Messages In This Digest (20 Messages)

1.: Afghan War: Czech Republic To Add 200 Troops, 100 Special Forces

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 3:03 am (PDT)

http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/czechrep-may-raise-number-of-troops-in-afghanistan-by-200-to-730/532562

Czech News Agency
September 23, 2010

CzechRep may raise number of troops in Afghanistan by 200 to 730

Prague: The Czech Republic plans to reinforce its military contingent in Afghanistan with 200 soldiers, thus raising the total number of troops to 730 in 2011, Defence Minister Alexandr Vondra (Civic Democrats, ODS) told CTK today.

According to available information, members of the Czech military special forces are to resume operation in Afghanistan. About a hundred of them are to be sent in.

The special forces elite unit, based in Prostejov, south Moravia, took part in the Afghan Enduring Freedom operation in the past. It fought against Taliban militants until end-2009. Its contributions to the allied efforts were highly appreciated by its U.S. counterparts.

The unit returned home after Czech leftist parties blocked its further operation in Afghanistan last year. Only some 20 members of the special forces have stayed there this year to protect the Czech diplomatic mission in Kabul.

The government of Petr Necas (ODS) will probably also propose sending more policemen to Afghanistan.

On the other hand, it seems not to reckon with sending in the Arthur radar, which the previous interim cabinet of Jan Fischer planned to do.

Czech soldiers´ participation in foreign missions requires approval from parliament. Vondra today repeated that apart from increasing the Czech contingent in Afghanistan next year, Prague will simultaneously markedly reduce its participation in the KFOR mission in Kosovo to 90 soldiers from the present 500.

In early September, a group of Czech soldiers left for Afghanistan to start training the local military as of November.

At present, about 530 Czech soldiers operate in Afghanistan, most of them as part of the Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team in Logar.

Czech pilots and helicopters help transport allied and Afghan units. Further Czech troops operate at the Bagram base, some 50 km north of Kabul.
===========================
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2a.: 21st Polish Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 8:25 am (PDT)

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/southasia/news/article_1587281.php/Polish-soldier-killed-in-Afghanistan

Deutsche Presse-Agentur
September 27, 2010

Polish soldier killed in Afghanistan

Warsaw: A Polish soldier died Monday in Afghanistan from injuries sustained in a roadside bomb attack, the Defence Ministry in Warsaw said.

Sgt. Kazimierz Kasprzak, 32, was the 21st Polish soldier killed in NATO operations against Taliban insurgents.

Kasprzak was injured when a roadside bomb exploded during a patrol in the eastern Ghazni province. Kasprzak was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in a military base in Ghazni, and later died during an operation.

Poland has some 2,600 troops in Afghanistan in the NATO mission, which it joined in March 2002.

Newly elected President Bronislaw Komorowski pledged in his campaign to withdraw Polish troops by 2012.
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.thenews.pl/international/?id=140411

Polish Radio
September 27, 2010

Polish soldier killed in Afghanistan

A Polish soldier has died after a land mine exploded under his vehicle in the south-eastern part of Ghazni province, Afghanistan.

32-year-old Sergeant Kazimierz Kasprzak was transported by helicopter to a military base in Ghazni but died during surgery. He is the 21st Polish soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.
....
Sergeant Kasprzak leaves a wife and two children. He served at the 15th Anti-Aircraft Regiment which are based in the northern Polish town of Goldap.
....
There are currently 2,600 Polish soldiers serving in Afghanistan. In August, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced that Polish forces would withdraw from Afghanistan between the end of 2012 and final months of 2014, although an exact date will depend on the situation there.
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3a.: NATO Chief To Visit Georgia, Open NATO Office

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 8:45 am (PDT)

http://en.rian.ru/world/20100927/160736676.html

Russian Information Agency Novosti
September 27, 2010

NATO secretary general to visit Georgia this week

Tbilisi: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen will pay an official visit to Georgia on Thursday to discuss cooperation issues, Georgian deputy foreign minister Nino Kalandadze said on Monday.

Rasmussen is due to meet with President Mikheil Saakashvili, Prime Minister Nikoloz Gilauri, Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze and parliamentary speaker David Bakradze.

Talks will focus on issues of bilateral interest which emerged during the meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission (NGC) held in June, Kalandadze said.

NATO and Georgia established the commission in September 2008, to oversee the organization's assistance to Georgia following the August conflict between Tbilisi and Moscow over South Ossetia, and to oversee Georgia's drive to join the military alliance.

"It is important that...we will have an opportunity to formalize all those tricky and important issues with the secretary general," she said, adding that accession to NATO remains a priority in her country's foreign policy.

Georgia has long been pursuing NATO membership, but its bid was turned down due to pressure from Germany and France at a 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest. However, NATO has stated that the country will join at an unspecified date in the future.
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15532689&PageNum=0

Itar-Tass
September 27, 2010

NATO Sec General to visit Tbilisi on September 30 - October 1

TBILISI: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen will visit Tbilisi on September 30-October 1 to discuss issues of development of cooperation of the alliance and Georgia, Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze told journalists on Monday.

