Related:

Amid Rebels, 'Flickers' of al Qaeda - Wall Street Journal

Opposition Includes Small Number of al-Qaeda Fighters - Washington Post

Intelligence on Libya Rebels Shows "Flickers" of Qaeda - Reuters

NATO Chief Fears al-Qaeda Have Infiltrated Rebels - Daily Telegraph

1,000 'Freelance Jihadists' Join Libyan Rebels - Washington Times

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

U.S. Mulls Arming Libyan Rebels - NPR

Obama Doesn't Rule Out Arming Rebels - USA Today

Arms to Libya Rebels 'Not Ruled Out' - BBC News

U.S.: No Decision to Arm Rebels - Associated Press

Britain Considers Arming Rebels - Daily Telegraph

France Ready to Talk About Arming Libyan Rebels - Reuters

Italy Says Arming Libyan Rebels Would be "Extreme" - Dawn

NATO All Over The Place on Arming Libyan Rebels - Wired

At the U.N., Discussion About the Arms Embargo - BBC News

Arming Libya Rebels Not Allowed by U.N. Resolutions - The Guardian

Update One. Jamsheed K. Choksy discusses his SWJ article Libyan Rebels and Western Assistance on Ian Masters talk radio show.

Related:

Treading Softly in the Philippines - The Weekly Standard

The Lesser and Greater Insurgencies of the Philippines - Long War Journal

The Role of the Philippines in the Long War - Long War Journal

Investing in People - Long War Journal

OEF Philippines: Thinking COIN, Practicing FID - Special Warfare

Securing Peace in Mindanao through Diplomacy, Development, and Defense - U.S. Embassy, Manila

