Volume 6, No. 37 37 ©SS ©SS2014 2014 Volume 6, No.
RIDAY,,AAUGUST UGUST 29, 29, 2014 FFRIDAY 2014
Iraqichildren children Iraqi playplay with with an oldan old wheelchair inside an wheelchair inside theirtheir camp,camp, an unfinished commercial building in unfinished commercial building in Irbil,Iraq, Iraq, on Aug. 21. The Christians Irbil, on Aug. 21. The Christians fledtheir their homes in of fear the Islamic fled homes in fear the of Islamic State’s advance in the region. region. State’s advance inMosul the Mosul JJOSHUA OSHUA L. L.DDEEM MOTTS OTTS/Stars /Starsand andStripes Stripes
| Page Displaced Iraqis destitute, hopeful will continue Displaced Iraqis destitute, hopeful US willUS continue airstrikesairstrikes Page2 2
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COVER STORY
Displaced Iraqis find shelter in a sweltering, unfinished commercial building in Irbil, Iraq. They fled their homes in fear of the Islamic State’s advance in the Mosul region. JOSHUA L. D EMOTTS /Stars and Stripes
Thousands of destitute, fearful Christians hopeful the US will continue in Iraq BY SETH ROBSON
give the place a dystopian feel. blamed for kidnapping and slaughtering people of non-Muslim faiths The United Nations High Comwho refuse to convert to Islam, missioner for Refugees estimates IRBIL, Iraq — The elderly and including Christians. 200,000 people have fled to the exhausted lie listless on thin matLocal churches have donated food Kurdish region since early August tresses strewn on concrete floors in and water. none currently as the Islamic State has expanded a half-finished warehouse — they Plastic tarpaulins with U.N. are among thousands of Iraqi Chris- its territory, pushing to the edges of markings screen off sleeping areas tians who have fled Islamic State areas under Kurdish control. and there is a row of latrines at one militants overrunning their towns, Islamic State militants have been end of the building. finding refuge in the Kurdish-controlled north. In the Ankawa suburb of the Kurdish capital, Irbil, a makeshift They escaped with just their clothes and I.D. camp for the displaced has been cards and money. Many forgot important things. established on four levels of a commercial building under construction I escaped with just my clothes and passport. behind a row of shops. At night, the Martin Banni hum of generators, smell of woodseminarian with the Chaldean Catholic Church burning stoves and low, diffuse light Stars and Stripes
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Martin Banni, 23, a seminarian with the Chaldean Catholic Church, who himself recently fled the Islamic State advance, is overseeing the camp at Ankawa, home to 1,000 families. Most came from Karemlash and Quaraqosh, two Christian towns near Mosul, Iraq’s secondlargest city, which the Islamic State seized in June as Iraqi forces fled. The Christians started arriving two weeks ago, Banni said. “They escaped with just their clothes and I.D. cards and money,” he said. “Many forgot important things. I escaped with just my clothes and passport.”
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Those who fled feared beheading and rape by the Islamic State forces, he said. Nadeem Elijah, 38, was still in Karemlash when it was overrun by the Islamists and found himself trapped in his home with his mother and brother as armed militants roamed the streets. Each day, Islamic State fighters came to the house and threatened the family if they didn’t convert to Islam, he said. Eventually, Elijah said, they made a break for Irbil. When they reached the last Islamic State checkpoint on the road to Kurdish-controlled territory, militants confiscated all their money before letting them pass, he said. Banni said America was partly responsible for the suffering, blaming Iraq’s instability on the U.S. decision to disband the Iraqi army after the 2003 U.S. invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. However, he RUNNING FOR added that the problems are THEIR LIVES also of Iraqis’ Thousands of Iraqi own making. Christians have fled Islamic State “We are militants, finding many relirefuge in the North. gions,” Banni Photo gallery at said. “We fight stripes.com/go/ about many displaced things. We need to say we are Iraqis before anything else.” Now, those displaced are hoping America will save them, he said. “If she wants, she can do anything,” he said of the United States. “She is the biggest power in the world.” President Barack Obama authorized airstrikes Aug. 7 in part to protect Yazidis, members of a religious sect, trapped on a mountain at Sinjar by Islamic State forces who flushed them from their homes. The strikes were also authorized to protect U.S. personnel in Irbil, as the militants advanced on Kurdishheld territory. Last week, the U.S. expanded airstrikes to aid Kurdish and Iraqi forces as they pushed back against Islamic State fighters, forcing them from the critical Mosul Dam. The U.S. should continue to bomb Islamic State targets until its fighters leave the Christian villages they have occupied and the displaced can go home, Banni said. Amir Sulask Ben, a bank manager from Karakush, fled to Irbil last
