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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 03 Mar 2011 [PDF]
• DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan and Kuwait Rotation DoD 03 Mar 2011
• National Guard Units to Deploy to Kuwait, Afghanistan AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- The Defense Department today alerted two Army National Guard brigade combat teams to deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan beginning in early 2012.
• Suicide Bomber Kills 9 at Iraqi Bank VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Officials in northwestern Iraq say a suicide bomber has blown himself up at a bank as Iraqi soldiers were waiting to collect their pay, killing at least nine people.
• Suicide Bomber Kills At Least Eight In Iraq RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- A suicide bomber has killed at least eight people and wounded about a dozen at a bank in the Iraqi town of Haditha, northwest of Baghdad.
• Minorities In Iraq's Kirkuk Alarmed By Kurdish Troop Presence RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Leading Arab and Turkoman politicians in Iraq are voicing concern over the deployment of Kurdish Peshmerga forces near the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.
• Iraqi Army battalion conducts LFX at GWTC Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- Iraqi and U.S. leadership watched from an observation platform atop the summit of a hill as Iraqi forces moved tactically through a valley, demonstrating their newly honed skills.
• DOD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Mills via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 03 Mar 2011
• Helmand Province Makes Security Gains, Commander Says AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- The fight against insurgents in Afghanistan’s Helmand province may have turned the corner and the trend lines are going up.
• Airstrike Kills Insurgents in Afghanistan AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces employed an airstrike that killed several insurgents in Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday.
• General Apologizes for Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- A top U.S. general in Afghanistan offered condolences via a video recording released today for a March 1 helicopter strike that left nine boys dead in Afghanistan’s Kunar province.
• Afghans Protest NATO Air-Strike Deaths RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Hundreds of Afghan protesters poured into the streets of the northeastern provincial capital Assad-Abad on March 2 over the death of nine civilians killed in a NATO air strike.
• Iran dismisses US claims on backing Afghan militias "unfounded" ISNA 03 Mar 2011-- Iran called the US claims on Tehran's support for Afghan militias "unfounded".
• 1st Cav., 1-12 team up for training Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- When a 1st Cavalry Division aviation unit came to Fort Carson for high-altitude training to prepare for its deployment to Afghanistan, it needed the assistance of ground troops to make training as realistic as possible.
• 'AfPak Hands' Strive for Cultural Awareness AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- The Defense Department’s rapid fielding of new equipment and technology has increased military capabilities and helped to protect combat troops.
• Bomber kills nine people in NW Pakistan IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- A suicide bomber on Thursday killed at least nine persons, including four policemen, and injured over 20 people in northwest Pakistan.
• Pakistan beefs up security after Christian minister's assasination IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Pakistani government has beefed up security for ministers after assassination of a minister in capital Islamabad.
• Pakistani President vows to fight against militants IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- President Asif Ali Zardari sais here Wednesday government will not be deterred by extremists and militants and will continue fight against militant mindset till final victory.
• Pakistani parliament in unity to condemn minister murder IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Members of parliament in Pakistani showed rare unity to condemn the assassination the country’s Minorities Minister and demanded arrest and punishment to the culprits.
• Pakistanis Mourn Murdered Minister VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Hundreds of Pakistanis have taken to the streets for a second day to protest the assassination of the country's only Christian cabinet member who challenged Pakistan's blasphemy law.
• Who Will Speak Out On Behalf Of Pakistan's Moderates? RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The cold-blooded murder of Shahbaz Bhatti, the only minister in the Pakistani cabinet representing minorities, is not the first such killing and is unlikely to be the last.
• Pakistan to Proceed With Murder Trial of CIA Contractor VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- A Pakistani court has ruled that the trial of a CIA contractor accused of double murder can proceed.
• Pakistani court denies diplomatic immunity to US killer IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- A court in Pakistan denied diplomatic immunity to an American undercover secret agent for killing two Pakistani nationals in January.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Russia may only be part of joint European missile shield - NATO envoy RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Russia would cooperate with NATO only on a joint European missile defense network project.
• President Signs Continuing Resolution Extension AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- President Barack Obama signed legislation last night that will keep the government funded and running through March 18.
• Budget Provides Funds to Balance Army, Casey Says AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- For years the Army's chief of staff has said his service was "out of balance,” but he believes next year’s budget request will keep it on the road to recovery after 10 years of war.
• KCNA Warns US-S. Korea of Serious Consequences KCNA 03 Mar 2011 -- The situation prevailing on the Korean Peninsula is reminiscent of the eve of war due to Key Resolve and Foal Eagle joint military exercises.
