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04 March 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 04 Mar 2011 [PDF]

Protesters Take To Iraq's Streets Despite Vehicle Ban RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Protesters have gathered in the streets of several Iraqi cities for a new "Day of Rage," but so far without bloodshed.
Iraqi protesters gather in Baghdad's central square RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Thousands of people gathered on Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Friday for an anti-government demonstration.
In Iraq, Thousands Protest for Better Services VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets in cities and towns across the country on Friday, calling for better public services and demanding the government clean up corruption.

Coalition partnership bolsters economy at Afghan bazaar USMC News 04 Mar 2011 -- As long as there is daylight at Patrol Base Jaker, the feistiest merchants of Khalaj bazaar stand outside the gate, ceaselessly advertising kabobs and energy drinks in their shrill, adolescent voices.
Forces Kill Haqqani Terrorist in Afghanistan AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed four armed insurgents, including a Haqqani terrorist network leader, in Afghanistan’s Khost province.
UN Urges Review After Airstrikes Kill Afghan Children VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations is calling on the United States and NATO to reconsider the use of airstrikes following the deaths of nine children in Afghanistan earlier this week.
C-5s provide 'muscle' for multi-modal helo swap-out missions to Afghanistan AFNS 04 Mar 2011 -- The C-5 Galaxy and the Airmen who maintain and fly them are part of a U.S. Transportation Command "multi-modal" effort to move Army helicopters to Afghanistan.
Tripartite meet review security in Pak-Afghan border IRNA 04 Mar 2011 -- The Tripartite Commission comprised of senior military representatives from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan met on Thursday.

9 Killed in Pakistan Mosque Blast VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- A bomb has ripped through a crowd of worshippers at a mosque in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least nine people and wounding 30.
Bomb Attack In Northwest Pakistan Kills At Least Nine RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Police say a bomb blast near a mosque in northwestern Pakistan has killed at least nine people and wounded more than 30.
Militants kill 6 Pakistani security men in northwest Pakistan IRNA 04 Mar 2011 -- Six Pakistani security men were killed in attack by suspected Taliban militants on Thursday in Khyber tribal region in northwest Pakistan.
Pakistani PM Praises Slain Christian Minister At Memorial RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Pakistan's PM told mourners at a funeral mass that the government will do its "utmost" to bring his killers to justice.
Grief-Stricken Pakistanis Bury Slain Minister VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Mourners packed a church in Pakistan's capital Friday to pay tribute to the minister for minorities who was assassinated for challenging Pakistan's blasphemy law.
Pakistan mulls over US shooter court's response IRNA 04 Mar 2011 -- Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Bashir: Country's courts have not yet asked about the status of US intelligence agent.

Defense Policy / Programs

Peninsula exercise displays readiness USMC News 04 Mar 2011 -- Approximately 750 Marines from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, manned their battle stations 24 hours a day during Exercise Key Resolve 2011.

