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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 26 Aug 2010 [PDF]
• Iraqis Gain Capability Against Internal, External Threats AFPS 26 Aug 2010 -- Even after Operation New Dawn begins next week, U.S. military trainers will continue to help Iraqi security forces build the capabilities to maintain internal security and increasingly, to bolster their defenses against external threats as well, senior military officials in Iraq reported.
• Providers manage traffic flow through Iraq Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- Convoys and logistical patrols are always on the roads of Iraq, delivering sustainment supplies and cargo to units throughout the country and in Kuwait.
• Maysan truck lift hastens distribution of grain Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- The Maysan Provincial Reconstruction Team and Soldiers of Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, which is attached to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd AAB, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Maysan Central Wheat Granary to unveil a newly-built truck lift.
• Security Forces Arrest Five Alleged Associates AFPS 26 Aug 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested five people with suspected ties to the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist organization in recent operations, military officials reported.
• Iraqi Forces On High Alert As U.S. Withdraws RFE/RL 26 Aug 2010 -- Iraq is going through a critical stage that requires the utmost vigilance in view of the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces, a senior Iraqi security official has told RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq.
• Anti al-Qaida Fighters Killed in Iraq VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Police in Iraq say insurgents have killed six members of a Sunni militia allied with U.S. forces against al-Qaida.
• Taliban Kill Eight Afghan Police in Raid VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Afghan officials say Taliban rebels have killed eight police officers in a raid in the northern province of Kunduz, stepping up strikes in what once was a relatively secure part of Afghanistan.
• NATO Hospital Offers Top Notch Care in Taliban Heartland VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Whether a soldier needs a cure for the common cold or brain surgery, the NATO hospital on Kandahar Airfield can handle it. This is one of Afghanistan's most sophisticated hospitals, and it provides top medical care on the front line. Just minutes by helicopter from most conflict spots in the country's south, the hospital saves the lives of 98 percent of the injured who come here.
• UN backs mine removal efforts in historic Afghan city UN News Centre 26 Aug 2010 -- The United Nations entity tasked with coordinating landmine removal efforts said today it is supporting the efforts of a local organization that is removing mines from the Afghan city of Ghazni, ahead of a planned designation of the city as an Islamic centre of civilization.
• Combined Team Investigates Shooting Incident AFPS 26 Aug 2010 -- A combined team of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force officials left Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul today to perform an initial assessment of a shooting incident in western Afghanistan yesterday.
• Karzai Aide Reportedly in Corruption Probe Linked to CIA VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- An Afghan presidential aide who is under investigation for corruption is on the payroll of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, according to a report published in the New York Times newspaper.
• Reservists support Pakistan relief efforts AFNS 26 Aug 2010 -- Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing responded to Pakistan's call for assistance following the devastating floods that began July 29.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air Force Announces Changes to Headquarters Air Force Space Management and Organization DoD 26 Aug 2010 -- The Air Force today announced the realignment of some Headquarters Air Force space functions, following the recent completion of a review of Headquarters Air Force space management and responsibilities, which was directed by Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley in December 2009.
• Air Force officials announce changes to Headquarters Air Force space management and organization AFNS 26 Aug 2010 -- Air Force officials announced the realignment of some Headquarters Air Force space functions Aug. 26, following the recent completion of a review of Headquarters Air Force space management and responsibilities, which was directed by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley in December 2009.
• MSRON 4 Concludes Participation in PANAMAX 2010 Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- MSRON 4 provided classroom instruction and practical application training to more than 50 multinational forces on the subjects such as search and rescue, boarding and confiscation, entry control point methods and tactics, and combat first aid.
• Shark Tank 2010 Culminates with Live Fire Exercise aboard USNS Yukon Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 1 Reserve Sailors the inaugural field training exercise series Shark Tank 2010 Aug. 25 with a live fire exercise aboard Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO-202).
• NAVOCEANO Bids Farewell to USNS John McDonnell Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) bid farewell to one of its oldest members – the USNS John McDonnell (T-AGS 51) – as the ship was deactivated Aug. 25.
• Enterprise Successfully Completes Final Evaluation Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- Sailors aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully completed their Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Period (FEP) Aug. 22, moving the aircraft carrier one step closer to deployment.
• Navy Tightens E5 Eval Recommendations Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- In an effort to more clearly define top-performing Sailors, the Navy is revising the E-5 periodic evaluations beginning March 15, 2011, with a mandatory "ranking" requirement.
• USS Hawaii Departs for Western Pacific Deployment Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific region Aug. 25.
• Swift Small Boat Crew Hosts SME Exchange in Barbados Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- Two Sailors assigned to the small boat crew currently deployed aboard High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV) 2, hosted an impromptu three-day subject matter expert exchange in Bridgetown, Barbados, Aug. 23-25.
