Pyongyang during the past month has opened accounts with three popular online social media outlets that are not accessible inside North Korea. Content in these channels is taken directly from official propaganda, and Pyongyang is not currently using the sites for online discussion or exchange. The North’s use of social media appears designed to circumvent Seoul’s efforts to block access by South Koreans to North Korean online content. Pyongyang began its foray into global social media on 14 July with the launch of a YouTube channel. This was followed by the opening of accounts on Twitter (12 August) and Facebook (20 August). Average North Korean citizens do not have access to the Internet, so they almost certainly are not participating in these sites.
Open Source Center, Thailand
(U//FOUO) Open Source Center Thai Social Media Anti-Red Shirt Campaigns
Thai academics have sounded the alarm over the appearance of online groups dedicated to harassing and mocking red-shirt members, warning the government’s failure to stop such campaigns could lead to further division and bloodshed. One of these newly emergent online groups, “Social Sanction”, posts personal information on red-shirt supporters and encourages its members to mete out “social punishment.” Academics warn these online campaigns, which they speculate the government quietly endorses, could create an environment “full of fear and hatred” and lead to open violence, outcomes at odds with ongoing government efforts to promote reconciliation.
Moldova, Open Source Center
(U//FOUO) Open Source Center Moldova Media Survey Report
Reporters Without Borders’ 2008 Press Freedom Index ranks Moldova 98th, a significant drop from its 2007 spot (81). The year was characterized by continued attempts by the government to control the media and by increased harassment of journalists and media organizations critical of the government. The problem is less the legal framework, which is generally adequate, than it is inconsistent implementation. Pro-government media receive preferential treatment. In several instances in 2007 and 2008, journalists from more critical organizations were hindered from attending or covering events. More recently, the entry of Romanian journalists into Moldova to cover protests after the 5 April 2009 elections was blocked.
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy NATOPS AV-8B Harrier II Flight Manuals
Two restricted flight and technical manuals for the AV-8B and TAV-8B Harrier II.
U.S. Army
U.S. Army FM 3-19.15 Civil Disturbance Operations
Field Manual (FM) 3-19.15 addresses continental United States (CONUS) and outside continental United States (OCONUS) civil disturbance operations. Today, United States (US) forces are deployed on peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and humanitarian assistance operations worldwide. During these operations, US forces are often faced with unruly and violent crowds intent on disrupting peace and the ability of US forces to maintain peace. Worldwide instability coupled with increasing US military participation in peacekeeping and related operations requires that US forces have access to the most current doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) necessary to quell riots and restore public order.
U.S. Army
U.S. Army Military Police Civil Disturbance and Martial Law Training Course
Civil disturbances may be riots, violent uprisings, or unlawful actions. As a member of the military forces, you may be ordered under certain conditions to help restore law and order and protect property. The National Guard is likely to face most of the violence during demonstrations. To gain successful control of a civil disturbance, it will require an understanding of the reason for social unrest and basic human behavior patterns. Planning control strategy depends on knowing why people behave as they do. Group behavior sets the scene for civil disturbances. However, it is individual behavior which in the end is the most important.
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy NATOPS Aircraft Emergency Rescue Information Manual
This restricted manual contains essential information and procedures for use by Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel when rescuing occupants from crashed or disabled naval aircraft. It has been organized for ready reference by rescue teams and is intended to serve both as an operational guide and a training manual for rescue personnel.
Headline
London Student Protest Photos December 2010
http://www.flickr.com/photos/madbharata/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/mohammadhosseini/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/i_y_e_r_s/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindagrove/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/amehcaek/ – Amy Walker http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjlsphotos/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordanphoto/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/renee_d/ – Ren’s Photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/drewmorgan/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/spencerchumbley/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahamhush/
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy F-18 NATOPS Flight Manuals
Four restricted distribution NATOPS manuals for the F-18 family of aircraft with a combined length of more than 3,500 pages.
U.S. Marine Corps
(U//FOUO) USMC Weaponry Technical Information Manual
This manual provides easy-to-use reference data for the more common items of Marine Corps ordnance equipment. The equipment description sheets, which make up the bulk of the manual, provide a description, function, and technical characteristics of the equipment, including, when applicable, fuel and power requirements, power outputs, major components, and associated components. If available, photographs or drawings of the equipment are provided.
