02 December 2016 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 02 Dec 2016 [PDF]

Counter-ISIL Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 02 Dec 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
Danish Foreign Minister Confirms Pulling Fighters From Syria, Iraq Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Danish foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen said that Denmark decided to withdraw its fighter aircraft from military operations in Syria and Iraq, but about 150 Danish specialists will provide consultative help to the anti-Daesh coalition.
Anti-Daesh Coalition Loses Key French Aircraft Carrier to Maintenance Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- The Charles de Gaulle, France's lone aircraft carrier, is set to return to France this December for scheduled maintenance, a move that could deal a blow to the US-led coalition against Daesh.

Department of Defense Press Briefing by General Nicholson in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 02 Dec 2016 -- Presenter: General John W. Nicholson Jr., commander, Resolute Support and U.S. Forces Afghanistan
Mistaken Kunduz Airstrike Results in Greater Focus, Official Says AFPS 02 Dec 2016 -- The importance of international humanitarian law and how the Defense Department conforms to and complies with it is critical, Mark Swayne, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for stability and humanitarian affairs, said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Global Security Forum here yesterday.
Afghan Forces Prevailing Against Enemy, U.S. General Says AFPS 02 Dec 2016 -- Afghan forces were put to the test and prevailed during the 2016 fighting season, Army Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr., the commander of the Resolute Support mission and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, said here today.

Defense Policy / Programs

First Japanese F-35A arrives at Luke AFNS 02 Dec 2016 -- The F-35 program hit another milestone Nov. 28 with the arrival of the first foreign military sales F-35 here.
Dunford Favors Spreading Knowledge of Jointness Across All Ranks AFPS 02 Dec 2016 -- Military members must not lose the unique skills, culture and traditions of their individual services, but they will need to understand the joint force at lower ranks, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
Deputy Secretary Discusses Last Official Trip, DoD Transition AFPS 02 Dec 2016 -- On the first leg of his last official trip, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work yesterday sat down with reporters to discuss his upcoming visits with two defense contractors, the Reagan National Defense Forum, and what a changing defense leadership means for innovation and the third offset strategy.
Navy to Christen Submarine Colorado NNS 02 Dec 2016 -- The Navy will christen its newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the future USS Colorado (SSN 788), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Dec. 3 at General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.
USS Carney Completes Second FDNF Patrol NNS 02 Dec 2016 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain, Dec. 2, completing its second forward-deployed ballistic missile defense patrol in the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations.
USS Truxtun Begins Composite Training Unit Exercise NNS 02 Dec 2016 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) departed Naval Station Norfolk to begin a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), Nov. 28.
Hue City Departs for Composite Unit Training Exercise NNS 02 Dec 2016 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) departed Naval Station Mayport to begin a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), Nov. 28.
Philippine Sea Departs for Composite Training Unit Exercise NNS 02 Dec 2016 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) departed its homeport to participate in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming deployment as part of George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), Nov. 28.
US, ROK Navies Conduct Working Group to Strengthen Anti-Submarine Warfare NNS 02 Dec 2016 -- U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy leaders from across the region met in Busan to discuss ways in which both navies can improve ASW capabilities, Dec. 1-2.
USS John C. Stennis Arrives in Hawaii for 75th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu NNS 02 Dec 2016 -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 2, to participate in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events in Hawaii.
US Army to Upgrade Georgia Light Infantry Unit Into Heavy Armored Brigade Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- The US Army announced Wednesday that next summer it will re-convert a Georgia-based light-infantry brigade into a heavy-armored brigade, as part of an effort to strengthen the service's ability to fight threats on foreign soil.
Army officials move to integrate electronic warfare, cyber US Army 02 Dec 2016 -- Electronic warfare Soldiers will soon be working more closely with their cyber counterparts, as Army officials plan to move both specialties into the same career field and put new doctrine to the test.
Former Supervisory Contracting Officer Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison as Part of Expanding Navy Bribery Scandal US Dept. of Justice 02 Dec 2016 -- A former supervisory contracting officer was sentenced to 72 months in prison today for accepting bribe payments in exchange for steering U.S. Navy contracts to the president and chief executive officer of a defense contractor.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Gen. James Mattis DoD 02 Dec 2016
Trump chooses James Mattis for US secretary of defense Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that retired Marine General James Mattis, an outspoken critic of the Iran nuclear agreement, will serve as his secretary of defense.
Trump Taps Ex-Marine General As Defense Secretary RFE/RL 02 Dec 2016 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped a retired U.S. Marine Corps general known for blunt talk and battlefield victories in Iraq and Afghanistan to be his defense secretary.

