Anti-drone march halted in Pakistan

Imran Khan, a Pakistan cricketer-turned-politician, waves to supporters at the start of the rally. Authorities block road into South Waziristan, ending protest march Leader says the march still achieved its goal of drawing attention to drone strikes Officials say demonstrators were kept out of South Waziristan for security reasons March was led by former cricket star turned politician Imran Khan Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- A protest march against U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan, led by former cricket star turned politician Imran Khan, came to a halt on Sunday when authorities blocked access to the demonstration's final destination in the tribal region, officials told CNN. Authorities used steel shipping containers and security forces to seal off the road entering South Waziristan, where protesters had planned to hold a rally on Sunday, local government official Shahid Ullah said. When confronted with the roadblock, Khan directed protesters to turn back, saying the march had achieved its goal of drawing attention to the controversial U.S. drone strikes. Khan has been a fierce critic of U.S. policy in Pakistan and the use of drone strikes, calling them a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and a strategy that fuels militant anger towards Washington. "We will not cause any trouble if the government doesn't want us to enter South Waziristan," Khan told reporters. "We just want to direct the attention of the entire world to these illegal and immoral drone attacks in Waziristan that have left many innocent people dead." In recent years Washington has sharply stepped up the use of drone attacks in Pakistan's mostly ungoverned tribal region, widely believed to be a safe haven for militant groups fueling the insurgency in Afghanistan. U.S. officials say the drone strikes are an effective strategy against militant groups and insist civilian casualties are rare. The anti-drone march set out in a convoy of more than 100 vehicles from the capital, Islamabad, on Saturday and reached the border of South Waziristan on Sunday afternoon, where it was turned back. The U.S.-based anti-war group Code Pink was part of the procession. Throughout the journey the pink-clad peace activists regularly chanted anti-drone slogans in Pakistan's native language of Urdu. "Stop them! Stop them! Stop the drone attacks," the protesters shouted in Urdu. Pakistani authorities had earlier warned that the demonstration would not be allowed to enter South Waziristan for security reasons. "The situation in the tribal areas is comparatively good but not suitable for any gathering there," Tashfeen Khan, a government official, said on Saturday. Journalist Aamir Iqbal contributed to this report.