• USS Enterprise Braces for Hurricane Danielle Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- The crew of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is preparing for high winds and heavy seas Aug. 26 as Hurricane Danielle makes her way up the Atlantic coast while the ship conducts work-ups.
• ESG 5 Commander Visits Pakistan Navy NewsStand 26 Aug 2010 -- The commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 5 and commander, Task Force 59, Crisis Response, visited Pakistan Aug. 19 and 21 to meet with Pakistani military leaders.
• 13th AF concludes Asia-Pacific civil engineering summit AFNS 26 Aug 2010 -- A 13th Air Force-hosted civil engineering subject-matter expert exchange that included officers from 14 Asia-Pacific countries concluded here Aug. 22.
• Destructive F-16 test makes strides toward new drone's development AFNS 26 Aug 2010 -- An F-16 Fighting Falcon was intentionally blown apart on the range here as part of a test on an aerial-target flight termination system Aug. 19.
• USNS Mercy Wraps Up Pacific Partnership Role AFPS 26 Aug 2010 -- The hospital ship USNS Mercy concluded operations here Aug. 24, marking the end of the ship’s participation in Pacific Partnership 2010.
• Flournoy Reaffirms Commitment to Bringing MIAs Home AFPS 26 Aug 2010 -- The Defense Department is as committed as ever to bringing home thousands of U.S. servicemembers who remain missing from the Korean War and Cold War conflicts, the Pentagon’s undersecretary of defense for policy said today.
• Lakota flies first medevac mission in Germany Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- The 121st Medical Company (Air Ambulance) of the District of Columbia National Guard recently became the first unit to perform a medical evacuation mission using the UH-72 Lakota helicopter in Hohenfels, Germany on Aug. 10.
• Civilian, military leaders: Guard is America's solution in changing times Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- Civilian and military leaders said here on Aug. 21, that the National Guard is America's solution in a time of constrained budgets, increased missions and is a necessity in developing greater partnership capacity.
• Army partners with industry to test futuristic technologies Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- Employees from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center's Smoke and Target Defeat Branch, in support of the Joint Project Manager Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance Obscuration Team, recently hosted more than 50 interested parties during a "proof of concept" demonstration of futuristic, non-lethal battlefield capabilities at the APG's M-Field.
• Blacksmiths train-up on combat medical care Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- Soldiers of the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted a training exercise, here, Aug. 24, to prepare them for combat medical scenarios they may face while deployed.
• Resolute signal Soldiers build communications from the ground up Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- The construction of a brigade headquarters requires the expertise of Soldiers with a multitude of skills. Mechanics maintain the generators and vehicles, force protection crews ensure security measures are taken and all Soldiers aid in raising a mobile Tactical Operations Center. A TOC is not complete, however, until it has the ability to communicate with other units around the world.
• Bricklaying ceremony stepping stone to new 4th IBCT complex Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- Under the hot morning sun, individuals gathered on just one plot of the 475 acres that will house the new area for the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, to enclose their special bricks in a time capsule on the building, Aug, 18.
• Army Combat Uniform may have female-only version in 2014 Army News 26 Aug 2010 -- Female Soldiers may be wearing a more form-fitting version of the Army Combat Uniform featuring more room in the hips and legs by 2014, according to developers at Program Executive Office Soldier.
• Blackseafor warships complete active stage of drills RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- Warships from the Black Sea Naval Group, the Blackseafor, on Thursday completed the active stage of three-week drills, the Russian Black Sea Fleet press service said.
• U.S. arms sales to return to normal track: Taiwan official CNA 26 Aug 2010 -- A senior Taiwan official posted in Washington expressed welcome Wednesday to the U.S. government's recent decision to allow U.S. companies to sell Taiwan defense articles and services directly without having to create "arms packages."
• UN Secretary General calls for nuclear test moratorium RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for a moratorium on all nuclear tests before the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) comes into force, his special representative Miroslav Jenca told an international conference on nuclear disarmament in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Thursday.
• August 26, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 26 Aug 2010

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for August 26, 2010
• Boeing Teams with Bolduc to Build Unmanned Ground Vehicle Conversion Kits Boeing 26 Aug 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has teamed with Bolduc Technology Group, LLC to design, develop, integrate, test, manufacture and sustain agnostic autonomous-navigation kits for ground vehicles. The kits would enable human-driven vehicles to be converted into autonomous or remotely operated vehicles for commercial or military use.
• L-3 GCS Awarded $170 Million Contract from U.S. Special Operations Command L-3 Communications 26 Aug 2010 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its GCS subsidiary (L-3 GCS) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for its Panther(TM) Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) manpack satellite communications systems and associated equipment. The systems will be used in support of USSOCOM's Special Operations Forces Deployable Node-Lite (SDN-Lite) program, which will provide worldwide satellite communications connectivity to Special Operations Forces field personnel.
