Preemptive Strikes Will Be A Part Of U.S. Cyber-Defense Strategy

Pentagon Considers Preemptive Strikes As Part Of Cyber-Defense Strategy -- Washington Post

The Pentagon is contemplating an aggressive approach to defending its computer systems that includes preemptive actions such as knocking out parts of an adversary's computer network overseas - but it is still wrestling with how to pursue the strategy legally.

The department is developing a range of weapons capabilities, including tools that would allow "attack and exploitation of adversary information systems" and that can "deceive, deny, disrupt, degrade and destroy" information and information systems, according to Defense Department budget documents.

Read more ....

My Comment: I expect that "legal" approval for such an action will only happen when a cyber-attack against an important American computer network is successful, and the financial costs from such a successful attack will (in the end) spur legislators to action.

With U.S. Combat Forces Leaving Iraq, Major Iraqi Arms Purchases Are Now In The Pipeline

Iraq To Spend $13B On U.S. Arms, Equipment -- USA Today

BAGHDAD — Iraq is preparing to buy as much as $13 billion in U.S. arms and military equipment, a huge arms order of tanks, armored vehicles and ships that American officials say shows Iraqi-U.S. military ties will be tight for years to come.

"It helps to build their capablities, first and foremost, and second it builds our strategic relationship for the future," said Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, the ranking U.S. officer responsible for training and advising Iraq forces.

Read more ....

My Comment: Everyone that I know who studies the arms industry looks at this Iraqi arms purchase as the tip of a very large iceberg .... especially when high priced items like fighter aircraft and missile systems are offered .... and eventually purchased .... in the years to come.

If there is an area of concern, it will be the problem of theft and corruption.

President Obama Declares An End To U.S. Iraq Combat

Obama Declares End to U.S. Iraq Combat -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama formally declared an end to the combat mission in Iraq Tuesday night, telling the nation that, after seven years of war that claimed more than 4,400 American lives, it is ‘’time to turn the page’’ toward another war, Afghanistan, and toward pressing problems at home.

In an address from the Oval Office – only his second as president – Mr. Obama reminded Americans that, in giving responsibility for Iraqi security to the Iraqis, he was fulfilling a promise he made while running for office. He conceded that Americans are ‘’understandably asking tough questions’’ about Afghanistan, but urged the nation to stick with him on that war.

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Speech From the Oval Office

Prepared text of President Obama's remarks on Iraq -- McClatchy News

Obama: US combat in Iraq over, 'time to turn page' -- Yahoo News/AP
Obama: Time to turn the page in Iraq -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Obama declares an end to Iraq combat mission -- Yahoo News/AFP
Obama: Time to turn the page on U.S. mission in Iraq -- McClatchy News
Obama marks end of combat mission in Iraq -- L.A. Times
President Obama Marks End of Combat in Iraq, Cite
Challenges Ahead -- ABC News
Obama 'awed' by US Iraq sacrifice -- BBC
Obama Hails End of Iraq Combat, Stresses Economy -- CBS News
Obama declares 'combat mission in Iraq has ended' -- CNN
Obama Marks End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq, Salutes Bush -- FOX News
Obama declares it's time to turn page on U.S. mission in Iraq -- The Hill
Obama declares end to Iraq war, pledging it's 'time to turn the page' and focus on economy -- New York Daily News
Obama on Iraq: 'It's Time to Turn the Page' -- Time Magazine
Barack Obama ends the war in Iraq. 'Now it's time to turn the page' -- The Guardian
America calls end to front line operations in Iraq -- the Telegraph
Farewell to Iraq, but no talk of mission accomplished -- The Independent
Obama ends 'combat mission' in Iraq -- Al Jazeera
Obama: 'Operation Iraqi Freedom Is Over' -- NPR
Obama ends Iraq combat effort: 'Time to turn page' -- CTV
Obama addresses nation, declares 'Operation Iraqi Freedom is over' -- Stars And Stripes
FACT CHECK: Is Iraq combat really over for U.S.? -- Washington Post

China Now Has More Warships Than The U.S.: IISS Report

IISS Says China Now Has More Warships Than U.S. -- Defense Tech

In a must read article on rising weapons costs and defense spending, the Economist puts up an interesting chart from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) showing that China now has more warships than the U.S. While IISS apparently uses its own definition for what is and is not a warship (the chart puts U.S. warships at a very debatable 150), the long term trend is unmistakable.

Read more ....

My Comment: One can argue IISS's definition of what is .... and is not .... a warship, but the trends are unmistakable.

How Is The Financial Crisis And Budget Deficits Impacting Defense Spending?

Defence Spending In A Time Of Austerity -- The Economist

The chronic problem of exorbitantly expensive weapons is becoming acute.

THERE were the starlings: aerobatic teams with mesmerising group displays. There were the albatrosses: Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and Airbus’s A380, heavy airliners that still manage long, effortless flight. And there were the buzzing propeller-driven military transporters, including the latest, the Airbus A400M. But the star turn was reserved for the birds of prey, the jet fighters.

