Terrorist Sleeper Cells in the U.S.
A recent UWAC report investigated the presence of Hamas and Hezbollah sleeper cells in the United States. These cells are focused primarily on raising money to support operations in the Middle East. The current posture of both Hamas and Hezbollah suggests that neither is preparing to launch attacks inside the United States.
Nonetheless, key trigger events could change the equation. For example, U.S. military intervention in Iran or a strategic organizational shift inside Hamas or Hezbollah toward global jihad – a path previously taken by Al-Qaeda – are possible triggers that could cause Hamas or Hezbollah to direct attacks against the United States. Absent those triggers, a future attack – not inevitable but still possible – would most likely come from “homegrown” cells consisting of radicalized Americans sympathetic to Hamas or Hezbollah but without direct ties to either group. The spread of jihadist ideology in U.S. prisons and Internet radicalization may lead to more violent behavior from rogue cells acting in the name of Hamas or Hezbollah. Another scenario involves “independent” cells of operatives who have broken away from the parent groups and act without authorization.
Read more about terrorist sleeper cells here and here.
Technology That Makes Body Armor Better
Most people know that Kevlar is used in many types of body armor by those in the military and law enforcement. Many do not know, however, that the technology used in ‘bullet-proofing’ our soldiers and police officers is continually adapting and advancing.
Shear thickening fluids behave like liquids under normal conditions, but dramatically increase in thickness at higher stress levels – such as when a bullet strikes a vest. This characteristic has led researchers to combine these fluids with certain fibers, such as Kevlar. The result is a material that improves the penetration resistance of the fabric. In addition, it reduces the number of layers needed to maintain sufficient ballistic protection, improving the flexibility of the material.
This technology could greatly improve soldier safety. Sleeves, pants, and gloves could use shear thickening fluids to provide protection from scrapes, cuts, and even shrapnel. The technology could be used in other materials as well, including vehicle canvas coverings, tires, sandbags, and bomb blankets.
There are certain challenges to overcome before this technology is ready for mass production, however. For example, shear thickening fluids are not waterproof, and they tend to perform poorly at extreme temperatures. Further research and development promises improvements in these areas, however.
For more on shear thickening fluid technology, click here.
Video: The Economic Toll of the Global War on Drugs
Farmers in Afghanistan make so much money from opium crops that few grow anything else. This clip shows the frustration and desperation of an Afghani farmer after eradication teams destroyed his poppy field. U.S. Army provincial reconstruction teams are canvassing the country to help Afghanistan build and maintain a stable economy without contributing to the global supply of illicit drugs. Unfortunately, this transition has not been easy.
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