Patronus Analytical
A Thoughtful, Analytical Approach to NGO Security
Nov 2008
Security from the Turkey's Point of View
30/11/08 19:02 Filed in: Security Maxim
Consider that the turkey's experience may have, rather than no value, a negative value. It learned from observation, as we are all advised to do (hey, after all, this is what is believed to be the scientific method). Its confidence increased as the number of friendly feedings grew, and it felt increasingly safe even though the slaughter was more and more imminent. Consider that the feeling of safety reached its maximum when the risk was at the highest! Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Aid Worker Murdered in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
28/11/08 21:21 Filed in: Security Incident
An aid worker with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) was killed by unidentified gunmen in Batticaloa last night. A. Vigneswaran was shot and killed after the gunmen forced him from his house according to local authorities. Vigneswaran had worked as a construction-supervisor with NRC for two years.
More: NGO officer shot dead in eastern Sri Lanka
More: NGO officer shot dead in eastern Sri Lanka
A Short History of Congo
27/11/08 21:46 Filed in: Analysis
Thanks to kiwanja for pointing out this excellent videographic mapping of the war in Congo. It maps the relationship between the war, raw resources, and militias.
Reasons to be Thankful
27/11/08 20:03 Filed in: News
Today is the day that Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Going through my email and news feeds I’ve been thinking of things to be thankful for.
First and foremost for me is that Bev did not make it as far as Mumbai on her break from the dangers of Afghanistan. Fortunately for her the attacks began before she could leave Delhi.
Afghanistan hasn’t been quiet either of course. A suicide bombing near the American embassy in Kabul disrupted Thanksgiving Day activities, killing at least four people.
Aid Worker Daily points to another reason to be thankful. I could have been born in eastern Congo rather than western Canada. Condition: Critical highlights the struggles of those living in war torn Congo.
Most of all this morning I am thankful that I am not Dany Egreteau the French aid worker kidnapped in Kabul on 3 November. Warning: The video contains graphic and disturbing images.
Have courage brother. Rest assured that there are many working for your safe return.
First and foremost for me is that Bev did not make it as far as Mumbai on her break from the dangers of Afghanistan. Fortunately for her the attacks began before she could leave Delhi.
Afghanistan hasn’t been quiet either of course. A suicide bombing near the American embassy in Kabul disrupted Thanksgiving Day activities, killing at least four people.
Aid Worker Daily points to another reason to be thankful. I could have been born in eastern Congo rather than western Canada. Condition: Critical highlights the struggles of those living in war torn Congo.
Most of all this morning I am thankful that I am not Dany Egreteau the French aid worker kidnapped in Kabul on 3 November. Warning: The video contains graphic and disturbing images.
Have courage brother. Rest assured that there are many working for your safe return.
Mumbai Blasts
27/11/08 01:33 Filed in: Security Incident
As word comes in about the scope of the terror attacks in Mumbai you might want to check out these close to real time sources:
MumbaiHelp is willing to assist with trying to connect families to relatives in Mumbai.
If you search #mumbai in Twitter you will receive the latest tweets. If that’s too overwhelming try the CNN Twitter feed or BreakingNewsOn
If you have a good connection try IBNlive.
MumbaiHelp is willing to assist with trying to connect families to relatives in Mumbai.
If you search #mumbai in Twitter you will receive the latest tweets. If that’s too overwhelming try the CNN Twitter feed or BreakingNewsOn
If you have a good connection try IBNlive.
Safe Charity
24/11/08 00:05
A quick search on Google Trends shows that people become more interested in charity and giving in the approach to the holiday season (but note the sharp decline in the second half of December).
The chart also shows much greater interest in giving in wake of a major crisis. Both the 2004 Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina precipitated numerous Google searches as people tried to figure out how to help.
Unfortunately the holiday season and crisis events also bring out the scammers. The unscrupulous can make it difficult for the well intentioned private donor to avoid being scammed and to ensure that maximum use is being made of their contribution.
Charity Navigator also has a valuable tips and resources section that will help keep you from being scammed and ensure that your money is spent the way you expect it to be spent.
The chart also shows much greater interest in giving in wake of a major crisis. Both the 2004 Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina precipitated numerous Google searches as people tried to figure out how to help.
Unfortunately the holiday season and crisis events also bring out the scammers. The unscrupulous can make it difficult for the well intentioned private donor to avoid being scammed and to ensure that maximum use is being made of their contribution.
Charity Navigator can take some of the risk out of giving. The site evaluates the financial health of over 5,300 charities using two broad indicators; organizational efficiency and organizational capacity. In short they seek to measure how effectively organizations will use your donations.
