Gentlemen, this is a football

Vince Lombardi is the greatest football coach in the history of the NFL. Hey, the trophy for the championship is named after him, enough said. But his genius in football was a reflection for something else deep in his core. His desire to succeed. In his chosen profession there was none better and he would teach this techniques for success to business professionals. His What It Takes To Be Number One is a staple in countless offices throughout the world.

Doing this job is even more important than winning the NFL championship... in two weeks a team will win the championship of the NFL...out championship is winning difficult circumstances from minor disagreements to life or death situations. The loser in the Superbowl goes home for another try "next year" but their goal is to go home with the trophy. A cop's trophy is going home every night...that is the trophy. Different professions, but the objective is the same, in Lombardi's words, "...to be first in anything we do, and to win, and to win, and to win."

A retired SWAT officer gives a great review of why it's important to be number one in this profession.

Robert O'Brien

Recently, HBO aired an outstanding documentary about the life story of Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Packers coaching legend. Another coaching great, John Madden, told the story of attending a Lombardi-taught coaching clinic as a young coach.

Madden said Lombardi spent eight solid hours teaching the Packers' unstoppable power sweep run play. Eight hours teaching a single play. With the utmost respect and reverence, Madden said that's when he realized, "I don't know a damn thing."

What Madden learned from Lombardi was the great lengths some are willing to go to be successful. A valuable lesson applicable not only to football, but to all of life's endeavors. It begs the question — how much time and effort are we willing to devote to being "the best."

We can apply this lesson to suspect searches. There are a number of universal factors I'll call to your attention:

•Suspect searches are among the most common assignments in law enforcement.

•Suspects will either fight or flee.

•Fleeing suspects will hide.

•Fleeing suspects often fight to effect escape.

•All suspect searches are dangerous and sometimes deadly.

•All street/field LEOs will be involved in suspect searches during their careers.

Fight or flight is an instinctive behavior pattern among all living creatures and the very nature of law enforcement, especially suspect searches, creates this adversarial dynamic. This dynamic turned deadly overnight in Cleveland.

Police pulled over a suspicious vehicle, and a passenger came out shooting with a TEC-9 pistol (and 30-round mag). He fled on foot as numerous officers responded to assist and conduct a yard-to-yard search.

Officers cornered

March 21, 2009 was the deadliest day in Oakland Police history. After two motor officers were shot and killed, information led officers to an apartment building. When SWAT made entry, the suspect, hiding inside a bedroom closet, opened up with an AK-47, shooting and killing two OPD SWAT sergeants and wounding a third before being shot and killed by return fire.

On the morning of Jan. 20, two Miami-Dade Police detectives were shot and killed; a third detective was wounded; and the fourth detective killed the suspect by return fire. The officers were experienced members of a career criminal unit, conducting a search for a suspect in a previous murder.

What these and so many other deadly confrontations have in common is they all involve suspect searches. All the officers involved in the preceding incidents were experienced, well trained, armed and equipped.

And in these three incidents alone, a total of nine people, including six police officers, were shot and killed. 2011 appears to be picking up where the deadly year of 2010 for police left off. And it's only Jan. 24.

What John Madden learned from legendary coach Vince Lombardi echoes in the prophetic, haunting words of former Ashtabula County (Ohio) SO's SWAT Team Leader, Terry Thorpe:

"When you aren't practicing, somewhere, someone is, and when you meet him, he will win."

To this, I'll add, You will meet him, and you will win."

Officer Down

Police Officer Tom Hayes
Columbus Ohio Division of Police
End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Date of Incident: Tuesday, December 18, 1979


Officer Tom Hayes succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained 31 years earlier while attempting to arrest two teens on a curfew violation.

He had responded to a local convenience store after receiving reports of a disturbance by the two teens. The boys had been drinking, smoking marijuana and had taken LSD. As Officer Hayes attempted to arrest them a scuffle ensued in which one of the boys pulled out a handgun and shot him in the back. The wound caused him to become paralyzed below the waist.

Officer Hayes' continued to suffer serious health issues as the result of the wound, including the amputation of one of his legs six years prior to his death.

Despite his wounds and health issues, Officer Hayes continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the Columbus Division of Police. Prior to being shot, he had served with the agency for seven years. He is survived by his wife.

Rest in Peace Bro…We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Little Deadfish can't be mayor..boo hoo

I was very happy to see the Illinois Applette Court rule Rham “Deadfish” Emanuel, former hatchet man for B Hussein Obama coulnd't run for mayor in 2011 for multiple reasons. First it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. For a man who got his nickname for sending a fish wrapped in paper to a political rival and is famous (infamous) for getting into a heated political discussion with a naked represenative in the House of Represenative shower, getting snake bitten by the law is pure joy. But two parts of the decision I really find worthy of note:

...Consequently, we have neither a current supreme court directive, nor persuasive appellate court reasoning, compelling us to treat candidate residency requirements in the same manner as voter residency requirements, and we have some indications from the supreme court that the requirements might diverge. We must, therefore, ourselves interpret the Municipal Code’s use of the phrase "resided in" to determine if it should be construed as being synonymous with, or different from, the Election Code’s residency requirements for voters.

We begin this task by resort to familiar principles of statutory interpretation. For a court interpreting a statute, the primary goal is to ascertain and give effect to the intention ofthe legislature, and the best indicator of that intent is the statute’s language, given its plain and ordinary meaning. Cinkus,228 Ill.2d at 216…

How refreshing to see a judge actually say you must interpret the law as written and understood by it’s plain language, as opposed to the junior justice of the US Supreme Court who is convinced that “court of appeals is where policy is made." But I really love this part

To that end, the candidate argues that, regardless of whether he meets the candidate eligibility requirements of subsection 3.1-10-5(a) of the Municipal Code, he nonetheless may be qualified as a candidate by virtue of section 3-2 of the Election Code, which provides as follows:
"(a) A permanent abode is necessary to constitute a residence within the meaning of Section 3-1. No elector or spouse shall be deemed to have lost his or her residence in any precinct or election district in this State by reason of his or her absence on business of the United States, or of this State." 10 ILCS 5/3-2 (West 2008).