As she noted, Rasmussenâ€™s visit to Georgia â€œis of an official character.â€ â€œThe NATO Secretary General will hold in Tbilisi meetings with the Georgian president, the chairman of the parliament and other officials to discuss issues of development of cooperation of the alliance and Georgia, issues which are considered within the framework of meetings of the Georgia-NATO Commission,â€ she said.

According to Kalandadze, on October 1, Rasmussen will take part in the opening ceremony in Tbilisi of an NATO office in Georgia.
===========================
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4.: 27 NATO Tankers Destroyed In Pakistan

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 8:46 am (PDT)

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/10/01/27-NATO-fuel-tankers-destroyed-in-Pakistan/UPI-70951285934232/

United Press International
October 1, 2010

27 NATO fuel tankers destroyed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: At least 27 tankers carrying fuel for NATO forces in Afghanistan were destroyed at a fuel station in southern Pakistan, an official said Friday.

Witnesses said up to 15 attackers, armed with rocket launchers and assault rifles, fired at the tankers to frighten away the drivers before setting the trucks on fire, the BBC reported.

Militants were suspected but no one had claimed responsibility for the vehicles' destruction in Shikarpur in Sindh province, officials said.

Shikarpur's police chief, Abdul Hameed Khosa, said the tankers were parked at a fuel station when the attack occurred. They had been filled in Karachi.
....
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5.: Colonel Among Four Georgian Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:03 am (PDT)

http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22716

BBC News
October 1, 2010

Afghanistan land mine kills four Georgian soldiers
Georgia has nearly 1,000 soldiers serving in Afghanistan

Four Georgian soldiers including a colonel have been killed in a landmine blast in Afghanistan, the defence ministry says.

It is thought to be the biggest loss of life for the small ex-Soviet republic since it deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Nato-led mission.

Details of when the soldiers were killed were not given.

Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who is visiting the Georgian capital Tbilisi, paid tribute to them.

Although Georgia is not a member of Nato it currently has 925 soldiers serving with the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, according to Isaf's website.
....
Early reports said the four soldiers had died in Helmand province, where the Georgian contingent is chiefly deployed.

Extending condolences to the soldiers' families, the Georgian defence ministry identified them as a colonel, a sergeant and two corporals.
....
"Nato greatly values its partnership with Georgia, in particular its contribution to Nato's operations in Afghanistan," Mr Rasmussen said at an opening ceremony for a new Nato liaison office in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

"Nato's commitment to Georgia's eventual membership as stated at the Bucharest summit stands firm."
===========================
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6.: U.S. Using Georgia As Springboard For Attack On Iran: Expert

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:05 am (PDT)

http://www.georgiatimes.info/en/news/43062.html

Georgia Times
September 23, 2010

Alexander Rahr: USA uses Georgia to exert pressure on Iran

Alexander Rahr, a German political scientist, stated that in recent weeks Russia has achieved incredible success in the South Caucasus.

"It's a brilliant policy," he said and recalled the bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia; agreements with Armenia; and Medvedev's visit to Azerbaijan proving military and technical cooperation between Moscow and Baku is possible. "Surprisingly, Russia returned to the Caucasus", the expert said according to Osinform.

"Russia's positions were reinforced in recent weeks, not even months," he said.

In his view, Moscow's achievements were possible due to the somehow passive behavior of the USA. Rahr thinks America sits in Georgia and has no aim to restrain Russia. He added Washington uses Tbilisi as a springboard for a possible attack on Iran.

"They [Americans] are aiming at the deterrence of Iran and just turned to the South," the expert suggested.
===========================
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7.: NATO Chief's Report: Treat Cyber Attacks As War

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:05 am (PDT)

http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item/Report-says-cyber-attacks-should-trigger-NATO-alliance-1099945.html

The H Security
October 1, 2010

Report says cyber attacks should trigger NATO alliance

According to a newspaper report, NATO General Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen wants to extend the definition of attacks which trigger activation of the alliance to include cyber attacks.

This, according to a (German language) report in German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, is one of the proposals in Rasmussen's draft of the alliance's new strategic concept, due to be agreed upon at November's NATO summit in Lisbon. In future, under this proposal, NATO members would come together to defend against attacks in the virtual world as well as conventional military attacks.

Earlier this week, Rasmussen circulated his paper to the governments of the 28 members states, who are keeping it strictly under wraps. However, the newspaper has received information on the contents of the document from a number of sources, which report that Rasmussen spends eleven pages defining NATO's three core roles for the 21st century: collective defence in accordance with article 5 of the NATO treaty, promotion of global stability and crisis management.

Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an armed attack against one or more member state will be considered an attack against the alliance as a whole and will be defended by the alliance as a whole. NATO has invoked article 5 only once in its history, following the terrorist attacks on the US on 11th September 2001.

According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung report, in addition to existing military threats and terrorism, Rasmussen's document describes additional dangers which the alliance needs to meet with deterrence and a common defence, in particular cyber attacks on computer systems in NATO countries. NATO should also, according to the document, guarantee security of energy supply by protecting infrastructure and transport routes.
===========================
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8.: Rasmussen: Georgia To Eventually Become NATO Member

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:05 am (PDT)

http://en.rian.ru/world/20101001/160791001.html

Russian Information Agency Novosti
October 1, 2010

Georgia to eventually become NATO member - Rasmussen

Tbilisi: Georgia will eventually become a member of NATO, the military alliance's secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said on Friday in Tbilisi.

Georgia has long been pursuing NATO membership, but its bid was turned down due to pressure from Germany and France at a 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest. However, NATO has stated that the country will join at an unspecified date in the future.

"We pay significant attention to the cooperation between NATO and Georgia and are going to discuss ways of deepening these relations. The decision made at the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest remains in force - Georgia will become NATO member," Rasmussen told the Georgian parliament.

Rasmussen is in Georgia to meet with President Mikheil Saakashvili and discuss cooperation issues. He will also open a NATO office that Georgia says will serve as the alliance's embassy in the ex-Soviet state.
===========================
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9.: NATO HQ: High-Level Azerbaijani Delegation Discusses Integration

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:49 am (PDT)

http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=131121

Azeri Press Agency
October 1, 2010

NATO-Azerbaijan consultations held in Brussels

Baku: An Azerbaijani delegation headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov visited NATO headquarters in Brussels on October 1.

The deputy ministers of National Security and Emergency Situations, deputy chief of the State Border Service, department heads of the ministries of Defense and Internal Affairs were in the delegation, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told APA.

Mammadyarov held a bilateral meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Claudio Bizoniero and attended the North Atlantic Council â€œ28+1â€ meeting.

Mammadyarov mentioned the new NATO Strategic Concept, the Azerbaijan-NATO partnership, including fulfillment of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), as well as [a to] solution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Azerbaijan-NATO relations, security reforms in Azerbaijan, operational coordination between the armed forces and NATO, regional security, as well as the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict were discussed at the meeting.

The upcoming NATO summit in Lisbon and the effect of the new strategic concept expected to be adopted during this summit on Euro-Atlantic security, ISAF (International Security Assistance Forces) operations in Afghanistan and Azerbaijanâ€™s contribution to these operations were also in the focus of attention.

Azerbaijan and NATO hold such consultations once a year and IPAPâ€™s second phase in 2008-2010 is being realized currently.
----------------------------------------------------------http://en.trend.az/news/politics/foreign/1759964.html

Trend News Agency
October 1, 2010

Azerbaijan was recognized as credible partner to NATO (UPDATE)
S. Agayeva, E. Ostapenko

Azerbaijan, Baku: During the meetings of the Azerbaijani delegation at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Friday, NATO Allies recognized Azerbaijan as a credible and committed partner to the Alliance, said the press service of NATO.

Azerbaijan was represented at the talks by a delegation headed by Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. The delegation included Deputy National Security Minister and Deputy Emergency Situations Minister, Chief of State Border Service, heads of departments of the Interior Ministry and Defense Ministry, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

During the visit, Mammadyarov met with the NATO Deputy Secretary General Claudio Bisogniero, and attended NATO meeting in 28 +1 format.

Mammadyarov in his speech touched on NATO's new strategic concept, issues of partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO, implementation of Individual Partnership Action Plan (Ä°PAP), as well as the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The meeting focused on Azerbaijan-NATO relations, issues of extending the Ä°PAP program for the third term, reforming security sector in Azerbaijan, regional security issues, etc.

The foundation for cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO was laid through signing a program-document within the framework of the Partnership for Peace May 4 1994. Azerbaijan was one of the 27 OSCE member countries to join the program.

In April 1996, an official document envisaging concrete directions in the cooperation was signed within the framework of the Partnership for Peace. Now, Azerbaijan is fulfilling about 50 tasks in conformity with the program.

August 3, 2005, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the Decree on "Approval of the Action Plan on Individual Partnership between the Azerbaijani Republic and NATO".

Now the cooperation is carried out within the second phase of the Individual Partnership Action Plan between Azerbaijan and NATO, which covers 2008-2010.

The NATO press service reported that the allies noted with appreciation the broad range of cooperation developed in the context of the Individual Partnership Action Plan and Azerbaijan's contribution to the discussions on NATO's new Strategic Concept, to be adopted at the upcoming Lisbon Summit.

They thanked Azerbaijan for the support for NATO's mission in Afghanistan with troops, overflight rights and civilian reconstruction.

