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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 09 Dec 2010 [PDF]
• Airpower Summary for December 06 AFNS 09 Dec 2010
• Insurgent Attack Kills Two Afghan Civilians AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- Officials from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan today confirmed that two Afghan civilians were killed during an insurgent attack on a coalition base in Kunar province, military officials reported.
• Transcript: Town Hall Meeting with Secretary Gates at the U.S. Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan DoD 09 Dec 2010 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• Soldiers stymie insurgent attack at combat outpost Army News 09 Dec 2010 -- The six Soldiers tasked as the first line of defense for Combat Outpost Margah here were already on alert, but nobody expected an attack of the magnitude they got.
• The Battle to Save Outpost Margah AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- On the night of Oct. 30, clouds filled the sky, making the night darker than usual at Combat Outpost Margah. The six soldiers tasked as the first line of defense for the COP already were on alert, but no one expected an attack of the magnitude that came.
• UN Says Afghanistan Failing on Protecting Women's Basic Rights VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- The United Nations says traditional women's rights are being violated across Afghanistan, urging the country's leadership to enforce a recently enacted law aimed at protecting women. U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has released the finding of its report in Kabul on the eve of International Human Rights Day.
• US Severs Ties With Afghan Firm Linked to Karzai VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- The United States is severing ties to an Afghan security firm owned by relatives of President Hamid Karzai in a bid to stop the flow of U.S. money believed to be fueling corruption and the Taliban insurgency.
• Teams Seek Rapport With Afghan Women AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- Following the counterinsurgency tenet of supporting civilians, the Army and Marines have deployed women-focused teams to gain insight into Afghanistan’s mostly silent female population.
• Cooperation Will Endure, Gates Tells Embassy Employees AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- Cooperation between the U.S. military and diplomatic missions in Afghanistan will endure beyond the end of combat, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told embassy workers here today.
• Secretary of Defense reconfirms Marines’ success in Afghanistan USMC News 09 Dec 2010 -- United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited service members of 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 8.
• Press Conference on United Nations Humanitarian Efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan United Nations 09 Dec 2010
• PAKISTAN: IDPs from South Waziristan begin hesitant return IRIN 09 Dec 2010 -- For more than a year, houses in the town of Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtoonkh’wa province have been rented by internally displaced persons (IDPs) from South Waziristan, most of them displaced since October 2009 when the Pakistan military launched an operation against Taliban militants in the area.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Fate of Lesbian & Gay Service Members in President's Hands Human Rights Campaign 09 Dec 2010 -- The Senate voted against bringing up debate on the National Defense Authorization Act - the bill to which "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal is attached.
• Navy Announces USS Nimitz Homeport Change to Everett, Wash. DoD 09 Dec 2010-- The Navy announced today that the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will be homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash., upon completion of the ship’s docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) maintenance at Bremerton, Wash., in December 2011.
• Air Force Announces Candidate Basing Locations for Lima Aircraft DoD 09 Dec 2010 -- The Air Force announced today that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N. J., and Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are candidate basing locations for Light Mobility Aircraft (LiMA).
• USS George H.W. Bush Visits Mayport Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) made its second port stop at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Dec. 9 to transfer supplies and personnel as the ship conducted Carrier Qualifications (CQ) and other training evolutions along the East Coast.
• Global Shipping Game Explores Future Strategic Scenarios Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- More than 75 experts from private industry, academia, and government joined the War Gaming Department at the Naval War College (NWC) to discuss future strategic maritime scenarios involving the Panama Canal and the Arctic Ocean during its Global Shipping Game from December 8-9.
• Manned Dive Bell Testing for New Diving System Completed Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- The Navy successfully completed dive bell testing for its new Saturation Fly-Away Diving System (SAT FADS) Dec. 2., at Naval Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU), Panama City, Fla.
• Mine Countermeasures Squadron Relieves Commanding Officer of Crew Constant Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- The commanding officer of San Diego-based Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Crew Constant was relieved of command Dec. 8 by the commodore of Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) due to misconduct.
• Amphibious Squadron 11 Supports Keen Sword 2011 Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- The Sailors of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, embarked with the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG), are working with their Japan Maritime Self Defense Force coutnerparts during exercise Keen Sword 2011 through Dec. 10.
• Construction Begins on NAS Jacksonville Wastewater Filtering Project Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- A ground breaking ceremony was held at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 6 to begin construction on a new wastewater reuse pump station and pipeline that will significantly reduce the station's wastewater discharge to the St. Johns River.
