the home), Bagus Budi Pranoto@Urwah (top associate of Mat Top) and Maruto, bomb maker specialist. All 4 body was sent to hospital for DNA test and identification. If it's confirmed then the raid was major blow to the JI splinter group but the doubts still prevail whether this is the end for terrorist and their violence activity in South East Asia especially Indonesia. The sole survivor was a pregnant lady currently under intense security in hospital. [Picture source: The Australian]

JI Detainees Released

2009-09-16T08:09:00.004+08:00

5 Jemaah Islamiah members released after considering the rehabilitation process they went through and government confident they are not a threat to national security any more. The remainder is 9 detainees four Malaysians and one each from Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Singapore. Those who was released is;

Mat Shah Mohd Satray - since 2002 Abdullah Daud - since 2002 Mohd Nasir Ismail since - 2002 Mohd Kamil Hanafiah - since 2007 Mohd Amir Hanafiah - since 2007.

H-II Transfer Vehicle

2009-09-11T12:09:00.004+08:00

Japan has successfully launched its new space freighter unmanned H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) from the Tanegashima base. HTV is on a mission to re-supply the space station as an alternative to US shuttle fleet which is set to lose the servicing capability in coming year.

KD Tunku Abdul Rahman

2009-09-04T08:26:00.003+08:00

Malaysia's first submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman docked at Port Klang after its arrival this morning. [Source NST online]

Don't Ignore the call for CHANGE

2009-09-03T19:39:00.002+08:00

Japan politics shows a major political reform when Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) governing by itself or in coalition with others for nearly half century lost to the 10 years old Democratic Party of Japan’s (DPJ) in August 2009 general election. Growing dissatisfaction, falling political popularity and failure to re-strategies the state’s declining economy has given a historic opportunity to the DPJ. The DPJ’s political victory shows no political party should believe they are indispensable from the corridor of power. I believe LDP fail not because they have no capability to administer the country but the major factor was due to the failure to understand the voters taste. Japanese political analysts believe LDP has failed to respond to the fundamental changes in Japanese society. The political aspirations of individual has changed, the world and domestic expectation has changed and people generally wanted a change unfortunately LDP failed to understand the people’s aspirations. When the political master failed to understand the people’s aspirations then they will end-it-up as what has transpired in august election. There is a lesson to learn for political masters in Malaysia. The change is the people’s aspirations and do not ignore the call for CHANGE otherwise you will end-it-up like LDP.

Freedom for Journalist

2009-09-02T17:09:00.010+08:00

US Presiden Obama in a statement to mark World Press Freedom on 1st May 2009, described J.S. Tissainayagam (JST) as an "emblematic example" of a journalist who was being persecuted for doing his work. JST who was writting for the Sri Lanka Sunday Times and constantly focused on the plight of minority was found guilty by Sri Lanka court for abetting with LTTE. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, shocked the world journalist and the human rights activist.

Journalist in Sri Lanka was constantly under threat eventhough there is no formal censorship. The worst case was killing of editor, Lasantha Wickrematunga near to his office by unknown killer. Until today the investigation paper is sleeping without any further progress. Human rights activist said, more than dozens of journalist killed while GOSL denied giving the official number as not more than nine. More than 27 journalist was assaulted in past three years. Many freelance journalist have quit writting or emmigrate to other countries for the sake of personel security.

GOSL need to do more to re-build the state image after the end of most ruthles ethnic conflict. Freedom for journalist shall be one of the way to redevelop the image of the state. The journalist should be given all the room to deliver the right information to the state citizens. Putting pressure or threatning the journalist will not help GOSL in any way. Whether GOSL like it or not, the more the people's pressured, the more people's power will rise. It's clearly defined in US warning to GOSL, Sri Lanka pushing the minority citizens back to terrorism platform.

Happy Independence Day

2009-08-25T16:56:00.007+08:00

[updated: 11:21 / 28082009] Wishing all of you Happy Independence Day (31st August 1957). This year is 52 years of independence. Independence day was widely celebrated by government and citizens but due to A-H1N1 pandemic the celebrations for this year will be on smaller scale at "Tugu Negara". Slogan for this year was "Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan" (People First, Performance now). Irrespective of race, religion or political believe, malaysian should stand united to celebrate this special day since our forefathers put their defferences aside and demand for the freedom to rule this country on our own way. Remember this is the only country that we have, in whatever circumstances we shall not put our self back even one single step on defending our mother land sovereignty. Once again, Happy Independence Day.

