Germany: Chancellor Shows Cautious Optimism For Fund Idea
March 8, 2010 1952 GMT
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she approved of the idea of a European monetary fund styled after the International Monetary Fund, but said several issues would have to be addressed first, DPA reported March 8. Questions include how much independence would such an entity have from the European Commission and who would pay for it, she said; also, treaties would have to be altered.
Sudan: Army Takes Jebel Marrah Plateau
March 8, 2010 1942 GMT
The Sudanese army has taken control of Jebel Marrah plateau following battles with militant group Sudan Liberation Army, led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur, AFP reported March 8. A military spokesman said there have been occasional clashes, which do not affect the "overall situation" in that area.
Brief: Moscow's European Security Treaty Warmly Greeted In Berlin
March 8, 2010 1937 GMT
Applying STRATFOR analysis to breaking news
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said March 8 that Russia's proposal for developing a new European security treaty should be seriously considered and discussed by the Europeans. Merkel said that the security proposal "should be discussed within the framework of the OSCE" and that the discussion will be intensified in the future. STRATFOR has previously noted that the relationship between Russia and Germany has been growing stronger. And while European heavyweights like Germany and France had said they were open to talking about such a proposal, the statement by Merkel would indicate that the chancellor may directly support these security negotiations. The timing of her statement is also notable, as Ukraine has recently been reintegrated into the Russian fold and the eurozone is mired in financial and institutional instability. From Germany's perspective, with the United States preoccupied in the Middle East and the eurozone facing potential crisis, the last thing Berlin wants right now is to confront a resurgent Russia. Indeed, Germany has been pursuing closer ties with Russia in the energy and economic realms and now appears to be taking Moscow more seriously as a partner in the security sphere as well.
Brief: Local Defense Initiatives In Afghanistan
March 8, 2010 1931 GMT
Applying STRATFOR analysis to breaking news
Local Afghan militias are reportedly being formed under the supervision of U.S. Special Forces in a river valley in Kandahar province, The Guardian reported March 8. Few details are available about the shadowy project, which the report refers to as the "Local Defense Initiative," but it appears to have been under way for some time. Such a move could be an attempt to replicate the function of the Sunni Awakening Councils, which were pivotal in turning the tide against foreign jihadists in Anbar province in Iraq. But the tribal structure in Afghanistan is much weaker than the one present in Iraq -- during their occupation, the Soviet Union made a concerted effort to undermine tribal connections. Indeed, the report suggests that the most successful implementation of the LDI was in a village that already had a relatively coherent political and tribal structure. In any event, adding additional armed entities to the Afghan landscape could easily prove perilous and introduce new complications into dynamics that the United States does not fully -- or even moderately -- understand. Local fighters can be immensely valuable, but they could also easily turn against the United States or become more of a burden than an asset in the long run. It is not yet clear if such efforts will be replicated widely or only in isolated cases.
Greece: Papandreou Warns Of Prohibitive Interest Rates, Speculators
March 8, 2010 1925 GMT
Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on March 8 said Greece will have difficulty implementing its reform program if the gains from its austerity measures "are swallowed up by prohibitive interest rates," and he said, "Europe and America must say 'enough is enough' to those speculators who only place value on immediate returns, with utter disregard for the consequences on the larger economic system," Bloomberg reported. Papandreou added, "An ongoing euro crisis could cause a domino effect, driving up borrowing costs for other countries with large deficits and causing volatility in bond and currency rates across the world."
Afghanistan: Kandahar Operation This Summer - U.S. Commander
March 8, 2010 1910 GMT
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, said March 8 that an offensive to oust Taliban militants from their strongholds in Kandahar province will begin this summer, AFP reported, citing a statement McChrystal gave to reporters in Kabul. McChrystal said that troop levels will be increased significantly in Kandahar by early summer, but did not announce a specific timeline for the offensive. He also said troops would arrive in the region gradually.
Germany: Russia's Security Initiative Should Be Discussed - Merkel
March 8, 2010 1858 GMT
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said March 8 that Russian President Dmitri Medvedev should discuss his security initiative "within the framework" of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, RIA Novosti reported. Merkel said, "President Medvedev and I spoke by telephone last week and we reiterated that we should discuss his initiative on partnership in the security sphere."
