War On Terror News

42nd ID Soldiers Deploy for Training Exercise in Northern Japan

New York National Guard 

11.27.2009 TROY, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters deploy next week to Hokkaido, Japan, for a two-week training exercise alongside troops of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces.

Nearly 70 Citizen Soldiers from from the division's headquarters in Troy will fly to Northern Japan and Fort Lewis, Wash., next week to support the training.

From across New York State, about 100 Citizen Soldiers will deploy to Japan and 60 will support the battle simulation exercise from Fort Lewis.

AFG Civics Training Bolsters Rule of Law in Paktya

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by 1st Lt. Lauren Johnson

11.27.2009

AFGHANISTAN - The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team completed the sixth Civics Training class in Jaji District, as part of an initiative to expand Rule of Law in the province, Oct. 29.

The training includes instruction on the roles and responsibilities of the government, from the president of Afghanistan down to provincial and district level, as well as constitutional law and women's and children's rights.

"Unfortunately, most women here don't know the world outside their very strict homes, much less their rights," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Quitze Garcia, PRT Paktya Civil Affairs specialist and Rule of Law representative. "These classes help young ladies realize they have rights, and neither their religion nor their constitution is what's denying them their rights."

Service Members Donate Time, Goods to Iraqis

Task Force 38  Story by Spc. Beth Gorenc

11.27.2009 JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – While deployed here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, service members used their free time to teach and assist communities in Iraq.

Airmen and Soldiers here held monthly programs that brought children on base to learn from and interact with military mentors. During these days, service members worked through translators to teach Iraqi children about personal hygiene, fire safety awareness and medical issues. After learning safety lessons, children were able to play with their volunteer military mentor. Activities such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, arts and crafts, and board games were available for entertainment.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joey Burgess, 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector, said the children's days were not only useful for teaching children safety, but were also good for establishing positive relationships with local communities.

Taking Care of the Wounded

No One Can Understand the Singular Suffering of the Wounded Like Their Injured Comrades.  So One is Leading the Way in Ministering to Them.

Lt. Col. Maxwell’s New Mission: Taking Care of the Wounded

Wounded Up Close and Personal

07-31-2005 A hospital therapist presses down hard against a ridge of crimson scar tissue on the shattered left leg of LCpl. Donald Ferguson. Ferguson grits his teeth.

His face red and contorted, Ferguson tries to snap to attention as a lieutenant colonel approaches. The Officer's hair is cropped close on top and shaved on the sides, revealing a jagged pink scar across his left temple from a combat wound.

AFG Photos-TF Protector Command Serves Thanksgiving Feast

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Photos by Capt. Thomas Cieslak

 

 

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Mega, a military policeman from the 447th Military Police Company, serves Thanksgiving dinner at the Drop Zone Café on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Command Sgt. Maj. Brian K. Lambert, left, and Col. John F. Garrity, center, the command sergeant major and commander of Task Force Protector, serve roast beef to a service member during the task force's Thanksgiving meal in the Drop Zone Café on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

 

 

 

 

Command Sgt. Maj. Brian K. Lambert, left, and Col. John F. Garrity, center, the command sergeant major and commander of Task Force Protector, serve roast beef to a Sailor during the Task Force's Thanksgiving meal in the Drop Zone Café on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brig. Gen. Mark Martins, interim commander of Task Force 435, serves turkey to a Task Force Protector service member during a Thanksgiving meal on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

First Iraqi-Moderated Women's Conference Held

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs Story by Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Ruth

11.27.2009 IRAQ - Thirty-nine women from the Ministries of Defence and Interior attended a conference here Nov. 19 to discuss women's issues. This marked the first time an Iraqi woman moderated such an event.

Ms. Iman Najid, director of Human Rights for the Ministry of Defence, led the discussion about the struggles of Iraqi women who are still striving for equal treatment. "The purpose of this conference is to show how Iraqi women are participating in the Ministry of Defence", said Najid.

