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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 18 Feb 2014 [PDF]
• US seeks prisoner swap with Taliban to free captive American Sgt VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- Washington will attempt to resume talks with the Taliban on exchanging US soldier Bowe Bergdahl, held captive by insurgents since 2009 for Guantanamo Bay prisoners, in a bid to free US Army Sergeant before the majority of US forces leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
• Jumble of needs complicate aid to Afghanistan's displaced IRIN 18 Feb 2014 -- Authorities and humanitarian agencies in Afghanistan have struggled for decades with displacement, insecurity and natural disasters. But when delivering assistance, officials must make difficult distinctions among the long-term displaced, the short-term displaced and host communities living in abject poverty - divisions that fuel tension and resentment, and give rise to shrewd efforts to work the aid system.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Drone fighter: US Navy ready to deploy first warfare laser onboard warship VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- The US Navy's Laser Weapon System will be deployed aboard the USS Ponce this summer. The sophisticated weapon is designed to target threats like drones and speed boats at hypersonic speeds.
• Moderated Discussion with Secretary Hagel at Beth El Synagogue in Bethesda, Maryland DoD 18 Feb 2014 -- Presenters: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Kenneth Feinberg, moderator
• Security forces members receive nuclear-focused breacher training AFNS 18 Feb 2014 -- About 100 miles northeast of the base here, the Nuclear Security Combat Training Center at Camp Guernsey, Wyo., provides advanced tactics and marksmanship training for security forces members who guard and secure the Air Force's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force.
• Maintainers counter cyber threats at Red Flag 14-1 AFNS 18 Feb 2014 -- For the first time, maintainers learn how to counter cyber threats on the flightline through innovation and adaptability during Red Flag 14-1 here.
• Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Enters U.S. 6th Fleet NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- The Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group (BATARG), with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), entered U.S. 6th Fleet's area of operations, Feb. 16.
• USS Taylor Runs Aground While Mooring in Turkey NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- The Mayport-based frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) is being inspected for damage after running aground Feb. 12.
• USS Greeneville Departs for Western Pacific Deployment NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- Family and friends said their farewells to the crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772) as she departed Joint Base Pearl-Harbor Hickam for a deployment to the Western Pacific region, Feb. 15.
• USS San Diego Departs for NASA Underway Recovery Test NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) departed Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 18, for an Underway Recovery Test (URT), a multi-agency mission in support of NASA's Orion program.
• Lincoln's Combat Systems Department Achieves its First Milestone in RCOH NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- Less than a year after USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) arrival into Newport News Shipbuilding for a 42.5-month refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH), Combat Systems department marked a successful milestone with the installation of the AN/SPS-49 radar tower, Feb. 11.
• NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Enhances Fleet Readiness, Saves Millions NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) officials announced Feb. 18, that an initiative to modify spare F/A-18 Hornet windshield panels to fit F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers has received final approval to proceed.
• Cope North commences on Guam AFNS 18 Feb 2014 -- More than 1,800 service members and approximately 50 aircraft from the Air Force, Navy, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian air force and South Korea air forces came together to kick off the 85th iteration of Pacific Air Forces' Cope North exercise Feb. 14 on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
• Unified system notifies base personnel during emergencies USMC News 18 Feb 2014 -- AtHoc is a 'Mass Notification and Warning System" capability that allows the Marine Corps to meet the mandated procurement of a state-of-the-art system directed by the Secretary of Defense.
• MAG-31 CPX proves ACE capability USMC News 18 Feb 2014 -- The capability to operate expeditiously is a forte of the middleweight fighting force that is the Marine Corps. The size of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force varies but must be prepared to be in command.
• USS Spruance Visits Brunei NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) arrived in Muara, Brunei, Feb. 14 for a port visit as part of her maiden deployment to the Western Pacific.
• Harry S. Truman Wins Battle 'E' NNS 18 Feb 2014 -- The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was named the East Coast aircraft carrier battle efficiency winner by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, Feb. 14.
• Danger coefficient high for fully-loaded military transport aircraft at take off People's Daily 18 Feb 2014 -- On February 11, local time, a C-130 Hercules military plane belonging to the Algerian Air Force crashed in Algeria's eastern Oum El Bouaghi province. Xu Yongling, a test flight expert of the Chinese air force, said in an interview with People's Daily Online that military transport aircraft usually take off with almost a full load, which involves a higher danger coefficient than with no load or a half-load.
• Chinese army to revamp evaluation system People's Daily 18 Feb 2014 -- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is mulling to revamp its official evaluation system amid a widening anti-corruption campaign in the country.
• China wants non-nuclear Japan to remain nuke-free People's Daily 18 Feb 2014 -- China on Monday urged Japan to stick by the three non-nuclear principles, after Japanese officials hinted at allowing the United States to bring in nuclear weapons in emergency.
