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25 January 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 25 Jan 2011 [PDF]

III Corps commander discusses drawdown of American troops in Iraq Army News 25 Jan 2011 -- As the III Corps mission in Iraq winds down and the Soldiers prepare to return to Central Texas, Lt. Gen. Bob Cone, USF-I deputy commanding general for operations and III Corps commander, highlighted the positive impact the unit has had during its year-long deployment, and the challenges still facing Iraq as they prepare to depart.
Airmen keep COB Speicher connected to the world AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Airmen are an integral part of Operation New Dawn and joint operations throughout Iraq. The communications site, or Task Force Palmetto, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher is no exception.

Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Michael O’Neill via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 25 Jan 2011 -- Presenter: Britain's Senior Representative in Southern Afghanistan and head of Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand province, Michael O'Neill
Afghan, coalition forces hit insurgents, degrade capabilities Army News 25 Jan 2011 -- Operations by Afghan and coalition forces captured multiple Taliban and Haqqani Network leaders and destroyed numerous weapons caches in the past week, greatly hampering insurgent activities.
Chief of the Army Reserve troops in Kandahar Army News 25 Jan 2011 -- Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve, visited with deployed Army Reserve Soldiers and held a town hall meeting at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 23.
Civilian-military Partnership Aids Helmand Progress AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- While progress remains fragile in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, a civilian-military partnership is helping the Afghan people there make strides in governance, the judicial system, police effectiveness and education, a senior official involved in the effort said today.
Numerous Insurgents Die in Afghanistan Operations AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- International Security Assistance Force troops killed numerous insurgents during separate clearing operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, military officials reported.
Petraeus Cites ‘Impressive’ Progress in Letter to Troops AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- Continued hard work will lead to sustained progress in Afghanistan this year, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force there told his troops in a letter dated today.
Petraeus Sees Progress in Afghanistan, Next Year 'Tough' VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- The senior NATO commander in Afghanistan has issued his personal assessment of the war effort, saying there has been progress but the next year will be "tough."
UN welcomes agreement on inauguration of Afghan parliament UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today welcomed the understanding reached between the country’s President and parliamentarians to hold the inauguration of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

Remarks by the President in State of Union Address The White House 25 Jan 2011
Obama Cites Military Successes in State of Union Address AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- In a State of the Union address here marked by a call for renewed American innovation and cooperation, President Barack Obama pointed to the nation’s military as an example to follow.

Guantanamo Detainee Sentenced to Life in Prison VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- The first Guantanamo detainee to be tried in a U.S. civilian court has been sentenced to life in prison.

