Monday, October 25, 2010

DTN News: World Top Stories / Headlines - News Dated October 25, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: World Top Stories / Headlines - News Dated October 25, 2010
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources
(NSI News Source Info) KOTTAKKAL, Kerala, India - October 25, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related to World Top Stories for the world of TODAY.
*Comprehensive daily news related to World Top Stories for the world of TODAY.

AFP News Headlines

Israeli panel seeks flotilla passengers' testimony

ISRAELI PANEL SEEKS FLOTILLA PASSENGERS' TESTIMONY

AFP - 35 mins ago

JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli panel examining a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla has urged anyone who was on board the flagship Mavi Marmara at the time of the operation to come forward and testify. More »

  • Japan protests to China over boats near islands

    JAPAN PROTESTS TO CHINA OVER BOATS NEAR ISLANDS

    AFP - 1 hour 21 mins ago

    TOKYO (AFP) - Japan said Monday it had lodged a protest with Beijing after spotting two Chinese fisheries patrol boats near a disputed island chain at the centre of a bitter row between the Asian giants. More »

  • Bolivian president in Iran to seek investments

    BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT IN IRAN TO SEEK INVESTMENTS

    AFP - 2 hours 34 mins ago

    TEHRAN (AFP) - Bolivian President Evo Morales was in Tehran on Monday on a three-day visit aimed at securing Iranian investment in the South American country, the English-language Press TV reported. More »

  • Japan protests to Chinese over boats near islands

    JAPAN PROTESTS TO CHINESE OVER BOATS NEAR ISLANDS

    AFP - 5 hours 53 mins ago

    TOKYO (AFP) - Japan said Monday it had lodged a protest with China after spotting two of its fisheries patrol boats near a disputed island chain that is at the centre of a bitter row between the Asian giants. More »

  • Qatar reportedly eyeing Christie's

    QATAR REPORTEDLY EYEING CHRISTIE'S

    AFP - 6 hours 41 mins ago

    LONDON (AFP) - The emir of Qatar has expressed an interest in the auction house Christie's as the Gulf state seeks to establish itself as a cultural centre, in comments to a newspaper published Monday. More »

  • Reporter who revealed Top Secret info returns to Israel

    REPORTER WHO REVEALED TOP SECRET INFO RETURNS TO ISRAEL

    AFP - 11 hours 5 mins ago

    JERUSALEM (AFP) - A reporter for the Haaretz daily accused of divulging secret military information returned to Israel on Sunday after spending several months abroad to avoid arrest, public television reported. More »

  • US under pressure on WikiLeaks allegations

    US UNDER PRESSURE ON WIKILEAKS ALLEGATIONS

    AFP - 11 hours 28 mins ago

    LONDON (AFP) - Washington on Sunday came under increasing pressure to investigate allegations in the leaked Iraq war documents published by WikiLeaks, which Britain's deputy premier called "shocking". More »

  • Yemen trial begins of 13 Somalis on piracy charges

    YEMEN TRIAL BEGINS OF 13 SOMALIS ON PIRACY CHARGES

    AFP - Yesterday, 08:18 pm

    SANAA (AFP) - Thirteen Somalis went on trial on piracy charges in the southeast Yemen city of Mukalla on Sunday, the official Saba news agency reported. More »

  • Clashes erupt again in flashpoint Jerusalem district

    CLASHES ERUPT AGAIN IN FLASHPOINT JERUSALEM DISTRICT

    AFP - Yesterday, 07:49 pm

    JERUSALEM (AFP) - Palestinian youths and Israeli police clashed on Sunday in a flashpoint east Jerusalem neighbourhood after city officials served home demolition orders on residents, witnesses said. More »

  • Arab-Israeli flotilla activists to testify

    ARAB-ISRAELI FLOTILLA ACTIVISTS TO TESTIFY

    AFP - Yesterday, 04:56 pm

    JERUSALEM (AFP) - Two Arab citizens of Israel who were on board a Gaza-bound aid ship seized in a deadly May 31 raid will testify before an Israeli commission investigating the botched operation, they said on Sunday. More »
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DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated October 25, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated October 25, 2010
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including latest updates Defense News, Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News & Yahoo
(NSI News Source Info) KOTTAKKAL, Kerala, India - October 25, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related to Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

Monday October 25, 2010

Sunday October 24, 2010

Friday October 22, 2010

Thursday October 21, 2010
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DTN News: Defense News / Latest Press Releases Dated October 25, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: Defense News / Latest Press Releases Dated October 25, 2010
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources
(NSI News Source Info) KOTTAKKAL, Kerala, India - October 25, 2010: Comprehensive daily news related to Defense News / Latest Press Releases for the world of TODAY.*Comprehensive daily news related to Defense News / Latest Press Releases for the world of TODAY
*Jane's

Eyes down: at last a viable role for airships?

