Just the Phax
Last Updated: 2135 Hours Eastern Standard Time, September 16, 2001 C.E.
A website devoted to presenting all reputable evidence
regarding the World Trade Center bombing.
Quote of the day:
"When I first saw it, I didn't think it was real. It didn't look real. It looked like I was watching a movie. They looked like extras, until I saw their faces. Then it hit me... they weren't just running. They were running for their lives."
- A fifth grader's reaction to the WTC Attack.
If anyone has heard about or seen Matthew Barnes, a NYC Firefighter who was in the South Tower before it collapsed, please contact me ASAP. I will attempt to upload a picture for easy recognition.
This is our Pearl Harbor. This is our Kennedy Assassination. Only this time there are no markings on the planes, there is no grassy knoll, there is no gun sticking out of a window. This is the beginning of what will be a long, arduous conflict and it will likely shape the twenty-first century. Just as our grandfathers did on that fateful day in 1941, we must stand in the face of "A day that will live in infamy" and defeat the newest threat to freedom.
Greetings. I am Sky. Outraged by the travesty that has taken place today, September 11, 2001, in New York City, I have begun a search for all reputable information regarding possible suspects for the carnage that occurred in Downtown Manhattan this morning. Every day I will update this site with whatever relevant information is posted. Essentially I scour the internet and filter the junk so you don't have to, and so you stay informed.
Articles - 9/16/2001
Special Thoughts of an Afghan-American on Tuesday's Attacks and our Retaliation-To-Come
An editorial from an Afghan-American about the recent events and how we should retaliate. Read for an interesting perspective.
Special
U.S.
Faces Islamic Radical Network
New
The United States is
declaring war on international terrorism. But such a fight will not just be
against suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden and his organization. Washington
will also have to dismantle a global Islamic terrorist network.
Martyring bin Laden May Increase Attacks New
Publicly released evidenceis pointing to Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden as the prime suspect in last week's terrorist attacks on the United States. The evidence found so far suggests that whoever planned the attacks is attempting to focus the blame, and inevitable U.S. reprisal, on bin Laden. But arresting or killing bin Laden may make a martyr out of him, and increase attacks on U.S. targets.
Pakistan
Key for Afghan Attack
New
The United States is looking increasingly likely to strike
Afghanistan for its harboring of Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden, the prime
suspect in this week's terrorist attacks on the United States. But to do so
cooperation with Pakistan will be the key.
Russia's
View, Russia's Options
The Kremlin is debating the proper course to take on the United
States' newly declared war on terrorism. Siding with Washington could mean a
golden opportunity to have the United States acknowledge Russia's geopolitical
interests in the former Soviet Union, but it also presents dangerous potential
for future domestic troubles.
China-U.S.
Relationship Redefined
China's
offer to help America tackle terrorism could lead to cooperation between two
powers that have been competing for influence, particularly in Southeast Asia,
where Islamic fundamentalism is a growing threat.
Japan's
Economy Almost Out of Options
U.S.
demand for Japanese exports is one of the few things that have kept Japan
afloat. Now, with U.S. consumer spending likely to shrivel, there is no export
market to which the country can turn.
EU
Stability Pact May Crumble
As
the U.S. economic engine slows further, European economies will weaken, and
government budget deficits will rise.
U.S.
Unable to Lead Global Recovery
The U.S.
economy will likely fall into a recession following the Sept. 11 attacks, and
the military response may worsen matters.
No
Easy Battle
To successfully fight a war against terrorism, the U.S. military must
find a way to attack organizations that have no concrete structure.
Counterterrorism
to Displace NMD
The
terrorist attacks this week on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon will have
many impacts on U.S. budget priorities, especially defense.
Latin
America's Response
The Sept.
11 suicide attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., likely will have
far-reaching economic, political and social consequences in Latin America.
Global
Intelligence Cooperation
Comes With Risks
Countries such as China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have offered to
help find America's attackers. Cooperation is vital, but Washington must be wary
of governments that might skew it to solve their own security problems.
U.S. Needs New Threat Assessment
Special
Low-Grade
Follow-On Strikes Possible
The size
and sophistication of the Sept. 11 attacks suggest the planners would likely
have planned subsequent, low-grade strikes.
