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1.: NATO Chief Urges More Alliance Trainers For Afghanistan

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 6:20 am (PDT)

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1583670.php/Rasmussen-urges-NATO-to-send-more-trainers-to-Afghanistan

Deutsche Presse-Agentur
September 10, 2010

Rasmussen urges NATO to send more trainers to Afghanistan

Madrid: NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Friday urged the alliance to contribute more experts to train Afghan police and soldiers.

The trainers were a 'key element' in allowing the Afghans to take charge of their own affairs as soon as possible, Rasmussen said in a speech he gave in Madrid.

NATO had the right strategy and resources in Afghanistan, but it needed more people to train a total of 300,000 Afghan soldiers and police, Rasmussen stressed.
....
Rasmussen was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and King Juan Carlos during his visit to Spain, which has about 1,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of the ISAF.

Rasmussen came to Madrid after a visit to Washington, where he held talks with US President Barack Obama.
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2.: India To Move Missiles, Warplanes To Chinese Border

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 6:20 am (PDT)

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0910/1224278568444.html

Irish Times
September 10, 2010

Indian troops on alert as border dispute with China heats up
Rahul Bedi

New Delhi: India is augmenting its military preparedness and infrastructural development along its 5,045km disputed frontier with neighbouring China in response to similarly heightened activity on the other side.

Official sources said India was making preparations to deploy its strategic Agni II intermediate-range ballistic missiles and Prithvi III surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to the Chinese border.

An unspecified number of missile units under the Strategic Forces Command, which controls India's nuclear arsenal, had recently been placed under the army's Eastern Command, which has responsibility for managing the Chinese threat.

These measures were planned in response to China moving its advanced, longer-range CSS-5 missiles to the Tibet region and developing contingency plans to shift airborne forces there at short notice.

The neighbours fought a bitter war in 1962 – in which India came off worse – over their unresolved border dispute.

China maintains the disputed area to be over 120,600sq km and to include Arunachal Pradesh province in northeastern India, a claim New Delhi dismisses.

Over the decades, there has been no indication of a resolution to these conflicting claims, despite continuing negotiations and the recent upswing in diplomatic, political, commercial and even fledgling military ties between the world's two most populous countries.

Tensions also persist along the undemarcated line of actual control, with India claiming frequent instances of increasingly aggressive border patrolling by the People's Liberation Army, including incursions deep into its territory in order to test its responses.

A Pentagon report on China's military status and ambitions had last month also warned against Beijing militarily reinforcing its borders with India, which, in turn, was preparing a riposte to these developments.

The Indian Air Force, for instance, plans to increase the number of Su-30MKI multi-role fighters at its base in Tezpur in Assam province, bordering Tibet.

Military sources said the Su-30MKI's radius of operation from Tezpur could be further enhanced by 5,000km to 8,000km with air-to-air refuelling by the air force's recently acquired tankers to enable them to strike at targets deep inside China.
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3.: Montenegro Hosts NATO-U.S. Military Exercise

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:57 am (PDT)

http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2010/09/10/nb-08

Southeast European Times
September 10, 2010

Montenegro hosts NATO military exercise

PODGORICA, Montenegro: More than 300 US service members and Montenegrin armed forces members kicked off a military exercise Thursday (September 9th) dubbed Medical Central and Eastern Europe Exercise 2010 (MEDCEUR 2010).

The defence ministry says it's the biggest military exercise held in Montenegro so far and is the 10th annual NATO Partnership for Peace Joint Chiefs of Staff-sponsored medical training exercise. It provides instruction to medical personnel from partner nations confronted with natural disasters that affect large numbers of people. The exercise ends on September 22nd. (Pobjeda, Montenegrin government website - 09/09/10)
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4.: Pentagon: Nuclear Supercarrier To Join Drills In Yellow Sea

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:57 am (PDT)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-09/10/c_13488885.htm

Xinhua News Agency
September 10, 2010

Pentagon says USS George Washington to join military drills off Korean Peninsula

WASHINGTON: U.S. Defense Department spokesman Geoff Morrell said on Thursday aircraft carrier USS George Washington will be sent to waters off the Korean Peninsula to participate in war games with South Korea.

