International News Network

UK's Patterson School Debriefs Simulation: Somali Pirate/Yellowcake Crisis Exercise

2009-02-28T13:20:00.017-04:00

Thirty-eight student diplomats, nineteen grueling hours, and one super-heated international crisis: what might seem unsettling at first glance is nothing out of the ordinary on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington.

The Patterson School of Diplomacy’s annual Policy Simulation started at about noon Friday, February 27 with a report of a Russian destroyer witnessing a pirate takeover and lasted until about noon Saturday, when the final debriefing wrapped.

Here's a video featuring some of the principals in the simulation.

During the 19-hour simulation, students, who were divided into teams representative of governmental organizations and international actors, grappled with the situation, deploying military, intelligence, diplomatic and nongovernmental assets into a sphere that included the Middle East, Africa, the United States and Russia.

In the face of a planned fictional crisis, students were instructed to handle the situation accordingly. A debriefing session, following the end of the crisis, gave students a chance to discuss and get feedback from professors.

As constructed by the Patterson School’s faculty, including “leading scholars and former senior officials from the worlds of diplomacy, commerce, and intelligence”, students were faced with a pirated Panamanian vessel that was, unbeknownst to several parties, carrying radioactive material to Iran.

Teams included United States government organizations, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Puntland, and the United Nations. With different interests and consequences at stake, each organization independently made its way toward a solution by means of meetings, press releases, and planning exercises.

About 20 journalism and integrated strategic communication students from the university’s School of Journalism and Telecommunications acted as the press, creating multimedia reports in real time. Students actively reported and posted their findings, including video and audio clips, on the "INN" blog that served as a fictional competitor to CNN, FNC, and BBC. Further press involvement included reporting for and posting to an Arab-oriented blog known as "Gulf News Service."

Dr. Rob Farley of the Patterson School arranged the exercise and, with the school’s director, retired Ambassador Carey Cavanaugh, and other Patterson School faculty members, ran the simulation.

Students from JOU 330 (Web Publishing and Design), JOU 499 (Media Convergence) and JOU 304 (Broadcast News Decisionmaking) provided the media coverage, coordinated by Journalism Profs. Kakie Urch and Scoobie Ryan.

Patterson School students discussed the high points and flaws of their implementations under the guidance of Patterson School professors, some of whom served as team leaders, on Saturday morning after the event.

Hillary Clinton confirms yellowcake

2009-02-28T01:38:00.003-04:00

What is "yellowcake"?

2009-02-28T01:32:00.001-04:00

Yellowcake is milled uranium oxide, known to chemists as U3O8. It goes through a milling and chemical process to remove minerals and leave only uranium. At the end of that process what’s left is called yellowcake.

Yellowcake is far from enriched uranium, but it is a first step. The yellow powder, which also can have a grayish or reddish tint, must be converted into uranium hexafluoride, a chemical compound that has one atom of uranium and six atoms of fluorine. It can be a gas, liquid or solid. Once it is a gas, it easily can be enriched and used in weapons.

In recent years, yellowcake inventory and its possible international circulation between rogue countries and terrorist groups has been the focus of a great deal of controversy and concern. Yellowcake was at the center of the Valerie Plame case that focused attention on classified information leaks to the press and saw a New York Times journalist spend time in jail to protect her sources.

BREAKING NEWS: URANIUM ABOARD PIRATED SHIP

2009-02-28T01:31:00.002-04:00

The ship seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia is known to be carrying the nuclear material commonly called “yellowcake.”

A message sent over open channels by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard leaked the information.

The message contained vital information saying there are nuclear materials on board the Panamanian Vessel MV Straat Malakka. The message between the Iranians and the Russians indicated that the two may have been collaborating to transport nuclear materials.

The Russian destroyer, according to its captain, had been following the pirated vessel as part of an international anti-piracy effort.

But the message between the Iranians and makes it appear as if the Russians knew of the nuclear cargo. “ We would like to remind you that you were providing an armed escort for a ship full of uranium,” the Islamic Revolutionary Guard wrote in its message addressed “you @#&%^$#* idiots. “

The message, which would have been intercepted by intelligence and military agencies across the region, is nearly certain to force the American vessels placed in the sphere by CentCom, the U.S. Middle Eastern military command, to seize the vessel.

This action, though not confirmed by CentCom, would be against usual U.S. policy on piracy in the region, where the U.S. does not have official diplomatic relations with many of the players, including Yemen and Somalia’s Puntland itself.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remained largely out of view during the crisis, though her office did confirm the cargo of yellowcake shortly after the message, received by INN reporters in nearby Eyl, went out.

The White House never issued a comment, nor did the NSA or the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Clinton announces news conference

2009-02-28T00:15:00.003-04:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will hold a news conference to comment on the seizure of the Straat Malakka and the American efforts to track the pirated ship. INN reporter Kelsey Allen will be attending the conference.

Collision interrupts chase

2009-02-27T23:45:00.001-04:00

There’s been a collision between the Russian destroyer that’s been following the pirated MV Straat Malakka and an Iranian destroyer Jamaran that has been trailing behind the Russian ship Pyotr Velikiy, according to Captain Stepan V. Verderevsky.

Verderevsky said the Iranian ship attempted to pass the Russian ship and Verderevsky then moved his ship into a blocking position.

Both ships are damaged and no longer following the Straat Malakka.

At last report the ships were approximately 65 miles off the Somalia coast, headed for the pirate haven of Eyl. Two U.S. destroyers, the USS San Antonio and the USS Mahan were confirmed to be working with the Russian ship to intercept the pirated Panamanian ship. There’s no word on whether the U.S. ships have been involved in the collision.

UPDATE: U.S. Navy ships, presence of UAV confirmed

2009-02-27T23:17:00.004-04:00

U.S. Navy CentCom confirms the identities of two naval ships working with the Russian military to intercept the pirated vessel. Vice Admiral William Frost said in the news conference that the USS San Antonio and the USS Mahan, along with the Russian vessel, are an estimated 60 miles from the coast of Eyl, Somalia. Frost also confirmed that there is a UAV monitoring the situation.

USS Mahan Courtesy of U.S. Navy

CentCom, State Department to hold joint press conference

2009-02-27T22:44:00.004-04:00

INN is covering a 9:30 p.m. press conference called by the State Department and CentCom officials on a situation off the coast of Somalia as a ship bound for Iran is steered by pirates toward the pirate haven city of Eyl.

The ship was first reported seized about 10.5 hours ago, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

No word has come from the White House, the Secretary of State, the Office of the Vice President, the National Security Agency or the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the crisis, though the government of Iran has issued harsh words toward the U.S. in an official statement and the government of Puntland (Somalia) has issued a statement.

Watch for Nick Stacy's coverage on INN.

BREAKING NEWS: Two American ships working with Russia to intercept seized vessel

2009-02-27T22:42:00.006-04:00

USS San Antonio Courtesy of the U.S. Navy

According to a news conference with the U.S. State Department., the USS San Antonio is one of the two ships working with Russia on an intercept course with the seized vessel. The other ship was not confirmed at the news conference. According to the Russian captain, the USS Vella Gulf and the USS Mahan are also involved in this operation. However, this has not been confirmed by the State Department. According to the Russian captain, a U.S. UAV, or unmanned aerial vehicle, has also been following this operation for the past three hours. UAVs are typically used in recognizance or information gathering missions.

State Department mum on pirate crisis

2009-02-27T22:09:00.002-04:00

In an interview with David Evans from the State Department this evening, not many questions were answered about the ship bound for Iran that was seized by seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia at about 11:30 a.m. EST.

That’s despite an increasingly heated situation, with reports of gunfire aboard the ship, bodies thrown from the ship, American naval assets being moved to the area and statements issued from the Iranian government about a potential “catastrophe.”

