Current Events and Links

See also:
The Israel-Lebanon War
War in Iraq
Mid-East Conflict
New Cold War
The War of Gog and Magog
Terrorism
CyberWar

Turkey Carries Out More Air Offensives in Northern Iraq

Dec. 26, 2007 - Turkey has continued its air strike against suspected Kurdish rebel hideouts in northern Iraq.

Tuesday, the Turkish military said it has killed 150 to 175 Kurdish rebels since the middle of the month, when its warplanes began attacking the PKK across the border. It says the death toll does not include rebels killed in hideouts and caves.

Source: Voice of America

Searching for a Pakistan Strategy

Nov. 15, 2007 - The crisis over the actions of Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf have posed a great test of President Bush's diplomatic abilities. Musharraf has been very helpful to the U.S. in the War on Terror, but if he can not hang on to his position of power in Pakistan there are grave questions of the consequences to the West. It is well known that al Qaeda is trying to reestablish its headquarters in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

In essence Bush and the White House are winging it, trying to back Musharraf down from the current crisis while coming up with a longer-term approach to securing U.S. interests in the region.

Source: TIME

U.S. Intercepts Two Ballistic Missiles for the First Time During Military Exercises

Nov. 7, 2007 - The U.S. Military reached another milestone in defense, destroying two ballistic missile targets at one time using the Aegis ballistic missile defense system. A Japanese navy Aegis-equipped ship, the Kongo, was involved in the test. The Kongo will attempt to intercept a missile itself next month.

If successful, the event would mark the first time Japan has ever intercepted a ballistic missile.

Source: Fox

North Korea Agrees to Disable Main Nuke Facility by Dec. 31

Oct. 3, 2007 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and South Korea's President Roh held the first summit meeting in seven years to talk about peace peace between their nations. At the same time, North Korea promised to disable its main nuclear weapons facilities by the end of the year.

In a separate accord at China-hosted arms talks, the North said it would allow the U.S. to lead a group of experts to Pyongyang within two weeks "to prepare for disablement" of its nuclear facilities, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei said in Beijing.

Source: Fox

North Korea still threat despite nuclear rollback - Washington Post - Nov. 7, 2007

Missile Defense Exercise and Flight Test Successfully Completed

Sept. 28, 2007 - A ground-based interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg Air Base in California successfully destroyed a test target missile coming from Alaska.

Source: U.S. Missile Defense Agency

Chavez Tells Venezuelan Soldiers to Prepare for War With U.S.

June 25, 2007 - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told his troops to prepare for a guerrilla-style war against the United States. He claims that the US is using psychological and economic warfare to derail his government. He also says the US is considering a military attack.

Last week, Chavez said he is considering arms purchases, including submarines and a missile-equipped air defense system, as he prepares for a tour of Russia, Belarus and Iran.

Source: Fox

Putin Suggests U.S. Missile Shield Be Based in Azerbaijan

June 7, 2007 - Russian President Vladimir Putin has been expressing strong opposition to the installation of a U.S. missile shield in Europe. He now says Russia would drop its objections if the system would be installed in Azerbaijan.

Source: Fox

Bush to Putin: The Cold War Is Over

June 5, 2007 - Responding to statements by Russian officials that Moscow would take "retaliatory steps" if the U.S. went ahead with plans to build a missile defense system in Europe, President Bush sent a message to President Vladimir Putin. He said, "The Cold War is over. It ended."

"My message will be: 'Vladimir — I call him Vladimir — you shouldn't fear a missile defense system. As a matter of fact, why don't you cooperate with us on a missile defense system?"' Bush said.

Source:Fox

Russia Says New ICBM Can Beat Any System

May 30, 2007 - Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov boasted that their intercontinental ballistic missiles are capable of carrying multiple independent warheads. They also have a tactical cruise missile that can fly farther than existing, similar weapons.

"As of today, Russia has new tactical and strategic complexes that are capable of overcoming any existing or future missile defense systems," Ivanov said, according to the ITAR-Tass news agency. "So in terms of defense and security, Russians can look calmly to the country's future."

Source: My Way (Story no longer online)

North Korea Agrees to End Nuke Program

Feb. 13, 2007 - Four months after its shocking nuclear weapons test, North Korea has agreed to plans for disarmament of its nuclear program. In exchange, they will receive aid and concessions from the U.S. and other nations. They will receive 50,000 tons of heavy fuel oil within 60 days.

