| Small Wars Journal

Understanding counterinsurgency strategy, so do we get it or not? Gail Harris of the International Relations and Security Network thinks COIN strategy is frequently talked about but also frequently misunderstood and that a better grasp of its broad-spectrum approach to warfare is warranted. What say you?

The Bowles/Simpson defense cuts are not "risk neutral"

Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, co-chairs of the bipartisan National Fiscal Commission, made news yesterday when they released their proposal to dramatically cut the federal government's fiscal deficits. Their proposal called for a $100 billion cut to the Defense Department's top line in 2015, a 15% cut from the Pentagon's February 2010 spending plan for 2015 of $666 billion.

To accomplish this cut, Bowles and Simpson describe a variety of illustrative ideas, including pay freezes, cuts to contractors, overseas base closing, cuts to procurement (they seem to have a particular grudge against the Marine Corps), cuts to research, and more.

Implied in the Bowles/Simpson suggestions is an assumption that the United States in 2015 will still be fighting a medium-sized war in Afghanistan or somewhere else. The Pentagon Comptroller's budget projection out to 2015 includes a $50 billion placeholder for "overseas contingency operations (OCOs)," a sum large enough for a multi-brigade stabilization operation. Retaining that assumption of open-ended ground combat consumes half of the savings that Bowles and Simpson wish to achieve.

As a corollary, the Bowles/Simpson list does not include any savings through headcount reductions. The Congressional Budget Office has calculated that returning the Army to its pre-2007 size would save over $92 billion over 10 years. General James Conway, the recent Commandant of the Marine Corps, expected that after Afghanistan, the Marine Corps' headcount would shrink by 27,000, saving $20-25 billion over ten years.

The Bowles/Simpson proposals for Pentagon savings are not "risk neutral." By protecting ground forces and assuming ongoing stabilization wars, they place a priority on mitigating risks from failed states and ungoverned spaces. But by instead cutting procurement and research, the proposals ask the country to accept higher risks from emerging peer competitors like China and higher risks to its alliances in East Asia and around the Persian Gulf.

The Bowles/Simpson cuts are merely illustrative and will no doubt be ignored by policymakers. But Bowles and Simpson have affirmed the principle that all of the federal government's functions will have to contribute to deficit reduction if policymakers are to agree on a grand budget deal. $100 billion in 2015 is, at least for today, the Pentagon's share. The question now is how to apportion the geostrategic risks the country is —to take.

11 November SWJ Roundup

Thank you to those who served.

