Russia to hold its biggest war games since fall of Soviet Union | Reuters
Reuters reports: "Russia will next month hold its biggest war games since the fall of the
Soviet Union, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday, a massive
military exercise that will also involve the Chinese and Mongolian
armies. The exercise, called Vostok-2018 (East-2018), will take place in central and eastern Russian military districts and involve almost 300,000 troops, more than 1,000 military aircraft, two of Russia’s naval fleets, and all of its airborne units, Shoigu said in a statement. [...] The war games, which will take place from Sept. 11-15, are likely to worry Japan, which has already complained about a Russian military build-up in the Far East, something Moscow has linked to Tokyo’s roll-out of the Aegis U.S. missile system. [...] When asked if China’s involvement meant Moscow and Beijing were moving towards an alliance, Peskov said it showed that the two were cooperating in all areas.
China and Russia have taken part in joint military drills before but not on such a large scale."
Comment: This is an interesting development. I think it's noteworthy that Russia is including China in these war games. I think their alliance is strong and they are not afraid to let the world (and especially the U.S.) see it.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Rumors of War - Doomed Damascus
Russia gathers ships near Syria against U.S. threat over chemical weapons
UPI reports: "The Russian military has amassed a fleet of at least 10 warships and two submarines off Syria's northwest coast in preparation for a possible assault on militants in Idlib province, NATO and Syrian military officials said. [...] Russia said the buildup was in response to possible airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition against Syrian government forces. Spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told Sputnik, a Russian state-run news outlet, that rebels in Idlib province were preparing to stage chemical weapon attacks on civilians and blame the regime of President Bashar al-Assad."
Comment: This is a situation that could easily spiral out of control. Do you think the American public would be surprised to learn that U.S. troops are still on the ground in Syria?
UPI reports: "The Russian military has amassed a fleet of at least 10 warships and two submarines off Syria's northwest coast in preparation for a possible assault on militants in Idlib province, NATO and Syrian military officials said. [...] Russia said the buildup was in response to possible airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition against Syrian government forces. Spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told Sputnik, a Russian state-run news outlet, that rebels in Idlib province were preparing to stage chemical weapon attacks on civilians and blame the regime of President Bashar al-Assad."
Comment: This is a situation that could easily spiral out of control. Do you think the American public would be surprised to learn that U.S. troops are still on the ground in Syria?
Monday, August 27, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran has control of Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Navy chief says - UPI
UPI reports: "Iran is in full control of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a top Iranian Navy commander said Monday. [...] His comments suggest that Iran believes it is capable of blocking all shipping through the waterways, notably the shipment of oil. Tehran has suggested it could take military action in the Persian Gulf to retaliate for U.S. sanctions preventing the transport of Iranian oil, including blockades against countries delivering oil through the Gulf. Last month, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei, Iran's senior leader, said he supports a policy by which no country can export oil through the Gulf if Iran cannot."
Comment: Iran is in the process of salvaging the European side of the Iran Nuclear Deal and so this may be mere posturing, but I'm of the opinion that the threat to shipping is real and that they are not bluffing. Time will tell.
UPI reports: "Iran is in full control of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a top Iranian Navy commander said Monday. [...] His comments suggest that Iran believes it is capable of blocking all shipping through the waterways, notably the shipment of oil. Tehran has suggested it could take military action in the Persian Gulf to retaliate for U.S. sanctions preventing the transport of Iranian oil, including blockades against countries delivering oil through the Gulf. Last month, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei, Iran's senior leader, said he supports a policy by which no country can export oil through the Gulf if Iran cannot."
Comment: Iran is in the process of salvaging the European side of the Iran Nuclear Deal and so this may be mere posturing, but I'm of the opinion that the threat to shipping is real and that they are not bluffing. Time will tell.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
War
North Korea calls for end of Korean War ahead of possible Mike Pompeo visit - UPI.com
UPI reports: "North Korea is using a propaganda outlet that targets the South to
promote the signing of a declaration to end the Korean War.
The call for an end-of-war declaration comes ahead of U.S. Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo's possible fourth trip to Pyongyang, Seoul Pyongyang
News reported Thursday."