Jihadists in Paradise - The Atlantic

World Leaders Vow Continued Strikes in Libya - Washington Post

Washington in Fierce Debate on Arming Libyan Rebels - New York Times

Obama Says Events Demanded Quick Action - Los Angeles Times

Qaddafi Forces Counterattack After Rebel Advance Stalls - New York Times

Rebels Race to Ras Lanuf, Beat Hasty Retreat - Christian Science Monitor

Pro-Gadhafi Forces Drive Back Libyan Rebels - Voice of America

Libya Rebels Flee Gadhafi Assault as World Debates - Associated Press

Libya Rebels Flee Oil Town Under Gaddafi Bombardment - Reuters

Misrata Rebels Say Under Intense Libya Attack - Reuters

Rebels Say Gadhafi Uses Rape as Fear Tactic - Washington Times

Amid Rebels, 'Flickers' of al Qaeda - Wall Street Journal

NATO Chief Fears al-Qaeda Have Infiltrated Rebels - Daily Telegraph

1,000 'Freelance Jihadists' Join Libyan Rebels - Washington Times

Arms to Libya Rebels 'Not Ruled Out' - BBC News

U.S.: No Decision to Arm Rebels - Associated Press

France Ready to Talk About Arming Libyan Rebels - Reuters

Allies Renew Demand for Qaddafi to Give Up Power - New York Times

Allies Intensify Call for Gadhafi to Step Down - Wall Street Journal

Top Diplomats Agree That Libya's Gadhafi Must Go - Associated Press

William Hague Hints Gaddafi Exile - BBC News

Obama: Too Early to Negotiate Gadhafi Exit - Associated Press

Britain, Qatar Give Message of Support to Libyans - Reuters

Obama Speech Buoys Residents in Rebel-Held Eastern Libya - VOA

Doctrine for Libya: Not Carved in Stone - New York Times

GOP Is Split On Libya Intervention - Wall Street Journal

An Aide's Clout Shows in Obama Speech - New York Times

Congressional Concerns Continue Over U.S. Libya Involvement - VOA

International Conference in London Plots Libya Future - Los Angeles Times

Diplomats Discuss Future, Italy Plots Gaddafi's Escape - The Guardian

Obama Hopes Gaddafi Will Ultimately Step Down - Reuters

Clinton Urges Aid to Libya, Pressure on Gadhafi - American Forces Press Service

Pentagon Puts Operation's Price Tag at About $550m - Washington Post

Commander of U.S. and Allied Forces Explains Dual Roles - NATO Source

Double Vision Over Libya - Washington Times opinion

Team Obama, World Police - Washington Times opinion

Jumping the Gun in Libya - Washington Times opinion

Obama Puts Forward False Choices on Libya - New Yorker opinion

President's Speech Was Shrewd and Sensible - Slate opinion

Obama Fails to Make Case for Action - American Spectator opinion

A Doctrine of Limited Intervention - MSNBC opinion

Egypt

Ultraconservative Muslims Press Sharia Dictates in Egypt - Associated Press

Yemen

Yemeni's Divide-and-Conquer Ploy Failing - Washington Times

Yemen President Loses Grip On Several Provinces - Los Angeles Times

Yemen Crisis Intensifies with Factory Explosion - Washington Post

Yemeni Arms Factory Blast Toll Rises Amid Protests - BBC News

Yemenis Fume Over Bloodshed, Indirect Talks Start - Reuters

Syria

Syrian Leader to Address Nation Amid Unrest - Associated Press

Syria's Assad to Give First Speech Since Protests - Reuters

Syrian Cabinet Resigns Amid Unrest - Washington Post

Syrian Cabinet Resigns as Protests Continue - New York Times

Syrian Cabinet Quits as Assad Promises Reform - Los Angeles Times

Assad Offers Concessions Amid Unrest - Washington Times

Syrian President Accepts Cabinet Resignation Amid Protests - VOA

Syrian Cabinet Quits Amid Unrest - BBC News

Syria Mobilizes Thousands for Pro-Assad Marches - Reuters

Syria Offers Concessions Amid Wave of Unrest - Associated Press

Israel, Long Critical of Assad, May Prefer He Stay - Washington Post

Clinton Deplores Syrian Crackdown, Urges Reform - Voice of America

U.S. Says Assad Must Make Progress on Reforms - Reuters

Iraq

Iraqi Security Forces Storm Building Held by Gunmen - Voice of America

Hostages Die in Attack On Leadership Of Province - New York Times

Dozens Killed in Siege at Tikrit Council - BBC News

Gunmen Kill 56 in Grisly Iraq Hostage Siege - Associated Press

At Least 53 Dead as Iraqi Forces End Gunmen's Siege - Reuters

Iran

Kuwait Condemns 3 to Death in Iran Spy Ring - Agence France-Presse

U.S. Court Backs Iran in Dispute Over Assets - Reuters

Bahrain

Bahrain Expands Crackdown, Detains Shiite Blogger - Associated Press

Israel / Palestinians

Israel Considering Annexing West Bank Settlements - Associated Press

Israel Airstrike Kills 1 Gaza Militant - Associated Press

Facebook Drops 'Intifada' Page for Promoting Violence - BBC News

Facebook Cuts 'Uprising' Page After Israel Protest - Associated Press

Israel Passes Law Revoking Citizenship for Spying - BBC News

Israel's Netanyahu Sues Media for Libel - Associated Press

Lebanon

Lebanese Police Search for Kidnapped Tourists - Associated Press

Middle East / North Africa Unrest

Al Qaeda: Arab Revolts Herald 'Great Leap Forward' - Reuters

Latest Updates on Libya and Mideast Protests - New York Times

Country-by-Country News Roundup - New York Times

Latest Developments in Arab World's Unrest - Associated Press

Afghanistan

Taliban Seizes District in Rare Show of Force - Washington Post

Taliban Seize District in Eastern Afghanistan - New York Times

Afghan Police: Taliban Overrun Remote District - Associated Press

Karzai Aide Is Arrested, Then Released - New York Times

3 NATO Troops Killed in Afghanistan - Associated Press

Forces Repel Ambush, Kill Insurgents - American Forces Press Service

Pakistan

Pakistan Army Shell Kills Troops in Battle with Taliban - BBC News