"The USS George Washington will indeed exercise in the Yellow Sea," Geoff Morrell said.

China has voiced objection to any military drills off its coast. The drills were postponed from its original schedule on Sept. 5-9.

However, Morrell didn't give a specific timetable, stressing that it's not an affront to China, but rather a warning to Pyongyang.

"We have said that will take place. I don't think we have determined a date yet, but rest assured, the George Washington will operate in the Yellow Sea, as it does in other international waters," he said.

Following the sinking in March of a South Korean warship, the United States and South Korea announced new sanctions against Pyongyang and a series of joint military exercises in the waters off the coast of the Korean Peninsula.

The hardline stance incurred fierce response from Pyongyang, which was blamed for the incident by Washington and Seoul.

Pyongyang had threatened to mount a nuclear deterrence to counter the muscle flexing of the United States and South Korea.
----------------------------------------------------------
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2010/09/10/78/0301000000AEN20100910000600315F.HTML

Yonhap News Agency
September 10, 2010

U.S. to send George Washington to Yellow Sea for future joint drills with S. Korea: Pentagon
By Hwang Doo-hyong

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- The United States Thursday reaffirmed its pledge to send a super carrier to joint military exercises with South Korea in waters near China despite Beijing's objections.

"The USS George Washington will indeed exercise in the Yellow Sea again," Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said. "We have said that will take place. I don't think we have determined a date yet, but rest assured, the George Washington will operate in the Yellow Sea, as it does in other international waters."

The spokesman was repeating remarks by Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, last month that the aircraft carrier will take part in future joint drills in the Yellow Sea.

The remarks come amid thawing ties between the two superpowers, which have locked horns for months over Washington's decision to sell more than US$6 billion in weapons to Taiwan and to allow a visit to Washington by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom China considers a separatist.
....
Beijing was also irked when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton weighed in on disputed islets and seabed resources in the South China Sea at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Hanoi in July. The issue has long been taboo at the ARF under China's influence.

China in recent weeks conducted a series of high-profile naval and air drills in the South China Sea, apparently in response to the joint wargames by South Korea and the U.S. in the wake of North Korea's torpedoeing of a South Korean warship. The North denies responsibility.

Morrell said the participation of the super carrier should not bother China.

"It's not an affront to the Chinese," he said. "It's not meant to send a message to the Chinese. It's meant to send a message to the North Koreans about their behavior."

He reiterated America's "right to operate in any and all international waters, respecting, of course, territorial boundaries," saying, "That is our intent, for the George Washington to return to the Yellow Sea, just as it's operated there in the past. We'll get back to you at a later date with precisely when that will next take place."

South Korea and the U.S. had planned to conduct joint anti-submarine warfare drills in the Yellow Sea early this week, but postponed them indefinitely due to a typhoon that approached the Korean Peninsula.

The exercises are part of a series of drills planned in response to the Cheonan's sinking, which killed 46 sailors in the Yellow Sea in March.

The first joint drills after the Cheonan's sinking were held in the East Sea in late July with the participation of the George Washington. Seoul and Washington also conducted an 11-day computer-simulation drill last month.

China has repeatedly raised objections to U.S. plans to send the super carrier to the Yellow Sea.

A Pentagon report last month expressed concerns over China's military buildup, including construction of aircraft carriers, ballistic missiles targeting aircraft carriers and other advanced weapons.

China dismissed the report as disregarding "objective facts" and undermining the sides' military ties.
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5.: Fw: Space Week Actions List Continues to Grow

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 10:01 am (PDT)

From: Global Network <globalnet@mindspring.com>
Subject: Space Week Actions List Continues to Grow
To: "GN List Serve" <globenet@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Friday, September 10, 2010, 8:31 AM

October 2-9, 2010

Keep Space for Peace Week:
International Week of Protest to
Stop the Militarization of Space

No Missile Defense
Stop the Drones
Convert the Military Industrial Complex
Bring Our War $$ Home


Local Events (List now in formation)

