Is The U.S. In Danger Of Breaking It's Military For The Sake Of Debt Reduction

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Sailors, Marines and other service members after delivering his remarks during a rally held on board Naval Air Station Jacksonville. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Anthony C. Casullo/Released)

Obama's Dangerous Defense Experiment -- Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, L.A. Times

The United States has cut down the military so rapidly and so blindly, we're in danger of breaking the back of the force.

Mindful of the repeated rounds of cuts the military has already endured, Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, recently delivered a grim warning: "If you want [the military] to be doing what it's doing today, then we can't give you another dollar."

His worries reflect reductions that started in 2009 and have reached crippling levels, even in President Obama's proposals to avert sequestration. I take the general at his word, but I am concerned that the president does not.

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My Comment: Even if one eliminates the U.S. defense budget in it's entirety .... the U.S. will still be running massive budget deficits. America's debt problem is huge, and while it may be politically expedient to focus on programs like cutting the military and increasing taxes on the top 5% .... the problem will still be there.

Can Boeing's Super Hornet Rival Lockheed's F-35?

Boeing Touts Fighter Jet To Rival F-35 — At Half The Price -- CBC

Super Hornet less stealthy, but has lower sticker price and operational costs.

In a dogfight of defence contractors, the hunter can quickly become the hunted. It's happening now to the F-35.

The world's largest defence contractor, Lockheed Martin, is trying to convince wavering U.S. allies — including Canada — to stick with its high-tech, high-priced and unproven F-35 stealth fighter. But the F-35 is way behind schedule, way over budget and, now, it's grounded by a mysterious crack in a turbine fan.

After years of technical problems, it's a tempting target for Lockheed Martin's rivals.

It's no surprise, then, that the No. 2 defence contractor, Boeing, smells blood.

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Update: Boeing's bid to replace CF-18s gets CBCNews.ca readers talking -- CBC Community Blog

My Comment: Another added feature to the Super Hornet (for Canada) that is a big positive is the following ....

.... The cost of transitioning our pilots and mechanics from our existing F-18 fleet to the Super Hornet is minimal considering the transition to an entirely new aircraft like the F-35. Furthermore, I suspect there are a lot of parts we have for our existing F-18 fleet that would be applicable to the new Super Hornet," said GGaudreau.

Kudos to the CBC for doing this story .... and the above video is a must see.

F-35 To Resume F-35 Flights?

Pentagon Reviewing Pratt Recommendation To Resume F-35 Flights -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Thursday it was reviewing a recommendation by Pratt & Whitney to resume flights and ground operations of the F-35 fighter jet after a week-long grounding prompted by a cracked engine blade, but no decision has yet been made.

Spokeswoman Kyra Hawn said officials from the U.S. Air Force, Navy and the Pentagon's F-35 program office were reviewing data from a comprehensive engineering investigation conducted by Pratt about the cracked blade discovered on a test plane in Florida on February 19.

Pratt spokesman Matthew Bates confirmed that the F-35 Joint Program Office was assessing the company's recommendation to resume flights but declined to offer further comment.

Pratt, a unit of United Technologies Corp, supplies the engine for the single-engine, single-seat fighter plane, which is built by Lockheed Martin Corp.

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More News On The F-35

Pratt rules out worst-case cause for F-35 blade crack: sources -- Reuters
Pentagon says no additional cracks found in F-35 engines -- Reuters
F-35 Flight Ban Should Be Lifted, Pratt & Whitney Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Tests haven't revealed cracks in F-35 blades -- Politico
EXCLUSIVE-Honeywell to test some F-35 parts after smoke incident-Pentagon -- Reuters
Pentagon Escalates Rhetoric Against Lockheed Over F-35 -- Bloomberg
Lockheed Wins $334 Million F-35 Contract Before U.S. Cuts -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Lockheed awarded $334 million contract for F-35 long lead items -- Flight Global
Australian lawmakers confident in F-35's future -- Reuters
F-35 soaring costs trouble Australia -- UPI
F-35 Cost Per Flying Hour: A Tale of Two Numbers -- Ares/Aviation Week

How America Missed The Rise Of China

While America Slept -- Kishore Mahbubani, Foreign Policy

How the United States botched China's rise.

Since the dawn of geopolitics, there has always been tension between the world's greatest power and the world's greatest emerging power. No great power likes to cede its No. 1 spot. One of the few times the top power ceded its position to the No. 2 power peacefully was when Great Britain allowed the United States to surge ahead in the late 19th century. Many books have been written on why this transition happened peacefully. But the basic reason seems cultural: One Anglo-Saxon power was giving way to another.

Today, the situation is different. The No. 1 power is the United States, the standard-bearer of the West. The No. 2 power rapidly catching up is China, an Asian power. If China passes America in the next decade or two, it will be the first time in two centuries that a non-Western power has emerged as No. 1. (According to economic historian Angus Maddison's calculations, China was the world's No. 1 economy until 1890.)

