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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 22 May 2012 [PDF]
• Combined Force Detains Haqqani Facilitator AFPS 22 May 2012 -- An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani facilitator and several additional insurgents during an operation in the Bak district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.
• US Envoy to Afghanistan to Step Down VOA 22 May 2012 -- U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker is stepping down from his position in the coming months, even as the United States and its NATO allies work their way out of the costly war.
• U.S.-Pakistan Agreement 'Critical to Both,' Official Says AFPS 22 May 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari didn't meet formally but did have a brief conversation during the Chicago NATO summit, the Pentagon press secretary said today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD News Briefing with George Little from the Pentagon DoD 22 May 2012 -- Presenter: Press Secretary George E. Little
• Readout of Secretary Panetta's Meeting with Acting Iraqi Minister of Defense Dr. Saadon Guwir Farhan Al Dlimi DoD 22 May 2012
• U.S.-Yemen Relationship 'Unshakeable' Despite Attack AFPS 22 May 2012 -- A suicide bombing in Yemen's capital of Sana yesterday that killed or injured more than 100 Yemeni soldiers bears all the hallmarks of having been planned and carried out by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, George Little, Pentagon press secretary, said today.
• Foreign Language Capabilities Remain a Priority AFPS 22 May 2012 -- A senior U.S. defense official suggested before Congress yesterday that a lack of foreign language capabilities in the federal government could potentially pose a national security risk.
• Panetta to Travel to Singapore, Vietnam, India AFPS 22 May 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta will leave next week for a week-long trip to Asia, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little announced today.
• Panetta Believes Dover Punishment Appropriate AFPS 22 May 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta believes the punishment of supervisors accused of retaliating against whistleblowers at the Port Mortuary at Dover Air Force Base was appropriate, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.
• Striking Force NATO Arrives in Lisbon NNS 22 May 2012 -- Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and Commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO, commemorated the arrival of the NATO command to its new location during a ceremony here May 17.
• USS Bunker Hill Returns to San Diego from Deployment NNS 22 May 2012 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) is scheduled to return to San Diego, May 23, after a deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
• NAVFAC Southwest Awards $18.4 Million for Travis AFB Dormitory NNS 22 May 2012 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded an $18.4 million contract May 11 to Balfour Beatty Construction Co. of San Diego for the design and construction of a dormitory at Travis Air Force Base.
• USS Hawaii Conducts Western Pacific Deployment NNS 22 May 2012 -- Friends and families of the crew from USS Hawaii (SSN 776) gathered at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to say goodbye as Hawaii's namesake Virginia-class submarine departed for a scheduled Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment, May 21.
• USS Theodore Roosevelt Begins Crew Move Aboard Process NNS 22 May 2012 -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) began the first phase of the ship's crew move aboard (CMA) process May 21 after nearly three years in refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) and marks a major step for the crew as they inherit the ship to start living, training and operating onboard.
• Riverine Sailors Complete Final Phase of Unit Level Training NNS 22 May 2012 -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, Detachment 2, completed its final phase of unit-level training to include category IV live-fire exercises on the Salt River at Fort Knox, Ky., May 8-11.
• Groundbreaking Marks Marine's First Long-Term Solar Power Purchase Agreement NNS 22 May 2012 -- The first solar project to use special legislation for a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) broke ground May 14 with a ceremony at Marine Corps Logistic Base Barstow, Calif.
• Cargo office delivers Alaskan Chinooks Army News 22 May 2012
• Lake Park holds groundbreaking for new Army Reserve facilities Army News 22 May 2012 -- Five Army Reserve units will have a new home early next summer in Lake Park, Fla. The official ground breaking ceremony was held on May 19 at the new site of a 64,514 square foot facility on 13 acres of land.
• USACE Galveston District awards $4.4 million contract to dredge Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Inner B Army News 22 May 2012 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District awarded a contract to Orion Marine Construction Inc., in the amount of $4,431,200 for maintenance dredging of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Inner Basin to Viola Turning Basin in Calhoun County, Texas.
• Beyond the Horizon Honduras construction sites make steady progress Army News 22 May 2012 -- Four construction sites that are part of Beyond the Horizon Honduras are making headway. U.S. military engineers working with Honduran forces are building two schoolhouses and two medical clinics in rural communities.
• Army evaluates net-centric interoperability for coalition ground forces, brigade and below Army News 22 May 2012 -- The U.S. Army hosted a coalition interoperability experiment to identify performance shortfalls and to evaluate future network architectures that will better enable interoperability for coalition ground forces brigade and below, prevent fratricide and extend continuity of operations, here, May 10-18.