• Navy, Marine Corps Prepare for Amphibious Combat Training Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- The commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 and the embarked commander of the Amphibious Task Force for Exercise Bold Alligator 2011 spoke about upcoming amphibious combat training from Dec. 11-17 for Sailors and Marines during a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable event Dec. 8.
• Trident Warrior 2011 Mid-Planning Conference Kicks Off Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- More than 250 attendees gathered at Combat Direction Systems Activity for the Trident Warrior 2011 (TW11) Mid-Planning Conference (MPC) Dec. 7, to continue strategic planning for the annual event set to begin in March.
• NMCB 133 Officers, Chiefs Conduct Field Training Exercise Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- The chiefs and officers of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 completed their Khaki Field Training Exercise (KFTX) Nov. 8, in order to refresh their tactical skills, improve teamwork, and build camaraderie.
• US Ambassador to Peru Visits HSV Swift Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- The U.S. ambassador to Peru visited the joint military and civilian crew of High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift Dec. 8 for a ship tour and brief about Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011.
• NMCB 28 Partners with Peruvian Sailors to Renovate Elementary School Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 Detail Bravo partnered with sailors from the Peruvian navy to build a classroom Dec. 7 at Elias Aguirre Romero Elementary School in Ventanilla, Peru, in support of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011.
• Pearl Harbor Shipyard Completes USS Chafee Availability Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) completed USS Chafee's (DDG 90) 14-week selected restricted availability (SRA) $200,000 under budget Dec. 3., returning the ship to the fleet as scheduled.
• USS Pueblo Ceremony of Remembrance Held by Naval Oceanographic Office Navy NewsStand 09 Dec 2010 -- Two former Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) employees joined Navy personnel at Stennis Space Center, Miss., Dec. 9, for a "living" history ceremony in remembrance of the North Korean capture of the USS Pueblo (AGER 2) and the subsequent detainment of American Navy personnel in 1968.
• DoD housing project reaches milestone Army News 09 Dec 2010 -- The largest, privatized housing contract ever awarded by the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army - one that has earned recognition as one of the largest solar-powered communities in the world - has achieved another notable milestone.
• Military impact significant in local health care and bioscience industry Army News 09 Dec 2010 -- One of every six San Antonio employees works in the health care and biosciences industries and the industry impact is approximately $24.5 billion, according to a report released by the San Antonio Greater Chamber of Commerce Nov. 30.
• ABV wins logistics award Army News 09 Dec 2010 -- Anniston Army Depot and the U.S. Marine Corps were honored for their collaboration on the Assault Breacher Vehicle at the 8th Annual Defense Logistics Award Ceremony in Arlington, Va., Dec. 1.
• Senate Thwarts Effort to Open US Military to Openly-Gay Members VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- The U.S. Senate has voted against considering a bill that would pave the way for homosexuals to serve openly in America's armed forces. The vote is a setback for one of President Obama's key campaign pledges, and threatens to surrender the matter to the judicial system, where a federal court has found the existing ban on openly-gay military service unconstitutional.
• Wing retires C-130E, anticipates end of C-130E ops AFNS 09 Dec 2010 -- Little Rock Air Force Base C-130E Hercules aircraft 62-1788 made its final flight Nov. 29, to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, the aircraft retirement "bone yard" here.
• 'Guard and Protect' exercise unites bilateral forces AFNS 09 Dec 2010 -- A key component of the 35th Fighter Wing's mission is to assist in the defense of Japan.
• AF researches showcase integrated training capabilities AFNS 09 Dec 2010 -- Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing Human Effectiveness directorate's Warfighter Readiness Research division showcased their integrated training capabilities at the 2010 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando, Fla.
• Airmen graduate from first Guard, Reserve survival component course AFNS 09 Dec 2010 -- Two Reserve component Airmen were the first to graduate from a new course specifically developed for Air National Guardsmen and reservists Dec. 2 here.
• Guard Maintains Strong Bond With Services AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- The relationship between the National Guard and its parent components has never been stronger, the Guard’s top officer said here yesterday.
• Navy, Marine Corps Prepare for Amphibious Training AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- For the past 10 years, the word “Marine” in the Marine Corps has seemed a misnomer: combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have left the majority of Marines land locked, with little or no experience in amphibious operations.
