War News Updates

Saudi Arabia's Security Forces Are Bracing For Problems During This Year's Hajj

2009-11-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

Between two and three million people perform Hajj every year [Reuters]

SAUDI ARABIA: Security Forces Issue Stern Warnings Ahead Of Hajj Pilgrimage -- L.A. Times

Handling an influx of 2.5 million pilgrims is a challenge during a good year, but at a time of increased tensions with Iran and rampant fears of swine flu, Saudi authorities are on high alert for any threat that could disrupt hajj, the annual holy Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

On Sunday, security forces sent a clear message to would-be saboteurs by staging a huge military demonstration involving thousands of troops, armored vehicles, helicopters, and first response teams. The Saudi government has announced it will deploy more than 100,000 security and emergency personnel for hajj, which will last from Wednesday to Sunday.

How World War II Wasn’t Won -- A Commentary

2009-11-24T01:00:00.001-05:00

Lt. Gen. Jacob L. Devers

From The New York Times:

SIXTY-FIVE years ago, in November 1944, the war in Europe was at a stalemate. A resurgent Wehrmacht had halted the Allied armies along Germany’s borders after its headlong retreat across northern France following D-Day. From Holland to France, the front was static — yet thousands of Allied soldiers continued to die in futile battles to reach the Rhine River.

One Allied army, however, was still on the move. The Sixth Army Group reached the Rhine at Strasbourg, France, on Nov. 24, and its commander, Lt. Gen. Jacob L. Devers, looked across its muddy waters into Germany. His force, made up of the United States Seventh and French First Armies, 350,000 men, had landed Aug. 15 near Marseille — an invasion largely overlooked by history but regarded at the time as “the second D-Day” — and advanced through southern France to Strasbourg. No other Allied army had yet reached the Rhine, not even hard-charging George Patton’s.

Read more ....

My Comment: A must read article for World War II buffs.

The Japanese Are Now Spending Money On Their Military

2009-11-23T23:59:00.004-05:00

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force escort ship Kurama (L) sails during a 2009 fleet review in Sagami Bay, October 25, 2009 Photo: AFP/GETTY

Japan To Build Fleet's Biggest Helicopter Destroyer To Fend Off China -- The Telegraph

Japan is set to commission the largest destroyer to join its fleet in response to a Chinese military buildup.

The nation's Maritime Self-Defence Force is reportedly planning to construct a new 284 metre long destroyer capable of transporting 14 helicopters, 4,000 people and 50 trucks.

The purchase is part of a wider military build up in which the Defence Ministry has sought funds to purchase around 40 F-35 fighter jets which will become the future mainstay of the nation's air force, according to Kyodo News.

Read more ....

My Comment: It is interesting that this official announcement comes a week after President Obama had visited the Japanese PM.

The Japanese are now reasserting themselves as a military power in Asia. This will probably be the first of many procurements, with future purchases dependent on what China does, U.S. decisions on its Pacific fleet and bases, North Korea, and stability of shipping lines and access to energy supplies.

China's Pursuit Of A 5th Generation Fighter

2009-11-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

Photo: PLAAF Deputy Commander Gen. He Weirong

China's Fifth-Generation Fighters and the Changing Strategic Balance -- Jamestown Foundation

On November 9, General He Weirong, deputy commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), confirmed long-standing speculations that the PLAAF is developing fifth-generation fighters (fourth-generation in Chinese standard), which may be in service within 8 to 10 years, and certainly by 2020. During an interview with state-owned China Central Television (CCTV) two days ahead of the 60th anniversary of the PLAAF on November 11, Deputy Commander He announced that the next-generation fighter would soon undergo its first flight, closely followed by flight trials (Xinhua News Agency, November 9). The senior military officer's disclosure reflects the considerable progress that the PLAAF has made in force modernization, which has exceeded Western expectations in terms of the pace of development and the capabilities of its defense industrial base. While China remains several steps behind the United States in operationalizing its advanced fighter jets, the PLA's rapid military modernization has raised concerns among U.S. allies in the region that the military balance is beginning to tilt toward China's favor.

Read more ....

More News On China;s 5th Generation Fighter

chinaChina expects fifth generation fighter in 10 years -- Flight Global
The new Chinese stealth fighter will be ready within 10 years -- Avionews
Air force to be armed with new generation of jets -- People's Daily

Is This One Of the Reasons Why President Obama Is Hesitating On A Military Strategy For Afghanistan?