• U.S. Military Continues Oshkosh Defense Field Support for M-ATV; More Than 55 Field Services Representatives Will Continue Support in U.S., Afghanistan Oshkosh 26 Aug 2010 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today it has received an award to provide continued aftermarket support for MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) in the U.S and Afghanistan. More than 55 fully-trained Oshkosh field service representatives (FSR) will provide in-theater and U.S.-based M-ATV support for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force for another year. The FSRs will support the Armed Forces, as directed, with vehicle maintenance, operation, diagnostics and training.
• General Dynamics’ Warrior Antenna Terminals Certified to Operate on Wideband Global SATCOM Network General Dynamics 26 Aug 2010 -- Two General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies’ Warrior antenna terminals are now certified by the U.S. Army to use the Ka-band frequency to access the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network, enabling warfighters to transmit and receive video, multimedia imagery and data faster and more securely.
• SAIC Wins Contract to Support Army Intelligence Operations SAIC 26 Aug 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced that it was awarded a new contract by the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) to provide a full range of multi-discipline intelligence services in support of Army intelligence operations. The multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has a one-year base period of performance, four one-year options, and a ceiling value of $492 million for all awardees. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va., and at other locations as required.

Other Conflicts

• 26 August 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 Aug 2010
• Israelis, Palestinians Hold Little Hope for Direct Talks VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Both Israelis and Palestinians are doubtful that upcoming U.S.-mediated direct talks will yield any results or even make progress toward ending the six-decade-old conflict in the Middle East.
• PNA to ask UN to reestablish 1967 border with Israel if Mideast talks fail - ambassador RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- The Palestinian National Authority will ask the UN Security Council to reestablish the 1967 border with Israel if direct Mideast talks fall through, the Palestinian ambassador to Russia said on Thursday.
• Palestinians Clash with Police in East Jerusalem VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Police in Israel say Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem torched cars and threw stones at police Thursday, following a confrontation with Jewish residents.
• Darfur: UN-AU envoy holds talks on peace process UN News Centre 26 Aug 2010 -- The head of the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur today held talks with Government officials and diplomats on the peace process under way in the war-torn Sudanese region.
• UN and AU sign pact on improving humanitarian response in Africa UN News Centre 26 Aug 2010 -- The United Nations and the African Union (AU) have signed an agreement that outlines key areas of collaboration on humanitarian issues, and which is also designed to strengthen the pan-African body’s capacity to deal with humanitarian crises across the continent.
• US Sends Former Envoy to Sudan to Push North-South Negotiations VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- With concerns rising over Sudan's readiness for a January referendum on secession, the United States has dispatched retired Ambassador Princeton Lyman to mediate negotiations between the north and south before the critical vote.
• German Foreign Minister Visits Serbia VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Germany's foreign minister is urging Serbia to give up claims to its former province of Kosovo, and instead focus on efforts to join the European Union.
• ANGOLA: Cabindan separatists under new management IRIN 26 Aug 2010 -- After a recent mass defection from its senior ranks, the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) has announced that the separatist movement in exile is now under new management, and called on the population of the Angolan enclave to continue fighting for their sovereignty.

News Reports

• Carter Wins Freedom for US Man Imprisoned in North Korea VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- A former U.S. president, on a rare and unofficial visit to North Korea, has secured the release of an American citizen imprisoned there. The trip also may have eased tensions on the Korean peninsula.
• North Korea's Secretive Leader Thought To Be In China RFE/RL 26 Aug 2010 -- The only thing known for certain is that Kim Jong Il's special armored train was seen on the move in the direction of China.
• N.Korean leader visits China, possibly for successor talks – media RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il reportedly paid a visit to China on Thursday morning, possibly to discuss his possible successor, South Korean media said.
• North Korean Leader Reportedly in China VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- North Korea's leader appears to have begun a trip to China, at the same time that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is in Pyongyang to secure the release of an imprisoned American. And China's top envoy on Korean issues is in Seoul in a bid to restart talks on the North's nuclear programs.
• China Refuses Comment On North Korean Leader's Visit VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- In what has become common practice when it comes to North Korea, the Chinese government refuses to comment on reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is on his way to China, in what would be his second visit this year.
• U.S. hails arrest of uranium smugglers in Moldova RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- The U.S. State Department has congratulated Moldova on the successful detention of three men suspected of trying to sell about two kilograms of uranium.
• U.S. intends to recall second set of charges against Bout RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- The U.S. State Department has sent a letter to the Thai Foreign Ministry withdrawing its second extradition request for alleged arms smuggler Viktor Bout, a Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
• U.S. still hopes for soonest extradition of alleged Russian arms dealer RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- A day after a reported failed attempt to snatch the suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to the U.S., a spokesman for the Department of State expressed hope that Thailand would complete the extradition process soon.