• DOD Expands Community-based Child Care Options AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- The Defense Department will launch an initiative early next year aimed at expanding the quality and quantity of community-based child care options for geographically dispersed reserve and active-duty families and for families facing long waits for on-base care.
• Japan, US Agree to Enhance Military Cooperation VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- U.S. and Japanese officials have agreed to increase regional military cooperation in wake of increased aggressive acts by North Korea.
• US Defense Chief Courts Arab Gulf Leaders VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to discuss regional security issues, including Iran's nuclear program and terrorist groups operating in Yemen, when he meets with Gulf leaders in the United Arab Emirates Thursday.
• Chairman Seeks to Restore Military Relationship With China AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed optimism that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ visit to China next month, and a possible visit to Washington early next year by Mullen’s Chinese counterpart, could invigorate the two countries’ stalled military-to-military relationship.
• Gates Visits United Arab Emirates AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today to meet with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nubayan.
• Army Researchers Work to Improve Information Systems AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- Army researchers are working to integrate command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities during the early stages of research and development.
• 2nd LAAD Marines test new gear, conduct field training at WTI USMC News 09 Dec 2010 -- Leatherrnecks from 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion returned from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Oct. 26, after conducting training with weapons and tactics instructor’s course students.
• European Ministers Meet to Discuss Military Defense VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- European defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to examine how to remain militarily effective, including sharing resources, at a time of fiscal austerity.
• Russian foreign minister doubts NATO sincerity after Baltic leak RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2010 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed concern over NATO's integrity after the revelation of the military alliance's plans on defending the Baltic states against Russia.
• Russian envoy demands NATO's reaction to WikiLeaks revelations RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2010 -- Russia's envoy to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, demanded on Wednesday that NATO confirm or deny WikiLeaks reports showing that the alliance treats Russia as an aggressor.
• December 9, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 09 Dec 2010

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 09, 2010
• Boeing KC-135 Fleet Support Program Wins Engineering Work in Oklahoma City Boeing 09 Dec 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has received a five-year contract from the U.S. Air Force for engineering sustainment support on the KC-135 Fleet Support Program. The contract is worth up to $20 million annually.
• General Dynamics Awarded $7 Million for Development of Advanced Submarine Technologies General Dynamics 09 Dec 2010 -- General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $7.4 million contract modification by the U.S. Navy to develop advanced submarine technologies for current and future undersea platforms. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
• Pratt & Whitney Delivers First Production F135 Short Take Off Vertical Landing Engine Pratt & Whitney 09 Dec 2010 -- Pratt & Whitney has delivered the first production F135 Short Take Off/Vertical Landing (STOVL) engine for the F-35 Lightning II, a major milestone and clear demonstration that the F135 STOVL propulsion system has transitioned from development to production. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
• U.S. Army Awards General Dynamics $112 Million for Stryker Combat-Vehicle Work General Dynamics 09 Dec 2010 -- General Dynamics Land Systems has been awarded three contracts by the U.S. Army to support performance specification changes to and fielding of the Stryker vehicle. The contracts are worth a combined $112.2 million. General Dynamics Land Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
• Northrop Grumman Completes Propeller Installation on USS Theodore Roosevelt Northrop Grumman 09 Dec 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding sector completed a significant milestone on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with the installation of the ship's propulsion shafting and propeller installation on Dec.
• Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates MR-TCDL Capabilities During Valiant Shield Exercise Northrop Grumman 09 Dec 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) supported Valiant Shield 2010, successfully demonstrating capabilities of the Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link (MR-TCDL) system to provide real-time networking connectivity and exchange data at extremely fast rates via ground, airborne and satellite networks.
• First Completed Primary Mirror Segment for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Finishes Final Cryotest Northrop Grumman 09 Dec 2010 -- The first completely finished primary mirror segment for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has passed its final cryotest in the X-ray & Cryogenic Facility at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. This last successful cryotest demonstrates that the mirror segment, an engineering development unit and flight spare, has fully demonstrated its ability to meet the needs of the Webb Telescope program. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is leading the Webb Telescope design and development effort for the space agency's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Other Conflicts

• 9 December 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 09 Dec 2010
• Secretary-General stresses global responsibility to prevent genocide UN News Centre 09 Dec 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed that the prevention of genocide is a global responsibility, stating that when States fail to protect their populations, the international community must step in and act.
