DTN News - KARZAI AT PENTAGON: Panetta Hosts Arrival Ceremony, Meets With Afghan President At Pentagon

Defense News: DTN News - KARZAI AT PENTAGON: Panetta Hosts Arrival Ceremony, Meets With Afghan President At Pentagon

Source: DTN News 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 12, 2013:  Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday met with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta at the Pentagon to discuss the security transition in Afghanistan.

At a press conference after the meeting, Panetta said he had an hour-long, one-on-one meeting with Karzai to discuss "the ongoing transition to Afghan security lead, as well as the commitment of the United States to Afghanistan" after the completion of the transition by the end of 2014.

Panetta said both leaders believe the transition plan is " working, and we're fully committed to finishing the job," and they believed they are "moving in the right direction."

At a welcoming ceremony earlier in the day, Panetta assured Karzai of continued U.S. commitment as the last chapter of security transition has begun. According to U.S. President Barack Obama's withdrawal plan, U.S. combat forces will be out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014, after transferring security lead to the Afghans.

Meanwhile, the two countries are negotiating a bilateral security agreement that would define the U.S. role in Afghanistan post-2014. Karzai, who will meet Obama on Friday, said at the Pentagon he believed the United States and Afghanistan can work out the way forward for a bilateral security agreement "that will ensure the interests of Afghanistan, and also the interests of the United States."


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DTN News - SERBIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Serbian Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic Visited And Greeted By Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta At The Pentagon

Defense News: DTN News - SERBIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Serbian Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic Visited And Greeted By Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta At The Pentagon

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. Department Of Defense
(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - December 8, 2012: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Serbia's Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic through an honor cordon and into the Pentagon on Dec. 7, 2012.

Panetta and Vucic will meet to discuss national and regional security items of interest to both nations.   

DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett. (Released)

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta With Visiting West Point Mascot At The Pentagon

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta With Visiting  West Point Mascot At The Pentagon

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. Department Of Defense
(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - December 8, 2012: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta poses for photos with the West Point mascot during a pep rally held in the halls of the Pentagon on Dec. 7, 2012. 

The West Point Black Knights take on the Naval Academy Midshipmen in the 113th meeting between the two service schools at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Dec. 8th.   

DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy. (Released)

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DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israeli Defense Chief Sounds Ready To Hit Iran, Thanks In Part To Iron Dome

Defense News: DTN News - ISRAELI DEFENSE NEWS: Israeli Defense Chief Sounds Ready To Hit Iran, Thanks In Part To Iron Dome

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Spencer Ackerman - Wired
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 30, 2012: Israel’s retiring defense chief thinks Iran needs to be “coerced” in 2013 from building an atom bomb, despite any U.S. hopes that sanctions will bring Tehran to the negotiating table. And the recent success of his new, U.S.-funded missile defenses seems to have convinced him that Israel is better able than ever to deter its Iran-backed foes.

“Of course, we would love to see some heavenly intervention that will stop them, to wake up some morning and learn that they’ve given up on their nuclear intentions,” Barak told reporters at the Pentagon Thursday during a joint press conference with Leon Panetta, his American counterpart. “You cannot build a strategy based on these wishes or prayers. Sanctions are working and they are more hurting than anything I remember from the past vis-a-vis Iran, but I don’t believe these kinds of sanctions will bring the ayatollahs to a moment of truth where they sit around a table, look into each other’s eyes and decide that the game is over.”

Not exactly what Panetta wanted to hear during what was supposed to be a friendly press conference in which they celebrated how the U.S.-backed Iron Dome rocket defense system stopped Hamas’ rocket attacks cold. The U.S. defense chief, who effused over the retiring Barak as “a man of peace” and praised their long friendship, said the “unprecedented pressure” on Iran from international sanctions present “time and space for an effort to try to achieve a diplomatic solution.”

Not likely, thinks the retiring Barak. “During the coming year and hopefully before they reach what I have called a ‘zone of immunity’” — a point at which Israeli airstrike couldn’t meaningfully hinder Iranian nuclear work — Iran “will be coerced into putting an end to it this way or another way,” Barak said. “The physical attack option is an option that should be there, should remain on the table, never be removed.”

That may be short of a pledge to attack Iran next year, but it’s hardly a vote of confidence in any alternative. And it reflects a lingering divide in U.S. and Israeli goals on Iran, despite the rhetoric of unity. “We will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” Panetta said, “and that remains our policy.” Barak’s policy is different: to stop Iran from even getting to the point in its technological nuclear work where an airstrike is senseless, before Iran gets the bomb. The Israeli defense chief acknowledged “sometimes slight differences” with U.S. policy “that should be better discussed behind closed doors.”

