Oh Dear, SBY...

Anyone listening to the President of late must be beginning to wonder if there is anyone out there who is not plotting to "do things" (red. kill) to him.

It appears that the latest arrests of terrorists in West Java overnight uncovered a plot to harm the Indonesian President.

I wonder if he has ever sat down and thought about why it seems there are so many people out there willing to lay it all on the line to kill him? He must have, mustn't he?

The point is that I would imagine that most leaders of large democracies have the crazies lurking out there and stalking them. All the while making all manner of plans to wreak havoc and cause mayhem, and maybe get an assassination plot up and running. But, you so rarely hear of them with other leaders.

So, I wonder whether there is a belief amongst SBY's closest advisors that making snippets of these plots and arrests public knowledge that there will be a positive bounce in opinion and popularity polls of the president?

I only ponder and pose these questions because I just do not see the point of adding a potential assassination plot into the mix. These arrests could have been made, terrorists links could have been established, and legal processes undertaken without the need to make the primary news, "look at me, I must be the good guy because there are terrorists out there trying to kill me!"

Ho hum...

Islam and Terror...

I found this cartoon here. The original can be found here.

It will be interesting to read any comments. Although, I am not expecting any comments. However, the cartoon could be construed to be offensive or it might reinforce the beliefs of many that perhaps the terrorists are misinterpreting religion and in fact facing the wrong way.

The cartoon could have been drawn for any religion. Nevertheless, there has been a tendency since 9/11 to link Islam with terror, and I think that this cartoon says something about that connection or lack thereof.

Noordin M Top -- Forensic Pathology Exam...

The reports in local Indonesian papers have picked up on the results of the forensic pathology exam conducted on the recently departed terrorist, Noordin M Top, which say that his anus is shaped like a funnel and the pathologist suspects that he had been sodomized. The doctor that carried out the exam is none other than Mun'im Idris. Idris is the same forensic pathologist that performed the Manohara exam. Idris must be the "go to man" for the high profile forensic exams.

Idris states that the forensic exam of Noordin's anus suggests that he has been sodomized at some point in his life. The good doc calls the funnel shape an anomaly, ahhh no kiddin'! I guess if it is out of the ordinary for people to have a funnel shaped anus, then I am guessing "anomaly" is probably the right word. I am wondering though whether it was a normal shaped funnel or an inverted funnel. I am not sure why I am wondering this though. Never mind.

Idris believes that his findings prove that Noordin has been sodomized. Now, the question is whether he was sodomized by someone else or did he do the deed himself. Despite being on the run for almost a decade he hardly wanted for female companionship seeing that he was married a number of times after going on the run. Then again months on end with the fellas and no female companionship might have taken its toll.

Then again, maybe this particular anomaly is the result of some crafty explosive transfers. It is said that concealing explosives inside you can fool the odd metal detector or two. I am guessing it might be a little tricky to fit a full-assembled explosive device in the space available, but perhaps Noordin and some of his companions could have transported a part each and then assembled the device once they got to wherever they were headed.

Ahhh, who really cares and why bother with the speculation. The man believed he was on a mission from God to kill as many non-believers as he could, and now that mission is over. And, what's more, he now gets to find out whether he really was on a mission from God or if it was all a misinterpretation and he is off to the fires of hell. I am going to go out on a limb here and say he was sadly mistaken and when he gets to front up for judgment he will be shuffled off to the fires of hell. The killing of innocents is not justified!

The papers are reporting that it is unclear why Idris released the findings. Not really, the man likes to see his name in print and what better way to get it there than release the forensic findings about Noordin's anomaly, aka funnel-shaped anus. It really is not that difficult to work out.

There has been some speculation about Noordin's sexual preferences. My question is, does it matter? Or is this being set up to suggest some kind of causal link between terrorists and sexual orientation. Will we soon be hearing that the big terrorist himself, Osama bin Laden, also has an anomaly? This whole thing about the anomaly is so much a beat up of next to no importance, unless terrorists are using their bodies to transport explosives.

