Could New Zealand really handle a terrorist incident at Rugby World Cup 2011?

Kia Ora,

Well the New Delhi Commonwealth Games are over & thankfully there were no terrorist attacks. But in saying that the terrorists have already achieved their aim. Just the measures that needed to be taken shows that.

It is actually as if the terrorists when planning 9/11 were taking a leaf out of Ronald Reagans book. His plan had always been to act all war like but in reality bankrupt the Soviet Union by engaging in an arms race. It worked & right now the same seems to be happening to the US(therefore by connection the world) due to the amounts having to be spent on security & wars.

So now here our attention really turns to the Rugby World cup 2011 & the security requirements.

New Zealand just doesn't have the resources India had to throw at it. So therefore we have to think of how to deploy our resources of NZ military, NZ police & NZ Security Industry.

But could New Zealand really handle a Terrorist attack?

Frankly I very much doubt it. It is hard to handle something you have never experienced before. We have had terrorist incidents & have them daily in issues with organized crime but a real terrorist attack there is no way we are ready. Even the recent earthquake here in Christchurch has not shown how bad things could be as no one was killed & emergency services were able to get access quickly to damaged areas.
Terrorism Today: The Past, The Players, The Future (4th Edition)
We have to only look at the recently released information on the London train bombings in Britain to show there was chaos & for sometime the authorities did not comprehend there was a terrorist attack. Of all the cities in the world expected to best handle a terrorist attack London would rank as number one.

So if they descended into chaos how is New Zealand going to handle it? Doubt it very much. Police officers I know said same thing happened here in Christchurch when the dry ice bottle bombs went off.

On the same day I was reading about the information now been released on the train bombings an incident happened as if to emphasize what has to be be prepared for.

In Yemen there were two bomb blasts. The second was detonated once the emergency services were on the scene.
Globalisation and The Future of Terrorism: Patterns and Predictions
It is a common terrorist tactic taken one step further by suicide bombers.

This of course brings in to question the recent issue of NZ police having more access to firearms. First there needs to be a huge increase in training, then the weapons need to be worn or more readily accessible than been in a lock box.

Why? The second part first is if a suicide bomber detonates as has been stated before you need to realize it within 30 seconds & be ready for the follow up. Not wait for an investigation or four investigations to decide.

It is the follow up that brings the lack of training into question.

Is that vehicle refusing to stop a suicide bomber or just some ignorant civilian who thinks they don't have to comply? Or even worse here a rubber necker.
Future Terror & Counter Terrorism ~ A World in Shadows: Terrorism (Volume Seven)
So the training has to be so much higher & as the police do now use rules of engagement, but again to a higher level where a split second decision to fire a warning shot or not has to be made! Coupled with the warning shot are the arguments over to where best put the warning shot because of the implications of what happens to the round after been fired.

From footage of NZ police trying to shoot a dog running around none of that was taken into account at the time. In fact those doing the shooting were lucky not to be shot by their mates.

To not shoot means on your call rest your & the lives of those you are protecting.
Portrait of a Decrepit Nation
So again the question is "Could New Zealand really handle a terrorist attack at the Rugby World Cup 2011". Again the answer is no. Most of what we hear is based on preparing for violence & drunkeness. Right now we should already be getting Kiwi's ready for the security that will be required to host such an event.

That organizers have not even thought about security has been shown in the fact that the USA has been scheduled to play on the tenth annivesary of 9/11. What more of a symbolic target do you want?
The New Jackals: Ramzi Yousef, Osama bin Laden, and the Future of Terrorism
I have said it before. It is going to take a huge change in mindset from the NZ police, the NZ Security Industry & most of all the NZ public to be ready for the type of security requirements now needed for an international tournament.

Yes the terrorists are achieving their aim by bankrupting the World, but what happens if you don't do anything? You need to be best prepared you can be.

NEW ZEALAND IS NOT READY!

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

So it begins to unwind!

Kia Ora,

The Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India finish later this week & after numerous protests over the amount of security hampering the crowds it would appear from comments from one of administrators that security will be relaxed a little.

You always knew that the constant moaning by the bigger teams about the restrictive security would result in the strings been loosened.

Smart terrorists will wait because if there is no attacks after some lessening in security then the pressure will go on to lessen it further.

