Our Media/Propaganda Campaigns Have Been A Failure In Iraq And Afghanistan

Marine Corps Cpl. William Aider releases a batch of leaflets April 3 while aboard an aircraft flying over Afghanistan. Sgt. Joshua T. Greenfield, Marine Corps

U.S. 'Info Ops' Programs Dubious, Costly -- USA Today

WASHINGTON – As the Pentagon has sought to sell wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to often-hostile populations there, it has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on poorly tracked marketing and propaganda campaigns that military leaders like to call "information operations," the modern equivalent of psychological warfare.

From 2005 to 2009, such spending rose from $9 million to $580 million a year mostly in Iraq and Afghanistan, Pentagon and congressional records show. Last year, spending dropped to $202 million as the Iraq War wrapped up. A USA TODAY investigation, based on dozens of interviews and a series of internal military reports, shows that Pentagon officials have little proof the programs work and they won't make public where the money goes. In Iraq alone, more than $173 million was paid to what were identified only as "miscellaneous foreign contractors."

Read more ....

My Comment: The enemy spends almost nothing for their media/info campaigns .... but are infinitely more successful with their message. So .... is the fault on our side the message or the messenger? My guess is that the answer is a combination of both.

Iraq War Vets Saluted At A Formal White House Dinner

Iraq War Veterans Honored At White House Dinner -- UPI

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 (UPI) -- President Obama dined with Iraq War veterans at the White House, praising them and their comrades for their valor on behalf of a grateful nation.

At the conclusion of his 10-minute speech at the formal gathering, called "A Nation's Gratitude: Honoring those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn," the commander in chief raised a glass of what appeared to be water and offered a toast:

Read more ....

More News On White House Dinner For Iraq War Veterans

President Obama Honors Iraq Vets With White House Dinner -- White House
By welcoming a few Iraq war vets to White House, President Obama pays tribute to the many -- Washington Post/AP
Obama salutes Iraq war vets at White House dinner -- AP
Iraq War Vets Honored With White House Dinner -- ABC News
Theme for troops at Iraq war dinner: ‘Humbled’ -- Air Force Times
Obama salutes troops at White House dinner -- Politico
29 soldiers attend dinner for Iraq war veterans at White House -- Military Times
Iraq Vets Share Experiences Before White House Dinner -- US Department of Defense
White House dinner tribute to Iraq vets -- CNN

Did President Obama's Koran Apology Calm Down The Riots In Afghanistan?

President Barack Obama participates in an interview with Bob Woodruff in the Cross Hall and the East Room of the White House, Feb. 29, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Obama: Koran Apology 'Calmed Things Down' -- ABC News

President Obama said his formal apology to Afghan President Hamid Karzai for the burning of Korans by U.S. troops last week has "calmed things down" after the incident sparked an outbreak of violence across the country.

"We're not out of the woods yet," Obama said in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Bob Woodruff at the White House. "But my criteria in any decision I make, getting recommendations from folks who are actually on the ground, is what is going to best protect our folks and make sure that they can accomplish their mission."

Read more ....

My Comment: Huh ?!?!?!?! I am clearly on a different planet from the President. But he is the President, and because he has access to information that I do not have, I will give him the benefit of my doubts. However .... after 10 years of fighting this war .... the last three under his watch being the worse .... these doubts are starting to increase.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 29, 2012

North Korea: The Denuclearisation Dance Resumes -- Aidan Foster-Carter, BBC

North Korea loves to spring surprises. More unusual is for its US foe to play along.

Just a few days ago, both sides were blandly non-committal about the outcome of bilateral talks - their third in recent months - held in Beijing on 23-24 February.

This calculated coyness, it now seems, concealed quite a breakthrough. Presumably both sides needed a few more days to fine-tune the small print.

So Wednesday's simultaneous announcement from Washington and Pyongyang was both unexpected, and glad tidings.

The North Korean nuclear issue, stalemated for the past three years, is now back in play again - not before time.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

North Korea nuclear moratorium: Will it last? -- Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor

Can Diplomacy Solve Iranian Nuclear Crisis? -- Meredith Buel, Voice of America

US thinks Iranian retaliation would be calculated' -- Jerusalem Post

Do Israelis support a strike on Iran? -- Shibley Telhami, Politico

Syria's uprising is being crushed but Assad cannot escape his fate -- Fares Chamseddine, The Guardian

The relentless violence in Syria: By the numbers -- The Week

A crucial referendum -- Irish Times editorial

The prohibition of drugs has been an abject failure with a devastating human cost -- James Bloodworth, The Independent