US Drills Fending Off Russian 'Hybrid War' in Norwegian Cold Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Norway, where 330 US Marines are to be stationed next January to enhance the country's security, is holding joint exercises with American soldiers in the trademark Nordic cold. The goal of the "realistic scenario" exercise near the town of Bardufoss is to prepare for the Russian "hybrid war."

Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili NATO 02 Dec 2016
NATO Allies wrap up exercise Iron Sword 2016 in Lithuania NATO 02 Dec 2016 -- Troops from 11 NATO Allies concluded a two-week training exercise in Lithuania on Friday (2 December 2016). Dubbed "Iron Sword", the annual exercise tested the combat readiness of participating soldiers.
NATO holds annual cyber exercise in Estonia NATO 02 Dec 2016 -- NATO's largest cyber defence exercise, Cyber Coalition 2016, wrapped up in Estonia on Friday (2 December 2016).

Russian Army to Use Syrian Campaign Experience in Combat Training - Shoigu Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Defense Minister said that Russia's military experience gained during the anti-terrorist campaign in Syria must be incorporated into service personnel training.

MOD agrees £1 billion deal for UK test and training sites UK MOD 02 Dec 2016 -- The MOD has agreed a £1bn contract amendment to modernise and run some of its UK test and training sites that will deliver £300M of efficiencies over the next 11 years.

Ukraine, Poland Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- A defense agreement between Ukraine and Poland, signed by Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz on the Polish side, was reached after bilateral talks between Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.

Ukraine Military Ends Guided Missile Tests Near Crimea Amid Russia's Protests Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Ukraine has announced an end to its missile drills near Crimea.

Japan to Boost Military Spending in 2017 Fiscal Year to Record $46Bln Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Japan's government plans to boost military spending in the next fiscal year, starting in April, to a record 5.1 trillion yen (roughly $46.4 billion).

Kim Jong Un Guides Intensive Striking Drill of KPA Artillery Units on Front KCNA 02 Dec 2016 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army (KPA), Thursday guided an intensive artillery striking drill of KPA artillery units on the front.
North Korea conducts artillery drill as UN, South Korea, Japan impose sanctions Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- North Korea has carried out a large-scale artillery drill simulating an attack on South Korea, as Seoul and Tokyo unveil fresh unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile program following a UN sanction resolution.

Scorpene Data Leak: India-France Joint Group to Consider Changes Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- India is going ahead with the commissioning of its Scorpene submarines despite a data leak about its generic features.
US, Swedish Aviation Majors Offer Technology Transfer to Bag Indian Jet Tender Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Two of world's major military aviation companies have sweetened the terms for making combat jets in India. The Government expects response from Russian companies too.
West Bengal's Fiery Chief Minister Upset Over Army Deployment Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised objections against the deployment of army in her state without taking permission from the civil authorities. She fears this is happening because of her opposition to the Indian PM's policies.
Indian Navy Increases Vigil as China Deploys Nuclear Submarine in Pak Waters Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- China's naval wooing of India's neighbors has compelled the Indian Navy to step up vigilance of its maritime domain. As of now the Indian Navy is sanguine about monitoring Chinese naval activity on both its oceanic flanks.

Iran Owns 4.5% Stake in German Company Behind Israeli Submarine Deal - Report Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- An Israeli news outlet reported Friday that an Iranian government company has a 4.5% stake in ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the German submarine company involved in a controversy over a recent weapons deal with Jerusalem.