I have already heard one New Zealand media rep say that the terrorist threat had not eventuated.

It just shows how little they know.
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
The most dangerous time is at the beginning or end of an event. Or arriving & leaving a site.

A common thought in Iraq (& from what I have read & heard in Afghanistan also applies) was you were not there until you had your feet on the ground & you hadn't got clear of the threat until you hit the ground at home.
Inside Terrorism
What this meant was when flying into Iraq especially on your first day on a contract, it wasn't real until you were there. During one suicide bombing campaign in Baghdad those of us returning from leave were stuck with a group going in for the first time for nine days in Amman, Jordan.

When leaving it was not uncommon for you to have to report several days in a row to the airport to see if anything was flying. At one time several hundred people were living in the airport building in conditions that made living in areas of Christchurch post the earthquake seem like five star hotels. All waiting to leave.

Then on one occassion three hotels in Amman were hit by suicide bombers.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Take that back to the games in Delhi & just because there have been no terrorist attacks yet, does not mean there will not be. The games are not over for the visitors until they touch down in their own country.

To think otherwise is to not keep in touch with the reality of the situation.

But if an attack does happen it will be India who get the blame despite the pressure put on the games administration to lessen the security blanket.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Is there likely to be a Terrorist attack at the Commonwealth Games now they are underway?

Kia Ora,

So now the Commonwealth Games are underway is there a likelyhood of a terrorist attack still? Is all that suffocating security still required?

Well in a word. Yes!

In fact as the games wear on if there is going to be an attack it is more likely to occur later in the games.

By looking at how Al Qaeda in particular has carried out some attacks in Iraq & Afghanistan I see the possibility of an armed assault on the bridge leading into the games village. From reports & images on TV there are still concerns about the security set up there. Either during the assault or after then vehicle bombs making their way in along with surviving assaulters to targeted team facilities.
Inside Terrorism
The teams most likely to be hit are Australia, England (as the most identifiable team of 'Britain') for their high profile in Iraq & Afghanistan.

The other is New Zealand.

First for our perceived connection to Iraq & connection to Afghanistan.

Then there has been the issues of late that have highlighted New Zealand in India & not in a good light.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Initially there was the complaints laid by the NZ chef de mission which highlighted the poor state of the games village. Some of that was quite well received in India as complaints by locals fell on deaf ears(sounds very familiar to what happens here).

That was followed by the issue over the alleged words said by the CEO of the Commonwealth Games who just happens to be a New Zealander that Indians felt were a slight on the people of New Delhi.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Since then there have been the Paul Henry issues first regarding the Governor General who just happens to be Fijian Indian which has been followed in India with wideapread coverage of him making fun of an Indian government ministers name.

Not a good look & Paul often engages mouth before brain but he does like Hone raise issues that New Zealand need to look at itself & discuss. They both say what they are thinking & many others are but won't speak up to say. It is actually a NZ trait not to say anything but go whispering behind peoples backs. Just maybe things need to be said in a different way.
Islam And Terrorism
But all that has raised the New Zealand profile not in a good way so immediately the team becomes a target.

So why later in the games? Human nature!

The games are 10 days in duration so as they wear on the security teams will naturally lower their awareness. If you wait until after the closing ceremony then everyone will think, well we got that far it is all good, security will sub consciously at least lower their guard, teams or those still there will party. What better time to hit?
Terrorism Today: The Past, The Players, The Future (4th Edition)
I have actually been part of a high profile security team where one of the supervisors actually said when we caught someone inside who shouldn't be, "oh don't worry about it. We have done well for two & a half days." Excuse me?

There is also an issue I have raised previously which a reporter noted in their article on the games.

First the reporter talks about how suffocating the security is but then talks about better too much than too little if it prevents an attack.
Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century (6th Edition)
Their next comment though makes my point. It was the frustration when you are going through check after check when others just waltz on by just over the way.

As pointed out this was happening in Amman, Jordan at the hotel I stayed at. But it also happened in Baghdad.

Sent with other members of my team to gain the latest pass or piece of paper needed to work there(from memory it was the Iraqi firearms licence) we had to enter the same building as the Interim Iraqi Parliament. One of the team suddenly says "look at that!" A bodyguard for an Iraqi Member of Parliament handed the MP his firearm to smuggle in as MP's did not go through a metal detector.