1.      Agra, India (Oct 13) Bruce Gagnon speaks with local activists about space issues jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
2.      Albuquerque, New Mexico (Oct 2) Protest at Kirtland AFB, Truman Gate, 10:00 am-noon stopthewarmachine@comcast.net
3.      Albuquerque, New Mexico (Oct 2) Showing of Pax Americana & the Weaponization of Space, Guild Theatre, 1:00 pm stopthewarmachine@comcast.net
4.      Argentina - Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will show in a Cordoba cinema during space week denis@intrepidofilms.com
5.      Bath Iron Works, Maine (Oct 9) Vigil across from administration building on Washington Street, 11:30-12:30 am   Smilin' Trees Disarmament Farm    (207) 763-4062
6.      Bhopal, India (Oct 11) Bruce Gagnon speaks with local activists about space issues jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
7.      Bradford, England (Sept 27-Oct 8) U.S. Missile Defence Exhibition at Bradford Library, Yorkshire CND info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
8.      Bradford, England (Oct 5) Showing Pax Americana and the Weaponisation of Space, Desmond Tutu House, 2 Ashgrove, Bradford, Yorkshire CND info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
9.      Chile - Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will show in 5 cinemas across the country during space week denis@intrepidofilms.com
10. Duluth, Minnesota - Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will be shown during space week, Andy Anderson (218) 724-1891
11. Fylingdales, England (Oct 4) Guided walk to launch the new guide to Fylingdales U.S. radar facility. Bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Meet Ellerbeck Car Park, A169, near Whitby. Yorkshire CND info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
12. Fukuoka, Japan (Oct 3) Public forum on space weaponization at Salon de Sofia, 2:00 pm, seamesky@sand.ocn.ne.jp
13. Jalgaon, India (Oct 4) Round table discussion of space issues in the Nutan Marathi College jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
14. Jammu, India (Oct 15) Bruce Gagnon speaks with local activists about space issues jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
15. Jeju Island, South Korea (Oct. 2) During one-day Island of Peace march, screenings including 'The Life and Peace Village, Il-Gangjeong is Alive' (produced by Kim Min-Soo) and 'Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space' (translated in Korean) in the Joongduk coast, Gangjeong village where the struggle against the Jeju naval base plan has been going on, 7pm. Contact Go Gwon-Il kkipopo@naver.com and armha5156@gmail.com
16. Leeds, England (Oct 6) Showing Pax Americana and the Weaponisation of Space at Leeds Metropolitan University, Yorkshire CND info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
17. Menwith Hill, England (Oct 2) Demonstration at NSA Spy Base in Yorkshire, Sponsored by CAAB mail@caab.corner.org.uk
18. Nagpur, India (Oct 3) Demonstration in the Railway Colony jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
19. Nagpur, India (Oct 7) Space issues meeting in the Matru Seva Sangh Institute of Social Work jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
20. Nagpur, India (Oct 9-11) National conference on Achieving a Nuclear Weapons and Missile Defense Free Asia jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
21. New York City, New York   L-3 aerospace corporation vigil nyleaf@verizon.net
22. North Andover, Massachusetts (Oct 4) Bruce Gagnon speaks at Merrimack College about Raytheon's role in Star Wars, John Schuchardt (978) 356-9395
23. Oslo, Norway (Sept 27) Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space with panel discussion to follow, Literary House, 6:00 pm   d-soerb@online.no
24. RAF Croughton, England (Oct 2) Rally at U.S. communication base, noon-3:00 pm, Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, oxonpeace@yahoo.co.uk
25. Spain – Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will show in 47 cinemas across the country during space week denis@intrepidofilms.com
26. Srinagar, India (Oct 17-19) Bruce Gagnon speaks with local activists about space issues jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
27. Tucson, Arizona (Oct 1-4) Workshops on "Space war business" during Southwest Catholic Worker gathering    http://encuentro.catholicworker.biz/schedule.html
28. Tucson, Arizona (Oct 4) Vigil at Raytheon during Southwest Catholic Worker gathering nukeresister@igc.org
29. Uruguay - Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will show in 3 cinemas across the country during space week denis@intrepidofilms.com
30. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Oct 9) Nonviolent resistance at Lockheed Martin, the world's largest weapons corporation and space weapons contractor, noon brandywine@juno.com
31. Washington DC (Oct. 1) Bruce Gagnon speaks at Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House on space issues, 7:30 pm, Art Laffin, artlaffin@hotmail.com   202-360-6416

