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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 13 Oct 2017[PDF]
• U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes to Defeat ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 13 Oct 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 29 strikes consisting of 29 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Some See Trump Pressure Tilting Pakistan's Afghan Policy VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's new policy on Afghanistan, which pressures Pakistan to take more action against terrorists or face consequences, may be having an effect on Islamabad's thinking, experts say.
• Travis AFB supports FEMA in California wildfire mission AFNS 13 Oct 2017 -- At the request of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, Travis Air Force Base was designated an installation support base during the response to the Atlas Fire, which has spread across Northern California since Oct. 8, 2017.
• 13,700 DoD Personnel Respond to Hurricane Maria Relief Effort AFPS 13 Oct 2017 -- About 13,700 Defense Department personnel are now in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria ravaged the region three weeks ago, Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD Announces Policy Changes to Lawful Permanent Residents and the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) Pilot Program DoD 13 Oct 2017 -- The Department of Defense announced today a change to policies regarding initial screening of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) and qualifying service for the purposes of military naturalization. These changes reflect lessons learned from the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) Pilot Program.
• DoD Announces Policies Affecting Foreign Nationals Entering Military AFPS 13 Oct 2017 -- The Defense Department is releasing two policies that will affect foreign nationals entering the military or who are already in the military, Stephanie Miller, DoD's chief of accessions, said today.
• Representatives of Mediterranean Nations Discuss Regional Security Issues AFPS 13 Oct 2017 -- More than 30 diplomats, academics and military officials from the Mediterranean region gathered Sept. 25-28 in Rome to examine the shared responsibility nations have for security at a conference hosted by the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.
• DOD Announces Sentence for Detainee Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al-Darbi DoD 13 Oct 2017-- The Department of Defense announced today that Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al-Darbi was sentenced to 13 years in confinement for conspiracy, attacking civilian objects, hazarding a vessel, terrorism, attempts, and aiding the enemy.
• Disaster Relief Exercise Concludes in Bangladesh AFPS 13 Oct 2017 -- The eighth annual Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange, or PR DREE, came to a successful close during a ceremony here yesterday.
• TRADOC chief: Military must focus on 'domain usership, not ownership' Army News 13 Oct 2017 -- A year after rolling out the multi-domain battle concept, the Army is now onto the next phase of unifying efforts with other services to turn ideas into synchronized operations.
• Royal flush: 2/10, British soldiers refine artillery capabilities USMC News 13 Oct 2017 -- Marine field artillery cannoneers with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and British commando gunners with 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery participated in field artillery training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 11, 2017.
• US Navy Completes USS John S McCain Transport Preparations NNS 13 Oct 2017 -- U.S. Navy ocean engineering specialists announced that they had completed preparations to transport USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) to Yokosuka, Japan, for repairs Oct. 11.
• USS Oscar Austin Departs Brest, France NNS 13 Oct 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) departed Brest, France, October 12, 2017, after a port visit and refueling.
• VP-16 Completes Deployment to US 6th Fleet NNS 13 Oct 2017 -- The "War Eagles" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 began their transition back to Naval Air Station Jacksonville in early October after a successful seven-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, attached to Commander, Task Force 67.
• Pentagon: Presence of US Army in Poland is Purely Defensive Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- The Pentagon spokesperson Dana White said on Thursday that the deployment by the US Army of a division in Poland has a purely defensive attitude. The Pentagon's statement came after Russian Defense Ministry noted that the "quiet" additional deployment of the US 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team in Poland violates the NATO-Russia Founding Act.
• Ohio National Guard works with Serbian partners during Cyber Tesla 2017 exercise Army News 13 Oct 2017 -- Members of the Ohio National Guard and Serbian Armed Forces joined together to carry out the second annual Cyber Tesla exercise Sept. 11-14 at two locations - in Ohio and Serbia.
• Army looking into unmanned medevac, medical resupply Army News 13 Oct 2017 -- Although a fully-equipped medical evacuation aircraft with a trained crew and pilot will likely always be the best option to get a wounded Soldier off the battlefield, the Army is looking at unmanned aerial systems as a possible "plan B" for when that ideal isn't possible.
