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February 29, 2008:
February 29, 2008:
The Pentagon's top intelligence official tells told a Senate committee the United States is operating in a security environment that is "unusually complex." During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee here, Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Maples, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, presented an analysis of current and future threats facing the U.S. "That threat spectrum is bounded on the one side by traditional nation states with significant military inventories, and on the other by non-state terrorists or criminal networks that exploit the gaps and seams between nations, cultures, laws and belief systems," he said. Outlining what he called "trends of concern," Maples said current threats include weapons of mass destruction, increasingly sophisticated and longer-range ballistic missiles, improvised bombs and suicide weapons, outer space and cyberspace vulnerabilities, and underground weapons systems produced by potential adversaries. (John J. Kruzel, "U.S. Faces 'Unusually Complex' Security Environment, Intel Official Says," American Forces Press Service, February 28, 2008). February 29, 2008:
An Israeli security official notes that Hamas will be capable of extending the range of its indigenously produced rockets to 20 kilometers by the end of 2008, thereby making Ashkelon (a city of 110,000) an easy target. Currently, Hamas utilizes its smuggled (limited supply of) military-issue Iranian rockets to strike Ashkelon. Four such rockets impacted in the southern part of the city, including one that landed in the parking lot of a hospital. Abu Obeida (HAMAS): "We are doing our best to upgrade our capabilities....We will never have equipment comparable to our enemy, but we are working all the time to have enough to make any aggression a regrettable adventure for the enemy." A senior Israeli security official: "We think that until the end of this year, they (Hamas terrorists) will reach a range of 20 kilometers with Qassams, not with military-issue rockets..." The official also notes that Hamas's military wing in Gaza has an annual budget of $30 million, including weapons production, salaries and preparing attacks against Israel. He said up to one-third of the money originates in Tehran. In addition, Hamas is manufacturing explosive devices and bullets. ("'Kassam Range May Reach 20 KM. by 2009'," Associated Press, February 28, 2008). February 29, 2008:
Defense Minister Ehud Barak: "We must prepare for escalation...A large, significant and tangible ground operation. We won't flinch...Israel will reach those responsible, hit them in operations, and Hamas will pay the price for its activities." ("Defense Minister Barak: We must Prepare for an Escalation," Jerusalem Post, February 28, 2008). February 28, 2008:
The IDF targeted and identified a hit on a Qassam rocket launching cell in the northern Gaza Strip last night. Earlier yesterday, the IDF hit armed gunmen in a number of separate incidents in the northern strip. During the night the IDF hit a number of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, amongst them the terror organization's headquarters and other sites used for the manufacturing and transfer of Qassam rockets and other weapons used by terrorists to attack Israel. In last nights operations in Nablus, Nachal patrol forces identified a number of armed gunmen in the Balata refugee camp. The forces fired at the gunmen, killing one and injuring another. The forces uncovered a handgun, ammunition clips, and a loaded M-16 rifle. The injured gunmen received initial treatment on site by the forces and were later evacuated to an Israeli hospital for further medical care. In other operations yesterday, IDF forces identified a Qassam rocket lauching cell in the northern Gaza Strip. The forces attacked the cell and identified a hit. Yesterday afternoon, an Israeli student was killed when a Qassam rocket fell on the Sapir college in Sderot. Another student was injured by shrapnel to his legs. Six other bystanders were treated for shock. (Mijal Grinberg, "Grad-Type Missile Strikes Direct Hit on Ashkelon House," Ha'aretz, February 27, 2008; "IDF Attacks Hamas Headquarters," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 28, 2008). February 28, 2008:
"There can be no ceasefire talks with the Zionists while they continue to conduct criminal acts against the Palestinian resistance fighters, Abu Yousif, the spokesperson of the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), the Al-Nasser Salah Edeen Brigades. Abu Yousif said in a statement that his faction will not agree on any ceasefire unless there are guarantees it will be bilateral, and agreed on by all Palestinian factions. 'We have examined the credibility of the Zionist occupation regarding ceasefire, and learned that they show no respect for mutual ceasefires. Several times we halted the launch of homemade projectiles from the Gaza Strip, but the Zionists never stopped targeted assassinations,' he added. The spokesperson addressed president Abbas saying, 'The siege on the Gaza Strip was imposed in an attempt to break the will of the Palestinian people and their steadfastness, whether there were homemade projectiles or not.'" ("Brigades Spokesman: No Ceasefire Talks with Zionist Entity if Assassinations Continue," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, February 27, 2008). February 28, 2008:
Al-Qaeda's wing in Yemen claims responsibility for separate attacks on groups of Belgian and Spanish tourists. According to the SITE Intelligence Group, the "Jund Al-Yemen Brigades" noted in an Internet statement that it was behind a strike in January which killed two Belgians and another in July which left seven Spaniards dead. ("Al-Qaeda Claims Attacks on Belgian, Spanish Tourists: Report," Agence France-Presse, February 27, 2008). February 28, 2008:
Senior Turkish official Ahmet Davutoglu: "Our objective is clear. Our mission is clear and there is no timetable...until the [PKK] terrorist bases are eliminated." US Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates: "It's very important that the Turks make this operation as short as possible and then leave. They have to be mindful of Iraqi sovereignty..." ("'No Timetable' for Turkey Assault," BBC News, February 27, 2008; Fred W. Baker III, "Quicker is Better for Turkish Military Operations in Iraq, Gates Says," American Forces Press Service, February 27, 2008). February 28, 2008:
Barry Rubin: "Rather than unite in the face of the Hamas challenge and the task of gaining support from the West Bank's people, Fatah seems to be collapsing... "There are at least five factions operating in Fatah today, and even that is an understatement. While PA 'president' Mahmoud Abbas and his prime minister, Salam Fayyad enjoy Western support, they have very little from their own organization. These two are relative moderates who have no internal base of support. Even the very tiny group of those who can be called moderate is split since, for example, Ahmad Khouri (Abu Ala), is quarreling with Abbas." Continue Reading Here. (Barry Rubin, "Fatah Falls Apart," GLORIA Center, February 21, 2008). February 27, 2008:
February 27, 2008:
France, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates begin joint military drills. However, French and UAE officials deny any link between the timing of the exercises and relations with Tehran. Dr. Géraud Poumarède, director of history studies at the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: "It's not against Iran...It's more a demonstration of friendship of the strong relationship between France, Qatar and the UAE." The war games involve land, sea and air forces and are taking place in UAE territory and in international waters near the Straits of Hormuz. Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway situated between the Gulf of Oman in the southeast and the Persian Gulf in the southwest. On the north coast is Iran and on the south coast is the United Arab Emirates and Musandam (an exclave of Oman). The strait at its narrowest measures 21 miles wide. It remains the only sea passage to the open ocean for a number of petroleum-exporting Persian Gulf States. Indeed, approximately 30% of the world's oil supply passes through the strait. Chronology of Notable Events:
February 27, 2008:
Lieutenant General (reserves) Dan Shomron, 13th Chief of Staff of the IDF, died yesterday morning at the Beit Levinstein Hospital in Raanana at the age of 70. He will be brought to rest with a full military ceremony. Lieutenant General (res.) Dan Shomron was born Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov in 1937. In 1956 he was recruited to the Paratrooper Brigade and participated in operations and the Sinai Campaign. During the Six Day War he served as combat team commander that was mechanized in the Sinai and by the merit of his action during this war he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. In July 1967 he was appointed Battalion Commander of the Paratroopers; in 1968 his rank was raised to Lieutenant Colonel. During the Yom Kippur War he commanded an Armored Brigade of conscript soldiers that played a central and effective role in battles that held the defense in the southern front of the Suez Canal. The brigade captured the Suez Canal and fought on west of the Canal and completely surrounded the Third Egyptian Army south of the Abbadiya port. A year afterwards he returned to the Infantry Corps and was appointed head officer of the Infantry Corps and the Paratroopers. Full Story Here. February 27, 2008:
US Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert H. Holmes: "Regionally, we've got to network ourselves to prosecute that fight along all the lines of irregular warfare." The general stressed that the command must go beyond traditional combat and embrace building governance capabilities, financing economic development, building and maintaining infrastructure, and providing basic utilities to be successful. In Iraq, there has been progress in security and a decline in attacks across the nation, although al Qaeda in Iraq and Iranian-trained Shiite special groups still are able to launch "spectacular attacks," Holmes said. "But as Central Command has always said, the lines of governance, economic development and the social development have got to fill in their battle space as we support the growth of Iraq as a nation." In Afghanistan, the Taliban are not resurging; rather, "they never went away," the general said. (Jim Garamone, "General: CENTCOM Must Prepare to Deal With Violent Networked Extremists," American Forces Press Service , February 26, 2008). February 27, 2008:
Cairo has reportedly deployed additional troops along Gaza-Egypt border, thereby exceeding the limit set in a 30-year-old peace accord with Israel. The reinforcements apparently arrived after Hamas operatives breached the border (Rafah) on January 23rd. A senior Israeli official: "We don't see the current levels as a threat at the moment...We have not objected to it. But no long-term arrangement has been made." Yuval Steinitz, the former chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee notes that Egypt sent an additional three battalions (approximately 600 - 900 soldiers). "This compromises the demilitarization of the Sinai...Today it's a few battalions. Tomorrow there might be far more." ("Officials: Israel Let Egypt Boost Gaza Border Troops," Reuters, February 26, 2008). February 27, 2008:
IDF OC Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin notes that Al Qaeda operatives entered the Gaza Strip after Hamas breached the Egyptian border. According to Yadlin, the breach "enabled Hamas to bring back those who had left for training in Syria and Iran, including snipers, explosives experts, rocket experts and engineers." ("'Al-Qaida Entered Gaza During Breach'," Jerusalem Post, February 26, 2008). February 27, 2008:
A new refinery is planned for the UAE. The planned capacity of the refinery (which should be completed by 2013) is 417,000 bpd. The refinery, still in the design phase, will be located in Ruwais, 240 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city. The current Ruwais refinery produces approximately 400,000bpd, while the capacity of Abu Dhabi refinery in Um Al Nar is 85,000bpd. An inter-refinery pipeline is slated to be constructed between the two refineries to eliminate the need for shipments as well as to connect Ruwais and Abu Dhabi. ("New Refinery to be Built in Abu Dhabi," Khaleej Times [Accessed on the Gulf in the Media Website], February 26, 2008). February 27, 2008:
IDF forces operated in Hebron in conjunction with the ISA and the Civil Administration against institutes of The Islamic Charity Movement -- a Hamas terror organization fund operating under the guise of charity. The Movement's aims are to rally support for Hamas, advance its ideology (including a Jihad holy war against Israel), to trace and recruit operatives and raise money for terror. Hamas' operates under the guise of civilian charity, however its institutes aim at empowering the terror organization and its grip upon the civilian population, as part of its campaign to heighten the level of terrorism against Israel and gain increasing power in Judea and Samaria. As part of the activities organized by The Islamic Charity Movement, the movement delivered money to terror operatives and members of their family, trained youths in the spirit of Jihad, provided financial incentives to families of suicide bombers and prisoners, and operated to spread Hamas principles among the Palestinian population. With such actions Hamas exploits Palestinian society, particularly its lowest socio-economic stratums, in order to gather a terror following. During the operation, the IDF operated against the Movement's financial institutes - important Hamas sources of profit used to fund terrorist activity - in Hebron, by ordering their closure and confiscating part of their possessions. ("IDF Operation against Institutes Directed by and Associated with Hamas Terror Organization in Hebron," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 26, 2008). February 26, 2008:
The Miniature Air Launched Decoy, a Raytheon Company state-of-the-art, low-cost, modular air- launched programmable flight vehicle, successfully completed government and Raytheon seamless verification team flight testing Jan. 11. This sets the stage for the MALD to enter low rate initial production (LRIP) later this year. The testing, which began in June 2007, put the MALD through a series of flight profiles including jettison and powered flight tests from both F-16 and B-52 aircraft. The MALD, which weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles), succeeded in 33 of 35 tests. "Completion of this flight testing brings the versatile MALD platform one step closer to becoming a staple in the warfighter's arsenal," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Strike product line. "MALD is more than just a decoy -- we designed it with modularity in mind to evolve as the warfighter's needs evolve. We're ready to get the MALD to LRIP." ("Raytheon's Miniature Air Launched Decoy Completes Flight Testing in Eight Months," Raytheon Press Release, February 26, 2008). February 26, 2008:
IDF OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni: "Without the massive IDF presence in the West Bank, Hamas would take over the institutions and apparatuses of the Palestinian Authority within days...Although there are no rocket attacks emanating from the West Bank, we've found rockets produced here, and this tells us that there are [rocket production] labs in the region." ("'Without IDF There, Hamas Would Take Over W. Bank in Days'," Jerusalem Post, February 26, 2008). February 26, 2008:
Saudi Arabia and France sign an agreement to reinforce cooperation in internal security and civil defense. According to Alain Guepratte, information counselor of the French Embassy, the two countries have maintained a technical cooperation agreement since 1980. The new accord is slated to incorporate new areas of activities between France and Riyadh, including combating terrorism and organized crime. ("Saudi Arabia, France to Bolster Civil Security Cooperation," Arab News [Accessed on the Gulf in the Media Website], February 25, 2008). February 26, 2008:
The Boeing Company receives full acceptance of its SBInet Project 28 (P28) border security prototype Thursday from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A demonstration of the SBInet security solution, P28 networks cameras, radars, sensors and communications along 28 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border near Sasabe, Ariz. Developed as a proof-of-concept of Boeing's overall SBInet technology solution, P28 serves as a test and evaluation system in an operational environment. Using P28 technology, Border Patrol agents apprehended more than 2,000 illegal immigrants during initial operations testing between September 2007 and February 2008. In the coming months, CBP will conduct operational and technical tests of P28. By the end of the year, Boeing will replace P28 mobile surveillance towers as part of the larger Tucson Sector deployment with permanent towers equipped with camera, radar and communications technology that incorporate feedback from operational tests. ("Boeing Receives Full Government Acceptance of SBInet Project 28 Border Security Solution," Boeing Press Release, February 22, 2008). February 26, 2008:
"On the northeastern border of Gaza Strip, another kind of war is occurring between Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas and the Zionist occupation forces that are trying daily to execute specific operations against the resistance men, but in all its tasks, the Zionist elite forces always facing Al Qassam men during their presence in guarding the border, the Zionist forces recorded some successes in its operations but it faced many failures despite its trying to conceal it. It is difficult to compare between the advanced occupation army equipments, high techniques used in doing these tasks, and the high training for the elite troops, and between Al Qassam men, who has light weapons and a very simple training, but there are two things modifying the balance to the side of the Brigades, the first is the strong will, and the second thing is the good knowledge of the nature of areas where the Zionist forces is always entering and the good monitoring to everything in these areas. It is noteworthy that the forces of the so-called 'stationed' of the Qassam men, which is the estimated of thousands of troops often clash face to face with the Zionist special forces, these forces are entering from the northern and eastern borders of Gaza, where the stationed (Murabiteen) deployed on the border." ("Al Qassam Brigades is Facing the Zionist Elite Forces," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, February 25, 2008). February 25, 2008:
Palestinian terrorists fire five rockets at southern Israel. Three impact in in Sderot, wounding a woman and two children. One 10-year-old boy suffers a moderate wound to his shoulder when a Qassam struck an underground shelter in Sderot. In addition, a mother and her one-year-old baby lightly wounded in the attack are evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center. Two other rockets land in Sderot on Monday. One hits a house and the other explodes near a local school. IDF Spokesperson's Office: "In light of the events today in the Gaza Strip and in accordance with ongoing security assessments, the IDF will continue to preserve alertness and preparedness in the region. It has been positively noted in the IDF that the population of Gaza was not lured by Hamas's incitement. Nonetheless, in an unfortunate incident today, a 10 year-old boy was severely wounded and a one year-old baby boy was lightly wounded by a Qassam rocket attack that hit Sderot. Over 800 Qassam rockets and mortar shells were fired at Israel since the beginning 2008. The IDF faces an uncompromising struggle against terrorists, their dispatchers and their supporters. Yet unlike terrorist organizations, the IDF does not confront nor target civilians. The GOC Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yoav Gallant, emphasized the successful coordination between the IDF, the Israel Police, the ISA and the Border Police, and expressed his appreciation for the performance of the forces in the region." (Mijal Grinberg and Yuval Azoulay, "Woman, two children hurt in Qassam strike on Sderot," Ha'aretz, February 25, 2008; "IDF Response to Events in Gaza Today," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 25, 2008). February 25, 2008:
The Israeli Cabinet approves a plan to reinforce residential units, via the construction of 9 sq. meter protected spaces, in a range of up to 4.5 kilometers from the fence around the Gaza Strip. This range was set in light of the need to protect the forward line that is exposed to fire and given the planned capability of the Iron Dome system, which is due to be operational and in place during 2010. The Cabinet approved a NIS 327 million budget for implementing the first stage of the plan in Sderot, Nir Am, Gabim, Erez, Ibim, Zikim, Netiv Ha'asara, Nahal Oz, Kerem Shalom, Kisufim, Mefalsim and Kramiya. The Construction and Housing Ministry will have overall responsibility for the plan, which is to be completed during the first quarter of 2009. There are approximately 8,000 residential units within 4.5 kilometers of the fence around the Gaza Strip that currently lack protected spaces and which were built prior to 1992, when legislation requiring their construction in all new housing units came into effect. The Cabinet also directed Defense Minister Ehud Barak to - via IDF Home Front Command - transfer NIS 2.2 million from the civilian emergency expenditure budget for reinforcing structures at Sapir College. This is in addition to the NIS 1.8 million approved by the Defense Ministry in November 2006 and the NIS 18 million decided on by Prime Minister Olmert and Education Minister Yuli Tamir. ("Cabinet Communique," Communicated by the Cabinet Secretariat, February 24, 2008). February 25, 2008:
Jamal Muheisin, the governor of the West Bank city Nablus, announces that Palestinians wanted by Israel in the northern will receive a cash reward if they willingly turn over their weapons. Muheisin notes that wanted Palestinians will be placed under a three month probation period, but will not be arrested, as a precondition for being pardoned. ("Palestinian fighters in Nablus to receive cash if they give up armed struggle," Ma'an News, February 24, 2008). February 25, 2008:
Turkey sends military reinforcements into northern Iraq as clashes with terrorists from the Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) continue for a fourth day. According to the Turkish army, another 25 tanks crossed the border to help the hunt for PKK fighters, whom Turkey accuses of launching attacks on its forces from bases in the sparsely populated mountains along the Turkish-Iraqi border. US Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates: "I would hope that [the operation] would be short, that it would be precise and avoid the loss of innocent life, and that they leave as quickly as they can accomplish their mission...One of the messages that has been a consistent one from the American government at all levels to the Turkish government is that the kinds of military activities that they have been engaged in should be complemented with initiatives to try and address some of the concerns of those who are reconcilable among the Kurds, to win their loyalty to Turkey if they are living in Turkey and to try and eliminate whatever popular base that exists that supports the terrorist activities of the PKK." (Michael Howard, "Turks Send More Tanks into Iraq Against PKK," The Guardian UK, February 25, 2008; Fred W. Baker III, "Turkey Ops in Iraq No Threat to Stability, Gates Says," American Forces Press Service, February 24, 2008). February 25, 2008:
February 25, 2008:
A suicide bomber kills at least 40 people and injures 60 in an attack on Shia pilgrims during their days-long march to a shrine for a major religious gathering south of Baghdad. It was the second attack of the day against pilgrims travelling to Kerbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad, to commemorate the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, one of Shia Islam's most revered figures. (Kim Gamel, "More than 40 Shia Pilgrims Killed in Attacks," Associated Press, February 25, 2008). February 24, 2008:
The IDF bolsters its forces along the border with the Gaza Strip, fearing that participants in an upcoming Hamas rally will try to break into Israel. Indeed, commanders have reportedly received orders to stop entry into Israel "by all means" -- including sniper fire against the legs of the demonstrators. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri: "Our people will not allow the continuation of this situation regardless of the results, and we will work to break the siege by all possible means...We hold them [Israeli leaders] responsible for any harm to the participants in these peaceful demonstrations." (Amos Harel, Avi Issacharoff and Yuval Azoulay, "Hamas Vows to Use 'All Means' to Break Gaza Siege," Ha'aretz, February 24, 2008). February 24, 2008:
Turkish jets and heavy artillery attack Kurdish rebel bases in northern Iraq in a prelude to a major assault. Military spokesmen in Ankara note that seven of its troops and 79 rebels from the PKK were killed in fierce fighting. However, the PKK claimes that Turkish losses outnumber its own. Ahmed Danees, head of foreign relations for the PKK: "After clashes yesterday...22 Turkish soldiers were killed. Not more than five PKK soldiers were wounded..." (Jason Burke, "Turkish Onslaught Paves Way for Major Assault on Iraq Kurds," The Guardian UK, February 24, 2008). February 23, 2008:
IDF forces (Nablus sector) arrest Majdi Mabruka, one of the senior commanders of the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the armed wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). ("Israeli Forces Seize Senior Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades Commander," Ma'an News, February 23, 2008). February 23, 2008:
The IAF targets Palestinian terrorists on their way to fire mortar shells at Israel (northern Gaza Strip). A previous air strike killed two Palestinian terrorists and wounded a third in central Gaza. ("Three Palestinians Killed in IAF Strike on Northern Gaza," Ha'aretz, February 23, 2008). February 23, 2008:
Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah warns that operatives within Lebanon are preparing for a new war with Israel. "No one can protect the entire Israeli home front from our missiles...If they think of entering the south, to any valley, any hill, I swear you (Israelis) will carry your tanks and soldiers and your entire army will collapse under the feet of Imad Moughinyah." Note: Israel now requires that passengers on all incoming flights be confined to their seats in the half-hour before landing as part of heightened precautions against hijacking. "Our new policy is that planes lock their flight-deck doors and activate the 'please fasten seat belts' signs when 290 km away from Israel...It's a precaution against hijackers storming the cockpit in the final approach, given the current terrorist threat level." (Yoav Stern, "Nasrallah: We're Readying for War with Israel Within Months," Ha'aretz, February 23, 2008). February 23, 2008:
Turkish troops enter northern Iraq to attack Kurdish rebels. Several hundred troops (some reports claim thousands) crossed the border after fighter jets and heavy artillery bombed Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) forces. The PKK notes that two Turkish soldiers were killed and eight wounded in clashes following the incursion. Note: The United States urges Turkey to bring to a "swift conclusion" any ongoing military operations in Iraq, a Pentagon spokesman said today. Bryan Whitman told reporters the United States also urged Turkey "to limit their operations to precise targeting of the PKK." Whitman said the U.S. maintains its position that the PKK, a militant Kurdish nationalist group that operates in northern Iraq and Turkey, is a terrorist organization and an enemy of Turkey. Whitman declined to comment on whether the United States provided intelligence ahead of a Turkish incursion into northern Iraq reported today, but spoke generally of the strategic U.S.-Turkey relationship. "Turkey is a NATO ally. We have a long-standing, intelligence-sharing relationship with Turkey," he said. "It was intensified recently with respect to the PKK terrorist group." Whitman said the U.S. respects Turkey's need to protect its population and urges that Turkish officials work directly with Iraqis in dealing with the PKK, which he called "a common enemy." Further, he said, the United States encourages "a long-term agreement that will enhance the stability and security of that border region." "We believe the long-term solution is one of diplomacy, and not a military solution," he added. (Fred Attewill, "Turkish Forces Enter Northern Iraq," The Guardian UK, February 22, 2008; John J. Kruzel, "U.S. Urges 'Swift Conclusion' to Turkish Operations in Iraq," American Forces Press Service, February 22, 2008). February 22, 2008:
Yediot Ahronoth reports that Hamas may be developing unmanned drones with assistance from Hizballah. Indeed, Hamas is reportedly utilizing the expertise of various Iranian experts in addition to receiving help from Palestinian university personnel that specialize in electronic and physical engineering to develop indigenous air capabilities. ("Hamas Developing Unmanned Planes with Iran's Assistance," Ma'an News, February 21, 2008). February 22, 2008:
Ha'aretz: "The fact that Iron Dome is not effective against short-range rockets and therefore cannot protect Sderot was long known to the system's developers and to the Defense Ministry officials who chose to focus on it. For some reason, they decided not to go public with their information. When the Defense Ministry officials, led by the defense minister, promised that the residents of Sderot would be protected after the installation of the Iron Dome system, they knew they would not be able to deliver on this promise." Full Article Here. WeaponSurvey Note: The C-RAM (manufactured by Raytheon) is fully operational and available for immediate deployment. The C-RAM is a radar-controlled gun adapted from a US Navy original, which can fire 4,500 rounds a minute and destroy incoming mortar bombs before impact. According to Jane's Defense Weekly, the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) "is a reconfigured variant of the widely sold Phalanx 20 mm shipborne close-in weapon system [that] combines a 20 mm M61A1 Gatling gun with a Ku-band search-and-track radar featuring closed loop spotting." (Reuven Pedatzur, "Iron Dome System Helpless Against Qassams," Ha'aretz, February 22, 2008; Aharon Etengoff, "Red Dawn," WeaponSurvey, [Accessed] February 22, 2008). February 22, 2008:
During the past week, IDF ground forces, with the assistance of the Air Force, continued to operate in the Gaza Strip in order to distance terrorist organizations, particularly Hamas, from the security fence. Forces also continued their operation against the firing of Qassam rockets and mortar shells, which are fired on a daily basis at Israel. The forces targeted structures used by the terrorist organizations, rocket and mortar launching cells and armed gunmen. On Sunday, February 17th, an IDF soldier, serving in an elite unit, was severely wounded in exchanges of fire between Palestinian gunmen and IDF forces operating in the Southern Gaza Strip. Forces also carried out several aerial attacks against armed Palestinian gunmen and identified hitting them. On Monday, February 18th, a Palestinian gunman opened fire at an IDF force patrolling the Israeli side of the security fence. The force fired back at the gunman and identified hitting him. A firearm and a military vest were uncovered on his person. On Tuesday, February 19th, during an IDF operation near the security fence, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at the soldiers. The force fired back and identified hitting the gunmen. On Thursday, February 21st, the IDF targeted and hit an armed rocket launcher in Northern Gaza, in the area of Beit Hanun. During the past week, Palestinians fired over 60 Qassam rockets and approximately 50 mortar shells at Israeli communities in the Western Negev. ("Summary of IDF Activity in Gaza in the Past Week," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 21, 2008). February 22, 2008:
OC Manpower Gen. Elazar Stern and the head of Ground Forces Command Gen. Avi Mizrahi decide that non-commissioned officers and officers serving at the IDF's Zikkim Basic Training Base (south of Ashkelon) will receive extra salaries for serving in a high-risk area due to the threat of Qassam fire. However, extra pay will not be offered to members of the logistics network of the base, including cooks and supply managers. (Rebecca Anna Stoil and Shelly Paz, "4 Kassam Rockets Hit Western Negev," Jerusalem Post, February 21, 2008). February 22, 2008:
VMware Inc. is slated to supply $6-7 million worth of virtual server solutions to the IDF. VMware Website: "VMware is the leading provider of virtualization software and services. At the most basic level, VMware software lets one computer or server do the work of many, which leads to significant cost savings, better IT management and the ability to respond to changes in business faster." (Shmulik Shelah, "IDF Spends $6-7m on VMware Virtual Servers," Globes, February 21, 2008). February 22, 2008:
Lebanon's political crisis reportedly damages relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia, putting at risk next month's Arab summit in Damascus. A Saudi official confirms that "there is a crisis in ties with the Syrian government, with Lebanon the main reason...Damascus has not joined in efforts, including the Arab initiative, to elect a consensus president..." ("Saudi-Syria Crisis Over Lebanon 'Threatens Arab Summit,'" Agence France-Presse, February 21, 2008). February 22, 2008:
Scientists from BAE Systems develop a technology which allows UAVs (Unmanned Air Vehicles) to autonomously work together to adapt plans and flight paths on fact finding missions. The cutting edge software combines sophisticated communications networks with more familiar technology such as high-resolution cameras, GPS and Inertial Navigation systems. The entire package will allow UAVs to collectively construct a full assessment of threat situations, providing better protection of troops in the future. The research, funded by the UK MOD on the back of BAE Systems corporate investment, has completed a flying trial which, for the first time, demonstrated the co-ordinated control of multiple UAVs autonomously completing a series of tasks. The trials, conducted in partnership with the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, demonstrated on-board decision making capabilities, allowing teams of UAVs to decide among themselves which targets each individual vehicle would monitor. Decisions were based on factors such as proximity to the object, how much intelligence previous observations had provided, and which UAV could provide the most informative view. The scope of the technology is not solely limited to unmanned air vehicles, and is being adapted to allow a range of unmanned submersibles, boats, and ground vehicles to interact with one another in the field. ("Making Their Minds Up – New Technology Allows Unmmaned Vehicles to Think For Themselves," BAE Press Release, February 19, 2008). February 21, 2008:
Morocco notes that it has dismantled a terrorist network (linked to Al Qaeda) plotting to assassinate Jews, cabinet ministers and army officers. The network apparently raised funds through holdups and jewelry thefts in Europe. Morocco also bans the Islamist Al Badil Al Hadari political party as certain members were linked to the network. Note: In May 2003, at least 41 people were killed when suicide bombers struck a Synagogue and a Spanish club in Casablanca. In April 2003, Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for the bombing of synagogue in nearby Tunisia, which killed 20 people, including 14 German tourists. ("Morocco Uncovers Terror Ring Planning Attacks on Local Jews," Associated Press, February 21, 2008). February 21, 2008:
IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi: "There are dangers to our survival on the horizon and great challenges to Israeli security. The IDF needs to ensure a rapid victory in any conflict and I cannot guarantee that we won't need to act in the near future..." (Mark Weiss, "Ashkenazi Warns of War on the Horizon," Jerusalem Post, February 20, 2008). February 21, 2008:
Afghan and coalition troops captured 22 suspected insurgents, seized massive quantities of illegal narcotics and destroyed a weapons cache in Afghanistan over the past two days. In Helmand province today, Afghan and coalition forces detained 11 suspected insurgents, found 1,000 pounds of heroin and destroyed a large weapons cache. In an operation to disrupt insurgent activity and deny enemy sanctuary, Afghan soldiers with 1st Company, 201st Commando Kandak, and coalition troops cleared the target compound of known Taliban members, military officials said. During the raid, the combined force discovered a lab used for processing heroin and opium, which the Taliban sell to generate finances for their insurgency. Meanwhile, coalition aircrews saw insurgents planting roadside bombs and establishing defensive positions. As the aircraft moved closer to investigate the suspected sites, enemy combatants fired on them. The aircrews responded with precision fire and eliminated the enemy positions. The combined force also destroyed a large weapons cache. In Zabul province, Afghan and coalition forces detained 11 suspected insurgents during an operation to disrupt Taliban leadership networks. In a raid on compounds in the province's Dey Chopan district, the combined force nabbed the suspects for their alleged ties to a Taliban leader responsible for mounting several attacks against coalition forces, military officials said. Troops also discovered an AK-47 assault rifle during the operation. The detainees are being held for questioning. ("Troops in Afghanistan Seize Insurgents, Drugs, Destroy Weapons," American Forces Press Service, February 20, 2008). February 21, 2008:
BAE Systems will debut its Mine Resistant Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle (MRRMV) at the Association of the U.S. Army's (AUSA) Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Feb. 27-29, 2008. The MRRMV is designed to speed and enhance the retrieval and repair of disabled Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Medium Mine Protected Vehicles (MMPV) and other medium tactical vehicles in combat situations. The MRRMV is capable of up-righting, winching and towing all MRAP, MMPV and Stryker class vehicles. The MRRMV can keep pace with other combat wheeled platforms, perform unscheduled field-level maintenance and provide battle damage assessment and repair. Part of BAE Systems' successful RG33 series of mine resistant wheeled combat vehicles, the MRRMV is designed around the requirements of the mechanic in the field. It has a two-man crew and carries equipment and spare parts to conduct on-site vehicle repairs. The MRRMV supports field maintenance tasks that require lifting, welding, cutting and heating and has ample space to carry two recovered crew and combat spares. The MRRMV has a weight of 40 tons. With the exception of Abrams battle tank and the M88 Recovery vehicle, the MRRMV has the capacity to recover all types of U.S. tracked and wheeled combat vehicles. A key feature is an integrated crane and recovery winch for use in aiding overturned and mired vehicles. The MRRMV vehicle leverages existing RG33 MRAP survivability technology to arrive at a disabled vehicle with the proper tools and spares and perform required repair, maintenance and recovery operations in the field. ("BAE Systems to Debut Mine Resistant Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle at AUSA Winter Symposium," BAE Press Release, February 19, 2008). February 21, 2008:
Sean Osborne: "All indications are that President Pervez Musharraf has lost Pakistan. Many of Musharraf's PML-Q party Parlimentarians and supporters have reportedly begun fleeing Pakistan and heading to the West. I assess that Musharraf may have to follow them to avoid almost certain immediate impeachment. This election result may herald the loss of Pakistan and its nuclear arsenal to the Islamists. This news is concurrent with U.S. Afghanistan commander Major General David Rodriguez saying today that it will take 'a few years' for the US and our Coalition allies to defeat the Islamic insurgency in Afghanistan. Without Pakistan in this fight Afghanistan may be lost as well." (Sean Osborne, "Musharraf Has Lost Pakistan," February 20, 2008). February 20, 2008:
"Hamas reiterated its view on that the bilateral meetings between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Zionist Prim Minister Ehud Olmert will yield no meaningful results. Abbas and Olmert are scheduled to resume their meetings on Tuesday. Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum: 'These meetings support the line of thinking that president Abbas tries to get Zionist support to maintain superiority over Hamas and other resistance factions which refused to recognize Israel.'" ("Abbas Meeting with the Zionist Olmert Resulted Nothing," Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades [Hamas] Website, February 20, 2008). February 20, 2008:
Yasser Abed Rabbo (FATAH): "If things are not going in the direction of actually halting settlement activities, if things are not going in the direction of continuous and serious negotiations, then we should take the step and announce our independence unilaterally...Kosovo is not better than us. We deserve independence even before Kosovo, and we ask for the backing of the United States and the European Union for our independence." ("Abbas Aide: Palestine Should Declare Independence like Kosovo if Talks Fail," Ma'an News, February 20, 2008). February 20, 2008:
GOC of the Southern Command (PADAM), Major General Yoav Gallant: "Hamas has leapt foreword in the past years. I propose that we don't slight the enemy, but from the other side it is valuable that they know we have the upper hand, that we are better and stronger and in addition we are getting results... "All of the IDF's special units operate in the Gaza Strip in different quantities and according to the type of mission. In the end, the operations are preformed in a precise and proficient manner, and in conjunction with the ISA. The ISA works extraordinarily in every area of the Southern Command – particularly in the Gaza Strip. And I think that those operations are censored for security's sake." (Bar Ben Ari, "GOC of Southern Command: We Have Obligation to Bring Gilad Shalit Home," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 20, 2008). February 20, 2008:
The Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates holds talks with leaders in Teheran on a visit aimed at bolstering trade links. UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed al-Maktoum: "Iran and the United Arab Emirates have historical and strong relations and with my trip to the Islamic Republic of Iran bilateral relations will rise to new horizons..." ("UAE PM Holds Talks in Iran to Expand Ties," Agence France-Presse, February 19, 2008). February 20, 2008:
February 19, 2008:
Raytheon Company Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile was employed in the Navy's Weapon System User program late last year. The Weapons System User program focuses on examining cutting-edge tactical employment by the warfighter, and this event demonstrated the maturity of the AIM-9X weapon system. The AIM-9X has been fired more than 137 times in the past eight years by the developmental and operational test communities of the U.S. Navy and Air Force. AIM-9X is a launch-and-leave air combat missile that uses passive infrared energy for acquisition and tracking, which can be employed in near-beyond visual range and within visual range arenas. It has extremely high off- boresight capability, which gives a pilot first-shot, first-kill dominance. It provides greatly enhanced acquisition ranges in blue sky and clutter, and IR countermeasures deliver the capacity to resist ever-changing threats. The AIM- 9X has a highly agile airframe, and its fifth-generation seeker and thrust vectoring control provide unprecedented performance. ("AIM-9X Enters the US Navy's Weapons System User Program," Raytheon Press Release, February 19, 2008). February 19, 2008:
Multinational Division Center forces in Iraq began pursuit of remaining insurgent elements near Salman Pak with the Feb. 15 kickoff of Operation Marne Grand Slam. The operation is designed to terminally disable the dwindling number of al Qaeda in Iraq operatives remaining in the region southeast of Baghdad, officials said. The first phase of Grand Slam involves clearing a peninsula that stretches into the Tigris River, directly south of the city of Salman Pak. In addition to targeting the terrorist network there, coalition forces will go after al Qaeda in Iraq's infrastructure of safe houses, weapon caches and firing points. From that point, officials said, U.S. soldiers will increase their presence in the surrounding area to help the local population regain control. Troops from the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, are moving into Combat Outpost Carver, under construction southeast of Salman Pak. The outpost, in an area that was a former stronghold of the Iraqi Republican Guard, is on a Tigris River peninsula. From there, soldiers can keep an eye on river traffic and impede insurgent movement, officials said. The outpost is named after Pvt. Cody Carver, from Haskell, Okla., one of three soldiers killed in an Oct. 30 attack in Salman Pak and, at 19, the youngest of the 10 battalion soldiers killed over the past year. Officials said Combat Outpost Carver hosts the first permanent presence of coalition forces in an area that has troubled the battalion for months. The move south was facilitated by cooperation with coalition partners from the Republic of Georgia. A battalion of Georgian troops, part of 1st Georgian Brigade, recently assumed control of an area north of Combat Outpost Carver, allowing U.S. troops to move south. U.S. commanders are working with local tribal sheiks to set up a security cooperation arrangement with their tribesmen, the same as has been done elsewhere throughout Multinational Division Center with "Sons of Iraq" citizen security groups. Talks have been under way for almost a month, preceding Marne Grand Slam, to organize Sons of Iraq leaders and plot locations for security checkpoints, officials said. ("New Iraq Operation Targets Dwindling Insurgent Forces," American Forces Press Service, February 18, 2008). February 19, 2008:
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway situated between the Gulf of Oman in the southeast and the Persian Gulf in the southwest. On the north coast is Iran and on the south coast is the United Arab Emirates and Musandam (an exclave of Oman). The strait at its narrowest measures 21 miles wide. It remains the only sea passage to the open ocean for a number of petroleum-exporting Persian Gulf States. Indeed, approximately 30% of the world's oil supply passes through the strait. Chronology of Notable Events:
February 19, 2008:
Egyptian security forces seize an explosives cache containing 100 kilograms (220.5 pounds) of TNT concealed in sacks near the Egypt-Palestinian border. The cache, buried a few feet deep in the soil in a deserted area of the northern Sinai peninsula (near Sheik Zuwiyed), was found following a tip from local Bedouins. ("Egypt Uncovers 100 kg Explosives Cache Near Gaza Border," Associated Press, February 18, 2008). February 18, 2008:
February 18, 2008:
New medical equipment will soon be distributed to medical teams in the Medical Corps. New bandages to stop hemorrhaging and new morpheme syringes are just a few examples of the equipment. The new equipment will also include electric needles for field surgery and stethoscopes that reduce external noise for medical teams on helicopters and in armored combat vehicles. Caps and tags will also be allocated to medical teams on the field. A report recently published by the Corps stated that in 2007 only one fifth on injuries in the army were as a result of operational accidents or terror attacks and more then a third were as a result of traffic accidents. The report also noted that a high percentage of soldiers injured their eyes because they were not wearing protective eyewear. "The proper equipment exists; unfortunately, the soldiers simply don’t use it," explained Lieutenant Colonel Gil Hirshhoren, Branch Head of the Medical Corps Trauma Department. "We are working on enforcing the wearing of protective eyewear and we are considering providing the soldiers with a new and more comfortable American made eyewear." (Elad Shalev, "New Equipment to be Distributed to Medical Corps," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 17, 2008). February 18, 2008:
At least 37 people are killed in Afghanistan when a suicide car bomber attacks a Canadian military convoy. The blast comes a day after more than 100 people perished in the country's single deadliest bombing since the fall of the Taliban. Squadron Leader Peter Darling, a spokesman for Nato's International Security Assistance Force in southern Afghanistan, notes that no NATO troops had been killed in the attack, but did not know if any were wounded. Prominent anti-Taliban leader, Abdul Hakim Jan, was among those killed. (Louise Radnofsky, "Attack on Canadian Convoy Kills at Least 37 in Afghanistan," Guardian UK, February 18, 2008). February 18, 2008:
Israeli security officials confirm that the IDF has deployed a battery of Patriot air defense missiles near the northern port city of Haifa as part of precautions against a possible missile attack by Hizballah. Various Israeli media sources note the Patriots could also be used to down bomb-laden pilotless planes. (Yoav Stern and Barak Ravid, "Source: Israel Deploys Patriot Missiles Fearing Hezbollah Strike," Ha'aretz, February 18, 2008). February 18, 2008:
Sean Osborne: As America, Israel and our other allies in the Middle East brace for a violent covert or overt military retaliation from Hezbollah, Syria and Iran for the alleged assassination of Imad Fayez Mughniyeh, it is a moral and ethical imperative that Americans, Israelis and our allies know of and understand the undercurrents of what it is that the Arab street have been saying about Hezbollah, Syria and Iran. In being true to a long-existent template, the so-called "mainstream media" in America and the West once again has failed to fully inform the public about the necessary details. Having been to Kuwait in recent years I know of one Arab source of information which has been consistently cutting-edge and truthful no matter what the apparent cost. That source is Ahmed Al-Jarallah, the editor-in-chief of the Arabic language Dar Al-Seyassah Press and the English-language mirror publication The Arab Times. Al-Jarallah has gone on record describing the dominance of Iran in all things related to terrorism, and its total controlling influence over the present government of Syria. Details will follow, but to know who really killed Imad Mughiyeh we must look to Tehran in order to understand who really killed him, if he was really killed and what true agenda the reported killing is intended to facilitate. The words of Ahmed Al-Jarallah will assist me in telling that story. The reported assassination of Mughniyeh has as a bottom line result the threat of major covert or military action primarily against Israel – the focus of Iranian, Syrian and Hezbollah claims of responsibility for the alleged killing. America also has been implicated, which is par for the course when it comes to the Ayatollah and his sock-puppet mouthpieces, beginning in Tehran with Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad and ending in Beirut with Hassan Nasrallah. Full Article Here. (Sean Osborne, "Who Really Killed Imad Fayez Mughniyeh?" Northeast Intelligence Network, February 17, 2008). February 17-18, 2008:
February 17, 2008:
"IDF ground forces and IDF special forces with the assistance of the IAF operated overnight and this morning against the terror infrastructure in Southern Gaza. During the operation, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at the soldiers using anti-tank missiles and small-arms. In the ensuing exchanges of fire, an IDF soldier from an elite unit was seriously wounded. The forces identified hitting a number of Palestinian gunmen who approached the soldiers in several different incidents. Over 80 Palestinian suspects were taken for questioning in Israel by security forces. Since the beginning of the year Palestinians fired approximately 730 rockets and mortar shells at Israel." ("Summary of IDF Operation in Southern Gaza," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 17, 2008). February 17, 2008:
Hamas Interior Minister Sa'id Siyam (Gaza) announces that 10 people had confessed to their involvement in the preparation of an attempt on (PM) Haniyeh's life, as well as attempts to assassinate other Hamas members. Siyam accuses political and security figures in Ramallah and abroad, specifically At-Tayeb Abdel Rahim, presidential secretary general. Fatah: "Hamas' practice of fabricating, falsifying accounts and stories by Sa'id Siyam in a press conference held in Gaza this morning where they accused the Secretary General of the Presidency and the director general of intelligence and some cadres of the planned assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, is completely false." ("De Facto Government Reveals Confessions of those Accused of Plotting to Assassinate Haniyeh," Ma'an News, February 16, 2008). February 17, 2008:
Palestinian terrorists fire at least 10 rockets at western Negev communities. The rockets impact in open areas in the Shaar Hanegev, Sdot Negev and Eshkol regional councils. The PRC claims responsibility for the attack. (Yonat Atlas, "Qassam Fire at Israel Renewed," YnetNews, February 16, 2008). February 17, 2008:
February 16, 2008:
A blast in the central Gaza Strip home of senior Islamic Jihad terrorist Ayman Atallah Fayed kills him and at least seven other. Among the dead are Fayed's wife, three of his sons and three neighbors. At least 40 people are wounded, 12 of them critically. Islamic Jihad claims the IDF targeted the house in an air strike, but Hamas security forces note the cause of the blast was not clear. The IDF denies involvement in the attack. Abu Ahmed (Islamic Jihad): "We will respond to this Zionist massacre painfully...We will strike the enemy everywhere." Senior Islamic Jihad leader, Khaled al-Batsh: "This escalation by Israel will not bring security to the settlers, it will not bring security to Zionists anywhere...We will not meet the escalation against us with roses but with more resistance and jihad." (Avi Issacharoff, "Top Islamic Jihad Militant, Seven Others Killed in Gaza Blast," Ha'aretz, February 16, 2008). February 16, 2008:
Iranian Ambassador to Russia Gholamreza Ansari refutes allegations that Iran plans to create long-range missiles. "Plans to launch a satellite have nothing to do with long-range missiles. We are not going to be involved in creating long-range missiles. Commander of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, Major General Hassan Firoozabadi: "The defeated and humiliated army of Israel and the leaders of this forged and hollow regime should know that the hero-breeding land of Lebanon will nurture hundreds and thousands of such heroes under the inspiration of Imad Mughniyeh's blood and that combatants of the Lebanese and Palestinian Islamic resistance will continue the struggle until complete destruction of the Zionist regime and liberation of the entire Islamic land of Palestine. "And the hearts of several billion oppressed and right-supporting people worldwide will soon be filled with overwhelming joy and happiness when they hear the news of the final victory of the front of Islam and destruction of the devilish front of Zionism..." ("Iran Not Going to Create Long-Range Missiles: Ansari," Qatar News Agency [Accessed on the Gulf in the Media Website], February 16, 2008; "Annihilation of Zionism Imminent," FNA, February 16, 2008). February 16, 2008:
Palestinian Center for Human Rights: Unidentified militants broke into the YMCA Headquarters, planted explosive devises and subsequently completely destroyed up the library. The YMCA is considered one of the outstanding national institutions in the OPT, and is also one of the most prominent civil society organisations offering social, cultural and sports facilities. It also runs a kindergarten and its facilities are utilised by a wide spectrum of Palestinians. In addition, the YMCA has for decades played an important role in the development of the national Palestinian civil society movement. According to preliminary investigations, at approximately midnight on Friday February 14th, a group of more than ten unidentified militants, some masked, broke into the YMCA, in El Jalla Street in the centre of Gaza city. The militants overpowered two security guards, Abdel Maarti Abu Khussah (52) and Reziq Abu Ajami (25), handcuffed both men at gunpoint, and confiscated their mobile phones as well as the keys to the YMCA. The militants subsequently broke into, and damaged, the YMCA administration office, before breaking into the library. Abdel Khussah reported that he and Rezic Ajami were then blindfolded, forced into a car, driven approximately three kilometres north east of Gaza city, and then abandoned. At approximately 1.45 am, a large explosion was heard in the centre of Gaza city. This was later identified as an explosion in the YMCA library which completely destroyed the library. This was one of the explosive devises planted by the militants at the YMCA. A second unexploded device was discovered at the entrance to the YMCA auditorium, and later dismantled by the police. ("Unidentified Militants Attack YMCA Headquarters in Gaza City," PCHR, February 15, 2008). February 16, 2008:
Iran begins to feed small amounts of uranium gas into advanced centrifuges. A Western diplomat: "They began a few weeks ago. The amount of gas is very small and it's only a small number of centrifuges...But it's proof that they've now completed the technical testing and are now proceeding on to the next stage in the process towards (uranium) enrichment." ("Iran Feeding Uranium into New Centrifuges," Agence France-Presse, February 15, 2008). February 15, 2008:
IAI's first Super Dvora MK-3 waterjet-powered fast patrol craft has begun sea trials. In its maiden sea trial carried out recently, the waterjet-powered fast patrol craft attained a top speed of 48.3 knots in seasonal waters reaching Sea State 3 (wave heights of 3.5 ft). The Super Dvora MK-3 is designed and produced by the Ramta Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), located in Beer Sheva, Israel. The craft now being tested is the first waterjet powered craft of the Super Dvora MK-3 class. The craft are available with a choice of propulsion options, using either state-of-the-art articulating surface drives (ASD) as incorporated in the first six Super Dvora MK-3's and dozens of other Mark-2's and "Dabur" class craft from IAI/Ramta, or waterjet propulsion. The waterjet powered Super Dvora MK-3 is 27.4 meters (90 ft.) in length, 5.7 meters (18.7 ft.) at its beam and has a displacement ranging up to 72 tonnes. The craft uses two MTU4000M90 diesel engines driving two Ka Me Wa 63SII waterjets. The craft possesses a very lethal precision strike capability using the Rafael, Ltd. "Typhoon" stabilized 25mm cannon slaved to an IAI Tamam Division POP-300 day/night mast-mounted optronic payload. The craft excels in high-speed maneuverability in both shallow and deep water, and has a range of over 1,250 nautical miles. The Super Dvora MK-3 was designed in its entirety around advanced human engineering, and has a proven very low life-cycle cost to operate and maintain. The craft remains the backbone of the Israel Navy fleet of fast patrol craft carrying out a wide variety of coastal and homeland security missions day and night along Israel’s coastline and territorial waters, maritime approaches, and commercial sea lanes in the eastern Mediterranean. IAI/Ramta has been supplying its line of fast patrol craft since 1974 covering all variations and classes among them the "Dabur," "Dvora," "Super Dvora Mark-1, Mark-2, and Mark-3." ("IAI/Ramta Division's First Super Dvora Mark 3 Waterjet-Powered Fast Patrol Craft Reaches Speed of 48.3 Knots in Sea State 3 During First Sea Trial Conducted Off Mediterranean Coast," IAI Press Release, February 14, 2008). February 15, 2008:
The Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak confirms the decision of the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi to appoint Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan as the Commander of the Israel Air Force. Maj. Gen. Nehushtan will begin serving as IAF commander in the next few weeks and will replace Maj. Gen. Eliezer Shkedi who ends his four year term as IAF commander. Bio: Maj. Gen. Nehushtan was born in 1957 in Jerusalem. He grew up and was educated in the city. In 1975 Nehushtan was drafted to the IAF pilot training program which he completed with honors in 1977 and became a combat pilot. Maj. Gen. Nehushtan began his service as a pilot in an operational training course at the "Ezion" base in Sinai. Maj. Gen. Nehushtan flew "Skyhawk", "Phantom" and F-16 planes. He also served as a trainer in the IAF flight school and as a member of the IAF aerobatic team. During his service, Maj. Gen. Nehushtan accumulated thousands of flight hours in combat aircraft. During his service, Maj. Gen. Nehushtan fulfilled a number of staff and command roles:
February 15, 2008:
RNAV-IPON Israel Aerospace Industries' Tamam Division (IAI/TAMAM) unveils the new Reference and NAVigation Inertial, Position, Orientation & Navigation (RNAV-IPON) system. RNAV-IPON is Tamam’s third generation of successful precision terrain navigation systems. The system is suitable for tanks, mobile mortars, air-defense systems, command and Special Forces vehicles and surveillance vehicles. RNAV-IPON is an Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS). The INS/GPS navigation system which provides inertial data for control and stabilization. It has Ring-Laser-Gyro (RLG) technology integrated to the INS/GPS. In addition to its navigation data, RNAV-IPON provides inertial data for equipment control and stabilization, especially suited for stabilization of tank guns and surveillance equipment. ADNAV The ADvanced NAVigation (ADvanced NAVigation) is an Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS) that provides position, heading and orientation data. The system is suitable installation for a range of military and paramilitary vehicles including tanks, armor, reconnaissance, logistics, command and Special Forces and surveillance. MOSP3000 The Multi-Mission Optronic Stabilized Payload (MOSP3000) unit. MOSP3000 provides advanced image processing and automatic video tracker capabilities, and enhanced surveillance, targeting and geo-location capabilities for a variety of platforms including rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aerostats, ground applications and naval vessels. The first customer deliveries are scheduled for 2008 with further orders to additional customers scheduled for 2009. MOSP3000 is a multi-sensor electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) payload that is an evolution of the successful MOSP concept. The system is available in 14-inch (36cm) and 15-inch (38cm) diameter configuration, with identical internal design. The 14” unit is designed primarily for UAV and aerostat platforms, while the 15" unit is designed primarily for helicopters, naval vessels and ground applications that require enhanced ruggedized structures. ("IAI’s Tamam Division Unveils Third Generation Precision Terrain Navigation System (RNAV-IPON)," IAI Press Release, February 14, 2008; "IAI’s Tamam Division Unveils New Small Lightweight Advanced Navigation (ADNAV) System," IAI Press Release, February 14, 2008; "IAI’s Tamam Division Announces the Launch of its New Multi-Mission Optronic Stabilized Payload (MOSP3000) Unit," IAI Press Release, February 14, 2008). February 15, 2008:
The Israeli PMO (Prime Minister's Office) issues a global terror warning to all Israeli citizens abroad. Israelis are instructed to avoid large concentrations together overseas. The announcement also reiterates existing warnings of possible international kidnapping plots against Israeli businessmen, particularly those engaged in business dealings with Arabs or Muslims. In addition, the security establishment instructs Israeli embassies and Jewish institutions around the world to go on alert as the IDF raises its preparedness on its border with Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. Text: Hezbollah has repeatedly blamed Israel (http://tinyurl.com/ywezsu) for the death of Imad Mughniyeh (http://tinyurl.com/2zhsj), thus increasing the danger of its terrorist threats against Israeli targets abroad. Therefore, the National Security Council Counter-Terrorism Bureau recommends that Israelis abroad avoid places where there is a high concentration of Israelis. The Bureau also reiterates its existing warnings regarding the abduction of Israelis abroad, including business people, mainly those with ties with Arab or Muslim counterparts. The Bureau recommends the following to Israelis abroad:
February 15, 2008:
US Army Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz: "Everybody wants to beat this enemy...No one denies that we want to defeat this [IED] device and the way the enemy is using it." Metz attributes the drop in IED attacks in Iraq to a variety of factors: the troop surge that pushed enemy forces out of Baghdad; more Iraqis stepping forward to cooperate with Iraqi and coalition forces; the introduction of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles into the theater; and other successful counter-IED initiatives. "It's a combination of effects...It's not just one particular widget or gadget that caused that tremendous drop." (Donna Miles, "Former Iraq Corps Commander Leads IED Defeat Effort," American Forces Press Service, February 13, 2008). February 14, 2008:
Hassan Nasrallah: "You have crossed the borders...With this murder, its timing, location and method - Zionists, if you want this kind of open war, let the whole world listen: let this war be open...Like all human beings we have a sacred right to defend ourselves...We will do all that takes to defend our country and people...Mughniyeh's blood will lead to the elimination of Israel. These words are not an emotional reaction." Note: Thousands of anti-Hizballah supporters gather into Beirut's Martyrs' Square for the third anniversary of the assassination of the former prime minister, Rafik Hariri. Sean Osborne: "I assess that the Iranians, Syrians, Hezbollah, HAMAS et al. will retaliate by executing strikes against American and Israeli human and physical targets on foreign soil as well as here in the US and in Israel. Militarily speaking, I would assess that the assassination of Mughniyeh could have an effect in the Middle East not unlike that of the 1914 assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Europe. The entire Levant is a powder-keg and this event could be a significant catalyst for a major regional war." (Mark Tran, James Sturcke, "Hizbullah Leader Vows to Wage 'Open War' on Israel," Guardian UK, February 14, 2008). February 14, 2008:
Dr. Nathan Farber: "Why not deploy Phalanx batteries [C-RAM] in the meanwhile, and protect the residents of Sderot? It will be cheaper, no less efficient, and above all provide immediate protection. If it's good enough for the Americans in Iraq, why can't it be good for us?" An Israeli MoD Spokesman: "While the development of Iron Dome is underway, the security establishment continues to consider other options, including the American LUWD system. So far, we haven't found a system that meets our demands, but we continue to look into newly developed as well as existing systems." (Yossi Melman, "Ballistic Expert: Israel Ignoring Option of U.S. Anti-Rocket System," Ha'aretz, February 14, 2008). February 14, 2008:
- The IDF Engineering Corps demolishes a number of abandoned buildings being used to launch rockets and mortar shells at Israel. IDF forces began the operation with wide searches near the Palestinian side of the Erez Crossing. - Palestinian terrorists fire four rockets at Israel. (Yuval Azoulay and Mijal Grinberg, "IDF Bombs Gaza Buildings Used for Launching Rockets at Israel," Ha'aretz, February 14, 2008). February 14, 2008:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) awards Lockheed Martin a ten-year, $1 billion contract to develop and maintain the Bureau’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, a multi-modal, state-of–the-art biometrics system for use by state, local and federal authorities. The NGI system will expand fingerprint capacity, doubling the size of the current database, and will now also include palm prints, iris and facial recognition capabilities. Additionally, the system requires a significant degree of technical flexibility in order to accommodate other biometric modalities that may mature and become important to law enforcement efforts in the future. ("Federal Bureau Of Investigation Awards Lockheed Martin Next Generation Identification Program," Lockheed Martin Press Release, February 13, 2008). February 13, 2008:
Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fire a rocket at Sderot, damaging a residence. Several people are treated for shock. Another rocket impacts in an open field outside Sderot and a third lands south of Ashkelon. Fatah claims responsibility for the attack. ("Kassam Rocket Hits House in Sderot," Jerusalem Post, February 13, 2008). February 13, 2008:
Turkey expresses interested in purchasing an Israeli recon satellite (Ofek class). However, Jerusalem has requested that any of its sensitive military facilities remain off-limits to surveillance. Turkish diplomatic sources confirm that Ankara would like to advance intelligence-sharing projects including satellites. It should also be noted that Turkey is slated to receive approximately 10 Heron surveillance drones purchased from IAI for 200 million euros. ("Turkish Min.: Israeli Terms for Satellite Sale Could Hamper Deal," Reuters & Ha'aretz, February 12, 2008). February 13, 2008:
Spy-Ops: China appears to be in the early investigative stages of preparing for a possible altercation with Taiwan. In this planning, they are believed to be looking at tactics that could stop the United States from coming to Taiwan’s assistance. This intelligence is based on analysis of information on China's military produced by the Rand Corporation. It is also believed that China's military strategists plan to exploit the U.S. military's significant reliance on information technology and systems. They believe this reliance is "a significant vulnerability that, if successfully exploited, could paralyze or degrade U.S. forces to such an extent that victory could be achieved" against Taiwan. The strategy is also thought to include China launching cyber-attacks against U.S. computer networks, a space–based weapons strike to physically destroy U.S. spy satellites, as well as the use of Transient Electromagnetic Devices (TEDs) and other electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons to destroy U.S. electronics systems in the region. ("Cyber Warfare Briefing," Spy Ops, February 12, 2008). February 13, 2008:
Imad Mughniyeh, the Hizballah military commander linked to the US embassy and marine barrack bombings in Lebanon during the 1980s, has been killed in Syria. Mughniyeh (formerly Hizballah's second in command), was reportedly behind the kidnapping of Terry Waite and John McCarthy in the 80s and was indicted in the US for the 1985 hijacking of a TWA airliner. US State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack: "The world is a better place without this man in it. He was a coldblooded killer, a mass murderer and a terrorist responsible for countless innocent lives lost...One way or another he was brought to justice." Hizballah television: "With all pride we declare a great jihadist leader of the Islamic resistance in Lebanon joining the martyrs...The brother commander hajj Imad Mughniyeh became a martyr at the hands of the Zionist Israelis." Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mohammad Ali Hosseni, described the killing as "yet another brazen example of organized state terrorism by the Zionist regime." (James Sturcke, "Car Bomb Kills Hizbullah Chief in Syria," Guardian UK, February 13, 2008). February 13, 2008:
Joe Stork, Middle East director, Human Rights Watch: "Israel views restricting fuel and electricity to Gaza as a way to pressure Palestinian armed groups to stop their rocket and suicide attacks...But the cuts are seriously affecting civilians who have nothing to do with these armed groups, and that violates a fundamental principle of the laws of war." WeaponSurvey Analysis: Perhaps HRW should be commenting on the fact that the Government of Israel has yet to deploy a functioning missile defense system. Indeed, it should be noted that the C-RAM (manufactured by Raytheon) is fully operational and available for immediate deployment. Nevertheless, the Israeli MoD has decided not to purchase the system, instead opting for the the Iron Dome, an antirocket missile system under development by RAFAEL and expected to be operational only by 2011. Sean Osborne: "The C-RAM is deployed at US FOBs (Forward Operating Bases) all over Iraq - not just in the so-called Green Zone. C-RAMs success rate in shooting mortar rounds and other incoming indirect ordnance out of the sky is better than 85% according to data I've received from those who've installed these systems in Iraq. C-RAM counter-fires which miss the incoming target do not simply fall to ground - each 20mm round is fused to self-destruct if contact is not made with the target. "The IDF Research & Development Directorate (MAFAT) refusal to acquire and deploy the C-RAM system in defense of Sderot or other Israeli towns is several echelons below unfortunate, and appears to be couched in political considerations which have nothing to do with the suffering of the citizens of Sderot. The non-acquisition is sending a message of abandonment to the women and children of Sderot who are under severe traumatic stress and psychological pressures not unlike that of soldiers in combat." (Aharon Etengoff, "Red Dawn," WeaponSurvey Website, [Accessed] February 13, 2008; "Gaza: Israel’s Energy Cuts Violate Laws of War," Human Rights Watch Press Release, February 7, 2008). February 12, 2008:
During a joint IDF, ISA, Civil Administration and Israeli Police operation overnight, the forces searched homes and offices belonging to 14 Palestinian money changers suspected of being involved in transferring money for the financing of terrorist activity in Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron and Ramallah. IDF forces arrested five money changers and confiscated money, documents and magnetic media. A total of three million NIS was confiscated and transferred to the legal authority of the Bank of Israel. In addition, three handguns and other gun parts were discovered in the possession of four of the money changers. In recent years, terror organizations have raised millions of dollars and distributed the funds in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. The money is transferred in various ways, mainly via money changers. During 2007 there was a marked increase in the sums of money transferred to Palestinian terror organizations. These funds enable terrorist organizations to maintain and expand their infrastructure, to finance and train terror operatives and to purchase and manufacture weapons for the perpetration of terrorist attacks against Israel. These finances "fuel the wheels of terrorism," and motivate the terror organizations to develop various conduits to allow the transfer of the funds from abroad. Regional money changers maintain direct relations with foreign money changers, located in Arab countries, who are connected to various global terrorist organizations. The transfer process occurs in the following manner: Money changers abroad deliver funds to money changers in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip, who then deliver them to terror operatives. It is important to emphasize that there is no supervision of money changers by the Palestinians Authority, which means that the money changers can take part in terrorist activity without restrictions or fear of sanctions. This operation is part of ongoing operations carried out in recent years by the IDF, the ISA, the Israel Police and other authorities, against the sources financing terror organizations, including: - In 2007 a Hamas financing operation was discovered in Jerusalem. This discovery revealed the Hamas fundraising routes from abroad, in addition to evidence of intensive Hamas activity in Jerusalem financed by the sources abroad. In the third quarter of 2007, a sum of approximately 12 million NIS was transferred to terror organizations. Most of the finances, approximately 8 million NIS, were transferred to the Hamas terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria. - December, 2005: The "Abu Akar" Company from Gaza was declared illegal by the Minister of Defense due to its assistance in funding terror organizations. - February, 2004: 37 million NIS belonging to terror organizations were confiscated from main bank branches in Ramallah. These terror organizations provide "rewards for terror" - financial support to the families of terrorists injured, killed or imprisoned as a result of terrorist activity. These incentives encourage Palestinians to conduct terror attacks. Due to the provision of these funds, terrorists need not worry about the future of their families after a terror attack. ("Terrorist Finance Network Discovered," IDF Spoksperson's Office, February 12, 2008). February 12, 2008:
A weekend incident in which a Russian bomber "buzzed" the Nimitz battle group in the Pacific raises concerns about Russia's intent and the message it was meant to send, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress today. Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright told the Senate Budget Committee the encounter -- in which U.S. F/A-18 jets scrambled to intercept a Russian Tu-95 Bear bomber as it flew at 2,000 feet above the battle group -- ended without incident but raises big questions. U.S. forces detected two Russian Tu-95s early Feb. 9 as they flew south of Japan, U.S. Pacific Fleet officials reported. The aircraft turned inbound toward USS Nimitz, and Carrier Air Wing 11 aircraft were launched to intercept them. Four F/A-18 fighter jets intercepted and escorted the Russian aircraft until they left the Nimitz's operating area, officials said. In total, four Russian Tu-95 bombers were involved, a Navy spokesman said. Two remained about 500 miles east of the U.S. ships, and another orbited about 50 miles away as one Tu-95 did two low passes over the Nimitz carrier group, he said. "Now what we are concerned about is, 'What are the indications of this return to a Cold War mindset?'" Cartwright told the committee in response to a senator's question. "What are the implications of that activity, and how do we best address that?" Cartwright conceded that the incident occurred in international airspace and "within the normal air structure," but he said it's left defense officials questioning the rationale behind it. "What message was intended by this overflight?" he said. U.S. jets scrambled after detecting the Russian bombers more than 500 miles out and escorted them as they turned and headed toward home, Cartwright said. He said the actions were normal response to such activities in international waters. "These are the standard practices from our standpoint of intercept, escort, follow them through, and then follow them until they are out of range of the battle group's normal operations," he said. The escort provided "both for safety of flight in the area and for the potential protection that would be afforded by having an escort along," he said. Twenty-two Japanese jets also scrambled in response to the incident, a Navy spokesman said. Japan has charged Russia with violating Japanese airspace. Cartwright said encounters like the one that occurred over the weekend have happened before, but not recently. A Russian Bear overflew USS Kitty Hawk in July 2004 as it operated in the Sea of Japan, U.S. Pacific Fleet officials said. "We treat that as something that is unusual from the standpoint that there has been a significant lapse in time since that last occurred," Cartwright said. "But not significant is that the practice was done safely, professionally and they were escorted out of the area." (Donna Miles, "Russian Jet Buzzes Nimitz, Incident Raises Concern," American Forces Press Service, February 12, 2008). February 12, 2008:
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak: "The (continued) presence of American and foreign forces in Iraq would only attract terrorists from everywhere and will be a threat to the security and stability in the region..." WeaponSurvey Analysis: In January 2008, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak accuses Israel of fabricating evidence to implicate Egyptian security forces in arms smuggling and notes Livni had crossed "red lines." Cairo also accused Jerusalem of encouraging pro-Israeli groups in the US to lobby members of the US Congress against Egyptian interests. According to Dr. Yuval Steinitz: "Egypt has invested billions in relocating its military infrastructures so they are opposite Israel. Initially its surface-to-surface missiles were scattered across Egypt, whereas now they are massed against us in the Suez Canal region. The same holds for the logistics facilities and ammunition dumps. Everything is concentrated on the two sides of the Suez Canal..." (Ari Shavit, "MK Yuval Steinitz: We Could Lose The Next War," Ha'aretz Magazine, April 21, 2006; Ali Waked, "Cairo: This is how we'll Wreak Diplomatic Havoc Against Israel," YnetNews, January 1, 2008; "Mubarak: US in Iraq Threatens Middle East Stability," Associated Press, February 11, 200)8. February 12, 2008:
Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi convened the forum of the IDF senior command to review the 2007 work year, to introduce the 2008 work year, to present the multi-year program and to discuss items on the IDF's agenda. IDF senior commanders and reserve brigade commanders participated in the conference that took place at the IAF base in Hatzor. At the end of the conference Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, addressed the forum. The head of the research department of the Intelligence Branch, Brig. Gen. Yossi Baidatz, presented the 2008 intelligence assessment, a strategic assessment of the situation in the Middle East, and the complexity of the security challenges facing Israel. The head of the Operations Brigade, Brig. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, presented the major operational activities in 2007, the extensive training activities and the improvement of the operational capabilities of the regular and reserve forces. The head of the Planning Brigade, Brig. Gen. Nimrod Shefer, presented the forum with the IDF multi-year program "TEFEN", which focuses on a comprehensive strengthening and restoration of the IDF, improvement of strategic capabilities, supply of new aircraft, Naval vessels, UAVs, and advanced tanks and armored vehicles. Brig. Gen. Nimrod Shefer also discussed the improvement of the intelligence and teleprocessing abilities. During the second part of the conference, the senior commanders addressed the various items on the IDF's agenda. Among the topics discussed were the work and training plan, the fighting in the Gaza Strip, the continuous rocket fire at Sderot, the implementation of the conclusions from the Second Lebanon War and the conclusions of the Winograd committee. Most of the speakers referred to the importance of training, the enhancements in the IDF's capabilities over the past year and the great challenge in keeping excellent junior officers in the career service. Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi concluded his speech by saying that the IDF is undergoing a process of implementing the conclusions from the Second Lebanon War along with preparing for the complex security challenges facing Israel and the IDF. Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi described the threats and challenges, emphasizing the extreme importance of reinforcing the norms and combat values that are at the center of the IDF's ethics as a defensive army. As a defensive army, which is devoted to its mission and aspires to succeed in the face of any challenge. Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi said that the army is internalizing the conclusions of the Winograd committee and will work to implement any issues arising, if any are found. Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Chief of Staff praised the forces' activities in the operations that have taken place over the past few months and said that: "The IDF is prepared and ready to extend its activity as needed according to the decisions made." Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi appealed to the senior officers and said: "The next year will be filled with many security challenges and the IDF will have to be prepared to face them. I have full faith in you and I feel secure that the army will be able to face its missions. No one else can protect our homeland and country." Defense Minister, Mr. Ehud Barak, thanked the commanders for their extensive activity in the fight against terror and the IDF's readiness and preparedness for future missions. The Defense Minister said: "The IDF is the anchor on which the sense of security of Israel civilians is based. They look to you, as they expect the IDF to protect and defend them as needed." ("Senior Commanders Convene at IAF Base in Hatzor," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 11, 2008). February 12, 2008:
Energy infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia are predicted to exceed $119 billion. Contax consultant Khalid Irshad: "The biggest growth opportunities will be for refining and petrochemical projects, reflecting the kingdom's desire to diversify from a strong dependence on pure crude exports..." Contax chief executive officer Paul Eccleston: "Acquiring, retaining and training staff r |
