What's a good-old fashioned amphibious exercise without a reading list? Small Wars Journal received an e-mail the other day that had a message attached from Admiral John C. Harvey, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. The message, "Amphibious and Expeditionary Operations Reading Program"; was addressed to all Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-in-Charge and Command Master Chiefs; and concerned preparation for Bold Alligator 12 (the largest amphibious exercise to be conducted by the Fleet in ten years). Galrahn at Information Dissemination has posted the message in its entirety here.

The message emphasized Admiral Harvey's concern that our Sea Services' collective knowledge of amphibious expeditionary operations has eroded over time. As such, the bulk of the message provided Admiral Harvey's personal reading program intended to stimulate the intellectual juices in preparation for BA 12. Good on Admiral Harvey!

The reading list is a personal program, voluntary in nature, but he truly believes it can form the basis of a stronger amphibious expeditionary operations professional reading program. The list contains four "core" books with additional reading focused on specific areas of amphibious operations to include doctrine and tactics.

Full disclosure: Despite my Marine Corps background I have not read all the books on this list and can remember little concerning those I did so many years ago. I've relied on "mini-reviews" and "product descriptions" for the short blurb after each listed book.

I also enjoin you to add to this list, let Small Wars Journal know what additions are required to build this into a world-class amphibious operations professional reading list.

Now on with Admiral Harvey's list...

Core List: Current doctrine and amphibious operations in a modern environment:

Joint Publication 3-02 (JP 3-02) Amphibious Operations (10 August 2009). The current doctrine for amphibious operations; provides the frame of reference for reading subsequent books on amphibious operations.

Three books on the 1982 Falklands conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina:

This conflict "featured an amphibious operation carried out by a modern maritime force under a significant threat from conventional air-delivered ordnance without air superiority in the area of operations. While technology has advanced since 1982, many of the warfighting issues we face today are similar in nature to what U.K. forces faced while projecting forces ashore are the end of a long and complex logistical pipeline in a hostile environment."

One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander by Sandy Woodward. The personal reflections of Admiral Sandy Woodward, during the hours up to the surrender at Port Stanley, of the repulse of the Argentinean navy and defeat of their air forces, of the sinking of the "Belgrano" and of the landing at Carlos Water, 8000 miles from home.

Amphibious Assault Falklands: The Battle of San Carlos Water by Michael Clapp and Ewen Southby-Taylour. A candid description of the problems met in a Navy racing to war and finding it necessary to recreate a largely abandoned operational technique in a somewhat ad hoc fashion. During the time it took to 'go south' some sense of order was imposed and a not very well defined command structure evolved, this was not done without generating a certain amount of friction.

No Picnic: 3 Commando Brigade in the Falklands by Julian Thompson. Major General Julian Thompson first wrote No Picnic when the momentous events of April - June 1982 were fresh in his mind. As Commander of 3 Commando Brigade, he was at the heart of the planning and conduct of the War. Under his direct command had been the Royal Marine Commandos and the two battalions of the Parachute Regiment who conducted the lion's share of the fighting.

Secondary Selections: These books are listed with the intent of broadening the reader's understanding of specific amphibious operations areas:

The U.S. Marines and Amphibious Warfare: Its Theory and its Practice in the Pacific by Jeter A. Isely and Philip A. Crowl. Amphibious operations approaches and techniques not captured in current doctrine, but worth reviewing closely and considering, in updated form, the applicability today (general description by Admiral Harvey concerning all books in this section)

Gators of Neptune: Naval Amphibious Planning for the Normandy Invasion by Christopher D. Yung. A historical account of the Royal and U.S. Navies' involvement in one of the greatest amphibious assaults of modern history. It is a story of cooperation and, at times, discord, between the two navies as they planned the naval portion of the Allied invasion of Normandy. The book has sufficient technical detail to satisfy the modern-day practitioner of amphibious operations.

