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23 September 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 23 Sep 2011 [PDF]

Analysts: Fraying US-Pakistan Ties Imperil Afghan Peace Efforts VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Pakistani officials sounded off with angry and categorical responses to Adm. Mike Mullen's allegations that their Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) is backing militants.
Under The Spotlight, Questions Raised About Haqqani Network Ties With Pakistan RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- The villain responsible for the raft of violence against U.S. targets in Kabul has been identified.
Pakistan's Army Chief Dismisses US Charge of al-Qaida Links VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Pakistan's army chief is dismissing U.S. accusations that its military spy agency supports al-Qaida-linked militants.
Pakistan Warns US it Risks Losing an Ally Over Afghan Accusations VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Pakistani officials have responded angrily to U.S. accusations that the country's intelligence agency supported attacks by the Haqqani militant network.
Pakistan hits out at U.S. over terrorist links comments RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Pakistan has said the US risks losing it as its ally after America's most senior military officer accused the country's intelligence service of helping carry out deadly attacks on Western targets in Afghanistan.
White House Asks Pakistan To Break With Terror Network RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- The US has called on Pakistan to "break any link they have" with the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani militant network.
White House Calls on Pakistan to Break Links With Haqqani Network VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- The White House is calling on Pakistan’s government to break any links it has with the militant Haqqani Network.
Commander Visits Troops in East Afghanistan AFPS 23 Sep 2011 -- Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, yesterday visited with U.S. troops posted in the eastern part of the country, military officials reported.
Chaotic Scene Marks Burial of Afghan Ex-President and Peacemaker VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Thousands of mourners helped bury Afghanistan's former president and head peace broker with the Taliban, Burhanuddin Rabbani.
Thousands Gather For Funeral Of Slain Former Afghan President Rabbani RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- Thousands of mourners gathered in Kabul to pay their last respects to Burhanuddin Rabbani.
Former Afghan President Rabbani laid to rest in Kabul RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- The funeral of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was killed in a bomb attack on Tuesday, was held in the capital Kabul on Friday.

Blast kills 4 militants in Pakistan IRNA 23 Sep 2011 -- At least four suspected militants were killed and another injured when a bomb in their vehicle exploded in Pakistan's Khyber tribal region.

Iraqi Official Says Talks On U.S.-Forces Extension Stalled RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- An Iraqi official says talks between the Iraqi government and U.S. officials on whether some U.S. forces might remain in Iraq beyond December have stalled.
Air traffic controllers prepare to pass torch to Iraqis AFNS 23 Sep 2011 -- As Operation New Dawn continues to progress, air traffic controllers here are working side-by-side with civilian controllers and Iraqi airmen to transition the airspace back to Iraqi officials.
President: Iraq becoming a peaceful democratic State UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Iraq is striving to build a democratic State anchored in peace and the rule of law, the country’s President, Jalal Talabani, told the General Assembly.

NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 22 Sep 2011
UK, France 'accidental heroes' in Libya war, says report IRNA 23 Sep 2011 -- Britain and France have been left as the “accidental heroes” in the Nato-led bombing campaign in Libya that was “more messy and ambiguous” than politicians like to admit.
Libya: Protecting Tripoli with care and precision NATO 23 Sep 2011 -- Testaments to the skill with which NATO aircraft were able to pinpoint a military target in a sea of civilian buildings.

