Saturday, December 24, 2011

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Taliban Suicide Bomber Killed Soldier In Bannu City Of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Of Pakistan


DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Taliban Suicide Bomber Killed Soldier In Bannu City Of  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Of Pakistan


(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 24, 2011:  Pakistani army soldiers check the site of a blast at a paramilitary camp in Bannu, Pakistan, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. A Pakistani Taliban suicide bomber rammed a car filled with explosives into the paramilitary camp in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday, killing six soldiers in the second attack in as many days meant to avenge the killing of senior commander in a U.S. drone strike. (Photo - AP)


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DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Taliban Continue To Create Havoc In Bannu City Of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Of Pakistan

DTN News - PAKISTAN NEWS: Taliban Continue To Create Havoc In Bannu City Of  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Of Pakistan

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 24, 2011: A Pakistani army vehicle patrols a street following a blast at a paramilitary camp in Bannu, Pakistan, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. A Pakistani Taliban suicide bomber rammed a car filled with explosives into the paramilitary camp in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday, killing six soldiers in the second attack in as many days meant to avenge the killing of senior commander in a U.S. drone strike. (Photo - AP)

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated December 23, 2011

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated December 23, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 24, 2011:  BAE Systems Awarded Two Armored Vehicle Awards Totaling More Than $150 Million, BAE Systems Land & Armaments has received two contract awards totaling more than $150 million to provide RG31 and RG32M vehicles to the United Arab Emirates and Sweden.  

“These awards mark a significant success in our Land business,” said Chris Chambers, vice president and general manager of Tactical Wheeled Vehicles for BAE Systems. “The RG31 and RG32M have consistently delivered superior levels of protection from mines, improvised explosive devices and other threats to many customers world-wide and mark a standard of operational effectiveness.”

The RG31 is a mature, combat proven mine protected armored personnel carrier designed, developed and manufactured by BAE Systems in South Africa. In total, over 2,166 RG31 vehicles have been delivered.

The RG32M, which is extensively in service with the Swedish Armed Forces, has various military and non-military applications to fulfill a wide spectrum of command, liaison, scouting, patrol and peacekeeping roles.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 23, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 23, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - December 24, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued December 23, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
            The Missile Defense Agency is announcing the award of a sole-source, incentive-based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to Lockheed Martin Corp., Information Systems & Global Solutions, Gaithersburg, Md. (HQ0147-12-D-0003), with an estimated value of $980,000,000.  Under this follow-on contract, the contractor will develop, model, fabricate, integrate, test, verify, evaluate, validate, document, deliver, field, train, operate, sustain, and support updates and new capabilities to the command and control, battle management and communications element.  The work will be performed in Arlington, Va.  The ordering period is from Jan. 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2016.  Fiscal 2012 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be used to incrementally fund the initial orders.  This is not a Foreign Military Sales acquisition.  The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity.

ARMY
            EADS North America, Inc., Arlington, Va., was awarded a $212,703,701 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure 39 production aircraft in support of the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter Program.  Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).

            Lockheed Martin Integrated System, Inc., Ellicott City, Md., was awarded a $53,360,078 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract in support of Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization.  Work will be performed in Afghanistan and Ellicott City, Md., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 8, 2013.  Four bids were solicited, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0024).

            General Dynamics Lands Systems & Armaments, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded a $59,886,502 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Abrams M1A2 System enhancement packages and commander remote operated weapon stations.  Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio; Tallahassee, Fla.; Anniston, Ala.; Scranton, Pa.; and Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

            Lockheed Martin Mission System & Sensors, Akron, Ohio, was awarded a $25,480,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 24 sets of persistent threat detection site spares and 22 MX-20 lite sensor spares.  Work will be performed in Akron, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 13, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-12-C-C001).

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, N.Y., was awarded a $23,864,671 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of four modernized radar frequency interferometer for Apache AH-64 helicopter.  Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-C-0035).

            Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $10,259,367 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure 465 Rocket Propelled Grenade Net Delta kits for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle.  Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).