2009-11-23T22:00:00.001-05:00

Taliban fighters detain a man for campaigning in the Afghan elections. British envoys want Karzai to reach a settlement with militant leaders. Photograph: Reuters

US In Back-Channel Talks With Afghan Taliban -- DAWN

ISLAMABAD: After fighting a bloody war in Afghanistan for more than eight years, the United States appears to have undertaken a re-think of its policy and has started engaging the Taliban in negotiations through Saudi and Pakistani intelligence agencies, highly-placed sources told Dawn here on Monday.

‘We have started ‘engagement’ with the Afghan Taliban and are hopeful that our efforts will bear fruit,’ a source involved in secret negotiations told this correspondent.

He said that four ‘major neutral players’ were engaged with the Afghan Taliban on behalf of the Saudi leadership and the General Intelligence Directorate (GID) of Saudi Arabia and the Pakistani leadership and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

Read more ....

My Comment: I am very skeptical that such talks (if true) will go anywhere. The Taliban leadership have made it very clear to their followers that there is no room for negotiation with the Afghan Government and NATO/U.S. forces unless they are willing to withdraw. Since that is not going to happen, from their perspective there is no reason to enter into discussions.

But if there has been preliminary talks, this tells me that President Obama may be trying his best to ascertain what the Taliban are thinking, and is using the pretext of talks to get this insight. On the flip side, the Taliban are probably doing the same thing. They are trying their best to ascertain what President Obama is, and are using the pretext of talks to get their own insight thinking.

This is a breaking story, and I will have more information tomorrow morning.

Will The Afghan Strategy Be Decided Tonight?

2009-11-23T21:00:00.000-05:00

Obama Adds National Security Session On Afghanistan -- L.A. Times

President Obama has added a nighttime meeting with his national security advisors to his schedule, the White House announced this morning, as the president prepares to make a decision on U.S. policy in the Afghan region.

The meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. It is at least the seventh full discussion of what to do in Afghanistan, whether to send more troops or to redefine the role of U.S. involvement.

Read more ....

More News on Tonight's Strategy Meeting On Afghanistan

Obama could lock in Afghanistan decision Monday -- AP
Obama to Meet Advisers on Afghanistan -- New York Times
No. 9: Obama Meets Again on Afghanistan -- Wall Street Journal
Obama to hold last-minute meeting on Afghanistan -- Press TV
FACTBOX-How Obama's Afghan strategy is shaping up -- Reuters
Obama's Afghanistan strategy must be more than more troops -- L.A. Times editorial

What Do Generals Do When They Retire?

2009-11-23T20:00:00.001-05:00

Brewing Flap Over Military Senior Mentors -- Small Wars Journal

How Some Retired Military Officers Became Well-paid Consultants - Tom Vanden Brook, Ken Dilanian and Ray Locker, USA Today.

... As "senior mentors," as the military calls them, the retired officers help run war games and offer advice to former colleagues. Some mentors make as much as $330 an hour as part-time government advisers, more than triple what their rate of pay was as high-level, active-duty officers. They earn more - far more, several mentors said in interviews - as consultants and board members to defense companies.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Small Wars Journal has collected a number of excellent articles that examines what Generals do when they retired. A number of valid points are raised.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- November 23, 2009

2009-11-23T19:00:00.001-05:00

President Obama Didn't Impress Asia -- John Bolton, Wall Street Journal

China and others know exactly how to take advantage of a 'post-American' President.

Barack Obama's first visit to Asia since his inauguration was one of the most disappointing trips by any U.S. president to the region in decades, especially given media-generated expectations that "Obamamania" would make it yet another triumphal progression. It was a journey of startlingly few concrete accomplishments, demonstrable proof that neither personal popularity nor media deference really means much in the hard world of international affairs.

Read more ....

