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08 November 2010 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 08 Nov 2010 [PDF]

Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Cone via Teleconference from Iraq DoD 08 Nov 2010 -- Presenter: Deputy Commander for Operations, U.S. Forces-Iraq, Lt. Gen. Robert Cone
Riverine Squadron One Completes Mission in Iraq Navy NewsStand 08 Nov 2010 -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 held an end-of-mission ceremony in the southern Iraqi province of Basrah, Oct. 30.
Iraqi air force Squadron 70 launches first mission from Ali Base AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- Members of the Iragi air force Squadron 70 flew their first operational mission Oct. 25, just one week after relocating from Basra Air Base.
Air advisers help Iraqi airmen settle at new base AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- Airmen from the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force Base Transition Team assisted IrAF Squadron 70 relocate.
Iraqi Forces Make Progress, General Says AFPS 08 Nov 2010 -- With all U.S. troops scheduled to be out of Iraq by 2012, Iraqi forces are working to secure the country against insurgents.
Basra Car Bomb Kills 10, Wounds 30 RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- Reports say a car bomb in a popular shopping district in the southern Iraqi city of Basra killed at least 10 people and wounded 30.
Dozens Reported Killed, Injured In Car Bombing In Karbala RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- A car bomb has exploded in the Shi'ite holy city of Karbala in central Iraq, reportedly killing and injuring dozens of people.
Deadly Car Bomb Targets Iraqi Holy City VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- A car bomb has ripped through an area filled with pilgrims in Iraq's holy Shi'ite city of Karbala, killing at least seven.
Cautious Hope In Iraq Of Breakthrough Deal On New Government RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- Hopes for a breakthrough deal on a new Iraqi government have been tempered after talks between rival political factions broke up after 90 minutes without agreement.
Long Knives step in with IP training academy Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- Soldiers from Task Force Shield, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, visited the Mosul Police Services Academy as new Iraqi recruits began training this week.
Rough Riders roll into IA tactical vehicle training Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- Troops assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, began training Soldiers from the Iraqi Army's 3rd Division on humvee electrical system maintenance in al-Kisik, Oct. 25.
Rival Iraqi Leaders Hold Meeting to Divide Power VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- Iraq's rival political leaders are meeting in the northern Kurdish city of Irbil in an attempt to agree on a power-sharing arrangement.

Signal training for Afghan airmen AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan advisors and AAF Life Support members conducted a field training class on survival signaling Nov 3.
Some Afghan National Police Facilities in Helmand and Kandahar Provinces are being used Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District-South (AES) has completed and turned over two Afghan National Police (ANP) headquarters facilities in the Spin Boldak and Nahri Saraj districts. The Uniformed Police district headquarters facilities are being used for their intended purposes and meeting the requirements of the ANP to help ensure stability in Afghanistan.
In Brief: Afghanistan climbs up Human Development Index IRIN 08 Nov 2010 -- Afghanistan has climbed over a dozen places up the annual UN Development Programme's (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI) - from 181 out of 182 countries in 2009, to 155 out of 169 this year.
Afghan, Coalition Forces Wrap Up Helmand Clearing Operation AFPS 08 Nov 2010 -- Afghan and coalition forces in southern Afghanistan completed a three-day deliberate clearing operation.
Afghans Can Handle Security by 2014, Say US Officials VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- U.S. officials say Afghanistan should be ready to handle its own security by 2014.
Gates Hopes Taliban Think U.S. Will Leave Afghanistan AFPS 08 Nov 2010 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today that he hopes the Taliban think July of next year is an end date for U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan.
UK military chief cautions against early withdrawal from Afghanistan IRNA 08 Nov 2010 -- Britain’s new military chief cast doubt on whether the UK would be able to start a limited withdrawal in Afghanistan next year.
US, Afghan air forces partner for security drills Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- US Air Force members partnered with their Afghan Air Force counterparts Nov. 6-7 for the pinnacle of a month-long security training session.
Into Taliban Territory: The Information War RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- In August, the Taliban killed the district chief of Qala-e Zal with a roadside bomb placed near to his office.

