• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 04 Feb 2011 [PDF]
• Vanguard Soldiers train Iraqis on M1A1 tank Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- The "Desert Lions" of Iraq's 34th Mechanized Brigade are now training with U.S. Soldiers to learn M1A1 Abrams tank skills at Camp Taji, Iraq.
• Airmen join Soldiers in Joint Dawn AFNS 04 Feb 2011 -- About two dozen contracting Airmen trained with members of the 101st Airborne Division to get a taste of contracting operations in a contingency environment.
• Iraqi officials visit Balad to better understand base transition AFNS 04 Feb 2011 -- The 321st Air Expeditionary Wing commander and several Iraqi air force senior leaders toured the flightline and facilities.
• Iraqi Police Fire On Protesters, At Least Three Wounded RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- At least three Iraqis were wounded when police opened fire to disperse angry residents calling for better services.
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents AFPS 04 Feb 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed two enemy fighters and detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in operations throughout Afghanistan.
• Picking Up The Pieces Following Kandahar Offensive RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- Just months ago, members of the insurgent group tormented Wahid and fellow villagers eking out a living in the fertile Arghandab valley, west of Kandahar city.
• Air bridge sustains coalition lives, Afghan security AFNS 04 Feb 2011 -- There's a bridge connecting land-locked Afghanistan to America's East Coast. Literally, it's a lifeline to ground combat units, as without that bridge Soldiers would lack vital life-sustaining supplies.
• 'Cheetahs' Offer Swift Connection Home for Deployed Troops AFPS 04 Feb 2011 -- Deployed service members often count on connections home for encouragement, comfort or just a welcome diversion.
• 170th IBCT commander answers deployment questions Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- In preparation for the deployment of the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Col. Patrick E. Matlock has provided answers to frequently asked questions.
• India, Afghanistan discuss issues of bilateral, regional interets IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- Visiting Afghansitan President Hamid Karzai met President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.
• Fighting in Pakistan may displace up to 90,000 UN News Centre 04 Feb 2011 -- The UN refugee agency warned that military operations against insurgents in north-west Pakistan could displace up to 90,000 people.
• Pakistanis Flee Renewed Fighting in Northwest VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Tens of thousands of Pakistanis are fleeing their homes in the country's northwest.
• 25,000 Pakistanis Flee Fighting Near Afghan Border RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- The UN says some 25,000 Pakistani villagers have fled military operations against Islamist militants near the Afghan border.
• Momsen and Bunker Hill Disrupt Pirate Attack NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) disrupted a pirate attack on Panamanian flagged merchant vessel Duqm, Feb. 2 in the Gulf of Oman.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Deputy Secretary Lynn and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Schulte from the Pentagon on the National Security Space Strategy DoD 04 Feb 2001 -- Presenter: Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Gregory Schulte
• DOD Announces the National Security Space Strategy DoD 04 Feb 2011
• National Security Space Strategy Targets Safety, Stability AFPS 04 Feb 2011 -- The National Security Space Strategy responds to the realities of a space environment that is increasingly crowded.
• Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team Program Decisions Announced DoD 04 Feb 2011
• AFRS program provides information on special-duty assignments AFNS 04 Feb 2011 -- Members from the Air Force Recruiting Service hosted "Recruit the Recruiter" Jan. 27 here.
• International Affairs Specialist program implements language improvement initiatives AFNS 04 Feb 2011 -- The International Affairs Specialist program has revamped its training, testing and maintenance policies to better prepare regional affairs strategists to meet mission demands, officials said here Feb. 4.
• Soldiers prepare helicopters for return to US Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- An Army aviation brigade out of Fort Riley, Kan., is preparing its aircraft to return from Iraq this spring.
• Army announces availability of Final PEIS on proposed aviation growth, realignment and stationing Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- The Army has prepared a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the proposed growth, realignment, and stationing of new and existing Army aviation assets.