Lockerbie Bomber released

2009-08-21T07:47:00.005+08:00

Former Libyan intelligence agent Abdel Basset al-Megrahi, the man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people, was released from Scotland prison on Thursday on compassionate grounds as he is dying of cancer. Abdel Basset was the only man convicted in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. I believe eventhough he was released on humanitarian ground but definitely the decision will not go well with the victims family.

Oil Tanker vs Bulk Carrier

2009-08-20T08:33:00.004+08:00

Oil tanker MT Formosa Product Brick caught fire after colliding with a bulk carrier about 20 nautical miles off the Malaysian coast. 16 crews rescued while another 9 still missing. [picture source from Local Newspaper]

AH1N1

2009-08-13T16:55:00.003+08:00

It’s started in April 2009 in Mexico and it’s was called as pig flu. WHO called is as swine flu and later AH1N1. The scientific name didn’t give much impact physiologically to the citizens compared to “pig flu” and that might be one of the reason on why even until today the international community fail to take the virus as a very serious pandemic and threatening the world security. AH1N1 virus that has infected humans around is thought to be an altered strain of influenza a virus that has previously been identified as a respiratory disease commonly seen in pigs. It was very rare for human infections except in 1918 where 20 million people died worldwide due to the virus. The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea. Until to date more than 1000 people dead globally and no indications it’s going to end in near future. We need to take more precautions including absent from attending the public or social gathering, office and even schools. So far no vaccine identified and the earliest vaccine expected by end of the year which by then we might face the huge number of dead.

Another 18 month for Suu Kyi

2009-08-11T23:10:00.004+08:00

Myanmar Junta sent Suu Kyi back to home detention for 18 months after she was found guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest. This is most darkest day for the ASEAN human rights record. While the judgement cleary transpired the junta's fear for Suu Kyi the international community shall not be in silent any more. They must take all the necessary actions to secure the release of Suu Kyi.

Nordin Mat Top Gun Down ?

2009-08-09T01:03:00.011+08:00

[update: 12082009 / 02:00am] It's confirmed - Noordin Top still alive.

[update 10082009 / 16:00] News report indicates fingerprint analysis which was done to the man killed by Detachment 88 did not match with Nordin Mohd Top. DNA test result is still pending. Malaysian-born Noordin Mat Top was gun down by Indonesian Detachment 88 special squad after 17 hour siege. Indonesian police say they will ask relatives of wanted Islamist Noordin Mohamed Top for DNA to confirm if he was killed in a shoot-out. Noordin was reportedly in a house in central Java which police stormed on Saturday. Indonesia National Police said the official confirmation of the identity will be released once they received the DNA result.

BBC said Pakistan Taliban chief 'not dead'

2009-08-09T00:48:00.008+08:00

[updated: 13082009 / 00:24] Counterterrorism Blog reported Pakistani sources to al-Jazeera confirming Pakistan Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud eliminated.

BBC news said based from the reliable source, Baitullah Mehsud, who was reportedly killed is still alive. Commander Hakimullah Mehsud said reports of the Taliban leader's death three days ago in an attack on a house in South Waziristan were "ridiculous".

Selvarasa Pathmanathan @ KP Detained

2009-08-09T00:36:00.004+08:00

GOSL Defence Spokesperson, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said his military intelligence with the assistant of another foreign country intelligence successfully detained Selvarasa Pathmanathan@KP.

Internal Security Act 1960

2009-07-29T17:41:00.009+08:00

[updated: 06082009 / 17:33] The Internal Security Act 1960 or well known as ISA is an act established with the intention to safeguard the internal security of Malaysia. It was a preventive detention to overcome the organised violence against persons and property in specified areas of Malaysia. It was established in Parliament during the communist insurgency but then later ISA was used to counter the extremist and to maintain the law and order.

Some believe ISA is outdated draconian law which is a tool for ruling party to grab on power. Well I don’t deny there are at certain time the ruling party have abused or miss-used ISA to safeguard their political power but let’s analyze ISA in broader context. ISA is not about politics but it is about the nation’s security. While South East Asian members thought, JI is finished two bombs exploded in Jakarta recently. Nine innocent civilian’s life gone and so far no one brought to court to seek justice. Nordin Mat Top was put on highest wanted list but so far no proper evidence to prove he was the man behind the attack (the only evidence left was similar modus operandi used by Mat Top). The damage for the country was undeniable and it will take another few years to overcome the fear and damages. The incident shows no nations can pro-claims their soil is safe.