COMMENTARIES, OPINIONS, AND EDITORIALS

Obama, the Great Wall, and Nixon’s Ghost -- William Moss, Foreign Policy

Obama's Nice Guy Act Gets Him Nowhere on the World Stage -- Gabor Steingart, Spiegel Online

Allied Leaders Idling on Obama's Decision -- Barbara Martinez, Real Clear World/Global Post

Afghanistan: The Fifth War -- Hendrik Hertzberg, The New Yorker

The Battle Over ‘Hearts and Minds’ -- Newsweek opinions

How Obama is courting danger: Civilian trials set back the war on terror -- Andrew C. Mccarthy, New York Daily News

Major Hasan and Holy War -- Reuel Marc Gerecht, Wall Street Journal

Instability Ahead in Northern Ireland -- Paul Bew, The Guardian

The End of Bolivian Democracy -- Mary Anastasia O'Grady, Wall Street Journal

Slipping in Turkey -- Washington Post editorial

Don't Neglect India -- Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post

Cubans are still in agony -- Cay Compass (Story from the Miami Herald)

The Brewing Democratic Civil War -- George Stephanopoulos, ABC News

Old Soldiers Never Cash Out -- New York Times editorial

World News Briefs -- November 23, 2009 (Evening Edition)

2009-11-23T18:00:00.001-05:00

Obama is not expected to make an announcement on strategy
until after the Thanksgiving holiday [AFP]

Obama To Meet War Cabinet On Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama gathered his war cabinet Monday for what officials indicated could be the final time before he decides whether to dispatch tens of thousands more US troops to Afghanistan.

Among top administration officials expected to attend the meeting at 8:00 pm (0100 GMT) were Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Middle East's regional and sectarian rivalries escalate Yemen conflict.

Palestinian president sees no new intifada.

Abbas to postpone PA elections.

Israel, Hamas near swap of prisoners for soldier. Hamas: Shalit swap hinges on one prisoner.

Iraqi lawmakers fail to resolve election law deadlock.

Iran stages war games, sits on West's nuclear offer.

ASIA

Sri Lanka sets date for Presidential poll.

Afghan attacks kill four US soldiers: NATO.

At least 30 killed in 'gruesome massacre of civilians' in the Philippines.

Pakistani forces attack Taliban in NW, kill 22.

Pakistan to US: Don't surge in Afghanistan, talk to Taliban.

Toll in Chinese mine explosion rises to 104.

Homes under threat as Australian wildfires blaze.

AFRICA

Congo fishing rights clashes ‘force thousands to flee’.

Feed the world? Band Aid 25 years on.

Egyptian President wades into Algeria soccer row; condemns attack on TV.

Ethiopia is now leasing farmland to outside agri businesses.

Start of ICC trial for two Congolese militiamen.

EUROPE

Romania's president, rival in runoff election.

Azerbaijan and Armenia make 'progress' on Karabakh.

N. Ireland on edge after huge car bomb planted.

Patrizia D'Addario: I was threatened and attacked after meeting Silvio Berlusconi.

Britain's Iraq war inquiry 'will not be a whitewash' says Sir John Chilcot.

French ship Russia wants to buy in St Petersburg.

Russia 'is now a criminal state', says Bill Browder.

AMERICAS

Honduras crisis ending with a whimper. Honduras election sets return to business as usual.

Venezuela to get 300 tanks, armored vehicles.

Venezuela vs. Colombia: Two leaders seek outside mediation.

Brazil’s President elbows U.S. on the diplomatic stage.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visits Brazil.

Cuba: military exercise braces island for US attack.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Lawyer: 9/11 defendants want platform for views.

Major Hasan and Holy War (a commentary).

Lawyer: 9/11 defendants want platform for views.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Analysis: U.S. Fed under fire as public anger mounts.

The 'real' jobless rate: 17.5% of workers are unemployed.

Economic survey: Job losses to bottom out in 1Q.

Wave of debt payments facing U.S. Government.

Gold jumps to record as slumping dollar spurs investment demand.

A Cyber Arms Race Is Now Underway. Is Anyone Noticing?

2009-11-23T17:00:00.003-05:00

"While we have not yet seen a 'hot' cyber war between major powers, the efforts of nation-states to build increasingly sophisticated cyberattack capabilities -- and in some cases demonstrate a willingness to use them -- suggests that a 'Cyber Cold War' may have already begun," a spokesperson from security firm McAfee said. Photograph by: canada.com illustration,

Cyber Warfare 'Now A Reality' With United States And Russia Armed -- The Telegraph

Cyber warfare is now a reality with at least five nations including the United States and Russia already armed with virtual weapons, according to a report.

A wave of politically-motivated cyber offensives this year – such as attacks on the White House and the US Department of Homeland Security – show that the international arms race is now moving online, a study claims.

The report warns that cyber strikes could have a "devastating" impact on national infrastructure with power grids, water supplies and financial markets all at risk.

Read more ....