December 2, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 02 Dec 2016
Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz, 12/2/2016 The White House 02 Dec 2016

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 02, 2016

Other Conflicts

2 December 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Dec 2016
UN agency urges Governments to recognize people fleeing war-plagued countries as refugees UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- Faced with record displacement due to conflict, the United Nations has moved to reinforce the global refugee protection regime by issuing new guidelines on dealing with people fleeing their country because of war, who are not recognized as refugees by some States.

Saudi warplanes kill six civilians in Yemen's Sa'ada Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- At least half a dozen people have been killed and several others have sustained injuries when Saudi Arabia's fighter jets carried out a number of airstrikes against residential areas in Yemen's northwestern province of Sa'ada.

Turkish president eats his words on call to end Assad's rule Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has backtracked on his earlier statements that his country's military forces launched operations in neighboring Syria to end the rule of the incumbent Damascus government, asserting that the offensives there are aimed only at terrorists.
Turkish MP Says Operation in Syria Serves to Protect Turkish Borders Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- A Turkish lawmaker said Ankara's incursion into Syria was aimed at protecting Turkey and not at waging war in the neighboring country.

Syria: With winter closing in, UN envoys highlight humanitarian urgency of situation in Aleppo UN News 01 Dec 2016 -- With the humanitarian crisis in Syria's devastated city of Aleppo deteriorating by the day, the United Nations Special Envoy for the country appealed for a pause in fighting so that much needed relief can reach the city's population and those with urgent medical emergencies can be evacuated.
Syrian government troops recapture southern town near capital Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Syrian army forces have retaken full control of a town near the capital Damascus after foreign-backed gunmen agreed to withdraw from the area and move to militant-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib under a deal with the Damascus government.
Kerry: U.S., Russia Studying New Ways To Stop Syria Fighting RFE/RL 02 Dec 2016 -- The United States and Russia are studying new ways to break a diplomatic deadlock over how to stop the fighting in the Syrian city of Aleppo, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said.
Syrian Army Asks Militants to Leave Southern Suburbs of Damascus Within 2 Weeks Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- The Syrian Army's general command asked militants of the Daesh and abhat Fatah al Sham (also known as the Nusra Front) to leave southern suburbs of the Syrian capital of Damascus over the course of two weeks, according to local media reports.
Syrian Opposition to Continue Contacts With Russia on East Aleppo Fighting Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Syrian opposition representatives will continue discussions with Russia on ending violence in the besieged areas of eastern Aleppo, local media said Friday.
UN Stops Humanitarian Relief Offers After Syrian Troops Liberate 40% of E Aleppo Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- The Russian Defense Ministry urged the United Nations to get down to work and provide real humanitarian aid to the residents of Aleppo instead of merely talking about it.
Syria: UN refugee agency spotlights growing shelter needs as thousands flee Aleppo violence UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- While reiterating its extreme concern about the civilian population in Syria's war-battered Aleppo, the United Nations refugee agency today said it is also focusing on the rapidly growing shelter needs for thousands of people fleeing the city's eastern neighbourhoods.
Thousands Flee Eastern Aleppo as Conditions Deteriorate VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Some 31,500 civilians have fled eastern Aleppo since Syrian government forces captured more than one-third of the rebel-held besieged territory this week.
Syria's Rebels Say Regardless of Aleppo, They Will Fight On VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Syrian rebel commanders and opposition politicians insist the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad will continue even if they lose their tenuous hold on parts of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city.
Russian Sappers Fly to Syria for Aleppo Mine-Clearing - Defense Ministry Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Defense Ministry said that Russian sapper unit departed on Friday to Syria to conduct mine-clearing operations in the embattled city of Aleppo.
American Volunteer Who Died Fighting in Syria Was Kurd Loyalist VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- It was a passion for the Kurdish cause that drove Californian Michael Israel to fight on the front lines in northern Syria against the Islamic State group.