The TCOM Model 74M JLENS aerostat, 74M.001, made its maiden flight on 25 August 2009. (TCOM)

Demand for airborne persistent surveillance platforms has sparked a revival of interest in lighter-than-air craft. Martin Streetly explores the potential of new designs and materials

06 October 2010

USAE pursues future programmes despite KC-X protest rejection

The US Government Accountability Office has rejected US Aerospace Inc's KC-X tanker programme protest

08 October 2010

RELATED ARTICLE
US Aerospace partners with AVIC to pursue US military contracts

Denel develops air-transportable Casspir APC

Mechem has developed an air-transportable APC.

20 September 2010

New Zealand aircraft sale window extended

New Zealand's Aermacchi MB-339CB is one of two types of aircraft likely to be sold to the US. (IHS Jane's/Paul Tompkins)

An extended purchase deadline should allow a US company to follow through on plans to acquire retired Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft.

27 September 2010

Sikorsky X2 breaks 250 kt to set new record

The Sikorsky X2, pictured in mock-up form, exceeded its 250 kt stated goal during a flight out of the company's Development Flight Center in Florida that lasted just over one hour. (IHS Jane's/Patrick Allen)

Setting an unofficial helicopter speed record, the Sikorsky X2 reached 250 kt true air speed with three months of flight-testing yet to remain.

17 September 2010

RELATED ARTICLE
Eyes on target: scout helicopters carve out a lasting impression

USAF uses C-17 for bio-fuel flight-test

The C-17 uses more jet fuel than any other aircraft in the USAF fleet, making it a good candidate to operate on bio-fuel. (IHS Jane's/Patrick Allen)

With an end goal of running its entire fleet on a synthetic blend of fuel, the US Air Force tested a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with a bio-aviation fuel combination.

10 September 2010

RELATED ARTICLE
USAF launches new biofuel testing programme

India and Russia create joint venture to push on with Multirole Transport Aircraft

India and Russia have signed an agreement to form a joint venture to design, develop and manufacture a multirole transport aircraft

15 September 2010

Swiss fighter replacement faces further delays

This Northrop F-5E Tiger II is one of 54 in need of replacement in the Swiss Air Force. (IHS Jane's/Paul Tompkins)

Within a week of the Swiss government promising to re-ignite the delayed fighter replacement programme, the plans have again been delayed.

27 August 2010

RELATED ARTICLE
Switzerland fighter replacement appears set for indefinite delay

Eyes on target: scout helicopters carve out a lasting impression

Jordan has signed a letter of intent with Boeing to procure the AH-6i Little Bird to complement its fleet of MD 530 helicopters. (IHS Jane's/Patrick Allen)

Despite the rise of the attack helicopter, the scout is still holding its ground as an important part of militaries' helicopter operations.

08 September 2010


Lockheed Martin warns against delays to JSF orders

The delayed production schedules of eight partner nations in the international F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter programme are a cause for concern for Lockheed Martin.

20 August 2010

RELATED ARTICLE
Dutch cast doubt on JSF deal

Thai budget makes provision for second Gripen batch

Thailand approves USD5.4 billion budget for 2011

27 August 2010

What's new, pussycat? AgustaWestland begins breeding its new-look Wildcat

AgustaWestland introduces the AW159, the latest variant of its popular Lynx shipborne helicopters, filling the needs of the UK armed forces.

13 August 2010

RELATED ARTICLE
Rebranded AW159 builds on Lynx pedigree

Leaked reports confirm SAM launches against ISAF aircraft

The controversial Wikileaks web site leaked a classified report indicating that heat-seeking SAMs were used against coalition forces in Afghanistan.

