Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Germanwings Flight's Final Moments Cell Phone Video Found



CNN: Video of Germanwings flight's final seconds?

Dusseldorf, Germany (CNN)Reports say video found in the wreckage on a French mountainside shows the nightmarish final seconds of Germanwings Flight 9525, but a police spokesman said the accounts were "completely wrong."

French magazine Paris Match and German newspaper Bild reported that a video recovered from a cell phone at the wreckage site showed the inside of the plane moments before it crashed.

"One can hear cries of 'My God' in several languages. Metallic banging can also be heard more than three times, perhaps of the pilot trying to open the cockpit door with a heavy object. Towards the end, after a heavy shake, stronger than the others, the screaming intensifies. Then nothing," Paris Match reports.

The two publications described the video, which they said was found by a source close to the investigation, but did not post it on their websites.


Update: Alps crash video 'found' -- Press Association

WNU Editor: The French prosecutor responsible for overseeing the French criminal investigation into the crash told AP Tuesday night that no cell phone video has been found from the plane .... Prosecutor: No video of final seconds before Germanwings crash (CBS/AP). \but considering the details of this case .... nothing will surprise me if it is true.

Is A Major Middle Eastern War Possible With Today's Conditions?

Deir al-Zour, like many sites in Syria, has been laid waste by the war, leaving more Syrians fleeing as aid runs low. Credit Khalil Ashawi/Reuters

Steven P. Bucci, Real Clear Defense/Heritage Foundation: The Conditions Are Ripe For A Major Middle Eastern War

For years, the great nations of Europe spent huge sums of money to build their military might. They assembled themselves into blocs, all the better to play a dangerous game of power politics. Slowly, surely, they were stumbling toward war.

In June 1914, an assassin shot the heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the powder keg was lit. The results were disastrous.

The Middle East today looks frighteningly similar to the Europe of the early 20th Century.

For years, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have competed—Iran, as the champion of the Shia Islamic world, the House of Saud as the de facto leader of the Sunni world.

WNU Editor: We are still a long way-off from such a scenario .... but the trends are disturbing.

The United States Is At War In Yemen



Micah Zenko, Foriegn Policy: Make No Mistake — the United States Is at War in Yemen

The White House just doesn’t want to admit it.

The Obama administration revealed that the United States was participating in yet another Middle East military intervention via a press release from the spokesperson of the National Security Council (NSC). This time, it’s Yemen. Late Wednesday evening, March 25, the White House posted a statement declaring: “President Obama has authorized the provision of logistical and intelligence support to GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council]-led military operations.”

There was no prime-time address by the president or secretary of defense — the only two people in the national command authority who can lawfully direct the U.S. military to engage in hostilities. There was no statement from the Department of Defense, the federal agency responsible for those armed forces providing the support to the GCC, or comment from U.S. Central Command, the combatant command whose geographic area of responsibility includes the GCC members and Yemen itself. Rather, the NSC spokesperson simply let us know.

U.S. officials subsequently emphasized that aiding partner countries in their intervention into Yemen is simply “providing enabling support,” as Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini, Middle East principal director of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, told a House hearing last week. And the NSC made it clear that “U.S. forces are not taking direct military action in Yemen.”

Yet, make no mistake, the United States is a combatant in this intervention.


WNU Editor: I concur .... the U.S. is involved in another Middle East war .... and in this war there are no specific goals or objectives, no clear courses of action, and no idea on what the "end state" or exit strategy would entail. There has also been no debate or vote in Congress, no mention from the U.S. President or the Pentagon, and little if any media coverage on what the U.S. military and/or intelligence community may end up doing in Yemen. In fact .... I do not even know why we are involved in this fight.

Iranian Nuclear Talks Are Extended For One More Day



New York Times: Iran Nuclear Talks Extended to Wednesday, Negotiators Say

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Negotiators from the United States, Iran and five other nations extended their deadline until Wednesday as they struggled to agree on a preliminary accord to limit Tehran’s nuclear program.

With a previously enunciated deadline just hours away, and after a full day of talks with most of the foreign ministers from the seven countries involved in the negotiations, an American official said that they were still working to resolve several issues.

“We’ve made enough progress in the last days to merit staying until Wednesday,” said Marie Harf, a State Department spokeswoman. “There are several difficult issues remaining.”

WNU Editor: My guess is that US Sec. of State Kerry is staying for one more day to try and bring back something "concrete" to Washington to show to Congress that progress is being made. My prediction .... he will have nothing for the simple reason that the Iranians are not willing to budge on giving up their enrich material nor are they interested in scaling back their research. In turn .... the U.S. Congress will now need to decide if they should impose additional sanctions against Iran when they get back from their recess in two weeks.

More News On The Iranian Nuclear Talks Being Extended For One More Day

Iran nuke talks drag past deadline -- AP
Diplomats to continue Iran nuclear talks into Wednesday -- Washington Post
Iran talks extended at least one day amid tough bargaining -- L.A. Times
Talks for framework of Iran nuclear deal to continue -- CNN
Iran Nuclear Deadline Will Pass, But Worth Continuing to Negotiate, US Says -- ABC News
U.S. backtracks and says it will work past today for Iran nuclear deal if 'necessary' after last week saying deadline was 'firm' -- Daily Mail

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- March 31, 2015

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif before a meeting in Geneva January 14, 2015. Reuters/Rick Wilking

Eli Lake, Bloomberg: Iran's Charmer in Chief Wins Again

Now is the time to praise Javad Zarif. Whatever you might think of Iran's foreign minister, he knows how to bargain.

With a final announcement due any moment from negotiations over Iran's nuclear program in Lausanne, Switzerland, Iran appears to be doing quite well for itself.