MacArthur's Amphibious Navy: Seventh Amphibious Force Operations, 1943-1945 by Daniel E. Barbey. Amphibious operations approaches and techniques not captured in current doctrine, but worth reviewing closely and considering, in updated form, the applicability today (general description by Admiral Harvey concerning all books in this section)

U.S. World War II Amphibious Tactics: Mediterranean and European Theaters by Gordon Rottman. This book explains, in accessible terms, the many problems associated with amphibious warfare and how they were overcome in the Mediterranean and European Theaters. It is illustrated with photographs, maps, diagrams and color plates that support the explanations and bring the whole complex process to life.

U.S. World War II Amphibious Tactics: Army and Marine Corps, Pacific Theater by Gordon Rottman. This study offers a clear, succinct explanation of every phase of WW II amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater as they evolved during the war years, illustrated with detailed color plates and photographs.

Secondary Selections (continued): These books provide different perspectives on amphibious operations, using broad sets of studies to derive their conclusions:

Amphibious Operations: The Projection of Sea Power Ashore by Michael Evans. A comprehensive analysis of power projection ashore. This book describes all aspects of amphibious operations from planning to execution, including such elements as ship design, command and control and fire support for the landing force.

At the Water's Edge: Defending Against the Modern Amphibious Assault by Theodore L. Gatchel. Conventional military wisdom holds that the amphibious assault against a defended beach is the most difficult of all military operations--yet modern amphibious landings have been almost universally successful. This apparent contradiction is fully explored in this first look at 20th-century amphibious warfare from the perspective of the defender.

Eagles and Alligators: An Examination of the Command Relationships that Have Existed Between Aircraft Carrier and Amphibious Forces During Amphibious Operations by Theodore L. Gatchel. (Not available online. Naval War College Strategic Research Department Research Memorandum 1-97)

Secondary Selections (continued): These books provide broad histories of amphibious operations doctrine development:

Development of U.S. Joint and Amphibious Doctrine, 1898-1945 (Center for Naval Analyses, Sep 1994) by Barry P. Messina. This research memorandum focuses on the origins and evolution of U.S. doctrine for joint, combined, and amphibious warfare. First, it discusses how doctrine developed from the initial U.S. experience at modern coalition warfare in World War I, and then through the development of techniques and doctrine for operations between the wars. Second, it examines how current doctrine arose out of World War II. Finally, it discusses some of the implications for today's naval forces.

Assault from the Sea: Essays on the History of Amphibious Warfare by Merrill L. Bartlett. Used as a textbook at the United States Naval Academy. Covers the Age of Sail (from 490 B.C.) to the Falklands in 1982. A solid history reference. It contains over 50 different eras in 437 pages.

Sea Soldiers in the Cold War: Amphibious Operations, 1945-1991 by Joseph H. Alexander. An operational history of amphibious warfare in the Cold War, as executed by the two superpowers and their allies and surrogates, emphasizing the activities of the US Navy and Marine Corps. Examines amphibious doctrine, organization, specialized ships and landing craft, and force deployments.

Admiral Harvey's Amphibious Operations Reading List in PDF.

U.N.: 2010 Deadliest Year for Afghan Civilians - Los Angeles Times

U.N.: Taliban Causes Most Civilian Deaths - New York Times

U.N. Alarmed by Surge in Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan - Washington Post