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Above: Martin Banni, center, a seminarian, is responsible for the Christian camp in Irbil, Iraq, which utilizes an unfinished building. Below: Displaced Iraqis find shelter in a sweltering unfinished commercial building in Irbil on Aug. 20. They fled their homes in fear of the Islamic State’s advance in the Mosul region. week with his extended family and thousands of frightened neighbors ahead of the Islamic State advance, he said. The townsfolk scattered, with some heading for nearby cities such as Dohuk and others crossing the border into Turkey, he said. Life for the displaced is hard. “It’s too hot and there are many women and children,” Ben said. “All of them are very tired.” The U.N. refugee agency this week began an airlift of aid into Irbil, where the displaced are living rough in schools, mosques, churches and unfinished buildings similar to those at Ankawa. Thousands of tents, plastic sheets, in Iraq, with many Sunnis disilIslamic State group by its Arabic kitchen sets and jerry cans will also lusioned about being shut out by acronym. be trucked into Kurdistan from the minority Shiite-led government The Islamic State group and its Turkey and Iran, UNHCR said. supporters blame Iraqi Christians initially throwing support to the An estimated 1.2 million Iraqis for the American bombing camIslamic State fighters. have been uprooted since the start paign, he said. Ben, the bank manager taking of the year, including some 600,000 But the U.S. should continue shelter at the Ankawa camp, said fleeing Islamic State advances in airstrikes against the militants, he his family is split on what to do. His Anbar province since January, and said. wife wants to go home eventually, 600,000 displaced in and around “We want America to attack but he thinks they should leave Iraq Mosul and Sinjar since August, Daash,” he said. “If no Americans — perhaps, try to join relatives in UNHCR reported. attack, then Daash will stay. If no the U.S. The U.N. is looking to set up more Americans attack, Daash will be The experience has left him disthan a dozen camps across Iraq here [in Irbil] in 10 days.” trustful of his fellow countrymen. with room for 140,000 people. The “I suspect all Muslims are robson.seth@stripes.com displaced have also gathered in the Daash,” he said, referring to the Twitter: @SethRobson1 provinces of Sulaymaniyah, Diyala and Kirkuk and the Iraqi government has set up three centers for the disWe are many religions. We fight about many things. placed in Baghdad, according to UNHCR. We need to say we are Iraqis before anything else. The swift advances by the Martin Banni Islamic State were due in seminarian with the Chaldean Catholic Church part to sectarian divisions
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MILITARY BY JON H ARPER Stars and Stripes
WASHINGTON — After seeing TV footage of the police in Ferguson, Mo., deploying Humvees and brandishing assault rifles in the face of protesters, some Americans are questioning whether local law enforcement agencies should be allowed to acquire military equipment from the Pentagon. The White House is conducting a review of its own. But few understand how the Defense Department’s 1033 Program actually works. Even Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel had to ask his staffers last week to explain it to him. The ongoing controversy raises important questions: Why does the program exist? Why do many police officers believe they need military-grade equipment? And what safeguards are in place to ensure that weapons and vehicles designed for combat zones are used responsibly in towns like Ferguson?
Military How it came to be
Questions raised on law enforcement acquisitions of military-type equipment
The 1033 Program was an invention of Congress, not the Pentagon. It came into being through the 1990-91 National Defense Authorization Act, and the program’s original scope was much narrower than it is today. As the federal government’s “war on drugs” escalated, the 1990-91 NDAA authorized the transfer of excess DOD property to federal and state agencies for use in counterdrug activities. A few years later, the program was broadened considerably to include materiel that could be used for “the execution of law enforcement activities,” to include counterdrug and counterterrorism missions, according to the DOD. The theory behind the initiative was that the military’s unneeded equipment might as well be put to good use rather than be destroyed or warehoused. Pentagon officials chafing at recent criticism of the program are quick to point out that DOD is simply following orders from lawmakers. “Congress is telling us to do this … Congress has to be the one to change it,” a defense official told Stars and Stripes on condition of anonymity to more freely discuss the transfer program. “We do not legislate,” Pentagon Press Secre-
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tary Rear Adm. John Kirby said Aug. 19 at a news conference in response to a reporter’s question. “We don’t push equipment on anybody …” In addition, Kirby said Aug. 22 that very little of the equipment used by police in Ferguson came from the DOD. “Most of the stuff you are seeing in video coming out of Ferguson is not military,” he said, adding: “The military is not the only source of tactical gear in this country.” Following the uproar over events in Ferguson, Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., the outgoing chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he would launch a review of 1033. On Aug. 21, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., announced that she would lead a Senate hearing next month to examine the program. On Aug. 23, the Associated Press reported that the White House is conducting a review of programs that have equipped local police departments with military gear from the Pentagon. Two senior administration officials said the
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surplus? White House review will examine whether the programs are appropriate; the amount of training provided for using military equipment; and how well the government audits the use of the money and equipment by local police departments. According to the AP report, the review will be led by White House staff including the Domestic Policy Council, the National Security Council, the Office of Management and Budget and agencies such as the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice and Treasury. In the meantime, the program continues.
