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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 9 Feb 2009 [PDF]
• Four Soldiers killed by SVBIED attack
• DoD News: DoD Identifies Army Casualty
• Feb. 8 airpower summary: KC-135s refuel coalition aircraft AFNS 09 Feb 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF in Afghanistan during operations.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Col. Richard Francey from Iraq DoD 09 Feb 2009 -- Presenter: Commander, 41st Fires Brigade U.S. Army Col. Richard Francey
• Car Bomb Kills 4 US Troops, Interpreter in Iraq VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. military in Iraq says four of its soldiers and an interpreter have been killed in a suicide car bombing in the northern city of Mosul.
• Security Improves in Iraqi Province, but Long-term Work Remains AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- The security situation in Iraq’s Wasit province is stable, but still brittle.
• Iraqi Army Provides Security for Road Project AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- While Iraqi soldiers provided security, US soldiers of A Company, 9th Engineer Battalion, performed much-needed maintenance on an Iraqi road.
• Soldiers Provide Mortar Training for Iraqi Army AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team conducted familiarization training for troops from the Iraqi Army's 38th Brigade.
• Airmen train firefighter managers, Iraqis graduate AFNS 09 Feb 2009 -- The Iraqi air force took another step toward becoming more independent, this time in the form of firefighting capability.
• Surge in Afghanistan Unlikely to Surpass 30,000, Mullen Says AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- Chariman of Joint Chiefs Mullen doesn't expect the US to deploy more than about 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.
• Pentagon Says More Afghanistan Troops May Await Strategy Review VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Pentagon: Orders to deploy additional troops to Afghanistan may not be issued until after White House strategy review.
• NATO Commander Encouraged by Afghanistan Discussions in Munich AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe returned from Conference encouraged by Afghanistan discussions.
• Improvements Keep Soldiers Connected in Afghanistan AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- Improvements at FOB Blessing in northeastern Afghanistan helping soldiers stay connected.
• Estonian troops may go to Afghanistan, not Iraq RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- An Estonian peacekeeping unit that has been preparing for deployment to Iraq could be sent to Afghanistan instead.
• Estonia ends mission in Iraq MNF-I 09 Feb 2009 -- Due to the increased security and stability in Iraq, the Republic of Estonia has transitioned its forces from Coalition operations to the NATO training mission in Iraq.
• Kazakhstan allows U.S. non-military transit to Afghanistan RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Kazakhstan has permitted the transit of non-military logistical supplies for US troops deployed in Afghanistan.
• Kyrgyz Political Circles Split On Manas Decision RFE/RL 09 Feb 2009 -- Intense discussion of the implications of the anticipated closure of US base continued over the weekend.
• Kyrgyz Parliament Group OKs Closure of US Base VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary defense committee has approved its government's decision to close a US air base.
• Kyrgyz parliamentary committee approves U.S. base closure RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- The Kyrgyz parliamentary defense and security committee approved on Monday the closure of a U.S. military airbase.
• Kyrgyz Parliament Gives First Nod To Closing U.S. Base RFE/RL 09 Feb 2009 -- A Kyrgyz parliamentary committee has given first approval to a plan to close the Manas U.S. air base in Kyrgyzstan.
• Kyrgyz parliamentary committees begin debating U.S. base closure RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Kyrgyz parliament's committees began debates on the closure of a US military airbase.
• Upcoming polls crucial for Afghan stability, says UN peacekeeping chief UN News Centre 09 Feb 2009 -- Elections will be vital opportunity to boost the country's political stability.
• Suicide Bomber Kills 3 Police Officers at Pakistani Checkpoint VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Pakistani police say a suicide bomber crashed an explosives-laden car into a police checkpoint killing at least 3 officers.
• Polish foreign minister confirms Pole's execution in Pakistan RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Polish FM Sikorsky: A video showing the execution of a Polish contractor by Pakistani militants appears to be genuine.

Defense Policy / Programs

• What Does Holbrooke's Past As Bosnia's 'Bulldozer' Say About Future In South Asia? RFE/RL 09 Feb 2009 -- Richard Holbrooke is often described in decidedly undiplomatic terms. Impatient. Pushy. A "bulldozer."