Evans stated that State Department officials are closely tracking the ship, but did not have an exact location. Other sources, including a Russian executive officer aboard a ship following the MV Straat Malakka, said the ship was about 150 kilometres, or 90 miles from the pirate haven city of Eyl, Somalia.

He also stated that the origin of the ship is still in the process of being confirmed, though the Iranian government has confirmed to Gulf News Service that the ship is bound for Iran from Dar Es Salaam.

Evans said that there were unconfirmed rumors about what exactly happened so there will be no comment at this time.

Evans did comment on the latest report from the INN Web site about communication with the Iranian government stating that the US government communicates with Iran through the Swiss and that it will continue to use those diplomatic channels as it has in the past.

There has still been no contact made by the State Department with the pirates at this time adding that he can’t comment on other branches of government. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has issued no comment. There has been no comment on the issue from Vice President Joe Biden or President Barack Obama.

He also stated that there was no knowledge of any violent course of action at this time, but that the US Navy CT-151 is moving in more closely to monitor the situation, which is a position taken “purely on the defensive,” only to observe the situation.

When asked whether there was any link between terrorists and pirates he said that the issue has often been very shady and that there are no specific international laws to govern their behavior.

He also stated that there was no knowledge of this incident being involved with terrorism and will continue to be treated as an act of piracy.

A spokesman for CentCom stated the U.S. command for the Middle East does not know who is on the ship or the status of the crew, despite reports from Russian naval officials in the area that bodies had been thrown overboard.

Evans of the State Department stated that his agency is still monitoring the situation and does not know the contents of the ship at this time, but with the CT151 in the area with the anti- piracy fleet, State will “will do whatever is necessary to resolve the matter."

When asked about why the Iranian government is stating that this could potentially be a “catastrophe,” Evans replied that there was no comment.

When asked whether terrorists were involved he said that they were still monitoring the situation.

UPDATE: Bodies recovered

2009-02-27T20:38:00.002-04:00

The captain of the Russian freighter following the MV Straat Malakka has confirmed to INN Worldwide that his ship has recovered eight bodies from that pirated ship. The ship is continuing on its supposed destination of Eyl, Somalia.

Puntland Blames International Community

2009-02-27T20:37:00.001-04:00

Press release from Puntland Foreign Ministry:

Puntland wholeheartedly condemns this incident regarding the Straat Malakka. The blame, however, ultimately lies with the international community. The negligence displayed with regard to piracy in the Indian Ocean and their willful disregard for this escalating problem endangered both Somali citizens and the ships who ply the trade routes of the East African coast. This problem has festered for a decade and it has finally reached this crisis point because of worldwide indifference to the Somali plight. The international community shoulders the blame for the dissolution of Somali governance and the intensification of these attacks. The situation forced Puntland to react unilaterally.

State Department 4 PM Press Conference

2009-02-27T20:13:00.003-04:00

Here is audio of David Evans of the State Department at Friday's 4:30 press conference in Washington.

UPDATE: Gunfire and bodies dumped

2009-02-27T19:55:00.002-04:00

In a text message from the Russian executive officer following the MV Straat Malakka, he says there has been sporadic gunfire from the pirated vessel, and eight to 10 bodies have been thrown overboard.

As the gunfire took place, the vessel lost speed and changed course. However, he says the gunfire ended and the ship seems to be back on course to Eyl, Somalia.

Six hours...and still many questions.

2009-02-27T19:04:00.002-04:00

UN Issues Reminder of Operative Guideline

2009-02-27T18:49:00.001-04:00

The UN International Maritime Organization would like to issue a reminder that the operative guidelines under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1846 passed in December of 2008 authorized states and regional organizations to enter Somalia's territory waters and to use "all means necessary" to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery in international waters. If states are trying to enter other territories' waters, then they may only do so after consulting the governments of the respective nations and/or territories. This must also fall within the 12-mile boundary protocol.

Somali Pirate Incident Photo Gallery

2009-02-27T18:41:00.005-04:00

An official sits at CIA headquarters.

During a press conference, the State Department confirmed that the ship is headed to Eyl, a small city on the Indian Ocean.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sits in on the State Department press conference.

David Evans of the State Department gives a press conference.

Iran Issues Red Hot Statement

2009-02-27T18:15:00.001-04:00

The Government of Iran has repeatedly attempted to work in cooperation with the US Government in regards to the hijacked Straat Malakka. Our peaceful attempts at teamwork have been flatly rejected by the Americans. We are well aware of American intelligence sources in the area and feel that the free dissemination of information is everyone's moral obligation to avoid a potential catastrophe. In Iran, we place high value on human life and regret the Americans do not hold such values. This unfortunate turn of events makes puts the safety of all concerned in peril. We pray to Allah for the return of our Iranian nationals.

Military Monitoring Vessel Seizure

2009-02-27T17:20:00.005-04:00

TAMPA -- Somali pirates seized the Panamanian ship Straat Malakka at 11:30 EST this morning. The whereabouts of the ship have not been released at this time, and the United States CENTCOM is currently closely monitoring the situation.

“CTF-151 is in the area,” said Col. Anthony Russo, a public information officer. Combined Task Force 151 is a fleet of U.S. ships under the authority of CENTCOM dedicating to fighting piracy.

Additionally, the contents of the ship and the status of the crew are unknown.

Russo said Commander William Frost, pictured at right, will be monitoring the situation over the weekend.

Puntland government says it does not support piracy

2009-02-27T16:38:00.003-04:00

The Somali State of Puntland has recognized the attack of the MV Straat Malakka off the coast of Somalia.

Ship headed to Eyl: Pirate Haven

2009-02-27T16:17:00.002-04:00

Eyl is a port town off the coast of Somalia that pirates have made their own. It sits on the Indian Ocean, approximately 550 miles north of the capital of Mogadishu. It suffered heavy casualties after the 2004 tsunami.

Somalia is a poor country, its economy based on agriculture, but pirates have introduced new industries into Eyl, most of them based on American dollars.

After pirates hijack a ship, usually one that’s headed to the Gulf of Aden and the short cut it provides to the West (otherwise, the ship would need to sail around the entire continent of Africa), the pirates return to Eyl and send out a ransom demand. The ship’s owners usually comply.

That ransom money has built restaurants, fancy houses and the businesses to support them. The BBC has reported that ransoms run between $300,000 and $1.5 million. That goes a long way in a country where the average per capita income is $600.

In 2008, there were 293 attacks on the seas, according to the International Maritime Bureau. Pirates seized 49 of those ships, took most of them to Eyl, and held nearly 900 crewmembers for ransom off the coast of Somalia.

Most of the ransom money has flowed into the new homes, fancy cars, restaurants and businesses of Eyl, Somalia.

Russian naval officer: destroyer following pirated ship in Gulf of Aden

2009-02-27T13:46:00.004-04:00

By INN
A Russian naval executive officer who was an eyewitness to a coordinated pirate attack about 240 miles off the coast of Somalia says the pirates attacked in cigarette boats, seizing a Panamanian flagged freighter after a "substantial" firefight.

The seizure took place at about 11:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, or 7:30 AM local time.

Captain Stepan V. Verderevsky said that his ship was part of a convoy escorting the captured vessel when several small boats launched several attacks at once. Several maydays were issued

Verderevsky was not certain of the exact latitude and longitude of the seizure, nor could he confirm where the vessel is currently except that it is moving toward Eyl on the Somali coast.

Russian authorities have been notified that Verderevsky's ship is following the seized freighter. He did not immediately know if American or Yemeni authorities had been notified. His ship did not notify the Somali government, he said.

Verderevsky characterized the seized boat simply as a "large freighter" that has a Panamanian registry.

The convoy escorting the seized vessel included an Iranian destroyer, as the Gulf is patroled by a multinational force.