Read more ....

My Comment: It always comes down to money. But with financial and budgetary deficits being forecast to be in the stratosphere for years to come, defense budgets and procurements are going to be cut. The Economist/IISS looks at these trends, and does a rather good job in analyzing what to expect.

Aviation Week has a good commentary on the IISS report.

But what caught my eye, was IISS's assertion that China now has more warships than the U.S. (see graph). Hmmmm .... that is going to raise eyebrows in a few places.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- August 31, 2010

PRESIDENTIAL 'BLISS' - President Barack Obama shakes hands with soldiers on Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, Aug, 31, 2010. Obama visited the base to thank all troops for contributions that led to the official end of combat operations in Iraq. White House photo by Lawrence Jackson

Winding Down The Iraq War, And Avoiding Civil War -- Irena L. Sargsyan, L.A. Times

Most Americans seem ready to consign the Iraq war to history. They've watched tank convoys leave Baghdad, and they've heard the president underscore his campaign promise to draw down U.S. forces, leaving roughly 50,000 in the country as of Aug. 31. Moreover, Iraq and the U.S. have agreed that the remaining U.S. troops will be gone by December 2011. But history suggests that unless the U.S. is willing and able to remain committed to Iraq's security and prosperity — and Iraqis know it — the country is at risk of spiraling back into civil war.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Analysts: U.S. will be a factor for years as Iraq remains turbulent -- CNN

Obama’s Mideast Reset, and Iran’s Role In It -- Wall Street Journal

Analysis: US hopes for Iraq collided with reality -- AP

Political Wisdom: A Change in Iraq -- Wall Street Journal

Iraqis need promises of post-war commitments from the U.S. -- Washington Post editorial

What Have We Learned From Iraq? -- KT McFarland, FOX News

Mission accomplished in Iraq? -- Peter Bergen, CNN

Was the war in Iraq worth it? -- CNN opinion

Iraq needs U.S. engagement, and a slower clock -- Ryan Crocker, Washington Post

Iraq after U.S. combat forces withdraw -- Howard P. McKeon, L.A. Times

Obama’s Iraq Challenge -- Michael Hirsh, Newsweek

Winding down the Iraq war, and avoiding civil war -- Irena L. Sargsyan, L.A. Times

The Ambiguity of War's End -- Eugene Robinson, Real Clear World

So, Who Won the War in Iraq? Iran -- Mohamad Bazzi, Real Clear World/Global Post

Obama: ‘I Do Not Want to Screw This Up’ -- Max Boot, Commentary Magazine

Rethinking American Options on Iran -- George Friedman, Real Clear World/Stratfor

Beneath Iraq, Afghan, Israel Policy: Iran, Iran, Iran -- Gerald F. Seib, Wall Street Journal

Another Way in Afghanistan: Overcoming the Current Flawed Strategy -- John Ubaldi, Small Wars Journal

The Surge and Afghanistan -- John McCain, Wall Street Journal

The Afghanistan Policy Review Begins Sooner Than You Think -- Marc Ambinder, the Atlantic

Time stands still in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- Richard Cohen, Washington Post

At least they're talking -- L.A. Times editorial

World News Briefs -- August 31, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Obama Administration Marks End Of Combat Mission In Iraq -- USA Today

The administration spent Tuesday drawing attention to the formal end of the United States' seven-year combat mission in Iraq. President Obama rolled out speeches stateside, and Vice President Biden met with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad to end a political impasse there.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Armed militias: a quandary for Lebanon, US.

4 Israeli settlers killed in West Bank.

Mysterious killings spread panic in Iraq.

US welcomes Middle East players as direct talks to resume. Israeli, PA negotiating teams to meet with U.S. hosts separately.

UN votes to keep peacekeepers on Israel-Lebanon border until 2011.

Mideast talks reopen under tough conditions.

ASIA

Afghanistan bomb attacks kill twenty-one US soldiers in 48 hours.

Burma's Than Shwe 'remains senior general'.

South Korea welcomes sanctions on North, offers flood aid. Obama administration announces new sanctions against North Korea.

China and North Korea deepen ties during Kim Jong Il visit.

2 die after Indonesian volcano erupts again.

Australia PM rejects new election.

AFRICA

South African government makes salary offer to striking unions.

Tensions between media and ANC on display in South Africa.

Police rescue abducted son of Nigerian politician.

Tracing DRC’s conflict minerals a daunting task.

EUROPE

WikiLeaks founder Assange applies for Swedish residency.

UK mum on navy merger with France.

France defends Roma expulsions. France vows to boost deportation of foreign beggars, thieves.

Slovakia stunned by rampaging gunman.

Eurozone unemployment still at 10%.

AMERICAS

Category 4 Hurricane Earl menaces East Coast; set to soak Labor Day weekend.

Venezuelan hunger-striker dies after land protest.

Chilean miners' families 'go hungry' amid pay freeze.