• Enhanced Combat Helmet to be fielded in fall Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- The Army is looking at an improved combat helmet that surpasses the capabilities of what Soldiers are currently wearing in the field, and it may be available in the fall.
• Nett Warrior looking at plate-shaped batteries Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- New technology, including SAPI-plate-shaped batteries, came out of the recent limited user test for the Nett Warrior system.
• Aircraft wing NCOs witness Combat Center capabilities USMC News 04 Feb 2011 -- Local Combat Center Marines demonstrated why noncommissioned officers are considered the backbone of the Marine Corps as they hosted San Diego-based NCOs taking part in a training demonstration of the Expeditionary Airfield and other installation capabilities here Jan. 26 and 27.
• Marines perform outdoor gas exercise with new M50 mask USMC News 04 Feb 2011 -- Marines and sailors with Company E., 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, get acquainted with the new M50 mask during an outdoor gas exercise training at Range 210 Jan. 26.
• 2/7 assaults an entrenched enemy position USMC News 04 Feb 2011 -- Since the dawn of warfare, attacking forces have had to oust entrenched defenders, a practice which will continue until the end of war.
• US, Thai militaries build bonds, schools USMC News 04 Feb 2011 -- Navy Seabees and Thai Army engineers are constructing a new building at Pa Ka Mai School to improve the quality of life of students in the area as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2011 Jan. 18 though Feb. 20.
• Lincoln Receives Battle "E" Award During Deployment NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) earned distinction as the Naval Air Forces Pacific Battle Efficiency Award winner, Feb. 2, prevailing in an extremely close competition amongst the six aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet.
• Patrol Squadron 45 Prepares for Upcoming Deployment NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- The "Pelicans" of Patrol Squadron 45 (VP 45) continued their pre-deployment work-up cycle this week by teaming up with Patrol Squadron 10 to support USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group 2 Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).
• Keel Laid for New Navy Oceanographic Survey Ship NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- The Oceanographer of the Navy helped lay the keel for the Navy's newest oceanographic survey ship during a ceremony at Pascagoula's Halter Marine in Moss Point, Miss., Feb. 1.
• Ohio-Class Submarine Replacement Program Receives 'Milestone A' Authority NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- The U.S. Navy's Ohio-class submarine replacement program achieved 'Milestone A' and is approved to enter the Technology Development Phase of the Department of Defense life cycle management system as of Jan. 10.
• Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Hosts Commander Expeditionary Strike Group Two NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic (EWTGLANT) played host to Rear Adm. Kevin D. Scott, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Va., Feb. 2.
• Navy Test Pilot Completes First F-35B Flight NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- After a series of extensive ground and simulator training events, Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus completed the first flight by a U.S. Navy test pilot of an F-35B STOVL variant Joint Strike Fighter Feb. 3.
• Second Fleet Commander Embarks America's Newest Aircraft Carrier NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, Vice Adm. Daniel P. Holloway embarked on the U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Feb. 1-4.
• USS Carl Vinson Rescues Sailor Who Went Overboard NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- A look-out spotted the Sailor and the ship immediately directed an already airborne HH-60H helicopter from the HS-15 "Red Lions" to begin search and rescue efforts. Carl Vinson also lowered a rigid hull inflatable boat into the water.
• Guidance Provided to Sailors on DADT Repeal Provision NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- The Navy released NAVADMIN 041/11 Feb. 4 to provide Sailors with additional information and guidance following the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy.
• Lincoln Hits Grand Slam in Supply Excellence NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) won four awards for excellence in supply, food service and logistics management Feb. 1.
• Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Scheduled to Participate in Centennial of Naval Aviation NNS 04 Feb 2011 -- The "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 are scheduled to participate in Centennial of Naval Aviation events, scheduled for Feb. 12 at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island.
• European Combined Arms Training Center offers Counter-IED Training Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- The Combined Arms Training Center at Rose Barracks introduced two new courses to support Counter-IED training for deploying units.
• Acquire targets fast, accurately with new M240G optics system USMC News 04 Feb 2011 -- III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines recently had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the Marine Corps' new SU-260/P Machine Gun Day Optic and Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight.
