USA
United Press International – (International) Army upgrading Patriot missiles. The U.S. Army is upgrading 131 Patriot Advanced Capability 2 missiles under a $58 million contract given to Raytheon of Massachusetts, United Press International reported April 26. Under the follow-on award from the Army Aviation and Missile Command in Alabama, Raytheon will upgrade the missiles to the Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical configuration. The Patriot GEM-T missile upgrades include the replacement of select components that increase reliability and extend the service life of the missile. Source: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/04/26/Armyupgrading-Patriot-missiles/UPI-86421303849216
EUROPE
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT
ASIA
China Political Memo: April 29, 2011 | STRATFOR
Japan: U.S. Preferred Base Relocation Plan Accepted
April 29, 2011
The Japanese government chose the U.S. preferred plan of building a new airstrip with two runways to relocate a U.S. Marine base within Okinawa prefecture, Xinhua reported April 29, citing Kyodo. The design and other technical details of the new facility will be discussed in a bilateral ministerial security meeting in June. Japanese government sources were cited saying Tokyo had come to accept Washington’s unyielding position on the issue.
RUSSIA
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT
IRAN
COMMENT: Reminds me of a great quote from the drug chieftain Sanchez in License to Kill
President Hector Lopez: There has been a mistake with my cheque. Look at it! It's *half* the usual amount.
Franz Sanchez: You were very quiet when I was arrested. Remember, you're only president... for life.
Iran: Ayatollah Warns President April 29, 2011
Iranian Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami said on April 29 at Friday prayers that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s majority vote is conditional on his obedience to the country’s supreme leadership, DPA reported. Khatami said the constitution is at “the top of the system,” and defines the power structure.
The Fault Line Within Iran's Political System | STRATFOR
IRAQ
Challenges to U.S. Efforts To Keep Troops in Iraq | STRATFOR
ISRAEL
A Palestinian Reconciliation | STRATFOR
Israel: Ministers Decide To Avoid Political Contact With New Palestinian Government April 28, 2011
The Forum of Seven Ministers announced April 28 that it will not make any far-reaching decisions on the Fatah-Hamas unity agreement for now, Ynet News reported April 28 citing Israel News. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak have also decided to hold off on making any political contact with the new Palestinian government. Sources said that there would be no contacts or negotiations until Hamas changes its ways and recognizes Israel.
Palestinian Territories: Egyptian Security Team To Assist In Reconciliation Plan April 28, 2011
Egypt will send a security delegation to the Gaza Strip to help settle and organize the internal security situation there as part of implementing a reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas, an unnamed Egyptian security source said April 28, Reuters reported. Another said the delegation would consist of specialists from various branches of the Egyptian armed forces, and the Egyptian intelligence service will oversee the delegation’s operations..
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan: Taliban To Begin Spring Offensive April 30, 2011
The Taliban said April 30 that they will begin a spring offensive targeting foreign troops, Afghan security forces and government officials, Reuters reported. A Taliban statement told civilians to stay away from public gatherings, military bases and convoys and government centers. The statement did not say how long the spring operation, which the Taliban called “Badar,” will last. They said fighting will continue until foreign troops have left Afghanistan.
MIDDLE EAST
Pakistani Militants Increase Attacks in Karachi | STRATFOR
Egypt: MB Will Contest Half Of Parliament Seats April 30, 2011
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood (MB) said April 30 it will contend for between 45 and 50 percent of parliamentary seats in September elections, the group said in a statement following a meeting of its decision-making council, Reuters reported. The group will not field a presidential candidate. MB has stated that it does not seek power and will not pursue a parliamentary majority or the presidency.
Syria: Tanks, Gunfire Reported In Daraa April 30, 2011
Syrian tanks entered Daraa on April 30 as the government suppressed a revolt against President Bashar al Assad, Reuters reported, citing residents. Witnesses said they heard heavy gunfire in Daraa’s old quarter. Resident Abu Tareq said he saw more than 15 tanks head to the old quarter.
Libya: Gadhafi Forces Lay Anti-Shipping Mines - NATO April 29, 2011
NATO warships intercepted several pro-Gadhafi boats that were installing anti-shipping mines outside Misurata’s harbor, British Brig. Rob Weighill, director of NATO operations in Libya, said April 29, AP reported. Weighill said the mines show Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s complete disregard for international law and his willingness to attack humanitarian delivery efforts. NATO crews disposed of the mines, Weighill added.
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
The Evolution of Mexican Drug Cartels' Areas of Influence | STRATFOR
Mexico: 29 Suspected Zetas Members Arrested April 29, 2011
Authorities in Hidalgo state, Mexico, on April 28 arrested 29 suspected members of Los Zetas, including 10 police officers, that are suspected of participating in an attack on the Tula security coordinator’s office and in firefights in Pachuca and Zempoala, El Universal reported April 29.
MISC
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT TO REPORT
Except where noted courtesy www.stratfor.com
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