More News On Cyberwar

Security company warns of 'cyber arms race' -- Canada.com
Report: Countries prepping for cyberwar -- CNN
U.S. is Striking Back in the Global Cyberwar -- U.S. News And World Report
Cyber Warfare Warning Sounded -- Information Week
The Drums of Cyberwar -- Tech News World
Cyberwarfare Becoming A Reality -- Vybes.com
Cyber warfare on the horizon -- The Australian

Yemen Civil War News Updates -- November 23, 2009

2009-11-23T16:00:00.001-05:00

Al Qaeda Yemen wing poses special menace: U.N. official -- Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) - Al Qaeda's Yemen wing is probably the most dangerous of its regional offshoots since it is closest to the leadership and seeks to attack oil giant Saudi Arabia, a U.N. counter-terrorism official said.

Richard Barrett, Coordinator of the U.N. Taliban-al Qaeda Sanctions Monitoring Committee, added the menace of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) was compounded by its ability to hide in unstable Yemen and the boldness of its ambition, shown by an attack on Saudi Arabia's security chief in August.

Read more ....

More News On Yemen's Civil War

'Saudi casualties' in border fight with rebels -- BBC
Saudi forces 'fighting in Yemen' -- Al Ajzeera
After defeat, Saudis launch major assault on Houthis -- Press TV
Issue of child soldiers raised in Yemen -- UPI
Saudi troops killed in Yemen rebel clashes: report -- Washington Post/Reuters
Yemen rebels accuse Saudi of launching major attack -- AFP
Conflict deepens crisis in Yemen -- Washington Post
Saudi Arabia goes to war -- Mai Yamania, The Guardian
UN still concerned over access to civilians displaced by Yemen conflict -- UN News Centre
Water shortage adds to Yemen woes -- Financial Times

President Obama's Options For Afghanistan

2009-11-23T15:00:00.001-05:00

Click Image to Enlarge

In 3 Tacks for Afghan War, a Game of Trade-Offs -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — Should President Obama decide to send 40,000 additional American troops to Afghanistan, the most ambitious plan under consideration at the White House, the military would have enormous flexibility to deploy as many as 15,000 troops to the Taliban center of gravity in the south, 5,000 to the critical eastern border with Pakistan and 10,000 as trainers for the Afghan security forces.

The rest could be deployed flexibly across the country, including to the NATO headquarters in Kabul, the capital, and in clandestine operations.

Read more ....

My Comment: Kudos to the New York Times for detailing the options that are available to President Obama. That is a considerable amount of information in this piece from the New York Times, and needs to be read completely. Click on the above image for a visually understanding of what may become the new Afghan strategy next year.

The New Red Army

2009-11-23T14:00:00.001-05:00

Russian President Medvedev

From Newsweek:

How Medvedev plans to reform the military—and why Obama should not be worried.

On a chilly day earlier this fall in a forest near the Lithuanian border, Dmitry Medvedev strode out to inspect one of Russia's latest tactical missiles as it was trundled into launch position. The president wore a green officer's jacket with commander-in-chief decals and used a pair of outsize binoculars to watch the rocket soar toward its target.

Read more ....

My Comment: Reforming and rebuilding the Russian Army is going to take more than a decade of heavy investment and supervision to get to a point that they can be a major player on the international field .... but they have to start somewhere and I guess now is the time.

Pakistan Civil War News Updates -- November 23, 2009

2009-11-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

Pakistan's Battle With Taliban Militants Expands North -- Christian Science Monitor

Many Pakistan Taliban fighters are fleeing an Army offensive in South Waziristan for another tribal agency, Orakzai, where troops killed 22 militants Sunday.

Pakistan militants are fleeing a military offensive in South Waziristan that has killed hundreds and are regrouping in another tribal agency, Orakzai. Pakistani security forces have followed, killing at least 22 Sunday in a battle in a village bordering Orakzai, which is just 10 miles south of Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province.

Read more ....