NATO Forces Nab Iran Arms for Taliban - Associated Press

U.K. Fury as 'Iranian Arms' Bound for Taliban Seized - BBC News

British Link Iran to Rockets Found in Afghan Province - New York Times

NATO Forces Seize Rockets from Iran in Afghanistan - Associated Press

Gates Visit Highlights Marines' Success in Sangin - AFPS

Task Force Works With Afghan Local Police - AFPS

Pakistan

Pakistani General, in Twist, Credits Drone Strikes - New York Times

Suicide Bomb Kills Dozens at Pakistani Funeral - Washington Post

Bomber Hits Taliban Opponents in Pakistan - New York Times

Pakistan Educational 'Emergency' - BBC News

Middle East / North Africa Unrest

Rebels and Gaddafi Forces Battle in E. and W. Libya - Washington Post

Loyalists Batter Libyan Rebels Near Strategic Oil Town - New York Times

Pro-Kadafi Show in Contested Town of Zawiya - Los Angeles Times

Libyan Warplanes Strike Oil Facility in Rebel-Held Town - Voice of America

Despite Government Strikes, Rebel-Held Areas Hold On in Libya - VOA

Hoard of Cash Lets Qaddafi Extend Fight - New York Times

Libyan Government, Rebels Lobby for International Support - VOA

Gadhafi, Opposition Begin Competing Diplomatic Offensives - Washington Times

Qaddafi's Arms Bazaar, Slowly Exposed - New York Times

U.N. Confirms Probe Into Libya Use of Torture - Washington Post

U.N. Aid Agencies Shut Out From Libya as Needs Grow - Reuters

Governments Debate Response to Libyan Unrest - Voice of America

E.U. Calls on World to Shun Gaddafi - BBC News

NATO Could Easily Impose No-Fly Zone in Libya - Associated Press

U.S. Stresses Next Steps on Libya Must be Coordinated - Voice of America

On Libya, Obama Willing to Let Allies Take Lead - Washington Post

White House Defends Libya Stance, Debates Options - Reuters

Navy Keeping 2 Carriers in M.E. for Most of Year - Stars and Stripes

ElBaradei to Run for Egypt's Presidency - New York Times

Sectarian Clashes in Egypt Challenge Idealism - Washington Post

Egypt: Cairo's Tahrir Square Sees Rival Groups Clash - BBC News

Chaos Deepens as Clashes in Egypt Kill 13 - Associated Press

Tables Turned on Mubarak's State Security - Washington Post

Tunisia Court Dissolves Ousted President's Party - BBC News

Morocco King Pledges Major Reform - BBC News

Revolts Raise Fear of Migration in Europe - New York Times

Yemeni Protester Dies After Police Attack- Voice of America

One Dead After Yemen Forces Fire on Protesters - New York Times

Small Protest Held in Saudi Arabia Despite Warning - Washington Post

Wary But Bopeful, Saudi Dissidents Gather Weekly - Los Angeles Times

Saudi Shi'ites Hold New Protest in Oil Province - Reuters

UAE: Emiratis Petition Ruler for Democratic Elections - Reuters

Washington's Options on Libya - New York Times editorial

Barack Obama's Libya Straitjacket - Washington Post editorial

Mideast Marshall Plan - Washington Post opinion

A Stable Saudi Arabia - Washington Post opinion

Iraq

Official: Kurd Forces Will Stay Near Key Iraq City - Associated Press

Iran

U.S. Envoy Backs U.N. View on Iran Nuke Arms Program - Associated Press

Iran's Response to Middle East Protests is Muted - Washington Post

NATO Defense Ministers Meeting

NATO Ministers to Discuss Afghanistan, Libya - AFPS

U.S. Department of Defense

Africom Bids Farewell to Ward, Welcomes Ham - AFPS

Guam, U.S. Military Agree on Firing Ranges - Stars and Stripes

Ex-Walter Reed CSM Sentenced to 6 Months - Army Times

United States

Watchdog: TSA 'Cooked' Data on Airport Security - Washington Times

Obama Names Locke as New China Ambassador - Voice of America

DoS Official in Japan Fired over Alleged Remarks - Stars and Stripes

Police in L.A. Step Up Efforts to Gain Muslims' Trust - New York Times

Homegrown Islamic Radicalization - Washington Post editorial

Africa

U.N. to Publish Sudan Report That Infuriated China - Reuters

ICC Summons 6 Suspects Linked to Kenya's Post-Election Violence - VOA

Kenya 'Will Challenge ICC Case' - BBC News

France: Lack of Funds to Bring Down Ivory Coast's Gbagbo - Reuters

Zimbabwe Violence Unpunished - Washington Times

Americas

U.S. Agents Short-staffed, Under the Gun in Mexico - Los Angeles Times

U.S. Charges 10 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Killings - Washington Post

