WASHINGTON, APRIL 1, 2011 -- In a fingertip-to-the-brim nod to its American frontier history, the Army is changing hats again - returning to the tumultuous days of the horse Cavalry in the wild west and adopting a dark blue Stetson as the official headgear for the current force of 1.1 million Soldiers.

"We figure the Stetson will be popular with the troops," said Sgt. Maj. Bob S. Stone, Army Uniform Board headgear task force president. "It's been a while since we have changed the headgear, so it's time. Plus a Stetson is functional and down right American."

But reminiscent of the controversial switch from the garrison cap to the black beret, the Army faces opposition from one community deeply opposed to losing its special identity with the Stetson - the Armor branch.

"Why in the heck are they doing to us what they did to the snake-eaters?" asked one officer familiar with the board's deliberations. "If you ain't Cav, you ain't ought to be wearing a Cav hat. That just ain't right."

Effective date for Stetson wear is April Fool's Day, 2012.

White House Debates Size of Afghanistan Drawdown - Stars and Stripes

Losses in Pakistani Haven Strain Afghan Taliban - New York Times

101st General: 6 Die in Afghanistan Battle - Associated Press

Afghan President: Women's Gains to be Maintained - Associated Press

Afghan Tries to Ram NATO Patrol, Kills 2 Civilians - Associated Press

International Security Assistance Force Incidents Update - AFPS

Afghanistan's Reasons for Optimism - Washngton Post opinion

Pakistan

Suicide Attack On Politician In Pakistan Fails Again - New York Times

Cleric Escapes Second Suicide Attack in 2 Days - Washington Post

Islamist Survives Second Assassination Attempt - Los Angeles Times

Ten Die When Bomber Hits Fazlur Rehman Convoy - BBC News

Bomber Kills 12 in Attack on Convoy in Pakistan - Associated Press

NATO Truck Guards Killed in Pakistan - BBC News

3 Guards Killed at NATO Terminal in NW Pakistan - Associated Press

Libya / Operation Odyssey Dawn

NATO Assumes Command of Libya Operations - American Forces Press Service

Anxiety Roils Libyan Capital Amid Top-Level Defections - New York Times

Ragtag Libya Rebels Struggle in Battle - Wall Street Journal

Kadafi Forces' Onslaught Saps Rebels' Zeal - Los Angeles Times

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

2 Cabinet Officials Say U.S. Likely Won't Arm Libyans - New York Times

Gates Insists U.S. Role in Libya Will Not Expand - Washington Post

Gates: No American Troops on the Ground - Los Angeles Times

NATO Rules Out Arming Libya Rebels - Wall Street Journal

NATO Warns Rebels Against Attacking Libyan Civilians - New York Times

In Libya's Rebel Base, Mix of Hope and Fear - Washington Post

NATO Commander Warns Against Attacks on Civilians - Associated Press

U.S. to Gather Intelligence on Rebel Fighters - Washington Post

Gates Calls for Limited Role Aiding Libyan Rebels - Associated Press

In Libya Mission, War Blurs Humanitarian Focus - Washington Post

U.S. Agents Were in Libya Before Secret Obama Order - Reuters

Gaddafi Envoy Has Talks in London - BBC News

Senior Gaddafi Envoy in Britain for Talks - Reuters

Defector Musa Kusa Expected to Offer Insights - Washington Post

Ex-Foreign Minister Could Be Key to Gadhafi Ouster - Associated Press

U.K. Hails Libyan Defection as Blow to Gaddafi - Reuters

U.S.: Libya's Gaddafi Not Close to Breaking Point - Reuters

Envoy Says High-Rank Libyans Trying to Defect - Associated Press

Jazeera Says More Gaddafi Aides Leave Libya - Reuters

Libyan Defector Faces New Peril in U.K. - Wall Street Journal

Foes of Gadhafi Demand Trial for Defector - Washington Times

Libyan Defector to Face Questions on Lockerbie - Reuters

Top Libyan Officials Who Have Defected So Far - Associated Press

Rebels Cheer Cracks in Gaddafi Regime - Reuters