I am not sure if I want to visualize a group of terrorists sitting around the lounge room deciding who is carrying what. Oh, Noordin with your anomaly you should be able to carry at least three sticks of TNT. And, Azahari Husin (before he wsa topped back in 2005) with your anomaly you should be able to carry a kilo of semtex. The mind boggles, doesn't it?

Noordin's family is expected to claim his body on Friday. According to police the investigation has been concluded.

Noordin M Top -- Dead

Noordin M. Top is dead. His death has been confirmed by Indonesia's National Police Chief, Bambang Hendarso Danuri, today.

Top was killed in a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Solo, Central Java. This brings to an end the seven or so years that Top has spent on the run terrorizing and killing innocent Indonesians and foreigners. The identification has been based on fingerprints on file with Malaysian police authorities.

Top was the leader of a small splinter group, Tandzim al-Qaeda, which separated from Jemaah Islamiyah (Jemaah Islamiyya). Apparently, Jemaah Islamiyah had become too soft for Top's liking as JI was moving away from violent jihad. Although, if one listened to the rhetoric and oration of JI's alleged spiritual leader, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, you might wonder if this were true.

It might have been better if Top had been capture alive because he would potential be a well of information that if properly handled might have assisted in averting future terrorist attacks in the months and years ahead. But, by all accounts Top was never likely to be captured without a fight, and it seems he has gone out with a bang, so to speak.

All previous posts on Top can be found here.

I guess now he gets to find out if he gets the promised reward of 72 virgins.

Hambali and the Bali Bombings

Riduan Isamuddin (AKA Hambali) was arrested in Thailand in 2003, and after having been the alleged recipient of some free travel around the world to a number of ghost prisons, ended up in Guantanamo Bay as a guest of the US. This is presumably for the duration of the war on terror. However, since Barack Obama has taken office, it has become a little uncertain as to what lies ahead for some of these detainees.

In any event, there is little doubt that Hambali gave up a fair bit of intelligence under the enhanced interrogation techniques used on him, like waterboarding. Nevertheless, even with the favourable rules of evidence that the military tribunals were going to be working under, the US has some doubts that it could currently make a case against Hambali for the Bali Bombings. Hambali was the head of a Jemaah Islamiyya cell that had operational responsibilities for Malaysia and Singapore. This cell was known as Mantiqi One.

The problem is apparently not a lack of evidence, but rather a lack of evidence that prosecutors would be able to adduce and then use in court to prove Hambali's guilt. Nevertheless, it is generally thought that Hambali ordered the targeting of "soft targets" and was the main man when it came to funding the bombings.

Yet, the US authorities are a lot more confident that they can link him to a string of other bombings in Indonesia. It has only been this year that the Indonesian authorities have been granted access to Hambali for interrogation purposes. This is interesting in itself as the majority of Hambali's alleged crimes have occurred in Indonesia and have predominantly killed Indonesians. The two series of bombings that the authorities believe present as the strongest cases against Hambali are the Marriott bombing of 2003 and the Christmas Eve bombings.

If the military tribunals are reconvened, and the rules are not drastically changed, then it would seem that military prosecutors would seek to see Hambali charged with murder and then pursue the death penalty for him.

Indonesia's Most Wanted Malaysian -- Part II

Latest reports are suggesting that the game might be up for Indonesia's most wanted Malaysian, Noordin M. Top.

It is being reported that either Top has been arrested already or is engaged in a firefight with authorities in Central Java. It would be better that he is arrested in terms of gathering more intelligence on the network. Although, I would be guessing that the interrogation is probably not going to be pretty.

Kompas is also reporting that there is a pretty good likelihood that the game is up for Top.

Detik.com is also reporting that there has been related activity in Jatiasih in Bekasi where police have shot and killed two suspects and raided a house where they have found a live bomb and grenades.

