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News Reports

Current Operations

• Coalition Deaths Continue in Iraq, But Forces Remain Committed AFPS 11 Aug 2003 -- An American soldier from the 4th Infantry Division was killed in an "improvised explosive attack" that wounded two others late Aug. 10. Three other American soldiers have died in Iraq in the past several days. Despite these deaths, coalition forces continue to make progress throughout the country.
• IRAQI / VIOLENCE UPDATE VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- The U-S military in Baghdad said Monday armed forces will continue to hunt down those responsible for attacks against coalition forces. An overnight bomb attack in a town northeast of Baghdad killed one
• IRAQ / VIOLENCE VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- U-S military officials in Iraq say an overnight bomb attack in a town northeast of Baghdad killed one American soldier and wounded two others. The attack comes as tensions in the southern city of Basra seem to be calming after two days of rioting.
• Iraq: U.S. Soldier Killed Northeast Of Baghdad RFE/RL 11 Aug 2003 -- The United States military says a U.S. soldier was killed and two others wounded late last night in the Iraqi city of Baquba, some 60 kilometers northeast of Baghdad.
• ONE KILLED, TWO WOUNDED IN IED ATTACK CENTCOM 11 Aug 2003-- One 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and two were wounded in an improvised explosive attack near the Ba'qubah police station Aug. 10 at approximately 9:45 p.m.