10 Face Charges in Mexico Killings - New York Times

Mexican 'Gang' on U.S. Murder Charges - BBC News

Asia Pacific

China Challenges U.S. Edge in Asia-Pacific - Associated Press

China Vows No Western-style Political Reforms - Associated Press

Dalai Lama Calls for Greater Freedom in China - BBC News

Dalai Lama Plans to Step Down as Tibetan Political Leader - Reuters

Japan's New FM Wants to Deepen Alliance with U.S. - Associated Press

U.N. Probe Finds N. Korea Violated Pact - Associated Press

Malaysia Nabs 7 Indonesians After Attack on Tanker - Associated Press

Indonesian Court: Cleric's Trial Will Move Forward - Associated Press

Europe

Biden, in Russia, Turns to Talk of Trade - Washington Post

Merkel Ally Assails Turkey on Human Rights - New York Times

South Asia

Corruption Undermines India's Self-confidence - Washington Post

by Linda Polman. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2010. 229 pages.

ISBN: 978-0-8-50-9290-5. $23.99 (hardcover).

Reviewed by Bert Ventura

The Crisis Caravan by Linda Polman is a narrative that vividly illustrates how a multibillion dollar industry has grown up around the humanitarian aid business; and while NGOs and IGOs compete for their share of the billions in aid money, the warring parties and rogue governments are benefitting the most from the aid. Ms. Polman, an Amsterdam based freelance journalist, has spent the last fifteen years reporting from war ravaged locations around the world. She is an excellent storyteller who vividly brings to life the grim realities of human suffering and the too often futile efforts of aid organizations in a manner not often seen.

Polman suggests that governments and private donors have lost sight of the real tragedies and give money based solely on newspaper headlines and not the extent and urgency of human suffering. Throughout the chapters, she takes the reader on a tour through war zones and manmade humanitarian crisis' in Africa and the Middle East. She highlights the frustrations of a Liberian doctor who while working diligently to help amputee victims of the Sierra Leone genocide, has his efforts and successes played down by western politicians vying for publicity. Polman also discusses the frustrations felt by Afghan citizens who helplessly watch as their government and other corrupt entities siphon off billions of dollars from aid money intended to rebuild their country.

Polman's conclusions are sensible and clear-eyed. She proposes the question: If aid has become a strategic aspect of warfare that more often than not benefits the aggressor instead of the victim, should nothing at all be done? She answers her own question by suggesting that the option of "doing nothing," while not what she advocates, should not be taken off the table if it is the best option available. In other words, all options must be equally considered even if it means saying no to aid. She also asserts that the aid system should not be exempt from fair criticism because "too much is wrong with it."

Given the author's determination to strike a chord with the reader regarding abuses in the delivery of humanitarian aid, The Crisis Caravan is a must read by policy makers, private donors, aid workers and military professionals. It will definitely change the way one looks at humanitarian aid.

Major Humberto O. Ventura, a U.S. Army Civil Affairs officer with service in Iraq and Latin America; he is currently working towards his M.S. in the Defense Analysis Department at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

by Steven T. Brothers

We must prevent Qaddafi from more efficiently slaughtering his own people. This can be accomplished with intervention. Yet, we must carefully weigh the risks lest a hazy contingency plan creep into a muddling campaign.

As a military officer I know that no fly zones (NFZ) and air strikes are not easy to implement, nor are they necessarily effective. Libyan air defenses would need to be suppressed. We could lose aircraft. Combat search and rescue (C.S.A.R.) personnel deployed to save downed pilots could be killed or captured. Also, our laser-guided bombs would require soldiers -- on the ground --to direct them to their targets.

