Tuesday, February 19, 2008

As Fred Kaplan examines 'The creeping monetization of military service," rural recruiting is cited as one reason why dozens of cities with populations of 100,000-plus haven't had a service member killed in Iraq, and William Powers points out "how little we care anymore, newswise, about a story that used to be a global obsession." [Cursor.org] 12:08:32 PM    comment []

As 'Cubans wonder who will succeed Fidel,' the U.S. says 'No change in Cuba policy,' and while U.S. presidential candidates weigh in, it's asked if any of them will embrace "the gold standard in US-Cuba relations articulated by Senator Chris Dodd?" Plus: 'S. Florida celebrations tempered by Cuban reality.' [Cursor.org] 12:06:16 PM    comment []

German Arms Firm Says Nein To Blackwater After TV Report. Weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch said it would end its relationship with Blackwater after German media reported that the controversial US-run military firm was using its guns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Blackwater, a private security company which has been contracted to protect high-profile US officials and foreign dignitaries in Iraq, had been using Heckler & Koch machine guns in both Iraq and Afghanistan, German broadcaster ARD's "Report Mainz" program reported Monday, Feb. 19. The German arms manufacturer contacted the program shortly before the report was aired on Monday night and said it would cut all its ties to the US firm, according to "Report Mainz." [The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com] 11:21:41 AM    comment []