Zimbabwe's Energy Minister Elton Mangoma, a member of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was acquitted Tuesday in Harare's High Court of charges he abused tender procedures. Mangoma’s arrest in March seriously threatened the relative stability brought to Zimbabwe by the country's inclusive government.

Harare High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu dismissed charges against Elton Mangoma, saying the state had failed to provide evidence against him.

Venezuelan officials have dismissed reports that President Hugo Chavez could be seriously ill, as his opponents demand information about his health, more than two weeks after he underwent surgery in Cuba.

President Chavez has not been seen in public since the June 10 operation for what authorities have said was an abscess in his pelvic area. Mr. Chavez's voice was last heard publicly June 12, when he called a television network and said he was on the mend.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader and two associates during a nighttime security operation in Kunduz District, Kunduz province, yesterday.

The leader, who also supported the Taliban network, was responsible for planning attacks against the Afghan National Police. He also facilitated suicide bomb operations and coordinated attacks against other Afghan security forces.

More than five insurgents were killed during a combined Afghan and coalition security operation targeting a mid-level Taliban leader in Khash Rod District, Nimroz province, yesterday.

During the operation, several insurgents attempted to engage the security force from elevated positions. An air weapons team engaged the insurgents, killing three. The others were killed by the security force on the ground.

After the engagement, the force confiscated and destroyed several AK-47 rifles and ammunition.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

Every hour a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier spends in the Afghan skies providing close-air support for troops on the ground requires many more hours of work for aviation mechanics and maintainers.

“Maintenance is 24/7,” said Gunnery Sgt. Noel Mallari, an AV-8B airframes mechanic with Marine Attack Squadron 513. “From sunup to sundown, we’re always working.”

While debate continues on the future of Iraq and the potential re-posturing of United States Forces-Iraq, Alpha Distribution Company, 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Logistical Training and Advisory Team, remains focused on their mission.

Led by 1st Lt. Jose Julia, a Cayey, Puerto Rico native, and Staff Sgt. James Hardeman, an Oklahoma City native, the purpose of the LTAT is to help train and assist the Iraqi security forces become better equipped to deal with challenges in the Basrah province.

The sacrifices made by Afghan and coalition forces are beginning to make a difference in the Helmand province capital city of Lashkar Gah, where insurgents used to thrive and flourish by seizing control of poppy fields and safe houses.

Ten years into the war, Lashkar Gah is becoming the first major city in Afghanistan to be controlled completely by Afghan National Security Forces as coalition forces transfer the responsibilities to them.

The process began when Afghan National Army led Operation Qala Sharqay started, June 19, with the Afghan soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 215th Corps.

Inslee makes it official; his ‘F’ rating stands

Congressman Jay Inslee made it official today that he is running to succeed fellow Democrat Christine Gregoire as Washington’s governor, and it remains to be seen how much the vote will be influenced by his “F” rating on gun rights issues by the National Rifle Association.

http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-seattle/inslee-makes-it-official-h...

Article by Dave Workman

SAF ASKS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
The Second Amendment Foundation asked for summary judgment in its lawsuit against New York City over its exorbitant fees for gun licenses.
http://www.sofmag.com/saf-files-summary-judgment-v-new-york-city