Mannheim, GERMANY February 04, 2009 – Germany has become a prime terrorist target following a video message from the Islamic Jihad Union, which has threatened to attack German targets and accused German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, of not making an effort to prevent the war in Gaza. Evidently the German security services are on high alert, with fear of attacks this year on German commuters and public transport services similar to the devastation inflicted on Madrid in 2004.
Threats made so far appear linked to the German troops- presence in Afghanistan, with terrorist attacks being threatened on Berlin, Cologne and Bremen, unless Germany withdraws its troops. This comes following a vote by the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) last October to send another 1,000 soldiers to Afghanistan, taking the troop numbers up to 4,500 in total.
In addition to the recent video message, which has been just one of several recent threats, the CIA have reason to believe that al Qaeda are preparing for terrorist attacks on Germany in an effort to sway the result of this year-s German Federal election. According to the US intelligence agency, information has been revealed indicating the return of German Muslims from Pakistani training camps who are feared to attempt suicide attacks on German targets.
Such news is an instant reminder of the terrifying attacks on four trains in Madrid almost five years ago. The attacks in Madrid came just days before the Spanish Federal election.
With the upcoming German Federal election just months away, these threats have led to warnings from Germany-s top security officials that their country is now under increased threat and that the likelihood of an attack is extremely high.
While German authorities look to tighten security around the nation, some business travelers may opt to minimize their risk by simply not traveling. Instead companies can eliminate the need to take part in face-to-face meetings, by organizing and participating in online meetings over the Internet. The host can initiate a BeamYourScreen online meeting (http://www.BeamYourScreen.com) from their very own desktop and invite multiple people to join and then view their screen in real time. A quick and effective way to collaborate online, and hence avoid unnecessary travel during these times of risk.
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