MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 14, 2017

B.C. Forest Fires/CF Help

• “100 more Edmonton soldiers sent to battle wildfires in BC”
• “More Canadian Armed Forces on way to help fight wildfires in BC”
• “100 more Edmonton soldiers sent to battle wildfires in B.C.”
• “Canadian Forces to provide more assistance for B.C. wildfires”
• “More Canadian Armed Forces on the way to help wildfire fight”
• “Additional Canadian Armed Forces for support in tackling B.C. wildfires”

#CANvsISIL

• “Canadian weapons destined for Peshmerga still a no show: Spokesperson”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• On the Upcoming Kurdish Independence Vote in #IRQ  “Tillerson encourages to postpone referendum on Kurdistan independence” – “Tillerson suggests postponement of referendum, Barzani not convinced” – “Kurdistan will hold independence referendum despite US objection: Kurdish official” – “Kurdistan delegation to discuss referendum with Baghdad on Monday” – “Peshmerga Ministry slams Hashd al-Shaabi deputy head for comments on Kurdistan referendum”
• “Kurds should have their state: Israel PM tells US members of Congress”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “OIR Spokesman: No Safe Havens Left for ISIS in Syria or Iraq”
• “UN warns of IS’ continued threat worldwide”
• “No Country for Oil Men: Tracking Islamic State’s Oil Assets in Iraq” (bellingcat)

#Afghanistan

• “Canada must reconsider Afghan costs”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canada adds artillery battery to its Latvian forces”
• “Assessment of the Search for Security in the Eastern Baltic” (Divergent Options paper)
• “Next, Russia to Annex Belarus Under Zapad 2017?” – “Zapped Over Zapad: NATO Double Think on War Games Reaches Brain-Dead Condition” – “Russia is trying to take over the Belarusian skies before Zapad-2017” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Russia reveals Il-22PP special mission aircraft — Russia has shown for the first time its new Ilyushin Il-22PP Porubshchik special mission aircraft. The ‘escort jammer’ aircraft made its public debut on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Russian air force over Kubinka on 12 August. The Il-22P is a signals intelligence (SIGINT) and stand-off-jamming platform that has been built around a converted Il-22 ‘Coot-B’ airframe …”
• “(Fmr FIN president) Halonen: Estonia should not frantically fear Russia”
• “Number of terrorist attacks in Russia down 90% over five years”
• “Russia to train female combat pilots”

#Ukraine

• More on Canadian company’s proposed ammo plant  “Stiletto Systems, Canadian Magnum plans to build new ammunition facility in Ukraine”
• U.S. (Still) Mulling Wpns for #UKR  “US takes another look at providing lethal weapons to Ukraine” – “US Officials See Arming Ukraine as Chance to ‘Pressure’ Russia” (Antiwar.com) – “US takes another look at providing lethal weapons to Ukraine” – “US Anti-Tank Missiles for Ukraine Could Be the Political Game-Changer That Unleashes Russia’s Wrath” –  “U.S. debate on arming Ukraine puts pressure on Russia, Trump – media”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends …”  “Ukraine Hosts US Military to Be Permanently Stationed on Its Soil” – “The Entire Black Sea Coast of Ukraine Will Become a US Military Base” – “In Lviv region, a new cycle of training Ukrainian instructors was started by Latvian military experts” (UKR MoD)
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Ukraine cancels military exports deal with Russia” – “Russian investigative committee initiates criminal cases against Ukrainian militaries”
• “Ukrainian Intelligence: Eight Donbas militants killed in Syria”
• Updates from All Sides  UKR govt ATO map, 14 Aug 2017 – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 08/14/2017” – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 08/13/2017” – “DPR registers record-breaking 193 fires in a day” – “OSCE spots Strela-10 missile systems, anti-aircraft guns as militants violate withdrawal lines” – “55 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Three Ukrainian servicemen wounded in Donbas over 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 55 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “On Sunday militants shell Ukrainian army positions 25 times, two servicemen wounded” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire nine times over 24 hours, PTL damaged” – “Ukraine reports 2 WIA’s amid 25 enemy attacks in last day” – “APU over a day released over the territory of the NDP over 230 ammunition – Basurin” (DNR, in Russian) – “Three Ukrainian servicemen wounded in Donbas over 24 hours” (UKR MoD) – “The Ukrainian army violated the “silence regime” 55 times a day – the Donetsk command” (DNR, in Russian) – “APU for a day released over the territory of the Republic more than 170 munitions – People’s Militia” (LNR, in Russian) – “The Kiev security forces violated the “silence regime” nine times, damaged the power line” (LNR, in Russian)
• “Spot Report by the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): Armed man at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge threatens to shoot SMM patrol members” (OSCE) – “Militant threatens OSCE SMM patrol with rifle near Stanytsia Luhanska” – “Armed man at Stanytsia Luhanska bridge threatens to shoot OSCE SMM patrol members”
• “Ukraine’s Antonov plans to turn out at least 70 planes within five years”
• “Ukraine unveils upgraded T-72AMT main battle tank”
• ” “Perfect spy”: journalists learn details about brand new Ukrainian UAV”
• “Road To Dispossession: Locals Pushed Aside For Trans-Crimea Highway”
• All Things Coal  “Third vessel with coal from South Africa for DTEK arrives to Ukraine” – “Ukraine coal shipments show how doors can open for exports (from U.S.)” – “Ukraine сuts coal consumption by almost 27% in 1H 2017” – Meanwhile, in separatist territory … “Receivership keeps mining companies (in occupied areas) operating, provides orders for subcontractors” (LNR info-machine)
• “Crimea – the big budget Russian blockbuster the world will never see — Film depicting Vladimir Putin’s 2014 annexing of Crimea from Ukraine will only be shown in Russia and Belarus …”
• Really???  “Ukraine on the Way to Being ISIS’ Caliphate: Terrorist Ichkeria Was Resurrected in Kiev” (pro-RUS/separatist media)

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “Canadian pastor freed by North Korea speaks publicly for first time” – “Canadian pastor attends church service after release from North Korea” – “Après la prison en Corée du Nord, le pasteur Hyeon Soo Lim de retour au Canada” – “Canada welcomes arrival of Pastor Lim” (Global Affairs info-machine)
• Commentary  “As nuclear threats loom, Canada must fix its missile defence mistake” – “KRAYDEN: North Korea: It would be Canada’s fight, too” – “Canada is failing to see the North Korea crisis clearly”
• Ooopsie???  “N. Korean missile success linked to Ukrainian plant” – “Quotation of the Day: Tracing Success of North Korea to Ukraine Plant”
• “China imposes embargo on imports of coal and other products from North Korea” – “China stops coal, iron ore and seafood imports from North Korea”
• “N. Korean ambassadors recalled to Pyongyang for meeting – media” – “North Korea’s envoys to key states summoned to Pyongyang for special meeting — reports”
• “Top US General Arrives on Korean Peninsula for Talks on N Korea Threat” – “South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) this week to discuss the bilateral defense alliance, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, the presidential office said Sunday …” – “S. Korean, U.S. defense chiefs to hold first talks in late August “
• “CIA chief: No indication of imminent nuclear war with N. Korea” – “CIA director Not surprising if North Korea tests additional missile”
• “Trump again cites military option against North Korea”
• “Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford tells North Korea U.S. military ‘ready’ “
• “Korea tensions ease slightly as U.S. officials play down war risks”
• “US, North Korea maintaining back channel diplomatic talks”
• “Lavrov: There Is a Russian-Chinese Plan to Defuse Korea Crisis” – “Situation around North Korea coming close to potential use of force — Russian diplomat”
• “Will NKorea’s Kim pull the trigger? Possible signs to watch”
• “Who Would Win in a War Between the United States and North Korea”
• “Open source intelligence key to North Korea confrontation”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China uses underwater drones in South China Sea”
• “China Conducts Military Exercises Around Taiwan Over the Weekend” – “Chinese Planes Buzz Taiwan in Military Drills”
• “China’s military slams latest US challenge in South China Sea” (CHN Communist Pty media) – “Beijing faces fresh challenges over its South China Sea claims” – “Beijing accuses Washington of violation of its territorial waters” – “China vows to raise defence capabilities after United States warship approaches Nansha Islands”
• “PLA orbat update, Southern Theater Command (74th and 75th GA)” (near South China Sea, via China Defense Blog) – Southern Theater Command (Wikipedia)
• IND-CHN Border Tensions  “Doklam standoff: How previous Congress governments tackled China and kept peace” – “India’s military steps up operational readiness on China border” – “Has Donald Trump turned Doklam tide in India’s favour by raising heat over North Korea?” – “Doklam standoff: India must show staying power while keeping diplomatic channels active, says former envoy to Beijing”
• “Is China Intervening in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?”

Internal Security

• “Canada doubling capacity of border refugee camp” – “Migrants irréguliers : la capacité d’hébergement du camp de Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle va plus que doubler”
• “IRB launching Irregular Border Crossing Response Team to address large and growing number of border crossings in Quebec — In response to the large number of irregular border crossings from the United States by individuals seeking asylum in Canada, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is launching an Irregular Border Crossing Response Team …” (IRB info-machine)
• “Parti Québécois wants to nix Safe Third Country Agreement”  – “Demandeurs d’asile : il faut donner l’heure juste, estime Couillard”
• “Haitians flock to Canada, concerned about losing protected status in U.S.” – “Illegal Immigrants Flee To Canadian Border As Trump Cracks Down On Immigration In The U.S.”
• “Man accused of Yahoo hack to bypass extradition hearing, go straight to U.S.”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “The Liberals’ embrace of the Super Hornet is good politics — but bad strategy” – “Ottawa’s descent into Super Hornet madness: Richard Shimooka for iPolitics”
• Wanted:  Boats for Ships  “SO RIBs — The Department of National Defense has a requirement for (16) 7.25 meter high performance Special Operations (SO) Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RIBs) with trailers that support the utility, seamanship and marshalling needs of HMC Ships. The boats are to be delivered to Canadian Forces Supply Depot Montreal (6) and Canadian Forces Supply Depot Edmonton (10) …” – Technical Statement of Requirements (PDF)
• Wanted:  “Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) – Challenge Call for Proposals”
• Wanted:  “Drug Information Services … The Department of National Defence (DND) requires a Contractor to provide Drug Information Services, to pharmacists working for the Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp), and the Canadian Forces Drug Exception Centre (CF DEC). Drug Information Services (DIS) will enable DND pharmacists to receive enhanced access to specialized drug information resources in a timely and accurate manner all year round …”
• Wanted:  “Flight Suits — Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is requesting Industry feedback regarding the purchase of manufactured flight suits for the Government of Canada, Department of National Defence (DND), CFB Moose Jaw, Snowbirds …” – Specs (PDF)
• Via the Info-machine  “Western Canada will Benefit from Strategic Investments in the Aerospace and Defence Industry — Maple Ridge benefits from Government of Canada funding …”  – “Protecting Canada’s Soldiers with lighter and more durable resistant armour”
• “Weatherhaven Global Resources Ltd. has selected LED Smart Inc. of Edmonton, Alberta, to provide specialized tactical lighting systems in support of the company’s efforts to fulfill the requirements of the $168M Headquarters Shelter System (“HQSS”) program for the Department of National Defence …”
• Canada’s Saudi Arms Deal  “Canadian armour on display as Saudi troops celebrate victory in Shia town” – “Saudi deal creates problems for feds” – “How many more Saudi videos does Ottawa need to see?”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Long-awaited federal strategy on homeless veterans to come this fall, Liberals say”

