OSAC Activity Report: May 2006

Activity

Worldwide 16 Jun 2006

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Executive Summary

The OSAC Executive Director and RISC Chief traveled to Miami this month to participate in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's Western Hemisphere Regional Security Officers' Conference and a meeting of the Latin American Regional Council (LARC).  The Executive Director also participated in the College and University International Safety/Security Travel Seminar hosted at Pepperdine University.  The seminar was very successful, with over 100 representatives from 40 colleges and universities in the western U.S. in attendance.  The RISC Chief also attended a meeting of the Port-au-Prince Country Council in Haiti and the well-attended Regional Convention for Corporate Security in Guatemala.  More information on all of these events can be found in this report.

OSAC's Research and Information Support Center (RISC) conducted 476 constituent consultations in May, making the month the busiest month ever for RISC.  May's consultation figures soared 12% above those of the next-busiest month, March 2006.  May also marked RISC's eighth consecutive month registering more than 300 monthly consultations.  The RISC region with most constituent interest in May was Western Europe, but nearly every RISC region reported extremely high figures: three regions (Western Europe, the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere) had monthly totals ranking in RISC's all-time Top Ten busiest months by region.  The individual country with the most constituent interest in May was Germany, attracting 12% of all RISC consultations for the month as constituents geared up for the World Cup tournament, scheduled to run from June 9 until July 9.  Germany's popularity in May was one of the highest ever for RISC consultations for one country in one month, third only to figures recorded for the U.K. following the London bombings last July and for the World Economic Forum this past January.  For complete information on RISC-constituent interaction, please view the final section of this report.

OSAC Support for Global Events: FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup tournament poses several unique challenges for security personnel. Unlike the Winter Olympics, which concentrated most events in Torino and surrounding mountain venues for just 15 days, the World Cup involves numerous large events in 12 major German cities over the course of an entire month. The World Cup program highlights various western political and financial targets preferred by Islamist extremists. Additionally, it is expected that the games will attract violent hooligans, left- and right-wing extremists, neo-Nazis and racists. 

In order to assist the U.S. private sector working in this environment, OSAC is monitoring transnational terrorist activity, as well as the threat of hooliganism and extremism in the region during the event.  OSAC produced an ongoing series of reports on World Cup security, starting with a Hot Topic World Cup Executive Summary, available online after logging in with a username and password.  Additionally, OSAC is producing a daily security newsletter, which provides strategic unclassified intelligence and actionable items aiming to assist constituents in making appropriate risk management decisions.  Throughout the tournament, OSAC is also providing breaking security updates about demonstrations, incidents, crime trends, major events and transportation disruptions, including recommended countermeasures.  To be included in OSAC's daily World Cup coverage, please email OSAC's World Cup Security Coordinator at alfanowl@state.gov. Additional information requests regarding OSAC's coverage of the tournament can be sent to vitellocj@state.gov or hooblergd@state.gov.  To view OSAC's series of World Cup threat assessments, go to http://frankfurt.osac.gov and log in with a username and password.

Hot Topic: The Islamic Terrorist Threat at the World Cup

There are several members of terrorist groups known to exist in Germany, and there has been terrorist-related activity throughout much of Europe during recent years. For example, planning for the September 11, 2001 attack on the U.S. took place in Hamburg. Additionally, it is believed that extremists associated with Ansar al Islam were planning to assassinate Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi in Berlin in 2004. Still, most parts of Germany are known mainly as logistical hubs for terror operations; a large-scale terror attack on German soil has not occurred in recent times and there are no concrete threats of Islamist terrorism toward the World Cup tournament.

Despite the lack of concrete threats, the 2006 World Cup will be an attractive terrorist target with politicians, royalty, celebrities, and thousands of Americans expected to be in attendance. Mindful of this fact, German police and security officials are working diligently to keep the tournament safe from terrorism. Such security implementations include an increase in law enforcement patrols and support from liaison officers from other countries and information-sharing among various security entities. These and other security issues are discussed in the OSAC Hot Topic Report on the Islamic Terrorist Threat at the World Cup, accessible on the OSAC website after logging in with a username and password.

Hot Topic: Hooliganism and Right-Wing Extremism at the World Cup

The risk of violence stemming from hooligan activities and right-wing extremist groups looks to pose significant security challenges for law enforcement officials and private sector organizations during the World Cup tournament. It is anticipated that thousands of hooligans will travel to Germany from other European countries to participate in planned and spontaneous violent confrontations with rival fans. According to various press reports, German authorities are primarily concerned about possible violent hooligan activity in and around the 12 tournament stadiums, as well as at several public viewing areas, bars, campgrounds and other hospitality events. According to various press reports, German authorities are specifically worried about fans notorious for their violent actions, including hooligans from Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Croatia, Ukraine and Serbia and Montenegro. 

Another concern is that the World Cup will provide a unique international stage for German right-wing extremists to display their racist agendas. German security officials are planning for a series of right-wing rallies sponsored by the National Democratic Party of Germany, which have the potential to become unruly, especially if confronted by left-wing activists. If violent confrontations occur, there exists the possibility of injury to bystanders, property damage to storefronts and businesses, and possibly severe, detrimental effects on hospitality events.  These issues are discussed in the OSAC Hot Topic Report on Hooliganism and Right-Wing Extremism at the World Cup, accessible on the OSAC website after logging in with a username and password.

