Will Pakistan's Osama Bin Laden Report Be Released?

An aerial view, released by the U.S. Department of Defense on May 2, 2011, shows the compound where Osama bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan. U.S. Department of Defense / Reuters

Will Pakistan Release Its Osama Bin Laden Abbottabad Report? -- Christian Science Monitor

More than a year after Pakistan said it would find out who was responsible for failing to catch Osama bin Laden on its own soil, a formal investigation has only produced rumors.

A year and a half after the Pakistani government said they would find out exactly what happened and who was responsible for failing to catch the most wanted man in the world – Osama bin Laden – hiding in plain sight in Pakistan, the only thing that has come from a formal investigation are rumors.

It generally takes Pakistan years to release findings from special commissions. At the most, reports may get leaked to press, but that also often takes months. Though many were hoping the report results would bring to task the powerful military establishment often accused by the West of supporting extremists and their affiliates, in light of reported leaks that the commission will exonerate Pakistani authorities, analysts believe that the whole exercise may have been futile.

Read more ....

My Comment: This Pakistan report will be released when "hell freezes over" .... in short .... never. I also have doubts that they have even bothered to properly investigate who is responsible for failing to catch Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil.

Picture Of The Day

Soldiers prepare UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for further search and rescue missions on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 30, 2012, following the passing of Hurricane Sandy. The soldiers are assigned to the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen

On Halloween, The U.S. Military Trains For The Zombie Apocalypse

No Prank: On Halloween, US Military Forces Train For Zombie Apocalypse -- Christian Science Monitor

The scenario is part of a counterterrorism summit held this week. A zombie invasion would have characteristics similar to other catastrophic events and would be 'a federal incident,' a summit organizer says.


Why is the US military preparing for a zombie apocalypse?

That’s the latest training exercise that US Marines and Navy special-operations forces will be taking part in on an island off the coast of San Diego – starting on Wednesday, aka Halloween.

“This is a very real exercise. This is not some type of big costume party,” Brad Barker, president of the Halo Corp. security company, told the Associated Press.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Had a fun Halloween .... no zombies spotted.

Russia Will Not Be A Super Power Under Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev watch the Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square. Russia celebrates the 67th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. REUTERS/Vladimir Rodionov/RIA Novosti/Pool

Putin's Russia Won't Achieve Super Power Status -- Scheherazade Rehman, US News & World Report

While Mother Nature (super-storm hurricane Sandy) was causing destruction throughout the north-eastern seaboard of the United States on Monday, across on the other side of the world Russians were remembering a man-made destruction. Over a period of two years (1937-38), approximately 1.7 million people were arrested and sent to gulags, and of which more than 750,000 were executed under Joseph Stalin's brutal crackdown. Why is this Remembrance Day particularly poignant for the Russians this year? In all likelihood Russian efforts to regain superpower status is going to be associated with increased state repression. (This is the third of a series of articles on potential superpowers.)

Read more ....

My Comment: I concur with this analysis .... Russia will remain Russia (i.e. nothing will change).

The End Of The Line For The Big 'E'

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) is nearing the end of it's 50+ year history serving America in oceans all over the world

On The Front Lines Of History: USS Enterprise On Its Last Deployment -- CNN

The U.S. Navy has had eight ships named the Enterprise. The first was commandeered from the British in the early stages of the Revolutionary War by Benedict Arnold, before the America even had a navy and before he became America's most notorious traitor.

The seventh Enterprise was an aircraft carrier and a mainstay of the Navy's war in the Pacific during World War II. Three times the Japanese Navy said it had sunk "The Grey Ghost," but the Enterprise survived and is regarded as the most decorated warship in U.S. history.

But when the eighth USS Enterprise put to sea in 1962, it already had a place in American military history.

Read more ....

My Comment: There is already a move underway to name CVN-80, a yet to be built carrier, as the ninth USS Enterprise.

U.S. Senators Want Answers On Benghazi

GOP Senators Issue Benghazi Letter To Panetta -- DoD Buzz

Senators John McCain of Arizona and Rob Portman of Ohio sent a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Saturday asking for more details about the Benghazi attack, specifically what military forces could respond for a rescue attempt and what dialogue Panetta had with President Obama.

Republicans have worked hard to insert questions of Obama’s handling of the Benghazi attack into the presidential campaign. Other Republican senators have sent letters to the president as well as national security and State Department leaders to learn more about what was known before and after the attack.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. Senators Wanting Answers On Benghazi

4 senators hint Obama stonewalls on Libya -- UPI
Republican senators accuse Obama administration of 'stonewalling' on Benghazi -- FOX News
Senators Again Urge Obama to Answer Key Questions about Benghazi Attack -- Weekly Standard

My Comment: This is all theater. With a week away from the Presidential election .... the focus is on Tuesday and not answering a letter from 4 U.S. senators. After the election .... now that is a different story.

