• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 05 Mar 2013 [PDF]
• Kabul's Frustrations With Pakistan Boil Over RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Pakistan's checkered role in Afghanistan has long attracted the anger and mistrust of Afghan officials.
• Pakistani Cleric's Suicide Bomber Comments Anger Afghans RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Comments on suicide bombers, which may or may not have been made by the head of the All-Pakistan Ulema Council, have been making waves in Afghanistan.
• Karzai urges Pakistan to step up fight against terrorism PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has criticized the Pakistani government for not doing enough to combat terrorism, saying terrorism is the common enemy of both countries.
• Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained two other insurgents during an operation in Kandahar City in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
• Afghan Forces Set Conditions for Success, Mattis Says AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- The chief of U.S. Central Command discussed progress in Afghanistan and the upcoming transition there.
• ISAF: No More Data On Taliban Attacks RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- The U.S.-led military command in Afghanistan says it will no longer publish figures on Taliban attacks.
• Germany to close outpost in Afghanistan: Defense minister PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- During a surprise visit to Afghanistan, German Defense Minister Thomas Maiziere said that his country is planning to close an outpost in the war-torn country.
• UK infantry unit completes Afghanistan training UK MOD 05 Mar 2013 -- 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment has completed its final training exercise and will shortly deploy to Afghanistan.
• Afghan Region Makes Name For Drug Mules, Tragedy RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- With few options to make an honest living, many locals in the Kalafgan district of Takhar Province are taking jobs as drug mules for local drug cartels.
• NATO concerned about public reaction to 2014 Afghan presidential election PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- NATO has expressed concerns over public reaction to the upcoming 2014 presidential election in Afghanistan.
• Kabul Bank Heads Sentenced for Corruption VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- An Afghan judge has sentenced the two former heads of what was once Afghanistan's largest bank to five years in prison for involvement in the massive fraud scandal that brought the bank down in 2010.
• Kabul Bank Bosses Jailed For Massive Fraud RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- A special tribunal in Afghanistan has sentenced two senior Kabul Bank executives to five years in prison each for massive fraud that brought on the collapse of the country's largest bank in 2010.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Secretary Chuck Hagel’s Meeting with Israeli Minister of Defense Ehud Barak DoD 05 Mar 2013
• Hagel, Barak Discuss Syria, Iran AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak held talks at the Pentagon today on issues including Syria and Iran, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
• Mattis: Iran ‘Most Significant Threat’ To Regional Stability AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- Iran’s behavior poses the greatest risk to stability in the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Central Command said here today.
• U.S., S. Korean War Drill Slammed KCNA 05 Mar 2013 -- Foal Eagle joint military drill has been under way since March. 1.
• Rodong Sinmun Terms U.S., S. Korean Maneuvers Reckless KCNA 05 Mar 2013 -- If the United States and the south Korean warmongers ignite a war of aggression against the DPRK, this will only precipitate their destruction.
• Senate Committee Approves Brennan as CIA Chief VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee has approved President Barack Obama's choice of John Brennan to be the new head of the Central Intelligence Agency.
• Strategic Command: Cuts Could Erode Capabilities AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- The U.S. Strategic Command can execute its full mission responsibilities today, but the impacts of fiscal uncertainty and declining resources in the next six months or a year could change that.
• Locklear: Budget Uncertainty Threatens Asia-Pacific Rebalance AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- Sequestration and budget uncertainties are already impacting U.S. Pacific Command’s operations.
• Special Operations Chief: Sequester Portends Weakened Force AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command said sequestration and the budget measure currently in place known as a continuing resolution will have a “dramatic impact” on current and future missions.
• Service Chiefs Ask Congress for Fiscal Help AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- The senior officers from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force asked Congress today for more spending flexibility so they can maintain military readiness as the sequester’s across-the-board budget cuts take effect.
• Troop Financial Readiness Important to Force, Official Says AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- “It’s never too early to start saving for retirement no matter how young you are,” said a top Pentagon official, reminding those in uniform of how important it is to act now to ensure long-term financial readiness.
• Special Ops Chief Hails Restructure, Partnership Progress AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command told Congress today strong partnerships with allies and an understanding of terrorist networks in Afghanistan and North Africa have helped build the command’s capacity to meet mission objectives.
• Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group to Deploy NNS 05 Mar 2013 -- Sailors and Marines from the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit will deploy from Norfolk, Va., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 8.