• Guard leaders discuss Contingency Dual Status Commanders concept at JFHQ-NCR Army News 04 Feb 2011 -- National Guard commanders from 13 states visited Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region as part of their Contingency Dual Status Commanders' (CDSC) Conference Feb. 1. Dual status commanders can direct both federal active-duty forces and state National Guard forces in response to domestic incidents.
• 3rd Recon Marines learn techniques of predator USMC News 04 Feb 2011 -- Marines with Company B, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, recently began a combat hunter course.
• 3/12 prepares for artillery training USMC News 04 Feb 2011 -- Approximately 180 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force are scheduled to conduct artillery training.
• Teams to Search Cambodia for Vietnam War MIAs AFPS 04 Feb 2011 -- Two archeological teams from the U.S. Joint Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command are scheduled to arrive in Cambodia soon to search for Americans unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War.
• Russia to unveil new air defense system at Indian air show RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- A Russian firm will disclose information about a new mobile short-range air defense system at Aero India 2011.
• Lavrov to hold bilateral talks with Germany's Westerwelle in Munich RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle.
• Ban holds talks with German foreign minister ahead of Middle East meeting UN News Centre 04 Feb 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban hailed Germany’s strong commitment to the United Nations.
• Russia tests upgraded MiG fighter jet for India RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Russia's MiG corporation carried out the first test fight of a MiG-29 fighter modernized under a contract with the Indian Air Force.
• IAF MiG-21 crashes, pilot ejects safely IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- An Indian Air Force MiG-21 'Bison' fighter aircraft crashed apparently due to an engine problem while on a routine sortie in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district.
• Azerbaijani Military Plane Crashes RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- A military plane crashed in central Azerbaijan today during a training flight, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reports.
• Australia Deploys Troops to Help in Storm Recovery VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Australia deployed 4,000 troops to aid the northeastern state of Queensland recover after a monster category-five cyclone swept through the area.
• Press Briefing by Director of the National Economic Council Sperling, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Goolsbee and Press Secretary Gibbs, 2/4/2011 The White House 04 Feb 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 15, 2011
• General Dynamics Plans to Collaborate with McKesson for a Military Electronic Health Record Solution General Dynamics 04 Feb 2011 -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has entered into a letter of intent with McKesson Provider Technologies to collaborate in offering an Electronic Health Record (EHR) solution known as the “Way Ahead” to the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Northrop Grumman-built U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Aircraft Completes Historic First Flight Northrop Grumman 04 Feb 2011 -- The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC)-built U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft successfully completed its historic first flight at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif.
• BAE Systems selects Sagem’s Sigma 30 inertial reference unit for Archer artillery systems to be deployed by Norway and Sweden Sagem (Safran group) 04 Feb 2011 -- Sagem (Safran group) has won a BAE Systems contract, against an international field of competitors, to provide Sigma 30 pointing and navigation units for 48 new FH77 L52 Archer (1) artillery systems to be deployed by the Norwegian and Swedish armies. Service entry is slated for late 2011 with the Nordic Battalion.
• Thales Alenia Space España participated in 19 of the Satellites placed into Orbit in 2010 Thales 04 Feb 2011 -- Thales Alenia Space España has provided its technology and products to a total of 19 satellites placed into orbit in 2010 worldwide.

Other Conflicts

• 4 February 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Offices of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General and the Spokesperson for the General Assembly President United Nations 04 Feb 2011
• Countries ready to reinforce UN peacekeepers in Côte d’Ivoire amid tense impasse UN News Centre 04 Feb 2011 -- Several countries are ready to provide reinforcements for the 9,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire, where the former president’s refusal to step down despite his electoral defeat has led to violence and the displacement of tens of thousands of people, a top UN official said today.
• US Envoy Says Time Running Out for Peaceful Departure for Ivory Coast's Gbagbo VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- US ambassador to the Ivory Coast: International pressure on defeated Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo is mounting.