FBI List of Suspected Hijackers
Today's Events - 9/16/2001
(most recent listed first)
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell indicated Sept. 16 that Syria and Iran could potentially be brought into a global anti-terror coalition, despite widespread differences over Israel and U.S. accusations that the two countries support terrorism, Reuters reported. Both Syria and Iran have publicly condemned this week's attacks. 2214 GMT, 091601
Ha'aretz reported that the head of Israeli Central Command, Maj. Gen. Yitzhak Eitan, has ordered areas of the northern West Bank along the "seam line" dividing Israel and Palestinian-held territory closed. The area -- which is as wide as 2 miles at certain points -- has reportedly been used in recent months by suicide bombers to penetrate Israel. The closure will mean that only Palestinians who live in the area will be allowed to enter and leave without a special permit. 2214 GMT, 091601
Middle East Newsline reported that Iran attacked the camp of the Iranian opposition group Mujahadeen-e Khalq Organization (MKO), which is based in Iraq, on Sept. 13. According to a statement released by the MKO, five missiles were fired at a camp in Jaalaula, northeast of Baghdad, missing the base but injuring several Iraqis. Reports of the attack are unconfirmed. A similar but larger attack was carried out in April of this year. 2154 GMT, 091601
Middle East Newsline reports that Saudi Arabia arrested two supporters of Osama bin Laden this weekend in Mecca. One of the men was identified as a Pakistani national and the other an Indian national, and both are reportedly members of the Muhajiroun group which represents bin Laden interests abroad. Citing Saudi opposition sources who expect further arrests, the report says that the detentions appear to be part of a larger crackdown on bin Laden supporters in the country. 2054 GMT, 091601
ITAR-TASS news
agency has reported that Russian Army Division 201 based in Tajikistan has been
placed on "heightened combat alert." Two regiments of the 7,000-man
division are located 60 miles from the Afghan border. Russia has several
military units based in Tajikistan, including some 10,000 men patrolling the
Tajik-Afghan border, according to AFP. 1944 GMT, 091601
London's Sunday Telegraph reports that a terror cell funded by Osama bin Laden plotted to attack the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France last February. According to the report, the group planned to release nerve gas during a session of parliament in February of this year, but their plan was foiled by German police investigating another cell in Frankfurt. Officials reportedly arrested six men based in Britain and charged them under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, but charges were later dropped "for security reasons." 1839 GMT, 091601
BBC reports that at least three terrorist cells linked to Osama bin Laden are based in the United Kingdom. Intelligence sources cited by the BBC say that some of the planning for the attacks in the United States may have taken place in London, including recruitment and training of volunteers, securing false passports and communications equipment and raising of funds for weapons purchases. 1832 GMT, 091601
China Online reported Sept. 14 that Chinese cellular telephone manufacturers are concerned that the suspension of flights from the U.S. and other supply disruptions could lead to large business losses. Chinese manufacturers import much of their chips and core components from the United States. 1820 GMT, 091601
Tajikistan's chief Foreign Ministry spokesman said Sept. 16 that his government will not allow Western nations to utilize its territory on Afghanistan's northern border to stage attacks into the country. This follows earlier comments by Tajik Prime Minister Akil Akilov that his government might consider an American request to provide air corridors for strikes on Afghanistan, but only with approval from Russia and the international community. 1815 GMT, 091601
Ha'aretz reported
Sept. 16 that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will allow a meeting between
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat to
discuss a cease-fire only with the pre-condition that there is "complete
quiet for 48 consecutive hours." Ha'aretz cited sources close to Peres
saying that Sharon is attempting to use the attacks in the United States to
block any chance for the resumption of peace talks, leading to the most serious
crises between Peres and Sharon since the Israeli coalition government was
formed. 1757 GMT, 091601
Pakistan News Service reported Sept. 16 that Pakistan has pulled back its senior diplomatic staff from Kabul, including its ambassador Arif Ayub. A senior Foreign Office official stated the withdrawal was done for security purposes but that the embassy in Kabul would remain open. This has not been confirmed by other sources. 1731 GMT, 091601
