Remembering Heroes From The Second World War

Major Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler, right, in training for Operation Frankton and, inset, the Royal Marines officer after his escape through Spain disguised as a vagrant Photo: MOD/PA

New Monument For Cockleshell Heroes -- The Telegraph

A memorial to Second World War heroes who canoed almost 100 miles into occupied France to blow up enemy ships was unveiled yesterday after a Telegraph-backed fund-raising campaign.

The raid by the "Cockleshell Heroes" in December 1942 was so important that Winston Churchill reportedly claimed it could have shortened the war by six months.

But despite their actions being immortalised in film just over a decade later, there has until now been no public monument to recognise the bravery of the ten men.

In October we reported how Maj Malcolm Cavan, former head of the Special Boat Service, had begun raising money for a memorial at La Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde river where the mission code-named "Operation Frankton" took place.

Read more ....

My Comment: A remarkable war story of courage and determination.

Nato Forces Involved In Operation Unified Protector

Hat Tip: Theo Spark

Picture Of The Day

CONTINUING THE PROMISE - U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, administers the oath of re-enlistment to troops in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 29, 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Joshua Treadwell

Gaddafi's Libyan Army Is Still Loyal To Him

Vehicles belonging to forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi explode after an air strike by coalition forces, along a road between Benghazi and Ajdabiyah March 20, 2011. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic/Files

Libya Crisis: Gaddafi Army 'Not At Breaking Point' -- BBC

Libya leader Muammar Gaddafi's armed forces are not close to breaking point despite hundreds of allied air strikes, American military chiefs have said.

Adm Mike Mullen told a US Congress committee Col Gaddafi's troops still had 10 times the rebels' firepower.

At the same hearing, Defence Secretary Robert Gates reiterated the US would put no "boots on the ground" in Libya.

Rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces appear to have reached a stalemate in their fight for control of the country.

Read more ....

More News On The War Fighting Ability Of The Libyan Army

Libya's Gaddafi not close to breaking point-US -- Reuters
Kadhafi's forces have not been brought to a breaking point -- AFP
Mullen: Gaddafi not at breaking point -- Press TV (Iran)
Gaddafi army 'not at breaking point' despite repeated Allied air strikes -- Daily India/ANI
US military chiefs warn Gaddafi’s army remains powerful despite air strikes -- International Business Times

My Comment: The ability to adapt and continue to pound the rebels even in the face of allied coalition bombing .... this tells me that Gaddafi's forces are more loyal and capable than what we have been led to believe. This conflict is truly (and rapidly) becoming the West's unwanted war in Libya.

Does This Mean That We Are Going To Also 'Bomb" The Rebels?

Rebel fighters near Ajdabiyah on Thursday. At times when the rebels are gaining ground, the allies fear that the rebels will inevitably try to take loyalist cities by force, and could end up endangering or even killing civilians there. Andrew Winning/Reuters

NATO Warns Rebels Against Attacking Civilians -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — Members of the NATO alliance have sternly warned the rebels in Libya not to attack civilians as they push against the government of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, according to senior military and government officials.

As NATO takes over control of airstrikes in Libya, and the Obama administration considers new steps to tip the balance of power there, the coalition has told the rebels that if they endanger civilians, they will not be shielded from possible bombardment by NATO planes and missiles, just as the government’s forces have been punished.

Read more ....

My Comment: The sentence that caught my eye was the following ....

“We’ve been conveying a message to the rebels that we will be compelled to defend civilians, whether pro-Qaddafi or pro-opposition,” said a senior Obama administration official. “We are working very hard behind the scenes with the rebels so we don’t confront a situation where we face a decision to strike the rebels to defend civilians.”

Threatening our friends and allies in a war situation is not going to win us friends and allies when this is all over.

Editor's Note

For the past month I have been working on a contract that has been taking a good chunk of my time. While I have been able to keep up with my blogging on War News Updates, I have been quite often late in doing so (like today). This should come to an end by this Monday. Aside from one week in which I will be busy (that is in two weeks from now), I will be free till the end of this year to further develop and expand this blog .... a project that I am very much looking forward to.

Donald Rumsfeld: 'Kill Team' Afghan Photos Are 'Much Worse' Than Iraq's Abu Ghraib

Donald Rumsfeld Labels 'Kill Team' Afghan Photos As 'Much Worse' Than Iraq's Abu Ghraib -- Daily Mail

The former defence secretary for President George W. Bush has described the Afghanistan ‘Kill Team’ photos as ‘much worse’ than those from Abu Ghraib.

Donald Rumsfeld said the images were more depraved than those taken of U.S. soldiers putting detainees in humiliating positions at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison.

The Pentagon apologised on Monday after shocking new details emerged of how U.S. soldiers formed a 'death squad' to randomly murder and mutilate Afghan civilians.

Read more ....