Verderevsky did not know if American naval assets were nearby.

The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Somalia. Personnel were removed from the American Embassy in Yemen following a second fatal bombing there in late 2008.

Pirates seize ship headed for Iran off Somalia

2009-02-27T12:48:00.002-04:00

By INN Staff
A Russian cruiser is following a container ship that was seized by pirates in an extended firefight about 240 miles off the coast of Somalia, Russian military sources announced in a release.

According to the release, MV Straat Malakka, a container ship that was in transit between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Bandar Abbas, Iran, was seized by pirates at 7:30pm local time (11:30am EST) some 240 miles off the coast of Somalia.

There was no initial mention of the country of registry of the vessel, nor of its contents or ownership.

Also, no information is yet available about the ship's crew or any casualties.

Early eyewitness reports indicate that an extended firefight took place between the crew and the attacking pirates. The Russian cruiser RFS Pyotr Velikiy is currently following the MV Straat Malakka, the Russian military sources confirm.

This is the latest in a series of pirate seizures in the region. A high-level summit meeting on international piracy is taking place this weekend in London, sources close to the State Department say.

For more on this and images throughout the day, check INN.com

Wiretap Issue Getting Hot?

2008-03-01T09:55:00.003-04:00

Engineers Without Borders is continuing its anti-wiretap campaign with another press release:

The family of Engineers Without Borders hostage, Matthew Simon, is shocked at the lack of action of the US government in handling the hostage situation in Afghanistan. "As a US citizen who has devoted his life to the cause of improving the welfare of individuals around the world and carrying the good name of the United States, we would have expected that there would be more action taken to preserve his life," said James Simon, Matthew's father. The Simon family has been holding constant vigil at the St. James Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, North Carolina. The family has been gathering there with other community members since early Friday afternoon. Said Simon's mother: "I can't believe our government isn't doing anything more to get my son back!"... Mrs. Simon encourages others "to press Washington to take swift and decisive action in bringing our children home."

In a related development, Democratic Presidential aspirant Barack Obama denounced illegal wiretapping early this morning at his campaign headquarters in Texas. Engineers Without Borders has called for a rally in front of the State Department this afternoon to protest the lack of vigorous diplomatic activity to free the hostages.

The Central Intelligence Agency indicated through a spokesman that any and all wiretaps are subject to FISA rules and are made under the authority of the President.

Illegal Wiretaps?

2008-03-01T09:26:00.003-04:00

Engineers Without Borders, a non-governmental organization operating in Afghanistan, released the following this evening:

EWB is charging that the CIA and other domestic agencies are illegally tapping telephone lines and email correspondence without appropriate FISA approval. ACLU lawyers have requested an immediate injunction against this illegal invasion of privacy of an outstanding U.S. based NGO. This is yet another systematic abuse of executive authority that has been typical of this administration, and we abhor this illegal behavior.

The Central Intelligence Agency had no comment on this allegation.

Day of Quiet

2008-03-01T08:21:00.003-04:00

Ghazni Province, Afghanistan was eerily quiet on Saturday, a day after up to twelve hostages were seized by a Taliban affiliated militant group. Afghan government officials report that the hunt continues for the group responsible for the slayings of seven US servicemen, and presumably the murder of German Army Lieutenant Maria Stadler. After an early morning shootout in Ghazni City, no violence has been reported. Sources inside ISAF indicate that the shootout was related to the search for hostages, but there has been no independent confirmation of this. The militant group, "Warriors of Hattin" has stated that they will kill another hostage at 9pm this evening Kabul time; just under four hours from now. The militant group's demands include the release of prisoners in Kandahar, the paying of a ransom, and certain changes in ISAF practice in Afghanistan.

Identity of Slain Hostage Confirmed

2008-03-01T01:07:00.003-04:00

The United State State Department has released the following statement:

The United States Government can now confirm the identity of one, Lt. Maria Stadler, killed by her jihadist captors in the Ghazni province of Afghanistan. Her body has been recovered by US officials and will be repatriated for proper burial.

The German Foreign Ministry has called the slaying "heinous and deplorable".

Terrorist Group Claims Hostage Executed

2008-02-29T23:05:00.002-04:00

The terrorist group "Warriors of Hattin" has posted a video to its website indicating that a German hostage, Lieutenant Maria Stadler, has been executed. This report has not yet been independently confirmed.

The Deadline Passes

2008-02-29T22:38:00.001-04:00

The terrorist deadline for killing a hostage passed five minutes ago. No announcement has been made. INN has received unconfirmed reports of furious efforts at diplomacy on the part of the Afghan and Pakistani governments.

NGO Orders Evacuation of Afghanistan

2008-02-29T19:30:00.002-04:00

Engineers Without Borders, a non-governmental organization that assists in infrastructure and reconstruction projects in Afghanistan and elsewhere, has ordered its personnel to evacuate the country in response to the kidnapping of at least one of its members. The engineer, Matthew Simon, has appeared in a militant-filmed video from an undisclosed location in Afghanistan.

Engineers Without Borders Press Release:

EWB has been undertaking a long-term analysis of the effectiveness of development projects in Afghanistan. We have come to the conclusion that these projects are not achieving the expected goals. In addition, the hazardous security environment in Afghanistan has put our personnel in unnecessary danger. Consequently, we have temporarily suspended all activities, and our personnel are currently evacuating the country.

Breaking News Merkel Press Conference

2008-02-29T18:29:00.003-04:00

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany announced at a press conference this evening "a sincere hope that the hostage crisis would be resolved in a peaceful fashion". The family of Lieutenant Standler, including her two children, her brother, her husband, and her mother, appeared with Chancellor Merkel. "I want my mama to be safe," said Hans Stadler, age 6. The appearance is believed to constitute an emotional appeal to the militant group holding Lieutenant Stadler.

Developing Story Hostage Crisis in Afghanistan

2008-02-29T17:03:00.002-04:00

INN has confirmed that several Westerners have been taken hostage in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. A militant group calling itself "Warriors of Hattin" has seized at least three hostages, and has published videos of the hostages on its website. One hostage is Joseph O'Neill, a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Department of State. Another is Matthew Simon, an aid worked with Engineers Without Borders. The third hostage has been identified as Lieutenant Maria Stadler of the Bundeswehr. The militant group has threatened to execute the hostages by 7am Kabul time (9:30 eastern) if its demands are not met.

Breaking News Shocking Hostage Video Online

2008-02-29T16:17:00.000-04:00

An unnamed terrorist organization has posted a video of a hostage taken in Ghazni province, Afghanistan. In the video, the hostage, Matthew Simon, indicates that other hostages are also in custody, and that the militant group will being executing hostages at 7am Kabul time (9:30pm eastern time) if demands are not met. The website does not specify the terrorist demands.

American Engineers Taken Hostage in Afghanistan

2008-02-29T15:39:00.002-04:00

By Kenny Colston

At least two American citizens have been taken hostage in the Ghazni providence of Afghanistan earlier this morning.

As earlier reported, there could be at least 10-12 hostages in total taken hostage. At least two of the engineers are part of the organization Engineers Without Borders. Another possible hostage could be a German foreign national.

According to a high ranking official in the CIA, the hostages did have protection while working in Afghanistan. The Defense Department and the Pentagon refused to comment on the situation at this time.

But according to the CIA official, diplomatic efforts are being made, but if necessary military force or covert operatives could be used.

"Our goal is to get people back safely," the official said. "We will get our Americans back safely."

But an official within Engineers Without Borders, Karen, confirmed reports that at least two of their employees cannot be located. The company employs up to 200 people all over the world. But if diplomatic and military options don't work out, Engineers without Borders would be willing to find other ways to get the hostages freed.

More information will be released later tonight.