• Powell Says U.S. Hopes Afghanistan Can Hold Elections in 2004 Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell has expressed the hope that the constitutional process in Afghanistan will be completed in the fall and elections will be held in the Central Asian country next year.
• STATEMENT FROM CENTRAL COMMAND CENTCOM Release 11 Aug 2003-- Today at approximately 10:00am local, coalition forces on patrol in the vicinity of Orgun, in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan, were fired upon by several individuals.
• Coalition forces in Afghanistan come under fire Army News Service 11 Aug 2003-- Soldiers with the Coalition Joint Task Force-180 in Afghanistan came under fire, captured enemy forces and lost a soldier in a drowning accident this past weekend.
• EOD investigates rocket attack threat Army News Service 11 Aug 2003-- Explosive ordinance personnel discovered a rocket thought to be aimed at Bagram Air Field, Aug. 2. Local nationals alerted them to the possible threat and handled the situation through the combined efforts of troops.
• Coalition Forces Nab Enemy Troops After Afghan Firefight AFPS 11 Aug 2003 -- Coalition forces on patrol in Afghanistan captured three enemy troops and killed one after a brief Aug. 9 firefight, according to a Coalition Joint Task Force 180 news release.
• NATO Assumes Command of the Peacekeeping Force in Afghanistan AFPS 11 Aug 2003 -- During a change of command ceremony in Kabul today, NATO assumed strategic command, control and coordination of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. The force had been under the leadership of Germany and the Netherlands.
• NATO Takes Command of Security Force in Kabul Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- In a ceremony in Kabul August 11, NATO took on for the first time an operational commitment outside Europe, assuming command of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF).
• Afghan Foreign Minister Welcomes NATO leadership of ISAF Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah expressed his confidence that the new NATO-led International Security Force for Afghanistan (ISAF) will have a positive role in bringing security to Afghanistan.
• NATO Takes over ISAF Peacekeeping Mission in Afghanistan Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- NATO formally took over command of the International Security Assistance Force for Afghanistan (ISAF) from German and Dutch troops at a ceremony in Kabul August 11.
• Afghanistan: NATO Takes Over ISAF Command Amid Calls For Expansion RFE/RL 11 Aug 2003 -- NATO today took over command of the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan amid calls for the force to be expanded to areas outside of Kabul.
• Afghanistan: NATO Takes Over Command Of Security Force RFE/RL 11 Aug 2003 -- NATO has taken command of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan's capital Kabul and the surrounding province.
• AFGHANISTAN NATO SECURITY VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is assuming command of the 5-thousand-strong international peacekeeping force in change of security in and around Afghanistan's capital, Kabul. The transfer of leadership comes amid debate on whether to extend the force's mandate beyond the city and into the violence-racked Afghan countryside.
• AFGHANISTAN: NATO takes over ISAF command IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- As NATO took over command of international peacekeeping forces from Germany and The Netherlands in Kabul on Monday, locals and aid agencies expressed disappointment on learning that the operations of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) would not be extended beyond the Afghan capital.
• PAKISTAN: Afghan returnee children to undergo iris verification IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has made it compulsory for all Afghan refugees aged six and above to undergo iris scanning verification as part of the repatriation process, according to a UNHCR official.
• U-S / LIBERIA UPDATE VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell has welcomed the resignation and exile of former Liberian President Charles Taylor. He says the priority now is dealing with the "desperate" humanitarian needs in the country.
• BUSH / LIBERIA VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- President Bush is promising to help bring peace and stability to Liberia, now that Charles Taylor has given up power and left the country. Mr. Bush is putting the focus on the future.
• Bush Calls Taylor Departure "Important Step" for Liberia Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- The departure August 11 of Charles Taylor from Liberia "is an important step toward a better future for the Liberian people," President Bush said August 11 in remarks in Colorado.
• U.S. Welcomes Charles Taylor's Departure from Liberia Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- The United States is pleased with Liberian President Charles Taylor's resignation and departure from the country August 11, State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker said at that day's department press briefing.
• Welcoming Taylor's resignation, Annan hopes nightmare is over for Liberians UN News Centre 11 Aug 2003 -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the decision of Liberian President Charles Taylor to resign office, hoping that it marked the beginning of the end of the "long nightmare" of the people of the war-torn West African country.
• UN envoy heads to Liberia to plan response to dire humanitarian situation UN News Centre 11 Aug 2003 -- With the long-awaited political transition underway to end hostilities in Liberia, the top United Nations envoy for the West African country is headed there to work with regional leaders on a strategy to save an estimated 1 million people on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.
• TAYLOR/NIGERIA VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- Former Liberian President Charles Taylor has arrived in Nigeria, where he was granted asylum after he relinquished the Liberian presidency Monday afternoon. Former President Taylor was met at the airport in the Nigerian capital of Abuja by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
• LIBERIA / TAYLOR UPDATE VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- Surrendering to rebel and international demands, Liberian President Charles Taylor stepped down from office and left Liberia on Monday for exile in Nigeria. Liberia's main rebel group, which has been fighting to topple the Taylor regime, has declared the war is over.
• U-S-LIBERIA ( VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- The United States has welcomed the resignation and exile of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, and is urging all parties to the conflict to maintain the cease-fire so that humanitarian aid can reach the Liberian people. U-S officials are leaving open the possibility of bringing more U-S military personnel into Monrovia to help coordinate aid and peacekeeping efforts.
• LIBERIA / TAYLOR VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- Charles Taylor has stepped down as Liberia's president, handing over power to his vice president. Mr. Taylor's exit from power is seen as a vital step in securing peace in war-torn Liberia.
• RYU/LIBERIA VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- Liberia's President Charles Taylor resigned Monday at a ceremony in Monrovia, attended by several other African leaders. V-O-A's Alisha Ryu attended the ceremony and described it for V-O-A's Al Pessin in London.
• LIBERIA: Taylor leaves the country, US warships approach IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- Charles Taylor ended his bloody six-year rule of Liberia on Monday by handing over the green presidential sash of office to his deputy Moses Zeh Blah and flying out to exile in Nigeria. Shortly afterwards US warships appeared off the coast and three helicopters flew into the US embassy compound.
• LIBERIA: UN returns to kick-start relief as Taylor departs IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- The United Nations welcomed the resignation of Liberian President Charles Taylor and his departure into exile on Monday, saying it marked the beginning of the end of a long nightmare" for the Liberian people."

Defense Policy / Programs

• EUCOM Transformation may send soldiers back to States Army News Service 11 Aug 2003-- Gen. Wald did not specifically say that troops would be stationed in those areas.
• Rangers review Javelin 'flawless' effectiveness during OIF Army News Service 11 Aug 2003-- Four Rangers who used the Javelin handheld anti-armor missile system during operations in Iraq and one who fired it while training at Fort Benning spoke about their experiences during a meeting here July 31.
• Firebolt Crew Returns from Deployment Navy Newsstand 11 Aug 2003-- The crew of USS Firebolt (PC 10) will return to Norfolk Aug. 12, from a seven-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• USS Boxer Completes Longest Deployment in Ship's History Navy Newsstand 11 Aug 2003-- July 26, USS Boxer (LHD 4) completed its longest deployment ever, spending 190 days away from its homeport of San Diego.
• White Knights return to Miramar Marine Corps News 11 Aug 2003-- By looking at his watch, Capt. Andrew C. Gonzalez, training officer, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165, couldn't really tell exactly when he left the Kuwaiti desert. What he did know was he had arrived in a place he would rather not have to leave again.
• 3rd MAW CG recognizes VMFA-323 Marine Corps News 11 Aug 2003-- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 was recently nominated by Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, for the 2003 Robert M. Hanson Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year award.
• VMFA-323 commemorates 60 years Marine Corps News 11 Aug 2003-- For the Marines, the legacy and tradition of the past breathes life into the present, and for some members of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the venom of air combat remains a potent force.
• Air passenger terminal to open by 2004 Marine Corps News 11 Aug 2003-- In a state of the art move to advance Marine Corps Air Station Miramar into the 21st century, Facilities and Logistics Department, Engineering Division contracted a local company to build an Aerial Point of Embarkation facility.
• Marines get new helmet Marine Corps News 11 Aug 2003-- Marines will be getting another new look with a lighter, more protective piece of headgear designed specifically for the twenty-first century Marine Corps.
• Veterans Affairs Proposes Health System Overhaul AFPS 11 Aug 2003 -- The Department of Veterans Affairs is asking an independent commission to review a plan devised to reshape the way the department handles veterans' health care.
• Myers Travels South to Discuss War on Terror With Colombian Leaders AFPS 11 Aug 2003 -- Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers began a three-day visit to South and Central American Aug. 11 by highlighting the successes leaders here have achieved in the war on terrorism.
• U.S. Joint Chiefs Chair Myers Visits Latin America Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, embarked on a trip to Latin America on August 11, according to a Defense Department press release.

