DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing X-51A WaveRider Hypersonic Jet Crashes

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  Boeing X-51A WaveRider Hypersonic Jet Crashes

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 15, 2012: The Air Force confirms that a hypersonic jet called the X-51A WaveRider  crashed in the Pacific Ocean today after one of its control fins failed.  The unmanned aircraft was launched from an Air Force B-52 bomber over Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center at around 11:36 this morning, Pacific time.

At first, the launch looked good. The WaveRider separated from the B-52 as planned, and its booster rockets fired properly. Then, after about 16 seconds of flight, the control fin was  found to be faulty and the jet tumbled out of control.

“All our data showed we had created the right conditions for engine ignition and we were very hopeful to meet our test objectives,” said Charles Brink, the project manager, in a statement.  The failure, he said, was “unfortunate.”

Researchers are analyzing data from the failed test, after which the Air Force says it will release the results of the investigation. The X-51A has had two previous successful tests, including one two years ago during which it flew for more than three minutes at five times the speed of sound.

With this latest test, the Air Force had hoped the speed would increase to 4,600 mph, roughly six times the speed of sound.

The Air Force hasn’t disclosed the cost of the WaveRider program, but Globalsecurity.org, a website that tracks military spending, says the project has cost $250-300 million since it began in 2004.  After today’s test only one aircraft remains, and Air Force officials have not decided when or if it will fly.


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DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Iran Misjudged West's Resolve In Nuclear Standoff - Analyst

DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Iran Misjudged West's Resolve In Nuclear Standoff - Analyst

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / TEHRAN, Iran - November 22, 2011: Grudgingly admired in the past by the West for its negotiating skills and by the Iranian nation for its uncompromising stance, Iran's leadership may have misjudged recent confrontational tactics in its nuclear standoff with big powers, analysts say.

Miscalculating both its own bargaining strength and world resolve on the nuclear dispute has weakened Iran's familiar blend of brinkmanship and conciliation, analysts say.

Iran dismissed on Tuesday fresh sanctions imposed by the United States, Britain and Canada, saying such steps would only intensify Iranian popular support for the nuclear program, which Washington and its allies say is a cover to build bombs.

The new sanctions target Iran's energy and financial sectors and France has proposed "unprecedented" new punitive action, including freezing the assets of the Iranian central bank and suspending purchases of Iran's oil.

The news pushed benchmark Brent crude above $107, reflecting concerns about escalating tensions with the world's fifth biggest crude exporter.

It is unclear how Iran's hardline conservative leadership will act, with hard calculation, national pride and Islamic outlook all part of the equation. But senior officials have repeatedly hinted that diplomacy would be the first recourse.

With international tension over Iran's disputed nuclear ambitions mounting, the clerical establishment is now ultimately cautious and tends to prefer a controlled crisis as opposed to full-blown confrontation, analysts and diplomats said.

"The regime is very worried about a military strike. They have mishandled the issue and it is now very difficult for them to reach any kind of compromise," said a senior European diplomat in Tehran, who asked not to be named.

"Also they are worried about a spread of the Arab Spring (popular protests) into Iran and cannot risk more economic pressure that can cause street protests."

Analysts say ordinary Iranians are becoming less admiring and more wary of the Islamic elite's uncompromising nuclear stance that has provoked international sanctions, given a perceived lack of transparency in the program that has raised fears abroad of a covert push to develop atomic bombs.

The sanctions are meant to coerce Iran into suspending sensitive nuclear work and negotiate seriously on a peaceful solution. The United States and Israel have not ruled out military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites if diplomacy and sanctions are ultimately judged to be futile.

MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Explicit threats issued by Iran in the past few weeks to inflict "harm and pain" on Israel, the United States and its allies and possibly to curb oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, "could do more harm than good," analysts said.

"By saying these things they boost the hardline stance of radicals in the West and in Israel," said analyst Saeed Leylaz.

However, a lack of stability in the Middle East, combined with Iran's ability to stir up trouble in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, do weigh on Western policymakers' minds when contemplating tougher action against Tehran, officials say.

"Their (Americans) hands are sufficiently tied down in the region ... The American nation cannot tolerate another overseas military flashpoint," said an Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Iran can also draw comfort from the anti-sanctions posture of veto-wielding Security Council members Russia and China, but by pursuing its confrontational stance it may overplay its hand.

"We do not by any means trust either China or Russia ... They backed the four U.N. resolutions against Iran," said the Iranian official. "But we have to play this card as we have no choice to prevent a military action."

Tough talk from Tehran about hitting back over the latest U.N. nuclear watchdog report - which prompted the latest sanctions due to intelligence suggesting Iran had worked on an atomic bomb design - may remain just that with no tangible effect, analysts say.

"Reviewing cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), or evaluating ties with Britain, will remain just rhetoric ... Iran is already isolated ... such moves would mean suicide for Iran," said the senior diplomat.

Iranian lawmakers are considering a review of the country's cooperation level with the IAEA over its hard-hitting report, but the parliamentary debate could last for weeks.

"FEARING SANCTIONS"

Public opinion long backed the hardline leadership's tough nuclear line, spurred on by a compliant local media that focuses on the West's perceived unfair treatment of Iran's nuclear case. However, dissenting voices have emerged since sanctions have started to bite and speculation of military strikes has risen.

