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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 22 Dec 2010 [PDF]
• Marines provide logistics support to coalition forces during Operation Steel Dawn II USMC News 22 Dec 2010 -- Marines and sailors from Motor Transport Company B (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 3 provided tactical logistics support to the Marines of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force, during Operation Steel Dawn II Oct. 26 - Nov.1.
• CLB-3 Constructs Bridge, aid Afghan community USMC News 22 Dec 2010 -- Since the removal of the Taliban as Afghanistan’s governing body nine years ago, coalition forces have helped rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, providing stability and peace to an otherwise turbulent region. Their humanitarian and peace-keeping efforts seek to bridge the divide between traditional and progressive values in an ever-changing world. For combat engineers, the aforementioned objective can be accomplished quite literally.
• Home Improvement: CLB-3 Enhances Forward Operating Base USMC News 22 Dec 2010 -- Approximately 20 Marines with Engineer Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, arrived here to install drainage ditches and culverts, raising the FOB by nearly two feet.
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Find Caches AFPS 22 Dec 2010 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents and found weapons in operations today throughout southern Afghanistan, military officials reported.
• Afghanistan: it may get worse before it gets better, top UN envoy warns UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- In the face of increased successes by international forces and the national army in Afghanistan, the Taliban may attempt spectacular attacks in the coming weeks, the top United Nations envoy in the country warned today.
• Afghan Army Takes Charge at Border Outpost AFPS 22 Dec 2010 -- The Afghan National Army took an important step toward taking responsibility for the nation’s security when it assumed control of this observation post from the U.S. Army on Dec. 20.
• UK soldier killed in Afghan roadside blast IRNA 22 Dec 2010 -- Britain’s Ministry of Defence Wednesday announced the death of another UK soldier in Afghanistan, the 347th since the overthrow of the Taliban regime in 2001.
• Dutch say 'no' to new Afghanistan mission IRNA 22 Dec 2010 -- Most Dutch are opposed to sending troops to Afghanistan as their government is pondering plans for a new mission in that war-stricken country, press reports cited a survey saying Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Senate Approves U.S.-Russia Arms Treaty AFPS 22 Dec 2010 -- In an overwhelming 71-26 vote, the U.S. Senate today ratified the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, a pact to level the arms playing field between the United States and Russia.
• U.S. Senate Ratifies Nuclear Treaty With Russia RFE/RL 22 Dec 2010 -- After months of heated debate and closed-door negotiation, the U.S. Senate has ratified the new START arms control treaty with Russia, giving President Barack Obama a major foreign policy victory and U.S.-Russian relations a significant boost.
• Ban welcomes US ratification of nuclear arms reduction treaty signed with Russia UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed today’s vote by the United States Senate to support the ratification of the nuclear arms reduction treaty signed earlier this year by the leaders of Russia and the US.
• US Senate Ratifies New Arms Treaty With Russia VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- The U.S. Senate has ratified the New START Treaty. The Senate action, represents a major victory for President Barack Obama who has made better relations with Moscow a cornerstone of his foreign policy.
• News Conference by The President The White House 22 Dec 2010
• US Senate Ratifies New Arms Treaty VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- U.S. lawmakers have ratified a new nuclear arms control treaty with Russia, giving President Barack Obama a major foreign policy victory.
• New U.S.-Russia arms pact nears Senate approval RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- The new strategic arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia is nearing approval by the U.S. Senate, with the final vote due to take place on Wednesday.
• Medvedev optimistic over arms pact ratification in U.S. Senate RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is optimistic over the Russian-U.S. new strategic arms reduction treaty (START) ratification by the U.S. Senate.
• Russia's State Duma may approve new START by yearend RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, may ratify the Russian-U.S. new strategic arms reduction treaty (START) by the end of 2010, if it is approved by U.S. Senate soon, a Russian deputy said on Wednesday.
• US Preparing to Hold Some Guantanamo Inmates 'Indefinitely' VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- Officials in Washington say the U.S. government is preparing to detain indefinitely nearly 50 alleged terrorists now held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center.
• Remarks by the President and Vice President at Signing of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 The White House 22 Dec 2010
• President Signs 'Don't Ask' Repeal Act Into Law AFPS 22 Dec 2010 -- President Barrack Obama signed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 into law here today.