Charity Navigator also has a valuable tips and resources section that will help keep you from being scammed and ensure that your money is spent the way you expect it to be spent.
Rohrbach’s Maxim
23/11/08 03:25 Filed in: Security Maxim
No security device, system, or program will ever be used properly all the time.
Women, War, Aid and Reconstruction in Afghanistan
I just ran across this interview with Kathy Ullyott, Homemakers Magazine’s editor-in-chief. I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy during her visit to Kabul. She struck me as thoughtful and perceptive. This interview does nothing to change that opinion. If you want an understanding of the challenges in Afghanistan that extends deeper than ‘body count’ headlines you owe it to yourself to take the time to listen to all six parts of the interview.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
You can also find a three part text transcript of the interview with additional photos at Digital Journal 1, 2. Part 3 should be out shortly.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
You can also find a three part text transcript of the interview with additional photos at Digital Journal 1, 2. Part 3 should be out shortly.
Security and Technology Truism
16/11/08 22:48 Filed in: Security Maxim
— Bruce SchneierIf you think technology can solve your security problems, then you don't understand the problems and you don't understand the technology.
Vacancy - IFES Security Manager - USA
15/11/08 01:04 Filed in: Security Jobs
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems is looking for someone with extensive experience implementing humanitarian field security programs. This senior position is based in Washington but at least 40% of your time will be spent travelling.
Vacancy - Security and Logistic Manager - Timor-Leste
15/11/08 00:57 Filed in: Security Jobs
The Norwegian Refugee Council needs a Security and Logistics Manager for Timor Leste. It seems to be primarily a logistics position but if you are looking for a break from Iraq, Afghanistan or Somalia it might just be the job for you.
Vacancy - Security Officer - Somalia
15/11/08 00:46 Filed in: Security Jobs
IMC has a vacancy for a Security Officer in Somalia. If any country needs good NGO security officers at the moment it is Somalia.
For details on this and other IMC jobs check out their Employment Opportunities.
For details on this and other IMC jobs check out their Employment Opportunities.
Vacancy - Logistics and Security Manager - ACTED
15/11/08 00:29 Filed in: Security Jobs
Vacancy - Country Security Manager - Iraq
15/11/08 00:16 Filed in: Security Jobs
IRD is looking for a Country Security Manager for its operations in Iraq. They are looking for someone with a lot of experience, at least ten years as a security manager, but if you meet the requirements this challenging position just might be for you.
Read more.
Read more.
Updated: Gunmen Kill American Aid Worker and Driver in Peshawar
12/11/08 18:06 Filed in: Security Incident
Gunmen shot and killed an American aid worker and his driver in Peshawar, Pakistan on Wednesday 12 November. The men were killed near their office in the University Town area. The names of the victims have not been officially released pending notification of next of kin but local television channels are reporting the victim as Stephen Devency.
The American reportedly worked for the FATA Development Program, a USAID funded coalition of humanitarian organizations.
Update: The NYT has identified the murdered American as Steve Vance of the Co-operative Housing Foundation (CHF). The Tehrik-i-Taliban, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the murders.
More:
American Aid Worker Shot Dead
US aid worker killed in Pakistan
The American reportedly worked for the FATA Development Program, a USAID funded coalition of humanitarian organizations.
Update: The NYT has identified the murdered American as Steve Vance of the Co-operative Housing Foundation (CHF). The Tehrik-i-Taliban, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the murders.
More:
American Aid Worker Shot Dead
US aid worker killed in Pakistan
Gunmen Kill Mercy Corps Staffer in Somalia
09/11/08 13:47 Filed in: Security Incident
On 8 November gunmen shot dead a Somali aid worker in southern Somalia. Mohamud Mohamed Osman “Sakow” of Mercy Corps was assassinated while walking to his house in Jamame, north of Kismayu.
Read more:
Somalia: Aid worker killed in Somalia
Hawiye jehadist al shabaab killed today Aid worker in shabelle region Somalia
Gunmen kill another aid worker in south Somalia
Read more:
Somalia: Aid worker killed in Somalia
Hawiye jehadist al shabaab killed today Aid worker in shabelle region Somalia
Gunmen kill another aid worker in south Somalia
Getting Disaster Management Planning Buy In
08/11/08 16:20 Filed in: Security Maxim
The best way to get management excited about a disaster plan is to burn down the building across the street. — Dan Erwin, Security Officer, Dow Chemical Co.
Somali Gunmen Kidnap Aid Workers on Airstrip
05/11/08 18:13 Filed in: Security Incident | News
Somali gunmen have kidnapped a group of aid workers from an airstrip in central Somalia.
