Untitled Document

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Good morning! Here's your daily summary of news coverage of Auburn University.

Total Clips: 5

	Date	Outlet
Middle East, Asia drive up terrorism	04/19/2006	Security Management Online
Click it or ticket: New public service spot stars local law enforcement	04/19/2006	Opelika-Auburn News
City-made fish bait luring attention	04/19/2006	The Birmingham News
Volunteers needed for second annual community garden event	04/19/2006	Opelika-Auburn News
State's community colleges keep tuition and fees flat	04/19/2006	Mobile Register


Middle East, Asia drive up terrorism 04/19/2006 Security Management Online Marta Lawrence		Return to Top
James Barth, Lowder Eminent Scholar in Finance at AU, is quoted in this story. In 2005, terrorist incidents overall rose more than 50 percent from 2004, says James O. Ellis III, research and program coordinator for the MIPT. Conflicts in the Middle East and a rise in incidents in South Asia accounted for the trend. For example, the number of recorded incidents in the Middle East, which includes Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and the West Bank, nearly doubled over the last year. South Asia, which includes Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, saw more than a 36 percent increase. The overall numbers, however, don't tell the entire story, says Ellis. While the Middle East and Asia have seen a dramatic rise in terrorism, terrorist activity in the rest of the world has actually decreased nearly 40 percent, the lowest level of activity since 2001. Another interesting trend in terrorism in 2005 was that domestic attacks (when terrorists target fellow citizens within their own borders) increased more than international terrorist attacks. "More and more of those campaigns focus on regional [conflicts] and particularly conflicts within states. You find less and less international terrorism," according to Ellis. This is particularly true in areas like Iraq where different factions of the population are engaging in what most experts call a civil war. Last year there were 2,661 incidents of terrorism in Iraq, compared to 1,369 in 2004. Soft Targets One shift in terrorists' tactics is in the amount of soft targets being hit. "Terrorists once upon a time would tend to focus on hardened government targets to make more of a political point, and now they focus more on softer targets," Ellis says. In 2005, the number of private citizens and property targeted by terrorists increased by more than 35 percent and the number of attacks against police, as opposed to military personnel, increased by more than 200 percent. Even though attacks against military targets have more than doubled since 2004, the number of attacks for all of 2005 was only 33, resulting in 428 injuries and 223 fatalities. Comparatively, the number of civilian injuries was 3,213, and fatalities numbered 1,617 deaths from 833 attacks. Targeting civilians achieves another terrorist objective, says James Barth, senior fellow at the Milken Institute and professor of finance at Auburn University. When civilians are targeted, he says, there is a tremendous economic impact, much more so than when military personnel are the target. "When you go after individuals who aren't part of a military, they tend to react more generally and everybody then believes that they are vulnerable," he says. The result is what Barth calls a "terrorism tax," where funds are diverted from other areas to help pay to keep the general population safe. Evidence of this can be found in how the United States reacted after 9-11. Although a suicide bomber attacked the U.S.S. Cole in October 2000, the national security level did not increase until civilians in the Twin Towers were targeted. Methods of Attack. In targeting civilians, terrorists have become increasingly sophisticated, says Ellis. Although the type of technologies used has not changed significantly (bombings remain the favored technique), the methods terrorists use to deploy these weapons have evolved. Terrorists are conducting bombings in more highly populated areas and at a time of day selected to cause the most injuries and fatalities. In 2005, there was a 15 percent increase in the number of injuries and a 35 percent increase in the number of fatalities from 2004. Interestingly, however, Ellis says the number of mass casualty incidents (30 or more fatalities) has decreased slightly since 2004. Funding and Resources Terrorist cells need money to function effectively. The 9-11 Public Discourse Project, composed of former members of the 9-11 Commission, gave the Bush administration an A- with regard to its efforts to fight terrorist financing. (It was the highest grade the group gave to any of the administration's efforts.) The curtailed funding has had an effect. It is probably another factor in the shift to domestic terrorism from transnational terrorism, says Loretta Napoleoni, author of Terror Inc. and Insurgent Iraq. The invasion of Afghanistan and greater scrutiny of terrorist fund raising efforts have led to an al Qaeda strapped for cash and homeless, she says. That has meant fewer resources for carrying out large-scale global operations. But the good news is limited. The terrorists have adapted to their new conditions in several ways. For one, a new breed of domestic terrorists, with the same anti-imperialistic ideology, has emerged. These groups, which operate only domestically, are able to function with much less money and fewer logistical issues. "I don’t think there's going to be another 9-11," in the sense that it was explicitly organized from abroad, says Napoleoni. There will be attacks in the West, including in the United States, "but they will be more homegrown." Terrorists are also finding other ways to raise capital. One method that is increasing is the illicit drug trade—so called "narcoterrorism." In many cases a terrorist group provides muscle to drug runners, including guns and bodyguards, and in exchange the terrorists are given a cut of the profits. The drug trade has the added benefit of giving the terrorist access to smuggling routes, which may allow them to infiltrate a target country's borders, says Jeff Addicott, professor and director of the Center for Terrorism Law at St. Mary's University's school of law. Terrorists have also been linked to selling pharmaceuticals over the Internet in an effort to raise money, says an academic with government experience who spoke under condition of anonymity. Fire Power Getting money is only a means to an end, of course. The real concern is what terrorists can buy with those funds. Unfortunately, getting arms is not difficult, especially in Iraq. "These groups do not need to buy arms and ammunition; they do not need to bring them into the country, because the country is completely awash with arms and ammunition," says Napoleoni. Although weapons are not as prevalent or accessible in other countries, experts say improvised explosive devices and suicide bombings require relatively little technical expertise and can be accomplished with minimal expense and resources. Terrorist incidents are likely to continue along their upward trajectory for 2006, says Ellis. Other experts agree. The Suicide Psyche One common terrorist tactic is the suicide bomber. Understanding why someone would choose to become a suicide bomber may offer insight into how to combat the problem. Toward that end, French-Israeli filmmaker Pierre Rehov interviewed more than 35 Israeli prisoners who were would-be suicide bombers. The only reason they were not dead was that their attempts had failed. Rehov also talked with average Palestinians about their views of suicide bombers. He compiled his interviews in a film called Suicide Killers. What Rehov found was that approximately 80 percent of the failed suicide bombers had no signs of remorse. Only one prisoner saw the error of his ways. Turning toward the camera, the prisoner said, "I am a Shahid, I am a martyr. I wanted to do it, but I'm going to tell all of my brother Muslims around the world, it is against Islam…if you see children, please do not do it…you're not allowed, according to Islam, to blow yourself up." Unfortunately, his message isn't likely to resonate with people in the street, based on Rehov's findings. "What is dangerous and horrible is that suicide bombing is actually becoming a positive value in their [Palestinian] culture," he says. Walking the streets of Jenin, Palestine, Rehov interviewed several children who bragged about their ambitions of becoming a martyr. "The sad thing is that the number of people wanting to do it is increasing day after day, and the reason why is because the mythology is increasing," he says. Others have drawn similar conclusions when studying the cultural phenomenon of suicide bombers. Unlike murderers in American society who are viewed as deviants, suicide bombers in Palestine are often seen as upstanding citizens, says Arie Kruglanski, professor of psychology at the University of Maryland and author of several papers exploring the mind of terrorists. "These are the cultural heroes in the same way the firefighter, or sports hero, or a cowboy would be a hero to an American youth." Terrorism's Economic Toll In addition to its death toll and psychological impact, terrorism can affect a country's economy, says a new report, "The Economic Impacts of Global Terrorism: From Munich to Bali." The study, which focused on the long-term economic consequences of terrorist activity, was conducted by James R. Barth, Tong Li, Don McCarthy, Triphon Phumiwasana, and Glenn Yago of the Milken Institute. The authors examined terrorism from the 1972 hostage takeover at the Munich Olympics to the bombings of tourist targets in Bali in 2002 and 2005. The analysis was focused on the economic impact because economic harm through economic jihad is one of the proclaimed objectives of the terrorist groups. "The underlying strategy of economic jihad," say the authors, is to get countries to redirect resources toward security "so that they are less able to preserve any military and economic dominance." According to the report, "a terrorist attack in a country in a given year reduces its GDP growth by .57 percentage points." For example, in 2001 "Israel had 47 terrorist incidents per million people. In this particular year, the high level of incidents contributed to a 4 percentage-point drop in real GDP per capita growth." When resources are directed toward security, it causes a "suboptimal allocation of resources and, therefore, inhibits economic growth, capital formation, and development of financial markets," the authors write. In addition to more protracted effects, terrorism can cause an immediate negative reaction in financial markets and a drop in tourism.
