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CONTENTS:

ANNUAL REVIEW SECTIONS:

1. Africa
2. Americas
3. Asia Pacific
4. Europe
5. Middle East
6. South Asia
7. Cyberterrorism and Information Warfare
8.Finance
9.Human Rights
10 Transportation
11. Weapons of Mass Destruction

ANNUAL REVIEW SECTIONS:

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1. Africa

The African Union has begun a number of regional security efforts, including conflict response, peacekeeping, and cooperation in counter-terrorism activities. However, the failure to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS presents a far greater threat to international security. Regional threats included the locust invasion that destroyed large swathes of crops and increased risks associated with illegal immigration.

Algeria was the site of several attacks by Islamic militant groups, primarily the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC). GSPC primarily targeted security forces but was also responsible for kidnapping foreign tourists. The alleged leader of GSPC, Amir Saifi, was arrested; he is also wanted in Germany. An earthquake in May killed 2,000 people.

Angola has slowly moved towards reconstruction following the resolution of the long-running conflict with UNITA. Corruption and lack of controls over key natural resources, including diamonds and oil, continue to pose significant challenges.

Burundi began disarmament and reintegration of former rebel forces but constitutional difficulties continue to raise barriers and delays in scheduled votes put the peace process at risk.

Cameroon's possession of the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula has been delayed as Nigeria continues to cite administrative difficulties connected with the partially implemented border demarcation.

Chad was caught up in a major border crisis as refugees from the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan threatened to overwhelm their limited humanitarian and security resources.

Democratic Republic of Congo experienced persistent ethnic fighting led by a variety of domestic and foreign rebel groups. A renewal of war with Rwanda appears to have been narrowly averted. Rich resources in the country continue to pose a temptation to neighboring countries and rebel groups.

Equatorial Guinea intercepted an attempted coup that was internationally planned and financed. More than 60 mercenaries were convicted in Zimbabwe, where they had stopped for arms en route. The investigation has implicated a group of prominent international financiers including Dennis Thatcher (son of the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher), the novelist Lord Jeffrey Archer, and many others. Note our coverage in "Equatorial Guinea, Saudi Arabia, and Riggs Bank"
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/051604.html#FeatureArticle

Eritrea and Ethiopia still have not agreed to proceed with the demarcation set under an international ruling.

Ethiopia's Oromo Liberation Front rebels were accused of a hotel explosion.

Guinea-Bissau's soldiers mutinied, raising fears of an attempted coup, but killing the head of armed forces was motivated by unpaid wages.

Ivory Coast, the second largest economy in West Africa, is in an uneasy truce between the rebel north and the government-ruled south. Despite the peace agreement, heavy fighting broke out at the end of the year, and the potential for renewed civil war remains high.

Liberia made progress in implementing the peace agreement. Stability is threatened by the lack of governance and by the continued abuse of natural resources in exchange for arms. We discussed this problem in "Blood Diamonds and Timber: The Liberian Sanctions Program"
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/061304.html#FeatureArticle

Libya has begun to come in from the cold after the end of most western sanctions. In the process of dismantling their nuclear program, the nuclear supermarket of Pakistani nuclear scientist AQ Khan was uncovered.

In Madagascar cyclones killed hundreds of people.

Morocco became an international terrorist center after local Islamic militants proved to have connections with international terrorism, including the deadly attacks in Spain.

Nigeria's conflicts spanned ethnic, religious and economic divides. Most serious have been the occupations and attacks in villages connected with the oil industry, in which the numbers dead approaches a thousand.

Republic of the Congo Ninja rebels fought among themselves and with government soldiers but a March peace agreement has largely held.

Rwanda marked the tenth anniversary of the 1994 genocide in which 800,000 Rwandans were massacred in 100 days. Note our discussion of genocide in
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/041104.html#FeatureArticle

Senegal's government concluded a peace deal with separatist Movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance rebels, ending a war that started in 1982 and killed some 3,500.

Sierra Leone completed disarmament and rehabilitation of some 70,000 civil war combatants and began war crimes trials.