Development of preparedness of the armed forces to cooperate with the forces of NATO countries in peacekeeping operations and crisis response is another important goal of cooperation while supporting reforms.

Since 1999, the Azerbaijani troops has provided support for the NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, and since 2002 in Afghanistan.
===========================
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10.: Afghanistan: Two Romanian Soldiers Killed, One Wounded

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:49 am (PDT)

http://english.hotnews.ro/stiri-regional_europe-7880761-two-romanian-troops-died-afghanistan-another-wounded.htm

HotNews.ro
October 1, 2010

Two Romanian troops died in Afghanistan, another wounded

Two Romanian troops died and a third was wounded in Afghanistan on Friday when their vehicle drove past an improvised explosive device, a Romanian Defense Ministry press release announced.

According to Romanian news agency Mediafax, 17 Romanian have troops died in Afghanistan so far and another 55 suffered injuries.

Some 1,663 Romanian troops are deployed in Afghanistan, of which 1,655 are part of NATO mission ISAF.
....
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11.: NATO Secretary General Opens Alliance Office In Georgia

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:50 am (PDT)

http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=22716

Civil Georgia
October 1, 2010

NATO Liaison Office Opens in Tbilisi

Tbilisi: A NATO liaison office was inaugurated in Tbilisi on October 1 by visiting NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Georgian State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration, Giorgi Baramidze.

Rasmussen said at the opening ceremony before meeting with President Saakashvili, that the NATO liaison office would be â€œa key instrument to support your reform efforts.â€

Giorgi Baramidze said: â€œThe Alliance representation in Georgia reflects the special relations which Georgian and NATO have after the Bucharest Summit. It is a vivid demonstration of strong political support.â€

He also said that Georgia had â€œachieved substantial progress in doing its homeworkâ€ for implementing reforms.

â€œAt the same time we know that we have much left to do,â€ Baramidze added. â€œWe are firm to address the problems of the ongoing occupation of Georgian territories....â€

The NATO Secretary General reiterated in his speech at the opening ceremony that the allianceâ€™s commitment to Georgiaâ€™s eventual membership as stated in the decision of NATO leaders in Bucharest summit in April, 2008, â€œstands firm.â€

â€œSince our summit in Bucharest we have developed the necessary framework and the right tools,â€ Rasmussen said. â€œWe have developed cooperation and dialogue in the framework of the NATO-Georgian Commission. We have worked together on the Annual National Program, a roadmap of comprehensive reforms and transformation.â€

â€œNATO allies provide significant assistance to Georgia to help it carry out its reforms,â€ he added.
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12a.: Fw: Final Space Week Actions List

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 9:55 am (PDT)

From: Global Network <globalnet@mindspring.com>
Subject: Final Space Week Actions List
To: "GN List Serve" <globenet@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 8:49 PM