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Click it or ticket: New public service spot stars local law enforcement 04/19/2006 Opelika-Auburn News William White		Return to Top
Story mentions AU Office of Information Technology's Media Production Group's work on television spot. Multi-jurisdictional law enforcement officers from across Alabama fill the background as two officers, Damon Summers and Denise Ingram, approach the camera and warn a TV audience, "In Alabama, if you don't click it … you are going to get a ticket!" The scene was set Tuesday morning as the Auburn University Office of Information Technology Media Production Group started capturing part of the next statewide "Click It or Ticket" TV spot expected to start airing in mid-May. Aided by a bullhorn, producer/director Tom C. Lenard issued the order to "Stand by … action!" again and again on Tuesday as the scene was repeated and filmed. The images were captured by videographer Jessamyn Saxon, who was aided by grip Danny Clark. Also serving on the crew were Robert A. Dean and Dan Dean. Along with Alabama State Troopers, officers represented a number of cities and counties: Eclectic, Selma, Opelika, Auburn, Lee County, Montgomery County, Shorter, Tallassee, Prattville and Wetumpka. The on-camera talent were Alabama State Trooper Sgt. Damon Summers and Lee County Sheriff Deputy Denise Ingram. The spots are sponsored by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Adminstration, Lenard explained as the crew set up equipment. Working in the parking lot of the Alabama National Guard building on East University Drive, he had the officers working a mock-up "Click It or Ticket" seat belt check point as they normally would as a couple of officers spoke on the camera about the statistics of how many people are killed by not wearing seat belts. "People are five times more likely to die if they are not restrained in an accident," he said. "So the campaign is to get folks aware again about wearing their seatbelts and realize it can save lives." The Auburn crew left Auburn headed to Gadsden to work into the night on another part of the production. "The first part of the spot will focus on Jerry 'Boogie' McCain, who is an Alabama blues legend," Lenard explained. "Last July he was in a serious automobile accident up in Gadsden. He just so happened to have his seatbelt on which saved his life." The musical scene with McCain will be filmed there in a recording studio and at the local arts center in the evening. Post production, editing and duplication will take place at the Media Production Group Avid Edit Suite Thursday and Friday.
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City-made fish bait luring attention 04/19/2006 The Birmingham News		Return to Top
Story references AU research behind natural, biodegradable FoodSource lures. A Birmingham-based company's fishing bait is garnering national attention. Worms made by FoodSource Lures resemble plastic bait, but are biodegradable and made from natural ingredients developed with the help of Auburn University scientists. The process begins by hand-mixing the ingredients in a formula developed by Auburn researchers. "FoodSource lures are environmentally friendly - and they catch fish," said Field & Stream magazine, which has proclaimed the one-inch, fake worms made by FoodSource Lure "might be the future of fishing." In February, FoodSource's lures helped a father-and-son fishing team, Tommie and Jarad Roper of Princeton, N.J., reel in first prize in Crappie USA's fishing tournament in Florida. Last year, FoodSource's lures were featured in publications in places from as far away as Australia. The company's plant is located at 201 39th St. North.
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Volunteers needed for second annual community garden event 04/19/2006 Opelika-Auburn News Tamiko Lowery		Return to Top
Story references AU's donation of property for gardens used to feed local families through the Food Bank of East Alabama. The AU College of Agriculture and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station are also mentioned as partners in the project. "Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity." - Lindley Karstens Seeds will be sown Tuesday not for a bushel of beauty but for a bounty of sustenance that will help feed a number of local families, courtesy of the Food Bank of East Alabama. Kick-off for the second annual "Ground Tilling and Seed Scattering Event" Tuesday from 4 to 4:30 p.m. will give those interested in feeding the hungry an opportunity to plant seeds of hope for those less fortunate. The Food Bank of East Alabama's Community Garden is on property donated by Auburn University across from Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at the corner of Woodfield and Donahue Drive. "We want to invite the entire public to come out," said Julie Herbert, volunteer coordinator for Community Garden. "We've got jobs for everybody whether you're a child or an adult. Our garden depends solely on volunteers." Volunteers are needed to help maintain the garden, harvest the produce, deliver the harvested produce to the Food Bank for distribution and ensure the garden is kept clean. "Produce from the garden is distributed through our emergency food pantries, senior centers, day cares and other member agencies served by the Food Bank," said Martha Faupel, executive director of the Food Bank of East Alabama. Much of the planted food, donated by Bonnie's Plant Farm, will consist of watermelons, cantaloupe, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, squash, snap beans, okra and cucumbers. In a simple springtime setting, the Rev. Marianne Williams