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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 26-Jan-2010
26-Jan-10 News - Elevated terror alerts around the world

Web Log - January, 2010

26-Jan-10 News - Elevated terror alerts around the world

China's oil imports reach "alarming levels"

Terror alerts rise in countries around the world

In the last few days I've mentioned that higher terror alerts have been announced in the UK and India, but Debka points out that many more governments, some without fanfare, are implementing elevated terror security levels.

These include the following:

India placed its airlines and airports and those of all of South East Asia -Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - on alert for a possible airplane hijacking by al Qaeda or Lashkar-e-Taibem.
The UK elevated its terror threat level from "substantial" to "severe" - one below top and suspended direct British airline flights to and from Yemen.
Yemen itself stopped issuing entry visas at the airport in the capital city, Sanaa.
Although the Obama administration has not formally raised the current terror alert level, vigilance at all American airports and border posts has been radically heightened.

In addition, The Telegraph reports that terror experts are warning that Al-Qaeda has trained female suicide bombers to attack West. The women, who may have a "non Arab" appearance and be travelling on Western passports, have been prepared for their missions by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

China deepens ties with Saudi Arabia over oil dependency

China's crude oil imports <font face=Arial size=-2>(Source: Xinhua)</font>

China's crude oil imports (Source: Xinhua)

China's oil imports reached "alarming levels" in 2009, and are poised to surge even higher in 2010, according to Xinhua.

China imported 52% of its oil in 2009, and "importing more than 50 percent is a globally recognized level for an energy security alert," according to the article.

Most of China's imported oil comes from Saudi Arabia, as you can see from the adjoining graphic.

So it's not surprising that China and Saudi Arabia are deepening ties with one another. Xinhua reports that the two countries plan to cooperate on energy and infrastructure projects, and to foster cultural exchanges.

From the point of view of Generation Dynamics, this is consistent with the expected trend that the Clash of Civilizations world war will be fought by China and Sunni countries, including Saudi Arabia, versus the West.

By contrast, as we've mentioned a couple of times recently, Iran and China are not getting along well at all. Two years ago, we reported that China had 'betrayed' Iran. And recently, we've described a cyberwar between Iran and China. (Paragraph modified - 26-Jan-10)

At the same time, hostilities between Saudi Arabia have been growing. The two countries are supporting opposite sides in Yemen's war against Houthi rebels, and it's thought that Saudi Arabia may have provided support for last October's Jundullah terrorist attack in southeast Iran.

Intelligence indicates Iran close to nuclear weapons

Thanks to intelligence gained from high-ranking defectors from Iran, officials in Washington and Europe are concerned about Iran's plans to develop nuclear weapons, according to a report by Der Spiegel.

Officials who have read the report conclude that the government in Tehran is serious about developing a bomb, and that its plans are well advanced.

From the point of view of Generational Dynamics, the fear is that at some point the Israelis will panic and attempt to attack Iran's nuclear research facilities. Whether this is even possible is in doubt, since Iran has hidden them deep inside mountains that may not even be reachable by bombing raids.

As we've been saying for years, Iran is a schizophrenic nation with a government that's anti-American and anti-West, but a young population that's pro-American and pro-West. Iran is in a generational Awakening era, and the continuing student protests can only end in a political victory for the young people. Thus, it's expected that, when Iran is forced to pick sides in the Clash of Civilizations world war, they'll side with the West, including America, Europe and Israel.

Additional Links

Teens are choosing to wait to get their driver's licenses, according to the Washington Post. More differences between the young Millennial generation and their parents.

Facebook is increasingly becoming a security problem for computer users, providing a path for careless users to have their personal information stolen or a computer virus installed. The NY Times has "The 3 Facebook Settings Every User Should Check Now."

Tensions are increasing again between North and South Korea, according to a report by the Korea Times. The South threatened to strike the North "right away" if the North shows a clear sign of attacking with nuclear weapons. A North Korea military official called this remark "an open declaration of war."

(Comments: For reader comments, questions and discussion, see the 26-Jan-10 News - Elevated terror alerts around the world thread of the Generational Dynamics forum. Comments may be posted anonymously.) (26-Jan-2010) Permanent Link
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