The Shanghai Cooperation Organization—the Russia-China led group that includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—now may see itself growing into an organization to rival NATO, reports the Christian Science Monitor. This was the group that, in June, caused a ripple when it demanded a timetable for withdrawal of US military forces from several bases in Central Asia. At its behest, Uzbekistan kicked American troops out of K-2. (DR, 08/30/05) Kyrgyzstan ignored the urging, though, opting instead for more American money. (DR, 10/13/05) With that kind of “go your own way” approach, the group sounds almost like NATO now.
A new Department of the Air Force memo clarifies that civilian employees must either work or use accrued leave on Family Days. The memo also notes Family Days will be evaluated in the coming weeks, sparking concerns regarding changes around the tradition.