Other

• “Liberal senator raises concerns federal jobs for injured military personnel going to senior staff”
• “Largest Canadian Armed Forces Operation Begins … in Labrador”
• “Solemn Calgary ceremony honours fallen Peacekeepers”
• “Corporal Garrett Rollman Found Not Guilty Following Court Martial” (DND info-machine)
• “Cornwallis Military Museum will soon be history”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 8, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Canada joins ASEAN to battle terror” – “Canada backs ASEAN vs terrorism”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “On Third Anniversary of ISIS Fight, 5 Million are Free from Terrorist Army” (US DoD)
• “No, the U.S. Is Not Bombing ISIS Prisons on Some Theory Prison Labor Contributes to ISIS’s Economy”
• “Coexistence or ISIS”
• “After Mosul, Rebuilding Iraq Will Be Just as Painful This Time Around” – “UN braces for new evacuations from IS-held parts of Iraq” – “Army ordered to move from Mosul to Tal Afar preparing for invasion”
• “Tensions build along Iraq-Iran border”
• “US firmly opposes Kurdish independence referendum: official — Brett McGurk, the US envoy to the international anti-ISIS coalition, said that the United States government is firmly opposed to the Kurdish independence referendum planned for 25th September in the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq …”

#Syria

• “Turkey Hints at Military Operation Against Syrian Kurds” – “Erdogan Hints at New Military Action in Syria” – “Turkey Reinforces Military Units on Syrian Border” – “US-backed Kurds release video showing them destroying Turkish tank”
• “PYD leader: Syrian Kurds not seeking independent Kurdistan, but a democratic Syria”
• “Fed up with Security Council, veteran prosecutor Del Ponte to quit Syria probe” – “UN Chief Supports Commission on Syria Despite Resignation”
• “Experts to confirm last 2 Syrian chemical weapons facilities” – “New Allegations of Chemical Weapon Attacks in Damascus Throughout July” (bellingcat)
• “ISIL’s reign over central Syria nears its end: map”
• “Isis unit in Syria ‘training British jihadis’ to launch wave of attacks on UK targets”
• “Syria: UN study finds foreign fighters return ‘disillusioned’ by groups they joined”
• “Russia’s Defense Ministry to show trophy weapons seized from terrorists in Syria”
• “Russia’s new combat helicopter to undergo tests in Syria” – “Russia’s Verba MANPADS Saves Lives of Innocent People in Syria”
• “As Syria’s War Rages On, The US Stumbles Forward Without A Map”
• “Syria Situation Report: June 29 – July 27, 2017” (ISW)

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “HMCS Charlottetown supports NATO assurance and deterrence measures on Operation REASSURANCE” (DND info-machine)
• “Anti-sub defense, minesweeping ops on agenda at NATO’s Baltic States war games” – “Latvia, Lithuania and Germany participate in military exercises in Baltic Sea”
• “Survey: Over half of Americans think US should defend Baltics from Russia”
• “Russians can hijack satellites in order to launch cyberattacks, documents show”
• “US Builds Up European Forces Ahead of Russian War Games”
• “US drills ground attack and special operations aircraft in non-NATO Finland and Baltic states”
• “US to send airborne company to Estonia during Zapad exercise”
• “Estonian, Maryland National Guard cyber exercise begins at Ämari”
• “Air Guardsman Trains in Latvia”
• “Latvia expects provocations during Zapad-2017 drills”
• “Zapad-2017: A brief explainer” (Russian Military Reform) – “Everything You Need to Know: Russia’s Massive Zapad Military Exercise” – “What’s the Real Deal on Russia’s ‘Zapad 2017’ Drills MSM Has Been Hyping as Threat?”
• “Estonia, Finland, Russia to conduct joint sea rescue training”
• “NATO jets scrambled 18 times to identify Russian planes over Baltic” – “Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States’ borders on July 31- August 7, 2017” (Lithuanian DefMin)
• ” “Wait for an answer, bastards.” What can Russia do to Romania?”
• “9 years after Russia-Georgia war – Occupation continues”
• “Bearing up: How the US deters Russia”
• “McMaster: Russia Is Trying To ‘Break Apart Europe’ With Disinformation And Propaganda”
• “The struggle continues on many fronts” (Kremlin Watch Monitor)
• “NEAR ABROAD: Putin, the West and the Contest over Ukraine and the Caucasus”

#Ukraine

• “Return of Crimea under Kyiv’s control should not be considered separately from Donbas de-occupation – Chubarov” – “Crimea and Donbas should go side by side in de-occupation terms, – Chubarov”
• “OSCE SMM Principal Deputy Chief Monitor Alexander Hug to visit Donetsk on 8 August”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 6 August 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 8 Aug 2017 – “Ukraine reports 1KIA, 2 WIA in Donbas conflict zone in last day” – “Kiev forces fire 216 rounds at LPR areas over 24 hours – People’s Militia” – “Ukrainian soldier killed by enemy sniper near Maryinka on Monday afternoon” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 36 times over 24 hours, train depot outside Yasinovataya damaged” –  “Number of fire attacks in Donbas grows by 55% in past week” – “DPR militiaman killed in shelling by Kiev forces over past 24 hours – Operations Command” – “Kiev forces fire 700 rounds at LPR territory over week – People’s Militia” – “DPR head doesn’t rule out contact line situation worsening in nearest future”
• “Extraordinary military conscription to National Guard starts in Ukraine”
• Black Sea Happenings  “Will annexation of Crimea become new stage for Russian fleet?” – “US starts building strategic Black Sea navy base to Ukraine”
• Really???  “Praviy Sektor nationalists launch retribution against 59th Ukrainian army brigade – DPR Operations Command”
• “Russian special forces preparing provocations using patriotic rhetoric in Ukraine” – “Dead Russian soldiers disguised as civilians to hide their presence in Donbas – intel”
• ” “DNR” militant who was hiding in Russia arrested in Donetsk region”
• “Bangladesh Army looks to buy 680 Ukraine-made multipurpose armored vehicles”
• “(POL) Centre for Eastern Studies: The best army Ukraine has ever had”
• “Russia launches railroad bypassing Ukraine”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “U.S. may begin airstrikes against ISIS in Philippines”
• “U.S. Army bans use of Chinese-made drones due to ‘cyber vulnerabilities’ “
• “As global reach grows, China builds military to match”
• “China ‘seals off’ Yellow Sea for 2nd large-scale naval drill in fortnight”
• IND-CHN Border Tensions  “China may conduct military operation to expel India from Doklam, Chinese daily warns” – “Military clashes possible as (IND) border standoff drags on: expert” (CHN Communist Party media) – “Dokalam Standoff: China Mulling ‘Small Scale Military Operations’ Against India, Says Expert” – “Road to Doklam: When will China and India start talking about the 1962 war honestly?” – “Modi mustn’t pull India into reckless conflict” (CHN Communist Party media) – “China warns India over ‘military build-up’ in Doklam” – “How Long Can China and India Avoid War in the Himalayas?” – “India’s Hasimara During the Doka La Standoff” (bellingcat)
• “Asean ministers endorse framework for S. China Sea ‘Code of Conduct’ “
• “Southeast Asian nations feud over China sea claims”
• “Is negotiating framework deal a sign that Beijing has weakened opposition in South China Sea?”
• “China’s Drone-Missile Hybrid: The Next Step in Naval Drone Warfare”
• “Tests on China’s first homegrown aircraft carrier to begin ahead of schedule”
• “Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark visits Sri Lanka”
• “China’s PLA Peace Train medical team completes Lao task”
• “China prepares to update military export controls”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “China ‘fires warning’ with array of navy drills off Korean peninsula”
• “South Korea Will Allow Deployment of Full THAAD Battery” – “U.S.-S. Korea missile guideline revision under active consideration: Pentagon”
• “UNSCR 2371: An Invitation to Evasion” (38 North)
• “Delaying Tactics: New Sanctions, Still No Strategy” (38 North)
• “US willing to talk to North Korea if missile tests halted Tillerson” – “Tillerson says can have dialogue with N. Korea: news reports “ – “Tillerson’s North Korea statement shows courage”
• “Trump ‘appreciates’ China, Russia backing on North Korea sanctions” – “Trump slams fake news for not covering UNSC sanctions vote on N Korea”
• “N.K. condemns new U.N. sanctions, vows retaliation against U.S. “ – “N. Korea threatens ‘physical’ actions over new U.N. sanctions” – “North Korea responds to UN sanctions with vows of violence” – “North Korea says UN Security Council sanctions violate its sovereignty” – “N. Korea remains defiant to mounting pressure to stop provocations “
• “China urges North Korea to be ‘smart’ and drop its missile tests”
• “Chinese media attacks US ‘arrogance’ over North Korea” – “US needs to curb moral arrogance over North Korea” (CHN Communist Party media)
• “China says hopes North and South Korea can make contact soon” –  “China urges N. Korea to stop missile tests, resume talks” – “Moon, Trump discuss ways to contain N. Korea in telephone talks”
• “North Korean Brinksmanship on Trump’s Nuclear “Red Line” “
• “N. Korea’s foreign minister claims S. Korea’s offer for talks lacks sincerity “
• “Moon says S. Korea, U.S. stand ready to counter any N. Korean provocation “
• “Lavrov calls to settle North Korean issue through dialogue”
• “North Korea’s New ICBMs: How Well Can American Intelligence Track Them?”
• “How to Learn to Live With a Nuclear North Korea”
• “UN’s North Korea sanctions are big win — but nuke threats won’t stop”
• “China’s backing for North Korea sanctions is unlikely to turn the tide against Kim Jong-un’s regime”

Internal Security

• “Canadian banks, major companies near cyberthreat deal with CSE”
• “CSE and Bill C-59 overview” (Lux Ex Umbra blog)
• “False information sends asylum-seeking Haitians to Canada” – “Why now is better than never for migrants in Montreal” – “There’s no easy solution to Canada’s border problem” – “Canada needs to come to terms with the migration crisis Trump is creating: Neil Macdonald”
• “Airports pay millions for extra security as passenger wait times grow”
• “(U.S.) DHS Report: Artificial Intelligence Risk to Critical Infrastructure”
• “The Terror Threat From the North — Our placid neighbor has a large and growing problem with radical Islam …”

