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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 19 Feb 2008 [PDF]
• MND-B Soldiers attacked by IED
• Feb. 18 airpower summary: weapons loaders arm the fleet AFPN 19 Feb 2008
• Troops in Iraq Kill Nine, Capture 56, Destroy Terrorist Hideouts AFPS 19 Feb 2008 -- Coalition and Iraqi forces killed nine suspected terrorists, detained 56 others and destroyed terrorist safe havens and training grounds in Iraq over the past four days, military officials said.
• US Military Says al-Qaida Tactics in Iraq Show Desperation VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- The U.S. military says the tactics used by al-Qaida in Iraq, including the use of women and mentally impaired suicide bombers shows how desperate the terrorist network is
• New Iraq Operation Targets Dwindling Insurgent Forces AFPS 19 Feb 2008 -- Multinational Division Center forces in Iraq began pursuit of remaining insurgent elements near Salman Pak with the Feb. 15 kickoff of Operation Marne Grand Slam.
• Longest Road Project in Iraq Marks Security Success AFPS 19 Feb 2008 -- Uranium Road, which runs from Hit to Asad, is getting a $29.6 million makeover in the longest road project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq.
• Reduced Violence, Economic Progress Mark Fardh al-Qanoon Anniversary AFPS 19 Feb 2008 -- Coalition troops and Iraqi security forces marked the one-year anniversary of Operation Fardh al-Qanoon over the weekend in an environment of reduced violence and forward momentum on both the political and economic fronts, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman told Baghdad reporters.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Col. Johnson from the Pentagon 19 Feb 2008 -- Presenter: U.S. Army, Command Surgeon, Combined Joint Task Force 82 and 82nd Airborne Division, Col. Jeffrey Johnson
• Combined Force Provides Emergency Aid to Afghan Refugees AFPS 19 Feb 2008 -- Harsh winter weather, coupled with rising food and fuel prices, has created a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in some areas of Herat province, in western Afghanistan near the Iran border.
• Coalition Troops in Afghanistan Capture Seven Suspects AFPS 19 Feb 2008 -- Afghan and coalition forces detained seven suspected insurgents Feb. 17 during an operation targeting Taliban support networks in Afghanistan's Zabul province.
• Over 200,000 Afghans hit by severe cold to receive UN assistance UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- United Nations agencies are delivering emergency aid to ease the plight of more than 200,000 Afghans suffering under a harsh Central Asian winter that has already claimed hundreds of lives in recent weeks.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Window to Open for Satellite Shoot-Down, Gates to Issue Order AFPS 19 Feb 2008 -- The anticipated landing tomorrow of the space shuttle Atlantis will open the window of opportunity for the U.S. military to shoot down a dying intelligence satellite headed toward Earth, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell from the Pentagon 19 Feb 2008 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell
• CMSAF outlines Air Force priorities to Dover Airmen AFPN 19 Feb 2008 -- The chief master sergeant of the Air Force outlined the Air Force's primary concerns Feb. 11 to Dover Air Force Base Airmen.
• Mildenhall broadens AFSO 21 scope for base mission AFPN 19 Feb 2008 -- Royal Air Force Mildenhall Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century facilitators currently are broadening the spectrum of improvements to encompass the entire 100th Air Refueling Wing mission in 2008.
• ACC officials issue latest release from stand down for F-15s AFPN 19 Feb 2008 -- Gen. John D.W. Corley, Air Combat Command commander, returned 149 grounded F-15s to flight Feb. 15 contingent upon the completion of customized inspections on each of the aircraft's longerons.
• 49 C-5s approved for modernization program AFPN 19 Feb 2008 -- Air Mobility Command leaders welcomed the news that defense officials certified 49 of the Air Force's C-5 aircraft for upgrade in the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program. The decision was made Feb. 14.
• OTS begins new close-combat course AFPN 19 Feb 2008 -- Today's Airmen don't simply drop bombs or watch combat from a distance; they are in the fight.
• Modified M1-A2 Abrams Tanks Improve Safety, Precision Army News 19 Feb 2008 -- Technicians are modifying M1-A2 Abrams tanks here to make them more safer and more precision-effective in the dense, urban Baghdad environment.
