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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 17 Mar 2011 [PDF]
• 4th Infantry Division Commanding General provides Iraq update Army News 17 Mar 2011 -- Combined command information brief/town hall meeting with 4th Infantry Division forward.
• Iraqi Legislators, Criticized For Inaction, Eye Shorter Spring Break RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Iraqi lawmakers are considering halving their spring vacation, amid criticism.
• ISAF Troops Kill Insurgents in Helmand AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- International Security Assistance Force troops killed more than 30 insurgents in an ongoing offensive operation in the Reg-e Khan Neshin district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province .
• Afghan Forces Detain Alleged IMU Members From Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Afghanistan's Intelligence Service says it recently detained three men from former Soviet republics suspected of terrorist activity.
• UN ideally placed to help Afghanistan in transition to full sovereignty - top envoy UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- UN stands ready to support the country’s assumption of the lead role in all aspects of governance, development, and efforts to achieve peace.
• Security Group Says Afghanistan Poses Threat To Central Asia RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- The head of the Collective Security Treaty Organization said the ongoing instability in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to Central Asia.
• Pakistan provincial governor condemns US drone strike IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- Governor of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province strongly condemned the US drone strike on a tribal council killing 41 people.
• 26 die as US drones hit tribal council in Pakistan IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- Two US drone aircraft Thursday fired missiles at a tribal ‘jirga’ or council of elders in a Pakistani tribal region and killed 26 tribesmen.
• U.S. Drone Attack Kills Dozens In Northwest Pakistan RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Reports from Pakistan say a U.S. drone strike killed more than 30 people in the northwest tribal belt.
• US spy aircraft kills 4 in Pakistan tribal region IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- At least four suspected militants died on Wednesday in a US missile strike on a vehicle in a Pakistani tribal region.
• US Drone Attacks Kill 10 More People in Pakistan KCNA 17 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. forces present in Afghanistan are killing Pakistanis almost every day under the signboard of "anti-terrorism."
• 4 NATO tankers torched, driver killed in Pakistan IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- Unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s southwest Wednesday torched four oil tankers, carrying fuel for NATO troops in the neighbouring Afghanistan.
• Pacific commander briefs media on humanitarian relief operations in Japan DoD 17 Mar 2011
• Helping Japan Now Pacific Command's Top Priority AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- U.S. forces in Japan are engaged in one of the biggest natural and manmade disasters of a lifetime, Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard said.
• Gates Authorizes Humanitarian Funds for Japan AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has authorized up to $35 million in initial Defense Department funds for humanitarian aid to Japan.
• US Navy Provides Pumps to Assist in Reactor Cooling Effort NNS 17 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Navy provided five high-capacity pumping systems to Japan's Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Group Nuclear Asset Management Department to assist in the efforts to cool the core of the damaged No. 3 reactor at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant March 17.
• 31st MEU inserts to begin helping with Japan relief operations USMC News 17 Mar 2011 -- Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit left the flight deck of the USS Essex to establish a forward command center for the unit, March 17.
• Marines participate in CBRN training while embarked aboard ship USMC News 17 Mar 2011 -- The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is known around the world for its ability to react to various contingencies at any time.
• Eagle Vision imagery supporting Japan recovery efforts AFNS 17 Mar 2011 -- Eagle Vision imagery collection team rushed into action within hours of the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Northeast Japan March 11.
• Navy Issues Temporary Hold on Personnel Moves to Japan NNS 17 Mar 2011 -- The Navy released NAVADMIN 084/11 March 17 announcing that the movement of personnel to tenant commands and activities in Japan should be stopped effective immediately.
• DOS officials authorize voluntary departure of dependents from Japan AFNS 17 Mar 2011 -- Department of State officials authorized the voluntary departure, including relocation to safe areas within Japan, for family members and dependents of U.S. government officials who wish to leave Northeast Japan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Russia says New Start inspections to begin in April RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- On-site inspections of Russian and U.S. nuclear arsenals under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty will begin in April.