My Comment: I commented on this a few days ago, but former defense secretary Rumsfeld is right, the 'Kill Team's' Afghan photos depicting murdered Afghans is much worse than Abu Ghraib. But while these photos are much worse .... there is no equivalent media coverage on this administration as the case was with Abu Ghraib and the Bush administration .... not even close. Kudos to the Daily Mail (and a few U.S. outlets) to recognize this contradictory news coverage.

Is Libya's Gaddafi Looking For A Way Out?

Supporters of the Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi stage a rally in Tripoli. Photograph: Zohra Bensemra/Reuters

Revealed: Gaddafi Envoy In Britain For Secret Talks -- The Guardian

Exclusive: Contact with senior aide believed to be one of a number between Libyan officials and west amid signs regime may be looking for exit strategy

Colonel Gaddafi's regime has sent one of its most trusted envoys to London for confidential talks with British officials, the Guardian can reveal.

Mohammed Ismail, a senior aide to Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, visited London in recent days, British government sources familiar with the meeting have confirmed.

The contacts with Ismail are believed to have been one of a number between Libyan officials and the west in the last fortnight, amid signs that the regime may be looking for an exit strategy.

Read more ....

My Comment: I am skeptical that Gaddafi is actually thinking of leaving Libya. More likely his strategy is the following.

Ivory Coast Civil War Finally Coming To An End

In Ivory Coast, Gbagbo's Forces Defect En Masse: Reports -- Christian Science Monitor

Forces loyal to Ivory Coast's renegade President Laurent Gbagbo appeared ready to combat Thursday's lightning-quick rebel advance. Instead, thousands seem to have defected.

Celebrations are breaking out across Ivory Coast today as forces loyal to President-elect Alassane Ouattara seize city after city in a lightning-fast march to end the reign of renegade incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo.

Mr. Gbagbo has sat in the presidential palace for eleven years, using his army and youth militia to outlast a foiled coup and a 2002-03 civil war while presiding over a decade of economic stagnation and, finally, a Nov. 28 electoral defeat that he refused to acknowledge.

After months of waiting for a concession speech that never came, rebels last week launched an offensive deep into southern Ivory Coast, from whence Gbagbo hails.

Read more ....

Update: US: Gbagbo Forces in Ivory Coast Begin to Crumble -- Voice of America

My Comment: A few months ago I predicted a civil war and bloodbath that would last for a long of period of time .... fortunately .... it looks like I was wrong.

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- March 31, 2011

Obama Administration Chaos Over 'Boots On The Ground' In Libya -- Thomas Lifson, American Thinker

Testifying before Congress this morning, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates claimed that the United States would put no military "boots on the ground" in Libya, only hours after the New York Times revealed that President Obama had signed an order authorizing CIA agents to operate in Libya, where they have been on the ground for some time now.

The BBC reports:

Read more ....

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials

Is the West playing into al-Qaeda's hands? -- Peter Bergen, The telegraph

Obama Self Destructing Over Libya -- Catharine Evans, American Thinker

Can Syria’s dictator reform? -- Washington editorial

Will the U.S. Fail Syria Again? -- Farid Ghadry, Pajamas Media

Why It's Obvious We Are Losing The War On Drugs -- Ed Dolan, Ed Dolan's Econ Blog, Business Insider

The Message of Iran Sanctions -- Rick Richman, Commentary

Yemen's Crisis: The President Who Cried "Al-Qaeda!" -- Erik Stier, Time Magazine

Ivory Coast PM: Gbagbo has until 7pm (an hour ago) to resign -- Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Policy

How Assertive Should a Great Power Be? -- Yan Xuetong, New York Times

The Struggle for a New Japan -- Thomas Berger, The Diplomat

Rampant spending has put U.S. in dire financial shape -- Eric Reguly, Globe And Mail

Is the cost of saving the euro beyond reach? -- Jeremy Warner, The Telegraph

World News Briefs -- March 31, 2011 (Evening Edition)

U.S. Officials, Opposition Warn Libya Could Get Bloodier -- CNN

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- From the halls of Congress to the shell-pocked streets of Libyan cities, intertwined themes rang clear Thursday: Leader Moammar Gadhafi is determined to prevail, and the opposition needs more training and allied airstrikes to have a chance.

"Gadhafi will "kill as many (people) as he must to crush the rebellion," Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen told the House Armed Services Committee.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Middle East: Live report.

New tensions along Israel Gaza border.

Syria's Assad under pressure as new protests called. Syria committee 'to study' lifting emergency laws. Anger as Assad fails to reform.

Death toll hits 57 in Iraqi hostage siege.

Bahrain steps up arrests of activists: opposition.

Rival Yemen demos set scene for tense Friday.

A New Palestinian movement: Young, networked, nonviolent.

ASIA

Radiation 10,000 times the health standard at Japan plant. Situation at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant still serious. Four of six Daiichi reactors can’t be fixed; Tokyo Electric president hospitalized. Four reactors at Fukushima nuclear complex will have to be scrapped, utility chairman says.