• Maryland Guard Partners With Bosnia for Peace, Security AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- Armed forces from Bosnia and Herzegovina deployed with a military police task force to Afghanistan’s Kandahar province in January, thanks to ongoing training and integration with the Maryland National Guard.
• USS Arlington Evaluated on Crew Certification Fast Cruise NNS 05 Mar 2013 -- USS Arlington conducted a fast cruise Feb. 27, at Huntington-Ingall's Industries' shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., to determine if the ship is ready to go to sea.
• USS Olympia Returns to Pearl Harbor NNS 05 Mar 2013 -- Friends and families of the crew from USS Olympia gathered at the submarine piers to welcome back the Los Angeles-class submarine as she returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
• Exercise Integrated Advance 13 Employs and Validates JECC Capabilities NNS 05 Mar 2013 -- Personnel from several U.S. government agencies and the Department of Defense collectively participated in U.S. Southern Command's Exercise Integrated Advance 13 from Feb. 9 - 15.
• Unmanned aerial vehicle squadron starts training at Pendleton USMC News 05 Mar 2013 -- Marine Unmanned Vehicle Squadron 4 conducted its first field training exercises at Camp Talega since the unit’s official move.
• Monitor: A Naval Warfighting First NNS 05 Mar 2013 -- On March 8, 1862, a dark shape emerged from Gosport Shipyard: the beast that was the CSS Virginia was on the prowl.
• Russia Needs Million Under Arms Says Kremlin Chief of Staff RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Russia's armed forces should expand to at least a million men in order for the country’s defenses to be effective.
• Russia to Resurrect Titanium Submarines RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- The Russian Navy will refit, modernize and recommission two Sierra class (Project 945) titanium-hull nuclear-powered attack submarines by 2017.
• Some 250,000 Dodged Draft in Russia in 2012 RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- There were about 250,000 draft dodgers in Russia last year.
• Russian Army Cuts Female Staff by Two-Thirds RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Russia’s Armed Forces have cut around two-thirds of their women in uniform over the past five years.
• Russian Defense Minister Seeks Closer Ties to Myanmar RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Moscow is seeking improved ties including military cooperation with Myanmar, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during an official visit to the country this week.
• UK Army return from Germany to boost UK economy by £1.8 billion UK MOD 05 Mar 2013 -- The UK economy is set to receive a £1.8 billion boost when the Army returns from Germany.
• Royal Navy helicopters in NATO submarine-hunting exercise UK MOD 05 Mar 2013 -- Three Merlin helicopters from 814 and 829 Naval Air Squadrons, as well as 75 supporting air and ground crew, are the UK's input to 'Proud Manta'.
• China Boosts 2013 Defense Spending 10.7% RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- China will boost its official defense budget by 10.7 percent this year, the latest in a series of hikes in military spending stretching back more than two decades.
• Liberian Coast Guard Trains Partner Nations in Maritime Security AFRICOM 05 Mar 2013 -- Liberian Coast Guardsmen and sailors from partner nations Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast graduated from a Liberian Coast Guard-led joint boarding officer training course.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 3/5/2013 The White House 05 Mar 2013
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, March 5, 2013 US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Secretary Kerry Interview With Andrea Mitchell of NBC US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Secretary Kerry Interview With James Rosen of Fox News US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Secretary Kerry Interview With Jill Dougherty of CNN US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Secretary Kerry Interview With Margaret Brennan of CBS US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Secretary Kerry Interview With Martha Raddatz of ABC US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Secretary Kerry Interview With Michele Kelemen of NPR US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 05, 2013
• Indonesia Superjet Contract on Track - Kartika Airlines RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Indonesia’s Kartika Airlines, which signed a $900 million contract in 2010 for the delivery of 30 Sukhoi Superjet-100 airliners with Russia’s Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company, denied that the deal was off.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 05 March 2013 United Nations 05 Mar 2013
• Syrian Rebels Claim Capture Of Northern City RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Syrian rebels are reported to have seized a city in the northeast of the country.
• Syrian troops strike back at militants in Raqqa PressTV 05 Mar 2013-- The Syrian army says it has struck back at foreign-backed militants, who stormed the provincial capital of the northern Raqqa Province.
• Activists: Syrian Rebels Capture Provincial Governor VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Syrian activists say rebels have captured the governor of the northern province of Raqqa, after largely pushing government forces from the area's capital city.