Friday, December 23, 2011

DTN News: Russia Top Stories / Headlines News Dated December 23, 2011

DTN News: Russia Top Stories / Headlines News Dated December 23, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 23, 2011: Comprehensive daily news related to Russiafor the world of TODAY.
Russia is ready for constructive dialogue on missile defense with its Western partners but hopes for give and take, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday.
“I only want to confirm that we are open for constructive dialogue and substantive work with our partners, if they learn to listen to us,” Medvedev said in his final state-of-the-nation address before he steps down next year.
“We count on reciprocity in order to reach mutually acceptable solutions as soon as possible and to maintain an atmosphere of trust.”
Russia-NATO missile defense talks have stalled as Moscow is seeking legally binding guarantees that the U.S.-backed European missile defense program will not be directed against it. Washington, however, refuses to provide the guarantees, saying the shield is directed against rogue states such as Iran and North Korea.

DTN News - SEASON'S GREETINGS: To Our Readers & Viewers Of DTN News

DTN News - SEASON'S GREETINGS: To Our Readers & Viewers Of  DTN News

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 23, 2011: To Our Readers and Viewers of  DTN News Plus Everyone in the Global Village, A Merry Christmas and a very Happy Prosperous New Year 2012 from DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 22, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 22, 2011

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - December 22, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued December 22, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
            Federal Express Charter Programs Team Arrangement, Memphis, Tenn., is being awarded an estimated $693,634,631 firm-fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $268,207,111.  Team members include:  Air Transport International, L.L.C., Little Rock, Ark.; Atlas Air, Inc., Purchase, N.Y.; Delta Air Lines, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.; Federal Express Corp., Memphis, Tenn.; and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc., Purchase, N.Y.  Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2012.  Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received.  U.S. Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-12-D-CC02).

            Alliance Contractor Team, Leesburg, Va., is being awarded an estimated $631,908,135 firm-fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $211,132,975.  Team members include:  American Airlines, Inc., Ft. Worth, Texas; Arrow Air, Inc., Miami, Fla.; ASTAR Air Cargo, Inc., Florence, Ky.; Evergreen International Airlines, Inc., McMinnville, Ore.; North American Airlines, Inc., Jamaica, N.Y.; US Airways, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.; and World Airways, Inc., Peachtree City, Ga.  Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2012.  Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received.  U.S. Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-12-D-CC01).

            Patriot Team, Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded an estimated $303,582,984 firm fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $153,617,594.  Team members include:  ABX Air, Inc., Wilmington Ohio; Continental Airlines, Inc., Houston, Texas; Omni Air International, Inc., Tulsa, Okla.; Sky Lease I, Greensboro, N.C.; Southern Air, Inc., Norwalk, Conn; and United Airlines, Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill. W ork will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2012.  Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received.  U.S. Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-12-D-CC04).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
            The Missile Defense Agency is announcing the award of a contract modification (P00009) to Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., under the HQ0276-11-C-0002 contract.  The total value of this modification including all options is $394,464,055, increasing the total contract value from $294,502,270 to $688,966,325.  Under this modification, the contractor will provide SM-3 design and engineering, in service engineering support, production engineering and obsolescence, surveillance and flight test support, and transition to production.  The work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz.  The performance period is from date of award through Sept. 30, 2015.  Fiscal 2011 and 2012 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be used to incrementally fund this initial effort.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This is not a Foreign Military Sales acquisition.  The Missle Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE
            United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $202,022,751 cost-plus-incentive fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for calendar year 2012 sustainment of F119-PW-100 engines.  The location of the performance is East Hartford, Conn.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.  F-22 Program Office Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2896, P00075).
            
        Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems, Aurora, Colo., is being awarded a $29,999,998 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-award-fee contract for the Launch and Checkout System.  This is an additional element added to the Global Positioning System (GPS) Next Generation Operational Control System.  The Launch and Checkout System is necessary to support the launch of the GPS III Space Vehicle I, which includes support exercises, rehearsals, launch, early orbit and checkout.  The location of the performance is Aurora, Colo.  Work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2016.  Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-10-C-0001, P00054).

DTN News - OMAN DEFENSE NEWS: Oman Orders Second Squadron Of F-16s

DTN News - OMAN DEFENSE NEWS: Oman Orders Second Squadron Of  F-16s

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 22, 2011: The US Department of Defense on December 14th, has announced that Lockheed Martin have been awarded $600M fixed-price contract for a Foreign Military Sales program that will provide the government of Oman 12 additional F-16 C/D block 50 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft.