Humvees and TVs More than 8,000 law enforcement agencies around the country participate in 1033. Since the program’s inception, the Pentagon has transferred property worth $5.1 billion. Last year, half a billion dollars’ worth of gear was transferred, according to the Defense Logistics Agency, which manages the transfers. Equipment is free, but law enforcement agencies must pay maintenance and transportation costs. Some of the items — Humvees, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, aircraft (rotary and fixed wing), boats, sniper scopes and M-16s — raise eyebrows. SEE PAGE 6
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MILITARY Although NAPO supports 1033, “we recognize that there’s particular instances where there may be legitimate concerns about the use of a particular item by a particular department,” he said.
FROM PAGE 4
But only about 5 percent of the equipment is weaponry, and less than 1 percent is tactical vehicles, according to the defense official. Much of the gear is nonmilitary items, such as office equipment, blankets and sleeping bags, computers, digital cameras and video recorders, binoculars, flashlights, extreme weather clothing, repair tools, first-aid supplies and TVs. The official said all tactical vehicles are “stripped down” before they are given to law enforcement and are without weapons. Transferred aircraft are also unarmed and are intended to give police greater observation capabilities, according to the official. Just because the Pentagon doesn’t need a particular item doesn’t mean law enforcement agencies can use it. The logistics agency has to approve every type of item that can be transferred. “No, you can’t have a damn tank,” the official said.
Who’s responsible?
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Officers fire blank rounds from a helicopter during a drill simulating a terrorist attack in downtown Los Angeles in 2013. After spending a decade sending military equipment to civilian police departments, Washington is reconsidering the idea in light of the events in Ferguson, Mo.
The Defense Logistics Agency has the final authority to determine what excess military property is suitable for use in law enforcement activities. But 1033 is primarily run by state program coordinators, who initially approve or deny local law enforcement requests for military gear. “There is some vetting at our level,” the defense official said, “but it’s pretty minimal.” The logistics agency generally approves requests “as long as there’s nothing crazy about it,” such as a request for attack vehicles, according to the official. The agency does on-site inspections to make sure police forces
The logistics agency has to approve every type of item that can be transferred.
‘No, you can’t have a damn tank.’ tial violence associated with it than its very form and appearance, is are abiding by regulations, such something that could be intimidating the population of the city,” he said. as maintaining proper inventory For example, he said, a very rural to people who aren’t used to being Some wonder why a police force records. area could have a severe methamaround it.” would need weapons and vehicles Alabama and North Carolina have phetamine problem, which often is Johnson said what came to be designed for war zones. been suspended from the program, accompanied by violence. known as the North Hollywood Bill Johnson, the executive direcas have more than 100 local law shootout in 1997 — in which heavily “You can have booby traps, you tor of the National Association of enforcement agencies, for failing to armed and armored bank robbers can have explosives, you can have Police Organizations, an advocacy comply with Pentagon regulations slugged it out with the LAPD for people who are willing to very group in Alexandria, Va., suggested governing the possession of the gear, hours — is one example of law enviolently defend their [meth] lab that the level of violence on Ameriaccording to DOD officials. forcement officials needing powerful or their [marijuana] growing area can streets sometimes justifies law We proudly offer mortgage products from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If suspended agencies fail to corrifles to subdue criminals. and forth … It doesn’t enforcement’s use of military-grade These safe, flexible products with favorable loan terms areso available to veterans andmean you rect the problems that have been “The bad guys had military-grade have to deploy it all the time. ButNMLS I gear. #402135 active duty personnel. identified, they can be permanently body armor … They were able to think it’s a good tool to have in the Johnson cited the aftermath of barred from participating in 1033 keep going and shoot and do damtoolbox.” the Boston Marathon bombing as an Features and Benefits and their military equipment will be age” and the police officers’ regular Military example. • Purchase, rate/term refinance, and cash-out refinance options vehicles can also be userepossessed. duty weapons “weren’t doing anyful for search-and-rescue missions. “You have armed and dangerous • No down payment1required The Pentagon says it’s not responheadjustable-interest said. “When there’s a natural disaster suspects who have already detonated • thing,” Fixed- and rates available sible for training police to use their The need for police in large cities … you [may] need vehicles like a two bombs and killed people and • Seller-assistance options Supporting those who serve. military gear, nor are they responsihave heavy-duty weapons and Humvee to go through high water • to maimed people, and now you’ve Low minimum credit score requirement ble for how local law enforcement ofequipment that could be used in a to get to an area that normally you got police tracking them down and ficials use what they’ve been given. major crisis seems more reasonwouldn’t get to,” Johnson said. chasing them and they’re actually Eligible Properties “It still is up to local law enforceto some than the acquisition getting bombs thrown at them and Still, he acknowledged that some Rich Moore, Mortgage Banker • able 1- to 4-unit property ment to determine how and when of MRAPs and assault rifles by a being shot at and so forth,” he said. police forces get military sur• PUDs NMLS# 211177 and where and under what circumof small-town law enforce“Unfortunately in America today plus they don’t need or won’t use • number Condominiums … it’s so violent against the police • ment agencies. responsibly. toll free: 855.313.8138 stances they use excess military Manufactured homes equipment,” Kirby told reporters. that they really do need that level of Johnson said the size of the town “Admittedly, there’s going to be protection.” “We don’t take a position on the way beingavailable policedonly isn’t necessarily theProgramsagencies Programs to qualified borrowers. subject to out change without notice.people are there where It’s also about image in how the right metric. the equipment is being used.” Underwriting terms and conditions apply. Some restrictions may apply. taking gear, agencies are obtaining gear is presented and used, he said. 1Down“It’s payment mayabe required for basedbecause on VA county more function ofloan theamounts level over $417,000 equipment it’s loan freelimit. and … harper.jon@stripes.com “An MRAP, I think, obviously by of criminal activity and the potenTwitter: @JHarperStripes it’d be neat to have,” he said.