"I fear sanctions because it means more economic pressure on ordinary people ... How are we ever going to cope with higher inflation?" said teacher Safanaz Soheili, 35, a single mother of two.

The crisis over Iran's atomic agenda is deepening, but Iran insists its nuclear program is not endangering world peace, citing a right to develop civilian nuclear energy as a party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appears determined to pursue a radical agenda -- but analysts say decisions on major security and diplomatic issues, including nuclear, are only made by the country's most powerful figure, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also has shown no sign of changing policy.

"The political infighting is deepening among the hardline rulers ... but it does not mean the regime will change its nuclear path," said Iranian political analyst Hasan Feghhi.

"Sanctions work in favor of Ahmadinejad, who will put the blame on the sanctions for his failure in the economic arena."

In the past few months capital flight from Iran has mushroomed and business is in deep recession. Feuding among senior figures in the conservative elite has multiplied.

"It's chaotic. The budget deficit has ballooned and international pressure is building," said merchant Mohsen Sarafizadeh.

(Editing by Mark Heinrich)

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper Having A Happy Hour At APEC

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper Having A Happy Hour At APEC

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources APEC

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 15, 2011: During the course of this week's APEC meetings, President Obama had the opportunity to continue his regular dialogue with Prime Minister Harper of Canada regarding the enduring partnership and friendship between our two countries at home and around the world.

The President underscored the importance of working together to enhance economic competitiveness, create sustainable economic growth and jobs. He noted the important progress being made on the Beyond the Border and Regulatory Cooperation initiatives.

The President also welcomed Prime Minister Harper's expression of Canada's interest in seeking to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and initiating consultations toward that goal. The Leaders discussed the importance of meeting the TPP's high standard for trade liberalization and addressing outstanding trade and investment issues in that process.

Together with Japan's and Mexico's similar announcements, Canada's desire to consult with TPP partners demonstrates the broadening momentum and dynamism of this ambitious effort toward economic integration across the Pacific.

President Obama thanked the Prime Minister for Canada's participation in the successful operations in Libya, including the leadership of Canadian General Charles Bouchard. The President also expressed his appreciation for the role the Canadian Forces have played, and continue to play in Afghanistan. The Leaders discussed the recent announcement regarding the Presidential Permit process for the Keystone XL pipeline application. The President underscored his support for the State Department's announcement regarding the need to seek additional information about the Keystone XL Pipeline proposal to ensure that all questions are properly addressed and all the potential impacts are properly understood.

Both leaders expressed their condolences to President Calderon, the family, and the Mexican people on the death of Mexican Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora and seven colleagues. They look forward to a rescheduled North American Leaders' Summit with President Calderon.

The President also invited the Prime Minister to Washington in early December.

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Asia-Pacific Region Critical To US Economic Recovery Says Obama

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: Asia-Pacific Region Critical To US Economic Recovery Says Obama

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources VoA

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 13, 2011: In the Pacific state of Hawaii, U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday told leaders of the 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation economies that the region will be key to U.S. economic recovery.

With much of the formal summit activity, including a working lunch, concentrated over a few hours, Mr. Obama underscored the importance of APEC's trade liberalization priorities for the global economy and the United States.

Addressing the opening session, the president said the nearly three billion people in 21 APEC countries are looking to the three-decade-old organization to create opportunities through expanded trade that will boost economic growth and create jobs.

APEC's goals of slashing tariffs and removing trade barriers, Mr. Obama said, are critical for the U.S. economic recovery. "The Asia-Pacific region is absolutely critical to America's economic growth. We consider it a top priority. And we consider it a top priority because we are not going to be able to put our folks back to work and grow our economy and expand opportunity, unless the Asia-Pacific region is also successful," he said.

Mr. Obama said the region is key to his objective of doubling U.S. exports, adding that APEC economies need to work together to spur "quicker, sturdy and sustainable" economic growth.

A final APEC statement is expected to point to progress toward creating what Mr. Obama referred to as a "seamless regional economy," with agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment by promoting "green" jobs, innovation, and streamlining and coordinating regulations.

The United States and eight other APEC nations already have announced agreement on "broad outlines" to create a new Trans-Pacific Partnership trade group, or TPP, that Mr. Obama says would be a model for broader open regional trade.

In addition to the United States, other TPP participants include Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. China has been critical of the grouping, saying it reflects protectionist tendencies in APEC.

U.S. officials say Mr. Obama was expected to hold additional talks on the sidelines of the summit with Chinese President Hu Jintao. In their main meeting on Saturday, the two men discussed trade and differences over China's currency policies.

The issue of Iran's nuclear program and a recent International Atomic Energy Agency report that provided evidence of secret Iranian weapons development efforts have also been a focus of Mr. Obama's meetings with the leaders of China and Russia.

U.S. officials say China and Russia remain supportive of continuing diplomatic steps aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability.

Mr. Obama says that he and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed to work to "shape a common response" on Iran against the backdrop of the nuclear report. U.S. officials say consultations will continue about the next steps to increase pressure on Tehran.

APEC Related Images;

APEC Related News;

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HONOLULU: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) gained momentum when Mexico and Canada expressed their interest to join the pact. Their interest to join the new free trade deal was made known after Japan officially announced its decision yesterday of its ...

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