#Afghanistan

• “Dad of dead soldier wants sit-down with PM”

Way Up North

• “Is The Arctic The Next South China Sea? Not Likely”
• “(RUS) Center for Strategic Development to determine Russia’s demand for super nuclear-powered icebreakers”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Lockheed Martin offers F-35 to Canada as ‘interim’ fighter jet — Lockheed Martin has offered the Liberal government the F-35 as an “interim” fighter aircraft, a move sure to turn up the heat on rival U.S. aerospace firm Boeing still embroiled in a trade dispute with Canada …”
• Wanted:  “Canadian Forces Defensive Armament Suite (CFDAS) … The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Department of National Defence, has finalized its design of the Canadian Forces Defensive Armament Suite (CFDAS), the equipment that interfaces the C6 and GAU-21 (50-cal) machine guns on the CH146 Griffon Helicopter. Design of new CFDAS was performed at the Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron (ATESS), an accredited design and manufacturing organization …” – Bid package (PDF)
• Canada’s Saudi Arms Deal  “Canada faces calls to freeze arms sales to Saudi Arabia” – “Montreal professor renews legal effort to block Canadian combat vehicle exports to Saudi Arabia”
• “Canada’s abysmal record as an arms dealer”

Khadr Deal Fracas

• “I’ve Come To Know The Real Omar Khadr As A Brother”

Other

• “Sajjan’s chief of staff leaves sparking more questions about the minister’s future”
• “United States Navy Seeks Nice Canadian Warship for Sunset Cruises, Visits to the Beach”
• Colonel Ted’s thoughts:  ”  “Living in the cloud:” one thought on one way of producing and educating naval and military officers” – “Everyman’s Strategic Survey: Is Iran the next North Korea?” – “Future wars … The big lesson that I draw and the one that I encourage Conservative political leaders to consider is that we, Canadians, need forces in being that are able, ready and willing to engage, soon, in prolonger, bloody wars …”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 31, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• ” ‘Our work is not done’: Canadian troops help secure Mosul as future battles loom”
• “Canadian troops help secure Mosul as future battles loom”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “The US-Led Coalition Is Steadily Decimating ISIS’s Propaganda Operation” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “Will IS Losses in Iraq, Syria Boost al-Qaida?”
• “The wife of the ISIS Mufti in Tal Afar (nearly 60km west of Mosul) killed herself and her three children on Saturday …”
• “Iraq must now rebuild itself – and that means fixing its dreadful governance”
• “Here Are the Leaflets the United States Dropped on Islamic State”
• “Iraqi Shi’ite Cleric Sadr Visits Saudi Arabia For Talks” – “Iraq’s Muqtada al-Sadr makes rare Saudi visit”
• “Isis fighters bride reveals horror of life in Syria”
• IRN-IRQ Oil Connection  “Iran, Iraq talk ‘joint delivery’ of Kirkuk oil” – “Iran, Iraq plan building Kirkuk pipeline” – “Iraq seeks enhanced energy ties with Iran” – “Iraq intends to boost energy relations with Iran” – “Iran, Iraq reach deal over Kirkuk pipeline” – “Iran, Iraq plan building Kirkuk pipeline”

The Kurds

• “Referendum is simple: Independence yes or no, said Kirkuk governor”
• “(IRQ Kurd) Referendum council meeting concludes parliament must convene in two weeks”
• “Kurdish top diplomat issues warning to UN: Engage directly with Erbil”
• “DC panel spares no punches, gives honest take on Kurdish hope out of Iraq”
• “Woe betide the Kurds of northern Syria when the war is over”
• “The Kurds in Iraq and Syria are being used by the US as a Trojan horse for the purpose of dividing the Middle East” (The Fourth Revolutionary War)

#Afghanistan

• Byron Garth Greff, R.I.P.  ” ‘We miss him so much’ – War memorial unveiled in hometown of Afghan missions last casualty — Family and friends of Master Cpl. Byron Greff don’t want the 28-year-old to be remembered as a footnote to Canada’s mission to Afghanistan …”
• “White House Looks at Scaling Back U.S. Military Presence in Afghanistan”
• “ISIL claims deadly attack near Iraqi embassy in Kabul” – “ISIS Claims Responsibility for Attack near Iraqi Embassy in Kabul”
• “The Taliban terrorists have blown up a water dam in southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan as the group has unleashed an unprecedented violence in key southern provinces during the recent days …” – “Taliban Blow Up Water Dam in Kandahar”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canadians understand need for deployment of troops to Latvia”
• “Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces stated that Russian tank crews are ready to compete with the NATO tank crews at the Army Games” (RUS MoD) – “The Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces said that Russian tankmen are ready to compete with NATO tankmen at the Army” (RUS MoD, in Russian)
• “Trump ready to sign Russia sanctions bill, Moscow retaliates” – “Russia expels 755 US diplomats in response to sanctions” – “Berlin: EU must hit back at US over Russia sanctions” – “Germany threatens to react on US anti-Russian sanctions”
• “Pence sketches possible Patriot deployment in Estonia”
• “(EST) Defense minister to visit Southeast Estonia”
• “Outgoing US Army Europe commander pushes for ‘Military Schengen Zone’ “
• “Militarization of Scandinavian Peninsula: Time to Ring Alarm Bells”
• “Snap combat readiness check in Russia’s Eastern Military District involves 8,000 personnel” – “A large-scale field output of EW units was launched in the Eastern Military District” (RUS MOD, in Russian)
• “Lukashenko greets participants of International Army Games 2017” – “Over 3,500 servicemen join International Army Games – 2017”
• “Lithuania to Host More US Troops During Russia-Belarus Zapad-2017 Drills”
• “Main Navy Parade finished in Saint Petersburg” (RUS MoD) – “Russia celebrates Navy Day from the Pacific to the Baltics” – “Russian Navy Day marked in Crimea, Syria”
• “U.S., U.K., Ukraine, Others Begin Massive Military Drills In Georgia” – “U.S.-Led Military Exercise Kicks Off in Georgia”
• “The Russian Grand Strategy” (Georgia Today on the Web)
• “China, Russia Complete Phase One Joint Naval Drills In Baltic Sea” – “Chinese military favors stronger ties with Russian Aerospace Forces, senior official says”
• “Ukrainian marines participate in Platinum Lion 2017 multinational drills in Bulgaria”
• “Russia’s Airborne Forces to form three tank battalions in 2018”
• “Military Acceptance Day — On July 26, Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu presided over the latest “unified day of acceptance of military production.” The review (mostly) covered the second quarter of 2017. According to Krasnaya zvezda, the Ministry of Defense received 600 new and 300 repaired weapons systems and other equipment …” (Russian Defense Policy)
• “Russia builds up its occupation contingent in Abkhazia” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Russia to punish Poland for decommunization — Personal sanctions against Polish politicians, economic measures and active work at international venues to attract attention to the problem – these will be Russia’s possible answers to Poland’s decision on decommunization. Officials with the Russian Foreign Ministry said that they were working on asymmetric measures as well …”
• “How Russia Could Intervene in a Venezuelan Civil War”
• “Opinion: Russian propaganda has flooded U.S. airwaves. How about some reciprocity?”
• “Business booming in Czech fake news industry”

#Ukraine

• “Haligonian coming home after deployment in Ukraine”
• “U.S. General estimates probability of Russian invasion in central Ukraine” – “Ukrainian soldiers did stop the Russians, – US Army Europe Commander Hodges”
• Really???  “DPR to offer new ceasefire since September 1”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 28 July 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, July 31, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 31 July 2017 – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 07/30/2017” – “Number of strikes by Ukrainian forces increases over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “ATO HQ update: One Ukrainian soldier killed, seven wounded amid 14 attacks in Donbas in past day” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire eight times in 24 hours — news agency” – “Ukraine reports 26 enemy attacks, 4 WIA’s in last day” – “54 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukraine Says One Soldier Killed, Nine Injured In Fighting With Russia-Backed Separatists” – “62 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire eight times in 24 hours — news agency” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire eight times over 24 hours” – “Kyiv, Donbas again trade truce breach accusations”
• “Donbas militants getting ready for joint “drills” with Russia – NGO”
• “Russians talk in occupied parts of Ukraine “Vania, I am returning from a meeting, they ordered all Russians to turn in their passports … and receive an LPR passports” “ (InformNapalm.org)
• “Ukrainian citizen sentenced to 12 years in prison for plotting terrorist attack in Russia” – “Russian Court Sentences Ukrainian On Terrorism Charges”
• “Number of hostages held by Russian occupation forces in Donbas rises to 137” – “Fighters of illegal armed units in Donbas released two Ukrainians they had been holding captive” – “DPR confirms video-talks beginning on captives’ exchange issue”
• “The Operational Group of Russian Forces in Transnistria began combat coordination of the mouth” (RUS MoD, in Russian)

