Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember
From: no-reply@navytimes.com
To: rserge1@outlook.com
Subject: Navy Times Early Bird Brief
Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 04:45:18 -0600
COMPILED BY THE EDITORS OF DEFENSE NEWS & MILITARY TIMES
| ||||||
|
TODAY'S TOP 51. CSM who fought in Panama, Somalia and Iraq dies at 52(Army Times) A decorated soldier who participated in major military actions spanning three decades and spent the last few years of his career helping fellow wounded warriors was found dead in his Georgia home Oct. 13 of natural causes. 2. Marine Mideast Crisis Unit to Be Fully Capable by Nov. 1 (Bloomberg) A Marine Corps quick-reaction force in the Middle East for missions such as embassy evacuations and humanitarian aid will be fully manned by Nov. 1, according to the general behind the unit's expansion. 3. Commentary: Breaking the cycle of debt for troops, families (Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., in Military Times) The spouse of a member of the Illinois National Guard took out a loan of $2,575 in Illinois. Due to triple-digit interest rates, the family spent more than $8,000 to repay the loan. 4. Four Blackwater guards found guilty in 2007 Iraq shootings of 31 unarmed civilians (Washington Post) Seven years after American security contractors killed 14 unarmed Iraqis by firing machine guns and grenades into a Baghdad traffic circle, a jury in Washington on Wednesday convicted four Blackwater Worldwide guards of murder and manslaughter charges in the incident, one of the most ignominious chapters of the Iraq war. 5. Canada Worries as Extremism Lures More Abroad (New York Times) In January 2013, strewn amid the rubble and debris left after a terrorist attack on a gas plant in the Algerian desert were the remains of two men who had traveled far from home to wage what they viewed as a holy war. ISLAMIC STATEKidnapping plot in Turkey raises new questions about U.S. troops' safety(Air Force Times) A bold yet ultimately unsuccessful kidnapping plot orchestrated by the Islamic State in Turkey raises new questions about the safety of U.S. troops and other American personnel stationed throughout the country. Pentagon: 1 weapons bundle seized by militants (Associated Press) The Pentagon is confirming that Islamic State group militants were able to seize one of the 28 bundles of weapons and medical supplies dropped to Kurdish forces on Monday. Senior al-Qaeda jihadist speaks out in defence of Peter Kassig (The Telegraph) Abu Omar Aqidi, a prominent member of Jabhat al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda linked Syria group, recalls being treated by Peter Kassig for a shrapnel wound Pew poll: Majority says US campaign against ISIS isn't going well (The Hill) A majority of Americans don't believe the U.S. military campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is going well, according to a new survey. Syrians to be trained to defend territory, not take ground from jihadists, officials say (Washington Post) The Syrian opposition force to be recruited by the U.S. military and its coalition partners will be trained to defend territory, rather than to seize it back from the Islamic State, according to senior U.S. and allied officials, some of whom are concerned that the approach is flawed. As U.S. attacks Islamic State, Syria steps up assaults on moderate rebels (Washington Post) Syrian government forces have dramatically intensified air and ground assaults on areas held by moderate rebels, attempting to deliver crippling blows as world attention shifts to airstrikes by a U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Kurdish lawmakers OK fighters for Syria (Associated Press) Lawmakers in Iraq's largely autonomous Kurdish region Wednesday authorized peshmerga forces to go to neighboring Syria and help fellow Kurds combat Islamic State militants in the key border town of Kobani, providing much-needed boots on the ground. Growing Kurdish Unity Helps West, Worries Turkey (Wall Street Journal) Kurds in Iraq and Syria set aside long-held rivalries and took steps to unify their forces this week to battle Islamic State, gaining greater international legitimacy but magnifying fears in Turkey that a powerful enemy is on the rise. Syria says shoots down two of three 'IS warplanes' (Agence France-Presse) Syria's air force has destroyed two of three warplanes reportedly seized by fighters of the Islamic State group in the north of the country, Information Minister Omran al-Zohbi said. State Department suggests Syrian regime soldier a hero in stray retweet (Washington Post) In the struggle to win hearts and minds from the Islamic State, much of the focus has been on the online battle: Extremists and their supporters have taken to mediums like Twitter and YouTube