Luis Ramirez
U.S. troops have been deploying in central Africa to help the forces of Uganda and other nations fight the Lord’s Resistance Army [L.R.A.]. The deployment is the largest U.S. attempt yet to eradicate the group known for its ruthless campaign of killing, rape, and its use of child soldiers over the past two decades.
U.S. troops are landing in Uganda and from there may deploy to the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and southern Sudan - areas were the L.R.A. - a scattered force whose numbers are estimated to be around 400 - are operating.
The U.S. troops are combat-ready and have instructions to fight if attacked, but Pentagon spokesman Captain John Kirby said the U.S. troops’ mission is limited to helping Ugandan soldiers and the armies of other nations stamp out the L.R.A.
“The mission for these 100 or so special operations forces is really just advise and assist, and help train local forces to deal with that threat. That is the scope of what they’ are going to be doing. That is the limit to what they are going to be doing,” said Kirby.
The deployment culminates years of efforts by human-rights groups and others to raise awareness in the halls of the U.S. Congress and at the White House of the need for Washington to step in and tackle one of the most violent and vicious militia groups, and its leader Joseph Kony.
Jennifer Cooke, who directs the Africa program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies research group, said, “The U.S. Congress has passed in 2009 legislation calling on the president to lay out a strategy to protect civilians, to apprehend or remove Joseph Kony, and to improve humanitarian access to the region. And I think this is a concerted effort once and for all to help the governments of that region to eliminate the threat, the threat from the L.R.A."
That threat does not directly affect U.S. national security, but Washington sees Uganda as a solid partner in the region, most notably in peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.
Brookings Institution defense analyst Michael O’Hanlon said deploying a small number of U.S. troops to help Uganda fight the L.R.A. is a small investment that could yield big returns for the United States.
“To the extent the United States has any interest in Somalia being stabilized, it has an interest in seeing the Ugandan government able to keep its own country together, and able to keep it its own forces partially deployed to Somalia in order to help with that country where there have been al-Qaida related groups in the past.”
Advocate John Bradshaw prefers not to speculate on possible U.S. motives. He directs the Enough Project, a U.S. group that works to eliminate genocide and crimes against humanity, primarily in Africa’s Great Lakes region. To Bradshaw, what is important is that Washington is taking action, providing support that he said could help protect civilians.
“A lot of that is information-sharing, having communities get timely alerts about possible L.R.A. action, improving communications equipment, putting up cell phone towers so that vulnerable populations are forewarned when attacks might happen,” said Bradshaw.
For two decades, Uganda and other nations have been unable to wipe out the L.R.A. The group has broken up into smaller units and dispersed across borders through the jungle terrain. O’Hanlon said the U.S. military will bring some of the capabilities developed in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“In addition to training, which we are obviously pretty good at with some of our special forces, we also know how to do things like listen to cell phone communication and watch people with drones. Watching them with drones in the jungle is harder than watching them with drones in the desert, but we have gotten better at some of these things and we may be able to impart some of our lessons and best practices to the Ugandans.
U.S. leaders hope that with this knowledge and technology, even 100 troops can make a difference.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Israeli Soldier, 477 Palestinians Freed in Prisoner Swap
Scott Bobb
An Israeli soldier held more than five years by Palestinian captors has returned home, and Israel has freed more than 400 Palestinians, in one of the largest prisoner swaps between the two sides.
Israeli army Sergeant Gilad Shalit returned to his family in Israel amid an outpouring of national joy, as 477 Palestinian prisoners, 27 of them women, regained their freedom amid celebrations across the Palestinian territories.
The spokesman for the Israeli military General Yoav Mordechai, announced Shalit's release shortly after midday on Tuesday. He said Gilad Shalit has returned home, back from the military operation he left for on June 25, 2006.
That is the day Shalit was captured by forces of the Hamas Palestinian group during a clash in southern Israel.
In subsequent years, there were intensive diplomatic efforts to gain the soldier's release, along with flare-ups of fighting that inflicted considerable damage on Palestinian installations in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Hamas transferred Shalit to Egypt Tuesday morning under a deal mediated by the Egyptian government. Egyptian authorities quickly handed him over to the Israelis.
Shalit told Egypt's Nile TV that he had been informed of his impending release about one week ago.
He says he missed his family and missed talking to people. He says he was afraid he would be a prisoner for years to come.