Afghanistan

U.S. Tweaks Message on Troops in Afghanistan - New York Times

White House Downplays Significance of Afghanistan Report - Stars and Stripes

Gates Shows Optimism for Afghan Fight, U.S. Leadership - AFPS

U.S. Senators Praise Progress, Drawdown Date Unrealistic - Washington Post

U.S. Senator McCain: Afghan Drawdown Date "Wrong" - Reuters

New Questions About Afghan Elections - Washington Post

U.S. Lawmakers Voice Concern About Afghan Corruption - Associated Press

Afghan Security Companies to Disband in Stages - Associated Press

Afghanistan: 10 Killed, Including 3 NATO Troops - Associated Press

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader in Ghazni - AFPS

NATO Says Troops May Have Killed 3 Afghan Civilians - Reuters

Pakistan

Pakistan Hits at U.S. Stance on India - Financial Times

Pakistan Criticizes U.S. Support for Indian U.N. Seat - Associated Press

Official: Pakistan Detains U.S. Man at Airport - Associated Press

Iraq

Iraqi Leaders Negotiate to Break Deadlock - Washington Post

Tentative Deal in Iraq Keeps Maliki in Power - New York Times

Iraqi Leaders Reach Agreement on New Government - Los Angeles Times

Deal in Iraq Would Allow Maliki to Stay On as Prime Minister - Associated Press

Iraq Parliament 'Breaks Deadlock' - BBC News

Iraq Breaks Deadlock, PM Wins Support For New Term - Reuters

Iraq Lawmakers Work Furiously to Reach Deal - Associated Press

Sunni-Backed Iraqiya to Join Maliki-Led Iraq Govt - Reuters

Obama Bid to Pick Iraq Leader Spurned - Washington Times

U.S. Diplomats to Take On New Iraq Security Roles - Bloomberg

New Attacks in Baghdad Add to Christians' Fears - New York Times

Blasts Target Iraq Christians; 3 Dead, Dozens Hurt - Reuters

Attacks in Iraq Target Christians - BBC News

Iraq's Christians Terrorized by Wave of Bombings - Associated Press

Yemen

Data: Mail Bomb Would Have Exploded Over Canada - Washington Post

Yemen Mail Bomb 'Timed to Hit U.S.' - BBC News

Police: Mail Bomb Could Have Exploded Over U.S. - Associated Press

Cargo Bomb Could Have Exploded Over U.S. - Reuters

U.K. Police Suggest Yemen Bomb Disarmed Accidentally - Associated Press

Yemeni Separatists Protest Leader's Arrest in South - BBC News

Trial Of U.S. Citizen In Yemen Delayed - Reuters

Iran

U.S. Blocks Iran's Bid for a U.N. Board Seat - New York Times

Iran Won't Talk About Limiting Nuclear Program - Associated Press

Ahmadinejad: Iran's Rights to Nuclear Non-Negotiable - Reuters

Iran Building Its Own Anti-Aircraft Missile System - Associated Press

Iran Says to Test Own Model Of Russia S-300 Missile - Reuters

Iran Works on Strengthening Vatican Ties - Voice of America

Islam

In Obama's Jakarta Speech, Some Hear Cairo Redux - New York Times

Obama Seeks Better Ties With Skeptical Muslim World - Reuters

Analysis: Islam No Bloc In Obama Speeches to Muslims - Reuters

Muslim Wars: A New Beginning - Washington Times editorial

War

Dazzling New Weapons Require New Rules for War - Washington Post opinion

Jefferson's Army of Nation Builders - New York Times opinion

Books

This Time We Win: The Truth About Tet - Washington Times book review

NATO

The Peril That NATO Can't Ignore - New York Times

U.S. Department of Defense

Robert Gates: Time's 2010 Person of the Year? - Time

Sources: Pentagon Group Finds Minimal Risk to Lifting DADT - Washington Post

New Top Marine Backs Gay Ban - Washington Times

Marines Face Uncertain Future - New York Post opinion

United States

At Arlington, 'We All Share in the Same Loss' - Los Angeles Times

U.S. Close to Decision on 9 / 11 Trial For Khalid Sheikh Mohammed - Reuters

Amnesty: Prosecute Bush For Admitted Waterboarding - Reuters

Communities Embrace Veterans of Vietnam War - New York Times

Vietnam Vets Betrayed Again - Washington Times opinion

What's Missing in Mr. Obama's Democracy Rhetoric - Washington Post editorial

Why We Must Pass START - Washington Post opinion

United Kingdom

Former British Admirals Criticize Defense Cuts - New York Times

Violence Erupts at London Student Protest - Washington Post

Education Protest in London Turns Violent - New York Times

G-20

Obama Faces Tough G-20 - Voice of America

U.S. on the Defensive at G-20 Summit - Los Angeles Times

In Message to G-20, Obama Aims to Reduce Tensions - New York Times

Obama's Defense of Fed Action a Tough Sell to G-20 - Washington Times

G-20 Nears Pact but Tensions Still Fester - Wall Street Journal

Obama Seeks Cooperation at G20 - BBC News

Obama: Consensus Among G-20 for 'Balanced' Growth - Associated Press

