War On Terror News

War In Afghanistan News 30 Mar 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command.  Operations are reported in the following provinces:  Jowzjan, Kandahar, Helmand, Khost, Logar, Paktika, Kunar and Laghman.

Coalition forces denied a safe haven in Jowzjan Province to insurgents!

Drugs, insurgents and dead insurgents were the name of the game in Helmand Province. 

Khost Province yielded a few surprises and in Logar Province, digging revealed a few buried treasures (i.e. electronics, ammo, etc.).

Don't forget to follow the link to "Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News" delivered early each morning to your inbox.

In other International Security Assistance Force Joint (ISAF) Command Operational News throughout Afghanistan:

Summit Seeks to Improve Nonmedical Care

By Chad B. Holmes
Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 – A summit to improve the coordination of nonmedical care for wounded warriors and their families will draw leaders and experts from several federal agencies, the services and the private sector to Leesburg, Va., tomorrow through 31.

The Wounded Warrior Care Coordination Summit is hosted by the Defense Department’s wounded warrior care and transition policy office, and will feature as a keynote speaker Holly Petraeus, who heads the Office of Service Member Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“This summit builds on significant improvements in nonmedical care coordination over the past few years,” said Robert Carrington, director for the Recovery Coordination Program in the wounded warrior care and transition policy office. “There is plenty of room to grow.”

While medical case management is a well-established field, Carrington explained, coordinating all of the nonmedical aspects of recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration on behalf of wounded, injured or ill service members and their families is an emerging field.

Irish Guards continue to drive out insurgents

A Military Operations news article

28 Mar 11 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards have further stamped their authority on an insurgent-occupied area of Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district, after defying enemy fighters to launch a confident reconnaissance mission.

Lance Corporal Daniel Devaney, 23 Engineer Regiment, detonates a barmine charge to blow a hole in a wall during an operation in the town of Pasab
[Picture: Lance Corporal Jeremy Fasci, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

The Irish Guards proved the extent to which they have ground down the insurgency by marching into the former 'stronghold' with hardly any resistance as they checked out a possible site for a new patrol base in the town of Pasab.

High Maintenance Vehicles Run by High Performance Marines

2nd Marine Division

03.28.2011 Story by Cpl. John McCall BAHRAM CHAH, Afghanistan - Adapting and overcoming obstacles is something every Marine faces at some point during his service, but the Assault Breacher Vehicle platoon, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, does this on a regular basis.

An M88A2 Hercules lifts up an Assault Breacher Vehicle to allow Marines to conduct repairs, March 20. Marines with the ABV platoon, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion use the Hercules as a recovery vehicle for the ABV.  Photo by Cpl. John McCall

Adapting and overcoming obstacles is something every Marine faces at some point during his service, but the Assault Breacher Vehicle platoon, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, does this on a regular basis.

“These vehicles require a lot of time and effort to keep them running,” said Sgt. Ricky Johnson, a 24-year-old ABV maintainer from Ganado, Ariz. “There has been a lot of adapting and overcoming throughout this deployment when it comes to vehicle maintenance.”

US Navy P-3C, USAF A-10 and USS Barry Engage Libyan Vessels

Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn

03.29.2011USS MOUNT WHITNEY, In Port – A U.S. Navy P-3C Maritime Patrol aircraft, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft and guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52) engaged Libyan Coast Guard vessel Vittoria and two smaller crafts after confirmed reports Vittoria and accompanying craft were firing indiscriminately at merchant vessels in the port of Misrata, Libya, during the evening March 28.

The P-3C fired at Vittoria with AGM-65F Maverick missiles after multiple explosions were observed in the vicinity of the port rendering the 12-meter patrol vessel ineffective and forcing it to be beached.

Two small crafts were fired upon by an A-10 using its 30mm GAU-8/ Avenger gatling cannon destroying one and forcing the other to be abandoned.