to spread their message, a relatively new and worrying tactic for terrorists and one that is tough to counter. Tribes in tense Abu Ghraib vow to keep IS out (Associated Press) The Baghdad suburb of Abu Ghraib, best known for its infamous prison, sits close enough to Baghdad's airport that you can see the control tower in the distance. It's an enticing potential prize for Islamic State militants. The Islamic State's media warfare (Al-Monitor) When Abu Bakr al-Baghadi, the Islamic State's (IS) leader and self-styled caliph, appeared July 4 for the first time in Mosul, a symbolic venue was chosen by those who manage the media strategy of the world's most wanted terrorist group. INDUSTRYLockheed Joins Protest of USAF Radar Award(Defense News) Lockheed Martin announced Wednesday it would protest the US Air Force's contract award for its next-generation ground-based radar, joining Northrop Grumman in challenging the service's choice of Raytheon. Lockheed Martin and Turkey's Roketsan sign F-35 missile deal (Reuters) Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) and Turkish missile manufacturer Roketsan signed an agreement Wednesday to produce and sell Turkey's SOM-J air-launched cruise missile for the F-35 Lightning II combat jet, the companies said. Gilmore: Major Weapon Acquisitions Can't Be Fixed Overnight (National Defense) At a time when two-thirds of the Pentagon's major weapon programs are behind schedule and over budget, the release of J. Michael Gilmore's annual report to Congress can be as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party. Boeing profit jumps 18 percent, but cash is scarce (Reuters) Boeing Co (BA.N) reported an 18 percent increase in quarterly profit and raised its full-year core earnings forecast for the third time, reflecting booming commercial aircraft demand and increasing profitability in its defense business. Samsung devices approved for classified data (C4ISR & Networks) Mobile devices from Korean electronics giant Samsung have been approved for classified U.S. government use. This marks the first time that consumer devices, validated by the NSA-managed National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) standard, have been approved to handle U.S. classified information, according to a Samsung announcement. Northrop Grumman sees rise in foreign sales to 13 percent in 2014 (Reuters) U.S. weapons maker Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) said international sales would account for 13 percent of total revenues in 2014, up from 10 percent in 2013, and should continue growing in coming years. Army to Buy Small Boats to Expand Maritime Mission (DoDBuzz) As it rethinks its global posture for a possible shift to the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Army wants to buy a new fleet of small boats and upgrade existing watercraft, an official said. General Dynamics beats on earnings, revenue (Reuters) General Dynamics Corp on Wednesday reported higher-than-expected earnings and revenue for the third quarter, and the maker of ships, tanks and business jets cited a significant rise in its backlog. NASA moves ahead with commercial launch program despite protest (Federal Times) NASA will continue its plans to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) using U.S. commercial contractors by 2017 despite a contract protest filed days after the initial announcement. Navy seeks shallow surveillance sensor system (C4ISR & Networks) The Navy has issued a presolicitation for acoustic anti-submarine sensors. Elbit to upgrade F-5 fighters for undisclosed Asian country (IHS Jane's 360) Elbit Systems has been awarded a USD85 million contract by an undisclosed Asian country. The majority has been earmarked for a Northrop F-5 Tiger II upgrade programme. Embraer Preparing KC-390 First Flight By Year's End (Aviation Week) Embraer is preparing for a first flight of the KC-390 military transport before year's end, following the rollout of the first prototype. Finland begins study on new fighter aircraft (IHS Jane's 360) Finland's replacement for its Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fleet is expected to cost the country about EUR6 billion (USD7.6 billion), local media revealed on 18 October. Airbus seeks first-of-its-kind European UAV certification (C4ISR & Networks) Airbus Defense and Space has submitted an application for civil certification of its Atlante UAV to the European Aviation Safety Agency. This is first such application in Europe, according to a company news release. Saab Declines to Comment on Potential Jet Deal With Argentina (Wall Street Journal) Swedish defense group Saab AB (SAAB-B.SK) declined to comment Wednesday on reports that Argentina is looking to buy 24 of its Gripen NG jet fighters, to be made in Brazil. VETERANSInternal investigation