Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Engineer Platoon arrives at CJTF-HOA USMC News 01 Jul 2003 -- U.S. Army Engineers from West Virginia recently arrived here, bring an entirely new capability to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa's mission of detecting, disrupting and defeating terrorism and deny the reemergence of transnational terrorism in the East African Region.
• Bush Says Life Improving for People in Afghanistan, Iraq Washington File 01 Jul 2003 -- President Bush said July 1 that despite ongoing difficulties in Afghanistan and Iraq, people in both those countries are better off now than before the U.S. military involvement.

• Deminers Destroy 10,000 Anti-Tank Landmines in Kandahar Washington File 01 Jul 2003 -- The State Department's Office of Humanitarian Demining Programs arranged for the rapid destruction of over 10,000 anti-tank landmines stockpiled at an unsecured ammunition supply point in the Afghan province of Kandahar.
• AFGHANISTAN: New report on post-conflict children IRIN 01 Jul 2003 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children US on Tuesday issued a report on the impact of conflict on Afghan children. The report, entitled "The children of Kabul", indicates that despite many threats to children’s wellbeing in postwar Afghanistan, families have developed ways of coping with daily challenges and discovered strengths and resources to limit the impact of the war on their children.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Officials: Tire failure caused crash AFPN 01 Jul 2003 -- Tire failure caused an Air Force T-38 Talon aircraft to veer off the runway and crash here March 19, according to an accident investigation board report released July 1.
• OSI finds more than 'bad guys' AFPN 01 Jul 2003 -- They are commonly perceived as undercover agents in black hats and trench coats, but the agents of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 410 here are capable of much more than investigating the "bad guys" on base.
• Navy Commissions Aircraft Carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) 01 Jul 2003 -- The Navy's newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) will be commissioned Saturday, July 12, 2003, during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station, Va..

• Military Assistance Deadline Passes, Boucher Says Washington File 01 Jul 2003 -- July 1 was the deadline for the United States to assess the provision of military assistance to states that are parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and that have not entered into non-surrender Article 98 agreements, says State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.
• U.S.: Military Aid Suspended To More than 30 Countries Over ICC Immunity RFE/L 01 Jul 2003 -- The United States has suspended military assistance to more than 30 nations which have failed thus far or have refused to sign agreements with the U.S. giving Americans immunity from prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• U-S / CRIMINAL COURT VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- The Bush administration, acting under a mandate from Congress, Tuesday suspended military aid to 35 countries that have failed to exempt members of the U-S armed forces from prosecution by the International Criminal Court, the I-C-C. The affected countries include a key U-S aid recipient, Colombia, as well as six nations that will soon join NATO.
• World: Deadline Day For U.S. ICC-Immunity Deals RFE/L 01 Jul 2003 -- Today is deadline day for some 35 countries around the world. The U.S. says they must either sign agreements not to send American citizens to the International Criminal Court or risk losing U.S. military aid. It's all because the U.S. government fears Americans could face politically motivated or biased prosecutions. But the U.S. aid threat might not be as bad as it seems.