• On the Record Media Availability with Secretary Mattis en route from Miami, Florida DoD 13 Oct 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
• Bold Alligator 2017 Exercises Amphibious Forces NNS 13 Oct 2017 -- Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) will commence Bold Alligator 2017 (BA17) in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and at-sea Atlantic ranges Oct. 18 through Oct. 30.
• NATO chief warns of 'devastating consequences' of any war with N Korea Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that military action against North Korea could trigger "devastating consequences" amid US President Donald Trump's war threats.
• NATO Collective Defense Response to North Korea Attack 'in Early Stages' - Envoy Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Article 5 of the NATO founding treaty enshrines the principle of collective defense which has been invoked for the first time in the wake of September 11 terrorist attack. Now the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear program triggers the speculations about a possible collective response from NATO Allies.
• Russia May Send More Iskander Missiles To Kaliningrad RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- Russia may send more of its most advanced missiles to its Kaliningrad region in response to U.S. military deployments on NATO's eastern flank, a prominent Russian lawmaker said.
• Navy 'Sniper': What's So Special About Russia's New Ka-52K Katran Attack Chopper Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Russian Helicopters corporation has confirmed that the Ka-52K Katran attack helicopter remains the company's priority project for the Russian Navy, given that it is much better suited to Navy tasks than its Mi-28N and Ka-52 cousins. Military observer Andrei Kotz explains what's so special about the chopper.
• Taiwan Developing Jet, Submarines as Homegrown Defense Industry Expands VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- Taiwan's president is emphasizing the need for the island to beef up its defense industry in the face of threats from mainland China.
• Taiwan must do its part to step up defenses: AIT chairman CNA 13 Oct 2017 -- American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman James Moriarty called on Taiwan Thursday to do its part to invest more in self-defense, as U.S. commitment to Taiwan's security alone will not protect Taiwan in an increasingly complex regional environment.
• Polish Defense Minister Claims Russian Cyberattack Prevented in Country Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz accused Russia on Friday of cyberattacks against Ukrainian companies with branches abroad and said that one such attack was warded off in Poland.
• India's First Highway Military Runway to Host Full Strength Drill of Combat Jets Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- India is developing at least 17 highways that can be adapted for use as landing strips for combat aircraft in case of emergencies. The landing strips will have weapon storage dumps, landing lights and fuel and fire-fighting equipment.
• Iran, Russia to hold joint naval drill in Caspian Sea Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- The naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia plan to stage a joint exercise in the Caspian Sea to display their military might.
• 'Russia, Saudi Arabia almost finalize S-400 deal' Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- Russia and Saudi Arabia are in talks to sign an agreement on the purchase by Riyadh of the Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system.
• Erdogan Sees No Reason Not to Work With Russia and Install S-400 Missile Systems Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that he saw no reasons to stop cooperation with Russia on the purchase of S-400 missile defense systems, adding that he expected joint production to take place in the second stage of S-400 purchases.
• Erdogan Says Turkey Also Interested In Russian S-500 Missile System RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that his country, which recently announced plans to buy S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, is also interested in acquiring a future Russian missile system that is still under development.
• US, South Korea to hold joint naval drills Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- The United States and South Korea are set to hold naval drills next week despite international calls for the de-escalation of tensions with North Korea.
• US Subs' Mystery Missions Off Korean Coast Prompt Panic Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- The USS Michigan Ohio-class ballistic missile sub has arrived in Busan, South Korea ahead of large scale US-South Korean exercises next week. Observers are concerned by the fact that another US sub, the USS Tucson, is already present in the area, and that it has been carrying out secret training missions whose purpose remains unclear.
• Norway to Step Up Military Presence in Region Bordering Russia - Reports Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- The Independent Barents Observer reported Friday that Norway would reinforce its northernmost region of Finnmark, which borders Russia's Kola peninsula, with an additional cavalry battalion within its long-term plan to brisk up the military.