Gadhafi's Rule Relying on Wavering Tribal Support - Associated Press

Gadhafi: Leaders of Airstrikes Should Go, Not Me - Associated Press

U.S. May Use Covert Action Against Gadhafi - Voice of America

NATO Commander Warns Against Attacks on Civilians - Associated Press

Gates Outlines U.S. Role as NATO Takes Libya Mission - AFPS

Gates Defends Action in Libya - Voice of America

Mullen Credits International Urgency for Libya Success - AFPS

Gates Grilled on Price of 'Illegal War' - Washington Times

U.S. Lawmakers Vent Frustrations About Libya - Voice of America

America's Deepening Role in Libya - Los Angeles Times editorial

Obama the Neocon - Washington Times editorial

The Defection Track - New York Times opinion

Rwanda Was Genocide. Libya Is a Civil War - Foreign Policy opinion

Winning Ugly in Libya - Foreign Affairs opinion

href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/03/31/what_is_the_mission_in_libya_109410.html">What Is the Mission in Libya?

The Mythology of Intervention - Foreign Affairs opinion

Coalition Faces Many Questions on Libya - The Independent editorial

How to Help Free Libya - Washington Post opinion

Obama's Exceptionalism - New York Times opinion

Egypt

3 Top Mubarak Cronies Banned From Leaving Egypt - Associated Press

Egypt Panel Seeks to Recover Mubarak Assets Abroad - Reuters

Democracy is Messy - New York Times opinion

Yemen

Yemen's Future Hinges On Two Most Powerful Men - Washington Post

Yemen's Hamid al-Ahmar Urges President Saleh to Leave - BBC News

Yemen Protesters Remember Dead With Talks Stalled - Reuters

U.K. Strongly Urges Britons to Leave Yemen - Reuters

Syria

Syria Offers Changes Before Renewed Protests - New York Times

Syria Steps Toward Lifting Emergency Rule - Washington Post

Syria Committee 'to Study' Lifting Emergency Laws - BBC News

Critics: Syrian Leader May Be Squandering Goodwill - Associated Press

Jordanians Call for Release of Reuters Journalist - Reuters

Assad Attempts to Tighten His Grip in Syria - The Economist editorial

The Myth of Syrian Stability - New York Times opinion

Syria's 'Reformer' - Washington Post opinion

Syria's Assad No Longer in Vogue - Foreign Affairs opinion

Bahrain

Bahrain Releases Blogger After Day in Custody - Associated Press

Iraq

'The Other Iraq' Has Its Own Problems - National Public Radio

Iraq Blames al-Qaeda for Tikrit Attack - BBC News

Al-Qaida Tied to Tuesday's Attack in Iraq? - United Press International

Violent Attack in Tikrit Raises Questions About Security - PBS Newshour

Air Pollution Another Potentially Deadly Threat - Los Angeles Times

Polluted Air Another Danger to U.S. Troops - U.S. News and World Report

Iran

Don't Meddle, Bahrainis Tells Iran - Agence France-Presse

Kuwait To Expel Iranian Diplomats - Radio Free Europe

Kuwait Will Expel Iran Diplomats Linked to Spy Cell - Bloomberg

'Arrests' Made at Mousavi Father's Funeral - Agence France-Presse

Congressman: U.S. Policy on Iran Shows 'Weakness' - Jerusalem Post

Getting Serious About Iran Sanctions - Weekly Standard opinion

The Message of Iran Sanctions - Commentary opinion

Kuwait

Kuwait Cabinet Quits to Avoid Ministers' Grilling - New York Times

Kuwait Cabinet Resigns Over Bahrain Crisis - Associated Press

Jordan

Loyalists of Jordan's King Deny Link to Violence - Associated Press

Israel / Palestinians

'Abducted' Palestinian Engineer Appears in Israel Court - BBC News

Israeli Government Watchdog to Check PM's Spending - Associated Press

Middle East / North Africa Unrest

U.S.-Yemeni Cleric: Arab Unrest Chance for Al-Qaida - Associated Press

Latest Updates on Libya and the Mideast - New York Times

Latest Developments in Arab World's Unrest - Associated Press

The Middle East: False Spring? - Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial

Obama's Islamist Middle East - Washington Times opinion

Japan Earthquake / Tsunami

Radiation Levels Rise Again at Nuclear Plant - New York Times

Radiation Found in Groundwater at Japan Complex - Wall Street Journal

Along NE Coast, Several Hundred Miles of Cleanup - Washington Post

Japan Nuclear Evacuation 'Will Be Long-term' - BBC News

Japan Seeks French, U.S. Expertise in Nuclear Crisis - Associated Press

Water, Beef and Bodies Contaminated Near Japanese Nuclear Plant - VOA

Japan Urged to Expand Evacuations - Washington Post

Anger and Abandonment in Nuclear Ghost Town - Los Angeles Times

NATO

Europe Relies on U.S. Power Again - Washington Times

What is the Purpose of NATO? - Baltimore Sun opinion

U.S. Department of Defense

Army Suicide Prevention Efforts Raising Privacy Concerns - USA Today

Top Enlisted Leaders Share Views With Congress - AFPS

United States

Federal Workers: Anxiety Over Possible Shutdown - Washington Post

Defense Calling 6th Witness in ex-CIA Agent's Case - Associated Press

In Search of the Obama Doctrine - Washington Post opinion

Truth About the False Choice - Washington Post opinion

United Kingdom

Who Will Defend the Defence Industry? - Daily Telegraph opinion

Africa

Ivory Coast: Tension High in Abidjan as Rebels Advance - Voice of America

Ivory Coast: 'Heavy Fighting' Near Gbagbo Residence - BBC News

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

Ivory Coast's President-elect Troops Outside Key City - Los Angeles Times

Ivory Coast Fighters Make Final Push to Unseat Ruler - Washington Post

Ivory Coast Hotel a Seat of Government and Prison Too - Los Angeles Times

Ivory Coast Fighters Descend on Main City - Associated Press

Heavy Fighting After Ouattara Troops Reach Abidjan - Reuters

Ivory Coast: French Forces Patrol in Abidjan - Reuters

Liberia Uneasily Linked to Ivory Coast Conflict - New York Times

Nigerian Governor Candidate Arrested Over Riot - Associated Press

Zimbabwe: MDC's Lovemore Moyo Re-elected Speaker - BBC News

Ethiopian Opposition Says Gov't Afraid of Revolt - Associated Press

Swaziland Gov't Beefs Up Security Ahead of Protest - Associated Press

Somali 'al-Shabab' Suspect Held in Canada - BBC News

Americas

Mexico's Drug Lords Fall; War Goes On - Washington Post

Calderon Replaces Mexico Attorney General - Los Angeles Times

Mexico: Attorney General Chavez Resigns - BBC News

2nd Mexican Attorney General Under Calderon Quits - Associated Press

Mexico: U.S. Offers $5 million in Killing of ICE Agent - Washington Times

Critics: U.S. Lacks Overall Strategy at Mexico Border - Associated Press

Danger on the U.S.-Mexico Border - Washington Post opinion

Venezuela: U.S. Losing Big Drug Catch - Wall Street Journal

Guatemalans Demonstrate in Support of Drug Lord - Associated Press

Teachers Strike Fuels Unrest in Polarized Honduras - Associated Press

Central America Remains a Hotspot of Instability - AFPS

Argentine Torture General Jailed - BBC News

Argentina: Ex-Agents Sentenced in Operation Condor - Associated Press

Asia Pacific

China Lays Out Vision for Military - New York Times

Missing Australia Writer Resurfaces in China - New York Times

S. Korea Trade Pact Will Bar Imports From N. Korea - Associated Press

Vietnam Clamps Down on Independent Christians - New York Times

Thailand Mounts Rescue Effort After Powerful Storms - New York Times

Malaysia Clerics Ban 'Poco-Poco' Dance for Muslims - Associated Press

Central Asia

Opposition Paper in Kazakhstan Says Publisher Missing - New York Times

Kazakhstan's Progress Toward Democracy - Washington Post opinion

Europe

Three Mail Bombs Explode in Europe, Injuring Three - New York Times

2 Wounded by Bomb at Swiss Nuclear Industry Office - Associated Press

German Arrested Over Possible Stadium Attack Plan - Associated Press

Ex-Soviet Georgia Says Bombs Found, Blames Russia - Reuters

150 Detained in Russian Protests - Associated Press

Italy Ships Migrants to Mainland, Asks E.U. for Help - Associated Press

France Calls for Global Nuclear Safety Standards - Voice of America

France: Ex-Sarkozy Aide Lashes Out at Debate on Islam - Associated Press

European Financial Problems Deepen - Washington Post

Deficits in Regions Compound Fears About Spain - New York Times

