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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 25 Nov 2014 [PDF]
• US to increase troops in Afghanistan in 2015 Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- The United States is preparing to increase the number of its military forces in Afghanistan in 2015, a new report says.
• USS Vandegrift-Coast Guard team Uncovers Illegal Cocaine Concealed in Fishing Vessel NNS 25 Nov 2014 -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) intercepted approximately 875 pounds of cocaine being smuggled aboard a fishing vessel while on patrol in international waters off the coast of Central America.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Admiral Kirby in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 25 Nov 2014 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby
• Hagel Focused on Defense Mission, Kirby Says AFPS 25 Nov 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is focused on the defense mission as the search for his successor begins, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
• Yokota Airmen train combat mobility during Max Thunder AFNS 25 Nov 2014 -- The 36th Airlift Squadron participated in Exercise Max Thunder 14-2, flying alongside South Korean military counterparts to integrate their airlift capabilities in a simulated combat environment.
• U.S. Marines, Spanish soldiers train helicopter heavy lift capabilities USMC News 25 Nov 2014 -- U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response – Africa trained with Spanish soldiers from Transport Helicopter Battalion 5 in externally sling loading heavy equipment at Spanish Helicopter Base Coronel Mate, Colmenar de Viejo, Spain, Nov. 18 -19, 2014.
• George Washington Strike Group Maintains Security and Stability during 2014 Patrol NNS 25 Nov 2014 -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) arrived at its forward operating location of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan upon completion of its 2014 patrol, Nov. 25.
• Abraham Lincoln Makes the First Call NNS 25 Nov 2014 -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducted its first internal phone call using the Integrated Voice Network (IVN) since Lincoln's Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) Nov. 20.
• US, Polish Forecasters Share Weather Knowledge NNS 25 Nov 2014 -- Forecasters from Fleet Weather Center Aviation Detachment (FWCAD) Kapaun, Germany, co-located with the U.S. Air Force's 21st Operational Weather Squadron (OWS), shared weather forecasting knowledge with two counterparts from the Polish armed forces last week.
• CNO releases Navy's Position Report NNS 25 Nov 2014 -- The Navy's top leader released a detailed report Friday that highlights the U.S. Navy's progress toward its vision, plans and current goals.
• US to Move Tanks to Poland, Romania, or Baltics: Defense Department Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- A US heavy brigade combat team will be deployed in Poland, Romania, or a country in the Baltic region as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, Commander of US Army Europe Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges said on Monday.
• France delays warship delivery to Russia over Ukraine Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- France has delayed the delivery of the first of two high-tech warships to Russia "until further notice" as a result of the situation in eastern Ukraine.
• Russia to Give France Time to Fulfill Mistral Deal: Defense Official Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- Moscow currently has no plans to file claims against France over Hollande's decision to put the Mistral warship deal on hold, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said Tuesday.
• French President Puts Delivery of First Mistral Warship to Russia on Hold Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- French President Francois Hollande has postponed the delivery of the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier to Russia because of the situation in Ukraine, a French government statement said Tuesday.
• Lukashenka's Longtime Defense Chief Out In Belarus RFE/RL 25 Nov 2014 -- Belarusian Defense Minister Yury Zhadobin has resigned in a move observers said could be part of an attempt by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to improve the military's combat-readiness.
• Russia warns Ukraine against NATO membership Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- Russia has warned conflict-stricken Ukraine against joining the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), underscoring that such a measure would only aggravate regional tensions.
• November 25, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 25 Nov 2014
• Gaggle en route Chicago with Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz, 11/25/14 The White House 25 Nov 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 25, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 25 November 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Nov 2014
• Sanctions are 'effective' method to build global stability, Security Council told UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- From Afghanistan and Angola to Haiti and the former Yugoslavia, sanctions implemented by the United Nations Security Council have had a positive track record, proving their efficacy and economy in supporting Member States overcome instability, the top UN political official said today.
• DPR Asks UNSC to Consider Peacekeeping Mission in East Ukraine Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- In a statement released Tuesday the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic requested the UN Security Council (UNSC) to discuss sending a peacekeeping mission to eastern Ukraine.
