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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 24 Feb 2010 [PDF]
• Kirkuk Airmen train Iraqi medics AFNS 24 Feb 2010 -- Members of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron here are helping train Iraqi medics at the K-1 Iraqi medical clinic on basic emergency procedures.
• Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Participates in Multinational Maritime Defense Exercise Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- USS Cleveland (LPD 7) participated in a joint, combined maritime defense exercise Feb. 16, with Commander, Task Force Iraqi Maritime (CTF IM), a coalition-led task force responsible for providing maritime security, infrastructure protection, and training to the Iraqi Navy.
• U.S., Iraqi forces secure election sites Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- Soldiers of the 69th Armor Regiment and Iraqi Security Forces in Babil Province have joined forces to ensure the safety of Iraqi citizens during the upcoming March 7 national elections, only the second such elections since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
• Signal Soldiers work with Iraqi counterparts Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- Addressing the Iraqi Army communications troops gathered before him, the instructor hammered home how key their role is to operations.
• U.S.-Iraqi partnership halts smuggling across Syrian border Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- Since U.S. advise-and-assist forces began partnering with Iraqi border patrols along the Syrian border in mid-November 2009, the instances of smugglers circumventing port-of-entry stations have all but ceased, according to several sources within the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement.
• UN studying proposed Afghan electoral decree UN News Centre 24 Feb 2010 -- The United Nations is currently studying a legislative decree that would give Afghan President Hamid Karzai the power to appoint all five members of the country’s Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC), which is supposed to be an independent body.
• NATO Reports Fewer Clashes in Southern Offensive VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- NATO is reporting that the alliance's offensive against a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan has slowed during the last 24 hours and some residents are beginning to return to cleared areas.
• Forces in Afghanistan Arrest Bomb Maker AFPS 24 Feb 2010 -- A combined Afghan and international security force arrested a suspected bomb maker after discovering an explosives cache in Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday as part of Operation Moshtarak.
• Nine Nations Support Afghan Training Effort AFPS 24 Feb 2010 -- Expanding the Afghan army and teaching it to become a force capable of defending Afghanistan in the air and on the ground is no small undertaking, and that’s why nine nations are working together in that mission, a top officer in the effort said yesterday.
• UN Chief Details Recruiting Problems In Afghanistan RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- A memo from the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to his staff describes the poor recruitment rate months after a deadly attack on the UN compound in Kabul, RFE/RL reports.
• Rights Groups Renew Condemnation Of Afghan Amnesty Bill RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- Rights groups have condemned an Afghan amnesty bill that would allow suspected war criminals who pledge to work with the government to avoid prosecution.
• Afghanistan: UN official urges steps to prevent child deaths in conflict UN News Centre 24 Feb 2010 -- A senior United Nations human rights official today called on international troops fighting militants in Afghanistan to follow directives designed to guard against civilian deaths, drawing particular attention to the plight of children caught up in the conflict.
• US, Pakistani Fight Against Taliban Merge, Analysts Say VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- As the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan increases its military pressure against insurgents, the fight against the Afghan Taliban in Pakistan has also been intensifying. Top U.S. military commanders are describing the recent arrests of fugitive Afghan Taliban leaders as important breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism.
• US Missile Strike Kills 6 in Pakistan VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- Pakistani officials say a suspected U.S. drone missile strike killed at least six militants Wednesday in a tribal district near the Afghan border.
• PRESS CONFERENCE ON SITUATION IN HAITI BY SECRETARY-GENERAL’S ACTING PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE United Nations 24 Feb 2010
• Deployed Air Commando coordinates air support for missions in Haiti Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- As part of Operation Unified Response, the U.S. military has moved food, water, medical supplies, and medically evacuated injured citizens and transported military personnel throughout Haiti to meet the humanitarian needs in cities all around the country.
• Satellite technology plays key role in Haiti relief effort Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- The U.S. Army is leveraging state-of-the-art satellite technology to assist in the delivery of much needed supplies to earthquake-damaged Haiti -- bringing food, water, clothing and medical equipment to Haitians in crisis, service officials said.
• MDSU-2 Sailors Return from Humanitarian Efforts Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- Navy divers and support staff from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 returned to Hampton Roads Feb. 5, after deploying to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to offer their expeditionary diving skills to the recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake.
• Haiti: senior UN official stresses need for realistic goals before rainy season starts UN News Centre 24 Feb 2010 -- The United Nations remains strongly committed to doing everything possible to help the people of Haiti but is realistic about what it can accomplish before the rainy season begins in earnest on 1 May, said a senior official with the world body.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Tanker Solicitation Seeks Fair Competition, Best Value AFPS 24 Feb 2010 -- The final request for proposals to solicit bids for a new aerial tanker was designed to promote fair, open competition that provides the best warfighting capability for the best value, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today.
• Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Deputy Secretary Lynn, Secretary Donley and Undersecretary Carter from the Pentagon DoD 24 Feb 2010-- Presenter: Deputy Secretary Of Defense William Lynn, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, and Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter
• Gates Calls for Building Foreign Troops’ Capacity AFPS 24 Feb 2010 -- The United States should devote more energy and overseas aid dollars towards developing the local security forces of other countries, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said tonight in a speech advocating an overhaul of U.S. foreign capacity building.
• Army steps up warzone contracting oversight Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- The U.S. Army has more than doubled the amount of Contracting Officers Representatives, or CORs, in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last year in an effort to improve oversight and help rebuild local communities, service officials said.
• Army looks to speed up technology transfer Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- Some of the Army's top science and technology leaders said they are changing how they think and act so they can transfer new technology solutions to Warfighters at the speed Soldiers themselves are facing an evolving threat on the battlefield.
• America's Forgotten Fortress of Freedom Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- Hidden away in the marshes of North Florida is one of the most important sites in American history. Its history begins a short time after the establishment of the colony of Charles Town in 1670.
• Benfold Hosts Subject Matter Exchange and Tours while in Manila Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Benfold (DDG 65), hosted members of the Philippine Navy (RPN) during a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) and provided tours to U.S. Embassy personnel on Feb. 23 during a regularly scheduled port visit.
• NMCB 18 Reservists Prepare for Individual Augmentee Assignments Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- Reservists with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18, Detachment 0918 gathered at Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Guam Feb. 14-1 to prepare for a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan.
• ARNORTH tests homeland defense unit Army News 24 Feb 2010 -- U.S. Army North's Team B, West Division, Civil Support Training Activity, evaluated the Soldiers and Airmen of the Nevada National Guard's 92nd Civil Support Team during a certification exercise Feb. 10 at the National Guard Readiness Center in Las Vegas.
• First Djiboutians Graduate Camp Lemonnier Firefighter Training Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- Several Djiboutians completed an intensive U.S. firefighter course and graduated at Camp Lemonnier Fire Station Feb. 20.
• Freedom Interrupts Drug Delivery in Western Caribbean Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- The littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Freedom (LCS 1) achieved its first drug seizure Feb. 22 when it disrupted a high-speed "go-fast" vessel and recovered more than a quarter of a ton of cocaine.
• Magnetic Silencing Facility Provides Unique Service Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- One of America's newer fast attack submarines, USS Toledo (SSN 769), visited at the Trident Refit Facility Kings Bay, Ga., Magnetic Silencing Facility (MSF) Feb. 5.
• Makin Island Continues on Road to Full Fleet Readiness Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) returned to port Feb. 24 following a weeklong underway that focused on Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) operational testing and evaluation.
• Meteorology on the Forecast for Africa Partnership Station Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- Having the most current information on the weather while at sea is a ship's lifeline. For the Aerographer's Mates (AGs) aboard USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) as part of Africa partnership Station (APS) West, keeping current with the latest weather is crucial as the ship heads toward West Africa.
• Nimitz Sailors Visit Lantau Island Navy NewsStand 24 Feb 2010 -- Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) participated in the Lantau Explorer Tour Feb. 18 sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department during the ship's four-day port visit to Hong Kong.
• Military Leads Mental Health Care Transformation AFPS 24 Feb 2010 -- The United States is in the middle of a “cultural transformation” in mental health treatment led by the Defense Department and the military services, the department’s top mental health expert told a congressional panel today.
• Air Force officials review Distributed Common Ground System AFNS 24 Feb 2010 -- Air Force officials began a comprehensive review of the Distributed Common Ground System, commonly known as the Sentinel, and its periodic maintenance Feb. 22 through 26 here.
• Chief of staff's testimony addresses 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal initiative AFNS 24 Feb 2010 -- The Air Force's top two officials testified before the House Armed Services Committee Feb 23 to present the Service's Fiscal Year 2011 budget.
• Air Force officials begin new ISR weapon system AFNS 24 Feb 2010 -- Air Force officials began a comprehensive review of the Distributed Common Ground System, commonly known as the Sentinel, and its periodic maintenance Feb. 22 through 26 here.
• U.S., Thailand, Singapore officials to begin Cope Tiger 2010 AFNS 24 Feb 2010 -- Aviation and ground units from the U.S. Air Force, the Republic of Singapore air force, and the Royal Thai Air Force and Army, will participate in the Cope Tiger 2010 field training exercise March 1 through 12 in Thailand.