In the Palestinian territories, the mood was jubilant as hundreds of prisoners, including some who had been jailed by Israel for decades, regained their freedom in the swap and rejoined their families.
But some released Palestinians were not able to go home. Dozens who were from the West Bank were instead deported to Gaza or elsewhere. One of them, Halal Jarad, told al-Jazeera TV he is sad he will not see his family but that he would seek to live a normal life.
"I plan to open a house and marry. And I look for peace. It's very difficult in the war. It's very ugly from all the conditions," said Jarad.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the prisoner release.
Abbas said there is an agreement with the Israeli government for the release of another larger group of Palestinians soon. "We are asking the Israelis to respect their promises," said Abbas.
Under the deal, Israel is to release an additional 550 Palestinian prisoners within two months. An estimated 6,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli jails. Hamas leaders have vowed to see them all released.
The deal was controversial. Families of some of the Israeli victims of Palestinian attacks were angry to see the attackers go free. Other Israelis feared the prisoner release would lead to an increase in violence.
Palestinians were upset that some of their most prominent figures in Israeli custody were excluded from the deal.
An Israeli soldier held more than five years by Palestinian captors has returned home, and Israel has freed more than 400 Palestinians, in one of the largest prisoner swaps between the two sides.
Israeli army Sergeant Gilad Shalit returned to his family in Israel amid an outpouring of national joy, as 477 Palestinian prisoners, 27 of them women, regained their freedom amid celebrations across the Palestinian territories.
The spokesman for the Israeli military General Yoav Mordechai, announced Shalit's release shortly after midday on Tuesday. He said Gilad Shalit has returned home, back from the military operation he left for on June 25, 2006.
That is the day Shalit was captured by forces of the Hamas Palestinian group during a clash in southern Israel.
In subsequent years, there were intensive diplomatic efforts to gain the soldier's release, along with flare-ups of fighting that inflicted considerable damage on Palestinian installations in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Hamas transferred Shalit to Egypt Tuesday morning under a deal mediated by the Egyptian government. Egyptian authorities quickly handed him over to the Israelis.
Shalit told Egypt's Nile TV that he had been informed of his impending release about one week ago.
He says he missed his family and missed talking to people. He says he was afraid he would be a prisoner for years to come.
In the Palestinian territories, the mood was jubilant as hundreds of prisoners, including some who had been jailed by Israel for decades, regained their freedom in the swap and rejoined their families.
But some released Palestinians were not able to go home. Dozens who were from the West Bank were instead deported to Gaza or elsewhere. One of them, Halal Jarad, told al-Jazeera TV he is sad he will not see his family but that he would seek to live a normal life.
"I plan to open a house and marry. And I look for peace. It's very difficult in the war. It's very ugly from all the conditions," said Jarad.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the prisoner release.
Abbas said there is an agreement with the Israeli government for the release of another larger group of Palestinians soon. "We are asking the Israelis to respect their promises," said Abbas.
Under the deal, Israel is to release an additional 550 Palestinian prisoners within two months. An estimated 6,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli jails. Hamas leaders have vowed to see them all released.
The deal was controversial. Families of some of the Israeli victims of Palestinian attacks were angry to see the attackers go free. Other Israelis feared the prisoner release would lead to an increase in violence.
Palestinians were upset that some of their most prominent figures in Israeli custody were excluded from the deal.
DTSG TO REPOSITION AGRIC SECTOR FOR EFFICIENCY
Delta State Government has reiterated its determination to boost food production by repositioning the Agricultural sector for efficient service delivery.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Misan Kubenyinje, stated this while fielding questions from pressmen after a meeting with the Association of Cassava Growers, Delta State chapter, in his office in Asaba.
Barr. Kubenyinje said that the main focus that the present administration was to promote massive food production by supporting the farmers in the state, adding that farming in-puts, such as high yielding cassava cuttings, fertiliser and fingerlings, would be distributed to the farmers across the state at a very low price.
He enjoined farmers in the state to form themselves into cluster groups to enable them go into commercial farming as well as to access the various loans available for the promotion and development of Agriculture in the state.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Federal Government had concluded plans to start cassava processing factories in the country with Delta State as one of the major processing centres, stressing that such a bold stride would not only enhance food sufficiency but would encourage the farmers to produce more for exportation which in- turn would increase the foreign exchange earning of the country.