Terror Suspect in Bali Bombings Caught in Pakistan - Associated Press

Team Headed to Pakistan to Identify Bali Bomber - New York Times

Bomber Hits Checkpoint in Pakistan, Kills 13 - Associated Press

Japan Earthquake / Tsunami

Japan on 'Maximum Alert' as Workers Try to Stem Leaks of Toxic Water - VOA

Japan Fights to End Radioactive Spread - Washington Post

Confidence Slips Away as Japan Battles Nuclear Peril - New York Times

Japan Works to Stop Radioactive Water Leaking Into Sea - BBC News

Operator Says It Will Scrap Four Reactors at Plant - New York Times

Edano: Can't Say When Nuclear Plant Will Be Under Control - Reuters

Radioactive Material from Nuclear Plant Spreads Across Globe - VOA

Japan Weighs Nationalizing Stricken Utility - New York Times

U.S. Department of Defense

Decision on U.S. Force Structure in Europe Coming Soon - Stars and Stripes

Rodriguez Tapped for Fourth Star, FORSCOM Command - Stars and Stripes

Stavridis Cites Value of Partnerships - American Forces Press Service

Psst: Did You Hear Who May Replace Bob Gates? - The Envoy

United States

Libya Speech Suggests an Elusive Obama Doctrine - New York Times

Anti-terrorism Training Draws Scrutiny - Washington Times

Appeals Court Overturns Release of Gitmo Detainee - Associated Press

Arms Dealer Arrested in FBI Sting Pleads Guilty - Associated Press

Budget Fight Faces Hurdle Beyond Price Tag - New York Times

No Stopgap Spending Bill Beyond April 8 - Associated Press

Senators Ask Nuclear Regulators About U.S. Risk - Reuters

Napolitano: Border Better Than Ever - Washington Times

United Kingdom

'Fake Bomb' UPS Flight from U.K. to Turkey Investigated - BBC News

U.K. Investigates Package on UPS Plane to Turkey - Reuters

Australia

Australia PM Julia Gillard's Computer 'Hacked' - BBC News

Africa

Ivory Coast Rebels Rapidly Advance - Voice of America

Opposition Forces in Ivory Coast Take Towns on 2 Fronts - New York Times

Ivory Coast: Laurent Gbagbo Calls for Ceasefire - BBC News

Ivory Coast Rebels Advance, Take 2 More Cities - Associated Press

Ouattara Forces Push South in Ivory Coast - Reuters

Official: Ivory Coast Rebels Take 2 More Towns - Associated Press

Fighting Near Ivorian Capital, Ouattara Forces Advance - Reuters

South Sudan Training Darfur Rebels - BBC News

U.S. Authors Delve Deep Into Congo's Troubles - Voice of America

Zimbabwe: PM's Party Regains Speaker Seat - Associated Press

80 Ethiopian Jews Wounded, 80 Arrested at Protest - Associated Press

Rwanda Genocide: Ex-mayor Gatete Sentenced to Life - BBC News

Genocide Court Sentences Rwandan Mayor to Life - Associated Press

Americas

Wife, Daughter of Mexican Governor's Guard Killed - Associated Press

Hugo Chavez, Journalism Award-Winner in Argentina - Associated Press

Jimmy Carter Meets Cuban President Raul Castro - BBC News

Carter and Castro Discuss U.S.-Cuba Relations - Reuters

Carter: Not in Cuba to Get Jailed U.S. Contractor - Associated Press

Carter and Castro Discuss U.S.-Cuba Relations - Reuters

Carter to End Cuba Trip Meeting With Dissidents - Associated Press

Haiti Postpones Results of Presidential Election - Associated Press

'Baby Doc' Duvalier Leaves Hospital in Haiti - Associated Press

Asia Pacific

China Denies Knowledge of Missing Dissidents - Voice of America

China Executions Lead Those of All Other Countries Combined - Reuters

Philippines Says China Executes Three Filipinos - New York Times

S. Korea Stages Live-Fire Drills on Border Island - Associated Press

South Korea Protests Japan's Claim to Islets - Associated Press

Oil Pipelines Through Burma Lead to Abuses - Voice of America

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

Burma Army Junta Makes Way for Civilian Government - Reuters

Flooding in Thailand Kills 21, Strands Thousands - Reuters

Europe

Medvedev Follows Attack on Separatists With Warning - New York Times

Russia 'Kills 17 North Caucasus Militants' - BBC News

Russia: Chechen Accused of Staging Airport Bombing - Associated Press

Belgium Reaches Iraq's Record Government Stalemate - Associated Press

Belarus Opposition Activist Gets 3/12 Year Term - Associated Press

Portugal and Greece Downgraded on Debt Worries - BBC News

French Religious Leaders Protest Debate on Islam - Associated Press

South Asia

Cricket Offers Chance for India-Pakistan Diplomacy - New York Times

India, Pakistan PMs Hold Court for Cricket - Associated Press

India and Pakistan Leaders Pad Up for Cricket Diplomacy - Reuters

Indian and Pakistan Agree on Mumbai Probe - BBC News

India and Pakistan to Set Up Terrorism Hotline - Daily Telegraph

India, Pakistan Agree to Cooperate on Terror Probe - Associated Press

by Lieutenant General Michael A. Vane, U.S. Army

In the past few weeks and months numerous points and counterpoints have been made regarding CSDA...Connecting Soldiers to Digital Applications. Many of these points are valid; many are not. I would like to take a few minutes to clarify some of the concerns or misperceptions regarding this Army initiative.

First of all, there is no denying that the world as a whole and our Army in particular are in the midst of a technology firestorm. The explosion of smart phones in the civilian sector highlights the potential of these technologies and digital applications for the Army. If we do not get on board these evolving technologies, then the rest of the world will leave us standing at the station. The potential returns from these technologies are simply too great, particularly for enhancing training and tactical functions.

