Wednesday, August 22 in the news....
- Vladimir Putin announced ambitious plans to revive Russia's military power and restore its role as the world's leading producer of military aircraft yesterday. The remarks follow his decision last week to resume long-range missions by strategic bomber aircraft capable of hitting the US with nuclear weapons. Patrols over the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic began last week for the first time since 1992. Putin said the patrols would continue and that just like 1992 there 'ain't nobody humpin' around'.
- A top Taliban commander said Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden is alive and well, according to US-based analysts monitoring extremist publications. "All praise be to Allah, he is extremely healthy and active," the commander Mansour Dadullah said in a video interview. "He does paintings now, they are very good, if you don't buy them he'll kill you".
