Topic 1 The analyst is interested in knowing if a particular country is a member of an international organization. Is Chechnya a member of the United Nations? Answer: No. Russia strongly opposed Chechnya's entry into the United Nations, saying it merely a member of the Russian Federation. Only states recognized internationally can claim membership in the body, said Vladimir Rakhmanin, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry. "Chechnya cannot be regarded as such state for it is an integral part of Russia -- that is the stance of the Russian Foreign Ministry" he said. The spokesman's remark came in reaction to Chechen Foreign Minister Movladi Udugov's announcement Monday on Chechnya's intended application for U.N. membership. Chechnya has decided to apply for membership in the United Nations and is holding talks with 10 countries about establishing diplomatic relations, Chechen Foreign Minister Movladi Udugov said Monday. ``A package of documents has been prepared confirming the legal status of Chechnya as an independent country,'' Udugov said, according to the Interfax news agency. Chechnya maintains it is an independent country following its 1994-96 war with Russia, but no country recognizes it as such and Moscow says the region remains part of Russia. Udugov said the documents to be submitted to the United Nations include Chechnya's constitution and the peace treaty it signed with Moscow. ``The treaty has been examined by noted international experts who agreed that by signing the treaty Russia recognized Chechnya as an independent country,'' Udugov said. XIE19980701.0004 Russia Opposes Chechnya Membership in U.N. APW19980629.0680 Chechnya wants to join United Nations Topic 2 The analyst is interested in cooperative international efforts in space exploration. Specifically, the analyst wants to know whether there was any international involvement in NASA's Cassini unmanned space probe mission. Answer: The Cassini mission was jointly sponsored by the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency, along with NASA. ESA supplied the Huygens probe that will be released when Cassini reaches Saturn. XIE19970408.0053 Spacecraft to Be Launched to Saturn in October Cassini-Huygens is a joint project between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and ASI (the Italian space agency). NASA has primary responsibility for the Cassini orbiter while ESA is responsible for the Huygens probe. NYT19990816.0266 support from ESA and ISA critical to success APW19990818.0104 Cassini Probe Gets by Earth Topic 3 The analyst is interested in information regarding the Nobel Prize winners from previous years. Records indicate that David Trimble and John Hume shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998. Who are Trimble and Hume, and what was their relationship? Answer: In Oslo, Protestant leader David Trimble and Catholic nationalist John Hume collected the Nobel peace prize for their role in forging a groundbreaking peace accord in April aimed at ending 30 years of bloody violence in Northern Ireland. XIE19981211.0335 Nobel Prize Laureates Receive Awards Topic 4 The analyst is interested in knowing the relationship between the Turkish government and the Kurdish groups operating in Northern Iraq, the PKK and the KDP. During the 1996 - 2000 timeframe, did the Turkish government support or oppose the PKK? Answer: The Turkish government opposed the PKK. XIE19970528.0214 Turkish Military Vows to Continue Operation in Northern Iraq Topic 5 The analyst is interested in gathering information on the background behind the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers. Who is Velupillai Premachandran and what is his role in this conflict? Answer: Velupillai Prabhakaran is the leader of the Tamil Tigers. He is a 45-year-old guerrilla leader who is fighting for a homeland for the Tamil minority on this island. He is a ruthless and elusive leader comparable to Cambodia's Pol Pot, and as inspiring to his followers as Cuba's Che Guevara. NYT20000622.0176 A Ruthless Tiger Leads A Long Battle Against Sri Lanka Background on Tamil Tigers: XIE20000817.0228 Sri Lankan Air Force Steps up Attacks on Tamil Tiger Targets XIE20000816.0226 S.Lankan Military Confirms 18,000 Tamil Tiger Deaths Since 1982 Topic 6 The analyst is interested in proliferation of various weapons systems on a global scale. Specifically, the analyst is looking for proliferation of diesel submarines, and what countries are obtaining the capabilities of extremely quiet submarine operations. What countries have imported the Russian produced Kilo SS Submarine? Answer: India, Iran, and China After a four-year delay, India has agreed to a 1.5 million US dollar deal to purchase two Kilo-class diesel submarines from Russia. Russia has delivered a new submarine to China _ the second of the same class in as many years, a news agency reported on Tuesday. The Project 636 diesel-electric submarine, known as Kilo-class in the West, has sailed to Finland where it's being put aboard a cargo ship that will bring it to China, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported. The Iranian Navy so far has bought two Kilo submarines from Russia. The first was delivered in 1992 and the second in 1993. They are now based in the southern Persian Gulf. Iran announced today that it has bought a new submarine from Russia, the third of the kind since 1992. Russia had delivered two Kilo-class submarines to the Iranian Navy. The first one was delivered 1992 and the second in 1993, at the prices of 100 million and 115 million dollars respectively. China threatens to use force to assert its claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. Its fleet of submarines, including advanced Kilo class subs purchased from Russia, would be key to enforcing a blockade of the island. Taiwan has just two modern submarines. XIE19970108.0130 India Approves Long-Delayed Submarine Purchase APW19981229.0634 Russia delivers second submarine to China APW19980618.0527 Russia sells submarine to China XIE19960616.0053 Report: Iran Builds Submarine by Itself XIE19961116.0104 Iran Buys Submarine from Russia APW19980602.0114 Taiwan detects submarine, reports say it's from China Topic 7 An economic analyst with the Department of State is interested in trends in Philippine economic development for the period following the departure of the U.S. armed forces from the Subic Bay region. He posits that since the U.S. withdrawal of forces in the early 1990s, the region has suffered from a lack of military-based industries and minimal investment in infrastructure. Is he correct? Answer: No. Since the closure of the Navy's Subic Bay Base in 1992, the Subic Bay Region has thrived and flourished. With loans from the World Bank and Japan in excess of more than $69 million (USD), substantial funding has been put into water systems, power supply networks, roads, solid waste management, and improved environmental standards. Annual exports of greater than $359 (USD) million have been reported, with more than $1.4 billion (USD) over a four year period. A software development park with more than 3,000 English-proficient programmers was built, considerable IT infrastructure was developed (e.g., SBMA data center and "e-Subic"), and more than 259 foreign and local companies--mostly engaged in exports now actively work out of the Subic Bay freeport. XIE19970718.0048 World Bank, Japan to provide loans for expansion of Subic Bay Freeport XIE19970913.0225 Exports surge from Subic Bay area of Philippines XIE19971022.0091 New U.S. Naval base unlikely APW19980729.0095 Investment in Subic Bay region continues despite political challenges XIE20000320.0183 Subic Bay to become site of Software Park XIE20000504.0231 "e-Subic" Information Technology center launched Topic 8 The analyst is reviewing information about the sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway carried out by the AUM Shinrikyo cult. The analyst is particularly interested in the source of the sarin gas. Are there indications that AUM obtained the gas from another terrorist organization? Answer: No, they produced it themselves. XIE20000728.0111 Former Senior AUM Cult Member Sentenced to Death Topic 9 The analyst is studying controversies over pipelines to transport oil from the Caspian Sea. The analyst is interested in whether the government of Azerbaijan favors a pipeline through Turkey or through Iran. Answer: Turkey Documents APW19981106.0453 Turkish, Azeri delegations discuss Caspian Sea oil pipeline APW19981029.0524 Turkey, Caspian