Those who say an NFZ would be "easy" point to Operation Northern Watch over Iraq as proof. Yet, much of Iraq's air defenses were destroyed in the Gulf war. Further, Iraqi air defenses were easier to find and destroy. Libya does not have such a capacity; what it has is more dangerous: scores of shoulder-fired missiles that are tougher to locate.

Complicating this is a dangerous absence of information about the opposition. Although Secretary of State Clinton said the U.S. is "reaching out" to the rebels we should be skeptical of any intelligence information provided to us. We do not need a Libyan version of the Iraqi informant "Curveball" feeding us false tips in order to further a narrow agenda.

Also, much of the opposition are former government employees which have not been paid in days. Should this drag on for weeks -- and this is certainly possible -- there is a risk of the opposition fracturing. Rival leaders might then capitalize on U.S. ignorance and seek support for personal power grabs.

Also, what happens after Qaddafi is toppled? Libya does not have the civil capacity and structures that Tunisia and Egypt have. Libya is -- dangerously so- more like Yemen. It lacks the mechanisms to provide basic services, which themselves can check the kind of hopelessness and desperation that feeds violence.

We also must determine how far we are —to go. When does a no fly zone turn into a no drive zone? Qaddafi's aircraft should be grounded but he also possesses equally efficient means: tanks, artillery, and gun trucks. Also, according to Human Rights Watch, the Red Crescent, and other relief organizations, there is a humanitarian crisis developing. Qaddafi's forces are sealing off supply routes. Qaddafi is using food as a weapon. If we plan on assisting here, this will require "boots on the ground."

Reminiscent of Somalia, our soldiers would face the difficult task of discerning allies from enemies. A sizeable portion of the opposition is former military, many of whom still wear the same uniforms and use the same equipment as Qaddafi's forces. This makes a corner stone of any military intervention - the rules of engagement - extremely problematic.

We have not adequately evaluated the political risks. Most Libyans would resent the presence of foreign troops. If we overreach, we risk alienating the next generation of Libya's leaders and the young people that will chart its political future.

If the opposition's supposed leadership asks for an intervention then they may lose legitimacy. Libyans see this as their revolution and want to emulate the Egyptian and Tunisian experiences with little outside help. The opposition has already appropriated dozens of tanks, attack helicopters, and the critically important anti-aircraft weapons. It may take a while but they might be able to accomplish this on their own.

Others have suggested inserting Special Forces teams to assist the rebels. An apparent rag-tag unprofessional gang, the rebels are led by a few professional soldiers. We could assist by sending teams to help train and lead them. Yet, this is also risky: A U.K. SAS team was captured by a faction of the opposition that considered them invaders. Also, the Libyan opposition is not the Northern Alliance of Afghanistan. There is no Ahmad Shah Masoud -- nor the legacy of a martyred one -- to rally around. We do not have a twenty-plus year history of assisting the Libyan rebels. There may be a leader in the making but they have yet to assert themselves.

There are more workable options. While the U.N. has taken measures to prevent more weapons from getting to Qaddafi what about personnel? The U.N., the Arab league and the African Union must pressure those countries that have supplied the mercenaries in order to prevent more from arriving. Also, the E.U. --although it has frozen Qaddafi's assets -- must also freeze those of the Libyan state. Until the opposition is in control of the treasury, this is an option worth considering.

Qaddafi's ruthlessness rivals that of Idi Amin, Charles Taylor, and Nicolae Ceausescu. Under his leadership, rebel soldiers are bound, gagged, shot, and set on fire while merciless guns for hire execute civilians. He must be stopped. Yet, before we rush to rattling our sabers, our policy makers must build a multinational consensus, weigh the risks, and always respect the wishes of the Libyan people.

Major Steven T. Brothers is an Army Middle East Foreign Area Officer and Graduate Student at the Center for Middle East Studies at Harvard University. His comments do not necessarily reflect those of the US Army, the US Government, or Harvard University.

