Brazilian President ordered Defense Minister Elcio Alvares to resign after allegations that Alvares and his close aide, Solange Rezende, were linked to drug dealers and organized crime. Alvares had been ineffective since Air Force commander LtGen Walter Brauer demanded his resignation. The military is, however, unhappy with the newly appointed replacement, attorney Geraldo Qunintao, saying that he lacks the political muscle to get what the military needs from Congress.--Stephen V Cole