Somalia's factional groups reached agreement on a peace accord and transitional government. The transitional president and parliament were set up in Kenya, where peace talks were held, but are preparing to return to Somalia, where serious factional fighting continues.

South Africa marked a decade of democracy with fresh democratic elections in April. We covered the history and prospects of Africa's largest economy in a 3-part series:
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/041804.html#FeatureArticle
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/042504.html#FeatureArticle
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/050204.html#FeatureArticle

Sudan made welcome progress as a permanent truce with southern rebels moves even closer to resolving a 21-year civil war. That conflict was largely motivated by control of natural resources. In Darfur province, the conflict is more complex, as perceived ethnic and religious differences mixed with ongoing rebel actions led to extraordinary violence. Millions have been displaced and thousands have died, many at the hands of government-backed militias who want to eliminate blacks, an action generally agreed one of genocide.

Uganda stepped up activities against northern rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army and has made some progress to ending the long-running conflict. This topic was featured in:
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/022904.html#FeatureArticle

Zimbabwe was beset with inflation averaging more than 200 percent, 70 percent unemployment, food shortages, and government-backed political violence.

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2. Americas

A series of four major hurricanes in the southeastern US and Caribbean killed dozens and caused more than $20 million in insured losses.

Bolivia's popular movements focused on indigenous rights and control of natural resources used largely peaceful actions, including occupations, to make progress on their demands. 2003's violent protests against natural gas exports were replaced with a referendum vote that supported greater state involvement.

Brazil had several deadly incidents involving clashes over land.

Canada was an active participant on the international stage. In June, we discussed their " Counter-terrorism and National Security Strategies":
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/062004.html#FeatureArticle

Chile's government recognized and established a compensation plan for torture victims under the Pinochet dictatorship. Pinochet now faces charges of murder, tax fraud, and money laundering.

Colombia's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), remained active with bombings and kidnappings, mostly against security forces. FARC leader Manuel Marulanda, reportedly dead or dying, was replaced by Guillermo Leon Saenz, better known as Alfonso Cano. In May we discussed "Forty Years of the FARC" https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/053004.html#FeatureArticle
The government and paramilitaries of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) have begun investigating peace proposals and there a few hundred AUC members surrendered their arms in a move that at least was effective for public relations, if otherwise unverifiable.

Haiti marked 200 years of independence but the celebrations were marred by a violent uprising that displaced President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who is now living in exile in South Africa. An interim government was put in place, and international peacekeepers have gradually arrived to help contain rising levels of political and gang violence. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in flooding following tropical storm Jeanne. The high death toll was connected with the near total deforestation of the island.

Peru's Shining Path rebel founder Abimael Guzma was granted a second trial.

The United States continued a series of foreign policy initiatives that have resulted in massive increases in terrorism, political violence and human rights abuses. Domestic security funding was increased but few funds were disbursed and the monies spent for preventive security are a tiny percentage of the sums needed and pale in comparison with military spending. Hearings from the 9/11 Commission were completed and families of those killed battled on to gain intelligence reform. This reform focused on problems related to information sharing that contributed to the attacks and did not address the failures related to Iraq's non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Other commission recommendations have not yet been acted upon. Several feature articles touched on these issues, including:

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez survived a referendum asking for his removal. Political opposition continues, including a fistfight in parliament and a number of political killings.

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3. Asia Pacific

Regional counter-terrorism cooperation increased significantly in the past year. One significant threat is a regional terrorist organization we discussed in May: "The Origins of Jemaah Islamiyah" https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/050904.html#FeatureArticle
Avian influenza and its spread to humans present a serious international threat.

Australia significantly increased security measures in the face of significant regional threats. We reviewed domestic issues in "Comparative Emergency Preparedness"
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/081504.html#FeatureArticle
Australia's embassy in Jakarta was bombed, killing nine.

Burma, collaborating with neighboring countries, tacked rebel groups along the border. The Karen National Union agreed to end active hostilities with the government. The military junta forced out the Prime Minister. A road map to democracy was published and thousands of prisoners released, including some dissidents, but there were no overall political improvements.