Niger: Gunmen Kill 5 Soldiers
March 8, 2010 1843 GMT
Gunmen ambushed Nigerien soldiers March 8 near Niger's border with Mali, killing five soldiers, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed security source. The soldiers, near Oualam, were attacked "by rockets and machine gun fire," the source said.
Spain: ETA 'On Edge Of Abyss' - Police Report
March 8, 2010 1833 GMT
Recent actions against Basque separatist group ETA have led to the breakup of its leadership and have left the group "on the edge of an abyss," El Pais reported March 8, citing a Spanish police report. Following the arrest of ETA's military leader Ibon Gogeascoechea Arronategui, Mikel Kabikoitz Carrera took over, El Pais reported. The police report questioned Carrera's competency, and said he is "surrounded by people who are inexperienced in matters of organization." However, despite its inner struggles, ETA "can always carry out attacks," the police report said.
Afghanistan: Hizb-e-Islami Will Take On Taliban In Baghlan - Commander
March 8, 2010 1816 GMT
Following recent clashes with the Taliban in Afghanistan’s Baghlan province, Hizb-e-Islami militants would be willing to "finish the Taliban in Baghlan" if the Afghan government "protects us and supports us," Hizb-e-Islami commander Noorullaq said March 8, AP reported. Noorullaq is one of 11 Hizb-e-Islami commanders who turned their weapons over to the government.
Turkey: President Approves Referendum Change
March 8, 2010 1809 GMT
Turkish President Abdullah Gul signed a bill March 8 that will reduce the required waiting period before a public referendum can be held on changes to the Turkish constitution from 120 days to 60 days, Today's Zaman reported, citing a statement from Gul's press office.
Afghanistan: Peace Conference To Be Held In April
March 8, 2010 1758 GMT
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, at a news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Kabul on March 8, said a plan to reintegrate low- to mid-level militants into society and negotiate with the Taliban's top echelon is expected to be created at a three-day peace conference in Kabul set to begin April 29, AP reported. Also, on March 8, Afghan Education Minister Farooq Wardak, meeting with parliament members, said 1,400 people are expected to attend the "peace jirga."
Iran: Trafigura, Vitol To End Gasoline Sales to Iran
March 8, 2010 1750 GMT
Oil trading firms The Netherland's Trafigura and Switzerland's Vitol are discontinuing gasoline sales to Iran, following a growing number of suppliers that have also stopped sales under threat of U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported March 8. Vitol said that it will continue to supply existing orders and reportedly was unloading gasoline from the vessel NS Parade at Iran's port of Bandar Mahshahr on March 8. Trafigura has not confirmed whether or not they will continue previous supply deals, but it was reported that the company delivered cargoes to Iran in February. Iran continues to receive gasoline from France's Total, Malaysia's state oil firm Petronas and Kuwait's Independent Petroleum Group.
Iran: Lawmakers Approve $347 Billion Budget
March 8, 2010 1701 GMT
Iranian lawmakers March 8 approved the general outlines for a $347 billion budget for the year ending March 2011, IRNA reported. The budget is based on an oil price of $65 a barrel. With this budget, the government reportedly intends to begin a plan to reduce expenditures by eliminating subsidies on energy and goods.
Afghanistan: Militant Leader Was Arrested In Kandahar - Jundallah Spokesman
March 8, 2010 1657 GMT
Militant Iranian Jundallah leader Abdolmalek Rigi was arrested in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in February during a joint effort by the United States and Afghanistan with help from Israel's Mossad, Jundallah spokesman Baluchi Kamal Narui said March 8, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Nauri said his group soon will publish confessions of an unnamed Afghan agent that Rigi was arrested at a friend's home in Kandahar.