Empty Politics Pose Biggest Threat to U.S. Power -- Clive Crook, Bloomberg

Brazil's New Swagger -- David Rothkopf, Foreign Relations

Afghans Don't Hate America -- Max Boot, Real Clear World/Wall Street Journal

A serious misstep in Afghanistan -- Alan Fisher, Al Jazeera

Despite the deepening crisis, the Afghan strategy is worth saving -- Washington post editorial

Pessimism grows after troops killed -- Jim Lobe, Asia Times

Afghanistan's Koran-burning protests: 'Time for us to leave'? -- The Week editorial

Why We Couldn't Change Afghanistan -- Michael Hart, The Atlantic

Commentary: Sad state of affairs in Afghanistan -- UPI

World News Briefs -- February 29, 2012 (Evening Edition)

North Korea To Suspend Nuclear Programme -- Al Jazeera

Uranium enrichment, weapons testing and long-range missile launches to be stopped in return for US food as part of deal.

North Korea has agreed to stop nuclear tests, uranium enrichment and long-range missile launches and to allow nuclear inspectors to visit its Yongbyon nuclear complex to verify the moratorium has been enforced.

The announcement, made simultaneously by the US state department and North Korea's official news agency on Wednesday, paves the way for the possible resumption of six-party disarmament negotiations with the Communist state, and follows talks between US and North Korean diplomats in Beijing last week.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Senators: U.S. forces at risk due to Syrian chemical weapons.

Syria unrest: Military 'advancing in Homs'. Syrian troops reportedly pushing into besieged city. Syrian troops advance on rebel-held area of Homs. Syrian army assaults rebel districts.

UAE says U.S. targeted only one bank over Iran.

Netanyahu will ask Obama to threaten Iran strike. Israel faces resistance over Iran strike.
Reports: Netanyahu will push Obama hard on Iran.

Iranian candidates in final pitch for votes.

Iran: military decides if IAEA can visit Parchin.

Israel raids Palestinian television stations.

Iran 'to accept payment in gold for oil'.

ASIA

Clinton: Japan, EU working to comply with Iran sanctions.

Tajikistan wants Russia to pay rent for military bases.


U.S.: North Korea agrees to suspend nuclear activities. North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium, Says U.S.

U.S. commander admits conditions on N. Korea aid.

Deadly knife attack reported in China. Deadly riots in China’s troubled Xinjiang region.

China wages diplomatic offensive with Arab countries.

Fortunes of China's richest politicians hits £67bn.

China, Philippines argue over planned oil search.

Singapore 'the next Silicon Valley'.

AFRICA

Senegal presidential race heads to runoff, a humiliating blow to incumbent Wade.

Ship's anchor cuts Internet access to six East African countries.

Egyptian presidential election set for May 23-24.

Muslim Brotherhood’s political party consolidates power in Egypt parliament.

Uganda to open third refugee camp for fleeing Congolese.

Costa Allegra passengers surviving on basic supplies flown in by helicopter.

Sudan, China discuss oil dispute.

U.S. and Egypt broach issue of Americans' trial.

EUROPE

Poll: Merkel's popularity highest in over 2 years.

Putin says foes plan dirty tricks to tarnish Russian vote.

Europe delays debt talks after signs of uncertain support.

Putin vies for leadership of a changed Russia.

Belarus says EU decision to pull envoys a ‘path into a deadlock’.

French genocide law: President Sarkozy orders new draft.

Irish put EU treaty up for a vote. EU to Ireland: your referendum won't stop EU financial treaty.

UK presses for European human rights convention changes.

AMERICAS

Cocaine seizures drop in Mexico as traffic moves to other countries.

US economic growth revised up to 3%.

Falklands anniversary: Argentina plan to ban British goods.

Romney sweeps to victory over Santorum in Michigan, Arizona.

Venezuela: Chavez in good condition after surgery.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

New Dehli police bust LeT's terror plot targeting city during Holi, arresting two suspects and seizing huge amount of explosives.

Report: Egypt arrests al Qaeda leader. Doubts over identity of al-Qaeda militant held in Cairo.

Guantanamo prisoner held for years in secret emerges for plea deal that caps prison sentence.

July 7 bomber's widow 'on the run' over links with terrorist cell.

Obama issues waivers to military detention. New rules issued on when FBI, not military, keeps custody of al-Qaida suspects arrested in US.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fannie asks U.S. gov't for almost $4.6B after 4Q loss.

OPEC leaders are ‘laughing at us’: Donald Trump.

Apple joins exclusive $500bn club. At $500 billion, Apple is worth more than Poland.