According to the candidate, he falls within this exception
because his absence from Chicago was attributable to his service as the Chief of Staff to the President of the United States. We agree with the candidate that his service constituted "business of the United States" and thus that this exception applies to him. We disagree, however, with his position that the exception saves his candidacy. In our view, the exception embodied by section 3-2 of the Election Code applies only to voter residency requirements, not to candidate residency requirements.
We base this conclusion largely on the plain language of the
Election Code. That plain language limits the reach of the
"business of the United States" exception to "elector[s]" or their spouses; it makes no mention of "candidates." Further, as we have noted, we must interpret statutes "as a whole, with each provision construed in connection with every other section." Cinkus, 228 Ill. 2d at 216-17. Section 3-2's "business of the United States" exception is housed not only in the Election Code, but in a portion of the Election Code dealing exclusively with voter qualification, in fact in an Article titled "Qualification of Voters." See 10 ILCS 5/3-1 through 3-5 (West 2008). As explained above, the Municipal Code sets forth two qualifications for candidates: they must meet the Election Code’s standards for a "qualified voter," and they must have "resided in" the municipality for one year preceding the election. The location of section 3-2's "business of the United States" exception--in the Election Code, and in an article of the Election Code dedicated exclusively to voter qualification--supports the conclusion that the exception applies only to the Election Code’s "qualified voter" standard, and not to any supplemental candidate qualifications located outside the
Election Code.

He’s qualified to vote in the elections, just not be voted for in this election. This is pure pleasure to read.

Maybe if little Rham wouldn’t have been so cheap and kept the house his “official” residence instead of leasing it…or maybe if he had had the leg’s of his tenant broken he could have had this issue “handled”…but for now (the Illinois Supreme Court has a history of finding law) he’s out.

Deadfish, you’re kinda smelly right now! And remember you always count your friends when times are bad...is BO flying in anytime soon?

Officer Down

Corporal Charles Richard (Chuck) Nesbitt Jr.
Sumter South Carolina Police Department
End of Watch: Friday, January 21, 2011
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 10 years

Corporal Chuck Nesbitt was killed in an automobile accident on Highway 521 near Rembert, South Carolina, at approximately 3:00 pm.

He and another officer were returning to Sumter after transporting a prisoner to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice when their patrol car collided with another vehicle head-on. Both officers were transported to a local hospital where Corporal Nesbitt succumbed to his injuries.

Corporal Nesbitt had served with the Sumter Police Department for 10 years.

Rest in Peace Bro…We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

A comment on a liberal sacrament

Saturday B Hussein Obama's propaganda office put out this memo...we're not sure if it was actually written by him (not beyond the realm of possibility....read Obama's Wars by Woodworth) or a 20 something clerk.

Quote:

Today marks the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protects women's health and reproductive freedom, and affirms a fundamental principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters.

I am committed to protecting this constitutional right. I also remain committed to policies, initiatives, and programs that help prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant women and mothers, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption.

And on this anniversary, I hope that we will recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights, the same freedoms, and the same opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.

I’m not sure what is more pathetic. The fact his government which just passed a law moving us to nationalized health care (complete with paying doctors to tell granny “It’s time you thought of pulling the plug on yourself”) put this out….or that there is not one objective journalist who will ask him or Robert Fibbs about this…or ask the ladies at the NOW about the obvious lie this is and why you are supporting someone who just cut a half trillion dollars from Medicare…

Pathetic…George Orwell would love it.

Elmer is saying it's five o'clock somewhere

Our new son Elmer has started early....but at least he has good taste in beer. :<)

Thanks Scott for corrupting your nephew early....

Packer fans to roast Bear

I'm hungry....


Ah, leave it to the bureaucrats to screw up the fun...Go Packers!

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A sports bar owner in Minnesota is showing his support for the Green Bay Packers in this weekend's game against the Chicago Bears in a very literal way -- by roasting a bear.

Blake Montpetit, the co-owner of Tiffany Sports Lounge in St. Paul, says he plans to cook a 180-pound black bear in a pig-roaster over hickory and charcoal on Sunday. He says his cousin shot it in northern Wisconsin during bear hunting season, which runs in September and October, and then froze it.

Montpetit says he planned to serve the meat to customers, but the state health department rejected the plan because the meat is unprocessed. Instead, customers can take photos with the roasting bear.

UPDATE: 1/23/11: The Obama Curse works again. B Hussein Obama said if Chicago wins the NFC he would go to the Superbowl in Dallas next month. Now the fact the security arrangements would be unreal and he would screw over the thousands of people going for a once in a life time event apparently didn't concern him. Well, at least the fans in Dallas February 6th won't have to deal with Barry and the rest...at least for that day.

Good luck Green Bay!

Officer Down

Detective Roger Castillo
Miami-Dade Police Department
End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tour of Duty: 21 years


Detective Amanda Haworth
Miami-Dade Police Department
End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 23 years


Detectives Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth were shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a murder suspect.


The detectives, along with two other members of a regional task force, had gone to a home near the intersection of NW Seventh Avenue and 69th Street. Upon making contact with an occupant of the home, someone inside immediately opened fire, striking Detectives Castillo, Haworth, and a third detective. The fourth detective on the scene returned fire and killed the suspect.


Detective Castillo succumbed to his wounds at the scene. Detective Haworth was transported to a local hospital where she passed away during surgery.


Detective Castillo had served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for 21 years.


Detective Haworth had served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for 23 years. She is survived by her teenage son

Rest in Peace …We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

The Oklahoma Full Auto Shoot and Trade Show

Back in the summer of 86 I went through my ROTC Advanced Camp at Fort Riley Kansas.  You know what you got near Ft Riley...tell me and we'll both know. 

Well one thing I do remember from those six miserable weeks (and trust me I have been trying to purge that wasted summer from my memory) was the Million Dollar Minute or what was officialy called the "Live Fire Demonstration".  Every weapon we had in tbe arsenal short of the 16 inch guns on the battleship USS New Jersey fired for one minute.  And we blew a million in ammunition. Man that was fun.

This isn't quite as good but it's still great...



Thanks Robert W for the link...

Security Weekly- .Chinese Espionage and French Trade Secrets January 20, 2011

By Sean Noonan

Paris prosecutor Jean-Claude Marin on Jan. 14 began an inquiry into allegations of commercial espionage carried out against French carmaker Renault. The allegations first became public when Renault suspended three of its employees on Jan. 3 after an internal investigation that began in August 2010. Within days, citing an anonymous French government source, Reuters reported that French intelligence services were looking into the possibility that China played a role in the Renault espionage case. While the French government refused to officially confirm this accusation, speculation has run wild that Chinese state-sponsored spies were stealing electric-vehicle technology from Renault.

The Chinese are well-known perpetrators of industrial espionage and have been caught before in France, but the details that have emerged so far about the Renault operation differ from the usual Chinese method of operation. And much has been learned about this MO just in the last two years across the Atlantic, where the United States has been increasingly aggressive in investigating and prosecuting cases of Chinese espionage. If Chinese intelligence services were indeed responsible for espionage at Renault it would be one of only a few known cases involving non-Chinese nationals and would have involved the largest amount of money since the case of the legendary Larry Wu-Tai Chin, China’s most successful spy.

STRATFOR has previously detailed the Chinese intelligence services and the workings of espionage with Chinese characteristics. A look back at Chinese espionage activities uncovered in the United States in 2010, since our latest report was compiled, can provide more context and detail about current Chinese intelligence operations.