U.S. drone strike kills 14 in NW Pakistan IRNA 08 Nov 2010 -- A US drone aircraft Sunday hit a vehicle in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region and killed 14 persons.

Marine Corps assesses Hurricane Tomas damage in Haiti USMC News 08 Nov 2010 -- On the morning of Nov. 6, Marines and sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima flew over Haitian soil to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Tomas in support of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and the government of Haiti.

Defense Policy / Programs

Joint Press Availability with Secretary Gates, Secretary Clinton, Minister Rudd and Minister Smith at the Australia-United States Ministerial DoD 08 Nov 2010
U.S., Australia Agree to Cooperation Initiatives AFPS 08 Nov 2010 -- Defense Secretary Gates announced the establishment of a new bilateral working group to develop options for enhanced U.S.-Australian cooperation on Australian soil.
Regional Security Issues Dominate US-Australia Talks VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- The war in Afghanistan, elections in Burma and relations with China have been discussed in talks between the American and Australian governments in Melbourne.
Gates Cites Encouraging Trends Regarding Iran, China AFPS 08 Nov 2010 -- The US is seeing signs that sanctions against Iran by the international community are starting to have an impact, and, is working to strengthen its relationship with China.
First production C-5M arrives at Dover AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- The first production C-5M Super Galaxy arrived for duty at Dover Air Force Base Nov. 5.
US, NATO participate in Baltic Region Training Event AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials participated in a one-day Baltic Region Training Event Nov. 3 at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania.
Samurai surge at Yokota AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- Seven C-130 Hercules aircraft took off as part of a Samurai Surge exercise here Nov. 4.
TRADOC representatives visit Korea for bilateral forum Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- The sixth Training and Doctrine Conference between US Army TRADOC and the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) TRADOC was hosted by Lt. Gen. Seoung-Kyoo Park, commander of ROKA TRADOC, from Oct. 18 to 20.
USASAC facilitates FMS of 5 Hueys to Philippines Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command recently facilitated the foreign military sale of five Bell UH-1 "Hueys" to the Phillipines.
USASAC hosts "Army Security Cooperation Meeting" Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command hosted an Army Security Cooperation Meeting Oct. 27 in Alexandria, Va.
JSA Security Battalion takes team building to new heights Army News 08 Nov 2010 -- The most forward-deployed battalion in South Korea took part in a leadership team building exercise here Nov. 3 - 4.
586th Flight Test Squadron hits testing milestone AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- The 586th Flight Test Squadron, part of Air Force Materiel Command's 46th Test Group, recently hit an aviation milestone when members of the unit completed flight testing of an inert missile, the LTGM-65 Laser Maverick, currently under development by Raytheon Missile Systems.
Media Roundtable with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates from Melbourne, Australia DoD 08 Nov 2010 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
Harry S. Truman Completes 100,000th Recovery Navy NewsStand 08 Nov 2010 -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) hit an important milestone during its deployment with its 100,000th arrested aircraft recovery Nov. 7.
"Iron Nickel" Departs 5th Fleet AOR Navy NewsStand 08 Nov 2010 -- San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) departed the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Nov. 1, after completing a regularly scheduled deployment supporting maritime security, regional stability and performing humanitarian aid/disaster relief operations in Pakistan.
HSV 2 Swift Deploys to Caribbean for Southern Partnership Station Navy NewsStand 08 Nov 2010 -- High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), along with embarked Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force units, departed Blount Island Marine Terminal in Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 6, for a five-month deployment in support of Southern Partnership Station 2011 (SPS 11).
USS Constitution Completes Latest Restoration Navy NewsStand 08 Nov 2010 -- Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston and the crew of USS Constitution wrapped up their three-year restoration period Nov. 6.
Navy Working Uniform Mandatory Wear Deadline Nears Navy NewsStand 08 Nov 2010 -- The mandatory wear date for the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) is approaching quickly and all Navy personnel are reminded to have all components of the new uniforms.
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Report on Track, Mullen Says AFPS 08 Nov 2010 -- The working group looking at how the Defense Department should respond to a repeal of the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law is on track.
Air Guard adds psychological health directors to wings AFNS 08 Nov 2010 -- Air National Guard officials have created a new position at the wing level to provide mental health support to Airmen and their families before and after deployments.