Even in Malaysia, we have various incidents occurred due to the violence activities from terrorist organization such as Al-Maunah, Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia, Darul Islamiyah, Jemmah Islamiyah Mantiq Malaysia etc. Many of the members was detained under the ISA to safeguards the innocent’s life. Are we going to wait until the damages occurred or better to prevent the damages?

The only strategy to overcome the damages is preventive law. The prevention is far much better rather than hunting the terrorist after the damages was done. It shows any country need the preventive law to counter the violence, terrorist and terrorism. ISA was draft with the only intention to prevent the violence.

Political climate has changed and authority cannot deny the people’s aspiration to object the form of detention without the proper room for justice especially when the detention order is politically motivated. The objection was clearly shown by supporters of Gerakan Mansuh ISA (GMI) last week Saturday. The number of participants was huge and it’s clearly transpired the people’s aspiration for the new preventive law.

I do believe its timely now, the authority to reform ISA to “Counter Terrorism Act” (CTA) which involved only terrorist and terrorism issues and no more political detention. We have various other preventive laws such as “Seditious Act”, “Printing Act” etc. The remaining law is more than enough to counter the political issues. CTA even though will be a preventive law yet all the rooms to seek justice must prevail.

I strongly believe we need the CTA as a replacement for ISA but do not ever reject preventive law totally as it will be a great mistake which all the Malaysian will have to bear the cost. This is my personnel opinion and was posted to my blog purely from security perspective nothing to do with politics.

Jakarta Under Attacks Again

2009-07-17T18:34:00.008+08:00

[updated: 17:41 / 29072009] Received message from another friend this morning reading as "Jakarta under attacks again." Two target locations was JW Marriott and the Rits-Carlton hotels in Jakarta. Almost simultaneously the bomb exploded which cause 10 dead and unconfirmed numbers injured. The attacks was unexpected since there was no intelligence indicator from internal or external intelligence on possibility bomb attacks. Australian immediately issued a traveling alert to avoid travelling to Bali.

Looks like the whole country pin-pointing to Nordin Mat Top but the investigations shall not concentrate to a single man or organisation. Investigations shall be conducted in a very broad and open minded which might take the authorities to new evidence.

Will China Attack India?

2009-07-15T18:29:00.009+08:00

[updated: 15072009 / 23:57] Defence analysis source from India have warn the Indian government on possibility of China to attack India in future and it can happen as early in 2012. Even Sri Lanka might be used as launch pad to attack India. If the analysis is accurate then India in dangerous position. It's an open secret China have made a pact with Pakistan and their military equipment supply to Sri Lanka was one of the factor for the defeat of LTTE self determination struggle. When India refuse the heavy military equipment to Sri Lanka, China step in by supplying the military equipment. Sri Lanka forever will be grateful to China for the supply compared to India's role in bringing peace to this tiny island. In fact even though India was very supportive to Government of Sri Lanka during the war but the relations was more to government to government and it was never with the people's. Even Sri Lankan always have suspicious on Indians due to the support to the self determination struggle by Tamilians. This might be deterrent strategy pre-plan by China to cap India. It's too early to say China will declare the war with India but do not under estimate China or India's capability.

Aung Sang Suu Kyi

2009-07-08T23:27:00.004+08:00

There will be change because all military have are guns.

JI Trying to Rejuvenate

2009-07-03T14:49:00.003+08:00

The Star news daily reported three men, who are believed to be attempting to rejuvenate the outlawed terrorist organisation Jemaah Islamiah, have been arrested under the Malaysian Internal Security Act.The trio all locals, an ordinary members of the JI aged between 43 and 53, were arrested on June 25 in Ulu Tiram and Masai in Johor by Police Special Branch division following months of investigations. It were believed all three have met with Mas Selamat Kestari when he was hidding in Ulu Tiram. Police used Section 73 (1) of the ISA that will enable the detention for 60 days. Police will continue investigating if the three had recruited any more members over the past few months. [Source: The Star]

Changi Planner Detained

2009-06-29T23:48:00.003+08:00

Indonesian cops arrested 5 Singaporean and 1 Indonesian with links to JI. All the suspect has some involvement in a plot attacks Singapore Changi airport some times ago.

