Operations
Other Conflicts
Defense Policy / Programs
News Reports

Current Operations

• Senators Concerned About American Ops in Iraq, Afghanistan AFPS 24 Jun 2003 -- Following meetings with DoD leadership, Senate Armed Services Committee members said they are concerned about the continuing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• `Spartan Scorpion' raids uncover explosives, ammo in Fallujah Army News Service 24 Jun 2003-- Four 3rd Infantry Division task forces conducted raids in and around Al Fallujah as part of "Operation Spartan Scorpion" in the pre-dawn hours of June 15 and 16.
• V CORPS SOLDIERS PROTECT COALITION COMPOUND IN BAGHDAD V Corps Release 24 Jun 2003-- There is a thin line between coalition soldiers in Baghdad's city center and those who might want to harm them, but try to cross that line, and you'll find it's more of a brick wall than a line in the sand.
• Coalition Saves 27 Mariners in Arabian Sea Navy Newsstand 24 Jun 2003-- Twenty-seven crew members of a sinking Egyptian-flagged cargo vessel were saved approximately 350 miles off the coast of Oman June 24 by the U.S. and British navies.

Other Conflicts

• Security Council mission headed to West Africa to explore prospects for peace UN News Centre 24 Jun 2003 -- Searching for new opportunities for progress towards peace and stability in West Africa, members of the United Nations Security Council are set to leave tomorrow for a special mission to seven countries in the conflict-plagued sub-region.
• Kenya: UN agency concerned about violence in refugee camp UN News Centre 24 Jun 2003 -- After 11 people died during nearly a week of fighting between local residents and Sudanese refugees in northwestern Kenya, officials from the United Nations refugee agency today expressed grave concern about the violence and loss of lives, and warned that the disruption of services delivered by aid agencies could lead to a "humanitarian crisis."
• UN refugee agency steps up efforts to help Palestinians, Syrians and Kurds in Iraq UN News Centre 24 Jun 2003 -- The United Nations refugee agency is stepping up its relief efforts in Iraq on several fronts, ranging from finding housing for hundreds of evicted Palestinians and registering undocumented Syrian refugees to providing aid for returning Iraqi Kurds forced from their homes by the previous regime.
• LIBERIA TALKS VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- Fighting in Liberia is shifting back toward the capital Monrovia, despite a cease-fire signed last week by rebels and the government. The clashes come as Liberian peace talks in Ghana also appear to be breaking down.
• U.S./EU: Summit Looks To Strike A Positive Note RFE/L 24 Jun 2003 -- Can America and Europe ever set things right? After a rift over the Iraq war and other issues, the European Union and United States will be looking to generate positive news at an annual summit in Washington tomorrow (25 June).
• Israel Arrests 150 Palestinian Activists in West Bank VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- The Israeli army says more than 150 Palestinian activists have been arrested during security sweeps in the West Bank.
• CONGO / ARMS DEADLINE VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- A rebel leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo says his forces have withdrawn from the war-wracked town of Bunia in the northeast of the country. The departure of the rebels, members of the Union of Congolese Patriots follows a ban on armed militiamen in the town by the French-led multinational peacekeeping force. The French troops were sent to Bunia weeks ago to protect civilians from fighting between ethnic Lendu and Hema militias.
• ISRAEL PALESTINIANS VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- Israeli forces have arrested more than 120 Palestinians, in a sweep of the West Bank town, Hebron. The operation comes amid indications an agreement on an Israeli troop withdrawal from several Palestinian areas may be near.
• LIBERIA TALKS VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- Liberia's government has accused rebels of massing fighters near the capital Monrovia to prepare a new attack. Liberian peace talks in Ghana appear to be breaking down.