If Pyongyang follows through with its promises, they would be the first moves the communist nation has made to scale back its atomic development after more than three years of six-nation negotiations marked by delays, deadlock and the North's first nuclear test explosion in October.

Source:Fox

Scientists to move ‘Doomsday Clock’ hands

Jan. 15, 2007 - The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists plans to move the hands of their "Doomsday Clock" forward on Wednesday because of worsening nuclear and climate threats to the world. The clock already stands at seven minutes to midnight. The move will signal their concerns that we are in danger of "global catastrophe."

Source: MSNBC

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists - A new site will be launched, and they will make a major announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

North Korea Agrees to Rejoin Disarmament Talks

Oct. 31, 2006 - During talks with Chinese, U.S. and North Korean envoys, North Korea agreed to return to the six-nation nuclear disarmament talks that were disrupted by their nuclear test. Talks could resume in November.

Source: Fox

N. Korea threatens war if South joins sanctions

Oct. 25, 2006 - A spokesman for North Korea warned that sanctions against them by South Korea would be considered a provocation that would lead to a “crisis of war” on the Korean peninsula.

“South Korea, forced by the United States, has already halted inter-Korea humanitarian projects and is moving to stop cooperation in other areas. The South is even revealing an intention to join U.S.-led military operations aimed at blockade against us."

Source: MSNBC

Rice: N. Korea would like to see crisis escalated

Oct. 21, 2006 - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice questioned the widly reported news that North Korea had apologized for its Nuclear Test and said they would not conduct further tests. Rice said that China’s special envoy had said nothing to her about such a promise. In fact, she said that she thought that North Korea wanted to exacerbate the crisis.

“The North Koreans, I think, would like to see an escalation of the tension,” she said.

Source: MSNBC

Chinese Envoy Delivers Message to North Korea's Kim Jong-Il

Oct. 19, 2006 - Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao reported that a Chinese delegation met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il about the nuclear test issue.

Liu said the visit was "very significant," but he had no details about the message. But he said the envoys had "in-depth discussions on China-North Korea relations as well as the prevailing situation on the Korean Peninsula."

South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon, who will become the next U.N. secretary-general, warned North Korea that "A second nuclear test by North Korea should never take place."

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Aso said that Japan would not develop nuclear weapons. The United States has a defense treaty with Japan, and Secretary of State Rice promised, "that the United States has the will and the capability to meet the full range — and I underscore the full range — of its deterrent and security commitments to Japan."

Source: Fox

North Korean General: 'War Is Inevitable' - ABC

U.N. Agency: 30 Countries Could Soon Have Nuclear Weapons

Oct. 16, 2006 - Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the U.N. nuclear agency expressed concern that as many as 30 countries could have the ability to produce atomic weapons. There are nine countries that have this capability now, but the rest either have, or are developing, nuclear energy programs. They may feel the need to produce the weapons to defend themselves from rogue nations that are now becoming nuclear powers.

The nine countries that are known to have nuclear weapons are the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain, India, Pakistan, Israel and now North Korea.

Countries with the potential of developing nuclear arms include Brazil, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Taiwan, Spain, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania and Japan.

Other countries considering developing nuclear programs in the near future are Egypt, Bangladesh, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, Namibia, Moldova, Nigeria, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and Yemen, U.N. officials say.

Source: Fox

UN panel approves N. Korea sanctions

Oct. 16, 2006 - A modified resolution was unanimously approved by the U.N. Security Council to impose strict economic sanctions on North Korea because of its nuclear tests.

The US-sponsored measure bans shipments of military hardware and supplies, calls on countries to inspect cargo leaving and arriving in North Korea, and freezes financial assets related to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The use of force is not included in this resolution.

Source: Boston.com

China Building Security Fence on North Korean Border - NewsMax

Objections From China, Russia Could Delay U.N. Resolution

Oct. 14, 2006 - A decision by the U.N. Security Council on sanctions for North Korea because of their nuclear tests could be made today. China and Russia have already prevailed in their insistence that military threat not be made, but they have other technical objections that must be considered.

But the resolution would still ban the import or export of material and equipment that could be used to make nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, and would authorize all countries to inspect cargo leaving and arriving in North Korea ...

Other stipulations in the draft proposal are freezing financial assets and travel for those with any connection to North Korea's weapons or missile programs, and banning the sale of luxury goods to North Korea.