from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Auburn will bless the garden, praying for an abundant crop. Also, longtime supporter of the Food Bank, Dr. Beth Guertal of Auburn University will say a few words during the sowing ceremony where participants will be greeted with chilled bottles of water and ice cream donated by Dairy Fresh. Food Bank partners include AU College of Agriculture, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Lee County Extension Service, Lee County Master Gardeners, Soref Foundation, Bonnie's Plant Farm, and local churches and civic clubs. The Food Bank of East Alabama, a not-for-profit distribution center working to feed the hungry, is committed to efficiently distributing donated and purchased food through qualified agencies such as soup kitchens, senior programs, shelters, emergency food pantries and community centers, according to its Web Site. Approximately 451 pounds of collard greens, turnip greens and cabbage were harvested from the Community Garden in February and March and funneled to families in need. Last year, a total of 3,248 pounds of fresh produce was collected and distributed with 36 trips logged from the garden to the Food Bank. "The bottom line for the Community Garden is enhancing the food supply of low-income persons," Faupel said. "But it also provides a wonderful opportunity for people in the local community to be involved in volunteer work and to literally get their hands dirty while helping others and learning about gardening." To volunteer, call Julie Herbert, volunteer coordinator for Community Garden at 826-0781 or e-mail her at jblilypad@aol.com. For more information about the Food Bank of East Alabama, visit www.foodbankofeastalabama.com.
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State's community colleges keep tuition and fees flat 04/19/2006 Mobile Register Jeff Amy		Return to Top
Story references 4.1 percent AU tuition increase okayed by Trustees last week. For the third straight year starting this fall, tuition and fees at Alabama's community and technical colleges will cost $2,700 a year. Chancellor Roy Johnson told state Board of Education members of his decision to keep costs level at a work session Thursday, and board members agreed with the plan. Johnson told the Press-Register on Monday that bountiful state appropriations have enabled the system to avoid increases. "The Legislature has been good to our system," he said. The two-year system will receive $382 million in the state budget that begins Oct. 1, which is 18.6 percent more than this year and 42.6 percent more than in 2005. The system will give 5 percent raises to each employee next year, as mandated by lawmakers. The state's 25 community and technical colleges had 82,081 students in for-credit courses last fall. Though Auburn University has already announced a 4.1 percent tuition increase on its main campus and 2 percent bump at Auburn University Montgomery, some state universities will also stay steady this year. Troy University announced Monday that in-state undergraduate charges would remain at $4,104 next year. The flat rates at two-year schools come after a 7.1 percent increase before the 2004-05 school year and an increase that averaged 23.5 percent before the 2003-04 school year. Overall, Alabama two-year costs rose by 108 percent between 1998 and 2004, according to the Southern Regional Education Board. Individual colleges could choose to raise their prices by imposing a special building fee on top of the $9 per hour each school already charges. But Johnson has to approve additional fees, and he said no college president has sought one. Randy McKinney, the Orange Beach Republican who represents Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties on the state school board, said he applauds the level charges but warned that it won't last forever. "As costs increase, there will be times when we are forced to increase two-year college tuition," McKinney said. Historically, Alabama's community college charges have been among the highest in the 16-state region tracked by Atlanta-based SREB. This school year, Alabama is the fourth-highest among the states when comparing median prices, according to Press-Register calculations. That's actually an improvement from two years ago, when Alabama had the second-highest charges in the South. But the state charges well above southern and national medians. Johnson said he thinks the most important comparison for most Alabama students is between community colleges and state universities. This year, tuition at two-year schools is 60.5 percent of the $4,466 median cost of the state's four-year schools. Johnson said his goal is to get community college tuition to half of what it costs to go to a four-year school. "I kind of wanted to drift ours back down," he said. The board is also on the verge of setting tuition at Marion Military Institute for the first time. The two-year military school, which becomes a public institution on June 1, charges $18,525, including tuition, room, board, uniforms and other fees to in-state students this year. That total would drop to $12,696 next year, pending board approval April 27. Out-of-state Marion students, charged $19,585 this year, would pay $18,696 next year. Almost all students typically get some federal aid because they belong to ROTC units. Marion will close its high school division to in-state students but continue to operate grades 10, 11 and 12 next year, giving non-Alabama students who started this year a chance to graduate. Marion would charge the remaining high school students $18,590 next year, pending approval April 27.
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