• CPRK Secretariat on Truth of Yonphyong Island Shelling Incident KCNA 09 Dec 2010 -- The Secretariat of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea released a detailed report on Wednesday laying bare the truth and nature of the Yonphyong Island shelling incident in the West Sea of Korea. It clarified internally and externally who was the provocateur and who was to wholly blame for it.
• Côte d'Ivoire: UN envoy meets winner of presidential election UN News Centre 09 Dec 2010 -- The United Nations envoy to Côte d’Ivoire today discussed the post-election situation in the West African country with President Alassane Ouattara, the first time the two have met since the world body certified that he won last month’s presidential run-off poll.
• Clinton: Ivorian President Should Yield Power to Successor VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- United States on Thursday called on Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo to yield power to the internationally-recognized winner of last month's election, Alassane Ouattara, and threatened sanctions if he does not. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed the political impasse in Ivory Coast with Nigerian Foreign Minister Henry Odein Ajumogobia at the State Department.
• In meeting with Israeli defence minister, Ban voices concern over settlements UN News Centre 09 Dec 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed concern over the settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem at a meeting with Israel's Defence Minister Ehud Barak, during which the United Nations chief also raised the issue of freedom of movement for the world body.
• Abbas: No Direct Peace Talks with Israel Until Settlement Construction Stops VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated a previous demand that Israel halt all settlement building before direct peace talks can resume, during a meeting Thursday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
• Abbas Insists on Settlement Freeze to Resume Talks VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has repeated a demand that Israel stop settlement construction in the West Bank before peace talks can resume.
• Report: Israel Ready to Offer Flotilla Death Compensation VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- Israel reportedly is working on a plan to offer monetary compensation to relatives of nine Turkish activists killed in May during a raid on a ship attempting to break an economic blockade on the Gaza Strip.
• UN panel welcomes conclusion of voter registration for south Sudan referendum UN News Centre 09 Dec 2010 -- The registration of voters ahead of the next month’s referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan has been concluded, the United Nations panel monitoring the process said today, welcoming the peaceful and orderly conduct of the exercise.
• Darfur genocide continues as Sudan’s indicted leader games world – ICC prosecutor UN News Centre 09 Dec 2010 -- Genocide is still continuing in Darfur and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, already indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), is undertaking “enormous efforts” to cover up the crimes and manipulate the world community, the Court’s prosecutor said today.
• Sudan Ruling Party Official Hails Oil Agreement with SPLM VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- A senior member of Sudan's governing National Congress Party (NCP) has told VOA an agreement with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) over outstanding "oil issues" ahead of the next month's referendum shows his party's commitment towards the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
• Security Council urges compromise in Nepal as end of UN mission approaches UN News Centre 09 Dec 2010 -- The Security Council today underlined the need for the Nepalese Government and all political parties to take advantage of the United Nations mission’s last weeks there to work in a spirit of compromise to ensure progress on outstanding issues in the peace process.
• Russia says Georgia invents 'new provocation' before Geneva talks RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2010 -- Tbilisi's allegations of Russia's engagement in the series of blasts in Georgia are a fresh provocation before talks in Geneva, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said.
• Armenian parliament rejects Karabakh independence bill RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2010 -- Armenia's parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly rejected an opposition bill to recognize Nagorny Karabakh.

News Reports

• Mullen: Trilateral Cooperation Best Response to North Korea AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met here today with Japanese leaders to encourage closer bi and multilateral cooperation, not only to confront current threats like North Korea, but also to tap new opportunities to advance regional security.
• China's Top Diplomat Meets N. Korean Leader Amid Tensions VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- China's official media say the nation's top diplomat has held "candid and in-depth" talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
• Kim Jong Il Meets Dai Bingguo KCNA 09 Dec 2010 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il on Thursday met with State Councilor of the People's Republic of China Dai Bingguo on a visit to the DPRK.
• IRGC Official: Sanctions caused technological growth, blossoming IRNA 09 Dec 2010 -- Deputy IRGC Chief in Information and Communications Tech said here Wednesday enemies’ imposed sanctions have led to ever-more technological growth and blossoming in electronics technology field.
• Nobel Committee Says Peace Prize Not Against China RFE/RL 09 Dec 2010 -- The Nobel Committee has insisted that this year's choice of peace laureate was not "against China."