• Navy Supports Northrop Grumman Corp. Shipbuilding Spin-Off DoD 17 Mar 2011
• Fiscal 2010 Sexual Assault in the Military Report Released DoD 17 Mar 2011
• Rumsfeld Looks Back At Two Wars, The Massacre In Andijon, And The Mistakes That Were Made RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Few Americans have served in government longer, or in such high positions, as Donald Rumsfeld.
• DOD Releases Sexual Assault Report AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- Defense Department officials today released the Pentagon’s annual report on sexual assault in the military.
• Fiscal Year 2011 Littoral Combat Ship Contract Awards Announced NNS 17 Mar 2011 -- Contract modifications were issued to Lockheed Martin Corporation and Austal USA March 17.
• ONR Showcases Fuel Cell Vehicle at 2011 PACOM Conference NNS 17 Mar 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research showcased the latest innovations in fuel cell vehicles, robotics and weapons during the 2011 Pacific Operational Science and Technology Symposium and Exhibit.
• 'Investing in People is Key' at Cyber Command AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Cyber Command is building its workforce, launching efforts with industry and working with international partners to fulfill an important mission.
• New welding process coming to ANAD Army News 17 Mar 2011 -- Welders throughout the Nichols Industrial Complex will soon begin certifying to use a new welding process, gas metal arc welding-pulse.
• Guardian Kicks Off Patrol of 7th Fleet AOR NNS 17 Mar 2011 -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) started its patrol of the 7th Fleet area of responsibility Feb. 28, following its participation in exercise Foal Eagle.
• Chemical Corps tests new equipment Army News 17 Mar 2011 -- Soldiers field-tested the newest equipment for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance during an exercise Feb. 28 - March 4.
• USNS Comfort Deploys in Support of Continuing Promise 2011 NNS 17 Mar 2011 -- USNS Comfort departed its homeport of Baltimore, Md., Mar. 17, in support of the humanitarian civic assistance mission Continuing Promise 2011.
• Order Adds Fairness to Detainee Processes, Officials Say AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- An executive order on detainees issued this month will strengthen national security and promote the rule of law.
• National Guard Homeland Response Force Army News 17 Mar 2011 -- The DoD directs the National Guard to create 10 Homeland Response Forces.
• Rodong Sinmun on Danger of US-S. Korea Joint Military Exercises KCNA 17 Mar 2011 -- The Key Resolve and Foal Eagle joint military exercises are large- scale exercises for preemptive attacks on the DPRK.
• S. Korea, Biggest Importer of American Weapons KCNA 17 Mar 2011 -- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in its annual report said that south Korea is the biggest importer of US-made weapons.
• NATO Strives to Fill Capability Gaps AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- NATO is working to shore up capability gaps, from those in its ability to defend against cyber and missile attacks to shortcomings identified during current operations in Afghanistan.
• Russia set to continue tests of Bulava missile in June RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- The first test launch of Russia's sea-based Bulava ballistic missile this year will be carried out in June.
• Russia to develop new ballistic missile system by 2013 RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Russian scientists will develop a new land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system by 2013.
• Russia set to start construction of 3rd Graney class nuclear sub RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- The construction of the third Graney class nuclear-powered attack submarine will begin in 2011.
• Russia may lose $6 bln on Algeria, Syria arms contracts RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Russia risks losing over $6 billion on arms contracts with Algeria and Syria if the situation in these countries destabilizes.
• SCO defense ministers sign cooperation plan for 2012-2013 RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Defense ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states signed on Thursday a cooperation plan for the period 2012-2013.
• Military joins radiation detection operation at Taiwan airports CNA 17 Mar 2011 -- Military personnel were stationed at Taiwan airports Thursday to help check for radiation contamination on travelers returning home.
• Kazakh Prison Director Sacked RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- The warden at a maximum-security prison in Kazakhstan has been fired after reports of prisoner abuse.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, March 17, 2011 US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2011
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Greg Jaczko and Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Poneman, 3/17/2011 The White House 17 Mar 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 17, 2011
• General Dynamics Awarded $46 Million for 120mm Tank Cartridges General Dynamics 17 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., has awarded General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $46 million contract for the manufacture and delivery of 120mm M865 TPCSDS-T and M1002 TPMP-T tank cartridges.
