VENEZUELA MUST NOT BECOME THE NEXT CUBA
By Carolina Iribarren ’11
News Staff Writer
In the next few weeks, Venezuela’s government will conduct a military exercise not seen since the Cold War. Echoing Cuba’s alliance with the USSR, Chavez is now trying to establish a connection between Venezuela and Russia. According to CNN, he says that he wants to “help reduce U.S. influence and keep peace in the region.” The fact that a Russian navy squadron will soon be present in the Caribbean on Venezuela’s side intensifies the ideological battleground and represents another burden on the U.S., who must monitor the new activity. The Russian presence could also produce major instability in the region by threatening Colombia, a staunch U.S. ally.
http://thenews.choate.edu/2008/10/10...OT_BECOME_.php
Defence wants free rein on training
BY ROSSLYN BEEBYSCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
10/10/2008 6:54:00 AM
It says a joint military exercise with the US, conducted in northern Australian waters, was finally approved under the Act ''only hours before it was due to commence and at a point where it would have been impossible to 'turn off' given other Government commitments and expectations''.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news...g/1330065.aspx
Evidence grows that Israel is preparing to attack Iran
Recent events, such as the sale of new bunker-busting bombs, suggest such a strike could receive U.S. support
By Joel Brinkley
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
2008-10-10 01:08 AM
Would Washington support an Israeli attack? Recently, the administration has given clear signals that it would not. But then, why did the Pentagon announce last month that it planned to sell Israel 1,000 new GBU-39 bunker-busting bombs? They are small weapons that can be dropped from the wings of the fighter jets in Israel's air force. Each can penetrate 6 feet of reinforced concrete. If several aircraft hit the same target the total penetration could be much deeper.
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_....php?id=759818
The Arctic contest heats up
Oct 9th 2008 | OSLO
From The Economist print edition
What is Russia up to in the seas above Europe?
Norway is quietly boosting defence co-operation with Sweden and Finland. And it hopes to “NATO-ise” a big land, sea and air military exercise next spring, named Response. Just what that is responding to is left tactfully unclear.
http://www.economist.com/world/europ...ry_id=12381767