NATO has no plans to reduce nuclear potential RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- Commander of NATO Allied Command Transformation: NATO has no plans to reduce its nuclear potential.
NATO officials say Russia poses no threat to West RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- Russia's envoy to NATO: NATO's top military and political officials assured Russia the alliance saw no threat from the country for the West.

CIS top security officials to meet in Tajik capital RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- The heads of security bodies and special services of the CIS member states will meet in the Tajik capital Dushanbe on November 8-9.

Taiwan President vows to avoid war with innovative strategies CNA 08 Nov 2010 -- President Ma said Taiwan is unlikely to engage in an arms race with China and will instead seek a balance of military power.
President reiterates call for U.S. to sell Taiwan F-16 C/Ds CNA 08 Nov 2010 -- President Ma made another pitch for help in getting Washington to sell Taiwan advanced F16C/D jet fighters.

Cluster munitions meeting in Laos first stop on Migiro’s three-nation trip UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro arrived today in Vientiane, Laos, ahead of a global meeting on the outlawing of cluster munitions, the first stop on a three-nation tour that will also take the senior United Nations official to Lebanon and Ethiopia.

November 8, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 08 Nov 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 08, 2010
CASSIDIAN to compile Interactive Electronic Technical Documentation (IETD) for German Navy’s P-3C Orion aircraft EADS 08 Nov 2010 -- Cassidian has been commissioned with compiling Interactive Electronic Technical Documentation (IETD) for the German Navy’s P-3C ORION CUP maritime patrol aircraft.
A400M: The perfect paratrooper and aerial delivere EADS 08 Nov 2010 -- Thanks to its outstanding characteristics and performance, the all new A400M is the best military transport aircraft ever for carrying paratroopers. It can carry more troops than any other Western-built troop carrier.
Raytheon-Boeing JAGM Team Verifies Rocket Motor During Flight Test Raytheon 08 Nov 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) completed the third company-funded missile launch of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). The test sets the stage for Raytheon and Boeing to enter engineering and manufacturing development (EMD).
Northrop Grumman to Provide 40 STARLite Radars for U.S. Army's Extended-Range Multi-Purpose UAVs Northrop Grumman 08 Nov 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been selected to supply an additional 40 STARLite wide area surveillance radars featuring synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and ground moving target indicator (GMTI) capabilities for the U.S. Army's Extended-Range Multi-Purpose unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
SAIC Awarded $39 Million Task Order by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) SAIC 08 Nov 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced it was awarded a task order by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to provide engineering and technical services to the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Office (PMA-262). This task has a one year base period of performance, four one-year options and a total value of more than $39 million, if all options are exercised. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and at government sites as required. The task order was awarded under the U.S. Navy's Seaport-e contract.
SAIC Awarded Information Technology Services Contract by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) SAIC 08 Nov 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] announced today it was awarded one of the prime contracts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to provide information technology (IT) services to the FBI and other Department of Justice agencies.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Key GPS III Test Hardware Ahead of Schedule Lockheed Martin 08 Nov 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin-led team developing the next-generation Global Positioning System (GPS III) has completed the program’s first contract deliverable ahead of schedule, by shipping the GPS III Bus Real Time Simulator (BRTS) from its Newtown, Pa., facility to Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, Calif., on September 10, 2010. Acceptance testing for the BRTS was completed seven days after delivery.