After all, before the real negotiations began, Iran won vague recognition -- from the U.S. and five other great powers -- that it has a right to enrich uranium. Between 2008 and 2012, the United Nations Security Council passed five resolutions sanctioning Tehran for violating the nuclear non-proliferation treaty by operating centrifuges at facilities it had not bothered to tell the International Atomic Energy Agency about.


Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- March 31, 2015

We have to stop nuclear negotiations from overshadowing Iran's human rights record -- Mahdieh Javid and Firuzeh Mahmoudi, The Guardian

Iran’s Latest Bait and Switch -- Alan Johnson, World Affairs

Explained: Iran's Nuclear Calculus -- James R. Holmes, RCD

Iran now as much a threat to peace as IS -- Peter Hartcher, Sydney Morning Herald

Iran Claims U.S. Airstrikes are Killing Its Men in Iraq -- Jamie Dettmer, Daily Beast

Don't cheer Saudi Arabia's foolhardy war in Yemen -- Kevin B. Sullivan, The Week

Analyst: Joint-Arab Military Force Poses Perilous Challenge -- Heather Murdock, VOA

Geopolitical Tremors: America, Nuclear Talks and the New Middle East -- Spiegel Online

Does Israel Really Have a Thermonuclear Weapon? -- Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Policy

What Will Xi Do Next in the South China Sea? -- New America Foundation

Debt Could Derail China's Ambitions -- William Pesek, Bloomberg

Vladimir Putin is fighting for political survival – by provoking unrest in Ukraine -- John Simpson, New Statesman

Greece looks to Russia as deal with Europe stumbles -- Liz Alderman, Business Standard

Special Report: Inside Hungary's $10.8 billion nuclear deal with Russia -- Krisztina Than, Reuters

How big a threat are the world's jihadi groups? -- Seth G. Jones, CSM

Two-step approach to preventing next Germanwings disaster -- Christopher and Jennifer Gandin Le, Reuters

The Hidden Effects of Cheap Oil -- Moisés Naím, The Atlantic

World News Briefs -- March 31, 2015 (Evening Edition)



Time: Muhammadu Buhari Wins Nigeria’s Presidency in Stunning Upset

Winning may be just the easy part in a country plagued by insurgency, corruption and economic malaise

In a radical reversal of fortune, presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari has proven that the fourth run is the charm when it comes to being elected President of Nigeria. In an election plagued by technical mishaps, Buhari has sealed victory over incumbent Goodluck Jonathan by little more than two million votes in the tightest race the country has seen since the end of military rule in 1999.


MIDDLE EAST

Iran, US willing to continue nuclear talks into Wednesday. Iran talks may continue past midnight deadline, officials say. Iran, powers push for nuclear deal as clock ticks toward deadline. Still unclear if Iran nuclear deal possible: German diplomats.

Mideast powers trade blame as Yemen teeters.

Heavy clashes on Saudi-Yemen border; Hadi government pleads for troops.

Saudi-led forces pound Yemen Shiite rebels as Iran sends aid. Saudi Arabia says military push will last until Yemen stable. Iran denies sending arms to rebels in Yemen.

UN, aid groups plead for Yemeni civilians' safety.

Iraq PM says Tikrit 'liberated' after month-long battle. Iraq forces retake government HQ in Tikrit. Iraqi forces seize government headquarters in battle for Tikrit.

Syrian media: Islamic State attacks government-held village. Syrian military source alleges Turkish role in Idlib offensive.

Syria donor event opens with more than $1 billion in pledges.

Anonymous hacker group threatens Israel with ‘cyber-holocaust’.

Massive power cut causes chaos in Turkey.

Turkish President warns Iran about trying to dominate Middle East.

Shots heard at building where Turkish far-left group seized hostage. Gunfire, blasts at Istanbul hostage standoff. Turkish special forces enter Istanbul courthouse after prosecutor taken hostage. Turkish prosecutor taken hostage in Istanbul. Turkish prosecutor taken hostage in Istanbul.

ASIA

Pakistan to aid Saudi coalition in Yemen.

Thai leader moves to lift martial law, impose absolute power. Thai PM to lift martial law. Thailand PM 'to replace martial law' with new restrictions.

Philippine military ends campaign against Islamist rebel group. Philippines ends offensive against small Muslim rebel group.

Myanmar government, rebels sign draft peace deal. Myanmar army and rebels sign draft ceasefire agreement. Burmese government signs draft ceasefire deal with rebel groups.

India-Japan to focus on maritime security.

Indonesia launches military exercises to guard against security threats.

NGOs in China fear clampdown as Xi Jinping plans new security controls.

Vietnam hit by rare strike at major footwear factory.

AFRICA

Nigeria's Buhari wins historic election landslide. Nigeria's Jonathan concedes after results show Buhari near victory. Jonathan congratulates Buhari on the phone.

E. Africa braces for security fallout from Yemen conflict.

Troops repel Boko Haram raid on Niger: Chad military. Chad army says 54 Islamist militants killed in Nigeria fighting.

Head of rival govt in Libya capital sacked: MP.

Libyan government will request Arab League intervention: Libya PM.

South Sudan has become an aid-dependent entity.

Hardline Mali rebel demands stall hopes for peace.

Uganda prosecutor in al-Shabab bomb case shot dead.

Egypt court frees 68 activists in rare move.

Rise in illegal fishing threatens to revive Somali piracy.

S.Africa mining massacre report to be submitted.

EUROPE

US forces to hold exercises in Ukraine.

Former NATO Chief Clark predicts new offensive in Ukraine.

Forget Greece, Ukraine is now Europe's most economically unstable country.

Financing Crimea may cost Russia $6-7Bln annually - former Finance Minister.

Greece, lenders, fail to unlock aid so far - officials.

Euro bailout rebel quits senior German governing party job.

Unease about immigration at core of UK election campaign.