That's why the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) and the Army's Chief Information Officer have initiated a pilot program under CSDA to explore the value for the individual Soldier. CSDA is not a materiel acquisition program, but a series of pilots and assessments that will evaluate the value added of smart phones and cellular connectivity to support new training approaches of the Army Learning Concept 2015 and the creation of a persistent learning environment. These assessments will also explore smart phone potential for accessing operational and institutional information. The great potential by employing commercially available devices is that it may permit the Army to rapidly update and share information at a fraction of the cost of developing military unique solutions via traditional methods.

CSDA seeks to exploit the digital generation's comfort with off-the-shelf media technology. This allows the Army to supplement, extend, and partially transfer the training content out of the classroom and into the Soldier's hand through smart phone technologies. From an initial pilot program, we found that students achieved improved training proficiency. Metrics, data collection and assessment of on-going pilots will help determine if Soldiers learning from hand-held technologies may be able to pick up course materials much faster and have greater retention when dealing with basic tasks. We will also determine the extent to which delivery of training content in this method may reduce the amount of time spent in class listening to lectures, but rather prepare Soldiers to engage in collaboration, problem solving and practical exercises when they come together in the classroom environment. Initial findings and tactical feedback from Soldiers with combat experience assigned to the Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF) already show great promise as exemplified by these comments: "Greatly improved my situational awareness...We could see what was going on in real time." "The smart phone provided communication to the lowest levels...It helped us to see the positions of our battle buddies through a live tracker...Better than anything we already have." Additional feedback gave high marks to Blue Force Tracking applications, increased battlefield visualization, and the ability to take pictures of the enemy, their weapons, and materials and send this information to the company TOC. Other battlefield applications under operational concept review that have great potential include: Threat Act Program that enables Soldiers to continuously search and update data sources for enemy activity in their area; Soldier Eyes that uses phone sensors for situational awareness on location and is tied to data sources that provide location, directions, and distances to enable appropriate movement; Media Share that allows Soldiers to submit photos or video helpful in the collection and analysis of intelligence; and an ISR feed providing day or night live video from a vehicle mounted camera. We are only scratching the surface. The Army plans to continue to exercise, evaluate, and search for more tactical applications that will connect the Soldier to the tactical network while protecting the data accessed by the phones, a concern and a challenge for information assurance.

Presently, the mechanism for providing smart phone capability to all Soldiers is still being explored. We are currently working to identify a strategy and business model which would allow the Army to conduct a firm cost benefit analysis for providing each Soldier with a smart phone. However, this decision has not been made since we are still at the concept exploration stage. The bulk of CSDA resides in eight pilot programs being tested and evaluated simultaneously by AETF Soldiers and students at Army training centers and schools. When implemented, CSDA will fundamentally change how Soldiers access information, data, and training content in both garrison and operational environments. The potential is much too great to stop now.

SWJ Note: Lieutenant General Michael A. Vane is the Director, Army Capabilities Integration Center, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.

In my March 4, 2011 column at Foreign Policy, I first drew the comparison between the Obama administration's handling of Libya and the situation in Iraq 20 years ago, just after Kuwait's liberation from Saddam Hussein's forces. Events in Libya since then and Obama's speech last night have only reinforced the comparison.

After the triumph in Kuwait, Bush the Elder was eager to leave the impression of a clean and decisive military action. It was not to be. Rebellions inside Iraq soon broke out and televised images of cold, starving, and harried Kurdish refugees forced a reluctant U.S. administration to intervene. Similarly, two weeks ago, the Obama team was rejecting entreaties to intervene in Libya. But the rapid approach of a Qaddafi armored column on Benghazi -- and the prospect of a televised slaughter -- caused Obama to suddenly reverse course.

Just like Bush the Elder, Obama is operating under a U.N. Security Council resolution that was the lowest common denominator he could get passed. He has legal authority to protect civilians but not to remove Qaddafi or explicitly take sides in the civil war. In 1991, Bush and his advisers argued that they lacked legal authority to march on Baghdad and remove Saddam, and that to try to do so would break up the international coalition that had backed the Kuwait war. In explaining why he will not use U.S. military power to remove Qaddafi, Obama made the same argument in his speech last night. And just like Bush the Elder, Obama is hoping that sanctions, vague threats, or a palace coup will remove the dictator.

