Newsweek has published an article pointing out that the Toyota Hilux pickup is the most popular vehicle amongst terrorist groups and irregular militias throughout many areas of the world. Here’s a short excerpt. “The Toyota Hilux is everywhere,” says Andrew Exum, a former Army Ranger and now a fellow of the Center for a New… Continue reading This must be a little embarrassing for Toyota . . .
Tag: Terrorism
Is the Coast Guard facing a crisis?
A report by the Center for American Progress suggests that the US Coast Guard is facing a budgetary crisis, and is in dire need of restructuring and renewal. In a covering article, the Center has this to say. Our nation today demands more from the U.S. Coast Guard, the nation’s oldest maritime force, than at… Continue reading Is the Coast Guard facing a crisis?
Worrying news about Afghanistan’s police force
An article in Newsweek makes some troubling allegations about the current state of Afghanistan’s police force. I accept that the source may not be the most unbiased and reliable, but nevertheless, if even half the article is correct, it’s very worrying. Here’s an extract. America has spent more than $6 billion since 2002 in an… Continue reading Worrying news about Afghanistan’s police force
Radical Islam – under siege from moderates at last?
There have been a number of very interesting reports recently which, taken together, indicate that perhaps moderate, ‘mainstream’ Islam is finally gaining the upper hand in its struggle with militants. First, in October last year, Strategy Page reported that Moroccan authorities have been gaining the upper hand in their efforts to combat Muslim extremists in… Continue reading Radical Islam – under siege from moderates at last?
Remembering history in the making
Twenty years ago, on February 11th, 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison in Paarl, South Africa, by order of the then State President, F. W. de Klerk. His release kick-started negotiations that would lead to the advent of full democracy in that country in 1994, and bring an end to the racist… Continue reading Remembering history in the making
A cynic looks at airport security
Bill Sweetman writes at Ares about the state of airport security. Since the terrorist attempt Friday on Northwest/Delta flight 253, [Homeland Security Secretary Janet] Napolitano has repeatedly said “the system worked.” But it didn’t. A terrorist was able to get a bomb aboard the airplane. It is no thanks to Napolitano that the passengers on… Continue reading A cynic looks at airport security
Dry run for terrorists?
Old NFO has a very worrying report on his blog about what appears to have been a ‘dry run’ or test by wannabe terrorists on a US airliner. Go read, and ponder. Has anyone had similar experiences? If so, please let us know in Comments. Peter
In Memoriam
September 11th, 2001. The World Trade Center, New York. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175. The Pentagon, Washington D.C. American Airlines Flight 77. Somerset County, Pennsylvania, near the town of Shanksville. United Airlines Flight 93. 246 died on the four flights (including the 19 hijackers). 2,603 died in New York City, including… Continue reading In Memoriam
Is the USAF also going the ‘low-and-slow’ route?
A few days ago I wrote about a US Navy effort to field a few propeller-driven strike aircraft for use by Special Forces. Now, a number of reports suggest that the USAF is considering precisely the same thing, but on a rather larger scale. First, we hear that the USAF may recommend the establishment of… Continue reading Is the USAF also going the ‘low-and-slow’ route?
Mexico again
Yes, it’s another warning about what’s going on in Mexico, following the many, many warnings I’ve already put up on this blog. The Washington Times reports: The U.S. Defense Department thinks Mexico’s two most deadly drug cartels together have fielded more than 100,000 foot soldiers – an army that rivals Mexico’s armed forces and threatens… Continue reading Mexico again