Comment: It's a bit sobering to realize that the Korean War never officially ended. There was a ceasefire agreement but no official peace treaty. Technically, the the peninsula is still at war. Perhaps the leaders would be wise to negotiate peace and conclude the war while they still have time. Events can always spiral out of control.
Comment: It's a bit sobering to realize that the Korean War never officially ended. There was a ceasefire agreement but no official peace treaty. Technically, the the peninsula is still at war. Perhaps the leaders would be wise to negotiate peace and conclude the war while they still have time. Events can always spiral out of control.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Covenant With Many
U.S. not discussing recognition of Israel's Golan hold: Bolton | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The Trump administration is not discussing possible U.S. recognition of Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said. [...] Palestinians seek other territories that Israel occupied in 1967 - the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem - for a future state. U.S.-backed talks on that goal stalled in 2014. The Trump administration has tried to restart the diplomacy but has been cold-shouldered by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas since it recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December."
Comment: It's interesting to note that Mideast peace talks are continuing far from the glare of the cameras. From what I've been able to piece together, Trump's policy impresario Jared Kushner and he has been making the round of Mideast capitals sounding out leaders and pitching specifics tailored for each audience and in this way a larger plan is starting to take shape. Of course, the Palestinians have already rejected the Trump peace plan even as it is still in the works. The Hamas faction rejections all peace plans while the Fatah faction is usually more considered and diplomatic about their rejections but the end point is the same. It's clear now that the Palestinians are not all that interested in an agreement that requires each side of give a little and get a little. The only real hope I can see is that Arab countries pressure them into a negotiated settlement that will be better for them in the long-run, even if it's not something they can sell to their radical wing. Is that likely? Time will tell.
Reuters reports: "The Trump administration is not discussing possible U.S. recognition of Israel’s claim of sovereignty over the Golan Heights, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said. [...] Palestinians seek other territories that Israel occupied in 1967 - the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem - for a future state. U.S.-backed talks on that goal stalled in 2014. The Trump administration has tried to restart the diplomacy but has been cold-shouldered by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas since it recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December."
Comment: It's interesting to note that Mideast peace talks are continuing far from the glare of the cameras. From what I've been able to piece together, Trump's policy impresario Jared Kushner and he has been making the round of Mideast capitals sounding out leaders and pitching specifics tailored for each audience and in this way a larger plan is starting to take shape. Of course, the Palestinians have already rejected the Trump peace plan even as it is still in the works. The Hamas faction rejections all peace plans while the Fatah faction is usually more considered and diplomatic about their rejections but the end point is the same. It's clear now that the Palestinians are not all that interested in an agreement that requires each side of give a little and get a little. The only real hope I can see is that Arab countries pressure them into a negotiated settlement that will be better for them in the long-run, even if it's not something they can sell to their radical wing. Is that likely? Time will tell.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Rumors of War
U.S. concerned Russian satellite could be space weapon - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Just days after the Trump administration proposed a Space Force as a new branch of the military, U.S. officials say they're concerned about 'very abnormal behavior' involving a Russian satellite. The satellite, launched in October, is displaying behavior 'inconsistent' with the kind of satellite Russia says it is, said Yleem D.S. Poblete, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance ."
Comment: Welcome to a new arms race. Is it really so surprising? Humans take weapons with them everywhere we go, why would space be any different?
UPI reports: "Just days after the Trump administration proposed a Space Force as a new branch of the military, U.S. officials say they're concerned about 'very abnormal behavior' involving a Russian satellite. The satellite, launched in October, is displaying behavior 'inconsistent' with the kind of satellite Russia says it is, said Yleem D.S. Poblete, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance ."
Comment: Welcome to a new arms race. Is it really so surprising? Humans take weapons with them everywhere we go, why would space be any different?
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Roaring Waves
Sea level to increase risk of deadly tsunamis - UPI.com
UPI reports: "New research suggests sea level rise caused by manmade global warming is likely to increase the risk of devastating tsunamis. Just 12 inches of sea level, scientists at Virginia Tech found, would put coastal communities in greater danger. Climate change isn't altering the planet's tectonics, so tsunami-generating earthquakes aren't likely to become more frequent. But rising global temperatures are melting Earth's glaciers, accelerating sea level rise, which amplifies the impact of extreme flooding events."