Brief: Gorran's Strong Showing In Iraqi Kurdistan's Polls
March 8, 2010 1629 GMT
Applying STRATFOR analysis to breaking news
The Gorran party, a breakaway faction of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), will replace the PUK as Iraqi Kurdistan's second most powerful political party, a STRATFOR source said March 8. According to unofficial preliminary election results from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the KDP -- which, along with the PUK, has been a major political force in Kurdistan for decades -- is likely to get 25-27 seats, while Gorran is likely to receive 13-15 seats to PUK's likely 10 seats. Preliminary results show that of Dahuk's 10 seats, the KDP likely will take eight seats, with the other two going to the Kurdistan Islamic Union. Of Arbil's 14 seats, KDP is expected to take eight with Gorran taking three or four and the remainder going to the Islamic Group and the Kurdistan Islamic Union. The PUK will take five of Kirkuk's 12 seats; two other seats will go to the KDP and Kurdistan Islamic Union, and five seats will go to Turkomen and Arabs (Iyad Allawi's Al Iraqya list reportedly took 80 percent of the Arab vote in Kirkuk). Of Sulaymaniyah's 17 seats, PUK has taken five while Gorran has taken seven; the KDP and Kurdistan Islamic Union have two each, and the Islamic Group has one. (In Mosul, a Sunni area, the Kurdistan Alliance won seven seats.) Based on this information it appears that PUK could become the third largest Kurdish political force while its offshoot, Gorran, takes the No. 2 position. It should be noted that these estimates are subject to bias and cannot be confirmed until official results come in, but this is what STRATFOR is hearing at this time.
India: Home Ministry Issues Terror Alert
March 8, 2010 1619 GMT
India's Home Ministry on March 8 issued a terror alert for the cities of Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata, based on information obtained from interrogations of suspected Indian Mujahideen militant Salman Ahmed, Press Trust of India reported. The Home Ministry has requested the governments of Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal states to be prepared to foil any terrorist strikes on the cities. Ahmed reportedly, during interrogation, said Indian Mujahideen militants have bases set up in Karachi, Kathmandu, Dubai and a few places in the Middle East, calling their operation the "Karachi project."
Poland: PM Travels To Georgia
March 8, 2010 1604 GMT
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will travel to Georgia on March 9 for a three-day visit, News.am reported March 8, citing Georgian Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze. Tusk is also due to go to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Somalia: President Arrives In U.K.
March 8, 2010 1557 GMT
Somali President Sharif Ahmed arrived in London on March 8, where he was due to meet with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown later in the day, Mareeg reported. Ahmed was accompanied by his foreign minister, deputy prime minister and other ministers.
Iraq: Election Turnout At 62 Percent - Commission
March 8, 2010 1551 GMT
Voter turnout in Iraq's March 7 parliamentary election was 62 percent, Reuters reported March 8, citing Iraq's electoral commission.
Brief: More Ethnic Violence Near Jos, Nigeria
March 8, 2010 1342 GMT
Applying STRATFOR analysis to breaking news
For the second time since January, widespread inter-ethnic violence has broken out around the town of Jos, the capital of Plateau state located in Nigeria's north-central region. Acting President Goodluck Jonathan had originally dispatched troops to Jos on Jan. 19 to quell fighting between the town's Muslim and Christian communities that left nearly 400 dead, and a curfew was still technically in effect in the town when violence broke out again (this time between different groups, however) late on March 6. Jonathan put army units in Plateau on alert March 7 following the initial reports of violence from the village of Dogo Nahawa, but the most recent reports state that armored vehicles and military trucks have now entered the area. Initial body counts placed number killed at around 100, but a state government adviser claimed on March 8 that the figure was more than 500. Body counts in a conflict like this, however, are highly politicized, making it difficult to confirm the true figure.
Afghanistan: Police Battle With Gunmen In Khost
March 8, 2010 1342 GMT
Gunmen detonated a bomb near a government building in Khost, Afghanistan, and have taken position nearby, police said March 8, AP reported. No casualties have been reported. The police have surrounded the gunmen and are firing on them with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, said police. U.S. troops have arrived at the scene.
Afghanistan: Blast Kills 12 In Northwest
March 8, 2010 1337 GMT
At least 12 people were killed March 7 by two improvised explosive devices in Badghis province in northwestern Afghanistan, Reuters reported March 8, citing Afghan police. The bombs exploded in quick succession, according to the police, with the first hitting a civilian vehicle, killing 10 and the second blast hitting a police car nearby, killing two police officers.