More News On Pakistan

Pakistani forces attack Taliban in NW, kill 22 -- Reuters
Pakistan's army attacks militants in northwest -- AP
Pakistan's army attacks militants in northwest -- AP
Taliban clashes with Pakistan army, 20 militants dead -- CNN
Officials: Pakistani troops kill some 40 militants -- AP
Pakistan troops repulse militant attack -- AFP
Escaping Taliban May Widen War as Pakistan Pays Cost -- Bloomberg
Security conference focuses on Pakistan nuclear capabilities -- Canada.com
Pakistan Nuclear Facilities At Risk: Former NSA -- RTT News
Pakistan nuclear facilities at risk: expert -- Press Trust of India
Pakistani militant group an intractable Indian foe -- Reuters
Amnesty List Puts Pressure on Pakistan Leader -- New York Times
Zardari party faces pressure over amnesty -- UPI
Politics by other means -- Dawn

Al Qaeda's Third Wave

2009-11-23T11:59:00.001-05:00

Photo: Hasan: One of many more attackers.

Fort Hood: Terror's 'Third Wave' -- New York Post

The Fort Hood killings were no isolated incident, but part of al Qaeda's "third wave."

The 9/11 terrorists were the first wave: Their attacks culminated years of direct attacks on America and the West by al Qaeda operators -- a core group of Saudi, Yemeni and other identifiably Arab men. But Osama bin Laden and his key assistants had long realized we'd take measures to guard against such foreigners -- that future attacks would have to draw on a new "talent" pool.

Read more ....

My Comment: A sobering assessment on what to expect from Al Qaeda in the future.

Cyberwarfare: The Issue China Won't Touch

2009-11-23T11:00:00.001-05:00

A new study reports that the international arms race is now moving online.
Photo from The Telegraph

From Time Magazine:

U.S. President Barack Obama's trip to China has a dirty little secret: cyberwarfare. It is an issue Beijing refuses to acknowledge exists, but it has the potential to torpedo military relations between the two nations. Almost every other conceivable area of disagreement between China and the U.S. will have been raised during Obama's visit by one side or the other — even such highly sensitive issues as human rights and the unrest in Tibet and Xinjiang province. But even if U.S. officials try to raise the issue of what they believe is a constant and growing campaign by China to infiltrate U.S. networks, steal secrets and hone Beijing's ability to wreak havoc in case of military conflict, the likelihood is that Chinese officials will simply deny that the problem exists, as they have done with great success in the past. From the American point of view, there's unfortunately currently little Washington can do to change that state of affairs.

Read more ....

My Comment: While everyone is reporting on the recent news that China has the technical information necessary to build stealth fighters within 10 years, no one is asking the more interesting question .... did China develop this technology on their own .... or did they steal it.

If they were able to get this valuable technical information through espionage .... cyber attacks would be on the top of their preferred way of doing it. Since major U.S. aviation companies have already been targeted by Chinese hackers, one can then assume that this is how they have been successful in getting this information.

And how does the White House response to all of this .... silence against those who are targeting us, and a commitment to spend large amounts of money playing defense.

Britain's Iraq War Inquiry To Start This Week

2009-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

British soldiers take up positions as they guard outside the presidential palace during a handover ceremony in Basra in 2007 Photo: REUTERS

Iraq War Inquiry 'Will Not Be A Whitewash' Says Sir John Chilcot -- The Telegraph

The inquiry into events surrounding the Iraq war will not produce a report that is a "whitewash", Sir John Chilcot, the man in charge of it, has insisted.

Sir John denied that his background in the heart of the establishment would compromise his independence.

"All five members of the committee, myself included, are now completely independent, from different perspectives and different bodies of experience," he said.

Read more ....

More News On Britain's Iraq War Inquiry

'No whitewash' from Iraq inquiry -- BBC
Iraq report: Leaks at heart of inquiry’s key issues -- The Telegraph
Report: Leaked UK documents detail Iraq war chaos -- AP
Leaked documents reveal No 10 cover-up over Iraq invasion -- The Guardian
Iraq inquiry will not decide if war was legal or illegal -- The Guardian
Iraq report: Secret plans for war, no plans for peace -- The Telegraph
Tony Blair still has questions to answer on Iraq -- The Telegraph
Iraq war caused rupture between British and American military -- The Telegraph
British, US military tensions over Iraq: report -- AFP
The Iraq war files -- The Telegraph
The path to war will come under new scrutiny -- Times Online
The Iraq inquiry sideshow -- Chris Ames, The Guardian
Secrecy will not help us learn the lessons of Iraq -- the Telegraph

Afghanistan War News Updates -- November 23, 2009

2009-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

U.S. Army Sgt. Jory Miller prepares his M-240 machine gun for a test fire at an observation post near Combat Outpost Munoz, Paktika province, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2009. Miller is assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith

4 American Military Personnel Die in Afghanistan -- New York Times

KABUL, Afghanistan — Four United States troops have died fighting in Afghanistan in the last 24 hours, NATO said in a statement Monday, as the Obama administration continued deliberations on increasing the number of American forces here.