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.      Asheville, North Carolina (Oct 15) Physicians for Social Responsibility & Asheville Unitarian Universalist Church's next Social Justice Film â€œPax Americana and the Weaponization of Spaceâ€ with two opportunities to see this film - 12 Noon and 7:00 pm patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us
6.      Bath Iron Works, Maine (Oct 9) Vigil across from administration building on Washington Street, 11:30-12:30 am   Smilinâ€™ Trees Disarmament Farm (207) 763-4062
7.      Bhopal, India (Oct 11) Bruce Gagnon speaks with local activists about space issues jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
8.      Bradford, England (Sept 27-Oct 8) U.S. Missile Defence Exhibition at Bradford Library, Yorkshire CND info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
9.      Bradford, England (Oct 5) Showing Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space, Desmond Tutu House, 2 Ashgrove, Bradford, Yorkshire CND info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
10. Bridgend , Vale of Glamorgan, Cymru -Wales (Oct 5) Friends' Meeting House, Showing of Pax Americana & the Weaponization of Space Contact: Pete Thompson petethommo@gn.apc.org or George Crabb 01446-77-44-52 Organised by Bridgend CND
11. Chile - Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will show in 5 cinemas across the country during space week denis@intrepidofilms.com
12. Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 8) Vigil at noon outside the office of the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. Theme will be opposition to current dependency on military spending, especially Star Wars and Cyber War spending with a strong suggestion that we move the money to other endeavors bsulzman@juno.com
13. Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 8) Demonstration at 3:30 pm outside the gates of Schriever AFB, home of the Space Warfare Center and numerous other Star Wars programs bsulzman@juno.com
14. Duluth, Minnesota (Oct 7) Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space showing at Labor Temple, Andy Anderson (218) 724-1891
15. Fairbanks, Alaska (Oct. 2) 1-4:30, Noel Wien Library meeting room: Kick off of the Bring our War $$ Home project and report on Missile Defense and the Militarization of Space info@nonukesnorth.net
16. Florence, Oregon (Oct 9) Showing Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space at Siuslaw Public Library, 4:30 pm shenderson88@hotmail.com
17. Fort Mead, Maryland (Oct 9) The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore will visit the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade at 10 AM. Contact Max Obuszewski at mobuszewski@verizon.net or 410-366-1637
18. 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
19. Fukuoka, Japan (Oct 3) Public forum on space weaponization at Salon de Sofia, 2:00 pm, seamesky@sand.ocn.ne.jp
20. Jalgaon, India (Oct 4) Round table discussion of space issues in the Nutan Marathi College jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
21. Jammu, India (Oct 15) Bruce Gagnon speaks with local activists about space issues jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
22. Jeju Island, South Korea (Oct. 2) During one-day Island of Peace march, screenings including â€˜The Life and Peace Village, Il-Gangjeong is Aliveâ€™ (produced by Kim Min-Soo) and â€˜Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Spaceâ€™ (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
23. Kansas City, Kansas (Sept 30) Showing Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space at 7:00 pm at the Holy Family Catholic Worker House, at 31st and Harrison. annsuellen@gmail.com
24. Leeds, England (Oct 6) Showing Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space at Leeds Metropolitan University, Yorkshire CND info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
25. Menwith Hill, England (Oct 2) Demonstration at NSA Spy Base in Yorkshire, Sponsored by CAAB mail@caab.corner.org.uk
26. Nagpur, India (Oct 3) Demonstration in the Railway Colony jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
27. Nagpur, India (Oct 7) Space issues meeting in the Matru Seva Sangh Institute of Social Work jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
28. Nagpur, India (Oct 9-11) National conference on Achieving a Nuclear Weapons and Missile Defense Free Asia jnrao1936@rediffmail.com
29. New York City, New York (Oct 7) Educational event from Noon to 1:30 pm
Place: Bryant Park outskirts - 42nd Street between 5-6 Avenues     nyleaf@verizon.net
30. North Andover, Massachusetts (Oct 4) Bruce Gagnon speaks at Merrimack College about Raytheonâ€™s role in Star Wars, John Schuchardt (978) 356-9395
31. Omaha, Nebraska (Oct 16) Nebraskans for Peace annual peace conference will feature Mike Moore & Loring Wirbel on â€œThe New StratCom's de facto motto: Warfighting Is Our Vocationâ€ Â Â Â WalteRinne@neb.rr.com
32. Oslo, Norway (Sept 27) Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space film showing with panel discussion to follow, Literary House, 6:00 pm                              d-soerb@online.no
33. Oxford, England (Sept 25) Pax Americana and the Weaponisation of Space film showing at East Oxford Community Centre, 8.00 pm, oxonpeace@yahoo.co.uk
34. Prague, Czech Republic (Oct 9)   Demonstration in the Wenceslaw Square against demanded USA military base and anti-rocket center in the Czech Republic, Citizens Initiative No Bases czechpeace@volny.cz

35. RAF Croughton, England (Oct 2) Rally at U.S. communication base, noon-3:00 pm, Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, oxonpeace@yahoo.co.uk

36. San Francisco, California (Oct 10) Codepink March and Rally on Golden Gate Bridge, noon, walk eastern walkway and meet in middle. Keep Space for Peace, Stop Drone Warfare ratherbenyckeling@comcast.net

37. San Jose, California (Oct 8) Program on Drones=Terrorism and showing of Silent Screams video, WILPF, at San Jose Peace Center 7:00 pm grannies@wilpfsanjose.org

38. Seattle, Washington (Oct 8) "Keep Space For Peace!" is the focus, featuring street theatre by The Loose Nukes and music by the Seattle Raging Grannies to raise awareness of and stop the militarization and weaponization of space, with a special focus on local military aerospace contractor Boeing. 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, at Westlake Plaza, 4th and Pine. Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action subversivepeacemaking@comcast.net

39. Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Oct 9) Discussion and prayer service at 1:00 pm at Caminando Juntos, 617 E. 7th Street   gl_wieland@yahoo.com

40. Spain â€" Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will show in 47 cinemas across the country during space week denis@intrepidofilms.com

41. Srinagar, India (Oct 17-19) Bruce Gagnon speaks with local activists about space issues jnrao1936@rediffmail.com

42.     Tokyo, Japan (Oct 8) Symposium: How to construe the military plan under the Democratic Party of Japan 6:30 pm at PPS Conference Room kojis@agate.plala.or.jp

43. Tucson, Arizona (Oct 1-4) Workshops on â€œSpace war businessâ€ during Southwest Catholic Worker gathering    http://encuentro.catholicworker.biz/schedule.html

44. Tucson, Arizona (Oct 4) Vigil at Raytheon during Southwest Catholic Worker gathering nukeresister@igc.org

45. Tucson, Arizona (Oct 9) WILPF forum and action meeting from 2-4 pm in the Himmel Park Library including film 'A Space for Peace' edelsky@earthlink.net