Defense Policy / Programs

Senate Confirms Carter as Deputy Defense Secretary AFPS 23 Sep 2011 -- The Senate today unanimously confirmed Ashton B. Carter as the next deputy secretary of defense.
31st MEU begins boarding for next deployment USMC News 23 Sep 2011 -- More than 2,200 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are preparing to board Navy ships of Amphibious Squadron 11, and depart within days to begin a patrol of the Asia-Pacific region.
IG tells Congress Arlington Cemetery issues corrected Army News 23 Sep 2011 -- Issues involving misconduct, mismanagement and poor recordkeeping at Arlington National Cemetery have been corrected, the Army's deputy inspector general told Congress at a hearing Sept. 23 on Capitol Hill.
Navy Bids Roughead Farewell, Greenert Takes Helm NNS 23 Sep 2011 -- With 38 years of service, Adm. Gary Roughead steps down from the position of Chief of Naval Operations during the change of command ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy, Sept. 23.
Alaska (Gold) Changes Command NNS 23 Sep 2011 -- USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (Gold) hosted a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Sept. 23.
Lincoln Embarks for COMPTUEX to Prepare for Deployment NNS 23 Sep 2011 -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departed San Diego, Sept. 20, for a three-week composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of California.
NAVFAC Southwest Awards $15 Million Task Order For NAS Lemoore Construction NNS 23 Sep 2011 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded a $15 million task order Sept. 16 to SOLPAC Construction Inc. of San Diego for the repair and renovation of bachelor officer quarters and senior enlisted barracks at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.
NAVFAC Celebrates Completion of Camp Pendleton's Newest Generation of Buildings NNS 23 Sep 2011 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest personnel, contractors, and members of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton community celebrated the completion of a bachelor enlisted quarters (BEQ) project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 12.
Army Completes Chemical Stockpile Destruction Army News 23 Sep 2011 -- The Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility yesterday completed the disposal of the chemical weapons stockpile stored at ANAD.
Air Mobility Command’s Response Saves Lives AFPS 23 Sep 2011 -- In wars, natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, the Air Mobility Command’s real-time global response capability saves lives and brings people home.
11th Signal Detachment Inactivates in Mannheim Army News 23 Sep 2011 -- The colors of 5th Signal Command's 11th Signal Detachment were cased at Sullivan Barracks Sports Arena signifying the inactivation of 11th Signal Detachment.
DOD Works to Improve Financial Management AFPS 23 Sep 2011 -- The Defense Department’s effort to better manage its finances has the right strategy, governance process, resources and leadership support.
Bureau Works to Protect Troops Pursuing Education AFPS 23 Sep 2011 -- Service members and their families are under siege from for-profit colleges, many of which see service members as nothing more than “dollar signs in uniform”.

Rasmussen expects missile shield deal with Russia by May RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- NATO Secretary General Fogh Rasmussen expects Russia and NATO will agree on missile defense at the alliance's summit.

IAF “LCA' Tejas undergoes weapons trials IRNA 23 Sep 2011 -- The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is undergoing weapons trials, including firing air-to-air missiles to test its capability to bring down enemy planes.

Pakistan boosts nuclear installations' security: FM IRNA 23 Sep 2011 -- Pakistan has told the UN that steps have been taken to augment the safety and security of the country's nuclear installations and materials.

Parents Of Dead Azerbaijani Soldiers Criticize Probe RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- The parents of Azerbaijani soldiers killed earlier this year in what the Defense Ministry called "a serious crime" say officials did not properly investigate the case.

Time for action on UN-backed treaty banning nuclear tests is now, Ban stresses UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban urged all remaining States to seize the moment and sign and ratify the global treaty banning nuclear tests.

Ghana backs proposed UN treaty on weapons trade UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Ghana today called for a legally-binding United Nations treaty on arms trade that would help stem the flow of arms to destinations where they could fuel conflict or undermine national and regional peace.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 23, 2011
Egyptian Air Force becomes new Airbus Military C295 operator EADS 23 Sep 2011 -- The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) today has taken delivery of its first Airbus Military C295
CASSIDIAN ensures flight safety of all German Forces aircraft EADS 23 Sep 2011 -- Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has successfully concluded the modernization of the identification equipment of all German Forces' aircraft
General Dynamics Awarded Military Health System Support Contract by TRICARE Management Activity General Dynamics 23 Sep 2011 -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics, has been awarded a five-year, $14.3 million task order by the TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) under the TRICARE Evaluation, Analysis and Management Support (TEAMS) contract.
Unmanned Block 10 Global Hawks Built by Northrop Grumman Complete Air Force Service, Embark Upon New Missions Northrop Grumman 23 Sep 2011 -- A U.S. Air Force Block 10 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft, built by Northrop Grumman, completed its last mission in late May.
SAIC Helps Launch Commercially-Hosted Infrared Payload Sensor for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center SAIC 23 Sep 2011 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced today the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), SES Government Solutions, Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital), and SAIC team has successfully launched the Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) sensor into space.