Chinese Espionage in the U.S.

We chose to focus on operations in the United States for two reasons. First, the United States is a major target for Chinese industrial espionage. This is because it is a leader in technology development, particularly in military hardware desired by China’s expanding military, and a potential adversary at the forefront of Chinese defense thinking. Second, while it is not the only country developing major new technologies in which China would be interested, the United States has been the most aggressive in prosecuting espionage cases against Chinese agents, thereby producing available data for us to work with. Since 2008, at least seven cases have been prosecuted each year in the United States against individuals spying for China. Five were prosecuted in 2007. Going back to about 2000, from one to three cases were prosecuted annually, and before that, less than one was prosecuted per year.

Most of the cases involved charges of violating export restrictions or stealing trade secrets rather than the capital crime of stealing state secrets. As the premier agency leading such investigations, the FBI has clearly made a policy decision to refocus on counterintelligence after an overwhelming focus on counterterrorism following 9/11, and its capability to conduct such investigations has grown. In 2010, 11 Chinese espionage cases were prosecuted in the United States, the highest number yet, and they featured a wide range of espionage targets.

Ten of the 11 cases involved technology acquisition, and five were overt attempts to purchase and illegally export encryption devices, mobile-phone components, high-end analog-to-digital converters, microchips designed for aerospace applications and radiation-hardened semiconductors. These technologies can be used in a wide range of Chinese industries. While the mobile-phone technology would be limited to Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) such as China Mobile, the aerospace-related microchips could be used in anything from rockets to fighter jets. Xian Hongwei and someone known as “Li Li” were arrested in September 2010 for allegedly attempting to purchase those aerospace-related microchips from BAE Systems, which is one of the companies involved in the development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Similar espionage may have played a role in China’s development of the new J-20 fifth-generation fighter, but that is only speculation.

(click here to enlarge image)

Five other cases in 2010 involved stealing trade secrets. These included organic light- emitting diode processes from Dupont, hybrid vehicle technology from GM, insecticide formulas from the Dow Chemical Company, paint formulas from Valspar and various vehicle design specifications from Ford. These types of Chinese cases, while often encouraged by state officials, are more similar to industrial espionage conducted by corporations. Since many of the major car companies in China are state-run, these technologies benefit both industry and the state.

But that does not mean these efforts are directed from Beijing. History shows that such espionage activities are not well coordinated. Various Chinese company executives (who are also Communist Party officials) have different requirements for their industrial espionage. In cases where two SOEs are competing to sell similar products, they may both try to recruit agents to steal the same technology. There are also a growing number of private Chinese companies getting involved in espionage. One notable example was when Du Shanshan and Qin Yu passed on technology from GM to Chery Automobile, a private, rather than state-run, manufacturer. In the five trade-secret cases in 2010, most of the suspects were caught because of poor tradecraft. They stored data on their hard drives, sent e-mails on company computers and had obvious communications with companies in China. This is not the kind of tradecraft we would expect from trained intelligence officers. Most of these cases probably involved ad hoc agents, some of whom were likely recruited while working in the United States and offered jobs back in China when they were found to have access to important technology.

These cases show how Chinese state-run companies can have an interest in espionage in order to improve their own products, both for the success of their companies and in the national interest of China. The U.S. Department of Justice has not provided specific details on how the stolen defense-related technologies were intended to be used in China, so it is hard to tell whether they would have enhanced China’s military capability.

First-generation Chinese carried out 10 of the 11 publicized cases in the United States last year. Some were living or working temporarily in the United States, others had become naturalized American citizens (with the exception of Xian and Li, who were caught in Hungary). The Chinese intelligence services rely on ethnic Chinese agents because the services do not generally trust outsiders. When recruiting, they also use threats against family members or the individuals themselves. Second- and third-generation Chinese who have assimilated in a new culture are rarely willing to spy, and the Chinese government has much less leverage over this segment of the ethnic-Chinese population living overseas.
In the 11 cases in 2010, it is not clear what payments, if any, the agents might have received. In some cases, such as those involving the trade secrets from Valspar and Ford, the information likely helped the agents land better jobs and/or receive promotions back in China. Cash does not typically rule the effectiveness of newly recruited Chinese spies, as it might with Western recruits. Instead, new Chinese agents are usually motivated by intelligence-service coercion or ideological affinity for China.

The outlier in 2010 was Glenn Duffie Shriver, an American student with no Chinese heritage who applied to work at both the U.S. State Department and the CIA. His was the first publicized case of the Chinese trying to develop an agent in place in the United States since Larry Chin. Shriver studied in China in 2002 and 2003. The recruitment process began when he returned to China in 2004 to seek employment and improve his language capabilities. After responding to an ad for someone with an English-language background to write a political paper, Shriver was paid $120 for producing an article on U.S.-Chinese relations regarding Taiwan and North Korea.

The woman who hired him then introduced him to two Chinese intelligence officers named Wu and Tang. They paid Shriver a total of $70,000 in three payments while he tried to land a job with the U.S. government. Shriver failed the exams to become a foreign service officer and began pursuing a career with the CIA. He was accused of lying on his CIA application by not mentioning at least one trip to China and at least 20 meetings with Chinese intelligence officers. It is not clear how he was exposed, but customs records and passport stamps would have easily revealed any trips to China that he did not report in his CIA application. On Oct. 22, 2010, Shriver pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide national defense information to intelligence officers of the People’s Republic of China and was sentenced to 48 months in prison in accordance with his plea agreement.

A few Americans have been accused of being Chinese agents before, such as former Defense Department official James Fondren, who was caught and convicted in 2009. These cases are rare, though they may increase as Beijing tries to reach higher levels of infiltration. It is also possible that the FBI has been reaching only for low-hanging fruit and that Chinese espionage involving Americans at higher levels is going undetected. If this were the case, it would not be consistent with the general Chinese espionage MO.

China takes a mosaic approach to intelligence, which is a wholly different paradigm than that of the West. Instead of recruiting a few high-level sources, the Chinese recruit as many low-level operatives as possible who are charged with vacuuming up all available open-source information and compiling and analyzing the innumerable bits of intelligence to assemble a complete picture. This method fits well with Chinese demographics, which are characterized by countless thousands of capable and industrious people working overseas as well as thousands more analyzing various pieces of the mosaic back home.

Another case in 2010 was an alleged China-based cyber-attack against Google, in which servers were hacked and customer account information was accessed. Last year, more than 30 other major companies reported similar infiltration attempts occurring in 2009, though we do not know how widespread the effort really is. China’s cyber-espionage capabilities are well known and no doubt will continue to provide more valuable information for China’s intelligence services.