• China's PLA Sees Value in Pre-emptive Strike Strategy AFPS 11 Aug 2003 -- The military strategy of "shock and awe" used to stun the Iraqi military in the opening campaign of Operation Iraqi Freedom might be used by the Chinese if military force is needed to bring Taiwan back under communist control.

• U-S / ISRAEL / INDIA VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- The United States confirmed Monday it has cleared the way for Israel to sell India its advanced "Phalcon" airborne early-warning radar system. A similar Israeli deal with China was vetoed by the United States three years ago.

• AUSTRALIA INDONESIA MILITARY VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- Australia says it is ready to renew military ties with Indonesia's special forces, ties that were severed in 1999 over alleged human rights abuses. The head of the Australian army says it is necessary to work with Jakarta's elite troops to fight terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region.

Defense Industry

• General Dynamics Completes Acquisition of Veridian General Dynamics 11 Aug 2003 -- General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) today completed its acquisition of Veridian Corporation (NYSE: VNX). More than 80 percent of Veridian shareholders approved the sale in a special vote held on August 7, 2003. The transaction, announced on June 9, cleared the mandatory waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act on July 28.
• Hamilton Sundstrand wins $70 million flight control contract from U.S. Army Hamilton Sundstrand 11 Aug 2003 -- The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) has contracted with Hamilton Sundstrand to supply Advanced Flight Control Computers for Black Hawk helicopters in an agreement with a total potential value of $70 million, according to Ralph Triompo, aftermarket manager for Hamilton Sundstrand Military Customer Support and Logistics.
• Lockheed Martin Takes F/A-18D Simulator for First Flight Lockheed Martin 11 Aug 2003 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently took the Marine Corps Aviation Simulator Master Plan F/A-18D simulator for its first flight using a new, PC-driven image generator and host computer system designed to enhance performance and lower life-cycle cost. The newly designed training system enhances Marine air-ground task force combat skills by providing a high fidelity tactical training environment.
• Lockheed Martin UK Selected for MoD's Soothsayer Electronic Warfare Programme Lockheed Martin 11 Aug 2003 -- The UK MoD has appointed Lockheed Martin as preferred supplier for Project Soothsayer, the next-generation Electronic Warfare (EW) programme for British land forces.
• Northrop Grumman Successfully Integrates, Tests Radar Imaging System on Fire Scout UAV Northrop Grumman 11 Aug 2003 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Integrated Systems sector has demonstrated, through a series of test flights, that a synthetic aperture radar/moving target indicator (SAR/MTI) system can be integrated and operated successfully on the company's RQ-8A Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 11 Aug 2003
• U.S. Lists Countries Eligible Under Clean Diamond Act Washington File 11 Aug 2003 -- Participating countries eligible for trade in rough diamonds in accordance with the Clean Diamond Trade Act have been identified in a list published by the Department of State in the U.S. Federal Register August 11.

• Annan condemns Hezbollah shelling Israel, urges restraint by all parties UN News Centre 11 Aug 2003 -- Strongly condemning Hezbollah's shelling of Israel from Lebanon, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged all governments with influence over the group to "deter it from any further actions which could increase the tension in the area" and called upon the Israeli Government to exercise utmost restraint.
• ISRAEL / SYRIA VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- Israel has warned Syria it will not permit a further deterioration of the situation along its northern border with Lebanon and has called on the United States to stress that point to the Damascus government.