Markets start to anticipate Obama victory in November.

James Murdoch quits News International.

Fears That Syria's Civil War Will Spread To It's Neighbors

Syria’s Sectarian Fears Keep Region On Edge -- New York Times

NAJAF, Iraq — Abu Ali fled his life as a Shiite cleric and student in Homs, the besieged Syrian city at the center of an increasingly bloody uprising, but it was not the government he feared.

It was the rebels, who he said killed three of his cousins in December and dumped a body in the family garbage bin.

“I can’t be in Homs because I will get killed there,” he said from this religious city in Iraq where he has taken refuge. “Not just me, but all Shiites.”

Read more ....

My Comment: For the moment, Syria's civil war has not spread to it's neighbors. But as the conflict escalates .... and the refugee crisis increases .... anything will become possible. What is my prediction .... if the war continues for the remainder of 2012, a breaking point will be reached in which much of the Syrian military will probably fracture. Once fractured, this civil war will then become a truly sectarian/religious civil war, with Sunnis on one side, and Shiites (with their allies) on the other. Within the greater Middle East itself .... my bet is that we will then have Iran/Hezbollah overtly supporting one side, and the rest of the Arab world supporting the other side.

Graphic: Clashes, Strikes And Protests Across Syria

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

WNU Editor: This is an excellent graphic of the conflict in Syria. Click here for the interactive features.

Civil War In Syria -- News Updates February 29, 212

Activists: Syrian Security Forces Launch Ground Assault In Homs -- Voice of America

Syrian security forces have launched a ground assault on the besieged city of Homs, in an attempt to overrun rebel-held districts that have endured nearly a month of bombardment that killed hundreds and left residents in desperate peril.

Activists said Wednesday that government troops were trying to enter the opposition Baba Amr and al-Inshaat neighborhoods, where fierce confrontations with the rebel Free Syrian Army were taking place. A Syrian official vowed Baba Amr would be "cleansed" within hours.

Read more ....

More News On Syria's Civil War

Syria: Overview -- Yahoo News
Syria: Baba Amr awaits its fate - Wednesday 29 February -- The Guardian
Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera

Syria unrest: Military 'advancing in Homs' -- BBC
Syrian troops move to retake Homs district Baba Amr -- The Telegraph
Syrian forces launch ground assault on Homs -- Al Jazeera
Helicopters fire on Syrians as siege intensifies, activists say -- CNN
Elite Syrian troops bombard rebel strongholds in Homs as opposition vows to fight on -- National Post/Reuters
Syrian troops advance on rebel-held area of Homs -- FOX News/AP
Syrian troops reportedly launch ground assault on Homs -- Washington Post
Syrian forces launch ground assault on rebel bastion -- AFP
Syrian Troops Reportedly Pushing Into Besieged City -- New York Times
Syrian forces launch ground assault on rebel bastion -- AFP
Syria 'in ground assault' on Homs -- Irish Times
Syria Blocks U.N. Visitor, Vows to 'Cleanse' Homs -- Wall Street Journal
Syrian assault traps 100,000 in Homs -- Gulf News
Syrian Forces Shell Towns in North After Assad Says Voters Back Referendum -- Bloomberg

Syria unrest: Death toll passes 7,500, UN says -- BBC
Syria civilian death toll "well over 7,500": U.N. -- Reuters
U.N.: Syria death toll 'well over' 7,500 -- CNN

Syria: Bashar al-Assad 'could be classified as war criminal' -- The Telegraph
Clinton: Assad fits "war criminal" definition -- CBS News

Spanish reporter escapes Syria to Lebanon -- AP
Group describes harrowing rescue of British journalist in Syria -- L.A. Times
13 Syrians die attempting to rescue foreign journalists from Homs -- Washington Post

UN humanitarian aid chief denied entry into Syria -- Reuters
Syria opposition group open to ties with Hezbollah -- Jerusalem Post
Syria's nonviolent activists face uphill battle for democracy -- L.A. Times
Syria 'Path Of Death' Smuggling A Lifeline Into War-Torn Country -- Huffington Post

Syria's uprising is being crushed but Assad cannot escape his fate -- Fares Chamseddine, The Guardian
The relentless violence in Syria: By the numbers -- The Week

A Mystery: Osama Bin Laden Had Two Copies Of The Bible Hidden In His Home

Two Bibles 'Containing Terror Codes' Found Hidden In Bin Laden Compound As It Is Demolished -- Daily Mail

* Pakistani officials also found two radio sets at the Abbottabad compound
* Three-storey building has now been razed to the ground

Pakistani security officials have found two copies of the Bible at the house where Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden was killed.