Defense Policy / Programs

• AMWC holds Global Mobility Wargame AMC News 24 Jun 2003 -- June 22, the Air Mobility Warfare Center invited a unique group of military leaders to a serious discussion that had only been attempted once before in the history of Air Mobility Command.
• Exercise tests comms for Homeland Defense, War on Terrorism Army News Service 24 Jun 2003-- The world's largest peacetime communication exercise, Grecian Firebolt '03, tested new communication systems to protect the U.S. homeland and win the Global War on Terrorism June 9-20.
• NMCB-22 First Reserve Seabee Battalion to Get FATS System Navy Newsstand 24 Jun 2003-- Training for warfare requires Seabees to qualify by firing their M-16 rifle or 9 mm pistol on the range.
• Key West's Seabees Come Home Navy Newsstand 24 Jun 2003-- Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Fla., welcomed home 10 members of Construction Battalion Unit (CBU) 402 June 17, in a homecoming ceremony held on the airfield on Boca Chica.
• U.S. Marines depart Pohang in High Speed Vessel US Forces Korea Release 24 Jun 2003-- More than 500 U.S. Marines from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, III Marine Expeditionary Force departed today for their base in Okinawa, Japan, and will make the transit in less than 24 hours using the High Speed Vessel after concluding the Korean Incremental Training Program with 1st Republic of Korea Marine Division in training areas north of the Han River.
• From Experimental to Presidential - Premiere Unit Paves Way for Helos in Corps Marine Corps News 24 Jun 2003-- Television crews check their equipment and reporters review their questions. The scene, back-dropped by the White House, is one of controlled confusion as each individual in the media mob scrambles for the best spot, the best view. Security personnel prowl the perimeter to ensure all is safe; there are no threats. Then, the rhythmic thump of its rotor blades slices through the crowd's chatter causing a momentary quiet. A swirl of wind precedes the approaching helicopter causing hands to clutch hats, notepads and equipment. Every eye is intently focused on Marine One as it approaches the South Lawn. The craft lands and a Marine, clean-cut and immaculate in dress blues, steps forth from within. He opens the aircraft's doors and all attention shifts to the man emerging from the helicopter, the President of the United States. Marine One is once again forgotten--until the next time it transports the Commander-in-Chief.
• USS Kearsarge joins Operation Shining Express Marine Corps News 24 Jun 2003-- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) has been directed to join forces in support of Operation Shining Express, to aid in the potential evacuation of U.S. citizens. The ship's return date is currently undetermined.
• 2nd MEB returns from deployment in support of OIF Marine Corps News 24 Jun 2003-- The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade is returning home Sunday June 22.
• Saddam Hussein, Bin Laden Will Be Found, says Bush VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- President Bush says it is only a matter of time before al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein are found. He spoke after talks at his Camp David retreat with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
• War on Global Terrorism 'Not Over Soon', says Rumsfeld VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the deaths of six British soldiers in Iraq and the almost daily attacks on U.S. troops are a reminder that coalition forces continue to be engaged in a dangerous war on global terror.

• NATO Chapter Three Secretary General's Manfred Wörner Lecture at the German Atlantic Treaty Association, Königswinter NATO Release 24 Jun 2003 -- "NATO is currently undergoing the most profound adaptation in its 54-year history. It is entering the Third Chapter of its evolution."
• "The West after Iraq: Are the Security Strategies of the US and Europe still Compatible?" NATO Release 24 Jun 2003 -- Speech by the Secretary General at the BMVG-FAZ Forum

• Transcript: Commitment Seen to New Relationship between U.S., Pakistan Washington File 24 Jun 2003 -- A senior Bush administration official described President Bush's June 24 meeting with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf as "historic," because, he said, the two leaders made a long-term commitment to build a fundamentally new relationship between the two countries.
• Bush-Musharraf Talks Focus on Security and Economic Expansion Washington File 24 Jun 2003 -- President Bush praised Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf as a "courageous leader and friend of the United States," as the two leaders emerged from their June 24 discussions at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland.
• BUSH PAKISTAN VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- President Bush has announced a three-billion-dollar package of military and economic aid for Pakistan, a key ally in the war on terrorism. The announcement came after talks with Pakistani leader Pervez Musharraf at Camp David, the U-S presidential retreat near Washington.
• U.S., Pakistan Presidents Agree to Continue Fight Against Terrorism AFPS 24 Jun 2003 -- Calling him a "courageous leader and friend to the United States," President Bush thanked Pakistan President Perves Musharraf for assisting the United States in its war on terrorism.
• Bush Announces $3 Billion Aid Package for Pakistan VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- U.S. President George W. Bush says he will work with Congress to assemble a $3 billion aid package for Pakistan, a key U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.
• Bush, Musharraf Discuss War on Terror VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- American President George W. Bush is meeting with visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, at Camp David, the U.S. presidential retreat near Washington.
• PAKISTAN/U-S VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is meeting with President Bush in the United States (Tuesday). Senior Pakistani officials say the two leaders will focus on enhancing economic and defense cooperation as well as Pakistan's strained relations with neighboring India.
• Bush, Musharraf to Examine Economic, Defense Ties VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is meeting with President Bush in the United States Tuesday. Senior Pakistani officials say the two leaders will focus on enhancing economic and defense cooperation as well as Pakistan's strained relations with neighboring India.
• Navy cargo ship offloads in Wilmington, N.C. Military Sealift Command 08 Jul 2003-- A cargo ship under the operational control of the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command will arrive at the North Carolina Ports Authority terminal in Wilmington, N.C., on June 25, 2003.