countries sign pact backing oil pipeline Topic 10 The subject is the Indian Airlines hijacking in December 1999. The analyst wants to know if any individuals connected to the hijacking are known members of organizations on U.S. government lists of terrorist organizations and, if so, which organizations. Answer: (Maulana) Masood Azhar, one of three men freed at demand of hijackers, founded Harakat ul-Ansar, later renamed Harakat ul-Mujahedeen. Note: Maulana is a religious title. Note: Another of the freed men, Mushtaq Zargar, leads a rebel group in Kashmir. This group is not identified as a terrorist group. APW20000315.0165 AP reported militant groups. Masood Azhar - founder of Harakat ul-Mujahedeen (formerly Harakat ul-Ansar) - one of those freed at demand of hijackers NYT20000307.0272 also discusses Masood Azhar, US says Harakat ul-Mujahedeen behind hijacking Topic 11 The analyst is interested in the spy ring established by John Walker. Who were the participants in this spy ring, and how are they related to each other? Answer: John Walker; Michael Lance Walker, John Walker's son; Arthur Walker, John Walker's brother; Jerry A. Whitworth, a friend of John Walker Documents: APW20000217.0034 Soviet Spy Ring Member Released; mentions all persons involved Topic 12 The analyst is investigating incidents involving plane crashes and terrorism. The analyst wants to know whether any connections have been found between the explosion of TWA flight 800 and known terrorist organizations. Answer: No. The explosion was not caused by terrorists. Documents: APW19991029.0340 Boeing hands over report XIE19971119.0310 FBI Finds no criminal cause in TWA Flight 800 explosion XIE19971208.0213 Hearing on TWA Flight 800; FBI determines no terrorism involved Topic 13 The analyst desires information regarding the issuance of security clearances by the Defense Department, specifically the criteria and reliability of the system to ensure or reduce potential internal threats. Is there any evidence linking failures in the security clearance process with cases of espionage? Answer: No. While numerous incidents of mistakes being made in granting and revoking clearances are evident, no information was found showing the number of internal compromises as a result of the lapses. NYT19991104.0004 Discusses congressional report faulting DSS with a failure to complete 92% of it's employees security checks. Topic 14 The analyst is investigating risk factors for terrorist attacks in the U.S. Are there any indications that Canadian immigration policies may increase the risk of terrorist attacks in the U.S.? Answer: Yes. According to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the country's openness to immigrants has helped make it ``a haven for terrorists.'' Canadian Intelligence officials say that Canada's generous immigration policies have also meant that foreign terror groups can more easily establish and maintain cells there. Last year, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service reported that it had active investigations into 50 terrorist groups and 350 individuals. Islamic terrorist groups exploit Canada's admittedly loose immigration rules. US Justice Department report criticized Canada for granting a convicted terrorist a student visa in 1993; he later slipped into the United States and was arrested for plotting to blow up New York City's subway system. Terrorists are attracted to Canada because they use the country to raise funds for arms purchases, and its easy access to the United States. NYT19991223.0283 Canada's Lax Immigration Polices make Country a Haven for Terrorists NYT19991227.0037 Montreal's Algerian Community Resents Suspicion NYT19991218.0210 Investigation Widens into Possible Terrorist Bomb Plot XIE19990113.0079 21 Suspected Terrorist Arrested in Canada Topic 15 The analyst is studying drug trafficking in Afghanistan. Is there any evidence that the Taliban profits from poppy farming and the opium trade in Afghanistan? Answer: Yes. Taliban militia have been levying 10 percent tax on the poppy harvest in the area they control. The Taliban has enjoyed revenues from the opium business, taxing the lucrative poppy harvest and collecting a second assessment as the drugs are transported. Each year, the levies amount to $10 million to $30 million. The Taliban collects a 20 percent tax from opium dealers and transporters. XIE20000515.0241 reports allegation that Taliban taxes poppy harvest XIE19990625.0140 UN official asserts that Taliban taxes poppy harvest NYT20000302.0266 Taliban taxes poppy harvest and drug transporters NYT19991115.0079 Taliban taxes opium dealers and transporters Topic 16 The United States is concerned about Russian arms sales to Syria. Has the U.S. taken any steps to try to stop the sale of Russian arms to Syria? Answer: In April 1999 the United States slapped sanctions on three Russian companies for supplying anti-tank weapons to Syria. The U.S. has also threatened to withold aid from Russia if it sells more arms to Syria. XIE19990707.0084 U.S. Threatens Russia Over Possible Arms Sale XIE19990404.0024 U.S. imposed sanctions on 3 Russian companies for selling arms to Syria Topic 17 An analyst is trying to determine if a trade relationship exists between Russia and Vietnam, and even more so, the dollar amount of this trade relationship. Answer: Vietnam and Russia have agreed to further cooperation in trade, energy, chemicals, and farm produce processing The annual trade turnover between Vietnam and Russia has reached about 300 million U.S. dollars the two countries plan to raise annual trade to 500 million dollars. XIE19980516.0168 Vietnam, Russia to Step up Cooperation: Official XIE19980815.0135 Vietnam Accelerates Bilateral Cooperation with Russia Topic 18 Analysts are interested in the incidents involving spy submarines employed by the North Koreans caught in South Korean waters containing alleged spies. Will these incidents affect South Korea's "Sunshine Policy" toward North Korea? Answer: No they will not. South Korea has been dedicated to seeking improved relations with the North. South Korea believes in a strong defensive military posture, yet is very flexible in dealing with North Korea. APW19981218.0270 North Korea sinks South Korean spy sub APW19980712.0099 Body of suspected North Korean spy found on South Korean beach APW19980626.0009 North Korea sub runs aground in 1996 APW19980716.0179 Military leaders fired over failing to stop North Korean subs reported twice in the area within the past month XIE19980625.0143 South Korea downplays submarine incident to keep improved relations with North Korea APW19980625.0512 Regardless of the submarine incidents, South Korea strives to safeguard peace through a defensive posture and flexible policy toward the North. Topic 19 An analyst is interested in leftist extremist groups in Turkey, in particular Dev Sol and the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP/C). Are these the same organization, or related to each other in any way? Answer: The Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP/C) is a successor to Dev Sol (Devrimci Sol). It replaced Dev Sol in 1993. APW19980815.0380 Dev Sol splintered by internal fight; leader flees abroad and believed to form new group APW19980626.0912 Replacement of Dev Sol APW19980616.0902 History of the DHKP/C and its members split Topic 20 The analyst is interested in the build-up of nuclear arms in Pakistan in response to nuclear weapons in India. Is there evidence that Pakistan has escalated its nuclear weapons agenda in response to nuclear weapons in India? Answer: On the one hand there is credible evidence that Pakistan is making plans to increase its nuclear capability in response to the build-up of nuclear capability in neighboring India. But the consensus among defense and disarmament analysts seems to be that a full-blown nuclear arms race in South Asia has yet to materialize. APW20000511.0015 Despite bitter tensions over the disputed territory of Kashmir, which nearly pushed India and Pakistan into a fourth war last year, the two countries ''have not moved very far or in any significant fashion'' to field nuclear weapons, said Stephen Cohen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. XIE19990910.0121 Pakistan's Defense Committee of Cabinet expressed its concern over India's plans for "large-scale acquisition, operationalization and deployment of land-, air- and sea-based nuclear weapons. The committee reiterated Pakistan's policy of restraint and called on the international community