The Christian holy books were discovered this week when demolition crews were sent in to tear down the compound in Abbottabad.

They were so well hidden that security personnel had previously overlooked them.

Read more ....

More News On Osama Bin Laden And The Mystery Of His Two Bibles

Osama bin Laden hid terror codes in two copies of the Bible -- Times of India
Osama Bin Laden Hid Terror Attack Codes in Bible? ISI to Investigate -- IBTimes
Osama hid terror attack codes in Bible? -- Zeenews
Bin Laden's Bible code? -- YNet News
Bin Laden hid terror codes in the Bible. Fear over compound books -- The Sun
Bible copies found at Osama bin Laden's hideout -- Express Tribune

My Comment: A very strange story (if true). Why the Bibles, and why were they hidden in his own home. A mystery we will (unfortunately) probably never know the answer to.

Flight Training To Begin For The F-35A

Trillion-Dollar Stealth Fighter Cleared for Flight Training -- Danger Room

The Air Force’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is finally cleared to begin introductory flights at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida — four months late.

The belated “Military Flight Release” is a big step forward for the stealthy JSF, which is slated to replace almost all of the Pentagon’s tactical jets over the next 30 years but has been plagued by design problems, safety concerns, delays and cost increases.

Read more ....

More News On The Start Of Flight Training For The F-35A

Local area flights allowed for F-35A -- Air Force Times
Local Area Flights Allowed for F-35 -- Defense News
Air Force announces limited flying of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet at Florida base -- Washington Post/AP
Air Force: Limited Flying of F-35 Can Begin -- Military.com
F-35A Cleared for TakeOff with new Military Flight Release -- Defense Update

Air Force Base Quietly Grounds F-22 Fighter Missions

Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor

Air Force Base Quietly Pauses F-22 Fighter Missions After More Air Problems - ABC News

American pilots at an Alaskan military base have reported a sudden spike of incidents in which they experienced an apparent lack of oxygen while flying the nation's most sophisticated fighter jets -- a mysterious, recurring problem that already caused the $77.4 billion fighter jet fleet to sit idle on the tarmac for months last year.

In at least three incidents in the last two weeks, pilots of the $143 million-a-pop stealth F-22 Raptors at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reported the "hypoxia-like" symptoms, leading the base to ground their F-22s for a day for "review," Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Regina Winchester told ABC News.

Read more ....

More News On the 'Grounding' Of F-22 Operations

Air Force Lt. Gen. at a Loss on Problems With $77 Billion Fighters -- ABC News
The Air Force Still Doesn’t Know What’s Choking Its Stealth Fighter Pilots -- The Danger Room
America's pricey F-22 Raptor fighter jets grounded after pilots report 'lack of oxygen' during flights - Daily Mail
USAF 3-Star: ‘No Smoking Gun’ in F-22 Problems -- Defense News
F-22 Raptor “smoking gun” not found -- DoD Buzz
3-star: ‘No smoking gun’ in F-22 problems -- Air Force Times

U.S. Navy Test-Fires First Working Prototype Railgun

The Ultimate Bullet Train: Watch The Amazing Video Of The Railgun That Can Hit Targets 100 Miles Away At Seven Times The Speed Of Sound -- Daily Mail

* Futuristic weapon is another step closer to being deployed
* Navy reveals industry-built prototype is now being tested
* Uses magnetic field and electric current to generate energy

A futuristic supersonic weapon which fires ammunition up to 100 miles is another step closer to being deployed by the U.S. Navy.

Officials have revealed an industry-built prototype of the electromagnetic railgun is now being tested at its Naval Surface Warfare Centre Dahlgren Division in northern Virginia.

The weapon, which it is hoped will be fitted on ships from 2017, uses a magnetic field and electric current, instead of chemicals, to generate energy to fire the rounds.

Read more ....

More News On the U.S. Navy's Electromagnetic Railgun

New Navy Rail Gun Fires 50 Miles With No Propellant: Latest Tests Use Smaller Guns -- Aol Defense
Navy close on making super-powerful railgun -- CBS
It's real! Navy test-fires first working prototype railgun -- FOX News
U.S. Navy Test Fires 32-Megajoule Railgun, Could See Service by 2020 -- Daily Tech
Video: Navy Fires Off Its New Weaponized Railgun -- Danger Room
Video: Flamethrowing Navy Railgun Blasts Terrifying Projectiles Through Superheated Air -- Popular Science
The Military’s Shipwrecking Railgun Just Got Really Real -- Gizmodo
Navy Unleashes Its Electromagnetic Railgun Outside of the Lab [Video] -- Scientific American

Can U.S. Special Operations Do More With Less?