• U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Air Force National Guard select Hamilton Sundstrand Electronic Propeller Control System kits Hamilton Sundstrand 17 Mar 2011 -- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded a contract for the procurement and installation of as many as 25 electronic propeller control system (EPCS) aircraft kits to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX).
• Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy Complete Second, Third Flights of X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Northrop Grumman 17 Mar 2011 -- Less than a month after completing the first flight of the U.S. Navy's X-47B UCAS-Demonstration aircraft, flight test engineers from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the Navy have successfully completed the aircraft's second and third flights.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 17 March 2011 United Nations 17 Mar 2011
• Remarks to the press by Mr. Alain Juppé, Ministre d'Etat, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Mission of France to the UN 17 Mar 2011
• Statement by Mr Alain Juppé, ministre d'Etat, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Mission of France to the UN 17 Mar 2011
• United Nations Security Council resolution on Libya No-Fly Zone has been approved UK Mission to the UN 17 Mar 2011
• Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council Stakeout on UN Security Council Resolution 1973, March 17, 2011 US Mission to the UN 17 Mar 2011
• Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in an Explanation of Vote on UN Security Council Resolution 1973, March 17, 2011 US Mission to the UN 17 Mar 2011
• SC/10200, Security Council Approves 'No-Fly Zone' over Libya, Authorizing 'All Necessary Measures' to Protect Civilians, by Vote of 10 in Favour with 5 Abstentions. United Nations Security Council 17 March 2011 -- "Adopting resolution 1973 (2011) by a vote of 10 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Brazil, China, Germany, India, Russian Federation), the Council authorized Member States, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, to take all necessary measures to protect civilians under threat of attack in the country, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory - requesting them to immediately inform the Secretary-General of such measures."
• Security Council authorizes 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians in Libya UN News centre 17 Mar 2011 -- The Security Council today effectively authorized the use of force in Libya to protect civilians from attack, specifically in the eastern city of Benghazi, which Colonel Muammar Al-Qadhafi has reportedly said he will storm tonight to end a revolt against his regime.
• UN Security Council Approves No-Fly Zone Over Libya VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations Security Council has approved a no-fly zone over Libya to protect civilians and rebels from Libyan government airstrikes.
• UN Security Council to Vote on Libya No-Fly Zone Resolution VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The UN Security Council will vote evening on a resolution that could authorize a No-Fly Zone over Libya.
• US: A Victorious Gadhafi Could Return to Terrorism VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- A senior U.S. State Department official is warning that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, if he prevails over opposition forces, could return to fomenting terrorism and regional instability.
• UN Security Council Nears Libya No-Fly Vote RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Supporters of a no-fly zone over Libya were racing against time to push for a vote in the UN Security Council as Muammar Qaddafi's troops close in on the rebels' last major stronghold.
• UN resolution to impose Libya no-fly zone 'not easy,' says Hague IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- Foreign Secretary William Hague admitted that Britain faces strong opposition to get UN support to impose a no-fly zone and further measure on Libya.
• NATO Says Not Too Late For Libya Intervention RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- The head of NATO says he does not think it's too late to intervene in Libya, but much depends on the United Nations.
• UN Poised To Vote On Libyan No-Fly Zone, As U.S. Urges Stronger Action RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- The US, in a reversal of its previous position, now says the UN Security Council should consider more than a no-fly zone to protect civilians in Libya.
• U.S. calls on UN to authorize Libya air strikes RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Washington's ambassador to the UN has said the UN Security Council should consider not just a no-fly zone over Libya but also the aerial bombing of forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
• US Hoping for UN Security Council Vote on Libya VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The U.N. Security Council meets Thursday for more discussions on a resolution to set up a "no-fly" zone over Libya, as forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi pound rebel strongholds.
• Gaddafi forces prepare attack on rebellious Libyan city RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Rebels who have held power over the western Libyan city of Zenten since the beginning of the Libyan nationwide tumult are currently preparing to resist an assault from governmental forces.