Of course later on three bombs were smuggled in to a cafe used by Iraqi MP's & exploded.
Insurgency and Terrorism: From Revolution to Apocalypse, Second Edition, Revised
Our response was once inside having cleared our weapons, was to 'make safe'(load a magazine back on our weapons but not cock it) as if there were weapons floating around unknown we had to be ready.

So is the threat over? No way. It is actually increasing.

Current issues highlighting New Zealand is in a bad light that makes our team a highly likely target in any attack.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

New Zealanders continue to support Terrorists!

Kia Ora,

Today was going to be a blog about where I see likely terrorist strike at the Commonwealth Games currently been staged in Delhi, India. But that will have to wait as yesterday again showed how people in New Zealand support terrorist activities in our own country.
Dan Rather Reports #235: Into Africa(2 DVD Set - WMVHD DVD & Standard Definition DVD)
Of course there are the many who support organized crime in the guise of the terrorist groups commonly known as gangs. In reality they are terrorist groups. Nothing more, nothing less.

Then we have those who support the internationally recognized terrorist umbrella groups such as eco green type entities.

What I am talking about here though is the three terrorists who attacked the so called Waihopai Spy base near Blenheim.

Their actions are those of terrorists. As one radio DJ was heard to ask yesterday, when someone was trying to defend their actions, "what would New Zealanders be saying if these three were of Middle Eastern descent?"

Great question as it does not matter what their ethnic background is, it is their actions. These guys are terrorists & the jury got it very very wrong.

So now the government are looking to change the defence they used & now go after the three of them for damages.
"Terrorism": why the definition must be broad.(FORUM: ON TERRORISM): An article from: World Policy Journal
Their defence again was they believed they were right as their actions would save lives in Iraq(also known as colour of right). What a load of bollocks! It is extremely unlikely that any information gathered from a New Zealand site would have direct impact in Iraq.

In fact the only likely connections would of been myself & others ringing back to our families here whilst we worked in Iraq or Iraqis ringing their relations here when they found out we were Kiwis as happened on occassion.
Terrorism: definition, justification, and applications.(Terrorism. The Philosophical Issues )(Book review): An article from: Social Theory and Practice
Although the US has an unhealthy reliance on electronic intelligence, the best was gained by the age old fashion of what is now known as humanint.

The government could of easily brought in a few of us that had worked security in Iraq to comment on the highly unlikely circumstances of the site here picking up useful information.
Appendix B: definitions.(terrorism): An article from: CONPLAN - U.S. Government Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan
By destroying the envelope around one of the antenna's the only lives they really put in danger were those of New Zealanders.

Yet many New Zealanders continue to support the terrorist actions of these three men.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

From Fairyland to lack of reality!

Kia Ora,

The news can be an interesting watch, listen or read.

One article yesterday spoke of a person here in Christchurch been given a slap on the hand for carrying out a Bomb Hoax. So New Zealand remains in Fairyland in regards to these issues. To get the seriousness of this issue across there needs to be prison sentences issued & quite severe prison sentences.

All going well next year New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup 2011 & with hopefully the NZ police & NZ Security Industry on a higher alert. What we don't need is people calling in bomb hoax's tying up resources when a real threat might be eventuating.
Hostage Rescue Manual: Tactics of the Counter-Terrorist Professionals-Revised Edition
There has been an increase in bomb hoax's in recent times in New Zealand. The message needs to be sent that this is an unacceptable action. It is that serious that I would suggest a starting point of ten years jail. Resources sent to one of these just might save hundreds of lifes if able to be used elsewhere.

In the meantime in India those associated with some of the games are loosing touch with reality.

After all the concerns over security then the state of the venues people are now calling for security to be relaxed so people can attend events.

It shows that these people are out of touch with reality.

The Commonwealth Games in Delhi are India's chance to showcase to the world what it can do. Though I do have concerns with some of the security preparations I see & has been reported to me, I can't see India relaxing this early in the games.
Negotiating with Terrorists: Strategy, Tactics, and Politics
But it also tells me that those making the comments have not thought it through.

