Yahoo! News: Iraq

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• Republicans assail Pentagon nominee Hagel at confirmation hearing
• PM Note: Hagel's 9-Hour Hazing, The Pilot and the Infantryman, Senators' Paychecks
• Operation Homefront Names Tim Farrell as Chief Operating Officer
• Republicans hammer defense nominee Chuck Hagel
• Bell Helicopters' upgraded H-1 generates foreign interest
• Global Humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Brings People from 109 Countries to Discuss Creation of a Violence-Free and Stress- Free Society
• When dictators fall, so do their banknotes
• Then and Now: Hagel on National Security Issues
• The French are winning handily in Mali
• Senators assail Obama's Pentagon nominee, question judgment
• Congress grapples with gap on scofflaw contractors
• American deaths in Afghan war drop to 4-year low
• Defense nominee Hagel defends his record in Senate
• Freeing Kurdish activists would help Turkey peace moves: watchdog
• News Summary: Focus on overseas contractors
• Syrian rebels make slow headway in south
• Al Qaeda calls on Iraqi Sunni protesters to take up arms
• Hagel and McCain Argue the Surge
• Republican maverick Hagel forged bond with Obama over Iraq
• Shell earnings rise in Q4 on refining turnaround
• The Reason Why McCain Got So Mad at HIs Ex-Friend Hagel
• Kurdish militants dismiss Turkey withdrawal reports
• Hagel, McCain tangle over Iraq war and troop surge
• Chuck Hagel's brutal confirmation hearing: 3 key moments from round one
• Qatar Telecom to raise Asiacell stake in Iraq share sale
• Is Chuck Hagel Failing?
• Producer behind fun. takes center stage at Grammys
• Hagel, McCain Clash at Confirmation
• Norwegian Police Will Reveal Terror Using Vidisco DR Systems
• Chuck Hagel: President Obama's Punching Bag
• Is Hagel Failing?
• If You Want a Friend in Washington…Don't Call John McCain
• Chuck Hagel in the Hot Seat
• If You Want a Friend in Washingoton…Don't Call John McCain
• For Chuck Hagel, 'Friend' is a 4-Letter Word
• Don't Look Now, but Iran and North Korea Are Upping Their Nuclear Games
• Shell earnings in rise Q4 on refining turnaround
• The failure of the anti-Hagel campaign
• Jordan Islamist sees clash with secular Syrian rebels
• Why Don't Democrats Love Chuck Hagel?

Republicans assail Pentagon nominee Hagel at confirmation hearing Posted: 31 Jan 2013 04:26 PM PST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican lawmakers attacked Chuck Hagel on Thursday at a contentious hearing over his nomination to become the next U.S. defense secretary, questioning his judgment on war strategy and putting him broadly on the defensive. In one of the most heated exchanges, Senator John McCain aggressively questioned Hagel, interrupting him and talking over him at times. He voiced frustration at the former Republican senator's failure to say plainly whether he was right or wrong to oppose the 2007 "surge" of U.S. troops in Iraq. ...

PM Note: Hagel's 9-Hour Hazing, The Pilot and the Infantryman, Senators' Paychecks Posted: 31 Jan 2013 03:30 PM PST Senate Passes Bill to Raise Debt Ceiling; But It's Tied to Their Paychecks – http://abcn.ws/WikLGD Blotter – Officials: Agents Raided Office of Menendez Friend After Document Shredding Truck Spotted – New Jersey Democrat Confirms Trips to Dominican Republic with Dr. Salomon Melgen, Denies Prostitution Claim...

Operation Homefront Names Tim Farrell as Chief Operating Officer Posted: 31 Jan 2013 03:21 PM PST Military non-profit expands leadership to match growthSAN ANTONIO, Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Operation Homefront, the national non-profit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to military families and injured service members, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Tim Farrell as Chief Operating Officer (COO).(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130131/DC52462)(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110623/DC25541LOGO)Farrell is a retired Air Force officer with more than 23 years of service. ...

Republicans hammer defense nominee Chuck Hagel Posted: 31 Jan 2013 03:19 PM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators hammered former GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel at his confirmation hearing Thursday on issues ranging from Israel and Iran to his support for a group that advocates the elimination of nuclear weapons. But with most Democrats in his corner, an unflustered Hagel seems headed for approval as defense secretary.

