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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 14 Apr 2011 [PDF]
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 13 April 2011
• Statement on Libya following the working lunch of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs with non-NATO contributors to Operation Unified Protector NATO 14 Apr 2011
• Air Strikes Hit Libya As Diplomats Consider Options VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Witnesses in Libya say a series of explosions rocked the Tripoli area on Thursday shortly after NATO warplanes flew overhead.
• NATO confirms air strikes near Tripoli IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- A NATO spokeswoman Thursday confirmed that the western military alliance had launched air raids near the Libyan capital of Tripoli.
• NATO to maintain high operational tempo as long as necessary in Libya NATO 14 Apr 2011 -- Foreign Ministers of NATO Allies and the six operational partners contributing to Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR met in Berlin.
• Clinton: US Will Support NATO Mission in Libya VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States will continue to support the NATO mission in Libya until its work is complete.
• Iraqi Army Soldiers learn how to operate, maintain M1A1 tanks Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 9th Mechanized Division began learning how to operate and maintain the M1A1 Abrams.
• UN: 34 Killed In Iraqi Raid On Iranian Exiles RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- A UN official says 34 people were killed in an Iraqi Army raid last week on a camp of Iranian exiles.
• DOD News Briefing with Col. Kandarian and Col. Murtaza via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 14 Apr 2011 -- Presenter: Commander, Regional Command South's Task Force Strike and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Col. Arthur Kandarian, and Commander, 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps, Afghan Col. Ghalum Murtaza Sarwari
• Commander reports progress in Afghanistan, thanks New Yorkers for support Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- During a brief trip home, the U.S. commander of forces in Afghanistan's critical southern region held a press conference at Fort Drum on April 7 to update northern New Yorkers on the war while also recognizing the community's steadfast support for its Soldiers.
• Combined Force in Jowzjan Kills, Captures Insurgents AFPS 14 Apr 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition force acting on intelligence information and tips killed several insurgents.
• U.S., Afghan Forces Hold Former Insurgent Havens AFPS 14 Apr 2011 -- Key areas of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province in recent months have become free of insurgent control for the first time.
• Suicide Bombers Strike Afghan Local Police, Killing Three RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Afghan officials say several suicide bombers have attacked a local police training center in eastern Paktia Province, killing three policemen.
• Saudis 'To Host Peace Talks' On Afghanistan RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Saudi Arabia is to host a major conference on Afghanistan expected to be attended by Taliban sympathizers.
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs with non-NATO ISAF contributing nations, Berlin NATO 14 Apr 2011
• Afghanistan and NATO put theory into practice in their Enduring Partnership NATO 14 Apr 2011 -- At the meeting of Foreign Ministers in Berlin today, NATO and Afghanistan began to chart the path of how to take their Partnership forward.
• New NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan assumes duties NATO 14 Apr 2011 -- The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, welcomed the new NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan's Transition Can Succeed - Maybe RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- The mob attack on a UN office in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif on April 4 demonstrated how ill-prepared the Afghan security forces are.
• Kazakhstan ratifies agreement with U.S. on Afghanistan transit RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- The upper house of the Kazakh parliament ratified an agreement opening new transit routes for U.S. planes carrying military personnel and equipment to Afghanistan.
• Afghan Taliban to Open Office in Turkey VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- The Turkish foreign minister has confirmed that preparations are underway for opening an office in Turkey for the Afghan Taliban.
• Pakistan records protest with US over drone strikes IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- Pakistan has recorded protest with American Ambassador in Islamabad over two strikes by US pilotless aircraft in South Waziristan.
• Pakistan Forces Attack Taliban Hideouts In Border Region, Kill 18 RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Pakistani officials: Troops and paramilitary forces targeted Taliban positions in the tribal region of Mohmand.
• 31st MEU back in Okinawa after Cobra Gold, MAREX, Operation Tomodachi USMC News 14 Apr 2011 -- The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to Okinawa after its nearly three-month deployment of the Asia-Pacific Region, April 12.

Defense Policy / Programs

• In blackest knight, VMFA-314 flies through training USMC News 14 Apr 2011 -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, an F/A 18 Hornet squadron based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., has been keeping its Marines combat ready by conducting training operations here and around the region.
• MALS-12 receives new machines to arm station with greater capabilities USMC News 14 Apr 2011 -- Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 machinists received two pieces of machinery last month that have improved the squadron's productivity and the station's readiness to support regular operations here and throughout Japan.
