Military News Updates: 5/13/10

Today we look at the likelihood of a military pay raise in 2011 and Zablon Simintov, the last Jew in Afghanistan, vows to stay put.

Vice Chair Cartwright Tells Services to Wake Up to the Reality of Smaller Budgets

The point man in charge of requirements at the Pentagon, vice chair of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Hoss Cartwright, just told the services to “wake up!” at a CSIS sponsored conference in Washington, DC. In the real world, not the fantasy bubble of never ending defense budget increases, there are such things as economic dislocation, fiscal deficits and resource constraints, he said.

Afghanistan’s last Jew vows to stay put

Zablon Simintov is always guaranteed the best seat in his local synagogue here, but the privilege comes with a downside: he’s the last Jew in Afghanistan.

Red Shirt leader shot as unrest continues in Thai capital

A leader of anti-government protests in Thailand was shot in the head while being interviewed at the demonstrations, according to the journalist who was with him at the time.

Iran Eases Grip on Al-Qaida

Al-Qaida operatives who have been detained for years in Iran have been making their way quietly in and out of the country, raising the prospect that Iran is loosening its grip on the terror group so it can replenish its ranks, former and current U.S. intelligence officials say.

Veterans Column: President Obama signs veterans and caregivers legislation

President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act at the White House on Wednesday, expanding health care for veterans and recognizing the role of family caregivers in the recovery of wounded personnel.

Military Pay Raise of 1.9% Likely in 2011

Lawmakers are poised to give service members an extra boost in pay next year despite objections from the Defense Department over the long-term cost of the raise.

Disabled Veterans Face A Faceless Bureaucracy

The Department of Veterans Affairs is struggling to cope with tens of thousands of veterans filing for disability benefits. Because there are applicants from two current wars — plus a new wave from the first Gulf War and Vietnam — thousands are now stuck in the clogged pipeline.

Guard Critical to Help Block Oil Slick

Louisiana National Guard Soldiers built a 300-foot floating pier to help block an oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico from reaching the Louisiana coastline.

Toll in Devastating Iraq Attacks Rises to 114

BAGHDAD — The toll for a triple bombing in Iraq’s southern city of Basra has risen to 30, a morgue official said Tuesday, bringing to 114 the number of people killed across the country the day before, the deadliest in Iraq so far this year.

Iran will allow hikers’ families to visit

Families of three American hikers detained in Iran will be allowed to visit them, Iranian state media reported Monday.