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China’s Republican Flag: A Conundrum for Canada–Taiwan Relations”
• “Chinese Foreign Ministry calls on USA to stop surveillance activities”
• “China Criticizes CIA Director Comments — China on Thursday accused CIA Director Mike Pompeo of disparaging China in remarks describing Beijing as the most significant long-term security threat to the United States …”
• “Sudden fall of political star rearranges chess pieces of China’s ruling elite”
• “New (CHN) military body to focus on high-tech weapons”
• “China promotes 5 officers to general”
• Happy 90th Birthday PLA!  “First ever Chinese Army Day parade sends message, despite Trump tweets” – “China shows off newest intercontinental ballistic missile” – “China’s parade shows achievements of military reform: parade commander-in-chief” – “China flaunts ‘strong people’s military’ in major parade” – “At remote northern outpost, China’s military marches where Genghis Khan once rode” – “China’s big military parade featured an understated but key element: dust” – “China’s Xi calls for building elite forces during massive military parade”
• IND-CHN Tensions  “Time for India to stop trespassing and daydreaming” – “Why tiny Bhutan remains the wild card in China’s border standoff with India” – “Withdrawal of troops the only right choice for India” – “Doklam standoff: China should go back to maintain status quo”
• “China’s PLA contributes to Vietnam’s national liberation, unification: Vietnamese general”
• “China Can Blast Almost Every U.S. Warship Docked in Japan With Ballistic Missiles”
• “Vietnam says others should respect its right to drill for South China Sea oil”
• “China offers to mediate Djibouti-Eritrea border row as it expands military presence in Africa”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “Ottawa dénonce les efforts de déstabilisation de Pyongyang”
• “United States’ Options to North Korea Missile Development” (Divergent Options)
• “Uncertainty over N.Korean warhead re-entry capability: S.Korean defense chief”
• “The Map of Death — What North Korea’s missiles are really aimed at …”
• ” WHAT A WRONG UN North Korea says missile launch was a ‘stern warning’ against Trump’s threats of sanctions as US says the ‘time for talk is over’”
• “North Korea warns US to top your senseless remarks”
• “N. Korea celebrates recent missile launch with banquet: KCNA”
• “Donald Trump blasts China for inaction on North Korea”
• “Pence says U.S. to pressure N. Korea until it gives up nuclear, missile programs”
• “Pence pressures China on North Korea”
• “Key US general calls North Korea an urgent threat”
• “Sen Dianne Feinstein says North Korea is a clear and present danger to the United States”
• “US Signals Action Against North Korea Is Necessary Talks Underway”
• “U.S. envoy ramps up pressure on China to stop N.K. provocations”
• “US ‘done talking’ over North Korea: Haley”
• “US lashes out at China over North Korea’s provocations, declaring the time for talk is ‘over’ “
• “US says ‘no point’ in UN meeting on North Korea after latest missile test”
• “US was never threatened by North Korean missile test: military”
• “Moscow alarmed over situation around North Korea’s latest missile launch”
• ” ‘China, Russia responsible for North Korea threat’ “
• “Beijing rejects link between North Korea and China-US trade”
• “Answer to North Korea standoff won’t come through China, experts say”
• “U.S. says THAAD intercept test successful” – “Ballistic Missile Defense System Test Successful” (US DoD)
• “Koreas Moon orders talks with US to deploy more THAAD units after N Korea ICBM test”
• “In North Korea Generation Gap Grows Behind Propaganda”
• “North Korean hackers prefer cash over secrets, says report”
• “North Korean Smuggling, Defectors and Other NK Security Developments”

Way Up North

• ” ‘The demand is growing’: High Arctic Research Station nears completion”
• “History Lessons for the Arctic” (Center for Strategic and International Studies)

What’s Canada Buying?

• Big Honkin’ Ships  “At least three companies participating in competition to design new warships” – “Warship bidders have issues”
• LAV Sales to Saudi Arabia  “Canada Probes Saudi Use of Its Equipment in Crackdown” – “Government to investigate report Canadian military vehicles used against civilians by Saudis” – “Canada probes possible Saudi use of its equipment in crackdown” – “Canadian Armoured Vehicles Reportedly Used by Saudi in Deadly Siege on its Own Shia Population” – ” ‘Canadian armoured vehicles used’ in Saudi Arabia Shia province crackdown” – “Trudeau stresses probe into reports of Saudi abuse”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  Colonel Ted’s take:  “Do we really, really want a “second best” fighter?”
• Wanted:  “Minor Warships and Auxiliary Vessels IV ISSC … Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is launching a Request for Information (RFI) in order to seek information and feedback from suppliers and industry with regard to the procurement strategy for the renewal of the Minor Warships and Auxiliary Vessel (MWAV) In-Service Support Contract …”
• Wanted:  Land C4ISR stuff — “Cyber Security Engineering Support” – “Transition Software Support” – “Eng & Integration Support”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Mefloquine expert calls for study into effects of antimalarial drug — A leading voice against the military’s use of mefloquine is calling on the Canadian government to launch an independent study to better understand the lasting effects of the use of the controversial antimalarial on troops. Remington Nevin, a former U.S. army physician and staunch opponent of mefloquine, said making a “concerted effort” to track down surviving members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment deployed to Somalia in 1992-93 had the potential to finally end the debate about permanent damage caused by the drug …”
• “Wounded Warriors Weekend in Sask. works to heal soldiers”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Canadian soldier accused of voyeurism” – “High Ranking Officer faces charge over discovery of video recorder in Toronto’s Canadian Forces washroom” – “A member of the Royal Canadian Artillery’s 7th Toronto Regiment is facing voyeurism charges in connection with the alleged recording of fellow members of the Canadian Armed Forces …”

Khadr Deal Fracas

• “Khadr protest and counter-protest both fail to materialize” – “Ottawa: manifestation prévue contre la compensation versée à Omar Khadr”
• “The High Long-Term Costs of Engaging in Torture”

#CAN-#USA Stuff

• “EDITORIAL: A betrayal of the troops — Just when most in the free world believed it was safer to come out, people like U.S. President Donald Trump try to pull them back in. The latest step backward came this week with Mr. Trump’s decision to ban transgender people from U.S. military service …”
• “TAYLOR: Trump’s transgender stance doesn’t hold water”
• “Transgender ban shames Trump”
• “Transgender soldiers under ‘friendly fire’ from Donald Trump”
• “What Trump and his base get wrong about transgender Americans”

Other

• Via the Pentagon Info-machine  “Final RED FLAG – Alaska of 2017 provides joint, multi-domain, multinational and fast combat training … Several units from across the globe are participating in RF-A 17-3 and include: the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska; the 80th Fighter Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea; the Electronic Attack Squadron 138, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.; the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; the 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Canadian Forces Base Bagotville, Canada; the 437th Transport Squadron, Canadian Forces Base Trenton …”
• More via the Pentagon  “Yellowknife Deployment For Training sharpens Oregon Civil Engineers skills — The arrival to the Northwest Territories of 30 Oregon Air National Guard Civil Engineers, delivered a diverse range of maintenance skill sets to complete repairs and construction assignments during a Deployment for Training (DFT) July 16 to 29, 2017 …”
• STILL More via the Pentagon  “Canadian Forces airmen arrive in support of Mobility Guardian — Brig. Gen. Brian Robinson, Air Mobility Command director of operations, greets airmen assigned to the Canadian Forces Aeromedical Evacuation Unit and the 436th Transport Squadron as they arrive at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 29, 2017. The airmen traveled from Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Quinte West, Ontario as participants in the exercise …” – More photos
• “Teen cadet battling cancer completes 160-kilometre, 4-day march with Canadian Forces — A Portage la Prairie teen broke new ground as the first Canadian cadet to complete a gruelling, four-day military training march … while fighting cancer. Alex Wishart, 16, walked 40 kilometres a day for four days as part of the Nijmegen March …”
• “Canada Hunting for Lost Part of Military History at Bottom of Lake” – “Submarine scours Lake Ontario as search for lost Avro Arrow prototypes starts” – “Remember the Avro Arrow during NAFTA talks”
• “Why Canada should sign the treaty banning nuclear arms”
• “Conrad Black: On Dunkirk, Khadr and claptrap about our outgoing Governor General — Here lies a wider contemporary problem: all emphasis seems to be of conflict avoidance, homogenization, washing out differences, avoiding judgments …”
• More Colonel Ted on “Water wars (4)”

World War Two

• “The evil the Dunkirk film doesn’t show: Michael Coren”

World War One

• “Let’s not forget Canada’s legacy of gas warfare”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 13, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Canadian Armed Forces CC-130J Hercules conducts first sortie under Operation IMPACT” (DND info-machine) – “Canadian Hercules Transport Plane Conducts First Coalition Sortie” – “Nouvelle contribution de l’op IMPACT à la lutte contre l’EI: un CC-130J Hercules effectue sa première sortie”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

#Iraq

• “U.S. Military Still Bombing ISIS After Iraq Declares Defeat of Islamic State in Mosul”
• “Iraq strikes Islamic State in Mosul days after declaring victory”
• “Iraq Collectively Punishing Islamic State Families: HRW” – “Iraq: Alleged ISIS Families Sent to ‘Rehabilitation Camp’ “ (Human Rights Watch)
• “ISIS destroyed in Iraq but will ‘pop up like cockroaches somewhere else’: Fmr. CIA Officer”
• “Defeating ISIS in Mosul is a victory for Iraq. The challenge will be making it last.”

#Syria

• “US troops inside Raqa, IS Syria stronghold: official”
• “Why Trump’s New Syria Cease-Fire Is An Empty Gesture”
• “U.S.-Led Airstrikes Target ISIS Oil Assets In Syria”
• “Two Americans Killed Fighting IS in Syria” – “First, a Symbol of Occupy Wall Street. Then He Waded Into Syria.”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Chinese Warships Conduct Live-Fire Drills in Mediterranean”
• “China sends Marines to first Chinese military base in Africa” – “Beijing Explains Why China Needs its First Overseas Military Base” – “China troops to overseas base, ‘operational security concerns’ for US” – “PLA base in Djibouti to help China better perform int’l obligations” – “Chinese navy ships head to Djibouti”
• “Analysis: PLA Navy edges toward owning Asia-Pacific”
• “China commissions Type 056 corvette into South Sea Fleet”
• “China’s Aircraft Carrier Enters Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone”
• “Any attempt to split Taiwan from China will be in vain: spokesperson”
• “India, China can handle border differences, senior Indian official says”
• “25th Chinese naval escort taskforce returns to China”
• “India Planning Missile To Target All Of China From South Bases, Says US Report”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “The U.S. thinks it can shoot down North Korea’s missiles”
• “US threatens China over North Korean sanctions” (World Socialist Web Site)
• “South Korea: No proof cash to Kaesong went to North Korea arms programs”
• “China defends imports of North Korean iron ore”
• “China says North Korea trade up, despite U.S. pressure”
• “China and North Korea, a Fading Alliance”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canada lifts economic sanctions against Belarus” – “Canada cancels restrictions on trade with Belarus”
• “NATO-Russia Council meeting kicks off in Brussels” – “NATO-Russia Council to consider issue of safe flights over Baltics” – “NATO, Russia set to urge each other to curb ‘unsafe’ Baltic jet maneuvers” – “NATO-Russia Council Expected To Discuss Flight Incidents, Ukraine” – “NATO, Russia set to urge each other to curb ‘unsafe’ Baltic jet maneuvers” – “NATO-Russia Council Expected To Discuss Flight Incidents, Ukraine”
• “US approves $3.9bn Patriot missile systems sale to Romania”
• “The United States demonstrates strong commitment to security in Lithuania by installing a long-range air defense system “Patriot” “ (Lithuanian DefMin, in Lithuanian)
• “Georgia National Guard Soldiers Participate in Saber Guardian 2017 (in Romania)”
• “Defense minister: Estonia and NATO closely following Russian Zapad exercise”
• “Russian Caspian Flotilla ship groups left for tactical exercise”
• “Russian Military Bombs ‘Enemy Submarine’ In Drills Near New U.S. War Games”
• “Baltic Fleet helicopters destroy notional enemy’s submarine with bombs in naval drills”
• “(FIN President) Niinistö: In case of war help for Estonia more than ‘rice and potatoes’ … “If Estonia is attacked, will Finland help?” Faced with this question, Niinistö said he doubted that military conflict in the Baltic states would be entirely local. “If there’s war in that area, there is war somewhere else as well. Then we’re already talking about a big war. If Russia and NATO go to war, they won’t limit themselves to Estonia or the Baltic states. But of course we’re helping Estonia already,” he said. In his somewhat noncommittal answer, the president didn’t specify what kind of help this would be in the case of war, but he did say that Finland’s aid would not be limited to “sending over rice and potatoes”.”
• “The Cyber Security Council discussed the preparation of the National Cyber Security Strategy” (Lithuanian DefMin, in Lithuanian)
• “Ukrainian arms inspectors to conduct observation flight over Lithuania”
• “Russia quietly moves border hundreds of yards into occupied Georgia”
• “Why Russia’s Futuristic New Aircraft Carrier Is A Total Pipe Dream”
• “Interpreting fascism” (EU Disinformation Review)
• RUS Disses New Documentary on Baltic Anti-Soviet Fighters  “NATO makes film about ‘forest brothers’ “ – “Russian Foreign Ministry Slams NATO Film on Baltic Resistance” – “Showing Their True Colors, Fascist Terrorist Organization NATO Release A Documentary Film Praising Nazi Battalions That Fought Against The Great Soviet Red Army !” – “Russian diplomat calls to quash NATO’s attempts to falsify history — Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reminded that among the Forest Brothers were SS soldiers and thousands of civilians were killed in the acts of sabotage they staged …” – “Forest Brothers: NATO Propaganda Video Openly Glorifies Baltic Nazi Collaborators”
• “Walmart to start selling Estonian war movie”