ID'd Phoenix VA fraud in 2008(Arizona Republic) Inspectors at the Department of Veterans Affairs caught Phoenix VA managers falsifying patient appointment records during a probe six years ago, but agency officials did not divulge those findings at the time, according to documents obtained by The Arizona Republic. Prescott VA hospital detects Legionnaires' disease (Associated Press) The federal Department of Veterans Affairs has flushed and decontaminated the water system of its Prescott hospital's after detecting the bacterium that causes the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease. Phoenix VA hospital fails outside compliance review (Arizona Republic) The Department of Veterans Affairs health-care system in Phoenix does not comply with U.S. standards for safety, patient care and management, according to a non-profit organization that reviews medical facilities nationwide. Navy vet gets approval to be buried with late wife at Idaho Veterans Cemetery (Spokesman-Review; Spokane, Wash.) Today was the third time that 74-year-old Navy veteran Madelynn Lee Taylor visited the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery to make arrangements to be buried there together with the remains of her late wife, Jean Mixner, but today's outcome was different - Taylor completed all the necessary paperwork, picked out the plaque, and an interment ceremony was set for Mixner for next week. Milford Vietnam veteran gets 17 medals, ribbon 46 years later (New Haven Register; Conn.) It's been some 46 years since Frank Somohano Sr. served in Vietnam, but as of Tuesday he's going to need a bigger display case for his medals and ribbons. Government awards $1 million to train vets as bus and truck drivers (The Hill) An agency within the Transportation Department has awarded $1 million in grants to community colleges that will train military veterans to be commercial bus and truck drivers. CONGRESSJohn McCain calls Navy 2-star an 'idiot' during interview(Navy Times) Sen. John McCain, a retired naval aviator, has a history of confronting military leaders he feels have fallen short. Former Navy officer stands by statements against Zinke (Great Falls Tribune; Mont.) A former Navy officer who accused Republican U.S. House candidate and former Navy SEAL officer Ryan Zinke of misleading the public about his military record stood by his allegations the day after Zinke called questions about his record "unjust, unfair and shameless." In Final 'Wastebook,' Sen. Coburn Hits DoD 'Iron Man,' Missile Defense Programs (Defense News) US Sen. Tom Coburn's final "wastebook" identifies a laundry list of federal programs the retiring Oklahoma Republican says the nation could do without, including a Pentagon program to build a "real-life 'Iron Man' suit." Congress Will Scramble To Pass Crucial Defense Legislation After Midterm Elections (Defense One) Less than two weeks before the midterm elections, a handful of races that could turn the Senate majority over to the GOP remain too close to call. Two, in Louisiana and Georgia, may go into runoffs, meaning control of the Senate in the next Congress may not be decided until Dec. 6, or even Jan. 6 - after the current Congress expires. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT1.7 percent COLA increase starts in January(Associated Press) But the 1.7 percent COLA increase is still likely to be a bigger bump than active-duty troops will see in their paychecks on Jan. 1. The White House and Pentagon have pushed for a 1 percent raise for service members in 2015. Subcontractor wants out of POV shipping contract; hearing set for Thursday (Stars & Stripes) A key subcontractor wants to stop shipping troops' privately owned vehicles for the Department of Defense, further threatening a system that has been plagued by long delays and complaints from troops. Ex-Pentagon Officials Warn of Threats to Readiness from Sequestration (Seapower) Two former senior Pentagon officials said Oct. 22 the sharp cuts in defense spending already have seriously affected combat readiness and warned that the "disconnect" between the rising threats and how defense is funded will get worse in the future if sequestration is not repealed. German employees at US bases to get pay hikes (Stars & Stripes) Thousands of local nationals working for the U.S. government and other foreign forces in Germany will see their wages increased by 2.4 percent, retroactive to Sept. 1, ver.di, the union representing the workers, announced Wednesday. Here's What the Next Brain Implant Will Be Made Of (Defense One) Researchers from the University of Wisconsin, with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, have created a new type of brain chip made of graphene that could bring futuristic brain implants much closer to