China began loosening economic restrictions but maintained tight political controls. Islamic populations in the west have been subject to serious human rights abuses under the guise of anti-terrorism. Hong Kong and Taiwan saw massive pro-democracy demonstrations but election results have largely supported continued connections with China.

Indonesia arrested many suspects connected with the Bali bombing or connected with militant organization. They have been very active in regional counter-terrorism cooperation, particularly in managing the piracy-prone Malacca Straits. Military operations continued in Aceh against GAM separatist rebels - one reason that the earthquake toll on the island was so high.

Malaysia is collaborating with Thailand to improve border security following an increase in violence in southern Thailand and with other neighbors for maritime security.

Papua New Guinea's decline and consequent security threats were discussed in "Preventing Another Failed State?" https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/122604.html#FeatureArticle

The Philippines engaged in peace talks with the communist rebel New People's Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Islamic militants connected with Jemaah Islamiah and al Qaeda and the much diminished Abu Sayyaf were responsible for a variety of attacks, including bombings, gun attacks, and kidnappings. The most serious attacks were bombs at crowded marketplaces with consequent high casualty counts.

Thailand's southern provinces have experienced repeated militant attacks. They including bombings, raids, and drive-by shootings that often target Christians and government offices, including schools. The government response has contributed to increasing violence, particularly after 85 Muslims died in police custody. Security forces also killed thousands during an anti-drug campaign.

Uzbekistan blamed Islamic extremists for a series of shootings and bombings in March that killed 47 people. Suicide bombers struck US and Israeli embassies and the prosecutor's office in Tashkent in July.

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4. Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated the opening of the rebuilt Mostar bridge. NATO handed peacekeeping duties to EUFOR.
Cyprus's efforts for reunification failed when Greek Cypriots voted against a referendum. However, economic restrictions have been eased and the EU is working to help strengthen connections with Cyprus and Turkey. See "Cyprus" https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/022204.html#FeatureArticle

France took significant actions against Basque separatist group ETA members operating in the country as well as uncovering a number of alleged Islamic militants and militant cells.

Georgia marked a year since the new popular government came into power with the "Rose Revolution". Violent border disputes particularly with the breakaway regions of Ajaria, South Ossetia and Abkhazia and threats from Russia about militants hiding in Georgian territory represent serious challenges to the nascent democracy.

Germany has had little success in trying its terrorist suspects but it is continuing its efforts.

Gibraltar will now be included in talks between Spain and the UK regarding its future.

Greece successfully held the Olympic games, with a successful counter-terrorism program they say has brought in new types of business.

Ireland and Britain have worked together to make progress on restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland.

Italy arrested several international terrorism suspects. Anarchists claimed responsibility for a bomb campaign in which letters were sent to politicians.

In the Netherlands a series of ethnic attacks followed the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh who was critical of Islam. Dutch authorities investigated many terrorist threats during the year, including allegations of a local al Qaeda cell.

Russia has pulled back from democratic measures in the wake of significant increases in terrorist attacks. In February, a suicide bomb on the Moscow subway killed 40. Another subway explosion in August killed ten. Also in August, two suicide bombers brought down two passenger planes, killing 89. Worst of all was the Beslan school siege in September. Chechen separatists held hundreds of hostages for three days and in a disastrous ending more than 330 were killed. Hundreds more were injured or remain missing.

Spain suffered its worst terrorist attack on March 11. Bombs placed in train stations around Madrid killed 191 people. A state inquiry into the tragedy has ended and their report will follow. Basque separatist group ETA continued their activities, resulting in mostly property damage. We reviewed these problems in "Terrorism and Political Violence in Spain"https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/031404.html#FeatureArticle

Turkey increased security following bombings against western targets. In Istanbul and Ankara ahead of a NATO summit four people were killed.

Ukraine's presidential election was annulled after a popular protest against widespread corruption. New elections just finished gave the opposition candidate a big lead and efforts to counter his victory have ended.

United Kingdom anti-terrorism laws were attacked by the Law Lords as illegal and ill judged and will be reconsidered in 2005. Discussions to bring back devolution in Northern Ireland came close to resolution but ended in failure, attributed to disagreements over decommissioning. The UK was mentioned in several articles during the year, including

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5. Middle East

Long-term Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died on November 11. The presidential election is scheduled for January 9.

