War On Terror News

CATOC Provides Opportunity for Partnership, Independence

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO Story by Spc. Spencer Case

03.30.2010  KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The disparate sounds of instructions passed in both English and Pashtu fill the air. Memos and faxes in both blocky Roman letters and the scrawling lines of the local script pass through hands of those alternately clad in the digital pattern of the U.S. Army Combat Uniform and the woodland camouflage of the Afghan national army.

The uniforms may clash, but the work in the Combined Action Tactical Operations Center represents the highest levels of cooperation.

"Everything they know we know instantly. Everything we know, they know instantly," said Lt. Col. Steve Lutsky, commander of 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. "It's information sharing at the highest level."

Opened in November last year, and currently manned by members of 1-33 Cavalry and the 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps of the ANA the Camp Parsa CATOC is a brigade-level command facility that allows Afghan and coalition forces to integrate all stages of military operations from planning to execution.

Everything written in the building is in both Pashto and English and every person working in the CATOC works side-by-side with his or her counterpart.

New System Improves Air-movement Requests (in Iraq)

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Story by Sgt. Chad Nelson

03.30.2010 When most people submit their Air Movement Requests to move from base to base, they just e-mail it and patiently wait for a response. Very seldom does anyone think of the journey the requests take.

In the past, this process was a lengthy ordeal. A clerk would open AMR e-mails and conduct a quality control to see if a flight was possible. If a flight was possible, the clerk logged the AMR, assigned a tracking number, archived the AMR into a shared drive folder, printed the AMR and sent a confirmation e-mail to the requestor.

All of this took more than nine minutes per AMR. Then quality control stepped in and created the lift tracker, which is the flight schedule for missions. With upwards of 140 air movement requests submitted every day, the time-consuming process was performed 24 hours per day.

This was a problem for the incoming G3 Air with 3rd Infantry Division, who had fewer Soldiers in the section than its predecessors.

Mullen Hears From Afghans, Marines

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by Jim Garamone

03.30.2010 MARJAH, Afghanistan - The Marines who work at the governmental center here would feel right at home at an old cavalry post in the American West.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited with local and provincial Afghan leaders and with U.S. Marines here today. The admiral said he wants to talk to the people on the ground to get a feel for how operations in this southern Afghanistan city are going.

The center looks like Fort Apache with razor wire and

Chechen Militant Claims Responsibility for Moscow Bombings

VOA News 31 March 2010

Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov has claimed responsibility for Monday's suicide bombings in the Moscow subway system.

Umarov, who leads Islamist militants in Chechnya and nearby regions of Russia's North Caucasus, says he personally ordered the attacks.

In a video posted on the Islamist rebels'

Micro Grants Shape Future

1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division  Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs

03.30.2010  In the village of Chemin near the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, only two small stores serve the rapidly growing population, there are currently no activities for youth to do, but thanks to small grants that are scheduled to be given out within the next few months all of this could change.

The Combined Security Force and Soldiers of Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., met with local leadership and businessmen, March 26, to discuss the use of these grants, known as "micro-grants," in the village and how it could help to boost the economy.

A micro-grant is an amount of money given to citizens of the area that have a dream of rebuilding their existing business, starting a new one or improving their farm, according to Sgt. 1st Class Steve Stutzman, a Nappanee, Ind., native and platoon sergeant for A-Co.

These micro-grants are not just free hand-outs of money

Pakistan Clash Kills 6 Soldiers, 20 Militants

VOA News 31 March 2010

Pakistani officials say six soldiers and at least 20 militants have been killed in a clash in the country's northwest, along the border with Afghanistan.

The military says up to 100 militants armed with guns, rockets and suicide vehicles attacked a security checkpoint in the Bara area of the Khyber tribal region early Wednesday.  Troops retaliated and destroyed the vehicles that were rigged with explosives.

At least 15 soldiers and 30 militants were wounded in the fighting.

Elsewhere in the northwest, Pakistani intelligence officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike killed

DLA Provides Meals, Supplies for Upcoming Religious Observances

Defense Logistics Agency  Story by Tonya Johnson

03.29.2010  Defense Supply Center Philadelphia is ensuring service members around the globe have Passover meals available for observance of the upcoming Jewish holiday and palm fronds for the upcoming Christian observance of Palm Sunday.

In addition to supplying all daily meals, the Defense Logistics Agency also ensures troops receive traditional holiday meals and necessary religious supplies.

"As with all our holiday or special-event meals, our personnel begin demand planning and contacting customers as well as potential suppliers several months in advance to ensure timely delivery," Subsistence Deputy Director Ray Miller said. "Our planning for meals for this Passover holiday began back in November."

Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating

Special Forces Help Move Afghan Patients

ISAF Joint Command

03.30.2010  KABUL, Afghanistan - Special Forces soldiers assisted the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by moving civilians from the village of Nai Baghban, Uruzgan province to Kabul for continued medical care Sunday.

Two UH-60 helicopters ferried 10 civilians from Uruzgan province to an airfield near the city of Tarin Kwot for further movement to Kabul. The Afghan government moved the civilians via fixed-wing aircraft to Kabul. Five of the civilians transported will receive continued medical care in Kabul. The other five transported are family members who will stay with the patients until they are fully recovered.

"Today's operation demonstrates the great working relationship of Special Forces and the government of Afghanistan," said Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Kosterman, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan spokesperson. "It is a perfect example of the Afghan government taking care of its citizens; something the enemy cannot and will not do."

Trial Concludes of Pakistani Gunman Captured In Mumbai Terror Attacks

Judgment set for May 3rd in case of 22-year-old Mohammed Ajmal Kasab

VOA  Anjana Pasricha | New Delhi 31 March 2010

The trial of the lone Pakistani gunman captured in connection with the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai has concluded.

A year after a special court began hearing evidence against 22-year-old Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, the judge heard concluding arguments and set the judgment for May 3.

The prosecution has asked for a death sentence for the man who has been accused of murder and waging war against India.

US Focuses on Coalition-Building in Iraq

VOA  Suzanne Presto | Washington 30 March 2010

Three weeks after Iraq's national elections, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Chris Hill says onlookers are closely following the ways political blocs could merge and regroup in an effort to gain enough power to build a coalition government.

Photo: USDS

US Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill (file photo)Results are not yet certified, but an unofficial complete tally of the elections has two centrist parties in the lead.  Former prime minister Ayad Allawi's Iraqiya party has 91 seats, and current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's State of Law Coalition is only two seats behind with 89.  

Speaking to reporters in Washington via satellite from his office in Baghdad, Ambassador Hill said Iraqi politicians are working to put together coalitions to gain a clear majority.  He explained that while Mr. Allawi's Iraqiya party might have a two-seat advantage at the moment, Mr. Maliki's coalition could still come out ahead.

"If Mr. Maliki's coalition is able to merge with another element, they could

Explosion Kills At Least 13 in Southern Afghanistan

VOA News 31 March 2010

Afghan authorities say at least 13 people have been killed in a bombing in southern Afghanistan.

The attack took place Wednesday in the Nahr-e-Sarraj district near Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province.  NATO said its helicopters evacuated at least 40 of the wounded to hospitals.

Afghan officials say the bomb exploded as

UN Delays Release of Bhutto Assassination Inquiry Report

VOA  Margaret Besheer | United Nations 30 March 2010

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday accepted a request from Pakistan's president to delay until April 15 the release of a report on the December 2007 assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.  The report was to have been released on Tuesday.

At the request of the Pakistani government, the Secretary-General appointed an independent commission last June to investigate the assassination of Ms. Bhutto.  The commission, led by Chilean Ambassador to the U.N. Heraldo Munoz, interviewed a number of people, including several high ranking government officials in Pakistan.

Mr. Ban's spokesman, Martin Nesirky, says the commission examined all "relevant facts and circumstances" into Ms. Bhutto's murder.  He says the report is being held back because of  an "urgent," overnight request Mr. Ban received from Ms. Bhutto's widower - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.

Suicide Bombings in Southern Russia Kill 12

VOA News 31 March 2010

Russian officials say two suicide bombings in the violence-prone southern republic of Dagestan have killed at least 12 people and wounded 18 others.

The blasts happened Wednesday in the city of Kizlyar, near the border of Dagestan and Chechnya.  

Dagestan's interior minister says the first suicide bomber detonated explosives in a

Medvedev Calls for New Anti-Terrorism Laws as Russia Mourns

VOA News 30 March 2010

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev is calling for new laws to combat terrorism, as Moscow holds a day of mourning for 39 people killed Monday in twin  suicide bombings on Moscow's metro.

In televised remarks,

China to Play Active Role in Iran Sanctions Debate

VOA News 30 March 2010

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says China is growing more receptive to the idea of taking punitive action against Iran for its nuclear ambitions.

Clinton gave the assessment Monday in an interview with Canadian television in Ottawa, where she is attending a meeting of foreign ministers from the world's eight richest nations.