Bell Helicopters' upgraded H-1 generates foreign interest Posted: 31 Jan 2013 03:15 PM PST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As U.S. budget pressures mount, the U.S. Marine Corps says growing foreign demand could help drive down the unit cost of its new upgraded H-1 utility and attack helicopters built by Bell Helicopter, a unit of Textron Inc . Major General John Croley, assistant deputy commandant for aviation, said the new helicopters had greater range and capabilities that would enhance the Marines' ability to work with allies across the Asia-Pacific region. He said increased interest from countries in Asia and the Middle East could help lower the cost of the new helicopters as U.S. ...

Global Humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Brings People from 109 Countries to Discuss Creation of a Violence-Free and Stress- Free Society Posted: 31 Jan 2013 01:52 PM PST Largest and Longest Online Brainstorming Session of Concerned Citizens through a Compelling Dialogue and Meditation.Washington D.C. (PRWEB) January 31, 2013 Creating a pivotal moment in history, hundreds of thousands of people from 109 countries joined world humanitarian and peace ambassador Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for a thought provoking session on Saturday, Jan. 26 to discuss how they could play a role in creating a stress-free and violence-free world. ...

When dictators fall, so do their banknotes Posted: 31 Jan 2013 01:43 PM PST When dictatorships crumble, the currencies commemorating their leaders are often hastily replaced. The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their strongman leaders, past and present.

Then and Now: Hagel on National Security Issues Posted: 31 Jan 2013 01:29 PM PST Then and Now: Hagel on national security issues

The French are winning handily in Mali Posted: 31 Jan 2013 01:10 PM PST Some frankly silly thoughts and ideas have been punctured in the past few days about France's invasion of Mali. Most importantly, that the French military effort to roll back the advance of salafy jihadis who had captured much of the north of the country, bringing a reign of amputations and torture to locals for what they deemed violations of Islamic law, would turn into a repeat of Dien Bien Phu, where French forces were defeated by a 45,000 man Viet Minh army backed by both China and the Soviet Union.

Senators assail Obama's Pentagon nominee, question judgment Posted: 31 Jan 2013 12:23 PM PST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican lawmakers harshly attacked Chuck Hagel on Thursday at a contentious hearing over his nomination to become the next U.S. defense secretary, questioning his judgment on war strategy and putting him broadly on the defensive. In one of the most heated exchanges, influential Senator John McCain aggressively questioned Hagel, interrupting him and talking over him at times. He openly voiced frustration at Hagel's failure to say plainly whether he was right or wrong to oppose the 2007 surge of U.S. troops in Iraq. ...

Congress grapples with gap on scofflaw contractors Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:32 AM PST With thousands of civilian contractors remaining in Iraq and Afghanistan, Justice Department officials want Congress to resolve a legal issue they say obstructs efforts to prosecute any such workers who ...

American deaths in Afghan war drop to 4-year low Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:27 AM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. troop deaths in Afghanistan have plunged to the lowest level in four years, reflecting a pullback from direct combat into the less deadly role of advising and assisting Afghan forces as they do more of the fighting.

Defense nominee Hagel defends his record in Senate Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:22 AM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's nominee for defense secretary on Thursday defended his views of the military and global threats in a combative confirmation hearing, pushing back against criticism of his past statements on Israel, Iran, Iraq and nuclear weapons. Chuck Hagel told senators that America "must engage — not retreat — in the world," and insisted that his record is consistent on that point.

Freeing Kurdish activists would help Turkey peace moves: watchdog Posted: 31 Jan 2013 11:17 AM PST ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Freeing thousands of Kurdish activists from Turkish prisons could help a fledgling peace initiative to end a three-decade-old insurgency, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday. Anti-terrorism laws have allowed Turkish courts to jail people engaged in non-violent action, especially those seeking greater Kurdish rights, New York-based HRW said in its 2013 World Report, which examined more than 90 countries. ...

News Summary: Focus on overseas contractors Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:36 AM PST OVER THERE: With thousands of civilian contractors remaining in Iraq and Afghanistan, Justice Department officials want Congress to resolve a legal issue they say obstructs efforts to prosecute any such ...

Syrian rebels make slow headway in south Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:29 AM PST AMMAN (Reuters) - The revolt against President Bashar al-Assad first flared in Deraa, but the southern border city now epitomizes the bloody stalemate gripping Syria after 22 months of violence and 60,000 dead. Jordan next door has little sympathy with Assad, but is wary of spillover from the upheaval in its bigger neighbor. It has tightened control of its 370-km (230-mile) border with Syria, partly to stop Islamist fighters or weapons from crossing. ...