Pakistan News Service reports that Pakistan has frozen the bank accounts of some 300 important Afghan nationals, including "present and former ministers and war commanders." Citing high-ranking sources in the Pakistani banking sector, the news service reported that the move was initiated Sept. 15 by the Sate Bank of Pakistan. 1710 GMT, 091601
Russian news agency Interfax reported that Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov has ruled out the use of Central Asia as a base for possible strikes against the Taliban. "I don't see any bases for even a hypothetical possibility of NATO military action on the territory of the Central Asian nations that belong to the Commonwealth of Independent States," Ivanov told reporters in Yerevan. 1702 GMT, 091601
Pakistan daily
Dawn reported Sept. 15 that the United Arab Emirates is reviewing its
relationship with the Taliban following this week's attacks in the United
States, citing an unnamed, official source within the UAE government. The UAE,
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are the only three states to recognize the Taliban
government in Afghanistan. 1652 GMT, 091601
Pakistan daily Dawn reported Sept. 15 that President Pervez Musharraf will likely visit China this week "to take the Chinese leadership into confidence over the latest developments in the region," citing a highly placed official source. Musharraf will reportedly seek to assure Beijing that Pakistan will continue to act as a sovereign state. The same source stated that a special envoy of Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdullah arrived in Islamabad Sept. 16 for consultations, and that Musharraf spoke directly with Prince Abdullah later in the day. 1643 GMT, 091601
New York Stock Exchange Chairman Richard Grasso announced Sept. 15 that the world's largest exchange successfully tested its trading system and should be open for trading Sept. 17. Representatives of the New York City Fire and Police Departments and Emergency Services will ring the opening bell, Grasso said. 1635 GMT, 091601
BBC reports that
Israeli forces entered the West Bank city of Ramallah Sept. 16, killing a member
of the Palestinian security forces and wounding 15 others. Israeli tanks entered
Ramallah with helicopter support and later withdrew to positions outside the
city. In a separate incident, a Palestinian ambulance driver was killed by
shrapnel overnight near Bethlehem. 1615 GMT, 091601
In a statement faxed to AP, the militant Shia Islamic group Hezbollah expressed regret for the loss of innocent life this week but blamed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on "oppressive" policies by Washington. It warned the United States not use the attacks as an excuse "to practice all sorts of aggression and terrorism under the pretext of fighting aggression and terrorism." 1559 GMT, 091601
A delegation of Pakistani officials plans to visit Afghanistan possibly by Sept. 17 to convince the ruling Taliban to hand over suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, Fox News reported. The Pakistani group will reportedly tell the Taliban leaders that an international coalition is being assembled to attack Afghanistan if bin Laden is not delivered. 1605 GMT, 091601
International oil companies exploring oil and gas in Pakistan have stopped their operations and ordered their senior staff to leave the country immediately following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon this week, Pakistan News Service reported. British Petroleum of America, BHP Australia and OME Austria have stopped their operational work and ordered their staff to leave Pakistan. 1559 GMT, 091601
The Jerusalem Post reported that Islamic Jihad leader Abdullah Shami praised the attack on the United States, telling reporters Sept. 15, "What happened in the U.S. made us extremely happy, even if we were not responsible for it." 1545 GMT, 091601
The Jerusalem Post reports that a Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon canceled a meeting planned for Sept. 16 between Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres. U.S. President George W. Bush called Sharon Sept. 14 to urge him to allow the meeting. Sources cited by the Jerusalem Post stated that Sharon referred to Arafat as Israel's Osama bin Laden, as he did at the White House several months ago. 1530 GMT, 091601
IRNA cited a report in the Tehran daily Iran that the Taliban threatened Pakistan Sept. 15 with a "massive attack" if it assisted the United States in launching military strikes on Afghanistan. 1510 GMT, 091601
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney said Sept. 16 on NBC's Meet the Press that he has "no doubt" that Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden played a significant role in this week's terrorist attacks, calling him "the prime suspect." 1500 GMT, 091601
The Saudi Press
Agency reports that Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad will make an official visit
to Yemen on Sept. 17. He will discuss "issues of mutual interest" in
talks with his counterpart, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Salih. 1443 GMT,
091601
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