• Military denies further downsizing of forces planned CNA 18 Feb 2014 -- The Defense Ministry on Tuesday rebutted speculation sparked by a comment by President Ma Ying-jeou that Taiwan is planning to further downsize its troop levels beyond current force reduction plans.
• Rights concerns in Colombia over leaked recording Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Human rights concerns have risen again in Colombia after an online recording of a military chief revealed his solidarity with a colonel jailed for alleged extrajudicial killings.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 2/18/2014 The White House 18 Feb 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 18, 2014
• China's C919 large airplane schedule to take first flight in 2015 People's Daily 18 Feb 2014 -- The first test-flight C919 plane will enter the final assembly phase in 2014, and is expected to make its maiden flight in 2015, said Tian Min, chief accountant of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China undertaking the development of Chinese large passenger aircrafts, at the Singapore Airplane Exhibition on Sep. 12.

Other Conflicts

• Saudi Arabia to supply tons of arms to FSA: Report Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Saudi Arabia is reportedly to provide more than 3,000 tons of heavy arms to the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA).
• Nearly 50 people killed in Iraq bomb blasts Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Nearly 50 people have been killed in the past 24 hours by a series of car bomb explosions in the Iraqi capital and the southern city of Hillah.
• Libya militia groups warn lawmakers to leave their posts Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Two influential militia groups have given the Libyan parliament members until the end
• UN rights office urges Libya to reconsider new law curbing free expression UN News Centre 18 Feb 2014 -- Libya's new law could place undue restrictions on freedom of expression and opinion, the United Nations human rights office today warned while also expressing concern about an increasing number of attacks against journalists in recent months.
• of Tuesday evening to resign.
• Q&A: China's Evolving Rapprochement With Taiwan VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- Cross-strait relations between China and Taiwan have embarked on 'a fast-track to development,' according China's state-run Global Times today.
• South Sudan: amid fresh clashes in Malakal, UN mission ramps up civilian protection UN News Centre 18 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported that heavy fighting broke out earlier today between pro-Government and opposition forces near its compound in the Upper Nile state town of Malakal, while condemning those who instigated the inter-communal violence that flared up inside its base.
• Rebels attack key oil town in South Sudan Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Renewed heavy fighting has erupted in South Sudan, with rebel forces attacking the capital of the oil-rich state of Upper Nile, military sources say.
• S. Sudan Government, Rebels Trade Blame for Violence VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- Fighting has broken out between the South Sudanese military and rebel forces in the capital of oil-producing Upper Nile state. Each is blaming the other for the hostilities.
• UN human rights office condemns latest deadly attacks in north-eastern Nigeria UN News Centre 18 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations human rights office today strongly condemned the attack on several villages in north-eastern Nigeria on Sunday that led to the death of more than 150 people.
• Nigerian Governor: Boko Haram Better Armed Than Military VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- A Nigerian state governor says militant group Boko Haram is 'better armed and better motivated' than government forces trying to stop their attacks.
• 14 people killed in south Yemen violence Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Fourteen people, including four civilians, have been killed in clashes that occurred between the Yemeni army and gunmen in the southern city of Dalea.
• Bad roads, insecurity hamper relief effort in DRC's Katanga Province IRIN 18 Feb 2014 -- Terrible roads, the threat of violence and insufficient resources are hampering efforts to assist up to 400,000 people displaced by violence in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), say humanitarian organizations.
• Who Are the Anti-Balaka of the CAR? VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) have declared war on the anti-balaka. The militia are accused of carrying out horrific attacks against Muslim civilians that have forced tens of thousands to flee the county in the past month.
• Funding critical for 'fragile' humanitarian situation in Somalia, stresses UN official UN News Centre 18 Feb 2014 -- Despite some stabilization, the humanitarian situation in Somalia remains fragile and it is vital that the international community stays the course to ensure that millions of people in the Horn of Africa nation receive the assistance they need, a top United Nations relief official said today.

News Reports

• Pro-Russian Separatism Rises In Crimea As Ukraine's Crisis Unfolds RFE/RL 18 Feb 2014 -- From the dingy basement of a decaying apartment block on the outskirts of Simferopol, Crimean parliament deputy Sergei Shuvainikov is leading the fight to defend the ethnic Russians of this strategic Black Sea peninsula.
• Ukraine protesters seize ruling party headquarters Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian opposition protesters have seized the party headquarters of embattled President Viktor Yanukovych in the capital Kiev amid fierce clashes with police.
• Death Toll Rises As Clashes Embroil Kyiv RFE/RL 18 Feb 2014 -- Antigovernment protesters have clashed with riot police in Kyiv in the worst violence to hit the Ukrainian capital in weeks.
• Russia Accuses US of Meddling in Ukraine's Domestic Affairs RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2014 -- A recent statement by a US Department of State official shows that the United States is trying to dictate its own solutions to the Ukrainian government, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday.