Iraqi forces liberate two more neighborhoods in eastern Mosul Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Iraqi Special Operations Forces have retaken the full control of two more neighborhoods in Mosul as they try to drive Daesh Takfiri militants out of their last urban stronghold in the country in joint operations with army soldiers and pro-government fighters.
Iraq: 'Staggering' number of civilian casualties in November; Baghdad hardest hit, says UN UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- Last month, Iraq suffered thousands of deaths and injuries – including by a significant number of civilians – in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict, according to recently released figures by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
UN refugee agency boosts winter assistance for displaced Iraqis in conflict-affected villages UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- As the security situation has stabilized in villages near war-torn Mosul, where Iraqi military operations are under way to wrest the city from terrorists, the United Nations refugee agency and its partners are racing against time to distributing winter kits to those who remained or returned home and those newly-displaced as plunging temperatures hit the area.

Rival militant groups clash in Tripoli, eight killed Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- At least eight people have been killed in heavy clashes between rival militant groups in neighborhoods across the Libyan capital of Tripoli.

Kofi Annan arrives in Myanmar to probe army abuse against Muslim minority Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Former UN chief Kofi Annan is on a fact-finding mission in Myanmar to probe a bloody army crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in the country.

600k could face severe water crisis in eastern Ukraine Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has warned that about 600,000 impoverished people in eastern Ukraine could face a severe water and power crisis this winter following a move by Kiev to cut off supplies.

KFOR inaugurates new bridge in northern Kosovo NATO 02 Dec 2016 -- NATO's peacekeeping Kosovo Force (KFOR) inaugurated a new bridge in northern Kosovo on Friday (2 December 2016) to the benefit of the local population. The new bridge over the Bistrica River between the cities of Zvecan and Leposaviq will provide better traffic safety for vehicles and pedestrians. It was built on KFOR initiative with funding by NATO nations.

UN welcomes ratification of new peace accord in Colombia UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- Welcoming the Colombian parliament's ratification of the new Final Peace Agreement between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council have expressed hope for its swift implementation for the benefit of all Colombians.

Nigeria's humanitarian crisis 'can no longer be ignored,' UN says, launching $1 billion appeal UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- With the scale of human suffering in north-eastern Nigeria becoming clearer as the Government has pushed Boko Haram insurgents from more and more areas, the United Nations today launched a $1 billion funding appeal to address the needs of those in crisis, and announced that nearly 75 partner agencies are on standby to respond where areas are accessible.

Already overstretched, aid agencies in Somalia need more resources to tackle severe drought - UN UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Peter de Clercq, appealed today for an urgent scale-up in humanitarian assistance, with relief agencies already overstretched as the country faces severe drought conditions, including food and water shortages.

Liberia 'stable' but needs continued attention, Security Council told UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- Briefing the Security Council on the situation in Liberia, the United Nations peacekeeping chief today underlined that the country remained stable and that since the security transition in June this year, there had been no incident serious enough to warrant an armed response from the UN mission in the country, known as UNMIL.

Philippine Leader Suggests Talks With Violent Muslim Rebels VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has offered to negotiate with two of his country's most violent Muslim rebel groups after months of military strikes, making his strategy for ending a complex 45-year conflict unclear despite pledges to settle it.

News Reports

In Break With Policy, Trump Speaks to Taiwan President VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- President-elect Donald Trump made several phone calls to world leaders Friday, most notably to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, a move that breaks decades of policy and one that could risk raising tensions with China before Trump takes office.
China closely watching US politics: Pres. Xi Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping says Beijing is watching US politics "very closely" and hopes for "stable and sustained" progress in relations with the United States under the presidency of incoming Donald Trump.

Trump's Priorities Could Shift US Africa Policy, Analysts Say VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- People across Africa reacted with mixed feelings last month to news of businessman Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential elections.

China says pro-independence Taiwan firms not welcome CNA 02 Dec 2016 -- Zhang Zhijun (張志軍), head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said Friday that his country continues to welcome investments from Taiwan companies but not those that support the idea of Taiwan independence.