• US Officials Pushing Russia on Syrian Arms Sales RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- US officials are renewing criticism of Russia over the delivery of weapons to Syria.
• Russia Regrets Conflict Spreading Beyond Syria's Borders RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- The recent murder of Syrian nationals in Iraq means that the Syrian conflict is spreading beyond the country’s borders.
• Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns' Meeting With Iraqi National Security Advisor Faleh al-Fayyad US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Syria Spillover, al-Qaida Strain Iraq Security VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Iraq's Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has long warned that Syria's increasingly sectarian war might spill over the border and reignite his own country's combustible Shi'ite-Sunni mix.
• Libyan Arms Stockpiles in Egypt Causing Concern VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Since Moammar Gadhafi was ousted as Libya’s leader over a year ago, Egyptian officials have been intercepting large caches of weapons smuggled from Libya destined for black-market transfer to Syria and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• UK Foreign Secretary in Mali to support French-led war PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague has set foot on Malian soil as part of the UK government’s attempts to help France’s war on the West African country.
• 15 local fighters killed in Mali: France PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- French Defense Minister Jean Yves Le Drian says soldiers fighting in Mali have killed at least 15 local fighters in overnight clashes in the country's northeast.
• Malaysian Troops, Fighter Jets Attack Filipino Group in Borneo VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Malaysia has sent fighter jets and troops to secure an area of Borneo Island, where an armed Filipino group is engaged in a bloody standoff with the government over a decades-old territorial claim.
• Malaysian troops attack armed Filipinos in Borneo Island PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Malaysian troops have reportedly launched airstrikes against an armed Filipino group holed up near the northeastern Malaysian village of Kampung Taduo.
• Gunmen Kill 8 in Attacks on Nigerian Bank, Police Station VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Gunmen killed eight people in an attack on a police station and a bank in northeastern Nigeria, a witness and a security official said on Tuesday, in an area frequently targeted by Islamist militants.
• Ban calls on Security Council to authorize intervention brigade for DR Congo UN News Centre 05 Mar 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Security Council to authorize the deployment of a special force within the current United Nations peacekeeping operation in the DRC.
• Congolese rebels capture eastern town, UN says PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- A rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo has seized control of the eastern town of Kitchanga after days of fighting that have left more than 80 people dead, the UN says.
• South Sudan Army Kills Dozens of Yau Yau Rebels VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- South Sudanese soldiers have killed at least 28 members of David Yau Yau’s rebel group and recovered several weapons in clashes in Jonglei state.
• Darfur Rebels Threaten to Disrupt Bashir Visit VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- One of the main rebel groups in Darfur has threatened to disrupt a visit scheduled for this week by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
• Japan coastguard stops Chinese fishing boat amid isles dispute PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Japanese coast guards have stopped a Chinese fishing boat off Okinawa as tension is simmering between Tokyo and Beijing over a territorial dispute.
• Taiwan-Japan meeting on fishing rights still up in the air CNA 05 Mar 2013 -- Taiwan and Japan are still negotiating the details of their next preparatory meeting for a new round of bilateral fishery talks.
• Japan Accused of Moves to Reinvade Korea KCNA 05 Mar 2013 -- Japanese moves to stage a comeback to Korea.
• Car bomb kills 12, injures 25 in southern Yemen PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- A car bomb attack in southern Yemen has killed over a dozen people and injured 25 others, witnesses and medical sources say.
• Israeli Bus Line for Palestinians Causes Stir VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- A decision by the Israeli government to bus Palestinians from the West Bank to jobs in Israel has sparked controversy.

News Reports

• Secretary Kerry Remarks With Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Kerry Highlights Diplomatic Efforts in Syria VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Wrapping up his first foreign trip as America's top diplomat, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry presented a united front with Qatar on the issue of Syria, while also advancing the U.S. position for a negotiated solution to the conflict.
• Netanyahu Says Iran Nearing 'Red Line' RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Iran has received fresh international warnings over its controversial nuclear program.
• Hawkish Israeli premier calls for 'military threat' against Iran PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- The firebrand Israeli premier has once again called for a “clear and credible military threat” against Iran.
• P5+1 sticks to ‘diplomatic solution’ on Iran nuclear issue PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- The world powers of the P5+1 group have underscored their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to Iran nuclear issue.
• Continuation of P5+1 logical approach may lead to positive results: Iran PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says if the P5+1 group of six major world powers continues its logical approach, future talks over Tehran’s nuclear energy program can yield results acceptable to both sides.