Five Iraqi female leaders spoke about their experiences and struggles as a means to encourage and inspire the attendees. Dr. (Maj.) Noor Lath Saaed Al Berakhdar, inspector general, Ministry of Defence, highlighted the importance of mentorship. "Mentorship starts with

AFG Nuristan PRT Battles H1N1 Misinformation

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO  Story by 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne

11.27.2009 AFGHANISTAN - Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team service members took to the airwaves to combat insurgent misinformation about the spread of the H1N1 flu virus in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province, Nov. 19.

U.S. Navy Lt. Jennifer Dreiling, PRT senior medical officer from McLean, Va., and U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Stacy Gross, PRT information operations officer from Lakeville, Minn., broadcasted public health messages about the virus on Radio Kalagush, a U.S.-funded Afghan radio station broadcasted from Forward Operating Base Kalagush.

Iran Seizes Human Rights Lawyer's Nobel Prize

Shirin Ebadi and her colleagues say the government is demanding $400,000 in back taxes on her $1.3 million prize. But they say such prize money is not taxed under Iranian law.

VOA News   27 November 2009

Iran has frozen the bank accounts of Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi and confiscated her Peace Prize medal.

1st Air Cavalry Brigade Native American Holds Tradition Dear

1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs  Story by Sgt. Alun Thomas

11.27.2009 CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The role of Native Americans in the annals of Army history is one characterized by courage and unwavering bravery in the face of conflict.

These attributes are recognized every November with the staging of Native American Heritage Month, which displays the spirit of the culture and their achievements.

This spirit also carries over to the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade in the form of Sgt. Amber Red Bear, a Native American who has lived and practiced the culture her whole life, both in and out of the Army.

12 Afghan Inmates Escape from Prison

VOA News    28 November 2009

Afghan police say 12 prisoners have escaped from a prison in western Afghanistan.

Police said Saturday the inmates broke out of the prison in Farah province by digging a tunnel from their cell to the outside.  Officials captured a 13th prisoner as he tried to escape.

In the northern province of Takhar, police say gunmen attacked and killed the provincial head of the Red Crescent organization Friday.

Pakistani President Shifts Nuclear Control to Prime Minister

VOA News    28 November 2009

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has transferred control of the country's nuclear arsenal to his prime minister.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar announced late Friday that the National Command Authority, which is responsible for nuclear weapons, is now under the authority of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

ANA, TF Lethal Commanders Meet With Korengalli Elders

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Pfc. Elizabeth Raney

 

11.27.2009  AFGHANISTAN - Thirty-four elders from Korengal Valley met with the local Afghan national army battalion commander and Task Force Lethal commander at a shura held at the Korengal Outpost, Nov. 12.

The topic of discussion was the future of the valley. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brian Pearl and Afghan commander reminded the Afghans for there to be progress in the valley there needs to be a partnership between the locals and coalition forces.

The elders of the valley were able to voice their concerns with regard to the fighting throughout the valley.

The ANA commander left the elders with a final thought, "all of the elders of the valley are stronger than the few fighters that exist. The elders need to come together and decide the future of the Korengal Valley."

 

Terrorist Attack Suspected in Russian Train Crash that Killed 26

VOA    Jessica Golloher | Moscow    27 November 2009

Officials in Russia say a train crash that killed at least 26 people and injured at least 50 late Friday may have resulted from an attack.

Prosecutors said Saturday they have begun a criminal investigation that could result in terrorism charges, but did not identify suspects.  Investigators near the town of Bologoye are looking for clues into what caused the deadly incident on the Nevski Express high-speed luxury train.

Rescue workers are sifting through the wreckage in search of 18 missing people and have said that the death toll is likely to rise. 

Russian news agencies report a small crater was found at the site of the wreck. Witnesses said they heard an explosion.

Iraqi Police Learn Why K-9s Are Truly 'man's Best Friend'

145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment Story by Sgt. Jeremy Pitcher

11.27.2009 DIYALA, Iraq – The danger of working a checkpoint in Iraq has been a reality many have faced in years past. With enemy combatants working to easily blend into the civilian population, the check point too often becomes an easy target for insurgents.