• Kuwait - Continuation of C-17 Logistics Support Services and Equipment DSCA 13 Oct 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for continuation of C-17 logistics support services and equipment. The estimated cost is $342.6 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 12, 2017.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 13, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 13 October 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Oct 2017
• Turkey's first military convoy enters Syria's Idlib: Report Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- The first convoy of Turkish military forces has reportedly entered the Syrian city of Idlib to enforce a "de-escalation" zone in northwestern Syria as part of a deal with Russia and Iran.
• Turkish Troops Begin Setting Up Observation Posts in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday the launch of a military operation in Syria's Idlib, local media reports. "Tonight, Turkish Armed Forces jointly with the FSA units started an operation in Idlib," the president said.
• Chile becomes latest nation to resettle Syrian refugees through UN-backed programme UN News 13 Oct 2017 -- Sixty-six Syrian adults and children arrived in Santiago, Chile from Lebanon on Thursday, making the South American country the newest to resettle Syrian refugees under a United Nations-backed programme.
• Over 90% of Syrian territory free from Daesh: Russian daily Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- As the Syrian army and its allies continue their advances against Takfiri militants, a Russian daily affiliated with the country's defense minister says more than 90 percent of Syrian territory are free from the control of the Daesh terrorists.
• Syrian forces advance on Daesh-controlled Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- Syrian government forces have pushed deeper into the country's troubled city of Mayadin as they are joined by allied fighters from popular defense groups in major operations to drive Daesh militants from the strategic eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
• Over 1,000 Terrorists Have Crossed Iraqi Border to Syria - Russian MoD Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- As the Syrian army continues its successful offensive against terrorists, crushing Daesh militants near the cities of Deir ez-Zor and al Mayadin, more extremists enter the country from the areas in Iraq that are controlled by the US-led coalition, according to the Russian military.
• UN Laments Plight of Civilians Trapped by Syrian Fighting VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- The U.N. refugee agency said Friday that it was alarmed by the dangers facing thousands of Syrian civilians trapped by intense fighting in the city of Raqqa and neighboring areas.
• Kurdistan deploys tens of thousands of forces to oil-rich Kirkuk Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region has deployed tens of thousands of Peshmerga forces to the Kirkuk region amid tensions with the central government over a controversial secession referendum it held last month.
• Kurdistan Sends Peshmerga Troops to Kirkuk Amid 'Threats' by Iraqi Army Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- The Iraqi Army's military operation south of the Kirkuk province is not directed against the Kurdish Peshmerga paramilitary forces, an aide to the governor of the disputed province, Abdurrahman Talabani, said.
• Civilians who fled Mosul still vulnerable, need assistance - UN official UN News 13 Oct 2017 -- One year since the start of the military campaign to retake Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorist group, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator said hundreds of thousands of people are vulnerable and still need assistance.
• Libya: UN agencies scale up response as fighting displaces thousands in Sabratha region UN News 13 Oct 2017 -- United Nations relief agencies have upped their response in western Libya's Sabratha region following intensification of conflict that has already driven over 15,000 people from their homes.
• Diplomats Urge Myanmar Authorities to Turn Promises Into Action VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- U.N. envoys from Britain and France called for Myanmar authorities to translate promises into action to end violence and create the conditions for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees.
• Myanmar 'starving out' Rohingya: UK-based rights group Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- A UK-based rights group has accused Myanmar's government of intentionally starving Rohingya Muslims in a bid to force the persecuted minority group out of the country.
• UN ramps up aid delivery amid new surge of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh UN News 13 Oct 2017 -- The speed and scale of people fleeing Myanmar has triggered a humanitarian emergency in Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of refugees now depend on humanitarian assistance for shelter, food, water and other life-saving needs, says the United Nations migration agency.
• Rohingya Humanitarian Emergency Grows as Refugees Continue to Flee VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- Aid agencies are increasing humanitarian operations to keep pace with the growing needs of the expanding Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh. The United Nations says a recent surge of new arrivals there has pushed the number of people who have fled violence in neighboring Myanmar since late August to 536,000.
• Bangladesh Building Giant Camp for Rohingya Refugees VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- Bangladesh is pressing ahead with plans to combine two settlements for Rohingya refugees from Myanmar into one large camp that those inside will not be allowed to leave, according to a senior government official who emphasized the new facility would be temporary.