U.N. Chief Urges G20 Leaders to Consider World's Poorest - Voice of America

Has the G20 Lost Momentum? - BBC News

World

Economic Crisis Sidelines Fate of the World's Poorest - New York Times

Free-Trade Zones Attract Criminals - New York Times

Africa

Uganda Seen as a Front Line in the Bioterrorism Fight - New York Times

Britain to Assist Sudan with Border Demarcation - Voice of America

Sudan Targets Last Uncensored Media Outlet - Washington Post

Early Results Show Close Race for Guinea Presidency - Voice of America

Guinea Vote Starts Spiral Into Dissent - Associated Press

Ivory Coast Sets Presidential Run-Off for 28 Nov - Voice of America

Nigerian Bomb Suspect Accused in Another Attack - Associated Press

3 French Hostages Taken in Nigeria Released - Associated Press

Nigeria's Unions Suspend Strike - BBC News

U.K. Urges Zimbabwe to Comply With Diamond Regulations - Reuters

Congo General 'Profits from Gold' - BBC News

19 Chinese Return Home After Somali Pirate Ordeal - Associated Press

Americas and Caribbean

U.S. Military Helping Mexican Troops Battle Drug Cartels - Washington Post

U.S. Effort to Slow Flow of Guns into Mexico Failing - Los Angeles Times

Report: Gun Flow to Mexico Unabated - Washington Times

U.S.-Mexico Gun Curbs 'Lack Focus' - BBC News

Letter: Mexican Cartel Offers to Dissolve Itself - Associated Press

Nicaraguan VP: No Border Zone Troop Withdrawal - Associated Press

Cholera Deaths In Hard-Hit Haiti City Add to Toll - Reuters

Asia Pacific

Obama: U.S., China Relationship Stronger - Associated Press

British PM Urges More Political Freedom in China - Voice of America

China Sentences Activist in Milk Scandal to Prison - New York Times

Chinese Baby Formula Activist Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years - Washington Post

Japan May Form New Unit to Watch China Navy - Associated Press

Japanese Coast Guard Member Admits to Leaking Video - Washington Post

Obama Marks Veterans Day with Warning to North Korea - Washington Post

Obama Says North Korea Must Show It Is Serious on Talks - Reuters

N. Korea Linked to Covert Missile, Nuke Trade - Washington Times

U.S.-South Korea Trade Pact Still Not Set - New York Times

U.S. Fails to Reach Free-trade Pact with South Korea - Los Angeles Times

Russia Seeks Investment And Trade In South Korea - Voice of America

Opposition Lodges Complaints About Burma's Election - Voice of America

Colleague: Suu Kyi Set to Probe Burma Vote Fraud - Associated Press

Burma Court Rejects Suu Kyi Appeal - BBC News

Burma's Top Court Rejects Suu Kyi's Final Appeal - Reuters

One Gunman Accused of Killing 40 in Philippines Massacre - New York Times

Europe

France Says Terror Suspects Were Planning Attack - Reuters

Italian PM Berlusconi's Aide Hints Time May Be Up - Associated Press

Beaten Russian Reporter Convicted of Slander - Associated Press

Middle East

U.S. Struggles to Restore Middle East Talks - New York Times

Obama Criticizes Israel's Decision to Build in Occupied East Jerusalem - VOA

Clinton Says Israel Building Plan Not Productive - Reuters

Netanyahu Defends Construction in East Jerusalem - Washington Post

Palestinians Want U.N. Session on Israel Settlements - Associated Press

Abbas Seeks Security Council Meeting on Settlements - Reuters

U.S. to Give Palestinians Extra $150 Million in Aid - Washington Times

U.S. to Transfer Extra $150m Aid to Palestinians - BBC News

Palestinian Groups Fail to Reach Agreement - Reuters

Despite Ban, Palestinians Build the Settlements - Associated Press

Mubarak Admits Reform Hasn't Helped All in Egypt - Associated Press

Rights Groups Blast Egypt Detention of Blogger - Associated Press

For Women, Diploma Doesn't Mean a Career - New York Times

New Rules for War; Nation Building

Dazzling New Weapons Require New Rules for War - Washington Post opinion. BLUF: Are we beyond a need for "laws for war"? David Ignatius argues that they have never been needed more.

Jefferson's Army of Nation Builders - New York Times opinion. BLUF: Some argue that our emphasis on nation-building is harming our conventional warfighting capabilities. Dominic Tierney, with a focus on education at the U.S. Military Academy, argues that we require a "multi-purpose military" in keeping with the soldier's role as a builder, not just a destroyer.

Veterans and Remembrance Days 2010

History of Veterans Day

World War I -- known at the time as "The Great War" - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars."

