U.S. DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS CLOSE AROUND THE ARAB WORLD
The State department closed several American embassies and diplomatic missions in the Middle East last week. The decision was based on monitored communications between Yemen-based al-Qaeda groups, indicating a terrorist plan had become operational. The Obama administration’s initial statement called for closures for one day, but the State Department has extended many of these closures by a week due to a continued threat. U.S. officials said they didn’t have any specifics on al-Qaeda’s targets, and the Administration has stated that it will evaluate warnings on an ongoing basis. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul commented on “Face the Nation” that “this is probably one of the most specific and credible threats I've seen perhaps since 9/11.” (The Wall Street Journal August 4, 2013)
CHARGES FILED IN BENGHAZI ATTACK
The Justice Department has filed criminal charges on several individuals linked to the 2011 Benghazi attack that claimed the lives of four Americans, including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya. Abu Khattala, head of a Libyan militia, and at least two other foreigners have been charged. Khattala denies any involvement in the attack and criticizes American leaders for using Benghazi to win votes. The file is sealed and the names of the other suspects have not been disclosed. ( The Associated Press August 6, 2013)
CIA DEPUTY DIRECTOR: FALL OF SYRIAN GOVERNMENT THREATENS US SECURITY
CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell warned that the collapse of the Syrian government could place chemical and other advanced weapons in the hands of al Qaeda. Morell ranked Syria and al Qaeda as the top threats to U.S. security in a recent interview at Langley, which marked the end of his 33-year tenure with the CIA. Before leaving, he voiced concern about complacency in the U.S. regarding the long-term conflict with al Qaeda. “The dispersal of al Qaeda is their victory,” he said. The spread of its ideology and reach, less rigid command structure, and reduction in religious fidelity, he claims, make the early identification of threats more difficult. (The Wall Street Journal August 6, 2013)
ASSASSINATION SURGE IN LIBYA
Human Rights Watch is reporting on an intensifying wave of political assassinations in Libya. The organization counts 51 dead in these politically-motivated killings, including political activists, judges, and members of security agencies. No arrests have yet been made, no witnesses have been interviewed by authorities, no investigations have been conducted, and no groups have claimed responsibility for the killings. (The Associated Press August 8, 2013)
SYRIA’S BACK AND FORTH
Following the Syrian government’s capture of Homs from rebel forces, the rebels have succeeded in capturing an airbase in northern Syria, seizing several tanks and ammunition. The rebel victory secured a base that had formerly been used by the government to strike at villages across northern Syria. In another engagement outside of Damascus, over 60 rebels were killed in an ambush. The following day, two Syrian rebel groups claimed that they attacked President Bashar al-Assad’s motorcade in Damascus. If true, this marks the closest known attempt on al-Assad’s life. (The New York Times August 5, August 7 and August 8, 2013)