#Ukraine

• “Stepan Poltorak: I am sure that we have to extend geography of training in participation of NATO instructors” (UKR DefMin)
• Hmmm … “Mass GPS Spoofing Attack in Black Sea? — An apparent mass and blatant, GPS spoofing attack involving over 20 vessels in the Black Sea last month has navigation experts and maritime executives scratching their heads …”
• Meanwhile, Black Sea’s a Busy Place These Days  “The United States, Ukraine co-hosting multinational wargames in Black Sea” – “Diving day at Sea Breeze 2017 (Black Sea) multinational exercise” – “US-Ukraine Drills in Black Sea: Testing Russia or Just Playing ‘Political Game’?” – “Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Carries Out Combat Readiness Drills in Crimea” – “Mother Russia On High Alert, Black Sea Fleet Holding Combat Readiness In Crimea And In The Black Sea ! Bring It On NATO !!!” – “U.S., Ukraine Join Others For Black Sea Naval Exercises” – “NATO conducting large-scale preparations for military aggression against Russia – Expert”
• “Poroshenko Opens Ukraine-EU Summit In Kyiv”
• “Ukraine waiting for defensive weapons from foreign partners”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 11 July 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, July 13, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 13 July 2017 – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 07/12/2017” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire seven times over 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 35 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “35 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “ATO report: 1 KIA, 1 WIA in past 24 hours” – “Militants shell 30 times in Donbas, one Ukrainian soldiers killed, one – injured” – “LPR reports seven episodes of shelling by Ukrainian troops in past day”
• “Draft law on de-occupation of Donbas declares Russia as occupant” – “NSDC bill on Donbas: Media published draft version.” – “Summary of Donbas reintegration bill: Russian occupation, liberation, division of powers” – “President will submit the draft law “On the aspects of state policy of the restoration of Ukraine’s state sovereignty over the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions” after consultations with our strategic partners” (UKR National Security & Defense Council) – “Text of ‘Donbass reintegration bill’ published in Ukrainian media”
• “President instructed the Parliament and the Government to analyze the opportunity of establishing the Ministry of Veterans” (Official website of the President of Ukraine)
• “Gulag at Moscow’s consent: media tell about forced-labour camps in Donbas”
• “LPR experts detrmine type and power of IEDs used in Lugansk city center attacks LPR experts detrmine type and power of IEDs used in Lugansk city center attacks”
• “DPR Ministry of Defense demands that Kiev returns remains of soldiers killed in 2014-15”
• “Defence Ministry will take the body of civilian who perished to the west from Donetsk in a grey zone”
• MH-17 Shootdown  “Malaysia says MH17 suspects to face charges could be known by year-end” – “Malaysia confident culprits behind downing of MH17 will be identified”
• “Russia’s customs officially recognize anthracite from militants-seized Donbas mines”
• Past Management (1)  “Yanukovich to appeal to European Court of Human Rights against Ukraine”
• Past Management (2)  “Former Ukrainian PM (Nikolai Azarov) predicts ‘imminent’ regime change in Kiev”  – “Nazi Coup Leader Poroshenko Of Ukraine On The Brink Of Collapse, Regime Nearing It’s End ~ Former PM Azarov”

Way Up North

• “Nanisivik Naval Refueling Station On Track For Fall 2018 Opening”
• “Kremlin comments on postponement of Arktika icebreaker commissioning” – “Rosatom: The delay in putting into service the Arktika icebreaker will not disrupt navigation in the Northern Sea Route”

Khadr Deal Fracas

• “Omar Khadr fights back at US widow’s efforts to go after his assets” – “Omar Khadr fights attempt by soldier’s widow to freeze his assets” – “Convicted terrorist Omar Khadr fights back at widow’s efforts to go after assets”
• “La veuve du sgt. Speer demandera jeudi une injonction contre Omar Khadr”
• “Apology: Omar Khadr deserved some justice”
• “Omar Khadr compensation payout could boost rights of child soldiers”
• “How To Stop Payment on Trudeau’s $10.5 Million Cheque to a Terrorist” (Tory MP Cheryl Gallant page)
• “Khadr a subi « une torture entre guillemets » à Guantánamo, dit un conservateur”
• “Justin Trudeau places his trust in Omar Khadr”
• “Outrage over Omar Khadr defies reason”
• ‘Why I have doubts about the Khadr case — and why you should, too”
• “Plenty of confusion in reaction to Khadr settlement”
• “What 3 legal minds think about the Omar Khadr settlement”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War (1)   Why is this here?   “Julie Payette to be next governor general of Canada: report” – Because of Payette’s husband, an F-35 test pilot for Lockheed-Martin  According to Macleans & CTV, Payette & Flynn are no longer married.
• F-35 Tug o’ War (2)  “Lockheed Martin expands Canadian lobby team”
• F-35 Tug o’ War (3)  “Vance’s CF-18 ‘capability gap’ has credibility problem”
• “MISSING MISSILES…” (Best Fighter 4 Canada blog)
• “Canadian Forces small arms replacement won’t receive funding for another three years”
• Wanted by RCMP:  Various projects to better protect public buildings & those who work there  “Retrofit Canada’s Building Armour … Traditional building armour materials are often prohibitive due to excessive weight exceeding structure limits, excessive thickness for the allowable space or fit and finish not compatible with a residential environment. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate light-weight solution of ballistic panels (the “Innovation”) to retrofit existing rooms of public officials to match changing threat levels …” –  “Protecting Canada’s Public Officials … RCMP has identified the requirement to introduce a variety of high security door assembly solutions within a series of immediate security upgrades for deployment within the residences of public officials. Traditional armour materials are prohibitive due to excessive weight and challenging to introduce within a residential environment. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate light weight high security door assembly solutions (the “Innovation”) for sliding and swinging doors that can be deployed within a residential environment …”  – “Enhancing portable ballistic panels … Portable ballistic panels are deployed by RCMP to protect public officials during events in which ballistic threat have been identified. The RCMP has been using such panels for many years but the increase in the number of events requiring this kind of protection, a more portable solution is needed. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate light weight solution ballistic panels (the “Innovation”) that can be easily deployed to serve as a barrier at events when required …” – More details in bid documents (PDF)
• Wanted:  “Protecting Canada’s Soldiers with lighter and more durable resistant armour … Protection against rifle rounds is provided by hard armour systems or bullet resistant plates. The purpose of the challenge is to identify and evaluate modular, scalable, three component Bullet Resistant Plate (BRP) system prototype (the “Innovation”) that can cover the range of potential threat environments that a soldier may face, while ensuring that the soldier does not carry a heavier plate than is required for any given mission …”
• Wanted:  “Enhancing Canada’s armoured vehicles … Transparent armour is an inherent part of many armoured vehicle fleets, be it tactical, logistic or engineering fleets. Transparent armour is the portion of a vehicle’s armour system with the lowest efficiency in terms of mass per meter square, when compared to its opaque counterparts. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate vehicular transparent armour systems (the “Innovation”) for large window areas, e.g. 40 x 60 cm, that are lighter in weight, thinner, and possess increased durability when compared to current commercially available glass-based systems …”
• “CAE, GE and Rockwell Collins Join “Team Cormorant” “

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Former military officer says she was sexually assaulted by military physician — A former Canadian Forces officer is frustrated with delays in the military justice system after she alleges she was sexually and physically assaulted by a military doctor. Twenty-one months after the allegations were brought forward, the physician continues to work within the military and the case still hasn’t reached trial …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “You Won’t Believe What Trudeau Did To A Wounded Soldier” (Tory MP Cheryl Gallant page)

Internal Security

• “US Soldier Remained in Army despite Support for ISIS”
• “Oka Crisis 2.0? Mohawk Activists Square Off Against Land Developers”

Other

• “22 Wing Nijmegen heading to Netherlands”
• “After viral video, Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan apologises for littering”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 10, 2017

B.C. Forest Fires/CF Help

• “CAF Send Reconnaissance Support to BC Wild Fires”
• DefMin Tweet:  “The @CanadianForces are ready to respond quickly to the request for assistance from the provincial government. #BCwildfire https://t.co/vgC2DDHS4b”
• “Canadian Armed Forces supporting emergency response to wildfires in British Columbia”
• “Canadian Forces to assist in battle against BC wildfires”
• More on BC fires via Google News

#CANvsISIL

• “How Canada is fighting Daesh with friendship”
• “Op IMPACT: l’EI est «moribond» à Mossoul déclare le directeur de l’équipe de liaison ministérielle”
• “Canada’s Iraq Mission Extended until 2019 at Cost of $371 million”
• “Ezra Levant: Canada should support an independent Kurdistan” (via Kurdish media)
• “Canada caught in a web of competing factions in Iraq”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

#Iraq

• “Islamic State on ‘last legs’ in Mosul: Canadian general Dave Anderson”
• “First of 100 ‘Police-Stations-in-a-Box’ Arrive in Iraq: ‘Nothing Says Normal Like a Policeman’ “
• “As Mosul battle ends, struggle over Iraq’s future intensifies”
• “US-Led Coalition in Iraq Unveil ‘Police-Presence-in-a-Box’ “
• “L’EI aura perdu Mossoul d’ici une semaine, prédit un général canadien sur place”
• “Iraq , “l’Is sta per morire” “
• “Collaboration Fuels Fight Against ISIS, Official Says”
• “Iraq’s prime minister declares military victory in Mosul after grueling campaign”
• “Mosul Iraq liberated from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) but Iraqi Armed Forces fight sleeper cells”
• “Options for United States Military Assistance to the Kurdistan Regional Government in Northern Iraq” (Divergent Options paper)