• Ivorian Refugees Stretching Water, Sanitation Facilities in Guinea VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The Red Cross says refugees from Ivory Coast's political crisis are stretching water and sanitation facilities across the border in Guinea.
• Humanitarian Agencies Condemn Violence in Somalia VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Humanitarian agencies are condemning this week’s violence in Somalia, which has left at least 15 people dead and more than 50 wounded.
• UN disappointed by three-year extension of Somalia's transitional parliament UN News Centre 04 Feb 2011 -- The top United Nations official for Somalia voiced disappointment at the transitional parliament’s extension of its mandate.
• Centre issues advisory asking states not to harass Kashmiris IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- The Central Government has issued advisories to all states, directing authorities not to harass Kashmiris living outside Kashmir and end unnecessary delays in verifying their antecedents.
• Mauritania Increasing Attacks Against Suspected Terrorists in Mali VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Mauritania says it is stepping up attacks against al-Qaida-affiliated terrorists across the border in Mali.
• Thailand, Cambodia Border Fighting Breaks Out Amid Tensions VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Thai and Cambodian soldiers have exchanged gunfire along their shared border and there are reports of fewer than 10 casualties among the two armies.
• Election of New Leader in Nepal Brings Hope of Peace VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Nepal has elected a new prime minister, following a seven month political stalemate. The new leadership is expected to revive Nepal's languishing peace process.
• At last Nepal's lawmakers elect Prime Minister IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- Nepal Communist Party President, Jhalanath Khanal, was elected the prime minister of the country, ending the seven-month deadlock over the formation of a new government.
• Medvedev dismisses Japanese concerns over Kuril visits RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- President Medvedev: All trips by Russian officials to the Kuril Islands are aimed at facilitating the development of these remote territories.
• Japan deplores visit of Russian defense minister to Kuril Islands RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Japan has expressed its regret over a visit by Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to the disputed Kuril Islands.
• Russian Defense Minister Visits Disputed Island Off Japan RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov has visited an island northeast of Japan that is subject of a sovereignty dispute with Tokyo.

News Reports

• What Influence Does Washington Have in the Arab World? VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has once again called on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to begin now an orderly political transition process leading to free and fair elections. It remains to be seen what influence - if any - Washington has over developments in the Arab world in general, and in Egypt in particular.
• End violence and free those detained, UN rights chief tells Egypt UN News Centre 04 Feb 2011 -- The United Nations human rights chief called for an end to the “shocking” violence in Egypt.
• UN Rights Chief Seeks Investigation of Egypt Clashes VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights is calling for an international investigation to determine whether Egypt's security forces instigated violence that disrupted protests.
• US Military Chief Says Aid to Egypt Should Continue VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The top U.S. military officer has cautioned against any move to cut U.S. aid to Egypt's military in the midst of the current protests.
• Egypt's Military Remains Neutral, Mullen Says AFPS 04 Feb 2011 -- With hope for “an orderly, peaceful, violence-free transition” in Egypt, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he will continue his discussions with the chief of staff of Egypt’s armed forces.
• Mullen Discusses Egypt, Other Topics on 'Daily Show' AFPS 04 Feb 2011 -- Egypt’s military leaders have assured him they are working to quell any further violence associated with protests in that country while protecting their people.
• Huge Cairo Rally Renews Calls for Mubarak's Ouster VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Tens of thousands of Egyptians gathered in Cairo at another rally calling for the immediate ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.
• Egypt protesters publish paper, start radio RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Opposition activists protesting against Egypt's president of 30 years have started to publish their own newspaper and are setting up a radio station.
• Tens Of Thousands Of Anti-Mubarak Protesters Stage 'Departure' Rally RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians massed in downtown Cairo today for what was billed as a "departure day" rally for President Hosni Mubarak.
• US, Egypt Discussing Mubarak's Immediate Resignation VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- U.S. officials say the Obama administration is in talks with Egyptian officials on a proposal for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to resign immediately.