• Iran-P5+1 talks heading in right direction: Iranian FM PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says the talks between Tehran and the P5+1 group of six major world powers over the Iranian nuclear energy program are on the right track.
• Iran on 1st day agenda of IAEA board of governors meeting IRNA 05 Mar 2013 -- IAEA Chief Yokia Amano's emphasis that the international agency's talks with Iran would continue.
• Iran slams latest UN human rights report PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- The Iranian Judiciary’s Human Rights Committee has dismissed a recent report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.
• Zardari Says Iran-Pakistani Pipeline To Go Ahead RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has announced that Pakistan will go ahead with a long-delayed gas pipeline project with Iran despite objections from Washington.
• UN to Consider New Sanctions Against North Korea VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- The United States has submitted to the U.N. Security Council a list of new sanctions to be imposed on North Korea in response to its February 12 nuclear test.
• Russia to Back UN Sanctions Against North Korea - Ambassador RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Russia will support a draft UN Security Council resolution submitted by the United States, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said.
• Russia Calls for UN Security Council Meeting on N.Korea RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Russia’s UN envoy Vitaly Churkin has called for an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the recent nuclear test conducted by North Korea.
• North Koreans Threaten to Nullify 1953 Armistice Agreement AFPS 05 Mar 2013 -- North Korea has threatened to nullify the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.
• Spokesman for Supreme Command of KPA Clarifies Important Measures to Be Taken by It KCNA 05 Mar 2013 -- A spokesman for the Supreme Command of the Korean People's Army issued the following statement.
• ‘US, China agree regarding N Korea’ PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- UN diplomats say the United States and China have reached agreement on a new draft to impose further sanctions against North Korea over its recent nuclear test.
• Statement of President Obama on the Death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez The White House 05 Mar 2013
• Obama: US Hopes for Improved Relations with Venezuela VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has marked the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, saying the United States looks forward to improved relations with Venezuela.
• Nicolas Maduro: Chavez's Chosen Successor VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- The death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez from an undisclosed form of cancer clears the way for new elections to determine whether his socialist revolution lives on without him.
• Maduro: historical enemies sought to damage Chavez health AVN 05 Mar 2013 -- Executive Vice President of the Republic, Nicolas Maduro, said Tuesday he has "no doubt" that "the historical enemies of the country sought for a weak spot to harm the health" of President Hugo Chavez.
• Hugo Chavez, President Of Venezuela, Dead At 58 RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died aged 58 after a long battle with cancer.
• Venezuelan President Chavez Dead at 58 VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Venezuelan officials say President Hugo Chavez has died after a long struggle with cancer.
• Venezuela Expelling US Embassy Official - VP Maduro RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Venezuela has decided to expel a US military attaché accusing him of conspiracy, Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro said.
• Venezuelan Leaders Meet as Chavez Health Worsens VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Top Venezuelan political and military officials gathered in Caracas Tuesday following word of President Hugo Chavez's deteriorating health.
• Venezuelan leaders hold talk amid growing Chavez health concerns PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Venezuelan leaders have met amid growing concerns over President Hugo Chavez’s health, with Vice President Nicolas Maduro saying his cancer is the result of enemies' attack.
• Health of Venezuela’s Chavez Deteriorates - Minister RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Venezuelan authorities said on Tuesday that health condition of President Hugo Chavez, who is currently in a military hospital in Caracas, has deteriorated.
• Chavez health very delicate: Minister PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- The Venezuelan president’s health has remained “very delicate” as he was suffering from a “new and severe” infection, the information minister says.
• LeJ carried out Karachi bombing: Pakistan PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik says the anti-Shia terrorist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi carried out a recent bombing in the southern city of Karachi.
• Provincial Pakistan Lawmaker Kidnapped RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Armed men have kidnapped a provincial lawmaker in Pakistan's restive southwestern Balochistan Province.
• Tibetans Pessimistic on New China Leader; See Time Running Out VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Tibetan activists in exile are doubtful that the transition will mean any substantive change for Beijing’s Tibet policies.
• China's Government To Aim For Stability, Solid Growth RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- China will aim to encourage stability and economic growth of 7.5 percent this year.
• China to Give Quality of Life Issues More Priority VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- China’s Communist Party leaders say they will give quality-of-life issues and the environment a higher priority in the coming years.
• China leadership change to wrap up PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- China's National People's Congress has kicked off in the capital Beijing to see the final stage of the country's once-in-a-decade leadership change process.