Three died on Sunday in southern Afghanistan in two separate incidents. One was killed in a small arms attack by insurgents and the other two when a roadside bomb exploded. A fourth service member died in eastern Afghanistan Monday in a roadside bomb attack. American soldiers are primarily fighting in southern and eastern Afghanistan.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

US and Afghan soldiers killed in Afghanistan -- BBC
4 US service members die in Afghan attacks -- AFP
Five Afghan border guards killed by roadside bomb -- AFP
3 Afghan soldiers killed, 9 others injured -- China View
FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Nov 23 -- Reuters

Pricing an Afghanistan Troop Buildup is no Simple Calculation -- L.A. Times
Seeking true cost of troop buildup -- Chicago Tribune
In 3 Tacks for Afghan War, a Game of Trade-Offs -- New York Times
Obama's Afghanistan options fall into 3 strategies -- Dallas News

Afghans Face Rise in Attacks -- Wall Street Journal
Afghanistan: British offering amnesties to Taliban who defect to government -- The Telegraph
British to Train Local Afghan Militias in New Hearts and Minds Push -- Times Online
Guardian Report: US Setting Aside $1.3 Billion For Anti-Taliban Afghan Militias -- Huffington Post
US 'supplying anti-Taliban tribal militias with ammunition' -- The Telegraph
Afghan Militias Battle Taliban With Aid of U.S. -- New York Times
In Afghanistan, A Drive to Lure Taliban with Jobs, Security -- L.A. Times
In Afghanistan, fighting a legacy of corruption -- USA Today
Army's dogs of war lack bite needed to take on the Taleban -- Times Online
NATO chief intensifies push to get more allied contributions to Afghan force -- Canadian Press
General Says Canada Fears for Afghans -- New York Times
Afghan security plans 'a tall order' -- AFP
Marines in Afghanistan hear a plea: Don't leave too soon -- L.A. Times

Commentaries And Opinions

A false light at the end of a long tunnel -- Julian Borger, The Guardian
A Plan C for Afghanistan -- E.J. Dionne Jr., Washington Post
The Battle Over ‘Hearts and Minds’ -- Newsweek opinions.
Trusting The President On Afghanistan -- Karlyn Bowman, Forbes
Any involvement in Afghanistan is futile -- OpEdNews

World News Briefs -- November 23, 2009

2009-11-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

Copenhagen Climate Summit: 60 Heads Of State To Attend -- BBC

Hopes for the Copenhagen climate summit in December have been boosted after it emerged that more than 60 presidents and prime ministers plan to attend.

There had been concern that no strong agreement would emerge from the talks in Copenhagen.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Abbas to postpone PA elections.

Hamas: Shalit swap hinges on one prisoner.

Iraqi lawmakers fail to resolve election law deadlock.

Iran stages war games, sits on West's nuclear offer.

ASIA

Afghan attacks kill four US soldiers: NATO.

21 Filipinos killed on way to file election papers.

Pakistani forces attack Taliban in NW, kill 22.

Pakistan to US: Don't surge in Afghanistan, talk to Taliban.

Toll in Chinese mine explosion rises to 104.

Homes under threat as Australian wildfires blaze.

AFRICA

Feed the world? Band Aid 25 years on.

Egyptian President wades into Algeria soccer row; condemns attack on TV.

Ethiopia is now leasing farmland to outside agri businesses.

Start of ICC trial for two Congolese militiamen.

EUROPE

N. Ireland on edge after huge car bomb planted.

Patrizia D'Addario: I was threatened and attacked after meeting Silvio Berlusconi.

Britain's Iraq war inquiry 'will not be a whitewash' says Sir John Chilcot.

French ship Russia wants to buy in St Petersburg.

Russia 'is now a criminal state', says Bill Browder.

AMERICAS

Venezuela vs. Colombia: Two leaders seek outside mediation.

Brazil’s President elbows U.S. on the diplomatic stage.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visits Brazil.

Cuba: military exercise braces island for US attack.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Major Hasan and Holy War (a commentary).

Lawyer: 9/11 defendants want platform for views.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Economic survey: Job losses to bottom out in 1Q.

