US plots 'new liberation of Baghdad'

Posted at: Sun Apr 16th, 2006

THE American military is planning a "second liberation of Baghdad" to be carried out with the Iraqi army when a new government is installed. Pacifying the lawless capital is regarded as essential to establishing the authority of the incoming government and preparing for a significant...

Crackdown on Iran could be exactly the wrong thing

Posted at: Sun Apr 16th, 2006

Although it has enriched uranium, Iran is probably seven to eight years away from producing a workable bomb. And if it does develop one, it is unlikely to use it for offensive purposes, but rather as a deterrent against what it sees as two hostile nuclear powers, Israel and the United States.

China, not terrorism, drives up US military spending

Posted at: Sun Apr 16th, 2006

WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. fears of a rising China are spurring billions of dollars worth of weapons projects, from nuclear-fueled attack submarines to fighter jets to destroyers. Even as President George W. Bush prepares to welcome President Hu Jintao to the White House o...

Jet fighter costs set to skyrocket

Posted at: Sun Apr 16th, 2006

A "SIGNIFICANT cost blow-out" is expected to hit Australia's multibillion-dollar plans to buy 100 Joint Strike Fighters from the US. Already estimated to cost $16 billion, up from $12 billion when the deal was announced in 2002, the jets could cost more than $18 billion. ...