Special Operations To Do More With Less -- Washington Times

Effect on units raises concerns.

The Obama administration’s increasing reliance on special operations forces with a stagnant budget has sparked concern among the elite units that they will be asked to do too much with too little.

The forces will be conducting missions in 120 countries by year’s end, up from about 75 currently. This activity is increasing as the U.S. Special Operations Command’s budget is set to remain flat.

The command’s fiscal 2013 budget request is $10.4 billion - essentially the same as its current budget. In 2011, its budget was $12.1 billion.

Read more ....

My Comment: Operations increased from 75 countries to 120 .... in one year. A budget of $10.4 billion for 2013 .... down from $12.1 billion for 2011. Multiple deployments for many of these troops ... and more to come.

Someone in the White House and in the Pentagon may believe that Special Forces can do more for less .... I have my doubts.

Iran's Nuclear Program -- News Updates February 29, 2012

Reports: Netanyahu Will Push Obama Hard On Iran -- Christian Science Monitor

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will reportedly ratchet up the pressure when he meets with President Obama in Washington next week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to take a harder line on Iran in next week’s meeting with President Obama in hopes of pressuring the United States into making more decisive pronouncements on its potential responses to Iran’s nuclear development.

Haaretz reports that, according to an unnamed Israeli official, Mr. Netanyahu wants more than the "vague assertion that 'all options are on the table.' " He wants Mr. Obama to publicly state that the US is prepared for a military operation against Iran should the country “cross certain ‘red lines.’ ”

Read more ....

More News On Iran's Nuclear Program

Obama likely to resist pressure to further toughen Iran stance -- L.A. Times
Obama likely to resist pressure to further toughen Iran stance -- Stars and Stripes/Tribune
U.S. policy aimed at 'buying time' with Iran, says senior official -- Haaretz
White House Faces Continuing Questions on Iran, Possible Israeli Action -- Voice of America
Clinton: Internal Power Struggle in Iran Over Nuclear Weapons -- Voice of America
How Israel might strike at Iran -- BBC
Fears grow of Israel-Iran missile shootout -- MSNBC
Ordinary Israelis Ponder An Attack Against Iran -- NPR
IAEA worried about "activities" at Iran site -- Reuters
UN nuclear watchdog sees signs of 'activities' at Iran site, say diplomats -- Haaretz
Iran could allow UN inspection of suspected nuclear test sites, IAEA envoy says -- Haaretz
Iran nuclear talks with six-nation group of powers set to be agreed -- The Guardian
Iran: military decides if IAEA can visit Parchin -- Reuters
Iran says making nuclear bombs a "great sin" -- Reuters
Iran Accuses West of Double Standard on Nuclear Weapons -- Voice of America
No clear world voice on Iran nuke work -- AP
U.S. Sees Iran Attacks as Likely if Israel Strikes -- New York Times
Iran’s underground nuclear sites not immune to U.S. bunker-busters, experts say -- Washington Post
Can Diplomacy Solve Iranian Nuclear Crisis? -- Meredith Buel, Voice of America

Interpol Targets 'Anonymous Hackers' For Arrest

25 Suspected Anonymous Hackers Arrested In International Sweep -- L.A. Times

Twenty-five alleged hackers from the freewheeling, decentralized Anonymous protest movement have been arrested across Europe and South America in a massive sweep coordinated by Interpol, an agency based in France that links police around the world.

Suspects arrested in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Spain were believed to have carried out coordinated digital attacks against the Colombian Ministry of Defense, a Chilean electrical company and other targets, the Associated Press reported.

Read more ....

More News On Interpol Targeting For Arrest Anonymous Hackers

Interpol arrests suspected 'Anonymous' hackers -- CNN
Interpol says suspected Anonymous hackers arrested -- AP
25 alleged Anonymous members arrested after Interpol investigation -- Washington Post
Anonymous hackers: Police arrest 25 in four countries -- BBC
Interpol: 25 Anonymous members arrested across Europe and South America -- New york Daily News/AP
Arrests target suspected 'Anonymous' hackers -- Al Jazeera
Interpol website suffers 'Anonymous cyber-attack' -- The Guardian
Anonymous brings down Interpol website in retaliation for 25 arrests -- RT
Anonymous shuts Interpol site in revenge -- UPI
Interpol arrests Anonymous hackers: Do they warrant the attention? -- Scott Baldauf, Christian Science Monitor
What Is 'Anonymous' And How Does It Operate? -- Radio Free Europe

North Korea Agrees To Suspend It's Nuclear And Missile Programs

North Korea Agrees To Curb Nuclear Work; U.S. Offers Aid -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — North Korea agreed to suspend nuclear weapons tests and uranium enrichment and to allow international inspectors to verify and monitor activities at its main reactor, the State Department and the North’s official news agency announced on Wednesday, as part of a deal that included an American pledge to ship food aid to the isolated, impoverished nation.