Other Conflicts

8 November 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Nov 2010
Press Conference by Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict United Nations 08 Nov 2010
UN envoy deplores rising recruitment of child soldiers in Somalia UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- The United Nations envoy for children and armed conflict today deplored the rapid rise in the recruitment of children by armed groups in Somalia, as well as an emerging trend of girls being forced into marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.

Netanyahu Presses U.S. For Military Threat On Iran RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu told US VP Biden that only a credible military threat can deter Iran from building a nuclear weapon.

Israeli blockade of Gaza Strip 'unacceptable' RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said on Monday that Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip was unacceptable.
Ban voices concern over plans for further settlements as he meets Israeli premier UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, today discussed the ongoing efforts to move the Middle East peace process forward, with Mr. Ban expressing concern over plans to build more Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem.
US 'Deeply Disappointed' by Israel's Building Plan for East Jerusalem VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- The U.S. State Department said Monday that it is "deeply disappointed" by Israel's plan for new construction in disputed East Jerusalem, where Palestinians want to build the capital of an independent state.

Obama Woos India, But Treads Delicately On India-Pakistan Relations RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- US President Obama, who is on a state visit to India, has said he is backing India's long-standing demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Pakistan President for resumption of dialogue with India IRNA 08 Nov 2010 -- President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday reiterated that Pakistan wants early resumption of the composite dialogue process with India.

Thousands Flee Post-Election Fighting in Burma VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- Thousands of people in eastern Burma have fled into neighboring Thailand to escape fighting between an ethnic militia and the Burmese military.
Post-Election Violence in Burma Prompts Fears of Wider Crackdown on Minorities VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- Fighting between ethnic Karen forces and Burmese troops is raising fears for a wider government crackdown on minority communities.

US Offers to Drop Sudan from Terrorism List VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- Senior officials: US offering to drop Sudan from terror list if Khartoum successfully carries out next month's independence referendum.
Darfur: UN pledges support for voluntary return of displaced people to safe areas UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- The UN is ready to support IDPs in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region who wish to go back to their villages of origin.
Sudan Ruling Party Official Rejects Washington Meddling in Referendum VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- A leading member of Sudan’s governing National Congress Party (NCP) has rejected U.S. Senator John Kerry’s proposal saying his party will not accept any suggestions that the disputed, oil-rich Abyei should be part of the semi-autonomous south Sudan.
UN official cites progress ahead of voter registration for Southern Sudan referendum UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- Progress has been made for the start of voter registration for the Southern Sudan independence referendum scheduled for January, an election official with the United Nations has reported, pledging continued support to ensure that the vote passes peacefully.

Gunmen Attack Oil Rig Off Nigerian Coast VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- An oil company says gunmen in Nigeria's troubled Niger Delta region have attacked an offshore rig, kidnapping five people and wounding two others.

Reporter's Notebook: In Tajikistan's 'Islamic Triangle,' Tension After Government Raids RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- For a place that was the center of a bloody confrontation only days ago, the northern Tajik village of Chorkuh seemed remarkably peaceful.

YEMEN: Revenge killings keep children out of school IRIN 08 Nov 2010 -- Thousands of children Yemen have stopped going to school for fear of being targeted by revenge killings.

UN-backed Western Sahara talks begin in New York amid clashes on the ground UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- The parties to the dispute over Western Sahara met in New York for the start of the third round of UN-backed informal talks.
Morocco Clears Protest Camp in Western Sahara; Six Killed VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- Clashes between Moroccan security forces and protesters in Western Sahara have killed at least six people after authorities raided the site of the disputed territory's largest anti-government protest in decades.

Japan set on regaining four disputed islands from Russia RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- Japanese PM Kan: Talks with Russia over the four disputed islands to the northeast of Hokkaido will be difficult.
Taiwan must be stern with Japan on sovereignty dispute: lawmakers CNA 08 Nov 2010 -- Taiwan will never bend on its territorial claim over the Tiaoyutai Islands or compromise over an airspace fracas with Japan.