The Renault Case

Few details have been released about the Renault case, which will likely remain confidential until French prosecutors finish their investigation. But enough information has trickled in to give us some idea of the kind of operation that would have targeted Renault’s electric-vehicle program. Three Renault managers were accused: Matthieu Tenenbaum, who was deputy director of Renault’s electric-vehicle program; Michel Balthazard, who was a member of the Renault management board; and Bertrand Rochette, a subordinate of Balthazard who was responsible for pilot projects. Various media reports — mostly from Le Figaro — claim that the State Grid Corporation of China opened bank accounts for two of the three managers (it is unknown which two). Money was allegedly wired through Malta, and Renault’s investigators found deposits of 500,000 euros (about $665,000) and 130,000 euros (about $175,000) respectively in Swiss and Liechtenstein bank accounts.

Assuming this is true, it is still unclear what the money was for. Given that the three executives had positions close to the electric-vehicle program, it seems that some related technology was the target. Patrick Pelata, Renault’s chief operating officer, said that “not the smallest nugget of technical or strategic information on the innovation plan has filtered out of the enterprise.” In other words, Renault uncovered the operation before any technology was leaked — or it is intentionally trying to downplay the damage done in order to reassure investors and protect stock prices. But Pelata also called the operation “a system organized to collect economic, technological and strategic information to serve interests abroad.”

Renault is convinced a foreign entity was involved in a sophisticated intelligence operation against the company. The question is, what foreign entity? On Jan. 13, Renault filed an official complaint with French authorities, saying it was the victim of organized industrial espionage, among other things, committed by “persons unknown.” French Industry Minister Eric Besson clarified Jan. 14 that there was no information to suggest Chinese involvement in the case, though he previously said France was facing “economic war,” presuming that the culprits came from outside France. The source for the original rumors of Chinese involvement is unclear, but the French clearly backed away from the accusation, especially after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei called the accusation “baseless and irresponsible” on Jan. 11 (of course, even if the Chinese were the culprits they would certainly not admit it).

The Chinese have definitely targeted energy-efficient motor vehicle technology in the past, in addition to the Ford and GM cases, and Renault itself is no stranger to industrial espionage activities. In 2007, Li Li Whuang was charged with breach of trust and fraudulent access to a computer system while working as a trainee at Valeo, a French automotive components manufacturer, in 2005. The 24-year-old was studying in Paris when she was offered the trainee position at Valeo. Investigators found files on her computer related to a project with BMW and another with Renault.

The new Renault case, however, is very different from most Chinese espionage cases. First, it involved recruiting three French nationals with no ethnic ties to China, rather than first-generation Chinese. Second, the alleged payments to two of three Renault employees were much larger than Chinese agents usually receive, even those who are not ethnic Chinese. The one notable exception is the case of Larry Chin, who is believed to have received more than $1 million in the 30 years he spied for China as a translator for U.S. intelligence services. Renault executives would also be paid as much or more in salaries than what was found in these bank accounts, though we don’t know if more money was transferred in and out of the accounts. This may not be unprecedented, however; STRATFOR sources have reported being offered many millions of dollars to work for the Chinese government.

Another problem is the alleged use of a Chinese state-owned company to funnel payments to the Renault executives. Using a company traceable not only to China but to the government itself is a huge error in tradecraft. This is not likely a mistake that the Chinese intelligence services would make. In Chin’s case, all payments were made in cash and were exchanged in careful meetings outside the United States, in places where there was no surveillance.
Thus, STRATFOR doubts that the Renault theft was perpetrated by the Chinese. The leak suggesting otherwise was likely an assumption based on China’s frequent involvement in industrial espionage. Still, it could be a sign of new methods in Chinese spycraft.

Higher-level Recruitment?

The Shriver and Renault cases could suggest that some Chinese intelligence operations are so sophisticated that counterintelligence officers are unaware of their activities. They could mean that the Chinese are recruiting higher-level sources and offering them large sums of money. Chin, who got his start working for the U.S. Army during the Korean War, remained undetected until 1985, when a defector exposed him. There may be others who are just as well hidden. However, according to STRATFOR sources, including current and former counterintelligence officers, the vast majority of Chinese espionage operations are perpetrated at low levels by untrained agents.

There is little indication that the Chinese have switched from the high-quantity, low-quality mosaic intelligence method, and cyber-espionage activities such as hacking Google demonstrate that the mosaic method is only growing. The Internet allows China to recruit from its large base of capable computer users to find valuable information in the national interest. It provides even more opportunities to vacuum up information for intelligence analysis. Indeed, cyber-espionage is being used as another form of “insurance,” a way to ensure that the information collected by the intelligence services from other sources is accurate.

If China is responsible for the Renault penetration, the case would represent a change in the Chinese espionage MO, one aiming at a higher level and willing to spend more money, even though most of the cases prosecuted in the United States pointed to a continuation of the mosaic paradigm. Nevertheless, counterintelligence officers are likely watching carefully for higher-level recruits, fearing that others like Chin and Shriver may have remained undetected for years. These cases may be an indication of new resources made available to Western counterintelligence agencies and not new efforts by the Chinese.
One thing is certain: Chinese espionage activities will continue apace in 2011, and it will be interesting to see what targets are picked.

This report is republished with permission of STRATFOR

What's going on in the World Today 110119

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USA

The U.S.-Israeli Stuxnet Alliance | STRATFOR

U.S.: Chinese Automaker To Open R&D Center January 19, 2011

China’s Changan Automobile Group will open a research and development (R&D) center in the U.S. city of Detroit, Xinhua reported Jan. 19. Changan chairman Xu Liuping said the Detroit center will specialize in automotive chassis technology including performance development, computer-aided engineering and manufacturing process research. Xu added the R&D center will help improve Changan’s global product development system and help capture global automotive technology trends.

EUROPE
Poland: Russian Air Controllers Blamed In President's Plane Crash January 18, 2011

Russian air traffic controllers failed to warn the crew of then-President Lech Kaczynski’s plane that they were off course shortly before crashing in 2010, Polish Interior Minister Jerzy Miller said Jan. 18, AP reported. Miller, who heads the Polish panel investigating the crash, said the air traffic controllers confirmed to the crew the plane was on the correct course to land; however, the plane was actually flying about 70 meters below the level it should have been flying. It was also flying about 80 meters off course, Miller added.

Dispatch: Understanding Germany's Commitment to the Eurozone | STRATFOR

ASIA
A Paradigm Shift in Chinese Leadership Selection | STRATFOR

India: 3 Chinese Spy Suspects Arrested January 19, 2011

Indian paramilitary personnel arrested three suspected Chinese spies who were spotted taking photographs of their camps on the Rupaidiha check post of the Indian-Nepal border, the Times of India reported Jan. 19. Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kakkar said the soldiers held the three Chinese nationals overnight and during interrogation the suspects claimed they were engineers working in Nepal on a Chinese project. The suspects did not possess passports or visas and entered Indian territory illegally, Kakkar said

U.S.: South Korea To Increase Missile Range January 18, 2011

South Korea and the United States held negotiations in late 2010 to revise a bilateral pact to endorse South Korea’s intent to extend missile capability up to or beyond 1,000 kilometers to target anywhere in North Korea, according to a South Korean government source, Yonhap reported Jan. 19.

