News & Opinion on Terrorism & Strategic Communication — September 20, 2007

bin Laden Back in the Studio. A new tape from bin Laden is expected. This time the target is Pakistan’s Musharraf. (AP, 9/20).

Tighter Control, More Money Will Create Better Public Diplomacy. “What is needed in the fight for hearts and minds of Muslims throughout the world is coordinated leadership from the White House.” (Washington Post, 9/19).

Controversial Immigration Enforcement Law Useful Against Terrorism. “Section 287(g) is the INA section that allows Federal immigration law enforcement authorities, now the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) via Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to grant Federal immigration enforcement authority to state and local law enforcement officers under certain specific circumstances.” (CT Blog, 9/19).

Splits in African AQ Group. “The current split is due to two related disagreements: should the group try to redefine its struggle as part of a global jihad, or should it remain focused on overthrowing the secular government of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika? Second, is it legitimate to attack civilians, or is the government the only permissible target?” (Jamestown Terrorism Monitor, 9/19).

ANOTHER Cartoon Controversy! “Authorities in Bangladesh on Tuesday ordered the arrest of a cartoonist and confiscated copies of a major newspaper’s weekly supplement for publishing a “blasphemous” caricature.” (Zeenews, 9/18). Cartoon image and translation here.