27 February 2005 Military News

MARINE KILLED IN BABIL PROVINCE
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
Two Soldiers, Marine Killed in Iraq Operations AFPS 27 Feb 2005 -- Two U.S. soldiers and a U.S. Marine were killed Feb. 26 in Iraq, Multinational Force Iraq officials reported.
Saddam's Half-Brother Captured, Reportedly in Syria AFPS 27 Feb 2005 -- The half-brother of deposed dictator Saddam Hussein has been captured, the interim Iraqi government reported in Baghdad today.
Saddam Hussein's Half-Brother Caught RFE/RL 27 Feb 2005 -- The Iraqi government says a half-brother and former adviser to Saddam Hussein has been captured in Iraq.
Saddam Hussein's Fugitive Half-Brother in Iraqi Custody VOA News 27 Feb 2005 -- Iraqi officials say they have a fugitive half-brother and former adviser to ousted president Saddam Hussein in custody.

IVORY COAST / POLITICS VOA 27 Feb 2005 -- Opposition parties and northern rebels have pulled out of an independent commission charged with organizing elections later this year in divided Ivory Coast. The move further endangers the country's shaky peace process.
ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS VOA 27 Feb 2005 -- Israel's prime minister says a faction of the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, based in Syria, was behind Friday's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, which killed four Israelis and injured dozens more. Ariel Sharon also called on the Palestinian Authority to take decisive action against terrorist groups.

INDONESIA US MILITARY VOA 27 Feb 2005 -- The United States has taken a significant step toward re-establishing full military ties with Indonesia. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has announced that the U.S. military will resume offering training to the Indonesian armed forces. While Indonesia officials have welcomed the move, rights groups say it sends the wrong message.

TOGO: Gnassingbe quits as president but opposition protests continue IRIN 27 Feb 2005 -- Faure Gnassingbe announced over the weekend that he was standing down as Togo's interim president after seizing power with the backing of the armed forces three weeks ago.
TOGO / POLITICS VOA 27 Feb 2005 -- Two West African heads of state have gone to Togo to discuss organizing new elections following the resignation of the military appointed president. The opposition is afraid free and fair elections will not be possible.