reality. ARMYInterview: Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza(Defense News) Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza assumed command of the US Army's I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in February. I Corps, the only regionally aligned unit of the Army's three corps, supports the Pacific region 'Toxic' Fort Carson battalion commander returns to job despite recommendation of firing (Colorado Springs Gazette) The commander of a Fort Carson helicopter battalion objected when subordinates talked about a toxic command climate, according to documents obtained by The Gazette. Robot or Not? Army Dismisses Completely Soldierless Battlefield (ARMY Magazine) Increasingly sophisticated robots are poised to take over some of the Army's most dangerous, dull and dirty jobs. Already they search for buried roadside bombs, perform aerial reconnaissance and watch over base perimeters. Driverless convoys have passed increasingly complicated tests and are on the verge of being combat ready. Stateside Ebola team starts training today (Army Times) The 30-person medical team designed to provide short-notice help and support to civilian hospitals who may deal with Ebola cases at home began training Wednesday at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The Army Gropes Toward A Cultural Revolution (Breaking Defense) A new generation of generals is rising in the Army. It's a generation forced to get creative by more than a decade of ugly unconventional conflicts. It's a generation disillusioned by the mistakes of superiors, military and civilian alike. It's a generation willing to take on the Army's bureaucratic culture of top-down management, which dates back to Elihu Root becoming Secretary of War in 1899. At Arlington, Green Berets pay tribute to JFK (Stars & Stripes) The eternal flame flickered and the sun hit the grave of President John F. Kennedy as just more than 30 Green Berets lined the area around the gravesite NAVYCNO Greenert: 7-month deployments 'achievable and sustainable'(Navy Times) The Navy's top admiral said he wants to bring deployments down to a seven-month standard - a call that stands in stark contrast to recent deployment lengths. Sailor from Norfolk-based Barry airlifted off Va. Beach (Virginian-Pilot) A sailor from the guided missile destroyer Barry was airlifted to a hospital early this morning. Destroyer Michael Murphy leaves on first cruise (Navy Times) The destroyer Michael Murphy left Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Monday on its maiden cruise: an independent deployment to the Western Pacific that also marked a first for many of the ship's crew. In a federal trial examining a classified military deal, don't mention the Navy SEALs (Washington Post) Witnesses, attorneys and even the judge took special care not to let the phrase "Navy SEALs" pass their lips during a federal criminal trial in Alexandria this week, further cloaking an already mysterious case involving the purchase of hundreds of unmarked rifle silencers for the military. 3-star: Delays growing in fixing attack submarines (Navy Times) The Navy's top maintenance official warned that the service is "in a tail-chase" to get submarines and ships the overhauls they need, with some running much longer than foreseen. NAVSEA: Submarines Control Systems are at Risk for Cyber Attack (USNI News) The head of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) warned that the U.S. Navy will have to ramp up its cyber-security efforts to secure the controls systems of its submarines. Survey asks lesbian, gay, bi sailors about service experiences (Navy Times) It's been three years since the Defense Department lifted its ban against gays, lesbians and bisexuals serving openly in the military, but the services have little research on their experiences and needs or how the repeal of don't ask, don't tell has affected them, for better or worse. AIR FORCEACC's Gen. Hostage: On Fifth Gen Combat Cloud And Syria(Breaking Defense) Robbin Laird, a member of our Board of Contributors, and Ed Timperlake conducted what looks like it will be the last interview with Gen. Mike Hostage, the head of Air Combat Command, before he retires in early November. Hostage has overseen the Air Force's transition to fifth generation aircraft with the introduction of the F-22 and preparations for introduction of the F-35 fleet. Read on. Tech. sgt. who died while diving in Japan identified (Air Force Times) The Air Force has identified an airman assigned to Kadena Air Force Base who died over the weekend while diving with other airmen. Air Force sergeant jailed when teen pen pal turns out to be investigator (Orlando Sentinel) An Air Force staff sergeant was sentenced to 11 years in prison after the teenage Craigslist pen pal he was inappropriately emailing turned out to be