Although the Obama administration called the steps “important, if limited,” they signaled a potential breakthrough in the impasse over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program following the death late last year of the country’s leader, Kim Jong-il. He has since been replaced by a son, Kim Jong-un, and administration officials have been watching closely to see if his rise to power would alter the country’s behavior. North Korea also agreed on a moratorium on launches of long-range missiles, which have in the past raised military tensions in South Korea and Japan.

Read more ....

More News On North Korea Suspending It's Nuclear And Missile Programs

North Korea agrees to 'nuclear moratorium' -- BBC
N.Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium, IAEA inspections -- Alertnet
North Korea agrees to suspend nuclear activity and stop missile tests, suspend uranium enrichment -- New York Daily News
North Korea agrees to halt nuclear activities, missile launches: U.S. -- National Post/Reuters
North Korea agrees to stop nuclear tests -- The Telegraph
North Korea agrees to stop nuclear enrichment -- Al Jazeera
US says N. Korea Agrees to Missile, Uranium Enrichment Moratorium -- Voice of America
North Korea to halt nuclear, missile tests for US food aid -- France 24/AFP
U.S.: North Korea Agrees To Curb Nuclear Operations -- National Journal
North Korea agrees to cease nuclear tests -- The Hill
N. Korea agrees to suspend uranium enrichment, nuclear tests -- Washington Post
North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium, US says -- Christian Science Monitor
North Korea agrees to suspend nuclear activities, US says -- The Guardian
US says North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium -- MSNBC
U.S.: North Korea agrees to suspend nuclear activities -- Haaretz
North Korea agrees nuclear halt -- Press Association

Afghanistan War News Updates -- February 29, 2012

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Guillermo Floresmartines wades through a canal during a patrol around the villages of Sre Kala and Paygel in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 16, 2012. Floresmartines is an assistant squad leader assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. U.S. Marines and sailors conducted clearing and disrupting operations around the villages during Operation Highland Thunder. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez

Koran Burning In Afghanistan Prompts 3 Parallel Inquiries -- New York Times

KABUL, Afghanistan — Three major investigations were under way on Wednesday into the Koran burning at Bagram Air Base by the American military last week, the event that plunged Afghanistan into days of deadly protests claiming as many as 30 Afghan lives and coinciding with the shooting deaths of four American soldiers.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

Probe Of Afghan Quran Burning Nearing Completion -- NPR/AP
One soldier, one year: $850,000 and rising -- CNN
Afghan forces face threat from within, says official -- Reuters
Afghan suspect's village in shock over killing of US officers -- Alertnet
NATO Head: Troops Showed Restraint in Afghanistan -- Military.com/AP
NATO showing 'restraint' in Afghanistan: Rasmussen -- AFP
Afghanistan turmoil won't change US war plan -- FOX News/AP
U.S. rejects strategy shift after Afghan protests, shooting -- Reuters
Afghanistan unrest stirs worries, but doesn't shake commitment -- MSNBC
Camp Pendleton Marines deploy for a 'hard year' in Afghanistan -- L.A. times
Britain begins preparations for Afghanistan withdrawal -- The Telegraph
U.S. Secures New Afghan Exit Routes -- Wall Street Journal
U.S. General Says Pakistan Route Must Open To Complete Afghan Pullout -- Radio Free Europe
U.N. yanks staff from northern Afghanistan -- UPI
AFGHANISTAN: Bracing for mass evictions from Pakistan -- One World/Yahoo News
Racing for the exits -- Foreign Affairs
Clinton defends US mission in Afghanistan -- Stars and Stripes/AP

A serious misstep in Afghanistan -- Alan Fisher, Al Jazeera
Despite the deepening crisis, the Afghan strategy is worth saving -- Washington post editorial
Pessimism grows after troops killed -- Jim Lobe, Asia Times
Afghanistan's Koran-burning protests: 'Time for us to leave'? -- The Week editorial
Why We Couldn't Change Afghanistan -- Michael Hart, The Atlantic
Commentary: Sad state of affairs in Afghanistan -- UPI

US Military Deaths in Afghanistan at 1,777 -- ABC News/AP

World News Briefs -- February 29, 2012

'100 A Day' Dying In Syria Violence -- Sydney Morning Herald

SYRIAN President Bashar al-Assad could be regarded as a war criminal, Hillary Clinton has suggested, as the United Nations said 100 people were dying in his country every day.