to formulate a "coherent and determined" response to arrest India's "dangerous plans for nuclear and conventional arms escalation." APW19980601.0832 The myth created by those in developed countries that an economically poor nation remains poor because of the lack of scientific and engineering talent has been exploded with the explosion of nuclear devices by India and Pakistan. XIE19990819.0120 Pakistan warned India not to further develop, deploy and operationalize its nuclear weapons, saying otherwise Pakistan will definitely be forced to follow suit. APW20000626.0155 Pakistan's leader said Monday that his nation will not give up its policy of nuclear deterrence but also will not embark on a costly nuclear arms race with its hostile neighbor, India. APW19980604.1681 The foreign ministers of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States met to coordinate their response to the grave situation created by the nuclear tests carried out in May 1998 by India and then by Pakistan. The ministers pledged to cooperate closely in urgent efforts to prevent a nuclear and missile arms race between India and Pakistan. APW19981014.0190 Pakistan wants to avoid a nuclear arms race, but ``if India deploys nuclear weapons Pakistan will deploy nuclear weapons,'' Aziz said. NYT19990520.0278 One-year after tit-for-tat atomic weapons testing in South Asia, two diplomats from India and Pakistan said Thursday that tension between the rival countries had diminished along with the threat of nuclear war. Despite the optimism, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a nonpartisan think tank here, warned that the ballistic missile tests and atomic detonations ``raise the specter of a slowly developing regional arms race.'' NYT19990623.0083 Pakistan is acutely aware of the risks and responsibilities accompanying nuclear weapons. In 1974 Pakistan responded to India's nuclear test with redoubled efforts to keep the region nuclear-free, realizing that a nuclear race in South Asia would have far-reaching consequences. XIE19980602.0076 The current nuclear arms race in South Asia was triggered off by India single-handed because Pakistan's nuclear tests were conducted as a response to the Indian threat, Zhu said. APW19980601.1458 U.S. intelligence sources say they have detected no signs that either Pakistan or India is readying new nuclear weapon tests. NYT20000807.0394 India continues to see its nuclear arsenal as necessary for its status as an emerging power and to deter not only Pakistan but also neighboring China, a Pakistani ally. Pakistan, less populous and poorer than India, sees its nuclear force as essential to counterbalance its rival's larger conventional forces. APW19980617.0978 India's potential nuclear arsenal is bigger than Britain's and in the same league as the French and Chinese, Jane's Intelligence Review reported. Pakistan, however, exhausted a significant part of its meager arsenal in last month's nuclear tests _ and the poor performance of its weapons revealed the country's strategic nuclear weakness, Jane's said. APW20000703.0056 Pakistan's Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar on Momday dismissed U.S. intelligence reports that China is helping Pakistan build missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons. A New York Times story Sunday quoted U.S. intelligence officials as saying they have informed both President Clinton and Congress that China is helping Pakistan build nuclear-capable missiles. NYT19980601.0105 Arms-control experts say the truly alarming thing that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government announced on Thursday was not that Pakistan had successfully conducted its own tests. Rather it was the declaration that Pakistan was already fitting nuclear warheads on top of a missile, tested only last month, that is capable of striking most of India. APW19980618.0494 Pakistan warned Thursday that its unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing could be broken if it discovers neighboring India has taken a lead in the nuclear arms race. Topic 21 The analyst is investigating the effects of the U.N. sanctions imposed on Libya over the Lockerbie crisis. What is the position of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on these sanctions? Answer: The OAU opposed the sanctions, tried to get them lifted, and advocated ignoring them if they affect humanitarian or religious matters or involve offical OAU business. XIE19970707.0009 OAU suggest trials be held in Scotland XIE19980611.0282 OAU announces its members will not comply with sanctions APW19980726.0038 OAU urges member states to ignore UN sanctions if in violation of humanitarian or religious rights XIE20000714.0002 OAU pleased that trials held in Netherlands; request fair, neutral, and transparent judgment Topic 22 Guinea has experienced an overwhelming influx of refugees from Liberia and Sierra Leone because of ongoing rebellions in those countries. The analyst wants information about how Guinea has treated the refugees, and whether Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees have received the same kind of treatment. Answer: Guinea blamed the refugees for contributing to rising instability and accused the displaced people of helping armed dissidents who had been responsible for the cross-border attacks. In response Guinea began "cracking down" on refugees, expelling them from their homes in Guinea. Guinea has expelled both Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees and allegedly has mistreated both. The Sierra Leonean ambassador said that Sierra Leoneans seem to have been the main targets, because Liberians living in Guinea are much less obviously foreign, being from the same tribes and speaking the same languages as the local population. NYT20000911.0401 Blame for instability XIE20000911.0082 Accusation of helping dissidents XIE20000914.0027 Sierra Leonean refugees expelled from Guinea XIE20000919.0012 Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees expelled Topic 23 The analyst is investigating issues related to the use of child soldiers in combat, and has come across references to an organization called the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers. What is this coalition, and who are its members? Answer: The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers is a coalition of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Specific organizations mentioned as members include: Amnesty International, Defense for Children International, World Vision International, Human Rights Watch, Save the Children, the Jesuit Refugee Service, the Quaker United Nations Office, and Terre des Hommes. (Some of these may be the same organizations under different versions of their names.) XIE20000518.0095 the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, which is made up of renowned international organizations such as Amnesty International, Defense for Children International, World Vision International and so on APW19980630.0770 Campaigners against the use of children as soldiers launched a coalition Tuesday to press governments for strict international legal protection of under-18s. ``The use of children as soldiers has no place in civilized society and must be stopped,'' said Stuart Maslen, coordinator of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers. The campaign, based near Geneva, is headed by a committee of six organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. NYT19980629.0333 The groups involved are Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Jesuit Refugee Service, the Quaker United Nations Office in Geneva, Swedish Save the Children (on behalf of the International Save the Children Alliance), and Terre des Hommes, a European-based network of children's aid organizations. Topic 24 Relations between Greece and Turkey have been strained for many years. The analyst is interested in the effects of recent earthquakes in the region on relations between the two nations. The analyst hypothesizes that sympathy, aid, and cooperative relief efforts have reduced tensions between Greece and Turkey, but that fundamental issues remain unresolved. Is the analyst correct? Answer: Yes. Turkey's aid to Greece and Greece's aid to Turkey after the earthquakes has reduced tensions and increased hope for greater cooperation, but disputes over Cyprus, the Aegean, and human rights have not been resolved. XIE19990827.0049 Greece help ensure EU supports Turkey economically with earthquake-related aid, but continues to oppose $1B aid package from EU XIE19991117.0012 Greece sent aid to Turkey after earthquake in Turkey; also Turkey sent aid to Greece after earthquake in Greece XIE19990827.0049 mutual aid after earthquakes hoped to pave the way to better relations NYT19990823.0087 positive response from Greece after Turkish earthquake, but continued disagreements over Cyprus, Aegean, and Greek support for Kurdish leader arrested by Turks Topic 25 The analyst is interested in the relationship between the People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops and the Hong Kong populace after the turnover of Hong Kong. What types of disputes or conflict between the PLA and Hong Kong residents have been reported? Answer: None. Relations have been peaceful. XIE19991220.0228 Macau welcomes troops XIE20000806.0073 PLA opens barrack to the public XIE19990701.0417 Locals impressed with PLA APW19981120.1495 Locals initally wary but little contact except for open houses. Topic 26 The analyst is interested in whether anyone has made the effort to save the Mir Space Station in terms of finance, after the Russian government decided that it could no longer bear the full costs of the space station. Specifically, what efforts have been made to obtain private funding for Mir, and how successful have they been? Answer: In 1998, the state-owned company that runs Mir tried to sell stock to private investors. It announced that it had found private investors, but they later backed out. In 1999, efforts to sell a trip to a Briton for $100M fell through. In 2000, efforts to sell a trip to a company making a film fell through. In 2000, a private company, MirCorp, was formed to fund Mir. An American is interested in paying for a trip to Mir. APW19980724.0596 State-owned company that runs Mir sells stock to private investors APW19981223.0527 1998: Russia announced private investor would fund Mir APW19990211.0102 Private investors backed out APW19990427.0024 Briton Pays $100M for Ride on Mir APW19990428.0043 Briton says he is not paying $100M, just "hitching a ride" APW20000113.0253 British company provides money for scientific experiment on Mir APW20000215.0293 MirCorp provides funds to keep Mir operational APW20000316.0116 Russia Nixes Actor's Mir Mission, apparently because film company did not provide promised funding NYT20000522.0299 Russia's MIR now flying on private investments APW20000824.0211 US businessman to pay to fly to Mir Topic 27 The analyst is interested in the spread of Mad Cow disease. Is Mad Cow disease localized only in England? Answer: No, other European countries have reported cases of Mad Cow disease. XIE19970502.0018 Mad Cow disease threatens Europe APW19981012.0239 France announces 12th case of Mad Cow disease this year XIE20000229.0002 Disease detected in Denmark XIE19971107.0205 lists counts of cases in various European countries Topic 28 The analyst is interested in joint military exercises conducted by the United States in partnership with other nations. The analyst wants to know whether the United States has ever conducted joint exercises with Thailand. Answer: Yes, the U.S. and Thailand have conducted a joint exercise called COBRA GOLD every year since 1982. XIE19980421.0105 Thailand, US to Hold Annual Joint Exercise in May XIE20000509.0260 U.S., Thailand, Singapore Launch Joint Military Exercise XIE19970523.0239 Thailand, US to Launch Wargame Next Year XIE19990410.0168 annual COBRA GOLD exercises started in 1982 Topic 29 The analyst is interested in the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Specifically, the analyst would like a list of all individuals identified as suspects in the bombings. Answer: Osama bin Laden, Mohammed Saddiq Odeh, Mohamed Rashed Daoud Al-'Owhali, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Khalid al-Fawwaz, Wadih El Hage, Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, Muhammad Atef, Khalfan Khamis Mohammed, Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, Sheikh Ahmed Salim Swedan, Fahad Mohamed Ally Msalam, Mustafa Fadhil Alias Hussein, Mustafa Mahmoud Said Ahmed, and Rashid Saleh Hemed. (15 individuals) XIE19980829.0177 - A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) complaint said Mohammed Saddiq Odeh asserted that he did not take part in the bombing but accepted responsibility as a member of the terrorist group called Al-Qaeda led by Islamic militant Osama bin Laden. NYT19981007.0504 - A reported meeting between bin Laden and Mohamed Rashed Daoud Al'Owhali, which had not previously been described, is the strongest allegation offered so far to link bin Laden to the attacks, in which more than 250 people died. XIE19980829.0177 - Owhali told the FBI that on the day of the bombing he rode in the passenger seat of a bomb-laden vehicle to the embassy in Nairobi and tossed a grenade-like device at the embassy guard. NYT19981104.0648 - The indictment alleges that on or about Aug. 7, 1998, Osama bin Laden and other members of Al Qaeda detonated an explosive device that damaged and destroyed the Unit ed States embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, causing the deaths of at least 213 persons. NYT19990616.0515 - Ayman al-Zawahiri and Khalid al-Fawwaz, close associates of Osama bin Laden, were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that they had a hand in the bombings. APW19981112.0551 - Wadih El Hage, Mohamed Sadeek Odeh and Mohamed Rashed Daoud Al-'Owhali all have pleaded innocent. Fazul Abdullah Mohammed is a fugitive. Saudi exile Osama bin Laden, the alleged mastermind, and Muhammad Atef, the alleged military commander of bin Laden's organization, Al-Qaeda, were also charged. APW19990617.0105 - Ayman Al-Zawahiri was charged with conspiracy in the bombings of embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, as was a second alleged terrorist, Khaled Al-Fawwaz. XIE19981218.0152 - Tanzania's Director of Criminal Investigations has revealed the identities of the five wanted men allegedly involved in the August 7 bombing attack of the US embassy. XIE19981218.0152 - Showing their pictures, Adadi Rajabu told local press Thursday that the suspects are Khalfan Khamis Mohammed and Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani of Tanzania, Sheikh Ahmed Salim Swedan, Fahad Mohamed Ally Msalam of both Kenya and Yemen, and Mustafa Fadhil Alias Hussein of Kenya. APW19981014.0369 - Mustafa Mahmoud Said Ahmed and Tanzanian Rashid Saleh Hemed were charged Sept. 21 in a Dar es Salaam magistrate's court with 11 counts of murder each in the bombing in which 11 people, all Africans, died. Topic 30 The analyst is interested in firearms control, registration and licensing throughout the world. Specifically, the analyst wants a list of countries -- other than the United States -- which are seriously considering legislation on those topics or already have such legislation. Answer: Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Britain, Ireland, Japan, and South Africa are among the countries which have legislation or are seriously considering legislation requiring the licensing or registering of firearms. NYT19991206.0221 - All Canadian gun owners must obtain licenses by the end of next year and they must register their guns by the end of 2002. (Legislation passed) XIE19960621.0144 - The proposed new gun laws in Australia would ban all automatic and semi-automatic guns, stipulate licensing of all firearms and set up a nation-wide registration system of guns. (Agreement reached; implementation pending) XIE19960625.0258 - On May 10, the police ministers in Australia agreed to impose a national ban on automatic and semi-automatic guns and set up a national licensing and registration system of all weapons. (Implementation pending) NYT19990521.0291 - A United Nations survey of 49 countries found only the United States and the Czech Republic do not have a firearm-licensing system. APW19980824.1208 - Under the new laws in New Zealand, owners will have to register individually each weapon they own, so police can keep better track of people who amass big collections. (Legislation passed) XIE19960701.0078 - Chinese lawmakers have suggested that the country's top legislature approve a Law on the control of firearms as soon as possible. Gun owners must have firearm registrations, otherwise, the problem of smuggling and illegal production cannot be solved. (Legislation pending) APW19981222.0872 - In Switzerland, there will be stricter registration and ownership rules, and it will be under central government control. (Legislation passed) NYT19990922.0327 - In 1997, Britain made it illegal for citizens to possess any handgun larger than a .22 caliber; Ireland has a similar law. In Japan, only licensed shooting teams can own handguns. (Legislation passed) APW19980901.0306 - Britain adopted some of the world's toughest gun laws. The new rules will give police enough information to make an informed judgment on whether an applicant was suitable to hold a firearm license. (Legislation passed) XIE19991109.0248 - The South African government has rejected psychometric tests for gun owners in the final draft of its gun control legislation. The draft bill sets strict requirements for licensing and registration of firearms and it introduces checks on prospective gun owners. (Legislation pending) Topic 31 The analyst is interested in finding out how the death of King Hussein of Jordan will affect the status of his wife, Queen Noor. Noor, an American by birth, has been instrumental in strengthening ties between the United States and Jordan. Has Queen Noor lost all influence in Jordan? Answer: No. Queen Noor is on good terms with the new ruler, King Abdullah, and her son is the Crown Prince. XIE19990323.0028 Noor was also assured of a role in Jordan's state affairs as she is the mother of Crown Prince Hamza Bin Hussein, whom Abdullah named as crown prince. APW20000206.0088 In public gatherings, Noor is seen kissing, hugging, chatting and laughing with Abdullah and other family members. In state functions, she is usually seated next to Abdullah and his wife. People close to the royal family say Noor and Abdullah visit each other often. Topic 32 The analyst is interested in the status of Gibraltar. Specifically, the analyst wants to know who currently controls Gibraltar and whether there is any ongoing controversy or disagreement over its status. Answer: The British have control over Gibraltar. Spain would like to control Gibraltar, but the British refuse to give it up because the people in Gibraltar do not want to belong to Spain. XIE19981001.0009 UK Dismisses Talk of Shift on Gibraltar Status Spain wants Gibraltar, which was ceded to Britain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht, to be returned to Spanish rule, but Britain and Gibraltar have rejected the claim. XIE19970130.0020 UK Rejects Spain's Move to Share Gibraltar In the mid-15th century, Gibraltar was ruled by Spain and merged into Spanish territory in 1501. In 1704, Austria captured Gibraltar with the joining of Britain and the Netherlands. The treaty of Utrecht, which was signed in 1713, formally recognized Gibraltar as British and it became a British colony in 1830. APW19990304.0182 Debate Continues Over Gibraltar But one main difference is economic. Once totally dependent on British aid as a military garrison, Gibraltar has become a thriving duty-free tourist town and an offshore financial haven. Wages are double those in Spain and prices on many items are half as much. Topic 33 The territorial dispute between Japan, China and Taiwan over the Senkaku Islands presents a potential for conflict in the future. The analyst is interested in Japan's position on this issue and what actions it is prepared to take. Specifically, will the Japanese use force to defend the Senkakus? Answer: Japan claims the Senkaku Islands and declared a 200 nm EEZ in response to territorial claims by China and Taiwan. The Japanese government continues to seek a political solution to the dispute; however, it used its coast guard to interdict Chinese nationalists from placing a marker on island resulting in the sinking a Taiwanese protest ship. XIE19961109.0008 Japan to Seek Stronger Ties With China: FM APW19980625.0397 China accuses Japan of sinking protest boat near disputed islands XIE19960220.0078 Japan to Set up 200-Nautical-Mile Exclusive Economic Zone APW19980623.0051 Japan ready to challenge entry to disputed islands APW19980623.1495 Japan warns it will block Chinese nationalists from disputed islands Topic 34 South Korea government has provided substantial economic assistance to North Korea and has been encouraging the private sector to invest in business projects in North Korea. What is the role of South Korean companies and which companies are involved? Answer: South Korea corporations have began to invest in North Korea since the South Korean government relaxed its restrictions on investment in North Korea. The South Korean conglomerate, Hyundai has taken to lead as the major investor in North Korea. APW19981101.0145 North Korea turns to South Korea for badly needed cash APW19991006.0048 Hyundai To Sell TVs to North Korea APW19980613.0067 South Korea lifts investment restriction on North Korea APW19980727.0760 Hyundai officials leave to discuss tourism project in North Korea APW19981208.0253 Hyundai chief to visit North Korea again Topic 35 The analyst is interested in the Venezuelan government's aid and support to Cuba. What is the level of economic and political support being provided to Cuba by Venezuela? Answer: Venezuela has backed Cuba readmission to the Organization of American States and is renegotiating Cuba's debt. Also, Venezuela is providing oil and increasing its exports to Cuba. XIE19980426.0149 Venezuela Backs Cuba in Joining Regional Blocs XIE19990605.0194 Venezuela Confirms Talks on Energy Cooperation With Cuba XIE19960926.0299 Venezuela to Increase Exports to Cuba XIE19960131.0193 Cuba Negotiates Debt With Venezuela Topic 36 Taiwan has been lobbying for entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a full member. However, the China-Taiwan situation could pose a serious obstacle for Taiwan's bid to join the WTO. What is China's position on a bid for Taiwan to join the WTO? Answer: China only wants Taiwan to be included in the WTO after it has been admitted first. China doesn't want Taiwan admitted as a country but as a "customs territory" or "tariff zone" of China. Additionally, China will block Taiwan's bid to the WTO if China doesn't enter because of trade concessions and market reforms required for entry. APW19990409.0244 Taiwan To Lift China Import Ban APW19980723.0687 Taiwan completes WTO negotiations with European Union APW19990429.0250 Taiwan, China Both Seek To Join WTO XIE20000907.0195 Taiwan Can Only Join WTO as China's Separate Customs Territory XIE19980814.0027 China's WTO Membership Should Come Before Taiwan's Topic 37 Information is needed on efforts by China to deal with violations of intellectual property rights prior to its entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). What steps has China taken on protecting intellectual property and have these efforts been successful? Answer: China was passed new laws regarding the protection of intellectual property rights and begun to train experts in that field. Additionally, China has legislated new protections for copyrights which have been recognized as effective by the world body. XIE20000117.0162 China Eyes Expands IPR Cooperation XIE19990112.0145 China Increasing Intellectual Property Rights Protection XIE20000512.0303 China Praised for IP Protection XIE19980417.0094 WIPO Official Praises China's IPR Progress XIE19980507.0084 U.S. Urged to Remove China from Watch List Under "301" Statute XIE19991224.0236 Rules Tightened to Protect Intellectual Property Rights XIE19960201.0138 Intellectual Property Rights Protection in China Effective (2) XIE19980416.0103 China To Train IPR Experts Topic 38 U.S. government is involved in trade negotiations with South Korea concerning the export of automobiles, and more specifically Korea's restricted access for U.S. automobile manufacturers. What role are U.S. companies playing in the negotiations for access to South Korea's automobile market and what organizations are lobbying on their behalf? Answer: The major U.S. automobile manufacturers have lobbied for access through the American Automobile Manufacturers Association and American Chamber of Commerce. XIE19970911.0330 U.S. Automakers Call for Action against South Korea APW20000323.0067 US Businesses Urge Seoul on Autos Topic 39 The analyst wants information on the status of Japanese and Russian relations. The relations between the two countries have been cool over Russia's refusal to return the Kuril Islands which it had taken from Japan after World War II. Recently the two countries have been trying to improve relations and to resolve the Kuril Islands dispute. Aside from actions involving the Kuril Islands, what other actions are the two countries taking to improve relations? Answer: Russia and Japan will hold naval exercises for the first