Just as in Iraq after 1991, a frustrating stalemate is still the most likely outcome. According to the BBC, the rebel advance on Sirte, which over the past two days had looked so promising, has been halted by a pro-Qaddafi counterattack. Echoing the back-and-forth along this same coast road between 1940 and 1942, today the rebels are in retreat back to Bin Jawad, 150 kilometers east of Sirte. Yesterday, Gen. Carter Ham, commander of Africa Command and the outgoing coalition commander, warned that Qaddafi's military power still far exceeded that of the rebels.

Obama explicitly rejected the measures Bush the Younger employed for Iraq, viewing them as both extralegal and a foolish over-commitment of U.S. resources. But perhaps Obama can say that now because Libya has yet to become a decade-old stalemate against a tyrant that Iraq would become after Bush the Elder left office. Should, as seems likely, a de facto partition form which leaves Qaddafi in power in the west, Obama or his successors will face the same situation in Libya that Bush the Elder's successors inherited in Iraq.

Obama may decide to exceed his legal mandate far quicker than Bush the Younger allegedly did in Iraq. The first such decision would be an order to use U.S. air power not simply to destroy Qaddafi tanks marauding against rebel towns in the east, but to attack Qaddafi military forces in the countryside that are in contact with rebel ground forces. The second would be to start a large-scale Special Forces-led unconventional warfare program to stand up a proper rebel army, one that is capable of assaulting all the way to Tripoli. These measures are required to oust Qaddafi. They also go well beyond the authority of UNSCR 1970 and 1973.

Last night, Obama made the case for intervention in Libya. But he didn't explain how he and the coalition will avoid an endless military stalemate. Hoping for a coup in Tripoli is not a strategy. Obama explained how he will not repeat George W. Bush's mistakes. But in doing so, he is repeating those of George H.W. Bush. The Obama team thinks it has learned the lessons of Iraq. But the history it studies should start in 1990, not 2003.

Here is the article lineup for the latest issue:

Human Security in Complex Operations by Mary Kaldor

Enhancing U.S. Support for UN Peacekeeping by Nancy Soderberg

Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts: Putting Inter into Interagency by Eric A. Jorgensen

Interagency National Security Teams: Can Social Science Contribute? by James D. Orton and Christopher Lamb

The Comprehensive Approach in Afghanistan by James G. Stavridis

Conflict Prevention in East Africa: The Indirect Approach by Brian L. Losey

Rethinking the Fundamentals of State-building by Roger B. Myerson

Nation-building Interventions and National Security: An Australian Perspective by Michael G. Smith and Rebecca Shrimpton

The Commander as Investor: Changing CERP Practices by Rebecca Patterson and Jonathan Robinson

Airpower in Counterinsurgency and Stability Operations by Norton A. Schwartz

Ministerial Advisors: Developing Capacity for an Enduring Security Force by James A. Schear, William B. Caldwell IV, and Frank C. DiGiovanni

Metrics for the Haiti Stabilization Initiative by David C. Becker and Robert Grossman-Vermaas

Civil-Military Operations in Kenya's Rift Valley: Sociocultural Impacts at the Local Level by Jessica Lee and Maureen Farrell

ISAF Lessons Learned: A German Perspective by Rainer Glatz

An Interview with William E. Ward - PRISM Interview

Zero-Sum Future: American Power in an Age of Anxiety Book Review by Michael J. Mazarr