RUSSIA
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

IRAN
Iran: Missile Test At Nuclear Site Is Successful January 19, 2011

Iran successfully test-fired a mid-range surface-to-air upgraded Hag missile near its Khondab nuclear site, IRNA reported Jan. 19. According to Iranian Col. Far Mahini’s report, the missile, which was tested to enhance Iranian defense capabilities and to defend the sensitive areas of the country, hit its target successfully. Experts at the Khatamolanbia Air Defense Base upgraded the Hag missile system, and the test also provided data to evaluate the efficiency of the system and to enhance the technical and operations skills and knowledge of the Khatamolanbia staff. The report said Iran will conduct periodic tests nationwide to stay on full alert.

Iran: TU-154 Banned, Russian Pilots To Leave January 19, 2011

Iran banned the use of the Russian Tupolev 154 aircraft effective Feb. 20, citing recent incidents, Pravda reported Jan. 19. In addition, the Director of Civil Aviation Organization of Iran, Reza Nahdzhavani, gave all Russian pilots of civilian aircraft working in the country two months to leave.

Iran: Cost Of Gasoline To Increase January 18, 2011

Iranians will no longer be able to pay 1,000 rials (about $0.10) per liter of gasoline beginning Jan. 21, Reuters reported Jan. 18, citing Mehr news agency. According to the head of the Iranian Transportation and Fuel Management Office, Mohammad Rouyanian, motorists will still qualify for 60 liters (15 gallons) of “semi-subsidized” gasoline at 4,000 rials per liter, after which they will have to pay 7,000 rials per liter.

Iran: Blockade Of Afghan Fuel Trucks To End January 18, 2011

Iran will permit all fuel trucks frozen on the border to enter Afghanistan on Jan. 22, the Iranian ambassador to Afghanistan said in a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Tolo TV reported Jan. 18. The officials agreed that an Afghan delegation, including the ministers of finance and economy and the deputy commerce minister, will discuss the continued transport of oil with Iranian officials.

IRAQ
Iraq: Provincial Governor Cuts Baghdad Power Supply January 17, 2011

Kirkuk provincial Gov. Abdul-Rahman Mustafa said an electricity dispute with the Iraqi central government has led him to cut the power supply to Baghdad from the region, AP reported Jan. 17. Negotiations to share the electricity supply have failed, Mustafa said, so he began to shut off the power the evening of Jan. 17 (it will take 25 hours to completely shut the power off). Officials in Baghdad and Kirkuk said that between 200 and 500 megawatts of electricity are under discussion.

ISRAEL
Israel: Creation Of Homeland Security Ministry Announced January 19, 2011

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Jan. 19 the creation of the Homeland Security Ministry, naming outgoing Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai as chief, DPA reported. Vilnai, a former army major-general, is a part of Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s new faction Atzmaut. Outgoing Deputy Industry Minister Orit Noked will become agriculture minister, replacing Shalom Simhon, who becomes industry minister. The Israeli Cabinet ratified the appointment of Communications Minister Moshe Kahlon, from Netanyahu’s Likud Party, as welfare minister.

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan: Bids On Hajigak Iron Deposit Invited January 19, 2011

Afghanistan invited 22 companies, including 15 Indian firms, to bid on its Hajigak iron ore deposit, Reuters reported Jan. 19. Bidding on the deposit, the largest unmined iron deposit in Asia, according to the Afghan Mines Ministry, will begin Aug. 3. The ministry anticipates exploration to start in 2012 despite security concerns. The deposit straddles the central provinces of Bamiyan, Parwan and Wardak, with only Bamiyan relatively peaceful. The estimated value of the reserves is $350 billion.

Afghanistan: Taliban Gains Might Lead To Opium Revival January 19, 2011

The growing Taliban insurgency in northern Afghanistan could lead to renewed opium cultivation in provinces where the crop was eliminated, U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime’s Afghanistan representative Jean-Luc Lemahieu said, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 19. According to Lemahieu, Kunduz, Takhar and possibly Kapisa and Ghor provinces are “vulnerable to relapse” into opium production in 2011. Afghan Ministry of Counternarcotics spokesman Samer Abdul Qayyum said the northern provinces’ vulnerability was unsurprising given the steep rise in opium prices, adding the matter is a major concern for the ministry.

Afghanistan: Iran Sends Fuel Tankers January 19, 2011

Iran sent 40 fuel tankers to Afghanistan to settle a fuel problem following a meeting between Iranian ambassador to Afghanistan Fada Hossein Maleki and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul on Jan, 18, ISNA reported Jan. 19.

Afghanistan: U.S. Marines Take Over Taliban Village January 19, 2011

U.S. Marines launched “Operation Godfather” on the village of Durzay, in Afghanistan’s Garmsir district and concluded that an early show of force - helicopters, trucks and convoys - caused the Taliban to back down and surrender the village without a fight, The Washington Post reported Jan. 19. U.S. forces recovered two dozen weapons caches which they said supports their theory the Taliban had planned to fight under better circumstances at a later time. After Durzay was secured, local farmers were warned their future harvests could not include poppies.


MIDDLE EAST
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT

SOUTH OF THE BORDER
Venezuela: China To Fund 23 Projects January 17, 2011

The Development Bank of China helped create the $20 billion Large Volume Long-Term Financing Fund that will be used for 23 Venezuelan projects, Venezuelan Planning and Finance Minister Jorge Giordani stated Jan. 17, El Nacional reported. Of the total funds, $6 billion will be administered directly by the Venezuelan presidency.

Brazil: President Reevaluates Air Force Contract Bids January 17, 2011

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff plans to delay awarding a multi-billion dollar air force jet contract and reevaluate the finalists’ bids, Reuters reported Jan. 17, citing unnamed sources close to the decision. Rousseff has shown no clear preference toward any one finalist and plans to “start over” in her evaluation process, a senior government source said. Rousseff asked U.S. senators visiting Brasilia recently for additional technology transfer guarantees from the U.S. Congress to improve the Boeing bid, according to sources. There were early indications that the bidding process would see an overhaul by Rousseff, according to unnamed French defense sources.

Guatemala: State Of Siege Extended In North January 18, 2011

The Guatemalan government will extend the state of siege by 30 days in the department of Alta Verapaz, Prensa Libre reported Jan. 18. Since the state of siege began, security forces in Alta Verapaz arrested 18 suspects, including two suspected members of Mexican drug-trafficking cartel Los Zetas.