• DOD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for Fiscal 2012, Through April DoD 22 May 2012 -- The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for fiscal 2012, through April.
• New, lighter ABU available in June AFNS 22 May 2012 -- The new, Rip-stop Airman Battle Uniform (RABU), featuring a lighter nylon-cotton blend, will be available to Airmen at 16 U.S. bases and through AAFES online starting in June.
• Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 help build defense capabilities of US partners in Africa USMC News 22 May 2012 -- As of April 1, 2012, Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12.2 have been supporting missions for Marine Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command.
• Marines assist in Tactical Air Control Party course USMC News 22 May 2012 -- Wherever Marine ground forces are found, Tactical Air Control Party Marines are sure to be nearby. Marines from 2nd Marine Air Wing, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and Company L, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment all assisted in the training of new TACP students aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, May 14-18.
• Russia to Get 30 Ansat Heli-Trainers by 2020 RIA Novosti 22 May 2012 -- The Russian Air Force will take delivery of at least thirty Ansat trainer helicopters by 2020, the service's spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said on Tuesday.
• Russia Has No Business in NATO Missile Defense – Polish MP RIA Novosti 22 May 2012 -- Poland has warned Moscow against interfering in NATO's plans concerning the deployment of a missile shield in Europe as Russia is not a member of the military alliance, a high-ranking Polish official said on Tuesday.
• Contracts awarded for the design of future nuclear deterrent submarines UK MOD 22 May 2012 -- Contracts worth £350m have been awarded today to UK companies to design the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines, sustaining hundreds of British jobs.
• Iran's armed forces have excellent interaction with neighbors: commander IRNA 22 May 2012 -- Commander of the Army Ground Force Brigadier General Ahamd Reza Pourdastan said here on Tuesday that Iran's armed forces have excellent interaction with its neighbors.
• U.S. military aircraft's brief sojourn in Taiwan 'routine': AIT CNA 22 May 2012 -- The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Tuesday it is not unprecedented for a U.S. military aircraft to stay over in Taiwan, referring to an Air Force plane that brought a U.S. congressional delegation to Taipei and was parked at a local airport for two nights.
• Visiting U.S. congresswoman seeking weapons for Taiwan CNA 22 May 2012 -- Visiting U.S. congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen told students in Taipei Tuesday that she and some Congress members are pushing the Barack Obama administration to give Taiwan better military weapons to protect itself.
• May 22, 2012 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 22 May 2012
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy Heather Zichal, and Winergy Drive Systems Corporation CEO Terry Royer The White House 22 May 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 22, 2012

Other Conflicts

• 22 May 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 May 2012
• Lebanese Shi'ites Kidnapped in Syria; Hezbollah Appeals for Calm VOA 22 May 2012 -- The leader of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah militant group has appealed for calm after protests erupted in Beirut following the kidnapping of at least 11 Lebanese Shi'ites near the Syrian city of Aleppo as they returned home from a pilgrimage.
• PRESS CONFERENCE BY Special Representative for Democratic Republic of the Congo United Nations 22 May 2012
• DR Congo: UN steps up civilian protection after outbreak of violence UN News Centre 22 May 2012 -- The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has stepped up civilian protection measures following the latest outbreak of violence in the volatile North Kivu province, in the country's east, where a former rebel leader indicted for war crimes instigated a mutiny last month, a UN official said today.
• During West African trip, Security Council hears testimonies of Ivorian refugees UN News Centre 22 May 2012 -- On the latest leg of their mission to West Africa, the fifteen members of the Security Council today heard from Ivorian refugees who relayed their stories of survival and expressed their concerns.
• UN launches emergency operation to feed thousands who fled Malian conflict UN News Centre 22 May 2012 -- The United Nations food and refugee agencies today launched a joint emergency operation to respond to the food needs of hundreds of thousands of people who have fled conflict in Mali and crossed the border into neighbouring countries.
• North Darfur State Lacks Critical Medical Services VOA 22 May 2012 -- The aid group Doctors without Borders has sharply reduced essential healthcare services in parts of Sudan's North Darfur State. The group, also known as MSF, says it has no more drugs or medical supplies to treat people in the Jebel Si region.
• Somali, AU Troops Move Against al-Shabab VOA 22 May 2012 -- Somali government forces backed by African Union troops have launched an offensive to oust al-Shabab in the outskirts of Mogadishu, along the Afgoye corridor. Security officials say the aim of the assault is to bring security and stability to the more than 400,000 internally displaced persons in the Afgoye area, located west of Mogadishu.