• Protesters, Police Clash in Kyiv, 9 Dead VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian riot police used water cannon late Tuesday as they advanced on anti-government protesters in the center of Kyiv after a day of violent clashes in which nine people were killed.
• Political crisis in Ukraine is result of western support for opposition - Russian Foreign Ministry VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- Russia on Tuesday blamed the policies of Western countries for the latest clashes between pro-EU protesters and police on the streets of Kiev.
• Ukraine tensions escalate: protesters pushed back to Maidan, troops injured, subway halted VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- Law enforcers have practically dismantled the main barricade in the Grushevsky street, the police advanced almost to the European square. Protesters are hiding behind shields and retreating back to the Maidan. Using flashbangs, law enforcers are also trying to storm the barricade in the Institutskaya street, which is located closest to the Maidan Nezalezhnosti.
• Ukrainian president to meet opposition leaders when violent resistance is over VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich will meet the opposition leaders when violent resistance ends in Kiev, presidential adviser Anna German, a Party of Regions deputy, said on Tuesday.
• Thai policeman, protester die in Bangkok clashes Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- One Thai police officer and an anti-government protester have been killed during clashes that erupted amid a police operation to clear occupied government buildings in the capital, Bangkok.
• Thai police arrest 100 anti-government protesters Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Thai police have arrested about 100 anti-government demonstrators in a raid on a protest camp near a government building in the capital, Bangkok.
• Thai Police, Protesters Battle in Bangkok VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- At least four people were killed and dozens injured as Thailand's government security forces moved to clear anti-government protest sites in Bangkok. The clashes came as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) called on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to answer questions regarding her role in a controversial rice price support scheme.
• Death toll in Thai anti-gov't protests reaches four, dozens injured VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- A crackdown on anti-government protesters in the Thai capital Bangkok on Tuesday left four dead and at least 64 others injured, as the country's embattled prime minister faced corruption charges.Thousands of riot-control police were deployed and used tear gas to clear away protesters pressuring PM Yingluck Shinawatra to resign.
• NSA and GCHQ tracked Wikileaks website VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- Julian Assange calls for the appointment of a Special Prosecutor to investigate the NSA, after documents show US spying on WikiLeaks and its supporters.
• UN rights chief calls for urgent action on 'historic' report on DPR Korea UN News Centre 18 Feb 2014 -- There can no longer be any excuses for inaction regarding rights abuses in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said today, welcoming a UN-mandated report cataloguing crimes against humanity of an "unimaginable scale" being committed in the country.
• Military issues have no place in nuclear talks IRNA 18 Feb 2014 -- Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Tuesday stressed that military issues have no place in the nuclear talks between Iran and the Group 5+1.
• Iran not to abandon N. rights, says FM ISNA 18 Feb 2014 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated that Tehran would not relinquish its nuclear rights and would not renege on its commitments to an interim deal between the Islamic Republic and the Sextet of world powers.
• Iran's Araqchi calls start of N. talks 'good' ISNA 18 Feb 2014 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi said the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany 'started well'.
• Iran to continue nuclear talks vigilantly: Larijani ISNA 18 Feb 2014 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said the Islamic Republic is determined to continue its nuclear negotiations with six world powers with "vigilance."
• Iran to continue nuclear talks vigilantly: Larijani Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani says the Islamic Republic is determined to continue its nuclear negotiations with six world powers with "vigilance."
• No halt to Iran nuclear activities: Araqchi Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- An Iranian nuclear negotiator says the Islamic Republic has never stopped its peaceful nuclear activities and will not do so in future.
• Iran, World Powers Seek Long-Term Nuclear Deal VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- Negotiators from Iran and a group of six world powers are meeting Tuesday in Vienna to discuss a long-term agreement to ensure Iran's nuclear program is peaceful.
• Pakistan's Musharraf arrives at court for first time VoR 18 Feb 2014 -- Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf arrived at court on Tuesday for the first time to face charges in a treason case he has denounced as a score-settling exercise by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
• New Russian Rocket Mock-Up Rolls Out to Launch Pad RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2014 -- A full-scale mock-up of Russia's first large post-Soviet rocket has been rolled out to a launch pad at the Plesetsk space center.
• Kerry: Tunisia's New Constitution is Model for Arab World VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Tunisia's new constitution is a model for political reform in the Arab world. Kerry made an unannounced visit as part of a trip to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
• Bolivia's President calls for UNASUR meeting to address fascist violence in Venezuela AVN 18 Feb 2014 -- Bolivia's president Evo Morales called Tuesday for an urgent meeting with the heads of state and foreign ministers of the member countries of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to set position on the imperialist conspiracy that has led to fascist actions in Venezuela from February 12.
• Venezuela Opposition Leader Surrenders to Police VOA 18 Feb 2014 -- Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez re-emerged from days of hiding Tuesday to address an anti-government demonstration and then handed himself over to security forces in Caracas.