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My Comment: As one who has been to China many times (including living there in 1988 and for a short time in 1989) .... I have a certain perspective that makes it easy for me to say that this commentary is on the money. This is my must read for today.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 28, 2013

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the cardinal chamberlain, or camerlengo, will officially be in charge of Vatican affairs until a new pope is elected. Alessandro Bianchi / Reuters file

Without A Pope, Who's Running The Catholic Church? -- M. Alex Johnson, NBC

With Benedict XVI's abdication taking effect Thursday, the Roman Catholic Church has no pope until the conclave of cardinals settles on a new one. Like many other procedures of the church, the rules for running the institution during this period are ancient and little-known. Here are answers to questions you might have about exactly what happens when the papacy changes hands:

Who's in charge now?
When a monarch leaves, the period before the new king or queen takes over is called an interregnum. In the Roman Catholic Church, it's called a sede vacante (or "empty seat"). The Cardinal Chamberlain, or Camerlengo — currently Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone — is in charge of running the church, working with three cardinal assistants who are chosen at random and are replaced every three days.

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Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

The Pope as Diplomat: How the Vatican Does Foreign Policy -- Edward Pentin, Foreign Affairs

A Vatican Spring? -- Hans Kung, New York Times

How Kerry Can Achieve Peace in Middle East -- Cecily Hilleary, Voice of America

Will limited US aid to Syria rebels hasten the end of war, or prolong it? -- Dan Murphy, Christian Science Monitor

A Third Intifada? -- Matthew Duss, The American Prospect

Abbas needs an heir apparent: A succession plan for the Palestinian Authority is vital to future peace prospects. -- Jonathan Schanzer, L.A. Times

A proposed endgame for the Iranian nuclear crisis -- Kaveh L. Afrasiabi, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

The challenge from China -- Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post

Can Thai peace talks with rebels succeed? -- Jonathan Head, BBC

The Radicalization of African Islam -- Dawit Giorgis, National Interest

Spain's economic crisis has an unexpected victim: journalism -- Andrés Cala, Christian Science Monitor

Italy Chooses Decline -- IBD Editorial

Venezuela’s Future: Whose Health Is Worse—Hugo Chávez’s or the Opposition’s? -- Girish Gupta, Time

End of Castros -- Winnipeg Free Press Editorial

World News Briefs -- February 28, 2013 (Evening Edition)

Benedict XVI's Time As Pope Ends -- CBC

Now called 'emeritus pope,' Benedict makes room for a new Catholic leader

"Thank you and goodnight," Pope Benedict XVI told crowds gathered outside his new home in the Italian countryside Wednesday, as he became the first pontiff to retire in almost six centuries.

Benedict's time as head of the Catholic Church came to an end at 2 p.m. ET today. At the Vatican, Benedict said his final goodbyes before a helicopter took him to Castel Gandolfo, just outside Rome.

The end of Benedict's time as pope prompts an array of traditions: the corps of Swiss guards assigned to him will step aside, his papal ring will be destroyed and soon a conclave of cardinals from around the world will gather at the Vatican to select a new leader for the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

For his part, Benedict says he will live at Castel Gandolfo as "a pilgrim."

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel, Turkey row over Zionism deepens rift between ex-allies.

Fortress Damascus now center of Syrian war.

Rome summit pledges help to Syrian opposition. U.S. will give Syrian rebels medical, food aid, not arms. U.S. pledges $60 million to Syrian opposition.

Jordan sees new surge in Syrians fleeing civil war.

Syria humanitarian crisis worsening day by day, warns Oxfam.

Iran nuclear talks constructive, Western diplomat says.

More Turkish generals detained over 1997 coup.

Iran charges ex-prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi over 'murders'.

Bombs kill at least 22 in Iraqi capital.

Iraq PM warns of Syria crisis spillover.

2 Palestinians in Israeli jail end hunger strike.

ASIA

New top diplomats in China signal focus on U.S., Japan, North Korea.

Terrorized ethnic group to form force in Pakistan.

Eye on election, India surprises with spending surge.

Thai leaders and Muslim rebels to talk peace.

Exclusive: China plans bond overhaul to fund $6 trillion urbanization - sources.

Bangladesh Jamaat leader sentenced to death. Bangladesh on the boil, 23 killed in fresh violence.

As Dennis Rodman visits, North Korea pledges ‘bitter hatred for the U.S.’.

Tweets, pics give real-time peek into North Korea.

Japan FM outlines North Korean strategy in VOA interview.

Japanese minister says he sees no end to whaling.

Japan PM Abe cites Thatcher reflections on Falklands war.

Australia makes largest meth seizure.

AFRICA

Kenya prepares for watershed elections.

Young Somali pirates offered amnesty amid 'drastic' fall in attacks.

Ethiopia elects new leader for Orthodox church.

Security Council asks for report on possible Mali peacekeepers.

Transition in Mali dominates ECOWAS meeting.

Congo rebels clash near Goma after political chief sacked.

Fresh violence threatens DR Congo peace deal. In Congo, 8 killed in clash between rival M23 factions.

South Africa economy sapped by lower exports to Europe.

South Africa shock as 'police dragging' video man dies.

EUROPE

Low-key departure as pope steps down.

Officials: France in Mali until July or later.

Kosovo turns to US for help in talks with Serbia.

Slovenian parliament ousts PM over corruption. Slovenia mandates new PM to halt dramatic decline.

French President on first Russia visit.

Hollande least popular French president in 30 years: poll.

Italian president says forming new government cannot be rushed.

Silvio Berlusconi under investigation for alleged bribery in Naples.

Panic in Greek pharmacies as hundreds of medicines run short.

AMERICAS

Blame game gets louder as U.S. budget cuts look inevitable. Doomed sequester fixes limp to Senate defeat.