• Nigeria Tries 1,600 Boko Haram Suspects VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- The largest trial of Boko Haram suspects in the history of Nigeria's ongoing fight against the terrorist group is under way at a military barracks in the north.
• Central African Republic: UN Special Adviser condemns incitement of violence and hatred UN News 13 Oct 2017 -- The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide has strongly condemned provocation of ethnic and religious hatred armed groups and politicians in the Central African Republic and impressed the need for urgent, concerted and coordinated steps to end violence, defuse intercommunity tensions and alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.
• INTERVIEW: Haiti on path to stability, development thanks to UN mission, says envoy UN News 13 Oct 2017 -- After 13 years, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) will close its doors on 15 October. The Mission was established by the Security Council at a time when State authority had been weak and limited to parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with the three branches of power either non-functional or non-existent, and a national police force that was overwhelmed by the multiple threats to public order and the rule of law.
• Conditions Improving at Once-isolated Kenyan Refugee Camp, Residents Say VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- Residents of a Kenyan refugee complex, who said their camps lacked adequate water, shelter, health care and other necessities, say they have seen significant improvements since they aired the grievances three months ago.
• Six Egyptian soldiers killed in Sinai checkpoint attack Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- Suspected Takfiri militants have attacked a security checkpoint in Egypt's northern Sinai Peninsula, killing six soldiers and wounding four more.

News Reports

• IAEA chief reaffirms Iran's full commitment to JCPOA Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reconfirmed that Iran is fully implementing its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), shortly after US President Donald Trump refused to certify the landmark accord.
• UN chief strongly hopes 'breakthrough' accord on Iran's nuclear programme remains in place UN News 13 Oct 2017 -- The United Nations Spokesman on Friday said Secretary-General António Guterres sees the adoption of the 2015 accord reached between Iran and a group of six countries on monitoring Iran's nuclear programme as an important breakthrough to consolidate global peace and security.
• Iran Angrily Rebukes Trump's Decision to Decertify Nuclear Deal VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- Iran's president said Friday that the nuclear deal it signed with six world powers in 2015 could not be revoked, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would not certify that Iran was in compliance with it.
• Congressional Reaction to Trump's Announcement on Iran Deal VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- In announcing that the United States would not certify the nuclear deal with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has required Congress to reconsider the agreement.
• Remarks by President Trump on Iran Strategy The White House 13 Oct 2017
• Trump Unveils New, Tougher Iran Strategy VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump, following impassioned appeals from some of America's closest allies and members of his own administration, is likely to stop short Friday of calling for the abandonment of a 2-year-old nuclear deal with Iran while unveiling a more confrontational overall strategy towards Tehran.
• Trump Will Not Certify Iran's Compliance With Nuclear Accord VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump called Friday for a tough new approach to Iran by refusing to re-certify that Tehran is complying with a two-year-old nuclear agreement, although he stopped short of calling for the deal to be scrapped.
• Treasury Designates the IRGC under Terrorism Authority and Targets IRGC and Military Supporters under Counter-Proliferation Authority US Treasury 13 Oct 2017 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pursuant to the global terrorism Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 and consistent with the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. OFAC designated the IRGC today for its activities in support of the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), which was designated pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 25, 2007, for providing support to a number of terrorist groups, including Hizballah and Hamas, as well as to the Taliban.
• Iran, EU must stand against US destructive, incorrect moves: Rouhani Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says Iran and the European Union must work together to counter any "destructive" move regarding the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and the six world powers.
• Trump refuses to certify Iran nuclear deal Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has refused to certify the international nuclear agreement with Iran and warned he might ultimately terminate it, in defiance of other world powers and undermining a landmark victory of multilateral diplomacy.
• Iran vows 'strong' response to any US action against IRGC Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- Iran has lashed out at the United States for supporting terrorist groups in the region, vowing to retaliate against any action targeting its Armed Forces, including the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
• US ditching of Iran nuclear deal could hurt global security: Kremlin Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- The Kremlin warns the United States that any move to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal signed between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries will deal a heavy blow to international security and non-proliferation efforts.