Operation Golden Shillelagh: 3/5 Marines Lower the Boom

3/23/2011  By Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith, Regimental Combat Team 8 

MALMAND, Afghanistan  — Early twilight hours at Forward Operating Base Inkerman are abruptly disturbed by the loud rumble of Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected vehicles.  The lead vehicle of the movement pulls out and the others fall in line, thus beginning a long serpentine across the eastern desert.

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith

Destination: Malmand, Afghanistan.

Malmand sits amid two key passes through the mountains between Sangin and Kandahar.  This makes the town a key insurgent bed-down area during movement to and from the city centers.

The convoy flows into the valley surrounding Malmand, encircling the town with firepower aimed in on the village.  The mission is to isolate and interdict insurgent activity in the area, effectively sealing off the area from anyone coming or leaving. Operation Golden Shillelagh is now in effect.

Then over the horizon, two CH-53E Super Stallions come in for a landing, pouring the Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, and their Afghan National Army partners onto the dry, dusty landscape. The main rotors spin up quickly as the Marine egress is finished. 

“Dragon” Battalion works with Iraqi EOD teams to counter threats

Written by 1st Lt. Jared Viernes, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C

Monday, March 28, 2011 BAGHDAD— To help counter the threat posed by improvised explosive devices, United States forces possess specialist units called explosive ordnance disposal—experts in identifying, disarming, destroying and preventing IED attacks.

However, with the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq underway, it is imperative that these missions can be handled by the Iraqi Security Forces’ answer to the EOD team—bomb disposal companies.

BAGHDAD—Capt. Michael Nicholls (far left), operations officer with the 731st Ordnance Company, attached to 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center and a Roy, Wash., native, talks with Colonel Ahmed, third from left, Commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Division Field Engineering Regiment about recent events in the 6th IA Div.’s area of operations at a key leader engagement Mar. 16, 2011, at Joint Security Station Constitution, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Jared Viernes, 2nd AAB, 1st Inf. Div., USD-C)

Royal Irish open boxing club for Afghan kids

A Military Operations news article

29 Mar 11 Afghan children in Helmand's Nad 'Ali district have been flocking in their droves to a boxing club opened by Shropshire-based soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.

Ranger Billy Ball (left) and an interpreter demonstrate the straight jab   [Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

The Royal Irish soldiers, who are working alongside the Afghan National Army to provide security in the area, opened the boxing club in the village of Noorzo.

The initiative, which has proved hugely popular amongst local families, was the brainchild of Ranger Billy Ball, a 32-year-old Territorial Army soldier from Newtownabbey, Belfast. An experienced boxer and qualified boxing coach in Northern Ireland, he has led the coaching and organised matches between the children.

At the first class, 16 boys turned up, and quickly picked up the sparring techniques that they were shown. By the second session, word had spread and 40 youngsters arrived.

Movie "Of Gods and Men"

Movie Highlights Terror at Algerian Monastery

28 March 2011 Lisa Bryant | Tibhirine, Algeria VOA News A movie about the lives - and gruesome deaths - of French Cistercian Trappist monks in Algeria has become an unexpected box-office hit in France and has now been released worldwide. "Of Gods and Men" is set during Algeria's horrific 1990's civil war. The Tibhirine monastery where the monks live, serves as a reminder of the country's unresolved past.

Photo From Wikipedia

The French Cistercian monastery sits on a small hill overlooking the Algerian village, Tibhirine, a two-hour drive from the capital. It is a large, rambling stone building surrounded by high walls and fields. The view from here is magnificent - the valley and distant hills spread below.

Navy's SPAWAR Combat Technology Aids Operations in Japan

Navy Aircraft Using New SPAWAR Technology to Support Search and Rescue Operations in Japan

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command

03.28.2011 Story by Chief Petty Officer Lesley Maceyak SAN DIEGO — A new network architecture designed by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command is providing enhanced command and control capabilities for naval aircraft operating from USS Ronald Reagan in support of Operation Tomodachi, the international humanitarian relief effort in Japan.