            Download the full space week poster at:
http://www.space4peace.org/actions/ksfpw10.htm

Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
globalnet@mindspring.com
www.space4peace.org
http://space4peace.blogspot.com/ (blog)

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6.: Raytheon Gets New Contract For Standard Missile-3 Interceptors

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 3:01 pm (PDT)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h4rdOhWv7VoRG7rT2RSKzdxGst8QD9I41GIG0

Associated Press
September 9, 2010

Raytheon gets $165.3M Missile Defense contract

SEATTLE: Raytheon Missile Systems Co. has won a contract for work for the Missile Defense Agency worth $165.3 million, the Department of Defense said Wednesday.

Under the contract, the company, part of Raytheon Co., will provide engineering services and material for systems engineering, design and development support and initial hardware fabrication for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA missile.

The work is to be done in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by March 31.
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7.: U.S. To Maintain Control Of Iraq With $13 Billion Arms Deals

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 3:02 pm (PDT)

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/09/10/Iraq-seeks-US-arms-worth-113-billion/UPI-70611284146102/

United Press International
September 10, 2010

Iraq seeks U.S. arms worth $13 billion

-That's a bonanza for U.S. defense contractors, who increasingly rely on exports to keep production lines running for U.S. forces, and should keep Iraq, Iran's western neighbor, in the U.S. military orbit for the next couple of decades.

BAGHDAD:As U.S. forces move into the final phase of the withdrawal from Iraq, Baghdad is seeking to buy U.S. weapons worth up to $13 billion.

These include F-16 fighter jets and M1A1 main battle tanks, the same systems the Americans used to crush Saddam Hussein in 2003.

That's a bonanza for U.S. defense contractors, who increasingly rely on exports to keep production lines running for U.S. forces, and should keep Iraq, Iran's western neighbor, in the U.S. military orbit for the next couple of decades.

U.S. officials say about half the contracts involved have been finalized, with the others still under negotiation.

Russia, Britain, China, France and others have been seeking to get pieces of the multibillion-dollar Iraqi arms deals.

In May, Baghdad was reported to be negotiating with Britain's BAE Systems for 24 Hawk jet trainers in a deal worth up to $1.6 billion, but nothing seems to have come of that yet.

Moscow, Saddam's main arms supplier in the 1980s, delivered 26 Mi-17 medium transport and multirole helicopters for two squadrons in 2007. These can be fitted with rockets.

But the Americans are expected to secure bigger helicopter deals - 24 Boeing AH-6 Apache gunships and 24 Bell 407s, a contract worth up to $2.4 billion.

Virginia-based General Dynamics has already won a U.S. Army contract valued at $198 million to produce 140 of the Abrams tanks for Iraq under the Foreign Military Sales program.

The tanks will be built in Lima, Ohio; Scranton, Pa; Anniston, Ala.; and Tallahassee, Fla.

The Iraqi army, restructured and trained by the Americans, now has 14 divisions and is primarily equipped for counterinsurgency operations.

Eventually the focus will switch to countering external foes, although with insurgents led by al-Qaida continuing attacks as the Americans draw down their forces, that might be some time in coming.

U.S. commanders question the Iraqis' ability to overwhelm the insurgents and sectarian militias, and there is a possibility that Baghdad may request a U.S. military presence past the scheduled completion of the withdrawal in late 2011.

But in the meantime, the immediate plan for the Iraqi ground forces appears to be fielding two tank battalions with Abrams and 10 artillery batteries with 120mm light guns over the next year.

The fledgling post-Saddam Iraqi air force is scheduled to be equipped with 18 Lockheed Martin F-16 multirole Falcon fighters, enough to equip one squadron.

It's a modest beginning, but these would be the air force's first combat aircraft, acquired as part of a $3 billion program that will also encompass training and maintenance.

"Iraq's a sovereign country but let's be frank," said Lt. Gen. Anwar Hamad Ahmed, the air force commander. "We don't have the combat or jet fighters or interceptor planes or air-defense systems.

"We're still far from an air force's full potential. We'll need the U.S. long after 2011."

The F-16 sale is awaiting the congressional green light, and the first jets could be delivered in early 2013.