Germanwings co-pilot had 'suicidal tendencies' in the past.

Three arrested in connection with Paris killings.

Catalonia nationalists plan 2017 secession from Spain.

AMERICAS

Defense resumes in trial of Boston bombing suspect.

Peru's Prime Minister Ana Jara deposed over spy row. Peru's prime minister to resign after censure vote.

Canadian Parliament backs air strikes on Islamic State in Syria.

5mn Venezuelans sign petition against US aggression & interference.

Transportation strike in Argentina shuts down country.

Argentina complains to UN over UK’s 'militarization' of Falklands.

Americans cling to claims for property seized by Cuba.

US State dept official: Cuba aims to ramp up internet access.

Panama Canal sets sights on new $17 billion expansion project.

Mexico arrests man wanted in massacre of 72 migrants.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Commencing jihad: ISIS tweets photos of military 'graduation'.

Libya calls for global task force to create anti-terrorism charter.

Jabhat Al-Nusra's win in Idlib highlights Al Qaeda's strategy to defeat President Bashar Assad.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

In 20 years, the world may run out of minable gold.

Asia’s middle class changes demand for wheat grain exporters.

Jay Z promotes 'artist-owned' music streaming brand.

Russia's Gazprom: Profits plunge 70%.

Taiwan to join China-led regional bank, Japan says not now.

Peru's Prime Minister Ousted Over Spying Scandal



BBC: Peru's Prime Minister Ana Jara deposed over spy row

Peruvian Prime Minister Ana Jara was forced to step down after losing a vote of confidence in Congress on Monday.

Ms Jara was censured over allegations that Peru's intelligence agency had for years gathered information on leading figures in business and politics.

President Ollanta Humala must now select a new prime minister and cabinet.

It is considered the biggest crisis of his presidency since he took office in July 2011.

In Peru, the president is the head of the executive, but analysts say having his number two deposed by the opposition-dominated Congress is a sign of his waning influence.

A recent opinion poll by Ipsos suggested Mr Humala's popularity rating had dropped to 25%.

More News On Peru's Prime Minister Being Ousted Over A Spying Scandal

Peru's prime minister, government to resign after censure vote -- Reuters
Peru sacks PM over alleged domestic spying -- AFP
Peru Congress Deposes Cabinet Chief for First Time Since ‘63 -- Bloomberg
Peru’s Congress Votes to Remove Prime Minister Ana Jara -- WSJ
Peru Congress Deposes Prime Minister Amid Major Spying Scandal -- Sputnik
Peru sacks Prime Minister Ana Jara over alleged domestic spying -- IBTimes

A New Saudi Arabian Foreign Policy?



David D. Kirpatrick, New York Times: As U.S. and Iran Seek Nuclear Deal, Saudi Arabia Makes Its Own Moves

CAIRO — As America talks to Iran, Saudi Arabia is lashing out against it.

The kingdom, Iran’s chief regional rival, is leading airstrikes against an Iranian-backed faction in Yemen; backing a blitz in Idlib, Syria, by jihadists fighting the Iranian-backed Assad regime; and warning Washington not to allow the Iranian-backed militia to capture too much of Iraq during the fight to roll back the Islamic State, according to Arab diplomats familiar with the talks.

Through Egypt, a major beneficiary of Saudi aid, the kingdom is backing plans for a combined Arab military force to combat Iranian influence around the region. With another major aid recipient, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia is also expected to step up its efforts to develop a nuclear bomb, potentially setting off an arms race in the region.

All this comes just a few weeks after the death of King Abdullah and the passing of the throne to a new ruler, King Salman, who then installed his 34-year-old son Mohamed in the powerful dual roles of defense minister and chief of the royal court.


WNU Editor: When Saudi King Abdullah was in charge he always had a patient approach towards the U.S. as well as how the Saudi kingdom should conduct its affairs in the Middle East. His successors have clearly adopted a different policy and strategy .... and we are now seeing it in Yemen.

Why Did An Iranian Aircraft Buzz A U.S. Navy Helicopter (Within 50 Yards) In The Persian Gulf?

Photo: An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in November 2014.

CNN: First on CNN: Iranian aircraft buzzes Navy helicopter in Persian Gulf

Washington (CNN)An Iranian military observation aircraft flew within 50 yards of an armed U.S. Navy helicopter over the Persian Gulf this month, sparking concern that top Iranian commanders might not be in full control of local forces, CNN has learned.

The incident, which has not been publicly disclosed, troubled U.S. military officials because the unsafe maneuver could have triggered a serious incident.

It also surprised U.S. commanders because in recent months Iranian forces have conducted exercises and operations in the region in a professional manner, one U.S. military official told CNN.

"We think this might have been locally ordered," the official said.


WNU Editor: We are only hearing the U.S. side of this story .... and while I trust the U.S. far more than I do Iran .... I sense that there is more to this story than what we are being told.

Are The Iranian Nuclear Talks Just Another US vs Russia (And China) Power Game?

P5+1 European Union officials and Iranian officials wait for the start of a meeting on Iran's nuclear program at the Beau Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne on March 30, 2015. Reuters/Brendan Smialowski

Tyler Durden, Zero Hedge: The Iran "Talks" - Just Another US vs Russia (And China) Power Game

Update, and just as expected: IRAN NUCLEAR NEGOTIATORS MAY MISS 3RD DEADLINE: U.S. OFFICIAL

In what has been the world's longest negotiation (we are only modestly joking: the Iran P5+1 nuclear "talks" started in 2013 and have yet to achieve anything) one whose "rolling deadline" has been breached time and time again, it appears that with today's latest deadline just hours away, the most likely outcome is another deadline extension even though, as Reuters puts it, "Iran and six world powers ramped up the pace on Tuesday in negotiations over a preliminary deal on Tehran's nuclear program, while officials cautioned that any agreement would likely be fragile and incomplete."