Comment: I'm entirely persuaded the sea level rise is consistent with BP and not something to be dismissed by the anti-climate changers.
UPI reports: "New research suggests sea level rise caused by manmade global warming is likely to increase the risk of devastating tsunamis. Just 12 inches of sea level, scientists at Virginia Tech found, would put coastal communities in greater danger. Climate change isn't altering the planet's tectonics, so tsunami-generating earthquakes aren't likely to become more frequent. But rising global temperatures are melting Earth's glaciers, accelerating sea level rise, which amplifies the impact of extreme flooding events."
Comment: I'm entirely persuaded the sea level rise is consistent with BP and not something to be dismissed by the anti-climate changers.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Wars & Rumors of War
U.N.: Up to 30,000 Islamic State members remain in Iraq, Syria - UPI.com
UPI reports: "As many as 30,000 members of the Islamic State terrorist group remain in Iraq and Syria, a U.N. report indicates. The report released Monday states that a core of between 20,000 and 30,000 IS members, including leadership and other branches, remains intact and distributed roughly equally between the two countries. [...] U.N. experts said the group -- also identified as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh -- rallied in the early parts of 2018 after being militarily defeated in Iraq and most of Syria the year prior and will continue to survive as a 'covert network' in both countries with supporters spread throughout Libya, Southeast Asia and West Africa."
Comment: How's the war against the Islamic State going? Well, according to this report, they staging something of a comeback after having been defeated in Iraq and most of Syria. I'm wondering how they are funded? I distinctly remember the allied effort to defeat them going after their funding and then as they lost territory they found their options and ability to strike back had greatly diminished. I wonder what's changed?
UPI reports: "As many as 30,000 members of the Islamic State terrorist group remain in Iraq and Syria, a U.N. report indicates. The report released Monday states that a core of between 20,000 and 30,000 IS members, including leadership and other branches, remains intact and distributed roughly equally between the two countries. [...] U.N. experts said the group -- also identified as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh -- rallied in the early parts of 2018 after being militarily defeated in Iraq and most of Syria the year prior and will continue to survive as a 'covert network' in both countries with supporters spread throughout Libya, Southeast Asia and West Africa."
Comment: How's the war against the Islamic State going? Well, according to this report, they staging something of a comeback after having been defeated in Iraq and most of Syria. I'm wondering how they are funded? I distinctly remember the allied effort to defeat them going after their funding and then as they lost territory they found their options and ability to strike back had greatly diminished. I wonder what's changed?
Monday, August 13, 2018
Gog Alliance - Persecution
Turkish lira hits new low as U.S. conflict deepens - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Turkey accused the United States of a 'stab in back' Monday as its currency hit a new record low amid escalating tensions that have heightened an already dire economic crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remarks Monday after weeks of a conflict over the detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson. [...] Russia said Monday it's planning to use national currencies in trade with Turkey, instead of dollars or euros, to aid the Turkish government."
Comment: This spat appears to be driving Turkey away from the U.S. and towards Russia. Of course, Russia is only too happy to welcome Turkey into their rebel alliance.
UPI reports: "Turkey accused the United States of a 'stab in back' Monday as its currency hit a new record low amid escalating tensions that have heightened an already dire economic crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remarks Monday after weeks of a conflict over the detention of American pastor Andrew Brunson. [...] Russia said Monday it's planning to use national currencies in trade with Turkey, instead of dollars or euros, to aid the Turkish government."
Comment: This spat appears to be driving Turkey away from the U.S. and towards Russia. Of course, Russia is only too happy to welcome Turkey into their rebel alliance.
Friday, August 10, 2018
War
Taliban launches attack in Afghanistan; U.S. forces respond - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The Taliban launched an attack Friday on one of Afghanistan's key cities, seizing buildings and exchanging fire with security forces during an air and ground battle that led to U.S. forces' assistance. [...] U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman Lt. Col. Martin O'Donnell said U.S. forces responded using attack helicopters and drones."