Barr. Kubenyinje said that the Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture scheme (YETA) would be strengthened, adding that the first batch of the young farmers that went through the programme were doing well in their various chosen agricultural vocations, just as he said that the FADAMA programme had come to stay in the state.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Misan Kubenyinje, stated this while fielding questions from pressmen after a meeting with the Association of Cassava Growers, Delta State chapter, in his office in Asaba.
Barr. Kubenyinje said that the main focus that the present administration was to promote massive food production by supporting the farmers in the state, adding that farming in-puts, such as high yielding cassava cuttings, fertiliser and fingerlings, would be distributed to the farmers across the state at a very low price.
He enjoined farmers in the state to form themselves into cluster groups to enable them go into commercial farming as well as to access the various loans available for the promotion and development of Agriculture in the state.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Federal Government had concluded plans to start cassava processing factories in the country with Delta State as one of the major processing centres, stressing that such a bold stride would not only enhance food sufficiency but would encourage the farmers to produce more for exportation which in- turn would increase the foreign exchange earning of the country.
Barr. Kubenyinje said that the Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture scheme (YETA) would be strengthened, adding that the first batch of the young farmers that went through the programme were doing well in their various chosen agricultural vocations, just as he said that the FADAMA programme had come to stay in the state.
SINEBE URGES COMPLETION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECTS
The Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Local Government Projects Monitoring, Sir. Jude Sinebe, has urged all heads of local government councils in the state to complete all on-going and abandoned projects in their areas.
Sir Sinebe made this statement when he visited Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Aniocha South Local Government Areas as part of his familiarization tour of the local government areas.
He said that his duty was to verify projects executed within 2007 till date, adding that all projects that were not executed according to specification would not be paid for, even as he emphasized that local government projects should be publicised to enable the grass-root populace whom the projects were meant for, get vital information on such projects.
He commended the work already embarked upon by the executive of the councils visited and called on them to do more so as to consolidate on the achievement of the Uduaghan Administration, just as he said that all local government councils’ projects would be posted in the Delta State Website for proper documentation.
Some of the projects inspected in Oshimili North included the Finance and Treasury block, the 1.3 Kilometres road with drainage from Akwukwu-Igbo to Ukia-Ukpunor as well as the on-going building of the ultra modern market at Ibusa.
In Aniocha South, the Special Adviser inspected the on-going building of 60 open market stores, V.I.P toilets, functional bole hole and a completed classroom block at Ase Primary School in Ogwashi-Uku.
At Oshimili South, he inspected the construction of the Staff canteen, landscaping of the secretariat and reconstruction of the gate house among other on-going projects.
The Head of Administration, Mr. Emokiniovo Itobore and the Technical Engineer, Mr. Louis Enyi were part of the team that accompanied the special adviser.
Sir Sinebe made this statement when he visited Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Aniocha South Local Government Areas as part of his familiarization tour of the local government areas.
He said that his duty was to verify projects executed within 2007 till date, adding that all projects that were not executed according to specification would not be paid for, even as he emphasized that local government projects should be publicised to enable the grass-root populace whom the projects were meant for, get vital information on such projects.
He commended the work already embarked upon by the executive of the councils visited and called on them to do more so as to consolidate on the achievement of the Uduaghan Administration, just as he said that all local government councils’ projects would be posted in the Delta State Website for proper documentation.
Some of the projects inspected in Oshimili North included the Finance and Treasury block, the 1.3 Kilometres road with drainage from Akwukwu-Igbo to Ukia-Ukpunor as well as the on-going building of the ultra modern market at Ibusa.
In Aniocha South, the Special Adviser inspected the on-going building of 60 open market stores, V.I.P toilets, functional bole hole and a completed classroom block at Ase Primary School in Ogwashi-Uku.
At Oshimili South, he inspected the construction of the Staff canteen, landscaping of the secretariat and reconstruction of the gate house among other on-going projects.
The Head of Administration, Mr. Emokiniovo Itobore and the Technical Engineer, Mr. Louis Enyi were part of the team that accompanied the special adviser.
Israeli-Palestinian prisoner exchange a ‘humanitarian breakthrough’ – Ban
Calling today’s exchange of prisoners by Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas a “significant humanitarian breakthrough,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he hoped it would have a far-reaching and positive impact on the stalled Middle East peace process.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban noted that “he has long called for the end of unacceptable captivity of [Israeli soldier] Gilad Shalit and has also called for the release of Palestinian prisoners.”
Hamas today released Mr. Shalit, who had been held captive since June 2006, in exchange for the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The first 477 of those prisoners were released today.