46. Uruguay - Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space will show in 3 cinemas across the country during space week denis@intrepidofilms.com

47. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Oct 9) Nonviolent resistance at Lockheed Martin, the world's largest weapons corporation and space weapons contractor, noon brandywine@juno.com

48. Vandenberg AFB, California (Oct 6) Vigil at Vandenberg AFB main gate 4:00-5:00 pm jdapel@yahoo.com

49. 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

50. Washington DC (Oct 4) Vigil at the Pentagon from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Art Laffin artlaffin@hotmail.com

51. Washington DC (Oct 8) White House vigil from Noon - 1:00 p.m. Art Laffin, artlaffin@hotmail.com

Keep Space for Peace Week is co-sponsored by the Womenâ€™s International League for Peace & Freedom and the International Network for the Abolition of Foreign Military Bases.
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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13.: U.S. Pressures Bangladesh For Afghan War Troop Deployment

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 12:41 pm (PDT)

http://sify.com/news/dhaka-cautious-about-sending-troops-to-afghanistan-news-international-kkbnkebbfid.html

Indo-Asian News Service
October 1, 2010

Dhaka cautious about sending troops to Afghanistan

Dhaka: The US has said that it has intensified discussions with Bangladesh about that country sending its troops to Afghanistan, but Dhaka is 'cautious' about it.

'The United States has intensified its discussion on Bangladesh's engagement in Afghanistan for global peace and stability,' Nicholas Dean, the current charge d'affaires of the US mission here, told media here Thursday.

Bangladesh foreign ministry sources said that the US government has been trying to persuade Dhaka to send soldiers to Afghanistan 'as Washington reportedly plans to withdraw from the war-torn country supposedly dominated by fundamentalist Islamist radicals that are understandably strongly anti-American', New Age newspaper said Friday.

But Dhaka is very `cautious' about the American request since the government would be in trouble if it bows to this US pressure, said officials.

Besides, officials say, Bangladeshi troops would not be able to face the 'brutal and fanatic fighters in Afghanistan as the American and NATO troops with sophisticated and superior weaponry could not root them out'.
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14.: NATO Moves From Theater To Continental Interceptor Missile Shield

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 12:41 pm (PDT)

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/awst/2010/10/04/AW_10_04_2010_p61-254822.xml&headline=NATO%20Seeks%20To%20Boost%20Its%20Missile%20Defense

Aviation Week
October 1, 2010

NATO Seeks To Boost Its Missile Defense
By Robert Wall

London: The next two months could be critical in helping to shape NATOâ€™s ambition to make missile defense one of its core missions.

This topic has evolved gradually, having once been an area that several member states wanted to avoid altogether. But then NATO began to pursue efforts to protect deployed forces. Now the question is whether NATOâ€™s role should grow further and encompass ballistic missile defense of all membersâ€™ territory.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, as well as a group advising the alliance on its strategic direction, maintains that territorial missile defense should become part of the organizationâ€™s mission....

What members finally decide should be known soon, since clearly defining NATOâ€™s role ï»¿is slated to be a major agenda item at next monthâ€™s summit in Lisbon.

Program advocates are hopeful the alliance will approve expanding the mandate to territorial from theater missile defense, although several industry officials doubt that such a commitment will emerge. Given budget constraints at the member-state level and the difficulties the alliance has had in tackling the theater missile defense mandate, the most likely outcome will be a two-year study to buy time, the officials say.

Last month, Rasmussen told reporters in Washington that the cost of upgrading NATOâ€™s task to territorial from theater defense would be modest, amounting to no more than â‚¬200 million ($268 million). That bill would not involve purchasing missile defense batteries, but represents the cost of upgrading the allianceâ€™s command-and-control infrastructure to integrate member state-provided equipment in a NATO operational scenario.

The issue of territorial defense has been studied since 2003. As part of that undertaking, the alliance has looked broadly at the threat, with no range constraints but with an eye on how it might evolve, notes David Sparks, head of the Missile Defense Group at the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency. The work also has involved examining what capabilities member states could provide as well as the command-and-control fabric required to integrate various systems.

As part of that effort, NATO also has had to deal with the change in U.S. plans for its missile defense footprint in Europe. The third interceptor site in Poland had long been at the center of Washingtonâ€™s push, but now the Obama administrationâ€™s Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) calls for land-basing of the Standard Missile SM-3 with forward deployed sensors. The PAA also calls on members to participate by providing capabilities.

At Lisbon, NATO planners intend to present a technical assessment of the coverage that PAA would provide in its early stages and the scope of European national systems coming online as well as what that represents in terms of a composite capability, Sparks says. Policy questions also are expected to be discussed.

One key topic centers on whether NATO can devise an architecture that truly protects all elements of the alliance, particularly parts of southern Europe, when assuming a threat from Iran. But Sparks notes that â€œit will be quite difficult at this stage not to protect certain nations.â€ The system is envisioned as â€œan alliance capabilityâ€ for the full organization.