• Obama: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal 'A Historic Milestone' VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- President Barack Obama is ending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bars homosexuals from serving openly in the U.S. armed forces. The president has signed legislation repealing the 17-year-old policy.
• Cheers, Applause Accompany ‘Don’t Ask’ Repeal Signing AFPS 22 Dec 2010 -- A jubilant audience greeted an exhilarant president this morning as Barack Obama signed the act that, when implemented, will allow gay Americans to serve openly in the nation’s military for the first time.
• Obama Thanks Congress for Work on Defense Issues AFPS 22 Dec 2010 -- President Barack Obama thanked legislators today for overcoming partisan differences in approving the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and in repealing the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.
• DoD News: Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended DoD 22 Dec 2010 -- The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to March 4, 2011, allowing personnel more time to apply for the benefits they've earned under the program guidelines.
• DoD News: "Secretary Robert Gates Statement on Passage of the Fiscal 2011 NDAA" DoD 22 Dec 2010
• C-130 Hercules: Air Force's 'old reliable' airlifter still on the front lines AFNS 22 Dec 2010 -- Pick any day for airlift operations in Afghanistan and there's a high probability you'll see a C-130 Hercules taking off from a forward operating base filled with cargo and troops.
• Nellis AFB officials host joint training exercise for local canine units AFNS 22 Dec 2010 -- Military working dog handlers from the 99th Security Forces Squadron worked with 25 canine teams from Las Vegas Dec. 16 during an explosive detection training exercise.
• Laughlin recycling center generates revenue for base AFNS 22 Dec 2010 -- Officials with the recycling center here take all the recyclable materials that are dropped off at their door and compact them, thereby generating revenue that helps the base.
• Military Sealift Command Delivers Patrol Boat for Iraqi Navy NNS 22 Dec 2010 -- Military Sealift Command-chartered heavy lift crane ship MV Ocean Titan delivered the second of a new class of U.S.-built patrol boats to Manama, Bahrain, Dec. 22.
• USS Boise Returns From Deployment NNS 22 Dec 2010 -- The Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) returned home to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Dec. 22, from a regularly scheduled six-month deployment, just in time for the holidays.
• NSW Hosts Its First Joint Range Safety Intermediate Course NNS 22 Dec 2010 -- The Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command hosted its first ever intermediate inter-service range safety course (IRSC) at Silver Strand Training Complex (SSTC) Dec. 13-17.
• Passport, Visa Required for Bahrain Duty NNS 22 Dec 2010 -- A change in the Department of Defense (DoD) Foreign Clearance Guide now requires military and civilian personnel and eligible family members moving to Bahrain to get a no-fee passport and visa.
• NEX San Diego Opens New Food Court NNS 22 Dec 2010 -- The Navy Exchange (NEX) aboard Naval Base San Diego held a grand opening ceremony for its food court, Dec. 16.
• NMCB 133 Contributes to Construction Project on Andros Island NNS 22 Dec 2010 -- U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133's Seabees worked on the Atlantic Undersea Testing and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) facility on Andros Island, Bahamas, from Oct. 18 to Dec. 6.
• USASAC facilitates delivery of Bell 407 helicopters to Iraq Army News 22 Dec 2010 -- The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command recently facilitated the Foreign Military Sale of three Bell 407 training helicopters to the Government of Iraq.
• TACOM to begin M113s refurbishments for Iraq at ANAD Army News 22 Dec 2010 -- The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command recently facilitated a Foreign Military Sales case to the Government of Iraq for the procurement and refurbishment of 586 M113A2 Armored Personnel Carriers and 21 M88A1 Medium Recovery Vehicles.
• Army North hosts 'Contingency Dual Status Commander' conference Army News 22 Dec 2010 -- National Guard commanders from 15 states participated in a Contingency Dual Status Commanders' Conference at U.S. Army North Dec. 7. Dual Status commanders can direct both federal active-duty forces and state National Guard forces in response to domestic incidents.
• AF Nuclear Weapons Center improves tracking, monitoring of nuclear weapons AFNS 22 Dec 2010 -- Officials at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center have created a worldwide logistics function to monitor activities within the nuclear enterprise, tracking the location and status of all Air Force nuclear weapons and related material.