Air Force Joins Effort to Help Libyan Evacuees AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. military’s contribution to an international effort to end the suffering of Libya’s evacuees began in Italy today when two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft picked up humanitarian aid and headed to Tunisia.
Court Martial May Consider Death Penalty for Hasan AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- An Army official has recommended that Maj. Nidal M. Hasan be tried before a general court martial authorized to consider capital punishment, Fort Hood, Texas, officials said today.
Obama Spokesman Applauds ROTC Return to Harvard AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- Harvard University’s decision to formally welcome the return of the Reserve Officer Training Corps to its campus honors the contributions of service members, the White House press secretary said today.
Active Reserve program offers options for Marines USMC News 04 Mar 2011 -- Some Marines discovered this year that they were unable to reenlist and retain their military occupational specialty. There is an option for Marines who want to stay in the Marine Corps besides changing their MOS. The Active Reserve (AR) program is looking for highly qualified active component Marines that want to reenlist and serve full-time.
Shadow defies gravity with success Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- An unmanned aircraft system in the Army's fleet today is defying gravity, soaring ever higher in performance and zooming down on cost.
'Resolute' Brigade assumes sustainment mission in Afghanistan Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- It is a historic occasion attended by many service members; Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, civilians and coalition partners all gather together in a small tent to the sound of pouring rain to bid farewell to one unit and welcome another.
Italy-based field support battalion packages humanitarian aid for Tunisia Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- The 3rd Battalion, 405th Army Field Support Brigade prepared a shipment of humanitarian aid supplies bound for Tunisia. U.S. military aircraft will deliver humanitarian supplies to Tunisia today, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters.
Full Spectrum Operations' battle drills, plans aim to save lives Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- Sounds of small arms fire pierced the brisk, heavy late evening air as defensive forces inside U.S. Army installations here braced themselves to withstand simultaneous coordinated attacks on all access control point gates throughout Warrior Country - a situation that made for an intense exercise.
Army National Guard Gets Digital Medical Systems for Disaster Relief Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- Army National Guard Soldiers will have the ability to digitally document patient care and manage medical supplies during disaster relief and homeland security missions in the U.S., according to a new partnership between the Army National Guard Bureau and the Army's Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care (MC4) program at Fort Detrick, Md.
Senior State Department official talks Iraq at Fort Sam Houston Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- Michael Corbin, deputy assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs for Iraq issues, visited students attending medical training at the Army Medical Department Center & School and the new instructional facilities at the Medical Education and Training Campus and also talked to wounded warriors at the Center for the Intrepid and the Warrior and Family Support Center Feb. 25.
Prepositioned equipment rolls into action Army News 04 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.
Third Army helps celebrate Kuwait's liberation Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- Third Army/U.S. Army Central (Third Army) and 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, provided 300 troops in support of Kuwait's 50/20 Parade.
Army Buyers Work For Success On Battlefield Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- The Army's acquisition corps may not be on the front lines. But its professionals are fighting every day to ensure Soldiers have the right equipment to accomplish the mission.
Army pursues better buying power Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- The Army's better buying power - the ability to acquire better weapons systems and capabilities at lower prices - starts with the acquisition professionals who sign defense contracts.
Night vision sensor delivered on target Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- The first of its kind was delivered to the Army at the 2005 Army Aviation Association of America national convention.
Kenyan Army Commander deepens partnership with U.S. Army Africa visit Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- Commander of the Kenyan Army, Lt. Gen. Njuki Mwaniki, met with U.S. Army Africa leaders and toured the command's headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 23-25.
Army's vice chief checks BRAC construction at Bragg Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli visited the future home of the headquarters elements of U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command here, today, for an up close and personal view of the 631,000-square-foot facility slated for completion June 21.
USS Nevada Successfully Tests Trident II D5 Missile NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- Fleet ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) successfully launched a test missile off the coast of southern California March 1 as part of the post-refueling overhaul certification process.
USS Bonhomme Richard Earns Battle "E" NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) earned the Battle "E" award for its performance demonstrating the highest state of battle readiness in 2010.
U.S. 7th Fleet Completes Bi-lateral and Joint Ballistic Missile Defense Training Exercise NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F), Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and various other commands throughout Japan, the Pacific and continental United States completed Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) joint exercise 11-71, March 3.
Essex Sailors Share Leadership Principles with Royal Cambodian Navy NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) shared ideas on military leadership with officers of the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN) March 1 as part of Cambodia Maritime Exercise 2011.
USS Reuben James Arrives in Brunei NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- The guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) arrived in Muara, Brunei, on March 4 for a port visit.
USS Stephen W. Groves Departs Tanzania NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) departed Tanzania after taking part in a successful two-week training "Hub" as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East, Mar. 4.
USS Germantown Visits Indonesia NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia, for a port visit on March 3.
Commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific Removed from Command NNS 04 Mar 2011 -- Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Patrick M. Walsh removed Rear Adm. Ron Horton, Commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific, from command March 3 for loss of confidence in his ability to command.
Commanders Cite Unpredictable Future Threats AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- Leaders of the 2 most intensely engaged U.S. military commands: America and its allies will face varied and unpredictable security threats in the years ahead.
Secretary Gates Speech at the United States Air Force Academy DoD 04 Mar 2011
U.S. Must Prepare for Varied Threats, Gates Says AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Gates: The U.S. military must be able to contend with a wide range of asymmetric and conventional threats now and in the future.
Gates Urges New Air Force Leaders to Think Creatively AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged U.S. Air Force Academy cadets here today to have the courage to speak up as they move forward as the next generation of military leaders.
Gates Shares Vision for Air Force's Future AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Gates: Air Force leaders of the 21st century must apply a view that balances traditional roles with the reality of new and emerging threats in determining their service’s needs and capabilities.
Gates: Air Force Must Prepare For 21st-Century Threats AFPS 04 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today told Air Force cadets that their service branch has to change to face the foes and challenges of the 21st century.
Air Force accepts delivery of final MQ-1 Predator AFNS 04 Mar 2011 -- The Air Force accepted MQ-1 Predator tail number 268, the final MQ-1 manufactured for the service, in a ceremony March 3.
Contractor delivers first new E-8C Joint STARS production engine AFNS 04 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Air Force E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System achieved a significant objective March 3 as part of the ongoing System Design and Development Re-engining effort.
Red Flag cyber operations: Isn't Red Flag a flyer's exercise? AFNS 04 Mar 2011 -- As Airmen from Air Force Space Command participate Red Flag from Feb. 21 through March 11 at the Nevada Test and Training Range complex, Nev.
US Navy Prepares Sixth Pacific Partnership Mission VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Navy will launch its sixth annual humanitarian assistance mission in the Pacific later this month, helping countries in the area prepare for the next natural disaster.
Frankfurt Attack 'Not Linked' To Terrorist Group RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- German federal prosecutors say the killing of two U.S. servicemen in a shooting at Frankfurt airport this week was the act of an individual.
No Evidence Germany Shooter was Linked to Militant Group VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- German prosecutors investigating shooting at Frankfurt airport: No immediate evidence linking the suspect to an organized group.
South Korean Computers Attacked VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- South Korea issued a cyber security alert Friday as 29 governmental and banking websites came under attack.
Manning faces more charges for classified leaks Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- After seven months of additional investigation, the U.S. Army has charged Pfc. Bradley E. Manning with 22 additional charges.
Permanent Change of Station Moves Army News 04 Mar 2011 -- Permanent Change of Station moves are a challenging reality of military life.
Progress continues toward Academy training facility groundbreaking AFNS 04 Mar 2011 -- Preliminaries to the construction of a training facility for the Air Force Academy's Center for Character and Leadership Development are moving along briskly, and construction is expected to begin in late summer.

China to Boost Military Spending VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- China will spend $91.5 billion on the People Liberation Army, navy and air forces next year, marking a return to double-digit spending.
China Announces 13 Percent Boost In Military Budget RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- China has announced an almost 13 percent increase in its annual military budget.
Taiwan will not engage in arms race with China CNA 04 Mar 2011 -- Taiwan will not engage in an arms race with China but will focus instead on making optimal use of its defense budget.

In Brief: Thailand's child soldier recruitment IRIN 04 Mar 2011 -- NGOs are calling for harsher penalties and better enforcement of laws criminalizing child soldier recruitment in southern Thailand.

March 4, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 04 Mar 2011
Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney Aboard Air Force One en route Miami, Florida The White House 04 Mar 2011
Conference Call on Vice President Biden's Upcoming Trip to Finland, Russia and Moldova The White House 04 Mar 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for March 04, 2011
EADS North America will not protest U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling tanker selection EADS 04 Mar 2011 -- EADS North America announced today that it will not protest the U.S. Air Force’s selection of the Boeing offering in the competition to replace the service's aging fleet of KC-135 aerial refueling tankers.
Cassidian supports the German Armed Forces’ conversion to the latest Mode 5 identification standard EADS 04 Mar 2011 -- Cassidian, the renamed defence and security division of EADS, has equipped the test centre of the Bundeswehr Technical Centre 81 with its MSSR 2000 I identification system.
Northrop Grumman Submits Final Proposal Revision for Missile Defense Agency's Next Generation Aegis Missile Northrop Grumman 04 Mar 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced it has submitted its final proposal revision for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Next Generation Aegis Missile (NGAM) concept definition and program planning procurement.

Other Conflicts

4 March 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Mar 2011

China opposes preconditions for N.Korea nuclear talks RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Beijing opposes any preconditions for the resumption of six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program.