Source: Fox

Report: N. Korea Threatens to Fire Nuclear Missile if U.S. Won't Commit to Talks

Oct. 10, 2006 - China's Yonhap news agency claims a North Korean official now says they might launch a nuclear-tipped missile unless the United States agrees to engage in discussions with them across the negotiating table. It is doubtful that North Korea has a bomb design small enough to mount on a missile, and their long range missiles have not yet been proven effective.

"We hope the situation will be resolved before an unfortunate incident of us firing a nuclear missile comes," Yonhap quoted an unidentified North Korean official as saying. "That depends on how the U.S. will act."

Source: Fox

US push for air strikes - Herald Times - Australia

Rice says US will not invade North Korea - YNet

U.S. Official: North Korea Tested Nuclear Weapon

Oct. 9, 2006 - North Korea conducted its first-ever nuclear test on Sunday. World leaders condemn the action and the U.N. Security Council will meet today to discuss the matter.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. President George W. Bush agreed Monday to push for "decisive action" against North Korea at the U.N. Security Council over the communist regime's claim it had carried out a successful nuclear weapons test.

It is thought that the size of the nuclear bomb was 4-kilotons.

Source: Fox

World leaders condemn reported North Korean nuclear test - International Herald Tribune - Europe

Questions and Answers: North Korea’s Nuclear Program - New York Times

U.N. Security Council to discuss North Korea, new secretary general - International Herald Tribune - Europe

North Korea's reported atomic weapons test may embolden Iran - International Herald Tribune - Europe

North Korea Warned Against Conducting Nuclear Test

Oct. 5, 2006 - Even China, North Korea's ally, warns of unspecified "serious consequences" if it carries out its first nuclear weapons test. South Korea, Japan, Russia and and the U.S. are all opposed to the test.

Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Wang Guangya said "no one is going to protect" North Korea, if it goes ahead with "bad behavior."

Source: Fox

N Korea 'to conduct nuclear test'

Oct. 3, 2006 - North Korea, long known to be a nuclear power, has now said that it will conduct a nuclear test "in the future." In July the UN censured them for launching a variety of missiles.

The news has been condemned by the US, Japan, South Korea and Russia - all members of the six-nation talks.

Source: BBC

UN Chief Warns of Global War Over Religion, Says Only UN can Solve World's Problems

Sept. 22, 2006 - In what will probably be his final speech to the U.N., Secretary General Kofi Annan warned that there is danger of a "new war of religion on a global scale.” He said that the Arab-Israeli conflict is symbolic of the feelings that people have all over the world.

Annan sees the United Nations as the only solution to the world’s woes. “Yes, I remain convinced that the only answer to this divided world must be a truly United Nations”, he said.

Source: LifeSite

Venezuela's President Calls President Bush The Devil

September 20, 2006 - Read the text of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez. He said,

"Yesterday the devil came here. Right here." [crosses himself] And it smells of sulfur still today... the president of the United States, the gentleman to whom I refer as the devil, came here, talking as if he owned the world.

Source:WorldNetDaily

Chavez savages Bush in speech - Diplomats at U.N. applaud his attack on U.S. policy - San Francisco Chronicle

Israel plans for war with Iran and Syria

Sept. 3, 2006 - An Israeli insider says that the conflict with Hezbollah has caused Israel to realize that their greatest threat is not the Palestinian problem but the two biggest state sponsors of terrorism in the region, Iran and Syria.

The Israeli defence establishment believes that Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear programme means war is likely to become unavoidable.

Source: Times OnLine

U.S. Military Shoots Down Test Missile Over Pacific

Sept. 2, 2006 - The U.S. conducted a successful test of its antimissile shield yesterday, shooting down a target ballistic missile over the Pacific.

Source: NewsMax

Northrop to sell laser shield 'bubble' for airports

July 17, 2006 - Two companies have developed systems that would protect airports from attacks from rockets and missiles. Northrup Grumman's solution, called "Skyguard" would use lasers to form a protective "bubble" around the airport. The cost would be $25 million to $30 million, but protecting whole airports would ultimately be less expensive than equipping each airplane to defend itself during take-offs and landings.

Another company, Raytheon, offers a ground-based airport protection system that uses high-power microwaves to protect commercial aircraft from shoulder-fired missiles.

Source: CNN (Story no longer online)

U.N. Security Council Unanimously Adopts North Korea Resolution

July 15, 2006 - A uninamous decision by the U.N. Security Council imposed limited sanctions on North Korea for its recent missile tests, and demanded that they suspend its ballistic missile program. It only took 45 minutes for North Korea to reject the censure.