a sex crimes investigator, court records show. Funding for Fort Bragg's 440th Airlift Wing set to end in March; but may continue to operate (Fayetteville Observer) Funding for Fort Bragg's 440th Airlift Wing budget is slated to end in March, but that doesn't mean the unit will inactivate anytime soon, officials said. MARINE CORPSBeirut mission renewed: Marines take pride in returning to guard embassy(Marine Corps Times) As of early September, Marine security guards are again manning Post One in Beirut. The post holds profound significance for Marines young and old. Yuma Marines rescue lost Boy Scouts near the Colorado River (Marine Corps Times) Marines rescued 28 Boy Scouts and four chaperones Saturday night after they were reported missing when they failed to reach a checkpoint during a canoe trip. Solemn ceremony for Marine vet (San Diego Union-Tribune) It was a spare, solemn service for a tough Marine Corps veteran who rarely talked about himself. 1,000-pound pod falls off Marine Corps Prowler mid-flight (Marine Corps Times) Marine officials say they have recovered a 1,000-pound tactical jamming system pod that fell off an EA-6B Prowler aircraft while it flew a mission over a military air station in Arizona. Marine Corps: Darren Vann didn't meet expectations and standards (Austin American-Statesman) The man who allegedly confessed to killing seven women in Indiana was prematurely discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps, according to records from the military branch. AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTANTaliban control 3 districts in Afghan provinces of Wardak and Kunduz(Long War Journal) The Afghan Taliban took control of three districts, one in the province of Wardak which is just south of Kabul, and the other two in the northern province of Kunduz, that were heavily contested during the US troop surge that began in 2010 and ended in 2011. One of the districts was the scene of the Taliban's shoot down of a US helicopter that resulted in the deaths of 31 special operations personnel, including 17 US Navy SEALs. Taliban Are Rising Again in Afghanistan's North (New York Times) The last time Afghans in the northern province of Kunduz felt so threatened by the Taliban was in 2009, just before President Obama deployed thousands of troops to push the insurgents back from the outskirts of the province's capital. New Afghan government investigates newspaper for 'blasphemous article' (Washington Post) Top staffers at an Afghan newspaper are being investigated for blasphemy after the publication of an article that questioned whether Muslims should embrace the possibility that more than one God exists. Gunmen Kill 8 Members of Persecuted Minority in Pakistan (New York Times) At least eight men were killed and two others wounded when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a bus in southwestern Pakistan, the police and rescue officials said. Fresh Fighting In Pakistan's Khyber Tribal Region (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) Three suspected militants and three members of Pakistan's security forces have been killed in new clashes in the northwestern tribal region of Khyber. EUROPEEstonia Demands Explanation Over Russian Spy Plane(Voice of America) Estonia has summoned the Russian ambassador after a Russian spy plane entered the Baltic country's airspace without permission. Finnish government considers political response to Russian Baltic naval activity (IHS Jane's 360) Russian warships are understood to have twice recently come close to a Finnish marine research ship operating in the Baltic Sea. Ukrainians Vote Sunday in Key Election (Voice of America) Ukrainian voters go to the polls Sunday to elect a new parliament, the last political step in the revolution that started nearly a year ago. The vote is expected to move the country closer to badly-needed reforms, but won't solve all of its problems. Russia says Ukraine should find money to pay for gas within a week (Reuters) Ukraine should be able to find ways of paying for Russian gas supplies within a week, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday, suggesting a standoff would end once Moscow received financial guarantees from Kiev. Russia says no need for NATO in Arctic, expands own military presence (Barents Observer) Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announces plans to deploy troops along entire length of the Arctic, while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is convinced there is no problem requiring NATO presence. ASIA-PACIFICUS Army Helos Set for Joint Exercise in Japan(Defense News) The US Army Stryker brigade set to begin exercises in Japan next week as part of its third stop in the Army's Pacific Pathways rotation brought its own aviation assets to the venerable exercise