• China Lashes Out at US Congressional Resolution to Support Jailed Nobel Laureate VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- China is lashing out at a U.S. House of Representatives resolution that calls on Beijing to release jailed dissident and Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, one day before the Nobel award ceremony in Oslo.
• China Renews Defiance of International Support for Jailed Nobel Laureate VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- The winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, imprisoned dissident writer Liu Xiaobo, has been a longtime advocate for greater political reform in China. The Chinese government considers Liu a criminal and is most incensed that from jail, he could still win such a prestigious international award. The government's anger means no one will be there to receive Liu's prize.
• US spy kicked out of Germany's co-ruling FD Party Democratic Party IRNA 09 Dec 2010 -- Germany's co-governing Free Democratic Party (FDP) fired former office manager of Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle following latest WikiLeaks revelations that he was working as 'a US spy'.
• UN human rights chief voices concern at reported ‘cyber war’ against WikiLeaks UN News Centre 09 Dec 2010 --The United Nations human rights chief voiced concern today over reported ‘cyber war’ pressure on private companies to sever links with the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, saying this could amount to attempted censorship in breach of international covenants.
• Thousands Download Hacker Software in WikiLeaks Cyber-War VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- Web hackers are ramping up the cyberwar that has erupted overWikiLeaks as the number of people downloading the software used to disable MasterCard and Visa reached nearly 35,000.
• Cybersecurity Must Balance ‘Need to Know’ and ‘Need to Share’ AFPS 09 Dec 2010 -- Commanders in the field understand the advantage that comes from sharing intelligence and information and they do not want to give up that capability, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber and space policy said in an interview here today.
• Analysts: WikiLeaks Following New Strategy in Document Release VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- The activist Internet websiteWikiLeaks continues to post secret U.S. State Department documents, even as it comes under attacks from opponents, and newspapers partnering with the group continue to publish them. Analysts see the gradual release of the leaked documents as part of WikiLeaks' strategy to keep the story alive in the media. WikiLeaks is also portraying itself as a news organization.
• WikiLeaks Supporters Vow To Continue Cyberattacks RFE/RL 09 Dec 2010 -- Computer hackers in support of the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks are vowing to continue their "data war" to protect Internet freedom.
• WikiLeaks supporters attack Visa, MasterCard RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2010 -- WikiLeaks supporters have launched cyber attacks against organizations they view as the controversial whistleblower website's enemies, The Daily Telegraph reported.
• WikiLeaks Supporters Step Up Cyber Attacks VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- A group supporting the WikiLeaks website has vowed to step up what it is calling its "data war" against groups that have cut funding for the website.
• British press distorted Russian diplomat's comment on alleged spy - Embassy RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2010 -- The Russian embassy in London said on Thursday that the British press had exaggerated comments made by a senior Russian diplomat about the current Moscow-London spy scandal.
• US Diplomat: China Displays 'No Morals' in Africa VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- Newly leaked U.S. diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaksshow senior U.S. officials in Africa were highly critical of China's economic policies on the continent and made sometimes embarrassing comments about African leaders and crises. The revelations have angered U.S. officials who say they are illegal and dangerous.
• Preparatory talks for 6th Taiwan-China meeting slated for Dec. 14 CNA 09 Dec 2010 -- Preparatory talks for the sixth high-level cross-Taiwan Strait meeting will be held in Shanghai Dec. 14, a senior Taiwanese negotiator with China said Thursday.
• Blair recalled for questioning at Iraq inquiry IRNA 09 Dec 2010 -- Former British prime minister Tony Blair is to be recalled to be further questioned by Iraq Inquiry a year after he first gave evidence about Britain’s role in 2003 war.
• Iraqi Parliament Factions 'Agree On Some Ministerial Posts' RFE/RL 09 Dec 2010 -- Agreement has been reached between the major parliament factions on the distribution of several key ministries and government positions, a senior politician tells RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq.
• Thailand Makes Little Progress on Efforts to Reconcile After Political Violence VOA 09 Dec 2010 -- Efforts in Thailand to promote reconciliation have continued months after the military ended anti-government protests. The opposition movement, known as the Red Shirts, is preparing for the general elections next year, despite divisions among its members.
• ZIMBABWE: Not enough progress to do without aid IRIN 09 Dec 2010 -- An appeal for US$415 million in humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe in 2011 has been made by the government and humanitarian organizations.