Comment: So in this unending Afghan War, the Taliban are once again staging a comeback? How many times have they been declared defeated only to return? I wish this was more on the national agenda instead of the sensational issues we seem to be obsessed with. An aimless war that costs lives and treasure seems like it should be an issue up for discussion.
UPI reports: "The Taliban launched an attack Friday on one of Afghanistan's key cities, seizing buildings and exchanging fire with security forces during an air and ground battle that led to U.S. forces' assistance. [...] U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman Lt. Col. Martin O'Donnell said U.S. forces responded using attack helicopters and drones."
Comment: So in this unending Afghan War, the Taliban are once again staging a comeback? How many times have they been declared defeated only to return? I wish this was more on the national agenda instead of the sensational issues we seem to be obsessed with. An aimless war that costs lives and treasure seems like it should be an issue up for discussion.
Pestilence
New Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo kills 37 in first week - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The strain of Ebola virus in Democratic Republic of Congo's latest outbreak has killed at least 37 people in its first week, the country's health ministry reported on Thursday. It is the 10th outbreak since 1976 for the central African country, and was discovered on Aug. 1 in North Kivu province, hours after the World Health Organization declared another outbreak, in Equateur province, over. The newer outbreak has no connection to the prior one, but involves the deadlier Zaire strain of the virus."
Comment: Hope they get that under control quickly. I thought they had a vaccine ready to go?
UPI reports: "The strain of Ebola virus in Democratic Republic of Congo's latest outbreak has killed at least 37 people in its first week, the country's health ministry reported on Thursday. It is the 10th outbreak since 1976 for the central African country, and was discovered on Aug. 1 in North Kivu province, hours after the World Health Organization declared another outbreak, in Equateur province, over. The newer outbreak has no connection to the prior one, but involves the deadlier Zaire strain of the virus."
Comment: Hope they get that under control quickly. I thought they had a vaccine ready to go?
Thursday, August 09, 2018
Rumors of War - Jerusalem Security
AP - Hamas says Gaza cease-fire reached with Israel
The AP reports: "Gaza’s Hamas rulers said late Thursday that a truce had been reached with Israel, ending an intense two-day burst of violence that had pushed the region closer to war. But the deal did not appear to address the deeper issues that have prevented the bitter enemies from reaching a longer cease-fire arrangement. [...] the agreement merely ended the latest round of violence, in which Gaza militants fired some 200 rockets at Israel and the Israeli military carried out a similar number of airstrikes in Gaza. He said Egypt, which often serves as a mediator between the sides, would continue the more difficult task of brokering a long-term cease-fire. [...] Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since the Islamic militant group seized control of Gaza in 2007."
Comment: There is a very important difference between now and when the last three wars were fought between Israel and Hamas. Today we don't know what will happen in the north if Israel fights a war in the south. If Gaza erupts into a full fledged war, what will those Iranian troops and Islamic militias do just over the international border in Syria? Will they be tempted to open a second front and challenge Israel in the north to support Hamas? I know there are many who think that if Israel and Hamas have another war that's not a very big deal, but the situation has changed greatly and I think it will indeed be a very big deal.
The AP reports: "Gaza’s Hamas rulers said late Thursday that a truce had been reached with Israel, ending an intense two-day burst of violence that had pushed the region closer to war. But the deal did not appear to address the deeper issues that have prevented the bitter enemies from reaching a longer cease-fire arrangement. [...] the agreement merely ended the latest round of violence, in which Gaza militants fired some 200 rockets at Israel and the Israeli military carried out a similar number of airstrikes in Gaza. He said Egypt, which often serves as a mediator between the sides, would continue the more difficult task of brokering a long-term cease-fire. [...] Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since the Islamic militant group seized control of Gaza in 2007."
Comment: There is a very important difference between now and when the last three wars were fought between Israel and Hamas. Today we don't know what will happen in the north if Israel fights a war in the south. If Gaza erupts into a full fledged war, what will those Iranian troops and Islamic militias do just over the international border in Syria? Will they be tempted to open a second front and challenge Israel in the north to support Hamas? I know there are many who think that if Israel and Hamas have another war that's not a very big deal, but the situation has changed greatly and I think it will indeed be a very big deal.