• Gadhafi Warns Rebels to Surrender As UN Prepares to Vote VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has warned rebels in the eastern city of Benghazi to surrender or face an imminent government assault.
• Libyan Army Sets Ultimatum To Clear Benghazi RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- The Libyan Army has told residents in the opposition stronghold of Benghazi to leave rebel-held positions and arms storage areas.
• Gadhafi Forces Aim for Rebel Stronghold as UN Debates Response VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Libyan forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi are pounding targets near the rebel stronghold, Benghazi.
• Libya: UN urges respect for right to life and protection of children as violence rages UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- The head of the UN agency tasked with promoting the right to freedom of expression urged the authorities in Libya to respect human life and ensure that citizens are not denied their rights.
• EU on Libyan Refugees: 'Prepare for the Worst' VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The EU is urging member countries to prepare for a possible exodus of refugees from Libya as forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi close in on rebel strongholds.
• Gaddafi fears Bin Laden's occupation of Libya RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi fears that number one terrorist, al-Qaeda's Osama Bin Laden, will take control over Libya.
• Gadhafi Maintains Africa Policy Influence, Even With Rule in Doubt VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- An African Union committee is meeting this week to consider a proposal by Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to transform the AU bureaucracy into a powerful continental authority.
• Rodong Sinmun Terms US Real Disturber of Peace KCNA 17 Mar 2011 -- It is ridiculous, indeed, for the United States to label the DPRK as a "provocateur."
• KCNA Brands S. Korea's Move as Action to Escalate KCNA 17 Mar 2011 -- South Korea mulling revising the "law on exchange and cooperation between the south and the north."
• S. Korean Authorities' Talk about "Sincerity" Nonsensical KCNA 17 Mar 2011 -- Rodong Sinmun in a commentator's article dismisses the "sincerity" touted by the south Korean authorities.
• Press Conference on Parallel Humanitarian Crises in Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, 17 March 2011 United Nations 17 Mar 2011
• Pro-Gbagbo forces shell market in Côte d'Ivoire, killing at least 25 - UN UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations peacekeeping operation in Côte d’Ivoire expressed outrage after forces allied to the defeated president Laurent Gbagbo shelled a market.
• Gbagbo to Address Ivory Coast on AU Call to Cede Power VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Ivory Coast's incumbent president is expected to address the nation about African Union demands that he hand over power.
• Ivory Coast's Health System Collapses, MSF Steps in VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The medical aid group Doctors Without Borders says “intense armed conflict and political gridlock” are taking a toll on Ivory Coast’s civilian population.
• Somalia: Security Council exempts humanitarian activities from sanctions provisions UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- The Security Council voted to exempt the work of humanitarian agencies operating in Somalia from a resolution that obliges States to impose financial sanctions on groups in the country.
• Protester killed in Darfur, UN-African Union mission reports UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- At least one person has died and up to 10 others were injured after protesters clashed with police in Darfur.
• Nigerian Militants Attack Oil Facility, Warn of More Violence VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Nigeria's best-known militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, is claiming responsibility for attacking a facility run by the Italian oil firm Agip.
• Conflicting Voices on Kenya's Quest for ICC Deferral VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- As United Nations Security Council members consider Kenya's request for a deferral of its ICC trial, Kenya's leaders are engaged in a war of words over the will and interests of the country's people.
• Remembering Mansur RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Every insurgency produces its share of legendary leaders; but not all such men are unconditionally respected and loved by their comrades-in-arms.

News Reports

• Saudi-Iranian Competition in Bahrain Feared VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- While there has been a wave of political discontent sweeping across some nations of the Middle East, the grievances of the protesters and their way of expressing them is different from country to country.
• Bahrain's Crackdown Draws International Criticism VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- World powers are slamming Bahrain's crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators and the kingdom's use of foreign troops to help maintain order.
• EU: Bahrain's regime should end crackdown of peaceful protests IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- European Union foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, called on Bahrain's regime to immediately halt its suppression of peaceful protests in the Persian Gulf sheikdom.