Greene: Cybercrime is very real

Bob Greene says as more of our everyday lives become bound to the digital world, we are vulnerable to hackers, cyberattack. Bob Greene: Six banks apparently were hacked recently, cutting customer access to money He says for many "cyber" is like "virtual"--intangible, not real. More and more, that's not true He says as aspects of our lives bound to digital world, we're vulnerable to cybercrime Greene: Officials agree we're inadequately protected, and cyberattacks are up. It's real Editor's note: CNN Contributor Bob Greene is a bestselling author whose 25 books include "Late Edition: A Love Story," "Duty: A Father, His Son, and the Man Who Won the War," and "Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen." (CNN) -- When a group halfway around the world, without setting foot on American soil, can claim responsibility for preventing a man in Wichita, Kansas, or a woman in Shreveport, Louisiana, from gaining online access to his or her own money in the local bank, it would seem to be a pretty big deal. Something to worry about. That is allegedly what happened in recent weeks, as six big U.S. banks had their websites jammed, one after another, preventing their customers from logging on to their personal or business accounts, and from paying bills online. The banks affected were Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo and PNC. A hacker group, saying it was based in the Middle East, asserted it was behind the cyberattacks; It remains uncertain whether they, or someone else, carried out the attacks. And, last week, Politico reported: "White House Press Secretary Jay Carney downplayed a report that Chinese hackers had infiltrated a secure national security network used to control nuclear codes, saying the perpetrators breached an 'unclassified' system. "There is 'no indication whatsoever that exfiltration of data' occurred, he told reporters. . . Such attacks, he added, 'are not infrequent.'" Any time the prefix "cyber" appears in front of another word -- cybercrime; cyberterrorism; cyberwarfare -- it can have the effect of making the concept seem slightly less substantial. It's sort of like when the word "virtual" precedes a standard-issue noun: virtual reality is not reality; a virtual store is distinct from a brick-and-mortar operation. Opinion: Smartphone of the future will be in your brain But as we live more and more of our lives online, and as basic needs such as electricity, water supply, transportation and communication depend increasingly on digital commands, the distinction is rapidly disappearing. Disrupt the digital world and you disrupt real lives -- you throw daily existence into uncharted territory. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we were told that there had been ample warning signs that went unheeded. If there ever is a concerted and darkly effective cyberattack on the United States -- one that robs millions of people of baseline necessities -- we won't be able to say that no one told us this might someday happen. We have been told, for years. White House hit by hackers Guarding against smart phone hackers In 1997, according to a report in the New York Times that year, a White House commission found that the U.S. was vulnerable to computer-based attacks "upon crucial industries like electrical power, telecommunications, transportation and significant centers of the economy." The concern appeared to be shared by people on both sides of the political aisle. At a 2004 Senate subcommittee session, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said: "We don't take cyberterrorism as seriously as we should. A terrorist could theoretically use a computer to open up floodgates of a dam, disrupt the operations of an aircraft control tower or shut down the New York Stock Exchange." Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, at the same hearing, said: "We've seen reports that al Qaeda has explored the possibility of damaging some of our key computer systems, seeking to cripple electric power grids, transportation systems, even financial institutions. Just imagine what chaos would result if a cyber attack were coordinated with a more conventional strike, such as bombing a highly populated area and then tampering with emergency systems to thwart hospitals and first responders caring for wounded civilians." Opinion: Bias in science holds women back FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, at a speech in San Francisco earlier this year, said: "State-sponsored hackers are patient and calculating. They have the time, the money and the resources to burrow in, and to wait. They may come and go, conducting reconnaissance and exfiltrating bits of seemingly innocuous information -- information that in the aggregate may be of high value." The Department of Homeland Security operates programs that include the National Cyber Alert System, the National Cyber Response Coordination Group and a security exercise known as Cyber Storm. Yet with all this, most of us -- as thoroughly as we have come to depend upon digital technology -- don't have much of an idea about how it really works. If your car won't start, you may feel qualified to pop open the hood and try to figure out how to fix it; if your lights go out, you probably know where the fuse box is. Digital outages are more mysterious; when systems go dead, there is a feeling of low-grade helplessness, but usually the confidence that someone, somewhere, is working to bring them back to life. Thus, the specter of some future cyber attack is troubling precisely because most of us have little sense of how we would individually combat such an incident. Even the terminology is open to dispute. The other afternoon I reached Internet security expert Bruce Schneier in London, where he was attending a conference. I knew he was skeptical about what he considers the inflation of language surrounding computer-based threats, especially terms like "cyber warfare." Opinion: Dangerous new world of drones "War is bombs dropping on you," he told me. "War is tanks in your city. War is not your computer being hacked. In any war, there will be a cyberspace component. Wars are fought on all fronts. And cybercrime -- crime -- happens a lot. But that is not war." Still, as the New York Times reported from Aspen, Colorado, over the summer: "The top American military official responsible for defending the United States against cyberattacks said Thursday that there had been a 17-fold increase in computer attacks on American infrastructure between 2009 and 2011, initiated by criminal gangs, hackers and other nations. "The assessment by Gen. Keith B. Alexander, who heads the National Security Agency and also the newly created United States Cyber Command, appears to be the government's first official acknowledgment of the pace at which America's electricity grids, water supplies, computer and cellphone networks and other infrastructure are coming under attack." Meanwhile, there's the matter of those six major banks, and the customers who couldn't log on to get to their money. It may all be cyber, but it's starting to feel kind of real. Follow us on Twitter @CNNOpinion Join us on Facebook/CNNOpinion The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene.

Seoul widens missile range to north

US troops launch rockets during a training exercise in the South Korean border county of Cheorwon on September 13. The extended missile range allows Seoul to defend itself, a security official says The agreement allows Seoul to fire missiles up to 800 kilometers (497 miles) At that range, South Korean missiles could strike the northern peninsula of North Korea Previously, the South agreed to limit its missile range in exchange for access to U.S. technology Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- South Korea announced Sunday that it reached a deal with the United States that allows Seoul to extend the range of its ballistic missiles, a move a senior security official says will deter military provocation from North Korea. The announcement from South Korean national security adviser Chun Yung-woo comes amid increased tensions between the two Koreas following Pyongyang's test firing in April of a long-range rocket, which exploded shortly after it was launched. The deal with Washington revised the range of Seoul's missiles from 300 kilometers (186 miles) to 800 kilometers (497 miles), Chun told reporters. "The important goal in revising the missile pact is to deter armed provocation from North Korea," Chun said. "If North Korea is to attack or provoke, we are able to incapacitate its nuclear and missile (capabilities) in the early stage. We have guaranteed various capabilities to protect the life and safety of our people." At that range, the missile range would include North Korea's northern peninsula. Under the amended pact, South Korea also can increase its current restricted payload of 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), depending on the range of the missile. The plan allows for three times the current payload for ballistic missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. South Korea first agreed in 1972 to limit its missile range to 180 kilometers (112 miles) in exchange for access to U.S. missile technology. A bilateral agreement between the two countries was signed in 1979, though the guidelines were revised in 2001 to allow for a range of 300 kilometers. The two Koreas signed an armistice that ended the 1950-1953 Korean war, though a peace treaty was never signed. Technically, the two countries remain in a state of war. Roughly 28,000 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea. CNN's Elise Labott contributed to this report.