• War Exercises Aim at Preemptive Attack on DPRK KCNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Key Resolve and Foal Eagle joint military exercises are the DPRK-targeted nuclear war maneuvers to preempt a surprise attack.
• KCNA on ROK Minister Inspection of Forefront KCNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Kim Kwan Jin, minister of Defense of south Korea, inspected a forefront unit in the western region.
• U.S. Army flexes logistical muscles during KR/FE Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army flexed its logistical muscles March 3, moving pre-positioned stocks onto trains here during railhead operations in support of Key Resolve/Foal Eagle.
• USFF Releases Enterprise Video Investigation Findings NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, Adm. John C. Harvey, has completed a review, taken all immediate actions and forwarded recommendations concerning the findings of investigation into the production of inappropriate videos aboard USS Enterprise.
• CSAF talks cooperation, efficiency at defense conference AFNS 03 Mar 2011 -- The Air Force and the private sector must focus their collective efforts to ensure America's defense needs are met in the face of declining purchasing power, according to the Air Force chief of staff.
• California Company Unveils Hummingbird Spy Drone VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- A California company that makes unmanned drone aircraft for the U.S. military has unveiled a tiny flying drone that looks like a hummingbird.
• Research continues to advance helicopter maintenance Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- A deadly civilian helicopter crash in the North Sea on Nov. 6, 1986, led the British Civil Aviation Authority to invest more into vibration health monitoring systems used to detect maintenance issues and prevent accidents.
• Arsenal welders bring new heat to old product line Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- The Arsenal recently received a $750,000 order from the Army to fabricate support legs for the 120mm mortar system...a mission the Arsenal had until the early 1990s.
• Tradesmen keep Marines' vehicles, equipment humming USMC News 03 Mar 2011 -- Maintenance Center Albany Production Department's skilled tradesmen help keep Marine Corps warfighters' equipment in tiptop shape.
• USS Monterey to Deploy NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- The USS Monterey will depart Norfolk, Va., March 7, on a six-month independent deployment to the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
• Makin Island Becomes First West Coast Ship to Embark Osprey NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- USS Makin Island became the first west coast ship to conduct flight deck operations with the MV-22 Osprey on Mar. 1.
• USS Memphis Completes Final Deployment NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- USS Memphis eturned to Naval Submarine Base New London March 2, completing her final overseas mission.
• Pearl Harbor Shipyard Begins Six-Month Jacksonville Project NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) began a six-month maintenance period for USS Jacksonville Feb. 28.
• USS Oklahoma City Calls Guam Home NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- USS Oklahoma City arrived in Guam March 3, where it will be assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, as one of three forward deployed submarines.
• Intermediate network warfare training up and running AFNS 03 Mar 2011 -- In February, 17 students began the first intermediate network warfare training at the 39th Information Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
• Air Force utilizes MCLB Barstow railhead USMC News 03 Mar 2011 -- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow maintains its service and support to the Marine Corps and abroad with a multitude of operations.
• Chemical battalion conducts decontamination training at Fort Bragg Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- Members of the 83rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Battalion were evaluated during a five-day training.
• 900th Contingency Contracting Battalion executes its first pre-deployment exercise Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- The 900th Contingency Contracting Battalion invested almost a year planning then executing training exercise, Operation Joint Dawn.
• USASAC facilitates FMS of Jeeps to Uruguayan Army Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command successfully facilitated the delivery of 10 J8 Jeeps to the Uruguayan Army Jan. 27 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• Marines, Sailors conduct bilateral training with Cambodian service members USMC News 03 Mar 2011 -- More than 150 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit trained with Cambodian soldiers and sailors in a variety of different military skills, Feb. 27.
• Seabees, Marines Kick Off Southern Partnership Station 2011 Honduras Mission NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- Sailors and Marines supporting Southern Partnership Station 2011 kicked off their partnership and engagement mission.
• German Officials: Suspect Confesses to Shooting of US Airmen VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- German officials say the suspect in the fatal shooting Wednesday of two U.S. airmen at Frankfurt airport has confessed to the crime.
• Germany Suspects Airport Gunman Was 'Islamist' RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- German investigators say they suspect an ethnic Albanian from Kosovo is an Islamist.