• 96th ARS air crews take off with Total Force Integration AFNS 22 Dec 2010 -- The combination of adrenaline and excitement can be hard to hide in a person's expressions, but Lt. Col. Brian A. Hill wears it on his face like war paint. He runs on it.
• South Korea starts naval drills in Sea of Japan RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- South Korea started on Wednesday three-day military exercises in the Sea of Japan some 100 km south of the disputed border with North Korea, Yonhap news agency cited a spokesman for the South Korean Defense Ministry as saying.
• South Korean Military Prepares for Largest-Ever Live-Fire Drill VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- South Korea's army and air force are preparing to hold their largest-ever live-fire exercise on Thursday near the inter-Korean border, as Seoul remains on high alert for any attacks by North Korea.
• India successfully test fires another Prithvi-II missile IRNA 22 Dec 2010 -- India on Wednesday successfully test fired another Prithvi-II missile in an hour’s gap from Orissa coast.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan, 12/22/2010 The White House 22 Dec 2010
• December 22, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2010

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 22, 2010
• BAE Systems enters into agreement to buy leading cyber and intelligence company ETI A/S BAE Systems 22 Dec 2010 -- BAE Systems has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ETI A/S for cash consideration of DKK 1.2 billion (approximately £137 million). ETI is a leading cyber and intelligence company providing advanced technology products and services to government and commercial clients worldwide.
• GE's 1000th Dowty Propeller System Makes First Flight on C-130J GE Aviation 22 Dec 2010 -- GE Aviation joins Lockheed Martin today to mark the 1000th Dowty advanced propeller system on a C-130J aircraft. The first flight took place December 20 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The C-130J will be delivered to Dyess Air Force Base by year's end.
• Boeing Receives US Air Force Contract for C-17 Training Devices Boeing 22 Dec 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced it has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to deliver C-17 training devices to three sites. The contract value is $44 million initially and up to $72 million if two options are exercised.
• General Dynamics Awarded $92 Million for Stryker Combat-Vehicle Work General Dynamics 22 Dec 2010 -- General Dynamics Land Systems recently has been awarded three contracts by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command to support the Stryker infantry combat vehicle. The contracts are worth a combined $92.3 million. General Dynamics Land Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
• SAIC Awarded Contract by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific SAIC 22 Dec 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] announced today it was awarded a prime contract by the Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific to provide engineering services in support of ashore and afloat networks and information systems. The multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract has a three year base period of performance, two one-year options, and a total contract ceiling of $45 million for all awardees, if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in San Diego, Calif.

Other Conflicts

• 22 December 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Dec 2010
• US in Talks on Boosting UN Force in Ivory Coast VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- The United States says it is talking with France and West African states about "augmenting" the U.N. peacekeeping force in Ivory Coast as the political crisis there persists. Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo continues to resist calls to step down in favor of the internationally recognized winner of last month's election, Alassane Ouattara.
• Ally of Ivory Coast's Ouattara Says Force Needed to Oust Gbagbo VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- A top political figure in Ivory Coast says the world should use force to remove incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo from power.
• Ivory Coast Election Winner Rejects Incumbents' Call for International Review VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- Ivory Coast's U.N.-endorsed presidential-election winner Alassane Ouattara has rejected calls by incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo for an international review of the country's political crisis, following last month's disputed election.
• France and Germany Call for Their Citizens to Leave Ivory Coast VOA 22 Dec 2010 -- France and Germany are calling for their citizens to leave Ivory Coast amid a deepening crisis in the West African country.
• UN panel optimistic South Sudan referendum will proceed despite hurdles UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- The head of the United Nations panel tasked with monitoring next month’s landmark referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan said today that his team believed that the vote will take place as planned despite remaining challenges, including limited resources and the need to raise awareness among voters.
• SUDAN: Re-empowering the Southern chiefs IRIN 22 Dec 2010 -- The guest list was impressive for the mere inauguration of a conference hall. But the presence of a US ambassador, the state governor and other senior officials bore testament to the recognition that chiefs have a key role to play in conflict resolution in Warrap State and in Southern Sudan’s hybrid justice system.
• Security Council sets up new body to finish work of UN war crimes tribunals UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- The Security Council today set up a new body to finish the remaining tasks of the United Nations war crimes tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, while calling on the courts to conclude their work by the end of 2014.