First the cost to the venues from what is been said was always going to favour tourists, not the locals. Those locals who could afford to go were seen giving interviews saying they were going away on holiday during the games period(note to NZ same will happen for Rugby World Cup as it will be mainly tourists who will be able to afford the tickets).

Now comment was hardly anyone showed up to watch Hockey(field hockey) matches India's national game. National game? Well I suppose it could be because what most Indians will be watching or listening to the national religion. Cricket! In particular the test series(with the first concluding last night in a very close match) between India & Australia. No problems with crowds at cricket matches.
Hidden Agenda, Vol. 6 - No Place to Hide, The Strategy and Tactics of Terrorism
If the test series had not been on it is odds on India would of been taking note of the current one day series between NZ & Bangladesh.

Someone didn' think about their planning as nothing compares to cricket in the sub continent.

In fact being a cricket player it is one thing I have found as an icebreaker anywhere in the world when talking to someone with a legacy from the sub continent.
Foreign Terrorist Organizations: History Tactics and Connections
So people are calling for a relaxing in the security in place without actually thinking about the other factors or the reality of the situation. This is what any terrorist maybe just waiting for.

You under estimate your enemy(terrorist) at your own peril!

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

So where are the explosives?

Kia Ora,

Some more coverage of the Commonwealth games in India & again I am concerned about something in pictures we are getting. There is something not quite right with all the security we see.

There was also a warning of a report that some explosives & weapons have been smuggled in already for terrorist attacks.

It shouldn't but that report got me chuckling.

Why chuckling over explosives & weapons been smuggled in?

Well with the concern over the state of some of the venues & the Games village as the pressure goes on I would expect that some of the security would of been relaxed to get the extra workers in.

That is where the fun begins. Have any weapons been smuggled in & left in dead letter boxes for uplift later?
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding Threats and Responses in the Post 9/11 World (3rd Edition)
Then there is the explosives.

In Iraq road workers were found to be laying IED's in the roads as they paved them. Many only discovered by the wires sticking out at the side of the road.

On at least one occassion an IED was placed in the gap between some blast walls.

Then the workers at at least one facility for making blast walls were reportedly found placing IED's in the blast walls.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, Readings and Interpretations, Revised & Updated 2004 (Trade Edition)
Then how good are the bomb searches. Close to at least one check point to the Green Zone in Baghdad an IED was placed each night & removed each morning by US troops.

So what has Iraq got to do with the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India?

Terrorist tactics transfer quickly world wide, especially when they work. Already there have been a lot of similarities in tactics at times in Afghanistan & Iraq. With Al Qaeda established in Pakistan & groups fighting in Kashmir it would not take a lot for that information to be passed onto groups in India.
Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Conflicting Perspectives on Causes, Contexts, and Responses
Or they can just get it off the internet.

So though not really an amusing subject you can just see it happening, especially as the pressure comes on to get the place up to scratch demanded by competing nations.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Lack of Leadership Exposed!

Kia Ora,

Well the blame game has started in India over the state of the Commonwealth Games in the lead up to the Games.

A lot of fingers were pointed at one official, Indian Media have pointed the finger also at the New Zealander who was CEO of games on behalf of Commonwealth Games.

To my way of thinking both of those fingered in particular but right the way down the chain there has been a lack of leadership. As is shown in the programme 'Undercover Boss' those up the top often have no idea or have forgotten what it is like at the bottom.
Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know
They don't always have to do the work but just get out & see those that are & ensure things are done. Though not like one security operations manager who thought he would visit sites & patrols & when having to help do some work or do something that was out of his league, never came back, but harrassed everyone else. He never learnt a thing.

Or as I found in Iraq, different nationalities have different ideas of leadership & what works. All had their good & bad points, but to motivate people some of the leaders have to get in & do some work themselves.

We had a situation where that arose & on the first day the local workers worked very hard & were great. On the second someone from a different nationality thought all they had to do was yell & scream & nothing much got done. The third day same formula as first was tried but the damage had been done.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
Funny thing is all the criticism pointed at India can also be pointed at New Zealand.

The day after the state of the games village was exposed it was revealed similar conditions where found in Auckland eateries.

Within the NZ Security Industry the lack of real leadership is rampant & would be sorely exposed in a real emergency at most big events.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

New Zealanders just don't get it!

Kia Ora,

It seems everywhere I have looked today there is another New Zealand reporter or security commentator saying that New Zealanders shouldn't listen to the advice at the Commonwealth Games to hide their national colours.

Why was that advice been given?

Because it was believed Al Qaeda was looking to target countries with troops in Afghanistan.

So are they right?

Well really neither the New Zealanders were right or those offering the security advice but those offering were far closer to the facts.

At least one commentator mentioned the fact that the people of India were threatening to swamp Kiwis with kindness. That is most likely but it doesn't mean a terrorist will embrace them as New Zealanders.

Another said basically Kiwis should wear their colours as not a target.
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
What a load of rot!

First is if you use a New Zealand flag much of the world thinks you are Australian.

Second the likes of Al Qaida are not dumb. They do know who is who in the world. They do have people who read books like that by Sir John Keegan "The Iraq War" which says New Zealand he believes was part of the invasion of Iraq. Whether he is right or wrong it is a common belief in the Arab World.

Thirdly & where both parties are not right is the mindset of a suicide bomber or terrorists. All people are a target including Muslims for the Al Qaeda suicide bomber. Their aim is to achieve their mission which is likely to be take as many with them as possible.
Inside Terrorism
From the information I am receiving from people on the ground, pictures on TV, security is not as good as people say it is. It would be interesting to see the check points as earlier photos of a few years ago showed tourists getting checked whilst life carried on. That does not make a place secure.

Again it is that mindset of New Zealanders. New Zealanders believe they are one of the few countries that is have the ability to move anywhere. That is true to some extend & has been true over the years & why our passports have been so sort after.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
But the world has changed & some people don't care where you are from as long as they make their statement.

New Zealanders just won't get it until it blows up in their faces.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Fools Paradise! Commonwealth Games Security!

Kia Ora,

Well the on going saga of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi is playing out. With the concentration on the state of the Games Village & some of the other buildings security has been pretty much glossed over.

The news footage here has focussed on two security points. The person with the rifle & the car search.

The person with the rifle is in what in the army we would of called a 'caught unawares shot'where someone took the pose like they were actually working. No one would stay in that pose for their whole shift especially if they were weak in the upper body.

As to the car search. A suicide bomber would love that search as too many standing around the vehicle. But not a problem that could not be sorted with some quick training & leadership.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding Threats and Responses in the Post 9/11 World (3rd Edition)
After my last blog on the security situation at the Games Village with comments based on the information from a security consultant who had been on the site, I have received a message through another social media forum. That message is from someone living close to the Commonwealth Games area & the comment was interesting. There is a lot of security but its only mission seems to be hassle the locals not protect anything.

They say the situation is a lot worse than the media is reporting.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, Readings and Interpretations, Revised & Updated 2004 (Trade Edition)
A reporter was just on TV saying how many check points they had to go through.

Picture the other day showed an Indian check point several years ago checking all the tourists whilst the locals walked around the side. Pretty much the situation in one I came across after the suicide bombings in Amman, Jordan in 2006. At the hotel I was in, all tourists went through a metal detector & had their luggage searched whilst some who would be an odds on bet to be Jihadists were allowed around the side.
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, Readings and Interpretations, Revised & Updated 2004 (Trade Edition)
In another incident we watched as a bodyguard for an Iraqi politician handed his pistol to the politician as they were not checked.

You can have as many check points as you want, but if they do not apply to all then they are ineffective.
Debating Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Conflicting Perspectives on Causes, Contexts, and Responses
The same here recently in a dress rehearsal for the Rugby World Cup 2011 when people were walking past the alcohol searches & not been checked. Though I can't blame the security for that as no one expects a great threat. But as we focus on the issues in India, it is best to remember we will need to be much better than worrying about alcohol searches.

It can be fixed but time is running out for both the Commonwealth Games & the Rugby World Cup 2011. At present we are all in a fools paradise.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Like Lambs to the Slaughter!

Kia Ora,

Well security at the Commonwealth Games have hit the headlines again with an Australian 'Expert' saying there is a huge chance of terrorist attacks outside the venues.

The Australian Olympic Committee has followed its New Zealand counterpart & hit out at him. Dismissing his claims & basically saying it is under control.