For Iraqi police in the Diyala province

Muslims Mark Eid al-Adha Festival on 4th Day of Hajj

VOA News 28 November 2009

Muslims around the world are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Adha, including more than two million pilgrims taking part in annual Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia.

Pilgrims in the Saudi holy city of Mecca threw stones at three pillars representing Satan, a ritual that began Friday and continues until Sunday.  No major incidents were reported Friday, the third day of the pilgrimage.

But on Saturday, Saudi authorities reported that a 70-year old Pakistani man taking part in the Hajj had died of

One Way or Another Iran Will Get Enriched Uranium

Iranian Cleric: Iran to Supply Own Nuclear Reactor Fuel if IAEA Refuses

VOA News 28 November 2009

A senior Iranian cleric says Iran will produce its own enriched uranium for a research reactor in Tehran if the U.N. nuclear agency refuses to supply the fuel.

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami said Saturday Iran believes it has a right to fuel the reactor with or without the help of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Calls Sailors in Horn of Africa 'Cutting Edge'

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa  Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Larry Foos

11.226.2009  CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Adm. J. C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, addressed Navy Individual Augmentee and Global War on Terror Support Assignment Sailors at Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Nov. 24, saying they are making an "outsized" impact on the African continent. As part of his first tour visiting forward deployed Sailors since taking command last July, Harvey was impressed by CJTF-HOA's ability to operate effectively in such a large region with relatively few personnel.

"CJTF-HOA's mission is extremely important to us," Harvey said. "In terms of presence on this continent, your ability to engage with

SFS Airmen Assist Iraqi Police During Checkpoint Inspection

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs  Story by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos

11.27.2009 BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A team of Security Forces Defenders, known as the "Rough Riders," glance out the small windows of their armored vehicle as it passes over the streets of Baghdad. They are on their way to rendezvous with their counterparts in the Iraqi police.

Assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's Detachment 2, their mission is to work with the Iraqi police and help them become integral to the safety, security and future of the country.

It is a mission these professionals relish.

AFG Taliban District Commander Captured, Update on Missing Helicopter

Afghan-International Security Forces Detain Militants, Strike a Taliban Compound; Update on Missing Helicopter; ISAF Casualty

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

11.27.2009  KAUBL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-International Security Force detained a Taliban district commander and other militants during the search of a compound in Kandahar province Thursday. The commander is a direct subordinate of a Taliban shadow governor in the region.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Tzukazai, southwest of Kandahar City, where intelligence sources reported the commander to be located. The joint force

AU Envoy Says AMISOM Troop Payments Remain In Arrears

VOA     Peter Clottey | Washington, DC   25 November 2009 

The African Union’s Special Representative to Somalia says contributing troops from Burundi and Uganda have not been paid since May of this year.

Ambassador Nicholas Bwakira said the lack of payment is undermining the troops’ peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

Hard line Islamic insurgent group, Al-Shabaab with links to Al-Qaeda has vowed to overthrow the internationally-backed Somali government.

“There is a sense of frustration on the part of the African Union and AMISOM. We are performing an international duty, which is the responsibility of the UN-Security Council (and) we would have expected that the international community will make financial resources available to enable us to pay the troops who are on the ground,” he said.

English Testing Facility Opens in the International Zone

Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq Public Affairs Story by Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Ruth

 

11.27.2009 BAGHDAD - A new facility opened Nov. 18 in the International Zone for providing English language testing for Iraqis, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The mission of the facility is to provide an improved environment for English language testing and to allow military and civilian candidates from the government of Iraq to achieve their full performance potential.

UnderReported Terrorist Ties

Some things really make you wonder.  Perhaps there's some "justification," but it's simply hard to imagine what excuse would make sense why the government joins with the media in ignoring the ties of terrorists.  The documentation is  there and has been to demonstrate the ties between Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Hezbollah, Hamas, Hizb-i-Islami, Islamic Jihad, the Muslim Brotherhood, just to name a few of  the more well known groups, and other Terrorists.  It is no secret that Osama, Mugniyah, Zawahari, Turabi, are and have been working closely with Iran and The Sudan for decades.