Stop Walking! Updated
03/11/08 14:27 Filed in: NGO Security
Warning: Rant Ahead
On 20 October Gayle Williams was shot and killed in Kabul while walking to work. This morning a French aid worker was reportedly kidnapped while walking in Karta Parwan.
I know that many international aid workers want to avoid “white 4x4 syndrome’” and hate the feeling of isolation that security precautions can bring. I know it. I understand it. However it is time to recognize that it is no longer safe for obvious foreign nationals to walk on the streets of Kabul. Certainly one may be only marginally safer in a vehicle but marginally safer is better than nothing.
As an international aid worker it might help to remember that the work you do has greater benefit than does your visible presence on the street.
Update: It looks like the French aid worker may not have been walking when he was kidnapped. I still stand by my advice though - stay off the streets until things improve.
On 20 October Gayle Williams was shot and killed in Kabul while walking to work. This morning a French aid worker was reportedly kidnapped while walking in Karta Parwan.
I know that many international aid workers want to avoid “white 4x4 syndrome’” and hate the feeling of isolation that security precautions can bring. I know it. I understand it. However it is time to recognize that it is no longer safe for obvious foreign nationals to walk on the streets of Kabul. Certainly one may be only marginally safer in a vehicle but marginally safer is better than nothing.
As an international aid worker it might help to remember that the work you do has greater benefit than does your visible presence on the street.
Update: It looks like the French aid worker may not have been walking when he was kidnapped. I still stand by my advice though - stay off the streets until things improve.
French Aid Worker Kidnapped in Kabul
03/11/08 14:02 Filed in: Security Incident | News
The details are still sketchy but it appears that a French aid worker has been kidnapped in Kabul this morning. According to various sources he was taken while walking in Karta Parwan, a suburb of Kabul. An Afghan, possibly with the National Directorate of Security, was shot when he tried to intervene.
More: Western aid worker kidnapped in Kabul, Afghan shot dead
More: Western aid worker kidnapped in Kabul, Afghan shot dead
Excessive Security?
03/11/08 08:04 Filed in: Security Maxim
Security is always excessive until it's not enough. — Robbie Sinclair, Head of Security, Country Energy, NSW, Australia
Other Stuff
Subscribe to Patronus in a feedreader
Subscribe to Patronus Analytical RSS Feed by Email
Low on bandwidth? Try this low graphics version
Lijit Search
This work by Kevin Toomer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 Canada License.
Analysis (15)
Analytical Techniques (18)
Civil-Military Relations (1)
Free Burma! (2)
Human Security (9)
Humor (5)
Life (5)
Maps (6)
News (83)
NGO Security (99)
NGO Security Myths (3)
PA News (4)
Risk (11)
Safety (8)
Security (31)
Security Incident (132)
Security Jobs (98)
Security Maxim (15)
Technology (29)
Tools (30)
Analytical Techniques (18)
Civil-Military Relations (1)
Free Burma! (2)
Human Security (9)
Humor (5)
Life (5)
Maps (6)
News (83)
NGO Security (99)
NGO Security Myths (3)
PA News (4)
Risk (11)
Safety (8)
Security (31)
Security Incident (132)
Security Jobs (98)
Security Maxim (15)
Technology (29)
Tools (30)
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
Dec 2008
Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008May 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
Dec 2007
Nov 2007
Oct 2007
Sep 2007
Aug 2007
Jul 2007
- Abduction
- Acceptance
- Accident
- Advocacy
- Afghanistan
- Africa
- Air crash
- Analysis
- Angola
- Balochistan
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- BGAN
- Black Swan
- Blog
- Burma
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Climate Change
- Colombia
- Communications
- Congo
- Darfur
- Data
- Death of aid worker
- DRC
- East Timor
- Ethiopia
- Fitna
- Fraud
- Free Burma
- Gaza
- Geert Wilders
- GeoRSS
- Ghana
- GIS
- Global
- GPS
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Human Rights
- Humor
- Incident
- India
- Indonesia
- International Security
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jaiku
- Jerusalem
- Jobs
- Kenya
- kidnapping
- links
- Maps
- Mauritania
- Media
- Mexico
- Middle East
- Mobile Phones
- Mozambique
- Muttur
- MVA
- Nepal
- News
- NGO Security
- Norway
- online tools
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Politics
- Private Security Companies
- resources
- risk
- Russia
- safety
- scams
- Silobreaker
- SMS
- Social Networking
- Software
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Spock
- Sri Lanka
- stress
- Sudan
- Taliban
- Tanzania
- Technology
- Terrorism
- Thailand
- Tibet
- Tips
- Tools
- Training
- UK
- USA
- vehicles
- video
- violence
- weapons
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe