Hi-Tech-Consulting

Al Qaeda Says It Would Use Pakistani Nuclear Weapons
Reuters (06/22/09) Ersan, Inal

Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, al Qaeda’s leader in Afghanistan recently said in an interview with Al Jazeera that if the organization is able to gain control of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, it would use them against the United States. The statement was in response to a question regarding U.S. intentions to seize control over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons if it appeared the country was unable to keep them out of militant hands. When asked about al Qaeda’s future plans, al-Yazid said that the organization would continue “work on the open fronts and also by opening new fronts in a manner that achieves the interests of Islam ad Muslims and by increasing military operations that drain the enemy financially.” Specifically, al-Yazid expressed hope for renewed campaigns in Saudi Arabia following the naming of Abu Basir al-Wahayshi as the new leader for al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. However he also said that the organization would be willing to accept a truce with the United States of approximately 10 years if all U.S. troops are withdrawn from Muslim countries and Washington agrees to stop supporting Israel and pro-Western governments of Muslim nations.

Many Hospitals Seeing Increase in Violence
Charleston Daily Mail (WV) (06/16/09) Rivard, Ry

A number of hospitals have recently seen an uptick in the number violent incidents occurring on their grounds. Among them is Charleston Area Medical Center’s Memorial Hospital in Kanawha City, W.Va., which was the scene of a murder on June 13. Police say a patient in the hospital’s intensive care unit was shot and killed by his estranged wife. Such incidents are difficult to prevent, said Russell Colling, a health care security consultant and the author of the guidebook “Hospital and Healthcare Security.” Colling noted that the increase in violence may be the result of an increase in the number of people coming in and out of hospitals, as well as more lenient rules for visiting hours and the elimination of passes for visitors. Addressing the problem of violence in hospitals is likely to be difficult for a number of reasons, Colling said. For instance, the murder at the Kanawha City hospital would have been difficult to prevent because family members are generally not seen as being a threat to patients, Colling said. He also noted that security measures such as metal detectors are impractical for many hospitals because the devices are expensive and because hospitals typically have a large number of entrances. In addition, walk-through metal detectors have to be staffed around the clock by at least two security guards–a requirement that drives up the cost of using the devices even more, Colling said.

Counterterrorism Strategies for Corporations: The Ackerman Principles

June 2009 By Mike Ackerman; Reviewed by Patrick Kane, CPP

***** Counterterrorism Strategies for Corporations: The Ackerman Principles. By Mike Ackerman; published by Prometheus Books, www.prometheusbooks.com (Web); 328 pages; $18.95.

While the title of Counterterrorism Strategies for Corporations indicates a book focused solely on terrorist threats, the author addresses a wide range of problems facing any business operating globally. Mike Ackerman, a longtime player in the kidnap and ransom response and crisis management fields, is well qualified to address these issues.

Ackerman begins by outlining nine key principles for applying security measures to international business. Most critical, he argues, is to use intelligence in security operations and to run an operation that is proactive rather than reactive. He correctly points out that most risks can be effectively mitigated but not eliminated. Recognizing that reality, business leaders, he notes, must develop some tolerance for risk. In most cases, security threats must not prevent businesses from operating.

Initial chapters provide an overview of the terrorist threat as it relates to the private sector and cite a number of specific examples of attacks against different sectors. One section deals specifically with kidnapping, which is not surprising given Ackerman’s background. While deliberately avoiding details on negotiation strategies, he provides a good overview of the elements of a kidnapping and how to respond. Ackerman also addresses the threat of street crime, which is the most pervasive and common threat global operations face.

The author provides useful appendices that contain a number of guidelines and checklists for a variety of security situations. Lacking, however, are an index, a bibliography, and recommendations for further reading. Given the breadth of the subject matter, additional material would serve the reader well.

Counterterrorism Strategies for Corporations is written in a clear, straightforward style and is interspersed with personal experiences and anecdotes that make it readable. This book is highly recommended for security managers taking on new global responsibilities, but even those with significant experience will find it a good refresher.

http://www.securitymanagement.com/article/counterterrorism-strategies-corporations-ackerman-principles-005663