Ivory Coast: Hundreds of Thousands Displaced in Abidjan VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- In Ivory Coast, fighting between supporters of rival presidents is spreading and the number of displaced people is growing rapidly.
Côte d'Ivoire: UN warns insecurity preventing access to those in need of help UN News Centre 04 Mar 2011 -- The UN refugee agency warned that access for humanitarian organizations is shrinking rapidly amid worsening insecurity.
Sanctions Hurt Ivory Coast Economy VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Economic sanctions against Ivory Coast are hurting business in the world's top cocoa producer.

Somalia Fighting Forces Thousands of Refugees Into Kenya VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- The Somali government's recent push to eliminate al-Qaida linked insurgents is spilling into Kenya, as fighting continues along the border.
Somalia: top UN aid official voices alarm at intensified fighting, worsening drought UN News Centre 04 Mar 2011 --Top United Nations humanitarian official voiced growing alarm for a nation that has already endured 20 years of war.

UN, Sudanese parties discuss security situation in Abyei UN News Centre 04 Mar 2011 -- The parties to the 2005 agreement that ended Sudan’s north-south civil war met today, along with United Nations officials.
Abyei Leader Condemns Sudan's National Congress Party VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- A cabinet minister in Sudan’s government of National Unity said the National Congress Party has failed to honor its part of a deal concerning Abyei in the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

DRC Denies Attempted Coup Took Place VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo says an assault on its presidency was not an attempted coup d'etat.

China seeks to 'advance' boundary negotiations with India IRNA 04 Mar 2011 -- China proposed to 'advance' the negotiation process with India on resolving the boundary issue in view of the prevailing 'good atmosphere'.

In Serbia, It's Time To Issue A Warrant For The Truth RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- March 3, 2011 -- On March 3 news broke that retired Bosnian Army General Jovan Divjak had been arrested in Vienna by Austrian police acting on an Interpol warrant issued by Serbia.

News Reports

Press Conference by Emergency Relief Coordinator on Situation in Libya United Nations 04 Mar 2011
Covert Action to Target Gadhafi? VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Top US officials from President Barack Obama on down have made it clear Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi should go.
US Says Gadhafi Has 'Forfeited' Right to Lead Libya VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- The State Department said Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has “forfeited the right” to run the country by turning his armed forces against political opponents.
Libyan Airstrikes Prompt Debate on No-Fly Zone VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Libyan warplanes continue to launch new air strikes against areas under the control of opposition rebels.
Gaddafi loyalists kill 30 in storming of rebel-held town RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi killed at least 30 civilians on Friday when they tried to retake the rebel-held town of Az Zawiyah.
At Least 18 Dead As Libyan Rebels Battle Pro-Qaddafi Forces RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Reports say at least 18 people are dead after forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi launched a massive attack to regain control of Zawiya.
Fighting, Airstrikes and Protests Rock Libya VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- At least fifteen people have been reported dead in fierce battles as forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi launched an offensive to retake a Western city.
Rebels, pro-Gaddafi troops battle in Libya RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Battles between Libyan rebels and forces loyal to the country's leader Muammar Gaddafi are underway in the east and west of the country.
UN refugee agency 'very concerned' civilians being prevented from fleeing Libya UN News Centre 04 Mar 2011 -- The UN refugee agency today voiced deep concern that the security situation in Libya may be preventing thousands of people from fleeing to Tunisia.
Pro-Gaddafi forces prevent crossings on Libyan border -UN RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Forces loyal to Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi are preventing 12,500 refugees from crossing the heavily-armed border between Libya and Tunisia.
India opposed to 'no-fly zone,' use of force against Libya IRNA 04 Mar 2011 -- India has said it will oppose any move to enforce a no-fly-zone or use force to end the civil war in the North African nation.
Interpol Issues Global Alert Against Qaddafi RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- The international police organization Interpol has issued a global alert against Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi and 15 other Libyans.
Nicaragua denies receiving asylum request from Gaddafi RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Reports that violent protests forced Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi seek political asylum in his ally country Nicaragua are untrue.
Gadhafi: Shrewd, Eccentric, or Insane? VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- As conflict continues in Libya, Colonel Moammar Gadhafi has blamed the turmoil on Al- Qaida, on foreign interference, even on drug use.
Britain Seizes $160 Million in Libyan Currency from Ship VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Britain has seized about $160 million in Libyan currency from a ship that turned back from a planned trip to Libya.