• Prosecutor: Islamic Extremism Suspected in US Airmen Shooting VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- German federal prosecutors say they suspect Wednesday's fatal shooting of two U.S. airmen at Frankfurt airport was motivated by Islamic extremism
• Top German prosecutor starts probe of deadly attack on US soldiers IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Germany's top prosecutor on Thursday launched an investigation into the lethal shooting of American soldiers at Frankfurt airport.
• COMUSAFE statement on shooting at Frankfurt Airport AFNS 03 Mar 2011 -- Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, statement on shooting at Frankfurt Airport March 2.
• USAFE Airmen killed in shooting were from Ramstein, Lakenheath AFNS 03 Mar 2011 -- One of the Airmen killed in was stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, while the other was stationed at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.
• New Charges Against U.S. Army WikiLeaks Suspect RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The United States Army has filed 22 additional charges against the soldier suspected of obtaining and leaking documents.
• Pope Air Force Base changes name, keeps same mission Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- Proclamation signed, officially changing Pope Air Force Base's name back to the historic Pope Field, one of three Army air fields at Fort Bragg.
• Facility opens for combatives training Army News 03 Mar 2011 -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday at Pershing Field to commemorate the official opening of the Combatives Outdoor Physical Fitness Training Facility.
• Base infrastructure strengthened by strategic barriers USMC News 03 Mar 2011 -- Marine Corps Logistic Base Barstow's reputation as one of the safest installations within the Department of Defense for its employees has been strengthened further with the recent addition of various force protection measures.
• Navy ROTC Returns to Harvard NNS 03 Mar 2011 -- Secretary Ray Mabus and Harvard University President Drew Faust will sign an agreement March 4 that will bring the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program back to Harvard for the first time in 40 years.
• Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Applications Extended DoD 03 Mar 2011
• Moscow dismisses report of deadlock in talks on Mistral purchase RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Reports of an impasse in contractual talks between Russia and France on the purchase of Mistral class helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy are false.
• Russia ready to pay 1.5 bln euros for Mistral contract - Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Russia estimates a contract with France on the construction of four Mistral class helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy to be worth at least 1.5 billion euros.
• Russia tests 2nd prototype of fifth-generation fighter RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- A second prototype of the Russian fifth-generation T-50 fighter successfully conducted its maiden flight on Thursday.
• Russia may host NATO-Russia Council meeting in June - envoy RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- An ambassadorial-level meeting of the NATO-Russia Council could be held in June, Russia's envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said.
• Iranian warships head home via Suez Canal RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Two Iranian warships that passed through Egypt's Suez Canal last month en route to Syria entered the waterway on a return trip.
• Iranian Naval Ships Re-Enter Suez Canal VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Iran says two of its warships are passing through the Suez Canal on Thursday en route back to the country.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, March 3, 2011 US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2011
• Remarks by President Obama and President Calderón of Mexico at Joint Press Conference The White House 03 Mar 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 03, 2011
• AgustaWestland and BAE Systems Sign Agreeement for Mult-Purpose Test Bench in Australia BAE Systems 03 Mar 2011 -- AgustaWestland and BAE Systems have announced plans to establish a world-leading helicopter transmission test facility in Australia.
• Boeing, Thales to Pursue Helicopter Aircrew Training Opportunity Boeing 03 Mar 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia and Thales Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding today at the 2011 Australian International Airshow to pursue Project Air 9000 Phase 7 – Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force.
• DCNS ramps up FREMM Aquitaine harbour acceptance tests ahead of its first sea going DCNS 03 Mar 2011 -- In accordance with the Programme schedule, DCNS is completing equipment integration and harbour acceptance tests on board the first-of-class FREMM multi-mission frigate Aquitaine. All major ship systems must be tested before the major milestone of the first sea going, scheduled next spring.
• Pratt & Whitney to Deliver First JT8D-219 Engine for Re-engined Joint STARS Aircraft Pratt & Whitney 03 Mar 2011 -- Pratt & Whitney will deliver its first reconfigured JT8D-219 engine, to Northrop Grumman later this month as part of the U.S. Air Force’s re-engined E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft program. This delivery comes on the heels of FAA certification of several modifications to the engine. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
• Full-speed ahead for MASS Rheinmetall Defence 03 Mar 2011 -- To protect their fleets from missile attacks, the navies of Peru, Finland and Germany have all ordered MASS, Rheinmetall’s "Multi Ammunition Softkill System", a state-of-the-art decoy system for protecting frigates, corvettes, minesweepers and patrol craft. In winning these three orders, MASS has once again outclassed its international rivals as well as gaining a foothold in the South American market. The three orders are worth a total of approximately €15.5 million.