• Syria: humanitarian efforts falling short, UN relief chief warns, calling for end to violence UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- While humanitarians have made some progress in delivering much-needed supplies to the growing numbers of people in conflict-riven Syria, efforts by the United Nations and its partners are still falling short, a top UN relief official has said today, calling on the Security Council to push for an end to the violence that is destroying the country and destabilizing the region.
• Islamic State Fighting to Recapture Key Iraq Refinery Near Baiji Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- Islamic State (IS) militants have launched an offensive on government forces in the Iraqi town of Baiji in an attempt to recapture the locality and gain control of the nation's largest refinery, located nearby, Reuters reports citing witness accounts.
• West Rejects Treaty Between Russia, Abkhazia RFE/RL 25 Nov 2014 -- The West has criticized an agreement between Russia and Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.

• Russia Says 'No Question' About Annexations Of Abkhazia, South Ossetia RFE/RL 25 Nov 2014 -- Russia has rejected accusations that it is planning to annex Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

• As number of South Sudanese refugees grows, UN relief official urges support to Ethiopia UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- Following the end of a four-day mission to Ethiopia, a senior United Nations relief official has called for continued international attention to the plight of South Sudanese refugees, warning that the number of refugees could rise substantially if fighting in South Sudan persists.
• Security Council extends UN mission in South Sudan through May 2015 UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- Expressing "grave alarm about the further deteriorating political, security and humanitarian crisis" in South Sudan, the Security Council today extended the United Nations Mission the country (UNMISS) for an additional six months, maintaining the operation's mandate to focus on civilian protection, facilitation of relief assistance, and human rights monitoring.
• Chinese Ships Have Entered Waters of Disputed Senkaku Islands Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- Three Chinese vessels have entered Japanese territorial waters around the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands, the Japanese Coast Guard reported. It is the first 'intrusion' since November 3, which has ruined hopes for reconciliation between the two countries.
• Boko Haram Continues Campaign of Violence Across Nigeria's North VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- A twin bombing in Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri on Tuesday showed the continued ability of militant group Boko Haram to attack at will.
• Boko Haram militants take over town in northeast Nigeria Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- Boko Haram Takfiri militants have taken over another town in Nigeria's northeast as they further establish their grip in the troubled and violence-plagued region.
• Ban voices 'deep concern' over eruption of violence in Libya; urges return to dialogue UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced deep concern over an uptick in violence across Libya and urged all parties to recommit to the values of the revolution that inspired the North African country's break towards democracy, according to a statement issued today by his spokesperson.
• Bangladesh's Rohingya camps - promise or peril? IRIN 25 Nov 2014 -- Bangladesh's announcement that it will move two camps housing some 30,000 officially documented Rohingya refugees has heightened anxieties among the Muslim minority, who fled persecution in neighbouring Myanmar. Observers applaud the possibility of improving camp conditions, but are concerned the move could also increase insecurity.
• Colombia's FARC plans to release 2 soldiers Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has confirmed that it will release two soldiers captured recently in a bid to revive peace negotiations with the government.
• Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes 'contrary to international law,' UN experts warn UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- The Israeli Government's use of house demolition as a punitive measure in response to alleged acts of violence by Palestinians must end immediately, two United Nations experts urged today, adding that the practice – which targets Palestinian homes in both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory – is a violation of human rights law.
• Security Council extends UN Guinea-Bissau office through February 2015 UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peace-Building Office in Guinea-Bissau, known as UNIOGBIS, so that it can continue to assist in tackling a range of political, security and development challenges in the country.

News Reports

• Is Extension of Iran Nuclear Talks a Positive Step? VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- The extension of the Iran nuclear talks could give both sides more breathing room as they try to reach consensus on Tehran's uranium enrichment levels, but analysts say the length of the deadline extension could also indicate the two sides remain far apart on core issues.
• Iranian Leader: Western Powers Failed to Bring Iran to its Knees VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the United States and 'European colonialist powers' failed in their efforts to bring Iran 'to its knees' during negotiations on the country's nuclear program.
• Khamenei: West Will Not 'Bring Iran To Its Knees' On Nuclear Issue RFE/RL 25 Nov 2014 -- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned the West that it will never 'bring Iran to its knees' in negotiations on a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear program.