Wave of debt payments facing U.S. Government.

Gold hits new record high on weakening dollar.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- November 23, 2009

2009-11-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Arthur J. Lichte stands in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker on the flightline at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Lichte, a general, retired Nov. 20 from his post as the commander of Air Mobility Command. Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios / Air Force

General Reflects On Changes At Air Mobility -- Air Force Times

The longest trips Gen. Arthur J. Lichte took growing up in the Bronx were on the subway to different boroughs of New York City. He never gave it a thought that one day he would fly airplanes around the world.

On Friday, Lichte retired from the Air Force as commander of Air Mobility Command, ending a 38-year career that stretched from the Cold War to irregular warfare.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Turkey threatens to cancel drones deal with Israel -- Jerusalem Post

U.S. Air Force Awards $302.9 Million Production Contract to Northrop Grumman for Five Global Hawk High-Altitude, Long-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems -- Northrup Grumman

U.S. May Add Money to Program for F-35 Jet -- New York Times

Japan gearing up to acquire F-35 fighters instead of F-22s -- Japan Today

Australian Defence in la-la land about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter -- ELP Defens(c)e Blog

Indian Navy keen to buy newer generation aircraft -- Thaindian News

China Stealth -- Maybe, Maybe Not -- Ares/Aviation Week

Chinese SSBNs Much Noisier than 1970s-era Soviet Boats -- Information Dissemination

US lawmakers press on Taiwan arms sales -- AFP

Commander: Enemies' Targets in Persian Gulf within Navy's Gunshot -- Hamsayeh.net

Intelligence Ops Greatest Chinese Threat to United States of America -- World Sentinel

Intelligence: America And The Enemy Within -- The Strategy Page

Female Troops to Get Unique Package -- Military.com

Hero Who Led Last Bayonet Charge Dies -- Military.com

The British And The U.S. Had A Dysfunctional Military Relationship During The Iraq War

2009-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

U.S. General Ray Odierno addressing a ceremony marking the pullout of British troops from Iraq in May, 2009. Photo from Radio Free Europe

Hostility Between British And American Military Leaders Revealed -- The Telegraph

The deep hostility of Britain’s senior military commanders in Iraq towards their American allies has been revealed in classified Government documents leaked to the Daily Telegraph.

In the papers, the British chief of staff in Iraq, Colonel J.K.Tanner, described his US military counterparts as “a group of Martians” for whom “dialogue is alien,” saying: “Despite our so-called ‘special relationship,’ I reckon we were treated no differently to the Portuguese.”

Read more ....

My Comment: One has to wonder if the same dysfunctional relationship exists in Afghanistan. I personally doubt it .... and I have heard no bad experiences .... but still .... you have to wonder.

Are The Troubles Returning To Northern Ireland?

2009-11-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

A burnt-out car is examined in Belfast after co-ordinated gun and bomb attacks

Dissident Republicans Blamed For 400lb Bomb After Christmas 'Spectacular' Threat -- Times Online

Irish terrorism will return to the top of the security agenda today after co-ordinated gun and bomb attacks in Northern Ireland confirmed the determination by so-called dissident republicans to strike hard against the Province’s fragile peace before Christmas.

Security chiefs are increasingly fearful that breakaway groups from the Provisional IRA will achieve their objective of a “spectacular” before the year’s end, further imperilling the prospect of an end to political deadlock between the Province’s main parties.

Read more ....

More News On Northern Ireland

Ulster on alert after attacks -- The Sun
Republican terrorists 'widening attacks across Northern Ireland' -- The Guardian
Bombings and Gunfights Evidence of Dissident Republican Offensive -- Digital Journal
Police targeted in N. Ireland bomb attack -- CNN
Irish republicans try to blow up Belfast police building -- Times Online
Botched bombing targets Northern Ireland police -- ABC News (Australia)
400lb car bomb goes off outside Northern Ireland's Policing Board -- The Telegraph
Four arrested after N Ireland attacks -- Financial Times
Dissident attacks will not succeed, say North's leaders -- Irish Times
Reaction to dissident attacks -- BBC

US Pours Millions Into Anti-Taliban Militias In Afghanistan

2009-11-23T04:00:00.001-05:00

A former Taliban fighter hands over his arms to join government troops in Herat. Photograph: Reza Shirmohammadi/AFP/Getty Images

From The Guardian:

• Special forces funding fighters in Afghanistan
• Fears strategy could further destabilise country

US special forces are supporting anti-Taliban militias in at least 14 areas of Afghanistan as part of a secretive programme that experts warn could fuel long-term instability in the country.