Seven US Soldiers Killed in Attack in Ghazni Province

2008-02-29T15:38:00.001-04:00

Reports from Ghazni Province, Afghanistan now indicate that seven American soldiers have been killed in an ambush outside of the town of Janda. One civilian has also been killed. This represents the greatest single day loss of life to US forces in Afghanistan in the last two years.

Breaking News Provincial Reconstruction Team Seized in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan

2008-02-29T14:40:00.000-04:00

Sources inside the German government are reporting that contact with a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Ghazni Province of Afghanistan has been lost. The team is American led, and includes American servicemen and servicewomen, several American civilians, and a small German contingent. There are no reports thus far on the fate of the team.

Parents respond to word that kidnapped US aid worker feared dead

2008-02-29T14:33:00.000-04:00

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KABUL, Afghanistan -- An American aid worker's parents, who live in Washington state, say they are heartbroken to receive "credible reports" that their daughter and her Afghan driver, kidnapped in southern Afghanistan a month ago, are feared dead.

"While these reports remain unconfirmed, we are beginning to accept that the hoped-for outcome may no longer be possible," George and Peggy Mizell of DuPont, Wash., said Thursday in a statement.

Cyd Mizell, 50, and driver Abdul Hadi were kidnapped in a residential neighborhood of Kandahar on Jan. 26. Mizell worked on aid projects for the Asian Rural Life Development Foundation, or ARLDF.

"Although we have no confirmation of their deaths, we have received information over the past few days indicating that our two aid workers have been killed," said a statement posted on the group's Web site Tuesday.

Afghan and U.S. officials said Wednesday they could not confirm the report.

"Cyd knew before she went to Afghanistan that it could be a dangerous place, but she went because she loved the Afghan people and dedicated her life to serving them," her parents said in their statement. "We are trying to understand why someone would kill a gentle, caring person who came to their country to help the poor."

Kandahar's Gov. Assadullah Khalid said he did not have any information about the case, and a U.S. Embassy official in Kabul said he could not confirm the report.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abductions.

Although the kidnappings happened in an area known for insurgent activity, the Taliban denied that its fighters had taken the two. Kidnappings for ransom by criminal gangs in Afghanistan have been on the rise in the past year.

An official with ARLDF in Kandahar said the group had received reports in recent days from two Afghan sources that Mizell and Hadi are dead. He said officials were working with the Red Cross to try to recover the bodies. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media.

Mizell, of Eureka, Calif., was wearing a burqa - the traditional all-encompassing dress worn by many Afghan women - when she was taken.

Mizell taught English at Kandahar University and gave embroidery lessons at a girls' school. She spoke the local language of Pashtu well, colleagues said. She had worked for the foundation in Kandahar for the last three years.

Several foreigners - including 23 South Koreans, two German construction workers and two Italian journalists - have been kidnapped in Afghanistan in the last year, but kidnappings of Americans have been rare.

An American civilian was briefly abducted in Kabul in April 2005 but escaped by throwing himself from a moving car. Two of the 23 South Koreans kidnapped in July were killed, as was one of the Germans. The other foreign abductees were freed.

-----

Associated Press Writer Fisnik Abrashi contributed to this report.

Battle Company is Out There

2008-02-28T15:20:00.002-04:00

WE TUMBLED OUT of two Black Hawks onto a shrub-dusted mountainside. It was a windy, cold October evening. A half-moon illuminated the tall pines and peaks. Through night-vision goggles the soldiers and landscape glowed in a blurry green-and-white static. Just across the valley, lights flickered from a few homes nestled in the terraced farmlands of Yaka China, a notorious village in the Korengal River valley in Afghanistan’s northeastern province of Kunar. Yaka China was just a few villages south and around a bend in the river from the Americans’ small mountain outposts, but the area’s reputation among the soldiers was mythic. It was a known safe haven for insurgents. American troops have tended to avoid the place since a nasty fight a year or so earlier. And as Halloween approached, the soldiers I was with, under the command of 26-year-old Capt. Dan Kearney, were predicting their own Yaka China doom.

The Korengal Valley is a lonely outpost of regress: most of the valley’s people practice Wahhabism, a more rigid variety of Islam than that followed by most Afghans, and about half of the fighters confronting the U.S. there are homegrown. The rest are Arabs, Pakistanis, Chechens, Uzbeks; the area is close to Pakistan’s frontier regions where Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri and other Al Qaeda figures are often said to be hiding out. The Korengal fighters are fierce, know the terrain and watch the Americans’ every move. On their hand-held radios, the old jihadis call the Americans “monkeys,” “infidels,” ‘’bastards” and “the kids.” It’s psychological warfare; they know the Americans monitor their radio chatter.

Read the rest...

Opposition confident in Pakistan

2008-02-28T15:18:00.001-04:00

Opposition supporters are celebrating victory in Pakistan after an election intended to complete the transition from military to civilian rule.

They are confident supporters of President Pervez Musharraf are heading for a heavy defeat.

Early unofficial returns suggest some of the president's allies have lost their seats, but it is expected to be some time before a clear trend emerges.

Polling was delayed after the killing of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.

On the streets of Karachi, young supporters of Ms Bhutto's PPP party celebrated late into the night, dancing and firing guns into the air, says the BBC's Jill McGivering.

But across the city, their main political rivals, allies of President Musharraf, were also claiming victory, our correspondent adds.

Most official counts will not be declared until later on Tuesday.

Street protest threats

A number of people were killed in clashes between rival party supporters during Monday's election, and there were reports of missing ballot boxes.

But there was also widespread relief that there were none of the major bomb attacks which had marred the run-up to the election.

Fears of violence had dissuaded many of the country's 80 million eligible voters from leaving their homes, and voter turnout was estimated to be less than 40%. Close to half a million security personnel, including about 80,000 soldiers, had been deployed to quell any outbreak of fighting.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accused the PML-Q party that backs Mr Musharraf of fixing votes and attacking supporters of his PML-N party in some areas.

Asif Ali Zardari, Ms Bhutto's widower and the leader of her PPP party, had threatened to launch street protests if the election was rigged.

One international election observer, US Senator Joseph Biden, said he feared instability if electoral malpractice was suspected.

"If the majority of Pakistani people do not think the election was fair then I think we have a real problem," he said.

For his part, Mr Musharraf, who voted in Rawalpindi, vowed to work in "harmony" with whoever won Monday's election.

Polls suggest a fair vote is likely to result in a hung parliament, with none of the three biggest parties winning a majority, analysts suggest.

Attention will then turn on the PPP, and whether it chooses to join forces with pro-Musharraf parties, or with Mr Sharif's party.

Mr Sharif is staunchly opposed to the president, and if the two opposition parties jointly gain two-thirds of the seats, they may try to impeach Mr Musharraf, correspondents say.

Mr Musharraf stepped down as army chief late last year. He has ruled the country since seizing power in a coup in 1999.

Prince Harry in Taleban fighting

2008-02-28T15:16:00.001-04:00

Prince Harry has been fighting the Taleban on the front line in Afghanistan, the MoD has confirmed.

Harry, 23, who is third in line to the throne, has spent the last 10 weeks serving in Helmand Province.

The prince joked about his nickname "the bullet magnet", but said: "I finally get the chance to do the soldiering that I want to do."

The deployment was subject to a news blackout deal, which broke down after being leaked by foreign media.

Chief of the General Staff Sir Richard Dannatt, who is head of the British Army, said he was disappointed the news had leaked.

In a statement, he said: "I am very disappointed that foreign websites have decided to run this story without consulting us.

"This is in stark contrast to the highly responsible attitude that the whole of the UK print and broadcast media, along with a small number overseas, who have entered into an understanding with us over the coverage of Prince Harry on operations."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Prince Harry had been an "exemplary solider".

"The whole of Britain will be proud of the outstanding service he is giving," he said.