Wednesday, August 08, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
AP - US braces for possible cyberattacks after Iran sanctions
The AP reports: "The U.S. is bracing for cyberattacks Iran could launch in retaliation for the re-imposition of sanctions this week by President Donald Trump, cybersecurity and intelligence experts say. Concern over that cyber threat has been rising since May, when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, under which the U.S. and other world powers eased economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program. The experts say the threat would intensify following Washington’s move Tuesday to re-impose economic restrictions on Tehran."
Comment: Praying that this does not get out of hand.
The AP reports: "The U.S. is bracing for cyberattacks Iran could launch in retaliation for the re-imposition of sanctions this week by President Donald Trump, cybersecurity and intelligence experts say. Concern over that cyber threat has been rising since May, when Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, under which the U.S. and other world powers eased economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program. The experts say the threat would intensify following Washington’s move Tuesday to re-impose economic restrictions on Tehran."
Comment: Praying that this does not get out of hand.
Tuesday, August 07, 2018
Persecution
AP - For God or party? China's Christians face test of faith
The AP reports: "Under President Xi Jinping, China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, believers are seeing their freedoms shrink dramatically even as the country undergoes a religious revival. Experts and activists say that as he consolidates his power, Xi is waging the most severe systematic suppression of Christianity in the country since religious freedom was written into the Chinese constitution in 1982. The crackdown on Christianity is part of a broader push by Xi to 'Sinicize' all the nation’s religions by infusing them with “Chinese characteristics” such as loyalty to the Communist Party."
Comment: China has a long and well established history of Christianity and it has been a positive force in Chinese life and culture. Watchman Nee would be very sad to see how the persecution he endured has not abated for his countrymen. The government of China should understand that they have nothing to fear from Christians who are instructed to be peaceful law-abiding citizens (see Romans 13:1).
The AP reports: "Under President Xi Jinping, China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, believers are seeing their freedoms shrink dramatically even as the country undergoes a religious revival. Experts and activists say that as he consolidates his power, Xi is waging the most severe systematic suppression of Christianity in the country since religious freedom was written into the Chinese constitution in 1982. The crackdown on Christianity is part of a broader push by Xi to 'Sinicize' all the nation’s religions by infusing them with “Chinese characteristics” such as loyalty to the Communist Party."
Comment: China has a long and well established history of Christianity and it has been a positive force in Chinese life and culture. Watchman Nee would be very sad to see how the persecution he endured has not abated for his countrymen. The government of China should understand that they have nothing to fear from Christians who are instructed to be peaceful law-abiding citizens (see Romans 13:1).
Monday, August 06, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
AP - Once-eased US economic sanctions against Iran back in effect
The AP reports: "The first set of U.S. sanctions against Iran that had been eased under the landmark nuclear accord went back into effect early Tuesday under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, targeting financial transactions that involve U.S. dollars, Iran’s automotive sector, the purchase of commercial planes and metals including gold. U.S sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector and central bank are to be reimposed in early November."
Comment: I wish Trump did a better job of explaining exactly why he is doing this. A very good argument can be made that Iran remains a rogue actor and a danger to the Middle East but so far this very good argument has not been well articulated by Trump or his team. I would like to think that Iran will now decide to seek a better deal with Trump. Somehow though, I don't think that will happen. From everything I've read, the "moderates" are not in power in Iran and this kind of move only boosts the hard-liners who will allow no compromise with the Great Satan.
The AP reports: "The first set of U.S. sanctions against Iran that had been eased under the landmark nuclear accord went back into effect early Tuesday under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, targeting financial transactions that involve U.S. dollars, Iran’s automotive sector, the purchase of commercial planes and metals including gold. U.S sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector and central bank are to be reimposed in early November."