• Bahrain Security Forces Arrest Opposition Leaders After Crackdown RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Bahraini security forces have arrested at least six key opposition figures as part of a crackdown against Shi'ite-led protests in the Sunni-ruled island kingdom.
• Bahrain Detains at Least 6 Top Opposition Activists VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Opposition members in Bahrain say authorities detained six opposition leaders Thursday, a day after security forces drove pro-democracy protesters out of the capital's main square in a deadly raid.
• Bahrain Arrests Opposition Leaders After Clashes VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Authorities in Bahrain have detained opposition leaders, after security forces drove pro-democracy protesters out of a main square in the capital.
• Bahrain arrests five opposition figures RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Bahraini police on Thursday arrested at least five opposition leaders in dawn raids, a day after a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, world media said.
• Bahrain: UN rights chief voices alarm over security forces invasion of hospitals UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- The UN human rights chief voiced alarm over the escalation of violence by security forces in Bahrain.
• UN Human Rights Chief Slams Bahrain's 'Military Takeover of Hospitals' VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- U.N. Human Rights chief Navi Pillay has criticized what she called a "military takeover of hospitals" in Bahrain, calling the action "shocking and illegal."
• Yemeni Forces Clash With Protesters, 85 Wounded VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Yemeni security forces and government loyalists clashed with opposition activists in two major cities.
• Five Protesters Wounded In Yemen RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Reports from Yemen say at least five protesters were wounded in an overnight attack by masked men on a sit-in in the capital, Sanaa.
• Yemeni Government Loyalists Attack Protesters in Sana'a VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Yemeni government supporters have attacked opposition activists camping out in a square in the capital, Sana'a, wounding at least eight people.
• Tensions in Yemen: An Inside View VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- For weeks, thousands of protesters have been gathering regularly in a central square in the Yemen's capital, Sana’a, demanding an immediate end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's 32-year rule.
• Egyptians Brace for First Test on Democracy VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- It was only five weeks ago that Hosni Mubarak stood down from nearly thirty years of autocratic rule.
• Secretary Clinton Remarks With Tunisian Foreign Minister Mouldi Kefi US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2011
• Secretary Clinton at Townterview Hosted by Nessma TV US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2011
• Clinton Encourages Economic Reforms in Tunisia VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on a visit to Tunisia, is urging the country's interim government to enact reforms that encourage economic development.
• Armenian opposition holds rally on central square, pushes for peaceful revolution RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- For the first time in three years backers of the Armenian National Congress opposition movement held a rally on Yerevan's central Liberty Square.
• Italian Island Feeling Strain of Burgeoning Immigration VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Italians are marking the 150th anniversary of unification but in the tiny island of Lampedusa, flags are flying at half-mast in protest at the government's failure to better deal with the immigration emergency.
• Remarks by the President on the Situation in Japan The White House 17 Mar 2011
• Obama Pledges Support for Stricken Japanese AFPS 17 Mar 2011 -- The US is using all available resources to assist a stricken Japan reeling from the effects of a massive earthquake.
• Emergency Power Reaches Crippled Japan Nuclear Plant VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The UN nuclear agency says the situation at Japan's earthquake and tsunami-crippled nuclear reactor is "very serious".
• Fuel meltdown, radiation leak prospect still haunting Japan RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- The water level in a spent nuclear fuel pool at Fukushima No. 1 plant has dropped, creating the possibility of a meltdown.
• Fukushima's spent nuclear fuel storage facilities under threat RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- The water level in a spent nuclear fuel pond at Japan's blasts-ridden Fukushima No. 1 plant has dropped.
• Japan Struggles To Avert Widespread Catastrophe At Nuclear Plant RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- Japanese authorities continuing desperate efforts to avert a widespread disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
• China Urges Full Disclosure on Japan Radiation Leaks VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The Chinese government urged its crisis-hit neighbor Japan to issue prompt and accurate information about radiation leaks.
• Situation at Japan's troubled nuclear plant 'slightly improved' RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- The situation at Japan's troubled Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant has slightly improved.
• Radiation remains high at Japanese plant despite cooling effort RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Radiation levels remain high at the quake-stricken Fukushima Daiichi plant in east Japan, the plant's operator said, as efforts continue to cool the reactors from the air.