• Essex Completes Western Pacific Patrol NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Sasebo, Japan April 14, completing a three-month deployment in the Western Pacific.
• Bataan Stocks Shelves, Fills Tank for Deployment NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed her largest replenishment at sea (RAS) in more than two years April 13, taking on fuel from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) and supplies from the dry-cargo ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2).
• U.S., Philippine Seabees Unite During Balikatan NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 Seabees were recognized during a ground breaking ceremony at the Lubigan Elementary School in Lubigan, Philippines, March 12.
• Seabees Makes a Difference in the Philippines NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 deployed 24 Seabees to support the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) March 1.
• Bethesda to Open New Wounded Warrior Barracks NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) announced April 14 a new wounded warrior barracks scheduled to open later this summer.
• River-deepening to Ease Aircraft Carrier Movement NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- Dredging operations, deepening portions of the Elizabeth River from Lambert's Point in Norfolk, Va., to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, will begin April 15.
• Misawa AIMD Back to Normal Operations After Tomodachi Support NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- Naval Air Facility Misawa (NAFM), Japan, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD)returned to performing routine work and repairs on aircraft parts, April 11.
• CSCS Conducts Training Summit with Republic of Korea Navy NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) International Programs and South Korea's Naval Combat System Schools (NCSS) held a training summit in Chinhae, South Korea March 29 – 30.
• Portsmouth Construction Increases Dry Dock Capacity NNS 14 Apr 2011 -- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard completed improvements and certification to dry dock #2, April 12, which increased its ability to maintain larger naval ships. With construction complete, the dry dock can now accommodate a ship 592 feet long with a beam of 80 feet 11 inches.
• Army, contractors forge partner agreement Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- Managing growth at Fort Benning, Ga., was the main subject during a recent meeting between Army officials and its contract partners.
• Guard Soldiers bring back high-tech, experimental cannon Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- A piece of artillery history returned to the Watervliet Arsenal Wednesday with a little help from New York National Guard Soldiers from the Queensbury, N.Y., 1427th Transportation Company, as a high-tech howitzer developed at the Arsenal came home.
• New housing project to begin in May at JBLM Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- The Army Family Covenant is in its second year, and the promise of committing time and resources to improve quality of life continues.
• Arlington leadership moving forward in fixing problems at Arlington National Cemetery Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- The Army Cemeteries Program and Arlington National Cemetery leadership testified today before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, or HASC O&I, regarding the progress made to address past issues and establish accountability at Arlington National Cemetery.
• Army Learning Concept 2015 brings Aviation, ground forces together early Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- An AH-64 Apache pilot circles overhead as a Stryker team moves into position on the ground. The pilot identifies an insurgent target posted in a tower and ready to use rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire against the ground troops.
• 1st ACB uses Fort Rucker facility to get combat ready Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade put the final pieces of its combat readiness puzzle together during an Aviation Training Exercise at the Seneff Aviation Warfighting Simulation Center on Fort Rucker April 4-8.
• California Army Reserve Unit Hosts Korean Delegation for Civil-Military Planning Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- A California-based U.S. Army Reserve unit hosted a delegation of Korean government and military representatives in a five-day workshop, here this past week.
• Exercise tests Fort Carson emergency response Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- The ominous bulk of an Air Force C-130 sat at the end of the runway, smoke billowing from its fuselage. Strewn across the tarmac was a scene of carnage - smoldering aircraft parts and bodies.
• First in, last out for logistics task force supporting Balikatan 2011 Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- First in, last out. For some, it's a perfect way to sum up the 505th Quartermaster Battalion involvement in exercise Balikatan 2011 since February.
• Army, Marine, Air Force combat training leaders share insights, ideas at conference Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- Nearly 100 leaders from U.S. and international military training groups met April 12-13 at Fort Leavenworth for the Combat Training Center (CTC) Conference. Organized by the Combined Arms Center-Training's Combat Training Center Directorate, the twice-yearly event focuses on expectations and solutions for delivering needed capabilities and creating the right training environment for U.S. Army Soldiers and units.
• CSA sees network as Army's future in war Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- In meeting the demands of conflict, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey knows the American Soldiers' ability to adapt and learn will overcome the enemy.
• Outstanding: ANAD rates high inspection marks Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- Anniston Army Depot received an outstanding rating in 43 out of 47 areas evaluated when an inspection team from TACOM Life Cycle Management Command visited the installation March 29-31.
