Current Events in Mideast-Africa

Source: Tactical Reports http://www.tacticalreport.com/view_news/Li...rocurement/2442 Recently appointed Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces Major-General Yusef Al-Manqoush is said to have no intention of putting any obstacles before any European country trying to place offers with the Libyan Air Force (LAF) for fighter jets. He provided his views regarding the Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Mirage 2000-9. (rmks: It looks like the reconstituted LAF will court EU aircraft suppliers - almost a no-brainer in defense circles. These procurments will likely act a shot-in-the-arm for European aircraft companies). What are the thoughts of the forum? FWFS, …

From DefenseNews [excerpt]

Little boys and their toys I tell ya. http://thenextweb.com/me/2012/01/18/everyt...acker-struggle/?

From the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA): Outside In: Operating from Range to Defeat Iran's Anti-access/Area Denial Threats (PDF)

From Reuters [excerpt]

From Reuters [excerpt]

From RIA Novosti [excerpt] CV32: Perhaps 'more ready' would be a better description?

From CNN [excerpt]

From Reuters [excerpt]

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz is said to have intention to reactivate a project to buy submarines for the Saudi Navy. Source: Tactical Reports http://www.tacticalreport.com/view_news/Sa..._programme/2408 Here's a nugget to get the juices flowing on some potential "what-if" scenarios. Wow, the RSNF with submarines! FWFS, Greg Emerson, DM1(SW), USN-Retired Renton, WA, USA

From Fars News Agency [excerpt]

What do we know about this?

From BBC [excerpt]

As reported on the News, Security Council passes the No-Fly zone resolution 10-0 with 5 abstentions (Russia and China were 2 of the abstentions). So now what ??? Claims have been made of Arab support. Is Egypt likely to provide fighter-bomber support such as F16s? Or use of airbases? How much can France and UK bring if they can't use bases in Italy or Egypt? Can or will Saudis help if they can fly from closer airports? US should not be going alone to fly the cover (personal opinion here). I realize these are political questions as much as military.....

From The Atlantic [excerpt]

Link to a propaganda site

Read the IAEA report here (PDF). From the report: (emphasis mine)

From DefenseNews [excerpt] CV32: Hunting for a better bargain or otherwise, this deals yet another body blow to Rafale's chances at export success.

From DefenseNews [excerpt]

From Jane's [excerpt] CV32: I see a premise for a whole series of scenarios here, in multiple theaters.