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crossword SEMI-CIRCLES By Clyde Doby
$11,950 $11,950 53 Bug trapper 54 Sheds tears
16 Groundless, as speculation
70 Sinuous letters
17 Alternative to honey or sugar?
72 Something to catch
55 Prefix with “air” or “field”
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57 Fencing blade
110 Pool material
6 Pure
58 A-list group
111 Cotton capsules
12 1980 Olympic hockey champion
59 Volcano in Sicily
115 Surpassed
15 Verdi masterpiece
60 After dark, poetically
117 Vamps
61 British reform schools of old
118 Unlike a watched pot
106 Was in no way happy
20 Piece of lottery equipment
64 Do some roadwork
119 Violation of the Geneva Convention
21 Esteemed
65 ___ cotta
120 Grow into
67 Stun
121 Animal of the Andes
68 Furious
122 Indecent literature
70 N.J. clock setting
123 2,000 pounds
73 Put on an unhappy face
124 Sports venues
23 Bucker under a buckaroo 24 Postwar British prime minister 25 Airtight, as an alibi 26 Asian palm or nut 27 Statement of belief 28 Pollen bearers 29 Small-time gambler 31 Egyptian-headdress snake 34 Part of a nest egg 35 Emulate a kangaroo 38 Prompt 39 “The Divine Comedy” poet 41 Bottom of a ring 45 Pleistocene and Miocene 47 Tasty tidbit 48 Hollywood’s Lollobrigida 49 Colorless petroleum distillate 51 Fuse metal to metal, in a way
75 Beak 76 Abnormal respiratory sound 80 Wedge placed under a wheel 82 Wine bottle feature 83 Get on in years 84 Those opposed 85 Is really up there 86 Ancient 89 Pixies 91 “Munich” star Bana 92 “My kingdom for ___!” 93 The big chill? 94 Gentleman of Portugal 97 Is abundant 98 Write on glass 100 Tyrannosaurus ___ 101 Suffix with “meteor”
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102 Media revenue sources
ACROSS
19 Obvious onlooker
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103 Remove shackles
___ Rica
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125 McLain, baseball’s last 30-game winner DOWN 1
Ty or Lee J.
2 Fairy tale meanie 3 Piggy-bank part 4 Palindromist’s dogma 5 High-intensity lamps 6 Hip-shaking dance 7
Drag strip vehicle
8 Comparatively quick 9 Display of grandeur 10 ___ off (started a hole) 11 Two-way preposition 12 William Tell’s canton 13 End of Doris Day’s theme song 14 Not forming an angle 15 Michael or Gabriel
18 Uses a calculator 22 Cavities in bones 30 Slangy snack 31 Replied 32 Prepares in a teapot 33 Forming into small, round masses 35 “It follows that ...” 36 Illusions at the gallery 37 Drop by spontaneously
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71 Mushroom-to-be 74 Like an angry cat’s back 77 Rose extract 78 Faithful follower 79 Elizabeth I’s favorite 81 One with big plans 83 Serve perfectly 84 Cary Grant’s real first name 87 Slot-machine lever 88 Distribution 90 Type of type
40 One of several in this puzzle
95 “In ___ words ...”