• Air Force Uniform Office staff wants your opinions AFNS 24 Feb 2010 -- The Air Force Uniform Office staff here conducted field solicitations for Airmen suggestions and concerns about Air Force uniforms to incorporate into a uniform strategic plan for future developments.
• Gates: NATO In 'Crisis,' Allies Must Invest In Defense RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has warned European members of NATO that unless they modernize their militaries and increase their defense budgets, the trans-Atlantic military alliance risks being seen as weak by the rest of the world.
• Amnesty International Says Guinea Security Forces Need Urgent Reform VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- Britain-based Amnesty International says Guinea's security forces need reform. An Amnesty report strongly criticizes foreign countries for providing military equipment and training to Guinea without safeguards.
• ONWARD LIBERTY Provides U.S. Mentors to Armed Forces of Liberia USMC News 24 Feb 2010 -- A gentle early-morning breeze broke through the humidity at Barclay Training Center to ruffle the rows of red, white and blue Liberian flags. Shaded bleachers provided dignitaries and visitors welcome relief from the blazing West African sun.
• Former army chief questions UK need to replace Trident IRNA 24 Feb 2010 -- Former head of the British army has questioned the UK government’s controversial plans to replace the country’s Trident nuclear missile system.
• U.S. urged to take Taiwan's need for F-16s seriously CNA 24 Feb 2010 -- Former Republic of China Vice President Annette Lu urged Washington Tuesday to decide whether or not to sell F-16C/D fighters to Taiwan as soon as possible, saying that although it has agreed to continue arms sales, it should not ignore Taiwan's stated self defense requirements.
• Medvedev, Obama to rev up arms control talks RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- The Russian and U.S. presidents will direct their respective delegations to speed up talks on a new arms control agreement, the Kremlin said Wednesday.
• Russian interests 'unaffected' by new arms deal with U.S. RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- A new Russian-U.S. arms control treaty will not impair Russia's defense capability, a top Russian military official said Wednesday.
• Tests of Russia's troubled Bulava missile planned for new sub RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- Russia will this year use the Yury Dolgoruky nuclear powered submarine for the first time to carry out test launches of the troubled Bulava missile, a Defense Ministry official said on Wednesday.
• Russian, U.S. lawmakers split by missile shield in new START pact RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- Russia's parliament is unlikely to ratify a new strategic arms reduction deal that does not include a link to missile defenses, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday after U.S. colleagues warned such a link would not get past the Senate.
• Russia to test launch troubled Bulava missile from new sub RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- Russia will this year use the Yury Dolgoruky nuclear powered submarine for the first time to carry out test launches of the troubled Bulava missile, a Defense Ministry official said on Wednesday.
• Russian Pacific Fleet task force departs on anti-piracy mission RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- A Russian Pacific Fleet task force, departed on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden from the Far Eastern port of Vladivostok on Tuesday.
• Missile defense restraints unlikely in Russian-U.S. arms treaty - Kosachyov RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- A new Russian-U.S. arms reduction treaty is unlikely to contain any missile defense restrictions, a senior Russian lawmaker told journalists on Wednesday.
• Russia, U.S. might agree on new arms deal in few weeks - lawmaker RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- Russia and the United States may agree on a new arms reduction treaty after a phone conversation between the two presidents to take place soon, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday.
• Vahidi: Iran’s defense capabilities to serve regional peace, security IRNA 24 Feb 2010 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi conferred on Wednesday with Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha on issues of mutual interests as well as regional developments.
• Defense Minister: Iran for sustainable regional peace IRNA 24 Feb 2010 -- Iran's Defense Minister said Iran’s defense priority was to promote sustainable peace and tranquility in the region.
• Russian official: Moscow committed to its S-300 deal with Iran IRNA 24 Feb 2010 -- Chairman of Russian Federation Council Sergei Mironov speaking to a Russian news agency said that his country will carry out its commitment to deliver S-300 Missile system to Iran.
• China could build up nuclear capability to counter U.S. missile shield RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- China could strengthen its nuclear capability in response to U.S. global missile defense plans, a Russian military expert said on Wednesday.
• India grounds MiG-27 fleet for investigation after crash RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- The Indian Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of Russian-made MiG-27 aircraft for checks after a fatal crash in eastern India killed an ace pilot last week, Indian media reported on Wednesday.