One would hope but sees little evidence, that the intelligence agencies and political leadership of this Nation knows and understands that basically all of the tangled webs of islamist terrorism lead back to Tehran, and many through Khartoum, The Sudan.  While the administration at the time may be forgiven for not knowing in 1993 or 1983 that the battles they fought in Mogadishu and Beirut were against the proxies of Tehran, today's leadership doesn't have the luxury of ignorance that history has removed.

The American Citizenry is at a disadvantage because they have been fed the false impression that each terrorist organization is a separate group that just happens to espouse very similar goals, or perhaps the same goals but a different ultimate leader of it.  While lying and misdirection are normal tools of the enemy, we expect our media and governments to shed light on the truth, NOT repeat enemy misportrayal and propaganda.

'Family' Bonds Abound on Joint Security Station

Leaders Serve on Thanksgiving

1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Story by Pfc. Adam Halleck 11.26.2009

 

BAGHDAD – It is a tradition in the United States Army for senior leaders to serve Thanksgiving dinner to their Soldiers to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Senior noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, continued the practice at Joint Security Station Sheik Amir, Nov. 26.

"These Soldiers are my family out here," said 1st Lt. Kevin Nieto from Los Angeles. "It's a good feeling; it's definitely nice to work for them for a change."

Standing in front of a steaming hot stove Nieto and his platoon sergeant served their Soldiers turkey, roast beef, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing and many of the traditional foods you find on dinner tables back in the states on Thanksgiving.

"It's a real great experience to serve these guys who have worked so

Anti-Taliban Leader Killed in Pakistan

VOA News 27 November 2009

Local officials in northwestern Pakistan say a bomb has killed a key anti-Taliban tribal leader.

Officials say Shahfur Khan was returning to his home Friday after prayers marking the start of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha when the bomb exploded.  The blast in Badan village, near the Afghan border, killed Khan instantly and wounded others. 

Khan emerged as a leader in Bajur after

Combat Stress Teams Attend to Warrior Wounds Unseen

Mentally Fit

367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment  Story by Sgt. Francis Horton 11.26.2009

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – It has been called many things throughout the ages, but as long as people have met on the field of battle, not all of the wounds suffered have been visible to the naked eye.

Shell shock, battle fatigue, Post-Vietnam Syndrome and now Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: whatever one calls it, the wounds of the mind have been shown to be just as debilitating as most physical trauma.

These days, however, members of the combat stress team, with the 34th Infantry Division, are poised to talk to anyone who might need a friendly ear.

U.S., Iraqi Federal Police Raising Confidence in Mosul Communities

Civil Affairs Seeing Security Progression in Mosul

130th Engineer Brigade Story by Staff Sgt. Melanie Trollinger 11.26.2009

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – When members of Company D, 401st Civil Affairs Battalion first began assessing Zanjili neighborhood in Mosul, the area, a long time insurgent stronghold, wasn't safe to drive around in.

Months later, the Civil Affairs team, escorted by Iraqi federal police, walked the neighborhood market place, interacting with residents and shopkeepers during a joint project oversight patrol.

Zanjili, one of the largest neighborhoods in western Mosul with about 30,000 residents, is steadily improving under the watchful eye of the IFP

Napier shocks field for gold medal in World Cup

By Amanda Bird  U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., (11/21/09) -- Former Vermont National Guardsman John Napier’s first World Cup medal will be draped around his neck in front of an adoring home crowd Nov. 21.

Napier, only 23-years-old, shocked a competitive international field of 25 sleds by claiming gold in today’s two-man bobsled World Cup competition in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Men’s bobsled coach and 2002 Olympic bronze medalist Brian Shimer greeted Napier at the finish, grinning like a proud father.

“Is this what it always feels like,” Napier asked Shimer. The two shook hands before embraces from the U.S. team swallowed Napier on the finish dock.

The Bomber Boys by Travis L. Ayres

Historians and the Nation owe Travis Ayres a debt of gratitude for his last minute salvation of these great stories of history.  With Our WWII Generation aging and succumbing to the end of life they escaped over the skies of Germany, he knew time was running out to hear the story first hand from the men that played a dangerous and pivotal role in saving the world from Fascism.