Perhaps the net has not only tightened, but it has now closed on Top.

Postscript...

Word on the street and in the press is that Noordin M. Top is no longer living. I do not figure that this is a good time to be wondering about the paradise that is supposedly awaiting him for doing honor to his God by acting in his name.

Postscript II...

Maybe Noordin M Top has not been topped after all. According to this article, Sidney Jones of the International Crisis Group, is suggesting that Top is still alive and well. In another piece over at Yosef Ardi's blog, he is quoting sources that are now confirming that Top was not one of those killed in yesterday's raids.

If these reports are true, then more violence is certainly on the cards. Although, the seizure of 500kgs of explosives is likely to slow planning down somewhat for the next attack.

Indonesia's Most Wanted Malaysian...

And it is not Siti Nurhaliza!

Is the net tightening on Noordin M. Top?

Is it only a matter of time?

Huge public billboards are certainly one way of ensuring that the man remains in the public eye. The other would be for the man to start blogging, particular where the solitary post on your alleged blog is a claim of responsibility for the most recent bombings in Jakarta at the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton Hotels, and where this solitary entry attracts 293 followers and some 2800 comments.

Australian Travel Advice -- Indonesia -- 30 July 2009

This is the latest travel advice for Indonesia that I have received.

Make of it what you will. The internal links are working when I checked them. What appears below is the overall summary of the advice. I have also cut and pasted the section on terrorism. This section includes a statement that Indonesian authorities have provided information that terrorists may be intending to kidnap foreigners. If you want to read the advice in full, then follow the relevant links.

Summary

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza 09 in a number of countries throughout the world, including Indonesia. For a list of these countries, visit the WHO website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on H1N1 Influenza 09.
• We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack.
• On 17 July 2009, terrorists detonated bombs at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. Australians were among those killed and injured.
• There is a possibility of further terrorist attacks in Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia, including Bali. In past years, terrorists have attacked nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hotels in Bali and Jakarta. In the wake of the 17 July Jakarta bombings, we judge that these types of venues in Bali and Jakarta are still targets of interest to terrorists.
• We continue to receive credible information that terrorists could be planning attacks in Indonesia and that Bali remains an attractive target for terrorists. You should exercise great care, particularly around locations that have a low level of protective security.
• If you do decide to travel to Indonesia, you should exercise extreme caution.
• Previous terrorist attacks against Westerners in Bali and Jakarta indicate these areas are priority targets. You should take particular care to avoid places known to be terrorist targets. See the Terrorism section for details.
• Presidential elections were held on 8 July 2009. There were incidents of violence in Papua during the parliamentary elections in April 2009, including attacks on infrastructure. There is a possibility of further attacks, including on infrastructure, in the period surrounding the Presidential elections.
• Since 11 July 2009 there has been a series of violent attacks near the Freeport Mine in Papua. One Australian has been killed in these attacks. Further violence is possible.
• Australians should avoid all protests, demonstrations and rallies as they can turn violent.
• We advise you to read carefully the sections on travel to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province, Maluku, Papua and West Timor where additional safety risks exist.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Indonesia, including Bali. The Indonesian Government has declared that rabies is present in Bali. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Indonesia.
• You should telephone ahead for an appointment before going to the Australian Embassy (See Where to Get Help).
• Because of the serious terrorist threat we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us so we can contact you in an emergency.
• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
  • subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling to Indonesia knowing there is a very high threat from terrorism and you may be caught up in a terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Indonesia, you should exercise extreme caution.

On 17 July 2009, terrorists detonated bombs at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. Australians were among those killed and injured.

There is a possibility of further terrorist attacks in Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia, including Bali. In past years, terrorists have attacked nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hotels in Bali and Jakarta. In the wake of the 17 July Jakarta bombings, we judge that these types of venues in Bali and Jakarta are still targets of interest to terrorists.