Portugal to Hold Snap General Election June 5 - Reuters

South Asia

India's Population is 1.21 billion, Census Finds - Washington Post

India Population Count Hits 1.2bn - BBC News

Over at Foreign Policy, Joseph Felter and Brian Fishman address arming the Libyan rebels in their argument, The Enemies of Our Enemy

BLUF. A key question for the international community now is whether to arm the rebels. Doing so would offer obvious advantages, but they are outweighed by the risks -- most notably the possibility that the weapons could find their way into less-friendly hands in the future. Qaddafi's weapons caches alone pose a long-term threat not just to Libya, but to other states in North Africa, including Tunisia and Egypt. Allied forces should not contribute to the problem.

The air campaign, while unlikely to depose Qaddafi on its own, has bought time for more creative means of rebel support -- ones that do not increase the danger of unintended consequences. If improving the rebels' military capacity is necessary, the international community should provide training rather than weapons. Assisting insurgents is a classic form of unconventional warfare, and it does not necessarily mean putting Western personnel in Libya. The United States can help by facilitating rebel communications and delivering virtual instruction on such military basics as digging trenches and coordinating firepower. Training and advisory assistance to rebel leaders can be provided outside Libya's borders (in a neighboring state, ideally) with support from other countries in the region.

The enemies of our enemy in Libya may not be our friends. But the danger that they pose to U.S. interests in the future will be determined in no small part by what the United States and its allies do in Libya today. There is no doubt that the choices facing policymakers are extremely difficult -- intervention is often a lose-lose situation. But the international community better get used to that ambiguity sooner rather than later -- in Yemen, Bahrain, and Syria, the choices will not get any easier.

Much more over at Foreign Policy

By Jeremiah Gertler

Coordinator

Specialist in Military Aviation

Congressional Research Service

March 28, 2011

Summary:

The ongoing uprising in Libya against the government of Muammar al Qadhafi has been the subject of evolving domestic and international debate about potential international military intervention, including the proposed establishment of a no-fly zone over Libya. On March 17, 2011, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1973, establishing a no-fly zone in Libyan airspace, authorizing robust enforcement measures for the arms embargo established by Resolution 1970, and authorizing member states "to take all necessary measures ... to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory."

In response, the United States established Operation Odyssey Dawn, the U.S. contribution to a multilateral military effort to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civilians in Libya. Military operations under Odyssey Dawn commenced on March 19, 2011. U.S. and coalition forces quickly established command of the air over Libya's major cities, destroying portions of the Libyan air defense network and attacking pro-Qadhafi forces deemed to pose a threat to civilian populations.

From the outset of operations, the Obama administration declared its intent to transfer command of operations over Libya to a coalition entity. On March 28, 2011, the NATO Secretary General announced that NATO would take over command of all aspects of military operations within a few days.

Establishment of the initial no-fly zone over Libya went smoothly. One U.S. aircraft was lost due to mechanical malfunction, but the crew was rescued. Estimates of the cost of the initial operation range between $400 million and $1 billion.

U.S. participation in Operation Odyssey Dawn and NATO operations around Libya raises a number of questions for Congress, including the role of Congress in authorizing the use of force, the costs of the operation, the desired politico-strategic end state, the role of U.S. military forces in an operation under international command, and many others.