Mexico nabs U.S.-born drug lord 'La Barbie'.

Mexico fires 3,200 federal police officers.

Ciudad Juarez cancels Independence Day celebrations over drug violence.

Fidel Castro says was at death's door, now better.

Drones to begin surveillance of Texas-Mexico border on Wednesday.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terrorist ties doubted in Amsterdam arrests.

Suit challenges reach of U.S. 'targeted killings'.

"Ground Zero Mosque" developer: I don't hold Islam accountable for 9/11 attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Gold rallying to $1,500 as Soros's bubble inflates.

At meeting Fed discussed using more stimulus.

Japan defends economic policy steps as Yen rises, leaves intervention open.

India growth rate rises to 8.8%.

Double-dip fears hit global stocks.

Major Arrest In Mexico's Drug Cartel Wars

Edgar Valdez, a US citizen also known as Barbie, was arrested in central Mexico after police tracked his movements for more than a year. Photo from The BBC

Police: Accused U.S.-Born Drug Kingpin Moved Tons Of Cocaine To U.S. -- CNN

Mexico City, Mexico (CNN) -- Authorities in Mexico revealed additional details Tuesday about an accused American-born drug kingpin detained Monday who they say moved tons of cocaine into the United States.

Masked security forces in black uniforms and helmets, rifles in hand, escorted Edgar Valdez Villarreal and some of his accused associates before news reporters and photographers during a news conference Tuesday morning.

Read more ....

More News On The Arrest Of A Mexican Drug Kingpin

Mexican Police Arrest Alleged Drug Kingpin -- New York Times
Mexican police arrest 'drugs kingpin' Edgar Valdez Villareal -- The Guardian
Mexicans hope drug lord's arrest may be turning point -- Reuters
Mexican police arrest alleged drug kingpin wanted in Atlanta -- AJC
Edgar Valdez Villarreal – suspected drug lord 'La Barbie' – arrested in Mexico -- Christian Science Monitor
Mexico's drugs war: a crime writer's perspective -- BBC
Profile: Edgar Valdez -- BBC
Mexican drug war: by numbers -- The Telegraph

Authorities Skeptical That 2 Men Arrested In Amsterdam Were Planning A Terror Attack

Authorities Were on High Alert for Possible Hijack Attempt -- ABC News

Air Marshals On Board Suspects' Flight to Amsterdam

The arrests of two men in Amsterdam for questioning in a terrorism investigation comes at a time U.S. law enforcement officials have been on a heightened state of alert to a possible hijacking of U.S. carrier flights from the Middle East, according to one senior U.S. official. In response , in the past several weeks, authorities have greatly ramped up the number of Federal air marshals on overseas flights, especially to Dubai, the official said.

Read more ....

More News On This Terror Plot (Or Not)

Unlikely 2 men were plotting terror -- AP
AP source: Unlikely 2 men were plotting terror -- Bloomberg
Pair Of Suspicious Passengers May Not Be Charged With Any Wrongdoing -- NPR
U.S., Dutch authorities diverge on terror arrest -- CNN
The Amsterdam Arrests: Would-Be Terror or Badly Wrapped Gifts? -- Time Magazine
Airline Passengers Held on Fears of Terrorist Plot -- New York Times
Dutch Continue Probe of Detained Men -- Wall Street Journal
Dutch hold two Yemenis after terrorism alert -- Reuters

U.S. Secretary Of Defense Gates Comments On Iraq Drawdown

Gates: All Is Not Well As Combat Role Ends -- Washington Post

MILWAUKEE -- All is not well in Iraq as the United States formally closes down its combat mission there, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday, warning that political paralysis and continued sectarian violence cloud that country's future.

Gates said conditions in Iraq are much better, however, as the United States shifts to an advisory role seven years after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

Read more ....

More News On Secretary Of Defense Gates Remarks On Iraq

Text of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' speech on August 31, 2010 -- Stars And Stripes

Gates: No Victory Celebration for Iraq as Mission Changes -- Voice of America
Gates Speaks Cautiously on Iraq -- Wall Street Journal
Gates: Iraq better, not perfect as US role changes -- AP
Not yet time for victory parades in Iraq: Gates -- AFP
Marking Iraq Milestone, Gates Strikes Cautious Note -- New York Times
Gates warns Iraq commitment isn't over -- McClatchy News
Gates Gets Emotional Speaking of Fallen in Iraq -- ABC News

Obama Administration Sued By The ACLU Over Policy To Assassinate US Citizens Involved In Terrorist Actions Against The U.S.

Anwar al-Aulaqi, New Mexico-born and linked to al-Qaeda. The Obama administration is continuing a policy begun under the Bush administration, which authorizes the CIA and the American military to kill American citizens abroad if they are involved in terrorist actions against the U.S. (al-Jazeera)

ACLU Sues Obama Administration Over Alleged Assassination Plot -- Wall Street Journal

You’ve got to tip your hat to the ACLU. The organization will sue anyone along the political spectrum at just about any time. All it takes is a violation of one’s constitutional rights. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the issue is likely to garner a headline or two.