04 August 2010

India may boost C-17 order to 16

The Indian Air Force is considering the purchase of additional C-17 Globemaster IIIs

12 August 2010

RELATED ARTICLE
IAF completes C-17 test-flight

India plays down reports of MMRCA decision

Media reports in India say the Rafale and Typhoon have emerged as favourites to win India's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft contest

11 August 2010
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Sunday, October 24, 2010

DTN News: Iraq TODAY October 25, 2010 - Iraq War Logs ~ US Turned Over Captives To Iraqi Torture Squads

Defense News: DTN News: Iraq TODAY October 25, 2010 - Iraq War Logs ~ US Turned Over Captives To Iraqi Torture Squads
*Nick Clegg calls for answers to 'extremely serious' abuse reports, but says it is up to US to answer for its own forces
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including David Leigh and Maggie O'Kane - guardian.co.uk, Sunday 24 October 2010 20.46 BST
(NSI News Source Info) KOTTAKKAL, Kerala, India - October 25, 2010: Fresh evidence that US soldiers handed over detainees to a notorious Iraqi torture squad has emerged in army logs published by WikiLeaks.

The 400,000 field reports published by the whistleblowing website at the weekend contain an official account of deliberate threats by a military interrogator to turn his captive over to the Iraqi "Wolf Brigade".

The interrogator told the prisoner in explicit terms that: "He would be subject to all the pain and agony that the Wolf battalion is known to exact upon its detainees."

The evidence emerged as the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, said the allegations of killings, torture and abuse in Iraq were "extremely serious" and "needed to be looked at".

Clegg, speaking on BBC1's Andrew Marr Show, did not rule out an inquiry into the actions of British forces in Iraq, but said it was up to the US administration to answer for the actions of its forces. His comments contrasted with a statement from the Ministry of Defence today, which warned that the posting of classified US military logs on the WikiLeaks website could endanger the lives of British forces.

Clegg said: "We can bemoan how these leaks occurred, but I think the nature of the allegations made are extraordinarily serious. They are distressing to read about and they are very serious. I am assuming the US administration will want to provide its own answer. It's not for us to tell them how to do that."

Asked if there should be an inquiry into the role of British troops, he said: "I think anything that suggests that basic rules of war, conflict and engagement have been broken or that torture has been in any way condoned are extremely serious and need to be looked at.

"People will want to hear what the answer is to what are very, very serious allegations of a nature which I think everybody will find quite shocking."

A Channel 4 Dispatches programme tomorrow night is expected to add further details based on the logs of alleged abuse directly by coalition forces. Only two cases of alleged involvement of British troops have so far been mentioned.

Within the huge leaked archive is contained a batch of secret field reports from the town of Samarra. They corroborate previous allegations that the US military turned over many prisoners to the Wolf Brigade, the feared 2nd battalion of the interior ministry's special commandos.

In Samarra, the series of log entries in 2004 and 2005 describe repeated raids by US infantry, who then handed their captives over to the Wolf Brigade for "further questioning". Typical entries read: "All 5 detainees were turned over to Ministry of Interior for further questioning" (from 29 November 2004) and "The detainee was then turned over to the 2nd Ministry of Interior Commando Battalion for further questioning" (30 November 2004).

The field reports chime with allegations made by New York Times writer Peter Maass, who was in Samarra at the time. He told Guardian Films : "US soldiers, US advisers, were standing aside and doing nothing," while members of the Wolf Brigade beat and tortured prisoners. The interior ministry commandos took over the public library in Samarra, and turned it into a detention centre, he said.

An interview conducted by Maass in 2005 at the improvised prison, accompanied by the Wolf Brigade's US military adviser, Col James Steele, had been interrupted by the terrified screams of a prisoner outside, he said. Steele was reportedly previously employed as an adviser to help crush an insurgency in El Salvador.

The Wolf Brigade was created and supported by the US in an attempt to re-employ elements of Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard, this time to terrorise insurgents. Members typically wore red berets, sunglasses and balaclavas, and drove out on raids in convoys of Toyota Landcruisers. They were accused by Iraqis of beating prisoners, torturing them with electric drills and sometimes executing suspects. The then interior minister in charge of them was alleged to have been a former member of the Shia Badr militia.

It is unclear which US unit filed the report of complaint that detainees were being specifically threatened with being turned over to the Wolf Brigade. The entry describes the capture of prisoners near the town of Falluja, west of Baghdad.

It is headed "Alleged detainee abuse by interrogators", and reads: "On 14 December 2005, a raid was conducted whereby five individuals were detained for suspicion of emplacement of IEDs [improvised explosive devices] as a result of a pid [positive identification]. "During the interrogation process the RO [ranking officer] threatened the subject detainee that he would never see his family again and would be sent to the 'Wolf Battalion' where he would be subject to all the pain and agony that the 'Wolf Battalion' is known to exact upon its detainees."