time in the Pacific Ocean as part of efforts to improve relations between the two forces. Japan supports an International Monetary Fund bailout for Russia's ailing economy. The two countries signed an agreement for a dlrs 800 million loan to Russia from the Export-Import Bank of Japan, part of a dlrs 1.5 billion untied loan that Japan had promised. Also, officials from Japan's northern island of Hokkaido Sunday signed an agreement on friendship and cooperation in Russia's Far East Sakhalin region. Japan and Russia are cooperating in space science projects such as space medicine. APW19980609.0117 Russia, Japan to hold naval exercise APW19980713.1127 Japan expresses support for IMF bailout plan for Russia APW19981122.0217 Regional officials sign Japanese-Russian agreement XIE19980403.0103 Tokyo, Moscow agree on space cooperation Topic 40 Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have an agreement to limit fishing of bluefin tuna. Japan started an experimental tuna fishing program which would increase its quota limit. Australia protested against the program. What steps is Australia taking in order to influence Japan to limit its tuna fishing? Answer: Australia condemned Japan's experimental tuna fishing program, warning that Japan was breaching international law if it went ahead with the plan. The Australian government said it is to take legal action against Japan over its unilateral decision to override international quotas on threatened southern bluefin tuna. Also, Australia had also indefinitely extended its ban on Japanese fishing boats entering Australian ports or fishing inside the Australian fishing zone. The ustralian Foreign Minister stated he was concerned that the dispute could harm otherwise good relations between Australia and Japan. Australia and New Zealand went before an international tribunal Wednesday to try to freeze Japan's experimental bluefin tuna fishing program. The case before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea aims to secure a temporary injunction halting the program. A verdict is expected next week. Furthermore, Australia banned the 65-boat Japanese fleet from its ports and waters in January after three-nation talks over controlling southern bluefin tuna catch levels foundered. XIE19980708.0166 Australia Condemns Japan's Experimental Tuna Fishing XIE19990610.0224 Australia to Take Legal Action Over Japan's Tuna Decision APW19990818.0164 Australia, Japan in Tuna Flap XIE19990601.0212 Australia to Ban Japanese Fishing Boats Over Tuna APW19980713.0519 Japan tuna fleet refused New Zealand port access APW19980918.0593 Australia says Japan's experimental quota. Topic 41 The analyst is investigating possible relationships between South American drug cartels and Cuba. Is there any evidence that the Cuban government is collaborating with drug traffickers? Answer: Yes. A former Cuban intelligence agent and the daughter of a Cuban colonel testified to Congress that Cuba coooperated with drug traffickers to send weapons to Colobmia, that drug profits were brought into Cuba in diplomatic pouches, and that drug traffickers' planes were given free passage through Cuban air space. XIE19990622.0291 Cuba lacks the resources to counter large drug-trafficking organizations, so drugs are routinely flown over Cuba or dumped in Cuban waters without effective resistance by local authorities, he said. APW20000103.0243 SWEETWATER, Fla. (AP) -- The Cuban government has been involved in efforts to smuggle drugs into the United States, witnesses told a House committee on Monday. Jorge Masetti, a former Cuban intelligence agent, and Ileana de la Guardia, the daughter of a Cuban colonel executed in 1989 for drug trafficking, gave their testimony, adding to what some House members say is a growing account of the island nation's role in the drug trade. ``Cuba used the drug trafficking route to send weapons to Colombia and in exchange they paid them with favors; for example, many of them bring the drugs through Cuba,'' Masetti, who now lives in Spain, told the committee. Masetti, who claims the Cuban government helped finance a 1983 robbery of a Wells Fargo armored truck in West Hartford, Conn., which netted $7.2 million, also told committee members he saw diplomatic pouches filled with dollars -- presumably drug profits -- in low denominations brought into Cuba. ``These bags were brought, one half to the Ministry of the Interior, the other half to Jose Naranjo, aide to Fidel Castro,'' Masetti said. De la Guardia, the daughter of Cuban Col. Antonio de la Guardia, testified that her father took the fall for higher-ups in the government. She said her father did not have the rank to give drug traffickers' planes free passage through Cuban air space. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., said it was important to hear a witness ``directly corroborate the Cuban government's participation in drug-trafficking activities.'' Committee members said there is evidence the Cuban government has been involved in drug trafficking. Topic 42 The analyst is interested in the types of influence that China has had on Taiwan's political structure. Of primary concern are Chinese actions intended to directly influence politics, rather than indirect influence through economic or business ties. What actions has China taken to influence elections in Taiwan? Answer: In 1996, China conducted military exercises to intimidate Taiwan. In 1998, Taiwan suspected China of providing financial support to candidates it favored. In 2000, China tried to intimidate Taiwan through threats of force (in a 'white paper') and in repeated statements from leaders in China about doom and military action if actual steps towards reunification are not taken. NYT20000321.0326 In 1996, the People's Liberation Army launched missiles into the waters around Taiwan and conducted war games in a futile effort to prevent the election of Taiwan-born President Lee Teng-hui. APW19980828.0236 TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) _ Seeking a fairer environment for elections in December, Taiwan's justice minister pledged Friday to crack down hard on gangsters meddling in politics and illegal campaign financing by China. ``Of course everyone has the right to participate in politics, but a real democracy has no patience for those who use money and violence to get elected as a means of obtaining respectability,'' Cheng Chung-mo said. A campaign financing task force set up in June will hunt down sources of campaign funding suspected of originating with organized crime groups, as well as attempts by China to influence the election's outcome by financing politicians friendly to its goal of regaining control over Taiwan, Cheng said. NYT20000229.0224 A ``white paper'' issued last week by the State Council, China's cabinet, declared that China would be forced to take ``all drastic measures,'' including military force, under three conditions: if Taiwan declared independence, if it was invaded by foreign troops, or if Taiwan's government refused ``indefinitely'' to make progress on the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland. Although the third condition had long been implicit in China's policy toward Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province, it had never been so explicitly stated. With Taiwan's presidential election just a few weeks away, the stark inclusion of this third condition in the document was interpreted in Taiwan and by many Western politicians as a new direct military threat. In Washington, members of both the administration and Congress were caught off-guard by the policy paper, and many reacted swiftly and harshly to the new clause. Some U.S. foreign policy analysts said that the potential for a crisis in the Taiwan Straits was now ``very high.'' Lawmakers said they would now consider arms sales to Taiwan with a new urgency, and a congressional vote that is needed to help usher China into the World Trade Organization suddenly seemed in jeopardy. But China's leaders seemed equally taken by surprised at the passion of the U.S. response. In the past week, Chinese officials have said in private that the ultimatums in the paper were not new and were, in fact, intended to encourage a peaceful settlement to the Taiwan issue. And ordinary Chinese paid the policy paper little heed. A number noted that it set no deadline for talks on reunification. ``Of course they said they might use force _ they have to say this _ but it doesn't mean they will,'' said a industrial relations major at People's