StormWarning’s Counterterrorism

Despite all of the “security” and worries over terror threats at the Beijing Olympics, relatives of the US Men’s Volleyball coach were attacked by a knife wielding Chinese man who fatally stabbed the husband and wounded the wife and Chinese guide at a tourist site in downtown Beijing.

The attacker then jumped to his death from the second story of the Drum Tower, an ancient structure in the heart of Beijing which was used to tell time in the Imperial era.

The dramatic killing cast a shadow over the first full day of Olympic competition. The attack occurred despite an overwhelming security presence in the city, and marred the Chinese government’s efforts to showcase the country as open and welcoming to foreigners.

The victims are Todd and Barbara Bachman, the parents of former U.S. women’s volleyball player Elisabeth “Wiz” Bachman, according to a member of the team’s delegation who asked not to be identified because no official statements were being given. The Bachmans are from Minnesota. Wiz Bachman, a member of the 2004 Olympic team, is married to Hugh McCutcheon, the coach of the men’s team.

The attacker’s National ID card (China has them) identified the attacker as Tang Yongming, a 47-year-old man from the eastern city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.

Although Beijing is a city of 17 million, its streets are generally safe and few residents fear walking alone even in the middle of the night.

It is illegal for private Chinese citizens to own guns.

Still, there are regular reports of violent incidents throughout the country by people who lash out in frustration over government corruption or injustice. For example, a man who was angry over a rough police interrogation in Shanghai recently walked into the station and stabbed and killed six police officers and wounded four others.

Attacks against tourists are rare, but the U.S. embassy has warned they are on the rise.

Just random violence? Or is it an example of things to come? The Chinese government can hardly afford to have street violence mar their Olympics.

Bachman, Beijing Olympics

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While many are focusing on “the defeat of the Taliban” in Afghanistan (I maintain a contrary outlook for now), outside influences are now meddling in the Kashmiri region of India…but look at the surrounding geography to see the picture of what might really end up happening.

According to Indian Defense Minister A K Antony:

“One thing is clear. Forces inside and outside India don’t want free, fair and peaceful elections in Kashmir. In the coming months we will see more insurgency and violence…”

Thus, the central government is beefing up security in Jammu and Kashmir. While there are no public accusations of who is behind thiese disruptions, it is easy enough to believe that Pakistani, Chinese and jihadist elements, as well as possible Maoist influences are in play here (yes, I know this is Nepal, but look at the map):

With Nepal’s three main parties now locking horns over the proposed integration of about 19,000 Maoist combatants into the national army, a top commander of the guerrilla force has suggested that it be developed into a separate security outfit.

“There are four security wings and we can make this five by adding the PLA (People’s Liberation Army),” Maoist central leader and commander Barsaman Pun told reporters.

The World is complicated place. The “chessboard” is checkered with many hands being played. Dismiss any one of the disruptive forces and the possible convergence of agendas, is not beyond the realm of possibility. I wonder if the US State Department is on this one?

Defence Minister A K Antony, Kashmir, Maoists, Nepal, U.S. State Department

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DCI Michael Hayden said today that China strengthening its armed forces “remarkable speed and scope,” and then called the buildup “troubling.” It appears that China has understood the lessons of our wo Gulf Wars by developing and integrating advanced weapons into its forces.

While Hayden’s comments underscore his concern about the risks to American military interests, he also sees China wanting to project its strength (rather than use it) and show that it is a World power. While China rejects the U.S. claims as exaggeration, the potential threat to Taiwan is also a concern.

It certainly sounds like another front in the non-existent new Cold War has opened.

Michael Hayden

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