Obama's Remarks on Libya - New York Times transcript

Obama Cites Limits of U.S. Role in Libya - New York Times

Obama Vigorously Defends Libya Intervention - Washington Post

Obama Defends Libya Fight - Wall Street Journal

Obama Tries to Navigate a Thorny Path on Libya - Los Angeles Times

'Deadly Advance' Obama's Trigger - Washington Times

Mission Necessary to Protect 'Common Humanity' - Christian Science Monitor

Obama Cites 'Responsibility' of U.S. in Libya Intervention - USA Today

Brutality in Libya Required Swift Action, Obama Says - Boston Globe

President Obama Defends U.S. Role in Libya - Boston Herald

Obama Defends Libya Intervention - BBC News

Libya: Obama Defends U.S. Military Involvement - Daily Telegraph

Obama: Libya Action Necessary, Limited - Seattle Times

Obama Defends Military Mission in Libya - FOX News

Obama Says Libya Massacre Would Stain World Conscience - Bloomberg

Obama on Libya: 'We Have a Responsibility to Act' - Associated Press

Obama Vows U.S. Forces Won't Get Bogged Down in Libya - Reuters

White House: 'No Mercy' is Not a Doctrine - Washington Times

Reactions to Obama's Address on Libya - CNN News

Speech Draws Praise, Questions, Criticism In Congress - Wall Street Journal

McCain Praises Obama's Libya Speech - Weekly Standard

Analyst View: Obama Sets Out Libya Strategy - Reuters

Rebel Advance Halted Outside Qaddafi's Hometown - New York Times

Rebels Approach Gaddafi Home Town - Washington Post

Libya Rebels Move on Gadhafi Hometown - Wall Street Journal

Rebels Close in on Gadhafi Hometown - Washington Times

Libyan Rebels Stopped Short of Sirte - Los Angeles Times

Rebels Battle for Road to Gaddafi Hometown Sirte - BBC News

Libyan Rebels Bear Down on Gadhafi's Hometown - Associated Press

Rebels Push West Before Libya Crisis Talks - Reuters

Libyan Forces, Rebels Face Off in Divided Misrata - Reuters

Gritty Urban Battle Still Rages on Forgotten Front - Washington Post

Fierce Fighting Roils City 'Liberated' by Kadafi Troops - Los Angeles Times

U.S. Air Power Gets Expansive Role - New York Times

U.S. Deploys Low-flying Attack Planes - Washington Post

Powers Meet in U.K. to Map Path for Libya Future - Reuters

Report: Libya's Foreign Minister in Tunisia - Associated Press

Libyan Rebels Promise Oil Exports - Washington Post

Libyan Rebels Aim to Revive Oil Exports - New York Times

Libya Rebels Say Seeking to Lift Oil Sanctions - Reuters

Qatar Recognizes Libyan Rebel Body as Legitimate - Reuters

Libyans Seek News of Vanished Relatives - New York Times

Teasing Out Policy Insight From a Character Profile - New York Times

Where's the Strategy to Preserve Success? - Washington Post editorial

President Obama on Libya - New York Times editorial

Clear, Cogent but Not Always Persuasive - Los Angeles Times editorial

The President's Speech - Washington Times editorial

More Clarity on Libya from Obama - Washington Post opinion

Strong on Justification, Short on Strategy - Washington Post opinion

You've Come a Long Way, Baby - Weekly Standard opinion

Obama Made His Case - Washington Post opinion

In Obama's Speech, Echoes of JFK - Washington Post opinion

Libya Speech: Satisfactory, but Not Satisfying - Foreign Policy opinion

Obama Doctrine's Murky Details - Washington Post opinion

Obama Talks Big Picture, Not Details - Foreign Policy opinion

Speech Leaves Questions Unanswered - National Journal opinion

Why Libya? Because We Could - Foreign Policy opinion

Everything and Nothing - National Review opinion

The Devil We Know - Weekly Standard opinion

Give War a Chance - Weekly Standard opinion

Egypt

Egypt's Military Rulers Set Parliamentary Election for September - VOA

Egypt Plans September Ballot, Shortens Curfew - Reuters

Germany Advises on How to Disband Secret Police - Washington Post

Egypt's Military Confirms Mubarak Travel Ban - New York Times

Egypt, Seeking a Nile Ally, Offers S. Sudan Aid - Associated Press

Tunisia

Tunisian President Sacks Interior Minister - Associated Press

Tunisia Decries Israeli Call for Jews to Emigrate - Associated Press

Yemen

Yemen Battles al Qaeda as President Clings to Power - CNN News

Yemen Handover Talks Stall but Deal Within Reach - Reuters

Blast at Ammunition Factory Kills at Least 78 People - Voice of America

Crisis Grows with Explosion at Munitions Factory - Washington Post

Factory Explosion Follows Yemeni Forces' Pullout - New York Times

Yemen Weapons Factory Hit by Deadly Explosions - BBC News

Scores Dead in Blast at Yemen Weapons Factory - New York Times

78 Die in Yemen Blast That Increases Fear of Chaos - Associated Press

Bahrain

Bahrain Opposition Says 250 Detained, 44 Missing - Reuters

Syria