New Sectarian Violence Erupts in Bahrain Protests VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Protests in Bahrain between Sunni and majority Shi'ite Muslims have erupted into sectarian violence for the first time.

YEMEN: Yemen, a revolution interrupted? IRIN 04 Mar 2011 -- Heyel Habdul’s cramped two-room apartment is at the top of a dark staircase in a scruffy district of unfinished buildings and tiny tenements in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a.
Yemeni Soldiers Reportedly Fire on Protesters VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Shi'ite rebel leaders in northern Yemen say government forces have fired on an anti-government protest, killing four people and injuring at least seven others.

Thousands Protest in Jordan's Capital VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Jordan's capital city of Amman after Friday prayers, repeating their demand for government reforms.

Egyptians Fight To Retool State Media RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's state-run "Al-Ahram Daily" has a new feature in its newsroom these days -- armed military guards.
Egypt to hold referendum on amending constitution March 19 RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Egypt will hold a national referendum on amendments to its constitution on March 19.
New Egyptian PM-Designate Addresses Protesters VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's new PM-designate, Essam Sharaf, has told crowds in Cairo's Tahrir Square that he wants to see that Egypt becomes a country where the security forces work for the good of the citizens.
Egyptian Premier Addresses Mass Rally In Tahrir Square RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's newly appointed prime minister, Essam Sharaf, has addressed a mass rally in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Previous Tunisia Regime Called 'a Gang of Saboteurs' VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Tunisia's new Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi has called the country's previous administration " a gang of saboteurs".
Tunisia's interim leader sets elections for July 24 RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Tunisia's interim leader Fouad Mebazaa announced that nationwide polls to elect a constitutional council will take place on July 24.
Tunisia To Hold July 24 Elections RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Tunisia's interim president has announced that Tunisia will hold an election on July 24 to choose a constitutional assembly.

China Muzzles Media to Prevent Mideast-Style Protests VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- Chinese authorities appear to be nervous about the spread of protests that have toppled and threatened rulers in recent weeks.

Ayat. Khatami: Iran inspiring regional uprisings IRNA 04 Mar 2011 -- Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, says Islamic Iran, as "the safest, the most powerful and the most peaceful country", has inspired recent uprisings in the region.

Clinton Calls for Release of American on Trial in Cuba VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- The US has called on Cuba to release an American contractor who is going on trial in Havana.
Trial Begins for US Contractor in Cuba VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- A U.S. government contractor who has been held for more than one year in a Cuban jail was set to go on trial.

U.S. Believes Missing Ex-FBI Agent Levinson Alive RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that the United States has received tips that ex-FBI agent Robert Levinson.

Nuclear weapons are against our religious principles: Salehi IRNA 04 Mar 2011 -- Iranian FM Salehi: Reiterated that building or using nuclear weapons were against the religious principles of his country.

Kazakh Opposition Parties Call On Candidates To Force Poll Delay RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- Two Kazakh opposition parties have called on the three rival candidates to incumbent President Nursultan Nazarbaev to force a delay.

U.S. Envoy To Armenia Stands By Democratization Call RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. ambassador to Yerevan has repeated her calls for Armenia's democratization, saying that they are in tune with the Armenian constitution and President Sarkisian's public statements.

Public Figures Protest 'Pressure' On Courts By Khodorkovsky Supporters RFE/RL 04 Mar 2011 -- 55 prominent Russian public figures have protested what they describe as pressure by supporters of Khodorkovsky.
Judge rules to improve Bout's incarceration conditions RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2011 -- Judge Shira Scheindlin requested prosecutors to improve incarceration conditions of alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Food Prices Continue to Rise in Asia VOA 04 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says rising food prices in Asia are hurting the poor but have yet to reach a crisis level.

Orbital's Launch of Taurus XL Rocket is Unsuccessful Orbital Sciences Corp. 04 Mar 2011 -- Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that the launch of its Taurus XL rocket, which lifted off earlier today at 2:09 a.m. (PST), from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California carrying the company-built Glory satellite for NASA, was unsuccessful.

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