September 29 - October 4, 2008

New FBI Rules

Friday, October 3 - According to the New York Times, "The Justice Department finalized on Friday an overhaul of rules that will give the Federal Bureau of Investigation freer rein to begin investigations into the possibility of terrorism, even without evidence of wrongdoing."

Broad Range of Critical Professions in a Pandemic

Friday, October 3 - Not only are doctors, nurses, and firefighters essential during a severe pandemic influenza outbreak. So, too, are truck drivers, communications personnel, and utility workers," according to a new study.

Advancing Resilience

Thursday, October 2 - Yesterday a Washington D.C. conference of policymakers advanced key principles and processes for national resilience, according to Government Executive. The Reform Institute released a report (pdf) on the issue. Homeland Security Watch gives further context.

California Wildfire Grows

Wednesday, October 1 - A wildfire in southern Monterey County doubled in size Monday. An early start of the fire season nearly depleted State and federal firefighting budgets. "An additional $910 million in emergency federal funding for fighting wildfires has been approved by Congress and sent to the President," according to KCAL.

Mall Plot Earns 30 year Sentence

Wednesday, October 1 - The lone conspirator in a possible terrorist attack on a Rockford, Illinois shopping mall was sentenced yesterday.

"Threat to Pakistan's very existence"

Tuesday, September 30 - Intense fighting is reported in Northwest Pakistan between government forces and militants associated with the Taliban and al Qaeda. According to the Financial Times, "Pakistani troops have destroyed a Taliban stronghold on the Afghan border and unearthed a network of underground bunkers used for planning and training hardcore militants." This is part of month-long government offensive which has displaced at least 300,000 Pakistanis. Many expect a terrorist response with new attacks on Pakistani cities. Yesterday General David Petraeus the new US commander for operations in the Middle East and South Asia said, "This is a threat to Pakistan's very existence and it is one with which they must deal."