Operation Odyssey Dawn: Background and Issues for Congress

By Christopher M. Blanchard

Acting Section Research Manager

Congressional Research Service

March 29, 2011

Summary:

Over forty years ago, Muammar al Qadhafi led a revolt against the Libyan monarchy in the name of nationalism, self-determination, and popular sovereignty. Opposition groups citing the same principles are now revolting against Qadhafi to bring an end to the authoritarian political system he has controlled in Libya for the last four decades. The Libyan government's use of force against civilians and opposition forces seeking Qadhafi's overthrow sparked an international outcry in February and early March 2011, and a stalemate began to break in favor of the Qadhafi government, threatening civilians in opposition-held areas. The United States and other European and Arab states are now carrying out military operations in Libya to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which was adopted on March 17 and authorizes "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians. Qadhafi and his supporters have described the uprising as a foreign and Islamist conspiracy and are attempting to outlast their opponents. Qadhafi remains defiant amid the dismantling of his military by coalition air strikes. His supporters threatened to respond to attacks by striking civilian and military targets in the Mediterranean region.

Resolution 1973 calls for an immediate cease-fire and dialogue, declares a no-fly zone in Libyan airspace, and authorizes robust enforcement measures for the arms embargo on Libya established by Resolution 1970 of February 26, "while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory." As of March 28, U.S. military officials reported that U.S. and coalition strikes on Libyan air defenses, air forces, and ground forces had neutralized the ability of Muammar al Qadhafi's military to control the country's airspace and were increasingly focused on targeting pro-Qadhafi ground forces found to be continuing to violate Resolution 1973 through attacks on Libyan civilians. President Obama has said the United States will not introduce ground forces and has called for Qadhafi to step down. The no-fly zone called for in Resolution 1973 is in place and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is assuming command of coalition operations. The United States and international partners are providing humanitarian assistance to displaced persons in temporary camps in Tunisia and Egypt.

Until recently, the United States government was pursuing a policy of reengagement toward Qadhafi after decades of confrontation, sanctions, and Libyan isolation. President Obama now has joined some leaders in asserting that Muammar al Qadhafi must ultimately give up power, although that outcome is not called for explicitly in Resolution 1973. Obama Administration officials highlight a number of non-military steps the U.S. government has taken to achieve that objective, while military operations to protect Libyan civilians continue. U.S. steps include new targeted sanctions established in Executive Order 13566. Some Members of Congress expressed support for U.S. military intervention prior to the adoption of Resolution 1973, while others disagreed or called for the President to seek explicit congressional authorization prior to any use of force. Some executive-legislative consultation occurred prior to the start of U.S. military operations, and, on March 21, President Obama sent a letter to Congress outlining U.S. military objectives and operations, but not explicitly seeking congressional authorization.

Many observers believe that Libya's weak government institutions, potentially divisive political dynamics, and current conflict suggest that security challenges could follow the current uprising, regardless of its outcome. Some opposition figures have formed an Interim Transitional National Council which claims to represent all areas of the country and is seeking recognition and material support. In evaluating U.S. policy options, Congress may seek to better understand the roots and nature of the conflict in Libya, the views and interests of key players, and the potential consequences of the military action under way and other policy proposals under consideration.