• Departing UN mission in Chad and Central African Republic hands over projects UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- The United Nations mission in Chad and the Central African Republic (MINURCAT) has handed over its programmes to the Government of Chad and the UN agencies in the country as it prepares to wind up its responsibilities there at the end of this month.
• Gaza: UN official asks Israel to use restraint in responding to rocket attacks UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- Condemning mounting rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, a senior United Nations official today acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defence but urged it to use maximum restraint and ensure that civilians are not endangered.
• Stronger Russian-Japanese ties to settle Kuril dispute - Russian FM RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- Increased cooperation between Russia and Japan will help build a solid base for negotiations on the long-standing dispute over the Kuril Islands, Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin said on Wednesday.
• NEPAL: Political stalemate threatens foreign aid IRIN 22 Dec 2010 -- After 16 attempts, Nepal's feuding parliament still has not been able to elect a new prime minister and only a recent last-minute emergency decree by the president allowed the government to access new funds.
• KENYA-SOMALIA: Refugees fear increased police harassment IRIN 22 Dec 2010 -- Somali nationals living in the Kenyan capital say they fear increased harassment by the police after a deadly grenade explosion at a bus station on 20 December.
• NIGERIA: Troops accused of abuses in raids on Islamic sect IRIN 22 Dec 2010 -- Residents of the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri say soldiers and policemen have brutalized citizens, made arbitrary arrests and stolen money and belongings in raids meant to capture members of a radical Islamic sect.
• Dubai court overturns life sentences of 2 men involved in Chechen warlord murder RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- An Iranian and Tajik jailed for life for their parts in the assassination of a Chechen military commander last year have had their sentences overturned.
• Somalia: UN calls for 4,000 more African Union peacekeepers UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- The Security Council today called for a 50 per cent increase to 12,000 troops in the United Nations-backed African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia, which has been trying to bring stability to a country torn apart by 20 years of factional fighting.
• Security Council extends mandate of UN observer force in Golan Heights UN News Centre 22 Dec 2010 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations force observing the ceasefire between Israel and Syria on the Golan Heights for a further six months, until 30 June 2011.

News Reports

• Rights Group: Seven Belarusian Presidential Candidates Face 15 Years In Prison RFE/RL 22 Dec 2010 -- A Belarusian human rights organization says seven presidential candidates who ran against the country's authoritarian leader could face up to 15 years in prison in the wake of postelection violence and massive arrests.
• Belarusian Party Branch Wants To Expel Presidential Candidate RFE/RL 22 Dec 2010 -- A branch of the Belarusian opposition United Civic Party (AHP) says it wants presidential candidate Yaraslau Ramanchuk expelled from the party, RFE/RL’s Belarus Service reports.
• U.K.-Russia Diplomatic Expulsions Not Seen To Harm Ties RFE/RL 22 Dec 2010 -- Britain has announced that a Russian diplomat has been sent home after the Foreign Office requested he be expelled earlier this month.
• Russia calls Britain's expulsion of Russian diplomat 'unfriendly' RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague's decision to expel a Russian diplomat from the UK was "unfriendly," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, as the latest spat threatens to sabotage the recent improvement in relations.
• Russian 'spy' in Poland sentenced to 3 years in prison RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- A Warsaw court has sentenced a Russian citizen to three years in prison for espionage, Polish media reported on Wednesday.
• Salehi Stands In As Iran's New Foreign Minister -- But For How Long? RFE/RL 22 Dec 2010 -- Ali Akbar Salehi is said to have fond memories of the United States - a legacy of five years spent studying for a Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• U.S. Officials Applaud Formation of New Iraqi Government AFPS 22 Dec 2010 -- American officials praised Iraqi leaders for the formation of an inclusive, broad-based government in Baghdad yesterday.
• Ukraine's Tymoshenko prepared for arrest RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, who has been charged with misusing state funds during her term as prime minister, said on Wednesday she was prepared for tougher restraint measures.
• Russia's Mission Control raises ISS orbit by 4.2 km RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2010 -- Russia's Mission Control has adjusted the orbit of the International Space Station (ISS) by raising it 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles), a spokesman for the control center said on Wednesday.