Conceived by engineers assigned to the airborne networking team at SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific, the network solution was originally intended to address an Urgent Operational Needs Statement from United States Navy Central Command in Bahrain. The UONS sought beyond line of sight classified connectivity for E-2C “Hawkeye” aircraft operating in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We recently received some extremely positive feedback from aircrews flying E-2C Hawkeye aircraft telling us this network solution, designed for combat, is making a huge, positive impact on the Navy’s ability to support search and rescue, and resupply operations,” according to Cmdr. Justin Fine, Project Lead for the E-2C airborne networking team at SSC Pacific. “The network is giving the Navy’s command and control aircraft an improved and additional ability to relay real time data to other operational assets, assisting first responders on the ground.”

The network relies upon

TF No Slack Sarge: His uncanny knack gets them out of tight spots

Point man steers team clear of danger

Combined Joint Task Force 101

03.28.2011 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Burrell KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – "I can say that I've led this platoon into more ambushes than any other point man here on this deployment," said U.S. Army Sgt. Nathaniel S. Gray with a toothy grin and slow, southern accent.

"I was point man for the first six, seven months here," he continued. "I walked us into a lot. I can smell it, but I don't know where it's at. I know it's going to happen. Every time we were walking I was looking for my next covered and concealed position. Ya know, I'd look at this rock, then that rock. Oh, there's another rock, that's where I'm going. I just never knew when it was going to happen."

Taking a moment to check on fellow soldiers, U.S. Army Sgt. Nathaniel S. Gray, an infantry squad leader from Tupelo, Miss., walks to different fighting positions during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, March 18. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Burrell

Gray, assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, Task Force No Slack, is now a squad leader and has an uncanny knack for getting himself and his team out of tight spots.

Even before joining the Army, Gray found ways out of potentially hairy situations.

Omani Forces Clear Protesters from Square

29 March 2011 VOA News The Omani army has cleared a square in the northern industrial town of Sohar, where anti-government demonstrators have been holding protests.

Witnesses say soldiers moved in before dawn Tuesday and removed a small group of demonstrators who were holding a sit-in. Also, security force officers arrested several people linked to the protests.

Over the past month, Omanis have staged a series of demonstrations where they have rallied for economic reforms and a greater role in politics.

Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id has announced a series of reforms in response to the protesters' demands. Earlier this month, he issued a decree granting lawmaking powers to councils that previously had only advisory roles.

He also ordered an increase in state pension benefits and payments for families receiving social security.

Japan on Maxiumum Alert On Nuclear Crisis

29 March 2011 VOA News Japan's prime minister says the country is on “maximum alert” over its nuclear crisis as radiation continues to seep out of the earthquake and tsunami-disabled Fukushima nuclear plant, in what has become the world's costliest natural disaster.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Tuesday also warned that the situation remains “unpredictable” at the earthquake-damaged plant, where traces of plutonium have been found in the nearby soil. He said his government is giving its complete attention to halting the radiation leaks.

Officials announced earlier that dangerous plutonium has been detected in the soil in five locations around the plant, more than two weeks after a massive earthquake and tsunami crippled the plant's cooling systems.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said the levels did not exceed normal background levels but that the composition of the plutonium indicates at least some of it came from the nuclear plant.

Traces of radioactive iodine from the disabled power station have been found as far as Britain and eastern Russia, but officials in both countries have said the levels are very low and not a threat to human health.

Sept. 11 Flags Transferred to Reserve Unit headed to Iraq

230th Sustainment Brigade

03.26.2011 Story by Staff Sgt. Matthew Zier CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT – A somber mood was felt in the crowd as the 462nd Movement Control Battalion transferred American and New York City Fire Department flags to the 77th Sustainment Brigade on March 20.

An American flag and New York City Fire Department flag lay at rest on a display representing units past and present to possess the flags during deployments to the Middle East since Sept. 11. Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Zier

The ceremony marked the final time this particular set of flags transfers from one New York state/New Jersey Army Reserve unit to another serving in the Middle East for the past seven years.