U.S. economy grew 0.1% in fourth quarter. Economy expands at weakest pace since 2011.

White House: Release of illegal immigrants not our call. Release of about 300 illegal immigrants from federal custody in Arizona stirs up debate.

Duvalier set to appear in Haitian court.

Venezuela's Chavez clings to life, vice president says.

Rumours swirl as Chavez stays out of sight.

As Castro era drifts to close, a new face steps in at No. 2.

Mexico plays hardball in jailing of union boss.

Haiti launches 10-year plan to eradicate cholera yet UN funds fall short.

Argentina passes deal with Iran to probe Amia bombing.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee resettled to Turkey.

Algerian in Jihad Jane plot faces US extradition.

American Shabaab fighter urges Muslims to join the 'fronts' of jihad.

Al-Qaeda members detained in Istanbul, planned to attack synagogues and churches: report.

Al Qaeda is weak and bungling—but still dangerous (commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google to be summoned over data grab 'excesses'.

EU clinches deal to cap bankers' bonuses.

Bankia turns in record loss of 19.2bn euros for 2012.

Shell abandons Arctic drilling in 2013.

Civil War in Syria -- News Updates February 28, 2013

US To Send Rations, Medical Supplies To Syrian Rebels But Not Weapons -- NBC News

ROME — In a policy shift, the United States on Thursday announced plans to send military rations and medical supplies directly to Syrian opposition fighters, but fell short of providing weapons and ammunition that the rebels had been asking for.

"The simple fact is (Syrian President Bashar) Assad cannot shoot his way out of this," Secretary of State John Kerry said after his first meeting with Syrian opposition leaders in Rome. "For more than a year the U.S. and our partners who have gathered here in Rome have called on Assad to heed the voice of the Syrian people and halt his war machine. Instead what we have seen is his brutality increase."

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More News On Syria

Syria Live Blog -- Al Jazeera
US pledges help to Syrian oppostion - Thursday 28 February 2013 -- The Guardian

Violence continues in Syria as int'l meeting on crisis convenes -- Xinhuanet
Assad forces killed 246 more people in two days -- Turkish Weekly
Syria rebels seize iconic Aleppo mosque -- Gulf News/AFP
Syria rebels seize historic Aleppo mosque: NGO -- Channel News Asia
Syrian rebels battle government troops around 12th century mosque in Aleppo’s walled old city -- Washington Post/AP
US hopes ammo will shift Syria equation -- The Australian/The Times
Insight: Syria rebels bolstered by new arms but divisions remain -- Reuters

West to send Syrian rebels aid, not arms -- Reuters
U.S. announces expanded battlefield aid to Syrian rebels, but not arms -- Washington Post
U.S. Steps Up Aid to Syrian Opposition, Pledging $60 Million -- New York Times
Western powers set to increase aid for Syrian rebels -- CNN
Kerry Says U.S. Will Give Aid, Funds to Syrian Fighters -- Bloomberg Businessweek
US will send nonlethal aid directly to Syrian rebels -- Christian Science Monitor
Rome summit pledges help to Syrian opposition -- Al Jazeera
£1bn pledged in aid to Syria fails to materialise -- The Guardian

The end may not be nigh but preparations have started for a post-Assad Syria -- Al Bawaba
Rebel factions work against each other in Syria's civil war -- The National
Iraq PM warns of Syria crisis spillover -- Al Jazeera
Lebanon’s Shia leaders are not sure what to do about Syria -- The Economist
Syria prolongs passports, meeting opposition talk demand -- Reuters
Syria retains senior post at U.N. committee responsible for ‘decolonizing’ American Samoa -- Washington Post
Syria Demands UN Stop Israel from Seeking Oil -- Arutz Sheva

Croatia to quit UN Golan force after reports of arms shipments -- Reuters
Croatia Withdrawing Soldiers from U.N. Force on Israel-Syria Frontier -- New York Times
Croatia to pull troops from Golan Heights -- Global Post/AFP

Syria refugees threaten Lebanon's stability: interior minister -- Reuters
Jordan Struggles to Help Syrian Refugees -- Voice of America
Syrians fleeing war likely to pass million soon: U.N. -- Reuters
U.N. Warns of Dire Rise in Refugees From Syria -- New York Times
Syria humanitarian crisis worsening day by day, warns Oxfam -- The Guardian
Syrian Humanitarian Crisis Stretching UN's Response Capacity -- Voice of America
Syrian refugee crisis beyond description -- UPI
Exponential growth of Syrian refugees and their needs -- Alertnet
Tragedy unfolds in opposition-held northern Syria: U.N. relief chief -- Al Arabiya

INSIGHT: Syrian Rebels Grow Weapons Cache, Evidence Shows -- Pratibha Thaker, Middle East Voices
Reporter's Notebook: The Agony Of Syria's Civil War (Audio) -- NPR
Syrian war is everybody's problem -- Frida Ghitis, Special to CNN
Another Problem in Syria: How Do Kurds Fit In? -- Jonathan Krohn, The Atlantic
Turkey, the Unhelpful Ally -- Halil M. Karaveli, New York Times
The Saudis Are In This Fight To Win -- Strategy Page
Washington’s last chance to help Syria -- Washington Post editorial
The Folly of Arming Syria's Rebels -- Robert Dreyfuss, The Nation
Key military players in Syria's civil war -- AP
A look at Syria’s civil war deaths, refugees, the fight on the ground -- Washington Post/AP

Deadly Riots In Bangladesh Follow Death Sentence For Islamic Leader

Bangladesh Islamist's Death Sentence Sparks Deadly Riots -- Reuters

(Reuters) - A Bangladeshi Islamist party leader was sentenced to death on Thursday over abuses carried out during the country's independence war, triggering riots that killed at least 30 people.

