Iran envoy: EU has no choice but changing tone Iranian ambassador to Bulgaria Gholamreza Bagheri-Moghaddam said European Union has no choice, but changing its tone towards the country. Coalition Commander Says Afghan Plan Still Intact The commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Corps General John Allen, says the plan for a transition to full Afghan security control is intact after the announcement that American troops will largely end their combat duties next year, rather than the following year as had been widely expected. Syrians and Turks in Istanbul Protest Latest Syrian Show of Force In Istanbul, Turkey hundreds of Syrians and Turks protested against the latest reported crackdown by Syrian forces on dissent which killed more than 200 people. Syrian neighbor Turkey has become a base for the Syrian opposition. Pakistan PM To Travel To Qatar For Talks On Afghan Peace Deal Pakistan's Foreign Ministry says the country's prime minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani, will travel to Qatar next week for talks with leaders there on a peace deal to end the Taliban's 10-year war in Afghanistan. Russia, China Veto UN Resolution on Syria Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Syria that calls on President Bashar al-Assad to step down. Panetta Calls for Europe, NATO Defense Investment Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today called for European nations to match the United States' vote of confidence in the transatlantic partnership, through investment in common defense and commitment to a long-term solution in Afghanistan. Iran opens production line of indigenous navy cruise missile Iran inaugurated the production line of navy cruise missile system dubbed 'Zafar' (Victory) on Saturday, in presence of Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi. Russian Strategic Subs to Resume Routine World Patrols Russian strategic nuclear submarines will resume routine extended patrols in international waters around the world in June 2012, Russian Navy Commander Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said. Russia, China Veto UN Syria Resolution Russia and China have vetoed a UN resolution backing an Arab peace plan calling on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down. Air Force Strategic Choices and Budget Priorities Brief at the Pentagon Presenter: Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz Syria: Ban voices deep regret after Security Council fails to agree on resolution Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced deep regret after Security Council members were today unable to agree on a resolution backing an Arab League plan to resolve the crisis in Syria, where thousands of people have been killed over the past year since authorities crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising. Active, reserve Marines integrate: Undergo field exercise 'Grizzly Spartan' After three weeks of studying in a classroom, communication Marines with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28 took their lessons outside Jan. 30, unrolling wires and positioning tents and antennas for an exercise dubbed 'Grizzly Spartan.' Air force commander: Sanctions led to more self-sufficiency Iranian Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shahsafi said on Saturday that sanctions imposed on Iran have prompted the country toattain self-sufficiency in many fields. VMA-231 feeds 'Bold Alligator' Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 231 supplied four MV-22 Ospreys on the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point flight line Jan. 31 in support of Bold Alligator 2012, the largest sea to air exercise off the East Coast in ten years. Iran not to abandon demands even if it may not export single drop of oil Iran will not abandon its legitimate demands even if it may not export a single drop of oil, Minister of Oil Rostam Ghasemi said on Saturday. Assault Craft Unit 4 Plays Key Role in Bold Alligator 2012 Exercise Bold Alligator 2012 is in full swing and Sailors from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 are playing a vital role in getting Marines and their equipment where they need to be. Pro- and Anti-Putin Rallies Draw Mass Turnouts in Moscow Russia's political protest movement has been in hibernation since Christmas. Winter still holds Moscow in its grip. But, columns of protesters, both for and against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, emerged from their warm apartments Saturday to protest on the frozen streets. LCACs Embark WASP for Bold Alligator Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles began ensuring amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) is fit to fight for Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, Feb. 2. Lavrov Defends Russian Arms Supplies to Syria Russia's arms supplies to Syria will not affect the balance of power in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday. USS Blue Ridge Arrives In Tomakomai U.S. Seventh Fleet command ship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), arrived in Tomakomai, Feb. 3 for a goodwill port visit. U.S. 'Disgusted' by Russia, China Double Veto on Syria Resolution U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said on Saturday she was 'disgusted' by the Russian and Chinese veto on a Security Council resolution on Syria that urges President Bashar al-Assad to step down. USS Germantown Embarks 31st MEU in Preparation of Cobra Gold The forward-deployed dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) pulled into Okinawa, Japan Feb. 2 to onload nearly 500 Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and their equipment in preparation for exercise Cobra Gold. Civilian casualty numbers in Afghanistan rise again, UN reports The number of civilian casualties resulting from the conflict in Afghanistan has risen for a fifth consecutive year, the United Nations reported today, blaming a change in tactics by the Taliban and other anti-Government forces for the higher death toll. Submarine Squadron 3 Disestablishes as Submarine Squadron 1 Changes Command The Pearl Harbor-based Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 3 disestablished, as COMSUBRON 1 changed command, during an official ceremony aboard USS Greeneville (SSN 772) at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Feb. 2. Obama Condemns Syrian Attack President Barack Obama is harshly criticizing the Syrian government for an attack that killed more than 200 people in the city of Homs. The president's sharply-worded statement released Saturday aims to reassure the Syrian people. Navy Equips Unmanned Boats with Non-Lethal Weapons for Fleet Experiment U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) directed a follow-on fleet experiment this week off the shoreline of Fort Eustis to explore capabilities for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to deploy non-lethal weapons during maritime security and force protection operations. IRGC conducts war games in southern Iran Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched war games in southern parts of the country. USS Simpson Concludes Visit to Casablanca Guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) and senior staff members from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa concluded a three-day port visit of training, band engagements, and senior staff talks in Casablanca, Feb. 2. IRGC drill begins in southern Iran The Commander of Iran's IRGC Ground Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said Saturday the country started 'Hamiyane Velayat' (Supporters of Velayat) drill in southern Iran. ROK, US Navy Control Airspace with AIC Training Two U.S. Sailors got underway with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy aboard ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG 991) for two days of Air Intercept Control (AIC) live-training evolutions in the East Sea, Jan. 31. Iran rejects US intelligence official's claim Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman rejected claims of the Director of the U.S. National Intelligence James Clapper against the country, saying 'illusion of threat' is rooted in 'outdated thoughts of cold war.' Syrian State Media Denies Army Role In Homs Syrian state media is denying army forces are to blame for the reported killing of more than 200 people in the central city of Homs. Anti-Putin March Draws Tens of Thousands in Moscow Protesters from all walks of life and of all political persuasions packed downtown Moscow on Saturday to express their opposition to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s expected return to the Kremlin next month. Russia, China Veto UN Resolution on Syria Russia and China have once again blocked an effort by the U.N. Security Council to condemn the on-going violence in Syria. The two powers used their vetoes to defeat a resolution on Saturday that would have also endorsed an Arab League plan to help end the bloodshed. Turkey Tries to Navigate Sectarian Divides in Middle East As Turkey increasingly tries to play the role of broker in Mideast diplomacy, there are concerns its conservative Muslim prime minister is pursuing a religious agenda. U.S. Defense Chief Downplays Speculation Of Israeli Attack On Iran U.S. Defense Sec. Panetta has downplayed a US report suggesting he believes Israel is planning a strike against Iran. US Concerns Grow Over Possible Israeli Strike on Iran Talk of a possible attack on Iranian nuclear facilities is again rumbling in Tehran, Jerusalem, and Washington. Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei: Friday prayers sermons in Tehran Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei says Iran will stand by and support any nation or group that chooses to stand up to Zionist regime. Iran to Set Up Space Launch Base Iran plans to establish a national satellite launch base in the southeast of the country, adjacent to the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean. U.S. Says New Iran Sanctions Not to Disrupt Oil Markets The Obama administration will take steps to ensure that new U.S. sanctions expected to be imposed on Iran in the near future do not hurt Washington’s partners and disrupt the global oil market.