• Japan Turns to Desperate Measures to Cool Nuclear Reactors VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- The Japanese military is using high-pressure fire hoses to spray water on earthquake-damaged nuclear reactors in a desperate attempt to cool down dangerously-hot fuel rods.
• Helicopters drop water on Japan's troubled nuclear reactor RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- Japan's Self-Defense Forces helicopters dropped water on the troubled No. 3 reactor of Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant to prevent the reactor from releasing radioactive steam.
• High-level radiation prevents use of water hoses on Japan nuclear reactor - TV RIA Novosti 17 Mar 2011 -- High levels of radiation are preventing police from using water cannons to douse the overheated Fukushima-1 nuclear reactor in Japan.
• Danger of Radioactive Materials Leakage Increases in Japan KCNA 17 Mar 2011 -- Nuclear reactor explosions occurred one after another as there increases damage by the catastrophic quake that jolted Japan.
• Japan, Foreign Embassies Break Step on Evacuation Advice VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Some foreign governments have begun advising their citizens to leave Japan, as the outlook for a crippled nuclear power plant becomes increasingly unclear.
• US firm involved in Fukushima nuclear crisis: Japanese official IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- A Japanese media official said that the recent crisis of Fukushima nuclear power plant were caused by substandard reactors made by American General Elector Company.
• From blankets to satellite phones, UN rushes help to tsunami-stricken Japan UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- United Nations agencies are rushing assistance to Japan to help cope with the multi-front disaster.
• Japanese Shelters Report Shortage of Food, Water VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Japanese officials report increasing problems in getting food and water to hundreds of thousands of people who remain in makeshift shelters almost a week the nation's worst recorded earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami.
• US special plane airlifts CIA freed man IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- An American special jet plane airlifted CIA contractor, Raymond Davis, who killed two Pakistanis in January.
• Pakistani court moved against release of CIA contractor IRNA 17 Mar 2011 -- A petition, against the release of CIA contractor facing double murder charges, was moved in a Pakistani court.
• US Denies Paying 'Blood Money' for CIA Contractor's Release VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- U.S. government officials have denied they paid millions of dollars in "blood money" for the release of a CIA contractor.
• 'Missing' Defendant To Reappear At Bakiev Trial RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- A former high-ranking Kyrgyz official who disappeared shortly after he went on trial with the country's former president is to appear in court when the trial resumes on March 18.
• Trial Of Former Kyrgyz President, Other Officials To Resume RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- A high-profile trial of 28 former top Kyrgyz officials -- including ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev -- is scheduled to resume on March 18.
• Trial Of Ousted Kyrgyz President's Brother Again Adjourned RFE/RL 17 Mar 2011 -- The trial of a brother of ousted Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev in connection with ethnic clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan last year has been adjourned for a second time, this time until March 25.
• Dalai firm on his decision to quit politics CNA 17 Mar 2011 -- The Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, gave a definite "no" to a majority of Tibetan parliamentarians' request that he stay on to lead the government-in-exile.
• Losing Candidate Concedes Defeat in Niger Election VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Former Prime Minister Seini Oumarou has conceded defeat in Niger's presidential election.
• UN Secretary-General Hoping for Smooth Haiti Elections VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he hopes Haiti's presidential runoff elections this Sunday will proceed smoothly and in a credible and transparent manner.
• Haiti: UN mission urges mass voter turnout for presidential run-off election UN News Centre 17 Mar 2011 -- Haiti’s political stability and economic reconstruction depends in part on as large a turnout as possible during this weekend’s run-off round of presidential elections.
• Aristide's Return to Haiti Set VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide is set to return to Haiti immediately, despite warnings from the United States.
• South African Law Disbanding Scorpions Ruled Unconstitutional VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- South Africa’s highest court has struck down the 2008 law that disbanded the independent crime investigating group known as the Scorpions.
• India Opposition Calling for Government's Resignation VOA 17 Mar 2011 -- India’s opposition parties have called for the government’s resignation following a WikiLeaks cable.