State Of Emergency Extended In Tunisia As Violence Continues To Escalate

Security Tightened After Tunisia Violence -- Al Jazeera

Soldiers deployed following deadly clashes in Tunis suburb over arrest of Salafist in connection with assault.

Police and soldiers have deployed in large numbers in the Tunisian capital after deadly clashes with radical Islamists during the night, according to the interior ministry.

The deployment came a day after Tunisia's state news agency said one protester was killed and three security officers injured in clashes near Tunis on Tuesday.

Wielding sharp tools and swords, the protesters went on the attack in the Tunis suburb of Manouba after police arrested a Salafist suspected of assaulting the head of the suburb's public-security brigade, Khaled Tarrouche, interior ministry spokesman, said.

Read more ....

More News On The Unrest In Tunisia

Tunisia extends state of emergency after attacks -- AFP
Armed Islamists on Tunis streets after clashes -- AFP
Second man dies after clashes between Tunisian Salafis, police -- Reuters
More sectarian clashes expected in Tunisia capital -- Euronews
Early test for new rulers in Tunisia -- Osama Al Sharif, Al Arabiya News
Tunisia, a Sad Year Later -- Souhir Stephenson, New York Times

Israel Is Warned To Not Launch A Pre-Emptive Strike On Iran

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Israeli Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, chief of general staff of defense forces, talk aboard a UH-60 helicopter and en route to Israeli defense forces installations participating in the Austere Challenge exercise, Oct. 30, 2012. Austere Challenge 2012 is a bilateral air-defense exercise between the U.S. and Israel involving more than 3,500 U.S. personnel in Israel and Europe and about 1,000 Israel defense forces members. DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen

US Warns Israel Off Pre-Emptive Strike On Iran -- The Guardian

Arab spring has left US-friendly rulers in region nervous about possible impact of an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear programme.

US military commanders have warned their Israeli counterparts that any action against Iran would severely limit the ability of American forces in the region to mount their own operations against the Iranian nuclear programme by cutting off vital logistical support from Gulf Arab allies.

US naval, air and ground forces are dependent for bases, refuelling and supplies on Gulf Arab rulers who are deeply concerned about the progress Iran has made in its nuclear programme, but also about the rising challenge to their regimes posed by the Arab spring and the galvanising impact on popular unrest of an Israeli attack on Iran.

Read more ....

My Comment: These warnings may be moot. Recent comments by Israel's defense minister has lessened tensions in the region and the possibility of an Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iran.

Update: Barak: Israel won't outsource its security to anyone -- Jerusalem Post

Today's U.S. Generals Do Not Measure Up To U.S. Generals Of The Past (Book Review)

A Few Good Leaders of Men -- Andrew Roberts, Wall Street Journal

No military leader can be expected to win without bloodshed.

"American generals were managed very differently in World War Two than they were in subsequent wars," writes Thomas E. Ricks, the former Pentagon correspondent of the Washington Post. "During World War Two, senior American commanders were given a few months in which to succeed, be killed or wounded, or be replaced."

Mr. Ricks rightly puts this policy down to Gen. George C. Marshall, U.S. Army chief of staff from 1939 to 1945 and one of the chief architects of the defeat of the Axis. During World War II, 16 generals were relieved of their command out of the 155 who commanded divisions, as well as no fewer than five corps commanders. By contrast, the most senior soldier to be relieved during the eight years that the United States fought in Iraq after 2003 was a colonel, Joe Dowdy. "As matters stand now," Mr. Ricks quotes another colonel saying, "a private who loses a rifle suffers far greater consequences than a general who loses his part in a war."

Read more ....

My Comment: My favorite general (historically speaking) is this one .... followed very closely by this one. The U.S. general that I have always admired the most .... is this one.

What The President Saw

President Barack Obama receives an update from officials via video teleconference on the ongoing response to Hurricane Sandy, in the Situation Room of the White House, Oct. 30, 2012. Pictured, from left, are: John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; Tony Blinken, National Security Advisor to the Vice President; David Agnew, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs; Alyssa Mastromonaco, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations; and Chief of Staff Jack Lew. October 30, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

What The President Saw: Shocked Obama Flies Over Atlantic City Disaster Zone To Witness Massive Trail Of Devastation Left By Sandy -- Daily Mail

* President takes one-hour helicopter tour over Atlantic Coast, viewing flooded homes and wrecked buildings
* Superstorm Sandy has claimed lives of at least 55 people on US East Coast with New Jersey and NYC badly affected
* Obama skips campaign events in battleground states in favour of visit to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's state
* Gov Christie: 'We've got a big task ahead of us that we have to do together. This is what New Jerseyans are built for'
* Obama to return to campaign trail on Thursday with trips to Green Bay, Wisconsin; Boulder, Colorado; and Las Vegas

President Obama comforted tearful residents today when he visited a stretch of the New Jersey coast devastated by Superstorm Sandy, seeing for himself how the disaster has wrecked buildings and forced thousands to abandon their flooded homes.