"I want to thank Prince Harry and all of our service personnel for their contribution and service."

'No showers'

The prince spent Christmas Day in a former Taleban madrassa, sleeping on a camp bed and having to wash outdoors.

In an interview while in Helmand Province, Harry - a member of the Household Cavalry - talked about life as a soldier on the front line.

"I haven't really had a shower for four days, I haven't washed my clothes for a week.

"It's very nice to be sort of a normal person for once, I think it's about as normal as I'm going to get.

"I am still a little bit conscious of the fact that if I show my face too much in and around the area - luckily there's no civilians around here because it's...a no-man's land.

"But I think that if, up north, when I do go up there, if I do go on patrols in amongst the locals, I'll still be very wary about the fact that I do need to keep my face slightly covered just on the off-chance that I do get recognised, which will put other guys in danger.

"The Gurkhas think it's hysterical how I am called the 'bullet magnet', but they've yet to see why."

The deployment comes after the prince's planned tour to Iraq last year had to be cancelled because of a security risk.

Speaking ahead of the tour, Harry spoke of his relief over the mission.

He said he felt: "a bit of excitement, a bit of phew, finally, [to] get the chance to actually do the soldiering that I wanted to do ever since I joined really."

The Prince of Wales's communications secretary, Paddy Harverson, said: "Prince Harry is very proud to serve his country on operations alongside his fellow soldiers and to do the job he has been trained for."

White House: Freedom Flotilla Unsafe, Should Halt

2007-03-24T11:35:00.000-04:00

Washington- Appearing at the White House with Dr. Francisco J. Hernandez, President of the Cuban-American National Foundation, President Bush reiterated his support for the Cuban exile movement and the transition to democracy in Cuba, but noted that the United States was not in a position to guarantee the safety of American citizens in or near Cuba. Dr. Hernandez stated that the "Freedom Flotilla" should stop short of Cuba, and return to Miami. President Bush offered the support of the United States Navy and United State Coast Guard in organizing the Flotilla's return to Miami, an offer which Dr. Hernandez graciously accepted.

US Ambassador to Organization of American States Relieved of Post

2007-03-24T11:29:00.000-04:00

Ambassador J. Windus, US representative to the Organization of American States, has been relieved of his duties by Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. Ambassador Windus and the American delegation walked out of a meeting of the OAS, leaving an empty chair. The Permanent Council of the OAS subsequently passed a resolution supporting the rescinding of Cuban suspension from the OAS on condition of a Cuban democratic transition

Kennedy: Not Involved in Collision

2007-03-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

The United States Navy has confirmed that the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy was not involved in a collision, and is in fact undamaged and in good operating condition. This information contradicts a rumor that appeared earlier this morning from a Cuban News Agency and from an obscure Caribbean news service.

UPDATE: The aircraft carrier pictured here is not, according the Navy sources, the John F. Kennedy. The carrier photographed is the USS Oriskany, which was sunk last year in order to create an artificial reef.

USS John F. Kennedy Involved in Collision?

2007-03-24T10:34:00.000-04:00

An obscure Caribbean news agency has reported that the United States Navy aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, recently spared from decommissioning, has collided with a tanker during refueling operations.

A press spokesman for OPNAV denied this report in no uncertain terms. "The Kennedy has not been involved in an accident," he said. "The entire report is absurd; the JFK is operating close to base and required no refueling. No tankers are even in her area."

Buenos Aires: All Argentine Citizens in Cuba Should Evacuate or Contact Embassy

2007-03-24T10:21:00.000-04:00

The Argentine Foreign Minister stated this morning that, in anticipation of further unrest in Cuba, all Argentine citizens in Cuba should either evacuate or seek shelter at the Argentine Embassy in Havana.

Spanish Blogger Arrested

2007-03-24T10:12:00.000-04:00

Efforts to contact Diego Ortiz, a senior member of the international service union delegation in Cuba, have failed after he posted a message on the internet that Cuban police officers were attempting to enter his home. Posting under the name "Havana Hombre," Mr. Ortiz has been updating the outside world on the situation in Cuba since early yesterday. He was arrested last night at demonstration against the government of President Castro, but released early this morning. His passport, evidently, had been confiscated.

Clash at Sea?

2007-03-24T10:03:00.000-04:00

The official Cuban News Agency is reporting that lead elements of the "Freedom Flotilla" were attacked and sunk by Cuban Air Force aircraft. However, a Cuban labor newspaper reported that Cuban naval forces had intercepted part of the "Freedom Flotilla", and that a collision at sea had resulted in damage to one or more vessels.

The main body of the "Freedom Flotilla" remains several hours away from Cuba.

Satellite View of Freedom Flotilla

2007-03-24T09:16:00.000-04:00

A Pentagon spokesman provided the following photo of the "Freedom Flotilla" as it approaches Cuba.

"Freedom Flotilla" Only Hours from Cuba

2007-03-24T08:54:00.000-04:00

The "Freedom Flotilla" continues to move slowly towards Cuba. Hundreds of ships with thousands of Cuban exiles should begin reaching Cuban waters by midday. US Coast Guard vessels are visible from the lead ships of the Flotilla, but seem to be keeping their distance. Jorge Gonzalez, putative leader of the "Move to Cuba" expressed confidence that the United States would not interfere in the landings, and that the Cuban people would welcome the return of the exiles.

Dawn Over Cuba

2007-03-24T08:17:00.000-04:00

Havana- While essential services have in many cases broken down, Cuban security services still seem to control the city. Police, Interior Ministry forces, and elements of the Revolutionary Armed Forces patrol different parts of the city. Gangs of pro-regime toughs wandered the city until the early hours, but confronations with police and army formations have apparently dispersed even these. The night apparently saw large numbers of arrests, but the most serious violence involved an army unit which opened fire on a group of advancing demonstrators. At least a dozen are suspected dead.

Santaigo de Cuba- The situation in the city is tense. Army units reportedly refused to fire on protesters during the night, and withdrew from the city in the early morning hours. Demonstrators remain ensconced in the main city square, protesting the Raul Castro regime and demanding democratic transition. There are unconfirmed reports that Raul Castro has no control over units of the armed forces in the Santiago area.

Isolated incidents of violence have been reported elsewhere on the island. In some cases, units of the armed forces seem to have received contradictory orders, some indicating that they should prepare to defend the island from invasion, and others that they should attempt restore order.

Canadian Ambassador Expelled from Cuba

2007-03-24T02:36:00.000-04:00

Ottawa- The Canadian government is reporting that, for unknown reasons, the government of Raul Castro has decided to expel the Canadian Ambassador to Cuba.

"Freedom Flotilla" Leaves Miami

2007-03-24T02:27:00.000-04:00

Miami- The lead elements of the "Freedom Flotilla" have left Miami and are on their way to Cuba. The Flotilla is proceeding slowly, and if it stays together its vanguard will not arrive in Cuba until early tomorrow afternoon. The United States has still taken no official position on the Flotilla, while Cuba and other countries have condemned it as unwarranted interference in Cuban domestic affairs

Situation in Cuba Chaotic

2007-03-24T02:09:00.000-04:00

Havana- The city remains in chaos tonight as street battles in different parts of the city have had different outcomes. In some areas groups loyal to President Castro have kept control. In others, police have used non-lethal means to disperse anti-Castro forces. Tragically, however, at least one company of soldiers appears to have opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in multiple fatalities.

In Santiago de Cuba, there are reports that soldiers refused orders from their officers to open fire on unarmed demonstrators. That city appears, at least temporarily, to be under the control of anti-Castro forces. Another rumor indicates that some units have refused re-deployment to urban areas, insisting that they will defend Cuba from external enemies but that they will not allow themselves to be used against the Cuban people.