We continue to receive credible information that terrorists could be planning attacks in Indonesia and that Bali remains an attractive target for terrorists. These attacks could take place at any time. You should be particularly vigilant during holiday periods such as Easter and Christmas.

Indonesian authorities have warned that terrorists may be planning to kidnap foreigners.

Attacks against Westerners in Bali and Jakarta indicate that these areas are a priority target for terrorists. Suicide attacks against locations frequented by foreigners in Bali and Jakarta such as the 1 October 2005 and 12 October 2002 Bali bombings and bomb attack outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in September 2004 killed and injured many people. Westerners were also targeted in the bombing of a five-star hotel in central Jakarta in August 2003. We cannot rule out the possibility of another attack targeting Westerners, including Australians.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided at venues. You should take particular care to avoid places known to be terrorist targets. Tourist areas and attractions throughout Indonesia and tourists travelling to or from these places, including those in tour groups or tour buses, could be targeted. Other possible targets include international hotels, clubs, sporting clubs and venues, restaurants, international fast food outlets, bars, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, Jakarta's embassy district and diplomatic missions elsewhere, international schools, expatriate housing compounds and Western interests and businesses. Places frequented by foreigners, central business areas, office buildings, churches and other places of worship, airlines, airports, public transport and transport hubs, shopping centres, premises and symbols associated with the Indonesian Government, and outdoor recreation events are also potential targets.

Due to security concerns, security at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate-General in Bali is at a high level. The Australian Embassy has advised its staff and their families to be particularly careful in how they travel or walk to and from the Embassy.

Can Comedy Overcome Prejudice and Fanaticism?

The idea of using comedy to make light-hearted entertainment of sensitive issues is not new. Perhaps some would argue that has always been the point of comedy to make fun of the big issues that divide us. Nevertheless, we will soon find out whether a sense of humor and a situational comedy can overcome the prejudices and fanaticism that pervade our communities.

Omar Marzouk, a Danish comedian and a Muslim has put together a sitcom called "The Terror Cell" with a disparate group of characters being the Cell. Marzouk was born and raised in Copenhagen.

The Cell includes Osama, a businessman who finds that terror sells all manner of things such as t-shirts, caps, and pens. This reminds me of a t-shirt that I still see every now and then in Bali and further afield that came out soon after the first Bali Bombings of 12 October 2008, "Fuck Terrorists". No apologies for the language as it expresses a sentiment that many continue to feel and to use "f*&k" to me seems to undermine the intensity of feeling and that sentiment.

The second of the cell is Abdul, a convert whose main goal is to kill as many people as he can with the biggest bombs he can make.

Finally, there is Ali, a Pakistani who entered a competition where the winner was awarded the chance of wreaking revenge on the masses for the publication of the cartoons of Muhammad in Denmark.

Just the thought of such a show making it onto Danish TV is intriguing. Even more so considering the violence that occurred in the aftermath of the Muhammad cartoons being published in Denmark and the violence that was related to Geert Wilders and his film, Fitna.

In a Kenny of South Park fame kind of a way the principle characters die and then reappear in the next episode. Every episode ends with the terrorists blowing themselves and their apartment up. They make the journey to heaven and then Allah sends them back to the real world so that they can learn from their mistakes and do it better the next time around.

The Terror Cell, according to Marzouk, has some similarities with "The Young Ones". Marzouk liked The Young Ones because it was crazy in that they were always blowing each other up. It would seem that Marzouk and I enjoy something similar in our choice of comedy. I really enjoyed The Young Ones when I was younger, I would probably still enjoy it now [mental note to myself -- search the Internet for some Young Ones episodes -- if anyone has links please share], so I am looking forward to getting to watch The Terror Cell.

Marzouk recognizes that the subject matter of his sitcom is probably not going to be essentially viewing for some and in anticipation of the obligatory death threats has placed a poll on his website which allows people to choose one of eight different methods of having him killed. To date beheading is head and shoulders above the others (pun intended).