Statement by the President on the Report of the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity The White House 02 Dec 2016

EU Leader Says Russia Sanctions Likely To Be Extended RFE/RL 02 Dec 2016 -- The head of the European Union's executive body has said he expects EU sanctions against Russia to be extended next year, but that it will be harder to do that in the future.

Iran Says Extension Of Sanctions Act By U.S. Congress Violates Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 02 Dec 2016 -- Iran says the extension of sanctions legislation by the U.S. Congress is "a violation" of the nuclear deal reached between Tehran and world powers last year.
Obama expected to sign Iran Sanctions Act into law Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- US President Barack Obama is likely to sign legislation, which renews sanctions against Iran for 10 years, into law, the White House says.
JCPOA violation by a member can't be reciprocated by violation, unilaterally IRNA 02 Dec 2016 -- Deputy Chief of Staff of the President for Political Affairs Hamid Aboutalebi said on Friday that if the JCPOA is a multi-lateral commitment, its violation by one of the signatories cannot be reciprocated by violation and unilaterally.
Senior clerics: ISA extension is clear violation of JCPOA IRNA 02 Dec 2016 -- Friday Prayers leaders nationwide referred to the US latest anti-Iran act as the clear violation of the landmark nuclear deal signed between Tehran and the world six major powers in 2015, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Rezaei: Response to US' ISA extension to be "shocking" IRNA 02 Dec 2016 -- Secretary of Iran Expediency Council Mohsen Rezaei said on Friday that should the US adopt new sanctions against Iran, the country's response will be 'shocking.'
US' anti-Iran unilateral sanctions in violation of JCPOA IRNA 02 Dec 2016 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said here on Friday that the recent US unilaterally move for extending Iran sanctions runs contrary to Iran's nuclear deal with the world powers.
US Senators pass Iran Sanctions Act IRNA 02 Dec 2016 -- The US Senate on Thursday approved legislation extending the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) for another ten years.
Iran MPs mull triple-urgency motion on nuclear activities resumption Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- A member of the Iranian Parliament's Presiding Board says the legislature is preparing a triple-urgency motion which would mandate the government to resume nuclear activities halted under a landmark agreement between Tehran and the group of six countries known as the P5+1.
Iran vows 'appropriate' response to US sanctions Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Iran says the US Congress' vote to extend the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) for another decade violates last year's nuclear accord, adding Tehran will take "appropriate measures" against the decision.

US Sanctions 7 People, 16 Entities Over North Korea's Nuclear Program Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Treasury Department said that United States sanctioned seven individuals and 16 entities, including the state-owned carrier Air Koryo, for ties to North Korea's nuclear program.
South Korea, Japan Add to Sanctions on North Korea VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- South Korea and Japan have imposed unilateral sanctions on their nuclear-armed neighbor, North Korea.
U.S. Moves to Create Triangular Military Alliance for Aggression under Fire KCNA 02 Dec 2016 -- A spokesman for the National Peace Committee of Korea issued a statement Friday as regards the disclosure of the fact that the agreement on protecting military intelligence was concluded between the Park Geun Hye group of traitors and the Japanese reactionaries under the backstage manipulation and pressure of the U.S.

Islamic State changing terror tactics to maintain threat in Europe EUROPOL 02 Dec 2016 -- As the so-called Islamic State (IS) loses ground in the Middle East, the pattern of its recent terrorist attacks in Europe suggests that it has already adopted new tactics to attack the West. These developments are highlighted in the report Changes in Modus Operandi of IS revisited published today by Europol's European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC).
Europol warns about more terror threats by Daesh Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- The European Union's law enforcement agency has published a report outlining the high probability of more attacks by the Takfiri Daesh terrorists in some European countries.

Russia repels foreign-sponsored cyber attack on banking system: FSB Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Russia's security agency says it has thwarted a foreign-sponsored cyber attack aimed at destabilizing the country's financial system.
Russia Warns Of Planned Cyberattacks On Banks RFE/RL 02 Dec 2016 -- Russia's main domestic security agency says it is taking measures to foil a plot by unspecified foreign intelligence services to launch "large-scale" cyberattacks from December 5 aimed at disrupting the activities of a number of major Russian banks and at destabilizing the country's financial system.