The Community Defence Initiative (CDI) is enthusiastically backed by Stanley McChrystal, the US general commanding Nato forces in Afghanistan, but details about the programme have been held back from non-US alliance members who are likely to strongly protest.

Read more ....

My Comment: As more news and information comes out, protests against such a program will probably increase .... the hiring of mercenaries to do our dirty work. But from my point of view, this program .... if properly coordinated by embedded special forces .... will probably be a smashing success.

In the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, special forces were embedded in Northern Alliance and anti Taliban forces throughout Afghanistan. This combination and cooperation was terribly effective in decimating and/or destroying entire units of the Taliban.

U.S. commanders are obviously hoping for a repeat of history, and are also using their Iraqi experience to further fortify their attempts to make such a cooperation not only feasible, but effective over the long run.

General McChrystal has always wanted to take off the gloves to go after the Taliban, and it appears that he will do so but with a mercenary army of Afghans backed with the advice and firepower of embedded U.S. military personnel.

This has the potential to be a game changer in the Afghan war.

US Builds Up Its Bases In Oil-Rich South America

2009-11-23T03:00:00.001-05:00

From The Independent:

From the Caribbean to Brazil, political opposition to US plans for 'full-spectrum operations' is escalating rapidly

The United States is massively building up its potential for nuclear and non-nuclear strikes in Latin America and the Caribbean by acquiring unprecedented freedom of action in seven new military, naval and air bases in Colombia. The development – and the reaction of Latin American leaders to it – is further exacerbating America's already fractured relationship with much of the continent.

Read more ....

My Comment: Hmmmm ....

The United States is massively building up its potential for nuclear and non-nuclear strikes in Latin America and the Caribbean ....

Independent's reporter Hugh O'Shaughnessy is either insane or he is completely ignorant of Latin American history and politics .... or both.

The idea that President Obama has authorized the establishment of U.S. bases in Colombia to build up its potential for nuclear and non-nuclear strikes in Latin America and the Caribbean strains one's imagination or believability.

The idea that U.S. warships would also attack Brazilian oil platforms that are managed by American and Brazilian companies made me laugh for a few minutes. Yup .... the U.S. Navy attacking American oil platform managers and workers.

The rest of this article is just as absurd and silly to read .... but this is now the standard of Labor journalism in Great Britain.

On a serious note, Latin America's number one problem are the many narco wars that are now impacting almost every country in the region. With tens of thousands being killed on an annual basis, the U.S. presence is unfortunately too little and too late. If present trends continue, every country in Central America and almost all of the countries in South America will be fighting .... on some level .... a bloody drug war.

Unfortunately, when papers like the Independent spend more time on reporting on stories that the U.S. may be positioning their nuclear forces to attack South American targets .... instead of focusing on the drug wars and the carnage that it produces for the people of Latin America (especially in Central America and the northern part of South America) .... this disconnect from reality will continue, but only for the readers of Britain's Independent newspaper.

Another U.K. Defense Procurement That Does Not Make Sense

2009-11-23T02:00:00.002-05:00

Members of the 15 Squadron RAF Regiment in Iraq in April, 2009: the armoured vehicles will be used in Canada and Britain because they offer insufficient protection against mines in Afghanistan. (Lewis Whyld/PA)

MoD Spent £149m On Tanks Unfit For Service -- Times Online

The Ministry of Defence has been criticised for spending £149 million on an “urgent” upgrade to 900 tanks that can still only be used for training.

The armoured vehicles will be used in Canada and Britain because they offer insufficient protection against mines in Afghanistan.

A defence source described the procurement, at a time when equipment shortages for troops have caused public anger, as a waste of money. “We certainly don’t need 900 of these things for training. It seems crazy to do this upgrade work on vehicles that are more than 40 years old and then put them into storage, which is what will happen to most of them,” he said.

Read more ....

Update: Army's dogs of war lack bite needed to take on the Taleban -- Times Online

My Comment: Building aircraft carriers with insufficient planes, Afghan operations with insufficient helicopters, little (if any) support for wounded vets, equipment shortages from radios to night goggles abound ..... and now this. Tanks that are completely useless for the men in the field.

What can I say that has already been said .....