Newman Finishes 5th in California; Moves to Second in Driver Points

U.S. Army Accessions Command

03.28.2011 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Scott Turner FONTANA, Calif. - The torrid early-season pace continues for Ryan Newman, who posted a fifth-place finish in the Auto Club 400 Sprint Cup race March 27.

Driving the U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success Chevrolet, Newman claimed his fourth straight top-10 result and his third top-five in the first-five races of the 2011 campaign.

The fifth-place finish at Auto Club Speedway lifted Newman from fourth to second in the driver point standings. He trails leader Carl Edwards by nine points.

"It's been an amazing start and the script is playing out the way we were hoping it would during the offseason," said Newman. "We were off a bit in the beginning of today's race, but we made a few adjustments and the U.S. Army Chevrolet kept on getting better and better. The only bad news for us is that we didn't win the race."

USS Stephen W. Groves Departs Port Louis

U.S. Naval Forces Europe, 6th Fleet Public Affairs

03.28.2011 By Petty Officer 3rd Class William Jamieson PORT LOUIS, Mauritius – USS Stephen W. Groves departed Port Louis, Mauritius, after completing the second training “Hub” of Africa Partnership Station East, March 28.

The “Hub” saw the graduation of armed service members from Djibouti, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique and Tanzania from training courses including tactical combat casualty, expeditionary combat lifesaver, physical security and damage control.

The 2011 hub was the first facilitated by the Mauritius Police Force, and APS leadership said its success was a testament to their organization and professionalism.

"The Mauritius Police Force did a tremendous job in facilitating the APS training held this week here in Port Louis,” said Capt. James E. Tranoris, commander of APS East. “From coordinating lodging to transporting students and a myriad of other details required to successfully accomplish the training, everything was conducted perfectly."

The “Hub” brought together

Taliban Captures Remote Afghan District

VOA News 29 March 2011 Police in northeastern Afghanistan say Taliban insurgents have captured a remote district near the Pakistan border.

Nuristan province police chief Shamsul Rahman said about 300 insurgents overran Waygal district early Tuesday. He said police in the area retreated, and there were no casualties.

Taliban Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said 12 policemen were captured along with arms and ammunition.

The capture comes days after

Council Headquarters in Iraq Under Seige, Hostages Taken (Updated)

Deadly Siege Unfolds in Iraq at Council Headquarters

Update 3 (3:10pm Central time)

Iraqi security forces wrestled control of a provincial council headquarters from gunmen who stormed the building on Tuesday and took hostages.

Police say at least 53 people were killed and nearly 100 injured during the hours-long siege in Tikrit.

Update 2 (11:51am Central time)

A tense standoff is underway in the Iraqi city of Tikrit where at least 41 people have been killed after gunmen stormed into the provincial council headquarters on Tuesday.

Iraqi officials said Tuesday at least 65 people have been wounded in the siege, which some authorities are blaming on al-Qaida. There are conflicting reports on whether the gunmen are holding hostages.

Witnesses say

Misawa-based Seabees Dewater Fuel Station

Naval Air Facility Misawa

03.28.2011 Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Devon Dow HACHINOHE, Japan – Seabees from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East continued cleanup and recovery efforts at Naval Air Facility Misawa’s Fuel Pumping Station 2, March 28.

Chief Petty Officer Billy Knox of Chapin, Ill., assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East, surveys Fuel Pumping Station 2 as dewatering efforts continue at the site.  Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Devon Dow

Australian Reports Finger China as Suspect in Hacking Attack

29 March 2011 VOA News Australian press reports say foreign hackers are suspected of breaking into the computers of Prime Minister Julia Gillard and nine other senior officials, including the foreign and defense ministers.

The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday quotes four government sources saying they were told that foreign intelligence agencies, including that of China, are on a list of suspects. They say several thousand e-mails appear to have been accessed during the operation, which began in February and lasted for more than a month.

