Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• PENTAGON / HORN OF AFRICA VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- A top Pentagon official says it is unlikely U-S fighter jets will be deployed in the Horn of Africa, even though a military aviation assessment team recently visited Djibouti to look into that possibility.

• V CORPS ENGINEERS, MPs TEAM UP WITH IRAQI COPS, CONTRACTORS TO RENOVATE POLICE STATION V Corps Release 30 Jul 2003-- Celebrating the product of a month-long working relationship with local citizens, two V Corps units conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 23 for the Al-Jezaaer police station here.
• Golden State Guard protects line in Najaf Marine Corps News 30 Jul 2003-- In this province of nearly 1 million people, a platoon of military police from the California National Guard is the thin green line protecting law and order.
• MARCENT Djibouti Reserve Force Transitions with IIMEF Marine Corps News 30 Jul 2003-- After successfully wrapping up more than six months of deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the Command Logistics Element, Marine Central Command is in the process of passing its control here to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.
• PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN/TALEBAN VOA 30 July 2003--The United states has added its voice to Afghan leaders' allegations that insurgent activities in Afghanistan are originating in neighboring Pakistan.
• 'Afghan Hounds' Protect Coalition Forces AFPS 30 Jul 2003-- They travel all over the world, from the United States to Egypt to Kosovo, working side by side with troops, searching trucks, buildings and people for narcotics and explosives. These canines - lifelines for military safety - are here protecting the coalition forces and the surrounding area from threats of terrorism.

• Bush: A Free Iraq Will Lead to a More Secure United States AFPS 30 Jul 2003-- A free and democratic Iraq will show other countries in the region that "prosperity and dignity are found in representative government and free institutions," President Bush said at the White House this morning.
• MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT ATTACKS CENTCOM 30 Jul 2003-- Aggressive measures were taken yesterday by Coalition forces in efforts to create a safe and secure environment in Iraq.
• Coalition begins 'Sweep' through Afghan mountains Army News Service 30 Jul 2003-- Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division began searching the mountains and villages of southern Afghanistan July 23 in Operation Warrior Sweep.
• V CORPS'S 3RD CORPS SUPPORT COMMAND OPENS NEW CENTRAL ISSUE FACILITY IN IRAQ V Corps Release 30 Jul 2003-- "I said we'd have this done and ready by the end of July and well . here we are," said Sgt. 1st Class James Jensen.
• V CORPS 'IRON SOLDIERS' TURN BAGHDAD BREAK-IN INTO COMMUNITY OUTREACH V Corps Release 30 Jul 2003-- On the west side of the Baghdad International Airport July 26, two soldiers from V Corps's Company B, 47th Forward Support Battalion soldiers were guarding the wall surrounding their compound.