• Alleged Russian arms dealer's case sparks row in Thai parliament RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- Thai parliamentary opposition tried to accuse the ruling coalition of using the high-profile extradition case against alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to fabricate terrorism charges against an opposition leader.
• Why Is WikiLeaks So Focused On The United States? RFE/RL 26 Aug 2010 -- WikiLeaks has just released its latest leak, this one a CIA memorandum hypothesizing on the potential damage to the U.S. public image if Washington was ever deemed an exporter of terrorism. But is WikiLeaks being mindful enough of its own public image? With yet another U.S.-centered leak, is the organization delivering on its goal of being a global whistle-blower?
• Controversial Trial of 4 Terrorist Suspects Begins in New York VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- The trial of four Muslim men from Newburgh New York accused of attempting to blow up two New York synagogues and conspiring to shoot down military planes began in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday. The men were arrested in May 2009 in a car containing what prosecutors allege to be live explosives. Defense lawyers claim the accused were lured into criminal acts by a government agents with promises of cash and other goods and that they would not otherwise have plotted terrorist acts.
• Iran Launches New Crackdown On Universities RFE/RL 26 Aug 2010 -- The Iranian government says it will restrict the number of students admitted to humanities programs at universities, RFE/RL's Radio Farda reports.
• Iranian Reformist Cleric Decries Prison Torture RFE/RL 26 Aug 2010 -- Reformist Iranian cleric Hassan Yusefi Eshkevari has described as "shocking" a recent letter by a political prisoner detailing ill-treatment in jail, RFE/RL's Radio Farda reports.
• Iran proposes formation of joint fuel consortium with Russia IRNA 26 Aug 2010 -- Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi announced the country’s proposal to Russia to establish a nuclear fuel consortium to supply fuel to Bushehr plant and the others to be set up in future.
• Iran eyes nuclear fuel consortium with Russia RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- Iran has proposed to Russia establishing a nuclear consortium to supply fuel to the Bushehr plant and other nuclear power plants that will be set up in the future, Iran's nuclear chief said on Thursday.
• Israeli president warns UN nuclear watchdog of "Iranian threat" RIA Novosti 26 Aug 2010 -- Israeli President Shimon Peres reiterated his country's concerns about Tehran's nuclear ambitions at a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief Yukiya Amano.
• Indian Parliament passes Civil Nuclear Liability Bill IRNA 26 Aug 2010 -- Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) Wednesday passed the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill.
• Iraqi Official Highlights Importance Of Food Security RFE/RL 26 Aug 2010 -- Food security in Iraq is no less serious a challenge than national security, but is achievable if the country's resources are put to good use within an overall development plan, a senior Iraqi diplomat has told RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq.
• Press Conference by Outgoing Emergency Relief Coordinator United Nations 26 Aug 2010
• UN steps up flood relief in Pakistan as number of people affected tops 17 million UN News Centre 26 Aug 2010 -- The United Nations is expanding its relief operations in Pakistan as the area inundated by flood waters continues to increase and the number of people affected by the disaster has climbed past 17 million.
• US Cites Credible Threats to Pakistan Aid Workers VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- U.S. officials say there is credible information that Pakistani militants may target foreign aid workers involved in flood relief efforts. U.S. flood aid committed to Pakistan has now reached $200 million.
• MIDDLE EAST: Gulf aid to Pakistan - update IRIN 26 Aug 2010 -- Here is an update to IRIN’s Arab aid to Pakistan in numbers report of 20 August:
• Pakistan Orders Evacuations as Flooding Worsens VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Pakistani officials are urging 400,000 people to evacuate three southern towns threatened by new flooding.
• Radical Islamists Try to Exploit Islamophobia VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- The plan to build an Islamic center in New York City near the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks has sparked a backlash of opposition. Other manifestations of anti-Muslim sentiment have recently sprung up elsewhere as well.
• Ban taps veteran French diplomat as special adviser on piracy off Somali coast UN News Centre 26 Aug 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed a French public law professor and former diplomat to advise him on legal issues surrounding piracy off the Somali coast, it was announced today.
• Tajikistan's Official Calm Belies Potential Prison Break Crisis RFE/RL 26 Aug 2010 -- A major international manhunt is under way after dozens of enemies of the Tajik state broke out from prison this week, but you wouldn't know it from the official reaction.
• Opposition Lawmakers Want Benin's President Prosecuted Over Financial Scam VOA 26 Aug 2010 -- Opposition lawmakers in Benin want the president to stand trial for what they say is his role in a financial scam that has swindled thousands of people.