The Iraqis have requested 96 F-16s through 2020, enough for five squadrons. U.S. Army Gen. Ray Odierno, the U.S. commander in Iraq until Sept. 1, said deliveries would likely be completed by the time the U.S. withdrawal is scheduled to end in late 2011.
....
The new air force currently has some 76 non-combat aircraft and this is scheduled to be increased to around 130, including U.S.-supplied C-130 Hercules turboprop transports built by Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin.

At least six C-130J Hercules are slotted to go to Iraq, with associated services and training in a package that could total $1.5 billion.
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8.: NATO Mortar Shelling Kills At Least Three In Pakistan

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 3:02 pm (PDT)

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C09%5C11%5Cstory_11-9-2010_pg7_9

Daily Times/Agence France-Presse
Semptember 10, 2010

Shelling from Afghanistan kills three in NWA

MIRANSHAH: Shells fired by coalition forces in Afghanistan on Friday killed at least three people across the border in a northwestern tribal area of Pakistan, officials said.

They said a gun battle had erupted between troops and the Taliban in Khost, and mortar shells hit houses in Saidgi village, in Pakistan's North Waziristan.

"Three people were killed and five others were wounded by mortar shells fired by coalition forces from the Afghanistan side during a gunfight with the Taliban," a local security official told AFP.

A tribal administration official confirmed the incident and death toll, but requested anonymity.

A Pakistan military spokesman was not immediately available for comment, while NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) told AFP via email, "We have no reporting of any ISAF operations in that area last night or today." Washington has branded the remote rugged area on the Afghan border a global headquarters of al Qaeda and the most dangerous place on Earth.
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9.: Afghan People: Forgotten Victims Of 9/11 Tragedy

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 3:02 pm (PDT)

http://opinion.globaltimes.cn/commentary/2010-09/571775.html

Global Times
September 10, 2010

Afghan people forgotten victims of 9/11 tragedy

Dear Sir,

Almost nine years have passed since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, but the painful memories for Americans revive yearly. On this special occasion, it seems that Americans have enough reason to commemorate, and also to show they are the victims.

However, few Americans show their sympathy to the large number of Afghanistan civilian casualties of "War on Terror." They are also victims, but the forgotten victims.

Since the attacks, Afghan civilians have become the main victims of violence and the long-lasting war, either from the Taliban and other insurgent groups, or the miscalculated use of air power by the US.

According to a report released from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghani-stan (UNAMA) in August, 2010, civilian casualties in Afghanistan have increased by 31 percent in the first half of 2010.

With the conflicts ongoing in Afghanistan and a changing US strategy, there is an increasing need to protect civilians and minimize the impact on them, and the extent of urgency is greater than ever.

On this special occasion, our thoughts are with the victims, but who are the victims in this respect? Every American can name several victims of that tragedy, and when they reflect on that tragedy, they think of themselves as the victims, not the instigators, of tragedy.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Afghanistan civilians, they are also victims, victims of the "War on Terror", victims of the Taliban, US bombs and poverty. They are the saddest part of the anniversary, but few Americans would like to admit that. It's quite right to remember the attacks. But it should be a time to build mutual understanding of suffering, not just to commemorate one set of victims.

Benjamin Yan, journalist
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10.: Iraq: First "New Dawn" U.S. Combat Troops Arrive

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 3:24 pm (PDT)

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60758

United States Department of Defense
American Forces Press Service
September 8, 2010

'New Dawn' Soldiers Arrive in Iraq
Compiled from U.S. Forces Iraq and U.S. Division South News Releases

WASHINGTON: As the first U.S. soldiers to deploy exclusively for Operation New Dawn have arrived in southern Iraq, officials are investigating a shooting incident that left two American soldiers dead and nine others wounded in Iraq's Salahuddin province yesterday.

The lead elements of 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas, have arrived in Iraq and are preparing for their new mission. The regiment previously deployed three times during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Known as the "Brave Rifles," the combat-capable, brigade-sized unit will continue the mission of advising and assisting Iraqi security forces in five southern provinces. The unit replaces the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade, one of the first heavy brigade combat teams configured for an advise-and-assist role. The 3rd Brigade deployed from Fort Benning, Ga., a year ago under Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Brave Rifles will operate under the 1st Infantry Division headquarters as part of U.S. Division South. The unit will advise and assist Iraqi army, federal police and border guard units, as well as State Department-led teams.