• U.S. Submits Resolution for Liberian Peacekeeping Force Washington File 30 Jul 2003 -- The United States submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council July 30 that would support a multinational force for Liberia as well as a longer-term U.N. peacekeeping operation.
• With situation reported critical, Annan again urges quick UN action on Liberia UN News Centre 30 Jul 2003 -- With United Nations humanitarian officials calling the situation in war-torn Liberia critical, Secretary-General Kofi Annan renewed his appeal today for urgent action to deploy peacekeeping forces in the West African country, where tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting and food stocks are dwindling.
• Annan appeals to Security Council for speedy action on Liberian peace force UN News Centre 30 Jul 2003 -- Saying he is deeply concerned at the "dramatic deterioration" of the situation in Liberia, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on the Security Council to send a multinational peacekeeping force to the war-torn West African country as quickly as possible and to give it a robust mandate to ensure it is a credible deterrent.
• U-S / LIBERIA VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- The United States is working on multiple fronts in an effort to halt the fighting in Liberia. U-S diplomats have prepared a draft U-N Security Council resolution authorizing deployment of a international peacekeeping force there, and are meeting with West African leaders in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, on moving a vanguard of Nigerian troops into the troubled country.
• U-N / LIBERIA VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- The United States has introduced a draft U-N resolution authorizing a multi-national force for Liberia to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
• LIBERIA/FIGHTING VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- Fighting continued to rage Wednesday in the Liberian capital Monrovia despite a renewed cease-fire call by rebel leaders. The government is also battling forces at Buchanan.
• U-N / LIBERIA VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- The United States is circulating a draft resolution authorizing the Security Council to establish a multi-lateral force in Liberia.
• U-S / LIBERIA DIPLOMACY VOA 30 July 2003--Assistant Secretary of State Walter Kansteiner is flying to West Africa to spearhead U-S diplomacy on the Liberian crisis. In Guinea Wednesday, he will urge that country and other neighboring states of Liberia to crack down on arms supplies to Liberian rebels.
• LIBERIA: ECOWAS calls summit on Liberia as Nigerian troops prepare to go in IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- Diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Liberia and arrange the rapid deployment of Nigerian troops as the vanguard of an international stabilisation force moved into high gear on Wednesday, but heavy fighting continued on the ground.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Transcript: Secretary Rumsfeld Stakeout at the Senate 30 Jul 2003 -- Senate Stakeout with Senator John W. Warner; Gen. Peter Pace, Vice Chair, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Gen. John Keane, Acting Chief of Staff of the Army
• New Supply, Transportation Fellows Program Established 30 Jul 2003 -- Today, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) announced the establishment of the OSD Supply and Transportation Fellows Program. This program, now centrally managed, was established through the merger of the Transportation Policy (TP) and Supply Chain Integration (SCI) Professional Enhancement Programs.
• 6,500 Sailors, Marines Return to San Diego Navy Newsstand 30 Jul 2003-- The last of the wartime amphibious fleet that participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom returned home July 26.
• VR-54 on Station to Support Operation Iraqi Freedom Navy Newsstand 30 Jul 2003-- As the summer months in the Arabian Gulf begin, the crew of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VR) 54 have arrived on schedule and are ready to get busy.
• CH-53E works gears up at NAVAIR Depot North Island NAVSEA Release 30 Jul 2003-- As one aircraft refurbishment was nearing its end, another is in its infancy and growing at NAVAIR Depot North Island. "No problem, we handle this," said a team of Integrated Maintenance Concept artisans who work at the Depot's Multi-Line.
• Prosecutor, Defense Counsel Prep for Military Commissions AFPS 30 Jul 2003-- Six enemy combatants now being detained by DoD will be evaluated to determine if any should be charged and tried for war crimes under military commissions, two senior U.S. military lawyers told the American Forces Radio and Television Service recently.
• Navy Announces DD(X) S-Band Radar Decision 30 Jul 2003-- The Navy decided today to use S-Band rather than L-Band technology for the volume search radar that will be on the next-generation destroyer, DD(X). This higher frequency radar will improve the ability of the destroyer to track aircraft and missiles and to counterattack shore-based gun or missile batteries that attempt to strike the ship.
• Desert Hawk enhances security AFPN 30 Jul 2003-- It launches with a bungee cord and looks like it is made of plastic foam.

• China Sees U.S. as Long-term Challenge, Report Says Washington File 30 Jul 2003 -- A new Department of Defense (DoD)report to Congress on China's military strategy says that, while China interacts with the United States in order to benefit from U.S. trade and technology, "Beijing apparently believes that the United States poses a significant long-term challenge," especially with regard to Taiwan.

• TURKEY / POLITICS VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- Turkey's parliament on Wednesday approved landmark legislation significantly curbing the powers of the country's influential military. The reforms are aimed at enhancing Turkey's chances of joining the European Union.

Defense Industry

• UK MOD Announces Order For Latest Hawk Aircraft BAE Systems 30 Jul 2003 -- The UK MoD has today selected the latest generation of Hawk aircraft, the Hawk Mk 128 as its new Advanced Jet trainer (AJT) for the 21st century. 20 Hawk Mk 128 aircraft will be ordered, with an option for up to a further 24, going into service from 2008 as replacements for some of the current Hawk TMK1s at RAF Valley.
• Boeing Halts Work, Conducts Business Unit-Wide Ethics Training Boeing 30 Jul 2003 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] conducted an ethics refresher course today for all 75,000 employees of its Integrated Defense Systems business unit. Work stopped as IDS employees around the world -- from interns to vice presidents to the business unit's CEO -- took part in a four-hour course, emphasizing the company's commitment to the highest of ethical standards and integrity. Members of Boeing's Phantom Works, Shared Services Group and the entire Boeing Washington DC Operations staff participated in the course as well.
• General Dynamics to Purchase Digital System Resources, Inc. (DSR) General Dynamics 30 Jul 2003 -- General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately-owned Digital System Resources, Inc. (DSR) of Fairfax, Va. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The proposed transaction is subject to normal regulatory approvals and is expected to close within 60 days; terms were not disclosed.
• Ratier-Figeac, part of Hamilton Sundstrand, To supply Propeller system for Airbus Military A400M Hamilton Sundstrand 30 Jul 2003 -- Ratier-Figeac in Figeac, France, has been selected to develop and produce the propeller system for the Airbus Military A400M airlifter. The potential value of the contract is $830 million over the life of the program.