• IRAQ: Mine-free 2018 target will be missed IRIN 22 May 2012 -- Iraq is drawing detailed maps of areas contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), but is unlikely to clear these areas by a 2018 deadline, says a government official.

News Reports

• US: Tehran Must Follow Through on IAEA Deal VOA 22 May 2012 -- International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano says he and Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili have made a 'decision to reach an agreement' on access to Iranian nuclear sites 'quite soon.'
• Salehi, Amano call the atmosphere of talks constructive IRNA 22 May 2012 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and visiting IAEA Director General, Yokia Amano here Monday evenng called the atmosphere of nuclear talks constructive.
• Iraqi FM: Outcome of Iran-G5+1 talks important to region, world IRNA 22 May 2012 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari says outcome of the Iran-G5+1 talks is important to both the region and the world.
• IAEA Chief Says Iran Agrees In Principle To Probe RFE/RL 22 May 2012 -- The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency says Iran has agreed in principle to an international probe of its alleged nuclear weapons projects.
• U.S. Approves New Iran Sanctions RIA Novosti 22 May 2012 -- The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a bill imposing a raft of new economic sanctions against Iran in a renewed bid to force it to halt its controversial nuclear program, the BBC reported on Tuesday.
• Israel Warns 'Iran Six' Against Concessions to Tehran RIA Novosti 22 May 2012 -- Iran continues to pose a nuclear threat to Israel and world powers should not make any concessions to Tehran at the upcoming talks in Baghdad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
• Iran Deal Near, Says IAEA VOA 22 May 2012 -- The head of the United Nations nuclear agency says he expects Iran to sign an agreement 'quite soon' to allow inspections of facilities suspected of being used in a covert nuclear weapons program.
• UN Condemns Yemen Terrorist Attack RFE/RL 22 May 2012 -- The UN Security Council has condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack in Yemen claimed by a local affiliate of Al-Qaeda.
• Yemen Soldiers Hold Somber Ceremony After Suicide Attack VOA 22 May 2012 -- Yemeni soldiers somberly marched in a National Day parade on Tuesday, one day after a suicide bomber killed at least 96 troops and wounded more than 200 during a rehearsal for the parade.
• Private Spacecraft Heads to ISS VOA 22 May 2012 -- The private U.S. company Space Exploration Technologies, known as SpaceX, successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket and reusable Dragon space capsule from Cape Canaveral in Florida before dawn Tuesday.
• First Private Rocket Blasts Off To Space Station RFE/RL 22 May 2012 -- An unmanned commercial rocket has blasted off from Florida on a test flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
• SpaceX Launches Dragon Space Freighter RIA Novosti 22 May 2012 -- The launch vehicle Falcon 9 with the Dragon spacecraft was launched on Tuesday to the International Space Station (ISS) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in the United States. The start is being broadcast live on NASA's website.
• Sechin Cannot But Have Role in Russia's Politics – Putin Spokesman RIA Novosti 22 May 2012 -- Igor Sechin, a close ally of Vladimir Putin who was one of the most influential members of his cabinet, will continue playing a role in policy-making, Putin’s spokesman said on Tuesday.
• Chinese official wants smooth cross-strait relations CNA 22 May 2012 -- A visiting high-ranking Chinese official involved with Taiwan affairs declined to comment Tuesday on President Ma Ying-jeou's inaugural speech, but expressed hope that relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait can progress smoothly.
• UN envoy to Libya welcomes successful voter registration as a 'milestone' achievement UN News Centre 22 May 2012 -- Describing it as a 'milestone' achievement, the United Nations envoy to Libya today welcomed the successful conclusion of voter registration ahead of the country's legislative election scheduled for next month.
• Secretary-General condemns beating of Mali's interim president UN News Centre 22 May 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned today an attack against Mali's interim President Dioncounda Traoré, which reportedly left the leader with head injuries.
• Attack on Mali's Interim President Sparks Condemnation VOA 22 May 2012 -- Mali residents are expressing shock at an attack on the country's interim president by protesters unhappy with an agreement to let him stay in office for a year. West African leaders have condemned the attack and threatened sanctions on those it finds responsible for trying to block a return to civilian government, two months after a military coup.
• In Brief: Bangladesh border killings continue unabated IRIN 22 May 2012 -- The number of Bangladeshi citizens killed by Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) this year shows no decline, activists say.
• YEMEN: Struggling to get by IRIN 22 May 2012 -- A devastating suicide bomb in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, may have grabbed international media headlines and highlighted known security problems, but ordinary people are quietly fighting more mundane battles to make ends meet.