Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Afghan Authorities Say Airstrike Kills Civilians VOA 27 May 2012 -- Authorities in Afghanistan say a coalition airstrike in an eastern province has killed at least eight members of a family. NATO says it is investigating the claim.
• Obama Administration Defends Afghanistan Withdrawal Timeline VOA 27 May 2012 -- The Obama administration is defending a NATO plan to gradually end combat operations in Afghanistan. The future of America's longest-ever war has become an issue in the 2012 presidential race.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Secretary Panetta Interview with ABC News Jake Tapper DoD 27 May 2012 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and ABC News Jake Tapper
• Panetta: Pakistan's Jailing of Doctor 'Unhelpful' to U.S. Relations AFPS 27 May 2012 -- Pakistan's jailing of a doctor who helped the United States find and kill Osama bin Laden a year ago is undermining efforts by both countries to improve relations, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in an interview that aired today.
• Logistics Marines, sailors transfer excess medical supplies to Afghan National Army USMC News 27 May 2012 -- Marines and sailors with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Material Distribution Center, Supply Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) (Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) sorted, staged and delivered more than $85,000 worth of consumable medical supplies to Afghan soldiers with Regional Logistics Support Command-Southwest, May 24.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Syrian government condemns horrible crimes in Houla, blames al-Qaeda, Takfiris IRNA 27 May 2012 -- The Syrian government on Sunday condemned the horrible crimes that took place in al-Houla. 'We don't trade with the Syrian blood.'
• Syria Denies Responsibility For Houla 'Massacre' RFE/RL 27 May 2012 -- Syria's government is denying responsibility for the killing of more than 90 people in the central Syrian town of Houla -- including 32 children -- in violence that has sparked an international outcry.
• Syrian Government Denies Blame for Houla Massacre VOA 27 May 2012 -- Syria's government is laying the blame on 'armed terrorists' for the killing of more than 108 civilians Friday near the city of Homs. But many witnesses insist pro-government militiamen carried out the brutal act.
• Mali Rebels Merge, Plan to Create Islamic State VOA 27 May 2012 -- Tuareg rebels and Islamist militants have joined forces in northern Mali and say they will create an independent Islamist state. The groups took advantage of a military coup in Bamako to seize control of the territory in early April. Resistance is growing in the north to the efforts to introduce Islamic law.

News Reports

• Iran's 9th Majlis opens IRNA 27 May 2012 -- Iran's 9th parliament (Majlis) was kicked off Sunday morning in the presence of several high-ranking officials, foreign ambassadors and 288 newly elected MPs.
• Supreme Leader urges MPs to fulfill commitments IRNA 27 May 2012 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei urged members of the Iranian parliament to try to fulfill their heavy responsibilities before the Almightly.
• NPT forms backbone of Iran nuclear talks with Group 5+1, Mehmanparast IRNA 27 May 2012 -- Non-Proliferation Treaty forms the backbone of Iran's nuclear talks with Group 5+1, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Sunday.
• Iran to Build 2nd Nuke Plant at Bushehr RIA Novosti 27 May 2012 -- Iran intends to build the second reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant with a capacity of 1,000 MW, according to a statement by Iran's Atomic Energy Organization head Fereydoun Abbasi, Mehr news agency reported on Sunday.
• Is Jordanian Uprising a Threat to King Abdullah's Rule? VOA 27 May 2012 -- Every Friday since late 2010, small groups of protesters have been gathering across Jordan to air complaints about basic things like rising prices and high unemployment in the kingdom.