Egypt suffered a series of car bomb attacks on resorts in Sinai that killed 34 and injured 59, mostly Israeli tourists.

In the Gaza Strip and West Bank, Israeli security forces killed more than 700 Palestinians and injured more than 4,000 in 2004.

The Gaza Strip was the scene of the bloodiest and most destructive Israeli incursions of the intifada. More than a thousand homes were completely demolished and twice that number partially demolished, as well as hundreds of industrial facilities and dozens of educational sites. The World Bank warned of the long-term impacts and low probability of establishing a sustainable economy, but raised hopes that an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, if properly handled, could be designed to support a long-term sustainable solution.

Iran's nuclear programs were a major issue last year, and are likely to continue to be in the future. At the end of 2003, Iran signed an agreement for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct tougher inspections. In March, IAEA adopted a resolution that condemned Iran for keeping some nuclear activities secret and after negotiation Iran agreed to a timetable and more inspections, but key issues remained. In September IAEA called for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, which was finally agreed in November after European countries agree to economic and other incentives. Throughout the discussions, Iran insisted its program was for peaceful purposes only, that they have an absolute right to pursue it, and that they will defend themselves against attacks on their facilities. In December, Iranians commemorated the anniversary of the Bam earthquake. Iran also took action to freeze assets of former Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar of Hezb-e-Islami, a group linked to al Qaeda and the Taliban. Iran reported that several militants had been arrested.

Iraq in 2004 saw the security situation further deteriorating as an organized, well-armed and broad insurgency emerged, now spanning the country and crossing all ethnic and religious groups. Common tactics include roadside and suicide bombs, incorporating a low level of foreign participation. US-led forces continue operations, often repeated in areas previously believed under control. Crime, including kidnapping for profit and attacks against women, has reached unprecedented heights. A year after Bush's victory speech we discussed "Iraq's Transition"
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/062704.html#FeatureArticle

Reconstruction and aid have been seriously undermined by continued violence in Iraq, but elections scheduled for January 31 are apparently moving forward. Trials for prominent figures in Saddam Hussein's government are entering the initial investigative phase of prosecution.

One of the people captured in the initial invasion was a Palestinian militant active decades earlier; he was profiled in March. "Abu Abbas and the Palestine Liberation Front"
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/032104.html#FeatureArticle

Israeli Prime Minister Sharon declared plans for a unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, drawing heavy criticism from the right, but gaining the necessary support for the plan. Israeli Defense Forces report that the number of Israelis killed in attacks last year dropped 40 percent compared to 2003, with 14 suicide bombings responsible for 55 deaths. The largest of these attacks were:

Jordan has reportedly taken action against al Qaeda figures in the country. They face significant border security issues, with combatants and refugees alike moving in and out of Iraq. There have been a number of threats to US and Jordanian interests but none of the plots materialized.

Lebanon experienced numerous Israeli incursions into its air space and as Israeli forces conducted operations against Hezbollah. The continued presence of Syrian forces in the country led to international debate and internal political disruption.

In February in Qatar the former Chechen president, Zelimkhan Yanderbiyev, who lived in Doha, was killed in an explosion. Two Russian spies were charged with his murder and sentenced to life in prison but have now been extradited to Russia.

Saudi Arabian authorities cracked down against militant training and operations in the country following a surge in internal atrocities. Among these attacks, many linked to al Qaeda, were:

We discussed "Saudi Arabia and Terrorist Financing: in May
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/052304.html#FeatureArticle

Syria struggled to contain clashes in Kurdish areas that, in the spring, killed at least 25 people. In April an attack on a former UN building killed four. The US imposed economic sanctions in May and in September the UN Security Council called for foreign forces to leave Lebanon.

Yemen took legal action against suspects in the USS Cole and Limburg tanker bombings. Dissident cleric Hussein al-Houthi led troops in battles against government forces from June until al-Houthi was killed in September, ending the northern revolt.