for the first time. Vietnam, US hold defence dialogue following easing of sanctions (IHS Jane's 360) Vietnam and the United States have held their first defence policy dialogue since Washington announced the easing of its long-standing military sales ban on the country in early October. Australian officials deny elite troop shortage (Associated Press) Australia has recently deployed troops with diagnosed mental illnesses and on multiple tours of duty, but not because of any shortage of elite combat troops, senior officers said Wednesday. Images show JF-17 flying with CM-400AKG hypersonic ASM (IHS Jane's 360) Recent images of two China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) CM-400AKG high-speed air-to-surface missiles fitted to an airborne Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) FC-1/JF-17 fighter suggest that China continues to develop the missile. Kim Jong-un Gave Order to Free American, North Korea Says (New York Times) North Korea said Wednesday that its leader, Kim Jong-un, had personally ordered the release of Jeffrey E. Fowle, an American, after considering requests from President Obama. Taiwanese pilot dies after AT-3 midair collision (IHS Jane's 360) A member of Taiwan's Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team was killed on 21 October after his AT-3 (Tzu Chung) advanced jet trainer collided with another AT-3 during what Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) officials said was a "routine aerobatic training mission". AFRICAHere Are Some Robots We Could Use To Fight Ebola in Africa(Defense One) Keeping travel lanes to Ebola-hit West Africa open is essential to fighting the outbreak, argues Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. The U.S. military has already mobilized more than 3,500 troops to the region, and an international assortment of healthcare workers also heads to Africa everyday, where there is a massive doctor shortage. US to supply Chad, Niger with riverine boats (IHS Jane's 360) The US Coast Guard is looking for a contractor to supply Chad and Niger with identical packages of three boats under a US government-funded programme to improve the African countries' ability to patrol their riverine borders, according to a notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website on 15 October. U.N.: Piracy off Somalia at lowest level in years (Associated Press) A U.N. official says the number of piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia is at its lowest in recent years. COMMENTARY AND ANALYSISThe Air Force's Quiet Energy Revolution(Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James in Defense One) Modern catch phrases like 'energy security' and 'energy independence' have had a renewed urgency in recent years as Americans felt the pinch of high oil prices and considered the benefits and risks of the domestic boom in natural gas and oil production. "Win in a Complex World (II):" Why an Integrated Conventional and Special Operations Force Will Work Best (Army Col. Mike Rauhut in the Council on Foreign Relations) This commentary comes courtesy of Colonel Michael Rauhut, CFR's U.S. Army fellow. He observes that the newly released Army Operating Concept shows an unprecedented level of acceptance and integration of special operations capabilities into conventional Army forces. Colonel Rauhut argues that the result of this integration is overwhelmingly positive, affording policymakers a wider range of options in pursuit of their strategic objectives. This follows a piece by Janine Davidson on the Army Operating Concept and institutional learning. How To Survive A Shrinking Army (Andrew Steadman in Task & Purpose) Recently, while discussing the separation boards and low promotion rates in light of a downsizing Army, a fellow officer commented, "These trends are going to create a cut-throat Army. Everyone is going to watch their backs and protect themselves to make sure they get promoted. I'm not looking forward to serving in that environment." To Save Money, Go Unmanned (Paul Scharre and Daniel Burg in War on the Rocks) U.S. Defense Department leaders have called for a renewed effort to sustain America's military technological dominance, but to do so they will have to fight an uphill battle against entrenched bureaucratic interests competing over a shrinking budgetary pie. Whether this initiative will be more than simply Pentagon pabulum depends on the future direction of the Navy's carrier air wing. The Navy has two next-generation programs on the drawing board, the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) drone and the F/A-XX 6th generation manned fighter. Squeezing two next-gen aircraft programs into the Navy's budget will be difficult, particularly if, as the Navy currently plans, the UCLASS drone does not replace any