Although much of the focus of the deliberations will be on territorial defense, the alliance is more quietly approaching its first major milestone for a basic missile defense capability. By year-end, a basic operational capability is due to be fielded under the Active Layer Theater Ballistic Missile Defense (ALTBMD) effort underway since 2005.

ALTBMD is effectively an equipment suite that NATO developed so it can use member-provided theater missile defense systems capable of engaging threats with a range of up to 3,000 km. (1,860 mi.). The first elements are already in place, such as the planning tool for the NATO air command-and-control structure at the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) level and above, notes Dave Kiefer, NATO ALTBMD deputy program manager.

The Interim Capability Step 2 â€" the element due to be added by year-end â€" will provide the NATO command structure real-time situational awareness of threats, derived from sensors such as the U.S. Defense Support Program early warning satellites and sea-based radars. That information will be processed at a truck-based facility adjacent to the CAOC at Uedem, Germany. The facility will also integrate existing NATO theater missile defense assets, such as PACâ€'3. The French and Italian systems are expected to come online within a year.
....
Kiefer notes that tests are already being conducted to verify compatibility between the NATO system and the national equipment. In fact, work is underway to ensure that the Medium Extended Air Defense System will tie into ALTBMD, even though the program is only at the critical design review stage.
....
NATOâ€™s investment community still needs to approve upgrades to ACCS Capability 1 for the theater missile defense role, as well as associated improvements to the Bi-Strategic Command Automated Information System, which provides command and control above CAOC level. Kiefer points out that those upgrades are required for the air command-and-control service, the intelligence service and the service producing the common operating picture. Approval of those upgrades should be secured this year.
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15.: Pentagon Awards Northrop $120 Million Star Wars Contract

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 12:41 pm (PDT)

http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20101001_3600.php

Global Security Newswire
October 1, 2010

U.S. Awards $120M Missile Defense Contract

The U.S. Defense Department has awarded a $120 million contract to Northrop Grumman for further work on the Air and Missile Defense Radar system, United Press International reported yesterday (see GSN, Sept. 30).

The system is intended to provide comprehensive radar abilities, encompassing S-band and X-band technology, to analyze large amounts of aerial data to detect and track ballistic missile threats (United Press International, Sept. 30).

Defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon also received similar technology development deals for the Air and Missile Defense Radar, Signal magazine reported.

The contracts call for Lockheed to receive $119 million and Raytheon $112 million (George Seffers, Signal, Oct. 1).
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16.: NATO Pledges Support For Georgia's "Territorial Integrity"

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 7:11 pm (PDT)

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-619D8A44-B7BBCA18/natolive/news_66583.htm?

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
October 1, 2010

NATO Secretary General confirms Alliance support for Georgia

On 1 October NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited Georgia to meet with President Mikheil Saakashvili, Prime Minister Nika Gilauri and senior ministers.

He thanked them for Georgia's contribution to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, and expressed his condolences for the casualties Georgia has just suffered.

Secretary General Rasmussen confirmed NATO's solid commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, saying that the Alliance stands firmly behind the decisions taken at the Bucharest Summit.

The Secretary General looked forward to continued NATO support for Georgia's reforms and as part of that effort, inaugurated a new NATO Liaison office in Tblisi.
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17.: NATO Thanks Azerbaijan For Afghan War Troops, Overflight

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 7:11 pm (PDT)

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_66581.htm?selectedLocale=en

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
October 1, 2010

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan exchanges views with NATO

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, visited NATO Headquarters on Friday, 1 October and had an exchange of views with the Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Claudio Bisogniero.

Mr. Mammadyarov had a meeting with the North Atlantic Council to discuss his countryâ€™s practical cooperation with NATO, domestic reforms in the framework of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and regional security issues.

During the discussion, NATO Allies recognized Azerbaijan as a credible and committed partner to the Alliance. They thanked Azerbaijan for the support for NATOâ€™s mission in Afghanistan with troops, overflight rights and civilian reconstruction.

Allies also noted with appreciation the broad range of cooperation developed in the context of the Individual Partnership Action Plan and Azerbaijanâ€™s contribution to the discussions on NATOâ€™s new Strategic Concept, to be adopted at the upcoming Lisbon Summit.
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18.: Polish General Assumes Command At U.S. NATO Headquarters

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 7:11 pm (PDT)

http://www.act.nato.int/component/content/article/42-news-stories/364-bieniek-assumes-duties-as-deputy-supreme-allied-commander-transformation

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Transformation
October 1, 2010

Bieniek assumes duties as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation

-He increased ACT and NATOâ€™s interaction with Partner Nations participating in Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and Istanbul Cooperationâ€™s Initiative (ICI) Programs.
Zappata was also the key proponent of the Maritime Security Operations Initiative, the Alliance Maritime Strategy, the Countering Hybrid Threats initiative, and building partnerships with the UN and EU in creating the Comprehensive Approach and to promote ACT collaboration with industry....