The President revised his election campaigning plans and travelled to Atlantic City to get an aerial view of the widespread damage caused by the storm.

He was joined on the presidential helicopter, Marine One, for the one-hour tour by Republican New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has put partisan politics aside in the wake of the disaster.

Read more ....

My Comment: An incredible collection of photos.

Update: Photos: Before and after Hurricane Sandy -- Washington Post

Washington Abandons The Current Syrian Opposition Leadership

U.S. Looks To Build Alternative Syrian Opposition Leadership -- Washington Post

The Obama administration has spent the past several months in secret diplomatic negotiations aimed at building a new Syrian opposition leadership structure that it hopes can win the support of minority groups still backing President Bashar al-Assad.

The strategy, to be unveiled at a Syrian opposition meeting next week in Qatar, amounts to a last-ditch effort to prevent extremists from gaining the upper hand within the opposition and to stop the Syrian crisis from boiling over into the greater Middle East.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Looking To Build An Alternative Syrian Opposition Leadership

As Syria Escalates Bombing, U.S. Urges New Anti-Assad Bloc -- New York Times
U.S. Pulls Support for Key Anti-Assad Bloc -- Wall Street Journal
Clinton calls for overhaul of Syrian opposition -- Reuters
U.S. Favors Shift to Broaden Syrian Opposition Leadership -- Bloomberg Businessweek
US calls for overhaul of Syrian opposition -- Irish Times
Clinton warns Syria rebels to resist extremism -- BBC
Clinton: Syrian exile group not 'visible' opposition leader -- CNN
Clinton urges SNC shake-up -- The Daily Star
Clinton explains State Department efforts to build new Syrian opposition council -- The Cable/Foreign Policy

An Analysis On The Benghazi Attack From Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz

Photo: Paul Wolfowitz

Distrust But Verify -- Paul Wolfowitz, AEI Ideas

It is hard to understand why Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, in discussing the US response to the attacks on two US facilities in Benghazi, Libya, offered this novel principle as a guide for US action – or inaction – during that crisis: “A basic principle is you don’t deploy forces into harm’s way without knowing what’s going on.”

Of course, no such “basic principle” governs the conduct of US military personnel in Afghanistan and elsewhere, who regularly go “into harm’s way” without “knowing what’s going on,” particularly when they know that American lives are in danger.

Read more ....

My comment: His analysis on the lack of military resources available when the attacked occurred is probably right. Africom has always been on the bottom of the priority list for the military .... a mistake that Benghazi has shown to be both deadly and costly.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- October 31, 2012

A video from activists an eastern suburb of Damascus showed smoke rising. BBC

Syria's Rebels Need To Strike At The Regime's Backbone -- Hassan Hassan, The National

What if the Syrian regime crumbled today? Did the government lose control - at least briefly - when at least four of the regime's top figures were killed in a bomb attack in Damascus in July? In my opinion, it probably did.

Those officials, including the dictator's brother-in-law Assef Shawkat, linked the regime's top echelons with the security apparatus in overseeing the daily repression. That chain was probably broken, for a brief period, before the embattled regime reasserted its control and the violence continued as usual.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

A jihadist group prospers in Syria -- Jackson Diehl, Washington Post

Tunisia’s Challenges -- New York Times editorial

It is business as usual in Pakistan -- Anita Joshua, The National

Al Qaida-linked groups cement control in northern Mali as diplomats ponder intervention -- Alan Boswell, McClatchy Newspapers

Minorities Fear End of Secularism in Egypt -- Daniel Steinvorth and Volkhard Windfuhr, Spiegel Online

Africa’s gerontocracy isn’t going to last much longer -- TMS Ruge, Special to The Globe and Mail

The Putin Crackdown -- Wall Street Journal editorial

Prospect of show trial stirs some Russians' memories of Stalinism -- Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor

Now, Almost Anyone Is a Traitor -- Andrei Soldatov, The Moscow Times

Reclaiming Xenophobia: The Rise of Ultra-Nationalism in Greece -- Joanna Kakissis, Time

Europe must overcome the politics of fear around the debt crisis -- George Papandreou, Christian Science Monitor

Scottish independence vote is part of worrying trend -- Washington Post editorial

Gates says defense secretary role was his life's 'highest calling' -- Jennifer Rizzo, CNN

World News Briefs -- October 31, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Obama, Republican Christie Tour Storm-Hit New Jersey, Trade Praise -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Putting aside partisan differences, President Barack Obama and Republican Governor Chris Christie toured storm-stricken parts of New Jersey on Wednesday, taking in scenes of flooded roads and praising each other for their response to superstorm Sandy.

Riding in the Marine One presidential helicopter, Obama and Christie got an aerial view of some of the hardest-hit areas of the New Jersey shoreline, and afterward the president promised to cut through red tape to help storm victims.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria presses heavy air bombardment of rebels. Syrian jets bomb rebel strongholds in Damascus and north.

Yemen LNG gas pipeline blown up again.

US warns Israel off pre-emptive strike on Iran.

Lebanon’s Sunnis at risk of radicalization.

Iran urges recognition of its nuclear rights.

EU sanctions strangle Iranian LPG exports to Asia.

IG report: Iraqi auditors point to huge money laundering.

Israel reckons with unraveling Gaza policy.

Electrical fire at Saudi wedding kills 25.

ASIA

Pregnancy rumors envelop North Korea.

Southeast India braces for Cyclone Nilam.

Afghans say Presidential election date is set for April 2014.

Afghan parliament paralysed by Hajj trips.

China confronts Japan ships near disputed islands.

Opium cultivation increases for sixth year in Burma, according to UN report.

India's new FM to focus on Pakistan, China relations.

China 'should move to two-child policy'.

AFRICA

One-third of Congolese men admit committing sexual violence.

North Mali prepares for war as refugees dream of liberation from al-Qaida.
Western diplomats see danger in Mali.

Libya army has 'no control' in Bani Walid: defence minister.

Gunmen kill 20 in northern Nigeria's Zamfara state.

One dead in Tunisia clash between Salafists and police. Security tightened after Tunisia violence.

Egyptian authorities reportedly seize 1.7 million documents proving Jewish ownership of assets in Cairo.

£10 million in aid to Uganda ended up in bank accounts of PM's aides.

EUROPE

UK's Cameron rocked by defeat in Europe budget vote. EU budget vote: Rebel MPs defeat government over spending cut call.

Eurozone unemployment rises to new record.

Greece recession and debt problems even worse.

Portuguese budget to pass, faces court uncertainty.

French investigators to exhume Yasser Arafat next month.

US, EU to ethnic Serbs: You have a home in Kosovo.

French CEOs call for huge cuts to welfare charges.

Europe's oldest prehistoric town unearthed in Bulgaria.

AMERICAS

A tale of two cities: As one half of New York City lies desolate in Superstorm Sandy's wake, life in the other continues as normal. About 6 million remain without power in Northeast.

Long days for millions in Sandy's wake.

Superstorm moves on, leaving devastation behind in N.Y., N.J..

Colombian peace talks push President Santos' popularity higher.

Colombia Urabenos 'gang leader' captured in Argentina.

Brazilians dare to hope crackdown on corruption is real.

Haiti fears food shortages after hurricane hit crops.

Mexican pleads guilty to Fast and Furious murder.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Americans slip from Minnesota to Somali terror group: FBI.

Video reportedly shows key suspect from Benghazi attack.

Indonesian forces kill terror suspect in raids.

What al Qaeda fans have to say about Hurricane Sandy.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Report: Forstall left Apple because he refused to apologize for maps.

France 'hits Google with €1 billion claim' in content row.

Google loses Australia 'gangland' defamation lawsuit.

Ford earns $1.6 billion in 3Q, best-ever results in North America.

Wine shortage to follow poor 2012 grape harvest.

MF Global’s collapse: The Fed’s role.

Palestinians Split On Supporting Assad In Syria's Civil War

Report: Palestinians In Syria Divided -- UPI

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Armed Palestinian factions opposed to Syrian President Bashar Assad may join the fight against pro-government forces, observers say.

There are an estimated half-million Palestinians living in Syria and both sides in the 19-month-old conflict have been courting their support, the Financial Times reported Wednesday.

"The regime has been trying to enlist the Palestinians, and the rebels have been trying to do the same," Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at American University of Beirut, told the newspaper in a report from Abu Dhabi. "As the civil war in Syria continues to unfold, I think the Palestinian fratricide will be a chapter."

Read more ....

More News On Palestinians Divided in Their Support Of The Assad Government

Palestinians in Syria face off over Assad -- Financial Times
Syrian rebels arm Palestinians against Assad -- Reuters
Syria rebels form brigade to battle pro-Assad Palestinians -- Haaretz
Syria rebels, Palestinian fighters clash -- The Australian
Syria rebels 'clash with army, Palestinian fighters' -- AFP
Syrian troops, rebels clash in Palestinian refugee camp -- Haaretz/AP
Clashes in Syria's largest Palestinian refugee camp -- Al Bawaba

China Raises The Stakes With Japan Over Disputed Islands (Updated)

China Raises Stakes Over Disputed Islands -- Financial Times

China has started making concerted efforts to chase Japanese ships out of waters surrounding the disputed Senkaku islands in the East China Sea, ratcheting up tensions between Asia’s two largest economies.

The Chinese State Oceanic Administration – which enforces the nation’s maritime interests – said four of its ships on Tuesday tried to expel Japanese vessels out of waters where they were operating “illegally”.

Japan controls the Senkaku islands, but they are also claimed by China – which calls them the Diaoyu – and Taiwan. The Japanese coastguard in recent months has been playing cat and mouse games with Chinese vessels sailing near the Senkaku, and sometimes entering waters that Japan says are its territory.

Read more ....

My Comment: China is deliberately escalating .... almost daring Japan to do something knowing that the U.S. .... because of next weeks Presidential elections .... will stay out of this dispute. What's my take .... this is dangerous geopolitics .... Japan must now respond .... or else it will lose face and be confronted with even more Chinese efforts to assert its authority over these disputed islands.

China's Newest Stealth Fighter The J-31 Has It's Maiden Flight

J-31

China's Newest Stealth Fighter Flies -- Foreign Policy

If these pictures are real, then China has flown two new types of stealth fighters in less than two years. You're looking at what's supposedly the newly unveiled Shenyang Aircraft Corporation's J-31 jet flying in the skies over China on Oct. 31.

Chinese military blogs claim these extremely grainy photos (above and below) show the jet taking a 10-minute test flight accompanied by a J-11 fighter (a reverse engineered version of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27).

The first photos of the Shenyang J-31 emerged on the Chinese Internet forums last month.

Read more ....

More News On China's Newest Stealth Fighter

J-31 fighter roars off on maiden flight -- Global Times
China's 2nd stealth fighter makes debut -- Global Times
China’s Newest Stealth Fighter Takes Flight -- Danger Room
PICTURES: New Chinese fighter conducts maiden flight -- Flight Global
China’s New J-31 Stealth Fighter Takes Off on Maiden Flight -- Defense Update

WNU Editor: Now what they need is a better engine.

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning CV 16 Returns to Dalian Port

Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning CV 16 returns after completing latest set of Sea Trials. Aerial complement of the Chinese Liaoning CV 16 (Ex-Varyag) aircraft carrier will consist of Ka-31 AEW & Z-8 AEW helicopter and Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark Fighter Jet.

Burma's Sectarian Violence -- News Updates October 31, 2012

Myanmar 'Rejects talks' On Ethnic Violence -- Al Jazeerea

ASEAN chief says offer turned down, even as tension between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims simmers in Rakhine state.

Myanmar has rejected an offer by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to open talks aimed at quelling deadly communal violence there, according to the regional bloc's chief.

Surin Pitsuwan said on Tuesday he proposed setting up tripartite talks between ASEAN, the UN and Myanmar's government to prevent the violence from having a broader regional impact.

But he said Myanmar turned down the offer to discuss the bloodshed in the western Rakhine state that has led to about 180 deaths since June.

The bloodshed has pitted Buddhists against minority Rohingya Muslims.

Read more ....

More News On The Sectarian Violence In Burma

Survivors criticize Myanmar government over Buddhist-Muslim clashes that displaced 28,000 -- Washington Post/AP
3,000 Muslims stranded as Bangladesh turns away refugees fleeing Burma unrest -- The Telegraph
Bangladesh turns away Rohingya fleeing Myanmar unrest -- AFP
Myanmar says it has evidence communal violence was organized by groups and individuals -- Washington Post/AP
Myanmar unrest could develop into 'terrorism': govt -- AFP
Many Rohingya missing as boat sinks off Bangladesh -- BBC
At least 130 Burmese refugees drown in shipwreck -- The Guardian
130 fleeing Burma violence feared dead as boat sinks -- Independent
130 missing in Rohingya boat sinking: Bangladesh police -- AFP
Myanmar must protect Muslims and halt discrimination, UN says -- Reuters
ASEAN chief: Rohingya issue could destabilize the region -- Jakarta Post

Former Chinese Diplomat Accuses The U.S. Of 'Stoking' Tensions Between China And Japan

Ex-Envoy Says U.S. Stirs China-Japan Tensions -- New York Times

HONG KONG — A longtime Chinese diplomat warned Tuesday that the United States is using Japan as a strategic tool in its effort to mount a comeback in Asia, a policy that he said is serving to heighten tensions between China and Japan.

The retired diplomat, Chen Jian, who served as an under secretary general of the United Nations and as China’s ambassador to Japan, said the United States should restrain Tokyo and should focus its diplomatic efforts on bringing about negotiations between China and Japan over the disputed islands in the East China Sea known as the Diaoyu by China and the Senkaku by Japan.

Read more ....

More News On Chinese - Japanese Territorial Disputes

US accused as China-Japan tensions rise -- Sydney Morning Herald
China’s Ex-Envoy to Japan Says U.S. at Fault in Island Dispute -- Bloomberg Businessweek
India-U.S.-Japan meet rankles China -- The Hindu
India, US, Japan discuss Asia Pacific -- Business Standard/Press Trust India
India, US, Japan discuss maritime security, China -- New York Daily News
U.S., Japan to hold joint military drill amid island row with China -- Reuters
Thousands of US, Japan troops set to hold drill amid China tensions -- NBC
The real reason China-Japan are locked in a territory dispute -- Ralph Jennings

WNU Editor: A good map outlining Japan's territorial disputes with it's neighbors is here.

U.S. Military Intelligence Budget Cut By $2.5 Billion. Overall U.S. Intel Budget Will Top Over $75 Billion

U.S. Military Intel Spending Dips $2.5B -- Defense News

The U.S. military’s intelligence spending fell $2.5 billion in 2012, continuing its decline as operations in Iraq finished and operations in Afghanistan wind down.

In all, Congress appropriated $21.5 billion for the military intelligence program [MIP], according to the Defense Department. The figure includes funding in the base budget and war spending accounts.

“The department determined that releasing this top line figure does not jeopardize any classified activities within the MIP,” DoD said in an Oct. 30 statement. “No other MIP budget figures or program details will be released, as they remain classified for national security reasons.”

Read more ....

More News On U.S. Intelligence Spending

Intelligence spending fell in 2012 for second year in a row -- Reuters
U.S. intel budget topped $75 billion in 2012 -- Washington Times
U.S. Spy Budget Falls to $75.4 Billion in Second Decline -- Bloomberg
US reports slight decline in intelligence budget -- AFP
Intelligence Spending Drops for a Second Year -- Secrecy News
U.S. spent $75 billion on intelligence agencies in 2012 -- Government Security News
Panetta reveals Military Intelligence Program budget requests -- Examiner
US reports slight decline in intelligence budget -- Business Recorder

U.S. And Allies Get Ready For Military Intervention In Northern Mali

U.S., Allies Marshaling African Proxies For Fight Against Terrorism -- L.A. Times

"A quarrel in a far-away country between people of whom we know nothing."

That was how British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain saw the Nazi threat against the Czech Sudetenland in 1938, a sentiment freshly evoked among war-weary citizens as the United States and its allies ponder moves to oust Islamic extremists from northern Mali, a country most Americans couldn't find on a map.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and diplomatic counterparts from France have been shopping around a plan to train and equip West African troops to drive out the Al Qaeda-aligned militants who hold sway over a swath of northern Mali the size of Texas. Ultraorthodox Muslims this year hijacked a long-simmering rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs and began imposing an extreme version of Islamic law once in power. In July, they took axes to "idolatrous" cultural treasures in Timbuktu, provoking worldwide horror at the destruction.

Read more ....

More News On U.S. And Allies Preparing For A Military Intervention In Mali

EU considers sending 200 troops to train Mali army -- Reuters
Europe’s Response to Mali Threat -- Wall Street Journal
Armed Intervention for Mali Being Finalized -- Voice of America
Experts meet on Mali army intervention -- News24
African leaders tout military mission in Mali -- Deutsche Welle
Africa-led force could be deployed in Mali within weeks -- The National
EU Weighs Options for Helping Mali -- Spiegel Online
EU may send troops to Mali for training -- iol News
Islamist rebels vow assault on Malian capital if international forces attack -- the Guardian
US, Algeria See Moderate Tuaregs as Key to Ending Mali Partition -- Voice of America

The Never Ending Drone War

The Long Third War -- Micah Zenko, Foreign Policy

No matter who wins in November, America should get ready for 10 more years of drones.

Nov. 3 marks the tenth anniversary of America's Third War -- the campaign of targeted killings in non-battlefield settings that has been a defining feature of post-9/11 American military policy as much as the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Unlike other wars, there won't be any ceremonies at the White House or Pentagon, parades down Main Streets, or town square rallies to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the countless civilian and military personnel involved. There won't even be a presidential statement since targeted killings cannot and will not be recognized by the U.S. government. The war is conducted by both the CIA -- covert and totally unacknowledged -- and by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) -- described without any specificity as "direct action" by the White House. Whether the CIA or JSOC is the lead executive agency, the Third War is marked by the limited transparency and accountability of U.S. officials.