• Services Integrate Training at National Training Center Army News 19 Feb 2008 -- The National Training Center has made significant progress in integrating the Navy's Joint Task Force Exercise as part of the joint training available to warfighters who train here at the Army's largest maneuver combat training center according to Navy Cmdr. Mike Tatsch, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, Air Force Center of Excellence.
• Princeton Celebrates 19th Birthday Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2008 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) celebrated its 19th birthday Feb. 11 while at sea during a regularly scheduled deployment.
• U.S. and Japanese Sailors Dive into Joint Training Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2008 -- Sailors from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) took time during their recent port visit in Sasebo to perform passing exercises (PASSEX) with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
• Marines Get Unique Opportunity Aboard USS Mustin Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2008 -- A group of Marines, who embarked the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) to observe a naval weaponry live-fire exercise got more than they bargained for, Feb. 13.
• Lassen Arrives in Nagasaki Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2008 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived here Feb. 15 for a scheduled port visit.
• Indian defense minister: Military ties vital foreign policy tool IRNA 19 Feb 2008 -- India's approach to international defense cooperation has been reasonably effective and is in sync with the national foreign policy, said Antony.
• Press Gaggle by Dana Perino The White House
• Press Gaggle by Dana Perino The White House
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2008

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 19, 2008
• Boeing Delivers First KC-767 Tanker to Japan Boeing 19 Feb 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Japan KC-767 Tanker to the Itochu Corp., for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
• Northrop Grumman Unveils New Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) for F-16 and Other Platforms, Missions Northrop Grumman 19 Feb 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) unveiled a new company funded program to develop an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) at the Singapore Air Show
• MORE HAWKS ARRIVE AT IAF BIDAR BAE Systems 19 Feb 2008 -- Following the arrival of two more Hawk advanced jet trainers at Indian Air Force (IAF) base Bidar on 5th February, a total of six aircraft out of the 66 on order have now been delivered
• NEW DATA TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY COULD SAVE MILLIONS ON SUBMARINE COSTS BAE Systems 19 Feb 2008 -- BAE Systems' scientists and engineers have developed a technology, which could revolutionise the design and build of future submarines and lead to potential cost savings of millions of pounds.
• NIMROD MRA4 ICING FLIGHT TRIALS UNDERWAY BAE Systems 19 Feb 2008 -- Nimrod MRA4 development aircraft PA01 has arrived in America for a four to six week programme of Icing Certification flights.
• TYPHOON OPERATIONAL DELIVERY SUCCESS AS FLEET PASSES 35,000 HOURS BAE Systems 19 Feb 2008 -- Typhoon continues to impress and deliver outstanding operational delivery rates to the five air forces across Europe which are currently flying this leading edge swing-role combat aircraft.
• BAE SYSTEMS EXPANDS FACILITY, ADDS NEW JOBS TO BUILD ARMOR FOR MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH PROTECTED VEHICLES BAE Systems 19 Feb 2008 -- BAE Systems is expanding its Anniston facility and anticipates hiring additional employees to support a $7.6 million contract which provides 20,000 light weight expanded armor panels for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
• AIM-9X Enters the US Navy's Weapons System User Program Raytheon 19 Feb 2008 -- A Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile was employed in the Navy's Weapon System User program late last year.
• Sagem Défense Sécurité delivers first SIGMA 30 artillery navigation and pointing systems to India Sagem (Safran group) 19 Feb 2008 -- Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) has just delivered the first SIGMA 30 navigation and pointing systems to the Indian Ministry of Defense’s DRDO/ARDE* for deployment on the Indian army’s Pinaka multiple launch rocket systems, initially for two regiments. These units will be integrated by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. and Tata Power Company Ltd., the two manufacturers responsible for Pinaka systems integration.
• India orders over one hundred SIGMA 95 navigation systems from Sagem Défense Sécurité Sagem (Safran group) 19 Feb 2008 -- The aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) of India has just ordered from Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) more than 100 SIGMA 95N navigation systems. These systems will be used on the Indian Air Force Sukhoi fighters and the Tejas fighters from the Indian LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) program.