The negotiations, which we have largely ignored covering as the past has abundantly shown that nothing ever actually gets done except for a lot of talking, posturing, gesticulating and pizza-ordering, have seen the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China trying to break an impasse in the talks, which are aimed at stopping Iran from gaining the capacity to develop a nuclear bomb in exchange for easing international sanctions that are crippling its economy.


WNU Editor: I am sure that U.S. - China - Russian politics and diplomacy between themselves are involved n these talks .... but Iran has always marched to its own tune, and I expect them to continue doing just that.

Nigeria's Opposition Party Declares Victory In Presidential Elections



Reuters: Buhari claims victory in historic Nigerian vote

(Reuters) - Nigeria's opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) declared an election victory on Tuesday for former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari and said Africa's most populous nation was witnessing history with its first democratic transfer of power.

"The people of Nigeria have taken over," an ecstatic APC spokesman Lai Mohammed told Reuters at the house in the capital where Buhari, a sandal-wearing Muslim ascetic watching the results on television.

"This is the first time in Nigeria that a sitting government will be voted out of power using purely democratic means."

More News On Nigeria's Elections

Opposition party declares victory in Nigeria election -- Al Jazeera
Nigeria election: Buhari poised for victory as governing party cries foul -- The Guardian
Buhari leads Jonathan in Nigeria election -- USA Today
Buhari Closes in on Historic Victory in Nigerian Election -- VOA
Muhammadu Buhari Holds Narrow Lead Over Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria Election -- WSJ
In Nigeria’s Election, Muhammadu Buhari Holds Lead Over Goodluck Jonathan -- NYT
Who is Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari? -- Susannah Cullinane and Stephanie Busari, CNN

Is This Al Qaeda's Strategy To Defeat President Bashar Assad?

Rebel fighters, one of them carrying a flag used by al Qaeda's Nusra Front, celebrate at the Mihrab roundabout in the Idlib city centre, after they took control of the area on March 28, 2015. Reuters/Khalil Ashawi

IBTimes: Jabhat Al-Nusra's Win In Idlib Highlights Al Qaeda's Strategy To Defeat President Bashar Assad

The Syrian civil war began as a battle between Syrian opposition groups and President Bashar Assad’s regime, but the battleground quickly evolved into a kaleidoscope of brigades and battalions fighting each other, the regime and terrorist organizations like the Islamic State group. And now, four years into a conflict that is increasingly pulling in foreign fighters and international powers, one Syrian faction has emerged as the most effective one fighting Assad: al Qaeda.

Al Qaeda’s branch in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra (JN), has capitalized on the threat of the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, and the increasing ineffectiveness of moderate rebel groups. And it has succeeded on the ground thanks to a military strategy that relies on partnerships with other rebel groups, many of whom JN said it would be willing to include in a post-Assad Syrian government.

WNU Editor: One of the reasons why President Bashar Assad’s regime has been able to stay in power for so long has been (and still is) the disunity among his opponents .... both politically and militarily. If these rebel groups are able to unify, the military dynamics will definitely change on the ground .... but politically .... the idea of Al Qaeda being victorious in Syria .... I cannot even begin listing the nightmare scenarios that are going through my mind on that prospect.

Iraqi Prime Minister: The Islamic State Has Been Driven Out Of Central Tikrit



Reuters: Iraqi forces drive Islamic State out of central Tikrit: PM

(Reuters) - Iraqi troops aided by Shi'ite paramilitaries have driven Islamic State out of central Tikrit, Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi said on Tuesday, but the fight to retake all of Saddam Hussein's home town continued.

Government forces have been in a month-long fight for the city, which became a bastion for the Sunni jihadists who are at war with Baghdad and have been targeted by U.S.-led air strikes.

Hundreds of insurgents ready to fight to the death are still holed up in Salahuddin province's capital city and at least three neighborhoods remain under Islamic State control, along with a palace complex in the city's north.

The further Iraqi forces push into the city, the greater the risk of ambushes.

WNU Editor: I have heard these claims before (more than once) .... so I will wait until independent journalists are reporting from the center of Tikrit before stating that this is true.

More News On The Battle For Tikrit

Iraq premier: Troops in center of Islamic State-held Tikrit -- AP
Iraq's Prime Minister is claiming that a key city has been retaken from ISIS -- AFP
Iraqi forces take back Tikrit from ISIS, official says -- CNN
Iraqi forces take large parts of Tikrit from ISIS, prime minister says -- FOX News
Iraqi Security Forces Recapture Tikrit From Islamic State -- WSJ
Iraq forces retake government HQ in Tikrit -- Al Arabiya
Iraqi forces advance in Tikrit following U.S. strikes -- Washington Post

Saudi Arabia's New Defense Chief Faces His First War

Yemeni president Abd-Rabbu Hadi is welcomed to Riyadh by Saudi defence minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud

Financial Times: Yemen strikes are test of youthful Saudi defence minister

As Saudi jets pummelled Houthi rebel targets around the Yemeni capital Sana’a, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud was co-ordinating the strikes from the Saudi military’s operations centre.

The surprise assault is meant to stem the rapid advance of the Zaydi Shia militia that, allied with former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, has brought the Sunni Gulf allied-Yemeni government to the brink of extinction.


Update #1: Meet The Poster Boy Of Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Strikes -- Vocativ
Update #2: Saudi Arabia's Rising Stars -- Glen Carey And Kambiz Forooha, Bloomberg

WNU Editor:
No one even knows how old Saudi Arabia's new defense chief is (some say 30, others say 35) .... but everyone knows that he is the son of the new king. Hmmm .... speaking of nepotism.