The war logs also disclose that Wolf Brigade members were themselves at risk of reprisals. In January 2007, US soldiers reported a gruesome discovery in a street near Baghdad: "Only the severed head was found.

A wire was run through the ear with the corpse's ID attached to the wire. 3rd bn commander identified the remains as Ahdel Abu Hussain, he was an officer in the NP [national police] Wolf Brigade."

Lawyers said the reports may embroil British as well as US forces in an alleged culture of abuse and extrajudicial killings. Phil Shiner, of Public Interest Lawyers, appearing alongside the WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, at a press conference in London, said some of the deaths may have involved British forces and could now go through the UK courts.

*THIS ARTICLE IS BEING POSTED FROM TORONTO, CANADA BY DTN NEWS ~ DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS, CONTACT:DTNNEWS@YMAIL.COM
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DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY October 25, 2010 - Karzai Stands By Private Security Ban

Defense News: DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY October 25, 2010 - Karzai Stands By Private Security Ban
(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - October 25, 2010: Afghan President Hamid Karzai is standing by his decree to dissolve the private security companies some aid organizations use for protection, although a delegation of Western diplomats warned Sunday that huge amounts of aid and development money could be affected.

Several international aid organizations are drawing up plans to withdraw from Afghanistan, worried about the ability of Afghan security forces to protect their staffs, potentially taking with them billions of dollars in development cash as well as jobs for ordinary Afghans. President Karzai's decree makes exceptions for foreign embassies and military bases, but not aid groups.

Western officials warned Mr. Karzai in the Sunday meeting that the cash these development organizations manage will not start flowing directly to the Afghan government if they leave, said people familiar with the discussion.

Some officials are worried that Mr. Karzai, whose government is fraught with corruption, is planning to get control of more of the aid money if these groups leave the country.

Mr. Karzai said he plans to move ahead with the private-security ban, which he outlined in August, setting a four-month implementation deadline. "The government of Afghanistan is [determined] to disband the private security companies and therefore asks our international partners for practical and sincere cooperation," Mr. Karzai said Sunday's meeting, according to a statement from his office.

The Afghan president has accused private security companies of causing civilian casualties and of corruption. He asked the international delegation that visited him Sunday to provide a list of the big development projects that need security, according to the statement.

"This is a non-starter," said a Western official familiar with Sunday's meeting. "Trying to select or single out individual projects is not a solution… The decree will have fairly catastrophic consequences for development and progress in Afghanistan."

The U.S.'s commander of coalition forces, Gen. David Petraeus, met with Mr. Karzai Sunday, as did the top United Nations representative to Afghanistan, Steffan di Mistura, and the U.S. ambassador to Kabul, Karl Eikenberry, among others.

Although the international delegation expressed their support for Mr. Karzai's ban, they asked that exceptions be made for aid and development groups. U.S. government and NATO officials concede that using private security firms isn't optimal, either.

Still, doubts remain about whether Afghan security forces can step in to fill the gap that the ban will create. They are already stretched thin, battling an insurgency that is proving resilient and spreading throughout the country.

This year has been the deadliest for NATO forces since the start of the nine-year war, with at least 599 soldiers killed so far, according to icasualties.org, an independent monitoring group.

Afghanistan's ministry of interior says its forces are capable of keeping aid organizations secure and will provide police from a special department to protect these groups for a fee, said Zemarai Besharay, the ministry's spokesman.

"Why not have the money paid to private security companies go to the ministry of interior?" Mr. Besharay said.

The ministry's plan is adding to concern among Western officials that the Afghan government is hoping that the ban on private security companies will be lucrative for the government. Western officials have told the government that the money the organizations spend on private security companies won't be directed to the Afghan police.

Spokesmen for Mr. Karzai couldn't be reached for comment Sunday.

In a separate development, four insurgents dressed in police and women's clothing stormed a U.N. compound in western Herat province, killing at least two Afghan security guards but failing to kill or injure any of the international aid workers, according to a U.N. statement.

The insurgents blew up a car packed with explosives, blowing open the gate to the U.N. compound before the insurgents entered the building. The Afghan police responded to the attack and fought off insurgents.

*THIS ARTICLE IS BEING POSTED FROM TORONTO, CANADA BY DTN NEWS ~ DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS, CONTACT:DTNNEWS@YMAIL.COM
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