Suspected terrorists arrested in Norway and Germany, foiling subway-style bombing; East Timor "open" to Australia's for refugee detention centre; Church convinces Cuba to release a third of all political prisoners; US agencies to have access to European bank data; and more

Top of the Agenda: Terror Plots Linked in Norway, US, Britain

Three suspected al-Qaeda members (AP) were arrested in Norway and Germany in a suspected terrorist plot linked to similar plans in New York and England. One suspect was a 39-year-old Norwegian of Uighur origin living in Norway. The others included a 37-year-old Iraqi and a 31-year-old Uzbek citizen, both permanent residents of Norway. Officials believe the suspects were planning attacks with portable bombs similar to the ones involved in last year's thwarted suicide attack in the New York City subway. A related plot was revealed Wednesday in Manchester, England. Officials believe the Norway plan was organized by Salah al-Somali, one of the masterminds of the New York subway plot who was killed in a CIA drone attack last year. US and Norwegian counterterrorism officials worked closely together to unravel the Norwegian plot.

US prosecutors charged senior al-Qaeda leader Adnan el Shukrijumah (WSJ) Wednesday for recruiting and directing three U.S. citizens to carry out suicide bombings in September 2009.

Analysis:

On CBSnews.com, Phil Hirschkorn says although Shukrijumah has been among the FBI's most sought-after suspects for seven years, this is the first time that formal, public charges have been levied against him. Compared to his al-Qaeda profile, the scope of the charges are rather small.

Background:

In this exclusive interview with CFR.org in May 2010, General David Petraeus discusses the Times Square bombing plot, militants based in Pakistan, and how the looming offensive in Kandahar will unfold.

This CFR Backgrounder examines Pakistan's new generation of terrorists.

 

PACIFIC RIM: China Blocks UN Effort against North Korea

China is blocking a UN Security Council move to condemn North Korea for the March sinking of a South Korean warship, reports the Wall Street Journal.

China is unlikely to exert more pressure on North Korea, so Washington should redirect its own role in brokering inter-Korean peace and engaging Pyongyang, says CFR's Nicole E. Lewis.

Australia: East Timor Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said his government was open to discussing Australia's proposal (AFP) to process Australia-bound asylum seekers in East Timor, an attempt to stem the tide of refugees flooding into Australia.

 

ELSEWHERE:

- Cuba to Release 52 Political Prisoners
- EU Gives US Bank Data Access

 

This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org