Other Conflicts

• Tajikistan: Civil War-Era Land Mines Destroyed RFE/L 30 Jul 2003 -- Tajikistan destroyed some 400 antipersonnel land mines as part of a program to rid the country of thousands of mines left over from the 1992-97 civil war.

• Fighting poverty and deprivation crucial to ensuring peace and security - Annan UN News Centre 30 Jul 2003 -- Ensuring cheap generic drugs and free and fair agricultural trade for poor and developing countries in the face of subsidies, tariffs and quotas from rich nations is crucial to countering the more conventional threats to peace and security from wars and unrest, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today.
• Multilateralism key to confronting global challenges, high-level UN meeting concludes UN News Centre 30 Jul 2003 -- A high-level meeting between the United Nations and some 20 of the world's leading regional organizations ended today with a reaffirmation of multilateralism along with the need for the international community to provide effective responses to the current challenges to global peace and security.

• SIERRA LEONE/SANKOH DEATH VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- Former Sierra Leone rebel leader, Foday Sankoh, is dead. He died from complications resulting from a stroke while awaiting trial for war crimes.
• SIERRA LEONE: Sankoh dies before facing trial for war crimes IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- Foday Sankoh, the former leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel movement, has died in custody while awaiting trial for atrocities committed during the country's decade-long civil war.
• Powell Says U.S. Has Concerns Over Israeli Fence Washington File 30 Jul 2003 -- While the United States has concerns over Israel's efforts to build a fence that could impact Palestinian efforts to establish a state, progress is being made on the roadmap to bring a lasting peace between a Palestinian state and Israel, according to Secretary of State Colin Powell.
• U.S.: Bush Softens Tone On Israel After Talks With Sharon RFE/L 30 Jul 2003 -- Four days after meeting Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, U.S. President George W. Bush welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to the White House yesterday. Their talks focused on ways to maintain the momentum behind the U.S.-backed "road map" for Middle East peace.
• Middle East: Security Barrier In West Bank Quickly Becoming A Key Issue RFE/L 30 Jul 2003 -- For about a year, Israel has been building what it calls a "security barrier" in the West Bank. Advocates of the Palestinian cause say they have no quarrel with Israel seeking tighter security but not at the expense of Palestinian rights. Even U.S. President George W. Bush has expressed concern about the wall.
• ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS VOA 30 July 2003--Israel is preparing to return security control to the Palestinian Authority in two more cities in the West Bank. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem.

• DRC: Confusion remains over partition of military regions IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- The Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) has called for the intervention of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in resolving disagreement over the partition of responsibilities for newly-created military regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• DRC: Fighting erupts between RCD-Goma and Mayi-Mayi in South Kivu IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- Fighting has erupted between the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) and Mayi-Mayi militias in South Kivu Province of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite the recent formation of a national transitional government in the country.
• DRC: RCD-Goma begins second round of withdrawals from Lubero IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- The Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) began on Tuesday its second round of withdrawals from the Congolese town of Lubero, North Kivu Province, in accordance with a ceasefire agreement signed on 19 June in Bujumbura, Burundi.
• RWANDA: Ex-president to remain in prison, court rules IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- Detained former Rwandan President Pasteur Bizimungu and a former minister will remain in prison to answer afresh charges brought against them by the government, the Supreme Court of Rwanda ruled on Wednesday.
• RWANDA TRIBUNAL VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan denied that pressure from the Rwandan government influenced his decision to call for a new prosecutor to oversee the Rwandan war crimes tribunal.

