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An exclusive service to our constituents. Get the most up to date OSAC perspectives on global security trends and issues.
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OSAC Activity Report: September 2004
OSAC continues to increase its running monthly average in consultations, averaging more than 250
consultations per month.
Click here to find out more.
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September Iraq Update
Despite the resolution to the standoff between Moqtada al-Sadr and Coalition forces at the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf in
August, a high level of conflict persists between insurgents and Coalition forces in Iraq. The violence has
spread throughout the country, with Baghdad, northern Iraq, and the so-called Sunni Triangle all experiencing
notable increases in attacks. Kidnapping remains one of the chief concerns for foreigners in Iraq, and signs
point to an increase in the involvement of organized crime groups in abductions. Additionally, many analysts
and media officials are beginning to warn of the potential for an increase in attacks against Westerners,
police, and Iraqi government officials in the lead-up to January elections.
Click here to find out more.
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Hurricane Ivan
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According to various press reports, it is now estimated that the hurricane has killed at least 65 people. The Pan American Health Organization states 37 people have died in Grenada and 19 in Jamaica. The US National Hurricane Center expects Ivan to move north into the "panhandle" region of Florida and neighboring states. As it moved northwest across the Caribbean, Ivan sometimes reached category 5, the top of the scale.
Click here to find out more.
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Anti-War Coalition
The Anti-War Coalition (AWC) is a group of South African activists working as the voice of a significant
portion of the country's population who do not support the US war in Iraq. This Hot Topic examines the motives
behind AWC as well as their modus operandi and gives sources for further research into their organization.
Click here to find out more.
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August Iraq Update
Iraq Update is designed to give OSAC constituents and associates an overview of major trends and security issues in Iraq.
The August issue addresses the recent upsurge in attacks, the increased use of kidnapping by insurgent groups, the the
importance of Najaf's Shrine of Imam Ali, and upcoming events and key dates.
Click here to find out more.
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August Hotel Bombings
Turkish separatists are believed to be responsible for four bombings that were conducted in Istanbul, Turkey, on August 10.
Turkish law enforcement officials have not determined who is responsible for the incident. However, the bombings reiterate
that indigenous terrorist groups in Turkey continue to target U.S., Western, and Turkish interests. The incident demonstrates
that groups such as the DHKP/C, PKK/KADEK/Kongra-Gel, IDBA-C, and others will continue to target Turkish officials and
various civilian venues such as hotels and fast food restaurants to make political statements, particularly in Istanbul and
other urban areas of Turkey.
Click here to find out more.
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OSAC Activity Report: July 2004
This month, South & Central Asia was the most active RISC region. The region registered 50 constituent consultations - 19% of the RISC total.
However, no one region was the clear leader in RISC activity, as five of the seven regions reported between 40 and 50 consultations. This is
indicative of a month where no major incidents dominated the world's attention as those in the Middle East had during the past several months.
Click here to find out more.
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OSAC Activity Report: Mid-Year 2004
The Research and Information Support Center (RISC) reported 1,709 consultations in the first half of 2004, a 52% increase from the
same period in 2003. Following a spike in March, RISC figures for the half have continued to show the strong, steady growth that
has been exhibited for nearly a year. From January to April, RISC logged four consecutive months with more than 250 constituent
consultations.
Click here to find out more.
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OSAC Activity Report: June 2004
The Research and Information Support Center (RISC) reported 247 consultations for the month of June. This number represents a
15% increase from May figures, as well as the seventh consecutive month with more than 200 consultations.
Click here to find out more.
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Businesspersons Targeted for Kidnappings in Larkana, Sukkur, Shikarpur and Jacobabad, Pakistan
In June 2004, the security director for an OSAC constituent company reported a series of kidnappings he had noted in
Pakistan. The information he passed to OSAC was corroborated by two separate sources.
Click here to find out more.