Afghanistan
Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Development Projects Data 2010-2011
The following data represents a complete breakdown of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development spending in 2010-2011 by province. The data includes information on more than 2500 projects beginning or ending in 2010-2011.
Afghanistan, North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Afghanistan Commander’s Emergency Response Program (CERP) Spending Data 2010-2011
This data represents a complete breakdown of Commander’s Emergency Response Program (CERP) and Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) planned spending in 2010-2011 by province and per capita as reported in CENTCOM’s CIDNE (Combined Information Data Network Exchange). The data includes information on more than 4300 projects going back as far as 2001.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Strategic Intent 2010-2014
With this new five-year Strategic Intent, MRRD reaffirms its determination to respond to longterm poverty challenges in rural areas. It remains committed to improve the quality of its services while establishing itself as a leader in policy-making for the rural development sector, using its extended presence in the field and its deep understanding of communities for designing evidence-based policies. MRRD’s ultimate goal is to reduce poverty in rural areas and to pave the way for other actors to complement its endeavours. For MRRD, poverty alleviation can only be pursued by tackling all complex causes of poverty, in a holistic manner. The essence of rural development thus lies in partnerships, which will continue to be nurtured, cultivating a virtuous circle of development.
Intelligence Fusion Centers, Washington D.C.
(U//FOUO) Washington D.C. Fusion Center Alcoholic Energy Drinks Warning
Recently, alcoholic energy drinks have been making national headlines related to multiple hospitalizations for alcohol poisoning among college students. These hospitalizations have resulted in several universities banning the alcoholic energy drinks from campuses. Lawmakers in several states, including New York, have sought to ban the drinks, though no legislation has passed yet. These drinks mix alcohol with caffeine. Alcoholic energy products are marketed to look like energy drinks on grocery shelves, but can pack a real alcoholic punch. Four Loko is a popular brand, but not the only alcoholic energy drink under scrutiny. In the case of Four Loko, the 23.5-ounce drink is 12 percent alcohol and roughly equivalent to drinking five 12-ounce beers. The drink also has about a cup’s worth of coffee, according to the manufacturer. There’s a very common misconception that if you drink caffeine with an alcoholic beverage the stimulant effect of the caffeine counteracts the depressant effect of the alcohol and that is not true.
Department of Homeland Security
(U//FOUO//LES) DHS Terrorist Use of Social Networking Facebook Case Study
Terrorists have traditionally sought to exploit new and alternative media, particularly on the Internet, to spread their propaganda and to a lesser extent, operational and tactical guidance to prospective supporters through websites, forums, blogs, chat rooms etc. In recent years, Islamic terrorists have expanded the purview of their online endeavors into social networking sites, websites that create and foster online communities organized around shared affinities and affiliations that connect people based on interests and relationships. In most cases, social networking sites are openly viewable to any participant on the site.
Intelligence Fusion Centers, Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. Fusion Center Helium Suicides Warning
The Los Angeles Joint Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center (LAJRIC) distributed a public safety bulletin on an emerging suicide method using helium and an “exit hood.” Helium suicides are still relatively rare however, in the last several years, information about the use of helium as a certain, fast, and painless suicide method has spread on the Internet and in various suicide handbooks. First responders have encountered helium suicides and other variations of this suicide method using chemicals which are hazardous to first responders in the District or National Capitol Region. The WRTAC is issuing the below information for situational awareness and investigative purposes only.
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation
(U//FOUO) DHS-FBI “Inspire” Al-Qaeda Magazine Second Edition Warning
(U//FOUO) This product is intended to provide perspective and understanding of the nature and scope of potentially emergent threats in response to the posting of the second edition of Inspire magazine. It is also intended to assist federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies and authorities, the private sector, and other entities to develop priorities for protective and support measures relating to an existing or emerging threat to the homeland security.
Headline
London Student Fees Protest Photos November 30, 2010
The following excellent photos were taken by Nicholas Adams at one of the most recent student fees protests held in downtown London on November 30, 2010.