The organization proved itself once again an equal-opportunity litigant on Monday when it filed suit against the Obama administration over an alleged policy of killing American citizens suspected of terrorism.

Read more ....

More News On The ACLU Suing The U.S. Government Over Targeted Killings Of U.S. Citizens

Rights groups sue over U.S. authority to use terror kill list -- Washington Post
NY groups seek DC order blocking targeted killings -- AP
Suit Challenges Reach of U.S. 'Targeted Killings' -- Wall Street Journal
Rights groups challenge Obama on targeted killings -- Reuters
ACLU Sues U.S. Over Targeted Killing of Citizens -- Bloomberg
Rights groups sue to quash US order to kill Awlaki -- AFP
Rights Groups Sue U.S. on Effort to Kill Cleric -- New York Times

My Comment: Protecting the terrorists who have a U.S. Passport .... what else is new.

Soldiers Protect The Remains Of A Fallen Hero For 3 Days Because Of A Shortage Of Helicopters In Afghanistan

Brave: Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe died as he led his men from the front. His troops were then forced to look after some of his remains for three days because there were no helicopters available to collect them

Desecration Of A True War Hero: Helicopter Shortage Forced Troops To Guard Remains Of Most Senior Officer Killed In Afghanistan For Three Days -- The Daily Mail

Britain's most senior officer killed in Afghanistan suffered a final insult in death because of a lack of helicopters on the front line.

Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, 39, was killed by a Taliban roadside bomb in July last year after warning that the shortage of aircraft was putting lives at risk.

The Daily Mail can now reveal that soldiers who watched their commanding officer die were then forced to look after some of his remains for three days because there were no helicopters available to collect them.

Read more ....

My Comment: Outrageous .... but not surprising. You go to war with what you have, and sometimes what you have is not enough.

It is a testament to the leadership of this hero that his men choose to remain behind and protect his remains .... an act that speaks volumes to the type of man and officer that he was.

Eyes From Above Are Now Watching The Entire U.S. - Mexico Border

Former U.S. president George W. Bush (R) is shown a Predator Drone used in patrolling the Mexican border in Yuma, Arizona, April 9, 2007. Jason Reed/Reuters

Entire US-Mexico Border To Be Guarded By Predator Drones -- Christian Science Monitor

The launch of a fourth Predator drone Wednesday will mean the entire US-Mexico border is now patrolled by the unmanned aircraft.

The entire 2,000-mile US-Mexico border will be monitored by drones starting Wednesday when a new Predator drone begins flying from Corpus Christi, Texas, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said.

There are already three drones operating along portions of the border. Aside from the new drone launched today, money for two more was included in $600 million legislation President Barack Obama signed earlier this month, which ramps up border security ahead of midterm elections on Nov. 2 and as Mexico’s heated drug war gains more attention. Meanwhile, Napolitano calls the border safer than ever.

Read more ....

My Comment: I have trouble seeing how four drones can watch over a 2,000 mile border .... and how observing illegals or drug couriers crossing the border can result in quickly notifying the proper authorities to apprehend them.

This is just a spit in the bucket.

Iraq News Updates -- August 31, 2010

Why Gloom Looms Over Obama's Iraq Address -- Time Magazine

When he speaks from the Oval Office tonight, Barack Obama will deliver one of the hardest addresses of his presidency. Yes, he's had tough ones before — about Afghanistan, health care and the BP oil spill. But tonight's speech marking the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq confronts Obama with a subject that defies easy explanation, a policy that allows little self-congratulation and a political climate in which Iraq's place is not clear.

Read more ....

More News On Iraq

Two things Barack Obama won't say in his Oval Office Iraq war speech -- L.A. Times
Obama Faces Three Challenges on Iraq Speech -- FOX News
Obama's Iraq Speech Will Sound Familiar: He's Said It All Before -- CBS News
Obama's prepares to deliver Oval Office address on Iraq -- USA Today
Obama speech on Iraq has risks -- Washington Post
Obama to Make 2nd Oval Office Speech -- New York Times
Obama to mark end of Iraq combat ops -- ABC News (Australia)
Obama visits US troops, plans Bush call -- AFP
Troops yet to give Obama full salute -- Washington Times
Oval Office makeoever to debut in Iraq speech -- Washington Post

Iraq wins independence as US ends combat role - PM -- Reuters
Iraqi PM praises 'sovereignty day' -- Al Jazeera
Iraq forces up to job as US ends combat: PM -- Yahoo News/AFP
Maliki Welcomes 'Independence' As U.S. Ends Combat Operations In Iraq -- Radio Free Europe
Joe Biden to ask Baghdad to end political deadlock -- The Australian/AP
Biden, in Baghdad, urges Iraqis to form a government now -- McClatchy News

