Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has decided to send a military aircraft to Lebanon despite the domination of its government by the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah. The Defense Department has awarded a contract for the export of a surplus military aircraft to Lebanon. The aircraft, meant to be supplied by Alliant Techsystems, was identified […]
John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — Amidst the swirl of the presidential primary season in the United States and thus the blurring of the international news focus, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been on a political campaign swing of his own throughout Latin America. But while the Islamic Republic relentlessly pursues the nuclear genie, and […]
Special to WorldTribune.com TEL AVIV — The United States, concerned over an Iranian backlash, has canceled a major ballistic missile defense exercise with Israel. Israeli sources said the administration of President Barack Obama requested the cancellation of Austere Challenge-2012, meant to take place around April and include more than 2,000 soldiers. They said the administration […]
Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — The Iraq Air Force has begun operating an advanced air traffic control facility at the Imam Ali Air Base near Basra. The $55 million facility, supplied by Lockheed Martin, was designed to integrate air traffic control radars throughout Iraq. Officials acknowledged that the U.S. military as well as L-M would […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ANKARA — Turkey has demanded the software codes of the U.S.-origin Joint Strike Fighter as a condition for purchase. Officials said the government of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has determined that the F-35 would not comprise a feasible purchase unless the Turkish Air Force acquired software codes of the fifth-generation fighter-jet. They […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has canceled its airborne laser program, which aroused major interest in the Middle East for its ability to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The administration of President Barack Obama has decided to terminate the ABL program, meant to develop a Boeing 747-400F passenger aircraft fitted with a chemical […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Morocco, in a drive toward diversification, has sought U.S. military equipment, a report said. The Congressional Research Service asserted that Morocco was moving from a French-origin military to that which would include U.S. fighter-jets. “The sale of F-16s has drawn particular attention in the region, where Algeria — reportedly the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has made the growing Iranian military presence in the Gulf a top priority. Officials said the U.S. Navy has been devising strategies to maintain operations in the Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, amid Iranian threats. They acknowledged that Iran was capable of blocking the strait for […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has approved a request by the United Arab Emirates for U.S. bombs that could destroy Iranian military bunkers. The Obama administration has informed Congress of a UAE request for 600 BLU-109 air munitions. The BLU-109 has been described as a 2,000-pound bomb meant to destroy underground command […]
Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Syria’s rebel army, based in Turkey, has reported shortages in weapons and funds. The Free Syrian Army has urged Arab and other opponents of the regime of President Bashar Assad to rush aid to the rebel force. “If the FSA had greater capabilities the situation on the ground would be […]