Read more ....

My Comment: Not only should we be ready for 10 more years of drones, but an even greater escalation in the use of drones (and other robotic means of warfare) as research and development proceeds in the production of even more effective and lethal killing machines.

World Opium Production Is Increasing

UN Report: Opium Cultivation Rising In Burma -- BBC

Opium growing has increased in Burma for a sixth year running despite eradication efforts, a UN report says.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime said land used for opium had risen by 17% this year, from nearly 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) to 51,000 hectares.

Burma is the second largest opium grower in the world after Afghanistan.

Almost all of the opium it produces is grown in Shan and Kachin states, which have seen longstanding conflict between the military and ethnic rebel groups.

Read more ....

More News On Global Opium Production

Opium cultivation increases for sixth year in Burma, according to UN report -- The Telegraph
UN: Opium Production in Burma Grows for Sixth Straight Year -- Voice of America
Myanmar opium output rises despite eradication effort -- Reuters
UN says Myanmar opium production on rise -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP
South-East Asia's opium production to rise 15 per cent, UN says -- The Nation (Thailand)
Myanmar, Laos see large increase in opium cultivation, U.N. says -- L.A. Times

Are There More Benghazi Emails, And Are There Benghazi Audio Tapes Of US Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods Requesting Support?

Reuters

WNU Editor: Thanks to Henry for these links from Drudge. But considering the sources .... Gingrich here and Sean Hannity here .... I need more collaboration from independent sources and not from partisan Republicans (like Hannity and Gingrich) who have their own agenda. Unfortunately .... and this is what gets me mad .... is that the media networks that have the resources to pursue and investigate these reports appear to not be interested.

First Flight of Chinese F-60/J 31 Fifth Generation Stealth Fighter Jet

Images from the first flight of the  J-31/ F-60 fifth generation stealth fighter jet in action which will carry beyond visual range (BVR) air to air missiles, short range infrared homing air-to-air missiles and air to ground   precision guided weapons

Click Here To Read More

Afghanistan War News Updates -- October 31, 2012

An Afghan soldier watches a coalition force member use his radio during an Afghan-led security patrol to deny the enemy freedom of movement in Khak-E-Safed in Afghanistan's Farah province, Oct. 30, 2012. Afghan forces have been taking the lead in security operations, with coalition forces as mentors, to bring security and stability to the country's residents. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

Taliban Hits Region Seen As ‘Safest’ For Afghans -- New York Times

BAMIAN, Afghanistan — The war has finally found Bamian, a remote corner of Afghanistan that for a decade had enjoyed near immunity to Taliban violence.

As the American troop surge peaked over the past two years, Taliban insurgents began contesting parts of this central province, flowing in from more embattled areas of the country. And now, a series of deadly strikes in recent months has intimidated residents and served notice that roads are unsafe and government officials are targets.

That it has happened in Bamian — known for its rugged beauty, nascent skiing industry and the ancient Buddha statues that once kept vigil here — has added to the sense that nowhere in Afghanistan can be considered safe. And that, Afghan and Western analysts say, is a crucial part of the Taliban’s strategy in coming here.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader -- US Defense Department
Two British Gurkhas shot dead by insurgent wearing Afghan police uniform in Helmand -- Daily Mail
Apparent Afghan insider attack kills NATO troops -- CBS/AP
Two international soldiers killed by Afghan in uniform -- L.A. Times
Ghurkas killed in Afghanistan insider attack -- ABC News (Australia)
Ministry confirms British soldiers killed -- UPI
Two British soldiers shot dead in Afghanistan -- BBC
Afghan roadside bombings kill 17 civilians: officials -- AFP
Afghanistan Helmand roadside bomb kills 10 civilians -- BBC
Women among victims of Afghanistan attacks -- Al Jazeera
Rangers awarded medals for Afghanistan heroics -- Army Times
Afghanistan Sets Presidential Vote for 2014 -- Wall Street Journal
Afghanistan: Presidential Election Set For April 2014 -- Huffington Post/AP
Afghan parliament paralysed by Hajj trips -- The Telegraph
Afghanistan's female powerhouses: a rapper, a colonel and 'mother' to hundreds -- NBC
Afghanistan's need for reform: We have seen the enemy, and it is our anecdotes -- Frances Z. Brown, Foreign Policy
US military deaths in Afghanistan at 2,015 -- Mercury News/AP

World News Briefs -- October 31, 2012

East Coast Starts To Recover After Sandy Leaves Death, Destruction In Wake, 4M Still Without Power -- FOX News

Twenty-four hours after millions on the East Coast awoke to their first glimpse of the devastation from monster storm Sandy, they now are left to ask: What do I do now?

Residents of the areas pummeled by Sandy began to look towards rebuilding efforts Wednesday, though many remain without power, neighborhoods remain strewn with debris and many transportation systems remain closed. At least 55 people have been reported dead as a result of the storm, which one economic firm predicted caused up $20 billion in damage.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian jets bomb rebel strongholds in Damascus and north.

Lebanon’s Sunnis at risk of radicalization.

Iran urges recognition of its nuclear rights.

EU sanctions strangle Iranian LPG exports to Asia.

IG report: Iraqi auditors point to huge money laundering.

Israel reckons with unraveling Gaza policy.

Electrical fire at Saudi wedding kills 25.

ASIA

Afghans say Presidential election date is set for April 2014.

Afghan parliament paralysed by Hajj trips.

China confronts Japan ships near disputed islands.

Opium cultivation increases for sixth year in Burma, according to UN report.

India's new FM to focus on Pakistan, China relations.

China 'should move to two-child policy'.

AFRICA

Western diplomats see danger in Mali.

Libya army has 'no control' in Bani Walid: defence minister.

Gunmen kill 20 in northern Nigeria's Zamfara state.

One dead in Tunisia clash between Salafists and police. Security tightened after Tunisia violence.

Egyptian authorities reportedly seize 1.7 million documents proving Jewish ownership of assets in Cairo.

£10 million in aid to Uganda ended up in bank accounts of PM's aides.

EUROPE

Eurozone unemployment rises to new record.

Greece recession and debt problems even worse.

Portuguese budget to pass, faces court uncertainty.

French investigators to exhume Yasser Arafat next month.

US, EU to ethnic Serbs: You have a home in Kosovo.

French CEOs call for huge cuts to welfare charges.

AMERICAS

Long days for millions in Sandy's wake.

Superstorm moves on, leaving devastation behind in N.Y., N.J..

Brazilians dare to hope crackdown on corruption is real.

Haiti fears food shortages after hurricane hit crops.

Mexican pleads guilty to Fast and Furious murder.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Video reportedly shows key suspect from Benghazi attack.

Indonesian forces kill terror suspect in raids.

What al Qaeda fans have to say about Hurricane Sandy.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Ford earns $1.6 billion in 3Q, best-ever results in North America.

Wine shortage to follow poor 2012 grape harvest.

MF Global’s collapse: The Fed’s role.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- October 31, 2012

Flooded areas: Highlighted areas show flooding in New York. An unprecedented 13-foot surge of seawater - 3 feet above the previous record - gushed into Gotham. Daily Mail

After Sandy, Intelligence Agencies Scramble To Feed Maps, Data To Rescuers -- Aol Defense

WASHINGTON: As FEMA, firemen, police and the National Guard wade into the devastation visited upon us by Hurricane Sandy, many of them are using maps and other information made available to them by intelligence agencies.

While intelligence analysts and their technical specialists usually spend their time targeting bad guys and helping troops plan to get them, some of them have gotten the rare and welcome chance to help their countrymen at home several times since Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Hurricane Sandy’s Impact to the U.S. Military Operations and Bases in the East Coast -- USNavySEALS.com

NY National Guard Changes Mind, Decides Hurricane Relief Trumps Mock Disaster Drill -- Danger Room

Bases along East Coast scramble to return to normal after Sandy -- Stars and Stripes

US Navy sends in carriers to help NY, NJ after Sandy -- NBC

Iran warships leave Sudan after four-day stay -- Reuters

Russian Navy HQ Moves to St. Petersburg -- RIA Novosti

Su-24 Crashes, Pilots Survive -- RIA Novosti

Russia’s Kalashnikov Asks Putin To Save Famed Factory -- Defense News

Military relations between China and US marching to a better tune -- Asia One

Military intelligence course builds bonds between U.S. and African service member -- Dvids

As Marines leave Afghanistan, more go to sea -- Navy Times

U.S. Military Intel Spending Dips $2.5B -- Defense News

Heavier, tracked, more tanklike Stryker vehicle is unveiled -- Stars and Stripes/The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)

U.S. Air Force Cargo Missions Fall; Average Tonnage Rises -- Defense News

Navy Tests Unmanned Surface Weapon -- Defense Tech

Key HASC Members Face Election Night Losses -- Defense News

US military deaths in Afghanistan at 2,015 -- Mercury News/AP