Syrian Protesters Wait for President's Address - Voice of America

Assad Wavers Between Crackdown or Compromise - Washington Post

Syrian Forces Try to Disperse Protesters With Gunfire - New York Times

Tear Gas in Deraa as Army Takes Latakia - BBC News

Syrian Forces Confront Protesters, Witnesses Say - Reuters

More Protests Reported in Syria - Associated Press

Syrian Forces Confront Protesters, Witnesses Say - Reuters

Syrian Forces Fired Warning Shots in Deraa - Reuters

Saudi Arabia

No Votes for Women in Saudi Municipal Elections - Reuters

Iraq

Clashes Fuel Debate Over U.S. Plan to Leave Iraq - New York Times

A Surge in Petty Crime Is a Victory, of Sorts - New York Times

Investment Talks Bring Turkish Premier to Baghdad - Associated Press

Iran

Unrest Benefits Iran Most With Our Help - Investor's Business Daily

Israel Angered by 'Deal' to Stop Iran Terror Inquiry - Daily Telegraph

Israel / Palestinians

Israel President: Great Hopes for Arab Revolutions - Associated Press

Abbas Would Give Up U.S. Aid for Palestinian Unity - Associated Press

Israeli Premier Picks New Internal Security Head - Associated Press

Israel Eases Steps to Revoke Citizenship - Reuters

Middle East / North Africa Unrest

Turmoil in the Mideast Updates - Stars and Stripes

Latest Updates on Libya and Mideast Protests - New York Times

Latest Developments in Arab World's Unrest - Associated Press

Arabs Will Be Free - New York Times opinion

Dawn of a New Arab Nationalism - Financial Times opinion

Afghanistan

Afghan Elite Borrowed Freely From Kabul Bank - New York Times

New and Old Information Operations: What Works? - Washington Post

Afghan Police: Taliban Overrun Remote District - Associated Press

Forces Kill Insurgents in Afghanistan Airstrike - AFPS

Pakistan

Rehman Stands Alone after Colleagues' Assassinations - Washington Post

Pakistan Soldiers Die in Ambush - BBC News

Friendly Fire Kills 13 Pakistani Troops - Associated Press

Pakistan Says 13 Soldiers Killed in Friendly Fire Incident - Reuters

Bhutto Hanging Case to be Reviewed - BBC News

Japan Earthquake / Tsunami

Japan on 'Maximum' Nuclear Alert - BBC News

Radioactive Plutonium Found in Soil Around Damaged Nuclear Plant - VOA

Radioactive Water Found in Underground Tunnels - Washington Post

Radioactive Water Leaking to Tunnels Under Nuclear Plant - Los Angeles Times

Contaminated Water Escaping Nuclear Plant - New York Times

New Radiation Leak at Japan Plant - BBC News

More Radioactive Water Spills at Japan Nuke Plant - Associated Press

Japan's Plutonium Levels Called Not 'Harmful' - Washington Times

U.S. Experts: Significant Water Contamination in Japan - Reuters

Hundreds Sent for Radiation Testing - Washington Post

Info Released to Public on Radiation Too Confusing - Stars and Stripes

Executive's Vanishing Act Raises Questions - Washington Post

Piracy

Pirates Hijack Oil Tanker Off East Africa - Associated Press

Pirates Hijack Singapore-Bound Oil Tanker - Reuters

U.S. Department of Defense

National Security Insiders Support Deeper Defense Cuts - National Journal

Carter: Acquisitions Improvements Need Permanence - AFPS

Army Cites Accountability as More Photos Emerge - Stars and Stripes

Soldier's Testimony Key to Afghan Killings Cases - News-Tribune

Jury Selection Begins in Iraq Fragging Case - Army Times

United States

Time Short, Tempers Flare in Budget Showdown - Associated Press

Saudi Is Charged in Texas With Building a Bomb - New York Times

Saudi Pleads Not Guilty to U.S. Bomb Plot - Reuters

Stolen Valor Act: Is Lying Protected Speech? - Washington Post

Africa

Supporters of Rival Ivorian Presidents Fight Near Liberian Border - VOA

Ivory Coast: Pro-Ouattara Forces 'to Seal Border' - BBC News

Pro-Ouattara Forces Claim Major Ivory Coast City - Associated Press

Ouattara's Forces Open Fronts Across Ivory Coast - Reuters

Somalia Government Extends its Mandate - BBC News

China's African Investments: Who Benefits? - Washington Post opinion

Americas

Mexico's Media Agree to Voluntary Censorship - Associated Press

7 Bodies Found in Car Abandoned in Central Mexico - Associated Press

Honduran Police Break Up Protest by Teachers - Associated Press

Jimmy Carter in Rare Cuba Visit - BBC News

Carter Visits Cuba Amid Dispute Over Contractor - Associated Press

Asia Pacific

U.N. Calls on China to Release Detained Lawyer - New York Times

China Moves to Extend Jailing of Outspoken Blogger - Associated Press

Survey Finds Support for Decentralization of Power in Thailand - VOA

Europe

Russia 'Kills Caucasus Kilitants' - BBC News

Clashes in Russia's North Caucasus Kill 20 - Reuters

Russian Police Arrests 2 Airport Bombing Suspects - Associated Press

Russia: New Approaches to Understanding Former Enemy - New York Times