• New Army hospital to meet high expectations Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- The new Army hospital under construction at Fort Belvoir, Va., is a "dream come true" and will be a world-class facility that meets all expectations and demands, said the DeWitt Army Community Hospital commander April 7.
• 9th AML deploys to Japan Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- A casing ceremony was held at noon March 30 in front of the 9th Area Medical Laboratory warehouse to farewell the unit's 19 Soldiers who deployed to Japan the following day.
• Building boom: Installation barracks receive face-lift Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- Fort Jackson is on its way to completely renovating and constructing new living quarters for Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.
• Contracting officials hold international conference in South Korea Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- Defense contracting officials from 14 nations gathered here in the South Korean capital April 11 - 13 to discuss best practices in government quality assurance.
• Transcript: Speech at National Library for the Study of George Washington Groundbreaking Ceremony DoD 14 Apr 2011
• Carter Seeks Process to Fund Urgent Needs AFPS 14 Apr 2011 -- The Pentagon’s top acquisitions official asked Congress to help set up a funding system so the Defense Department can more quickly meet deployed warfighters’ most urgent requests.
• Carter Outlines Military Acquisition Improvements AFPS 14 Apr 2011 -- The Defense Department has made much progress toward buying and fielding equipment smarter and faster.
• Gates: America Must Balance Idealism, Realism AFPS 14 Apr 2011 -- Defense Secretary Gates: Since the beginning of the republic, the United States has had to balance its idealistic impulses with realism, and that remains true today.
• President to award posthumous Medals of Honor for Korea Army News 14 Apr 2011 -- The White House announced Wednesday evening that the president will present the nation's highest award for valor to the families of two Korean War heroes.
• Dempsey Discusses Range of Army Issues AFPS 14 Apr 2011 -- The Army could provide a follow-on force in Iraq if asked, the service’s new chief of Staff said.
• Brazil to decide on Russian helicopter supplies by end of month RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- The Brazilian Defense Ministry will decide by the end of the month whether its contract on the supply of Russian helicopters will be affected by budget cuts.
• Four Russian Soldiers Killed In Military Exercises RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- An explosion at a mobile artillery complex in western Russia has killed four soldiers and severely injured another.
• NATO Foreign Ministers gather in Berlin NATO 14 Apr 2011 -- The foreign ministers of NATO's 28 nations and over 20 partner countries meet in Berlin for talks covering issues ranging from operations over Libya to NATO's relationship with its partners.
• China 'vigorously committed' to develop military ties with India IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- China: 'Vigorously committed' to developing military ties with its 'important neighbour' and was ready to resolve the visa row through friendly consultation.
• Soldiers invade southern Taiwan in amphibious drill CNA 14 Apr 2011 -- More than 3,000 troops engaged in an amphibious landing drill in southern Taiwan as part of the five-day Hankuang exercises.
• Taiwan struts its paratrooper capabilities CNA 14 Apr 2011 -- The military held war games to drill its paratrooper and airborne defense units at an airbase in central Taiwan.
• Iran building 'anti-terror' wall on Pakistan border RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- Iran is building a fence on its border with Pakistan to keep out terrorists, Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Jacob Lew, 4/14/2011 The White House 14 Apr 2011
• April 14, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 14 Apr 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 14, 2011
• Lockheed Martin To Respond To Joint Air-To-Ground Missile Request For Proposal Lockheed Martin 14 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that it will respond to the government's Request for Proposal (RFP) for the next phases for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM).
• E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Program Completes Successful DAB Review Northrop Grumman 14 Apr 2011 -- Following a successful Defense Acquisition Board review, funding for an additional 10 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft has been authorized.
• Raytheon-Boeing Team Will Answer Warfighter's Call for Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Raytheon 14 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received the U.S. Army and Navy's Joint Air-to-Ground Missile request for proposal and will respond as a prime contractor. Raytheon is teamed with The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) for the competition.
• Raytheon's JLENS Successfully Tracks Test Targets Raytheon 14 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) JLENS (Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System) has successfully demonstrated tracking targets of opportunity in the Salt Lake City air space. Testing and integration of the system is being conducted at the Utah Test and Training Range.
• Raytheon Receives $68 Million Best Value Thermal Weapon Sight Delivery Order Raytheon 14 Apr 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been recognized as a best value provider in the award of a $68.6 million order to deliver thermal weapon sights (TWS) for enhanced night vision capabilities to acquire and accurately prosecute targets.