Country Council Focus: Hyderabad

Hyderabad is quickly becoming one of India's most popular destinations, as well as a rival to the hi-tech capital, Bangalore, in terms of drawing direct foreign investment.  Because of this influx and a growing need for information-sharing, a Country Council was created in Hyderabad this month.  While the Country Council Focus usually notes an existing council and its work, it is worth focusing on Hyderabad because of the extreme success of the Country Council program in India as a whole.  There are already five councils in India, linked together as the "India Chapter," based in New Delhi, and an independent Hyderabad council makes six councils in one country - two more than China, which places it second. 

The first meeting of the Hyderabad council focused on terrorism and Naxalite Movement in Andhra Pradesh, the subject of a presentation given by Indian police officials. Distinguished guests from the U.S. private sector, the Andhra Pradesh Police Department, Regional Security Officers from New Delhi and Chennai, and the Vice Consul from U.S. Consulate Chennai attended the meeting. The new council elected its official steering committee as well.  To read complete minutes from the May 26 meeting, log on to the OSAC website with a username and password.

RISC Travel

Five RISC Regional Coordinators visited five posts in Europe and the Americas during the month of May, as well as six different domestic locations:

• ANCHORAGE: RISC's Eastern Europe Regional Coordinator attended a Pacific Rim Security Conference in Alaska's largest city, sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service. The coordinator gave a presentation on the OSAC program and the current threat posed by global Islamic terrorists. Conference attendees included government officials and international businesspersons active in the Russian Far East and in the Pacific Rim. Numerous participants expressed an interest in al-Qa'ida-affiliated groups active in these regions.

• BALTIMORE: RISC's Middle East Regional Coordinator attended a meeting of the Saudi Arabia Ad Hoc Working Group in Baltimore, Maryland.  The coordinator regularly gives updated regional security presentations to this group.

• DETROIT: RISC's Middle East Regional Coordinator traveled to Michigan to brief an OSAC constituent company on global security trends.  Discussed at the meeting were information security, contingency planning and protection of facilities and personnel.

• GUATEMALA CITY: RISC's Regional Coordinator for the Western Hemisphere attended the first annual Regional Convention for Corporate Security, sponsored by the Guatemala City Country Council and the American Chamber of Commerce.  The program, also attended by the RISC Chief was very successful, with a wide selection of speakers and topics, and four presentations running simultaneously during any given session.  The coordinator was included on a panel featuring four Regional Security Officers from U.S. Embassies in Central America, who presented on new OSAC initiatives and crime in Central America.  More than 120 representatives of U.S. organizations in the region attended the event, and organizers are already planning a second conference for 2007. 

• ISTANBUL: RISC's Eastern Europe Regional Coordinator attended the Istanbul Country Council's spring meeting on Earthquake Preparedness Strategies for the U.S. private sector. The guest speaker, Marla Petal, formerly with the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, shared her insights on the unique threat that earthquakes pose to the Istanbul region. Her presentation highlighted general earthquake awareness, lessons learned and best practice techniques. A special afternoon breakout session also trained participants to become earthquake preparedness trainers.  

• MALIBU:  RISC's Regional Coordinator for Iraq & North Africa attended the College and University International Safety/Security Travel Seminar at Pepperdine University.  With over 100 representatives from 40 colleges and universities, this was a successful event with presentations from OSAC, the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Centers for Disease Control and various security representatives.  This meeting is the first of three planned seminars aimed at academia; the next event is tentatively planned for fall 2006 in Washington, DC.

• MIAMI: RISC's Regional Coordinator for the Western Hemisphere (WHA) attended the Diplomatic Security WHA Regional Security Officer Conference in Miami.  In conjunction with the Conference, the Coordinator also attended a meeting of the Latin America Regional Council (LARC).  During the meeting, a former Colombian military general and security expert presented on current security conditions in Colombia, followed by a presentation by the Regional Security Officer from U.S. Embassy Bogotá.  The LARC meeting had over 30 business representatives in attendance, and ended with a reception attended by Regional Security Officers from a number of U.S. Embassies in the WHA region.

• MOSCOW: RISC's Eastern Europe Regional Coordinator traveled to the Russian capital for a series of private meetings with representatives of the U.S. private sector, the American Chamber of Commerce and key officers at U.S. Embassy Moscow. The goal of these meetings was to gain greater insight into what American companies in Russia view as the greatest threats to business security. The coordinator also promoted the OSAC program as a vehicle for sharing information.

• PORT-AU-PRINCE: RISC's Regional Coordinator for Western Hemisphere traveled to Haiti with the RISC Chief to attend a Country Council meeting, where he presented on the global OSAC program and took questions from attendees.  Among the council's top concerns are airport security and difficulty with Haitian Customs and other government authorities.  The council made a point of highlighting Haiti's improving security conditions, as illustrated by the decrease in kidnapping incidents from 190 in December to 13 in April.  The coordinator also met with security representatives from the United Nations' Stabilization Mission (MINUSTAH). 