• Defexpo-2008 broadens military ties with India - ambassador RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Russia's ambassador to India said Tuesday that the Defexpo 2008 exhibition is a good opportunity for Russia to broaden its military and technical cooperation with India and Asia Pacific countries.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 19 Feb 2008
• President Bush Discusses Kosovo The White House 29 Feb 2008
• Taiwan officially recognizes Kosovo independence CNA 19 Feb 2008 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs James Huang announced Tuesday that Taiwan officially recognizes Kosovo's independence but denied speculation that the decision came after angry remarks from China about Taiwan's expression of congratulation to the newly independent country
• Russia says independence for Kosovo undermines international law RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence will destroy the entire system of international law and cause a chain reaction of similar moves, a Russian first deputy prime minister said on Tuesday.
• UN Security Council unable to solve Kosovo issues - ambassador RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Serbia regrets that the UN Security Council was unable to solve such a principal issue as Kosovo, Serbia's ambassador to Russia said on Tuesday.
• Kosovo will not affect Russia's peacekeeping operations RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Kosovo's declaration of independence on Sunday will not affect Russian peacekeepers in Georgia's breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the chief of the General Staff said on Tuesday.
• Russia says EU mission in Kosovo violates UN resolution 1244 RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- The deployment of a EU mission to Kosovo without the permission of the UN Security Council violates UN resolution 1244, Russia's envoy to the UN said on Tuesday.
• Serbia recalls ambassador from U.S. as Kosovo crisis deepens RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Belgrade has recalled its ambassador from the U.S. over Washington's recognition of Kosovo, as the rift among the international community deepened on Tuesday.
• Bush Backs Kosovo Independence VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- President Bush says he is backing independence for Kosovo because he believes it will bring peace to the Balkans
• War Of Words Rages Over Kosovo's Independence RFE/RL 19 Feb 2008 -- Two days after Kosovo's February 17 declaration of independence, a war of words has erupted among foreign governments reacting to Pristina's move.
• ISRAEL-OPT: UN humanitarian chief says Gaza situation "grim" IRIN 19 Feb 2008 -- John Holmes, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, has said he is shocked by the "grim and miserable" situation in the Gaza Strip, and he called for the opening of crossing points into the enclave and for Palestinian militants to stop rocket fire into Israel.
• Israel deploys air defense missiles near Haifa RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Israel has deployed Patriot air-defense missiles near Haifa following Hezbollah's threat to start an all-out war over the killing of terrorist mastermind Imad Mughniyah, the Haaretz daily said Tuesday.
• Palestinian premier says Israel peace deal unlikely in 2008 RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- The Palestinian prime minister called for the pace of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to be stepped up if a deal is to be reached by the end of 2008 as planned.
• Fresh round of aerial bombing in West Darfur forces UN staff to relocate UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- The United Nations refugee agency has had to withdraw its staff from the volatile Sudanese-Chadian border area after a series of aerial bombardments over the past two days in West Darfur that have also sparked deep concern from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the world body's top humanitarian official.
• Peace accord between north and south Sudan still on track, says UN envoy UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- The top United Nations envoy to Sudan told the Security Council today that the implementation of the January 2005 comprehensive peace agreement ending the long-running north-south civil war remains on track, despite being behind schedule.
• Bombing in West Darfur Forces UNHCR to Withdraw VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- The U.N. refugee agency says an aerial bombing overnight and Tuesday morning in West Darfur, Sudan, close to the border with Chad, has forced the agency to withdraw its team
• SUDAN: UN warns of accelerating Darfur violence IRIN 19 Feb 2008 -- Reports of Sudanese air force and militia massing in West Darfur and renewed bombardment of villages indicate another wave of violence is imminent, the UN has warned.
• SUDAN-CHAD: Displaced people neglected along the border with Sudan IRIN 19 Feb 2008 -- Standing outside one of the many temporary straw huts for displaced Chadians in Adé, a small town five kilometres from the border with Sudan, Yacoub Haroon is wearing the same dirty clothes he wore when he fled his village more than 15 months earlier.
