Government

Gates Discusses Iran, Other Issues With Israeli Leaders

By Jim Garamone

JERUSALEM, The Holy City - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates discussed the Iranian nuclear problem and other defense issues with Israeli leaders on July 27, 2009. Gates met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a quick trip to Israel.

A New Formula for Afghanistan's Success

CAMP ATTERBURY, IN. – After decades of violence and war in Afghanistan, the battle for law, stability and structure to the economy remains a fighting factor in its independence. The U.S. government has remained dedicated to bolstering Afghanistan's economy.

New strategies are being implemented by the U.S. to take a different approach to handling the balance of economic stability of Afghanistan by adding civilians into the restorative equation.

Militants Attack Mosque, Afghan National Security Force, International Security Assistance Force Assist Injured

KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents attacked a mosque at a combat outpost in the Kamdesh District, injuring two Afghan national army soldiers, who were awaiting evening prayer, on July 26, 2009. The outpost was attacked with small arms fire, mortars, and a rocket-propelled grenade. The rounds impacted the outpost's mosque.

Afghan-International Security Forces Detain Haqqani Militants in Paktika

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan and international security force searched a compound last night in the remote reaches of Paktika province in an effort to disrupt Haqqani command and control, communications, and supply lines in the region.

The joint team searched the compound in the Deela District of Paktika, about 160 kilometers southwest of the city of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted without incident and five suspected militants were detained.

The Haqqani network conducts operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces, and seeks to expel international security forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

There were no Afghan, international security forces or civilian casualties during the incident.

U.S. Regrets Russian Bases in Georgia

By Robert Wood

WASHINGTON, DC - The United States regrets the Russian Federation’s expressed intention to establish bases in the territory of Georgia as contrary to the spirit and the letter of Russia’s existing commitments. These Russian plans include a naval base at the port of Ochamchire, army bases in the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia, and the possible deployment of combat aircraft.

U.S. Turns Over Green Zone Security Responsibility to Iraq

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1, 2009 – The United States formally transferred the Republican Palace back to the Iraqi government today, a concrete symbol of the continuing improvement in the country.

Gates Says Meetings to Focus on Afghanistan, Russia, Transformation

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT – While the alliance's transformation is the scheduled topic of discussion at a NATO defense ministerial conference this week in Budapest, Hungary, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today that Afghanistan and Russia also will be high on the agenda.

Global Markets Plunge

By Michael Bowman
Voice of America

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. stocks opened sharply lower, mirroring losses in Europe, Asia, and much of the developing world. In New York, the Dow Jones Industrial average crossed below an important psychological floor, the 10,000 mark, for the first time since October, 2004. The Dow was more than four percent lower in early trading. It has lost about a quarter of its value this year.

Asia Stocks Fall in Response to US Bank Rescue

By Ron Corben
Voice of America

BANGKOK, CHINA - Nervous investors fled markets Monday in Asia. Hong Kong's key Hang Seng Index closed down five percent while Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell to its lowest closing level since February 2004 at 10,473 points. Indonesia's stock market plunged 10 percent, the steepest single day decline on record.

Soldiers in Iraq Help Comrades Vote

By Army Sgt. David Hodge
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, IRAQ – Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers streamlined the voting process for hundreds of servicemembers and civilians here Oct. 3-5. Army Sgts. Asa Rubman and Rachel Littenberg, paralegal specialists assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, said they noticed some apathy among soldiers toward voting in the November general elections and decided to spearhead a voting drive.