42 Go see 43 Follower of Santa
98 Itchy skin inflammation
44 Showing more normal judgment
99 Projects for degree candidates
46 Look at the answers beforehand
104 Ford’s predecessor
47 Not showing normal judgment
106 Manipulates a needle
50 Statute of Liberty’s home
107 One may be final
96 Cut and splice again
105 Peer of the realm
52 Sweethearts
108 Shade of many shades
53 Pause in music
109 Sample tape
56 Serious girlfriend
110 Coffin support
60 Drop an easy one
112 Payback item
61 Excavating machines 62 Be out-of-pocket
113 Outline in clear detail
63 Test site
114 Dispatch a dragon
66 Rhode Island Red yield
116 Cub Scouts division
69 Banks the baseball legend
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117 CEO’s degree
Last week’s answers
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A1 Publishing Alaska
August 29, 2014
>> EXPLORE ALASKA
Flightseeing katie nolan
In a state with a limited road system and communities not accessible by motor vehicles, air travel is the best way to view the remote regions. There are numerous flightseeing opportunities available throughout the State, from the heights of Denali to the tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Alaska is the largest state in the United States in actual land area, about 2.5 times the size of Texas. With over 586,412 square miles, the State of Alaska is larger than all but 18 sovereign countries, and the 22 smallest American states could easily fit within its borders. Until the invention of air flight and the creation of a railroad, water travel was the only method of reaching Bush communities, those areas of Alaska off of the road system. Alaska’s first “bush pilot” was Carl Ben Eielson, a farm boy from North Dakota who learned his craft during World War I. After the war, he moved to Alaska to teach mathematics and science in Fairbanks. His interest in flight had not waned, and he persuaded several friends to help him purchase a Curtiss JN-4 to fly passengers to nearby settlements. His proposal for an airmail contract was accepted in 1924, and he obtained a de Havilland 4 that would be used to make mail runs to McGrath. From there an industry was born.
Bush flying involves rough terrain and rugged landing strips, and requires oversized “tundra tires”, floats or skis. The plane must be able to make short take-offs and landings. Most have wings on top of the fuselage to make sure they are able to land in overgrown areas, and are generally “tail-draggers”, whose landing gears have greater aeronautic ability than the typical tricycle landing gears. The tail-dragger configuration gives the propeller more clearance from the ground, allowing it to avoid striking debris that litters the surface of the landing strip. Today, the majority of travel throughout Alaska is done by air, and most communities have air taxi services. Lake Hood is home to the world’s busiest
seaplane base, and Alaska has the highest number of pilots per capita than any other U.S. state. There are also numerous flightseeing and charter options available for visitors and residents. These can range to remote fishing trips, glacier landings or experiencing massive glaciers or the majestic Mt McKinley from the air. Girdwood tourists can enjoy a helicopter trip over the mountain to a dog camp on a glacier. Alpine Air Alaska also offers charter service for heli-skiing trips and a tour over Prince William Sound and its tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife in the rocky fjords.
August 29, 2014
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A1 Publishing Alaska
>> EXPLORE ALASKA fli g h t s e e i n g , p a g e 2 Volcano, and Beluga Lake. They also provide tours of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm or Knik Arm, as well as guided fishing operations. For trips into the remote Ivishak River area on the north side of the Brooks Range, Palmer-based Silvertip Aviation offers flightseeing and drop off raft and backpacking trips. And finally, for something just a bit different, consider a flight in a 1931 Fairchild Pilgrim, the only airworthy Pilgrim in the world. This aircraft worked in Alaska and Washington from the 1930s through the 80s, hauling loads from fish to cows. The historic aircraft, on display at the Alaska Aviation Museum, will be offering flights that circle the greater Anchorage area until August 31st. A minimum of four passengers are needed for each trip, and these flights help offset the costs of maintaining and operating this historic aircraft. Wherever you choose to fly, remember that the “Alaska Dress Code” applies: wear layers. On a sunny day, the air inside the cabin may be warm, but the outside temperatures are not, especially near glaciers and at high altitudes. Ask your tour operator for suggestions. You can always keep a knit hat and gloves in your daypack along with your binoculars. Wear sunglasses, and be sure to bring a camera with fully charged batteries and an extra memory card. Several flightseeing operations operate out of Talkeetna, including Denali Air, K-2 Aviation, Northern Alaska Tour Company, and Talkeetna Air Taxi. Most of these services operate tours that either circle the mountain or stop at the base camp. Along the way, passengers see climbers on the Kahiltna Glacier, or fly over the West Buttress, the icefalls of Ruth Glacier, the Wickersham Wall or Don Sheldon Amphitheater, the 2-mile deep Great Gorge, and Tokotsitna Glacier. Services offering tours to the summit use oxygen-equipped airplanes. At the end of a 94mile gravel road deep within Denali National Park, Kantishna Air Taxi offers tours within the boundaries of the park and the preserve.
It’s also good to know that all Alaska pilots carry emergency supplies, including rations. While incidents are rare, weather can rapidly change.
