Pakistani authorities are demanding that the number of CIA operatives inside their country be reduced significantly and that U.S. drone attacks in the border regions near Afghanistan also be halted.

With high level meetings between the head of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, and the head of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency taking place in Washington, there have been reports that Pakistani authorities are asking the United States to drastically reduce its presence here.

With Monday's capture of former President Laurent Gbagbo, fighters backing Ivory Coast's elected president are now moving to re-establish security in Abidjan by rounding up members of Gbagbo's militant youth wing.

Forces loyal to President Alassane Ouattara line up prisoners on the tennis courts of their hotel headquarters. The men are alleged members of local militia that backed former President Gbagbo, who is now a prisoner himself at the same hotel.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and human rights groups have raised concerns about reports that Thailand is planning to repatriate more than 100,000 Burmese refugees living in camps in Thailand. Rights groups say conflict and human rights abuses are still going on in Burma, in a region littered by land mines from decades of fighting.

The UNHCR has greeted with caution reports Thailand plans to repatriate Burmese refugees living in camps along its western borderwith Burma.

3 years ago a Christian woman named Puih Hbat was arrested in Vietnam for the crime of conducting prayer services in her longhouse. Vietnam keeps her locked up and isolated.

Shame on Hanoi and shame on the silence about her fate.

SEE VIDEO FROM HER HUSBAND
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwVhlzZHuZA

European Parliament Question concerning the fate of Puih Hbat:

A combined Afghan and coalition force killed an armed individual while targeting a Taliban facilitator during a security operation in Chak-e Wardak district, Wardak province, yesterday.

The facilitator is responsible for distributing weapons and ammunition to Taliban members for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He maintains coordination with other senior Taliban leaders.

The 7th Commando Kandak, advised and assisted by U.S. Special Operations Forces, conducted a cordon and search operation in the village of Shurakay on April 11.

Two rocket propelled grenade rounds were uncovered during the Afghan-led mission, as well as a possible narcotics processing or storage facility. Further testing is being conducted to confirm whether or not trace elements found within the location are in fact linked to narcotics trafficking.

An Aviation Captains Career Course student received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic efforts while in Afghanistan.

Capt. Jeffrey B. Meinders, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment at Fort Stewart, Ga., received the award during a short ceremony at Fort Rucker's Adams Hall April 4.

Maj. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, presented the award and said Meinders showed an unexpected humility in accepting his award.

LAURENT GBAGBO CAPTURED!
The conflict in the Ivory Coast has come to an effective end with the capture of Laurent Gbagbo, the incumbent president.
http://www.sofmag.com/isaf-joint-command-morning-operational-update-21

From the perspective of a long time Second Amendment activist, I have been forced to conclude that New York has some of the most Draconian and dumb gun control laws. Admittedly, there is competition from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. They also have some real dandies when it comes to ineffective and stupid laws involving firearms.