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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 18 Feb 2009 [PDF]
• Feb. 17 airpower summary: A-10s protect ground forces AFNS 18 Feb 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF in Afghanistan during operations.
• PRESS CONFERENCE: MND-C Operational Update: Col. Battaglia, Feb. 18, 2009 MNF-I 18 Feb 2009 -- Col. Philip Battaglia, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division - Center, provides an operational update
• Troops in Iraq Find Recently Made Iranian Munitions AFPS 18 Feb 2009 -- American and Iraqi forces have discovered Iranian weapons in Iraq that were manufactured as recently as last year.
• Deploying Marines learn to operate MRAPs USMC News 18 Feb 2009 -- May 11 just one of the many days in the past that proved why Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are necessary.
• IRAQ: Growing unemployment threatens stability, UN says IRIN 18 Feb 2009 -- Iraq’s double-digit unemployment rate, especially among young men, could undermine long-term security and social stability.
• Barzani: US Must Resolve Kurdish Issues Before Troop Withdrawal From Iraq VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- PM of Iraq's Kurdistan regional government: US must help resolve Kurdish issues before withdrawing from Iraq.
• US unilateralist approach, main source of insecurity in Iraq IRNA 18 Feb 2009 -- Iran FM Spokesman: It is US approach, resorting to militarism and occupation that are main sources of insecurity.
• Iraqi Shoe Thrower to Stand Trial Thursday VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- The trial of an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former U.S. President George W. Bush is set to begin.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Gen. McKiernan from the Pentagon DoD 18 Feb 2009 -- Presenter: Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan and NATO's International Security Assistance Force, Gen. David McKiernan
• Afghanistan, NATO Summit Top Defense Ministers' Agenda AFPS 18 Feb 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates: Afghanistan will dominate the alliance's meeting of defense ministers.
• Scouts Take On Tough Mission in Afghanistan AFPS 18 Feb 2009 -- Cavalry scouts and Afghan National Army soldiers conduct ongoing dangerous missions along the unpaved roadways in Konar province.
• U.S. Soldiers Open Road, Transfer Security in Eastern Afghanistan AFPS 18 Feb 2009 -- Even a short road goes a long way in Afghanistan.
• Afghan Officials Claim More Civilian Deaths in US Airstrike VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Afghan officials: US airstrike killed an undetermined number of militants and at least 12 civilians in western Afghanistan.
• Two civilians killed by ISAF troops in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- Troops shot and killed two civilians in southern Afghanistan after mistaking them for terrorists.
• Kyrgyz Foreign Minister: CIS Troops Won't Use Vacated Air Base RFE/RL 18 Feb 2009 -- Kyrgyz FM Sarbaev: Commonwealth of Independent States troops will not use the air base at Manas.
• Kyrgyz ruling party approves U.S. base closure RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- The parliamentary faction of the Kyrgyz ruling party Ak Zhol unanimously voted to approve the closure of US Manas airbase.
• Kyrgyz Vote Due On U.S. Base Closure RFE/RL 18 Feb 2009 -- Kyrgyzstan's parliament has scheduled a vote on a bill ordering the closure of an air base used by the US.
• Karzai, Obama Discuss Security VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Office of Afghan President Hamid Karzai: He and US President Obama spoke late Tuesday for the first time since the US president took office four weeks ago.
• Shari'a Deal Could Give Pakistani Judges Unprecedented Power RFE/RL 18 Feb 2009 -- Lawyers in Pakistan say a deal on introducing Islamic law could give local judges unprecedented power.
• Hardline Pakistani Cleric Leads 'Peace March' in Swat Valley VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Hard-line Islamic cleric led a peace march in northwestern Swat Valley to convince Taliban militants to lay down their arms.
• Coast Guard Contributes to Counter-piracy Mission AFPS 18 Feb 2009 -- The Coast Guard is actively engaged in implementing the president’s counter-piracy action plan.
• B-52 accident report released AFNS 18 Feb 2009 -- An improper stabilizer trim setting caused the July 21 crash of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft northwest of Guam.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Transcript: Secretary Robert Gates Enroute to Krakow DoD 18 Feb 2009 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• Pentagon Welcomes Resumption of US-China Military Dialogue VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Pentagon: Talks to be held this month between the US and Chinese military will be an opportunity to resume normal contact.
