Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Afghan general, provincial officials meet, discuss women's roles in Afghanistan's development, governance USMC News 13 Jan 2012 -- Brig. Gen. Khatool Mohammadzai, director for women's affairs in the Afghan National Army, recently met civilian and military leaders with the goal of improving women's participation in the development and governance of Helmand province and ultimately her country, Afghanistan.
• Marine Corps Appoints General to Investigate Video AFPS 13 Jan 2012 -- Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos has appointed a three-star general to investigate and take any required administrative or disciplinary action stemming from a video that appears to show Marines urinating on corpses.
• ISAF Commander Condemns Objectionable Video AFPS 13 Jan 2012 -- The commander of ISAF in Afghanistan has joined other senior Defense Department officials in expressing outrage over a video that shows Marines apparently urinating over corpses.
• Secretary Clinton condemns Marines behavior in Afghan video RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has expressed “total dismay” at a video appearing to show U.S. Marines urinating on the bloodied corpses of several Taliban fighters.
• US Identifies Marines in Urination Video VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- U.S. investigators believe they have identified and questioned at least two of the four Marines seen on video urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters.
• Working towards transition in Afghanistan NATO 13 Jan 2012 -- Ambassador Simon Gass is NATO's Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan.
• Task Force Thunder begins redeployment Army News 13 Jan 2012 -- The first of nearly 3,000 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division Soldiers, returned Jan. 6 from a 12-month deployment to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
• Report: Iran's Closure of Waterway Would Provoke US Response VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- The New York Times is quoting unnamed US officials as saying Washington has sent a message to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, that closing the Strait of Hormuz would provoke a US response.
• Militants storm Pakistani post, kill three security men IRNA 13 Jan 2012 -- Three Pakistani security personnel, who had been injured in an overnight militants attack in the country’s northwest, died.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Announces Energy Potential Study DoD 13 Jan 2012
• U.S. says will give no missile defense assurances to Russia RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- US control official: Obama administration will not give Russia guarantees that US missile defenses will not impact Russia.
• Investigating Officer Recommends Court-martial for Manning AFPS 13 Jan 2012 -- The investigating officer has recommended that Army Pfc. Bradley Manning face a general court-martial for charges of leaking classified documents.
• Pentagon: Commitment to NATO, Europe is 'Unshakeable' AFPS 13 Jan 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has discussed changes in U.S. force structure in Europe with NATO allies in the region, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters today.
• RAF Mildenhall, French air force continue relationships AFNS 13 Jan 2012 -- Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing hosted 15 French air force personnel from Base Aérienne 125, Istres, France, here Jan. 4 and 5, to build and strengthen partnerships created during Operation Unified Protector.
• Swift, Silent and Deadly; 2nd Reconnaissance marines take to the water USMC News 13 Jan 2012 -- A team of Marines, donned in diving gear, sits on the edge of the pier. Feet dangling, they stare out into the murky water, safety checks done and masks strapped on, the Marines give the 'OK' signal. With a forward roll and a splash the dive begins.
• AAV Marines refresh infantry skills, tactics USMC News 13 Jan 2012 -- Marines with Amphibious Assault Vehicle Company conducted patrolling and military operations in urban terrain at Camp Hansen's Combat Town Jan. 9.
• Frank Cable Departs Guam, Emory S. Land Takes the Watch NNS 13 Jan 2012 -- USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) temporarily relieved USS Frank Cable (AS 40) as the primary afloat maintenance activity in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility Jan. 9, allowing Frank Cable to depart its homeport in Guam and head to Portland, Oregon, for a regular overhaul and dry-docking (ROH).
• USS New Orleans Hosts Reception in United Arab Emirates NNS 13 Jan 2012 -- The crew of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) hosted a reception on the ship's flight deck for senior military and civilian officials from the U.S. United Arab Emirates and other foreign nations, Jan. 10.
• CNO, MCPON Visit USS Enterprise While Underway NNS 13 Jan 2012 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West visited the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 12 while the ship was underway in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Surface Navy Association Concludes 24th Annual National Symposium NNS 13 Jan 2012 -- The Surface Navy Association wrapped up three days of information sharing and networking when the 24th Annual National Symposium in Crystal City, Va., concluded Jan. 12.