Editor's Note: While we will present all options for intervention, SWJ does not maintain an official position. Rather, we want to facilitate the discussion.

Putting Afghan Plan Into Action Proves Difficult - New York Times

U.S. 'Civilian Surge' Falls Short Building Local Govt - Washington Post

Petraeus Sees Military Progress in Afghanistan - New York Times

Gates Sees 'Very Encouraging' Progress in Afghanistan - AFPS

Gates: Afghan Gains 'Fragile and Reversible' - Voice of America

Gates Sees War Gains, But Can Afghans Hold Them? - Associated Press

Gates Sees Progress in Hard-hit Marine Unit - Washington Post

Taliban Fighters Moving Back Into Former Stronghold - Los Angeles Times

U.S. Seeks Surge Success From Lethal Afghan Outpost - Reuters

Gates Visits Marines in Eastern Afghanistan - AFPS

Gates Finds Troops Optimistic, Anxious - Stars and Stripes

Toll From Helicopter Strikes Climbs - Wall Street Journal

Afghan Govt Asks U.N. to Ease Limits on Ex-Taliban - McClatchy Newspapers

Pakistan

Taliban Car Bombing Kills 24 in Pakistan - Voice of America

Car Bomb Kills at Least 24 Near Spy Agency - New York Times

Bombing Kills 25 Near Intelligence Office in East - Washington Post

'At Least 20 Dead' in Car Bomb in Faisalabad - BBC News

'Militants' Killed in South Waziristan Drone Strike - BBC News

Kidnapped Pakistan Judges Rescued by Security Forces - BBC News

Middle East / North Africa Unrest

Libya: Rebel Strongholds Under Heavy Assault - Washington Post

Opposition in Libya Struggles to Form United Front - New York Times

U.S. Sees Stalemate Emerging in Libya - Wall Street Journal

Pro-Gadhafi Forces Attack Rebel-Held Towns in East, West - VOA

Tanks and Planes Hit Libya Rebels - BBC News

Air Attacks Put Libya Town on Edge - Los Angeles Times

Gadhafi Forces Barrage Rebels in East and West - Associated Press

Rebels Face Renewed Attacks and Range of Setbacks - New York Times

Rebels Appeal to U.N. for Protection, Formal Recognition - Washington Post

Libyan Rebels Call for 'Surgical Airstrikes' - Washington Times

Libyan Opposition Claims It Rejected Talks with Gadhafi - Voice of America

Deadline for Gaddafi Departure Set by Opposition - Washington Post

U.S., Europe Considering Naval Operations to Deliver Aid - Washington Post

U.S., Allies Need Awareness of Nation's Driving Forces - Washington Post

E.U. Moves to Impose Added Sanctions on Libya - Voice of America

Libya Violence Battering Oil Output - Associated Press

Beyond Libya, Oil Market Warily Eyes Saudi Arabia - Washington Post

Egypt: Preparations for a Rarity: A Real Vote - New York Times

One Dies in Copt-Muslim Clash in Cairo - BBC News

Christians and Muslims Clash in Cairo, 1 Dead - Associated Press

Egypt's Security Forces are Weakened - Washington Post

Exposed: Egypt's Spies Dragged From Shadows - Reuters

U.S. Evacuation Mission in Tunisia Pauses - Stars and Stripes

Yemen Appeals for Aid to Counter Economic Crisis - New York Times

Yemeni Police Fire on Protesters, Injure Dozens - Washington Post

Yemen Security Forces Open Fire at Sanaa Protest - BBC News

Yemeni Army Storms University, Wounding 98 - Associated Press

Yemen Protests Spread to Leader's Stronghold - Reuters

Amid Protests, Resentment Builds in Jordanian Town - Washington Post

Israeli Intel Analyst Wary of Mideast Revolutions - Washington Times

Force and Consequences - Washington Post opinion

Israel

Netanyahu Vows to Keep Jordan River Posts - New York Times

Iraq

Attacks On Media, Activists Spur Fears In Iraq - Associated Press

Iran

Key Body Replaces Critical Cleric; Women Demonstrate - Washington Post