#Syria

• “Putin and Trump agree on ceasefire in Syria”
• “US, Russia, Jordan Reach Ceasefire Deal for Southwest Syria”
• “Cease-Fire in Southern Syria Goes into Effect”
• “US-Russian ceasefire deal ‘holding’ in southwest Syria”
• “As Night Falls In Syria, U.S. And Russia Brokered Cease-Fire Appears To Be Holding”
• “Analysis: Who wins and loses from Syrian ceasefire deal?”
• “Russia Satisfied with Ceasefire Outcome, Will Continue to Provide Military Support to Both, the Syrian Government and the so-called “Opposition” “
• “Russia Is Now Sending Its New ‘Terminator’ Tanks To Syria”
• “Russia to deploy warplanes in Syria soon”
• “Admiral Essen frigate to join Russian Mediterranean grouping – source” – “Russian Navy Frigate Admiral Essen Embarks on Its Mission to Syrian Waters” – “Russia sends Admiral Essen frigate equipped with cruise missiles to Syrian coast”
• “AIR NATO: A Look Inside the West’s Secret Weapons Racket That’s Destroying Syria”

#Afghanistan

• “Taliban executes ISIS leaders in Afghanistan”
• “NATO ignores false Taliban claims of killing US soldiers” – From 2009: “Taliban year-end statement: Statistical lies and word of a re-org”
• Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe
• “Germany starts military pull-out from Turkey after diplomatic spat” – “German military pulling out of Turkey”
• First Version:  “Trump says discussed forming cyber security unit with Putin”
• Second Version, via #POTUS45’s Twitter feed:  “The fact that President Putin and I discussed a Cyber Security unit doesn’t mean I think it can happen. It can’t-but a ceasefire can,& did!”
• “Putin satisfied with his first personal meeting with Trump – Kremlin spokesman” – “Kremlin spokesman says Trump struck Putin as competent politician”
• “Former CIA director rips Trump for saying it was an honor to meet Putin” – “Fmr. CIA Director Brennan Says Trump ‘Ceded’ Ground to Putin”
• “EU’s ‘Eastern Partnership’ Threatens to Turn Belarus Into a ‘Second Ukraine’ “
• “Was a Trump Doctrine Unveiled in Poland?”
• “Shipbuilding updates from Russia’s naval salon (МВМС-2017)” (Russian Military Analysis blog)
• “What Pretext Has NATO Found for Its Demands to Limit Russia’s Sovereignty?” (RUS media)
• “NATO: A Liberal Alliance in an Increasingly Illiberal World?” (Centre for International Policy Studies)

#Ukraine

• “The Royal Canadian Navy departs for Ukraine on SEA BREEZE 2017 — The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will deploy a contingent of 14 personnel comprised of divers and support staff and staff officers from Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic and Maritime Forces Atlantic to support SEA BREEZE 2017 (SB17), multi-national training event in Odessa, Ukraine, led by the United States and Ukraine Navies from 10 to 21 July …”
• Edging Closer to NATO membership   “President: Ukraine started discussion on the introduction of the NATO Membership Action Plan” (UKR president info-machine) – “Ukraine – NATO Commission: Building strong and stable Ukraine is the key to a solid European and Euro-Atlantic security” (UKR pres info-machine)
• “President: We urge NATO to create a Trust Fund to establish a chain of rehabilitation centers for combatants in Ukraine” (UKR MoD)
• “Russia sanctions to remain until settlement of Ukraine, Syria conflicts – Trump” – “U.S. sanctions on Russia to remain in place until Russia halts aggression – Tillerson” – ” «Désescalade» en Ukraine: Tillerson appelle Moscou à faire le premier pas”
• “The US called on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements” – “U.S. calls on Russia to influence militants to ensure ceasefire in Donbas”
• “Remarks With Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko At a Joint Press Availability” (US State Dep’t) – “Meeting between the President and the U.S. Secretary of State: We have coordinated interaction and algorithm of the joint work for the further progress in the Minsk process” (UKR pres inf\o-machine) – “Meeting between the President of Ukraine and the U.S. Secretary of State: Ensuring territorial integrity and cessation of the illegal annexation of Crimea is a solid condition for lifting sanctions against Russia” (UKR Pres)
• “Ukraine hopeful for US support against Russia after talks with Tillerson”– “Tillerson Says Russia Must Restore Ukraine Territory, or Sanctions Stay” – “Tillerson says Russia must make first move in Ukraine peace process” – “Tillerson praises progress in Ukraine reform – News about economy”
• “In Ukraine, UN chief Guterres urges full respect for ceasefire” (UN info-machine) – “Secretary-General’s press remarks with President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine” (UN info-machine) – “NATO’s Secretary General visits UA Parliament” (Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine)
• “OSCE PA condemns Russian aggression in Ukraine – declaration” – “OSCE parliamentarians adopt Minsk Declaration with comprehensive recommendations for peace and prosperity”
• Really?  “Service of the National Security of Ukraine plans to confirm the movement from “ATO” to war today”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 9 July 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, July 10, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 10 Jul 2017 – UKR govt ATO map, 9 Jul 2017 – “Ukrainian army launches over 50 shells and mortar rounds onto DPR territory” – “32 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 32 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command”
• “President: 1 billion hryvnias will be allocated for the construction of housing for (military contract troops)” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “President: Ukraine will build a new ammunition plant”
• “Ukrainian border guard starts using new Spectator-M unmanned complexes (UAV’s)”
• Really?  “Kiev deployed conscript soldiers to Donetsk and Mariupol axes” (DPR info-machine) – “Kiev sent special forces to Mariupol to stop the conflict between AFU and nationalistic battalions”
• “DPR special services reinforced due to terrorist attacks in Lugansk”
• “Panic among Donbas militants as Russia arrests ex-fighter suspected of the horrific killing of a pro-Ukrainian teenager” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• “Poroshenko announces Normandy phone talks in July, to be followed by four leaders’ summit” – “President on the negotiations in the Normandy format: We are committed to carry out decisive and practical work to achieve peace in Ukraine”
• “Hard Not to Recognize Minsk Agreements Mainly Unfulfilled by Kiev – Kremlin”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Trump flew a pair of bombers over the South China Sea to annoy China”
• “Xi, Trump meet on ties, hot-spot issues on G20 sidelines”
• “Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with President Xi Jinping of China” (whitehouse.gov) – “Remarks by President Trump Before Bilateral Meeting with President Xi of China” (whitehouse.gov)
• “Wrong China policy: White House calls Xi Jinping president of Taiwan”
• “Chinese navy establishes “mobile supply point” in Indian Ocean”
• CHN-IND Fracas Continues  “(IND) Government needs to be proactive over India-China standoff: Congress” – “India Should Negotiate All Boundary Issues With The Tibetan Government In Exile And Not China” – “India allows Dalai Lama’s b’day fest on disputed border with China in Ladakh” – “China must teach India bitter lesson, inflict more losses than 1962”
• “Pakistan summons Indian envoy over death of 2 civilians in cross-border firing”
• “China’s Quest for Super-Quiet Submarines Is Still Just a Dream”
• “Chinese communications satellite placed into orbit –A Chinese satellite was finally put into the orbit after a failure in the launch of its rocket two weeks ago, and was given the nickname “Stubborn Satellite” by Netizens …”
• “Professional research report of the day: Overview of People’s Liberation Army Air Force “Elite Pilots” “

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “Trump says may take a while for U.S., China to deal with North Korea”
• “US to Increase Pressure on China to Enforce Sanctions Against North Korea”
• “Trump keeps it friendly with Xi at G20 on North Korea threat”
• “Diplomats: US gave China draft UN North Korea sanctions resolution”
• “China welcomes Moon Jae-in’s peace initiative on Korean Peninsula”
• “South Korea’s Moon calls North’s missile launch a ‘nuclear provocation’ “
• “Pyongyang met en garde (encore) contre un risque de guerre nucléaire”
• “Preemptive Strike: This Is How North Korea Would Start World War III”

Khadr Deal Fracas

• “Debate rages over $10.5M Khadr deal”
• “Canada formally apologizes to Omar Khadr for abuses he endured at Guantanamo Bay”
• “Canadian PM Trudeau defends multimillion payout to ex-Gitmo inmate”
• “Statement of apology to Mr. Omar Khadr”
• ” ‘We’re being slapped in the face’: Veterans protest Omar Khadr settlement in Halifax”
• “US veteran blinded in Omar Khadr ambush says payment is treasonous”
• “Former US Soldier Blasts Canada For Massive Payout To Ex-Gitmo Detainee Who Blinded Him”
• “Trudeau should be charged with treason: Morris”
• “Trudeau defends apology and $10.5-million payment to Omar Khadr”
• “Andrew Scheer vows to grill Grits on Khadr”
• “Trudeau keen to help Khadr, not him: Afghan refugee”
• “Twelve Points about the Khadr Saga” (National Security Law Blog)
• “Two-faced on Khadr: How the Grits shamelessly changed their tune”
• “Once again: not outraged … or “If wishes were horses” … I take note of the extreme high dudgeon with which many, many Canadians, especially 19657216_10155193862878145_4677924929126061737_nconservative Canadians and Canadian veterans have greeted the news that Omar Khadr has received $10 Million or more and an official apology from the government …”
• “What if Omar Khadr isn’t guilty?”
• “The shady business of paying Omar Khadr”
• “Speer’s death a tragedy, but not the only one”
• “Khadr payoff insults all who serve”
• “Cut the mouth-foaming: This is the cost of grinding a citizen’s life into dust”

Internal Security

• “The Spies of the ‘Five Eyes’ Need to Speed Up Intel-Sharing”
• “Base Valcartier expresses its solidarity with the Muslim community of Quebec City a second time”
• “Proud Boys? They should hang their heads in shame”
• “German minister compares anti-G20 protesters to Islamist terrorists”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Dare to dream … “Military procurement turned corner: Official” – “Military procurement officials hopeful years of troubles finally behind them”
• Wanted:  “Evaluation of a New Canadian Technology for Coating the Inner Surface of (Phalanx CIWS 20mm)Gun Barrels” – more details in Statement of Work (7pg PDF)
• “Boeing to Get $200 Million Maintenance Contract Despite Bombardier Fight”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  Colonel Ted’s take:  “Fighters (yet again)”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Wounded Warriors campaign aims to aid former soldiers”