Libya: Unrest and U.S. Policy

Obama's Missing Context on Libya - Washington Post

Chaotic Retreat for Rebels; Libyan Foreign Minister Quits - New York Times

Libya Rebels Flee Eastward by the Hundreds - Los Angeles Times

Gadhafi Push Tests Allies - Wall Street Journal

CIA Operatives in Libya to Gather Intel on Rebels - Washington Post

CIA in Libya Aiding Rebels, U.S. Officials Say - New York Times

CIA Operatives Are Aiding Rebels - Wall Street Journal

U.S.: CIA Officers in Libya are Aiding Rebels - Los Angeles Times

U.S., Britain 'Insert' Covert Agents Into Libya - Agence France-Presse

Obama Authorizes Secret Help for Libya Rebels - Reuters

Gadhafi Forces Drive Rebels From Key Oil Town - Voice of America

Gaddafi Forces Adopt Rebel Tactics - BBC News

Gadhafi's Forces Adapt to Airstrikes, Pound Rebels - Associated Press

Qaddafi Forces Said to Lay Land Mines at City - New York Times

Who Are the Rebels Fighting Libyan Govt Forces? - Voice of America

On Libya's Revolutionary Road - New York Times

Rebels Divided Over What Would Replace Gadhafi - Associated Press

World Powers Tangle Over Arming Libya's Rebels - Associated Press

Libyan Foreign Minister, Once Gaddafi Confidant, Defects - Washington Post

Libya Minister Resigns, in Blow to Regime - Wall Street Journal

Kadafi Aide Flees to Britain and Quits - Los Angeles Times

Libya Foreign Minister 'Defects' - BBC News

U.K.: Libya's Foreign Minister to Resign - Associated Press

Libya's Foreign Minister Defects, Arrives in Britain - Reuters

Nicaraguan Chosen to Represent Libya at U.N. - Associated Press

U.S. Wants Other Nations to Pitch in on Libya - Washington Post

Chinese President Criticizes France About Libya Bombing - Voice of America

Uganda Says It Would Welcome Libya's Gadhafi - Associated Press

Spotted: N. Korea Arms in Libya - Wall Street Journal

Official: Gadhafi Son Got VIP Tour of AF Academy - Associated Press

Obama's Forthright Defense of Limited War - Boston Globe editorial

Does the U.S. Really Want to Own Libya? - Washington Post opinion

Obama Flirts with a Doctrine - Los Angeles Times opinion

Praying Obama Gets Lucky in Libya - New York Times opinion

A Morass of Justifications, Objectives, and Scope - The Week opinion

An Incoherent Libya Policy - Investor's Business Daily opinion

Obama's Cautious Approach - Real Clear Politics opinion

Amazement at the Extent of Libyan Idiocy - The Spectator opinion

Egypt

Elections in Egypt by the Fall, Leaders Say - New York Times

Egypt's Presidential Vote to Be Held by November - Associated Press

Egypt Says U.S. Slow on Freezing Mubarak Assets - Washington Post

Yemen

Hundreds of Thousands Take to Streets Again - Daily Telegraph

Huge Yemeni Crowds Press On for President's Ouster - Associated Press

Yemen's Saleh Makes New Offer: Opposition Snub It - Reuters

Opposition Lists Key Demands as Demonstrations Continue - Bloomberg

Protesters Blame President for Factory Disaster - Voice of America

Sit-In Against the Govt Yields Business Opportunities - New York Times

The President Who Cried "Al-Qaeda!" - Time opinion

Syria

Syrian President Assad Vows to Defeat 'Plot' - Voice of America

Syrian Leader Blames 'Conspiracy' for Turmoil - New York Times

Assad Blames Protests on Conspiracy - Washington Post

Assad Blames Conspiracies for Syria Unrest - Los Angeles Times

Syria's President Assad Vows to Defeat 'Plot' - BBC News

Syrian President Blames Turmoil on 'Conspirators' - Associated Press

U.S. Dismisses Assad's Speech, Conspiracy Theory - Reuters

Analyst View: Syria Faces Crisis as Protests Flare - Reuters

Reuters Correspondent and Photographer Missing in Syria - Reuters

Can Syria's Dictator Reform? - Washington Post editorial