Nigeria: 93 Arrested Following Deadly Clashes
March 8, 2010 1332 GMT
Some 19 Fulani herdsmen were arrested with what police called sophisticated weapons in Nigeria's Anjuri village, and 74 people from Mangu, Plateau state, were arrested with weapons, Xinhua reported March 8. The arrests follow violence in Jos on March 7.
Brief: A European Monetary Fund?
March 8, 2010 1325 GMT
Applying STRATFOR analysis to breaking news
The European Union is considering setting up a European Monetary Fund (EMF) which would help eurozone member states in crisis by offering investors eurozone backed bonds in exchange for those of the member state in trouble. EU spokesman Amadeu Altafaj said on March 8 that the "European Commission is willing to make a proposal on this instrument relating to a possible European Monetary Fund." The comment from the European Union comes one day after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said that the group ought to consider setting up an institution similar to that of the International Monetary Fund. The earliest a proposal would come forward from the EU Commission would be June, according to Altafaj, after Greece has had to face the international bond markets where it hopes to raise another 18 billion euros before the end of May. However, the implied message that the proposal for an EMF would have is that the eurozone, with Germany's blessing, would not let Greece fail, in turn helping Athens in its quest to raise the necessary funds.
Lithuania: Fitch Ups Credit Rating Outlook
March 8, 2010 1311 GMT
Lithuania's credit rating outlook was raised by Fitch Ratings following the implementation of an austerity program to curb the nation's budget deficit, Bloomberg reported March 8. The outlook on the BBB rating, the second-lowest investment grade, was upped to stable from negative, Fitch said on March 8. The rating, cut three times since October 2008, was affirmed. Standard & Poor’s outlook was lifted to stable on a BBB rating on Feb. 3.
Brazil: U.S. Products Face Increased Tariffs
March 8, 2010 1302 GMT
Brazil has announced 102 U.S. products on which it will raise tariffs for a year in response to U.S. cotton subsidies that were approved by the World Trade Organization, Bloomberg reported March 8. The list, which was published in the Official Gazette on March 8, ups tariffs on products such as cars, boats and refrigerators, with sanctioned agricultural products including potatoes, raisins, cherries and pears. Tariffs range from 14-100 percent. Additional measures may follow, said the statement in the Official Gazette.
Pakistan: TTP Claims Responsibility For Lahore Blast
March 8, 2010 1253 GMT
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the suicide-car blast in Lahore, Pakistan, that killed 12 and injured 89, Samaa reported March 8, citing a TTP spokesman.
Guinea: Presidential Election Set For June 27
March 8, 2010 1247 GMT
A presidential election is set for June 27 in Guinea, interim leaders said, AP reported on March 8.
Pakistan: Punjab Police On High Alert - Inspector General
March 8, 2010 1242 GMT
Pakistani Punjab Police Inspector General Tariq Saleem Dogar has called for enhanced security in the province on railway stations, bus terminals, bus stops, markets, cinema halls, hotels, mosques, imambargahs, churches and other locations after the bomb blast in Lahore, Associated Press of Pakistan reported March 8. He activated all regional, city and district police officers to remain on high alert, he said.
Israel: Defense Minister Says Iranian Threat Not Imminent
March 8, 2010 1230 GMT
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on March 8 said Israel does not face an imminent threat from Iran, saying there is no need to "get too agitated," The Jerusalem Post reported. He said Iran may be a threat in the future, but Israel is working to prevent that from happening. He was speaking at the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
Iran: Interior Minister Visits Qatar
March 8, 2010 1121 GMT
Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar arrived in Doha to hold bilateral security talks with Qatari officials, Press TV reported March 8. Talking to reporters at Doha Airport, Mohammad-Najjar said his visit was aimed at inking an agreement on bilateral security cooperation that includes issues of combating terrorism, organized crime, narcotics and human trafficking as well as marine patrolling.