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations..."

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation's history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley, Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee.

In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.

The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

History of Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day - also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day (the event it commemorates) or Veterans Day - is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.) The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war; this was possibly done upon the suggestion of Edward George Honey to Wellesley Tudor Pole, who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917.

Common British, Canadian, South African, and ANZAC traditions include two minutes of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 am, 11 November), as that marks the time (in the United Kingdom) when armistice became effective.

The Service of Remembrance in many Commonwealth countries generally includes the sounding of "Last Post," followed by the two minutes of silence, followed by the sounding of "Reveille" (or, more commonly, "The Rouse"), and finished by a recitation of the "Ode of Remembrance." The "Flowers of the Forest", "O Valiant Hearts", "I Vow to Thee, My Country" and "Jerusalem" are often played during the service. Services also include wreaths laid to honour the fallen, a blessing, and national anthems.

In the United Kingdom, although two minutes of silence are observed on 11 November itself, the main observance is on the second Sunday of November, Remembrance Sunday. Ceremonies are held at local war memorials, usually organised by local branches of the Royal British Legion - an association for ex-servicemen. Typically, poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown, the armed forces, and local civic leaders, as well as by local organisations including ex-servicemen organisations, cadet forces, the Scouts, Guides, Boys' Brigade, St John Ambulance and the Salvation Army. The start and end of the silence is often also marked by the firing of a cannon. A minute's or two minutes' silence is also frequently incorporated into church services, and even everyday locations such as supermarkets and banks may invite their customers and staff to fall silent at 11:00 am.

The main national commemoration is held at Whitehall, in Central London, for dignitaries, the public, and ceremonial detachments from the armed forces and civilian uniformed services such as the Merchant Navy, Her Majesty's Coastguard, etc. Members of the British Royal Family walk through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office towards the Cenotaph, assembling to the right of the monument to wait for Big Ben to strike 11:00 am, and for the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery at Horse Guards Parade, to fire the cannon marking the commencement of the two minutes of silence. Following this, "Last Post" is sounded by the buglers of the Royal Marines. "The Rouse" is then sounded by the trumpeters of the Royal Air Force, after which, to "Beethoven's Funeral March" (composed by Johann Heinrich Walch), wreaths are laid by attendees in the following order: the Queen; senior members of the Royal Family attending in military uniform; the Prime Minister; the leaders of the major political parties from all parts of the United Kingdom; Commonwealth High Commissioners to London, on behalf of their respective nations; the Foreign Secretary, on behalf of the British Dependencies; the Chief of the Defence Staff; the First Sea Lord; the Chief of the General Staff; the Chief of the Air Staff; representatives of the merchant navy and Fishing Fleets and the merchant air service. Junior members of the Royal Family usually watch the service from the balcony of the Foreign Office. The service is generally conducted by the Bishop of London, with a choir from the Chapels Royal, in the presence of representatives of all major faiths in the United Kingdom. Before the marching commences, the members of the Royal Family and public sing the national anthem before the Royal Delegation lead out after the main service.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a public holiday, as well as being a statutory holiday everywhere except Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories. The official national ceremonies are held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, presided over by the Governor General of Canada, any members of the Canadian Royal Family (such as Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, in 2009), the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries, to the observance of the public. Typically, these events begin with the tolling of the Carillon in the Peace Tower, during which serving members of the Canadian Forces (CF) arrive at Confederation Square, followed by the Ottawa diplomatic corps, Ministers of the Crown, special guests, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), the viceregal party, and, if present, the royal party. Before the start of the ceremony, four armed sentries and three sentinels - two flag sentinels and one nursing sister - are posted at the foot of the cenotaph.

In Australia Remembrance Day is always observed on 11 November, although the day is not a public holiday. Services are held at 11am at war memorials and schools in suburbs and towns across the country, at which "Last Post" is sounded by a bugler and a one-minute silence is observed. In recent decades, however, Remembrance Day has been partly eclipsed by ANZAC Day (25 April) as the national day of war commemoration.