As an accomplished author of Military History and a Viet Nam Veteran himself, he was in a unique position to earn the trust of those that had gone before him, but even he had to earn their trust.  He did and brings to their families the stories they had never heard, to our Nation the stories they had not sought, but should hear.

Each story begins with what motivated the future airman, continues with the stories of their crewmates as they train for and deploy to Europe, presents the story  there as well as the versions they told loved ones to keep their worries down, and then follows up with what happened after they left the Military for Civilian life.

Iraqi Air Force Reclaims Pride as Pilots and as Iraqis

Iraqi Air Force Squadron Flies Solo

367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Story by Spc. Samuel Soza 11.26.2009

COB BASRA, Iraq – The saying goes, "Pride comes before the fall", but since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime it has been the opposite for the Iraqi Air Force's 70th Squadron.

Working with U.S. forces, they have reclaimed their pride as pilots and as Iraqis.

Now, the 70th is performing their own training from beginning to end, proving the era of independence they have worked so diligently for has arrived.

The goal has always been to create a sustainable training squadron that can effectively transition new recruits into operational missions and put the

Today's Black Friday Deals are Different than Yesterdays

AFG: ISF Detains Taliban District Commander

Afghan-International Security Forces Detain Militants, Strike a Taliban Compound; Update on Missing Helicopter; ISAF Casualty

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs Courtesy Story 11.27.2009

KAUBL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-International Security Force detained a Taliban district commander and other militants during the search of a compound in Kandahar province Thursday. The commander is a direct subordinate of a Taliban shadow governor in the region.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of Tzukazai, southwest of Kandahar City, where intelligence sources reported the commander to be located. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained the militants, one of whom was identified as the Taliban commander. No Afghan civilians were harmed in this operation.

In a separate operation yesterday, another Afghan-International Security Force killed one enemy militant in Ghazni province while pursuing a Taliban commander linked to several other local commanders and responsible for numerous attacks in the area.

The joint security force raided a compound near the village of Chaprakh in the Andar district where intelligence sources reported militant activity. While moving to the targeted compound, the joint force

Quality of Life Pay Raises, Other Benefits Implemented for AFG Forces

Afghan National Army, Police Get Pay Increases

Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan Story by Chief Petty Officer David Gordon 11.26.2009

Afghan Ministries of the Interior and Defense introduced a set of quality of life pay raises and benefits implemented for members of the Afghan national security forces.

Minister of the Interior H.E. Mohammad Hanif Atmar announced a salary increase of $45 a month for all police. This same increase is also applied to soldiers of the Afghan national army.

The ANP and the ANA will begin receiving longevity pay, which means service tenure will allow for salary increases throughout a police officer or soldier's career. The pay increase also includes provisions for combat pay in high-threat and medium-threat areas of the country, plus special pay for commandos, as

AFG Operational Update, Nov. 26

Operational Update, Nov. 26: Afghan-ISAF Forces Detain Insurgents in Kandahar and Logar; Afghan Director Provides Donated Items

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs Courtesy Story 11.26.2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban commander operating in the area today.

The joint security force targeted compounds near the village of Wahabkan Kalay in the Maywand district where intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the compounds without incident and detained several suspected militants.

In another operation today, an Afghan-international security force detained a sought after Taliban suicide bomb facilitator along with few other militants during a search of compounds in Logar province.

Secretary of Navy in AFG: Short Visit to Sailors Nonetheless Morale Boosting

Secretary of the Navy Visits Camp Eggers

Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan Courtesy Story 11.26.2009

Petty Officer Shannon Hamilton, from Corona, Calif., shared her excitement to have breakfast with Mabus. "I thought it was awesome he came out here to show his support to all the Navy personnel out here helping the Army."

The Navy has recently increased the number of Sailors that deploy to overseas locations like Afghanistan, also known as individual augmentee deployments. A typical IA deployment is for one year and deploys Sailors to nontraditional locations in support of U.S. and Coalition forces.