The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council -

Troops Kill, Capture Militants, Seize Weapons

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Courtesy Story 03.29.2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. and Afghan forces killed and detained militants and discovered weapons in operations in Afghanistan in recent days, military officials said.

Troops from NATO's International Security Assistance Force, along with Afghan forces, killed several Taliban fighters while responding to heavy fire during a March 27 operation in the Tagab district of Kapisa province.

The combined force also detained an enemy fighter while searching a compound near Alasay Valley.

One of the militants involved in the operation is suspected of being the senior Taliban commander in the

1st Armored Division Team Wins 'Iron Chef' Competition

366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Story by Pfc. Debrah Sanders 03.29.2010

BAGHDAD – A group of five personnel represented U.S. Division–Center during a monthly culinary competition that tests dining facility personnel's creativity and ability to work under pressure.

A team of four Soldiers and one civilian from the Iron Oasis dining facility participated in an "Iron Chef" competition in DeFleury dining facility at Camp Liberty, March 27.

The goal of the competition is to create at least five entrées within a one-hour time frame, said Staff Sgt. Terry Allen, a native of Galveston, Texas and food operations non-commissioned officer, Company B, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division.

Teams from all the dining facilities at Victory Base Complex were present. The team from the Raider DFAC was the most intimidating competitor, as they have taken the trophy the last three times the competition has been held.

Judges are normally command sergeants major, first sergeants, officers, warrant officers and civilians, said Allen. The teams are

Military Official Discusses Pakistani Offensive

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by John Kruzel 03.29.2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Roughly 40,000 Pakistani troops are conducting operations against militants in the country's North Waziristan region near the Afghan border, a senior U.S. military official said March 29.

Unlike a larger, "steamroller" offensive last year that uprooted enemy fighters in neighboring South Waziristan, the current engagement comprises smaller, piecemeal operations, the official told Pentagon reporters on background.

"We are seeing quite a bit of activity [in North Waziristan] that's going on that supports what General Kiyani's been telling in some of the strategic dialogues about his campaign plan," the official said,

Three Brothers, One Deployment

1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs  Courtesy Story 03.29.2010 By Pvt. Emily V. Knitter

BAGHDAD -- Darkness falls as a Chinook helicopter lands on the rocky landing pad inside an Army camp south of Baghdad. As Soldiers walk down the ramp toward a small building close by, two sergeants stand bathed in the yellow light of the building's overhang, peering excitedly into the darkness and impatiently searching the faces coming off the aircraft. Then they both lock onto one shape coming toward them.

"Whoop!" one of the Soldiers cries out as they both attack the person. All three grin from ear to ear as they exchange greetings and bear hugs.

The three Soldiers are brothers, and they are all currently deployed in Iraq. Yet this is the first time they

RIP LCpl Randy M. Heck

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Lance Cpl. Randy M. Heck, 20, of Steubenville, Ohio, died March 28 from a non-hostile incident in Djibouti, Africa.  He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, IIMarine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare)

Kandahar Ops Reflect Complexity, Subtlety

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by Jim Garamone 03.29.2010

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan - More than 96 percent of the people of Afghanistan oppose the Taliban, but that doesn't mean the Afghan government and the coalition are home free.

While they want the Taliban out, they also want some things from their government and coalition forces, a senior NATO military official speaking on background said here.

"They also oppose corrupt government, and they don't find local government officials who don't deliver particularly impressive, and they don't like [international forces] that destroy their property or kill their

'Stache for Cash: Friendly Competition Grows Into Charity Effort

101st Engineer Battalion Courtesy Story 03.29.2010 By Staff Sgt. April Mota

By Staff Sgt. April Mota

BAGHDAD – What started as a friendly competition between two Soldiers from Headquarters Support Company, 101st Engineer Battalion, has grown into support for a charity event in their home state.

Spc. Anthony Cavalieri, of Framingham, Mass., and Spc. Joseph Costa, of Clinton, Mass., began a bet with each other to see who could grow and maintain a "deployment mustache" the longest time without shaving it.

Then Cavalieri came up with an idea: the bet could be used to help others. So the two Soldiers ran the idea by their company commander, Capt. Michael

Reporters Reflect on '30 Days Through Afghanistan'

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs Story by Judith Snyderman 03.29.2010

WASHINGTON - Two military journalists behind an ambitious NATO International Security Assistance Force project to traverse Afghanistan in one month and file daily reports in words, photos and video recapped their experiences in a March 25 "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable.

The Web-based project, titled "30 Days Through Afghanistan," concluded, March 15. It was the brainchild of Air Force Tech. Sgts. Ken Raimondi, whose background is in broadcasting, and Nathan Gallahan, a photojournalist. Both are based at ISAF's Joint Command in Kabul.

The complex logistics required to reach all five ISAF regional commands in Afghanistan ultimately

Ethiopian Airlines 'Interested' in Report of Bomb Aboard Crashed Jet

VOA  Peter Heinlein | Addis Ababa 30 March 2010

Ethiopian Airlines officials are closely following a report that a captured terrorism suspect has told of a bomb aboard a plane that crashed off the coast of Lebanon in January. Investigators have not determined the cause more than two months after the crash.

A report on a U.S. Internet Web site says British intelligence agents have reopened their investigation into the mysterious crash of an Ethiopian Airlines jet January 25. The Boeing 737 plunged into the Mediterranean Sea minutes after takeoff from Beirut airport, killing all 90 people aboard.

Providers Share the Road

13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Story by Spc. Naveed Ali Shah 03.29.2010

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – As United States Forces-Iraq prepares for the strategic reposturing of equipment and personnel in theater, Soldiers of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) are already working to share the roads with the Iraqi population.

In previous years, service members' main focus was to ensure the convoy's security and integrity remained intact, said Staff Sgt. Robert Young, the noncommissioned officer in charge of safety for the 13th ESC. Now, while maintaining integrity within the convoy, Soldiers have learned to move through Iraq without causing damage and allowing

UN Releases Report on Bhutto Assassination in Pakistan

VOA News 30 March 2010

A United Nations investigation into the 2007 assassination of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is expected to fault the Pakistani government for failing to adequately protect her.

A U.N. official who has been briefed on the independent commission's report told VOA that investigators also fault the government for scrubbing down the crime scene after the killing.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon is expected to meet with the head of the investigating team, as well as with Pakistan's U.N. representative before releasing the final report later Tuesday.

Projects for Herat Jail and Province Police Inaugurated

ISAF Joint Command Courtesy Story 03.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan government and ISAF leaders recently inaugurated two projects for the Herat province jail and one for province police.

The construction of a new multi-purpose visiting area for detainees and their families and training facility cost €54,000 and was completed by the Italian-led Herat Provincial Reconstruction Team. The facility is air conditioned and has a kitchen and bathroom.

The second project for the jail was a new video surveillance system, which includes an internal control room equipped with monitors and a system for recording images through 19 cameras to improve safety

Kenyan Police Hunting Australian Terror Suspect

VOA  Alisha Ryu | Nairobi 30 March 2010

Anti-terrorism police units in Kenya are still searching for a Somali-born Australian terror suspect, who escaped earlier this month while in police custody in a town near the Ugandan border.  The incident has prompted the Kenyan government to tighten security throughout the country.

Kenyan police spokesman Eric Kiraithe declined to comment on the circumstances that may have led to the escape of the terror suspect Hussein Hashi Farah.  But Kiraithe says every effort is being made to find him.

"We are not going to give you

Roadside Bomb Hunters Find Subtle Shift in Iraqi Culture

1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Story by Sgt. Mike MacLeod 03.29.2010

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – There is a tendency here in Iraq to cast any story in its shadow, to find meaning in not what is but from what was.

Recasting the peace among Anbaris during the recent national election in such terms, we might recall how, only two years ago, a U.S. military official declared Al Anbar province lost. What a difference.

In more clinical terms, the 50 attacks during September 2009 are astounding weighed against the 1,350 in March of 2007.

However, the constant breathing of life into the past can give it legs of its own: continuing a well-worn

G8 Foreign Ministers Back 'Strong Steps' on Iran

Canadian PM Stephen Harper says that both Iran and North Korea are in violation of international nuclear obligations

VOA  David Gollust | Ottawa 30 March 2010

Photo: AP/GeoEye/IHS Jane's

This satellite image shows an area about 20 miles northeast of Qom, Iran on Sept. 26, 2009. Although there is no confirmation, analysts at both the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security and London-based IHS Jane's believe the facility is most likely a newly revealed centrifuge facility (file photo)

PRT Project Replaces Poppies With Pistachio Trees

ISAF Joint Command  Courtesy Story 03.29.2010

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Spanish Provincial Reconstruction Team recently completed a project planting pistachio trees where illegal drugs had been previously grown.

The project began in Badghis province last year and was completed through the efforts of the International Spanish Agency of Coordination and Development to support the province's economy.

Family of SoI Receive Much Needed Medical Attention

1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division  Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs 03.29.2010

The line of widows, wives, children, mothers and sisters of soldiers of the Sons of Iraq reached from their headquarters building in Hawijah, near Kirkuk, Iraq, all the way to the end of the road and each of them had a huge smile on their face.