New Zealand's national day of remembrance is Anzac Day, 25 April. "Poppy Day" usually occurs on the Friday before Anzac Day. Some services are held on 11 November, which is generally referred to as Armistice Day.

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Amazing Grace

... I won't forget

Remembrance Day

A Pittance of Time

Can You Hear the Heroes Marching?

...The war was in color

... on the wrong side of the world

Hanging Out With The Boys

Tribute

The Wall

OSINT and Momentum

I came across the following essay by John Robb (Brave New War, Small Wars Foundation Advisory Board) posted on his Global Guerrillas page. I found it interesting, thought provoking and worth sharing. John has granted Small Wars Journal permission to repost here:

Here's a short essay on a new software tool my team built called Momentum. It does something pretty unusual and worthy of note. It uses crowdsourcing (by leveraging the work of 500 million users on global social networks) to make open source intelligence gathering easy.*

Here are some real life events: A YouTube video sparks massive ethnic riots in China. 3 Colombians start a Facebook group that puts 5 million protesters on the streets. The online manifesto of a disturbed man holding hostages at a US corporation. The list of keywords that China's great firewall blocks. A YouTube video showing Iranian militia actually shooting protesters. The list goes on and on.

These are the kinds of events that should be detected by OSINT analysts. However, they aren't detecting them. Why not? The tools they are using don't make finding this information easy.

Here's why. A major problem with the tools that automate open source intelligence gathering is that relevance, serendipity (the propensity of making fortunate discoveries while looking for something else), and timeliness (the ability to find content that matters quickly) are considered tradeoffs. You can't focus on relevance without losing serendipity and you can't focus on serendipity without losing timeliness.

For example:

I am gathering open source intelligence on Iran using the Web. But I run into the following problems with the tools I normally use:

If I search all available content, both traditional Web pages and social networks, using the keyword: Iran, I'll be buried by the amount of content that is retrieved. Everything that includes the term 'Iran' will be returned to me as a 'result.' The time needed to sort the relevant content from irrelevant content and/or find surprising results will take inordinate amounts of time (even with the help of algorithms).

If I narrow that search to specific topics related to Iran (or keywords that are in proximity to the keyword: Iran) to reduce the time needed to analyze it, I lose any chance of serendipity -- the chance of finding important trends going on re: Iran that I don't know about.

These problems are fixed by a new software tool called Momentum. Momentum leverages global social network crowdsourding to automate OS intelligence gathering in a way that conserves relevance, serendipity, and timeliness. Here's how:

Relevance is conserved. Momentum monitors social networks for the use of metatags -- the keywords people use to describe a bit of content (video, Web page, etc.) that they link to. In other words, Momentum leverages the work of hundreds of millions of people (the people already using social networks globally) to categorize the Internet's content for you. This categorization ensures that you only get results that are relevant to your topic.

Serendipity is conserved. Even a one-time use of a targeted keyword returns content. This means that even if only one person, out of hundreds of millions, sees a connection between a bit of content and the targeted topic, you get the results.

Timeliness is conserved. People on social networks gravitate to new and surprising content. When they find content that meets this criterion, they share it with their network. Momentum uses an index (calculated from indicators of use on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Digg, and YouTube over a rolling 48 hour period) to find the content that people think is surprising or new right now.

For more information go to our site. We're still working on the site, so suggestions are welcome.

The tool is currently being sold as a service. Perhaps with a little success, we'll be able to put together a version of the interface anybody can use.

If I had to build a tag line, this would probably be it. Momentum: The tool that puts 500 million social networking researchers on your team.

*NOTE: Another way of looking at it (for those of you familiar with the term OSINT), Momentum turns open source intelligence into a real and tangible process rather than just a description of the source's availability.

10 November SWJ Roundup

Happy Birthday Devil Dogs!