• U.S. to cut 7,000 Europe-based troops RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- The United States will withdraw 7,000 troops from its 81,000-strong Europe-based forces, Pentagon spokesman George Little said.
• Aging Kiowa, vertical UAS among aviation challenges Army News 13 Jan 2012 -- Probably by this summer, the Army will be floating a new idea past the troops for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Weapon system trainer to save taxpayer's dollars AFNS 13 Jan 2012 -- The first official KC-135 Stratotanker Boom Operator Weapon System Trainer in Air Mobility Command, slated to save the Air Force millions annually, opened during a ceremony Jan. 9 here.
• Cobra Gold 2012 to Promote Partnership, Interoperability AFPS 13 Jan 2012 -- Cobra Gold, the United States’ longest-standing military exercise in the Pacific, kicks off this weekend.
• Ceremony marks discontinuation of command Army News 13 Jan 2012 -- A discontinuation ceremony will be held at Fort Knox signifying the inactivation of U.S. Army Accessions Command.
• Can the Yury Dolgoruky fill the Yekaterinburg's shoes? RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- Experts believe that while the Yury Dolgoruky strategic ballistic missile submarine is capable of filling in for the Yekaterinburg.
• Russia to test over 70 new missile systems in 2012 RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- About 70 new rocket and missile systems will be tested at Russia’s Kapustin Yar test range in 2012.
• Russia rotates warships in anti-piracy mission off Somali coast RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- A new Russian naval task force has arrived in the Gulf of Aden to join the international efforts to fight piracy off the Somali coast.
• Russian buys Kalashnikovs as 'firewood' RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- A retiree in the Udmurtia region of the western Urals has alerted police after finding scores of Ak-47 assault rifles in crates he bought for firewood.
• UK Naval Task Force foils pirate attack UK MOD 13 Jan 2012 -- A Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) supply ship foiled an attempt by Somali pirates to attack cargo ships in the Indian Ocean earlier this week.
• Navy and RAF among top 100 employers of gay people UK MOD 13 Jan 2012 -- The Royal Navy and RAF have both been ranked amongst the top 100 employers in Britain of lesbian, gay and bisexual people for 2012.
• January 13, 2012 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 13 Jan 2012
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney and OMB Deputy Director for Management Jeff Zients, 1/13/12 The White House 13 Jan 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 13, 2012

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 13 January 2012 United Nations 13 Jan 2012
• Thousands Rally in Syria as Arab League Chief Warns of Civil War VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- The chief of the Arab League warned that Syria may be heading towards a civil war.
• Reports: Russian Ship Transporting 'Dangerous Cargo' To Syria RFE/RL 13 Jan 2012 -- A Russian-operated ship carrying a "dangerous cargo" has reportedly sailed for Syria after being temporarily halted in Cyprus.
• Ex-Arab League observer to Syria says received death threats RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- An Arab League observer to Syria who quit the mission after describing it as a "farce" left Damascus because he had received several death threats.
• UN Chief Arrives in Lebanon to Talk on Hezbollah and Syria VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- UN chief arrived in Lebanon for talks on a U.N.-backed tribunal probing the death of the country's former leader and the ongoing bloodshed in neighboring Syria.
• UN agency worried about insecurity at Somali refugee camps in Horn of Africa UN News Centre 13 Jan 2012 -- The UN refugee agency is increasingly concerned about insecurity in and around camps hosting hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees in the Horn of Africa.
• Insecurity Grows in Somali Refugee Camps in Horn of Africa VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- The United Nations refugee agency warns of growing insecurity in camps sheltering hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees in the Horn of Africa.
• UN agency seeks solution for long-term refugees in eastern Sudan UN News Centre 13 Jan 2012 -- The head of the UN refugee agency has praised efforts to find a lasting solution for tens of thousands of long-term refugees in eastern Sudan.
• Ethiopia Awaits Influx of Refugees from Sudan and South Sudan VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- Humanitarian agencies are preparing for an influx of refugees into Ethiopia from both Sudan and South Sudan. Civilians, mostly women and children, are fleeing fighting and violence in border areas.
• South Sudan: UN reports damage to health centres during Jonglei clashes UN News Centre 13 Jan 2012 -- A number of health facilities in South Sudan’s troubled state of Jonglei were damaged and subsequently closed following inter-ethnic clashes in the area in recent weeks.