These women and children gathered at the SoI headquarters, March 24, to receive much needed clothes, shoes, food and medical attention from Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armor Regiment, 37th Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

"We did this to show our appreciation to the SoI, they have assisted us greatly since arriving and their

Marines Keep Vigilance High During Marjah Patrol

Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs Story by Staff Sgt. Luis Agostini 03.29.2010

MARJAH, Helmand province, Afghanistan – It's been approximately 45 days since the Marines breached enemy lines into the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, and the Marines remain as vigilant as ever.

Marines from 81 mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, patrol through Marjah daily alongside their Afghan National Army counterparts, keeping their presence known to both friend and foe throughout the area.

"We're letting the locals know we are here, and

Iranian Diplomat Freed From Kidnappers in Pakistan

VOA News 30 March 2010

Iranian state television says an Iranian diplomat kidnapped in Pakistan in 2008 has been freed.

The report said Iran's agents freed Heshmatollah Attarzadeh Niyaki from his abductors Tuesday after "a complicated intelligence operation."  Iran's chief diplomat in Peshawar Abbas Ali Abdullahi says Attarzadeh is now back in Iran.

Pakistan has had no comment on the Iranian report.

Anti-Taliban Offensive in Kandahar to Begin in June

VOA News 30 March 2010

U.S. officials say international forces in Afghanistan plan to launch an anti-Taliban offensive in southern Kandahar province in June.  

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the goal is to push the Taliban out of Kandahar city before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in August.

After a similar offensive in neighboring Helmand province, NATO forces are working to consolidate control over territory formerly held by the Taliban.

15th Sustainment Brigade Continues Drawdown Efforts

15th Sustainment Brigade Story by Sgt. Matthew Cooley 03.29.2010

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq – A small team of Soldiers from different units subordinate to 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), opened an Operation Clean Sweep yard here in early March.

The "Wagonmasters" began Operation Clean Sweep in mid October in order to find excess equipment to place back into the military supply system for reuse and continue the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq.

"The primary focus for Operation Clean Sweep is to take non-mission essential equipment ... serviceable equipment not being used and shuffle

CENTCOM Logistics Team Visits Torkham Gate

Warrior Citizen Media Center (IMA) Story by Maj. Christopher LeCron 03.29.2010

As part of an ongoing effort to enhance logistics throughout Afghanistan, the Director of CENTCOM Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon, met with U.S. logistics and border security forces from Combined Joint Task Force 82nd (Regional Command-East) at Torkham Gate, the critical border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"This is the main entryway into Afghanistan," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seibert, the U.S. military officer in charge of the Torkham Gate mission. Torkham Gate serves as both the busiest port of entry for commercial goods from the Pakistan border and the busiest major route in supplying

Power-Sharing Governments in Africa Face Limitations

A recent trend to stop cycles of violence in Africa has been to institute national unity power-sharing governments. Current examples include Ivory Coast, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Sudan and Kenya. VOA's Nico Colombant asked several Africa experts in the United States if they believe these work, and if they have examples of what might work better.

VOA  Nico Colombant | Washington 29 March 2010

Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo recently dissolved a power-sharing government over a dispute about electoral rolls.

The question of who should vote still divides the West African nation into a government-run south and a rebel-held north, eight years after fighting erupted.

African experts agree power-sharing governments have been

US Wants Nuclear Treaty with Russia Ratified this Year

VOA  Suzanne Presto | Washington 29 March 2010

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev are set to sign a nuclear arms reduction treaty on April 8 that will reduce the atomic arsenals of the two largest nuclear powers.  After the treaty is signed, the U.S. Senate and the Russian Duma must ratify the treaty before it becomes binding. A senior U.S. official says she hopes to have it ratified by year's end.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ellen Tauscher says the goal is to submit the treaty to the Senate within the next three months.

She says two of the treaty's three parts are already complete and that the technical annexes that address details of the verification and inspection processes

Russia Faces Continuing Problems in the Northern Caucasus

Up to 100,000 Chechens may have died in two wars Russia waged against Chechnya since 1990s, fueling resentment and future suicide bombers

VOA  Peter Fedynsky | Moscow 29 March 2010

Authorities in Russia suspect a connection between Monday's subway bombings in Moscow and rebel activity in the country's troubled Northern Caucasus.  The region has a centuries-long history of resistance to Russian rule.

Speaking at a televised Kremlin meeting, the head of Russia's Federal Security Service, Alexander Bortnikov, told President Dmitri Medvedev that terrorist groups from