Other

• “Unit for injured soldiers facing third leadership change in a year” – “Chief of the Defence Staff announces additional Canadian Armed Forces General and Flag Officer senior appointments, promotions, and retirements”
• “Canada hosts NATO exercise aimed at countering chemical, biological and radiological agents”
• “Change of Command for Operation CROCODILE”
• “Change of Command Ceremony at Royal Military College Saint-Jean”
• “Torch passed for 2 Air Movement Sqn.”
• “The Battle to get More Women into the (Canadian) Military”
• “Sergeant Clayton Holloway Found Not Guilty Following Court Martial”
• “The new Defence Policy is a good start, but …”
• “HMCS Goose Bay commanding officer relieved of duty over ‘inappropriate comments’ “ – “Le commandant du NCSM Goose Bay relevé de ses fonctions de manière «permanente»”
• “Tucked away in a building on Montgomery Road, a group of quiet professionals goes about their business of supplying Canada’s military with the medical supplies critical to operations here and abroad. On June 22, however, those professionals were in the spotlight as the Central Medical Equipment Depot (CMED) witnessed the change of command between Maj. Rachel Comeau and Lt.-Cmdr. Jody McArel …”

World War Two

• “New memorial in German town to honour 408 Sqn Lancaster crew”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 6, 2017

Mental Health in the CAF

• “Panel implores military to adopt more suicide-prevention resources” – “The Surgeon General announces findings from the 2016 Mental Health Expert Panel report on Suicide Prevention in the Canadian Armed Forces”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veteran sues Ottawa over pension-payment delays” – “Canadian Armed Forces sued for $100M over ‘chronic’ pension delays”
• “Military has made serious effort to reduce pension delays: Lieutenant-General”
• “Veterans affairs minister urges patience on pensions for injured ex-soldiers”

#CANvsISIL

• “Special forces operating on ‘borrowed time,’ need more troops: General”
• “600 soldats d’élite de plus pour les missions canadiennes”

Khadr Boy

• “Former Gitmo prisoner to receive apology, millions from Canada” – “Fury erupts at word that feds set to pay Omar Khadr $10.5 million, apologize”
• “U.S. soldier, widow to seek injunction to halt Ottawa’s payout to Omar Khadr” – “Widow of U.S. soldier applies for any settlement money paid to ex-Gitmo prisoner Omar Khadr”
• “Omar Khadr deserves his settlement and his apology from the Canadian government: Jonathan Kay”
• “Deal for Khadr acknowledges violations of rights: Editorial”
• ” ‘Odious’ Khadr payout is the penalty for being lax on the rule of law”
• ” ‘Odious’ or overdue: Reports of Omar Khadr settlement draw sharply different reactions”
• “U.S. soldier, widow to seek injunction to halt Ottawa’s payout to Omar Khadr”
• “Widow, injured soldier’s court filing seeks money federal government is expected to give Khadr”
• “The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent civil liberties & advocacy organization, welcomes news of the federal government’s decision to apologize and compensate Canadian citizen Omar Khadr for his ordeal …” (NCCM statement)
• “The Omar Khadr settlement will be a political albatross for Trudeau”
• “Colby Cosh: The problem for Omar Khadr isn’t the dodgy evidence, it’s that he exists at all”
• “Michelle Rempel: Why would Trudeau pay Khadr $10-million before having a court weigh in?”
• “Conservatives must move on from demonizing Omar Khadr”
• Canadian Taxpayers Federation petition:  “Don’t give Omar Khadr $10 million”

Nova Scotia Protest Aftermath

• “6 military members face review over confrontation at Mi’kmaq protest”  – “Mi’kmaq activist says Proud Boys show more education needed in military” – “5 “Proud Boys” suspended from duties and face investigation says chief of defence” – “Canadian military who crashed indigenous ceremony suspended” – “Forces members who disrupted Indigenous rally face ‘severe consequences’ “ – “5 military members face review over confrontation at Mi’kmaq protest”
• “Canada’s top general apologizes for incident at Indigenous ceremony” – “Canada’s top general condemns Forces members who disrupted Indigenous event” – “Pas de place pour les personnes sans «boussole morale» dans les Forces canadiennes, tonne l’état-major “ – “Statement from the Chief of the Defence Staff”
• “Naval commander apologizes for incident at Indigenous ceremony on Canada Day”
• “Head of Canada’s Indigenous veterans group hopes Proud Boys don’t lose their CAF jobs”
• “Military’s response to ‘Proud Boys’ clash at Mi’kmaq protest is ‘a great step forward’: activist”
• “Canadian military must learn more about Aboriginal history: Mi’kmaq organizer”
• “Professor: Proud Boys stunt may signal anti-aboriginal backlash”
• “Indigenous community welcomes military’s ‘respectful’ apology over Canada Day incident”
• “Who are the ‘Proud Boys’ who protested an Indigenous ceremony in Halifax?”
• “Stop the witch hunt against the five servicemen in Halifax!” (The Rebel)
• “There’s no room in Canadian forces for racists: Editorial”

Internal Security

• “Ontario court upholds $1.7B judgment against Iran, ruling in favour of American victims of terrorism”
• “Groups ask Federal Court to strike down Safe Third Country deal with the U.S.”
• “China sees free trade with Canada as way to avoid future Norsat-like uncertainty”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Remarks by President Trump to the People of Poland | July 6, 2017” (whitehouse.gov)
• “Trump Says US Committed To NATO Defense, Knocks Russia Over Ukraine”
• “Donald Trump praises Poland for NATO commitment, rebukes Russia”
• “Trump Attends Initiative Designed to ‘Keep Russia at Bay’ “
• “Trump’s Warsaw speech hits right tone, says Mihkelson”
• “Trump pitches US natural gas to European leaders, suggests Russian gas holds them hostage”
• “Why Poland’s Reckless Plan In Europe Is Counterproductive To US Security Interests”
• “First shift of the Dutch detachment farewelled after their tour of duty with the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion, next rotation to deploy soon” (Lithuanian DefMin)
• “Estonia urges EU to do more defence”
• “Estonian president emphasizes importance of close cooperation in NATO”
• “Survey: almost half of Estonians fear a military conflict in the country”
• “EU finally waking up to ‘hybrid’ threat from resurgent Russia”
• “Russia holds “anti-terrorist” drills at the Estonian and Latvian borders”
• “Large-scale airborne exercise underway in Russia’s Pskov oblast — The Russian military has begun its summer maneuvers with large-scale paratroops exercises in the Pskov oblast at the border to Estonia …”
• “Paratroopers from Ulyanovsk and Ivanovo captured the conditional enemy’s airfield in course of the exercise” (RUS MoD)
• “Baltic Fleet pilots performed flying over the sea and bombing at the range in the Kaliningrad region”
• “Russian Military’s New Kalashnikov Assault Rifle Passes Field Tests”
• “Russian-made S-300 air defense missile systems assume combat duty in Iran”
• “French defence company plans to arrange production of drone boats in Russia”
• “Russia Is Expanding Its Military , but NATO Isn’t Sure Why”
• “Imminent threat of civil war – in Sweden!” (EU Disinformation Review)

#Ukraine

• “Canada sees great opportunities for developing bilateral relations with Ukraine” – “(UKR) Prime Minister: Ukraine and Canada enter a new phase of bilateral cooperation” (Cabinet info-machine) – “Freeland advises to keep reforms dynamic” – “Groysman meets Freeland”
• “U.S. not decided yet whether to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons” – “The US has not yet decided whether to provide weapons to Ukraine”
• “Washington doesn’t want to deal exclusively with Russia on Ukrainian conflict settlement”
• “Suspects In Downing Of MH17 To Be Prosecuted In Dutch Court” – “Witness in the MH17 case Colonel Geranin of the Russian GRU arrested” (InformNapalm.org) – “UK welcomes use of Dutch national prosecution for MH17 suspects”
• “First Deputy Minister of Defence holds talks with Chief Monitor of OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine” (UKR Cabinet info-machine)
• “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv on Friday”
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 5 July 2017”
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 4 July 2017”
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 3 July 2017”
• UKR govt ATO map, 6 Jul 2017
• UKR govt ATO map, 5 July 2017
• “LPR People’s Militia returns 5th UAV lost by OSCE observers”
• “Ukraine’s SBU Launches Legal Case Against Russian Border Guards” – “FSB servicemen Kuznetsov and Kulub suspected of violation of territorial integrity of Ukraine, – SBU” – “Kremlin vows to defend interests of its citizens captured in Ukraine”
• “205th Brigade: Russian thugs go wild in Donbas” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Black Sea Fleet’s frigate ‘Admiral Essen’ arrived in Sevastopol” (RUS MoD)
• “First Deputy Defence Minister Ruslan Tsalikov has arrived in Crimea” (RUS MoD)
• “NSDC to consider draft law on de-occupation of Donbas on July 10”
• Separatists: What press gangs?  “DPR Chief Enlistment Officer refutes another piece of Ukrainian Media false information”
• ” “Russia not to let them in:” Escape drills held in occupied Donbas – Ukraine intel”
• “Contact Group discusses all issues put on the agenda at Minsk talks” – “Contact Group makes “considerable progress” at 5 July meeting – Deinego” – “LPR, DPR, Ukraine sum up prisoners verification results – envoy” – “Ukraine disrupts captives’ exchange, fears torture truth disclosure” – “Kiev disrupts POWs exchange discussion at Minsk talks, tries to raise Crimea issue – Morozova”
• “Ousted Ukrainian President Says Will Not Participate In Kyiv’s Treason Trial” – “Recall of lawyers by Yanukovych is aimed solely at delaying trial of ‘high treason case’”
• “Ukraine will toughen border control along the Transnistrian border”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “US, ROK Conduct Precision-Strike Drill in Response to North Korean ICBM Launch”
• “UN official urges Security Council to delink political, humanitarian concerns in response to DPR Korea missile launch” (UN Info-machine)
• “China urges DPRK to strictly abide by Security Council resolutions: envoy”
• “Canada unreservedly condemns North Korea’s missile launch” (Global Affairs info-machine)
• “Joint statement by the Russian and Chinese foreign ministries on the Korean Peninsula’s problems” (RUS MFA)
• “China, Russia jointly oppose North Korea’s missile launch” – “Xi, Putin to push for proper settlement of North Korean issue”
• “Use of military measures on Korean Peninsula should be ruled out – (RUS UN rep) Safronkov”
• “China urges calm after U.S. says ready to use force against North Korea”
• “Seeking to isolate North Korea, U.S. warns that diplomatic window is closing”
• “Trump warns of ‘severe’ consequences for North Korea as Russia, China balk at tough U.S. talk”
• “Kim Jong Un Attends Missile Test” (North Korea Leadership Watch)
• “N. Korea Posts On-Board Film Of Missile Flight As US Says It Spied On Launch Site”
• “North Korea’s Powerful Rocket Caught America by Surprise”
• “North Korea Might Have Far More Nukes Than We Thought”
• “Can U.S. defend against North Korea missiles? Not everyone agrees”
• “The US can’t fall back on its military to resolve North Korean crisis, former NATO commander says”
• “U.S. missile defense and its spotty history have a new challenge in North Korean ICBMs”
• “DoD: Latest North Korean Missile Is ‘Not One We’ve Seen Before’ “
• “North Korea’s Hwasong-14 Missile Launch Site Identified: The Panghyon Aircraft Factory” (38 North)
• “Chinese Involvement In North Korea’s Nuclear Missile Program: From Warheads To Trucks”