Yemen War News Updates -- March 31, 2015



Washington Post: Rebels push offensive in Aden, killing dozens with artillery fire

SANAA, Yemen — Artillery fire in the southern Yemeni city of Aden, the last stronghold of the embattled Yemeni government, killed 26 people overnight Tuesday, news reports said.

Iran-allied Houthi rebels along with allied army units are pressing in on the outskirts of the city despite six days of Saudi-led airstrikes meant to halt their advance. A Health Ministry official said 26 people were killed in that push, the Reuters news agency reported.

The deaths came one day after an airstrike killed dozens of people at a camp for displaced people in northern Yemen, in what appeared to be the single deadliest attack since the Saudi-led coalition started bombing its neighbor to target Shiite insurgents advancing across the country.

Yemen War News Updates -- March 31, 2015

Saudi-led strikes again hit Yemen overnight -- Reuters
Saudi-led forces pound Yemen Shiite rebels as Iran sends aid -- AP
Saudi-led forces strike Houthi rebel positions across Yemen -- AFP
'Heaviest' Arab raids rock Yemen capital -- AFP
Airstrikes shake Yemen’s capital as Shiite rebels push south -- Washington Times
Air strikes hit Sana’a as Al Houthis push south -- AP
'Disturbing' reports of civilian casualties in Yemen, Red Cross says -- CNN
Civilian deaths mount as Yemen falls apart -- CBS/AP
At least 36 dead as Yemen's Houthis shell Aden, warplanes bomb airport -- Reuters
Air strike kills at least 40 at Yemen camp for displaced -- Reuters
Artillery fire in Yemen's Aden kills 10 militiamen loyal to Hadi: eyewitness -- Reuters
Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen kill 33 people, including civilians -- Al Bawaba
Ships join Saudi-led fight in Yemen -- Irish Times
Egyptian warships strike rebel targets in Yemen -- Israel Hayom
Saudi FM condemns Iranian ‘support’ for Yemen rebels -- AFP
Iran says could cooperate with Saudi to solve Yemen crisis -- Reuters
Iran Denies Sending Arms to Rebels in Yemen -- VOA
Yemen FM calls for Arab ground intervention -- Al Arabiya
Yemen Receives 'Yes' Response to Request on Sending Ground Troops - FM -- Sputnik
Yemen minister calls for Arab ground push 'as soon as possible' -- Reuters
Pakistan may join Saudi military coalition in Yemen -- Deutsche Welle
Pakistan officials arrive in Saudi to assess Yemen mission -- Washington Post/AP
Pakistan Leaders Head to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Yemen Fight -- Bloomberg
Coalition stopping Red Cross delivering medical aid in Yemen: spokeswoman -- Reuters
Yemen's strategic importance to the Middle East -- CNN
Global perspectives on Yemen: Overview -- Euronews

Iran Nuclear Talks News Updates -- March 31, 2015



VOA: Gaps Remain in Iran Nuclear Talks

Negotiations on curbing Iran's nuclear program entered their final hours Tuesday before a self-imposed midnight deadline, with teams from Iran and a group of six world powers trying to resolve 18 months of talks into the outline of a comprehensive agreement.

Officials in Lausanne, Switzerland, expressed a mix of hope and caution about the work that remained to overcome differences on pieces such as how long the deal should last, how quickly economic sanctions against Iran should be lifted, and what to do if Iran violates the terms.

WNU Editor: My prediction .... if past talks are any indication .... expect an announcement that they will continue their talks in a month or two.

Iran Nuclear Talks News Updates -- March 31, 2015

Officials: Iran nuke talks to continue in new phase -- AP
Iran, powers push for nuclear deal as clock ticks toward deadline -- Reuters
Report: Parties prepare to issue Iran nuke talks statement -- USA Today
Iran nuclear talks: 'Good chance' of deal as deadline looms -- BBC
Iran nuclear talks reportedly close to statement on partial agreement -- The Guardian
Iran Nuclear Envoys Near Outline Agreement, Buy More Time -- Bloomberg
Diplomats scurry to reach Iran deal before deadline -- Washington Post
Iran nuclear talks enter final day -- Al Jazeera
Deadline day for Iran nuclear talks dawns with sides far apart on key issues -- FOX News
Lavrov headed back to Iran talks, prospects 'good' -- AP
Lavrov: Chances to reach Iran nuclear deal ‘pretty good’ -- RT
Russia's Lavrov to rejoin Iran talks, sees chance of success -- Reuters
Iran nuclear "deadline" may only yield a lifeline -- CBS/AP
Iran Nuclear Talks Go To The Wire With 50-50 Chance of Success, Negotiators Say -- Huffington Post
Five hurdles to an Iran nuclear deal -- Oren Dorell, USA Today
Iran's nuclear programme: what we know -- AFP
21 questions on Iran nuclear talks: What's going on? What's at stake? -- Jethro Mullen, CNN
How Iranians see the nuclear talks -- BBC
If a deal is done, would Iran cheat? -- Jamsheed K. Choksy and Carol E.B. Choksy

World News Briefs -- March 31, 2015



The Guardian: Iran nuclear talks reportedly close to statement on partial agreement

Unclear whether statement would qualify as political framework, the goal that ministers from seven states set themselves to reach by Tuesday at midnight

Foreign ministers in Lausanne are reported to be close to a joint statement on a partial agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme that would leave some difficult areas to be negotiated in the coming months.

According to the Associated Press, a vague declaration would be accompanied by texts outlining what has been agreed and what has not. It is unclear whether those documents would qualify as a political framework, the goal that the ministers from seven states set themselves to reach by the Tuesday midnight deadline.

MIDDLE EAST

Iran, powers push for nuclear deal as clock ticks toward deadline.