Australia's attorney general

Afghan child injured during contact with insurgents

A young boy has been injured during a contact between insurgents and a partnered Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Afghan National Police Provincial Response Company-Uruzgan (PRC-U) patrol.

Members of the SOTG and PRC-U were engaged with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades by a group of approximately four insurgents who fired from a creek-line in the Deh Rafshan area on Sunday, 27 March 2011.

Kuwaiti Oil Tanker, MV Zirku, Captured by Pirates

Pirates Capture Kuwaiti Oil Tanker Monday, March 28th, 2011 VOA News Pirates are reported to have seized a Kuwaiti-owned oil tanker in the eastern Gulf of Aden.

The European Union's anti-piracy force says pirates firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades attacked and captured the MV Zirku Monday.

A statement says the ship was carrying 29 crew members, including 17 Pakistanis and nationals of seven other countries.

Officials in Kuwait denied that the tanker is Kuwaiti-owned.

War In Afghanistan News 29 Mar 2011

War in Afghanistan News reports provided by ISAF Joint Command.  Operations are reported in the following provinces:  Helmand, Kapisa, Logar, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Kabul and Laghman.

Civilians being housed within a madrass were targeted by suicide bombers in Paktika Province.

Thousands of pounds of drugs (keef, hashish, heroin and others) were confiscated in Helmand Province.

Insurgents actively placing IED's were taken out by coalition forces.  More drugs in Kandahar Province were discovered and multiple weapons caches were discovered and the contents destroyed in 3 other provinces.

Tailor the way you get your War in Afghanistan News

In other International Security Assistance Force Joint (ISAF) Command Operational News throughout Afghanistan:

Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on Libya

March 28, 2011

National Defense University
Washington, D.C.

     THE PRESIDENT:  Tonight, I’d like to update the American people on the international effort that we have led in Libya –- what we’ve done, what we plan to do, and why this matters to us.

I want to begin by paying tribute to our men and women in uniform who, once again, have acted with courage, professionalism and patriotism.  They have moved with incredible speed and strength.  Because of them and our dedicated diplomats, a coalition has been forged and countless lives have been saved.

Meanwhile, as we speak, our troops are supporting our ally Japan, leaving Iraq to its people, stopping the Taliban’s momentum in Afghanistan, and going after al Qaeda all across the globe.  As Commander-in-Chief, I’m grateful to our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and to their families. And I know all Americans share in that sentiment.

For generations, the United States of America has played a unique role as an anchor of global security and as an advocate for human freedom.  Mindful of the risks and costs of military action, we are naturally reluctant to use force to solve the world’s many challenges.  But when our interests and values are at stake, we have a responsibility to act.  That’s what happened in Libya over the course of these last six weeks. 

Libya sits directly between

Steady rain of progress

170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

03.27.2011 Story by Pfc. Nathan Goodall QEYSAR, Afghanistan -- It was a little after 1 p.m. when soldiers with A Battery, 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team walked out the front gate for a routine foot patrol here March 27.

Sgt. Eric J. Kabana, a Beaver County, Pa., native, now a squad leader with A Battery, 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducts a foot patrol in Qeysar, Afghanistan, March 27. Photo by Pfc. Nathan Goodall

It was cold outside and rain was already starting to fall, but the soldiers were more than happy to begin the patrol - they were looking forward to every minute of it.

“We went out with the battery commander to visit the village leaders of Qeysar to find out what we could help out with,” said Pfc. Loren G. Gaboni, a San Juan Batista, Calif., native, now a forward observer with A Battery.

The air was dense with mist, and rain was falling off-and-on, but it was vital the soldiers conducted the patrol as if it were a bright, sunny day, said Gaboni.

Pfc. Dominique D. Smith, an Ozark, Ala., native, Photo by Pfc. Nathan Goodall

“It was cold, everything got soaked. I was freezing,” said Gaboni. “But it was important to go out just to make sure that the people know that no matter what, we’re still here to help them.”