U.S. Second Fleet Ships Complete Successful Ballistic Missile Defense Tracking Exercise NNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Three Commander, U.S. Second Fleet ships successfully completed a tracking exercise Jan. 22, off the coast of Virginia using the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system during Atlantic Trident 2011.
Deputy Assistant SECNAV for Energy Discusses RAND Report NNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) for energy hosted a roundtable event Jan. 25 in Washington to discuss the recent release of the RAND Corporation's report on "Alternative Fuels for Military Applications," which was submitted to Congress Jan. 24.
USS Mitscher Conducts Nighttime Boarding Exercise NNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Sailors from the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) conducted a nighttime boarding exercise Jan. 23.
Mitscher Departs for Training Exercises NNS 25 Jan 2011 -- USS Mitscher (DDG 57) departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 19, as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.
Deployed Enterprise Engineers Vital for Flight Ops NNS 25 Jan 2011 -- U.S. aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) completed its first day of flight operations Jan. 22, since arriving in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
'Call of the Ocean': Sonar Techs Listen in Defense of USS Leyte Gulf NNS 25 Jan 2011 -- The 14 Sailors that comprise Weapons department's CA division aboard USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) have been steadily hearing "the call of the ocean" as they steam through U.S. 6th Fleet's area of operation, Jan. 25.
Rescue Airmen take on 'Titan' training AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- An unused rocket-assembly building here is finding new life as a training facility to teach high-altitude, high-angle and confined-space rescue techniques.
Guard, Reserve legal communities gather for intense training AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- More than 500 judge advocates and paralegals from throughout the Air Reserve component gathered here for two days of training at the annual ARC Survey of the Law Jan. 21 to 22.
Airmen demonstrate capabilities during life-like exercise AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Airmen here recently participated in Beverly High 11-02, a local operational readiness exercise that used scenarios to gauge Airmen's ability to react and respond to different situations and base emergencies.
Officials extend window for cross-flow applications AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Air Force officials are extending the application period for nonrated line officers in overmanned Air Force specialties to voluntarily apply for cross flow into undermanned career fields until Feb. 4, as part of a newly formalized program announced in January.
System Takes Shape for Military Disaster Relief in Americas AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- A system is in the works that will strengthen the ability of military services to contribute to civilian-led disaster response in the Western Hemisphere, a Defense Department official said here yesterday.
Criticisms Mean Efficiencies on Right Track, Lynn Says AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- Members of Congress from both parties have expressed the opinion that the Defense Department has cut too much or too little from the defense budget.
Leaders Praise New Approach to Military Family Support AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- Leaders from the top echelons of the Defense Department and other government agencies have stepped forward to voice their unanimous approval of a groundbreaking new effort to support and strengthen military families.
CSA outlines future for Army Army News 25 Jan 2011 -- Gen. George W. Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army, visited the Installation Management Command headquarters Friday, saying the Army has accomplished more in these years of sustained conflict "than humanly possible."
Lynn Assesses NATO’s Cybersecurity Progress AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- NATO is moving ahead with plans to protect the alliance’s cyberspace domain, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today.
Lynn: NATO Must Get Ahead of Cyber Threat AFPS 25 Jan 2011 -- Now is the time for NATO to get ahead of the cyber threat, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today.
Nuclear weapons center attains full operational capability AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- The commander of the Air Force Materiel Command declared full operational capability for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center during the change of command ceremony Jan. 20 here.
386th AEW transit keeps Marines moving AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron recently helped move the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to a forward location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
VA officials publish final regulation to aid veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Korea AFNS 25 Jan 2011 -- Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving along the demilitarized zone in Korea will have an easier path to access quality health care and benefits under a Department of Veterans Affairs final regulation that will expand the dates when illnesses caused by herbicide exposure can be presumed to be related to Agent Orange.
MPF offload transitions Freedom Banner to Cobra Gold 11 USMC News 25 Jan 2011 -- Navy and Marine Corps units conducted a Maritime Prepositioned Force offload from two maritime prepositioning ships, the USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus and the USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin, Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three, at Sattahip, Thailand during Exercise Freedom Banner ’11 Jan. 22 – 25.

Europe Divided Over China Arms Sales VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Britain is on a collision course with the European Union over the sale of arms to China. Since the Beijing government crackdown on protestors in Tiananmen Square in 1989, EU member states have been banned from selling goods that could be used by the Chinese military.

President urges U.S. to sell Taiwan F-16 C/D fighters CNA 25 Jan 2011 -- President Ma Ying-jeou said Tuesday the United States should sell Taiwan advanced F-16 C/D jet fighters because the existing military imbalance across the Taiwan Strait could impede the further development of cross-strait relations.

Russian State Duma ratifies new START treaty RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, ratified on Tuesday a new strategic arms reduction agreement with the United States.
Russia may withdraw from new arms cuts pact any time - senior lawmaker RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russia may withdraw from the strategic arms reductions treaty with the United States at any time if strategic weapons that appear in the future do not fall under the agreement, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Tuesday.
Obama hails new START ratification by Russian lower house RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- U.S. President Barak Obama praised the ratification of the new strategic arms reduction treaty by the lower house of the Russian parliament during a phone conversation with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday.
Russian Duma Approves New START With US VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Russia's State Duma has ratified a landmark nuclear arms pact with the United States, sending the treaty to the upper house of parliament for final approval.
Russia, France sign warship agreement RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Moscow and Paris on Tuesday signed an agreement to jointly build Mistral-class helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy.
Russia to launch new batch of Glonass satellites by June RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russia will launch another three Glonass-M satellites on board a Proton heavy carrier rocket later this year to complete the orbiting Glonass grouping, the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos said Tuesday.

Ukraine reportedly helping China build aircraft carrier CNA 25 Jan 2011 -- Ukraine has been providing China with the technics to build an aircraft carrier, according to the latest issue of the Canada-based Kanwa Asian Defense magazine.