Bahrain

Opposition Leader Warns Against Foreign Interference - Radio Free Europe

Opposition Head Wants Iran, Saudi Arabia Out - Agence France-Presse

Bahrain Hardliners to Put Shia MPs on Trial - Daily Telegraph

Bahrain Arrests Leading Internet Activist - Voice of America

World Ignoring Bahrain Struggle - Toronto Star opinion

Iraq

Death Toll Hits 57 in Iraqi Hostage Siege - Associated Presss

Iran

An Unchecked Iran Foments Instability - The Australian

Israel 'Gets Argentina Pledge' on Buenos Aires Iran Attacks - BBC News

Israeli: Argentina Gives Commitment to Iran Bomb Probe - Associated Press

Revolution's Long Shadow Over the Tehran Art Scene - New York Times

Kuwait

Kuwait Government Set to Quit Over Questioning - Reuters

Israel / Palestinians

Militants Put Gazans In Danger, Group Says - New York Times

Netanyahu Confirms Gaza Man Held by Israel - Reuters

A Knesset Inquisition - Washington Post opinion

Middle East / North Africa Unrest

Turkey: Arab Rulers Must Change or Risk Defeat - Reuters

Fleeing North Africa and Landing in an Italian Limbo - New York Times

Latest Developments in Arab World's Unrest - Associated Press

Obama Wins Arab Respect - The Daily Beast opinion

Can We Start Being Honest? - Real Clear Politics opinion

Afghanistan

Signs of Strain as Taliban Gird for Renewed Fighting - New York Times

Looming Battle Over Pace of Afghanistan Drawdown - Washington Post

In Afghan Info War, Being First Trumps Being Right - Stars and Stripes

Karzai Denounces Alleged 'Trophy' Killings - Los Angeles Times

Karzai Blasts U.S Troops for Gruesome Afghan Deaths - Associated Press

Stavridis Praises Allies' Afghanistan Efforts - American Forces Press Service

Forces Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan - American Forces Press Service

Pakistan

Pakistan Handles Islamic Extremism with Kid Gloves - Los Angeles Times

Official: CIA Tipoff Led to Pakistan Arrest - Associated Press

Bomber Hits Checkpoint in Pakistan, Kills 13 - Associated Press

Seven Die in Pakistan Suicide Bike Bombing - BBC News

Japan Earthquake / Tsunami

Situation at Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Plant Still Serious - VOA

Japan Plant Had Barebones Risk Plan - Wall Street Journal

High Radiation in Water Near Japanese Plant - New York Times

U.N.: High Radiation Outside Japan's Exclusion Zone - Associated Press

IAEA Suggests Japan Widen Exclusion Zone Near Nuclear Plant - Reuters

4 of 6 Daiichi Reactors Can't be Fixed - Washington Post

4 Reactors at Fukushima Complex Have to Be Scrapped - Los Angeles Times

Workers Give Glimpse of Japan's Nuclear Crisis - New York Times

Up to the Minute Updates ... - Stars and Stripes

U.S. Department of Defense

New Pentagon Cyber Strategy Complete - Defense News

Cyber Breach May Leave DOD Networks Exposed - Stars and Stripes

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

Budget Slows Defense Growth, Comptroller Says - AFPS

Defense Employees Bear Burden in Efficiency Plan - Government Executive

Pentagon Works to Tackle Cost Overruns, Official Says - AFPS

Technology Extends Stratcom's Priorities - American Forces Press Service

Hasan's Lawyer Wants New Leader on Case - Associated Press

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

Ex-colonel Goes to Prison for Faked Paternity Test - Associated Press

U.S. Department of State

Top Official to be Replaced by Middle East Expert - Washington Post

United States

GOP Drafts Legislative Assault on Illegal Immigration - Los Angeles Times

U.S. to Reduce Oil Imports by a Third by 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Obama Hits Low Point in New Poll and Libya Does Not Help - Voice of America