The exact verbiage of US DoD released - 1021/11 on December 14, 2011 is as " Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $600,000,000 dollar firm-fixed-price, time-and-material and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a Foreign Military Sales program that will provide the government of Oman with following:  12 F-16 C/D Block 50 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (10 C models, two D models); support equipment; technical orders; and integrated logistics support.  The location of the performance is Fort Worth, Texas.  Work is expected to be completed Nov. 30, 2016.  This was a sole-source acquisition.  Therefore, one proposal was received.  ASC/WWMK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-12-C-6011)."

The order consists of 10 single seater 'C-Models' and 2 'D-Models' and in addition to assembling the aircraft at its Fort Worth site in Texas, Lockheed will also provide associated support equipment and logistics services, the DoD said. Work under the deal should be concluded by November 2016.

The F-16 production line at Fort Worth seems to have improved as this is the second order to come in matter of weeks after Iraq also placed a follow on order for 18 additional F-16s. Just six months ago, Lockheed officials were warning that F-16 production could come to a halt by the end of 2013. With these new orders that same line will extend production to well into 2015.

Oman's surprise selection appears to have dashed the UK's hopes of selling Eurofighter Typhoons to the nation.

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) currently has 12 F-16C/D block 50 aircraft (8 'C-models' & 4 'D-Models'), delivered as part of Peace A'sama A'safiya Program, thus making the country the 23rd customer for the F-16 and the 5th Arab airforce F-16 customer.

Privately, senior Eurofighter sources seemed sanguine about the F-16 order. “Oman always intended to buy a further squadron of F-16s, so this is no surprise, and is entirely consistent with its ambitions to expand and modernise its air force. The Typhoon negotiations continue to make great progress,” a source said.

It is not even certain that the F-16 deal will alter Omani plans to keep its ageing Jaguars (which were recently re-winged) in service as long as support from India is available.

The Omani F-16 order comes only weeks after Iraq placed a follow-on order for 18 additional F-16s. These new orders will ensure F-16 production out to 2015.

DTN News - PHILIPPINES DEFENSE NEWS: Philippines Seeks 12 F-16 Fighter Jets, Coast Guard Ship From US Amid Territorial Row

DTN News - PHILIPPINES DEFENSE NEWS: Philippines Seeks 12 F-16 Fighter Jets, Coast Guard Ship From US Amid Territorial Row

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / MANILA, Philippines - December 22, 2011:  The Philippines will seek a squadron of F-16 fighter jets and a third coast guard ship from longtime ally Washington amid simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Wednesday that he and the country’s defense chief will meet their U.S. counterparts in Washington next year to discuss the requests. The Philippines has turned to the U.S., a defense treaty ally, for warships and planes to patrol South China Sea areas it claims.

Del Rosario said the requests for 12 F-16 fighter jets and a third coast guard cutter have already been relayed to American officials and their initial response was encouraging.

“We are getting good signals,” Del Rosario told reporters.

The Philippines wants to build “a minimum credible defense posture and the U.S. has expressed their willingness to help us,” del Rosario said.

Washington has provided a Coast Guard cutter and agreed to send another one next year to the Philippines, which is locked in territorial disputes with China and four other governments.

The Philippine military, one of Asia’s weakest, only has about six aging fighter jets. It relaunched the first U.S. Coast Guard cutter it acquired from Washington as the local navy’s biggest and most modern warship in an austere ceremony led by President Benigno Aquino III last week.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 21, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 21, 2011 

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - December 21, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued December 21, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Refinery Associates of Texas, Inc., New Braunfels, Texas*, was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $1,095,855,536 for aviation turbine and naval distillate fuel.  Other locations of performance are Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.  Using service is Defense Logistics Agency Energy.  There were 16 responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2012.  The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-12-D-0452).

            ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Co., Fairfax, Va., was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum $107,226,896 for JP8 aviation turbine fuel.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using service is Defense Logistics Agency Energy.  There were 24 responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is April 30, 2012.  The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-12-D-0539).

AIR FORCE
            The Boeing Co., Defense Space and Security, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded  $29,121,176 firm-fixed-price for exercising options for C-17 weapons systems trainers with Loadmaster Stations 25 and 26, including all hardware, initial spares and support equipment, site activation, and transition support.  The location of the performance is St. Louis, Mo.   The expected completion date for for Loadmaster Station 25 is Oct. 13, 2013; for Loadmaster Station 26, the expected completion date is Apr. 30, 2014.  ASC/WNSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-11-C-6290-P00005).

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Simulator, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $25,378,696 firm-fixed-price contract to exercise Option Year 2 of the C-130 Air Crew Training Systems contract.  The location of the performance will be at various Air Force installations within the United States, to include:  Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.; Dobbins Air Force Base, Ga.; Dyess Air Force Base, Texas; McChord Air Force Base, Wash.; and Minneapolis Air National Guard, Minn.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.  ASC/WNSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8223-11-C-0001 P00018).

DTN News - CHRISTMAS GREETINGS: To Our Readers & Viewers Of DTN News

DTN News - CHRISTMAS GREETINGS: To Our Readers & Viewers Of  DTN News

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 21, 2011: To Our Readers and Viewers of  DTN News Plus Everyone in the Global Village, A Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings from DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News 

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 20, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated December 20, 2011

CONTRACTS
NAVY

Navistar Defense L.L.C., Lisle, Ill., is being awarded a $133,714,728firm-fixed-priced delivery order 0022 under a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for 514 field service representatives in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle program.  Work will be performed in Afghanistan and Kuwait (94 percent) and the United States (6 percent), and is expected to be completed Dec. 31, 2012.  Fiscal 2012 operations and maintenance appropriation funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. 

Alion Science and Technology, Burr Ridge, Ill, has been awarded a $73,238,387 not-to-exceed letter contract (N00024-12-C-4401) for professional support services in support of surface warfare fleet support.  This contract is a bridge contract intended to continue professional support services in support of surface warfare fleet support during the interim between the expiration of current, competitively awarded, SEAPORT-e contract, N00024-01-D-7013-0021, and the award of a follow-on, competitively awarded SEAPORT-e contract.  Work is expected to be performed in Washington, D.C. (56 percent); Norfolk, Va. (23 percent); San Diego, Calif. (6 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (6 percent); Bath, Maine (3 percent); Mayport, Fla. (2 percent); Japan (2 percent) and other locations less than 1 percent (2 percent) and is expected to be completed by November 2012.  Contract funds in the amount of $22,911,792 will be provided at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

 The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded $11,547,583 for delivery order 0001 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00383-11-G-001H)  for 2012 Avionics Repair Facility support, which provides for repair of various F/A-18 components.  This effort includes the governments of Spain, Kuwait, and Malaysia (less than 1 percent of the total value) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.  Work will be performed in Cecil Field, Fla., (49 percent); Lemoore, Calif. (48 percent); and Philadelphia, Pa. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.  The applicable Navy Working Capital Funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year.  NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

DTN News - NORTH KOREA ~ KIM JONG IL DEAD: State Funeral For Authoritarian Leader Kim Jong Il In Pyongyang

DTN News - NORTH KOREA ~ KIM JONG IL DEAD: State Funeral For Authoritarian Leader Kim Jong Il In Pyongyang

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 20, 2011: North Koreans make a call of condolence for deceased leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang in this picture released by the North's official KCNA news agency early December 21, 2011. 

North Korea was in seclusion on Tuesday, a day after it announced the death of its leader Kim Jong-il, as concern mounted over what would happen next in the deeply secretive nation that is trying to build a nuclear arsenal.  (Photo - Reuters)

DTN News - NORTH KOREA ~ KIM JONG IL DEAD: State Funeral For Isolated Authoritarian Leader Kim Jong Il In Pyongyang

DTN News - NORTH KOREA ~ KIM JONG IL DEAD: State Funeral For Isolated Authoritarian Leader Kim Jong Il In Pyongyang

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 20, 2011: In this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo by the Korea News Service Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, the body of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is laid in the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea. Kim died on Saturday, Dec. 17, North Korean state media announced Monday. (Photo - AP)

DTN News - U.S. DECLARED WAR IN IRAQ OVER: U.S. President Barack Obama Greets General Lloyd James Austin On His Return From Iraq

DTN News - U.S. DECLARED WAR IN IRAQ OVER: U.S. President Barack Obama Greets General Lloyd James Austin On His Return From Iraq

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 20, 2011: US President Barack Obama shakes hands with General Lloyd James Austin, the last commanding general of US forces in Iraq, while greting returning troops with US Vice President Joe Biden (R) before attending a ceremony to mark the return of the US Forces - Iraq colors December 20, 2011 at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. The event marks the end of the Iraq war after the last US combat troops rolled out of Iraq into Kuwait on December 18. (Photo - Getty)

DTN News - U.S. DECLARED WAR IN IRAQ OVER: : U.S. President Barack Obama And Vice President Joe Biden Welcoming Soldiers Back From Iraq


DTN News - U.S. DECLARED WAR IN IRAQ OVER: : U.S. President Barack Obama And Vice President Joe Biden Welcoming Soldiers Back From Iraq

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 20, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden (C) and Defense Deputy Secretary Ashton B. Carter (L) welcome home soldiers and the return of the United States Forces-Iraq Colors during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews marking the end of the Iraq war December 20, 2011. (Reuters)

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Picks Lockheed F-35 Fighter As Allies Stress Tight Ties

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Picks Lockheed F-35 Fighter As Allies Stress Tight Ties

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 20, 2011: Japan picked Lockheed Martin's F-35 jet as its next mainstay fighter Tuesday, choosing the aircraft over combat-proven but less stealthy rivals, as concern simmers over North Korea and as China introduces its own stealth fighters.

The decision came as Japan and the United States stressed that their security alliance was tight in the face of worry about an unstable North Korea after the death of its leader, Kim Jong-il.

Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said the decision to buy 42 of the stealth aircraft, valued by analysts at more than $7 billion, would help Japan adjust to a changing security environment after Monday's announcement of the death of the 69-year-old North Korean leader.

"The security environment surrounding future fighter jets is transforming. The F-35 has capabilities that can firmly respond to the changes," Ichikawa told reporters.

Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon hailed Japan's selection of the F-35, saying it would help establish a strategic, conventional deterrent in the Asia-Pacific region, where concern simmers about instability under Kim's successor, his untested youngest son, Kim Jong-un.

"The F-35 Program Office looks forward to strengthening partnerships with Japan, and contributing to enhanced security throughout the Asia Pacific region," the Pentagon said in a statement after Japan announced its decision.

The F-35, which is in an early production stage, competed against Boeing's F/A-18 and the Eurofighter Typhoon, made by a consortium of European companies including BAE Systems.

Experts said the decision to opt for the U.S. plane, made informally well before news of Kim's death, reflected Japan's desire to tighten U.S. ties in the face of concern over China's rising military might and other regional uncertainties.

Monday, December 19, 2011

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta With Libyan PM Abdurrahim El-Keib During News Conference In Tripoli

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Panetta With Libyan PM Abdurrahim El-Keib During News Conference In Tripoli

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 19, 2011: Libya's Prime Minister Abdurrahim El-Keib (R) listens as U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks at a joint news conference in Tripoli December 17, 2011.

 Panetta told Libya on Saturday it faced a "long and difficult" road in moving on from 42 years of one-man rule and uniting the fractious rebel groups that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi. (Photo - Reuters)

DTN News - PALESTINE NEWS: Palestinians Protest In City Of Nablus West Bank Against Newt Gingrich's Remarks 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 19, 2011: Palestinians hold a crossed out picture of Republican presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich to Protest against his remarks about Palestinians during a rally to mark the 44th anniversary of Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in the West bank city of Nablus on December 17, 2011. Leading Republican White House contender Newt Gingrich told a Jewish Channel in an interview that there was no Palestine as a state and it was part of the Ottoman Empire. (Photo - Getty)

DTN News - SEASON'S GREETINGS: Christmas, Here Again ~ May All The Joyfull Sweet Magics Of Christmas Conspire Peace On Earth

DTN News - SEASON'S GREETINGS: Christmas, Here Again ~ May All The Joyfull Sweet Magics Of Christmas Conspire Peace On Earth

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 19, 2011: People dressed in Santa Claus suits gather in front of the White House as part of Santarchy in Washington December 17, 2011. Santarchy is an annual event celebrating Christmas.(Photo - Reuters)

DTN News - NORTH KOREA ~ KIM JONG IL DEAD: Missile fired, Shares Fall As North Korea Mourns Kim Jong-il's Death

DTN News - NORTH KOREA ~ KIM JONG IL DEAD: Missile fired, Shares Fall As North Korea Mourns Kim Jong-il's Death

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 19, 2011: It was next year that Kim Jong-il was finally supposed to deliver for his people. North Korea, he had long promised, would become a “strong and prosperous nation” in 2012, in time to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of his father, the country’s founder Kim il-Sung.