Mysterious killings spread panic in Iraq -- L.A. Times
Iraqis approach end of US combat role with worry -- AP
No letup in Iraq for some military forces -- Washington Times
As U.S. ends combat operations, Iraqis move to protect themselves from violence -- Washington Post
As U.S. Combat Operations End, Hundreds Of Thousands Of Iraqis Remain Internally Displaced -- Radio Free Europe
As U.S. withdraws, Iraqis still live in crisis -- Reuters
US Withdrawal from Iraq: Baghdad Residents Mourn Departure of Former Enemy -- Spiegel Online
As US soldiers exit Iraq, locals fear future -- The Age
Iraq withdrawal: unmistakeable signs of US military on way out -- The Guardian

Analysts: U.S. will be a factor for years as Iraq remains turbulent -- CNN
Obama’s Mideast Reset, and Iran’s Role In It -- Wall Street Journal
Analysis: US hopes for Iraq collided with reality -- AP
Political Wisdom: A Change in Iraq -- Wall Street Journal
Iraqis need promises of post-war commitments from the U.S. -- Washington Post editorial
What Have We Learned From Iraq? -- KT McFarland, FOX News
Mission accomplished in Iraq? -- Peter Bergen, CNN
Was the war in Iraq worth it? -- CNN opinion
Iraq needs U.S. engagement, and a slower clock -- Ryan Crocker, Washington Post
Iraq after U.S. combat forces withdraw -- Howard P. McKeon, L.A. Times
Obama’s Iraq Challenge -- Michael Hirsh, Newsweek
Winding down the Iraq war, and avoiding civil war -- Irena L. Sargsyan, L.A. Times

All Sides Are Getting Ready For The Start Of Middle East Peace Talks

Netanyahu, Negotiating Team Take Off For Peace Talks In US -- Jerusalem Post

PM to meet with Obama, Abbas, Mubarak, Abdullah and Blair ahead of official relaunch of peace talks in Washington.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his negotiating team took off for Washington on Tuesday morning, ahead of the relaunch of peace talks with the Palestinians.

The prime minister will meet with US President Barack Obama on Wednesday, before attending a dinner hosted by Obama with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Jordanian King Abdullah and Quartet envoy Tony Blair. He is expected to hold separate talks with each of the other leaders as well.

Read more ....

More News On Middle East Peace Talks

Israel PM Netanyahu leaves for peace talks -- CNN
Netanyahu heads to U.S. for peace summit -- Reuters
Israel, Palestinians Jockey Ahead of Summit -- Wall Street Journal

Barak meets Abbas in Amman on eve of peace talks in US -- Jerusalem Post
Barak, Abbas hold secret meeting -- JTA
Abbas, Barak held secret meeting in Jordan -- AFP

Ahead of talks, Abbas warns Israel on settlements -- Reuters
Abbas seeks active US mediation in Mideast talks -- AP
U.S. sees Washington peace talks as start of year-long process -- Haaretz
Obama Team Sets 'One Year Time-Frame' For MidEast Talks -- RTT News
Why do some US officials believe talks will succeed? -- Jerusalem Post
Strenger than Fiction / Peace talks are sure to fail, but what will be the consequences? -- Haaretz

Israel braces for difficult month -- Washington Times
Palestinians skeptical of new round of peace talks -- L.A. Times
Enthusiasm for Palestinian prime minister isn't shared by Palestinians -- L.A. Times
America's hand in Middle East peace -- USA Today
Time stands still in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- Richard Cohen, Washington Post
At least they're talking -- L.A. Times editorial

Afghanistan War News Updates -- August 31, 2010

Members of the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team and U.S. Army soldiers meet with Afghan elders in a village near Combat Outpost Mizan in Mizan district, Zabul province, Afghanistan, Aug 19, 2010. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nathanael Callon

Afghanistan Bomb Attacks Kill Twenty-One US Soldiers In 48 Hours -- The Telegraph

Twenty-one American troops have been killed in Afghanistan since Friday in one of the bloodiest periods of the summer.

A series of bomb attacks have badly hit US troops in eastern and southern Afghanistan in the past 48 hours.

The death toll among in the Nato-led coalition has reached 484 this year and is predicted to far surpass 2009’s total of 521.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

Attacks on U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan Intensify -- New York Times
Eighth NATO fatality in day of Afghan violence -- AFP
5 American troops killed in latest Afghan violence -- My Way/AP
Seven American soldiers killed in Afghanistan -- The Independent/Reuters
5 American troops killed in latest Afghan violence -- AP
5 Americans die in bloody day in Afghanistan -- CNN
Five US soldiers killed in day of Afghan violence -- AFP
IED attacks kill four US soldiers in Afghanistan -- BBC
4 American troops killed by bomb in Afghanistan -- AP
Bombings kill 4 U.S. troops in Afghanistan -- UPI

Haqqani network spreads its attacks against America across eastern Afghanistan -- The Telegraph
Afghan-coalition Force Kills Taliban Leader -- U.S. Department of Defense
Birthplace of the Taliban: The next battleground -- AP
West faces a losing battle for Afghan "human terrain" -- Reuters
Taliban footprint 'spreading': Petraeus -- AFP