Source: Fox

Reaction and Updates: Korean Missile Launch

July 6, 2006
All nations seem to agree that North Korea should not be conducting missile tests now that they have nuclear capabilities, and the United Nations is considering sanctions against them. However, Russia and China want a lesser rebuke. Meanwhile, North Korea brags about its successes and plans to launch even more missiles.

Iran Finances N. Korean Missile Program - Middleast News Line

N Korea vows more missile tests - BBC

North Korea test-fires multiple missiles

July 5 - North Korea test-fired seven missiles today. The seventh was a long-range Taepodong-2 missile, but it failed after about 40 seconds and landed in the sea about 200 miles west of Japan.

Source: CNN

'US attack will be met with nuclear war'

July 3, 2006 - In answer to U.S. warnings not to test a missile that is capable of delivering an atomic bomb to American soil, North Korea said they would respond to a pre-emptive US military attack with an "annihilating strike and a nuclear war." The statement is from North Korea's state-run media.

Source: Jerusalem Post

North Korea About To Test Missle Capable of Reaching U.S.

June 19, 2006 - Reliable newspaper sources say that North Korea has completed the fueling of a Taepodong-2 long-range missile. A fully-fueled missile has a launch window of about one month.

The region has been put on alert since North Korea began taking apparent moves toward firing the missile believed capable of reaching U.S. soil. Pyongyang was silent on the launch, but has vowed to bolster its military deterrent in comments.

Source: Fox

North Korea Preparing Test for Missile With Potential to Hit U.S. - Fox

North Korea Threatens To Wipe Out US Forces In South Korea - Space War

The deadliest war in the world
Congo's simmering conflict has killed 4 million

May 28, 2006 - A peace agreement between at least eight different countries ended the war in Congo, but the deadly effects of war-related causes have continued to the present.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) estimates that 3.9 million people have died from war-related causes since the conflict in Congo began in 1998, making it the world's most lethal conflict since World War II.

Source: CNN (Story no longer online)

Saudis Said To Launch Nuke Program

Apr. 2, 2006 - The German magazine Cicero claims that Pakistani scientists, disguised as Islamic pilgrims, have been working in Saudi Arabia periodically since 2003, helping them develop a nuclear program. The report is denied by Saudi Arabia.

Source:Middle East Newsline

US and India seal nuclear accord

Mar. 2, 2006 - President George W Bush, during his first visit to India, agreed with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a nuclear deal that will allow India to access US civil nuclear technology in exchange for opening its nuclear facilities to inspection. The arrangement only addresses nuclear power, not nuclear weapons. India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The two countries also promised to share information on terrorism and co-operate militarily. Communist and Islamic parties were opposed to the agreement.

Source: BBC

Mofaz says Israel prepared to defend itself against Iranian attack

Feb. 28 - 2006 - Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz says the agreement between Russia and Iran for uranium enrichment is just a cover for Iran's intention to finish development of nuclear weapons. He claims that Israel is preparing for possible conflict.

"As for the possibility of an Israeli attack (on Iran), I think it is not at all right to address this question publicly, but it can be said that Israel has the right and the obligation to do all that is necessary to defend itself," Mofaz told students at a Tel Aviv-area high school.

Source:Israel Insider

Iran promises crushing response if U.S. or Israel attack

Jan. 2, 2006 - Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani said that U.S. and Israeli threats to attack their nuclear facilities were probably "psychological warfare." He added that Israel will get a crushing response if they make such a mistake.

"If there is any truth in such talks, Israel will suffer greatly. It's a very small country within our range. Our (defense) preparedness is a deterrence," he said.

Source:Israel Insider (Story no longer online)

Reports Of U.S. Plan To Strike Iran

Jan. 1, 2006 - German media outlets have quoted NATO intelligence sources claiming that the U.S. is briefing NATO members on “all possibilities, including a military attack against the regime in Tehran.” This is seen as an escalation from earlier talks that just hinted at the possibility.

Source: The Media Line (Story no longer online)

Iran rejects Russia nuclear plan

Jan. 1, 2006 - Iran has rejected a proposal from Russia to help with enrichment of uranium for peaceful purposes. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said it was not logical for any country to entrust its energy security to another state.

Moscow suggested last year that Iran be allowed to conduct uranium enrichment in Russia, giving the country access to the nuclear fuel cycle while ensuring its nuclear program was for peaceful purposes.

Source: BBC