• Sikorsky Aircraft Signs MOU with Australian Searchlight Innovator Trakka Corp. Sikorsky 03 Mar 2011 -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australian aviation searchlight innovator Trakka Corp., to jointly explore manufacturing opportunities in support of H-60 SEAHAWK and BLACK HAWK helicopters.
• The Royal Australian Air Force presents the IAI-produced Heron UAV at Australia's Avalon 2011 Israel Aerospace Industries 03 Mar 2011 -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is exhibiting an IAI-manufactured Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Avalon 2011 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defense Exposition held from 1-6 March in Geelong, Victoria.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 3 March 2011 United Nations 03 Mar 2011
• KCNA on S. Korea of Bringing N-S Relations KCNA 03 Mar 2011 -- The south Korean conservatives brought reunification back to the era of confrontation and escalated confrontation and tension.
• Palestine's Stance against Jewish Settlements Reiterated KCNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that there is international consensus against construction of Jewish settlements at a press conference on Feb. 28.
• African Union, ECOWAS to Meet on Ivory Coast Crisis VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- A leading member of ECOWA says senior officials of his organization are scheduled to meet with an African Union High-Level Panel on Ivory Coast in Mauritania’s capital.
• Attack helicopters arrive to reinforce UN peacekeepers in Côte d'Ivoire UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- United Nations peacekeepers in Côte d’Ivoire have received two attack helicopters, with a third on its way.
• Ivory Coast Troops Kill 7 Women in Gbagbo Protest VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Witnesses in Ivory Coast say troops loyal to Incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo have killed at least seven women during a protest calling for him to step down.
• UN Says Hundreds Of Thousands Flee Ivory Coast Fighting RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations says that more than 200,000 people have fled a suburb in Ivory Coast's largest city, Abdijan, amid days of heavy street fighting that has left dozens dead.
• UN Apologizes For Accusing Belarus Of Breaking Arms Embargo On Ivory Coast RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations has admitted it made a rare error accusing Belarus of delivering three attack helicopters to the embattled former president of Ivory Coast in violation of the UN arms embargo.
• Belarus Rejects False Allegations KCNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Belarusian Foreign Ministry in its statement on Feb. 28 rejected the allegations about Belarus.
• Fighting in Somalia displaces residents of Kenyan border town - UN UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- Fighting between forces of Somalia’s transitional Government and insurgents has spread to areas near the Kenyan border.
• Sudan: UN reinforces peacekeepers after clashes in disputed Abyei region UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- The UN Mission in Sudan is sending an additional company of troops to the disputed Abyei region.
• UN envoy meets Thai and Cambodian leaders over Preah Vihear heritage site UN News Centre 02 Mar 2011 -- A special envoy of the United Nations agency tasked with preserving the world’s cultural heritage has concluded meetings with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia.
• UN-backed talks on future of Western Sahara to resume next week UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- Delegations of the parties to the Western Sahara dispute will gather in Malta on Monday for two days of United Nations-backed informal meetings as agreed during their last round of talks in January.
• SRI LANKA: Government shifts focus to displaced Muslims IRIN 03 Mar 2011 -- The government of Sri Lanka has renewed its pledge to resettle Muslims evicted more than two decades ago from the war-affected north.
• UN transfers security for Sierra Leone war crimes court to local authorities UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- The Security Council authorized the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers protecting the court trying indicted war criminals in Sierra Leone.

News Reports

• Obama: Gadhafi 'Must Leave' VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- President Barack Obama issued his strongest call yet on Thursday for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to leave.
• US Senators Advocate No-Fly Zone Over Libya VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Two influential U.S. senators say the United States should help implement a no-fly zone over Libya as part of a broader effort.
• Medvedev says Libya on brink of civil war RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev described on Thursday the situation in Libya as moving toward the civil war.
• Libyan Aircraft Attack Rebel-Held Oil Town VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Insurgents opposed to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi continue to hold two strategic towns along the road to eastern Libya, after unsuccessful attempts by pro-Gadhafi forces to retake them.
• International Criminal Court investigates Libya violence in response to UN request UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- The Prosecutor of the ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed in Libya.
• ICC To Pursue Qaddafi And His Circle Amid Fresh Fighting In Libya RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says he has launched a "crimes against humanity" investigation against Libyan ruler Muammar Qaddafi, some of his sons, and Qaddafi's "inner circle."