Alaska Aviation Museum (907) 248-5325 www.alaskaairmuseum.org Alpine Air Alaska (907) 783-2360 www.alpineairalaska.com Denali Air (907) 683-2261 www.denaliair.com ERA Helicopters (800) 843-1947 www.eraflightseeing.com K2 Aviation, Talkeetna (800) 764-2291 www.flyk2.com Kantishna Air Taxi (907) 644-8222 www.katair.com Northern Alaska Tour Company (800) 474-1986 www.northernalaska.com Regal Air (907) 243-8535 www.regal-air.com Rust’s Flying Service (800) 544-2299 www.flyrusts.com Silvertip Aviation ( 907) 676-0421 or (907) 676-0471 Silvertipaviation.com Talkeetna Air Taxi (800) 533-2219 www.talkeetnaair.com
For those preferring a helicopter experience, both ERA Helicopters and Talkeetna Air Taxi offer flights from Talkeetna into the remote areas of Alaska. These tours can include the massive Yanert Icefield, travels along the rugged spine of the Alaska Range to the Cantwell Glacier, or glacier and mountaintop landings, as well as remote raft, fishing or hiking excursions. Several flightseeing and charter operations operate from Lake Hood, including Regal Air and Rust’s. These companies operate aircraft on floats, wheels and skis, and aside from their longer tours to Denali, they offer bear viewing trips to Silver Salmon Creek or Brooks Falls, flights over Knik and Colony glaciers, a tour of the Triumvirate Glacier, Mt Spurr
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PACIFIC
China moves to improve nuclear capability BY ERIK SLAVIN
E
Stars and Stripes
arlier this month, a minor Chinese environmental office broke some of the biggest news in nuclear missile technology since the end of the Cold War. The Shaanxi Province Environmental Monitoring Center posted a work summary of its projects, which included site monitoring for research into the Dong Feng-41 missile. The Department of Defense told Congress earlier this year that China was developing the DF-41, a road-mobile, next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile capable of launching multiple nuclear warheads. The missile had been conceptualized for years, well before China’s military modernization of the past decade began. However, no Chinese governmental agency was willing to confirm its development until the provincial environmental office’s website did so. The post was quickly taken down, but only after it had been reported by the China Communist Party-affiliated Global Times. The DF-41 news comes amid reports that China also conducted tests this month of its current land-based missile standard, the DF-31A. U.S. officials also expect China to have operational nuclear missile-equipped submarines this year. The HK-6 bomber, a nuclear-capable aircraft with a range of about 2,000 miles, became part of the Chinese arsenal last year. Collectively, it represents a nuclear triad, the decades-old standard that the United States still counts on for a global nuclear war. The Chinese triad remains heavily imbalanced in favor of land-based missiles, since its aircraft can’t fly very far and its submarines may not be all that reliable, according to analysts.
Why is China upgrading? However, the bigger question remains: Why is China, a country with a “no first-use” policy, upgrading its nuclear arsenal at a time when the United States and Russia are reducing their stockpiles?
No one in power in the United States, China or any other nation seen as a rational actor is advocating a nuclear strike in today’s global environment. That said, military planners get paid to consider worst-case scenarios and keep open their options. Chinese military leaders have contended they are so far behind the United States that their current nuclear posture isn’t an effective deterrent to being attacked. Maj. Gen. Yao Yunzhu, China’s director of the Center of America-China Defense Relations for the Academy of Military Science, explained that position in a letter last year to the Pacific Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank. “The Ballistic Missile Defense systems that the United States and its allies have deployed, or are planning to deploy, are capable of intercepting residue Chinese nuclear weapons launched for retaliation after it has already been attacked, thus potentially negating the deterrence effect of the Chinese nuclear arsenal,” Yun wrote. Furthermore, U.S. conventional missile strike systems in development could strike China’s nuclear arsenal, “which, if adopted as an official doctrine, would discredit China’s No First Use policy,” Yun wrote. China’s nuclear arsenal is believed to total about 250 warheads, compared with 2,104 operational U.S. warheads and thousands in reserve, according to Federation of American Scientists figures. If Chinese leaders believe their stockpile is in danger of being wiped out by U.S. aircraft, missiles and other conventional means during a hypothetical war, it leaves them with two broad options to protect their nuclear capability: strengthen their potential attack, or abandon the no first-use policy in favor of something more threatening. For now, they appear to have chosen the former option. China has built three Jin-class nuclear submarines capable of carrying the JL-2 missile, which has
an estimated range of 4,600 miles. “This will give the China its first credible seabased nuclear deterrent, probably before the end of 2014,” Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Locklear said during congressional testimony in March. Although the deterrent is considered credible, its survivability is debatable. Jin-class subs are noisy — noisier than the Russian Delta II-class submarines built 30 years ago, according to an Office of Naval Intelligence report published in 2009. Noise is a submarine killer, and the U.S. has several ways of listening for them. While China could develop a noise solution, multiple U.S. analysts believe that design flaws in the missile compartments and hatches have left the Jin-class fundamentally flawed. China also has no experience with commanding and controlling nuclear-equipped submarines.