• ST. LOUIS: RISC's East Asia & Pacific Regional Coordinator gave a global threats update presentation at the annual Corporate Anti-Terrorism Conference in Missouri. The event was sponsored by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, the Corporate Security Advisors Association of St. Louis, and several private and public companies and organizations. Other presentations included overviews of the 2005 London bombings, bio-terrorism and avian influenza, and on how to protect personal information on the Internet.

• ST. PETERSBURG: RISC's Eastern Europe Regional Coordinator visited St. Petersburg for meetings with the Foreign Commercial Service, the American Chamber of Commerce and representatives from American universities. Discussion topics included the increasing incidence of racially motivated violence, the upcoming G8 Summit and business transparency.

Upcoming Travel

Three RISC Regional Coordinators are planning on visiting five posts in June and July.  In addition, the onset of OSAC World Cup coverage will find three RISC coordinators alternating coverage in Germany from late May to mid-July.  Additionally, RISC coordinators have several speaking engagements at various domestic locations.

• Antananarivo: Country Council Meeting July 20
• Berlin: World Cup Support through July 11
• Bujumbura: Country Council Meeting TBA
• Johannesburg: Country Council Meeting July 24
• Kigali: Country Council Meeting TBA
• Pittsburgh: Private Sector Security Briefing June 15
• Prague: ISMA Conference

This list is by no means exhaustive in terms of Country Council meetings around the world; it only shows where RISC Regional Coordinators will be traveling.  OSAC encourages private sector participants to inquire about scheduling individual meetings with traveling coordinators and / or attending available Country Council meetings, whether or not a RISC representative will be attending.

RISC - Constituent Interaction

A regional overview of RISC constituent interaction for the month of May follows, with descriptive breakdowns of the countries garnering the most constituent interest for the month:

Western Europe

RISC provided 105 constituent consultations, the second-highest monthly figure in RISC history, and only one consultation behind the 106 registered for Western Europe during the World Economic Forum in January 2004.

• GERMANY: RISC registered nearly 60 consultations for Germany in May, the third-highest monthly total ever for one country.  For more information on Germany and the World Cup, please read the Support for Global Events paragraph above.

• FRANCE: OSAC constituents held several high-level meetings in France last month. Constituents were generally concerned with the crime and safety environment in Paris and the potential for residual demonstrations following major job-related protests that occurred in April.

• UNITED KINGDOM: Several constituents were concerned about the spike in animal rights activism targeting U.S. companies in the United Kingdom. OSAC provided a liaison to the Regional Security Office, as well as assessments and news articles related to the current situation for constituents who requested information.

Middle East & North Africa

RISC provided 92 constituent consultations.  The region continues to attract an extremely large number of consultations, registering at least 70 consultations in each month of 2006 to-date.

• SAUDI ARABIA: A meeting of the Saudi Arabia Ad Hoc Working Group was held in Baltimore in May, which generated renewed interest in trends in security threats since the February attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility.  Many constituents also are reconsidering their status on dependents in the country, given the period of relatively few incidents and the successes of the Saudi government in capturing militants on its Most Wanted list. 

• YEMEN: Constituents were concerned about the security situation in Yemen after a period of inter-tribal violence in the Marib Province at the end of April; the violence prompted the U.S. Embassy to advise that Americans temporarily avoid the area. 

Western Hemisphere

RISC provided 85 constituent consultations in May, the second-highest total ever for the region and the highest monthly figure for the region in more than two years.  Additionally, three of the five most popular reports on OSAC.gov in May dealt with issues in the Western Hemisphere: #1- a Warden Message from Grenada; #3- a Public Announcement for the Caribbean; and #4- a Safety & Security Report covering Gang Violence in São Paulo.

• BRAZIL: Nearly 50 constituent consultations were registered for Brazil in May, more than any other non-European country has ever registered in one month.  The upsurge in consultations came during a week of intense gang violence in São Paulo State.  On orders from gang leaders, prison inmates released on furlough for Mother's Day weekend went on a violent rampage, committing nearly 300 attacks throughout the state. The attacks focused almost exclusively on police officers, police stations and other official buildings, although 84 public buses were also torched during early morning hours after occupants were ordered by the criminals to disembark.  Riots also took place in 71 different Brazilian prisons in conjunction with the attacks.  

East Asia & the Pacific

Sub-Saharan Africa

South & Central Asia

• PAKISTAN: In April, the RISC coordinator for South & Central Asia traveled to Pakistan's most violent city, Karachi. Upon her return, a large number of constituents were interested to hear her perspective on the current threat level there as well as to share personal opinions and experiences.  Additionally, as a result of tensions stemming from Iran's nuclear ambitions, many constituents operating in the region were concerned that their business operations may be negatively impacted in the event military action occurs.

Eastern Europe

RISC provided 27 constituent consultations, a figure 47% higher than the region's monthly average over the last year. 

•  TURKEY: Constituents continued to be interested in traveling to Turkey, and expressed concerns over past threats made to the tourism industry.