While the patrol was routine, the soldiers saw new evidence of their progress.

Part I: The anatomy of an ‘old dog’ mastering new tricks

A combat surgeon’s journey from the trenches of big business to the front lines of Afghanistan

1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs

Part One: Embrace the Past

03.28.2011 Story by Sgt. Breanne Pye KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Flip through history’s pages and you will find countless stories of men and women throughout the ages, who have taken incredible journeys and overcome impossible odds, to become our most celebrated heroes.

Capt. Douglas ‘Doc’ Powell, brigade surgeon assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pours through the latest medical journals March 23, to keep up on the latest internal medicine information. Photo by Sgt. Breanne Pye

Though the heroes from our history books are an impressive lot; if you’re looking for a modern day hero, you won’t have to look any farther than 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division’s 49-year-old combat surgeon, affectionately referred to simply as ‘Doc’ throughout Task Force Raider.

A former business executive for Burton Snowboards, Capt. Douglas ‘Doc’ Powell, brigade surgeon, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1BCT, 4th Inf. Div., is currently overseeing a mission quite different than the design team he led with Burton, as he serves on the front lines of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Relics of Defeat: Marines uncover insurgent caches

Regimental Combat Team 1

03.28.2011 Story by Sgt. Jesse Stence  MARJAH, Afghanistan - Like tomb raiders, the Marines unearth the deadly treasures of those who no longer rule Helmand province. Scouring dry creek beds and abandoned compounds, they collect caches of AK-47s, Soviet era grenades and homemade explosives buried by the Taliban.

Capt. Walker Koury, the commanding officer with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, said his troops find caches every day as citizens of Northern Marjah warm to the Marines.

“I think this makes it much more difficult for them to return,” said Koury, addressing the possibility of a Taliban spring campaign in the area.

For Fox Company, weapons cache finds are the most tangible evidence of the Taliban’s woes in Northern Marjah. The company has averaged three per day over the last three months, accumulated more than 240 since the beginning of their deployment almost five months ago, and accounted for more cache finds than any other Marine company in Afghanistan, Koury said.

Koury, from Nashhville, Tenn., said the increased rate of cache finds is a byproduct of the growing support for Marines in Northern Marjah.

Turkey Steps Up to Mediate in Libya Crisis

March 28, 2011  Dorian Jones | Istanbul, Turkey VOA News Turkey is positioning itself as a mediator in the ongoing conflict in Libya.

With fighting continuing to escalate in Libya, Turkey is intensifying its efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. It is one of the few countries that still has both its embassy open in the Libyan capital Tripoli and a consul functioning in Benghazi - the center of the rebel opposition.

Senior Turkish diplomat Selim Yenel said a political solution is crucial for Libya. "Turkey is now talking to both sides, and we believe one of the few countries that can to talk to both sides. In the end it's the only way out, otherwise more and more military actions will push people into a corner and you have to show a way out. And we believe a diplomatic solution is a way out. "

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has had good relations with the Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, and until recently had strongly opposed military intervention and, in particular, NATO's involvement. But, Erdogan has since changed his stance now supporting NATO and calling for Gadhafi to stand down.

Though such inconsistencies may cast suspicions on Turkey's objectivity, diplomatic correspondent Semih Idiz said Turkey is in a unique position to mediate.

Blogger Describes 'Mom Shift'‏

Walker writes about the "Mom shift" she works after a full day on active day, and expresses her gratitude for the service members who put their lives on the line to keep families like hers safe.

Navy Lt. Tiffani Walker and her daughter rush to embrace. Courtesy photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. By

By Elaine Sanchez American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 -I work the "Mom shift" after I finish my day job as a Navy lieutenant on active duty.