Responding to a reporter’s question in Geneva, Mr. Ban said he was very encouraged by today’s actions and voiced hope that the two parties will return to negotiations so they can realize the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
In the statement Mr. Ban thanked Egypt and Germany for their contributions to the process that led to the prisoner exchange.
“In the aftermath, the Secretary-General hopes that more far-reaching steps will be taken to end the closure of Gaza and enable reconstruction. He continues to call in the same context for an end to the smuggling of weapons and a sustained calm between Israel and Gaza.”
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban noted that “he has long called for the end of unacceptable captivity of [Israeli soldier] Gilad Shalit and has also called for the release of Palestinian prisoners.”
Hamas today released Mr. Shalit, who had been held captive since June 2006, in exchange for the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The first 477 of those prisoners were released today.
Responding to a reporter’s question in Geneva, Mr. Ban said he was very encouraged by today’s actions and voiced hope that the two parties will return to negotiations so they can realize the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
In the statement Mr. Ban thanked Egypt and Germany for their contributions to the process that led to the prisoner exchange.
“In the aftermath, the Secretary-General hopes that more far-reaching steps will be taken to end the closure of Gaza and enable reconstruction. He continues to call in the same context for an end to the smuggling of weapons and a sustained calm between Israel and Gaza.”
PS CHARGES COUNCILS TO ENSURE REDUCTION IN ADULT ILLITERACY
The Permanent Secretary in charge of the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education (NFE) in Delta State, Mr. Alexander Ukubeyinje has called on Local Government Councils in the state to complement the state governments’ effort in reducing Adult illiteracy through the establishment of Adult literacy and vocational centres.
Mr. Ukubeyinje made the call when he led members of the Agency on an Advocacy/sensitization visit to Ethiope West, Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas.
According to the Permanent Secretary, it is necessary for all hands to be on deck in order to reduce the level of Adult illiteracy in Nigeria, which he described as a United Nation Policy.
Mr. Ukubeyinje however commended the HPM of Okpe local government council for the council’s contributions to NFE programme in the council.
While enjoining them to give priority attention to the programme, he tasked them to establish organic integrated centre in the area, saying that the Youth Corpers could be used to run the centres.
The PS charged the council to intensify efforts towards reducing illiteracy level in the state, saying that it should establish as many literacy and vocational centres in the area.
Mr. Ukubeyinje made the call when he led members of the Agency on an Advocacy/sensitization visit to Ethiope West, Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas.
According to the Permanent Secretary, it is necessary for all hands to be on deck in order to reduce the level of Adult illiteracy in Nigeria, which he described as a United Nation Policy.
Mr. Ukubeyinje however commended the HPM of Okpe local government council for the council’s contributions to NFE programme in the council.
While enjoining them to give priority attention to the programme, he tasked them to establish organic integrated centre in the area, saying that the Youth Corpers could be used to run the centres.
The PS charged the council to intensify efforts towards reducing illiteracy level in the state, saying that it should establish as many literacy and vocational centres in the area.
Ahmadinejad Says Claims About Iranian Plot A U.S. Lie
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has said U.S. allegations of an Iranian assassination plot resembled the claims about weapons of mass destruction that formed the basis for the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, and would prove to be equally untrue.
Ahmadinejad, in an interview on al-Jazeera television on October 17, said Washington had fabricated the plot of an Iranian seeking to kill Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Washington in order to create divisions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and dominate the Gulf region.
Two men have been charged in a U.S. federal court in the alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington. One of the suspects, an Iranian-American, is in U.S. custody, the other one is a high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guards official.
Ahmadinejad said the United States was accusing Iran of involvement in the plot to strengthen international sanctions against Tehran. He said Iran will not investigate the U.S. allegations.
Britain today froze the assets of five men, including the two main suspects, over their suspected links to the alleged plot.
Ahmadinejad, in an interview on al-Jazeera television on October 17, said Washington had fabricated the plot of an Iranian seeking to kill Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Washington in order to create divisions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and dominate the Gulf region.
Two men have been charged in a U.S. federal court in the alleged plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington. One of the suspects, an Iranian-American, is in U.S. custody, the other one is a high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guards official.
Ahmadinejad said the United States was accusing Iran of involvement in the plot to strengthen international sanctions against Tehran. He said Iran will not investigate the U.S. allegations.
Britain today froze the assets of five men, including the two main suspects, over their suspected links to the alleged plot.
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