Other Conflicts

23 September 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Sep 2011
Responsibility to protect principle must cover all who need it, Ban says UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the need to ensure that the principle of 'responsibility to protect' – safeguarding populations from genocide and war crimes – becomes a reality for all the peoples of the world that need it.

Negotiations the only path to Middle East peace, Israeli leader says at UN debate UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Lasting peace in the Middle East will only be achieved through direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and not through the imposition of United Nations resolutions, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today.
Quartet Calls Israelis, Palestinians to Negotiating Table VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- The Middle East Quartet is urging the Israelis and Palestinians to return to the negotiating table within the next month.
UN Security Council to consider Palestinian statehood bid Sept. 26 RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- The UN Security Council will consider the Palestinians request for statehood recognition on September 26.
Ban receives Palestinian application for UN membership UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas today submitted an application for Palestine to become a United Nations Member State.
Abbas Submits Palestinian Statehood Application VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas formally asked the U.N. Security Council Friday to recognize a Palestinian state.
Palestinians Ask United Nations For Full Recognition RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas submitted a formal application to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for full membership in the world body.
Palestinians Submit Statehood Application to UN VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Friday asked the United Nations to recognize a state of Palestine, despite U.S. and Israeli opposition against the bid.
UN chief hands over Palestinian statehood bid to Security Council RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday handed over a Palestinian request for statehood recognition to the UN Security Council.
Israel wants peace, Netanyahu tells UN RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly that his country desired peace with the Palestinians, but this could only be achieved through talks, not a UN resolution.
Palestinians Cheer President Abbas During UN Speech VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinians erupted in cheers Friday upon hearing the news that President Mahmoud Abbas had submitted an application for statehood at the United Nations.
Abbas pleads with UN to end Palestinian ‘suffering’ RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday asked the UN General Assembly to end the world’s “last occupation” and recognize a Palestinian state.
Abbas Rebuffs Appeals, Plans Statehood Bid at UN General Assembly VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to formally ask the UN to recognize a Palestinian state as a full member of the world body.
Palestinians To Launch Bid For Statehood At UN RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- The Palestinians are due to launch their bid for statehood at the United Nations today.
OPT: Top Hamas official criticizes Palestinian bid for statehood IRIN 23 Sep 2011 -- As Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas launches a Palestinian statehood bid, a top Hamas official in the Gaza Strip says Hamas was not consulted on the bid.
Palestinian Refugees Trapped in a Congressional Debate VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency runs 700 schools and 137 health clinics for approximately five million displaced Palestinians who live in refugee camps.
Israel to end talks with Palestinians if UN bid goes ahead RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Israel will pull out of talks with the Palestinians if they ask the United Nations to recognize their statehood, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said.
Abbas to submit UN bid after General Assembly address RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will formally submit an application for recognition of statehood to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Palestinian UN bid should be resolved by consensus - Russian FM RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Russia would like the Palestinian National Authority's UN bid to be resolved by means of consensus, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Israel on alert for militant attack RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Israel security forces were put on full alert on Friday evening over fears of a possible militant attack on the country’s border with Egypt.

NTC to Announce Libyan Interim Government VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Libya's National Transitional Council says it will announce a framework for the country's interim government within the next few days.
Libyan rebels form united front RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Libyan opposition forces fighting Muammar Gaddafi loyalists have formed a Union of Revolutionary Battalions.

UN chief renews call for dialogue to resolve ongoing crisis in Yemen UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban reiterated his call on the Government and opposition groups to engage with his special adviser to peacefully resolve the ongoing crisis in the country.
Yemen President Returns, Calls for Political Truce VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned to Yemen Friday, after nearly a week of sporadic clashes between his opponents and Republican Guard forces, led by his son.
Yemen's President Returns Amid Violence RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh unexpectedly returned to Yemen today after spending three months in Saudi Arabia recovering from a bomb attack.
President Saleh returns to Yemen RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has returned to his home country after spending three months in a Saudi hospital.

Images Show 'Massive' Troop Build-Up in Sudan VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- New satellite images appear to show thousands of Sudanese government troops marching toward a rebel stronghold in a contested region near South Sudan.
In debut at UN debate, South Sudan calls for sustained global support UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- The world’s newest country and United Nations Member State, South Sudan, will need international assistance for a long time.