Operation New Dawn represents a change in the mission of U.S. forces in Iraq from combat missions conducted by U.S. forces to stability operations conducted by Iraqi security forces with U.S. advice and assistance.

Meanwhile, U.S. Forces Iraq officials have begun an investigation into the Salahuddin shooting, in which an Iraqi soldier also was killed.

A preliminary review of reports from the scene indicates the attack was deliberate, officials said, adding that the detailed investigation will clarify the facts and actions of all involved.
....
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11.: Russian-Chinese security grouping may become counterweight to NATO

Posted by: "ANTIC.org-SNN" mantic@rogers.com minimaks

Fri Sep 10, 2010 3:24 pm (PDT)

* Opinion <http://en.rian.ru/analysis/> & analysis <http://en.rian.ru/export/rss2/analysis/index.xml> Description: http://en.rian.ru/i/fra/icons/square-orng.gif

Russian-Chinese security grouping may become counterweight to NATO <http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20100909/160534113.html>

Joint anti-terrorist exercises of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

17:04 09/09/2010

© RIA Novosti. Pavel Gerasimov

Multimedia

* Russian-Chinese security grouping may become counterweight to NATO <http://en.rian.ru/talk_shows/20100909/160533932.html>

Samir Shakhbaz interviews Konstantin Sivkov <http://en.rian.ru/talk_shows/20100909/160533932.html> , first vice president of the Academy of Geopolitical Issues, Captain 1st rank and Doctor of Military Sciences.

Samir Shakhbaz: Good afternoon, Mr Sivkov. Joint anti-terrorist exercises are a big part of the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). What do you think about these exercises and about military cooperation in general in the SCO? Will it develop or be limited to anti-terrorist exercises and joint operations?

Konstantin Sivkov: You have raised an important issue. The phenomenon of terrorism as such is blown out of proportion for a reason. Over the last 10 years the losses from terrorism are not more than seven to ten thousand people, whereas the toll from U.S. expansion in Iraq and Afghanistan is several times higher. The United States is exaggerating the threat of terrorism in a bid to justify its military expansion and secure its military supremacy in the world. Terrorism is merely a method of waging struggle, no more than that. It is necessary to counter the political forces that use terrorism for political gain rather than terrorism as such. Therefore, terrorism cannot be defeated under the current conditions.

S.S. : Are you saying there is no need for anti-terrorist exercises then?

K.S. : No, it is still necessary to counter the manifestations of terrorism and minimize the losses incurred by it. These anti-terrorist exercises are aimed not at suppressing terrorism but at preventing all kinds of velvet revolutions in the post-Soviet space, like those in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan. These exercises are directed at creating conditions in which the SCO coalition forces could achieve stabilization in the post-Soviet space and Eurasia as a whole, and in this respect they are absolutely necessary.

S.S. : Does the West, primarily NATO, have reason to worry? Can the SCO oust NATO in Eurasia?

K.S. : No doubt, this is a very serious sign for the West. The events in Kyrgyzstan were engineered by U.S. secret services. When Kurmanbek Bakiyev was president, depots with weapons designed for the opposition against him were found. Therefore, we should clearly realize that U.S. secret services are actively trying to strengthen their position in the post-Soviet space, not shying away from any methods. So the emergence of the SCO with its efforts to suppress these activities is enough ground for the West's concern.

S.S. : I'd like to talk about cooperation between the SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). They have signed a memorandum of understanding. In principle, they have largely similar goals. Could they merge into a single organization in the future?