• Rheinmetall wins important Bundeswehr force protection orders Rheinmetall Defence 14 Apr 2011 -- Germany's Federal Agency for Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply the Bundeswehr with innovative force protection technology, which will soon be providing German troops deployed in Afghanistan with even greater security.
• SAIC Awarded $41 Million Task Order to Support Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head Division SAIC 14 Apr 2011 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) announced today it was awarded a task order by the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Indian Head Division to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with a scientific research program to help enable equipment and infrastructure lifecycle and sustainment enhancements.
• Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System Engages Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile for the First Time Lockheed Martin 14 Apr 2011 -- Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system successfully tracked and engaged an intermediate range ballistic missile using data from a remote AN/TPY-2 radar during a test off the coast of Hawaii.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 14 April 2011 United Nations 14 Apr 2011
• As world faces interconnected threats, General Assembly focuses on human security UN News Centre 14 Apr 2011 -- The interconnected risks that the modern world faces, from conflicts and natural disasters to deep poverty and disease, means a much broader definition of security is needed.
• Libya: UN chief calls for efforts to address humanitarian crisis UN News Centre 14 Apr 2011 -- Humanitarian situation is deteriorating and requires concerted efforts by the United Nations and the international community.
• Libyan Rebels Make Desperate Plea for Stronger NATO Action VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Rebels in Libya are warning of what they call a "massacre" in the western city of Misrata.
• Press conference by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen after the working lunch of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs with Libya partners, Berlin NATO 14 Apr 2011
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General at the working lunch of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs with Libya partners, Berlin NATO 14 Apr 2011
• NATO Nations Commit to Ending Gadhafi Rule VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- NATO's secretary-general says the alliance needs more precision aircraft to destroy Libyan weapons hidden within the civilian population.
• NATO: Libya Mission Will Last 'As Long As Necessary' RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- NATO foreign ministers have endorsed calls for Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi to leave power.
• NATO Libya mission to continue as long as necessary: Rasmussen IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen vowed to keep up military pressure on the Libyan regime.
• Secretary Clinton Remarks With German Chancellor Angela Merkel Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 14 Apr 2011
• Merkel, Clinton demand end to Qadhafi regime IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for an end to the regime of Libyan dictator Moammar Qadhafi.
• France says Libya strikes to increase RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- NATO should increase military pressure on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi despite the concerns of the BRICS nations.
• Germany, France highlight differences over Libya strategy IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- Germany and France highlighted differences regarding a western strategy on Libya only hours before the start of a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Berlin.
• Arab League Debates Options in Libya VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- An Arab League conference in Cairo has examined how to put a stop to the conflict in Libya, bring about a political dialogue and resolve the country’s humanitarian crisis.
• Arab League Meets With World Leaders On Libya RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- The Arab League has met at its Cairo headquarters with world leaders seeking to find a solution to the crisis in Libya.
• International meeting in Cairo to address Libya issue RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- Top Arab, African and European diplomats will meet in Cairo on Thursday to discuss the ways to resolve an ongoing political crisis in Libya.
• BRICS leaders condemn distortion of UN Security Council resolutions on Libya RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- The leaders of the BRICS nations believe that any arbitrary interpretations of the UN Security Council's resolutions on Libya are inadmissible.
• BRICS nations speak out against use of force in Libya IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- BRICS collectively voiced their opposition to the use of force in Libya and pitched for a central role for the UN and regional organizations in resolving the matter.
• BRICS Nations Oppose Use of Force in Libya VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- The five BRICS nations have voiced their opposition to use of force in Libya, at a summit in the southern Chinese resort city, Sanya.
• BRICS leaders call for diplomatic solution to Libya crisis RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- The leaders of the BRICS nations believe the situation in Libya should be resolved through diplomatic means.
• UN Secretary General calls for immediate ceasefire, 'political' solution to Libya crisis RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- UN Secretary General Ban called for an immediate ceasefire and a "political" solution to the situation in Libya.
• Libyan Opposition Gives War Lessons to Youth VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- The uprising against the 41-year rule of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi began peacefully.
• Libya's Moussa Koussa Removed From EU Sanctions List RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- The British government said that former Libyan FM Moussa Koussa is no longer subject to financial sanctions imposed by the European Union.
• COTE D'IVOIRE: Accounting for atrocities IRIN 14 Apr 2011 -- Parts of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic capital, Abidjan, still have a ghost-town feel to them in the aftermath of former President Laurent Gbagbo’s capture.