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Afghanistan and Elections: Security Ramifications for U.S. Businesses and NGOs
The threat of general insecurity in Afganistan, particularly outside of Kabul, the slow pace of voter registration, and the
threat--on the rise lately--of attacks on voters and election workers from the anti-recontruction forces are all jeopardizing
Afganistan's chance for free and fair elections, currently scheduled for September.
This report is intended to highlight the background of Afgan elections, the particular, security-related issues they face,
and the threat remifications for U.S. businesses and NGOs operating in the country.
Click here to find out more.
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Targeted Kidnappings/Assassinations in Saudi Arabia: Events, Trends and Security Recommendations
In just over three weeks in Saudi Arabia, there were three targeted assassinations, one attempted assassination and one kidnapping – which resulted in the beheading of the victim five days later – against Westerners
American companies in the Kingdom are now even more concerned about how to protect their operations in an environment of increasing attacks against soft targets.
This report will list the latest events, identify trends, and offer some guidelines to American companies per the State Department’s latest Warden Messages and Travel Warnings.
Click here to find out more.
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The Transition to Sovereignty in Iraq
On June 28, 2004, a new Iraqi transitional administration assumed power in Iraq. With this transition, the Coalition Provisional Authority was officially dissolved, and the new government became the sole, sovereign governing power in Iraq.
This transition period, however, is predicted to be a difficult one. The risk of kidnappings, targeted assassinations, convoy and vehicle attacks, bombings, and other violence will likely remain very high.
This report summarizes the security situation in Iraq, focusing on five particular types of attacks. It also outlines some of the deadliest incidents of the last six months, the post-transition Department of State and OSAC presence in Iraq, and the structure of and key dates for the new Iraqi government.
Click here to find out more.
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Shift toward Small-Scale Attacks in Saudi Arabia
In the past month, the threat level in Saudi Arabia has continued its increase, with the attack on the al-Khobar compounds,
several targeted assassinations of Westerners and/or non-Muslims, and the kidnapping of an American employee of Lockheed
Martin (the first kidnapping of a Westerner in Saudi Arabia). Just in the past week, four violent attacks against Westerners
left three dead.
This report lists the recent attacks, highlighting modus operandi and trends, and then lists some guidelines for personal
security based on recent Consular Affairs Travel Warnings and Warden Messages.
Click here to find out more.
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OSAC Information Sharing Survey Analysis
This report focuses on ways to fulfill the need for an the sharing of information regime between the American public and
private sectors, looking at the needs of both parties as well as current practices. The proposed regime looks to fulfill
the current and growing information needs of both the public and private sectors, with the goal of implementing a system
that is both more accessible and more informative than that currently in place.
Click here to find out more.
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OSAC Activity Report: April 2004
The Research and Information Support Center (RISC) reported 278 consultations for the month of April, 26% above the current running 12-month RISC average. April also marked RISC’s fourth consecutive month registering more than 250 constituent consultations.
Click here to find out more.
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Terrorists’ Tactics – The Shift to Softer Targets Continues
In nearly a year since OSAC last addressed a noticeable shift by terrorists in the direction of softer targets, nearly all the
major terrorist attacks that have taken place were directed at facilities we would characterize as relatively soft. As we consider
the recent series of attacks on soft targets and attempt to anticipate where terrorists might strike next, we are concerned that a
number of our constituents may fall into the category of soft targets.
Click here to find out more.
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OSAC Activity Report: March 2004
The Research and Information Support Center (RISC) reported 418 consultations for the month of March, an amazing 49% increase in activity from February. For the third consecutive month RISC reports a record high in constituent consultations.
Click here to find out more.
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Iraq Kidnapping Report
OSAC is closely monitoring the recent kidnappings of private citizens working and residing in
Iraq. Although too early to identify specific trends, it is clear that some Iraqi insurgents
are using...
Click here to find out more.
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Sri Lankan Elections: Where to From Here?
Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections last week raised more questions than they answered. After
two and a half years of cohabitation, the President called these early elections to...
Click here to find out more.