China white paper highlights US military 'competition'.

Pakistani politician survives 2nd assassination attempt in 2 days. Pakistani politician blames assassination attempt on CIA, Pakistan government.

Within Obama’s war cabinet, a looming battle over pace of Afghanistan drawdown.

Indian census puts population at about 1.2 billion. Indian census results: 1.21 billion people or 17 percent of world population.

AFRICA

CIA sends teams of operatives to Libya. U.S. officials, opposition warn Libya could get bloodier.

Libya's Gaddafi not close to breaking point: U.S.. Libya: Nato assumes control of military operation. NATO takes over air operations as CIA works the ground in Libya. Gaddafi will stay in Libya "until the end": spokesman. About 1,000 believed killed in Libya violence: UK.

Weakened Gbagbo faces final showdown in I.Coast's Abidjan. Rebels besiege Ivory Coast's main city of Abidjan. Tension high in Abidjan as rebels advance. Ivory Coast army chief Phillippe Mangou 'seeks refuge'.

Egypt's presidential vote to be held by November. Egypt to elect new president by November.

Southern African leaders meet on Zimbabwe stand-off.

EUROPE

Portugal to choose new govt as debt woes worsen.

Sarkozy's plan for 'poisonous' debate on rising Muslim population in France savaged by religious leaders.

Italy hits out at 'scandalous' refusal of European nations to help with Lampedusa's boatloads of migrants from North Africa.

Dmitry Medvedev: Russian ministers must quit boardrooms.

German firms encouraged corruption: Greek Minister.

Chinese 'euro coin scam' leads to arrests in Germany.

AMERICAS

Mexican cartels get heavy weapons from CentAm, U.S. cables say.

Brazil joins Bolivia anti-drug fight.

Guatemala's alleged No. 1 drug trafficker captured.

In rare visit with Castro, Jimmy Carter attempts to restart US-Cuba relations.

Israeli: Argentina gives commitment to bomb probe.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Are Libyan rebels an al-Qaeda stalking horse?

Arab revolutions will boost Al Qaeda, says radical US cleric Awlaki. Al Qaeda responds to CNN.

Pakistan handles Islamic extremism with kid gloves.

Bali bomb suspect Umar Patek arrested in Pakistan. Official: CIA tipoff led to Pakistan arrest.

Al-Qaeda mag: We heart the Mideast revolts.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Traders worry that April 27 could derail the bull market.

G20 meeting highlights conflicts over currency.

Oil climbs to highest since 2008 on Libya conflict.

Dreamliner becomes a nightmare for Boeing.

Wal-Mart CEO Bill Simon expects inflation.

Microsoft files complaint against Google. Microsoft takes Google complaint to EU.

Geithner: inflexible currencies are biggest monetary problem.

What Really Happened In Wanat?

My Comment: I have done a large number of posts on this subject over the years, and I suspect that CNN and others will be studying (this battle) this battle long after the war in Afghanistan is over.

A Look At The Drug Runners' Jungle-Built, Kevlar-Coated Supersubs

Photo: Christoph Morlinghaus

Authorities in Awe of Drug Runners' Jungle-Built, Kevlar-Coated Supersubs -- Wired Science

The clatter of helicopter blades echoed across the jungles of northwestern Ecuador. Antinarcotics commandos in three choppers peered at the mangroves below, scanning for any sign of activity. The police had received a tip that a gang of Colombian drug smugglers had set up a clandestine work site here, in a dense swamp 5 miles south of Colombia’s border. And whatever the traffickers were building, the tipster had warned, was truly enormous.

Read more .....

My Comment: I find this story fascinating, and a look at how huge the drug business has become in the Americas.

Mexico's Drug War Continues

Mexico’s Drug Lords Fall, But War Goes On -- Washington Post

APATZINGAN, Mexico — Aided by technology and intelligence from the United States, including overflights by drone aircraft and sophisticated software to eavesdrop on cellphone calls, Mexican forces have hit the La Familia drug cartel harder than any other criminal organization in Mexico.

Now, for the first time, Mexican officials are declaring that a major cartel is on the brink of collapse.

But if the government sees victory at hand, the reality in the hot farmlands and mountain hamlets in the western state of Michoacan feels very different.

Read more ....

My Comment: Yup .... the war goes on .... especially when I read stories like this one.

Should We Arm The Libyan Rebels?

Rebel fighters move under fire from forces loyal to Col Gaddafi near Bin Jawad Photo: REUTERS

NATO Says Arming Libyan Rebels Not an Option -- Voice of America

As NATO assumed full control of military operations targeting Libya, the alliance's chief said the body does not support the idea of arming the rebel forces.

Hours after NATO took over the Libyan operations, the alliance's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen laid out the goals: to protect the Libyan people, not to arm them. His remarks appeared to contradict suggestions by U.S. and British officials that the UN mandate guiding NATO operations could allow for arming rebels fighting the forces of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Read more ....

More News On And Should We Arm Libya's Rebels?

NATO rules out arming Libyan rebels -- ABC News (Australia)
We won't arm Libyan rebels - NATO -- Herald Sun/AP
NATO chief opposes arming Libyan rebels -- IBTimes
Nato commander says aim is 'to protect' not help rebels -- BBC
Obama doesn't rule out arming rebels in Libya -- USA Today
Libya: Britain considers arming rebels -- The Telegraph
U.S. Mulls Arming Libyan Rebels -- NPR
Can the coalition arm Libya’s rebels? -- Euronews
Arming Libya's rebels would be a tricky gamble -- CBS News
Kalashnikovs vs. Tanks: What Libyan Rebels Need to Win -- Abigail Hauslohner, Time

China Lays Out A Fuutre Vision For It's Military

Officers including spokesman with China's Ministry of National Defense Geng Yansheng (2nd L) prepare to answer questions at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, March 30, 2011. The Chinese government issued the white paper on China's national defense in 2010 on Thursday, which reiterates China's insistence on peaceful development and pursuit of a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. (Xinhua/Li Mingfang)

China Lays Out Vision for Military -- New York Times

BEIJING — The Chinese military said Thursday that while the security situation in Asia and the Pacific was generally stable, it was becoming “more intricate and volatile,” with no clear solutions for tension points like the divided Korean Peninsula and with the United States increasing its involvement in regional security issues.

The military’s vision was laid out in a national defense white paper, a document published every two years since 1998. The paper tries to walk a line between trumpeting the modernization efforts of the Chinese military and assuaging fears by foreign governments and analysts that the fast-growing People’s Liberation Army will be used for expansionist purposes or regional dominance.

Read more ....

More News On China's Military

China white paper highlights US military 'competition' -- BBC
China military policy paper lays out worries about U.S. -- Reuters
China warns of military competition in Asia -- Financial Times
China sticks to defensive national defense policy -- Xinhuanet
China's nuclear facilities "safe," military says in defense review -- CNN
Chinese Military Assessment Seeks 'Better Understanding' -- Voice of America
We will never bully our neighbours: China -- Times Of India
China's air force steps up modernization drive: white paper -- Xinhuanet
China Reaffirms "No First Use" Deterrent Policy -- Global Security Newswire
China sticks to no-first-use of nuclear weapons: white paper -- Xinhuanet
Chinese navy improves combat capability: white paper -- Xinhuanet
China's national defense tasked to guard sovereignty, peace: white paper -- Xinhuanet
China's army chief of staff to visit US in May -- AFP

Civil War In Ivory Coast -- News Updates March 31, 2011

Ivory Coast Battle Nears Decisive Stage in Key City -- New York Times

DAKAR, Senegal — The battle for Ivory Coast’s presidency neared a decisive phase on Thursday as opposition forces reached the outskirts of Abidjan, the country’s commercial center, and the government’s army chief fled his post.

The army chief of staff, Gen. Phillippe Mangou, sought refuge for himself, his wife and five children in the home of the South African ambassador in Abidjan, the South African Department of International Relations said in a statement.

Read more ....

More News On The Civil War In Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast: Ouattara forces surround Gbagbo in Abidjan -- BBC
Ivory Coast fighters descend upon main city -- Yahoo News/AP
Heavy weapons fire heard in central Abidjan -witnesses -- Reuters
France says Gbagbo must leave to avoid bloodbath -- Reuters
Ivory Coast's main city braced for war as opposition forces reach Abidjan outskirts -- The Telegraph
Ouattara says forces "at gates" of Ivory Coast's Abidjan -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Outtara's Forces Reach Ivory Coast Capital -- NPR
Pro-Ouattara forces seize Ivory Coast capital -- MSNBC
End-Game in Ivory Coast: Gbagbo's Last Stand -- Time Magazine
In pictures: Ivory Coast showdown looms -- BBC

My Comment: It looks like this crisis/civil war is finally coming to a close.

What Is The CIA Doing In Libya?

CIA Operatives Gathering Intelligence In Libya -- NPR Staff and Wires

The CIA has sent a small, covert team into rebel-held eastern Libya while the White House debates whether to arm the opposition, NPR has confirmed.

The operatives are in Libya to gather intelligence to help direct NATO airstrikes and to help train inexperienced rebel fighters.

"The CIA team is there to train them how to shoot, how to fight, how to have military discipline," NPR's Deborah Amos reported from Cairo. "They are joining a team of former Libyan military officers who are now training about 30,000 young Libyans in the rebel stronghold to also improve discipline, improve communications and make it into a more coherent fighting force."

Read more ....

More News On The CIA Working In Libya

Exclusive: Obama authorizes secret help for Libya rebels -- Reuters
Surprise! CIA’s at Work in Libya -- The Danger Room
In Libya, CIA is gathering intelligence on rebels -- Washington Post
C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels -- New York Times
CIA officers working with Libya rebels -- L.A. Times
CIA Sends Teams to Libya; US Considers Rebel Aid -- ABC News
NATO takes over air operations as CIA works the ground in Libya -- CNN
CIA sends teams to Libya; US considers rebel aid -- Yahoo News/AP
CIA in contact with rebels -- The Age
Report: CIA and British agents in Libya -- UPI
CIA links up with rebels in Libya -- CBS
Prez gives CIA nod to get Khadafy -- New York Post
Gates: No ground troops while 'I am in this job' -- AP
CIA Operatives Have Been on the Ground in Libya for Weeks -- New York Magazine
WH puts CIA on rush orders to vet Libyan rebels -- Hot Air
Are Libyan rebels being led by a CIA plant? -- The Week

Afghanistan War News Updates -- March 31, 2011

FALCON FUEL-UP - An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron based on Aviano Air Base, Italy, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, while flying over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, March 29, 2011. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. William Greer

Within Obama’s War Cabinet, A Looming Battle Over Pace Of Afghanistan drawdown -- Washington Post

Military leaders and President Obama’s civilian advisers are girding for battle over the size and pace of the planned pullout of U.S. troops from Afghanistan this summer, with the military seeking to limit a reduction in combat forces and the White House pressing for a withdrawal substantial enough to placate a war-weary electorate.

Read more ....

More News On Afghanistan

U.S. military balks at promised Afghan drawdown -- AJC
Signs of Strain as Taliban Gird for More Fighting -- New York Times
Defence keeps quiet on captured Taliban leaders -- Sydney Morning Herald
NATO troops kill two Afghan civilians -- AFP
Foreign troops kill Afghan civilians in Kandahar: police -- Reuters
Afghan driver tries to ram into NATO patrol in south but ends up in ditch, killing 2 civilians -- Canadian Press
6 French troops and 4 Afghans lightly wounded in suicide car bomb attack in Afghanistan -- Canadian Press/AP
In Afghan info war, being first trumps being right -- Stars And Stripes
Half U.K. Army Supplies Arrive in Afghanistan Late, Auditors Say -- Bloomberg
Reintegration of ex-insurgents key to fledging Afghan governments -- Canada.com/Post Media News
Karzai denounces alleged 'trophy' killings in Afghanistan -- L.A. Times
Western aid lines Taliban pockets in Afghanistan -- AFP
Taliban's nod to girls' education a small, sad step forward -- CBC
AFGHANISTAN: Afghan asylum-seekers hit by tighter immigration rules -- Alertnet
Modern city bigger than Kabul on drawing board north of dilapidated, crowded Afghan capital -- Yahoo News/Canadian Press
Newly Discovered Natural Arch in Afghanistan One of World's Largest -- Science Daily
War's a farce in Afghan truce village -- Maiwand Safi, Asia Times

World News Briefs -- March 31, 2011

Libyan Rebels in Retreat as Country's Foreign Minister Resigns -- ABC News

Obama Authorizes Covert Operations; NATO Takes Control of Air Operations

Libyan rebels have retreated despite support from NATO airstrikes, days after seeming to turn the tide against leader Moammar Gadhafi.

The ongoing battle has shown no signs of abating as President Obama Wednesday signed a presidential finding authorizing covert operations to assist the anti-Gadhafi forces.

Rebels were met overnight with heavy fire from Gadhafi forces as cars fled the eastern city of Ajdabiya, erasing almost all of the rebels' gains.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Middle East: Live report.

Syria's Assad under pressure as new protests called. Syria committee 'to study' lifting emergency laws. Anger as Assad fails to reform.

Death toll hits 57 in Iraqi hostage siege.

Bahrain steps up arrests of activists: opposition.

Rival Yemen demos set scene for tense Friday.

A New Palestinian movement: Young, networked, nonviolent.

ASIA

Situation at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant still serious. Four of six Daiichi reactors can’t be fixed; Tokyo Electric president hospitalized. Four reactors at Fukushima nuclear complex will have to be scrapped, utility chairman says.

China white paper highlights US military 'competition'.

Pakistani politician survives 2nd assassination attempt in 2 days. Pakistani politician blames assassination attempt on CIA, Pakistan government.

Within Obama’s war cabinet, a looming battle over pace of Afghanistan drawdown.

Indian census puts population at about 1.2 billion. Indian census results: 1.21 billion people or 17 percent of world population.

AFRICA

Libya's Gaddafi not close to breaking point: U.S.. Libya: Nato assumes control of military operation. NATO takes over air operations as CIA works the ground in Libya. Gaddafi will stay in Libya "until the end": spokesman. About 1,000 believed killed in Libya violence: UK.

Rebels besiege Ivory Coast's main city of Abidjan. Tension high in Abidjan as rebels advance. Ivory Coast army chief Phillippe Mangou 'seeks refuge'.

Egypt's presidential vote to be held by November. Egypt to elect new president by November.

Southern African leaders meet on Zimbabwe stand-off.

EUROPE

Italy hits out at 'scandalous' refusal of European nations to help with Lampedusa's boatloads of migrants from North Africa.

Dmitry Medvedev: Russian ministers must quit boardrooms.

German firms encouraged corruption: Greek Minister.

Chinese 'euro coin scam' leads to arrests in Germany.

AMERICAS

Brazil joins Bolivia anti-drug fight.

Guatemala's alleged No. 1 drug trafficker captured.

In rare visit with Castro, Jimmy Carter attempts to restart US-Cuba relations.

Israeli: Argentina gives commitment to bomb probe.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Arab revolutions will boost Al Qaeda, says radical US cleric Awlaki. Al Qaeda responds to CNN.

Pakistan handles Islamic extremism with kid gloves.

Bali bomb suspect Umar Patek arrested in Pakistan. Official: CIA tipoff led to Pakistan arrest.

Al-Qaeda mag: We heart the Mideast revolts.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dreamliner becomes a nightmare for Boeing.

Wal-Mart CEO Bill Simon expects inflation.

Microsoft files complaint against Google. Microsoft takes Google complaint to EU.

Geithner: inflexible currencies are biggest monetary problem.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- March 31, 2011

Qaddafi Forces Adapt As Rebels Grow More Ragged -- CBS News/AP

Rebels showing battle fatigue as military victory appears increasingly unlikely; Qaddafi forces ditch heavy armor for trucks to confuse NATO airstrikes

Libya's rebel forces continued to struggle against Muammar Qaddafi's superior firepower on the ground, as the United States and other allies consider whether to supply them with weapons.

The rebels have given up nearly all the ground they have gained after allied airstrikes took out some of Qaddafi's heavy weapons. Now government forces are changing tactics, leaving behind the armed military vehicles and moving in armed pickup trucks like the opposition does, reports CBS News correspondent Mandy Clark. That makes it difficult for coalition forces overhead to distinguish who's who on the ground.

Read more ....

MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE NEWS BRIEFS

Graphic Timeline: The war in Libya -- National Post

NATO takes over air operations as CIA works the ground in Libya -- CNN

NATO Starts Taking Control of Libya Operations -- Defense News

Stateside Basing Kept the F-22 Out of the Libya Fight -- DoD Buzz

While Libya Rages, Navy Sends Its Newest Warship to… San Diego?!? -- The Danger Room

UK wasted £6bn on ditched military kit -- Scotsman

China Reaffirms Nuke Policy of "No First Use" -- Global Security Newswire

Chinese army speeds up developing high-tech weaponry and equipment -- Xinhuanet

China white paper highlights US military 'competition'. -- BBC

Indian navy eyes more Israeli UAVs -- Flight Global

Joint missile shield: to be or not to be? -- Voice of Russia

Militarizing Civilian Satellites -- Strategy Page

Air Force Hopes to Buy 80 to 100 Next Gen Bombers -- DoD Buzz

Los Alamos Has Its Faults -- Defense Tech

10 injured in fire aboard carrier off San Diego -- Houston Chronicle

Technology Extends Stratcom’s Priorities -- U.S. Department of Defense

Qwest to be military's sole IPS provider -- UPI

Cybersecurity breach may leave DOD networks exposed -- Stars And Stripes

Euro Hawk undergoes testing at Edwards AFB -- U.S. Air Force

Jet Engine Explodes, Injuring 10 on Carrier -- Military.com

Audit of Pentagon Spending Finds $70 Billion in Waste -- New York Times

GAO Audits Pentagon Program Cost Growths -- Ares/Aviation Week

Pentagon Works to Tackle Cost Overruns, Official Says -- US Department of Defense

Budget Slows Defense Growth, Comptroller Says -- US Department of Defense

Arlington's Grave Mix-Ups: Will the Army Ever Fix the Problem? -- Time

Libyan Rebels Too Weak To Finish Off Gaddafi

U.S. Fears Libyan Rebels Set Up for Defeat Without Greater Western Intervention -- FOX News

Fresh battlefield setbacks by rebels seeking to oust Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi are hardening a U.S. view that the poorly equipped opposition is probably incapable of prevailing without decisive Western intervention -- either an all-out U.S.-led military assault on regime forces or a decision to arm the rebels.

Qaddafi is reaching deeper into his military ranks to send reinforcements onto the battlefield, has adopted new, unconventional tactics to counter the effects of coalition airstrikes, and apparently is convinced he can retain power by gradually retaking a degree of control of eastern Libya, a senior U.S. intelligence official said Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence on the condition and capabilities of regime and rebel forces.

Read more ....

My Comment: With the growing realization that the rebels are no match for Gaddafi's military, alternative strategies are now being explored to make sure that the fight on the battle field will change in favor of the rebels.