Philippines, Muslim rebels in peace deal

Philippines President Benigno Aquino announces a historic peace deal October 7. NEW: The deal comes after 15 years of negotiations between the government and the rebels NEW: UK foreign secretary: "I wholeheartedly welcome the announcement" Aquino: The deal is a framework agreement for establishing an autonomous region The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has fought for decades for an independent Islamic state (CNN) -- The Philippines has reached a preliminary agreement with Muslim rebels after 15 years of talks, the president announced Sunday, marking a major milestone after decades of militant insurgency in the nation's troubled south. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has fought for decades for an independent Islamic state in southern Philippines. It has been blamed for rampant attacks in the region. President Benigno Aquino III described the deal as a "framework agreement" for establishing a new autonomous region to be administered by Muslims in the south. It comes after 15 years of negotiations between the government and the rebels. "This framework agreement paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao," Aquino said. "It brings all former secessionist groups into the fold; no longer does the Moro Islamic Liberation Front aspire for a separate state." It also provides a framework on issues such as power structure and revenues in the southern region. "This means that hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land, selling produce, manning work stations and opening doorways of opportunity for other citizens," he said. The new autonomous region will be named Bangsamoro. "It deserves a name that symbolizes and honors the struggles of our forebears in Mindanao, and celebrates the history and character of that part of our nation," the president said. The preliminary deal marks a major milestone after years of negotiations with the Moro group to help end an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands. The Moro group is estimated to have 12,000 members, but military sources say it may have been splintered when government troops conducted offensives in 2000. British officials applauded the agreement. "I wholeheartedly welcome the announcement of the framework agreement ... to bring peace and development to Muslim Mindanao," Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement. "This is a testament to the commitment and vision of the parties." The new region is expected to replace the current one by 2016, when the president's term ends, according to officials. Journalist Maria A. Ressa contributed to this report

Campus officer kills naked freshman

Police have identified 18-year-old Gilbert Thomas Collar as the student who was shot Saturday morning by police. The University of South Alabama says the student was acting erratically The school says the student charged the officer, who drew his gun 18-year-old Gilbert Thomas Collar was killed in the Saturday shooting His mother and friend says he was a varsity wrestler and a good-natured guy (CNN) -- Authorities are investigating why a University of South Alabama officer fatally shot an 18-year-old freshman who they say was naked and acting erratically outside the campus police station early Saturday. With few details of the shooting, the student's mother and one of his friends said they could not understand how a six-year varsity wrestler and good-natured teenager could have died under such strange and sad circumstances. According to a statement from the school, the campus police officer heard a loud banging noise on a window at the station at 1:23 a.m. CT (2:23 a.m. ET) Saturday. When he left the station to investigate, the school said, "he was confronted by a muscular, nude man who was acting erratically." The man, later identified as Gilbert Thomas Collar, of Wetumpka, Alabama, repeatedly rushed and verbally challenged the officer in a fighting stance, the school said. The officer, whose name hasn't been released, drew his weapon and ordered Collar to stop, the school said. The officer retreated several times to try to calm the situation. "When the individual continued to rush toward the officer in a threatening manner and ignored the officer's repeated commands to stop, the officer fired one shot with his police sidearm, which struck the chest of the assailant," the school statement said. "The individual fell to the ground, but he got up once more and continued to challenge the officer further before collapsing and expiring." Collar's mother, Bonnie, said the two people who called her with the news of her son -- someone from the school and another involved in the investigation -- did not mention that her son was trying to attack anyone when he was shot. "He was wearing no clothes and he was obviously not in his right mind," she told CNN. "No one said that he had attacked anybody, and obviously he was not armed. He was completely naked." Bonnie Collar said she did not know why her son was acting that way when he was killed. She said he weighed 135 pounds and was 5-foot-7 with a wrestler's build. "The first thing on my mind is, freshman kids do stupid things, and campus police should be equipped to handle activity like that without having to use lethal force," she said. Campus police immediately contacted the district attorney's office to request an external investigation, and the Mobile County Sheriff's Department will assist, the school said. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and external investigations, according to the school, which enrolls about 15,000 students. Investigators are looking at security camera tape of the shooting, Collar's mother said. CNN's calls about the tape were referred to school spokesman Keith Ayers, who did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Earlier Saturday, Ayers called it a "campus tragedy" for the university family but offered no other details, citing the active investigation. One of Collar's oldest friends was Chris Estes, 18. He said the boys became friends at age 5 and grew up playing baseball together. Along with their friend Jared, they became three best friends with the slogan "JGC for life," Estes told CNN by e-mail. "Gil was a very 'chill' guy, mellow and easy going," Estes wrote. "That's why I don't understand the story that he attacked the cop. He got along with anybody at school no matter who you were. He could always have a conversation with anyone. As many times as I've hung out with Gil, I've never seen aggression in him, especially not towards a cop." As the boys grew up in Wetumpka, Estes said, Collar stopped playing baseball to focus more on his dominant sport, wrestling. Collar's mother said he was a two-time state qualifier in wrestling, and Estes said he could have wrestled at the collegiate level if he chose. "Gil loved to hang out with friends, he loved having a good time and made the best out of every situation, always keeping his head up," said Estes, who stayed behind to attend nearby Auburn University at Montgomery. Estes said it's unfortunate he didn't go off to college with his friend. "If I did, I think the whole situation would have been avoided," he said. Collar's mother said their hometown of nearly 8,000 people is in disbelief about the shooting. On Twitter, some used the hashtag #WetuFam (Wetumpka Family) on Saturday in remembering Collar. "Our entire community is in shock because this is so different than his demeanor and his personality that we've seen for the 18 years that he's been on this earth," she said.