• UN Expects Swift Economic Recovery in Ivory Coast VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Forces loyal to Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara have taken control of the presidential palace in downtown Abidjan
• Côte d'Ivoire stand-off over but humanitarian crisis continues, UN and partners warn UN News Centre 14 Apr 2011 -- Although the political stand-off in Côte d’Ivoire ended earlier this week, the humanitarian crisis spawned by months of violence continues.
• Abidjan Food Stocks Looted VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- The World Food Program reports its warehouse in Ivory Coast’s commercial capital, Abidjan has been looted over the past week.
• Search Launched For Tajik Militant Leader RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Tajik special forces today launched a search in a village some 135 kilometers east of Dushanbe for militant leader Abdullo Rahimov (aka Mullo Abdullo).
• UN Envoy Upbeat About Cyprus Peace VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- The U.N. envoy overseeing the Cyprus peace negotiations said he believes there is a chance of breaking the deadlock in peace talks.

News Reports

• North Korea Vows To Indict Detained American RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- North Korea has confirmed its arrest of an American man over an unspecified alleged crime against the country and said it is preparing to indict him.
• N. Korea Says Detained American Has Confessed to Crime VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- North Korea says a detained U.S. citizen has confessed to committing an unspecified crime against the reclusive communist nation.
• Report: Syria's Assad Orders Release Of Detainees RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- President Bashar al-Assad has ordered the release of all detainees arrested in a recent wave of protests.
• Snipers Reportedly Kill Soldier In Syria's Restive Banias RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Snipers have killed a soldier and wounded another in the coastal city of Banias amid tensions after protests.
• New government formed in Syria RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- A new government was formed in Syria on Thursday as the country's leadership attempts to ease pressure from protesters for reform.
• Syria's President Announces New Cabinet VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Syrian state-run media report President Bashar al-Assad has announced formation of a new Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Adel Safar.
• Syria's President Meets Daraa Delegation VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Reports from Syria say that President Bashar al-Assad has met with representatives from the southern town of Daraa, an epicenter of anti-government unrest.
• Bahrain Moves to Dissolve Opposition Groups VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Bahrain's Sunni-led government has filed a lawsuit to disband two Shi'ite opposition groups in the wake of opposition protests in the kingdom.
• Supporters of Yemen's President Rally; Protests Continue VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Yemen's state-run media say thousands of people have rallied in support of the government in the capital, Sana'a.
• EGYPT: Timeline of key events since Mubarak's departure IRIN 14 Apr 2011 -- After 18 days of mass protests, Husni Mubarak resigned as president on 11 February, ending 30 years of autocratic rule.
• Justice Minister Says Ben Ali Faces Murder, Other Charges In Tunisia RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Tunisia's justice minister says prosecutors want to try ousted President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali on a total of 18 different charges.
• Former Tunisian President Faces 18 Charges VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Tunisia's judicial authorities are readying 18 charges against former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali that include a range of alleged crimes.
• Iran begins refueling Bushehr nuclear power plant IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- Head of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant: Operations to inject fuel into the core of the reactor of the plant have already started.
• Iran to launch gamma radiation center in two years ISNA 14 Apr 2011-- Iran intends to launch the first gamma-ray multi-purpose radiation center by next two years, taking another major step in nuclear progress.
• China pushes for further dialog on Iranian nuclear program RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- China is pushing to continue talks between Tehran and the six international mediators on Iran's controversial nuclear program.
• China hopes Iran, 5+1 Group resume talks IRNA 14 Apr 2011 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry's Spokesman Hong Lei expressed hope on Thursday that nuclear talks between Iran and member-states of the 5+1 Group will resume soon.
• US Mulls New Diplomacy in Troubled Middle East VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- U.S.-based experts on the Middle East are closely watching the popular uprisings in parts of the Arab world and discussing how Washington can best respond to the turmoil.
• Japanese Plant Operators Brace for Continuing Aftershocks VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- The operators of Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant say they are moving equipment to higher ground after a series of strong aftershocks.
• Japan's Kan Faces Calls to Quit Over Handling of Disasters VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Japanese PM Kan is facing new calls for his resignation from senior opposition and ruling party lawmakers.
• Detained Chinese Artist 'Suspected of Tax Evasion' VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Pro-Beijing newspapers in Hong Kong say a prominent Chinese artist is suspected of tax evasion and destroying evidence.