• Deal Between P5+1, Iran to Lead to Serious Enrichment Program: Iranian FM Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif has said after the 10th round of talks in Vienna that the deal of the P5+1 group and Iran concerning Tehran's nuclear program will lead to a serious enrichment program in the country.
• Larijani says extension of nuclear talks a wise move IRNA 25 Nov 2014 -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Tuesday that he considered extension of nuclear talks between Iran and G5+1 a wise move.
• Nuclear talks will eventually be in Irans interests: Basij comdr IRNA 25 Nov 2014 -- Commander of Basij (volunteer forces) Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi said Tuesday that nuclear talks underway between Iranian negotiators and Western sides will eventually be in Irans interests.
• Araqchi: Iran after achieving agreement in coming weeks IRNA 25 Nov 2014 -- A top member of Iranian nuclear negotiation team, Abbas Araqchi said here Monday sanctions and enrichment are key issues in talks, announcing that Iran is after achieving the comprehensive agreement in upcoming weeks.
• N-deal possible in days if political will exists: Araqchi IRNA 25 Nov 2014 -- Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi referred to the seven-day nuclear talks as good stressing that comprehensive agreement with G5+1 can be reached within days if there is necessary political will.
• Mousavian: Powers sure about peaceful nature of our nuclear program IRNA 25 Nov 2014 -- World powers have made sure about the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program so presently arranging a program for lifting the sanctions is the main problem, said Hossein Mousavian, a former nuclear negotiator Monday.
• Zarif: Objective, reaching agreement in shortest possible time IRNA 25 Nov 2014 -- We do not intend to use the whole period of extended 7 months for negotiations, but to reach comprehensive final agreement within the shortest possible time, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said here Monday night.
• Iran to receive remaining $4.2 billion of blocked funds ISNA 25 Nov 2014 -- Iran would receive the remaining $4.2 billion of its frozen assets, obtained by crude revenues, following extension of negotiations between the country and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.
• Nobody questions Iran's enrichment program: Zarif ISNA 25 Nov 2014 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran has the right to have an enrichment program under any deal with the P5+1 group.
• EU extends freeze on certain sanctions against Iran Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- The European Union (EU) has extended a freeze on certain sanctions imposed against Iran over the country's nuclear program after Tehran and six world powers agreed to continue talks for seven more months.
• West cannot bring Iran to knees over N-issue: Leader Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the US and its European allies joined hands to bring the Iranian nation to its knees over the nuclear issue, but failed to do so.
• Political Pressure Mounts on Ukraine's Poroshenko VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- Political pressure is mounting both at home and abroad on Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, with critics arguing he lacks direction in combating a pro-Moscow insurgency in the east and not moving fast enough on reform.
• US Experts: N. Korean Envoy Sent to Russia to Ease Diplomatic Isolation VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- U.S. experts say North Korea's recent dispatch of a special envoy to Russia is an attempt to ease diplomatic isolation by expanding ties with Moscow.
• Hong Kong Police Arrest Protest Leaders, Clear Streets VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- Hong Kong authorities cleared a main protest camp Wednesday and arrested two leaders of the Occupy Central movement, which is calling for greater democracy in the semiautonomous Chinese territory.
• 80 Detained As Police Use Pepper Spray to Disperse Protesters in Hong Kong Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- Hong Kong police have arrested 80 protesters and used pepper spray to disperse pro-democracy activists in an attempt to partially clear one of the main protest sites in the city, AFP reports.
• Ebola: December 1 target for response may not be met in some areas of West Africa, UN reports UN News Centre 25 Nov 2014 -- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) said today that while Ebola response targets for December 1 in West Africa may be reached in many places, they may not be met in some areas, and confirmed two new cases in Mali amid ramped up efforts to reduce the likelihood that additional cases will be imported from neighbouring Guinea.
• Two Americans Hit With IS-related Terrorism Charges VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- U.S. prosecutors announced terrorism charges against two Somali-American men Tuesday, after one traveled to Syria allegedly to join Islamic militants fighting there, and the other was stopped at the airport allegedly on his way there.
• Turkey seeks more powers for police against protesters Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- The Turkish government has submitted to the parliament a bill that would authorize police forces to use weapons against demonstrators and to make more arrests during protest rallies.