Taliban Make Comeback Inside Pakistan, Shari'a Law Imposed

The new fledgling government of Pakistan came to an agreement with Taliban fighters and is allowing the Taliban to impose Shari'a Law in the Swat Valley region of Pakistan.

In the agreement, the Pakistan government declared a truce with the Taliban and according to the Associated Press, gave the insurgents dominance in the Swat region by installing a strict regimen of Islamic law amenable to the militants' authority. The pact was spear headed by a hard-line cleric sent to the region to negotiate with the Taliban and persuade them to give up their arms.

In essence, whether or not Pakistan or other nations will admit it openly, this once again gives the Taliban their own territory, and government. With this territory located near Afghanistan, and within the northern territory of Pakistan near the heavily disputed region of Kashmir it presents a huge problem for western nations in the efforts to combat terrorism.

This is a clear set back for the United States, which has remained largely silent on the issue, and posses a direct national security threat on many levels,as it gives the Taliban an opertunuity to rule, and plan openly.

As spring looms in the northern hemisphere, and an increase in troops that are headed for Afghanistan there may well be some tough fighting ahead.

Either way, the stage has been set for the terrorists to effectively plan more attacks against the West from a protected position. Will an invasion of Pakistan happen next?

Pakistan Admits Mumbai Attacks Planned On Their Soil

For the first time Pakistan admitted that the Mumbai terror attacks were planned inside their country.

Pakistan’s Interior Ministry Adviser Rehman Malik told a press conference that “some part of the conspiracy has taken place in Pakistan,” adding that eight people had been arrested – including a few named by India as masterminds.

But he also unveiled a slew of foreign links pointing to a network of “non-state actors” providing logistical support from around the globe. These include:

• Internet phone accounts arranged in Barcelona
• a digital teleconferencing system in Houston
• the use of Indian mobile phone connections
• a domain name registered in Russia
• a satellite phone registered in a Middle Eastern country
• further links to Austria and Italy.

Victoria Police Hunt For Suspect Wanted In Connection To Australian Wildfires

Composite photo released on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 by the Victoria State Police

Police are hunting for multiple arson suspects that have allegedly set wildfires in Victoria Australia, and have released the composite photo above of one of the possible suspects.

Though it is being reported that the fires are currently no longer a threat to residents, the current death toll is around 181 people and is expected to rise. Many of those who were killed, died while trying to escape in their cars.

Australia has had a history of wildfires, though these are the worst on record. In addition to the deaths, about 5,000 people have been left homeless.

Australians have raised almost A$34m ($22m) to help ravaged communities, this is on top of A$15m Mr Rudd pledged.

Salmonella Outbreak, Product Recall Grows

The Salmonella outbreak and product recall continues to expand. It now includes pet foods, fruit, and vegetable products.

Currently all consumer based peanut butter in jars are considered safe.

For a complete listing of the products go to Peanut Butter Product Recalls

Currently a total of 486 people have been sickened in the outbreak, with six deaths. 65 people have become ill in Ohio, with 62 reported in California.

U.S. Navy Intercepts Arms Shipment From Iran

The U.S. Navy has intercepted an arms shipment from Iran, believed to be for Hamas.

The search turned up ammunition that included artillery shells. But one official said that since Hamas is not known to use artillery, officials are now uncertain who the intended recipient was. They're asking Egypt to do another search when the ship arrives in port.