University in Beijing, who gave only his surname, Zhang. ``They're just trying to influence Taiwan's elections.'' NYT20000315.0272 BEIJING _ In a last-ditch effort to influence Taiwan's presidential election, Prime Minister Zhu Rongji said Wednesday that the Chinese people were ``willing to use all their blood'' to prevent the island's independence. But, at the same time, he played down a recent Chinese policy paper that threatened military action against the island if it delayed indefinitely talks on reunification, saying, ``There's nothing new in there.'' Taiwan, which holds its election on Saturday, dominated Zhu's 90-minute news conference marking the end of this year's session of parliament. In language that was on balance more incendiary than calming, Zhu reiterated Beijing's position on the island it considers a breakaway province. It was the last major opportunity in a month-long campaign by the Chinese government to use fighting words to pressure Taiwanese candidates and voters. And Zhu made clear that the government has strong preferences. ``No matter who comes into power in Taiwan, Taiwan will never be allowed to be independent,'' he said. If the ``people who favor independence'' win, he later added, ``it may trigger a war between the two sides and undermine peace.'' a Taiwanese journalist asked if China plans to conduct military exercises this week near Taiwan, as it did four years ago in a bid to influence Taiwan's last presidential election... Topic 43 The analyst is interested in the organization structure of gangs in the US, particularly prison gangs. The analyst wants to know whether gangs formed in prisons are having a significant influence on criminal activities outside prison. Answer: Yes. As gang members leave prison, they continue gang activities on the street. Also, prison gangs have begun to recruit people who are in jail or on the street, so that street gangs increasingly are affiliated with or function like subsidiaries of prison gangs. NYT19981207.0531 excerpts: Nearly 5 percent of Latino inmates in Texas _ and around 15 percent of the known or suspected gang members in Texas jails _ belong to the Mexican Mafia, the state's biggest prison gang. Members style themselves Emes (pronounced ``eemmee'' after the Spanish letter M). They organized in the early 1980s to protect Latino inmates from racial attacks. Today they are opportunistic racketeers. Emes deal in chiva (heroin), mota (marijuana), soda (cocaine) and compadres for those who want to knock boots (have sex). ``We will traffic in drugs, contracts of assassination, prostitution, and robbery of high magnitude,'' says the Mexican Mafia's businesslike constitution. Since their tentative early days, the Emes have coalesced into a fraternity for hard-line criminals. The gang now coordinates drug deals on the streets of Texan barrios from inside the state's jails. Slowly, too, these gangs are getting out of prison and making their presence felt on the street. Of 30,000 inmates released on parole from Texas state prisons in 1997, 3,000 had some gang affiliation. Sixteen Emes were indicted in San Antonio recently on racketeering charges. Police say the gang has been responsible for 14 murders in San Antonio, including the city's worst mass murder in which Emes killed five people. Gangs move into the barrios, where they enforce a 10 percent street tax from small-time drug-pushers. The money is used to support gangsters' families and pay legal bills. The hardest of the gangs, though, are the white supremacists, who rally around ideology rather than racketeering. This was bloodily demonstrated in June, when three white men lynched a black man in east Texas by chaining him to their pickup truck and dragging him behind it. Two of the killers (though not the third, who claimed no white supremacist links) had apparently picked up their violent racism in jail. NYT19990724.0084 excerpts: Authorities said the prison-based Mexican Mafia, known as La Eme, is responsible for fostering violence among gangs by setting one against the other to collect ``drug-dealing taxes'' in the Northeast Valley. Federal and state law enforcement officers characterized the arrests as a ``major crackdown'' on the notorious prison-based gang that is also known as ``La Eme,'' which they say is seeking to expand control over drug distributions throughout Southern California by organizing local street gangs. Despite the conviction of gang leaders who already were in the state's toughest penal institution _ Eme, as the gang is called, contin ued organizing local street gangs and levying ``taxes'' on drug deal ers. NYT19981009.0057 excerpt: The investigation found that racism has made prison gangs grow faster than the overall convict population, and that gangs are being segregated from one another in an attempt to control them. The gangs also have begun recruiting members of teen-age street gangs to help them run criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, outside of prison. NYT19981005.0082 excerpts: Prison gang crime recently burst into public awareness with a vengeance. In June, two of three ex-convicts charged in the dragging death of a black man in Jasper in East Texas were identified by authorities as sympathizers of a white-supremacist prison gang, the Aryan Brotherhood, that is blamed for eight slayings in four years. local police and prison officials say the gangs' influence on the street continues to grow. A key reason is the growing affiliation with teen-age street gangs that has allowed prison gangs to reach out in ever more violent and organized ways. NYT19981005.0082 excerpts: ``Back years ago, we had street gangs, and they were involved in crime. (But) they had boundaries on what they would do,'' Lopez said. ``As far as a lot of these prison gangs go, there are no boundaries. That's what makes them dangerous.'' The recruiting ground In years past, police say, most Texas Syndicate members who surfaced in Austin tried to keep a low profile or, as one undercover detective explains it, ``just try to deal their dope and lay low.'' Back then, teen-age street gangs with names like Latin Kings, Outlawz or East Gran Varrio posed the greatest menace with drive-by shootings, assaults and murders, said Ralph Dela Fuente, a detective in Austin's gang unit. But as police cracked down and the young gangsters were sent to prison beginning in the early 1990s, they were introduced to the Texas Syndicate, Mexican Mafia and other entrenched prison gangs that had begun organizing along racial lines more than a decade earlier. Many joined _ because of peer pressure, for protection from sexual attacks, extortion and assaults. Or for prestige. ``By 1995 or 1996, they had been down (in prison) for five or six years, they'd completed their sentence, they were 24, 25 or 26, they were freshly back from the joint, and they met back up with their old homeys,'' Dela Fuente said. ``What happened? A lot of these homeys who had been in trouble, but had never hit the big time, got involved in more serious crimes.'' In Austin, those young prison gang members also started recruiting members directly from teen-age street gangs _ a trend that police in several other large Texas cities began to notice two to three years ago. Before that, the only way to get into a prison gang had been to serve time in prison. ``The Texas Syndicate needs soldiers out on the street, not locked up someplace,'' Dela Fuente said. The alliance between prison and street gang members has become so close, he said, that ``if these street gangs were corporations, most of them would be subsidiaries of the Texas Syndicate or the Mexican Mafia.'' At the same time, prison gangs have increasingly focused their recruiting efforts in county jails in Austin and other cities, rather than mostly in prisons. In the jails, gang members often are not isolated from other prisoners like they are in prison. New recruits who served their time and went back to the streets began to bolster the prison gangs' street force, and those who went on to prison bolstered their numbers there. ``The growth was happening on both sides of the fence,'' said Sam Buentello, the prison system's top gang expert. On the streets, in the neighborhoods of East and South and North Austin that the Texas Syndicate claims as its turf, the gang's business fits a pattern of extortion and drugs, police say. It collects a 10 percent ``street tax'' from retail drug dealers, many of whom it supplies with marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine or heroin. If