Afghan withdrawal won't be a "hand-off" - Petraeus -- Reuters
Petraeus: International pullout will be gradual -- AP
Petraeus Finishes Rules for Afghan Security Transition -- New York Times
NATO Chief Backs Starting Security Handover To Afghans Next Year -- Radio Free Europe
NATO chief hopes for Nov Afghanistan handover deal: report -- Reuters

Report: US commander criticized UK strategy in Afghanistan -- Canadian Press
US general criticises British strategy in Helmand -- BBC
U.S. general critical of UK early tactics in Helmand -- Reuters

Afghanistan intelligence flawed, says ex-CIA man -- Sydney Morning Herald
Karzai Attacks Afghan War Strategy as 'Ineffective' -- Voice of America
Taliban trying to disrupt Afghan parliamentary vote -- CTV News
Phones, Calculator Give Glimpse of Mobile Tech in Afghanistan -- Reuters
U.S. hospital in Germany handles America's Afghan war wounded -- L.A. Times

The Surge and Afghanistan -- John McCain, Wall Street Journal
The Afghanistan Policy Review Begins Sooner Than You Think -- Marc Ambinder, the Atlantic

FACTBOX-Military deaths in Afghanistan -- Reuters

World News Briefs -- August 31, 2010

ODIERNO WELCOME - U.S. Army Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, and James Jeffrey, center, U.S. ambassador to Iraq, greet U.S. Vice President Joe Biden after landing on Sather Air Force Base, Iraq, Aug. 30, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roger M.Dey

Iraq 'Independent' As US Combat Operations End -- BBC

Iraq's prime minister has said the country is "independent" as the US formally ends combat operations.

Nouri Maliki said the country's security forces would now deal with all threats, domestic or other.

US Vice-President Joe Biden is in Iraq on an unannounced visit ahead of the official end of the mission, at midnight (2100 GMT) on Tuesday.

In the US, President Barack Obama is due to deliver a televised address about Iraq to the American people.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Mysterious killings spread panic in Iraq.

Israeli, PA negotiating teams to meet with U.S. hosts separately.

UN votes to keep peacekeepers on Israel-Lebanon border until 2011.

Mideast talks reopen under tough conditions.

ASIA

South Korea welcomes sanctions on North, offers flood aid. Obama administration announces new sanctions against North Korea.

China and North Korea deepen ties during Kim Jong Il visit.

8 coalition troops killed in south Afghanistan.

5 American troops killed in latest Afghan violence.

2 die after Indonesian volcano erupts again.

Australia PM rejects new election.

AFRICA

Tensions between media and ANC on display in South Africa.

Police rescue abducted son of Nigerian politician.

Tracing DRC’s conflict minerals a daunting task.

EUROPE

France vows to boost deportation of foreign beggars, thieves.

Slovakia stunned by rampaging gunman.

Eurozone unemployment still at 10%.

AMERICAS

Earl batters Caribbean, threatens US East Coast.

Mexico nabs U.S.-born drug lord 'La Barbie'.

Mexico fires 3,200 federal police officers.

Ciudad Juarez cancels Independence Day celebrations over drug violence.

Fidel Castro says was at death's door, now better.

Drones to begin surveillance of Texas-Mexico border on Wednesday.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Dutch detain two on US plane in suspected terror plot.

Suit challenges reach of U.S. 'targeted killings'.

"Ground Zero Mosque" developer: I don't hold Islam accountable for 9/11 attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Japan defends economic policy steps as Yen rises, leaves intervention open.

India growth rate rises to 8.8%.

Double-dip fears hit global stocks.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- August 31, 2010

F22 Raptor Take-off at RIAT 2010

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Jump jets to fall victim to UK spending cuts -- The Telegraph

SAS facing greatest cuts since WW2 -- The Telegraph

Israel set to build wings for some 800 F-35s -- Khaleej Times/Reuters

U.S. Concerned About Taiwan Ex-Generals' China Visits: Report -- Defense News

Turkey And The Arms Race -- The Strategy Page

Taiwan’s Frigate Corruption Investigation: Full Steam Ahead -- Defense Industry Daily

Amendment Sought To Protect USN Hornet Buy -- Defense News

The LCS Decision: Lockheed Spins DOD Buzz -- Next Navy

Defense trade reform to boost jobs, security: Obama -- Reuters

On the “urgency” of the B61 LEP -- Arms Control Wonk

SOCOM Stops Hunting WMD Terrorists -- Armchair Generalist

What Do You Call an IED with Fins? A SAM … -- Defense Tech

AUVSI Update: Navy, Air Force Make Plans to Assimilate Drones into Aviation Units -- Defense Updates

HD Cameras on UAVs Is Closer To Reality -- Defense News

President Obama To Address The Nation On Iraq Transition

Obama to Address US on Iraq Transition -- Voice Of America

President Barack Obama will address the American people on Tuesday about the new advisory and training role for the U.S. military in Iraq. Mr. Obama's speech from the Oval Office comes after a visit with U.S. troops at Ft. Bliss, Texas and private visits at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington with soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The president is expected to explain to Americans what the U.S. has accomplished in Iraq since 2003, underscore a continuing commitment to Iraq's stability, and pay tribute to the sacrifices by American military personnel.