Afghanistan

Afghanistan Strategy Review on Track for December - AFPS

Afghan Review Will Influence U.S. Troop Pullout - Reuters

U.S. Takes on Violent Afghan Valley That Bled Brits - Associated Press

NATO Trainers Work to Professionalize Afghan Forces - AFPS

Insurgents Arrested on Afghan Plane - New York Times

Afghans Arrest Suspected Militants as Plane Turned Back - BBC News

Coalition, Afghan Forces Detain Numerous Insurgent Leaders - AFPS

Insurgents Kill 4 Police in Northern Afghanistan - Associated Press

Poll: Afghans Upbeat, Army, Police Still Need Help - Reuters

Investigators Decry Karzai Aid Dropped Charges - Washington Post

Sergeant Accused of Killing Afghan Civilians Faces Hearing - New York Times

Army Alleges that Sergeant Led 'Kill Team' - Washington Post

Pakistan

Musharraf Outlines His Political Strategy For Pakistan - Reuters

Yemen

Limited U.S. Options in Yemen Raise Saudi Role - Voice of America

Yemen Wants Much More U.S. Aid to Fight Terrorism - Associated Press

Targeting an American - Los Angeles Times editorial

Indonesia Trip / Islam

Obama in Indonesia to Improve Muslim Relations, Trade Ties - Voice of America

Obama Cites Indonesia as Model for Muslims - Washington Post

Obama Pledges Expanded Ties With Muslim Nations - New York Times

Obama Speaks of Unity Among Faiths - Los Angeles Times

Obama Reaches Out to Muslims - Washington Times

At Home in Indonesia, Obama Reaches Out to Muslims - Associated Press

Obama Sees Progress in U.S. Relations With Muslims - Associated Press

Obama Says More Effort Needed to Improve Muslim Ties - Reuters

Obama: Indonesia Democracy, Tolerance Sets Example - Associated Press

Obama Speaking to Muslims, Shortens Indonesia Trip - Reuters

China Ups Ante for Indonesia on Eve of Obama's Arrival - New York Times

Iraq

Political Leaders Scramble Ahead of Parliament Session - Washington Post

Iraq Power-sharing Talks Stall on Key Issue - BBC News

Kurds Hold to Presidency, Iraq Stalemate Rolls On - Associated Press

U.S. Ready to Extend Stay if Iraq Asks - Voice of America

Gates: U.S. Open to Talks on Post-2011 Presence in Iraq - AFPS

Attacks in Iraq Target Christians - BBC News

Blasts Hit Baghdad's Christian Districts, Kill 4 - Associated Press

Blasts Target Iraq Christians, 3 Dead, Dozens Hurt - Reuters

Iraqi Christians' Long History - BBC News

3 U.K. Soldiers Could Face War Crimes Trial - Associated Press

Iran

Iran Offers Talks but Without Key Nuclear Demands - Associated Press

Iran Offers Dates For Talks With Powers In Turkey - Reuters

UNESCO Backs Off Philosophy Day in Iran - New York Times

UNESCO Withdraws Support for Iran Philosophy Event - Associated Press

U.S. Department of Defense

Drone Footage Overwhelms Analysts - Washington Times

Report: Army Failed to Identify Fort Hood Threat - Washington Times

Air Force Takes Steps to Defend Cyber Domain - AFPS

Air Force Command Brings Focus to Nuclear Enterprise - AFPS

Politicizing the Pentagon - Washington Times opinion

United States

Challenges Await U.S. at Group of 20 Meeting - New York Times

Fed Decision Clouds G-20 Gathering - Washington Post

Gates: U.S. Has Strong Friends in Extremism Fight - AFPS

No Charges in Destruction of CIA Interrogation Tapes - New York Times

No Charges in Destruction of CIA Videotapes - Washington Post

Confusion Over Program to Spot Illegal Immigrants - New York Times

Why Rush to Cut Nukes? - New York Times opinion

Containment-Lite - New York Times opinion

United Kingdom

U.K. Cuts 'Leave Falklands Open to Attack' - BBC News

Africa

Money in Piracy Attracts More Somalis - New York Times

U.N.: Somali Piracy Outpaces Efforts to Stop It - Associated Press

Nigeria Strike On Despite Talks - BBC News

Guinea Awaits Election Results 2 Days After Vote - Associated Press

Congo Republic Declares a Polio Emergency - New York Times

'Eleven Dead' in Clashes in Western Sahara Camp - BBC News

New Violence Reported in Western Sahara - Associated Press

Police Patrol Western Sahara City After Clashes - Reuters

French Appeals Court Reopens African Assets Case - BBC News