K.S. : The CSTO embraces the post-Soviet space and ensures security in it. In simpler terms, this is a union of former Soviet republics that do not want to be economically self-sufficient and cannot guarantee security on their own. This is why they have united, to ensure military security on the principles that existed in Soviet times. As for the SCO, it was conceived as a strictly economic organization designed to create favorable conditions for economic activity in Eurasia – from the borders of Russia to the southern frontiers of China. However, the objective reality, that is, the growth of military threats and threats of a terrorist, political or separatist nature has compelled the SCO member states to take the efforts to guarantee military security within their organization. I think these two organizations will co-exist for a long time. They may merge into one only after they find ways of uniting not only militarily and politically, but also on economic and moral grounds. However, for the time being, they are beset with many specific problems, which prevent the unification of these two organizations.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20100909/160534113.html

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12.: U.S.-India Military Ties Extend To Space, Cyber Space: PACOM Head

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:13 pm (PDT)

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article623665.ece

The Hindu
September 9, 2010

'Defence engagement goes beyond exercises, sales'

The United States on Thursday said its defence engagement with India expanded beyond bilateral exercises and sale of military hardware to include counter-terrorism and defending the domains of cyber and outer space.

"Exercises and procurement are two elements of a much richer dialogue. We have a common interest in quelling terror, containing and defeating the LeT [Lashkar-e-Taiba] and broader interest in global community....Cyber space and outer space, defending both these domains," Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Robert F. Willard said here.

Admiral Willard, who met top security and defence officials and the three services chiefs during his two-day visit here, said both countries had a mature and strong level of defence dialogue between their militaries. His visit comes ahead of Defence Minister A.K. Antony's scheduled visit to Washington later this month.

He said it was important for the U.S. to understand what India considered to be a challenge in agreeing to sign the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA) and the Communications Interoperatbility and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA).

The U.S. wants India to sign these two pacts in order to slice off bureaucratic procedures for the armed forces to work with each other.
....
Referring to China, Admiral Willard said the rise and growth of its military capacity and capabilities figured in the discussion and the overall emphasis of Washington was on seeing Beijing emerge as a constructive contributor of security.

Impressed with China

The U.S. is impressed with China's remarkable growth in the last decade and remains impressed with its Navy's staying power in the Gulf of Aden region and contributing in a multi-nation effort to counter piracy.

On the recent forays by Beijing into the South China Seas, he said the U.S believed that maritime claims in the area could be settled through peaceful means and that no nation coerced the other.
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13.: Oman: NATO, Indian Commanders Consult On Horn Of Africa

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" r_rozoff@yahoo.com r_rozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:13 pm (PDT)

http://frontierindia.net/indian-navy-and-nato-counter-piracy-task-force-commanders-meet

Frontier India
September 10, 2010

Indian Navy and NATO Counter-Piracy Task Force commanders meet

Indian Navy and NATO anti-piracy commanders met on On 23 August. Captain of INS Delhi, Captain S. Srikant and NATO's counter-piracy task force, Commodore Christian Rune, Royal Danish Navy, met onboard NATO's flagship, the Danish ship HDMS ESBERN SNARE, in Salalah, Oman. The two commanders discussed developments in counter-piracy tactics and improvements in communications and information-sharing between the forces.

"Indian naval forces' contribution to the counter-piracy operation is pivotal to the effort to provide safe passage for international merchant shipping through this very busy maritime corridor," said Commodore Rune, who commands three Allied ships in the Horn of Africa region.

"The escorts of merchant ship convoys provided by the Indian Task Force compliments the counter-piracy efforts of the other international organizations, including NATO's Operation Ocean Shield," he added. "The co-operation of all the forces provides the synergy that we need to prevail."

The Indian Navy has deployed a task group to the Gulf of Aden, currently consisting of the destroyer INS DELHI, which conducts escorts of convoys for international merchant vessels transiting through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC).

Indian Navy co-operates and shares information with the international organizations conducting counter-piracy in the Horn of Africa region. NATO (Operation Ocean Shield) Task Forces include, the European Union (Operation Atalanta), Coalition Maritime Forces, and other nations providing unilateral support to the effort.
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14.: Canada, NATO And The Arctic: Strategic Top Of The World

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:13 pm (PDT)

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2010-09/08/content_20889311.htm

China.org.cn
September 8, 2010

Why is Canada obsessed with the Arctic? By Wang Wei

-[T]he Arctic is important in the military field. Currently, all global powers are located in the northern hemisphere just a short distance to the North Pole. This makes the region the most strategic place to launch a ballistic missile. The special landscape of the polar region makes it easy to hide nuclear submarines. These factors combine to pose a great challenge to the defense of countries neighboring the Arctic.
-[T]he famous Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, will be fully navigable. There will be no need for European vessels to detour to the Panama Canal to reach Asia.