• Nothing will remain of JCPOA if US withdraws: Larijani Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- Iran's parliament speaker has warned the United States against walking away from the 2015 nuclear deal, saying if Washington fails to abide by the accord, nothing will be left of it.
• Trump Blasts Iran But Stops Short Of Pulling Out Of Nuclear Deal; Sanctions IRGC RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has blasted Iran, calling it a "rogue regime" run by "fanatical" leaders, but stopped short of pulling the United States out of a landmark 2015 nuclear accord signed with global powers.
• Moscow Regrets Trump Decided Not to Certify Iran's Compliance With Nuclear Deal Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Moscow regrets Washington's decision not to recertify that Iran is in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to US Congress, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.
• Donald Trump Makes a Statement on New Iranian Strategy Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- US President Donald Trump in a speech on Friday said his administration has decided not to certify that Iran is in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• New US Strategy Seeks to 'Constrain Iran's Aggression' - White House Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- According to the White House statement obtained by Sputnik, Trump's administration aims to suppress, what it's calling "Iran's aggression and reckless behavior," in the Middle-East.
• What's Next for Iran Nuclear Deal? VOA 13 Oct 2017
• US Conspiracy Fears Grow in Turkey With Looming Court Case VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- The current diplomatic crisis between Turkey and the United States, sparked by the arrest of local U.S. employee Metin Topuz at a diplomatic mission, is underscored by growing fears in Ankara that Washington is conspiring against it.
• Kaspersky Lab Says Steps Up Cooperation With Interpol; Kremlin Calls Spy Reports 'Absurd' RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab says that it has expanded its relationship with global law enforcement agency Interpol, agreeing to share "threat intelligence data" in what it called an effort to help fight against global cybercrime.
• UAE stops issuing new visas for N Korean workers, pulls Abu Dhabi ambassador Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced it will stop issuing visas for North Korean workers and put an end to the mission of Abu Dhabi's non-resident ambassador to Pyongyang.
• 'Closer to the Trigger': North Korea Renews Promise to Bomb Guam if Attacked Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Pyongyang rattled its "sword of justice" Friday by vowing to attack the US territory of Guam with a "salvo of missiles," one day after stating that it will complete its nuclear weapons program no matter how much international pressure the nation faces.
• Chinese Leader Xi Jinping to See Power Grow at Upcoming Party Congress VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- China will host one of the biggest events of its political cycle next week, a once-in-five-year Party Congress that will reshuffle the country's top leadership. Anticipation is building about which leaders will stay or leave China's top decision-making body of the Politburo Standing Committee, and how Chinese leader Xi Jinping will use the gathering to further solidify his power as the country's supreme leader.
• South Korea ex-president Park's detention extended 6 months Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- A South Korean court has extended the detention of the country's former President Park Geun-hye, pending a court ruling.
• President to visit three Pacific island allies CNA 13 Oct 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) will visit three of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in the Pacific from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, the Presidential Office announced Friday.
• South Africa court upholds reinstatement of charges against Zuma Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- South Africa's top court of appellation has upheld a ruling on the reinstatement of corruption charges against Jacob Zuma, who has served as the country's president for two terms since 2009.
• Kyrgyz President Calls Candidate Foreign 'Flunky' As Election Nears RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has called a leading contender in the race to succeed him a "flunky" of a foreign country, lashing out amid tension ahead of an October 15 vote in the Central Asian country.
• Kyrgyzstan's 'Revolution Bulldozer' Bows Out Of Politics RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- It's been a rocky road to democracy in Kyrgyzstan, and Amirbek Beknazarov has been there every step of the way.
• UN Expert Tells Uzbekistan Religions 'Not A Threat' RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- A United Nations expert has called on the Uzbek government to enact reforms that would allow citizens to practice their faiths freely, saying that strengthening diversity and freedom of religion can help combat religious extremism.
• Football Star, Politician are Early Front-runners in Liberia's Election VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- Football icon George Weah and Vice President Joseph Boakai are the early front-runners in Liberia's presidential election results, with about a quarter of the ballots declared as of Friday.