13.15 The AFP news agency has done a useful Question & Answer piece - one question that caught the eye in particular is what will happen now? They say that Kim's body will lie in state in Kumsusan palace where the embalmed body of his father - Kim Il-Sung, the founder and "eternal leader" of North Korea who died in 1994 - is on display.
After Kim's funeral on December 28, thoughts will turn to the succession but there are few details as to how it will be carried out. Kim Jong-Un's status as heir apparent was only made clear in September 2010.
Even Kim Jong-Il, who was openly groomed for the leadership and designated as successor some 14 years before his own father died, did not formally take over the leadership of the ruling party for three years afterwards.
12.55 More on North Korea test-firing a short-range missile off its east coast - South Korea's Yonhap news agency is quoting an unnamed government official as saying the missile launch was unrelated to the announcement that Kim had died.
The missile is believed to have a range of about 72 miles, he said.
12.45pm Amid the bizarre images of the day, here is the South Koreancabinet holding an emergency meeting. They appear to be wearing yellow boiler suits. The South Korean president ordereded all government employees to be on emergency alert, a measure that would restrict their unauthorised leaves and put them on standby. Presumably that is where these dashing suits come in?

DTN News - U.S. FINANCIAL CRISIS NEWS: U.S. President Barack Obama Secured Funds For Next Nine Months To Avert Government Shutdown

DTN News - U.S. FINANCIAL CRISIS NEWS: U.S. President Barack Obama Secured Funds For Next Nine Months To Avert Government Shutdown

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 19, 2011: U.S. President Barack Obama walks away from the podium after making a statement in the White House Briefing Room in Washington December 17, 2011. The U.S. Senate on Saturday passed a $915 billion bill to fund most federal agency activities through next September and avert a government shutdown.

As America enters its worst economic period since the Great Depression, it is essential that we develop a broad understanding of the many factors that contributed to the U.S. financial crisis. This topic covers the latest news and information on the U.S. financial crisis, including a deep look into possible causes.  

Sunday, December 18, 2011

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: US Soldiers From Afganistan To The US Transit In Kyrgyzstan

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: US Soldiers From Afganistan To The US Transit In Kyrgyzstan

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 18, 2011: US soldiers from the Security Forces Squadron (military police) walk across the airfield upon their arrival from Afganistan to the US transit centre in Manas' airport on the outskirts of the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on December 18, 2011. 

The United States will have to shut down the base it currently uses in Kyrgyzstan for support operations in Afghanistan, after its lease expires in 2014, the Central Asian republic's president-elect said on November 1, 2011. The former Soviet republic is the world's only nation to house both a Russian and a US military base, reflecting a recent rivalry between Moscow and Washington in the energy-rich but turbulent region. (Photo - Getty)

DTN News - SPECIAL FEATURE ON CORRUPTION: India ~ Why Government Is Proceeding In Slow Motion On Anti-Corruption Bill

DTN News - SPECIAL FEATURE ON CORRUPTION: India ~ Why Government Is Proceeding In Slow Motion On Anti-Corruption Bill

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 18, 2011: Indian activist Anna Hazare has said the current session of parliament must be extended to pass a new anti-corruption bill.

The Lokpal bill envisages setting up an independent ombudsman, who would have the power to investigate and prosecute politicians and civil servants.
Political parties have failed to reach a consensus on the bill.
Mr Hazare has threatened to go on hunger strike if it is not passed this session.
His 12-day anti-corruption fast in August became the focus of a national campaign and put pressure on the government to act on the issue.
Mr Hazare said he hoped MPs would reach a consensus on the bill in parliament.
"If there is no time for passing the bill, then extend [the parliament session]". It is important for the country. Earlier also, you have occasions when the session was extended," he said.
Media reports suggest that a special session of parliament could be convened to allow more time to bring about agreement on the Lokpal bill. The winter session is scheduled to end on 22 December.

Leaders of 35 parties had joined Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence in Delhi to discuss the Lokpal bill on Wednesday evening.
"Give us some reasonable time to consider views expressed [at the meeting]. I am not saying it is not possible to pass it in this session itself but it might also spill over," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was quoted as saying by The Indian Express newspaper.
Among India's recent corruption scandals are an alleged multi-billion dollar telecoms scam, claims of financial malpractice in connection with the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and allegations that houses intended for war widows ended up in the hands of civil servants.

DTN News presents a special feature on CORPORATE CORRUPTION by N. S. Hoon - Justice Magazine, which is self explanatory. Should the viewers and readers has any queries, please contact N. S. Hoon as per his coordinates available and prescribe.