Watching the Shadows

“Terrorism” conviction for translating agitprop

Media accounts portray Tarek Mehanna as a dangerous conspirator—but he never actually received “terrorist training” in Yemen, and the texts he apparently translated were al-Qaeda propaganda videos.

Watching the Shadows

Flying robots to patrol Belfast (yes, really)

Police in Northern Ireland are considering deployment of mini-drones to combat crime and the dissident Republican threat. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are small enough to fit into a rucksack and will be used for surveillance.

Watching the Shadows

Anwar al-Awlaki killed in drone strike; ACLU charges illegality

US-born purported al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki was killed in a drone strike in the Yemeni province of Jawf. The American Civil Liberties Union said the killing was part of a US counter-terrorism program that “violates both US and international law.”

Watching the Shadows

Al-Qaeda to Ahmadinejad: Aw shut up already, will ya?

Will the 9-11 “Truthers” give any honest reaction to al-Qaeda’s statement telling Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to stop trying to deprive the terror network of the glory by blaming the attacks on the US government? We’re waiting, guys…

Watching the Shadows

Hezbollah leader could get US military trial: report

The Obama administration is considering trying Ali Mussa Daqduq, the former leader of Hezbollah who was captured in Iraq, in a military commission on US soil, according to anonymous counter-terrorism officials.

Watching the Shadows

Federal appeals court rules 17-year sentence for Padilla too lenient

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a 17-year term was not enough for Jose Padilla, convicted on terrorism charges, ordering a new sentence. Padilla himself is suing the US, saying he was illegally detained for over three years on a military base.