• International court targets Libyan leader, top officials RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- The ICC opened a probe into atrocities allegedly committed by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his top aides in a recent crackdown on anti-government protesters.
• International Criminal Court Prosecutor Warns Libya VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- The ICC has opened its official investigation into possible crimes against humanity being committed in Libya.
• Qaddafi, Arab League Reportedly Agree To Chavez Mediation Proposal RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Reports say Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi and the president of the Arab League have agreed to a peace plan from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
• Russia, Saudi Arabia caution against intervention in Libya RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Russia and Saudi Arabia on Thursday warned against outside political or military intervention in Libya, saying such actions could only make the situation worse.
• Dutch officials confirm capture of soldiers by Qadhafi militia IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- The Dutch defense ministry confirmed earlier press reports that three of its soldiers were captured by militia loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Qadhafi.
• Libya Holds Dutch Soldiers as Refugees Flee to Borders VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- The Dutch Defense Ministry says three of its marines are being held in Libya, after being captured while taking part in an operation to help evacuate people fleeing the country.
• Three Dutch Marines Held in Libya After Failed Rescue RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The Dutch Defense Ministry has confirmed that three Dutch soldiers are being held by authorities in Libya after they were captured by forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi.
• U.S. Military Aircraft to Aid Egyptians Leaving Libya AFPS 03 Mar 2011 -- President Barack Obama announced today he has approved the use of U.S. military aircraft to help Egyptians who have fled to the Tunisian border get back home to Egypt.
• Evacuating Foreigners from Libya is International Priority VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- International efforts are underway to help thousands of foreigners evacuate from Libya and provide humanitarian aid to those who have sought refuge along the country's borders.
• Former Special Court Prosecutor Once Considered Indicting Gadhafi VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- The former chief prosecutor for the U.N.-backed Special Court in Sierra Leone says he once considered indicting Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
• Bahrain asked if UK arms were used against protesters IRNA 03 Mar 2011 -- The British government has asked Bahraini authorities to investigate reports of British military equipment being used against protesters in the Persian Gulf island country.
• Opposition Groups Offer Yemeni President Transition Plan VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Opposition groups in Yemen have presented President Ali Abdullah Saleh with a plan for a smooth transition of power, in an effort to end the political crisis that erupted in the country last month.
• Turkish President Offers Egypt Support VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul called on Egypt Tto hold a "transparent transition" as it moves to fill popular demands for democracy.
• Egyptian Military Appoints New PM VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- A military statement issued said leaders had asked Sharaf to form a caretaker government to run the country temporarily.
• Former Transport Minister Rises to Egypt's Prime Minister VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- New Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf served as Egypt's transportation minister between 2004 and 2006.
• Cairo divided over prime minister's resignation RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Demonstrators on Cairo's central Tahrir Square were divided on Thursday over the resignation of Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, who quit his post earlier in the day.
• Egyptian PM Shafiq Resigns VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's military rulers say Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq has resigned.
• Egyptian Prime Minister, Mubarak Appointee, Resigns RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's military rulers say Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq has resigned.
• Egyptian prime minister resigns, ex-transport minister to form new government RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq resigned on Thursday, the country's governing military council said on its official Facebook page.
• Growing Debate Centers on Tunisia's Islamist Party VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Tunisia's Islamist party was legalized this week after 20 years in the political wilderness.
• Italy offers help to patrol Tunisian ports RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- Italy reiterated its offer to help patrol Tunisian ports to stem an exodus of migrants across the Mediterranean amid the ongoing turmoil in the North African state.
• Iran warns US to avoid medding ISNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani warned the US not to interfere in its domestic matters and disturb the situation in the Middle Eastern country.
• Protests Reported At Iran Chemical, Tire Factories RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Workers at two factories in Iran are reported to have protested their employment conditions in recent days.
• Djibouti Opposition Rejects Order to Delay Anti-Government Rally VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Opposition leaders in Djibouti have rejected a government plea to postpone a rally scheduled Friday to protest against the rule of President Ismail Omar Guelleh.
• Russia asks Yemen to help free kidnapped Tajik surgeon RIA Novosti 03 Mar 2011 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has sent a diplomatic note to the Yemen asking for assistance in freeing a Tajik citizen kidnapped in the country.
• Azerbaijani Activists Organize Day Of Protest Via Facebook RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Azerbaijani youth activists have begun a Facebook campaign calling for a day of protest against the government to be held on March 11.