• Anti-Aircraft Missiles Intercepted From North Korea Alarm Scientists VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- A group of American scientists is expressing alarm at a possible attempt by North Korea to ship portable anti-aircraft missile systems abroad. The missiles were part of a an airborne cargo intercepted by authorities in Thailand in December.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 24, 2010
• Northrop Grumman Brings Internet to the Skies of Army Exercises Northrop Grumman 24 Feb 2010 -- Soldiers participating in the U.S. Army's recent Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE), Ft. Benning, Ga., were able to acquire unprecedented levels of knowledge about their surroundings thanks to the battlefield imaging and communications relay capabilities of Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Fire Scout vertical unmanned aerial system (VUAS).
• BAE Systems Secures More Than US$140 Million Contract for 250 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles BAE Systems 24 Feb 2010 -- BAE Systems Land Systems OMC, through its partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (GDLS-C), was awarded a follow-on order for the supply of 250 RG31 Mk5E vehicles in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle programme for U.S. forces.
• Boeing Statement on Release of US Air Force KC-X Tanker Final Request for Proposal Boeing 24 Feb 2010 -- The Boeing Company today received the final Request for Proposal (RFP) document for the U.S. Air Force KC-X Tanker competition, and released the following statement from Jean Chamberlin, vice president and general manager, Boeing USAF Tanker Program:
• DCNS completes Perle refit and trials ahead of schedule DCNS 24 Feb 2010 -- Prime contractor DCNS completed the refuelling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of nuclear-powered attack submarine Perle in late 2009 – three weeks ahead of schedule. This week, the Group signed off on the boat’s post-RCOH sea trials.
• General Dynamics NASSCO Delivers USNS Matthew Perry General Dynamics 24 Feb 2010 -- General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today delivered USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) to the U.S. Navy. The ship is named in honor of Commodore Matthew C. Perry (1794-1858), the U.S. Navy officer who established American trade with Japan in the mid-19th century.
• L-3 Awarded Maritime Security Work in Equatorial Guinea L-3 Communications 24 Feb 2010 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its MPRI division has been awarded a $58 million firm-fixed-price task order with the government of Equatorial Guinea to establish a Maritime Security Enhancement Program (MSEP). This task order is the first part of a multi-year contract, with a potential value of approximately $250 million.
• L-3 Wins Contract to Upgrade Machinery Control Systems for Military Sealift Command's T-AOE Fast Combat Support Ships L-3 Communications 24 Feb 2010 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that it has been awarded a contract to replace the Machinery Control System (MCS) on Military Sealift Command's (MSC) T-AOE Fast Combat Support Ships. The total contract, valued at more than $40 million, includes design, manufacturing and testing of the new equipment for one ship, with options for the remaining ships of the class.
• Lockheed Martin Awarded Apache M-TADS/PNVS Performance Based Logistics Follow-On Contract Lockheed Martin 24 Feb 2010 -- The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a follow-on Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract to support the Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS) and Modernized TADS/PNVS (M-TADS/PNVS) systems on the AH-64 Apache helicopter. The contract has a potential value of $90 million for 2010.
• Northrop Grumman Doubles Production Capacity for Key Components of In-demand U.S. Army Infrared Countermeasures Systems Northrop Grumman 24 Feb 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced the company has more than doubled the production capacity for its Viper™ laser and pointer/tracker assembly, integral components for several different infrared countermeasures (IRCM) systems designed and produced for the U.S. and allied nations to protect aircraft from MANPADS (man portable air defense system) threats.
• Statement From Northrop Grumman on Receipt of Tanker Final RFP Northrop Grumman 24 Feb 2010 -- The following is a statement from Randy Belote, vice president of strategic communications for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), concerning today's release of the final Request For Proposals (RFP) for the U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker modernization program.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Feb 2010
• Dubai Names 15 More Suspects in Hamas Murder VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- Dubai Police have announced at least 15 new names wanted for the assassination of former Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, who was killed in the United Arab Emirates last month.
• UN chief voices concern over recent developments to Israeli official UN News Centre 24 Feb 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his concerns over the situation in Gaza and recent developments on the ground to Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, as the two met at United Nations Headquarters.
• Darfur: recent fighting leaves 1,500 displaced and without aid, UN reports UN News Centre 24 Feb 2010 -- Over 1,500 people have been displaced by increased fighting in the western part of Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region and very few agencies have been able to provide them with desperately-needed aid due to lack of security, the United Nations reported today.
• Talks between Ban and Argentine official focus on dispute with United Kingdom UN News Centre 24 Feb 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today took note of Argentina’s concerns regarding the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) during a meeting at United Nations Headquarters with the country’s Foreign Minister, Jorge E. Taiana.
• India, Pakistan to Hold First Official Talks Since Mumbai Attacks VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- On Thursday, India and Pakistan hold their first talks in over a year, marking the resumption of an official dialogue which New Delhi snapped in the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. The dialogue is a signal that regional tensions are easing, but expectations from the talks remain low.