Barack Obama Takes a Back Seat - Daily Telegraph editorial

The Two Obamas - Washington Post opinion

Canada

Police Make 'Terrorism' Arrest at Toronto Airport - Reuters

Africa

Pro-Ouattara Fighters Enter Ivory Coast Capital - Voice of America

Ivory Coast: Ouattara Fighters 'Capture Yamoussoukro' - BBC News

Opposition in Ivory Coast Seizes Capital - New York Times

Ivory Coast Capital Seized by President-elect's Forces - Los Angeles Times

Pro-Ouattara Forces Seize Ivory Coast Capital - Associated Press

Ouattara Forces Enter Ivory Coast's San Pedro Port - Reuters

U.N. Imposes Sanctions on Ivory Coast's Gbagbo - Associated Press

U.N.: Sudan's North, South Militarise Disputed Abyei - Reuters

Nigerian President Will Not Face Main Rivals at Final Debate - VOA

Lawyer Seeks Mozambican's Removal From Drug List - Associated Press

Tear Gas Fired After Malawi Protesters Throw Rocks - Associated Press

Americas

Mexican Cartels Get Heavy Weapons from CentAm - Borderland Beat

Mexico: Rewards Over Shooting of U.S. Agents - Reuters

Guatemala's Alleged No. 1 Drug Trafficker Captured - Associated Press

U.S. Captures Major Guatemalan Drug Trafficker - Reuters

Brazil Joins Bolivia Anti-drug Fight - BBC News

Carter Criticises U.S. Cuba Policy - BBC News

Carter Leaves Cuba Without Jailed U.S. Contractor - Associated Press

Asia Pacific

China: South China Sea a 'Core Interest' Worth War? - New York Times

China's Military Says Seeks More Exchanges - Associated Press

In Crackdown By Chinese, A New Arrest - New York Times

G20 Meet to Highlight China's World Finance Role - Associated Press

Philippines Says China Executes Three Filipinos - New York Times

North Koreans Upbeat After Talks with ex-U.S. Envoys - Associated Press

U.N. Sees Urgent Need for N. Korean Food Aid - Associated Press

Spotted: N. Korea Arms in Libya - Wall Street Journal

Burma's Military Government Dissolved, 'Civilian-Led' Govt Sworn In - VOA

President Replaces Junta in Burma Shadow Play - New York Times

Burma Junta Is 'Dissolved' as Govt Sworn In - Associated Press

Philippines: 3 Abu Sayyaf Killed in Clash with Military - Inquirer

Cambodia: Dispute Over Sentence of KR Prison Chief - New York Times

Europe

Russia: Medvedev in 'Blow to Putin Ally' - BBC News

Debate Plan on Rising Muslim Population in France Savaged - Daily Mail

France's Islam Debate Attacked - Associated Press

Sarkozy's Last Chance - Wall Street Journal

South Asia

India and Pakistan Pledge to 'Normalise Relations' - BBC News

India and Pakistan Leaders Meet at Cricket Match - New York Times

Cricket: India and Pakistan Gripped by World Cup Clash - BBC News

Joyous Celebrations Mark 'Cricket-Diplomacy' - Reuters

The Samar and Batangas Punitive Campaigns

by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas A. Bruno, U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Army War College Strategy Research Project

25 March 2010

Download the Full Strategy Research Project: Ending an Insurgency Violently

From 1899-1902, the United States Army waged a successful counterinsurgency campaign in the Philippines. For over two years, Army strategic leaders endeavored to employ a policy of benevolent assimilation to attract the Philippine populace. Due to insurgent resistance, varying levels of attraction and chastisement policies were actually utilized. In 1901, the massacre of a U.S. infantry company at Balangiga, Samar, acted as a catalyst for the Army to end the waning insurgency in the two remaining un-pacified provinces. Resultantly, the Army undertook punitive operations to reduce the last major rebel strongholds in the Philippines—the Batangas Province on Luzon and the island of Samar. Several scholars assert that the Samar Expedition, commanded by BG Jacob H. Smith, was based on a harsh policy of devastation. Smith's expedition undeniably resulted in significant public outrage over charges of excessive cruelty and war crimes. In contrast, the Batangas campaign plan, under the direction of BG J. Franklin Bell, is remembered as a balanced strategy of coercion and attraction. Nevertheless, both campaigns provide an opportunity to analyze the proper balance of attraction and retribution policies necessary to carry out a successful counterinsurgency campaign.

Download the Full Strategy Research Project: Ending an Insurgency Violently

The Unraveling of the Salih Regime in Yemen

by Christopher Boucek and Mara Revkin

Using Google Insights to Assess Egypt's Jasmine Revolution

by Joshua Goldstein and Gabriel Koehler-Derrick

Accuracy of the U.S. Drone Campaign: The Views of a Pakistani General

by Brian Glyn Williams

Haqqani Network Influence in Kurram and its Implications for Afghanistan

by Jeffrey Dressler

The Risks of Supporting Tribal Militias in Pakistan

by Daud Khattak

The Factors Behind Rebellion in Iranian Kurdistan

by Chris Zambelis

Much more over at the CTC.

In other news, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula released the current issue of Inspire. Outside the calls to recruit individual's to suicide missions, Zawahiri makes claims that the revolutions in the Middle East and Northern Africa are a "Tsunami of Change" inspired by God to assist in Al-Qaeda's global strategy.