• Can Arab States Mimic Turkey's Blend of Islam and Democracy? VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Can the burgeoning democracies in Egypt and Tunisia learn from Turkey’s legacy of having a decades-old functioning democratic system?
• Social Media - a New Battle Ground for Activists and Governments Alike VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Protesters in Libya are refusing to give up their calls for an end to Moammar Gadhafi’s 42-year rule, fighting deadly street battles against forces aligned with the Libyan leader.
• Fourth Anniversary of Robert Levinson's Disappearance US Dept. of State 03 Mar 2011
• US Cites Possible Break in Levinson Case VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- The United States said Thursday that there are indications that Robert Levinson, last seen in Iran nearly four years ago, is alive.
• OSCE Chief Expresses Concern Over Situation In Southern Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The chairman of the OSCE has expressed concern over the situation in southern Kyrgyzstan, including reports of human rights violations.
• Latvia Rejects Kyrgyz Extradition Request RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Kyrgyz officials say Latvia has refused to extradite an official from ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev's government wanted for alleged financial crimes.
• Victims Of Ethnic Clashes In Kyrgyzstan Identified RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Twelve victims killed in deadly ethnic clashes between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in southern Kyrgyzstan last year have been identified in Moscow.
• Authoritarian Russia Watches As Middle East Unravels RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The ruling United Russia party is confident in the country's stability.
• Bushehr Setbacks Trigger Iranian Nuclear-Safety Concerns RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Repeated delays in the opening of a showpiece Iranian nuclear reactor are triggering concerns.
• Zimbabwe says willing to work with Iran on uranium extraction ISNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Zimbabwean FM Mumbengegwi said his country is willing to work with Iran on uranium extraction.
• Iran Calls on IAEA to Act Independently KCNA 03 Mar 2011 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi called on the International Atomic Energy Agency to act independently on Feb. 27.
• Remarks by President Obama and President Calderón of Mexico at Joint Press Conference The White House 03 Mar 2011
• Obama, Calderon Pledge Deeper Cooperation in Drug War VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- US President Obama and his Mexican counterpart have agreed to deepen their cooperation in the fight against Mexico's drug cartels.
• FACT SHEET: Enhancing U.S.-Mexico Cooperation The White House 03 Mar 2011
• China Threatens to Expel Foreign Journalists VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- China is changing how foreign journalist can work in the country and reporters are being warned they risk expulsion.
• Kazakh Election Campaign Off to Quiet Start VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Kazakhstan's presidential campaign got underway Thursday with little doubt incumbent President Nursultan Nazarbayev will win the April 3 vote.
• Campaigning Starts In Kazakh Presidential Election RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- Campaigning has kicked off for Kazakhstan's April 3 presidential election that is all but certain to return incumbent Nursultan Nazarbaev to power.
• Uzbekistan's Lower Chamber Passes Constitutional Amendments RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The Uzbek parliament's lower chamber has passed constitutional amendments that would reduce the president's powers.
• Madagascar Political Parties Call for Adoption of Regional Mediation Plan VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Madagascar political parties supporting de-facto President Andry Rajoelina are calling for quick adoption of a regional mediation proposal.
• Mugabe Heads to Asia for Medical Treatment VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Officials say Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is heading back to Singapore Thursday for medical treatment.
• Zimbabwe's Mugabe Back to Singapore, Reigniting Speculation as to Health VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, 87, headed back to Singapore on Thursday for what a spokesman said was another follow-up visit after surgery for an eye cataract.
• Joint UN-African delegation backs delaying Benin's presidential election UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- A joint delegation of the UN, the AU and the ECOWAS officials backed calls for delaying Benin’s presidential poll.
• Tibetans in Exile Consider Choice for Prime Minister VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Tibetans living in exile around the world will go to the polls later this month to choose a new Prime Minister - for the Tibetan government-in-exile in Northern India.
• Accused Russian Arms Dealer Appears in New York Court VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- Viktor Bout, a former Soviet military officer accused by the United States of offering to sell weapons to terrorist groups, appeared in federal court in New York on Thursday.
• Global food prices increase for eighth straight month, UN agency reports UN News Centre 03 Mar 2011 -- Global food prices rose for the eighth straight month in February.
• UN Says Food Prices Rose In February RFE/RL 03 Mar 2011 -- The UN food agency says global food prices rose in February for the eighth consecutive month, and warned that oil price spikes could lead to further increases.
• Soaring Food Prices Tied in Part to Oil Prices VOA 03 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations warns that global food prices are rising at alarming levels.