Mabus' visit, although brief, greatly increased troop morale for those he met. Mabus discussed missions, deployments and college football, among other things, with Sailors and Marines during the visit.

Marine Lance Corporal Sean O'Donnell, from Augusta, S.C., was grateful for the visit, "I'm glad to see that he came out here to support the troops, making sure people are doing the things they need to be

Airpower Summary for November 26

U.S. Central Command Air Forces

11.27.2009  SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Nov. 26 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Gardez
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. When the aircraft arrived on station, they were tasked with support of a friendly forces ground operation. In pre-emptive strikes, the aircraft utilized precision guided munitions to eliminate enemy activity from enemy fighting positions.

Balocan
F-15E aircraft operated in support of a friendly forces ground operation and released precision guided munitions on specific enemy fighting positions in deliberate strikes to eliminate enemy action during the operation.

Iran Seizes Human Rights Lawyer's Nobel Prize

Shirin Ebadi and her colleagues say the government is demanding $400,000 in back taxes on her $1.3 million prize. But they say such prize money is not taxed under Iranian law.

VOA News 27 November 2009

Iran has frozen the bank accounts of Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi and confiscated her Peace Prize medal.

Ebadi and her colleagues say the government is demanding $400,000 in back taxes on her $1.3 million prize.  But Ebadi and her colleagues say such prize money is not taxed under Iranian law.

Norway's Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere called the confiscation of Ebadi's medal "shocking" and said it was the first time in the 108-year history of the prize that it has been confiscated by national authorities.  He said Iran's actions are a sign of the increasing pressure Tehran is putting on the human

IAEA Votes to Censure Iran

The resolution, drafted by diplomats from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China, demands Iran halt construction of a previously-secret uranium enrichment site and confirm it has no other hidden nuclear activities.

VOA News 27 November 2009

Members of the United Nations nuclear regulatory agency voted Friday to censure Iran's nuclear activities, amid Western suspicions the country is developing atomic weapons.

Iran says the resolution "jeopardizes" the environment needed for productive international talks on its nuclear program.

The resolution, drafted by diplomats from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China, demands Iran halt construction of a previously-secret uranium enrichment site and confirm it has

Hajj Pilgrims Symbolically Stone Devil Friday in Annual Hajj Ritual

Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims performed the ritual "stoning of the devil" at Muzdalifa, outside the Saudi holy city of Mecca, Friday, in one of the high points of the annual Hajj.

VOA News 27 November 2009

Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims performed the ritual "stoning of the devil" at Muzdalifa, outside the Saudi holy city of Mecca,  Friday, in one of the high points of the annual Hajj.

The ritual coincides with the beginning of Eid al-Adha - or "Festival of Sacrifice," considered one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.

The religious feast commemorates the belief shared by Muslims, Christians and Jews that God gave the prophet Abraham a ram to stop Abraham's impending sacrifice of his son.

Muslims around the world are slaughtering animals to celebrate Eid al-Adha.  In Saudi Arabia and

Airpower Summary for November 25

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

11.27.2009  SOUTHWEST ASIA — Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following operations Nov. 25 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

Air Operations in Afghanistan:

Sangin
Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft provided armed overwatch for a friendly forces patrol. When enemy forces were observed acting in an unusual manner, a request for air support was made. A show of force was performed on the enemy position ending the enemy action.

Afghan President Reaches out to Taliban on Eid al-Adha

Mr. Karzai says he is once again calling on his Afghan brothers - the Taliban and other Islamist militants groups - to come back to their homeland to work toward peace, stability and prosperity.

Sean Maroney   Islamabad  27 November 2009   VoA News

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has repeated his call to the Taliban and other extremist groups to lay down their weapons and help rebuild Afghanistan.  Mr. Karzai made his appeal for peace in a speech Friday, marking the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday. 

Afghan President Hamid Karzai's appeal for reconciliation echoed elements of his inaugural address last week.

Mr. Karzai says he is once again calling on his Afghan brothers - the Taliban and other Islamist militants groups - to come back to their homeland to work toward peace, stability and prosperity.

But hours after Mr. Karzai's speech Friday, the governor of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province