members profit from crimes on their own, they must pay the tax to the gang. ``If you don't pay, TS tells you: `You move out, or we come in and rob you, or we'll shoot up your house, to where we get the message across to you that you should start paying,' '' Dela Fuente said. In recent months, authorities have noticed another trend: gang members' ownership or control of several area businesses, mom-and-pop restaurants and beer joints mostly, where gang members ostensibly go to work after they get out of prison. Police suspect that the small businesses are little more than a front to launder drug money and cover for other illegal activities such as burglary, auto theft and robbery. Also, there are indications that Texas' growing threat from prison gangs could be spreading regionally, even internationally. Local and federal authorities in El Paso for several months have been watching forays by the Barrio Azteca prison gang into the Mexican drug trade and into California. Topic 44 The topic is organized crimes committed by Nigerians that involve U.S. residents. Have any cooperative efforts been undertaken by Nigerian and U.S. government officials to combat fraud by Nigerians? Answer: Yes. U.S. and Nigerian government officials have met to discuss financial crime. The U.S. and Nigerian postal services have cooperated in efforts resulting in over 100 arrests. The U.S. has opened a permanent anti-fraud office in Nigeria. XIE19961205.0075 U. S., Nigeria to Discuss Drug, Financial Crimes LAGOS, December 4 (Xinhua) -- A team of U. S. officials is expected to arrive in Nigeria on December 9 to discuss drug trafficking and financial crimes in this country, the News Agency of Nigeria reported today. The report said U. S. officials from the State Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency will meet in Abuja with the special adviser on drug and financial crimes to Nigerian head of state General Sani Abacha, the attorney general of the federation, the minister of finance and the governor of the Central Bank. The U. S. government has been accusing the Nigerian government of failing to take measures to curb drug trafficking in the last few years. XIE19980724.0028 Nigeria, U.S. Cooperate in Fighting Postal Crimes LAGOS, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and its United States counterpart have begun cooperation in an effort to curb mail frauds, which have caused the two organizations millions of dollars in losses. Cooperation between the two agencies had resulted in the arrest of more than 100 persons suspected of involvement in advance fee fraud, the News Agency of Nigeria reported Thursday, quoting James Pairot, an official of the U.S. Postal Service. The U.S. had found out that frauds engaged in the mail scam were also involved in money laundering in the drug business and other dirty deals, Pairot said here Thursday. XIE20000927.0219 The United States opened a permanent anti-fraud office in Nigeria in June this year. Topic 45 The analyst is interested in organized crime activities in various countries and in any connections between them. What links exist between Russian and Italian mafias? Answer: There is no evidence of any links between them. No articles discuss links between Russian and Italian mafias. One article discusses organizational differences between Italian and Russian mafias. NYT19990111.0104 Of Italy's other regional crime groups, the Camorra in Naples is the most anarchic, a loose band of gangs whose penetration into local society has been more difficult to root out. According to Arlaachi, Russian organized crime is closer in kind to the Neapolitan version, although even in Naples, he conceded, the Neapolitans abide by rules that the Russians routinely ignore. In Arlaachi's view, only 10 percent to 20 percent of Russian crime can be attributed to organized crime, in the mafia sense of the word. ``Most of these groups have proliferated very quickly, taking advantage of the weakening of the state,'' he said. ``They are not concerned about a high level of organization. They are too busy exploiting the opportunities they have in front of them. They use violence in ways that to a Sicilian mafioso would be inconceivable.'' According to Russians and foreigners who do business here, the collusion between criminals and bureaucrats, between gunrunners and bankers, between policemen and thieves is so widespread and runs so deep that untangling the links is now virtually impossible, not to mention dangerous. Topic 46 The analyst is interested in the regional impact of Russian efforts to cripple the Chechen rebels. What impact have the Russian attacks on Chechnya had on the neighboring republic of Ingushetia? Answer: Hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled to Ingushetia. NYT19991024.0106 excerpts: war in neighboring Chechnya, which has sent almost 170,000 refugees fleeing into his impoverished republic. For more than a month now, Ingushetia has had to cope with wave upon wave of Chechen refugees, anxious and terrified families who have clambered into cars, vans, buses and trucks, fleeing bombing attacks by Russian federal forces. Like other leaders in the region, Aushev has accounts to settle with the Chechen bandit groups blamed for a wave of kidnappings and violence that in the last two years has spread into Ingushetia. XIE20000502.0025 excerpts: Meanwhile, more refugees are flowing into and out of Chechnya. Over the past 24 hours, 1,927 Chechen refugees have arrived in neighboring Ingushetia and 1,524 refugees returned to Chechnya, the Ingush Migration Service said Tuesday. There are 214,800 Chechen refugees in Ingushetia at the moment, Interfax quoted the service as saying. Topic 47 The analyst is interested in efforts by oil producing nations to reduce the glut of petroleum that is depressing oil prices worldwide. Both OPEC nations and Norway (not an OPEC member) are taking steps to cut production. The analyst is particularly interested in whether OPEC and Norway are acting independently or not. Is there any evidence of coordination, either that OPEC is pressuring Norway or vice versa? Answer: APW19981218.0705 - Norway supporting but allegedly not pressured XIE19990316.0254 - Norway pressuring OPEC XIE19980329.0160 - ditto XIE19981205.0052 - Norway supporting OPEC APW19990315.0183 - Norway will cut only if OPEC agrees to cut APW19981204.0897 - Norway to continue cuts even though OPEC didn't cut XIE19990906.0023 - all cut, neutral on relationship XIE19990318.0328 - accord signed by OPEC and Norway (Mexico) Topic 48 The analyst is interested in U.S. government regulations concerning the export of supercomputer technology to other countries, and more specifically in the U.S. decision to relax export controls. What role did U.S. companies play in getting export controls relaxed, and which companies were involved? Answer: U.S. companies lobbied for the change. Intel and HP are mentioned. NYT19990614.0157 discusses companies lobbying for change in regulations NYT19990701.0374 discusses decision to change, mentions companies that lobbied for it Topic 49 The analyst is interested in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a separatist group in the Philippines, and its relationships with Indonesia. Did MILF have any dealings with the government of Indonesia in the 1990's? Answer: A meeting between the Indonesian president and the MILF leader was planned, but cancelled. XIE19991119.0080 planned meeting XIE19991122.0108 " XIE19991121.0081 " XIE19991119.0086 " XIE19991120.0108 " XIE19991130.0178 meeting cancelled Other stories discuss relationships or alleged relationships with Indonesian separatists and missionaries. Topic 50 The analyst is interested in the Cali drug cartel in Colombia, and is trying to identify family relationships among individuals suspected or known to be part of the cartel. Is there a family relationship between Camilo Restrepo Villegas and Fernando Jose Flores? Answer: No. Camilo Restrepo Villegas is the father-in-law of cartel leader Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, while Fernando Jose Flores is "just a friend" of Rodriguez. XIE19980919.0186 Camilo Restrepo Villegas is the father-in-law of Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela APW19980827.0931 Fernando Jose Flores is "just a friend" of the Rodriguez brothers, Miguel and Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela Just to confuse things, an irrelevant document: APW20000330.0213 Fernando Flores is a cousin of Charles and Joseph Rodriguez of Camden, New Jersey