Read more ....

More News On President Obama's Address To The Nation On Iraq

Obama's prepares to deliver Oval Office address on Iraq -- USA Today
Obama speech on Iraq has risks -- Washington Post
Obama to Make 2nd Oval Office Speech -- New York Times
Obama to mark end of Iraq combat ops -- ABC News (Australia)
Obama visits US troops, plans Bush call -- AFP
Troops yet to give Obama full salute -- Washington Times

Biden in Iraq for Talks and Handover -- New York Times
Biden in Iraq to mark end of U.S. combat mission -- USA Today
Biden says US won't abandon war-battered Iraq -- AP
Biden pays surprise visit to Iraq -- Al Jazeera
U.S. VP Biden visits Iraq as troops withdraw -- Reuters
Biden in Iraq to mark end of U.S. combat mission -- L.A. Times

Timeline: Invasion, surge and withdrawal - U.S. forces in Iraq -- Reuters

An Examination On The Ruthless Calculus Behind A New Age Of Piracy

The 290-foot, three-masted cruise ship Le Ponant was targeted last year by Somali pirates, who held hostage its crew of 30—a harbinger of attacks to come. By Thierry Lacour/Gamma/Eyedea/Zuma Press.

The Pirate Latitudes -- Vanity Fair

When the French luxury cruise ship Le Ponant was captured by a raggedy, hopped-up band of Somali pirates last spring, in the Gulf of Aden, it looked as if the bandits had bitten off more than they could chew. But after a week-long standoff, they got what they had come for—a $2.15 million ransom. Describing the terrifying attack, the ordeal of the ship’s epicurean crew, and the tense negotiations, the author examines the ruthless calculus behind a new age of piracy.

Read more ....

My Comment: A sobering view on how piracy on the high seas has evolved to what it is today. Read it all.

Mexico's Drug Cartel War -- News Updates August 31, 2010

Mexican authorities are struggling to contain a wave of brutal killings by drug cartels [Reuters]

Mexico Fires 3,200 Police Officers For Incompetence, Corruption After Latest Political Assassination -- New York Daily News

Mexico fired 3,200 police officers for incompetence or corruption Monday, a day after another border town mayor was assassinated - the second in two weeks.

Another 1,020 federal officers face discipline because they failed a test that aims to identify who might take a drug lord's bribe.

The dramatic firing of 10% of Mexico's cops came as the three-year-old border drug war escalated to bloody new levels of violence.

Read more ....

More News On Mexico's Drug Wars

Mexico sacks nearly a tenth of federal police -- Reuters
Mexico has fired 10 pct of federal police in 2010 -- AP
More than 3,000 Mexican federal police fired, commissioner says -- CNN
Mexico sacks 10% of police force in corruption probe -- BBC
Mexico sacks 3,200 federal cops -- 10% of force -- USA Today
Mexico Has Fired 10 Pct of Federal Police in 2010 -- ABC News

Mexico nabs U.S.-born drug lord 'La Barbie' -- Houston Chronicle
Captured "Barbie" drug lord menaced central Mexico -- Reuters
Suspected drug lord captured in Mexico state -- L.A. Times
Mexico says drug lord 'the Barbie' captured -- Washington Post
Mexico says drug lord 'the Barbie' captured -- AP
Mexican Police Arrest Alleged Kingpin -- New York Times

Mexican drug traffickers blamed in killing of second mayor -- L.A. Times
Mayor killed in Mexican border state -- CNN
Mexico mayor shot dead -- Al Jazeera
Mayor killed in town near where 72 migrants were massacred -- Star Telegram
Drug Cartel Gunmen Kill a Mexican Mayor -- New York Times
Drug war intensifies in Mexico -- AFP
A New Spate of Violence Roils Mexico -- Wall Street Journal
FACTBOX-Security developments in Mexico, Aug 23-30 -- Reuters

Drug cartel suspected in Mexico massacre -- Washington Times
Survivor of migrant massacre returns to Ecuador -- L.A. Times
Mexican massacre survivor returned to Ecuador, officials say -- CNN
Migrants Are Prey In Mexico's Deadly Violence -- NPR
Mexico massacre: How the drug war is pushing cartels into human trafficking -- Christian Science Monitor

TIMELINE-Key events in Mexico's drug war -- Reuters

Where Does U.S. Intelligence Get Their Intelligence?

Army Intelligence Buys Intelligence Like Netflix? -- Washington Post

Everyone knows that the U.S. government collects and produces intelligence, using information from sensitive Tippy Top Secret sources to the lowliest "open source" material found readily on the Internet. When it comes to translations and unique databases -- from the scientific to the most intrusive personal information -- the intelligence community also has virtual carte blanche to tap the expertise of the private sector.