Recent gains provide hope to advance Somali peace process – Ban UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban called on Somali leaders and their international partners to take advantage of recent gains and to advance the peace process.

Trying tyrants for human rights abuses validates UN, Georgia tells Assembly UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- International efforts, albeit halting, to punish perpetrators of crimes against humanity validate the very essence of the United Nations, Georgia has told the General Assembly.
Saakashvili uses UN floor to accuse Russia of terrorism RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili used the UN floor on Thursday to accuse Moscow of terrorism and reiterate the claims that Russia occupies Georgian territories.
Tuvalu becomes sixth state to recognize Abkhazia RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- The tiny Pacific Republic of Tuvalu has become the sixth country to recognize Abkhazia, Abkhaz Foreign Minister Maxim Gvindzhiya said on Friday.
Tuvalu 'Recognizes Abkhazia, South Ossetia' RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- The tiny Pacific Ocean state of Tuvalu reportedly has recognised Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states.

Perpetrators of recent killings must be brought to justice, UN tells Burundi UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- The UN human rights office called on the Burundian Government to ensure that the perpetrators of last week’s massacre near the capital are brought to justice.

Kosovar Serbs In Cat-And-Mouse Game With NATO On Border RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- NATO peacekeepers are busy blocking "alternative" border crossings into Serbia set up by Kosovar Serbs.

At UN, Sri Lanka urges tough and consistent global approach against terrorism UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Terrorism remains the greatest threat to stability and progress worldwide, Sri Lanka’s President told the General Assembly.
Dispute with Kosovo can only be settled through negotiations, Serbia says at UN UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Serbia cannot accept Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence but it will also not abandon the negotiations process between Belgrade and Pristina, the country's President told the General Assembly's annual general debate today.
Sudan: UN agency seeks access to deliver food to Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said today it is appealing to the Sudanese Government for access to Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states so that it can provide assistance to thousands of people affected by fighting.

News Reports

Zimbabwe's Mugabe Blasts Western Leaders at UN VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe hurled repeated criticisms at Western leaders during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.

Persian Gulf Elections Offer Glimmer of Democracy VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Election season is in full swing in a part of the world with muted democracies - the autocratic Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

UN human rights office renews call on Syria to end brutal crackdown UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- The UN human rights office once again urged Syrian authorities to end their brutal crackdown.
Syrian Forces Kills 2, EU Heightens Sanctions VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Syrian security forces shot dead at least two civilians Friday, as the EU slapped new sanctions on President Bashar al-Assad's government.
EU Approves Fresh Sanctions Against Syria RFE/RL 23 Sep 2011 -- The European Union agreed a fresh round of sanctions on Syria.
EU approves new round of sanctions against Syria RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2011 -- The Council of the European Union imposed a fresh round of sanctions against Syria.

Iranian nuclear issue can only be resolved via negotiated solution – Ban UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- The dispute over the status of Iran's nuclear programme can only be resolved 'through a negotiated political solution that restores international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature' of the programme, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed today.
President: If IAEA helps Iran, we will stop uranium enrichment IRNA 23 Sep 2011 -- Iran’s President Ahmadinejad: If the IAEA provides Iran required fuel, there will no need for uranium enrichment up to 20%.
French FM: Iran entitled to using peaceful nuclear energy IRNA 23 Sep 2011 -- Paris respects Iran’s right for peaceful use of nuclear energy, France's Foreign Minister, Alain Juppe, said.

Zionist Regime is real source of concern in Middle East IRNA 23 Sep 2011 -- Iranian ambassador to IAEA Soltanieh: The Zionist Regime is the real source of concern in the Middle East for the regional countries.

Sierra Leone, at UN, calls for international assistance for next year’s polls UN News Centre 23 Sep 2011 -- Sierra Leone appealed for international help to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections next year.

Beijing Cautiously Endorses Zambian Poll Results VOA 23 Sep 2011 -- Chinese officials have given a cautious endorsement of Zambia’s presidential election results, where the winning candidate was highly critical of his predecessor’s economic policies with China.

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