Navy Lt. Tiffani Walker Defense Media Activity

It is that time of night when I have heard that other people watch their favorite show and catch up with their spouse. Some people may even read or even get to bed early. But I pull another shift at the factory where I make school lunches, wash bottles, sign homework and ensure the house is picked up enough to not cause injury or infection to my beautiful kids.

The Mom shift is that time of night when single and sometimes-single-due-to-orders moms like me take care of all of the things that need to be done just to make it to the next day.

Photographs land American in Syrian Jail

Egyptian American Held in Syria for Allegedly Taking Photos of Protests

28 March 2011 Lauren Frayer  VOA News An Egyptian American who participated in protests that ousted President Hosni Mubarak now finds himself in trouble in Syria, where authorities arrested him for allegedly taking photos of similar protests there.

Mohamed Radwan is an Egyptian American living in Syria. But since he moved there nine months ago, he has traveled to Egypt frequently to watch the country's revolution firsthand. Last month, he took VOA on a walking tour of Cairo's famous Tahrir Square, describing his motivation to visit Cairo in revolutionary times.

"I was really ill in Damascus where I live right now. I woke up, I had a fever and I was hallucinating, and I was by myself. When I came to, I realized,

Saudi Man Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ to US Bomb Plot

28 March 2011 VOA News A young Saudi man has pleaded not guilty to charges that he sought to bomb targets in the United States, including the home of former president George W. Bush.

Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari entered his plea at his arraignment Monday in federal court in Texas. His trial is set for May 2.

Prosecutors have charged the 20-year-old former university student with the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Authorities arrested Aldawsari in February, after

Militants Ambush Pakistani Forces, 11 Dead

28 March 2011 VOA News Pakistani officials say militants have ambushed a paramilitary convoy in the country's northwest, killing at least 11 security personnel.

Monday's attack took place in the Khyber tribal region along the Afghan border.

Also Monday, Pakistani officials said at least 11 people were arrested in the port city of Karachi in connection with targeted political killings.

All-Military Wilderness Challenge Registration opens April 1st

Registration for 2011 All-Military Wilderness Challenge Opens April 1

By Mark O Piggott, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Registration for the Mid-Atlantic Region, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department's annual all-military Wilderness Challenge opens April 1.

The Wilderness Challenge will take place, Oct. 6–8, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and on the New and the Gauley Rivers in West Virginia. The event is hosted and co-organized by ACE Adventure Resort, West Virginia's largest outdoor outfitter.

More than 300 military personnel representing teams from around the World are expected to compete. Only the first 60 teams will secure a spot in the Wilderness Challenge, so teams are encouraged to register early.

"The MWR Wilderness Challenge continues to bring together the best athletes in the armed forces and puts them to the test," said Michael Bond, event coordinator. "The competition gets tougher and tougher every year as more teams battle for the title."

78 Dead as Looters Steal Ammunition from Yemen Factory

Blast at Yemeni Ammunition Factory Kills at Least 78 People

28 March 2011 VOA News Yemeni witnesses say an explosion at an ammunition factory looted by civilians in the southern province of Abyan has killed at least 78 people and injured dozens of others.

The witnesses say the blast happened near the town of Jaar on Monday, as residents were stealing ammunition from a factory raided a day earlier by Islamic militants who took control of the area.

The militants seized ammunition from the factory and left, enabling looters to enter.

‘Long Knife’, Iraqi Police See Completion of $16 Million for Police Stations

‘Long Knife’, Iraqi Police celebrate district headquarters opening

Written by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade Public Affairs, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North

Sunday, March 27, 2011 CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq - Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division joined Iraqi policemen for the opening of al Nasir District Police headquarters, March 23.

Brig. Gen. Dawud, commander of al Nasir District Police headquarters, and Chris Henzel, leader of Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team, cut the ribbon at the opening of the new al Nasir District Headquarters, March 23, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N)

The Nasir District headquarters building is one of ten headquarters built in Ninewa province, Iraq, collectively representing months of cooperation and an investment of more than $16 million, said Lt. Col. Paul Reese, deputy commanding officer, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div.