News Reports

Prosecution Makes Closing Arguments in Ghailani Terror Trial VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- The prosecution in the terror trial of Ahmed Ghailani portrayed the accused on Monday as a mass murderer in the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 244 people. Our correspondent was in the U.S. federal courtroom in New York City where the prosecution made its closing arguments.

IAEA cannot confirm Iran's nuclear program is peaceful RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- The head of the IAEA said the organization still does not have enough evidence to confirm that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful.
Russia expects Teheran to resume talks with Iran Six soon RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- Russia expects Teheran to resume talks with the Iran Six over Iran's controversial nuclear program soon.
US to Maintain Iran Sanctions VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- US officials say Washington does not need a "credible military threat" to get Iran's attention and dissuade Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
Soltanieh warns of danger of 27,000 warheads stockpiles IRNA 08 Nov 2010 -- Ali-Asghar Soltanieh warned of the danger of stockpiling 27,000 warheads across the world.

UN: DPRK nuclear programme still of serious concern UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- Head of the UN nuclear watchdog voiced concern over the nuclear programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The U.S. - India Partnership: the fact sheets The White House 08 Nov 2010
Remarks by the President in Toast at State Dinner in New Delhi, India The White House 08 Nov 2010
Remarks by the President to U.S.-India Business Council and Entrepreneurship Summit The White House 08 Nov 2010
Remarks by the President to the Joint Session of the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, India The White House 08 Nov 2010
Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Singh in Joint Press Conference in New Delhi, India The White House 08 Nov 2010
Remarks by the President at Official Arrival Ceremony in New Delhi, India The White House 08 Nov 2010
Obama Backs India for Permanent UN Security Council Seat VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says he supports a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.
Obama: US and India 'United' Against Terrorism VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- President Obama is in Mumbai, India's commercial capital, at the start of a 3-day visit to elevate U.S.-India economic relations.

UN chief calls for credible transition to democracy after Myanmar polls UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban urged authorities in Myanmar to ensure a credible transition towards democracy.
Burma Stole Election, Says Obama VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- President Barack Obama has reiterated his criticism of the election in military-ruled Burma, saying it was neither free nor fair.
Western, Asian Nations Criticize Burmese Election VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- Western and Asian nations are voicing disappointment with Burma's controversial election, which appears certain to give pro-government parties a majority.

Fresh funds enable UN to continue aiding flood-affected Pakistanis UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- The United Nations World Food Programme has received a $90 million donation from the United States.

'Reset' of Russia-US relations on course RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- There has been no slowing down in the resetting of Russia-US relations, presidential aide Arkady Dvorkovich.

Kyrgyz Arrested Over Land Grab RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- Police in Kyrgyzstan's southern Osh region arrested at least 20 people today in the Uzbek-populated villages of Ishkevan and Kyzyl-Kyshtak on charges of illegally occupying land.

Azerbaijani parliamentary polls meet international norms - PACE RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan were held in accordance with international standards.
Azerbaijan's Ruling Party Maintains Firm Hold After Parliamentary Polls RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- Loyalists of President Ilham Aliyev swept the board in the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, amid allegations of serious violations.
Ruling party wins Azerbaijan parliamentary election RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2010 -- Azerbaijan's ruling party Yeni Azerbaijan won Sunday's parliamentary election, gaining 71 seats in the South Caucasus country's legislative assembly.

Guinea: UN envoy lauds peaceful conclusion of presidential run-off UN News Centre 08 Nov 2010 -- The United Nations envoy for West Africa today welcomed the peaceful conclusion of the second round of the presidential election in Guinea, saying the country’s citizens had demonstrated their commitment to democracy by participating in the poll.
Guineans Await Presidential Runoff Results VOA 08 Nov 2010 -- Guineans are anxiously awaiting the results of Sunday's presidential runoff election.

EU Visas History For Albanians, Bosnians RFE/RL 08 Nov 2010 -- In a move perceived as hugely symbolic both by Brussels and the countries in the region, the EU has agreed to lift its visa requirement for Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina from next month.

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