Talk of bolstering the rebel army with private armies (i.e. mercenaries), sending in the CIA, and even supplying the rebels with weapons over Sec. of State Clinton's denials and the objections of a key Congressman .... this is what is now making the rounds among key policy advisers on what to do in Libya.

My prediction .... inevitably there will be boots on the ground from the West in confronting and wiping out Gadaffi. The question that needs to be asked is .... whose boots on the ground will they belong to.

Libya's Foreign Minister And Former Spymaster Defects

Moussa Koussa, High-Profile Lockerbie Spymaster -- The Telegraph

Moussa Koussa, the Libyan foreign minister who defected from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime, was one of the architects of its rehabilitation in the international community but a deeply controversial figure who is likely to pose David Cameron a particularly thorny political problem.

As the highest-profile defection from the ranks of Col Gaddafi's loyalists, he is a plum prize who is likely to be of great value in helping to dismantle his dictatorship.

The former spy chief's resignation also comes at a critical time in the coalition's attempts to dislodge Col Gaddafi, as the rebels are retreating under fresh onslaughts and Whitehall sources suggested they were unlikely to win without arms or training from outside.

So his information and contacts among Col Gaddafi's generals will be all the more valuable.

Read more ....

More News On The Defection Of Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa

Libya's foreign minister flees to Britain -- Al Jazeera
Libya's Foreign Minister Resigns, Arrives in Britain -- Voice of America
Libya: Moussa Koussa, Gaddafi's foreign minister, defects to UK -- The Guardian
Top Libyan minister defects to the U.K. -- CBS
Libya's foreign minister defects, arrives in Britain -- Reuters
Hague says Libya's Moussa in "secure location" in UK -- Reuters
'No immunity' for Libyan foreign minister -- Al Jazeera
Koussa offered no immunity - Hague -- RTE News
William Hague: no immunity for Libyan foreign minister Moussa Koussa -- The Telegraph

UK's Hague calls on Libyans to follow Koussa exit -- Reuters
Libya foreign minister Moussa Koussa must face atrocities trial, rebels declare -- The Guardian
Libya shrugs off foreign minister defection -- AP
Decision-maker from the heart of Gaddafi’s circle -- Financial Times
Libyan foreign minister Moussa Koussa 'could be first of many defections' -- The Telegraph
Defection 'shows regime crumbling' -- Press Association
Profile: Moussa Koussa -- Al Jazeera

My Comment: This is a diplomatic and intelligence coup. I am also sure that he has many secrets .... the Lockerbie bombing included .... that many Western officials are dying to hear about.

Samantha Power: One Of President Obama's Key Foreign Policy Advisers

Samantha Power, Susan Rice, President Obama Prepare to take us to War in Libya based on a United Nations mandate and ideology of our Responsibility To Protect (R2P) This becomes the Obama Doctrine of international intervention. Supported by Hillary Clinton and the U.S. State Department against the advisement of the Pentagon and US Defense Department. (Photo from The Last Refuge)

Samantha Power, Long A Critic Of U.S. Foreign Policy, Now Helps Shape It -- L.A. Times

An outspoken author and advocate against foreign atrocities before joining the Obama White House, she's now part of a small circle shaping the approach to the crises in Africa and the Middle East.

Reporting from Washington — After years as an outsider who watched in frustration as the U.S. failed to stop foreign atrocities, Samantha Power now is an influential White House insider in a position to try to help prevent mass killings and limit the influence of rogue leaders.

Power is part of a small circle of presidential advisors shaping the U.S. approach to multiple crises rippling through the Middle East and North Africa.

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More News On the Role That Samantha Power

Still Crusading, but Now on the Inside -- New York Times
Power: Obama gave 'meaning and content' to human rights, democracy -- Politico
Samantha Power Goes to War -- The Nation
Anti-Genocide Advocate Credits Obama For Libyan Uprising -- Washington Times

My Comment: UN Amb. Rice, Sec. of State Clinton, and NSA adviser Samantha Power have become the hawks on U.S. foreign policy in countries like Libya. But it is Samantha Power who is making the moral case for such interventions ..... and President Obama (so it appears) has accepted her reasoning.

10 Reasons On Why We Should Not Be In Libya

10 Reasons Why We Shouldn't Be In Libya -- James Delingpole, The Telegraph

“It is one of those times when I feel estranged from the country and not comprehending of what we are doing and why everyone is so gung-ho for it all.” Rod Liddle on the Anglo-French/American Libyan intervention Spectator May 26

“One can only gape in stunned amazement at the extent of the idiocy being displayed by the leaders of America, Britain and Europe over the ‘Arab Spring’ – which should surely be renamed ‘the Arab Boomerang’.” Melanie Phillips on Libya in her Spectator blog.

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My Comment: Reasons #3, #4, #5, and #6 are the ones that resonate the most for me.

U.S. State Department Blocks Arms Sale To Taiwan Over Fears Of Chinese Retailiation

Photo: SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images

State Blocks Taiwan Arms -- Washington Times

The State Department is holding up final approval of Taiwan’s request for a multibillion-dollar arms package to upgrade Taipei’s fleet of aging F-16 jets.

U.S. national security officials close to the issue said the arms package, along with a report to Congress on Taiwan’s air power that is more than a year late, is being delayed by senior Obama administration officials, including Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, who are seeking to avoid a third rupture in U.S.-China military relations over Taiwan arms sales.

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My Comment: There was a time when U.S. policy makers did what they felt was right and in the best interests of the United States, especially when it came to giving support to our allies who we felt were being intimidated and threatened by other countries and our adversaries. Today .... it seems that we live in an alternate universe. We do not want to offend those same countries who have no problem in threatening and intimidating our allies and long term friends .... and we do so openly.

The Bureaucracy Mess At Arlington Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery, Section 64

Arlington's Paper Trail Of Problems -- Time Magazine

Many large modern cemeteries store data on the identity of remains via computer and keep track of grave locations with the aid of satellites. The previous leadership at the cemetery blew unknown millions trying to develop a similar system, but ended up just handing money to favored contractors who did little in return, according to an Army investigation last summer. As a result, Arlington tries to keep track of around 30 burials a day on pieces of paper.

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My Comment: So much for treating sacred ground as sacred ground.

Picture Of The Day

PROWLER PATROL - U.S. Navy Seaman Ryan Hilliard directs an EA-6B Prowler on to catapult one before launching off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the Pacific Ocean, March 29, 2011. The Ronald Reagan is off the coastline of Japan providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to Japan to support Operation Tomodachi. Hilliard is an aviation boatswain's mate and the Prowler is assigned to the Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 139. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dylan McCord

Israel Reveal 1,000 Hezbollah Military Positions In Southern Lebanon

'Israel Releases Map Detailing Hundreds Of Hezbollah Sites In Lebanon' -- Haaretz

Map obtained by the Washington Post reveals that Israeli intelligence officials believe that the 550 underground bunkers identified have been stocked with weapons transferred from Syria since the 2006 Second Lebanon War.

Israeli military officials have provided a map detailing nearly 1,000 sites and facilities monitored by the Hezbollah militant group in southern Lebanon, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

Israeli intelligence officials believe that the 550 underground bunkers identified have been stocked with weapons transferred from Syria since the 2006 Second Lebanon War, according to the report. The map obtained by the Washington Post also details 300 surveillance sites and 100 other facilities Israel believes belong to Hezbollah militants.

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More News On Israel Revealing Hezbollah Military Positions in Southern Lebanon

Israeli Map Shows Nearly 1,000 Hezbollah Sites -- NPR/AP
Israel releases map of Hezbollah bunkers in Lebanon -- Ynet News
Maps released of Hizbullah's military sites, bunkers -- Jerusalem Post
Hezbollah located in 1,000 facilities in southern Lebanon -- Israel Defense Forces

My Comment: I guess this is Israel's way of telling Hezbollah that we are watching you, and that we are also targeting you.

Why No Enthusiastic Advocacy For The British Defense Industry?

A pair of Tornados prepare to take off from RAF Lossiemouth Photo: Reuters

Who Will Defend The Defence Industry? -- Con Coughlin, The Telegraph

Ministers should be banging the drum about British skills and planning for the future , says Con Coughlin.

The Government’s enthusiastic advocacy of a no-fly zone for Libya has provided a graphic illustration of its willingness, when necessary, to exercise military muscle. Within hours of the UN Security Council approving a resolution that authorised military action, British planes, submarines and frigates were in the thick of it, attacking Colonel Gaddafi’s tanks and anti-aircraft defences.

Indeed, the performance of RAF Tornados and Typhoons has been critical in turning the tide against the Libyan regime’s forces. Thanks to the crews’ skill in using their Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles in precision attacks, the rebels have been able to battle for control of the port of Sirte, the Gaddafi clan’s stronghold.

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My Comment: The British mindset is .... what can I say .... British .... and extolling the virtues of the defense industry is not in their character. But on the flip side .... extolling the virtues of the British soldier is something that they have no trouble in doing.

he World Could Never Survive A Real 'Battle: Los Angeles'

Military Expert: The World Could Never Survive a Real 'Battle: Los Angeles' -- AoL

A giant spaceship from another world arrives during the day and positions itself above the White House in Washington, while more ships do the same over other major cities around the world.

Then, without warning, all hell breaks loose, and the ships begin using devastating weapons and power to destroy everything around them -- people, buildings, military resistance.

This continues for about two hours of popcorn-eating enjoyment until the Earthlings on screen somehow come up with a miracle to stop these unwelcome invaders from laying waste to our beloved planet.

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My Comment: An interesting .... what if .... analysis. On a side note .... I enjoyed the film.