Italy PM Attends Corruption Trial - BBC News

Italy PM Berlusconi in Court for Fraud Trial - Reuters

Italian Fishermen Block Port to Protest Migrants - Associated Press

Socialists Spurred by French Vote - BBC News

Kosovo Presidential Poll Illegal - BBC News

South Asia

India, Pakistan Begin Peace Talks - Voice of America

India Police to Make Final Report in Telecoms Graft Case - Reuters

News / Opinion

Obama's Remarks on Libya - New York Times transcript

Obama Cites Limits of U.S. Role in Libya - New York Times

Obama Vigorously Defends Libya Intervention - Washington Post

Obama Defends Libya Fight - Wall Street Journal

Obama Tries to Navigate a Thorny Path on Libya - Los Angeles Times

Obama Speech Outlines Policy, to Mixed Reviews - Stars and Stripes

'Deadly Advance' Obama's Trigger - Washington Times

Mission Necessary to Protect 'Common Humanity' - Christian Science Monitor

Obama Cites 'Responsibility' of U.S. in Libya Intervention - USA Today

Brutality in Libya Required Swift Action, Obama Says - Boston Globe

President Obama Defends U.S. Role in Libya - Boston Herald

Obama Defends Libya Intervention - BBC News

Libya: Obama Defends U.S. Military Involvement - Daily Telegraph

Obama: Libya Action Necessary, Limited - Seattle Times

Obama Defends Military Mission in Libya - FOX News

Obama Says Libya Massacre Would Stain World Conscience - Bloomberg

Obama on Libya: 'We Have a Responsibility to Act' - Associated Press

Obama Vows U.S. Forces Won't Get Bogged Down in Libya - Reuters

White House: 'No Mercy' is Not a Doctrine - Washington Times

Obama Speech on Libya Suggests Fluid Approach - New York Times

Reactions to Obama's Address on Libya - CNN News

Speech Draws Praise, Questions, Criticism In Congress - Wall Street Journal

McCain Praises Obama's Libya Speech - Weekly Standard

Obama Speech Buoys Residents in Rebel-Held Eastern Libya - VOA

Analyst View: Obama Sets Out Libya Strategy - Reuters

Where's the Strategy to Preserve Success? - Washington Post editorial

President Obama on Libya - New York Times editorial

Clear, Cogent but Not Always Persuasive - Los Angeles Times editorial

The President's Speech - Washington Times editorial

More Clarity on Libya from Obama - Washington Post opinion

Strong on Justification, Short on Strategy - Washington Post opinion

You've Come a Long Way, Baby - Weekly Standard opinion

Obama Made His Case - Washington Post opinion

In Obama's Speech, Echoes of JFK - Washington Post opinion

Libya Speech: Satisfactory, but Not Satisfying - Foreign Policy opinion

Obama Doctrine's Murky Details - Washington Post opinion

Obama Talks Big Picture, Not Details - Foreign Policy opinion

Speech Leaves Questions Unanswered - National Journal opinion

The President's Speech on Libya - Abu Muqawama opinion

Why Libya? Because We Could - Foreign Policy opinion

Everything and Nothing - National Review opinion

Obama Puts Forward False Choices on Libya - New Yorker opinion

President's Speech Was Shrewd and Sensible - Slate opinion

Double Vision Over Libya - Washington Times opinion

Jumping the Gun in Libya - Washington Times opinion

Team Obama, World Police - Washington Times opinion

Obama Fails to Make Case for Action - American Spectator opinion

A Doctrine of Limited Intervention - MSNBC opinion

Maria Costigan asks Jill Hazelton, Research Fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center, in a recent interview.

BLUF We have a conventional wisdom on counterinsurgency right now, which is counterinsurgency as state-building ­­­­­­- the development of healthy, participatory, well-governed states will defeat insurgency. But this process is very long term and it has actually never been done. It's an ideal. The ideal involves building the civil arm of the state to serve popular interest, to gain the broad allegiance of the populace, including instituting broad reforms that affect the lives of the people the state in fundamental ways. And it involves limiting the use of military force in order to prevent the alienation of civilians by causing unintentional causalities. And all of those things are powerfully appealing to us. They make sense normatively as what we want and what we like and what we think states should do for their citizens. But, as I said, this model has never actually been put into effect. And that's important because the United States is shaping a great deal of its foreign policy around this type of counterinsurgency - in Afghanistan particularly right now, but also in some other weaker states, where jihadi violence or support for jihadi violence has been a problem- Yemen and Somalia, for example.

Much more at the Belfer Center.