Delwar Hossain Sayedee, 73, vice-president of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, was found guilty by Bangladesh's war crimes tribunal of mass killing, rape, arson, looting and forcing minority Hindus to convert to Islam during the 1971 war of separation from Pakistan, lawyers and tribunal officials said.

After he was convicted and sentenced, police clashed with activists from Sayedee's party and violence raged in more than a dozen areas around the country, police, witnesses and media reports said.

At least three policemen were among the dead and around 300 were wounded, they added.

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More News On The Unrest In Bangladesh

Bangladesh sentences Islamist party leader to death, riots leave at least 30 dead -- Christian Science Monitor/Reuters
Riots in Bangladesh Follow Death Sentence for Islamic Leader -- New York Times
34 killed in Bangladesh after Islamist ordered hanged -- Global Post/AFP
Bangladesh Death Sentence Sparks Violence; 27 Dead -- Voice of America
Death for Jamaat leader sparks violence -- The Hindu
Death Sentence for Bangladesh Islamist Sparks Fatal Clashes -- Bloomberg
Bangladesh Jamaat leader sentenced to death -- Al Jazeera
Bangladesh death sentence sparks deadly protests -- The Guardian
Bangladesh Islamist sentenced to death -- The Telegraph

Bradley Manning Pleads Guilty To 11 Charges For Leaking Secrets To Wikileaks

Bradley Manning Pleads Guilty To 10 Charges But Denies 'Aiding The Enemy' -- The Guardian

Soldier admits guilt in lesser crimes that carry up to 20 years in prison while denying most serious charges against him

Bradley Manning has pleaded guilty to having been the source of the massive WikiLeaks dump of US state secrets, though he has denied the most serious charge against him that he "aided the enemy" that could see him languishing in military prison for the rest of his life.

Through his lawyer, David Coombs, the soldier pleaded guilty to 10 lesser charges that included possessing and wilfully communicating to an unauthorised person all the main elements of the WikiLeaks disclosure. That covered the so-called "collateral murder" video of an Apache helicopter attack in Iraq; some US diplomatic cables including one of the early WikiLeaks publications the Reykjavik cable; portions of the Iraq and Afghanistan warlogs, some of the files on detainees in Guantanamo; and two intelligence memos.

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More News On Wikileaks Leaker Bradley Manning

Manning pleads guilty to 11 charges (Live) -- CNN
Bradley Manning pleads guilty to misusing classified data in WikiLeaks case -- Reuters
Bradley Manning enters guilty pleas in WikiLeaks case -- CBS/AP
Pfc. Bradley Manning pleads guilty to misusing classified info in WikiLeaks case -- Washington Times
Bradley Manning offers pleas to judge in WikiLeaks case --Politico
Soldier says he sent files to WikiLeaks to enlighten public about US foreign, military policy -- Washington Post/AP
Pfc. Manning admits leaking classified material that 'upset' him to WikiLeaks -- CNN
Manning says he first tried to leak to Washington Post and New York Times -- The Guardian
Army Private Admits Giving Trove of Military Data to WikiLeaks -- New York Times
Bradley Manning says U.S. 'obsessed with killing' opponents -- L.A. Times
WikiLeaks: Manning says wanted 'public debate' on war -- AFP

Chuck Hagel's First Day As U.S. Defense Secretary

Hagel, In First Day On Job, Warns Of Challenges Cuts Pose For The Military -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — After surviving a long and bruising Senate confirmation battle, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel started his first day at the Pentagon on Wednesday morning by warning that looming cuts in military spending were one of the biggest challenges facing the Defense Department, but that the United States must continue to “engage with the world.”

Mr. Hagel did not speak at length about the budget, but the cuts, he said, are coming. “We need to deal with this reality,” he told an audience in the Pentagon auditorium.

Hours after being sworn in as the 24th defense secretary, Mr. Hagel struck a folksy tone in the roomful of both military and civilian Defense Department employees, with some of the military’s top brass populating the front rows.

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More News On Chuck Hagels' First Day As U.S. Secretary Of Defense

Hagel Takes Office as 24th Defense Secretary -- US Department of Defense
Hagel Issues Message to Defense Department Workforce -- US Department of Defense
Hagel takes defense helm, ready to ‘turn the page on more than a decade of grinding conflict’ -- Washington Post/AP
As new defense secretary, Hagel tells troops: I’ll deal straight with you -- Washington Post
Hagel: Military faces challenges but is 'force for good' -- USA Today
Chuck Hagel At Pentagon: America Must Not 'Dictate' To The World -- Huffington Post/Reuters
New US Defense Chief: US Can't Dictate to the World -- Voice of America
Who’s the boss? Hagel bows to Pentagon staff after being sworn-in as defense secretary -- Washington Times
We Learned Everything About Hagel -- Except What Matters -- Jeffrey Goldberg, Bloomberg
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s First Day in Words and Images -- Moderate Voice

Pope Benedict XVI Leaves Vatican For Final Time

Benedict XVI Leaves Vatican On Final Day As Pope -- BBC

Pope Benedict XVI has left the Vatican on his final day as Pope, saying he "will simply be a pilgrim" starting his last journey on earth.

The 85-year-old pontiff was flown by helicopter to the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.

At 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) he will officially cease to be the Pope.

His deputy, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, will be in charge of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics until a new pope is elected next month.

Earlier, Benedict met his cardinals, vowing "unconditional obedience and reverence" to his eventual successor.

He will become the first pontiff in 600 years to step down.

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More News On Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI resignation -- BBC Live
Pope Benedict XVI's final day: Live Report -- AFP
Pope Benedict XVI Last Day Live Streaming Online (VIDEO) (LIVE UPDATES) (PHOTOS) -- Huffington Post
Text of Pope Benedict XVI’s final public words as pontiff, delivered in Castel Gandolfo -- Washington Post/AP
Pope leaves Vatican before abdication -- Reuters
Pope Benedict quits Vatican with promise to obey successor -- Reuters
After Pledging Loyalty to Successor, Pope Leaves Vatican -- New York Times
Pope Benedict XVI says goodbye to the Vatican -- CBS/AP
'Thank you for your friendship': Benedict leaves Vatican for final time as pope -- NBC
'I am no longer the pope,' Benedict XVI says as he bids public farewell -- CNN
Benedict Departs Vatican, Pledges Obedience to Next Pope -- Voice of America
Pope Benedict XVI leaves Vatican for final time ahead of resignation -- FOX News
Benedict XVI leaves Vatican, issues final tweet -- USA Today
Pope Benedict XVI’s Legacy: Most Europeans Say He Was ‘Not Influential’ in New Poll -- Ollie John, Time

Is Hugo Chavez Dead?

Venezuelan sources refute reports Hugo Chavez died yesterday. (Photo by Venezuelan government)

Rumours Swirl As Chavez Stays Out Of Sight -- The Age

CARACAS: With President Hugo Chavez still out of sight, the Venezuelan government has denied any rift with the army as it led a rally in Caracas to mark the anniversary of a popular but deadly revolt.

Thousands of people clad in red rallied in the capital on Wednesday, many wearing shirts bearing the image of the leftist leader, and others holding signs reading "I am Chavez" as they marked the massacre of hundreds of people in 1989.

The rally came as Twitter lit up with speculation - none of it confirmed - that Mr Chavez had died. Thursday's rally was the first in Caracas since Mr Chavez, 58, checked into a military hospital in the capital nine days ago after spending two months in Cuba, where he underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in 18 months.

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Update #1: Don't Believe the Report About Hugo Chávez's Death Just Yet -- The Atlantic
Update #2: Venezuelan sources: Hugo Chavez is alive -- NBC

My Comment: If he was dead ... there is no way that the Venezuelan government would be able to keep such a story under wraps .... maybe 24 hours ..... but that is about it.

China Says U.S.-Based Hackers Continually Attack Their Defense Websites

China Claims Most Cyber-Attacks On Its Military Websites Have US Origin -- The Guardian

Beijing says defence ministry and another site subjected to 1.7m attacks last year, two-thirds of which came from within America

Two Chinese military websites were subject to about 144,000 hacking attacks a month last year, almost two-thirds of which came from the US, China's defence ministry has said.

Earlier this month a US computer security company said a Chinese military unit was probably behind a series of hacking attacks mostly targeting America, triggering a war of words between Washington and Beijing. China denied the allegations and said it was the victim.

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More News On Chinese Claims That U.S. Hackers Are Targeting Their Defense Websites

US hackers attacked military websites, says China's defence ministry -- BBC
China says sites targeted by U.S.-based hackers -- CBS/AP
China says U.S. routinely hacks Defense Ministry websites -- Reuters
China says US-based hackers target its military websites, amid competing cybersnooping claims -- Washington Post/AP
China says US-based hackers attack its military websites -- Global Post/AFP
China claims cyberattacks from U.S.-based hackers -- Washington Times
Two-Thirds of Attacks on China Military Websites From US - China Defense Ministry -- Wall Street Journal
China Says US Hackers Attacking its Military Websites -- Voice of America
China Gets Specific on Hacker Attacks -- Wall Street Journal
China Says U.S. Is on Offense in Hacking Attacks on Defense Ministry -- The Atlantic
China says U.S. hackers target its military websites -- Salon
China fires back at hacking claims: ‘144,000 hacks a month, mostly from US’ -- RT
China claims its defense sites face constant US hacking attacks -- Endgadget
China Accuses U.S. of Hacking Government Sites -- PC Mag
China blames U.S. for most cyberattacks against military Web sites -- CNet News
China claims its military and defense sites were hacked by U.S. attackers -- PC World
China hits back at US hackers -- TG Daily

Thai Government And Muslim Rebels Agree To Peace Talks

Thailand, Insurgents Sign First Ever Agreement To Start Peace Talks -- Christian Science Monitor

Violence has occurred nearly every day in Thailand's three southernmost provinces since the insurgency erupted in 2004.

Thailand's government signed a breakthrough deal with Muslim insurgents for the first time ever Thursday, agreeing to hold talks to ease nearly a decade of violence in the country's southern provinces that has killed more than 5,000 people.

The agreement was announced in Malaysia's largest city, Kuala Lumpur, between Thai authorities and the militant National Revolution Front, also known by its Malay-language initials, BRN. It is seen as a positive step, but is unlikely to immediately end the conflict because several other shadowy guerrilla movements also fighting in southern Thailand have yet to agree to talks.

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More News On Thailand And muslim Rebels Agreeing To Hold Peace Talks

Thailand signs peace talks deal with Muslim rebels -- BBC
Thailand agrees to talks with southern Muslim rebels -- Reuters
Thailand to Hold Peace Talks With Rebel Group -- New York Times
Thailand eyes peace talks with southern insurgents based in neighboring Malaysia -- Washington Post/AP
Thai government, Muslim rebels agree to hold first peace talks -- CNN
Thailand and Muslim separatists agree to peace talks -- The Guardian
Thailand and rebels agree to peace talks -- UPI
Thai government, Islamic insurgents agree to formal talks -- L.A. Times
Thailand and rebels agree to peace talks -- Al Jazeera
Thailand Agrees to Hold Talks with Muslim Insurgent Group -- Voice of America
Thai leaders and Muslim rebels to talk peace -- The Australian
Thais sign historic peace deal with insurgents -- Sydney Morning Herald
Thailand agrees to groundbreaking talks with Muslim rebel group -- Deutsche Welle
Thailand to Start Talks with Insurgents -- Wall Street Journal
Thailand to Start Peace Talks With Muslim Separatist Groups -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Thailand: Government to hold peace talks with Muslim rebels -- Global Post
Malaysia to help broker peace in Thailand -- Sydney Morning Herald
Malaysia to host Thai peace talks in two weeks -- AFP

Can Thai peace talks with rebels succeed? -- Jonathan Head, BBC

Could We Have Bought Peace In Afghanistan By Paying Off The Preachers?

A geometry teacher at Habibia School in Kabul reads from the Koran during a break between classes. Students interested in learning more about Islam than what is taught in their religion classes. During the Taliban regime, Islam was one of the only subjects taught in school, but now the new Afghan government offers a broader education. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/BENJAMIN KRAIN

Missed Opportunity in Afghanistan: We Forgot to Pay the Preachers -- Mujib Mashal, Time

The assailants first came for Mullah Mohamed Hatif two years ago. It was a snowy winter night and he was making his way home after leading the evening prayer at his mosque. Two men, their faces covered, clubbed him in between his shoulders. He fell face down on the snow. They took his book ofsermons with thirty years of notes on its margins.

Hatif’s back hurt for 15 days, but undeterred, he continued to preach the kind of sermons many in his home district of Kohistan, in northeastern Afghanistan, believes made him a target. “Don’t blow up the bridge, the road,” the 63-year old would tell his congregation of roughly 800, his voice echoing in the village through the two sky-blue loudspeakers mounted on top of the one-story building. “Study chemistry, study biology, study English because we have huge mines that are untapped yet we can barely produce a plastic jug.” With a degree in education in 1960s, Hatif has taught science and literature in local high schools for nearly four decades. “I haven’t taken my hand off the chalk all these years,” he says proudly. He became a preacher by pursuing part-time religious studies for nearly 20 years.

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My Comment: Is this an opportunity lost .... probably .... but we will now never know.

A Peek Into The Afghan Taliban Mind

ExpressNews anchor and Syed Muhammad Akbar Agha pictured during the interview. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Exclusive Interview: A Peek Into The Afghan Taliban Mind -- Express Tribune

KABUL:

Nine years ago he was sentenced to 16 years in jail for kidnapping three United Nations workers in Afghanistan. However, he was pardoned by President Hamid Karzai in 2009 and subsequently released. Today, he lives in a mansion in an upscale neighbourhood of the Afghan capital. Meet Syed Muhammad Akbar Agha, a former leader of the ultraorthodox Taliban militia.


Born in the birthplace of the Taliban movement, Akbar Agha is a cousin of Mullah Muhammad Syed Tayyab Agha, former chief of staff of elusive Taliban supremo Mullah Omar and currently the chief peace negotiator of the militia. In 2004, Akbar Agha formed the breakaway Taliban faction of Jaishul Muslemeen which carried out frequent attacks on Nato supplies.

He believes the US military wants talks with their boots on the Taliban’s neck. “Peace negotiations can begin only if all international troops pull out of Afghanistan,” he told ExpressNews anchor Munizae Jahangir in an exclusive interview. He added that enforcement of the Taliban’s hard-line version of Islamic shariah was “not negotiable”. Akbar Agha frequently churns out statements for the media on behalf of the Taliban militia.

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Previous Post: Afghanistan's Peace Talks Are Going Nowhere

My Comment: A revealing interview .... in short .... if this is the mindset of the Taliban (and I believe that it is) .... the Taliban have zero interest to pursue any form of peace talks. Their only interest is for NATO forces to leave .... and that's it. The Taliban 'negotiating team' in Doha have also expressed the same position .... and as to participating in peace talks with the Kabul government, these Taliban representatives have made it very clear that they prefer to do this.

Afghanistan War News Updates -- February 28, 2013

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Wolfe, right, escorts Jim Otwell, left, a U.S. Agency for International Development field program officer, to the Directorate of Education in Farah City, Afghanistan, Feb. 26, 2013. Wolfe, a platoon leader, is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah. The team met with the provincial education director and visited Aboonaser-Farahi High School, Farah City's oldest high school. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Matthew Stroup

Afghan Police Officer Drugs 17 Colleagues Before Calling His Taliban Masters To Come And Help Shoot Them Dead -- Daily Mail

* Atrocity took place in a remote outpost in the eastern province of Ghazi
* Latest in a spate of 'green-on-blue' attacks involving Afghan security forces
* Suicide bomber targets bus of soldiers in capital Kabul
* Nato forced to backtrack on claims that Taliban attacks are falling

An Afghan police officer drugged 17 of his colleagues at a remote outpost before calling Taliban insurgents who arrived and helped him shoot them all dead.

The shocking incident, the latest in a series of so-called 'insider', or green-on-blue, attacks involving Afghan security forces and the Taliban, took place in the eastern province of Ghazni.

The lightly trained Afghan Local Police, a village-level force backed by U.S. troops and overseen by the Ministry of the Interior, is tasked with helping bring security to remote areas.

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More News On Afghanistan

ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, February 28 -- ISAF
Rockets fired at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan -- The Guardian
Northern Ireland troops in firing line after attack on Afghanistan base -- Belfast Telegraph
Main NATO base attacked by militants in southern Afghanistan -- Khaama Press
20 Afghan Police Officers Killed in 2 Attacks, Including a Mass Poisoning -- New York Times
Afghan police officer drugs, kills 17 colleagues -- Reuters
High-profile Haqqani attack facilitator arrested: ISAF -- Khaama Press
Allied troops in Afghanistan see fewer insider attacks -- USA Today
Dunford meets Karzai to discuss Wardak security concerns -- Khaama Press
U.S. Army Expects Cost of Afghan Withdrawal To Grow Sharply -- Defense News
House lawmaker sees slippery slope in Afghanistan -- The Hill
SecDef says final drawdown to begin after Afghan elections -- Fort Hood Sentinel
Super Tucano Wins Afghanistan Light Air Support Bid -- Defense News
Super Tucano once again wins US bid for Afghan air force -- Khaama Press
Iran Majlis speaker warns against rise of extremism in Afghanistan -- Press TV (Iran)
Over 500 Afghans hold anti-Iran protest in Herat -- Khaama Press
US diplomatically paralysed in Afghanistan due to Pakistan -- The Hindu
U.N. Report Flags Afghanistan Fraud -- Wall Street Journal
UN trust fund agency allowed procurement fraud in Afghanistan -- Khaama Press
Afghans worry about international aid vacuum -- Stars and Stripes/AP

World News Briefs -- February 28, 2013

Syria Conflict: John Kerry Extends US Aid To Rebels -- BBC

The US is to step up its support for the Syrian opposition as it fights to topple President Bashar al-Assad, Secretary of State John Kerry says.

Mr Kerry said the US would provide direct support to rebel forces in the form of medical and food supplies.

He also promised an additional $60m (£40m) in aid to the opposition to help it deliver basic governance and other services in rebel-controlled areas.

Mr Kerry was speaking at a gathering of the Friends of Syria group in Rome.

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MIDDLE EAST

Fortress Damascus now center of Syrian war.

Rome summit pledges help to Syrian opposition. U.S. will give Syrian rebels medical, food aid, not arms. U.S. pledges $60 million to Syrian opposition.

Jordan sees new surge in Syrians fleeing civil war.

Syria humanitarian crisis worsening day by day, warns Oxfam.

Iraq PM warns of Syria crisis spillover.

2 Palestinians in Israeli jail end hunger strike.

ASIA

Thai leaders and Muslim rebels to talk peace.

Bangladesh Jamaat leader sentenced to death. Bangladesh on the boil, 23 killed in fresh violence.

As Dennis Rodman visits, North Korea pledges ‘bitter hatred for the U.S.’.

Tweets, pics give real-time peek into North Korea.

Japan FM outlines North Korean strategy in VOA interview.

Japanese minister says he sees no end to whaling.

Japan PM Abe cites Thatcher reflections on Falklands war.

Australia makes largest meth seizure.

AFRICA

Security Council asks for report on possible Mali peacekeepers.

Transition in Mali dominates ECOWAS meeting.

Fresh violence threatens DR Congo peace deal. In Congo, 8 killed in clash between rival M23 factions.

Kenya election: Musicians sing for peace.

South Africa economy sapped by lower exports to Europe.

South Africa shock as 'police dragging' video man dies.

EUROPE

Low-key departure as pope steps down.

Slovenian parliament ousts PM over corruption. Slovenia mandates new PM to halt dramatic decline.

French President on first Russia visit.

Hollande least popular French president in 30 years: poll.

Italian president says forming new government cannot be rushed.

Silvio Berlusconi under investigation for alleged bribery in Naples.

Panic in Greek pharmacies as hundreds of medicines run short.

AMERICAS

U.S. economy grew 0.1% in fourth quarter. Economy expands at weakest pace since 2011.

White House: Release of illegal immigrants not our call. Release of about 300 illegal immigrants from federal custody in Arizona stirs up debate.

Rumours swirl as Chavez stays out of sight.

As Castro era drifts to close, a new face steps in at No. 2.

Mexico plays hardball in jailing of union boss.

Haiti launches 10-year plan to eradicate cholera yet UN funds fall short.