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6. South Asia

Afghanistan's elections were delayed but the presidential vote was held successfully, making Hamid Karzai the country's first democratically elected leader. He faces serious challenges in dealing with an economy dependent almost solely on the opium trade, where most regions are still controlled by warlords, and Taliban and al Qaeda continue operations, albeit with less effect. International aid was provided around the election, but little has materialized to support reconstruction. Note "Afghanistan: The Forgotten War"
https://terrorismcentral.com/Newsletters/2004/060604.html#FeatureArticle

Bangladesh suffered from tornadoes and floods throughout 2004, including the December tsunami. The July-September floods left 800 people dead, 30 million homeless or stranded, 20 million in need of food aid, and a million hectares of crops destroyed. In addition to the natural disasters, Bangladesh continued to experience high levels of ethnic and political violence as well as piracy and crime. In May a bomb attack on a Muslim shrine in Sylhet killed two and injured 50. In August a grenade attack on a rally for the opposition Awami League killed 19. Bangladesh, named the most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International for the last four years, appointed a new Anti-Corruption Commission.

Bhutan continued cooperation with India to combat separatist rebels established in the southern border areas.

India both continued military operations against separatist groups and opened discussions to end conflict with others. Significant operations were carried out in the northeast, with assistance from Burma. Rebel groups carried out dozens of attacks, involving hundreds of casualties. In Manipur, use of harsh anti-terrorism laws was blamed for an upsurge in violence. The legendary bandit Veerappan was killed in October.

India and Pakistan entered into a series of meetings to help end long running disputes including reducing nuclear threats and the future of Kashmir. For the first time, moderate Kashmir separatists have been involved in meetings. In Kashmir, separatists and militant Islamists launched dozens of attacks, including gun battles and bombings primarily directed against security forces.

Maldives has been under a state of emergency imposed in August after a pro-democracy demonstration turned violent. Some of the restrictions have been lifted.

Nepal's Maoist rebels adopted general strikes and lengthy blockades as tactics to put additional pressure on the government. There were brief ceasefires, but fighting between rebels and government forces continued throughout the year, leading to hundreds of deaths. Human rights abuses hare reportedly increased and political reform is largely stalemated, despite periodic demonstrations by opposition groups.

Pakistan's leading nuclear scientist and national hero, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, was found responsible for a veritable nuclear supermarket in which technology was transferred to Libya, North Korea and Iran. Investigations continue, but this discovery has been material in forcing India and Pakistan, with international assistance, to consider stronger measures to prevent accidental nuclear incidents. Pakistan continued military offensives against suspected militants at the Afghan border and attempted to combat factional violence as well. One of the worst attacks was in May when a Shia mosque was bombed, killing 16 and injuring 40. President Musharraf now plans to stay on as head of the army, after previously announcing plans to step down from that role.

Sri Lanka opened the year in the midst of a political crisis that was only somewhat mitigated by early general elections held in April. One of the issues in the political power struggle was over concessions with the Tamil Tigers and the fragile peace process. Internal fighting among rival Tiger faction leaders killed dozens and there was a suicide bombing in Colombo in July, the first since 2001. All this paled compared to the national disaster now faced following the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

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7. Cyberterrorism and Information Warfare

In addition to weekly reports on the latest cyber threats, we reported in depth on a number of topics:

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8. Finance

Cooperative efforts to stop financing of illegal activities were greatly stepped up in the last year. A number of these trends were covered in the Newsletter"

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9. Human Rights

One of the most disturbing events of 2004 was the discovery that the world's leading advocate for human rights - the United States - was itself guilty of gross human rights abuses, including torture and serious abuse of prisoners held in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the US. The Supreme Court set down a series of rulings that began to give detainees, held without trial for many years, access to the US legal system. Prison abuse by soldiers is also working its way through military and civilian courts.

We also covered

And, in celebrating the Red Sox win of the baseball World Series

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10. Transportation

Airline security was given priority after September 11, but maritime threats gained increasing attention during the year. Our coverage included:

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11. Weapons of Mass Destruction

Weapons of Mass Destruction were more notable for their absence, as described in

Biological threats remain serious, note:

Following a meeting on landmines, we published

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