Naked freshman shot to death by campus officer

By Reuters BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A campus police officer at the University of South Alabama on Saturday shot and killed a naked freshman who repeatedly chased, threatened and rushed him, a university spokesman said. Gilbert Thomas Collar, 18, died from a single bullet wound to the chest, spokesman Keith Ayres said. Collar was ordered several times to halt and continued to challenge the officer even after being shot, Ayres said. He died at the scene. The incident began shortly before 1:30 a.m. when the officer heard loud banging on the window of the campus police station. He drew his gun after finding the student in a fighting stance, according to Ayres. The officer tried to calm Collar and retreated several times before shooting him, he said. The spokesman declined to speculate on whether Collar was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An autopsy is likely, he said. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, Ayres added. The University of South Alabama is in Mobile and serves 15,000 students.  More content from NBCNews.com: Video: School dinner is keeping some US children from going hungry Abu Hamza, 4 others tied to al-Qaida arrive in US to face terrorism charges Toddler's remains found buried in Long Island backyard Amber Alert for Colo. girl, 10, who vanished on way to school Bear cub tries chocolate cake after breaking into home Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

Police: Man planned to bomb 48 churches in Okla.

By NBC News staff A 23-year-old Illinois man has been arrested after the discovery of bomb-making materials and notes about destroying 48 churches in Oklahoma, NewsOK.com reported, citing an arrest affidavit. The report said Gregory Arthur Weiler II, 23, was arrested in Miami, Okla., and charged Friday with possession of an explosive or incendiary devise and violation of the Oklahoma anti-terrorism act, put in place after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. He was being held without bail. Watch US News crime videos on NBCNews.com NewsOK.com reported that Miami Police Chief George Haralson said the targets were churches in Ottawa County in the far northeast corner of Oklahoma. Miami is the county seat. According to the affidavit, police found detailed maps and torn-up notes with a recipe for Molotov cocktails and a list of 48 churches, along with details about "how many nights the congregations meet and how many people attend," NewsOK.com reported. Police also found a duffel bag containing 50 brown glass bottles, a  funnel and lighter fluid in a motel trash bin. Weiler reportedly was arrested after the discovery of the bomb-making materials in the trash bin. According to the Chicago Tribune, family members said Weiler had been hospitalized with mental illness several times and had suffered with addictions to heroin and alcohol. They said his mother and father committed suicide before he was 16. Family members said Weiler had joined a religious group in Missouri about three years ago. More content from NBCNews.com: Video: School dinner is keeping some US children from going hungry Abu Hamza, 4 others tied to al-Qaida arrive in US to face terrorism charges Toddler's remains found buried in Long Island backyard Amber Alert for Colo. girl, 10, who vanished on way to school Bear cub tries chocolate cake after breaking into home Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook