Friday, April 30, 2010
Dumping oyster shells into the mudflats of Little Creek Cove in Virginia Beach
Learning & teaching
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Lynn Details Approach to Changes in Warfare
American Forces Press Service
LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2010 - Warfare has changed, and the U.S. military must shift to meet the new threats, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said to the World Affairs Council here last night.
Lynn said he and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates have tried to shift military strategy "to move the tectonic plates of our national security environment." The Defense Department is doing more to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while still preparing for future conflicts, Lynn said. Past strategy, he told the group, did not pay enough attention to current conflicts, and the department has changed the balance toward fighting today's wars. The biggest change in war is that rogue nations, terror groups and even criminal gangs can field increasingly lethal technologies, the deputy secretary told the audience. "Terrorist organizations and rogue states seek weapons of mass destruction, insurgents are armed with [improvised explosive devices] that can penetrate even our most sophisticated armored vehicles," he said. "We even see criminals who have world-class cyber capabilities." The military must be ready to face these challenges, he said, and still maintain the capabilities to take on peer competitors. Another change is that wars, conflicts, emergencies are longer than they used to be, Lynn said. The old strategy was based on fighting two major, nearly simultaneous conflicts. But planners thought the wars would be like Operation Desert Storm in 1991 – a powerful, quick war. "But the concept no longer fits our current reality," Lynn said. "We are already fighting two wars, and it wasn't the intensity of the initial combat phase that proved the most challenging in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rather, after eight years in those two conflicts, we are finding the duration of those conflicts is what places the most stress on American's military. These wars have now lasted longer than the United States' participation in World War I and World War II combined." War has moved more toward asymmetric threats. No nation or group can match the U.S. military's conventional strength, Lynn said, so they don't try. "Rather than fighting us head-to-head, they use IEDs to counter our mechanized advantage or guerilla tactics to avoid direct combat," he explained. Some countries also are investing in weapons such as surface-to-surface missiles, cyber capabilities and anti-satellite technologies to deny U.S. access to battlefields. The cyber threat is another profound change in warfare, Lynn told the group. "There is no exaggerating our nation's dependence on information networks," he said. The Defense Department alone has thousands of networks, millions of computers and more millions of computer users. All major weapons systems, the intelligence and logistics efforts and personnel programs rely on information technology. "The Internet is magical in its ability to connect us to others," Lynn said, "but it is a two-way street. Over the past 10 years, the frequency and sophistication of cyber intrusions has increased exponentially." More than 100 foreign intelligence services are trying to hack into U.S. systems, he said, and foreign militaries are developing offensive cyber capabilities. President Barack Obama has called the cyber threat one of the most serious challenges America faces, Lynn said. Cyber attacks threaten not only the U.S. military, but also the American infrastructure and economy, he added. Lynn said the department is addressing all of these threats. The U.S. military is developing the capabilities to handle the range of conflict from low-end insurgencies to high-end near peer wars. The military services are adjusting the way they recruit, train and retain servicemembers in face of long wars. And the United States is working to counter asymmetric attacks and to continue to enhance asymmetric advantages of its own. The way the Defense Department buys equipment, programs services also has to change, Lynn said, acknowledging that the department has not been a good buyer. Changing the way the acquisition process works is an important part of funding the capabilities to handle future threats, he added. To illustrate his point, Lynn noted that Apple developed the iPhone in 24 months. "That's less time than it would take for us to budget for an IT program," he said. "I'm serious. Just to prepare, defend and receive congressional approval for our budget takes about 24 months." Overall, he added, it takes 81 months – nearly seven years -- from an IT program first being funded until it becomes operational. This means the equipment already is four generations old by the time it gets in the hands of servicemembers. Cancelling programs that don't work, are redundant or are too specialized is another way to shape the budget, Lynn said. Gates has made the hard decisions, he told the group, and the programs he has cancelled or recommended for cancellation would have cost $330 billion if they continued. "By exercising program discipline, we are able to direct resources to the highest priority programs," Lynn said. "These tough decisions enhance our ability to protect the American people." The changing environment places great stress on the military and the department, the deputy secretary said. "Succeeding in these tumultuous times, while prevailing in Afghanistan and Iraq, will not be easy," said he added. "But I'm confident that we have charted a path that will keep out nation safe." |
| Biographies: William J. Lynn III Related Sites: Special Report: Travels With Lynn |
Watches Marines maneuver
Saturday, April 24, 2010
An intensive care unit nurse
A boat from the Spanish navy
Saturday, April 17, 2010
SAMAA TV cameraman loses life on duty
Malik Arif had been in the field of journalism for the past 30 years. He had jeopardized his life on countless occasions to bring the best coverage of events to the public. He was courageous by nature and would always take initiative in covering events. He demonstrated his courage at the Civil Hospital, Quetta Friday also, where he lost his life.
Malik Arif belonged to Sialkot but was currently residing in Makangi Road, Quetta. He had been working with SAMAA for the past two years.
Arif joined PTV in 1975 as a light man and was then promoted to camera man. He raised his voice for the release of media personnel in the Zia-ul Haq regime in 1978; went to Kandahar in 1994 for coverage, where he was kidnapped. He was released two months later. He is survived by 4 sons, a daughter and a widow.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, MQM Chairman Altaf Hussain and Sindh Minister for Tourism Shazia Marri have expressed great sorrow on Malik Arif's death.
Khyber Union of Journalists have demanded the security of journalists while lamenting the death of Malik Arif.
Media persons covering the Sindh Assembly meeting protested on the death of Malik Arif and injury of other media persons. They wore black bands on their arms while performing their duties. Journalists For International and its thousands of members all over the world are praying for his departed soul ,
Iftikhar Chaudri
President
Journalists For International Peace
Islamabad Pakistan
During an interview on KING 5 Morning News
Gates and Silva Luján in a Museum
Friday, April 16, 2010
Fast inshore attack craft exercises
Gates in Lima, Peru
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Treads water with Sailors
A Letter from Amnesty International USA
Linda Coale died of an embolism a week after giving birth via c-section. The hospital failed to tell her the warning signs even though she was high risk. Our record is abysmal - half the maternal deaths in this country (USA) are preventable. Don't be silent. Take action. |  |
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 at 3:56 AM
Linda Coale, a healthy, vibrant 35-year-old woman, gave birth to a baby boy, Benjamin, by c-section in September 2007.
One week later, she died following a blood clot.
Neither the infant welcome packet nor her discharge papers contained detailed information about warning signs and symptoms of serious blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), even though Linda was at high risk because of her pregnancy combined with her age and the surgery.
The packet did contain information on how to acclimate a pet to a new baby.
"I know you can 'what if' until the end of the world, but knowing Linda was once an Emergency Medical Technician, if those discharge papers had said it could be a sign of a blood clot, in my heart of hearts I believe that she would have acted on it," said Linda's twin sister, Lori.
"My parents had to bury a child," Lori added.
Pregnant women and new mothers like Linda are falling through huge gaps in our maternal health care system.
All women, including Linda, have a right to a safe childbirth, yet women in the United States are at greater risk of maternal death than those in forty other countries.
It's time to do something about this silent killer. Contact Congress today.
We are in a maternal health care crisis. More than two women die every day from pregnancy-related causes. Severe complications are up 25 percent, now over 34,000 each year. The situation for pregnant women of color is even more acute.
We have slipped dangerously backward.
Amnesty International traveled all over the country to capture and share stories like Linda's. Our Deadly Delivery report documents discrimination and egregious systemic failures. It reveals an inexcusable failure to defend a woman's right to a safe birth.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius has the authority to dramatically improve conditions for pregnant women and reduce maternal mortality in the U.S. Our government has the obligation to protect pregnant women and guarantee a health care system that ensures their rights universally and equitably.
Contact your Representative to help press Secretary Sebelius into action.
It's astonishing that the US has fallen into this crisis when we spend so much on health care. The way out requires a strong, loud push now to set the solution in motion.
Please stand up today so that we can save lives by protecting women's human rights.
Sincerely,
Sameer Dossani
Director, Demand Dignity Campaign
Amnesty International USA
Saturday, April 10, 2010
President Barack Obama conducts a press conference
Assault boat during live-fire battle drills
Photography of an Iraqi man
Friday, April 09, 2010
Fire-fighting drills
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
The Military Sealift Command fleet
Review Provides Deterrence, Arms Reduction Roadmap
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON : The Nuclear Posture Review is a roadmap for reducing America's nuclear arsenal while maintaining an effective deterrent, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at the Pentagon on Tuesday.
The congressionally mandated review charts the steps toward reducing nuclear risks to the United States, U.S. allies and partners, and the international community. "This review describes how the United States will reduce the role and numbers of nuclear weapons with a long-term goal of a nuclear-free world," Gates said. Gates – accompanied by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen – explained some of the changes the review recommends. New declaratory policies have taken the place of intentionally vague policies of the past, Gates said. For example, if a state that does not have nuclear weapons is in compliance with the nonproliferation treaty and its obligations, the United States will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against that state. If such a state were to use chemical or biological weapons against the United States or its allies or partners, however, "it would face the prospect of a devastating conventional military response," the secretary said. Gates said the United States will adjust its policy if circumstances dictate the need. "Given the catastrophic potential of biological weapons and the rapid pace of biotechnology development," he said, "the United States reserves the right to make any adjustment to this policy that may be warranted by the evolution and proliferation of biological weapons." The Cabinet secretaries and the chairman stressed that the Nuclear Posture Review was a collegial interagency and international effort. "The consultations that supported this process included more than 30 of our allies and partners," Clinton said. "For generations, the United States' nuclear deterrent has helped prevent proliferation by providing our non-nuclear allies in NATO, in the Pacific and elsewhere with reassurance and security. The policies outlined in this review allow us to continue that stabilizing role." Officials said this is the most comprehensive review of U.S. nuclear strategy since the end of the Cold War, and that it places the prevention of nuclear terrorism and proliferation at the top of the U.S. nuclear policy agenda. "Given al-Qaida's continued quest for nuclear weapons, Iran's on-going nuclear efforts and North Korea's proliferation, this focus is appropriate, and indeed,... an essential change from previous reviews," Gates said. Gates stressed that the review has strong messages for Iran and North Korea. "Whether it's in declaratory policy or in other elements of the [Nuclear Posture Review], we essentially carve out states like Iran and North Korea that are not in compliance with [the nonproliferation treaty]," he said. "And basically, all options are on the table when it comes to countries in that category, along with nonstate actors who might acquire nuclear weapons." The message to Iran and North Korea is if they play by the rules, then they will be covered by the new recommendations, Gates said. "But if you're not going to play by the rules, if you're going to be a proliferator, then all options are on the table in terms of how we deal with you." The review has the full support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mullen said. "We believe it provides us and our field commanders the opportunity to better shape our nuclear weapons posture, policies and force structure to meet an ever-changing security environment," Mullen said. "This Nuclear Posture Review reaffirms our commitment to defend the vital interests of the United States and those of our partners and allies with a more balanced mix of nuclear and non-nuclear means than we have at our disposal today." The review's conclusion that the United States can maintain deterrence with half of its current nuclear arsenal served as the basis for U.S. negotiations for the new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia that President Barack Obama is scheduled to sign April 8. The United States also will continue an on-going and high-level dialogue with Russia and China aimed at fostering more stable, resilient and transparent strategic relationships, Gates said. Some aspects of the posture will remain static. The United States will continue to field its triad of nuclear-capable missiles, aircraft and submarines. "The United States will continue to hold accountable any state, terrorist group or other nonstate actor that supports or enables terrorist efforts to obtain or use weapons of mass destruction, whether by facilitating, financing, or providing expertise or safe haven for such efforts," Gates said. The United States will continue to develop and improve non-nuclear capabilities – including regional missile defenses – to strengthen deterrence and reduce the role of nuclear weapons, Gates said. "Finally, the United States will continue abiding by its pledge not to conduct nuclear testing," said he added. (Issued on April 6, 2010) |
| Biographies: Hillary Rodham Clinton Robert M. Gates Navy Adm. Mike Mullen Related Sites: Special Report: Nuclear Posture Review |
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Amnesty International Urges Lebanese Authorities to Intervene to Halt Expected Saudi Arabia Execution
Washington: Amnesty International today urged Saad Hariri, the Lebanese prime minister, to intervene to help halt the possible imminent execution of a Lebanese national in Saudi Arabia, after the organization received reports that an execution is scheduled for tomorrow.
Amnesty International fears that former television presenter ‘Ali Hussain Sibat, convicted on charges of "sorcery" in Saudi Arabia, may be the Lebanese national facing execution.
On March10 a Saudi Arabia court upheld the death sentence against 'Ali Hussain Sibat, after he was convicted in November 2009 on charges of “sorcery”, for giving advice and predictions about the future on a Lebanese satellite TV show.
"‘Ali Hussain Sibat appears to have been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression," said Malcolm Smart, director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa program.
"We urge the Lebanese authorities to do all they can to prevent this execution," said Smart, "and we are calling on King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia not to let this or other executions go ahead. It is high time the Saudi Arabian government joined the international trend towards a worldwide moratorium on executions."
‘Ali Hussain Sibat was arrested by the Mutawa'een (religious police) in May 2008 while he was visiting Saudi Arabia on a form of Muslim pilgrimage, the 'umra.
His lawyer believes that the TV presenter was arrested because members of the Mutawa'een had recognized him from his show, which was broadcast on the Sheherazade TV station.
The police asked 'Ali Hussain Sibat's to write down what he did for a living, reassuring him that he would be allowed to go home after a few weeks if he complied.
The defendant was convicted after the statement he wrote was presented during the trial as a "confession.”
He was sentenced to death by a court in Madina on November 9, 2009 following secret hearings where he was given no legal representation or assistance.
In January 2010, the Court of Appeal in Makkah accepted an appeal against the TV presenter’s death sentence, on grounds that it was a premature verdict.
The Court of Appeal said that all allegations made against 'Ali Hussain Sibat had to be verified, and that if he had really committed the crime he should be asked to repent.
But on March 10, a court in Madina upheld the death sentence. The judges said that he deserved to be sentenced to death because he had practiced “sorcery” publicly for several years before millions of viewers and that his actions “made him an infidel.”
The court also said that there would be no way to verify that his repentance, if he should repent, would be sincere and that imposing the death sentence would deter other people from engaging in “sorcery” at a time when, the court said, there is an increase in the number of “foreign magicians” entering Saudi Arabia.
The crime of "sorcery" is not defined in Saudi Arabian law but is used to punish people for the legitimate exercise of their human rights, including the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, belief and expression.
The Saudi Arabian authorities arrested scores of people for “sorcery” in 2009, and have continued to arrest people on the same charges this year.
The last known execution for "sorcery" was that of Egyptian national Mustafa Ibrahim, on November 2, 2007. He had been arrested in May 2007 in the town of Arar, where he worked as a pharmacist, and accused of "apostasy" for having degraded a copy of the Qur'an.
At least 158 people were executed in Saudi Arabia in 2007 and at least 102 in 2008. In 2009, 69 people are known to have been executed, including 19 foreign nationals. Since the beginning of 2010, at least eight people have been executed.
Amnesty International called on the authorities to release 'Ali Hussain immediately and unconditionally if he has been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.
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