25 January 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Jan 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for January 25, 2011
ATK Selected to Provide Thermal Control Subsystem for DARPA ISIS Airship ATK 25 Jan 2011 -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) today announced that it has been selected to provide the Thermal Control Subsystem for the Integrated Sensor is Structure (ISIS) program. The contract, awarded by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), is a critical component of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) ISIS Airship. Lockheed Martin leads an industry team in the development of an airship-based autonomous unmanned sensor with unique capabilities to track ground and air targets.
BAE Systems to Provide Thermal Weapon Sights to Canadian Army BAE Systems 25 Jan 2011 -- BAE Systems will provide Canadian soldiers with thermal weapon sights that improve their situational awareness and survivability.
Outstanding Success For Typhoon As It Achieves 100,000 flying hours BAE Systems 25 Jan 2011 -- Typhoon, the leading edge swing-role combat aircraft continues to protect the UK airspace around the clock.
100,000 flying hours for Eurofighter Typhoon EADS 25 Jan 2011 -- The operational fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons in service since the second half of 2003 achieved the impressive milestone of 100,000 flying hours in January 2011.
Boeing Receives $1.6B Contract for P-8A Poseidon Low-Rate Initial Production Boeing 25 Jan 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Jan. 21 received a $1.6 billion contract from the U.S. Navy for low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The LRIP 1 contract is for six P-8A aircraft, spares, logistics and training devices.
Northrop Grumman Announces 2000th Production Viper(TM) Laser Will be Delivered Ahead-of-Schedule to Support U.S. Department of the Navy Program Northrop Grumman 25 Jan 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced the ahead-of-schedule delivery to the U.S. Navy of the company's 2,000th Viper™ laser which provides the jamming energy for the company's battle-proven infrared countermeasures (IRCM) applications.
Northrop Grumman-Built Aegis Guided Missile Destroyer William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) Completes Successful "Super Trial" Northrop Grumman 25 Jan 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Aegis guided missile destroyer William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) successfully completed her combined super trial last week in the Gulf of Mexico. The successful sea trial paved the way for delivery to the Navy in the next six weeks. The company's 28th destroyer is being built in Pascagoula.
EFV Prototypes Successfully Complete Tests, Exceed Threshold by 90 Percent General Dynamics 25 Jan 2011 -- The U.S. Marine Corps’ latest-generation Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) prototypes have completed the required 500-hour reliability growth test at the Marine Corps’ Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., demonstrating reliability that exceeds the testing threshold by 90 percent.
Lockheed Martin AMF JTRS Team Demonstrates Joint Tactical Radio Onboard AH-64D Apache Helicopter Lockheed Martin 25 Jan 2011 -- A Joint Tactical Radio Internet-Protocol (IP) communications network has successfully transmitted data and video to ground-based radios from its first airborne platform. The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Airborne & Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS) team, with support from Boeing, conducted this significant test that provides a new capability to connect joint forces on the battlefield. This also marked the first airborne demonstration of AMF JTRS onboard the AH-64D Apache (Block III architecture) helicopter.
2,000th U.S. Army Vehicle Refurbished In-Theater by Oshkosh Defense Oshkosh 25 Jan 2011 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), commemorated its refurbishment of the 2,000th U.S. Army vehicle in the Theater-Provided Equipment Refurbishment (TPER) program.
Navy Validates New Navigation Capability for DDG 1000 Raytheon 25 Jan 2011 -- The U.S. Navy achieved a critical milestone with the successful testing of the Next Generation Navigation System (NAVDDX) produced by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), prime contractor for mission systems equipment for the DDG 1000-class destroyer.

Other Conflicts

Abbas Defiant After 'Palestine Papers' Release VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been welcomed by supporters in the West Bank, in his first trip home since the Al Jazeera television channel released documents alleging he offered concessions in peace talks with Israelis.

Ivory Coast Security Forces Accused of Raping, Killing Ouattara Supporters VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Human Rights Watch says security forces in Ivory Coast have carried out torture, rape, forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings during the political crisis between the country's incumbent president and the internationally-recognized winner of November's presidential vote.
Senior UN official concerned at alleged violence against children in Côte d’Ivoire UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- A senior United Nations official today voiced concern over continuing allegations of violence in Côte d’Ivoire, including the killing, maiming and abduction of children, since the post-election crisis erupted.
UN Chief in Ivory Coast to Talk with Rival Leaders VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- The current head of the African Union is in Ivory Coast for another attempt to mediate the country's political crisis.
Ivory Coast Incumbent Government Rejects Cocoa Ban VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Ivory Coast's incumbent government says there will be no disruption to cocoa production, despite calls by the internationally recognized winner of November's election for a month-long ban on cocoa exports.

