“Do as I say..not as I do”- UN Sends Restricted Computer Equipment to Iran and North Korea July 5, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in News.Tags: Iran, North Korea, security, UN, United Nations, WIPO
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In yet another shocking revelation of questionable actions within the United Nations, Foxnews reports that the US State Department is now investigating the shipment of sensitive computer and other equipment to Iran and North Korea by way of an obscure UN department. The United Nations has prohibitions against sending such sensitive equipment to both countries as the countries are trying to develop nuclear weapons. According to the report, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), of which the US is a member, sent computers and other technology to both countries. The US State department was unaware of the shipment and, according to a top US official, it now appears that “”official at the U.N. agency, the Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO, “has not yet been fully open” to the inquiries…””
“The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend”…US to Remove MEK from Terrorist List? May 19, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Politics, terrorism.Tags: Assassination, Iran, iraq, MEK, Mujahedin-e Khalq, Peoples Muhajadin of Iran, politics, terrorism
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If asked to name a terrorist organization most Americans could likely name Al Qaeda, Al Shabbab, and a few others. Few are probably familiar with the Mujahedin-e Khalq or Peoples Mujaheddin of Iran known by its initials MEK. Accused of killing American servicemen and contractors in the 1970s and supporting the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran before breaking with the Iranian mullahs in 1980 the MEK has been designated a terrorist group by the US State Department since 1995. The MEK, however do not simply attack Americans. According to The American Muslim: “The M.E.K. are terrorists. They were driven out of Iran and given a home at a place called Camp Ashraf in Iraq by Saddam Hussein, who they supported. Saddam Hussein used the M.E.K. to carry out terrorist acts in Iran.” In 2001, the MEK “renounced” terrorism. Irrespective of this renunciation, a 2004 FBI report on the MEK which was revealed in June 2011 states that the MEK The long and short is that the MEK are current terrorists not former terrorists. So why would the US consider removing the designation from the group?
Many people are likely familiar with some of the more recent activities of the MEK. The MEK is responsible for assassination of 5 Iranian nuclear scientists since 2007 and possibly destroyed a missile site. Trained, financed and supported by Isreal, the MEK has been used to disrupt the Iranian nuclear operations causing a delay of years to Iran’s objective of creating a nuclear weapon. In March 2012 Richard Engel & Robert Windrem of NBC News reported that:
“Deadly attacks on Iranian nuclear scientists are being carried out by an Iranian dissident group that is financed, trained and armed by Israel’s secret service, U.S. officials tell NBC News, confirming charges leveled by Iran’s leaders.” And then “”… Two senior U.S. officials confirmed for NBC News the MEK’s role in the assassinations, with one senior official saying, “All your inclinations are correct.” A third official would not confirm or deny the relationship, saying only, “It hasn’t been clearly confirmed yet.” All the officials denied any U.S. involvement in the assassinations.””
It is certainly interesting that a terrorist organization that is now taking action which supports the US’ agenda may suddenly be reclassified as not being a terrorist organization. This post is not intended to question the validity of the decision simply educate and highlight the point that in world politics “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”.
“Another One Bites the Dust”…Sarkozy out as France’ President…Socialist Hollande in May 6, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Politics.Tags: Chris Mark, elections, france, hollande, Iran, politics, sarkozy
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In what is proving to be a very interesting Sunday in the news, France has elected Socialist Francoise Hollande as president and voted out Nicolas Sarkozy. Likely surprising to many American’s, Hollande will be the nation’s first left-wing president since Francois Mitterrand left office in 1995. That being said, one of Hollande’ promises is to tax the “rich” at 75% of income. Sarkozy’s defeat marks the latest — and most significant — of at least half a dozen European leaders swept from office during the eurozone economic crisis, including the Greek and Italian prime minister.
This is an interesting time in Global Politics. While the Arab Spring seemed to signal a change in the Middle East, Europe has been moving, as well. (more…)
22 Arrested in Iranian Backed Plot Against US and Israeli Embassies March 14, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, Risk & Risk Management, terrorism.Tags: Azerbaijain, Chris Mark, Iran, risk management, security, Stuxnet, terrorism
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According to FoxNews and Agence France Presse, 22 people have been arrested inside Azerbaijan suspected of planning attacks against the US and Israeli embassies inside Baku. According to the reports, the attacks were planned for the benefit of Iran.
“Twenty-two citizens of Azerbaijan have been arrested by the national security ministry for cooperating with the Iranian Sepah,” the ministry said, referring to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, according to AFP. “On orders of the Sepah, they were to commit terrorist acts against the US, Israeli and other Western states’ embassies and the embassies’ employees.” (more…)
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 