• Airborne networking team works to meet challenges AFNS 18 Feb 2009 -- The mention of an airborne network conveys the sense of one monolithic entity, and someday, if all goes well, that is what it will be.
• CFAC Construction Improves Service in Korea Navy NewsStand 18 Feb 2009 -- This week, Sailors moved into the new $8 million Navy headquarters building, one of the many base improvement projects at Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae.
• USS Ronald Reagan Underway for CQs, First Growler Lands Aboard Navy NewsStand 18 Feb 2009 -- USS Ronald Reagan departed Naval Air Station North Island to help train pilots from the Fleet Replacement Squadron.
• USS Harry S. Truman Completes Sea Trials, Returns to Homport Navy NewsStand 18 Feb 2009 -- USS Harry S. Truman returned after completing sea trials following 7-month Planned Incremental Availability.
• NMCB 11 Arrives In Africa, Builds Friendship with Host Nations Navy NewsStand 18 Feb 2009 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11's Detachment Horn of Africa slated to conduct unique missions in conjunction with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
• Seoul Warns North Korea Missile Launch Would Breach UN Resolution VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- South Korea is warning long-range missile test would spark additional UN sanctions.
• Russian Navy transfers detained Somali pirates to Yemen RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- The Russian Navy has handed over to Yemen 10 Somali pirates detained several days ago off the Horn of Africa.
• Iran's full membership in Shanghai Organization considered IRNA 18 Feb 2009 -- Members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO) hope that Iran becomes a full member of the organization soon.
• Iran develops spy drone capable of reaching Israel - official RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- Iranian scientists have developed an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of reaching Israel.
• Military Officials Sent To Jail For Forcibly Enlisting Soldiers RFE/RL 18 Feb 2009 -- The Military Commission chief in Tajikistan's Sughd Province and two associates were found guilty today of illegal enrolling five men in the Tajik Army.
• Clinton Set to Make Impression on China VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- One highlight of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's first overseas trip will be a stop in China.
• Clinton Meets Japanese Leaders on First Leg of Asian Tour AFPS 18 Feb 2009 -- Clinton: The American alliance with Japan is the cornerstone of security in Asia.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2009
• Robert Gibbs Press Gaggle aboard AF1 en route Andrews Air Force Base, 2/18/09 The White House 18 Feb 2009
• Press Gaggle by Robert Gibbs - 2/18/09 The White House 18 Feb 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 18, 2009
• Boeing SLAM ER Scores Direct Hit in Land-Based Moving Target Test Boeing 18 Feb 2009 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM ER) weapon system scored a direct hit against a remote-controlled, land-based moving target Jan. 15 in a flight test conducted at the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, Calif.
• General Dynamics Awarded $20 Million for Ammunition Demilitarization General Dynamics 18 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. Army Field Support Command at Rock Island, Ill., has awarded General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), two modifications totaling $20.4 million to an existing contract for the demilitarization of obsolete and excess ammunition.
• DCNS explores computer simulated evacuation mission with UXV support DCNS 18 Feb 2009 -- At a French joint forces seminar held in Paris from 26 to 30 January, DCNS presented a computer simulation of a mission scenario for the maritime evacuation of civilians using UXVs* in three support roles.
• Thales and DMO get top honours for naval communications Thales 18 Feb 2009 -- The SEA 1442 Phase 3 - Maritime Communications Modernisation - Detailed Design project was recognised for the strong commitment from Thales and the DMO to deliver innovative capability to the ADF on time and on budget.
• General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems - Scranton Operations Reaches Historical Production Milestone General Dynamics 18 Feb 2009 -- ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems announced today that its Scranton, Penn., operation has produced the 25 millionth metal projectile body to be manufactured since the plant opened in 1963.
• L-3 Awarded Systems, Software & Planning Contract by U.S. Navy L-3 Communications 18 Feb 2009 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Command & Control Systems and Software (C2S2) division has been awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract by the U.S. Navy for software, planning and engineering services tasks.
• Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Army's Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Contract Northrop Grumman 18 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to provide simulation and training products to U.S. and coalition forces.
• Raytheon Selected for U.S. Army Testing and Training Contract Raytheon 18 Feb 2009 -- Raytheon Company received a multiple-award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, or IDIQ, contract for the U.S. Army's second Omnibus Contract, known as STOC II.