However much Barak seems resigned to Iran’s determination “to go in the footsteps of Pakistan and North Korea,” he also mused out loud about Iron Dome as a security game-changer for Israel. Not because a system that was “extremely successful” at stopping unguided Qassam rockets can also stop Iranian Shahab-3 ballistic missiles — it can’t. But because of the demonstration effect that Israeli missile-defense technology can have on Iran and its proxies.

“The very knowing of the other side that you have such an effective system, especially when we’ll be equipped with many more interceptors, it will change the balance of contemplation on the other side,” Barak said. “It creates a logical kind of deterrent, not a psychological one, because any enemy that tries against Israel is exposed to the effectiveness of our efforts that we’ve seen during in this operation.” Especially since, Barak noted, Iron Dome’s big brothers — David’s Sling and the Arrow — are in development to stop more powerful missiles launched by Iran and Hezbollah.

Barak won’t be defense minister next year, as he announced this week he’s retiring from politics. But if other prominent Israeli decision-makers think that Iron Dome restored Israel’s ability to deter adversaries, imagine the value they might place on an Iran attack next year.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Spencer Ackerman - Wired
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DTN News: Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News Dated September 29, 2012

Defense News: DTN News: Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News  Dated September 29, 2012
 Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable media

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 29, 2012: Comprehensive daily news related to Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News  for the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related on Al-Qaeda Top Stories / Headlines News  for the world of TODAY

Attack on consulate in Libya was act of terrorism, US says
Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON — The lethal attack on the U.S. Consulate in eastern Libya was "a deliberate and organized terrorist attack carried out by extremists" linked to Al Qaeda and did not stem from a spontaneous riot as first believed, a spokesman for the ...
See all stories on this topic »

Daniel Markey on US-Pakistan Terrorism Cooperation and Pakistan's Extremist ... Lawfare (blog) Immediately after 9/11, Markey explains, the Musharraf government, the military, and the ISI were helpful in locating and arresting some senior Al Qaeda officials. American cooperation with thePakistanis in those efforts was essential. Pakistani ... See all stories on this topic »

Pakistani al Qaeda 'facilitator' killed in Kunar airstrike Long War Journal Special operations forces killed an al Qaeda "facilitator" from Pakistan in an airstrike in the remote eastern Afghan province of Kunar, which has served as a terrorist safe haven. The al Qaedafacilitator is the seventh senior Pakistani jihadist ... See all stories on this topic »

Is Obama Losing the War on Terror? Lawrence Journal World (blog) If the withdrawal isn't done properly, al Qaeda could use it to claim that terrorism can defeat the U.S. and use it to recruit more terrorists. ... I realize allowing terrorists to use Pakistan as a sanctuary could increase the risk to American forces ... See all stories on this topic »

Osama Bin Laden Was Blind In One Eye, Says Ayman al-Zawahiri Osama Bin Laden was blind in one eye, according to Ayman al-Zawahiri, Bin Laden's successor within Al-Qaida. www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/.../osama-bin-laden-was-blind-in-o...

The last days of Osama Bin Laden the worlds most wanted terrorist... Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden ( /oʊˈsɑːmə bɪn moʊˈhɑːmɨd bɪn əˈwɑːd ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4xKD6q63Sg

Terrorist supporter in Pakistan offers $100000 to kill anti Islam filmmaker Examiner.com A Pakistani cabinet minister on Saturday offered a "$100,000 cash reward for the death of the person behind the anti-Islam video made in the United States", (see article:Pakistani Cabinet Minister Offers Al-Qaeda $100,000 to Kill Mohammed Filmmaker ... See all stories on this topic » Examiner.com

Pakistani president fires back at critics over terror fight Washington Times The Obama administration has pressed Pakistan, with limited success, to take a tougher stand against terrorists who operate from safe havens in the tribal border region near Afghanistan. Earlier this month, the State Department added al Qaeda ... See all stories on this topic » Washington Times

2 al Qaeda leaders reported killed in Mir Ali drone strike Long War Journal Abu Kasha commands two Pakistanis, Imanullah and Haq Nawaz Dawar, who administer al Qaeda's network in Mir Ali. Abu Kasha also has a working relationship and close communication with the Uzbek terror groups, including the Islamic Jihad Group (or ... See all stories on this topic »

Report Reveals Details of Obama's Drone Program The New American Two al Qaeda commanders are reported to have been killed in Monday's drone strike in the Mir Ali area of Pakistan's Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan. The report of the al Qaedacommanders' deaths has not been confirmed. Abu Kasha al ... See all stories on this topic »

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DTN News - NORWAY DEFENSE NEWS: Norway Finalizes First F-35 Fighter Order

Defense News: DTN News - NORWAY DEFENSE NEWS: Norway Finalizes First F-35 Fighter Order
*Norway orders first F-35; secures JSM integration support
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ministry of  Defence - Norway
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 20, 2012: Norway today (June 15) commenced the largest public procurement project in its history. The event was marked by Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide authorizing the order for the first F-35A Lightning II for the Norwegian Armed Forces. The decision to move forward was reached following an extended dialogue with the US Department of Defence aimed at securing opportunities for Norwegian industry.

Chief of The Air Force Major General Finn Kristian Hannestad and Defence Minister Espen Barth Eide at the press conference 15 June 2012. (Christian Nørstebø, Forsvarets Forum)

- We have today made two critical decisions. For the first time in three decades we are now ordering new combat aircraft for the Armed Forces. Additionally, we will begin preparations for the final phase of Joint Strike Missile (JSM) development after receiving confirmation from US authorities of their support for the integration of the missile into the F-35, says Norwegian Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Joint Strike Missile.

- This marks a key milestone in the Norwegian F-35 programme and the beginning of the largest public procurement in Norwegian history. The F-35, which Norway selected in 2008, represents a completely new generation of combat aircraft that will form a corner stone of the future Norwegian Armed Forces, says Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

Confirmation of JSM integration support was provided in a letter from US Secretary of Defence, Leon Panetta to Norwegian Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide earlier this week.

- Securing such support has been an important precondition for many of our partner nations before they would themselves commit to supporting the JSM. With such support finally in place there is now a significant potential for the missile among future operators of the F-35. Preparations for the final phase of procurement will therefore begin now, says Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

The Norwegian-developed JSM represents one of the most advanced weapons available within its category, and will further enhance the operational capabilities of the F-35. Total market potential for the JSM is estimated to be between NOK 20 and 25 billion/USD 3.3 and 4.2 billion.

The two aircraft authorized today are expected to be joined by a second pair in 2016, and will be based in the United States as part of a joint partner training centre. They are to be followed by up to 48 additional aircraft from 2017 that are to be based at Ørland Main Air Station in central Norway. A small forward operating base will also be based at Evenes in northern Norway to provide quick reaction alert (QRA) services in the high north. An estimated 10% of the overall force generation will also be carried out from the Evenes FOB.

The overall cost of the procurement phase of the project is estimated at NOK 60 billion/USD 10 billion (2012 value) in real terms.

The decision to centralise the combat aircraft force at Ørland was approved when the Norwegian Parliament approved the new Defence White Paper on the 14th of June. This paper also confirmed the overall ambition for up to 52 F-35s for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Norway will over the coming years see a budget increase of 7% by 2016 through redistribution of funds freed up by the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the addition of significant supplementary funds for the F-35 purchase.

- Norway's parliament yesterday approved a significant increase in defence spending in order to finance the purchase and to increase the general operating budget of the Armed Forces. At the same time, the Parliament has shown courage in making tough but necessary decisions in order to continue the work to rationalize the base infrastructure. This means that the positive development we have seen in the Norwegian Armed Forces over the past four years will continue, concludes Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Ministry of Defence, Norway
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S., Japan Agree On Okinawa Troop Relocation

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S., Japan Agree On Okinawa Troop Relocation
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Karen Parrish - American Forces Press Service
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 27, 2012: U.S. and Japanese officials announced yesterday the two nations have agreed on a plan to relocate U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

The joint statement of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee spells out unit moves, land and facilities on Okinawa the United States will return to the Japanese government, and the costs each government will pay for the relocation.

The joint statement is the latest result of negotiations between the two countries dating to the 2006 Realignment Roadmap and the 2009 Guam International Agreement.

The two nations issued a joint defense posture statement in February that “delinked” the two agreements so parts of the relocation plan could move forward more quickly.

“I am very pleased that, after many years, we have reached this important agreement and plan of action,” Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a statement yesterday. He praised Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka for “spearheading discussions” leading to the joint statement.