Afghanistan: Ahmadinejad Visit Delayed
March 8, 2010 1101 GMT
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad postponed a trip to Afghanistan, Press TV reported March 8. Ahmadinejad won't be coming to Kabul, according to an informed, anonymous source at Afghan President Hamid Karzai's office. The source did not identify a date for a rescheduled meeting between the two presidents.
Taiwan: China Has Air Power Edge
March 8, 2010 1054 GMT
According to the Liberty Times newspaper, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry found that of the three types of fighter jets in Taiwan's air force, only the F-16A/Bs have a slight edge over Chinese aircraft, Sino Daily reported March 8. The island's Indigenous Defensive Fighters (IDF) and French-made Mirage 2000-5s were both inferior to the Russian-made Su-30s deployed by China, the report stated, adding that as the Chinese air force continues its military buildup and the military balance has gradually tipped toward the other side, the Taiwanese air force will strive to purchase F-16 C/Ds.
China: Parliament Rural Representation Boosted
March 8, 2010 1046 GMT
China will increase rural representation in its parliament, according to draft legislation, Sino Daily reported March 8. The amendment to the election law of the National People's Congress (NPC) would foster "equality" among the nation's constituencies, Wang Zhaoguo, a top legislative official, said in a speech to the Communist Party-controlled body. Wang said rural delegates now represent four times as many citizens as their urban counterparts, which effectively gives urban areas greater representation. The amendment would equalize those ratios, he added.
Iraq: Election Results Expected March 11
March 8, 2010 0946 GMT
The head of Iraq's election commission said results to the country's historic election will be announced within two or three days, most likely on March 11, AP reported March 8. Faraj al-Haidari stated that turnout figures could be announced soon, but declined to comment further.
Iran, Georgia: Visa Requirement Lifted
March 8, 2010 0937 GMT
Iran and Georgia approved visa cancellation for their nationals, IRNA reported March 8. Iran's first vice president Mohammad-Reza Rahimi said this is according to various agreements signed between the two countries.
Pakistan: TTP Behind Lahore Attack
March 8, 2010 0927 GMT
Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the suicide bombing at a building in Lahore was carried out by remnants of Taliban militants, AAJ TV reported March 8. Malik stated that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has been involved in all terror attacks committed in the country, adding that they are "hired killers" that want to destabilize Pakistan.
U.S.: Petraeus Comments On Iran
March 8, 2010 0920 GMT
In a CNN interview Gen. David Petraeus, the head of U.S. Central Command, said it is not clear whether Iran had definitively decided to pursue nuclear weapons, as many Western nations fear, Ynet News reported March 8. But he said such a decision was "a little bit immaterial," because all of the components of a program to produce nuclear weapons are proceeding. Petraeus warned that Iran is becoming a "thugocracy" in attempts to suppress popular anger over last year's contested presidential vote results. He said the citizen reform movement is outraged at the hijacking of the election last summer.
Afghanistan: Kyrgyzstan To Open Embassy
March 8, 2010 0846 GMT
Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed a decree to set up the Kyrgyz Embassy in Afghanistan, Kyrgyz AKIpress news agency reported March 8. The Kyrgyz Embassy will be set up in Kabul with the aim of contributing to further development of political, trade, economic and cultural relations between Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.

North Korea: No. 2 To Visit China
March 8, 2010 0839 GMT
North Korea's second highest official, Kim Young Nam, is expected to visit China instead of the regime's leader Kim Jong Il, Chosun Ilbo reported March 8. Sources in Beijing and Pyongyang said last minute fine-tuning is underway between the governments of China and North Korea. The trip is projected to take place around March 16 and the No. 2 leader is expected to be accompanied by a delegation of Pyongyang businesspeople.
Israel: New Settler Homes Approved
March 8, 2010 0832 GMT
Israel has given the green light for the building of 112 new homes in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank despite a partial moratorium on such construction, AFP reported March 8. The houses will be built in the Beitar Ilit settlement near Bethlehem, Israeli Environment Minister Gilad Erdan said.