In August, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper embarked on a five-day tour to the Arctic, a trip that has become an annual event to demonstrate Canada's sovereignty in the far north.

On the first day of the tour, Harper stressed that the priority of Canada's northern strategy was the protection of Arctic sovereignty. Later, he went to Nunavut to observe a military drill called Operation Nanook. Since 2003, Canada has held a string of military drills in the Arctic.

Of all the Arctic coastal countries, Canada was the first to claim the Arctic, regarding the region as its "backyard." In recent years, as the area has become more valuable for economic and military interests, Canada began to expand its presence there. In 2007, after Russia dropped a flag to the ocean bottom of the North Pole, Canada took a series of actions – building a military training base and deepwater port, purchasing new patrol boats and establishing a cutting-edge Arctic research center – to protect its interests there.

During the tour, Harper said that to enhance Canada's control over the Arctic region, the government will upgrade investment on national defense, equip soldiers with state-of-the-art devices and launch three remote-sensing satellites in 2014 and 2015 to offer the army high-definition, real-time pictures of the area. His words show the strong will of Canada to dominate the region.

With a vast territory of almost 10 million square kilometers, why is Canada so obsessed with the Arctic?

First of all, the Arctic has abundant natural resources. It is estimated that it holds 9 percent of the world's coal reserves and 25 percent of the world's crude oil. It also has rich mineral resources, such as diamond, gold and uranium, and ample fishing stocks. When the world is suffering from a widespread energy crisis, the Arctic is a treasure bowl that Canada does not want to lose of.

Next, the Arctic is important in the military field. Currently, all global powers are located in the northern hemisphere just a short distance to the North Pole. This makes the region the most strategic place to launch a ballistic missile. The special landscape of the polar region makes it easy to hide nuclear submarines. These factors combine to pose a great challenge to the defense of countries neighboring the Arctic.

Third, every summer when the ice melts, the famous Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, will be fully navigable. There will be no need for European vessels to detour to the Panama Canal to reach Asia. The costs on transportation and time will be significantly reduced. It is estimated that every year, the passage saves the global shipping business billions of dollars.

Meanwhile, other countries, such as Russia, the U.S., Denmark and Norway, have also shown interest and a desire to control the region. Conflicts with other countries, especially Russia, have become more frequent, though they are usually resolved through diplomatic meetings and international law.

The author is a researcher at China Institute of International Studies.

(This article was translated by Chen Xia.)
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15.: U.S. To Resume Military Exercises With New Zealand

Posted by: "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff@yahoo.com rwrozoff

Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:53 pm (PDT)

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4118378/Military-exercises-step-up-in-US-thaw

Dominion Post
September 11, 2010

Military exercises step up in US thaw
By TRACY WATKINS

New Zealand and the United States are set to hold military exercises together and share intelligence on Afghanistan, it has been revealed.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Kurt Campbell signalled the step up in the relationship during the launch of a major new study into New Zealand-US relations.

The study is backed by both countries' governments and agencies including the Pentagon and US State Department.

It is sponsored by the New Zealand and US business councils and will be carried out by Washington think tank the Centre for Strategic and International studies and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.

Dr Campbell said New Zealand and the US were closer than at any time since the Anzus bust-up over New Zealand's anti-nuclear legislation but there were still areas in which the two countries could cooperate more.

The Anzus bust-up led to a 25-year freeze on military exercises and training between the two countries.

The US has recently indicated a relaxation of that ban.

Dr Campbell, speaking in Washington, said New Zealand and the US were "working to engage in not only some exercises but also the sharing of critical information on the issues that we are facing in Afghanistan".

The US was also looking to step up its presence in the Pacific, Dr Campbell said.

"If you look over the course of 20 years, we have essentially walked away from some of our most important historic and strategic and moral commitments to the Pacific."

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would be meeting the leaders of small Pacific island states next month to underscore the US's renewed commitment to the region.

Mrs Clinton is also expected to visit New Zealand this year, possibly after the Apec summit in Japan in November, when the preliminary findings of the New Zealand-US study are expected to be made public.
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