“We will work closely with our partners in the Japanese Self Defense Force to implement these decisions and to further improve this vital alliance of ours,” the secretary added.
Panetta said he looks forward to strengthening the two nations’ partnership “as, together, we address security challenges in the region.”

During a Pentagon background briefing to reporters yesterday, senior State and Defense Department officials outlined the agreement.

About 9,000 Marines will relocate from Okinawa, with about 5,000 moving to Guam and the rest transferring to other locations in the Pacific such as Hawaii and Australia, the defense official said.

The Marines will be organized in air-ground task forces, which combine command, ground, air and logistics elements that can deploy and operate as a unit.

“This new posture that we've created results in a more operationally effective presence across the region,” the defense official said.

“In the end, we are sustaining the same presence in the Western Pacific that we've intended for some time,” the official added.

About 10,000 Marines will remain on Okinawa when the relocation is complete, the official said.

The agreement also sets Japan’s funding for the move to Guam at $3.1 billion of the overall $8.6 billion estimated cost, the defense official added.

“We're particularly appreciative of this commitment in the context of Japan's fiscal challenges, which we fully recognize,” the official added.

One element of the agreement involves possible development of joint training ranges in Guam and the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as shared-use facilities for U.S. and Japanese forces, the official said.

The State Department official said the plan will result in a stronger, more sustainable and more flexible alliance.

“This is really a key component of our strategic rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific region,” the official said. “As you know, one of the key aspects of that is strengthening partnerships with regional allies, and of course Japan is a very important alliance partner.”

The official said the agreement reaffirms both nations’ commitment to relocate Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, now in the center of Okinawa’s Ginowan City, to a more remote area of the island. Until the Futenma relocation happens, both governments will share the cost of maintaining the existing facility, the official added.

The Japanese government will determine the timeline for the Futenma move, the State Department official said, noting the U.S. focus for Okinawa is sustaining an operationally effective Marine Corps presence there.

The defense official said U.S. representatives are “delighted” at the agreement.

“We think it's a significant achievement that demonstrates that the U.S.-Japan alliance is still capable of big things,” the official said.

Biographies:
Leon E. Panetta

Related Sites:
Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee

Related Articles:
U.S., Japan Release Joint Defense Posture Statement
U.S., Japanese Officials Discuss Military Realignment

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Karen Parrish - American Forces Press Service
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DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore

Defense News: DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta, Singapore Defense Chief Affirm Deeper Cooperation And US Plans To Deploy Combat Ships To Singapore
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Cheryl Pellerin - American Forces Press Service

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 6, 2012: The Defense Department's move to deploy U.S. combat ships to Singapore and raise the level of joint exercises will deepen the bilateral military relationship, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a joint statement after a Pentagon meeting yesterday.

Panetta and Ng, in Washington on his first official visit as Singapore's defense minister, discussed defense and security issues and affirmed the nations' longstanding bilateral defense relationship, the statement said.

Both underscored the shared belief that a strong U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific region enhances regional stability and security.

The defense leaders also discussed the proposal for the United States to deploy up to four littoral combat ships to Singapore. The ships will be deployed on a rotational basis and will not be based in Singapore. The deployment signals U.S. commitment to the region, the joint statement said, and enhances the ability to train and engage with regional partners.

The rotational deployments are one part of the U.S.-Singapore partnership documented in the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said. "This marks a significant movement in terms of our cooperation with Singapore," she added. "The specific details related to this unprecedented engagement are still being discussed."

Panetta and Ng noted progress made since 2005 in deepening bilateral defense cooperation, and recognized the value of practical interaction among regional militaries, including exercises and exchanges, in building trust.

The defense leaders agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises such as Commando Sling to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. The annual Commando Sling series began in 1990 to provide combined air combat training for fighter units from the air forces of the United States and Singapore.

The exercise allows units to sharpen air combat skills, improve procedures for conducting air operations at a non-U.S. base, and enhance partnerships.

The United States and Singapore will enhance joint urban training, using installations such as Singapore's Murai Urban Training Facility, which is built to resemble a typical town. It has residential, commercial and industrial districts that feature bus stops, traffic lights and overhead bridges.

The United States and Singapore will continue to explore joint initiatives to facilitate U.S. engagement in the region, the statement said.

Near the end of the meeting, Ng expressed appreciation for U.S. support of training detachments Singapore's military has in the United States. Panetta expressed gratitude for Singapore's important contributions to stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, and to international counterpiracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden.

 

 


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Cheryl Pellerin - American Forces Press Service

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