Saudi-led forces pound Yemen Shiite rebels as Iran sends aid. Saudi Arabia says military push will last until Yemen stable. Iran denies sending arms to rebels in Yemen.

Iraq forces retake government HQ in Tikrit. Iraqi forces seize government headquarters in battle for Tikrit.

Syrian media: Islamic State attacks government-held village. Syrian military source alleges Turkish role in Idlib offensive.

Syria donor event opens with more than $1 billion in pledges.

Anonymous hacker group threatens Israel with ‘cyber-holocaust’.

Massive power cut causes chaos in Turkey.

Turkish President warns Iran about trying to dominate Middle East.

Turkish special forces enter Istanbul courthouse after prosecutor taken hostage. Turkish prosecutor taken hostage in Istanbul. Turkish prosecutor taken hostage in Istanbul.

ASIA

Pakistan to aid Saudi coalition in Yemen.

Thai leader moves to lift martial law, impose absolute power. Thai PM to lift martial law. Thailand PM 'to replace martial law' with new restrictions.

Philippine military ends campaign against Islamist rebel group. Philippines ends offensive against small Muslim rebel group.

Myanmar government, rebels sign draft peace deal. Myanmar army and rebels sign draft ceasefire agreement. Burmese government signs draft ceasefire deal with rebel groups.

India-Japan to focus on maritime security.

Indonesia launches military exercises to guard against security threats.

NGOs in China fear clampdown as Xi Jinping plans new security controls.

Vietnam hit by rare strike at major footwear factory.

AFRICA

Opposition leader Buhari ahead in tight Nigeria poll. Nigeria election: Muhammadu Buhari leads Goodluck Jonathan. Nigeria's Buhari builds unassailable lead in historic vote.

Chad army says 54 Islamist militants killed in Nigeria fighting.

Libyan government will request Arab League intervention: Libya PM.

South Sudan has become an aid-dependent entity.

Hardline Mali rebel demands stall hopes for peace.

Uganda prosecutor in al-Shabab bomb case shot dead.

Egypt court frees 68 activists in rare move.

Rise in illegal fishing threatens to revive Somali piracy.

S.Africa mining massacre report to be submitted.

EUROPE

US forces to hold exercises in Ukraine.

Former NATO Chief Clark predicts new offensive in Ukraine.

Forget Greece, Ukraine is now Europe's most economically unstable country.

Financing Crimea may cost Russia $6-7Bln annually - former Finance Minister.

Greece, lenders, fail to unlock aid so far - officials.

Euro bailout rebel quits senior German governing party job.

Unease about immigration at core of UK election campaign.

Germanwings co-pilot had 'suicidal tendencies' in the past.

AMERICAS

Peru's Prime Minister Ana Jara deposed over spy row. Peru's prime minister to resign after censure vote.

Canadian Parliament backs air strikes on Islamic State in Syria.

5mn Venezuelans sign petition against US aggression & interference.

Argentina complains to UN over UK’s 'militarization' of Falklands.

Americans cling to claims for property seized by Cuba.

US State dept official: Cuba aims to ramp up internet access.

Panama Canal sets sights on new $17 billion expansion project.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Commencing jihad: ISIS tweets photos of military 'graduation'.

Libya calls for global task force to create anti-terrorism charter.

Jabhat Al-Nusra's win in Idlib highlights Al Qaeda's strategy to defeat President Bashar Assad.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Jay Z promotes 'artist-owned' music streaming brand.

Russia's Gazprom: Profits plunge 70%.

Taiwan to join China-led regional bank, Japan says not now.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 31, 2015

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Al Arabiya: Your guide to ‘Operation Decisive Storm’

Allies with their fighter jets on Thursday joined Saudi Arabia in its “Decisive Storm” military operation, targeting Houthi rebels who had vowed to dislodge President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi.

Al Arabiya News Channel reported that Saudi Arabia deployed 150,000 soldiers, 100 fighter jets and navy units in Yemen after Hadi pleaded with its Gulf ally for help against the Houthi rebels, who were advancing toward the southern city of Aden - where Hadi is based - to remove him from power in an attempted coup.

The Royal Saudi Air Force took control of Yemen’s airspace early Thursday, and destroyed four Houthi jets and its surface-to-air (SAM) missiles.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 31, 2015

A look at those involved in Saudi-led airstrikes on Yemen -- AP

US Backs Joint Arab Military Force, Ready to Cooperate -- Sputnik

Final test launch of Russia's new RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile successful — designer -- ITAR-TASS

Russian strategic missile force drills involve over 3500 troops -- ITAR-TASS

Borey-Class Nuclear Submarines to Serve Russian Fleet Until 2050 -- Sputnik

Russian Troops Hold Counter-Terrorist Drills in Transnistria -- Sputnik

New transport aircraft to carry Armata tanks -- RBTH

Russia Deploys 96 Military Units in Crimea - Defense Minister -- Sputnik

Russia Announces Crimean Forces Up to Strength -- Moscow Times

Russia Sets Sights on High-Speed Development -- Defense News

DOE Advisers Warn US Might Lose Arctic Energy War With Russia, China -- Daily Caller

China's Military Carries First Offshore Drills in Western Pacific -- Sputnik

China orders military to keep barracks simple, guard against excess -- Reuters

Taiwan's Largest Missile Ship Goes Into Service -- Defense News/AFP

For Israeli teens, military is rite of passage -- AP

NATO Chief Seeks Closer Cooperation With the European Union -- AP

Poland Seeks Long-Range Recon Vehicles -- Defense News

‘Human rights law should not apply to the battlefield’ – UK think tank -- RT

Spy services in ‘tech arms race’ against ‘dark side of globalization’ – MI6 chief -- RT

Taiwan Seeks Stronger Cybersecurity Ties With US -- VOA

Exclusive: Pentagon chief sends military wish lists to Congress with reservations -- Reuters