• DR of Congo: UN mission continues rollout of Bangladeshi troops in northeast UN News Centre 11 Aug 2003 -- The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand its security presence in the country's volatile northeast with the deployment of 250 Bangladeshi troops attached to its task force in Ituri.
• DRC: UNICEF envoy Jessica Lange deplores "unspeakable brutality" IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Jessica Lange said on Monday that the world could no longer ignore the atrocities, including systematic rape, being inflicted daily on women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• DRC: Voluntary disarmament of militias under discussion IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- The new transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the UN Mission in the country, know as MONUC, are discussing a programme to disarm various groups and militias in the northeastern district of Ituri, the special representative of the UN Secretary-general, William Swing, said on Monday.
• SOMALIA/PEACE TALKS VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- Somalia's Transitional National Government, whose term in office ends Tuesday, says it will remain in power until a new government is formed. Peace talks aimed at forming a new government for Somalia are continuing in Nairobi.
• SOMALIA: Interim gov't says it will continue in power IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- Somalia's Transitional National Government (TNG), whose three-year mandate ends in two days' time, has said it will stay in place until free and fair elections are held to usher in new institutions.
• Chechnya: Five Russian Servicemen Killed RFE/RL 11 Aug 2003 -- An official in the Kremlin-backed Chechen administration said today that separatist forces in Chechnya killed five federal servicemen over the past 24 hours.
• SUDAN/PEACE TALKS VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- The Sudanese government and southern rebels have resumed peace talks in Kenya Monday in an effort to end two decades of civil war that have cost as many as one million lives. But both sides say the atmosphere for reaching a lasting peace is, at best, very fragile.
• Colombian Leaders See Nation Making Progress Against Terror AFPS 11 Aug 2003 -- The government of Colombia has turned the corner on the war against narcoterrorists, and the vice president sees the nation beginning a new phase.
• Namibia: Peacekeeping troops offered for UN Liberia mission IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- The Namibian government has "indicated its willingness" to provide two battalions of troops to a UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia, but no date has yet been set for their deployment, a defence ministry spokeswoman told IRIN on Monday.
• UGANDA: Renewed fighting in east IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- Fresh fighting broke out over the weekend in eastern Uganda’s Katakwi district between the Ugandan defence forces and Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels, sparking speculation that the once-quiet district was now the target of a fullscale LRA offensive.

News Reports

• SHAPE News Morning Update SHAPE 11 Aug 2003 -- Afghan government welcomes impending NATO takeover ofinternational peacekeeping force / Uzbekistan allows German military to extend use of airport to support mission in Afghanistan / German troops could join NATO Iraq force-minister / Turkey ready to serve in peacekeeping force, top general says / Taylor declares love of the people compelling resignation / America cancels war drills with Egypt because U.S. forces are overstretched
• SHAPE News Summary & Analysis SHAPE 11 Aug 2003 -- NATO takes over peacekeeping force in Afghanistan

• PHILIPPINES/MUTINY VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- The Philippine government has lifted a state of rebellion two weeks after a military mutiny.
• BURMA - THAILAND RAZALI VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- The United Nations special envoy to Burma has given his support to Thailand's plan to promote political reconciliation between Burma's military government and the opposition, led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Razali Ismail's comments follow talks with Thailand's foreign minister in Bangkok.
• ZIMBABWE/POLITICS VOA 11 Aug 2003 -- President Robert Mugabe said Monday that what he called Zimbabwe's internal enemies should "repent" and work in unity with the government. Mr. Mugabe made a low-key speech on Heroes Day, when those who died in Zimbabwe's anti-colonial struggle are remembered.
• ZIMBABWE: Tsvangirai treason trial to go ahead IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- The treason case against Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), is expected to proceed after the country's High Court ruled on Friday that there was sufficient evidence against him of conspiring in a plot to kill President Robert Mugabe.
• ORBITAL SET TO LAUNCH NASA/CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY SATELLITE ABOARD PEGASUS SPACE LAUNCH VEHICLE Orbital Sciences Corp. 11 Aug 2003 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that it is in final preparations to launch the Scientific Satellite (SCISAT-1) Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) spacecraft for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) aboard the company's Pegasus® rocket.
• RWANDA: Measures in place for free and fair poll, Kagame says IRIN 11 Aug 2003 -- The government has taken action aimed at ensuring that the 25 August presidential election in Rwanda is free and fair, President Paul Kagame, himself one of the four contenders for the post, said on Sunday.