manned aircraft on the deck. A Verdict on Blackwater (New York Times) It took far too long, but four former gunslingers with the Blackwater Worldwide security firm have at last been held accountable for the killing of 17 Iraqi civilians in Nisour Square in Baghdad in September 2007. It was one of the darkest episodes of America's long war. Social Media in a Time of Terrorism (Ann Marlowe in The Wall Street Journal) In the debate about whether supporters of groups like Islamic State should be legally banned from social media, one argument runs that having material out in the open allows law enforcement to monitor Islamic radicals and those cheering on acts of terror. But online manifestations of terrorism can kill. Facebook and Twitter users in places like Libya, Syria, Iraq and other countries with no rule of law are especially vulnerable. Social-media postings can lead to assassination, which is followed by online gloating and used to threaten other individuals. Disturbing Similarities: Iraq in 2006 and 2014 (Daniel R. DePetris in National Interest) It wasn't long ago when the streets of Baghdad, an historical center of Arab history, culture and politics, were literally running red with blood. Back in 2006, when the war in Iraq was at its worst and dozens of American soldiers were dying every month, the residents of Baghdad were experiencing their most devastating period of violence since the eight-year Iran-Iraq war. Except, rather than two nations shooting at each other, the violence was Iraqi-on-Iraqi. Or, more accurately, Sunni-on-Shia and Shia-on-Sunni. How to Salvage France's Mistral Shipwreck (Retired Navy Adm, James Stavridis and Leo Michel in Foreign Policy) Selling warships to Russia doesn't seem like a great idea right now. But there's someone else that could buy them -- and make it a win-win for European security. Is 'Restraint' a Realistic Grand Strategy? (Michael Page in Cicero Magazine) In his 2014 commencement address at West Point, President Obama was explicit in contrasting the wisdom of foreign policy "restraint" with the recklessness of certain unnamed past U.S. interventions abroad. "Since World War II," Obama declared, "some of our most costly mistakes came not from our restraint but from our willingness to rush into military adventures without thinking through the consequences, without building international support and legitimacy for our action, without leveling with the American people about the sacrifices required. Tough talk often draws headlines, but war rarely conforms to slogans." It's Time to Talk About Nukes Again (Robert Spalding III & Adam Lowther in Real Clear Defense) Speaking to a group of children, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised a topic that has seen little attention in more than a generation-nuclear war. While many American analysts were struck when Putin broached the subject, the fact that we are still talking about nuclear war should come as no surprise. After all, the United States failed to disarm a defeated adversary at the end of the Cold War - something that usually happens when you "win" a war. More importantly, the West is complicit in creating the dangerous perception that nuclear war is a threat that lies in our past. Steadying Allied Defenses in Korea (Bruce Klingner and Michael E. O'Hanlon in the Brookings Institution) A quarter century after the Cold War ended everywhere else, North Korea is still going strong. Why, then, have the United States and South Korea been planning to weaken their military alliance through a flawed policy known as "OpCon transfer"? Bilateral negotiations in Washington this week are a good opportunity to shelve such plans indefinitely. Why Is the Obama Administration Planning Cobra Gold 2015 with Thailand? (Joshua Kurlantzick in the Council on Foreign Relations) Despite the fact that Thai junta leader-turned prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha recently let slip that the current Thai regime might not hold elections until 2016 or later, U.S. policy toward the kingdom remains largely the same as before the coup. Some in the State Department and other parts of the administration have urged the U.S. government to take a tougher line against Thailand, noting that there should be a clear U.S. response to the overthrow of an elected government. An Act of War? The Law of Naval Mining (Scott Truver in War on the Rocks) Since the end of World War II, naval mines have seriously damaged or sunk three times as many U.S. Navy warships than any other weapon or means of attack: 15 of 20. | |||||
You are receiving this correspondence because you provided us with your email address as a part of your subscription. If you are receiving this in error, please go here to let us know. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment