Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- April 3, 2014

Reviewing Obama’s Trip to Asia -- Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat

The Diplomat spoke with Dr. Jonathan Pollack, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, about Obama’s goals for the trip, and the major events at each of his stops

From April 22 to April 29, U.S. President Barack Obama visited Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines in what many observers called an attempt to solidify his administration’s “rebalance to Asia.” The Diplomat spoke with Dr. Jonathan Pollack, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, about Obama’s goals for the trip, and the major events at each of his stops.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Ball in China’s Court: Obama’s Asia Trip -- Robert Haddick, War On The Rocks

Challenging Putin’s Values -- Thomas Friedman, New York Times

Are sanctions pushing Russia into a recession? -- Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor

Syria poll verdict will lack authenticity -- Gulf News editorial

Assad's Reelection Campaign Matters—Really -- Andrew Tabler, The Atlantic

Is Israel an Apartheid State? -- Jeffrey Goldberg, Bloomberg

Getting Rid of National Borders in the Middle East Won’t End Sectarian Warfare -- Lee Smith, The Tablet

How the US created, and lost, Afghan war -- Anand Gopal, Asia Times

Reducing Tensions in East Asia -- Tsuneo Akaha, The Diplomat

Why the dangerous new turn for piracy matters -- Anthony Russell, Special to CNN

Nigerian abductions: the stolen daughters -- Guardian editorial

Three Years After bin Laden: Terrorism + the Trouble Ahead -- John McLaughlin, OZY

America's Drone War: How Many Have We Killed? -- David Cole, New York review Of Books

China May Be Biggest Economy, But Not the Best -- William Pesek, Bloomberg

How Will We Know When China is Number One? -- Peter Harris, National Interest

World News Briefs -- April 30, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams Held Over Jean McConville Murder -- BBC

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has been arrested by Northern Ireland police in connection with the 1972 murder of Jean McConville.

He presented himself to police on Wednesday evening and was arrested.

Speaking before his arrest, Mr Adams said he was "innocent of any part" in the murder.

Mrs McConville, a 37-year-old widow and mother-of-10, was abducted from her flat in the Divis area of west Belfast and shot by the IRA.

Her body was recovered from a beach in County Louth in 2003.

Police said a 65-year-old man presented himself to Antrim police station on Wednesday evening and was arrested.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

UN Security Council members despair over Syria aid.

Deadly airstrike hits Aleppo school. Air strike on Aleppo school kills 18: Syrian activists.

Syria hiding chemical weapons, says Israeli intel.

Six powers meet in Brussels to fine-tune Iran talks strategy.

Iraqis defy threats to come out and vote. Iraqis vote amid looming threat of violence.

Thousands of Iraqis displaced by violence.

Lebanese presidential vote delayed as deputies boycott vote.

Saudi Arabia displays ballistic missiles in likely signal to Iran.

West Bank Hamas rally tests new Palestinian unity pact.

ASIA

Deaths in Chinese train station bomb attack. Blast hits railway station in Xinjiang, China. Blast at train station in China's Urumqi, some injured.

India becomes world's third-largest economy.

Philippine military says fierce clash with Muslim militants leave 14 militants, 1 marine dead.

Afghan government says West holds prisoners illegally in south.

Afghan officials: Haqqani militant assault repulsed. Afghan and foreign forces kill 60 near Pakistan border: officials.

Afghanistan corruption fostered by U.S., Pentagon finds.

No 'Statute of Limitations' for next nuclear test, North Korea says.

Aerial search for MH370 ends.

Voting for seventh phase ends in India.

Brunei adopts Sharia law despite international criticism.

As Obama leaves Asia, one last swipe at China.

AFRICA

EU peacekeepers take charge at Central African Republic airport, violence rages.

Migrants die as hundreds left in Libya desert.

South Sudan sides 'recruit 9,000 children to fight'.

UN says South Sudan close to calamity. UN criticizes S. Sudan leaders over famine response.

Leader of Senegal's southern separatist rebels declares ceasefire.

Mali PM, northern armed groups prepare for peace talks.

Kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls taken as brides by militants, relatives told.

Republic of Congo deports thousands lacking papers.

Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai 'expels' Tendai Biti from MDC.

EUROPE

Ukraine unable to control situation in East – acting President. Pro-Russians tighten grip on Ukraine town.

Ukraine says military on full alert for possible Russian attack. Ukraine forces in 'full military readiness' in case of Russia invasion.

Ukraine defense ministry says no military exercises planned in Kiev.

Ukraine Defense Ministry denies military drills planned in Kiev.

Ukraine’s Donetsk could forego Presidential election – activist.

IMF board approves $17 billion for Ukraine.

Moscow calls US, NATO military buildup near Russian borders ‘unprecedented.

‘Russia in recession’ – IMF.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams arrested over murder of widowed mother abducted from her home in 1972.

AMERICAS

US Supreme Court hears arguments in mobile search case.

US economy slowed to 0.1 percent growth rate in Q1.

US Federal Reserve continues to slow monthly bond-buying.

Post-ABC News poll shows Democrats at risk in November as Obama’s approval rating falls.

Colombia deploys military might to crush farmers' strike before election.

Venezuela to raise minimum wage by 30%, Maduro says.

Oklahoma to review procedures after botched execution.

Spotlight on Mexico state after violent eruption.

Nearly half of New Yorkers are struggling to get by, study finds.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. says al Qaeda core weak, but affiliates still threaten. US: Al-Qaida affiliates surge, terrorism spikes.

Keeping Al Qaeda’s West African unit on the run.

Yemen army launches major al-Qaeda offensive in south.

The shadowy flow of US weapons into Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow ends at record high as Fed upbeat on economy.

ILS satellite launches remain on schedule despite sanctions.

Report: China could overtake US economy this year.

Google stung by Canada’s privacy commissioner for ads linked to personal health history.

U.S. General: Corruption Is The Biggest Threat in Afghanistan. New Report Also Paints A Grim Future On Afghanistan

U.S. Report Offers Grim Portrait Of Afghanistan’s Future -- McClatchy News

WASHINGTON — As Afghanistan prepares to hand over power to a new president and U.S. combat forces depart, the United States’ special inspector general for the war-torn country paints a bleak picture of its long-term prospects in a new report to Congress.

The report, of which McClatchy obtained an embargoed copy before its Wednesday release, said corruption is so widespread in Afghanistan that it threatens the U.S. long-term reconstruction effort.

“Corruption in Afghanistan includes everything from petty bribery for routine services, nepotism and tribal preference to contract fraud, large-scale theft of resources and subversion of the justice system,” the report concludes.

Read more ....

More News On The Special Inspector General`s Report On Afghanistan And Former Gen. Allen`s Remarks

Report Points to Afghan Progress, Challenges -- US Department of Defense
Corruption threatens Afghanistan reconstruction, auditor's report claims -- FOX News/AP
Afghanistan Corruption Fostered by U.S., Pentagon Study Says -- Bloomberg Businessweek
US gen: Corruption is top threat in Afghanistan -- Washington Post/AP
Corruption is Afghans' 'existential threat': US ex-general -- Global Post/AFP
Gen. John Allen: Enduring U.S. Presence Needed -- TRNS

Taliban Launch A Massive Attack Against Afghan Military Forces Along The Pakistan Border

Afghans 'Repel Big Militant Attack On Border Army Base' -- BBC

Afghan forces backed by Nato air power have repelled an assault by more than 300 militants including foreign fighters on an army base close to the Pakistani border, officials say.

They say that the fighting took place in south-eastern Afghanistan, close to Pakistan's Waziristan region.

The Nato-led force has not commented on the clashes, although local people told the BBC that its aircraft took part.

Scores of militants from the Haqqani network were killed, officials say.

Officials said as many as 60 militants from the Taliban-linked network were killed, but there is no independent confirmation of this.

Five Afghan National Army soldiers were also killed, six wounded and one taken prisoner, they added.

Read more ....

More News On The Taliban Launching A Massive Attack Against Afghan Military Forces Along The Pakistan Border

Scores of Taliban-linked militants killed by Afghan troops near Pakistan border -- The Guardian
60 militants dead after major attack on Afghan army post -- Global Post/AFP
Nato-led Afghan troops kill 60 militants near Pakistan border -- The Telegraph
NATO support called in to foil Afghan attack -- Al Jazeera
Afghan, foreign forces kill 60 near Pakistan border, officials say -- FOX News
Afghan and Western Forces Kill Scores of Insurgents on Pakistan Border -- IBTimes
Afghan Officials: Haqqani Militant Assault Repulsed -- Voice of America
60 Haqqani network militants killed in attack on Paktika base -- Khaama Press

Is The Man Who Is Commanding The Pro-Russian Separatist Militias In Eastern Ukraine A Top Russian GRU Military Intellgience Officer?

Igor Strelkov (left) allegedly is a Russian Military Intelligence colonel, according to Ukraine's Security Service. © Courtesy

Pro-Russian Commander in Eastern Ukraine Sheds Light on Origin of Militants -- WSJ

Igor Strelkov Says He Brought Armed Fighters to the Region From Crimea

The elusive commander of the pro-Russia militants who have seized the east Ukrainian city of Slovyansk has revealed himself for the first time since the crisis began, saying in a taped interview that his armed crew arrived in Ukraine's east from Crimea.

Igor Strelkov, the commander whom officials in Kiev have described as a Russian intelligence officer, presented some details of the fighters he brought to Slovyansk, who since early April have transformed the city into the epicenter of eastern Ukraine's unrest. The new government in Kiev has described Slovyansk as the "most dangerous city in Ukraine."

"The unit that I came to Slovyansk with was put together in Crimea. I'm not going to hide that," Mr. Strelkov told the Moscow-based Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid in a video interview released Saturday. "It was formed by volunteers—I would say half or two-thirds of them are citizens of Ukraine."

Read more ....

Update #1: Russia’s secret commander in Ukraine steps out of the shadows and he’s armed with … sound bites -- National Post/AP
Update #2: Insurgent leader emerges, bolstering evidence of Russian hand in eastern Ukraine's turmoil -- FOX News/AP

My Comment: I do not know if Igor Strelkov is a Russian GRU military intelligence officer .... but I do know that in eastern Ukraine many people who are under him`believe that his real job is with the GRU .... and (if Russian TV is to believed) they are happy that he is their commander. And while I am sure that Russia has intelligence officers in Ukraine .... the debate on who is working in Ukraine for Russia (or not) is only a diversion from the real story which is that the entire eastern part of Ukraine is no longer under the control of Kiev.

Who Are The Pro-Russian Separatists In Eastern Ukraine

Pro-Russian Separatists In Eastern Ukraine Were ‘Nobodies’ — Until Now -- Washington Post

DONETSK, Ukraine — Before he became leader of the Donetsk People's Republic — a renegade regime that has spread chaos and fear across eastern Ukraine — Denis Pushilin sold shares in a Russian pyramid scheme.

His comrade-in-arms, the hostage-taking "people's mayor" of Slovyansk, operated a small soap factory.

Today the two men threaten to sink this region into anarchy with their violence-fueled quest for autonomy from the pro-Western government in Kiev.

But as recently as a month ago, the leaders of the People's Republic were unknown to just about everyone in Donetsk, even on the fringe that separatist politics normally inhabit in this once-tranquil industrial region.

“I know every Donetsk politician of every variety. Even the marginal ones," said Ihor Todorow, a political analyst at Donetsk University. "These people — neither me nor anyone else has ever heard of them. They’re nobodies.”

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My Comment: This Washington Post does not think too highly of these pro-Russian separatist leaders .... but if they were nobodies .... these men would never have risen to the positions of power that they hold today. These men rose quickly primarily because after the revolution there was a vacuum in the political leadership in eastern Ukraine .... almost all of the politicians in this region were supporters of the former President, and they fled with him to Russia because they were afraid that they would be arrested. And while some returned .... many did not. In this vacuum .... men who really had nothing to lose .... took power. The fact that some of these separatists are now supported by Russia has only cemented their position .... but they are the ones who stood up .... and for that act alone they are enjoying the support that they have. Will this support last .... probably not. As the new Ukraine rulers in Kiev are now learning .... it is easy to overthrow someone .... but it is very hard to rule and govern.

Update: Here is an interesting link to a photo gallery of pro-Russian protestors .... Portraits of pro-Russian protesters -- New York Daily News

Ukraine Military Put On Full Combat Alert In Anticipation Of A Russian Invasion

Ukraine Military On Full Combat Alert -- Voice of America

Ukraine's acting president says its military is "on full combat alert" against a possible invasion by Russian troops massed on its border.

Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov says there is a real threat of Russia starting a war against Ukraine's mainland.

Meanwhile, pro-Russian gunmen seized another administrative building in eastern Ukraine, taking control of the city council building in Horlivka. Police say the pro-Russian rebels have also overtaken the regional police department in Horlivka.

Pro-Moscow rebels in Donetsk have set a referendum on secession for May 11. A similar vote last month led to Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

Read more ....

More News On The Ukraine Military Being Put On Full Combat Alert In Anticipation Of A Russian Invasion

Ukraine's Military On Full Alert For Possible Russian Attack -- Reuters
Ukraine: 'full combat alert' for Russia invasion -- The Telegraph
Ukrainian Forces 'On Full Combat Alert' -- Radio Free Europe
Ukraine on 'full combat alert' as president warns threat of Russia starting a war 'is real' -- Independent.ie
Ukraine on ‘full combat mode’ against pro-Kremlin insurgents -- News.com.au
Ukraine on 'combat alert' as rebels gain ground -- Ahram Online/AFP
Ukraine forces in 'full military readiness' in case of Russia invasion -- Chicago Tribune

Acting Ukraine President: Ukraine's Government Has Lost Control Of The East

Ukraine Police 'Helpless' To Stop Separatist Rebels Who Now Control Entire Cities... As US Says Russia Behind The Escalating Violence -- Daily Mail

* John Kerry claims Russia reneged on deal struck in Geneva two weeks ago
* Pro-Russian separatists today seized control of buildings in Horlivka
* Kerry reveals U.S. has evidence of Moscow directing intelligence operatives
* He also urged NATO partners to step up efforts to lessen energy dependence on Russia

Ukraine's police and security forces are 'helpless' to quell unrest in two eastern regions near the Russian border and in some cases are even helping the insurgency, the country's acting president said today.

Oleksandr Turchynov spoke hours after pro-Russian gunmen seized more administrative buildings in the east including a government building and police headquarters in the town of Horlivka.

The U.S has also accused Moscow of accelerating the crisis instead of sticking to an agreement to ratchet back tensions.

Oleksandr Turchynov said the goal now was to prevent the insurgency from spreading to other territories.

Read more ...

More News On Ukraine`s Acting President Admitting That The Government Has Lost Control Of The East of The Country

Ukraine's government has lost control of east, says acting president -- The Guardian
Ukraine unrest: Kiev 'helpless' to quell parts of east -- BBC
Kiev has lost control of eastern heartland, says Ukraine's acting leader -- The Telegraph
Ukrainian President Says Security Forces ‘Helpless’ Against Militias in East -- New York Times
Kiev leader: Security forces unable to restore order in east, some have links to insurgents -- AP
Ukraine's restive east slipping from government's grasp -- The Reuters
Ukraine says its forces are 'helpless' against pro-Russia gunmen -- FOX News/AP
Ukraine Admits It's Losing Control in East -- Voice of America
Kiev 'helpless' to keep eastern Ukraine in fold, as more buildings occupied -- Christian Science Monitopr
Ukraine’s president laments police inaction and “treachery” in restive east -- Irish Times
Ukraine President Says Losing East To Russia As NATO Doubles Down -- Forbes
Ukraine crisis: Defiant pro-Russian activists seize more buildings -- CNN

My Comment: The region that the acting Ukraine President is referring to is also known as the "economic heartland" of Ukraine. It`s loss will bring severe economic hardships to the rest of the country. As to what I expect next .... Ukraine has (for all intents and purposes) loss eastern Ukraine. It`s police and military forces are ineffective, and separatists are galvanized and confident that they will have their referendum in the next few weeks, and a majority will vote for separation and/or joining Russia. The next few weeks will be critical for Ukraine`s future .... and I am now having trouble seeing how they can stay unified.

China To Overtake The U.S. As The World’s No. 1 Economy This Year

China Could Overtake The U.S. As The World’s No. 1 Economy This Year -- Time

New data from the World Bank suggests China could surpass the U.S. as the world’s biggest economy as early as this year, a day that was always meant to arrive after China began its quest for wealth in the 1980s, but it will just veil the reality of its economic weaknesses

China’s economy is catching up to the U.S.’s much more quickly than anticipated. That’s according to a new report from the International Comparison Program of the World Bank. More The study recalibrates GDP statistics based on updated estimates of “purchasing-power parity” — a measure of what money can actually buy in different economies.

In the process, the economy of China comes out far larger than we had previously thought. Its GDP surges to $13.5 trillion in 2011 (the latest year available), compared with the $7.3 trillion calculated using exchange rates. That catapults China’s economy much closer to that of the U.S. — at $15.5 trillion. Forecasting ahead, these figures show that China could overtake America as the world’s largest economy as early as this year.

Read more ....

More News On Reports That China Will Overtake The U.S. As The World’s No. 1 Economy This Year

China poised to pass US as world’s leading economic power this year -- Financial Times
China will become the world's largest economy by the end of the year -- The Economist
China poised to overtake US as world's largest economy, research shows -- The Guardian
Report: China Could Overtake US Economy This Year -- Voice of America
World Bank says China and India are richer than we thought -- VOX
No longer #1? China may replace US as biggest economy this year – World Bank -- RT
China rejects sign it may soon be No. 1 economy -- Washington Post/AP
Why China doesn’t want to be the world’s largest economy yet -- Lily Kuo, Quartz
China Could (By One Measure) Pass U.S. As No. 1 Economy This Year -- NPR
China’s Economy Surpassing U.S.? Well, Yes and No -- Wall Street Journal

My Comment: This is another reason on why China will surpass the U.S. economy sooner rather than later .... US economy more robust than 0.1% growth suggests, GDP report shows -- The Guardian

World News Briefs -- April 30, 2014

Ukraine’s acting President Aleksandr Turchinov (Reuters/Gleb Garanich)

Ukrainian Army ‘On Full Alert’, President Admits East Is Beyond Control -- RT

The Ukrainian army is on full alert due to the “threat of a Russian invasion,” Ukraine’s acting President Aleksandr Turchinov said after admitting that the government in Kiev cannot control the situation in the east of the country.

“I am going back to the real threat that Russia would unleash a continental war against Ukraine. Our armed forces have been put on full alert,” Turchinov told Wednesday a council of heads of Ukrainian regions in Kiev, as news agencies report.

He called on the audience to speed up the creation of regional militias loyal to Kiev.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Air strike on Aleppo school kills 18: Syrian activists.

Syria hiding chemical weapons, says Israeli intel.

Iraqis vote amid looming threat of violence.

Thousands of Iraqis displaced by violence.

Lebanese presidential vote delayed as deputies boycott vote.

Saudi Arabia displays ballistic missiles in likely signal to Iran.

West Bank Hamas rally tests new Palestinian unity pact.

ASIA

Philippine military says fierce clash with Muslim militants leave 14 militants, 1 marine dead.

Afghan officials: Haqqani militant assault repulsed. Afghan and foreign forces kill 60 near Pakistan border: officials.

Afghanistan corruption fostered by U.S., Pentagon finds.

No 'Statute of Limitations' for next nuclear test, North Korea says.

Blast hits railway station in Xinjiang, China. Blast at train station in China's Urumqi, some injured.

Aerial search for MH370 ends.

Voting for seventh phase ends in India.

Brunei adopts Sharia law despite international criticism.

As Obama leaves Asia, one last swipe at China.

AFRICA

South Sudan sides 'recruit 9,000 children to fight'.

UN says South Sudan close to calamity. UN criticizes S. Sudan leaders over famine response.

Leader of Senegal's southern separatist rebels declares ceasefire.

Mali PM, northern armed groups prepare for peace talks.

Kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls taken as brides by militants, relatives told.

Republic of Congo deports thousands lacking papers.

Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai 'expels' Tendai Biti from MDC.

EUROPE

Ukraine unable to control situation in East – acting President. Pro-Russians tighten grip on Ukraine town.

Ukraine says military on full alert for possible Russian attack. Ukraine forces in 'full military readiness' in case of Russia invasion.

Ukraine defense ministry says no military exercises planned in Kiev.

Ukraine Defense Ministry denies military drills planned in Kiev.

Ukraine’s Donetsk could forego Presidential election – activist.

Moscow calls US, NATO military buildup near Russian borders ‘unprecedented.

‘Russia in recession’ – IMF.

AMERICAS

US economy slowed to 0.1 percent growth rate in Q1.

Post-ABC News poll shows Democrats at risk in November as Obama’s approval rating falls.

Colombia deploys military might to crush farmers' strike before election.

Venezuela to raise minimum wage by 30%, Maduro says.

Oklahoma to review procedures after botched execution.

Spotlight on Mexico state after violent eruption.

Nearly half of New Yorkers are struggling to get by, study finds.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Keeping Al Qaeda’s West African unit on the run.

Yemen army launches major al-Qaeda offensive in south.

The shadowy flow of US weapons into Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

ILS satellite launches remain on schedule despite sanctions.

Report: China could overtake US economy this year.

Google stung by Canada’s privacy commissioner for ads linked to personal health history.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- April 29, 2014

Victory Day Parade on Red Square. © RIA Novosti. Ilya Pitalev

Russia Shows Modern Military in Ukraine Crisis -- Voice of America

WASHINGTON — An estimated 40,000 Russian troops are deployed on the Ukrainian border, poised to invade if the order comes from Moscow.

These forces are part of a much larger military that has been modernizing its forces over the past several years.

Western estimates say the Russian Defense Ministry has between 800,000 and one million men under arms. These include strategic rocket forces as well as the various uniformed services: air, air defense, ground and naval. And there are various kinds of special forces, such as the Spetsnaz belonging to Russia’s military intelligence or GRU.

Stephen Blank, an expert on the Russian military at the American Foreign Policy Council, said there are also paramilitary forces.

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Briefs

Ukraine Says Military on Full Alert for Possible Russian Attack -- Voice of Russia

Ukraine defense ministry says no military exercises planned in Kiev -- Reuters

Military Allies Caution U.S. Against Rupturing Putin’s Ties With West -- WSJ

Moscow calls US, NATO military buildup near Russian borders ‘unprecedented -- RT

Russia Starts Combat Helicopter Training Flights on Baltic Border -- RIA Novosti

Russian Navy Ships Take Part in Anti-Drug Drills in Caribbean -- RIA Novosti

French Warship Deliveries to Russia Not Affected by Sanctions -- RIA Novosti

Putin gives green light to sale of S-400 missile system to China -- Want China Times

EU states strike lucrative military contracts with China overriding embargo - report -- RT

EU Firms Help Power China's Military Rise -- Naharnet

F-35 is Liaoning's worst nightmare, says Global Times -- Want China Times

Conservatives vow to speed release of report on CF-18 replacement -- Globe and Mail

Seoul to upgrade missile defense -- Korea Herald

Afghanistan Corruption Fostered by U.S., Pentagon Finds -- Bloomberg

New military pact reflects cozier US-Philippine alliance amid jitters over China's rise -- FOX News/AP

US Lawmaker Vows to Block US Military Aid to Egypt -- Voice of America

House markup cuts one LCS, supports 11 carriers -- Military Times

Navy explores new roles with first-in-class USNS Spearhead -- Stars and Stripes

US House Panel Mostly Backs Service Plans for Fighters, Helos, UAVs, Vehicles -- Defense News

USAF Leaders, McCain Clash Over Future of A-10s -- Defense News

Boeing continues efforts to keep Chinook, V-22 production humming -- Flight Global

Push for Growler jets points to military growth despite spending cap -- Stars and Stripes/Washington Post

House Proposes Funding to Refuel 11th Carrier -- Military.com

In Wake of Zumwalt Launch, Higher Costs Seen in DDG-1000 Program -- MPBN

CIA Keeps A Tight Grip On Its Own Secrets -- AP

What's The NSA Doing Now? Training More Cyber Warriors -- NPR

Can the Pentagon build the cyber-force it needs? -- Dan Verton, Fedscoop

House panel rejects cuts in military benefits -- AP

Hagel directs all services to review hairstyle policy -- Military Times

Army Vet Helps Develop Life-Saving Device for Treating Battlefield Wounds -- ABC News

Consolidation of Top Pentagon Contractors Only a Matter of Time -- National Defense

Mathematician Spies -- Tom Leinster, Slate

Military Exercises: What Are They? -- Eric Niiler, Discovery

The F-35 JSF: what is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft? -- Steven Jones, The Conversation

US Military Deaths in Afghanistan at 2,177 -- AP

Editor's Note

Stuck in meetings this morning. Blogging will return 12:00 EST.

NATO Aircraft Deployments In Response To The Ukraine Crisis (Infographic)

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

My Comment: The media focus is on the Russian military buildup .... but NATO is also undergoing a military buildup on the other side of the border.

Hat Tip: Zero Hedge

The U.S. Navy Awards A $17.6 Billion Virginia-Class Submarine Contract

North Dakota (SSN-784), the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine. (General Dynamics)

Navy Orders 10 Nuclear Subs For $17.6B In Most Lucrative Contract Ever -- Washington Times

The U.S. Navy plans to build 10 new SSN 774 Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines over the next five years. Price tag: $17.6 billion.

A contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat and chief subcontractor Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding was announced Monday, the Navy Times reported.

“The Block IV award is the largest shipbuilding contract in U.S. Navy history in terms of total dollar value,” said Rear Adm. Dave Johnson, program executive officer for submarines at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), the Navy Times reported. It “builds upon the Virginia-class program’s successful Navy and industry relationship,” he added.

The Navy contract calls for two new ships per year over the next five years.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Navy Awarding A $17.6 Billion Contract To Build 10 Virginia-Class Submarines

Navy orders 10 new submarines for record $17.6B -- Navy Times

Navy Awards $18 Billion Virginia-Class Submarine Contract -- DoD Buzz
General Dynamics secures $17.65 billion contract -- SFGate/AP
General Dynamics, Huntington win huge U.S. Navy contract -- Reuters
U.S. Navy orders 10 more nuclear submarines -- UPI
General Dynamics Awarded $18 Billion by U.S. Navy for 10 Virginia-Class Submarines -- WSJ
USN lets contract for Block IV Virginia submarines -- IHS Jane's 360

A Look At the U.S. Military's Stealth Bike

Marine Dirt Bike 'Gangs' Of Afghanistan -- Thom Patterson, CNN

That's what Pentagon researchers envision, now that they've greenlighted developing a hybrid motorcycle powered by two sources: an engine that burns several types of fuel and a stealthy, super-quiet electric motor.

Imagine an elite U.S. fighting force deployed in a mountainous region of Afghanistan, riding motorbikes that are nearly silent. The loudest sound is tires on dirt as they twist and turn down dried river beds and up narrow goat trails. When they launch their assault on a Taliban stronghold, the enemy is taken by surprise.

The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has tapped defense contractor Logos Technologies and motorcycle maker BRD to design the motorbike.

Read more ....

Previous Post: Pentagon Wants Stealth Motorcycles For Special Ops Teams

My Comment: I would love to ride one of those bikes.

U.S. Drone Pilots Are Encountering A 'Drone Stigma'

Drone operators fly an MQ-9 Reaper training mission from a ground control station at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, in this U.S. Air Force handout photo taken October 3, 2012. Credit: REUTERS/Airman 1st Class Michael Shoemaker/USAF/Handout

Drone ‘Stigma’ Means ‘Less Skilled’ Pilots at Controls of Deadly Robots -- ABC News

The Air Force recently acknowledged that due to a “stigma” surrounding its drone program, many pilots at the controls of the deadly weapons are “less skilled” and officers overseeing them are “less competent” than their manned aircraft brethren, as alleged by the Government Accountability Office.

“Let’s be honest, when people dream about flying… People in this generation didn’t grow up and say, ‘I want to fly an RPA [remotely piloted aircraft],’” Air Force spokesperson Jennifer Cassidy told ABC News last week. “They were the ones that watched re-runs of ‘Top Gun’ and said, ‘I want to be a fighter pilot.’… So in fact the people that were lower ranking [in flight school], I guess you could say, are the folks that went to RPAs. It doesn’t mean they were bad pilots, or bad officers, it just meant you got to have some at the top and some at the bottom. That’s how that worked.”

Read more ....

My Comment:  Talk about big egos.

Europe And Asia Are Spending Big To Develop Combat Drones

Europe, Asia Plan To Spend Big On Drone Development -- Washington Times

Uses to include crop dustings, ‘suicide’ missions

The U.S. military’s unquestioned lead in drone technology is narrowing.

By 2022, the United States is projected to spend less than half the worldwide total on drone research and development, as other countries — principally in Asia — step up production of own unmanned aircraft, according to a report by national security consulting firm Forecast International.

The report projects that research and development will account for $28.7 billion in worldwide spending over the next 10 years, about $11 billion of which will come from the United States. It predicts that the United States will continue to be the largest user of unmanned aerial vehicles but that the U.S. acquisition market will experience a cooling period and “eventually settle at a lower level of activity.”

Read more ....

My Comment: The U.SS is still far ahead .... but everyone is catching up. The French combat drone "The Neuron" (see above video) looks like a carbon copy from what the U.S. Navy is developing.

The Mystery Jets That Have Been Flying Over Kansas And Texas Have Been Solved

A mysterious flying object was snapped flying over Wichita, Kansas by Jeff Templin. It resembles a similar unidentified aircraft streaking across the skies of Texas last month

Midwest Mystery Jets Are Actually B-2 Stealth Bombers -- USNI News

The mystery jets that were spotted over Amarillo, Texas, and Wichita, Kan. earlier this year are in fact Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bombers on a training sortie, military sources told USNI News on Monday.

“The Amarillo jets were B-2 training sorties,” an U.S. Air Force official with direct knowledge of the incident told USNI News on Monday.

The jets were enroute to the Utah Test and Training Range to practice dropping bombs after a brief delay at the Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico.

Flying out of Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., the B-2s would likely have navigated via Amarillo to get to Melrose Range.

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Previous Post: Is This The Clearest Picture Yet Of America's Newest Top-Secret Spy Plane?

My Comment: It looks like another mystery has been solved .... maybe.

White House Email Shows Rice Talking Points On U.S. Consulate Attack In Benghazi Were Politically Motivated

Benghazi Emails Suggest White House Aide Involved In Prepping Rice For ‘Video’ Explanation -- FOX News

Newly released emails on the Benghazi terror attack suggest a senior White House aide played a central role in preparing former U.N. ambassador Susan Rice for her controversial Sunday show appearances -- where she wrongly blamed protests over an Internet video.

More than 100 pages of documents were released to the conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch as part of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. Among them was a Sept. 14, 2012, email from Ben Rhodes, an assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser for strategic communications.

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More News On A White House Email That Shows The Rice Talking Points On The U.S. Consulate Attack In Benghazi Were Politically Motivated

Benghazi scandal tied to White House -- Washington Post
White House e-mail reinforces Benghazi talking points -- Reuters
Emails on Benghazi show aides’ effort to make Obama look ‘statesmanlike’ -- Washington Times
Obama Administration Accused Of Slow Walking Congress On Benghazi -- Eli Lake/Daily Beast
New documents reveal Benghazi cover up emanated from White House -- Examiner
Newly-released WH email shows Rice talking points on Benghazi politically motivated -- Hot Air
Krauthammer: Most Scandalous Element of Benghazi Is Hillary Invoking Video When Consoling Victims’ Families -- Washington Free Beacon
Ben Rhodes at center of plan to whitewash White House on Benghazi -- American Thinker
Senator: E-mails show how Benghazi story shaped -- USA Today
GOP senators demand explanation for Benghazi talking points -- FOX News
Krauthammer: Benghazi emails the 'smoking document' -- FOX News
Email Shows White House Planned Benghazi Video Deception -- The Daily Caller
Here's How Newly-Released Benghazi Emails Could Actually Embarrass the White House -- The Wire

My Comment: Many are calling this email a "smoking gun" .... and if you want to read it is here. What's my take .... I will not be surprise to see White House adviser Ben Rhodes brought up in front of a Congressional Committee to answer some serious questions in the next few weeks. I know that there are many questions that need answers .... but mine are the following .... why are we learning about this email only NOW, and what did President Obama know, when did he know it, and what was his involvement (if any) in promoting this false Benghazi narrative.

Libya's Parliament Attacked By Gunmen

Libya has been plagued by instability since armed groups toppled Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. BBC

Gunmen Attack Libya's Parliament -- Al Jazeera

Several people were wounded when armed men began firing during a special assembly session to elect a new prime minister.

Several people have been wounded when armed men stormed Libya's parliament in the capital, Tripoli, causing lawmakers to postpone the selection of a new prime minister.

Omar Hmeidan, a spokesman, told the Reuters news agency that Tuesday's attack was started by gunmen linked to one of the defeated candidates for prime minister.

"Armed men have besieged the Congress, but we do not know the motive of the attack," Tahar Mokni, a member of Libya's parliament, told the AFP news agency.

Al Jazeera's Mahboud Abdul-Wahed, reporting from Tripoli, said that the "fighting started when the armed group engaged in random shooting using AK47 rifles in front of the temporary headquarters of the General National Congress [GNC]."

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More News On Libya's Parliament Being Attacked By Gunmen

Gunmen storm Libyan parliament, stop lawmakers' vote on next PM -- Reuters
Gunmen storm Libyan parliament -- BBC
Gunmen storm Libya's General National Congress in Tripoli -- Deutsche Welle
Gunmen raid Libyan parliament, stop crucial vote on next PM -- RT
Gunmen storm Libyan parliament during vote for new prime minister -- Independent.ie
Gunmen Storm Libyan Parliament, Stop Vote on New PM -- VOA News

Is The Syrian Government Launching Chlorine Chemical Attacks?

Chemical Watchdog Announces Probe Into Alleged Chlorine Gas Attacks In Syria -- UN News Centre

29 April 2014 – The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said today it will seek to “establish the facts” surrounding allegations of the use of chlorine in Syria, where it is already working jointly with the United Nations to rid the country of its chemical weapons.

According to media reports, opposition activists say the Syrian Government has attacked rebel-held areas with chlorine gas. The Government denies the claims.

OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü announced the creation of the fact-finding mission at a meeting of the body’s Executive Council held in The Hague.

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More News On Reports That The Syrian Government Is Launching Chlorine Chemical Attacks

Syria chemical weapons: the analysis that proves Assad launched chlorine gas attacks -- The Telegraph
The proof: Assad still using chemical weapons -- The Telegraph
The new tests on attack sites that show Assad's regime is launching chemical attacks on civilians… though Syrian officials deny it -- The Daily Mail
Chlorine attacks sink Syria's credibility on chemical weapons deal -- Christian Science Monitor
Chemical weapons watchdog to investigate claims of chlorine gas attacks in Syria -- Reuters
International Mission to Look Into Syria Chlorine Attack Claims -- WSJ
Chemical weapons body to investigate claims of chlorine gas use in Syria -- The Guardian
Israeli intelligence: Assad concealing chemical capability -- Haaretz
Syria chlorine gas attacks: Q & A -- The Telegraph
Map: where gas attacks took place -- The Telegraph

Iraqis Go To The Polls To Elect A New National Government

Iraqis Vote On Wednesday As Violence Grips Country -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Iraqis head to the polls on Wednesday in their first national election since U.S. forces withdrew from Iraq in 2011 as Prime Minister Nuri Maliki seeks a third term amid rising violence.

The country's western province of Anbar is awash in violence as Sunni Muslim militants challenge the Iraqi military and Shi'ite militias for territory surrounding Baghdad.

The country's economy is struggling and Maliki faces criticism that he is aggravating sectarian splits and trying to consolidate power for political gain.

On Wednesday voters choose among 9,012 candidates and the parliamentary election effectively serves as a referendum on Maliki, a Shi'ite Muslim who has governed eight years.

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More News On Wednesday's National Elections In Iraq

Maliki faces struggle to secure third term as Iraqi PM -- Reuters
No letup in bloodshed as Iraq prepares to vote -- CNN
Iraq’s al-Maliki facing discontent in election -- Washington Post/AP
With discontent rising, al-Maliki could emerge from Iraqi election with narrower base -- FOX News/AP
Unrest in Iraq Narrows Odds for Maliki Win -- New York Times
Kurds fight out internal rivalries in Iraq vote -- Reuters
Q&A: Iraq elections explained -- Al Jazeera
Divided as ever, Iraqis go to the polls -- Haaretz
War returns to Iraq on the eve of elections -- David Ignatius, Washington Post
Divided as ever, Iraqis go to the polls -- Kevin Connolly, BBC
Sectarianism overshadows Iraq's elections; the winner will be Iran -- Ranj Alaaldin, The Guardian
Iraq elections unlikely to bridge sectarian divide -- Michael Stephens, Al Jazeera

Are Secret US-Hezbollah Talks Being Held?

An image grab taken from Hezbollah's al-Manar TV on December 3, 2013 shows Hassan Nasrallah, chief of Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah movement (AFP Photo)

Secret US-Hizballah Talks. Washington Plans To Include Lebanon, Syria Deals In Iran Nuclear Pact -- Debka File

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' initiation of a unity pact with the Hamas extremists last week did not come out of the blue. It was prompted by the direct contacts the Obama administration has secretly established with the Lebanese Hizballah. Abbas reasoned that if Washington can start a dialogue with a terrorist organization, so too can his own PLO and Fatah.

debkafile’s Washington sources report that the Obama administration appears to have carried over to Lebanon the doctrine set out by the late Richard Holbrooke for Afghanistan, whereby dialogue with Taliban should be made the centerpiece of Washington's strategy for US troop withdrawal. Holbrooke’s influence on Secretary of State John Kerry dated back to his run for the presidency in 2004.

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Update: US in secret talks with Hezbollah – Israeli reports -- RT

My Comment: Rumors of U.S. - Hezbollah secret talks have been around for awhile. I am chalking up this story as one of those rumors.

Russian Parliament Passes 'Blogger Law' To Restrict Dissent On The Internet

Members of the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament, stand before a session in Moscow March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

Putin Foes Fear Internet Crackdown As 'Blogger Law' Sails Through -- Reuters

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's upper house of parliament approved a law on Tuesday that will impose stricter rules on bloggers and is seen by critics as an attempt by President Vladimir Putin to stifle dissent on the Internet.

The Federation Council overwhelmingly approved the tighter controls on Russian blogs and websites that attract more than 3,000 daily visits, under legislation the government says is needed to formalize the definition of blogging in Russian law.

Opponents say the law will enable Putin to silence opponents who are rarely given air time on the mostly state-controlled or pro-Putin television channels, and have instead used the Internet to organize protests against the former KGB spy.

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My Comment: No one in Russia likes this law .... starting with me.

Poll: Russians Feel Safe From Military Threats

Military personnel of the Russian army. © RIA Novosti. Igor Russak

Most Russians Feel Safe From Military Threats – Survey -- RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, April 29 (RIA Novosti) – About 86 percent of Russians believe that the Russian armed forces can protect them from military threats, a state-run pollster said Tuesday.

“The Russian army will protect our country if a military threat emerges – that’s the opinion of 86 percent of Russians. The number of respondents who gave a similar answer has grown by one third in one year, from 66 percent in 2013,” VTsIOM said.

Only eight percent believe that the Russian armed forces cannot protect the country.

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My Comment: I am surprised by this poll. Russians tend to be the most insecure people in the world .... and as long as I can remember security has always been the number one issue for most Russians. I guess the times are changing.

Kiev Has Lost Control Of It's Police Forces In Eastern Ukraine

Pro-Russian demonstrators scuffle with police during a rally in Donetsk March 16, 2014 (Reuters / Stringer)

Ukrainian Policemen Stand By As Pro-Russian Separatists Seize Control -- Simon Shuster, Time

Defections, informants and fear of arrest have eroded the ranks of Ukraine's police and security services as pro-Russian separatists advance in the country's east

On Sunday afternoon, Lieutenant Vitali Artyukh, the deputy commander of an elite police squadron in eastern Ukraine, was standing guard with a detachment of his men at the state television headquarters in the city of Donetsk. Through the windshield of his police car, he saw a crowd of several hundred people moving up the street toward the gates of the building. It was led by a small group of masked men armed with clubs and metal shields, but mostly they were regular locals, many of them elderly, a few carrying Russian flags. Artyukh’s team, made up of about a dozen men armed with assault rifles, stood aside as the crowd surged through the gate and into the building. Within a few hours, the local news station’s frequency – channel 27 – was showing the Russian state network Rossiya.

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My Comment: Simon Shuster is on the ground in eastern Ukraine .... his observations in the above report on what is happening to Ukraine's security forces in the eastern part of the country is a must read.

U.S. Ambassador To Ukraine: U.S. Would React Immediately If Russia Invaded Ukraine

At today's press conference, expressed my disgust with last night's violence in Donetsk. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/P8AvO88BVT
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) April 29, 2014

U.S. Would React Immediately If Russia Invaded Ukraine, Says American Ambassador -- UPI

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine condemned the recent violence in eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian militants as "terrorism, pure and simple." U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt spoke Tuesday at a press conference, warning that a Russian invasion into Ukraine would merit an instantaneous response from the U.S.

KIEV, Ukraine, April 29 (UPI) -- U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt said Tuesday that the U.S. would respond immediately if Russia were to invade Ukraine.

Speaking at a press conference in Kiev on Tuesday, the ambassador said that Russian troop movements into Ukraine would constitute a serious escalation. According to the Kyiv Post, the U.S. would respond immediately and that "such a scenario would lead to tragic consequences."

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Update #1: US 'to react' if Russia crosses into Ukraine -- Al Jazeera
Update #2: US to respond immediately if Russian troops cross Ukrainian border, says Ambassador Pyatt -- Interfax

My Comment: Here is an easy prediction .... these comments are going to elicit a quick response from Moscow.