• U.S. Envoy Holbrooke Starts Three-Day Visit To Pakistan RFE/RL 09 Feb 2009 -- Richard Holbrooke, President Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, arrived in Islamabad at start of 3-day visit.
• Iran's Political Choices Could Impact US Relations VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- The 30th anniversary of the Iranian revolution occurs halfway between two potentially transformative elections.
• Commander of US Forces in S. Korea Warns North to 'Act Responsibly' VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Commander of American forces in South Korea is warning North Korea "all options" are open.
• Air Force clean up gives former Griffiss AFB new life AFNS 09 Feb 2009 -- USAF's environmental clean-up program hitting a high-water mark as EPA officials consider removing more than 2,900 from the list of potentially hazardous sites.
• Operational weather squadron picks up new responsibilities AFNS 09 Feb 2009 -- The 15th Operational Weather Squadron will assume responsibilities for Aviation Weather Center and Storm Prediction Center.
• U.S. military to participate in Aero India 09 AFNS 09 Feb 2009 -- The United States military will be represented at the Aero India 09 air show at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore, India, Feb. 11 to 15.
• Coast Guard Marks Acquisition Milestones AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- The Coast Guard's acquisition directorate has marked a number of positive milestones in delivering new assets and capabilities to the field.
• Mullen Encourages Troops to Seek Mental Health Care When Needed AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized the importance of de-stigmatizing mental-health care for returning war veterans.
• Strains Visible In CIS Military Alliance RFE/RL 09 Feb 2009 -- Belarus is proving again that the CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is not exactly a cohesive military alliance.
• Air defense pact with Russia not response to U.S. shield - Belarus RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- The signing of a deal between Belarus and Russia is not a response to US plans for a missile shield in Europe.
• Russia to complete military reform in 3-4 years RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- The ongoing reform of the Russian military will be completed in next three or four years.
• Russia to buy back 24 fighters rejected by Algeria for $690 mln RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Russia's Defense Ministry will pay 25 billion rubles ($690 million) for 24 MiG fighters that Algeria has refused to accept.
• Russian, Indian warships escort commercial ships off Somali coast RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Russian Admiral Vinogradov destroyer and India's Tabar missile frigate practiced joint anti-piracy operations.
• Russian Navy denies Somalia mission scurvy claims RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- There is no basis to media claims that Russian Navy sailors suffered from scurvy while on a mission to patrol waters off Somalia.
• Russia's Sukhoi aircraft maker opens office in India RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Russia's Sukhoi aircraft maker opened a representative office in the capital of India, New Delhi.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 09 Feb 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 09, 2009
• BAE SYSTEMS OPENS NEW FACILITY, ADDS JOBS TO PRODUCE MILITARY VEHICLE ARMOR BAE Systems 09 Feb 2009 -- BAE Systems today opened a new facility that will produce armor kits to protect U.S. Army ground vehiclese
• Lockheed Martin Delivers C-5M Super Galaxy Lockheed Martin 09 Feb 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today delivered the second of three fully modernized developmental test C-5M aircraft to the U.S. Air Force.
• Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Navy Contract for Shipboard Interrogator Sets Northrop Grumman 09 Feb 2009 -- Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a $16 million contract from the U.S. Navy for production of five additional AN/UPX-24(V) interrogator sets for the U.S. Navy and the Australian Navy.
• Major Test Of Second Advanced EHF Military Communications Satellite Underway At Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin 09 Feb 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) military communications satellite is now undergoing thermal vacuum testing at the company's Sunnyvale, Calif. facilities.
• Thales celebrates key program milestone for U.S. Army s UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter program Thales 09 Feb 2009 -- Thales supported EADS North America in achieving a significant milestone on the U.S. Army’s UH-72A light utility helicopter program. On December 16th 2008, the 50th UH-72A aircraft was rolled off at the American Eurocopter production line in Columbus, Mississippi, for delivery to the U.S. Army Aviation.
• Raytheon Awarded $246 Million for UAE Patriot Raytheon 09 Feb 2009 -- Raytheon Company has received a $246 million Foreign Military Sales contract for Patriot system spares for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• BAE SYSTEMS’ MANTIS MAKES INTERNATIONAL DEBUT AT AERO INDIA 2009 BAE Systems 09 Feb 2009 -- Visitors to Aero India 2009 will for the first time get a glimpse of BAE Systems vision of the future capability of autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) when its MANTIS system goes on show to demonstrate to a new audience the technological developments that will shape future UAS capability.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICES OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AND THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT United Nations 09 Feb 2009
• Egypt: New Gaza Truce Possible Soon VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says a longer-term truce between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza may be reached next week.
• Israel's Livni pledges peace talks with Palestinians RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Israeli FM Livni has pledged to resume peace talks should she win parliamentary elections and be appointed premier.
• UN lifts suspension of Gaza food imports after Hamas returns stolen aid UN News Centre 09 Feb 2009 -- Main UN relief agency lifted its suspension of aid imports after Hamas returned all the aid it had stolen last week.
• UN deplores suicide attack in northern Sri Lanka UN News Centre 09 Feb 2009 -- The United Nations has condemned today’s suicide attack at a registration centre for civilians fleeing the fighting in northern Sri Lanka, which killed and wounded many civilians, including children.
• Female Suicide Bomber Strikes Sri Lanka, 28 Killed VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- As the long-running war in Sri Lanka draws to a close, more and more civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire.
• Female suicide bomber kills three in Sri Lanka IRNA 09 Feb 2009 -- A female suicide cadre of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam arriving with the civilians in Visuamadu area exploded herself killing 2 civilians and one soldier.
• African Union Condemns Insurgent Attacks on Troops VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- The African Union has sharply condemned Sunday's insurgent attacks on its peacekeeping forces in Somalia (AMISOM) that led to deaths of at least three civilians.
• Darfur: UN helicopter draws fire in north, displacement continues in south UN News Centre 09 Feb 2009 -- The UN-AU mission in Darfur said unknown assailants fired on one of its helicopters near its headquarters in El Fasher.
• DRC: Armed groups promise to release children IRIN 09 Feb 2009 -- An estimated 1,500 child soldiers could be freed in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo if armed groups in the area honour pledge.
• UN Humanitarian Chief Seeks Congo-Rwanda Cooperation to Limit Civilian Casualties, Displacement VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- UN Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes continues visit to regions of Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Survivors of Ugandan rebel massacres in DR Congo seek help from UN UN News Centre 09 Feb 2009 -- Traumatized survivors of massacres by the Lord’s Resistance Army sought shelter, food, medicine – and justice – from the top United Nations relief official.

News Reports

• Israel Heads to Elections as Gaza Violence Continues VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- This is the last day of campaigning in Israel, where voters on Tuesday are to elect a new Prime Minister.
• Lebanese Doubtful Israel Election Will Improve Relations VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Israelis go to the polls in general elections Tuesday with hard-liner Benjamin Netanyahu expected to become the country's next prime minister.
• Madagascar parties reach out to UN in bid to resolve differences UN News Centre 09 Feb 2009 -- President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar and the Mayor of the capital, Anatananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, committed to start a UN-facilitated dialogue.
• MADAGASCAR: Political violence toll now 130 IRIN 09 Feb 2009 -- Hospitals and mortuaries are being "overwhelmed" while both rivals at the centre of Madagascar's political storm continue to blame each other for the violence that has now left some 130 people dead.
• Madagascar Defense Minister Resigns After Bloodshed VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Madagascar's defense minister has resigned, after the deaths of at least 28 people during anti-government protests Saturday.
• Collision Averted in Mumbai between Air India Jetliner and Presidential Helicopter Fleet VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- A potential disaster appears to have been narrowly avoided at South Asia's busiest airport.
• Mauritania Rejects AU Sanctions VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Mauritania's military leaders are going ahead with plans for new elections in June, despite African Union sanctions meant to force the return of the toppled civilian government.
• IRAQ: Minister of women's affairs tenders resignation IRIN 09 Feb 2009 -- Nawal al-Samaraie, minister for women’s affairs, says she lacked the resources to implement her plans to help improve women's lives.
• Burma Recovery Plan Launched for Cyclone-Hit Areas VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- The United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have launched a recovery plan for areas of Burma hit by last year's devastating cyclone Nargis.
• Antarctic expedition head refutes emergency evacuation reports RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Head of Russian Antarctic Expedition denied reports of an emergency evacuation of the Vostok Antarctic station.