Iran: FM Promotes Ties With Brazil
March 8, 2010 0826 GMT
Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki urged promotion of Iran-Brazil relations, IRNA reported March 8. In a meeting with the visiting Brazilian Minister of Science and Technology Sergio Machado Rezende, Mottaki said Tehran and Brasilia enjoyed good relations and stressed that promotion of bilateral cooperation would benefit the two nations while it “is no harm to any third country.” Iran and Brazil signed an agreement on implementing a joint scientific and technological plan. Iran's Vice President for Scientific and Technological Affairs Nasrin Soltankhah said the agreement includes technological exchange nano technologies, biotechnology, communication and information technologies.
Nigeria: 500 Killed In Communal Violence
March 8, 2010 0814 GMT
At least 500 people were killed in communal clashes near Nigeria's central city of Jos, a state governor's advisor said, revising a previous toll of around 100 dead, AFP reported March 8. Dan Manjang stated that officials made 95 arrests and confirmed that Fulani herdsmen killed more than 500 people in what he called "this heinous act."
Thailand: PM Cancels Visit To Australia
March 8, 2010 0806 GMT
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he canceled his scheduled visit to Australia later this month, Dow Jones reported March 8. Abhisit didn't offer a reason for canceling his visit, scheduled March 13-17, when quizzed by reporters.
Iran: New Cruise Missile Line Developed
March 8, 2010 0731 GMT
Iran's state TV said Tehran started production on a new line of highly accurate, short-range cruise missiles capable of evading radar, China Central Television (CCTV) reported March 8. According to Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, the NASR 1 will be capable of destroying targets of up to 1,000 tons in size. He said the missile can be launched from the surface but would eventually be modified to be fired from helicopters and submarines.
Afghanistan: U.S. Defense Chief Arrives
March 8, 2010 0719 GMT
U.S Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Afghanistan, AP reported March 8. Gates is scheduled to meet with his top military commanders and senior Afghan officials.
North Korea: Denuclearization Will Halt
March 8, 2010 0715 GMT
North Korea is warning that it will halt its denuclearization process in response to a U.S.-South Korean joint military exercise, China Central Television (CCTV) reported March 8. Pyongyang warned it will bolster its nuclear deterrence for self-defense and said its armed forces will no longer be bound to the Armistice Agreement and the Agreement on Non-aggression between North and South Korea. It also threatened that all military dialogue with the U.S. and South Korea will be suspended.
Taiwan: Shanghai Mayor To Visit
March 8, 2010 0707 GMT
Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng will visit Taiwan in early April, according to a city government official, AFP reported March 8. Han, who was invited by his counterpart in Taipei, will promote World Expo. Local media reported Han, leading a delegation that will include the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, will arrive in Taiwan on April 6.
Japan: January Current Account Surplus Grows
March 8, 2010 0702 GMT
Japan saw a current account surplus of 899.8 billion yen in January, compared with a record deficit of 132.7 billion yen a year earlier, as exports recovered at the fastest pace on record, AP reported March 8. The balance of trade in goods and services posted a surplus of 37.3 billion yen. The surplus in merchandise trade stood at 197.2 billion yen, compared with a deficit of 844.8 billion yen a year earlier. Exports jumped 40.6 percent to 4,616.9 billion yen. Imports turned positive for the first time in 15 months, up 7.1 percent to 4,419.7 billion yen.
Greece: Foreign Aid Won't Be Needed
March 8, 2010 0654 GMT
Greek Central bank governor George Provopoulos said Greece will not need foreign help to deal with its debt problems, Reuters reported March 8. In a German newspaper interview, Provopoulos stated that solid demand for a 10-year, 5.0 billion euro ($6.8 billion) bond Greece sold March 4 showed Athens could raise the funds it needs on financial markets. He is confident the issuance costs would ease, telling the Financial Times Deutschland that the pressure will abate. Provopoulos said he expected "no further negative surprises" with regard to Greece's credit rating and is not concerned that Moody's will downgrade Greece further.
China: Stable Dollar Is Good For All
March 8, 2010 0644 GMT
Li Ruogu, chairman of Export-Import Bank of China said a collapse in the dollar's value would damage Chinese interests, Reuters reported March 8. He stated that China should focus instead on trying to stabilize the dollar and on preserving its status as the leading global currency. Li said supporting the dollar's stability and its international currency status is good for China. He added that China has a huge sum of foreign exchange reserves and a dollar collapse would "bring nothing good to China," and maintaining a stable dollar is good for the United States, for China and for the world.