Polish Army Lieutenant General MieczysÅ‚aw Bieniek assumed the duties of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (DSACT) from Italian Navy Admiral Luciano Zappata in a ceremony at Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation September 29.

Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Gen. Stéphane Abrial, French Air Force, presided over the handover ceremony.

ACT leads the transformation of NATO to ensure Alliance-wide interoperability and integration and the future success of NATO in the new millennium. The Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation plays an important role in leading this change.

In his previous assignment, Bieniek was the Polish Military Representative to the NATO and European Union Military Committees.

â€œI look forward to assuming the duties of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and look forward to following in the long line of distinguished officers who have left their mark at this headquarters,â€ said Bieniek. â€œThis is evident with Admiral Zappata and the issues that he tackled including the maritime strategy as it refers to Partner Nations.â€
....
Honoured guest Mr. Bogdan Klich, Polish Minister of Defence, explained the importance of ACT to meeting the needs of the Alliance.

â€œWe all know that the strategic objectives of ACT are to provide support for NATO Nations and operations, facilitate transformation and improve the relationships of practical cooperation with our Partners,â€ said Klich. â€œACT is one of the most important assets of the Alliance. It plays a vital role in the Alliance, not only for the present but also for the future.
....
Zappata, former head of the Italian Navy, has served as Deputy Commander at NATOâ€™s only strategic headquarters in North America since June 2007.
....
He increased ACT and NATOâ€™s interaction with Partner Nations participating in Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and Istanbul Cooperationâ€™s Initiative (ICI) Programs.

Zappata was also the key proponent of the Maritime Security Operations Initiative, the Alliance Maritime Strategy, the Countering Hybrid Threats initiative, and building partnerships with the UN and EU in creating the Comprehensive Approach and to promote ACT collaboration with industry in developing the FFCI initiative.
....
Honoured guests included Mr. Robert Kupiecki, Polish Ambassador to the U.S. and Paul Fraim, Mayor of Norfolk.
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19.: Video: 28-Nation NATO War Council In Slovakia

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 7:13 pm (PDT)

http://www.aco.nato.int/

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
October 1, 2010

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTNfZt9URLI

NATO International Military staff have produced a short documentary which highlights the topics and discussions which took place during the 2010 Military Committee Conference in Stary Smokovec, Republic of Slovakia.

The conference included a number of NATO nations which met to discuss operations such as ISAF and KFOR, command structure and the New Strategic Concept.
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20.: NATO To Double "Interoperable" Afghan Air Force Strength

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

Fri Oct 1, 2010 7:41 pm (PDT)

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=55141

Pakistan Observer
October 2, 2010

NATO to double AAF strength
Akhtar Jamal

-According to a U.S. defence site the Afghan air force currently has close to 4,000 airmen and Allvin hopes to expand that number to just over 8,000. He also plans to expand the number of aircraft from 46 to 150.
Afghanistanâ€™s Mi-17s will be interoperable with allied and current coalition service systems.

Islamabad: Against the backdrop of repeated violations of Pakistan sovereignty by foreign troops based in Afghanistan, the American-led NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan is working to double the strength of Afghan Air Force (AAF) and expand its mission.

US Air Force Brig. Gen. David W. Allvin, commander, NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan was Friday quoted as saying that â€œI see where we are now in the NATO Air Training Command, as having a very good foundation, but we are getting ready to hit the accelerator pedal.â€

â€œWeâ€™re not starting from zero as I come in to take command, but we certainly are looking to expand well beyond,â€ he added.

According to a U.S. defence site the Afghan air force currently has close to 4,000 airmen and Allvin hopes to expand that number to just over 8,000. He also plans to expand the number of aircraft from 46 to 150.

Allvin who is now apparently controlling the Afghan Air Force also added that â€œWe currently have the Canadians on board and theyâ€™re helping with the professional development and education.â€

The Afghan Air Force has received two new Mi-17 helicopters on July 8, 2010 as part of a purchase of ten new helicopters to be fulfilled by November 2010.

The contract to purchase these ten aircraft is worth $155 million. The current AAF fleet includes 25 Mi-17 helicopters. U.S. is also trying to buildup a fleet to 56 helicopters for Afghan Air Force 2012.

The Mi-17 fleet provides the AAF with a wide variety of mission capabilities to include Presidential/distinguished visitor transportation, medical and casualty evacuation (MEDEVAC/CASEVAC), battlefield mobility, basic cargo airlift, reconnaissance, rotary-wing training, and close air support (CAS).

Most recently, after completing critical training for its aircrew, the Afghans have added an air assault and sling load capability. Afghanistanâ€™s Mi-17s will be interoperable with allied and current coalition service systems.
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