Defense Industry

• Lockheed Martin Receives $30 Million Contract to Begin Production of Guided MLRS for the Objective Force Lockheed Martin 01 Jul 2003 -- Lockheed Martin has received a $30 million Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract to begin producing the transformational Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, Huntsville, AL, is the contracting agency.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 01 Jul 2003
• Bush "Determined" to Help Liberia Find Peace Washington File 01 Jul 2003 -- President Bush "is determined to help the people of Liberia to find a path to peace," White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters. "The exact steps that could be taken are still under review."
• U-S/LIBERIA VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- Days before he makes his first trip to Africa, President Bush is facing increasing pressure to intervene to end the civil war in Liberia, including sending peace-keeping troops to the west African nation as its neighbors and some key U-S allies are calling for the United States to do. U-S officials say they are actively considering their options.
• Bush Mulls Possibility of Deploying US Troops to Liberia VOA News 01 Jul 2003 -- President Bush is considering sending U.S. troops to Liberia to help enforce a cease-fire.
• US Considering Options to Help Solve Liberia's Crisis VOA News 01 Jul 2003 -- Days before he makes his first trip to Africa, President Bush is facing increasing pressure to intervene to end the civil war in Liberia, including sending peace-keeping troops to the West African nation as its neighbors and some key U.S. allies are calling for the United States to do.
• Liberia: Annan urges action by Security Council on multi-national force UN News Centre 01 Jul 2003 -- Calling the situation in Liberia "urgent, tragic," United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today renewed his appeal for a prompt decision by the Security Council on his request to deploy a multi-national force in the country.
• BUSH / LIBERIA CEASEFIRE VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- President Bush is considering sending U-S troops to Liberia to help enforce a ceasefire.
• LIBERIA: Ceasefire verification team faces further delay IRIN 01 Jul 2003 -- A team of military experts charged with charting the ceasefire positions of government and rebel forces in Liberia, was due to assemble in neighbouring Sierra Leone on Wednesday prior to its deployment, diplomatic sources said.
• White House 'Encouraged' After Israel, Palestinian Leaders' Meeting VOA News 01 Jul 2003 -- The White House says it is encouraged by the results of the latest meeting between the Palestinian and Israeli Prime Ministers.
• Annan reiterates his support for latest developments in Middle East UN News Centre 01 Jul 2003 -- In his third hopeful comments conflict in four days United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today he was encouraged by the recent developments, which have seen an agreement between Israel and Palestinians on a troop pullback and a ceasefire agreement by Palestinian groups.
• Sharon and Abbas Exchange Peace Pledges VOA News 01 Jul 2003 -- The Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers have met in Jerusalem for talks on implementing the so-called "road map" to peace.
• ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- The Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers are meeting (met) in Jerusalem for talks on implementing the so-called "road map" to peace. The third face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since efforts to launch the peace plan began last month.
• BUSH / MIDEAST VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- The White House says it is encouraged by the results of the latest meeting between the Palestinian and Israeli Prime Ministers.
• Israeli Troops Kill Palestinian Gunman in West Bank VOA News 01 Jul 2003 -- Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian gunman who fired on them at a checkpoint near the West Bank city Tulkarem on Tuesday. The shooting comes as the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers prepare to meet for talks on pursuing the road map peace plan.
• ISRAEL PALESTINIANS VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian gunman who fired on them at a checkpoint near the West Bank city Tulkarem on Tuesday. The shooting comes as the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers prepare to meet for talks on pursuing the road map peace plan.

• New Government to Take Power in Congo VOA News 01 Jul 2003 -- A new government has been officially announced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after months of negotiations. The transitional government aims to end Congo's four-year civil war and lead the country back to democratic elections in two years.
• CONGO/GOVERNMENT VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- A new government has been officially announced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after months of negotiations. The transitional government aims to end Congo's four-year civil war and lead the country back to democratic elections in two years.

• Security Council mission in West Africa wraps up talks in Côte d'Ivoire UN News Centre 01 Jul 2003 -- A United Nations Security Council delegation in West Africa exploring opportunities for regional peace and stability, has wrapped up a series of discussions with top officials in Côte D'Ivoire on ways to fully implement a six-month old power-sharing accord.
• IVORY COAST U-N VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- A U-N Security Council delegation is in Ivory Coast to help restore a stalled reconciliation process to end nine months of conflict.

• Despite significant progress, major challenges remain for Kosovo UN mission - Annan UN News Centre 01 Jul 2003 -- Four years into the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, the province has made significant progress in achieving autonomy and self-government, but firmly establishing the rule of law and creating a sustainable foundation for economic growth and development remain central challenges, according to a new report by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
• SOLOMONS INTERVENTION VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- Australia is to lead a peacekeeping force to the troubled Solomon Islands, which have been plunged into economic and political chaos. The Pacific Island nation is reported to be near collapse from years of violence.
• Solomon Islands Reported Near Collapse VOA News 01 Jul 2003 -- Australia is to lead a peacekeeping force to the troubled Solomon Islands, which have been plunged into economic and political chaos. The Pacific Island nation is reported to be near collapse from years of violence.
• CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: UN mission's activities to be adjusted IRIN 01 Jul 2003 -- The activities of the UN Peace-building Support Office (BONUCA) in the Central African Republic will be adjusted following the change of power in March, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Monday in a report to the UN Security Council.
• ERITREA-ETHIOPIA: "Temporary arrangements" not a solution, says Annan IRIN 01 Jul 2003 -- UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has warned that lasting peace in Eritrea and Ethiopia cannot be based on "temporary arrangements".
• SOMALIA: Faction leaders' cooperation on landmines praised IRIN 01 Jul 2003 -- Somalia's faction leaders have shown encouraging support to the international community's efforts to curb the use of landmines, and to clear out mines which have been buried for years throughout the country, a Swiss-based international humanitarian organisation has said.