French Court Orders Probe Into African Presidents - Associated Press

Americas and Caribbean

U.S. Military Helping Mexican Troops Battle Drug Cartels - Washington Post

U.S. Effort to Slow Flow of Guns into Mexico Failing - Los Angeles Times

Report: Gun Flow to Mexico Unabated - Washington Times

Report Slams U.S. Effort to Curb Mexico Gun Trade - Reuters

Mexicans Fear Turf War After Drug Kingpin's Death - Reuters

OAS Urges Talks in Central America Google Map Spat - Associated Press

Peru: U.S. Activist Regrets Becoming 'Face of Terrorism' - Associated Press

Cholera Epidemic Leaves Haiti on Brink of Disaster Again - Los Angeles Times

Cholera Case Contracted in Port-au-Prince Found - New York Times

Haiti Confirms Cholera in Capital - BBC News

Cholera Now In Haiti Capital, Rapid Spread Feared - Reuters

Doctors Set Up Cholera Centers in Haiti's Capital - Associated Press

Cuba to Chart Economic Future at Party Congress - Associated Press

South American Transition - Washington Post editorial

Asia Pacific

China Stresses Global Economic Stability as It Heads to G20, APEC - VOA

Britain's Largest Trade Delegation Visits China - Voice of America

China Rights Advocates Cannot Travel - New York Times

China Continues Moves Against Activists - Washington Post

U.K.'s Cameron Urges Chinese Political Reform - Associated Press

Japan Coast Guard Member Questioned in Video Leak - Associated Press

G-20 Event to Showcase South Korea's Arrival - New York Times

Security Council to Release Delayed N. Korea Nuclear Report - Washington Post

U.N. Envoy: China Stops Blocking Harsh North Korea Report - Reuters

Medvedev Alarmed At North Korean Nuclear Activity - Reuters

Pro-Military Party Claims Almost 80 Percent of Votes in Burma Election - VOA

Military Party Sweeping Burma Election - Associated Press

Opposition Parties Concede Defeat in Burma - New York Times

Burma's Suu Kyi Won't Accept Conditional Release - Reuters

Fighting Cools on Burma-Thai Border - Voice of America

Gates Cites New Opportunities for U.S., Malaysia to Engage - AFPS

Mullen Thanks Tonga for Steadfast Support - AFPS

Europe

French Detain 5 Suspects in Terror Network Probe - Associated Press

E.U. Sees Croatia Advance In E.U. Talks, Chides Turkey - Reuters

Middle East

Obama Urges Israel, Palestinians to Make 'Extra Effort' - Voice of America

In Curt Exchange, U.S. Faults Israel on Housing - New York Times

Netanyahu Defends Construction in East Jerusalem - Washington Post

Obama Vows to Push Past Obstacles to Mideast Peace - Associated Press

Israel Defends Construction in East Jerusalem - Associated Press

Palestinians Say It's Time to Recognize Their State - Reuters

Palestinian Groups Hold More Reconciliation Talks - Reuters

Headdress, Radio, Holy Book Help Tell Arafat Story - Associated Press

Despite Boycott, Voting Goes Ahead in Jordan - New York Times

Islamist Boycott, Violence Mar Jordanian Election - Associated Press

Egypt Muslim Group Fields 134 Candidates In Vote - Reuters

Rights Groups Fear Rigging in Egypt's Election - Associated Press

Bush Book Sheds Light on Israeli Strike on Syria - Associated Press

Where is Israel's Peace Plan? - Los Angeles Times opinion

Read more about 10 November SWJ Roundup

2010 United States Marine Corps Birthday Message

Happy Birthday Devil Dogs!

The 2010 United States Marine Corps Birthday Message, from Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen James F Amos, marking the 235th birthday of the Marines. Join Marines and their supporters worldwide as they wish the Marine Corps a Happy 235th Birthday on November 10, 2010.

The Marines' Hymn

From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,

We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea.

First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.

Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.

We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes, You will find us always on the job, the United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve.

In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,

they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.