Rafsanjani Loses Post as Chair of State Body - BBC News

Ahmadinejad Calls for New World Order - Press TV

U.S., Iran Inch Toward Cooperation to Find American - Associated Press

Syria

Syria Releases Leading Human Rights Activist - Associated Press

Cyber Warfare

The New Cyber Arms Race - Christian Science Monitor

Social Media

New Battleground for Activists and Governments Alike - Voice of America

Military Balance

East-West Military Gap Rapidly Shrinking - Reuters

WikiLeaks

U.S. Probes Hacker Threat Over WikiLeaks Soldier - Agence France-Presse

U.S. Department of Defense

From Afghanistan to Libya; Rethinking the Role of the Military - Reuters

Steep Increase in War Amputations Last Fall - Washington Post

Corps Won't Rename MARSOC for WWII Raiders - Marine Times

F-35 Fighter Program Might Finally Get Off the Ground - The Hill

U.S. Department of State

Foreign Service Officers Poorly Equipped for Crises - Washington Post

United States

New Guantanamo Trials Could Include 9/11 Suspects - Associated Press

New 9/11 Helicopter Video Emerges - BBC News

Chinese Man Held for Exporting U.S. Military Know-how - Agence France-Presse

Gitmo Order Half Step in Right Direction - Washington Post editorial

Africa

Darfur: Sudan Rebels to Face ICC War Crimes Trial - BBC News

Sudan Rebels to Stand Trial Over Peacekeeper Killings - Reuters

Police Kill Demonstrators in Major City of Ivory Coast - New York Times

Ivory Coast: Anti-Gbagbo Protesters Killed in Abidjan - BBC News

Zimbabwe Report Focuses on Abuses - Associated Press

Ethiopia Charges 130 in Church Burning Incidents - Voice of America

Int'l Criminal Court Summons 6 Notable Kenyans - Associated Press

Americas

Mexican Legislators Demand U.S. Talks on Gun Scandal - Associated Press

Mexico Shootout Leaves 18 Dead in Tamaulipas State - BBC News

Assailants Torch 3 Government Offices in Mexico - Associated Press

Mexico: Film on Court System is Subject of Own Trial - Washington Post

Court Reverses Order to Halt Mexican Documentary - Associated Press

Young Mexican Police Chief Seeking Asylum in U.S. - Associated Press

Colombian Troops Free Kidnapped Oil Workers - Reuters

Asia Pacific

China Vows to Maintain Social Stability in Xinjiang, Tibet - Voice of America

Assertive China Plays Down Sea Disputes - Voice of America

Japan Protest Over 'Dangerous' China Helicopter Fly-by - BBC News

Chinese Impose Travel Ban on Tibet - New York Times

Europe

Scottish Police Arrest Suspect in Swedish Bombing - New York Times

Russians Protest by Emigrating - Washington Post

Chechnya's President Says Insurgency Dying Down - Voice of America

Court: Retired Bosnian Army General Free on Bail - Associated Press

France: Jacques Chirac's Paris Corruption Trial Halted - BBC News

South Asia

Manipur Rebel Leader Rules Out Negotiations with India - BBC News

At Least 100 Gorkhas Arrested in Darjeeling, India - BBC News

One key quote from page 11: "Violent extremism in various forms will continue to constitute the most likely and immediate threat around the world. A more dangerous threat will come from emergent hybrid adversaries who combine the agility and flexibility of being an irregular and decentralized enemy with the power and technology of a nation state. These security challenges, in whatever form they are manifested, constitute the threat that the Army and our Nation will face for the foreseeable future."

USIP is on the chopping block, it should not be, at all... - Small Wars Journal

Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.

--Albert Einstein