• UAE puts 94 people on trial PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- The United Arab Emirates has put on trial 94 people arrested on charges of trying to overthrow the government and having political activities connected with Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.
• Egyptian police, protesters clash in Port Said PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Fresh clashes have broken out between Egyptian security forces and hundreds of protesters in the northeastern city of Port Said.
• Bahrain hands over body of protester killed by regime forces PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Bahraini authorities have finally handed over the body of a young protester, killed by regime forces, to his family for burial.
• Saudis hold anti-regime protest demanding release of political prisoners PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Saudis have staged a fresh anti-regime protest in the central city of Buraidah to demand the release of political prisoners.
• Elections in Kenya US Dept. of State 05 Mar 2013
• Technical Problems Slow Kenya Vote Count VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Election officials in Kenya say a network overload is to blame for the slow tally of votes from Monday's closely-watched presidential election.
• Kenyatta Holds Lead in Kenya Presidential Vote VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- The latest results from Monday's Kenyan elections show Uhuru Kenyatta maintaining his lead in the race for president.
• Voting Monitors Say Kenya Showed Maturity in Balloting VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- The U.S.-based Carter Center election monitoring group plans to release its preliminary report on Kenya’s elections on Wednesday.
• Kenyans await presidential vote results PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- People in Kenya are awaiting the results of the African country’s first presidential elections since the disputed 2007 vote that caused a wave of violence.
• UN chief appeals for peaceful conclusion to Kenya’s presidential election UN News Centre 05 Mar 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged Kenyans to remain peaceful and provide a credible conclusion to Kenya’s presidential election as they wait for the ballots to be counted, in contrast to the violent outcome following the 2007 polls.
• Briefing: Land reform key to Kenya’s future IRIN 05 Mar 2013 -- Land-related grievances were among the underlying causes of the violence that followed Kenya’s disputed presidential election results in 2007.
• Guinea Suffering From 'Gridlock Fatigue' VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- The political deadlock in Guinea shows little sign of easing, as the government and opposition trade accusations and violent street clashes once again eclipse all other agendas.
• UN rights office calls on Guinea to protect civilians following violent clashes UN News Centre 05 Mar 2013 -- The United Nations human rights office expressed its concern over the unrest that has been taking place in Guinea over the past week.
• Ethiopia Presents Human Rights Action Plan VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Ethiopia has unveiled its first Human Rights Action Plan, with the goal of ensuring human rights in the East African country.
• Burma Media Law Seen as a Step Backward VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Burma's new media law has come up for debate before parliament. Some rights groups say the law is a significant step backward for a country that only recently banned censorship.
• Cambodian Activist Pessimistic as Appeal Hearing Begins VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- A Cambodian court has begun the appeal hearing of a prominent government critic sentenced to 20 years in prison on insurrection charges.
• Zionism heading toward collapse: Ahmadinejad PressTV 05 Mar 2013 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Zionism is on the verge of collapse as developments in the region move in line with the aspirations of regional nations.
• Analysis: Export oil, import water – the Middle East’s risky economics IRIN 05 Mar 2013 -- The world’s driest region, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is getting drier at an alarming rate.
• Moldovan Parliament Dismisses Government RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- The Moldovan Parliament has dismissed the country's pro-Western government led by Prime Minister Vlad Filat.
• Russians Mark 60th Anniversary of Stalin's Death VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Russians have marked the 60th anniversary of the death of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, who holds enduring popularity despite his tyrannical leadership, which killed millions.
• 60 Years On, Stalin Still Sparks Debate, But Fewer Russians Care RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- The death toll from the Great Terror of 1937-1938 was 700,000, and historians estimate the total number of victims of his political repressions at anywhere between 3 million and 39 million.
• Magnitsky Partner Faces Charges In Gazprom Stock Case RFE/RL 05 Mar 2013 -- Russian authorities say they are preparing to bring new charges against William Browder, the U.S.-born former employer of the late Russian anticorruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
• Russia Accuses Magnitsky Boss Browder of Gazprom Fraud RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2013 -- Russian investigators said they were planning to bring fresh criminal charges against UK-based businessman William Browder.
• Pope Benedict XVI's Legacy Mixed VOA 05 Mar 2013 -- Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope on April 19th, 2005 following the death of Pope John Paul II. Ratzinger took the name of Benedict XVI and his papacy lasted almost eight years.