Mexico: Los Zetas Leader, Founder Arrested January 18, 2011

Mexican security forces arrested Flavio Mendez, alias “El Amarillo,” a suspected leader and founding member of drug-trafficking cartel Los Zetas, and his alleged bodyguard in Oaxaca state, W Radio reported Jan. 18.

MISC
Dispatch: The Economic Side of Hu's U.S. Visit | STRATFOR
January 18, Wall Street Journal – (International) Bioterror fears prompt U.S. to keep its smallpox cache. The United States and Russia will fight international efforts the week of January 17 to set a deadline to destroy the last known stocks of smallpox, saying the deadly virus is needed for research to combat bioterrorism. Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet January 19 to begin debating the future of what is left of what was one of the world’s most lethal viruses before it was eradicated more than 30 years ago: samples are kept in tightly guarded freezers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and a Russian government lab near Novosibirsk. The U.S. says it needs to maintain the virus samples to develop new drugs and vaccines to counter a potential bioterror attack or accidental release of smallpox from an unsanctioned stock. “Our position is that we need to have the virus collections maintained for the foreseeable future,” said a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Russia also believes the virus should be kept for research and is likely to concur with the U.S. position, said an official in the Russian delegation to the WHO executive board. U.S. officials say they need in particular to finish developing and licensing antiviral medications to treat infected people. None are currently approved.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704029704576088032149613692.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

January 16, Middle East Media Research Institute – (International) Jihadi cleric Anwar al-Awlaki to jihadists living in the West: Obtain money by any means possible, especially from the U.S. government and its citizens. In a new fatwa issued in the lead article of the fourth issue of Inspire magazine, which was published January 16, a Yemeni-American jihadi cleric encourages jihadists living in the West to assist the financing of jihadi activities through any means possible, including theft, embezzlement, and seizure of property. The U.S. government, and U.S. citizens are singled out as prime targets for these acts. Following are the main points and excerpts from the article: In an attempt to deal with the cash-shortage jihadist groups are facing, the cleric gives religious justification to any actions used by jihadists to obtain money. In the article, titled “The Ruling on Dispossessing the Disbelievers’ Wealth in Dar Al-Harb,” the cleric deals with the issue by ruling that Western countries are considered dar al-harb [the territory of war], countries on which the rules of war apply. Since this is the case, the cleric says Muslims living in the West are not bound by any laws or contracts that prohibit them to harm their countries of residence: “It is the consensus of our scholars that the property of the disbelievers in dar al-harb is halal [permissible] for the Muslims and is a legitimate target for the mujahidin.”
Source: http://www.memritv.org/report/en/4921.htm

Above the Tearline: Preparing for Crises While Abroad | STRATFOR

Except where noted courtesy www.stratfor.com

Talk about a classy retirement present....the N2A Model 789

My friend Linda sent me this link and I want one. I love the concept behind the 789...combine three classic Chevy vehicles together. The price...a mere 135K. Hey, I can cut a little from the milk budget....

From another article I found on them:

Kanter Concepts is the design studio and parent company of (no 2 alike) n2a Motors. They combined the design elements from 1957 Chevrolet, 1958 Chevrolet and 1959 Chevrolet models. The 789 Chevy shows the world that you really can't have enough of a good thing plus up-to-date performance and reliability.

The 789 Chevy model is based on the 2005-2007 Corvette 6th generation chassis. The Corvette C6-R is the best sports car General Motors ever built. With the new C6 chassis as their starting point n2a Motors created a car that has the eyes, hood, front fenders and grille of the 1957 Chevy Belair, the tail fins of a 1959 Chevy and the interior and midsection suggestive of a 1958 Impala.

I went on the N2A web site and it had a link for "Vehicles in Stock"...pretty much each one listed said "Sold"....

I don't know about you but this makes me feel good....tell me Americans can't build good stuff, my ass! :<) Enjoy the pictures...and dream of a spring afternoon cruise....

The Dog's Diary and the Cat's Diary:

After a few days with a new child, I am reminded of this:

The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

A new cop toy...a Colt Modular LE901 Carbine....Mommie please please can I have one! :<)

I personally carry a Ruger Mini 14 but I think I could have fun with this...

SHOT Show 2011: Colt Debuts Modular LE901 Carbine - News - POLICE Magazine

Colt's law enforcement division introduced its LE901 multi-caliber carbine that can be configured for 7.62mm or 5.56mm at five barrel lengths, according to company representatives at SHOT Show 2011 in Las Vegas.

The Colt LE901 is a modular weapon system in the same vein as the FNH SCAR or Bushmaster ACR that offers adaptability to officers.

The rifle can be deployed in 7.62mm/.308 with either a 13- or 16-inch barrel. For closer quarters engagements at 5.56mm/.223, officers can swap out the upper receiver and, with an internal adapter that bolts to the upper, deploy the rifle with a 10.3-, 14.5- or 16-inch barrel...

Taerik Berry, an Nevada Department of Corrections officer, said he expects the LE901 with a 10.3-inch barrel will be a popular choice by officers. He now uses Colt's SCW 10.3-inch 5.56mm carbine.

"It's made for the patrol officer," Berry said about his SCW. "It's going to be so much better velocity, so much better force gain using that length of barrel."

The LE901 also arrives with a Vltor collapsible stock (IMod) with four positions. Like the Bushmaster ACR, if offers ambidextrous controls — an ambi magazine catch and bolt release.

The LE901 will be initially offered to law enforcement with a black finish and 20-round magazine. It should retail for about $2,000, according to Colt.

Officer Down

Police Officer Larry Nehasil
Livonia Michigan Police Department
End of Watch: Monday, January 17, 2011
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 20 years

Officer Larry Nehasil was shot and killed in Walled Lake while conducting surveillance on two suspects wanted in connection with several home burglaries.

He had followed the suspects to a home in a Walled Lake neighborhood where he confronted the two after they exited the home at approximately 6:00 pm. Shots were exchanged and Officer Nehasil and one of the suspects were killed. The second suspect was taken into custody.

Officer Nehasil had served with the Livonia Police Department for 20 years and had previously served with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

Rest in Peace Bro…We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Officer Down

Police Officer Kevin P. Marceau
Dallas Texas Police Department
End of Watch: Friday, January 14, 2011
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 6266

Officer Kevin Marceau died as the result of injuries sustained on November 13, 1996, when he was struck by a vehicle while chasing a hit-and-run suspect.

He was working an off duty law enforcement job near White Rock Lake when he observed a car accident. He began to chase one of the drivers on foot as the man attempted to flee the scene. As they ran across Garland Road Officer Marceau was struck by a vehicle.

Officer Marceau was rushed to a nearby hospital where he remained in a coma for several weeks due to severe head injuries. He underwent several surgeries in which part of his brain was removed. He remained in a wheelchair and unable to communicate until passing away from complications of the injuries on January 14, 2011.