Raul Castro's purge of the government appears still in process at this late hour, as Executive Secretary of the Council of Minister Carlos Lage Davila was arrested on charges of treason and collaboration with foreign powers less than an hour ago.

Freedom Flotilla

2007-03-23T23:44:00.000-04:00

Miami- The situation in the harbor resembles what Dunkirk must have looked like in June, 1941. Except for the Germans, that is. A flotilla of ships is assembling and preparing for a 90 mile voyage to Cuba. It remains unclear what awaits the "Freedom Flotilla" at its destination, however. Raul Castro, brother and successor to President Fidel Castro, has been consolidating power since the death of his brother early this morning. Although there are reports of discontent on the island, it is believed that the army remains loyal. Moreover, the Exile cause has never been popular with the people of Cuba.

The US government has thus far avoided comment on the "Freedom Flotilla". The United States Navy is building up its presence in the Caribbean, having assembled three aircraft carrier battlegroups and one expeditionary battlegroup in the region. However, the United States has refused to endorse the Freedom Flotilla, and some believe that a struggle may be developing in the Bush administration over the proper response to events in Cuba and Miami.

Members of the exile community remain excited, however. Carlos Gonzales, a second generation Cuban exile, said that "I have waited all my life for an opportunity to return to my homeland. I am sure that the people of Cuba will welcome us with open arms." For its part, the Castro government has denounced the United States for "sponsoring an exile invasion" of Cuba, and has tried to link the current situation to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961.

Profile: Carlos Lage Davila

2007-03-23T23:20:00.000-04:00

Although Raul Castro seems to have secured power in Cuba for the moment, the new President will be 77 years of age in June of this year. His age has sparked considerable speculation regarding the next in line of succession. Many Cuba observers have been mentioning Carlos Lage Davila, current Executive Secretary of the Council of Ministers. From CBC News:

To most of the international community, Lage is the least well known of the potential successors. But inside the country, he is the man with his finger on the key sectors, particularly energy, trade and currency. In his mid-50s, he has had what's been called a history of achievement when it comes to the case of Cuba's cash-strapped economy.

In the early 1990s, during a stint as adviser to Castro, he initiated a series of economic reforms that allowed for limited land holdings and small business initiatives.

His most recent coup was negotiating a guaranteed supply of subsidized oil from fellow leftists in Venezuela, in exchange for medicines and a small army of 2,000 Cuban doctors and health professionals to live in Venezuela for a time and treat that country's poor.

A doctor by training, a pediatrician in fact, Lage is one of those technocrats who seems to adapt quickly to other disciplines and has become Cuba's primary economic fixer. His leadership advantage, should it come to that, is that he is a good Communist who was rising on his own up the party ranks when he was spotted and advanced by Raul Castro, with whom Lage is said to be close.

US Naval Deployments Increase in Caribbean

2007-03-23T22:49:00.000-04:00

Naval Station Mayport- In response to the ongoing crisis in Cuba, the United States Navy has increased its presence in and near the Caribbean. USS Enterprise and USS Harry Truman have been diverted to the area, as has USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship. Earlier today, the decommissioning ceremony for USS John F. Kennedy was cancelled, and the Kennedy left port in the early afternoon. The USN is reportedly assembling an air wing and a battlegroup around the aging carrier. In response to queries, a Pentagon spokesman has reiterated that the United States has no intention of carrying out aggressive action against Cuba, but that it is deeply concerned about disorder on the island and the potential for regional chaos.

Cuban Government Purge

2007-03-23T21:28:00.000-04:00

Unconfirmed reports have emerged from several sources that President Raul Castro or someone within his government ordered the execution of dozens of officials from several different government ministries. These execution were conducted by the army, which apparently is at least under the partial control of Mr. Castro. These executions help shed light on the six hour gap between the announcement that Raul Castro would address Cuba and the actual statement.

In spite of this violence, dissident groups in Havana and elsewhere do not appear to have cancelled plans for demonstrations tonight against the Castro government.

"Moving to Cuba"

2007-03-23T20:19:00.000-04:00

MIAMI: With over 40,000 people in attendance, the Cuba Libre celebration at Miami's Orange Bowl was brought to its feet by Jorge Gonzalez. Gonzalez, a famous "Rescue Brother" from the 1980s, declared that it was a tradition for parties in Miami to move to the hottest locale. He invited all in attendence to join him in moving to his place in Cienfuegos on Cuba's norther coast. Gonzalez declared that the brothers had a dozen small aircraft and over a 1,000 ships -- a Freedom Flotilla" -- ready to move from marinas in Florida stretching from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West. Gonzalez left the stadium in seeming triumph, with several thousand people following closely.

Breaking News: Raul Castro Assumes Power, Makes Statement

2007-03-23T19:42:00.000-04:00

Ending hours of speculation, Acting President Raul Castro, brother of the late President Fidel Castro, has assumed power and made a statement on Cuban television.

We will protect our Revolution not only from foreign foes but from domestic. Enemies of the Revolution, enemies of Cuba, lurk even in Havana, and even in some of our government ministries. I swear to you that they will be rooted out before they can collaborate with foreigners and steal away with our independence. At this moment all of Cuba wishes to mourn; I understand this as well as anyone. But we must be strong, for the Yankees and the counter-revolutionaries sense that this is their opportunity, their chance to destroy the Revolution and render Cuba subservient once again. Have no doubt that we shall be strong.

The statement came immediately prior to a statement by the American ambassador to the Organization of American States that Raul Castro had died, only hours after the death of his brother. The United States has as of yet offered no explanation for this apparent inconsistency.

The situation in Cuba, however, remains tense. Reports indicate unrest across the country, and Cuban dissident groups are planning protests in Havana itself. President Raul Castro's statement regarding enemies within government ministries may indicate that a succession struggle developed over the course of the day.

Police and Protesters Clash in Santiago de Cuba

2007-03-23T17:55:00.000-04:00

Santiago de Cuba- Police and protesters clashed late this afternoon in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba's second largest city. The outcome of the clash was unclear, although crowds evident earlier in the day seem to have dispersed. Units of the regular Army reportedly moved into the city following the clashes.

Organization of American States Issues Statement

2007-03-23T17:52:00.000-04:00

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States issued the following statement earlier today:

The OAS is saddened by the loss of President Fidel Castro, and we offer our condolences to the people of Cuba in this time of grief.

We support Cuba in this time of transition, and welcome their embrace of OAS principles.

Debate continues regarding further steps to ensure an orderly transition in Cuba.

Editorial: Fox News Anchor Brit Hume

2007-03-23T17:07:00.001-04:00

Fox News analyst Brit Hume, reacting to recent official Cuban announcements that it is mobilizing its military forces to repel a US invasion, said that the Cuban moves are a typical communist ploy to justify continued repression of the Cuban people: "If the US military didn't exist," he said, "the Castros would have to invent it."

Conflicting Messages

2007-03-23T16:45:00.000-04:00

Washington- Earlier today on the website of the official Cuban government news agency, an announcement indicated that Acting President Raul Castro had ordered the mobilization of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, including the call up of reservists. The intention of this call up was resistance to American aggression. However, the announcement never went out over Cuban radio or television, and was deleted from the website minutes after appearing.

Cuban blogger Havana Hombre reports that several local journalist received calls to the effect that a mobilization was taking place from an official in the Interior Ministry. The mobilization was never announced through official media sources, however. Havana Hombre suggests that their are indications of a leadership struggle within the Cuban government. Popular confusion still seems to reign in Havana.

A recent announcement on the Cuba News Agency website indicates that the Revolutionary Armed Forces have been placed on alert, but makes no mention of a mobilization.