• Washington confirms talks with Egypt on Mubarak's exit RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- The United States has held talks with the Egyptian authorities on ways to transfer power to a democratic government.
• Mubarak says 'chaos' will reign in Egypt if he steps down RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak: Country would descend further into "chaos" if he stepped down immediately, as protesters demanded.
• Egyptian Protesters Mostly Not Thinking About Israel VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Egypt has been a linchpin of America's strategy in the Middle East.
• Egypt Protests Continue Despite Curfew VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Egypt's nighttime curfew has taken effect but tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have remained in Cairo's Tahrir, Liberation, Square Friday, calling for the immediate departure of President Hosni Mubarak.
• Tens Of Thousands Of Anti-Mubarak Protesters Stage 'Departure' Rally RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- Tens of thousands of protesters joined in "Day of Departure" rallies in Egypt today demanding that President Hosni Mubarak step down immediately.
• Huge Crowd Gathers for Egypt's 'Day of Departure' Rally VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have crowded into Cairo's Tahrir Square, chanting and waving flags as they rally for President Hosni Mubarak's immediate resignation.
• Calls for peace as Cairo protestors urge Mubarak to go RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- A mass rally by Egyptian opposition protestors calling for the immediate resignation of President Hosni Mubarak began on Friday with calls for peace.
• Arab League head to talk to demonstrators in Cairo RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Arab League leader Amr Moussa arrived at Cairo's central Tahrir Square, the site of a mass rally by Egyptian opposition protestors calling for the immediate resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.
• Russia calls on Egypt to put end to attacks on journalists RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Russia is urging all sides in the current conflict in Egypt to immediately provide security for media representatives covering the ongoing disorder.
• EU Leaders Urge Dialogue in Egypt VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Leaders from the European Union are calling for the start of dialogue between the Egyptian government and country's opposition.
• EU leaders stop short of calling for Mubarak's resignation IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- The European Union called for an immediate transfer of power to a democratic Egyptian government but stopped short of calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.
• European Leaders Urge Egypt's Mubarak to Relinquish Power VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- European Union leaders have toughened their calls at a summit in Brussels for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down from power - and for pro and anti-government protesters to end their violent clashes.
• Cameron warns Mubarak against using 'state-sponsored violence' IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received his strongest warning to date from British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday against the hiring thugs to beat up protesters on the streets of Cairo.
• Muslim Brotherhood says won't bid for presidency in Egypt RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood movement has no plans to put forward a candidate to stand in presidential elections set for September.
• Berlin says unaware of deployment of German arms in Egypt crackdown IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- The German government alleged it had no information about the use of German-made weapons in suppressing the anti-Mubarak protests in Egypt.
• Iran's Supreme Leader Hails Uprisings in Egypt VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hailed anti-government protests in Egypt and Tunisia Friday, saying they echo the 1979 Islamic revolution in his country.
• Zionist spies involved in Egypt unrest IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- Zionist officials are in efforts to secure release of several of their spies who were arrested in the course of recent unrest in Egypt.
• Revolt in Egypt Inspires Palestinians VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The massive demonstrations and political upheaval in Egypt are being hailed as a new Arab awakening by Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Jordanians Demonstrate For Reform, Egypt RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- Around 1,000 protesters have gathered outside the Jordanian prime minister's office to demand reforms.
• Hundreds Turn Out for Jordan Protest VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Jordan Friday, to pressure the newly selected prime minister to enact promised political reforms.
• Syria Tightens Security Amid Calls for Protests VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Syrian security officers were deployed outside parliament Friday to guard against possible anti-government demonstrations, but by early afternoon, no protesters had gathered.
• Obama calls on Yemeni president to go ahead with promised reforms RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has called on his Yemeni counterpart Ali Abdullah Saleh to follow up his pledge of democratic reforms in the country with "concrete actions," the White House said.
• French Government Under Pressure Over Tunisia Decisions VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The French government has come under fire for supporting Tunisia's former regime and not embracing anti-government protesters in the Arab world.