• Kyrgyz Parliament Panel To Probe Government Graft Allegations RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- The Kyrgyz parliament has set up a special commission to investigate allegations of government corruption that have shaken the coalition.
• Further dialogue, strong institutions vital for Kyrgyz democracy, UN stresses UN News Centre 14 Apr 2011 -- Senior UN and European officials emphasized the need for continued dialogue and the strengthening of state institutions.
• Is Tajikistan's 'Google Generation' Looking For Change? RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- A growing number of articles and commentaries on Central Asian blogs and media suggest it's only a matter of time before Arab-style popular uprisings sweep through the region.
• Kazakh President Sacks Six Supreme Court Judges For Corruption RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev today sacked six Supreme Court judges suspected of corruption.
• Nigeria's Electoral Commission 'Fully Prepared' For Saturday's Presidential Vote VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- An official of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the body is “fully prepared” to hold this Saturday’s presidential election.
• Nigeria's Electoral Commission Amends Voting Process VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission has made what it calls “slight amendments” to the election process.
• Nigeria Gets Set for Presidential Vote VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Nigerians vote for president Saturday as Africa's most populous nation seeks to end its history of flawed elections.
• Zimbabwe's 'Hard Road to Reform' Report VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- The first independent review of the often turbulent and sometimes violent politics of Zimbabwe’s two-year-old inclusive government indicates there has been some progress and positive change.
• Uganda Opposition Leader Hit by Rubber Bullet VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was hit in the hand by a rubber bullet Thursday during a protest march just outside the capital, Kampala.
• Kenya Faces Criticism Over Nationals Detained in Uganda VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Pressure is mounting on the Kenyan government to seek the release of eight human rights activists being detained in Uganda in connection with the July terrorist attacks in Kampala.
• Armenian Opposition Threatens 'War' If Political Prisoners Not Freed RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- A leading Armenian National Congress official says the opposition movement will declare "war" against President Serzh Sarkisian if he fails to free jailed HAK supporters.
• Azerbaijani Opposition Denied Approval For Rally In Baku Center RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- The Baku city council today rejected a request by an opposition group to stage a demonstration in the city center on April 16.
• Human Rights Group Urges Haiti to Make History with 'Baby Doc' Trial VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- A human rights group is urging Haiti to prosecute former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier to the fullest extent of the law, saying such a trial would be a chance to make history.
• Belarus Makes More Arrests Over Minsk Subway Attack RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- Belarusian authorities say they have arrested two more people in connection with the April 11 attack on a subway station in Minsk.
• Belarus Security Detains 5 Suspects in Metro Bombing VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Belarus Deputy Prosecutor General Andrei Shved has announced that security officials have taken five suspects into custody.
• Belarus says five suspects detained in Minsk metro blast RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- Belarusian authorities: A total of five suspects have been arrested following a blast that tore through a crowded subway station in the capital Minsk.
• UN Security Council Condemns 'Apparent' Terrorist Attack In Minsk RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- The UNSC has issued a statement condemning what it describes as the "apparent terrorist attack" in the Belarusian capital, killing 12 people.
• Belarus prosecutors urge media not to publish unchecked subway blast reports RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2011 -- Belarusian prosecutors urged journalists not to publish unchecked and unofficial information on Monday's terrorist attack.
• BRICS Leaders Push For More Influence RFE/RL 14 Apr 2011 -- The leaders of five of the world's major emerging economies have used a summit to call for more global influence.
• Russia's Ruling Party Chief Favors Putin for President VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Russia’s ruling party is signaling that it wants Vladimir Putin to be its candidate for president.
• Mideast, N. Africa Instability Driving Food Costs to Near All-Time High VOA 14 Apr 2011 -- Lingering instability in North Africa and the Middle East is pushing food prices close to record highs.
• Lockheed Martin Scientists Discover Mechanism That Could Feed Solar Explosions Lockheed Martin 14 Apr 2011 -- Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are violent solar explosions that can propel up to 10 billion tons of the Sun's atmosphere – at a million miles an hour – out through the corona and into space.
• NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Continues to Move Forward as Northrop Grumman Takes Delivery of Primary Mirror Pathfinder Backplane Northrop Grumman 14 Apr 2011 -- The James Webb Space Telescope reached another key milestone with the delivery of the pathfinder backplane to Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), prime contractor on the program.