News Reports

• SHAPE News Morning Update SHAPE 24 Jun 2003 -- NATO says hunting 20 "suspect" ships on terror list / Belgium briefs U.S. on war crimes law; NATO hopes changes can avert "major crisis" / French army chief of staff ends three-day visit to Afghan capital / UN report sees 800 Qaeda members at large / U.S. senators predict 5-year presence in Iraq / Poll suggests U.S. public unease growing about casualties in Iraq
• SHAPE News Summary & Analysis SHAPE 24 Jun 2003 -- Lord Robertson urges greater defense efforts by European NATO members / Germany to supply Poland with 23 MiG-29 fighter jets / France to take measures to strengthen security in northern Afghanistan / Reactions to genocide law changes viewed

• "Freeing a Nation From a Tyrant's Grip," by Colin L. Powell Washington File 24 Jun 2003 -- A brave man recently met with me and described how life in his country has become unbearable. "There is too much fear in the country, fear of the unknown and fear of the known consequences if we act or speak out," explained Pius Ncube, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Yet Archbishop Ncube speaks out fearlessly about the terrible human rights conditions in Zimbabwe, and is threatened almost every day with detention or worse.
• McConnell Calls for International Support for Burmese Democracy Washington File 24 Jun 2003 -- Senator Mitch McConnell (Republican of Kentucky) says the best birthday gift the world could give Burma's detained democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi would be condemnations of the regime that is holding the Nobel Peace laureate.
• BRITAIN / RUSSIA VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has received a royal welcome in London, becoming the first Russian leader to make a state visit to Britain since 1874. The mainly ceremonial four-day visit will also include talks between Mr. Putin and Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose relationship has been thawing since their split over the war in Iraq. The visit began with politics set aside, to make way for pomp and ceremony.
• President Mugabe Has Lost His Legitimacy, says Colin Powell VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is calling on Zimbabwe's neighbors to press for a political dialogue in Harare to end the rule of President Robert Mugabe. In a New York Times column Tuesday, Mr. Powell said the United States and other countries are ready to help with a transitional process there.
• POWELL-ZIMBABWE VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell is calling on Zimbabwe's neighbors to press for a political dialogue in Harare to end the rule of President Robert Mugabe. In a New York Times column Tuesday, Mr. Powell said the United States and other countries are ready to help with a transitional process there.
• ARGENTINA / IMF VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- The head of the International Monetary Fund is in Argentina meeting with President Nestor Kirchner. Horst Koehler is working with the Argentine government in hopes of helping it solve its devastating economic crisis. Since the economy collapsed 18 months ago, millions of Argentines have lost their jobs and sunk deep below the poverty line.
• ZIMBABWE TRIAL VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- In the ongoing treason trial of Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, the country's air force chief has testified that he was offered money to pacify the armed forces if President Robert Mugabe lost last year's presidential election.
• Russia: Putin Arrives In London RFE/L 24 Jun 2003 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in London for the first state visit by a Russian leader to Britain in about 130 years.
• Russia: Putin In Britain For First State Visit By Russian Leader In 130 Years RFE/L 24 Jun 2003 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a trip to Britain today. It's the first state visit by a Russian leader in nearly 130 years. That means Putin and his wife will be treated to a lot of pomp and splendor. They'll stay at Buckingham Palace, take a ride in a royal carriage, and be toasted at a state banquet. But what is the real significance of the visit?
• Putin Begins Visit to Britain VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in London at the start of a four-day state visit - the first to Britain by a Russian leader in 129 years.
• BEIJING SARS VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- The World Health Organization says efforts to control Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome are working and SARS no longer makes it dangerous to travel to Beijing. But a Chinese health official says the struggle against SARS is not over.
• WHO Lifts SARS Travel Advisory on Beijing VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- The World Health Organization says efforts to control Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome are working and SARS no longer makes it dangerous to travel to Beijing. But a Chinese health official says the struggle against SARS is not over.
• WHO Removes Beijing From SARS Travel Advisory List VOA News 24 Jun 2003 -- The World Health Organization says it has lifted a travelers' advisory for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in China's capital.
• INDIA/TRAIN WRECK VOA 24 Jun 2003 -- The death toll in a train accident in western India has risen to 51. More than 25 other people were injured. Bad weather is slowing rescue efforts.