So was he on the button?

Well what he has forecast is a high likelyhood but his prediction shows that he is most likely out of step with what has been happening.

On the other hand the consultant I spoke of a few blogs ago seemed to be up with the methods that terrorists have been using in the last few years. His focus was more on the games village to be used by the atheletes & I could visualize what he was talking about quite easily from experience. Whats more the TV images so far have backed up what he was saying.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Meanwhile what of the 'Expert'?

His predicitons are more in line with what would happen in conjunction of an attack on a venue or the games village. That or, as was set up to happen when the embassy next to our villa in Baghdad was targeted by a suicide bomber, a series of IED's aimed at the emergency services responding to the initial incident. On that occassion those IED's failed to detonate.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Meanwhile the authorities continue to ignore Private security consultants whom might just know a lot more than the government lacky's.

That is not to say the games shouldn't go ahead, but there maybe needs to be a look at using the likes of PSD companies in conjunction with the authorities. In this situation experience is everything. Otherwise it really is like leading lambs to slaughter.

http://foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Can you trust the Information Governments give?

Kia Ora,

Why this question?

Security concerns have again arisen over the upcoming Commonwealth games in India.

Only saw a part of the coverage on TV last night but what I caught was the president of the New Zealand Olympic committee & chef de mission for our games team commenting. One comment I heard was about a security persons comment about poor security & the reply to the effect five governments were pulling together so don't you think they would know more?

I have had a similar question put to me when talking about possible terrorist attacks here during or prior to the Rugby World Cup 2011. "But the government would know."
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
Well from my experience no they wouldn't.

Governments have a poor track record of knowing the true story as they are 'advised' by bureaucrats who more often than not know even less. The new Security Personnel Bill springs immediately to mind. As does the debacle that has come out in recent days where the NZSIS has again botched a background check on someone appointed to a high position. This time as the defence forces advisor on science, so requiring security clearance to the highest level.

Then there is the question as too whether a government has given all or the correct information so as to mislead. Some would say this is the case with the weapons of mass destruction that led to the invasion of Iraq.
The Mind of the Terrorist: The Psychology of Terrorism from the IRA to al-Qaeda
Just today from a security consultant there was information which would worry any security professional on potential threats to the Commonwealth games atheletes residence. They wouldn't be a reason to stop going but they need to be dealt with & quickly.

What they talk about though needs a military or PSD(private security detail) background to understand, not a NZ police background only. This is a whole different ball game.
Inside Terrorism
Problem is until it happens most people will side with the President of the NZ Olympic Committee & chef de mission of the games team.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Coming up against a countries Mindset when yours has moved on!

Kia Ora,

An article appeared in the Sunday-Star Times yesterday about how Rob Nicol the players representative for Rugby,Cricket & now the Athletes Federation is criticizing the New Zealand Olympics Committee's(NZOC) security plans for the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
The History of Terrorism: From Antiquity to al Qaeda
The problem Rob Nicol is dealing with is his exposure in particular through the issues surrounding the cricket tours to the sub continent has shifted his mindset in regards to security. Although I still don't think he or his advisors have fully grasped yet the threat to New Zealand, the biggest issue is he has moved on but New Zealand has not.

The NZOC has come back & pointed to the fact that the New Zealand government was best placed to offer security information.
I have had that said to me as well. Yeah right. Until the country is able to change its mindset then it is unlikely the bureaucrats who advise the government will change theirs & that is unlikely to happen until the first suicide bomb goes off here.

That is shown when the bureaucrats put together the new security personnel bill had no idea of what security face on the streets of New Zealand & made no provision for likely threats in the future. Or as I say it's only good use is as toilet paper.

But the NZOC is only reflecting the attitude of the country as are the bureaucrats.
Terrorism - A World in Shadows (Box Set)
The spokeswoman for the NZOC says it has seen the security plans for Delhi & they are in accordance with international best practice.

In the process of getting keeping my businesses moving until they become self sustaining I have had to carry out a variety of work. Everytime I hear the words 'best practice' I know that is exactly what it isn't going to be. I know many others think the same way as soon as those words are uttered.
Inside Terrorism
So Rob Nicol has a task ahead of him as you just can't change a nations mindset. In fact if you look at the US, the Oklahoma bombings, once it was realized it had been carried out by a US citizen no permanent mind set change occurred. If it had it is less likely 9/11 would of occurred.

This issue is part of the thought process I had to go through when looking on how to provide security & came up with the 0900 Suspicious concept. How do you provide really effective security without expending your energy in trying to change peoples mindset.
Origins of Terrorism: Psychologies, Ideologies, Theologies, States of Mind
Or as a quote used by Robert Kiyosaki on financial education says "Don't teach pigs to sing as it annoys the pig & wastes your time". In other words educate by doing, not trying to change someone.

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Bit of a Cheek really! NZ commenting on others Security!

Kia Ora,

Talk about stating the bleeding obvious. Some cables from the NZ High Commission in India have shown that they expect possible terrorist attacks on 'Soft' targets during the Commonwealth games.

Have said that before that India might get hit, but also have said India is a bit like Britain. Just get on with life.

But talking about 'Soft' targets that is New Zealand across the board & it will have an effect as not only New Zealanders view New Zealand as unlikely to have a terrorist attack, but so do many outside the country. The Rugby World Cup 2011 is an even better reason for an attack.

But if you think like a terrorist,then New Zealand is a prime target as it will have an effect way beyond any casualties caused.

'Soft targets that sprinbg to mind right away are the Rugby Road in Christchurch & Party Central in Auckland.

It is the job of High Commissions & Embassies to provide these assessments to their governments but in this case it is a bit cheeky to comment on 'soft' targets in other countries.

New Zealand would rate as the softest, juciest target going. Or as an Australian businessman said "Apathy reigns."

http://www.foxhoundsecurity.co.nz

Terrorism concerns.

Kia ora,

Over the last week there have being major terrorism concerns for the IPL Cricket & the Commonwealth Games after bomb blasts outside a stadium prior to an IPL game.

But as predicted in an earlier blog, the Indians, just delayed the game a bit then carried on. It is part of life in many parts of the world.

But yet again it calls into question the possibility of terrorism in New Zealand.

It is not just a matter of good security training, but yet again a change in mindset.

The reaction of a former player turned commentator & his comments, show that an attack on New Zealand will have a greater effect than a full on attack at the Commonwealth Games.

How hard will it be to change the NZ mindset in regards to anything to do with security or even policing let alone terrorism.

Two incidents  in this last week show this has a long way to go. A very long way.

The first was part of the increasing tendecy to flout authority of any kind & ended up with the shooting of a security guard with an air rifle by a teenager.

Someone said to me "it was only an air rifle". The modern air rifle can be more powerful than many .22, just the pellet is small. Shot in the wrong place & they kill.

Just ask the family of the police sergeant killed by one.

The second is the incident is the ruckus over the police car turning to chase a speeding vehicle & then being hit by a motorcyclist killing the motorcyclist.

The comment is all about how wrong the police officer was.

The initial impression I received from the media coverage was that the police vehicle had a vehicle approaching at speed, had turned blind & was hit by the motor cyclist coming from behind the patrol car, but that didn't add up to where the police car was hit from the images shown.

Now comment by the driver of the speeding vehicle puts it in a different light, though not knowing the full facts this is how I see it.

Ute was speeding, Police car turned as bike was behind the Ute, police car would of had clear view  unless the bike was also speeding or even racing the Ute.

But still the venom is at the police like they deliberately did it.

Then the dirver of the Ute claims that his Mazda bounty could not reach the speed of 154kmh.

Funny that as teams were able to get their Pajero's to 180/200 kmh in Iraq & even with four to five tonne armoured landcruisers we reached speeds of 160 to 180Kmh & many of these were well underpowered compared to any bounty.

So with attitudes like that it is going to take a huge mindset change for the public of NZ to accept the security levels needed to stage a world class sporting event.

And again that then leads to the even greater mindset change needed by the NZ security industry.

Suicide bombers do not stop just because you say so.

On current tactics, they will arrived armed to fight their way in to inflict maximum damage. Few bombers to neutralize any opposition then the next ones get that bit further.

To combat it we need to practise basic security for real, not just play at it. Hands up all those in the NZ security industry who knows what a suicide bomber looks like after they have detonated their vest?