Rwandan rebel leader wanted for alleged crimes in DR Congo sent to ICC UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- Callixte Mbarushimana, a Rwandan rebel leader accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was surrendered and transferred today to the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Press Conference by Chief Prosecutor on France’s Extradition of Rebel Leader to International Criminal Court United Nations 25 Jan 2011

ZAMBIA: Poverty fuels secession bid by Western Province IRIN 25 Jan 2011 -- High poverty levels and the skewed distribution of resources in Zambia's poorest province is stirring secession talk - with an ethnic dimension.
New clashes between Government and rebels erupt in North Darfur, UN reports UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- A fresh round of intense fighting has broken out in Sudan’s Darfur region between Government forces and rebels even as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate ceasefire in a conflict that has killed at least 300,000 people and driven 2.7 million others from their homes.
Number of alleged rapes in DR Congo over New Year period rises – UN UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- Army soldiers allegedly raped at least 67 women over the New Year period in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), more than double the number originally thought, United Nations human rights investigators have found.
Somalia Called Chronic Catastrophe VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Somalia has been mired in conflict for the past 20 years. It is home to one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, with millions needing food assistance and hundreds of thousands displaced.
YEMEN: Somali refugees hope for better life beyond Kharaz camp IRIN 25 Jan 2011 -- Every year tens of thousands of Somalis risk their lives crossing the Gulf of Aden to reach Yemen in their search for safety and a better life. Many die atrocious deaths - beaten, thrown overboard, eaten by sharks, drowned or asphyxiated in the hold of crowded smuggler boats.
THAILAND-MYANMAR: Thousands still displaced along border IRIN 25 Jan 2011 -- About 10,000 people are displaced and in hiding along the Thai-Burmese border, having fled artillery fire in eastern Myanmar where fighting between the Burmese military and armed groups is expected to continue for several months, aid groups say.
THAILAND: Concern over Rohingya boat people IRIN 25 Jan 2011 -- Human rights groups have expressed concern over the plight of 158 Rohingya men being detained by authorities in southern Thailand.

News Reports

Medvedev Blames Security Lapse For Deadly Airport Attack RFE/RL 25 Jan 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has vowed to punish those behind a devastating bombing attack at Moscow's busiest airport, as Muscovites reeled from the carnage that killed 35 people and wounded more than 150 others.
Interior Ministry responsible for airport security - watchdog RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- The Interior Ministry, not airport security, is responsible for checking passengers at the entrances to airports, the deputy head of Russia's transport watchdog, Rostransnadzor, said on Tuesday.
Chaos overshadowed security at Domodedovo - Medvedev RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev blamed major security violations for the deadly blast at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport that killed at least 35 and injured up to 180.
Medvedev orders enhanced transport security checks after blast RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday instructed the government to implement thorough checks of passengers at major transportation facilities in the wake of a bomb attack at Moscow's Domodedovo airport that killed 35.
Medvedev demands prosecution of officials responsible for security at Domodedovo RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday demanded Interior Ministry and Federal Security Service (FSB) officials responsible for security at Domodedovo International Airport be punished.
Control system at Domodedovo Airport inadequate - Russian investigators RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- The control system at the entrance of Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport was inadequate, Russia's Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said on Tuesday.
Domodedovo security, police to be investigated after blast RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Police officers and security staff on duty at the Moscow airport hit by a deadly suicide bombing on Monday will be investigated for possible negligence, a law enforcement source said on Tuesday.
Two terrorists involved in Domodedovo blast, both killed - source RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Two terrorists were involved in a suicide bomb attack at Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport that killed 35 and injured up to 180 on Monday, a law enforcement source said.
Terrorists exploit security loophole in deadly Moscow airport blast RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Terrorists have attacked Moscow's Domodedovo airport, staging the attack where it is most vulnerable, in the open-access international arrivals lounge. Anyone can just walk in, and that's precisely what the terrorists did, exploding the device among the crowd of people who had come to welcome their loved ones home.
Medvedev, Putin Vow Revenge for Moscow Airport Bombing VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Russian leaders on Tuesday vowed to avenge the suicide bombing at Moscow's biggest airport that killed 35 people and injured at least 110 others.

Egypt Arrests 19 Al-Qaida Suspects VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Authorities in Egypt have arrested 19 people with suspected links to al-Qaida.

Clinton Wary of Hezbollah-Controlled Lebanon VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the emergence of a Hezbollah-controlled Lebanese government would clearly have an impact on U.S.-Lebanese relations. She also said the United States believes Egypt is stable, despite Tunisia-style protests there.
Ban expects new Lebanese Government to cooperate in Hariri murder trial UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expects the newly designated Lebanese Government to abide by its obligation to cooperate with the United Nations-backed tribunal set up to try suspects in the 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, his spokesman said today.
Lebanese Sunnis React with Anger Over New PM VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Lebanon's president has asked the Hezbollah-backed candidate for prime minister to form a new government, after he won a majority of lawmakers votes. But outraged supporters of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri took to the streets in several cities to protest the appointment. The demonstrations were sometimes violent.