Officer Marceau had served with the Dallas Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his son, parents, and four siblings.

Rest in Peace Bro…We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

We have a new son...

Meet Elmer Fudd T...

I wasn't planning of getting him tonight but he's is here....his moma and brother were found in a jumk yard and I was tempted to get both I know it was better to have only one....two girls, two cats and a wife is enough....

It's been a long day!

Moma loves me!

Oreo checking out his new baby brother: "That's the weirdest cat I've ever seen...
man, what with the ears?!

Geopolitical Weekly : China's Military Comes Into Its Own January 18, 2011

By Rodger Baker

Chinese President Hu Jintao is visiting the United States, perhaps his last state visit as president before China begins its generational leadership transition in 2012. Hu’s visit is being shaped by the ongoing China-U.S. economic dialogue, by concerns surrounding stability on the Korean Peninsula and by rising attention to Chinese defense activity in recent months. For example, China carried out the first reported test flight of its fifth-generation combat fighter prototype, dubbed the J-20, during U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ visit to China the previous week.

The development and test flight of China’s J-20 is not insignificant, but it is also by no means a game changer in the U.S.-China defense balance. More intriguingly, the test highlights how China’s military increasingly is making its interests heard.

The J-20 Test Flight and China’s Strategic Concerns

The J-20 test flight shone a light on China’s strategic concerns and reflected some of the developing capability that addresses those concerns. The Chinese fear a potential U.S. blockade of their coast. While this may not seem a likely scenario, the Chinese look at their strategic vulnerability, at their rising power and at the U.S. history of thwarting regional powers, and they see themselves as clearly at risk.

China’s increased activity and rhetoric in and around the South and East China seas also clearly reflect this concern. For Beijing, it is critical to keep the U.S. Navy as far from Chinese waters as possible and delay its approach by maximizing the threat environment in the event of a conflict. Though the J-20 is still a work in progress, a more advanced combat fighter — particularly one with stealth capabilities — could serve a number of relevant roles toward this end.

The Chinese are still in the early stages of development, however. They are experimenting with stealth shaping, characteristics and materials, meaning the degree to which the J-20 can achieve low observability against modern radar remains an open question. Significant changes to the design based on handling characteristics and radar signature can be expected. And true “stealth” is the product of more than just shaping. Special coatings and radar-absorbing materials only top a lengthy list of areas in which Chinese engineers must gain practical experience, even allowing for considerable insight gained through espionage or foreign assistance. China still is thought to be struggling with indigenously designed and manufactured high-end jet engines, not to mention the integration of advanced sensors, avionics and the complex systems that characterize fifth-generation aircraft. It is too early to infer much from the single flight-tested prototype, something the United States learned during the Cold War when initial U.S. estimates of the Soviet MiG-25 attributed far more sophistication and capability to the design than proved to be the case after a Soviet pilot defected with his aircraft years later.

The Chinese role for the J-20 is based on a different set of realities than those the Soviets and Americans faced during the Cold War, meaning the J-20 prototype should not be judged solely by the American standards for fifth-generation aircraft. More than having the most advanced aircraft in the sky, the Chinese value the ability to maintain high sortie rates from many bases along the country’s coast to overwhelm with numbers the superior U.S. combat aircraft, which would be expected to be operated from aircraft carriers or from more distant land bases.

The J-20 Test’s Timing

Perhaps more interesting than the test was its timing, with its associated political implications. For weeks before the test flight, Chinese message boards and blogs were filled with photographs of the new prototype on the tarmac, conducting taxi tests in preparation for its first test flight. Foreign military and defense observers closely monitor such sites, and their “leaked” images renewed attention to China’s fifth-generation development program, about which there has been plenty of speculation but little hard detail. Chinese defense and security officials also closely monitor such boards, but the officials chose not to shut them down — clearly indicating Beijing’s intent to draw attention to the test.

Gates asked Hu about the test when the two met in Beijing. According to some media reports citing American officials present at the meeting, Hu appeared surprised by the question and somewhat perplexed by the details of the test — the implication being that Hu was unaware of the test and that the Chinese military may have acted out of turn. Gates told reporters that Hu had assured him the timing was coincidental. After being asked for his own thoughts regarding the relationship between the military and the political leadership in China after his meetings with Chinese civilian and defense leaders, Gates noted that he had become concerned about that relationship over time. He added that ensuring civilian and military dialogue between the two countries was important.
Although Gates did not say the Chinese military tested the J-20 without political clearance from Hu, the idea was certainly suggested by the media coverage and Gates’ response. On the surface, this seems rather hard to believe. Hu, as president of China and general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, also serves as chairman of China’s parallel Central Military Commissions (one is under the government, the other under the Party, though both have exactly the same makeup).

That the head of China’s military would not know about a major new hardware test coming a week before his trip to meet with the president of the United States and coinciding with a visit of the U.S. defense secretary seems a reach. Furthermore, given the amount of attention just beneath the surface in China to the imminent test, and the subsequent attention in the foreign media, it would be startling that the Chinese president was so poorly briefed prior to meeting the U.S. defense secretary. If indeed the test surprised Hu, then there is serious trouble in China’s leadership structure. But perhaps the issue isn’t one of knowledge but one of capability: Could Hu have stopped the test given the timing, and if so, would he have wanted to stop it?

The Rising Influence of China’s Military

Rumors and signs of the rising influence of the military establishment in China have emerged over the past few years. Since the 1980s, China has focused on and invested in a major reorientation of its military from a massive land army focused on territorial defense to one that emphasizes naval and air capabilities to protect China’s interests in the East and South China seas and beyond into the western Pacific. This has included expanding China’s reach and a focus on anti-access and area-denial capabilities, with accelerated development in this arena in recent years.

Some systems, like the DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile, are uniquely tailored to countering the U.S. Navy. Others, like an expanding and more aggressive Ocean and Fisheries Administration, is directed more at China’s neighbors in the South and East China seas, and at asserting China’s claims to these waters.

This change in focus is driven by three factors. First, China sees its land borders as being fairly well locked down, with its buffer territories largely under control, but the maritime border is a vulnerability — a particular concern for a trade-based economy. Second, as China’s economy has rapidly expanded, so has Beijing’s dependence on far-flung sources of natural resources and emerging markets. This drives the government and military to look at protection of sea-lanes, often far from China’s shores. Third, the military leadership is using these concerns to increase its own role in internal decision-making. The more dependent China is on places far from its borders, the more the military can make the case that it is the only entity with both the intelligence and the understanding to provide the necessary strategic advice and perspective to China’s civilian leadership.