Argentina passes deal with Iran to probe Amia bombing.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

American Shabaab fighter urges Muslims to join the 'fronts' of jihad.

Al-Qaeda members detained in Istanbul, planned to attack synagogues and churches: report.

Al Qaeda is weak and bungling—but still dangerous (commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

EU clinches deal to cap bankers' bonuses.

Bankia turns in record loss of 19.2bn euros for 2012.

Shell abandons Arctic drilling in 2013.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- February 28, 2013

Image credit: The White House (Flickr)

Army: Sequester Ripples Will Harm Everything From Garbage Pickups To Training -- Aol Defense

PENTAGON: With the arbitrary and automatic cuts called sequestration to take effect on Friday, the Army is scrambling to figure out exactly how budget shortfalls will screw up everything from barracks repairs to combat training. "As recently as yesterday," the Army's budget director, Maj. Gen. Karen Dyson, told reporters this morning, "the Army senior leaders were involved in a four-hour ROC [rehearsal of concepts] drill to over those kinds of decisions."

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MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Images show expansion at Iran weapons research site -- The Telegraph

MoD wastes £6.6bn on kit and supplies it does not need as it tries to save money by cutting troops -- Daily Mail

Iron Dome Keeps Moving -- Strategy Page

China says US-based hackers target its websites -- AP

China says U.S. routinely hacks Defense Ministry websites -- Reuters

India Reins In Defense Spending -- Defense News/AFP

Is Russia's S-300 better than USA's Patriot? -- Pravda

Australia: New torpedoes will fail great expectations -- The Australian

A Dispute To Watch: South Korea’s Military and Microsoft -- Wall Street Journal

Boeing touts fighter jet to rival F-35 — at half the price -- CBC

Hagel Takes Office as 24th Defense Secretary -- US Department of Defense

Hagel, in First Day on Job, Warns of Challenges Cuts Pose for the Military -- New York Times

As new defense secretary, Hagel tells troops: I’ll deal straight with you -- Washington Post

U.S. Army Expects Cost of Afghan Withdrawal To Grow Sharply -- Defense News

House lawmaker sees slippery slope in Afghanistan -- The Hill

Super Tucano Wins Afghanistan Light Air Support Bid -- Defense News

SkyNet And Aegis Together At Last -- Strategy Page

New System Pushes Intel to Air Force Cockpits -- Defense News

Sequestration will not kill Army’s NIEs -- Defense Tech

Eric Holder Sounds the Sequester Alarm ov National Security -- ABC News

Navy hits reports on sequester scare tactics -- Washington Times

Brass again tells Congress to stop sequester -- Military Times

Washington failing military, Legion leader says -- Military Times

Full Green Ahead: Inside the Military’s Clean-Energy Revolution -- Wired

Exclusive: Cyberattack leaves natural gas pipelines vulnerable to sabotage -- Christian Science Monitor

Lawmakers raise concerns about Obama's drone policies -- Reuters

Rand Paul Pledges to Hold Up Brennan’s CIA Nomination Until He Gets Answers on Drones -- National Journal

Senate panel drops 'Zero Dark Thirty' probe -- Pam Benson, CNN

Fort Hood shooting suspect seeks changes in military jury pool, wants upcoming trial moved -- FOX News/AP

Bradley Manning trial: US government to call 141 witnesses for prosecution -- The Guardian

Poll: Faith in U.S. military strength dips -- Politico

Army’s Demonic Numbers for Budget Cuts: 6, 6, and 6 -- Danger Room

Lawmakers introduce bill to demote Pentagon's new medal -- Stars and Stripes

Leon Panetta: a legacy of the conventional wisdom -- Doug Bandow, Japan Times

3 dieting tips for America's new Pentagon chief -- John Hudson, Foreign Policy

Still Reeling From the Death of Chris Kyle, a SEAL Brother -- Brandon Webb, At War/New York Times

U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Postponed Until Next Week CIA Nominee Brennan's Confirmation Vote

Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on his nomination to be the Director of the CIA, on Capitol Hill in Washington, February 7, 2013. REUTERS/Jason Reed

A Battle Brews Over CIA Pick -- Wall Street Journal

As the battle over Chuck Hagel's confirmation as defense secretary winds down, another appears to be just heating up: Republicans are threatening to block the nomination of John Brennan to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.

The Senate on Tuesday voted to end a filibuster on Mr. Hagel's nomination, a move that resolved a fight that was partly about Mr. Hagel's qualifications and partly about the administration's handling of foreign-policy issues.

The GOP has used its leverage in the Senate confirmation process to put pressure on the Obama administration and extract information about last year's attack in Benghazi, Libya, that left four Americans dead.

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More News Over The Nomination Of CIA Director Nominee John Brennan

Senate panel delays CIA nominee Brennan's confirmation vote -- Reuters
Vote on Brennan for CIA post put off -- Washington Times
Brennan's Intelligence committee vote delayed -- CNN
Committee to vote next week on CIA director -- Politico
Senators Delay Brennan Vote After Seeing Benghazi E-Mails -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Those Missing Drone Memos Are Now John Brennan's Worst Enemy -- Government Executive
Senate committee postpones vote on CIA nominee Brennan -- Global Post
Chambliss: Brennan Involved in Drafting Benghazi Talking Points -- Newsmax
Those Missing Drone Memos Are Now John Brennan's Worst Enemy -- The Atlantic