CYBER WARFARE
Marine Corps leads charge in cyberwar
Angus Batey and Dave Fulghum – Aviation Week & Space Technology, November 19, 2012
Sensitivity when it come to cyberoffense is considerable, due partly to the lack of accepted legal parameters for the use of cyberweapons. But this means that the technologies and techniques may not be being used to optimal effect: Commanders at the tactical level may neither be aware of what their cyberwarriors can do, nor of how best to harness their expertise.
SYRIA
Syrian Islamist groups reject opposition coalition
Barbara Surk, AP – November 19, 2012
A group of extremist Islamist factions in Syria has rejected the country’s new opposition coalition, saying in a video statement they have formed an “Islamic state” in the embattled city of Aleppo to underline that they want nothing to do with the Western-backed bloc.
Iran hosts Syrian peace conference
Jason Rezaian, Washington Post – November 18, 2012
Under the motto “No to violence, yes to democracy,” an estimated 200 Syrian and regional politicians gathered in Tehran on Sunday to discuss a possible end to the violence that has engulfed Syria since March 2011. “We believe reforms in Syria should lead to a free, fair and transparent election with the cooperation of all political parties,” Iran’s foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, said in opening remarks at the one-day Syrian National Dialogue conference.
AFGHANISTAN
Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan President, Accuses U.S. Forces Of Violating Detainee Pact
Rahim Faiez, AP – November 19, 2012
Afghanistan’s president has accused U.S. forces of continuing to capture and hold Afghans in violation of an agreement signed earlier this year between the two countries. Hamid Karzai’s statement late Sunday came at a sensitive time — just days after the beginning of negotiations on a bilateral security agreement that will govern the U.S. military presence in the country after the majority of troops draw down in 2014. Karzai’s critics say he frequently strikes populist, nationalist stances that give him leverage in talks with the Americans.
DEFENSE SPENDING
Honey, I Shrunk the Pentagon
Bill Keller, NY Times – November 18, 2012
This country accounts for more than 40 percent of the money spent on defense worldwide. We spend as much as the next 14 countries on the top-spender list, combined, and most of them are American allies. And that’s just the Defense Department. It doesn’t include the Energy Department’s nuclear weapons program, the C.I.A.’s drone franchise, the NASA satellites, the benefits provided by Veterans Affairs, and so on.
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
How Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense works
Washington Post – November 19, 2012
The air-defense system is designed to attack short-range rockets and shells. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Sunday that of 300 attempted Iron Dome interceptions in the past five days, about 85 percent had succeeded. Here’s a look at three main components of the system.
IRAN
Iran says U.S., powers must be more constructive in atom talks
Steve Gutterman, Reuters – November 19, 2012
Iran is ready for new talks with global powers on its nuclear program but the United States and others seeking to rein in its uranium enrichment activities must be more constructive, Tehran’s ambassador to Russia said on Monday.
NORTH KOREA
Kim Jong-un Still Trying to Get Control of the Military
The Chosun Ilbo – November 19, 2012
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un apparently remains determined to rein in the military, whose power under former leader Kim Jong-il had turned it into a state within the state.
S.Korea to hold drill on island shelled by North
AFP – November 19, 2012
South Korea will hold a military drill this week on a border island shelled by North Korea in 2010, marking the second anniversary of an attack that triggered fears of a full-scale conflict. Friday’s drill will feature field and simulated exercises by marines stationed on Yeonpyeong island as well as other naval forces, a Marine Corps spokesman told AFP.