Carter Center Offers Assistance in Democratic Transition

2007-03-23T16:28:00.000-04:00

Atlanta- Former US President Jimmy Carter has offered his condolences for Fidel Castro but noted his regret that Castro had not provided for a democratic transition. He has offered the services of the Carter Center to help monitor free elections that he believes are necessary to legitimize the next Cuban government in the eyes of the world and its own people.

Kennedy Leaves Mayport

2007-03-23T16:06:00.000-04:00

Florida- Multiple reports from sightseers indicate that the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy, scheduled for decommissioning today, has left Mayport Naval Station. The United States Navy had no comment. Onlookers reported, however, that Kennedy did not appear to be carrying any aircraft. Carrier Air Wing 17, formerly attached to the Kennedy, has been transferred to Virginia.

Report: Cuba Government "Paralyzed"

2007-03-23T15:23:00.000-04:00

Havana- Unconfirmed reports from within the Cuban government say that the process of succession has stalled, and that Acting President Raul Castro has been unable to assert control over the Army and the bureaucracy. One source described the government as "paralyzed" by conflict between reformers and hard-line elements. There are also some reports that political prisoners have been freed from custody. However, other sources indicate that democracy activists and suspected dissidents are being rounded up by the Interior Ministry. The offical Cuban News Agency has yet to elaborate on the delay to Acting President Raul Castro's speech to the Cuban people.

Cuban Doctors Demonstrate in Caracas

2007-03-23T14:56:00.000-04:00

Hundreds of Cuban doctors assigned to serve the poor in Venezuela, and who claim to have found themselves oppressed, overworked, and impoverished, organized a demonstration this morning in front of the Cuban embassy. Their demands included higher pay and an end to surveillance by the Cuban secret police.

Venzuelan police dispersed the Cuban demonstration forcefully but without injury.

Unrest in Eastern Provinces?

2007-03-23T14:50:00.000-04:00

Havana- There have been conflicting and uncomfirmed reports of unrest in Cuba's eastern provinces. Havana remains largely quiet, although the police presence in the city has obviously increased.

Decommissioning Ceremony Cancelled

2007-03-23T13:54:00.000-04:00

The decommissioning ceremony of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), scheduled for today at Naval Station Mayport in Duval County, Florida, was abruptly canncelled. No reason was given for the cancellation, although anonymous sources speculated that the cancellation might be connected to the death of President Fidel Castro of Cuba.

Breaking News: Raul Castro Statement Delayed

2007-03-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

Havana- A spokesman for Cuba's Interior Ministry issued a curt message minutes ago saying that a statement by Acting Cuban President and presumptive heir Raul Castro will be delayed. The ministry official gave no reason for the delay, and answered no questios.

Havana- News from Havana remains scarce. A report from Havana based blogger Havana Hombre indicated that police have begun to clamp down on the city, erecting road blocks at major intersections and stepping up patrols. Havana Hombre also suggested that at least one dissident group is active in Havana.

CANF: Celebration at the Orange Bowl

2007-03-23T13:34:00.000-04:00

Miami- Dr. Francisco J. Hernandez, President of the Cuban-American National Foundation, announced that a massive celebration would be held at 8pm tonight in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. "We will express our support for the freedom of our brethren in Cuba, and pray that the death of Castro allows a quick return to democracy in our mother land. We hope that this expression of support will convince the Cuban people and the governments of the Americas that democracy in Cuba is inevitable".

Zapatero Mourns Castro's Passing, Calls for Democratic Transition

2007-03-23T13:27:00.001-04:00

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced that the people of Spain mourn the passing of President Fidel Castro, but also made a pointed call for a transition to democracy in Cuba. "We mourn the passing of a great Latin American leader," said Zapatero. "Nevertheless, the people and government of Cuba must move toward democracy. I call on Acting President Raul Castro to develop a plan, in coordination with the Organization of American States and with the assisstance, if needed, of Spain, to move toward free elections and the establishment of democratic rule in Cuba."

"The United States Will Find a Dictatorship to Dictatorship Transition Unacceptable"

2007-03-23T12:50:00.000-04:00

Washington- At a hastily called press conference, White House spokesman Tony Snow reiterated the position of the United States on the transition to democracy in Cuba. "I hope that the Cuban successor government will move in the short term toward preparation for democratic elections, elections that will pave the way for democratic governance. The United States will find a dictatorship-to-dictatorship transition unacceptable." Mr. Snow did not elaborate on the policies that the United States would undertake in reaction to the death of President Castro.

Havana Remains Quiet

2007-03-23T10:42:00.000-04:00

Havana- Response to the announcement of President Fidel Castro's death remains subdued in Havana. Police and Interior Ministry officials were said to be on high alert for any breakout of disturbances or demonstrations, but the city does not yet appear to have reacted to the news. Cuban blogger Havana Hombre reports that:

The surprise, if any, is not that the aging president's health is failing, but that his official spokesman has made his illness known to the outside world. The public announcement seems not to have rattled the people in the streets of the capital for the time being. It is almost as if they've been expecting this moment, and its arrival has occasioned both relief and a vague feeling of inevitability.

Exile Community Jubilant

2007-03-23T10:33:00.000-04:00

Miami- Cuban exile groups began celebrating this morning in Miami shortly after reports of Cuban President Fidel Castro's death were confirmed by Cuba's state news agency. Traffic in Miami is at a standstill, but the crowds seem peaceful and law abiding. Police have reported only a few minor disturbances. Nevertheless, Mayor Manuel Diaz has called for calm in the city, and reportedly anticipates that the celebration could go on for several days.

Fidel Castro, 1926-2007

2007-03-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

Fidel Castro is dead at the age of 80, after suffering a series of strokes last night at a hospital near Havana. Mr. Castro's communist dictatorship lasted years, surviving a US backed invasion, a superpower missiles crisis, a US sponsored invasion, and years of sanctions.

Revolutionary Hero, or Tyrant?

Born in 1926, Fidel Castro was the son of an immigrant landowner from Spain, who owned large estates on the eastern part of the island. As a youth, Mr. Castro attended Jesuit schools and then later enrolled in the University of Havana, where he received a law degree and later became involved in politics. A powerful and charismatic speaker, he soon emerged as a leader in the growing movement against dictator Fulgencio Batista. In 1953, a year after Batista seized power in a bloodless coup, Mr. Castro led an unsuccessful attack to seize the Moncado military barracks in Santiago de Cuba, the island's second largest city. A number of his men were killed and many others captured, including himself. After being released in 1955, Mr. Castro began organizing another effort to overthrow the Batista dictatorship. This time he was more successful. By the late 1950s, he was leading a large guerrila force based in Cuba's Sierra Maest mountains. Victory finally came in January 1959, and a triumphant guerrilla army, many of them bearded and wearing fatigues, marched into Havana. After seizing power, the new Cuban government began making major changes, collectivizing farms and nationalizing banks and industries, incluing more than $1 billion of US properties. Political liberties were suspended, and critics jailed. In taking these actions, Mr. Castro finally acknowledged what had become increasingly obvious: He was a Marxist, and intended to set up a communist state in Cuba. Cuba's new leader also made sure he would keep a tight rein on power, according to Cuba expert, Thomas Patterson:

From the very beginning he has tried to keep power and authority within his own hands. It's very much his revolution in that sense, and we speak of the Castro Revolution, not the Cuban Revolution.

Mr. Castro's policies put him on a collision course with the United States. Washington broks off diplomatic relations with Havana, and imposed a trade embargo. Then, in 1961, the US armed and directed a poorly conceived invasion of Cuba, which was easily defeated at the Bay of Pigs. Another confrontation developed in 1962, when the United States discovered Soviet nuclear missiles had been installed on the island. Moscow withdrew its missiles after the US naval forces set up a blockade of the island, thereby ending the most dangerous confrontation of the Cold War.

Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, Mr. Castro built up his armed forces to be among the most powerful in Latin America. Sometimes acting as a Soviet proxy, Mr. Castro sent his forces around the globe to support the spread of communism. Also in the 1960s and 1970s, he supported leftist guerilla movements in Latin America. At the same time, he established health care and education systems that helped put Cuba at the top of the developing world in literacy and reduced infant mortality. These programs succeeded in part because of financial support from Moscow. By the time the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Cuba had been receiving up to $6 billion in Soviet subsidies. The disappearance of these subsidies devastated the Cuban economy, forcing the Cuban government to undertake some reforms, such as allowing limited private sector activities, legalizing the use of the dollar, and seeking foreign investment. Even these limited activities, however, were resisted by Mr. Castro.

Mr. Castro's brand of socialism proved unworkable. By the end of the 1990s, only Cubans with dollars could buy good food, medicines, and other necessities. Mr. Castro blamed the situation on the US embargo, and while many Cubans agreed with him, they also blamed communism for many of the countries economic problems. Mr. Castro never ceased his opposition to capitalism, or to the way that the world had changed in response to the collapse of the Soviet Union and Eastern European communism. At the time of his death, Mr. Castro had held power for longer than any leader in Latin America.

Breaking News: President Fidel Castro of Cuba Has Died

2007-03-23T09:22:00.000-04:00

The offical news service of the Republic of Cuba released a statement minutes ago stating the President Fidel Castro has passed away after suffering a series of strokes during the night. Acting President Raul Castro will address the nation at 2pm, EST.

Miami: Subdued, but Expectant

2007-03-23T02:50:00.000-04:00

Miami- The celebration has not yet begun in Miami, but the mood in the city seemed confidant as news broke of President Fidel Castro's latest health problems. The exile community has been disappointed by such reports before, as Castro's health seemed to improve after surgery in late 2006. Nevertheless, many in the exile movement believe that reports of Castro's failing health are genuine, and that the longtime Cuban leader will soon exit the political stage.

Dr. Francisco J. Hernandez, President of the Cuban-American National Foundation, a prominent exile group, said today that "Fidel Castro's death is the first step to a free Cuba. Cubans everywhere have been waiting for an end to this nightmare for 47 years. Let's hope that it will be over soon, and that the forces of freedom and democracy will prevail in Cuba". Asked about CANF's plans in the event of President Castro's death, Dr. Hernandez said "there will be a big party here in Miami, but hopefully a bigger one in Havana." Dr. Hernandez declined to respond to questions about possible connections between Cuban exile groups and pro-democracy forces within Cuba.

Breaking News: Castro Reportedly Near Death

2007-03-23T02:47:00.000-04:00

Washington- President Fidel Castro's condition appears to be deteriorating, according to a source with the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, the organization responsible for administration of Cuba's hospital system. The source did not elaborate on the details of President Castro's condition, but elements of the report were confirmed by an anonymous source within the Bush administration.

Sources within the Cuban Ministry of Interior indicate that procedures for managing public unrest during the transition have already been put in motion. Experts on Cuba expect that Acting President Raul Castro, brother of President Fidel Castro and appointed heir, will move quickly to consolidate control over the apparatus of the Cuban government.

Breaking News: Castro Suffers Series of Strokes

2007-03-22T19:46:00.000-04:00

Uncomfirmed reports from Havana indicate that President Fidel Castro has suffered a series of strokes and is in extremely critical condition. A Cuban government spokesman refused to confirm that President Castro had suffered any medical setbacks, but emphasized that the people of Cuba continued to have faith in their President.

Concerns over the health of President Castro increased last year when he underwent surgery for an abdominal ailment. In recent months, however, President Castro's condition had seemed to improve, slowing speculation about a succession crisis in Cuba.

UPDATE: A Cuban government spokesman has confirmed that President Castro has suffered a stroke.

Guantanamo trials boycott urged

2007-03-22T09:44:00.000-04:00

Amnesty International has called on foreign governments not to co-operate with US military trials of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

In a report, the human rights group said other countries should refuse to provide evidence for prosecutions. The US authorities should also abandon its system of military commissions and try suspects in civil courts on the US mainland, the report said. The military trials are due to resume at Guantanamo next week.

"Military commissions are a complete travesty of justice - no more, no less," Amnesty International UK director, Kate Allen, said. "These trials threaten to cut corners in pursuit of a few convictions and add to the injustice that the Guantanamo detention facility has come to symbolise," Amnesty's Americas Program Director Susan Lee added.

Concerns

The comments come as Amnesty launched a report - Justice delayed and justice denied? - which raises concerns about the fairness of such trials and the admissibility of evidence obtained under torture. The report also highlights the limited right of appeal and the risk of so-called "enemy combatants" being returned to indefinite custody even if they are acquitted.

The US is preparing to restart the tribunals on 27 March with the scheduled arraignment of Australian detainee David Hicks, who is charged with providing material support for terrorism by fighting for al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Mr Hicks, 31, is the only person charged so far under a new system of war crimes trials authorised by the US Congress.

The US has declared its intention to try 60 to 80 of the 385 foreign captives held at Guantanamo, including 14 "high-value" prisoners sent there from secret CIA prisons last year.

Argentine military warned Brazil, Chile of '76 coup

2007-03-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) -- Argentina's armed forces notified the military dictatorships of Brazil and Chile before staging the 1976 coup that toppled the government of Isabel Peron, according to recently declassified documents.

The communication was an early sign of the cooperation that would eventually become Operation Condor, in which the region's right-wing military governments worked together to hunt down and execute dissidents in hiding.

Peron was sworn in as president in 1974 after her husband, then-President Juan Domingo Peron, died in office. Peron's third wife, she had been serving as his vice president.

Lorenzo de Montmollin, the head of Argentine naval intelligence, notified Brazilian and Chilean officials of the military's plans weeks before deposing Peron, according to documents obtained by Reuters from Brazil's foreign ministry, which have been declassified but not made public.

The coup took place on March 24, 1976, ushering in a seven-year military dictatorship that kidnapped and killed as many as 30,000 dissidents.

"Montmollin, declaring that he was specifically authorized by the commander in chief of the Armed Forces to do so, outlined the main steps to be taken by the future regime," Joao Baptista Pinheiro, Brazil's ambassador to Argentina at the time, wrote in a secret telegram dated March 12, 1976.

Pinheiro also transcribed a conversation between a senior Brazilian diplomat and Montmollin in which the Argentine official said Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet had been notified that a coup was being planned.

The Argentine armed forces asked that Chile abstain from recognizing the military government for a while, a request the Chilean authorities agreed to honor, Pinheiro wrote.

Montmollin justified the request by indicating that under the Argentine military regime "subversion would be wiped out, but without ostensive violent repression so as to avoid suffering an international campaign like the one that has been unleashed against Chile."

The telegrams also reveal that shortly after the coup, Pinheiro notified the Brazilian government that Argentina and Paraguay had begun cooperating to eliminate left-wing guerrillas, the first step in what would eventually become known as Operation Condor.

The military governments of Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay also took part in Operation Condor.

Peron, who went into exile in Spain a few years after the coup, is facing charges of human rights violations in Argentina. Spanish police arrested the former president, now 76, in January. She could be extradited to Argentina to respond to charges her government was linked to a right-wing death squad.

Guatemala: 4 Held in Killings of Salvadoran Politicians

2007-03-21T13:01:00.000-04:00

By MARC LACEY
Published: March 21, 2007

Four suspected drug traffickers were arrested on charges that they helped orchestrate the killings of three Salvadoran politicians and their driver in Guatemala last month. Interior Minister Carlos Vielman said the suspects, three men and a woman, had ordered corrupt police officers to kidnap the lawmakers to recover money and drugs from their car. None were found. Four police officers arrested in the case were later killed in jail. A fifth officer remains in custody and one is at large, officials said.