Land-based missile strength However, it does have extensive experience with land-based missiles, which are also the only option capable of striking the continental United States after being launched from somewhere near China. “So from that perspective, modernizing the land-based missiles makes some sense,” said Vipin Narang, an associate professor at MIT and author of a recently published book on nuclear strategy. Besides any conventional strikes, a Chinese nuclear response in a hypothetical war would have to overcome three major U.S. defenses: the Aegis ballistic missile defense, significant parts of which are maintained on ships based in Japan and patrolling the Western Pacific; the ground-based midcourse defense; and a high-altitude area defense. The U.S. missile defense has destroyed 65 of 81 targets in tests conducted since 2001, according to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. SEE PAGE 14
A Standard Missile-3 interceptor launches from the USS Lake Erie during a test in September 2013. Some Chinese officials have cited U.S. ballistic missile defense and U.S. military conventional strike capability as reasons for the need to upgrade their nuclear arsenal. Courtesy of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency
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Pore over issues that matter, not ice water
MILITARY FROM PAGE 12
China’s DF-31A has a range of about 7,000 miles and includes Multiple Independently targeted Re-entry Vehicles, or MIRVs, according to Defense Department reports. Most analysts say it can carry up to three MIRVs, which can scatter like the nuclear equivalent of shotgun pellets. Reports on the DF-41 are far less reliable, since China’s defense ministry has never acknowledged it. However, Chinese media have reported the missile’s existence in recent years. A 2012 CCTV report said the missile has a range of 8,700 miles. Some reports say it can travel at Mach 25, which would make it very difficult for a defense system to destroy it during its initial boost phase. A Jane’s Defense report from 2010 speculated the missile could carry up to 10 MIRVs and could include decoys, chaff and penetration aids. “In the exoatmosphere, numbers are the way to saturate a working missile defense system,” Narang said. “So from that standpoint, the MIRV’ing of the 31 and whatever the 41 looks like is, I think, the way to do that.” Both the U.S. and Russia have developed MIRV-capable missiles, but each side considered them dangerous enough that they tried to ban them in the START II arms agreement signed in 1993. However, because of problems in the U.S. Senate and Russian Duma, the treaty was never implemented. Although China and the U.S. haven’t approached anything like the hostility of the U.S.-Soviet Cold War, divisions remain that could lead to armed conflict. Taiwan-China relations
•
T
Courtesy of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency
A Standard Missile-3 interceptor launches from the USS Lake Erie during a test in September 2013. Chinese officials have cited U.S. ballistic missile defense and U.S. military conventional strike capability as reasons for upgrading their nuclear arsenal. China hasn’t developed the types of early warning system and advanced intelligence capability indicative of a nation that wants something more than a retaliatory deterrent, Narang said. That means unless the U.S. or another country attacked with nuclear weapons first, China wouldn’t be in a favorable position to use its arsenal. “A shift away from a basic ‘assured retaliation’ posture does not yet seem to be occurring,” Narang said.
have improved markedly, but the U.S. is still obligated by law to defend Taiwan, and China maintains that it cannot remain separate forever. The U.S. also has said it would defend the Japaneseadministered Senkaku Islands, claimed as the Diaoyu Islands by China. The islands have been the center of repeated air and sea incidents between Japan and China, though none ever turned into firefights. Even if an armed conflict did occur, there are positive indications that it wouldn’t escalate to a nuclear scenario.
Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Terry Leonard, Editorial Director Tina Croley, Enterprise Editor Amanda L. Trypanis, U.S. Edition Editor Michael Davidson, Revenue Director CONTACT US 529 14th Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20045-1301 Email: stripesweekly@stripes.com Editorial: (202) 761-0908 Advertising: (202) 761-0910 Daniel Krause, Weekly Partnership Director: krause.dan@stripes.com Additional contact information: stripes.com
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This publication is a compilation of stories from Stars and Stripes, the editorially independent newspaper authorized by the Department of Defense for members of the military community. The contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, including the Defense Department or the military services. The U.S. Edition of Stars and Stripes is published jointly by Stars and Stripes and this newspaper. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.