Al Qaeda calls on Iraqi Sunni protesters to take up arms Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:25 AM PST BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Al Qaeda's Iraqi wing on Thursday urged Sunni protesters to take up arms against Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, adding fuel to growing sectarian unrest in the world's fastest-growing oil exporter. Al Qaeda's local affiliate Islamic State of Iraq said "peace and patience" were useless for dealing with the Shi'ite-led government they see as oppressors of Iraq's Sunni minority. ...

Hagel and McCain Argue the Surge Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:12 AM PST Two famous veterans of Vietnam – a POW pilot and a wounded infantryman – sparred over U.S. policy in Iraq as President Obama's nominee for Defense Secretary to lead the U.S. out of Afghanistan sought confirmation Thursday. Sen. John McCain told former Sen. Chuck Hagel...

Republican maverick Hagel forged bond with Obama over Iraq Posted: 31 Jan 2013 10:05 AM PST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - From his lonely position as an early Republican critic of the Iraq war, former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel sometimes lectured his more timid Senate colleagues. "If you wanted a safe job, go sell shoes," he told them. President Barack Obama's nominee for defense secretary began a Senate confirmation process on Thursday that revived the contentious relations the fiercely independent Vietnam war veteran had with fellow Republicans over his political career. "I'm proud of my record," Hagel declared before the Armed Services Committee. "I'm on the record on many issues. ...

Shell earnings rise in Q4 on refining turnaround Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:39 AM PST AMSTERDAM (AP) — Royal Dutch Shell PLC said Thursday it plans to continue investing aggressively in new projects in the coming years, as it sees a bright future for the oil and gas industry despite economic uncertainties around the world.

The Reason Why McCain Got So Mad at HIs Ex-Friend Hagel Posted: 31 Jan 2013 09:22 AM PST Sen. John McCain wanted one thing from his aggressive questioning of his former friend Chuck Hagel at his confirmation hearing Thursday: for Hagel to admit that McCain had been right about the Iraq surge. He did not get what he wanted. Hagel, who is likely to be confirmed as Secretary of Defense, opposed the surge, and said the Iraq war was "the most dangerous foreign policy decision since Vietnam." McCain strongly supported the surge, urging the U.S. not to give up on Iraq like it did Vietnam. ...

Kurdish militants dismiss Turkey withdrawal reports Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:46 AM PST ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Kurdish militants said on Thursday media reports that its fighters had agreed to withdraw from Turkey as part of a peace pact to end their 28-year-old insurgency were lies and part of a psychological war. The Sabah newspaper on Thursday said Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) guerrillas had agreed to withdraw to northern Iraq, where the group is based, by March 21 as part of peace talks with the PKK's jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan which started late last year. ...

Hagel, McCain tangle over Iraq war and troop surge Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:31 AM PST WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. John McCain is tangling with Chuck Hagel over his past statements about the Iraq war. The Arizona Republican says that his dissatisfaction Hagel's answers could affect whether he votes for or against the former Republican senator who is President Barack Obama's choice for secretary of defense.

Chuck Hagel's brutal confirmation hearing: 3 key moments from round one Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:25 AM PST Watch as the decorated war veteran clashes with John McCain — and bungles a crucial policy position on Iran

Qatar Telecom to raise Asiacell stake in Iraq share sale Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:19 AM PST BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Qatar Telecom (Qtel) plans to raise its stake in Asiacell as part of the Iraqi unit's $1.35 billion share sale, a Baghdad bourse official said on Thursday, as the Gulf telco seeks greater control of its foreign affiliates. Asiacell will be the first of Iraq's three mobile operators to carry out a listing, the first major offering since a U.S.-led invasion in 2003. In the past year, Qtel has spent $2. ...

Is Chuck Hagel Failing? Posted: 31 Jan 2013 08:04 AM PST First things first: Chuck Hagel makes a poor witness for himself. That's clear. He's always been this way, of course: deliberative and slow of speech, stubbornly stating his positions without concern as to who else joined with him in them. When Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., attacked the Defense secretary designee over his opposition to the surge in Iraq, and he responded simply, "I'll let history decide," that was classic Hagel. He's confident that historians will judge the diversion into Iraq after 9/11 as a major strategic error, and he's probably right.

Producer behind fun. takes center stage at Grammys Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:46 AM PST NEW YORK (AP) — When music producer Jeff Bhasker — the mastermind behind fun.'s breakthrough — had thoughts of becoming a musician, the high school student in the jazz band figured he would play keyboard for a talented singer looking to carve a space in the musical universe.