Comment: I wish Trump did a better job of explaining exactly why he is doing this. A very good argument can be made that Iran remains a rogue actor and a danger to the Middle East but so far this very good argument has not been well articulated by Trump or his team. I would like to think that Iran will now decide to seek a better deal with Trump. Somehow though, I don't think that will happen. From everything I've read, the "moderates" are not in power in Iran and this kind of move only boosts the hard-liners who will allow no compromise with the Great Satan.
Saturday, August 04, 2018
Pestilence
Midwest universities join to fight antibiotic resistence - UPI
UPI reports: "In an effort to slow the increasingly rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the United States, a group of Midwestern universities plans to unite to research the troubling trend. [...] Today, bacteria are evolving ways to resist new kinds of antimicrobials almost as soon as scientists develop them. Health professionals fear that without intervention, bacteria will become resistant to antimicrobials faster than humans can create new ones. If this happens, humans may lose the ability to treat many bacterial infections. That would have profound impacts on human health worldwide."
Comment: I'm glad they are calling attention to this problem, I don't think this is one that on the public's radar.
UPI reports: "In an effort to slow the increasingly rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the United States, a group of Midwestern universities plans to unite to research the troubling trend. [...] Today, bacteria are evolving ways to resist new kinds of antimicrobials almost as soon as scientists develop them. Health professionals fear that without intervention, bacteria will become resistant to antimicrobials faster than humans can create new ones. If this happens, humans may lose the ability to treat many bacterial infections. That would have profound impacts on human health worldwide."
Comment: I'm glad they are calling attention to this problem, I don't think this is one that on the public's radar.
Friday, August 03, 2018
Rumors of War
Osama bin Laden's son Hamza avenging his death in Afghanistan, family says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Relatives of former world public enemy No. 1 Osama bin Laden have told a
British newspaper the dead leader's youngest son is involved in
terrorism in Afghanistan.
Members of the bin Laden family, interviewed by The Guardian in a story
published Thursday, said Hamza bin Laden is somewhere in Afghanistan --
and they believe he's fighting U.S. and coalition forces there to avenge
his father.
At least 20 killed in suicide bombings at Afghan mosque - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Afghan police said 20 people were killed Friday and at least 30 others were injured in suicide bombings at a Shi'ite mosque in eastern Afghanistan. The two suicide bombers, armed with assault rifles, stormed the mosque during Friday prayers and sprayed worshipers with bullets before blowing themselves up, said Raz Mohammad Mandozai, the police chief of Paktia Province."
Comment: Well, that's unfortunate, the last thing we need is for them to have a celebrity terrorist to rally around.
At least 20 killed in suicide bombings at Afghan mosque - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Afghan police said 20 people were killed Friday and at least 30 others were injured in suicide bombings at a Shi'ite mosque in eastern Afghanistan. The two suicide bombers, armed with assault rifles, stormed the mosque during Friday prayers and sprayed worshipers with bullets before blowing themselves up, said Raz Mohammad Mandozai, the police chief of Paktia Province."
Comment: Well, that's unfortunate, the last thing we need is for them to have a celebrity terrorist to rally around.
Thursday, August 02, 2018
Rumors of War - Persia
Iran naval drills underway amid tensions with U.S. | Reuters
Reuters reports: "The United States believes Iran has started carrying out naval exercises in the Gulf, apparently moving up the timing of annual drills amid heightened tensions with Washington, U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday. [...] The U.S. military’s Central Command on Wednesday confirmed it has seen an increase in Iranian naval activity, including in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for oil shipments that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to block."
Netanyahu warns Iran: Block mouth of Red Sea and be met by force - Haaretz.com
Haaretz reports: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that any attempt by Iran to block the Straits of Bab al-Mandab at the mouth of the Red Sea would be met by an international coalition that would include Israel."
Comment: This is a situation that could easily spiral out of control. Iran's regional ambitions area clear, their presence in Syria is apparently secure and now they are demonstrating resolve in the face of sanctions. They do have leverage in the Gulf, but Israel and Saudi Arabia are signalling they are willing to counter Iran. It's a very dangerous situation. Stay tuned!