Suicide Bombing Kills 24 in Afghanistan

28 March 2011 VOA News Officials in eastern Afghanistan say three suicide car bombers have attack a construction company, killing 24 people and wounding more than 50 others.

Authorities said the attack happened late Sunday in the Barmal district of Paktika province, when the bombers killed a security guard and then detonated a truck full of explosives.

A provincial spokesman said the blast killed civilian workers at the site.

Who knows about a simple act of kindness

Positivity goes a long way

‘Starting my day with a frown seems to set the tone in a direction that just brings me down.’-1st Lt. Jock Johnson

The longer I am in Iraq, the more I am reminded of a story I first read in one of those sappy e-mails. You know the type; the ones that make a sentimental statement that make us all feel good by adopting that fuzzy story which somehow, by itself, will change the world. It is usually followed with ‘Please send this to your closest 500 friends in 10 minutes or you will suffer seven years’ bad luck and will be destined to sip strained soup through a straw’ or some such statement.

The story actually originated in “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and was written by John W. Schlatter. It goes as follows:

First IqAF instructor pilot begins training students

Written by Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman Friday, March 25, 2011 TIKRIT, Iraq - The first Iraqi air force instructor pilot to be certified since American forces ousted Saddam Hussein took a major step forward for the IqAF March 19. Lt. Col. Hussein Hamid, IqAF Squadron 203 commander, flew a training mission with an Iraqi student pilot in a T-6 Texan, further developing the IqAF as a self-sustaining airpower partner.

Lt. Col. Hussein Hamid, left, Iraqi air force Squadron 203 commander, prepares for takeoff on his first instructor flight with a student pilot March 19. Colonel Hamid is the first IqAF instructor pilot to be certified in the post-Saddam era. His status as an instructor pilot is a major milestone for the IqAF in developing as a credible, self-sustaining air power in the region. (Courtesy photo)

Colonel Hamid, whose call sign is Godfather, volunteered for the air force at 15 years of age in 1980 and graduated pilot training as a 2nd lieutenant in 1986. He said he grew up wanting to be a pilot.

"I always dreamt of becoming a civilian pilot, but the opportunities to become a civilian pilot in Iraq are very limited. You must have a lot of support in order to become a civilian pilot. Since it was still a dream of mine, I joined the military," said Colonel Hamid. His experience in the air has spanned various countries and aircraft.

MWSS-272 "Untouchables" Land in Afghanistan

Untouchables touch down: New River support squadron lands in Afghanistan

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs

Marines march the colors during Marine Wing Support Squadron 373's transfer of authority to MWSS-272 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 27. The transfer of authority ceremony not only symbolized the end of MWSS-373's operational responsibilities in support of Regional Command Southwest, but served as a beginning to MWSS-272's commitment in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and its coalition partners in Afghanistan Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington

03.27.2011 Story by Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The “Untouchables” of Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 accepted authority of support operations for the air combat element of Regional Command Southwest from MWSS-373 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 27. Following their deployment to Afghanistan MWSS-373 will return home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

“I think back over the past seven months and the several things that we have accomplished collectively as a unit and I am very impressed,” said Lt. Col. Thomas M. Fahy, the commanding officer for MWSS-373. “Every single Marine and Sailor was part of that effort. They should be proud, as I am proud for what they have accomplished.”

Syrian Army Deployed to Port City Following Clashes

28 March 2011 VOA News Syrian security forces are attempting to restore order in the Mediterranean port of Latakia after gangs of armed men roamed the streets following two days of unrest that killed at least 12 people in the ethnically mixed city.

Just before sundown Sunday, groups of young men began closing streets with metal barricades and large rocks. Few cars or people were out and shops were closed. Soldiers patrolled in heavy numbers, stopping pedestrians and vehicles for identification checks.

President Bashar al-Assad deployed the army and security services to Latakia late Saturday after witnesses and human rights groups said government forces opened fire on protesters.