• Ex-minister in Rwanda arrested and brought before UN genocide tribunal UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- A former Rwandan government official has been arrested and handed over to the United Nations war crimes tribunal set up to deal with the genocide to face trial over his alleged role in the mass killings that engulfed the small African country in 1994.
• DR Congo: experts call for bolstered monitoring of arms shipments UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- The Group of Experts dealing with illegal arms flows into and around the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called for the strengthening of the monitoring capacity of the United Nations Mission in the vast African nation.
• Permanent political accord only way to end Middle East conflict - Ban Ki-moon UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- Only a permanent political settlement ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory and giving Palestinians their independence "can fundamentally alter the economic and humanitarian problems of the Palestinian people and bring lasting security for Israel," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.
• Secretary-General Ban dispatches senior UN official to Sri Lanka UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- A senior United Nations political official will tomorrow kick off a week-long mission to Sri Lanka, which has been troubled by violence in recent years, to examine the world body's work in the island country after a request from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
• Ugandan agreement with rebels brings progress to long conflict, says UN envoy UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- The United Nations envoy for the peace process between the Ugandan Government and the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) says a deal signed by the two sides early this morning represents real progress in the continuing negotiations towards ending the conflict.
• Abkhazia, South Ossetia's sovereignty could spark CIS crisis RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Russia could possibly recognize the independence of Georgia's breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, but a serious crisis in the CIS would follow, a top Russian lawmaker said on Tuesday.
• SOMALIA: Troops attack Mogadishu's largest market IRIN 19 Feb 2008 -- Armed troops raided and looted the country's largest open-air market in the capital, Mogadishu, on 19 February, local sources said.
• CHAD: Aid work continues despite state of emergency IRIN 19 Feb 2008 -- While aid officials say they do not expect the government's announcement of a state of emergency last week to impact on their operations they are concerned about rising security threats.
• NEPAL: Maoists accused of fomenting political crisis IRIN 19 Feb 2008 -- Former Maoist rebels are spreading fear and insecurity through intimidation, abductions, threats and extortion, and are responsible for the current political crisis, human rights workers and independent analysts told IRIN on 19 February.

News Reports

• Cuba's Comandante Steps Down cfr.org 19 Feb 2008 -- When Cuban leader Fidel Castro temporarily ceded power to his brother Raul in July 2006, speculation ran rampant about just how ill he was, how Cubans would react, and whether U.S. policy toward the island would change
• US Embargo Against Cuba to Remain Despite Castro Resignation VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- The United States said Tuesday there will be no early end to the U.S. economic embargo of Cuba, despite Fidel Castro's resignation as head of state after 49 years
• Fidel Castro Retires as Cuban President VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- Fidel Castro has resigned as Cuba's president, ending his nearly 50-year rule of the Caribbean nation
• Bush Looking for Democracy in Post-Castro Cuba VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- President Bush says Cuban President Fidel Castro's decision to step down should be the start of a democratic transition on the island
• Castro's departure no breakthrough in Cuban-U.S. ties RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- The news that Fidel Castro would step down as Cuba's president after almost 50 years in power is unlikely to signal a breakthrough in Cuban-U.S. relations, Russian analysts said Tuesday.
• Fidel Castro steps down as Cuba's president RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2008 -- Fidel Castro has announced that he will step down as Cuba's president after almost 50 years in power, the Granma daily said on Tuesday.
• Grare: Pakistan Facing Period of 'Governmental Instability' cfr.org 19 Feb 2008
• Pakistan's former ruling party chief defeated IRNA 19 Feb 2008 -- In a major upset, Chief of the former ruling Muslim League (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain lost his seat to his rival of the Pakistan Peoples Party, according to unofficial results.
• Early Returns in Pakistan Election Indicate Big Wins for Opposition Parties VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- Political allies of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf are conceding defeat in Monday's general elections
• UN envoy expects visit to Myanmar will be brought forward UN News Centre 19 Feb 2008 -- The Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Myanmar said today that his return to the South-East Asian nation may take place sooner than mid-April, the original date proposed by the Government.
• UN Envoy Expects to Return to Burma Soon VOA 19 Feb 2008 -- The United Nations Secretary-General's special adviser for Burma says he expects to return to the country "sooner rather than later."