News Reports

• SHAPE News Morning Update SHAPE 01 Jul 2003 -- Shiite leaders say Iraqis should choose their own government / Pakistani president urges rethink of strategy to allow foreign forces to withdraw from Afghanistan / Cash-strapped army prepares to cut back on mandatory military service, commander says / Countries risk losing U.S. aid in dispute over war crimes tribunal / Malaysia launches U.S.-backed counterterrorism center / U.S. may boost Palestinian aid to sideline Hamas
• SHAPE News Summary & Analysis SHAPE 01 Jul 2003 -- Local daily: "SHAPE is not leaving; it is expanding" / Afghan minister discusses peacekeeping force with NATO delegation / U.S: International troops "gear up" to enter Iraq / UK urges Eurofighter project overhaul

• Senator McConnell Hails Japan's Suspension of Aid to Burma Washington File 01 Jul 2003 -- The second most powerful Republican in the Senate hailed a recent decision by the Government of Japan to suspend new development aid to Burma until the ruling military junta releases democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Senators Urge Hong Kong Government to Respect Freedoms Washington File 01 Jul 2003 -- The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific submitted a resolution June 27 that calls on the Hong Kong government to respect the freedoms presently enjoyed by the territory's residents and to vote down a legislative initiative that would diminish those freedoms in the name of tightening security in the territory.
• U-S-HONG KONG VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- The United States is urging authorities in Hong Kong to heed the voices of those who joined in the massive street demonstration Tuesday, and not rush into enactment of a controversial anti-subversion law.
• EU: Italy's Presidency Seen Resting On Shoulders Of One Man RFE/L 01 Jul 2003 -- Italy today assumes the rotating six-month presidency of the European Union. Observers say the success or failure of Italy's presidency may ultimately rest on one man: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
• Slovakia: Parliament Ratifies EU Accession Treaty RFE/L 01 Jul 2003 -- Slovakia's parliament ratified the European Union accession treaty today, clearing the way for the country's membership in the organization next year.
• Russia/EU: New Travel Rules Begin For Kaliningrad, With Only Minor Hitches Reported RFE/L 01 Jul 2003 -- Lithuania today introduced a form of transit visas for the almost 1 million residents of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Lithuania and Poland. This morning, the first train headed from Kaliningrad to Russia according to the new regulations, which were the result of long, difficult negotiations between European, Russian, and Lithuanian politicians.
• MACEDONIA / OUTLOOK VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- Ali Ahmeti, the former ethnic Albanian guerrilla leader in Macedonia, whose political party is now part of the country's ruling coalition, discussed the future of his country at a Tuesday forum in Washington. Mr. Ahmeti was only recently removed from a Treasury Department watch list that had prevented him from traveling to the United States.
• ZIMBABWE / NEWSPAPER VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- Zimbabwe's only privately owned daily newspaper is under fire from the government. Two senior journalists and three executives of The Daily News have been arrested in the last two weeks.
• HONG KONG / PROTEST WRAP VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- A massive protest against new anti-subversion laws has coincided with a public holiday in Hong Kong marking the sixth anniversary of the territory's handover from Britain to China. Despite the huge protest, Hong Kong's chief executive indicated the disputed legislation would be passed as scheduled.
• HONG KONG/PROTEST VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- Several-hundred-thousand Hong Kong residents took to the streets in a peaceful protest against proposed national security legislation. Many other grievances were raised during the march, which reflected widespread public dissatisfaction with the overall performance of the Hong Kong government.
• NIGERIA / STRIKE VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- Nigerian police have fired tear gas and bullets to disperse protesters on the second day of a general strike against rising fuel prices. At least 80 people were arrested Monday.
• INDIA/ECONOMY VOA 01 Jul 2003 -- India has joined a pool of lenders to the International Monetary Fund for the first time. It has also told 22 donor countries that it will not accept aid in the future.
• CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Government retains dialogue coordination team IRIN 01 Jul 2003 -- The new administration in the Central African Republic (CAR) has retained the team appointed by former President Ange-Felix Patasse to coordinate plans for national dialogue, due to be held within the next two months.
• GUINEA-BISSAU: Delayed elections now set for October 12 IRIN 01 Jul 2003 -- Parliamentary elections in Guinea-Bissau, which have already been delayed three times this year, are to take place on 12 October, President Kumba Yala announced on Monday.
• Boeing To Build Space-borne Power Generator Boeing 01 Jul 2003 -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] has been named by the Department of Energy (DOE) to lead in the creation of a next-generation power system for future Mars surface missions and the exploration of deep space.