• ISRAEL-OPT: Gaza fishermen under fire IRIN 24 Feb 2010 -- Sami al-Qouqa, a 30-year-old former fisherman from al-Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza, lost his left hand when his fishing boat came under fire from an Israeli gunboat on 12 March 2007, in an incident documented by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights.
• SRI LANKA: Re-opening schools a priority as thousands return to class IRIN 24 Feb 2010 -- Thousands of children have returned to school in northern Sri Lanka, where efforts are under way to restore the area’s battered education infrastructure.
• Interview: Breakaway Region's Leader Says South Ossetia 'Building Independence' RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- Eduard Kokoity, the leader of South Ossetia, has denied speculation that the breakaway Georgian region will merge into Russia.
• Media reports on Hamas leader's son 'fabricated lies' RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- Palestinian radical Islamic movement Hamas described as "fabricated lies" Israeli media allegations that the son of a Hamas founder had worked for the Israeli intelligence for years.

News Reports

• North Korea Nuclear Talks Gain New Momentum VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- The U.S. envoy to six party talks on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue says he and Chinese officials had useful discussions on ways to advance the stalled process.
• Russia Opposes 'Paralyzing' Sanctions Against Iran VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- A Russian foreign ministry official says Moscow will not support new sanctions against Iran that would paralyze the country because of its nuclear activities.
• Clinton Reports Progress on Iran Sanctions VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in Senate testimony Wednesday, reported progress in organizing support for new U.N. Security Council sanctions against Iran. Clinton also expressed hope that U.S. engagement with Syria will diminish that country's ties with Iran.
• U.S. Warns Iran That Time And Patience 'Running Out' RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- sThe United States has warned Iran that "time and patience is running out" over its controversial nuclear program.
• Assembly of Experts winds up session IRNA 24 Feb 2010 -- The 17th meeting of Assembly of Experts chaired by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani ended on Wednesday.
• Larijani: Iran doubts US good-will over regional developments IRNA 24 Feb 2010 -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday that some western powers have launched a propaganda camapign against Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities and Tehran doubt any good-will on the part of the US and a number of bullying powers.
• Majlis speaker criticizes IAEA performance over Iran IRNA 24 Feb 2010 -- Visiting Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Ali Larijani criticized the UN nuclear watchdog for its failure in transforming nuclear technology to its member states.
• U.S. ambassador to Russia names four nuke threats to international security RIA Novosti 24 Feb 2010 -- U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Beyrle named on Wednesday four main nuclear-connected threats to international security.
• Poland Takes Belarus Offensive To Brussels RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- The European Parliament today was the epicenter of an ongoing campaign in which Belarusian civil-society activists are seeking greater EU support in their struggle with that country's autocratic authorities.
• Unloved But Unbowed, Ukraine's Viktor Yushchenko Leaves Office RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- Five years ago, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians chanted Viktor Yushchenko's name on Kyiv's Independence Square during mass protests prompted by widespread anger over his defeat in a rigged presidential election. Braving snow and temperatures well below freezing, the demonstrators set up tents, sang, and waved the orange campaign flags that gave their movement its name.
• MYANMAR: Tentative steps towards Rohingya rehabilitation IRIN 24 Feb 2010 -- UN agencies and NGOs are working to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Rohingya in Myanmar, even as the government considers changes to their status, the UN says.
• Latin America Proposes New Bloc Without U.S., Canada RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- Latin American leaders meeting in Mexico have agreed to form their own interest bloc without the United States and Canada.
• Turkish Court Charges 7 Military Officers in Coup Plot VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- A Turkish court has charged and ordered jailed seven senior Turkish military officers for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Islamic-rooted government. The charges are part of unprecedented investigation into the Turkish army, which has forced four government from office since 1960.
• Nigerian President Returns Home, But Uncertainty Continues VOA 24 Feb 2010 -- Nigeria's acting leader will run state affairs while President Umaru Yar'Adua recovers after three months' medical treatment abroad. The president returned to Nigeria on Wednesday.
• Thales Alenia Space to built Jason-3 operational oceanographic satellite Thales 24 Feb 2010 -- Thales Alenia Space announced to have signed with French Space Agency (CNES), the contract to build the Jason-3 satellite.
• The Road To Resetting Moscow Ties Passes Through Berlin RFE/RL 24 Feb 2010 -- Many European commentators have characterized U.S. President Barack Obama’s refusal to attend a May U.S.-European summit as a snub. It provides convincing evidence that the Americans have lost interest in Europe, and they are preoccupied with the awakening giant in Asia -- China.