• SOMALIA: Draft charter should be scrapped, says independent survey IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- An independent assessment of the draft Somali charter, which is supposed to act as a blueprint for the transitional period, has dismissed the document as a &q
• SOMALIA: Talks "will not stop" despite president's walkout IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- The UN Secretary-General's representative for Somalia, Winston Tubman, has said Somali peace talks will continue despite Wednesday's walkout by the president of the Transitional National Government (TNG), Abdiqassim Salad Hassan.
• Russia: Five Soldiers Killed In Ingushetia RFE/L 30 Jul 2003 -- The prosecutor of the Sunzhenskii region in Ingushetia said today that five Russian soldiers were killed when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive.
• Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in Georgia 6 more months UN News Centre 30 Jul 2003 -- The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) for another six months, until 31 January 2004, and endorsed Secretary-General Kofi Annan's recommendation to add a civilian police component to strengthen its capacity.
• With peace talks faltering, Annan urges Nepalese parties to find lasting end to conflict UN News Centre 30 Jul 2003 -- With peace talks between the Government and the Maoist group in Nepal faltering, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today encouraged the parties to continue efforts to find an enduring solution to the conflict.
• CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: France to train Bangui security forces IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- France will train and equip three battalions of the Central African Republic (CAR) army and gendarmerie units to help restore security in the country, French Foreign Minister Dominique De Villepin said on Tuesday in the CAR capital, Bangui.
• ETHIOPIA: Regional task force set up to combat disaster IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- An 11-nation African regional task force is being set up to combat disasters and help ward off terrorism in the region, a top US military official said on Wednesday.
uot;mongrel" and recommended discarding it completely.
• SUDAN: Widespread insecurity reported in Darfur IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- Insecurity in Darfur, northwestern Sudan, is said to be deteriorating rapidly with widespread looting by the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) rebel group and retaliatory attacks by the Sudanese government, coupled with increased local banditry and ongoing conflicts between different ethnic groups.
• COTE D'IVOIRE: Army and rebels exchange lists of prisoners IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- The army and rebels in Cote d'Ivoire have exchanged lists of prisoners of war, but have not yet set a date for their release as moves towards disarmament face continuing political obstacles, military sources told IRIN on Wednesday.

News Reports

• SHAPE News Morning Update SHAPE 30 July 2003-- NATO chief calls for greater international involvement in Iraq / Some countries aren't reporting on al-Qaida activities because of stigma that terrorists might be living there / 5 more nations agree not to hand over Americans to international court / Lower house of parliament approves changes to war crimes law / Turkish amnesty for Kurds may ease tensions with U.S. / Ukraine to put military under civilian control by end of the year
• SHAPE News Summary & Analysis SHAPE 30 Jul 2003 -- Russian officers to begin work at Partnership Coordination Cell / Poland, U.S. agree on Iraq peacekeepers / Top U.S. military official visits Afghanistan / Why NATO should keep the Mideast peace

• PRESS BRIEFING ON ECONOMIC REPORT ON AFRICA United Nations 30 Jul 2003
• EU: Baffled By Castro Attacks, Brussels Threatens To Review Its Cuban Policy RFE/L 30 Jul 2003 -- Repeated verbal attacks by Cuban President Fidel Castro on the European Union and its individual leaders may soon force Brussels to carry out the threat made earlier this month to "review" its policy of constructive engagement with the communist nation. Castro appears to have taken issue with recent EU criticism of Havana's renewed crackdown on dissidents and the execution of three hijackers this spring.
• PHILIPPINES MUTINY VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo says there are still threats of another mutiny within the military. Her announcement comes just days after the president dismissed Sunday's failed uprising of 300 soldiers as a "blip" in her country's history. The mutiny may have been part of larger coup-plot gone wrong.
• UGANDA / FOOD AID NEEDED VOA 30 Jul 2003 -- The United Nations says food aid is urgently needed for more than one-and-a-half-million people in northern and eastern Uganda in what the agency calls the worst humanitarian crisis in years.
• BURMA/STAND-OFF VOA 30 July 2003--In the wake of sustained international pressure on Burma's military government over the detention of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese official has told Indonesia's foreign minister that the Nobel Prize winner's case will be "resolved" within three months.
• ZIMBABWE: Political thaw raises hope of talks IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- Should talks resume between Zimbabwe's rival political parties, the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is likely to insist on the government restoring the "rule of law", analysts told IRIN.
• KYRGYZSTAN: Nuclear dumps pose growing health threat IRIN 30 Jul 2003 -- The mountainous and isolated republic of Kyrgyzstan has suffered greatly from natural disasters this year. But now a new environmental and health threat is emerging in the south: uranium waste dumps located in areas prone to flooding and landslides. The dumps are posing huge problems in the densely populated Ferghana Valley, home to 10 million people.
• Boeing Launch Services, Arianespace and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Announce New Launch Services Alliance Boeing 30 Jul 2003 -- In a bold initiative, Boeing Launch Services, Arianespace S.A., and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) announced today the signing of an agreement to provide a powerful new commercial service offering that combines the strength of three leading launch service providers to ensure on-time launches for customers around the world.