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Madrid Bombing
On 11 March 2004, 10 explosive devices were detonated between 0730 and 0745 local time at three train stations in Madrid, Spain killing 199 people and wounding more than 1,450 other commuters. The first explosives, a total of three, detonated at 0739 on a commuter train that had already arrived at the Madrid Atocha Train station...
Click here to find out more.
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Automated Teller Machine Scams
The Overseas Security Advisory Council, courtesy of the Regional Security Office in London, would like to take this opportunity to review the various methods criminals are using at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Click here to find out more.
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Missionary Attacks in Europe
OSAC notes that there have been a significant number of incidents against representatives of religious organizations within the past two months in Europe. Out of the incidents reported, there were attacks of intimidation, physical assault, sexual assault, and vandalism.
Click here to find out.
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RISC 2003 Activity Summary
RISC reported 2161 consulatations with constituent organizations and 217 threats (both actual incidents and potential threats) to American interests abroad in 2003.
Click here to find out.
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Increase in violence toward missionaries
Since the beginning of the holiday season OSAC has been monitoring an increase in violence directed toward representatives of religious organizations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Click here to find out.
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Snapshot of Business and Legal Challenges in Russia.
American companies have come to face obstacles when entering into business in Russia, especially where legalities are concerned. The following provides a synopsis of the current situation and some general tips.
Click here to find out.
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Want to know of potential significant events that could affect your travel or safety abroad? Look here for all the information you need to make the best decision. |
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October 15, 2004.
WORLDWIDE. Ramadan Begins
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Moslem calendar and commemorates the month in which the Koran was revealed to Mohammed. Observance involves prayer and abstention from food, drink, smoking, and sex, from sunrise to sundown. The first day of Ramadan is a holiday in many Islamic countries.
October 17, 2004.
MOZAMBIQUE. Presidential Election Precursor
The election campaign begins on 17 October and lasts for 45 days until the polls on 1 and 2 December.
November 9, 2004.
MALAWI. Campaigning Begins for By-Elections
Campaigning will begin for elections to be held in January on 9 November. Elections will be held in eight constituencies around Malawi to fill vacant parliamentary seats, including two won and forfeited by the current President and Vice President.
November 13, 2004.
BRUNEI AND UGANDA. Hari Raya Puasa
Observed in Uganda and Brunei this date celebrates the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan.
November 14, 2004.
WORLDWIDE. Eid al-Fitr
This Feast of Fast Breaking occurs during the three days immediately following the month of Ramadan. It begins on Shawwal 1. The name means "minor festival". Also known as Eid al-Sagheer or Grand Bairam, in some African nations it is called Kortité.
November 15, 2004.
NAMIBIA. General Elections
Namibia has set general elections for November 15 and 16 to select a successor to veteran President Sam Nujoma, who has been in office since independence in 1990. Namibia's SWAPO-dominated parliament altered the constitution to allow Nujoma to stand for a third term in 1999, but that term ends on March 21, 2005. Whoever is chosen is regarded as firm favorite to succeed Nujoma as president given the party's grip on power - it won three out of four votes in 1999 national elections. Namibia has also set regional council elections for November 29 and 30.
November 28, 2004.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC. Constitutional Referendum
A constitutional referendum will be held in the Central African Republic, ahead of proposed national elections in January 2005. The current CAR leader, Francois Bozize, has announced he will not be running in those elections. Bozize seized power in early 2003.
November 29, 2004.
NAMIBIA. Local Elections
Namibia has also set regional council elections for November 29 and 30. These polls follow by two weeks the general elections to choose a successor to President Sam Nujoma.
December 1, 2004.
MOZAMBIQUE. National Elections
Mozambique will hold its third multiparty Presidential and Parliamentary Elections on 1 and 2 December.
December 17, 2004.
MOZAMBIQUE. Election Results Announced
Definitive results from the 1 and 2 December Presidential Elections will be announced by this date.
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Consular Affairs
Information
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