But how about Army intelligence, and not some unclassified library or open source entity, but an organization that itself works at all classification levels, buying commercial unclassified and regurgitated information? Information that Army intelligence itself -- or a myriad of other government agencies -- not only produces on its own, but that is readily available? Like a robot stuck walking into a wall because it cannot stop or no one has turned off the switch, this is exactly what's happening.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is nothing new to me. When I check the IP addresses for some of the readers of this blog, I often find numerous readers from the military, Washington DC government departments, locations like Langley .... and that is all in the U.S. My foreign readers are even more interesting, coming from locations and government departments that clearly indicates a military/government/intelligence connection.

I guess they like my Day By Day cartoon on the left side of this blog.

Typhoon Display Over Dunsfold Airfield. " Hascombe Hill View " (Video)

Hat Tip: Theo Spark

Is The ROTC Coming Back To Elite Colleges?

Is ROTC Poised For A Comeback At Elite Colleges? -- Time Magazine

Shawna Sinnott spent the last four years performing a balancing act: she took courses for her self-designed major at Harvard, practiced her jazz number for the Miss Massachusetts Pageant, and woke up at 4:30 a.m. three days a week for Navy ROTC training across town at MIT.

She was one of 11 Harvard graduates commissioned into the Armed Forces this May in a ceremony on campus that some see as easing tensions between the university and the military. Harvard is one of several elite colleges that do not formally recognize the Reserve Officers Training Corp, which trains students at hundreds of schools but is not recognized at most of the Ivies and other top-tier universities because the military violates their anti-discrimination policies. However, these schools' opposition to ROTC, which started on many campuses during the Vietnam War, could soon change if Congress repeals the federally mandated policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT).

Read more ....

My Comment: This ban is so much from the 1960s .... and with most administrators in Ivy League Schools being from this time .... rescinding this ban will still have a long way to go, even with repealing DADT.

Britain And France To Share Aircraft Carriers

HMS Illustrious, a British aircraft carrier, passes London's financial district in Canary Wharf before docking at Greenwhich November 4, 2008. Credit: Reuters/Kevin Coombs

Britain, France To Share Aircraft Carriers -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Britain and France are getting ready to unveil plans to share aircraft carriers amid pressure on the British military to cut costs, the Times reported on Tuesday.

Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicholas Sarkozy were expected to announce the proposal at a November summit, the Times said, quoting an unidentified British naval source for its information.

No immediate comment was available from British officials on the report.

Earlier this month, a Defence Ministry source told Reuters that Britain might cancel one or both of its planned new aircraft carriers to cut costs, though there were no plans to scale back the country's nuclear deterrent.

Read more ....

More News On England And France Sharing Aircraft Carriers

Britain, France 'plan defence pact' -- Press Association
UK and France to share aircraft carriers -- The Sun
Plan to share aircraft carriers with France -- The Independent
Jump jets to fall victim to spending cuts -- The Telegraph

My Comment: Britain and France working together .... hmmm .... I guess cats and dogs can live together.

Another Terror Plot Busted

ABC News Exclusive: Two Men On United Flight From Chicago Arrested On 'Preparation Of A Terrorist Attack' In Amsterdam -- ABC News

Suspects Had Been Cleared Sunday by TSA in Chicago, Birmingham Despite Security Concerns

Two men taken off a Chicago-to-Amsterdam United Airlines flight in the Netherlands have been charged by Dutch police with "preparation of a terrorist attack," U.S. law enforcement officials tell ABC News.

U.S. officials said the two appeared to be travelling with what were termed "mock bombs" in their luggage. "This was almost certainly a dry run, a test," said one senior law enforcement official.

Read more ....

More News On This Terror Plot

Two Men Arrested On Terror Suspicion On Flight From Chicago To Amsterdam -- FOX News
Dutch arrests may have been dry run, U.S. source says -- CNN
Dutch police question two men on trans-Atlantic flight -- BBC
Dutch Police Arrest Two Men After Suspicious Baggage Discovered -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Dutch Police Arrest Two Men Arriving on U.S. Flight Amid Probe Into Bags -- Bloomberg
Dutch Arrest 2 From U.S. On Terror Suspicions -- NPR
AP source: Suspicious luggage sparks questioning -- AP
Dutch arrest two men on US flight -- AFP
2 Airline Passengers Held on Fears of a Terrorist Plot -- New York Times
Pair held after odd items turn up in luggage -- Washington Post
Two Airplane Passengers Arrested on Fears of Terror Plot -- Wall Street Journal
Dutch police arrest terror suspects on US flight -- The Telegraph
2 men with Michigan ties raise suspicion of terror plot -- Detroit Free Press

My Comment: ThreatsWatch sums it up best ....

Bulky clothing in summer and cell phones taped together, perhaps to simulate bomb triggers, by Middle Eastern men on an American flight.

If it walks like a duck, and looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, chances are it's a duck.