• Return of Islamic Leader Worries Some Tunisian Women VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- No one is more concerned than Tunisia's women, who have enjoyed more than half a century of political, legal and personal freedoms unprecedented in the Arab world.
• Arab uprisings make Turkey even more valuable to EU, says Ashton IRNA 04 Feb 2011 -- The EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy said that the uprisings in the Arab World make Turkey an “even more important” partner to the 27-member group of countries.
• Egypt Likely To Scramble Agenda As Munich Security Conference Gets Under Way RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- As the 47th Munich Security Conference gets under way on February 4 in Germany's Bavarian capital, organizers are frantically trying to adjust the long-planned agenda to make way for talks on the unfolding events in Egypt.
• New Lebanese Prime Minister Unlikely to Alter Policy VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Lebanon has a new prime minister who came to power at the end of January with a majority of votes from legislators in the country’s Hezbollah-led opposition. Questions remain about the composition of Najib Mikati’s Cabinet, and whether it will deviate from the previous government's pro-Western policies, but analysts see no dramatic shifts, at least in the short term.
• Ban hopes election of new Myanmar president leads to 'inclusive' civilian government UN News Centre 04 Feb 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban took note of the announcement of the election of a new president and vice-presidents and voiced hope that the move marks the beginning of a change.
• Burma's Parliament Elects Former PM as President VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Burma’s military-dominated parliament has elected the country’s first president, choosing military loyalist Thein Sein.
• Kazakhstan to hold early presidential elections on April 3 RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2011 -- Early presidential elections will take place in Kazakhstan on April 3, according to a presidential decree published on Friday by official Kazakh media.
• Early Kazakh Election Set For April Amid Opposition Criticism RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has called an early presidential election for April 3, in a decision criticized by some opposition parties.
• Bishkek Mayor Reelected Amid Protests RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- Dozens of activists are protesting the Bishkek city council's reelection of the mayor, which they say is unconstitutional.
• Armenian Minister, Security Service Chief Clash At Cabinet Meeting RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- The head of Armenia's National Security Service (NSS) has objected to the country's attempts to bring its laws on freedom of assembly closer to European standards.
• SADC Mediators Propose 'Roadmap' for Madagascar Crisis VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- International mediators from the Southern African Development Community, SADC, are proposing a power sharing, interim government to end a two-year crisis in Madagascar.
• Niger Presidential Race Heading for Run-Off Vote VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- Provisional results from Niger's presidential election show there will be a second-round run-off between the main opposition candidate and an ally of the president who was deposed in last February's military coup.
• Surprise Rulings Cast Doubt Over Kenyan Judiciary Nominations VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The future of Kenya’s Judiciary remains uncertain after surprise decisions from Kenya’s parliament and high court.
• Mugabe Refuses Appointment of New Deputy Prime Minister VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The new president of the small Movement for Democratic Change party, Welshman Ncube, has sought an appointment with President Robert Mugabe so he can be sworn into office as deputy prime minister of Zimbabwe.
• Cuba to Release 2 Political Prisoners VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- The Cuban Roman Catholic Church says Havana has agreed to release two jailed political prisoners and allow one of them to stay in the country.
• Lieberman: The West's Policy Toward Belarus Has 'Failed Miserably' RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman is one of the leading voices in Washington's condemnation of Minsk's crackdown.
• McCain Calls Lukashenka 'Brutal Tyrant' RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- US Senator John McCain has harshly criticized Alyaksandr Lukashenka, calling the Belarusian president a "ruthless and brutal tyrant."
• US, Canada Announce New Joint Border Effort VOA 04 Feb 2011 -- President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper have announced a new joint effort to streamline cross-border trade they say will help both economies and enhance security.
• Moscow Day Of Wrath 'Gets Green Light' RFE/RL 04 Feb 2011 -- An opposition group in Moscow says it has been given the green light to hold an antigovernment protest in the Russian capital next week.