Afghanistan
Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan District Development Program Lessons Learned
This paper attempts to analyze the initial lessons learned after the launch of DDP in the districts of Nad Ali and Marja in Helmand. The analysis covers four major areas of program governance: organization, vision, leadership and stakeholder engagement, benefits realization management, and planning and control. The analysis is based on direct observations made during IDLG field missions to Kandahar, Nad Ali and Marja as well as a number of discussions held with various stakeholders during regular DDP planning meetings and a conference held at the UK Embassy on 11 April 2010.
Afghanistan
Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan District Delivery Program Secretariat Report
The objective of the District Delivery Program (DDP) is to establish or improve the visibility of the Government by holistically engaging the governance system at the district level to ensure that the basic level public services are available directly to communities. The District Delivery Program is a process that results in a package of services to be delivered to the districts. It aims to establish or visibly improve the government capacity at the local level in key terrain districts. It is not meant to replace ongoing activities in those districts. Parallel planning at the national and local level will preclude duplication of effort. The District Delivery Program is centered on two principles: 1) the Provincial Governor and District Governors offices, in conjunction with line Ministries, deliver services; and 2) that the services provided are a result of a consultative process with a local Council (representative body of the people).
Afghanistan
Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Qarghayee District Delivery Plan
Qarghayee is relatively secure area of Laghman province, being 98% is under government control with the exception of some remote areas such as Tour Ghar, Trager, Zengoor, Shade Bagh , Chon Gay and China Ray. Within these areas insurgents is a potential threat against government actions. The total population of the district is 324500 people living in 139 large villages and 500 smaller settlements. The District Development Assembly is active at the local level with a total membership of 16 people. There is also a tribal shura present with a membership of 65 people from different tribes of Qargahaee. The ulema shura has 15 members, all of which religious elders with good reputations within their communities.
Afghanistan
Da Afghanistan Bank Analysis of the Condition of the Afghan Banking System August 2010
Overall the banking system is profitable and well capitalized for the month ending August 2010. So far, however four banks were in loss for the month under review. Liquidity and FX positions are in accordance with the ratios set by the Central Bank, except for five banks that crossed the set limit on overall and individual currency basis. Total loans and total deposits of the banking system have positive growth, while total assets of the system have a negative growth for the month ending August 2010.
United States
Domestic Operational Law Handbook for Judge Advocates 2010
The Domestic Operational Law (DOPLAW) Handbook for Judge Advocates is a product of the Center for Law and Military Operations (CLAMO). First published in April of 2001, it was the first of its kind. Designed as a resource for operational lawyers involved in domestic support operations, its publication was indeed timely. After the events of September 11, 2001, and more recently, Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Ike in 2008, the Handbook continued to meet a growing need for an understanding of the legal issues inherent in such operations. As with the original publication of the Handbook, this update would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of countless active, reserve, and National Guard judge advocates who participate in these unique operations on an ongoing basis.
Transportation Security Administration
(U//FOUO) TSA Pipeline Threat Assessment
(U//FOUO) The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) mission includes enhancing the security preparedness of our nation’s hazardous liquid and natural gas pipeline systems. This 2008 threat assessment addresses terrorist attacks against oil and gas pipeline facilities overseas and considers the potential for attacks against the oil and gas pipeline industry in the United States. Pipelines are a mode of transportation with distinct characteristics and security requirements. Pipelines operate in all 50 states and transport more than two-thirds of all petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, home heating oil, kerosene, and propane. Natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines transport natural gas from sources to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Hazardous liquid pipelines transport crude oil to refineries and refined oil products to product terminals and airports. America depends daily on its pipelines to meet its oil and gas requirements.
White House
White House WikiLeaks Memo “Mishandling of Classified Information”
Our national defense requires that sensitive information be maintained in confidence to protect our citizens, our democratic institutions, and our homeland. Protecting information critical to our nation’s security is the responsibility of each individual who is granted access to classified information. Any unauthorized disclosure of classified information is a violation of our law and compromises our national security. The recent irresponsible disclosure by WikiLeaks has resulted in significant damage to our national security. Any failure by agencies to safeguard classified information pursuant to relevant laws, including but not limited to Executive Order 13526, Classified National Security Information (December 29, 2009), is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.