Reuters reports: "The United States believes Iran has started carrying out naval exercises in the Gulf, apparently moving up the timing of annual drills amid heightened tensions with Washington, U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday. [...] The U.S. military’s Central Command on Wednesday confirmed it has seen an increase in Iranian naval activity, including in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for oil shipments that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to block."
Netanyahu warns Iran: Block mouth of Red Sea and be met by force - Haaretz.com
Haaretz reports: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that any attempt by Iran to block the Straits of Bab al-Mandab at the mouth of the Red Sea would be met by an international coalition that would include Israel."
Comment: This is a situation that could easily spiral out of control. Iran's regional ambitions area clear, their presence in Syria is apparently secure and now they are demonstrating resolve in the face of sanctions. They do have leverage in the Gulf, but Israel and Saudi Arabia are signalling they are willing to counter Iran. It's a very dangerous situation. Stay tuned!
Rumors of War - King of the North
Russia trying to divide U.S. ahead of election, Donald Trump's national security team says - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Russia is trying to 'weaken and divide' the United States ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, members of President Donald Trump's national security team said Thursday, pointing to efforts to combat election interference this fall. U.S. intelligence officials [...] said they were working with state and local election officials to protect voting systems from threats by Russia and other foreign actors."
Comment: While I won't blame Facebook for this, I don't understand how malicious actors create so many fake accounts to manipulate public opinion. It's not easy to do right, fake people don't have social networks of family and friends. I would think their sophisticated computer systems would be able to spot fake accounts very quickly.
UPI reports: "Russia is trying to 'weaken and divide' the United States ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, members of President Donald Trump's national security team said Thursday, pointing to efforts to combat election interference this fall. U.S. intelligence officials [...] said they were working with state and local election officials to protect voting systems from threats by Russia and other foreign actors."
Comment: While I won't blame Facebook for this, I don't understand how malicious actors create so many fake accounts to manipulate public opinion. It's not easy to do right, fake people don't have social networks of family and friends. I would think their sophisticated computer systems would be able to spot fake accounts very quickly.
War
Top U.S. envoy to Seoul: Too early to end 1950-53 Korean War - UPI.com
UPI reports: "New U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Harry Harris said there must be "demonstrable moves" from North Korea toward denuclearization before any declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War is made between the two sides. Harris, who held a news conference for local media on Thursday at the U.S. ambassador's residence, is making his views known only a few weeks after arriving in South Korea."
Comment: Itsn't it amazing to think that the Korean War is still going on, that it never officially ended? Sure, there was an armistice agreement, a ceasefire, but there was never a formal peace treaty ending the war. It's kind of mind blowing.
UPI reports: "New U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Harry Harris said there must be "demonstrable moves" from North Korea toward denuclearization before any declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War is made between the two sides. Harris, who held a news conference for local media on Thursday at the U.S. ambassador's residence, is making his views known only a few weeks after arriving in South Korea."
Comment: Itsn't it amazing to think that the Korean War is still going on, that it never officially ended? Sure, there was an armistice agreement, a ceasefire, but there was never a formal peace treaty ending the war. It's kind of mind blowing.
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
Pestilence
Another Ebola outbreak hits DRC days after previous outbreak declared over - UPI.com
UPI reports: "A new Ebola outbreak was reported Wednesday in the Democratic Republic of Congo, days after a previous outbreak there was declared to be over. Four cases of the disease were positively confirmed in the country's North Kivu province and more are anticipated, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, the country's health minister, said. The health ministry is investigating reports of viral hemorrhagic fever. Since last weekend, 20 have died and 26 more have symptoms suggesting any of several viral infections, including Ebola."
Comment: Hopefully they will get the vaccines there as quickly as possible and contain the outbreak.
UPI reports: "A new Ebola outbreak was reported Wednesday in the Democratic Republic of Congo, days after a previous outbreak there was declared to be over. Four cases of the disease were positively confirmed in the country's North Kivu province and more are anticipated, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, the country's health minister, said. The health ministry is investigating reports of viral hemorrhagic fever. Since last weekend, 20 have died and 26 more have symptoms suggesting any of several viral infections, including Ebola."
Comment: Hopefully they will get the vaccines there as quickly as possible and contain the outbreak.
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