• 57 Killed in S. Sudan Tribal Clashes VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- Officials in South Sudan say 57 people have been killed in renewed fighting between two rival tribes.
• Japanese foreign minister to take close look at Kuril Islands RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- Japanese FM Gemba is planning to “review” the disputed Kuril Islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan.
• Concluding its work, UN refugee agency closes office in Timor-Leste UN News Centre 13 Jan 2012 -- The UN refugee agency has closed its office in the Timor-Leste capital, Dili, after more than 12 years.
• Ban underscores 'unwavering' UN commitment to Lebanon's security and stability UN News Centre 13 Jan 2012 -- The United Nations will maintain its 'strong and unwavering' commitment to Lebanon, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pledged today as he began an official visit to the country.

News Reports

• Politics Complicate China-US Relations VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- The complex relationship between China and the United States will be tested this year, as both countries face leadership change, or potential leadership change.
• Carter: Egypt's Military Should Be 'Subservient' to Elected Officials VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter says Egypt's military should be "completely subservient" to elected officials after transition to a civilian government later this year.
• Japan Expresses New Caution About Cutting Iranian Oil Imports VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- Japan's government has backed away from comments by its finance minister about reducing oil imports from Iran.
• Japan 'Yet To Decide' On Iran Sanctions RFE/RL 13 Jan 2012 -- Japan's prime minister says Tokyo has yet to decide whether it will reduce oil imports from Iran in line with U.S. sanctions.
• U.S. slaps Iran sanctions on 3 energy companies RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- The United States has unilaterally imposed sanctions on three foreign energy firms.
• Khamenei: CIA, Mossad Behind Iran Scientist Killing RFE/RL 13 Jan 2012 -- Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the assassination of a nuclear scientist in Tehran this week.
• Iran's leader blames CIA, Mossad for scientist's murder RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the U.S. and Israeli intelligence services of the involvement in the killing of an Iranian nuclear scientist.
• Pakistan's PM Appeals for Support Amid Tensions VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- Amid growing tensions between Pakistan's government and the country's powerful military, PM Gilani is appealing for support from parliament.
• Pakistan PM Looks to Bolster Democracy Amid Tensions With the Military VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- Pakistan's prime minister has told lawmakers they must choose between democracy or a dictatorship.
• Pakistan President Returns From Abroad RFE/RL 13 Jan 2012 -- Pakistan's president, Asif Ali Zardari, has said he's not worried about his political future amid an escalating dispute between government and military.
• Pakistan army decides to support judiciary against Govt IRNA 13 Jan 2012 -- Pakistan army has decided to throw its weight behind Supreme Court against the government.
• Statement by the President on the Release of Burmese Political Prisoners The White House 13 Jan 2012
• Secretary Clinton Remarks on Burma US Dept. of State 13 Jan 2012
• Ban welcomes prisoner release and other important moves by Myanmar authorities UN News Centre 13 Jan 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has commended the authorities in Myanmar on the long-awaited release of political prisoners.
• Burma Releases Prominent Political Prisoners VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- Burma has released numerous prominent political prisoners in a significant step toward ending Western economic sanctions against the country.
• Myanmar government grants amnesty to 600 prisoners RIA Novosti 13 Jan 2012 -- Over 600 prisoners in Myanmar, including former prime minister Khin Nyunt who has been under house arrest since 2005, were granted amnesty.
• U.S. To Exchange Ambassadors With Myanmar RFE/RL 13 Jan 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States is ready to exchange ambassadors with Myanmar in response to its freeing political prisoners and other reforms.
• Senegal Urged to End Delay of Habré Extradition VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- A coalition of human rights organizations is calling on the Senegal to stop delaying the extradition of former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré to Belgium.
• Guinea-Bissau: Security Council calls for respect of institutions during transition UN News Centre 13 Jan 2012 -- The Security Council encouraged the Government, political parties and people of Guinea-Bissau to respect the country’s legal institutions.
• Guinea-Bissau Mourns President VOA 13 Jan 2012 -- The death of Guinea-Bissau's President Malam Bacai Sanha is a blow to the country's troubled, fragile democracy.