Hollande's Decision Not to Seek Re-election Reflects Broader Upheaval in Western Politics VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- President Francois Hollande's decision not to run for a second term may not change the outcome of French elections, analysts say, but it reflects a broader populist backlash that is upending politics in Europe and the United States.
France's Hollande not to run for president again Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- French President Francopis Hollande has announced that he will not stand for re-election in the upcoming presidential poll amid low popularity ratings and a fairly high unemployment rate in the Western European country.

South Korean Parliament to Vote on President's Impeachment December 9 Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- South Korea's opposition parties will submit a draft resolution on the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye on Friday in order to hold parliamentary vote on the motion in a week, on December 9.
South Korea Postpones Impeachment Vote VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- South Korea's National Assembly announced Friday that the vote to impeach President Park Geun-hye had been postponed until December 9.

UN chief commends peaceful polls in Gambia, congratulates President-elect Adama Barrow UN News 02 Dec 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the people of Gambia for the peaceful and orderly manner in which yesterday's presidential election was held and congratulated President-elect Adama Barrow.
Gambians Welcome New Era With Barrow's Victory VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Gambians across Africa and elsewhere rejoiced at the news Friday that longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh had conceded defeat in the country's presidential election.
Jammeh Concedes Defeat in Gambia Election Upset VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Gambia's president of more than 22 years conceded defeat Friday in the country's presidential election, vowing to step down after results showed him with a surprising loss.
Jammeh Loses in Gambia Election Upset VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Gambia's electoral commission says opposition candidate Adama Barrow has won an upset victory in the country's presidential poll, beating longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh.
Gambia says opposition candidate Barrow won presidential election Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Gambia's presidential election has been won by opposition candidate Adama Barrow, 51, ending the reign of longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh.

Negligence in Rocket Engine Assembly Could Have Downed Russian Spacecraft Sputnik 02 Dec 2016 -- Negligence in the assembly of a carrier rocket's third-stage engine could have caused the Russian Progress space freighter to fall in southern Siberia, a source in the Russian space industry said Friday.

Brazil's senate leader indicted for alleged embezzlement Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Brazil's top court has voted to put Senate President Renan Calheiros, a key ally of President Michel Temer, on trial for alleged embezzlement.

Longtime Angolan President Won't Seek Re-election in 2017 VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led the oil-rich nation for 37 years, will not stand for re-election in next year's polls.

Evicted Jakarta Residents Join Hardline Rally Against Governor VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- Far-right Islamic parties were the driving force behind a massive religious demonstration Friday against Jakarta's governor, but those weren't the only interests represented among protesters. Hundreds of residents of poor neighborhoods like Luar Batang and Pasar Ikan, where the governor has pushed for massive evictions, also showed up in solidarity.
200,000 protest in Indonesia against Jakarta gov. Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- Some 200,000 Indonesians have taken to the streets in Jakarta in a second, major protest rally against the governor of the capital .

Thai crown prince formally proclaimed king People's Daily 02 Dec 2016 -- Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn accepted invitation from parliament president to ascend to the throne and thus formally proclaimed King Rama X in a televised ceremony broadcast late Thursday.

International Arms Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Kill Americans and Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization US Dept. of Justice 02 Dec 2016 -- Virgil Flaviu Georgescu, a Dual U.S.-Romanian Citizen, Agreed to Provide Military-Grade Weapons to be Used to Shoot Down American Aircraft in Colombia
US Sentences Romanian-born Arms Trafficker to 10 Years VOA 02 Dec 2016 -- A Romanian-born man has been sentenced in the United States to 10 years in prison for conspiring to sell military-grade weapons in Europe.

Nigeria court rules Sheikh Zakzaky must be released 'immediately' Press TV 02 Dec 2016 -- A Nigerian court has ruled that Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, the jailed leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), should be released unconditionally.

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