There is also the issue of a modernizing military looking out for itself, battling for its share of China’s budget and economic pie. A key part of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s fundamental military reforms was stripping the military of much of its business empire. At the time, the state — while funding the military — assumed that military-run industry would supplement the defense budget. In short, the military ran industries, and the profits were used to support local and regional defense needs. That kept the official state military budget down and encouraged enterprising commanders to contribute to China’s economic growth.

But over time, it also led to corruption and a military where regional and local military commanders were at risk of becoming more intent on their business empires than on the country’s national defense. Money that largely had gone to support the living of the troops was sidelined and funneled to the military officials. And the faster the Chinese economy grew, the more profit there was for the taking. Regional military leaders and local governments teamed up to operate, promote and protect their own business interests regardless of the state’s broader national economic or social priorities. China’s central leadership saw troubling parallels to older Chinese history, when regional warlords emerged.

In response, Jiang ordered the military largely out of business. Military leaders grudgingly complied for the most part, though there were plenty of cases of military-run industries being stripped of all their machinery, equipment and supplies, which were then sold on the black market and then unloaded at bargain prices to the cronies of military officials. Other companies were simply stripped and foisted on the government to deal with, debts and all. Jiang placated the military by increasing its budget, increasing the living standard of the average soldier and launching a ramped-up program to rapidly increase the education of its soldiers and technical sophistication of China’s military. This appeased the military officials and bought their loyalty — returning the military to financial dependence on the government and Communist Party.

But the success of military reform, which also involved seeking greater sophistication in doctrine, training, communications and technology, has also given the military greater influence. Over time, the military has come to expect more technologically, and China has begun experimenting with technology-sharing between military and civilian industry to spur development. The drive for dual-use technology, from the evolving aerospace industry to nanotechnology, creates new opportunities for military officials to promote new weapons-system development while at the same time profiting from the development. As China’s global economic power has grown, the military has demanded more funding and greater capabilities to protect national interests and its own prerogatives.

But China’s military officials are also growing more vocal in their opinions beyond the issue of military procurement. Over the past year, Chinese military officers have made their opinions known, quite openly in Chinese and sometimes even foreign media. They have addressed not only military issues but also Chinese foreign policy and international relations. This step outside the norm has left the Chinese diplomatic community uncomfortable (or at least left it expressing its unease with the rising influence of the military to their foreign counterparts). This may be an elaborate disinformation campaign or a slightly higher level of the griping typical of bureaucrats, or it may in fact reflect a military that sees its own role and significance rising and is stepping forward to try to grab the influence and power it feels it deserves.

One example of the ostensible struggle between the military and the civilian bureaucrats over Chinese foreign policy played out over the past year. Through nearly the first three-quarters of the year, when the United States carried out defense exercises in the Asia-Pacific region — whether annual or in response to regional events like the sinking of the ChonAn in South Korea — the Chinese would respond by holding their own series of exercises, sometimes on a larger scale. It was a game of one-upmanship. But the foreign ministry and bureaucracy purportedly argued against this policy as counterproductive, and by the fourth quarter, China had shifted away from military exercises as a response. Instead, it once again pushed a friendlier and more diplomatic line even as U.S. exercises continued. By the November 2010 crisis over North Korea’s shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, China had returned to its standard call for moderation and dialogue.

If this narrative is accepted, the military response to being sidelined again was to leak plans to launch an aircraft carrier in 2011, to reinvigorate international attention to Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles, and to test the new Chinese fifth-generation aircraft while Gates was in Beijing and just before Hu headed to Washington. A Chinese military motivated by nationalism — and perhaps an even stronger interest in preserving its power and influence within China — would find it better to be in contention with the United States than in calm. This is because U.S. pressure, whether real or rhetorical, drives China’s defense development.

But the case could as easily be made that the Chinese political leadership has an equal interest in ensuring a mixed relationship with Washington, that the government benefits from seemingly endless U.S. criticism of Chinese defense development. This is because such criticism increases Chinese nationalism, distracting the people from the economic troubles Beijing is trying to manage. And this is the heart of the issue: Just how well-coordinated are the military and civilian leadership of China, and how stable is their relationship?

An End to the Chinese Miracle

The Chinese miracle is nearing its natural conclusion, as Beijing begins to face a reality like that seen by Japan, South Korea and the other Asian Tigers that all followed the same growth pattern. How that crisis plays out is fundamentally different depending upon the country: Japan has accepted the shared long-term pain of two decades of malaise; South Korea saw short, sharp, wrenching reforms; Indonesia saw its government collapse. The reliability of the military, the capability of the civilian leadership and the level of acceptance of the population all combine to shape the outcome.

A divide between the military and civilian leadership would mean that China, already facing the social consequences of its economic policies, is facing another significant issue at the same time: the balance of civilian-military relations. However, a carefully coordinated drive to give the appearance of a split may help China convince the United States to ease economic pressure to avoid exacerbating this “split” while also appealing to nationalistic unity at home.

But even small signs of a split now are critical because of the stresses on the system that China will experience when its economic miracle expires in the not-so-distant future. Mao and Deng were both soldiers. Their successors were not. Neither Jiang Zemin nor Hu Jintao has military experience, and incoming President Xi Jinping similarly lacks such training. The rumors from China suggest that the military plans to take advantage of Xi’s lack of experience and use its influence to shape his policies. The leadership transition may provide a chance for the military to gain more influence in an institutional way, allowing it to drive a hard bargain and buy a bigger share of the pie in the fifth generation set-up.

For most of modern China’s history, the military has been an internal force without much appetite for more worldly affairs. That is now changing, appropriately, due to China’s growing global prominence and reliance on the global economy. But that means that a new balance must be found, and China’s senior leadership must both accommodate and balance the military’s perspective and what the military advocates for.

As Chinese leaders deal with a generational transition, expanding international involvement and an increasingly difficult economic balance, the military is coming into its own and making its interests heard more clearly. How this balance plays out will be tremendously significant.

This report is republished with permission of STRATFOR

Officer Down

Police Officer Christopher Matlosz
Lakewood New Jersey Police Department
End of Watch: Friday, January 14, 2011
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 317

Police Officer Chris Matlosz was shot and killed by a man he had stopped to talk to on August Drive at approximately 4:00 pm.

Officer Matlosz was on patrol when he stopped his patrol car to speak with a man walking along the road. As they spoke, the male took one step back, drew a handgun and shot Officer Matlosz three times, killing him.

The suspect immediately fled the scene. He was arrested in Camden by members of the New Jersey State Police and United States Marshals Service 38 hours after the shooting after investigators received a tip on his whereabouts.

Officer Matlosz had served with the Lakewood Police Department for five years. He had previously served with the Englishtown Police Department for two years and had also served as a special police officer with the Freehold Township Police Department, Long Branch Police Department and Manasquan Police Department.

He is survived by his fiancee, mother, and brother.

Rest in Peace Bro…We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.