© Stars and Stripes, 2014
here’s a social media In drought-stricken Califordeluge going on. Men, nia, some people accepted the women and children, challenge by dumping dirt on sometimes entire their heads to conserve water, crowds of people at once, are though presumably they had dumping buckets of ice water to use water to wash it off. I’m on themselves or each other. all for fun with a purpose, This wetting-down has a but I wish it didn’t take such purpose, mostly raising funds extreme measures to get our toward research into treatment national attention. I wish it of amyotrophic lateral scledidn’t take buckets of cold rosis (ALS) or other forms of water poured over our heads to support for those who have the get us to pay attention to what’s disease. going on in the world. I talked to someone this Some military family memweek who had not heard about bers suggested more issues the “ice bucket challenge.” that could use more attention, Explaining it to him made me namely: realize how crazy it sounds: A “Our servicemembers and person takes video of himself their families,” said Kathleen, or herself getting doused with a military mom as well as wife. several gallons of icy water “So many tired souls, just flat and posts it on social media worn out. Sometimes I worry and then challenges several that the civilian community as friends to either donate $100 to a whole thinks military famithe ALS Association or dump lies all come SPOUSE CALLS with a suit of a bucket of cold water on their own heads. Judging by the vidarmor. That eos I’ve seen, most people do somehow both: give money and receive a military cold shower. families It’s been good clean — and are made of bracing — fun, a diversion durthicker skin ing a long, hot summer. Best than the rest of all, it’s for a worthy cause, of society.” refreshingly different from Even withother social media trends. out ice water, Terri Barnes Time magathere’s been zine reported no shortJoin the conversation with Terri at that the ALS age of news stripes.com/go/spousecalls Association stories to make our received more collective than $53 blood run cold: the beheadmillion in the first few weeks of August. During the same pe- ing of American journalist James Foley by Islamic State riod last year, donations were militants and the potential around $2 million, the story for American military action said. Some other organizations there; racial unrest continuing may have benefited in smaller amounts, since some ice bucket in Ferguson, Mo.; the ebola virus spreading across Africa; challengers have asked friends Russian tanks rolling into the to give to other charities as Ukraine; and continued fightwell. ing in Israel. Behold the power of social Perhaps people feel powermedia and peer pressure. All less in the face of these events this makes me wonder why and diseases, and a bucket of it takes a bucket of ice water cold water and a donation of to call attention to one of the cold hard cash is a tangible serious ills of the world. We way to reach out and touch the certainly knew about ALS world. It’s one good step that — also known as Lou Gehrig’s deserves another, and another. disease — before now. Here’s my challenge: Donate To people in other cultures, to a favorite charity or chariit may appear a little silly. ties. Better yet, volunteer and Dana, a military daughter give of yourself and your time. currently working in Africa, Stay informed on issues that posted a picture on her Facematter. Connect with your book page of children carrying community. Hold elected repbuckets of water on their heads resentatives accountable. Vote. with the caption: “Ice bucket Act. Give. Now. Don’t wait for challenge? You know how far I the bucket of ice water. had to walk for this?”
code breaker In these Code Quotes from America’s history, each letter given is a code consisting of another letter. To solve this Code Quote, you must decode the puzzle by replacing each letter with the correct one. An example is shown. A ‘clue’ is available if you need extra help. Example: G E O R G E W A S H I N G T O N Is coded as: W J A M W J G I T C X Z W F A Z
H C C A B Z
T R P A
A Z H M B U E V P
S R L Z P A
A B H A
J O
S H A L U J A U P T ,
O U I Z C U A W D Z P A
H I T U A
A J
A W S Z
M B L U P A U E
S R D C U M
J O
A B Z
L Z M Z S A U J E L Z P R C A P
A B Z
A L R P A ,
M U A U K Z E P B U S .
T J P A H E I
J O
U E
A B Z
P M L R S R C J R P U E
V L J X Z L
A B Z
M C Z X Z C H E I
Hint: This governor of New York set a record by issuing eight vetoes in his first two months in office, a habit he would continue throughout his political career. Last week’s answer: “America does not have a functioning democracy at this point in time.” President Jimmy Carter
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FREELANCE WRITERS Stars & Stripes U.S. Edition – Alaska is looking for freelance writers to add a local flavor to our newspaper. Two specific areas of interest are “Veteran Spotlights”, focusing on Alaska Veterans, and “Explore Alaska” focusing on Alaska adventure. Other topics will be added as well.
If you have a desire to help tell our readers about our local Veterans, Alaska’s outdoors, and other newsworthy topics, please email SteveA@AK.net. Please include some writing samples.
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12200 Avion St Anchorage, AK 99516 (907) 345-4000 mwdrillinginc.com
Central Environmental
311 N Sitka St Anchorage AK 99501 (907) 561-0125 www.cei-alaska.com/contactus.html
Container Specialties of Alaska
Custom Truck Inc
Ace Delivery and Moving Inc
4748 Old Seward Hwy Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 563-5490 www.customtruckak.com
Brown’s Electrical Supply
8240 Petersburg St Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 562-2312 www.denalidrilling.com
365 Industrial Way Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 272-2259 www.brownselectric.com
Denali Drilling
J&S Auto Repair
21065 Bill Stevens Dr Chugiak, AK 99567
(907) 688-1191 www.jsautoak.com
Lemay Engineering and Consulting
4272 Chelsea Way Anchorage, AK 99504 (907) 250-9038 www.lemayengineering.com/Contact.html
LMC Management Services
2440 E Tudor Rd 1123 Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 242-6069 www.lmcmanagementservices.com
Lugo’s Upholstery
648 E Dowling Rd Ste 101 Anchorage AK 99518 (907) 562-5846 www.lugosupholstery.com
Microbyte Computers
PO Box 90057 Anchorage, AK 99509 (907) 382-8397 www.mbcak.com/contact