U.S.: Biden To Boost Mideast Peace
March 8, 2010 0633 GMT
An Israeli official said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will meet U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during Biden's trip to the Middle East, was "disappointed" by Iran sanctions proposed thus far by the United States, Reuters reported March 8. Israel called for "crippling" sanctions. Asked if that meant Netanyahu would seek a U.S. green light for striking Iran, another senior Israeli official said this is the time to act on sanctions and it is premature to discuss anything else. Biden will meet Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian leaders. His visit to Egypt was rescheduled because President Hosni Mubarak is not available.
U.S.: Internet Exports May Open Closed Societies
March 8, 2010 0615 GMT
A U.S. senior administration official said the Obama administration will permit technology companies to export online services like instant messaging, chat and photo sharing to Iran, Cuba and Sudan, The New York Times reported March 8. He said the Treasury Department will issue a general license for the export of free personal Internet services and software geared toward the populations in all three countries.
Togo: Opposition Announces Massive Protest
March 8, 2010 0609 GMT
The Togolese opposition called for resistance and announced that a massive protest against poll results will take place March 9, Radio France Internationale reported March 8.
Pakistan: Car Bomb Kills 11
March 8, 2010 0603 GMT
A car bomb killed 11 people and wounded more than 60 in Lahore, AFP reported March 8. Police said the target was a field investigation building used to interrogate suspected militants. The blast caused buildings to collapse. Lahore city police chief Pervez Rathore said there should have been 30 to 40 people in the building at the time of attack that left a crater 10 feet deep and 15 to 20 feet wide. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack and officials said they were investigating all possible avenues.
Pakistan: Gadahn Not Arrested - Security Official
March 7, 2010 2048 GMT
Pakistani security officials said March 7 that American-born al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn was not arrested in Karachi, but that another suspected militant, reportedly named Abu Yahiya, was arrested, AFP reported. A senior security official said the individual was initially believed to be Gadahn, but it now appears Gadahn was mistaken with Yahida, and that Gadahn himself was not arrested. The official said Pakistan is attempting to confirm the individual's nationality and background.
Brief: Pakistan Arrests American Al Qaeda Spokesman
March 7, 2010 1926 GMT
Applying STRATFOR analysis to breaking news
Unnamed Pakistani officials said March 7 that the American-born spokesman for al Qaeda, Adam Gadahn, was arrested in Karachi. Gadahn is on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list with a reward of $1 million for information leading to his arrest. His capture has not yet been confirmed by U.S. authorities, but if it did take place, this would fit within the recent trend of Pakistan becoming much more aggressive in targeting al Qaeda and Taliban-linked militants in its territory. A video of Gadahn emerged on March 7 in which he praised the shooting by U.S. Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan and encouraged Muslims to emulate his attack. It is unclear at the moment if the emergence of the video is linked to his arrest, but releasing communications has always posed risks to al Qaeda members, as it forces contact between the group and the outside world -- though al Qaeda has long had a relatively secure means of conveying messages. If Gadahn has indeed been taken alive, it is possible that he could provide significant amounts of information regarding the location and operations of other senior al Qaeda members hiding in Pakistan.
Pakistan: More On Arrest Of Al Qaeda Spokesman Gadahn
March 7, 2010 1911 GMT
American-born al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn was arrested by Pakistani intelligence agents in Karachi, the AP reported March 7, citing statements by an unnamed government official and two officers who participated in the operation. Gadahn, who is also known as Yahya Majadin Adams and Azzam al-Amriki, was arrested within the last few days, according to the officers. Gadahn had also worked as a translator and consultant for al Qaeda.
Pakistan: Al Qaeda Spokesman Arrested
March 7, 2010 1850 GMT
Adam Gadahn, also known as Azzam al-Amriki, a U.S.-born spokesman for al Qaeda, has been arrested in Pakistan, CNN reported March 7.