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 18 Feb 2009
• Top UN envoy urges greater international efforts to achieve durable Gaza ceasefire UN News Centre 18 Feb 2009 -- The top United Nations envoy to the Middle East today urged the international community to redouble its efforts to help achieve a permanent and durable ceasefire in Gaza.
• Inter-Palestinian meeting in Cairo postponed - Egypt's MENA RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- Talks on reestablishing political unity among all the Palestinian factions scheduled for February 22 in Cairo have been postponed.
• Israeli Security Cabinet Debates Gaza Cease-Fire Terms VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Israel's Security Cabinet has convened to discuss the details of a possible prisoner swap and lifting of blockade on Gaza.
• Russia, Georgia Reach Conflict Agreement VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Mediator: Russia and Georgia have reached agreement on how to prevent armed conflict in and around S Ossetia.
• India to support political settlement of ethnic issue in Lanka IRNA 18 Feb 2009 -- India: "The resolution has to be acceptable to all communities including the Tamils living there in an undivided Sri Lanka."
• Former Rebel Commander Seen as Key to Sri Lankan Victory VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Sri Lanka security forces say they are within weeks of defeating the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
• SRI LANKA: Children suffering the most in conflict - UNICEF IRIN 18 Feb 2009 -- Just nine years old, Thevaki was trapped in the crossfire between government forces and the LTTE.
• Darfur Rebels Say Sudan Attacked Day After Deal VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Darfur's main rebel group says it has been attacked by Sudanese government forces, one day after they signed an agreement designed to lead to peace talks.
• Sudan Agreement Welcomed With Limited Expectations VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- International diplomats welcomed the 'goodwill' agreement between the Sudanese government and a Darfur rebel faction.
• DR Congo: UN mission condemns 'terror tactics' used by Rwandan Hutu rebels UN News Centre 18 Feb 2009 -- UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo condemned the “cowardly terror tactics” employed by militia from Rwanda.
• Nigerian Forces Repel Rebel Attack In The Niger Delta VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Nigerian military authorities say they have repelled an attack on an Exxon Mobil housing compound in the Niger Delta state of Akwa Ibom.

News Reports

• Kim Jong Il Sends Open Letter to All Voters throughout Country KCNA 18 Feb 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il sent an open letter to all voters throughout the country.
• North Korean Leader Encourages Voters in Parliamentary Elections VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is urging citizens to vote in next month's parliamentary election.
• 1 Killed in Guadeloupe Unrest VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Officials on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe say rioters shot and killed a union representative overnight during escalating demonstrations over high living costs.
• Russia Warns Ukraine on Threat to Expel Envoy VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Russia has warned Ukraine against following through on threats to expel Moscow's ambassador to Kyiv.
• Moscow says Kiev threat to expel envoy aimed at worsening ties RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- Russia regards threats by the Ukrainian authorities to expel its ambassador as attempt to damage bilateral ties.
• Zimbabwe Court to Decide Fate of Opposition Minister-Designate Wednesday VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Court expected to rule on charges against Movement for Democratic Change minister-designate.
• In Policy Shift, US Joins Preparatory UN Racism Talks VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- The Obama administration, in a break with its predecessor, has sent a delegation to a preparatory meeting for the second World Conference Against Racism scheduled for April in Geneva.
• Clinton: US Wants Closer Ties to Indonesia VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- For Indonesia, the decision by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to include Jakarta confirmation of America's desire to build closer ties between the two nations.
• State Department Calls Ecuador's Expulsion of US Diplomat Unjustified VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- The State Department Wednesday called Ecuador's expulsion of a U.S. diplomat unjustified and said the United States will respond appropriately.
• EU foreign policy chief to visit Belarus Feb. 19 RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- Javier Solana will arrive in Minsk on Thursday to meet with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
• Khmer Rouge Pretrial Ends After Clash Over Evidence VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Prosecutors and defense attorneys have clashed in Cambodia over evidence at a pretrial hearing for the man who once ran a notorious Khmer Rouge prison.
• Khmer Rouge Tribunal Finally Gets Under Way VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- The Khmer Rouge tribunal now under way, after more than 10 years of negotiations, is being seen as a significant step forward for Cambodians.
• Wave of Bank Nationalizations Could Be Looming VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Governments around the world have already poured billions of dollars into failing banks.