Pop Legend Michael Jackson Passed Away

2009-06-26T07:40:00.005+08:00

I'm really shocked when I listen to radio news reading the pop legend Michael Jackson passed away due to cardiac arrest at home. News source said his aid rushed him to hospital yet it's too late to save his life. Jackson's hits includes the worldwide bestseller "Thriller", released in 1982. It is the biggest-selling album of all time, shifting 65m copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. "Billie Jean" was the song which make me to be his followers those days and he will be in my memory forever. Even the world music industry will remember you forever, MJ.

Uganda Anti Terrorism Training

2009-06-24T13:21:00.001+08:00

Army-Technology.Com reported 130 soldiers graduated from the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) following 14-weeks of military-to-military training at the horn of Africa. The Uganda counter terrorism course, led by the US Army as part of a combined joint task force, is aimed at passing on skills to help thwart terrorism.

H1N1 World Pandemic

2009-06-12T08:10:00.006+08:00

Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization said the world is now at the start of the "H1N1" 2009 influenza pandemic. We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch. Worldwide, the number of deaths is small. However Dr Margaret reiterated to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures.

Singapore Army Orders $100m Advanced Combat System

2009-06-11T01:05:00.002+08:00

The Singapore Army has awarded a $100m contract to ST Engineering for the advanced combat man system (ACMS). ACMS is a third-generation networked warrior system with advanced C4I (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) and network features. ACMS technology integrates the soldier's capabilities as part of a network-centric force. The system can improve the situational awareness of the soldier, increasing mobility, command and control thereby enhancing combating capabilities. The project is expected to be complete by 2012. [copyright Army Technology.com]

Military Spending Hits Record Levels in 2008

2009-06-11T00:58:00.002+08:00

Global military spending totalled a record $1,464bn in 2008, an increase of 45% on figures released a decade ago according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The US represented 58% of the increase between 1999 and 2008 with growth of $219bn, while Russia and China have almost tripled their military spend in the last ten years.

The total figure represents a 4% increase on 2007 figures. With an absolute increase of $42bn, China is now only second to the US in military spending, according to SIPRI's yearbook on armaments, disarmament and international security.

Other countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UK also increased their spending and contributed significantly to the total increase, the report said. SIPRI head of the military expenditure project Sam Perlo-Freeman said the war against terrorism and the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have encouraged countries to invest more in their national militaries. The number of international peace operation personnel deployed last year also reached a new high, with a record 187,586 serving on peace missions – an increase of 11% since 2007. But missions in sensitive areas like Darfur and the Democratic Republic of the Congo required more strength, the report said.

According to SIPRI, there are about 8,400 nuclear warheads globally and almost 2000 of them are on high alert with the ability to be launched within minutes. In addition, there are around 23,300 nuclear weapons in the arsenals of eight countries that include the US, Russia and China. Other members are the UK, France, India, Pakistan and Israel. The report also listed the top 100 arms producing companies (excluding Chinese) with US and European-based companies dominating the list. Boeing was the top arms producer in 2007 with sales worth $30.5bn. [copyright Army Technology.com]

Political Devolution Promises Peace

2009-06-08T01:33:00.005+08:00

I extremely believe the war in Sri Lanka is not over yet even though at this moment its look like the LTTE militarily defeated. Historically it’s proven the separatism will not end without the political solutions. I take few countries as an example. Even though India has a huge military installation yet until this time, the peace is still a big question mark in Kashmir. Same goes with Israel-Palestine conflict, South Thailand and Mindanao just to name few. It was totally different with Aceh, Timor Timor, North Ireland when the related government agreed for the political solutions and the peace prospered later.

Eelam struggle was not about Prabhakaran struggle but it was started long ago before he came to the picture. I believe SL Tamilians decided to go for arm struggle after they fail for independent nation in peace manner. Their peace struggle was return with violence and riots.

Vaddukkoaddai Resolution presented by S.J.V. Chelvanayakam on 14 May 1976 clearly indicated the Eelam as a solution for the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. Its proven fact, when Dutch colonise Sri Lanka they recognised the existence of two kingdoms, Singhalese and Tamil kingdom. When British took the colonies for the sake of administration they combined the two kingdoms under one office. This was done for the administrative purpose only. When British left, equality was guaranteed in country highest law for all the citizens under the unitary state but then the extremist from Singahala community hijacked the constitution for the politcal domination. Since then the struggle started and the Singhalese replied the peace struggle for equal status with pre-plan ethnic riots which was back-up by government military.

Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) proclaimed the military war is over and LTTE will not be able to bounce back which I see as over confident statement and it's too early to seal the answer. Whether LTTE will bounce back or not it's all depends on Mahindra Rajapakse, president of Sri Lanka. He declared the war was not against the Tamilians. If that was true then he have to walk his talk to make sure all the Sri Lanka citizens irrespective of race or religion given their due rights otherwise within 12 to 24 months, the arm struggle will emerged again.

Sri Lanka Chief Justice Sarath N.Silva said "They [referring to Tamilians in concentration camp] cannot expect justice from the law of the country. The statement from higher authority in judiciary shows in order to deliver the justice to Tamil community, Mahindra's should start to reform Sri Lanka highest law. I doubt he will be able to deliver his promises since his political career are very much embedded in extremist hands. Monks have rejected the idea for the political devolution and definitely they will make sure the due rights for Tamilians denied. All this while GOSL refused for political solutions due to the LTTE presence but today they have no reason for the denial any more. If the rights of Tamilians denied even after the military defeat then for sure arm struggle will emerge again.

For India; the situation is bad since the failure to bring peace in this tiny island have given the room for Russia and China to intervene by supplying the military equipment to Sri Lanka army. Even the India's image from his diasporas perspective is negative. Even though at this moment, its look like GOSL still accept India as his defence and security friend but any extended pressure from Indian government for the political devolution to Tamilians might provoke the anti-Indian sentiments. It's an open secret Singhalese never trusted Indians 100 percent. They always have doubts since its was another open secret, Indian Intelligence Research and Analysis Wing [RAW] have supported and trained LTTE in Tamil Nadu for number of years.

Some reliable source said GOSL principally agreed to China request to build military base in Sri Lanka. If the source is true then the China military base in South India will be an open threat to Indians security and sovereignty. I see more loop holes in India's foreign policy especially policy to his neighbours and their failure to bring peace in Sri Lanka much earlier shows their incapability to perform in international platform. It's really put's doubts on India's capability to solve the international issues. India have to play a greater role, to bring peace in Sri Lanka and at the same time to make sure the Tamilians guaranteed their rights without jeopardising the relations with GOSL. If the situation went out of Indian control then GOSL might change their qiblat from India to China.

I believe only the politcal devolution will promise the peace in Sri Lanka.

Spirit of Tiananmen

2009-06-05T14:04:00.007+08:00

4th June 1989 marks the anniversary of the China Communist Government crackdown on the largest political protest since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Yesterday more than 100,000 pro-democracy activist gathered at Victoria Park in Hong Kong to remember the anniversary of massacre. A huge crowd present shows the 4 June 1989 will be remembered forever. No one knows the actual death toll since the government has kept the numbers in X File despite some believe more than 1000 perished. 20 years has passed but pro-democracy Chinese still keep the hope to see China emerged as the strongest democratic country. Even though I don’t see this will happen in near time but definitely the day will arise where every China Chinese will have the power to vote for the government they wish. It’s just a matter of time. [Photo Source: BBC / Victoria Park, Hong Kong]

Freedom at Last

2009-06-04T19:07:00.003+08:00

Philippine Marines Ist Brigade on 4 June 2009 released photo shows Sri Lankan peace activist of the Non Violent Peaceforce, Umar Jaleel released on 3 June 2009 in Tipo-Tipo, on Basilan island. Umar Jaleel was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines almost four months ago.

Defense Budget Increased for Maintennace

2009-06-03T07:15:00.001+08:00

The web sites for defense industries, Army Technology.com reported the Indonesian National Defense Force (TNI) is planning to increase the annual budget for the maintenance of main armaments to $68m from $58m. Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said that increasing the budget for the maintenance and preservation of military hardware was important to support defense operations. The proposal will significantly improve TNI's military hardware and armour which is up to 20 years old. The defence sector budget for 2009 is IDR32tn

Will 2 Korean's go for WAR?

2009-05-28T11:47:00.003+08:00

Tension rise between 2 Koreans. North Koreans said they no longer bound by the armistice which ended the 1950-53 war on peninsula and no guarantee on the legal status of 5 South Korean island near disputed border in Yellow Sea. Neither would it guarantee the safe passage of US and South Korean vessels in the area. North Korean assumed a decision to join a US-led anti-proliferation initiative as a declaration of war by South Korean. I believe the statement is very strong an-indication for war decalaration in near future.