Aircraft, Modernization Top Pentagon's Unfunded List -- Defense News

This Duck Drone Could Spy on Enemy Subs -- Defense One

U.S. military developing technology to launch drones from ocean floor -- Washington Times

Powerful 3D-printed rifle fires NATO rounds -- FOX News

Why Cybersecurity Dollars Do Not Add Up At the Pentagon -- NextGov

Pentagon Personnel Now Talking on 'NSA-Proof' Smartphones -- NextGov

US Military Faces High-Tech Recruiting Challenge -- VOA

Pentagon peril: Private sector jobs, unfit civilians threaten U.S. military recruiting -- Washington Times

Questions remain in officer-involved shooting at NSA -- AP

Pentagon: Thousands of Pieces of ‘Advanced Hardware’ Issued to U.S. Military Forces Lost, Listed For Sale on eBay -- The Blaze

Whispering Death: The Story of the M1 Abrams Tank -- Bill Wilson, Bold Ride

France Is Replacing the U.K. as America’s Top Ally in Europe -- Michael Shurkin and Peter A. Wilson, Newsweek

The Limits of U.S. Missile Defense -- Steven Pifer, National Interest

U.S. Nerve Gas Hit Our Own Troops in Iraq -- Barbara Koeppel, Newsweek

The Budget Trick That Made the Pentagon a Fiscal Functioning Alcoholic -- Mark Thompson, Time

Infantry overhaul: How DARPA’s new experiments could shake up ground warfare -- Washington Post

Commentary: Focus on Conventional Forces, Not Spec Ops -- Michael Tyson and Kenneth Lewton, Defense News

Military Photographer Of The Year Awards 2014

MILITARY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR, 1ST PLACE | U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Josh Martin, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, Mi-17 aerial gunner, provides rear security on a Mi-17 helicopter, Kabul, Afghanistan, May 31, 2014. Martin, a Rapid City, S.D., native, is deployed from the 55th Rescue Squadron, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. The 438th AEAS and Afghan Air Force have combined efforts to train with about 300 Afghan commandos with the 8th Commandos Kandak. The training will enable Afghan helicopter aircrews to work seamlessly in support of ground forces in combat. Vernon Young/U.S. Air Force

Brandon Griggs, CNN: The U.S. military's best photos of 2014

(CNN) A sergeant wipes away a tear while kneeling before a battlefield cross at a Memorial Day ceremony for fallen service members at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti.

Seven Air Force recruits plunge into the deep end of a swimming pool, their hands and feet bound, in a training exercise meant to prepare them for stressful real-world operations.

An Air Force captain jumps rope in a Texas gym despite missing her left leg, which was amputated after being diagnosed with cancer.

These striking images are among the winning entries in the 2014 Military Photographer of the Year competition, open to photography by U.S. service members only. Winners of the annual contest, judged by the Stars and Stripes newspaper, were announced this month.

Poll: Majority Of Americans Support A Nuclear Deal With Iran


Washington Post: Poll: Clear majority supports nuclear deal with Iran

By a nearly 2 to 1 margin, Americans support the notion of striking a deal with Iran that restricts the nation’s nuclear program in exchange for loosening sanctions, a new Washington Post-ABC News poll finds.

But the survey — released hours before Tuesday’s negotiating deadline — also finds few Americans are hopeful that such an agreement will be effective. Nearly six in 10 say they are not confident that a deal will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, unchanged from 15 months ago, when the United States, France, Britain, Germany, China and Russia reached an interim agreement with Iran aimed at sealing a long-term deal.

Overall, the poll finds 59 percent support an agreement in which the United States and its negotiating partners lift major economic sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. Thirty-one percent oppose a deal.


WNU Editor: The key part of this poll is not that most Americans support a nuclear deal .... it is that few Americans believe that such an agreement will be effective.

Sneak Peek at Israel Navy's Secret Subs



Arutz Sheva: Take a Sneak Peak at Israel's Secret Submarine Fleet

Israel's nuclear-capable INS Tanin able to operate deep within enemy territory - to lethal effect.

New footage from the Israeli Navy showcases the most advanced submarine in the IDF's arsenal: the Dolphin-class INS Tanin (Crocodile).

The nuclear-capable submarine boasts an array of sophisticated weaponry, as well as the latest in intelligence-gathering technology.

It stands at a whopping 68 meters long, compared to 57.3 meters on average for other submarines.

"The submarine will receive more long-term missions, and for a greater amount of time, than submarines" the IDF possesses, one navy officer explained, adding that as a result the Navy had "extended by several days our ability to operate silently and secretly in enemy territory."


More News On Israel's Submarine Fleet

Sneak peek into top-of-the-line IDF submarine -- Ynet News
On Eve of Possible Deal, Israel Shows Off Latest Sub -- Washington Free Beacon
Israel’s fourth submarine, ISS Tanin, to start operations within weeks -- Haaretz
Israeli Navy’s New Submarine Poised to Begin Operations -- Algemenier
Powerful Submarines Join Israel’s Navy -- Marine Link

The Pentagon Wants To Buy Three Air Force Ones



CBS News: Why military wants to spend billions on new Air Force One

Boeing 747 planes become Air Force One when the commander in chief is aboard. The current planes are getting old, and the Pentagon wants to buy new ones. CBS News' Mark Albert reports from behind the scenes on how for the first time the military may buy three 747s to replace the current two.

Air Force One is the most recognizable aircraft in the world: six stories tall, two-thirds of a football field long and carrying immeasurable prestige.

More than "Hail to the Chief," more than the ubiquitous Secret Service agents, even more than the famous seal, there is no more identifiable symbol of the mobile presidency than Air Force One.