Lynn Pascoe, the UN under-secretary-general for political affairs, said the total number of dead from the conflict was now ''well over'' 7500, with no sign of an end to the violence.

''There are now credible reports that the death toll now often exceeds 100 civilians a day, including many women and children,'' Mr Pascoe said.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria unrest: Military 'advancing in Homs'. Syrian troops reportedly pushing into besieged city. Syrian troops advance on rebel-held area of Homs. Syrian army assaults rebel districts.

Netanyahu will ask Obama to threaten Iran strike. Israel faces resistance over Iran strike.
Reports: Netanyahu will push Obama hard on Iran.

Iran: military decides if IAEA can visit Parchin.

Israel raids Palestinian television stations.

Iran 'to accept payment in gold for oil'.

ASIA

U.S.: North Korea agrees to suspend nuclear activities. North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium, Says U.S.

U.S. commander admits conditions on N. Korea aid.

Deadly riots in China’s troubled Xinjiang region.

China wages diplomatic offensive with Arab countries.

Fortunes of China's richest politicians hits £67bn.

China, Philippines argue over planned oil search.

Singapore 'the next Silicon Valley'.

AFRICA

Uganda to open third refugee camp for fleeing Congolese.

Costa Allegra passengers surviving on basic supplies flown in by helicopter.

Sudan, China discuss oil dispute.

U.S. and Egypt broach issue of Americans' trial.

EUROPE

Europe delays debt talks after signs of uncertain support.

Putin vies for leadership of a changed Russia.

Belarus says EU decision to pull envoys a ‘path into a deadlock’.

French genocide law: President Sarkozy orders new draft.

Irish put EU treaty up for a vote.

UK presses for European human rights convention changes.

AMERICAS

US economic growth revised up to 3%.

Falklands anniversary: Argentina plan to ban British goods.

Romney sweeps to victory over Santorum in Michigan, Arizona.

Venezuela: Chavez in good condition after surgery.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: Egypt arrests al Qaeda leader. Doubts over identity of al-Qaeda militant held in Cairo.

Guantanamo prisoner held for years in secret emerges for plea deal that caps prison sentence.

July 7 bomber's widow 'on the run' over links with terrorist cell.

Obama issues waivers to military detention. New rules issued on when FBI, not military, keeps custody of al-Qaida suspects arrested in US.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

OPEC leaders are ‘laughing at us’: Donald Trump.

Apple joins exclusive $500bn club. At $500 billion, Apple is worth more than Poland.

Markets start to anticipate Obama victory in November.

James Murdoch quits News International.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 29, 2012

The military flight release allows qualified F-35 test pilots to begin flying the fifth-generation fighter around Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Lockheed Martin)

Local Area Flights Allowed For F-35 -- Defense News

The U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) on Feb. 28 issued a military flight release (MFR) for the service’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which would allow test pilots at Eglin AFB, Fla., to begin local area flights.

“The Air Force, Joint Strike Fighter Program Office and other stakeholders have painstakingly followed established risk acceptance and mitigation processes to ensure the F-35A is ready,” Air Force Materiel Command Chief Gen. Donald Hoffman said in a Feb. 28 press release. “This is an important step for the F-35A and we are confident the team has diligently balanced the scope of initial operations with system maturity.”

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Business as Usual for Top Arms Producers Despite Slowdown in Sales -- Defpro

WikiLeaks: Russia gave Israel Iranian system's codes -- YNet news

Taiwanese air force officer detained on suspicion of passing military secrets to China -- Washington Post/AP

British Army Major given suspended jail term for possession of secret documents -- The Telegraph

Britain begins preparations for Afghanistan withdrawal -- The Telegraph

Syria Uses Iranian UAS to Monitor Rebellion -- UAS Vision

Syrian Army Using World’s Biggest Mortar Against Own People -- Defense Tech

Russia to Lay Down New Frigate for Navy -- RIA Novosti

China's J-15 Has Been Spotted On The Deck Of The Varyag -- Business Insider

Dozens of suspected Anonymous hackers arrested in worldwide sweep -- The Telegraph