Hagel, McCain Clash at Confirmation Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:38 AM PST Defense Secretary Nominee on the Hot Seat for His Senate Confirmation

Norwegian Police Will Reveal Terror Using Vidisco DR Systems Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:12 AM PST Vidisco systems have been purchased by Norwegian Police. Hopefully, the new systems will assist police bomb squads to successfully prevent terror and ensure the safety of the citizens.(PRWEB) January 31, 2013 The renowned Norwegian magazine "Aftenposten" claims Norwegian Police Will Reveal Terror Using Vidisco DR Systems.New tools are constantly being developed in order to fight against terrorism worldwide. ...

Chuck Hagel: President Obama's Punching Bag Posted: 31 Jan 2013 07:02 AM PST We haven't had a big defense secretary fight since John Tower's nomination got shot down in 1989. The former Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman was George H.W. Bush's nominee and the Texan was pummeled over allegations about excessive drinking and sexual harassment.

Is Hagel Failing? Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:40 AM PST First things first: Chuck Hagel makes a poor witness for himself. That's clear. He's always been this way, of course: deliberative and slow of speech, stubbornly stating his positions without concern as to who else joined with him in them. When John McCain attacked the Pentagon designee over his opposition to the surge in Iraq, and he responded simply, "I'll let history decide," that was classic Hagel. He's confident that historians will judge the diversion into Iraq after 9/11 as a major strategic error, and he's probably right.

If You Want a Friend in Washington…Don't Call John McCain Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:31 AM PST In the real world, when somebody calls you an old friend, it matters. You can take them at their word. In Washington, ground zero for hypocrisy and posturing, "friend" is a 4-letter word. "Old friend" is double trouble.

Chuck Hagel in the Hot Seat Posted: 31 Jan 2013 06:23 AM PST By MICHAEL FALCONE (@michaelpfalcone) NOTABLES HAGEL ON THE HILL: All eyes will be on the Senate Armed Services Committee today where senators will consider former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel's nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense. ABC's Sunlen Miller notes that yesterday one Senator...

If You Want a Friend in Washingoton…Don't Call John McCain Posted: 31 Jan 2013 05:13 AM PST In the real world, when somebody calls you an old friend, it matters. You can take them at their word. In Washington, ground zero for hypocrisy and posturing, "friend" is a 4-letter word. "Old friend" is double trouble.

For Chuck Hagel, 'Friend' is a 4-Letter Word Posted: 31 Jan 2013 04:45 AM PST In the real world, when somebody calls you an old friend, it matters.  You can take them at their word. In Washington, ground zero for hypocrisy and posturing, "friend" is a 4-letter word. "Old friend" is double trouble.

Don't Look Now, but Iran and North Korea Are Upping Their Nuclear Games Posted: 31 Jan 2013 04:11 AM PST There are two countries in this world that we'd rather not see tinker with nuclear energy: Iran and North Korea. Now today, one of those is prepping for a nuclear test, while the other is bragging about how its putting its own program into overdrive.

Shell earnings in rise Q4 on refining turnaround Posted: 31 Jan 2013 02:24 AM PST AMSTERDAM (AP) — Royal Dutch Shell PLC said Thursday it plans to continue investing aggressively in new projects in the coming years, as it sees a bright future for the oil and gas industry despite ongoing economic uncertainties around the world.

The failure of the anti-Hagel campaign Posted: 31 Jan 2013 02:20 AM PST The Democratic defections that conservatives coveted never materialized. And now many Republicans look like reflexively, dangerously aggressive people

Jordan Islamist sees clash with secular Syrian rebels Posted: 31 Jan 2013 01:49 AM PST AMMAN (Reuters) - A Jordanian Muslim preacher who encourages a flow of militants to Syria predicts an eventual showdown between Islamists and secular rebel groups should President Bashar al-Assad fall. Mohammed Shalabi, better known as Abu Sayyaf, said Islamist fighters with groups such as the Nusra Front, which the United States lists as a terrorist organization, had refused offers to join the rebel Free Syrian Army in return for pay and weapons. ...

Why Don't Democrats Love Chuck Hagel? Posted: 31 Jan 2013 01:46 AM PST When Chuck Hagel walks into his hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning, he'll be a favorite (though not a sure thing) to win confirmation as secretary of defense. But he still won't be a favorite of many progressives.

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