Update #1: Military planning to spend billions on new Air Force One -- FOX News
Update #2: Military wants to spend over THREE BILLION dollars on three new Air Force One planes to replace two current 747s in service since 1991 -- Daily Mail

WNU Editor: These planes will not be cheap .... but for the U.S. President to do his job .... essential.

U.S. Army Convoys Continue Their Tour Of Eastern Europe

Armored column: Row on row of American firepower rolled through Prague today as Stars and Stripes filled the air

Daily Mail: The Army puts on a heavy metal tour of Eastern Europe for Mr Putin: US armor mobbed by delighted citizens waving Stars and Stripes as it rolls across former Warsaw Pact countries

* Three American armored convoys today converged in Czech Republic's capital on tour of Eastern Europe
* Vehicles have traveled more than 1,000 miles through Poland and the Baltic States as warning to Putin
* Countries in the region are nervous after Russian annexation of Crimea and military unrest in the area
* U.S. Army said that Nato maneuvers are 'a highly-visible demonstration of U.S. commitment' to the region

Flag-waving supporters of the United States flooded the streets of Prague today to cheer on a highly visible display of U.S. military might rolling through Europe.

Dozens of Stars and Stripes flags, as well as symbols of the Nato military alliance, thronged the capital of the Czech Republic as American soldiers were given a warm welcome by the locals.

Armored carriers, including Stryker multi-purpose fighting vehicles, rolled down the highways before coming to a temporary stop in the city's historic streets as part of an overt show of strength to Russian president Vladimir Putin.


WNU Editor: Not everyone is happy with this convoy .... A U.S. Military Convoy Divides the Czechs (WSJ).

A Look At Russia's Newest Tank

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

Business Insider: These are the plans for Russia's new third-generation tank

Russia is just about to unveil its latest armored platform, the T-14 tank.

The tank, called the Armata, has largely been kept under wraps although technical details about the platform have steadily been emerging. The Armata is planned to feature considerable upgrades to the armor, engine, and armaments of the vehicle over previous Russian and Soviet tank models.

Until the tank is actually seen in action, any claims as to the Armata's capabilities could be nothing more than propaganda, an overstatement reminiscent of Russia's improbable claims that it's working on a supersonic transport jet.

More News On Russia's Newest Tank

The T-14 Is a New Russian Tank —And a Whole Lot More -- Paul Huard, War Is Boring
Russia's newest armored vehicle swims and picks its own shots -- Endgadget
Russia: Top secret T-14 Armata tank revealed on film -- IBTimes
Russia's Unseen New Armata Battle Tank Captured on Camera -- Moscow Times
Innovations from Three Russian Prototype Tanks and T95 were merged into the Armata Tank Design -- Next Big Future

Russia Scales Back Orders For It's Next-Gen Fighter


Fred Weir, CSM: Grounded? Russia's answer to US next-gen fighter hits the skids.

The Kremlin is cutting its initial production of the Sukhoi T-50 fighter by 75 percent amid cost overruns and rumored technical concerns – the same kind of issues that have plagued US development of the F-35.

Moscow — Russia's ambitious T-50 fighter plane project was meant to develop a rival to two futuristic US jetfighters, the F-22 Raptor and the planned F-35 Lightning-II.

But now, the T-50 appears to be rivaling the F-35 another way: in development troubles. The Kremlin is slamming the brakes on its "fifth generation" fighter program and cutting its initial rollout to a quarter of those originally planned.

The decision seems a setback for Vladimir Putin's sweeping $800 billion rearmament program, a vital component of the wider effort to restore Russia to its Soviet-era status as a major global superpower. However, the sharp slowdown in plans to procure the sophisticated new jet may represent an outbreak of wisdom on the part of Russian military chiefs, who will remember how the USSR was driven into bankruptcy by engaging in an all-out arms race with the US.

Update #1: Mass production of T-50 fighters to start in 2016 -- RBTH
Update #2: With the U.S. F-35 Grounded, Putin’s New Jet Beats Us Hands-Down -- Rob Garver, The Fiscal Times

WNU Editor: These new weapons programs are not cheap .... and the T-50 is the most expensive item on Russia's current procurement list.

The Growing Importance Of Kaliningrad For The Russian Military


Elisabeth Braw, Newsweek: Weapons Flood Into Putin's European Arms Depot

While the world watched Russia’s North Fleet with trepidation as it launched surprise exercises near the Arctic Circle last week, Vladimir Putin has quietly been arming another area inside Europe’s borders: Kaliningrad, the Russian seaport city in a region sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, with convenient access to the Baltic Sea. Vessels from Russia’s Baltic Fleet have delivered fighter jets and Iskander missile launchers to the former German city, from where missiles could reach not just to Warsaw and Vilnius but Germany as well.

Sources say that, with sea transport neither quick nor easy to organise, it’s clear the Russian armed forces had planned the recent delivery for some time. Indeed, the Russian army has spent the past several years equipping its Baltic territory with state-of-the-art weaponry. Regional security officials now call Kaliningrad a veritable arms depot. “The Russian armed forces have, for example, installed new S-400 [anti-aircraft missiles] there, which have an incredibly long range,” says Johan Wiktorin, a Swedish former military intelligence officer and author of the 2013 book Korridoren till Kaliningrad (The Corridor to Kaliningrad). The arming of Kaliningrad forms part of a 19-trillion-rouble (€296bn) plan to increase the share of modern weapons in the Russian armed forces’ arsenal from 10% to 70%.

Update #1: Russia is putting state-of-the-art missiles in its westernmost Baltic enclave -- AP
Update #2: Russia controls this vital strategic enclave in the heart of NATO-allied eastern Europe -- Business Insider

WNU Editor: The economy in Kaliningard is also booming. Russia made Kaliningrad a free-trade zone a number of years ago .... and no surprise, it's economy has been growing ever since.