F-35 cost squabble in Norway -- The Foreigner

PACOM Chief Balks At F-16 Upgrades For South Korea -- Aol Defense

S. Korea Develops Active Protection System for Armor -- Defense News

Pentagon pulls the plug on airborne missile defense system -- McClatchy News

USAF re-assessing 5th generation fighter numbers -- Flight Global

US Air Force wants pilot-optional nuclear bomber -- Opinno

Air Force issues flight release for Eglin AFB F-35A -- Air Force Material Command

Air Force Base Quietly Pauses F-22 Fighter Missions After More Air Problems -- ABC News

The Air Force Still Doesn’t Know What’s Choking Its Stealth Fighter Pilots -- Danger Room

Scrapped Northrop-EADS Tanker Deal Still Unsettled -- Defense News

U.S. Army's Modernization Program Hits Some Bumps -- Ares/Aviation Week

Big Army Programs Shifting From Procurement to Sustainment -- Ares/Aviation Week

New Navy Rail Gun Fires 50 Miles With No Propellant: Latest Tests Use Smaller Guns -- Aol Defense

Carlisle: USAF Must Use New Technology for Training -- Defense News

Senators Clash Over Idea of More Pentagon Cuts -- Military.com/AP

Pentagon to review how military handles PTSD cases -- Seattle Times

Army Dietitian Touts Warning Labels for Desserts and Fried Foods at Mess Halls -- CNS News

Military Migraines -- Time

Modern wars changing the way PTSD is diagnosed -- Stars and Stripes

New rules issued on when FBI, not military, keeps custody of al-Qaida suspects arrested in US -- Washington Post/AP

Military trial in Peace Corps rape case begins -- FOX News

Army: Spouses to Blame for KIA Notification Fail -- Spouse Buzz

As Social Media Expands, Military Bloggers Find More Outlets -- New York Times

With Dinner for a Few, Obama Honors All Iraq Vets -- Military.com

US Military Deaths in Afghanistan at 1,777 -- ABC News/AP

Editor's Note

I am finishing a project right now. Regular blogging will return later this morning.

BREAKING NEWS: North Korea Has Agreed To Suspend Uranium Enrichment

NK Agrees To 'Nuclear Moratorium' -- BBC

North Korea has agreed to suspend uranium enrichment, says the US state department.

State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland also said Pyongyang had consented to a moratorium on nuclear, and long-range missile tests.

Read more ....

My Comment: This is a breaking news story. We will be updating this later in the morning.

Pentagon: Sept. 11 Victims’ Partial Remains Went to Landfill

DOVER REPORT
Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz brief the press concerning the Dover Port Mortuary Independent Review Subcommittee Report at the Pentagon, Feb. 28, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Sept. 11 Victims’ Partial Remains Went to Landfill, Pentagon Advisers Find -- Bloomberg

Cremated body parts of some victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were disposed of in a landfill by a contractor to the U.S. military, a Pentagon advisory panel found.

The remains from the attack on the Pentagon and the plane crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, couldn’t be identified and were cremated and sent to the military’s mortuary in Dover, Delaware, the report released today found. The report didn’t indicate any connection to victims of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York.

Read more ....

Previous Post: 9/11 Remains Went To Landfill

More News On The Pentagon's Report On Dover Port Mortuary Independent Review Subcommittee Report

Remains of some 9/11 victims went to landfill, according to Pentagon report -- FOX News/AP
Military Sent 9/11 Remains to a Landfill, Report Says -- Wall Street Journal
Partial 9/11 remains cremated, dumped in landfill, Pentagon says -- Chicago Tribune
DOD: Remains of some 9/11 victims went to landfill -- USA Today/Military Times
Partial 9/11 remains cremated, dumped in landfill, Pentagon says -- L.A. Times
Pentagon admits it dumped some 9/11 remains in a landfill -- MSNBC
Remains of some 9/11 victims dumped at landfill: US -- AFP
Pentagon says some 9/11 remains in landfill -- CBS
Some September 11 dead's remains ended in landfill -- Reuters
Parts of 9/11 Victims' Remains Ended Up in Landfill—Report -- National Journal
Bodies of some 9/11 victims ended up in a landfill: Pentagon report -- National Post/Reuters
Pentagon: 9/11 Victim Remains Sent to Landfill -- Voice of America
Portions of 9/11 victims’ remains taken to landfill, report says -- Washington Post
September 11 victims' remains dumped in landfill -- The Telegraph
Report: 9/11 victims’ remains dumped in landfill -- Washington Times
Panel Recommends Changes at Dover Mortuary -- US Department of Defense
Improvements Ongoing at Dover, Air Force Officials Say -- US Department of Defense