Tunisian Protesters Continue Anti-Government Rally VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Hundreds of protesters in Tunisia have gathered outside the prime minister's office, continuing a push to force Cabinet members linked to deposed President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to leave the government.

Egypt Police Disperse Anti-Mubarak Protesters VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Egyptian police fired tear gas and beat anti-government protesters to clear thousands of people from a central Cairo square Wednesday, after the largest demonstrations in years against President Hosni Mubarak's decades-old rule.
Hundreds of Egyptians Protest Despite Police Warnings VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Hundreds of anti-government protesters have gathered in the Egyptian capital Cairo, despite warnings from authorities that they face arrest.

Press Conference by Special Adviser on Legal Issues Related to Somalia Piracy United Nations 25 Jan 2011
UN envoy proposes special courts to try suspected pirates UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- The United Nations special envoy on maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia today proposed the setting up of two special courts inside the country and one in Tanzania to try suspected pirates, saying the problem in the Indian Ocean was getting out of hand and required “strong and decisive action.”

Burma’s Path to Privatization Keeps Armed Forces in Economic Control VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Burma’s military is pressing on with the privatization of state assets as part of economic reforms. Many critics say the program simply transfers assets to the military government’s allies and maintains its economic control.

Supreme Leader meets martyred scientists' families at home IRNA 25 Jan 2011 -- Supreme leader of Islamic Revolution visited families of martyred scientists Dr. Majid Shahriari and Dr. Mas'oud Ali-Mohammadi last Thursday night, advising them to keep paving their spiritual and scientific way.
Beijing pushes for more nuclear talks with Iran RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- More talks are needed on Iran's nuclear program, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.
New policy needed to stop Iran from going nuclear RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- The talks in Istanbul between Iran and the UN Security Council plus Germany may have failed, but at least they weren't boring.

Iraq inquiry compromised by ‘insider’ appointment, says Welsh MP IRNA 25 Jan 2011 -- The appointment of a Cabinet Office insider to a senior position at the Iraq inquiry has left it 'flawed and compromised', according to Elfyn Llwyd, the parliamentary leader of the Welsh nationalist Plaid Cymru.

Bomber kills 13 in Pakistan’s Lahore IRNA 25 Jan 2011 -- At least 13 people, including four policemen, were killed and over 50 people were injured in a suicide bomb attack in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Tuesday, police and doctors said.
Bomb Blasts in Pakistan Kill at least 16 VOA 25 Jan 2011 -- Two separate bomb explosions in Pakistan have killed at least 16 people and wounded dozens of others. Pakistani officials say both explosions are suspected suicide attacks. At least 13 died in Lahore and at least three were killed instantly in the explosion in Karachi.
Thousands of flood-affected Pakistanis remain in camps and in need of help – UN UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- An estimated 166,000 people in Pakistan remain displaced six months after last year’s devastating floods and in need of assistance, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.

Bout's wife says trial against her husband 'political show' RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- The wife of alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout described on Tuesday as a "political show" the U.S. authorities' decision to begin a trial against her husband on September 12, a day after the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
UN chief urges increased, predictable funding to tackle humanitarian crises UN News Centre 25 Jan 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for increased funding of global humanitarian operations this year, noting that aid requirements are rising and that it is vital to have resources ready to help those affected by both natural and man-made disasters.
U.S. keeps Taiwan in mind in joint statement: envoy CNA 25 Jan 2011 -- The United States did everything it could to protect Taiwan's interests in its joint statement with China issued last week during Chinese President Hu Jintao's official visit to Washington, a U.S. envoy said Tuesday.
Russian space programs underfunded - scientist RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russia is not in a position to carry out global space programs single-handedly and should team up with India and Kazakhstan, veteran rocket scientist Boris Chertok said on Tuesday.
Russia plans to build carrier rocket for Mars missions RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- Russia's Khrunichev research center plans to develop a new super-heavy carrier rocket that will be used to launch piloted spacecraft to Mars.
Construction of Belarusian nuclear power plant to begin in September RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2011 -- The construction with Russian assistance of a nuclear power plant in Belarus will begin in September, the head of Russia's nuclear agency, Rosatom, said on Tuesday.

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