#Syria

• “Tillerson Says Trump, Putin to Seek Common Ground Over Syria”
• “Statement From Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson on the Current Situation in Syria” (Sec of State info-machine)
• “Tillerson Sends Message to Russia: Help Us Stabilize Syria to Prevent ISIS ‘From Rising Anew’ “
• “US could work with Russia on Syria no-fly zones, Tillerson says”
• “U.S. prepared to hold joint operations with Russia in Syria, Tillerson says”
• “Russia has asked U.S. about Syria no-fly zone proposal: Lavrov”
• “Letter dated 23 June 2017 from the Head and the members of the Leadership Panel of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons – United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism addressed to the Secretary-General” (6 page PDF)
• “At UN, panel probing chemical weapons use in Syria urges independence” (UN Info-machine)
• “Remarks by Director of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Mikhail Ulyanov at a briefing for accredited diplomats on the Syrian “chemical dossier,” Moscow, July 5, 2017” (RUS MFA)
• “Russian diplomat calls OPCW report on Khan Shaykhun incident ‘disappointing’ “
• “Russian diplomat slams OPCW report on Khan Shaykhun as incomplete”
• “Diplomat warns of chemical provocations by militants in Syria for grounding US strikes”
• “Why China tolerates a nuclear North Korea”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug O’ War  “Liberals taking ‘prudent amount of time’ with jet competition: RCAF commander”
• What’s Canada Selling?  “Canada’s ATT Legislation Has A Loophole You Could Drive A Tank Through — The Arms Trade Treaty aims to establish global standards for responsible national decision-making on the transfer of conventional weapons …”
• Wanted:  “This bid solicitation is being issued to satisfy the requirement of the Department of National Defence (the Client) for the following food items in support of the Individual Meal Packs (IMP) Program …” – list of menu items here.
• Wanted:  “SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNICIAN CONSTANT WEAR FLYING SUIT”
• “WESTDEF address by The Honorable Kent Hehr, Associate Minister of National Defence, Calgary, AB, July 5, 2017”

Other

• “New Commander for Canadian Forces Health Services”
• “New Commanding officer for CSOR”
• “Military pilots’ memories led to improper decisions during Aurora mishap:report” – “Flight Safety final report on the aborted takeoff of a CP-140 Aurora” (RCAF info-machine)
• “Canadian posting – ‘a great opportunity’: Brazilian Liaison Officer” (CF Info-machine)
• “Leveling the field on CAF operations — Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations take extensive planning and preparation. For example, planners must consider a number of factors such as logistics, number and type of troops, equipment, supplies, and the environment and culture of the nation where the CAF will deploy. Considering these factors helps to ensure that the operation runs smoothly. However, as situations change during the course of deployments, it is important to constantly monitor and look for ways to improve situational awareness to make the operation more effective. Gender Focal Points are CAF members who play an important role in doing just that …”
• “The Need for North American Defence Modernization” (The Global Exchange – A CGAI Podcast)
• “Canada’s Defence Policy Review – The Asterisk dear boy, the asterisk: Joel Sokolsky for Inside Policy” (Macdonald-Laurier Institute)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 28, 2017

27 June 2017 Cyber Attack

• “CSE statement on Global Ransomware Attacks — CSE continues to closely monitor the recent global cyber/ransomware attacks. As we have seen in recent attacks, today’s attacks continue to indiscriminately target both organizations and individuals …” (Communications Security Establishment)
• “Cyberattack Hits Ukraine Then Spreads Internationally”
• “Cyberattack reaches Asia, new targets hit by ransomware”
• “Global Ransomware Attack Hits Ukraine, Causes Worldwide Turmoil”
• “Cyber attack sweeps globe, researchers see ‘WannaCry’ link”
• “Wave of new cyberattacks spreads, hitting multinationals”
• “Firms scramble to recover from wave of cyberattacks”
• “Massive cyberattack hits Europe with widespread ransom demands”
• “Petya cryptoware to blame massive cyber-attack at companies in Ukraine, Russia – Group-IB experts”
• “What is the Petya ransomware spreading across Europe? WIRED explains”
• “Petya malware cyber attack potent, uses multiple techniques”
• “Ukraine deputy prime minister says government computer network down”
• “Websites of (UKR) National Police and Ministry of Internal Affairs disabled due to cyber attack”
• “Huge cyber-attack at Ukrainian govt agencies’ network stopped”
• “Ukraine cyberattacks disrupt some Chernobyl radiation checks”
• “DPR communications minister notes low-level cybersecurity in Ukraine”
• “Ukrainian Interior Ministry Accuses Russia of Cyberattacks”
• “Huge cyber-attack at Ukraine organized by Russian intelligence services – advisor to interior minister”
• “Ukraine’s Internet association chief rules out Russia’s role in Petya ransomware attack”
• More via Google News

Internal Security

• “Canada’s Military Gets More Cyber, and the Headaches That Come With It”
• “The battle over encryption and what it means for our privacy”
• “Peter MacKay: Canada cannot afford to turn soft on terrorism. It still needs C-51”
• “Trudeau says national security not jeopardized in China takeover of Norsat”
• “We desperately need a way to defend against online propaganda”
• “Global effort needed to stop online radicalization”

#CANvsISIL

• “Canadian sniper’s shot ‘entirely consistent’ with non-combat role, Trudeau says”
• “Le «kill shot» en Irak: un appui clair et fort de Justin Trudeau”
• “Canadian Sniper’s Record Kill In Iraq ‘Entirely Consistent’ With Non-Combat Mission: Trudeau”
• “Canadians should “celebrate” JTF2 sniper’s killing of Islamic State gunman, says Trudeau”
• “Un tireur d’élite canadien fait la fierté de Justin Trudeau”
• “Justin Trudeau: Record-Breaking Canadian Sniper Who Killed ISIS Jihadi With Two-Mile Shot Should Be ‘Celebrated’ “

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Will ISIS Survive the Collapse of the Caliphate?” (Counter Extremism Project)
• “Iraq’s Kurds question motives behind independence vote — The political establishment in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is divided in opposition to and support for holding a referendum on independence and what the government’s priorities should otherwise be …”
• “ISIS Is Almost Defeated in Iraq, but Thousands of Christians Refuse to Return to Their Homes”
• “U.N. goes stealth to help rebuild ISIS-ravaged Iraq”
• “The Islamic State’s Internal Rifts and Social Media Ban”

#Syria

• “Pentagon says it has detected ‘active preparations’ by Syria for chemical attack” – “US Suspects Activity at Syrian Air Base Used in Chemical Attack” – “As Chemical Accusations Flew, U.S. Spy Planes Gathered Off of Syria” – “Why the White House scrambled to put out a new warning about chemical weapons in Syria” – “UN stops short of commenting US reports of chemical attack preparations in Syria” – “Russia: U.S. chemical attack assertions complicate Syria peace talks – RIA”
• “Russia in Syria Monitor, June 20-27, 2017” – “Syrian President visits Russian air base at Hmeymim in western Syria”
• “Turkey returns fire on Kurdish YPG in northern Syria: military”
• “UN envoy maps out ‘ideal trajectory’ to next round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva” (UN info-machine) – “Trilateral agreement on Syria helping reduce level of violence — UN envoy”
• “Diplomat vows CNN will not get off the hook with ash-covered toddler clip — The Russian Foreign Ministry will take more measures regarding the CNN report on three-year-old Omran Daqneesh, who was allegedly injured during the Russian Aerospace Forces’ operation in Aleppo, the ministry’s official spokeswoman has said …” – “Omran Daqneesh, young face of Aleppo suffering, seen on Syrian TV” (CNN)

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canada, European NATO states to raise defense spending by 4.3 percent in 2017” – “NATO chief: US allies to spend $12 billion more this year”
• “Minister Sajjan to attend NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels — Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan will travel to Brussels, Belgium for a series of bilateral meetings on June 28, and for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministerial Meeting on June 29 …”
• “Russia forms new military transport branch to deploy divisions”
• Really???  “Russian Senator Denies NATO Claims of Nuclear Missile Deployments in Kaliningrad”
• “Is Diplomatic War Possible Between Vilnius And Minsk?”
• “The Birth of a European Defence?”
• “Envoy says military dialogue may help ensure safety over Baltic Sea”
• “Belarus receives Chinese armoured vehicles”
• “Russia starts design work on Priboy advanced helicopter carrier”
• “Kremlin Watch Monitor: Americans want to add a helping hand”
• “Soviet Docs Shed Light on the Red Army’s Booze-Fueled Nuclear Vacation in Cuba”
• “The activity of pro-Russian extremist groups in Central-Eastern Europe”

#Ukraine

• “Canada’s Veterans Transition Network Helping Ukrainian Charity Develop Mental-Health Programs for Former Troops in Strife-Torn European Nation — In both countries, emotionally suffering Veterans often feel they have few options to turn to for support apart from private charities lie the Veterans Transition Network and the International Association for Support of Ukraine …”
• “Ukrainian military sailors and NATO experts discussed ways of reforming and developing the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Kyiv to step up counter-terrorism security after cyber attacks, car blasts” – “NSDC approves number of measures to step up counter-terrorism measures in Ukraine” –“Oleksandr Turchynov held an operational meeting with the leaders of the security and defense sector of Ukraine — Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov held an operational meeting with the leaders of the security and defense sector devoted to working out adequate measures to counter Russian hybrid threats …” – “National Security Council boosts counter-terrorism measures — Decision made due to today’s murder of Ukrainian officer, presumably designed by Russian special services, – Council Secretary …”
• Latest on Car-bombed UKR MilInt Officer  “Main investigation version towards car blast In Kyiv is Russian trace, – Matios” – “Kiev’s Accusation of Ukraine Officer’s Death ‘Imagination’ – Russian Lawmaker” – “Former LPR Deputy: Poroshenko Could Be Behind the Blowing Up of the Colonel of Ukrainian Intelligence” – “Details of death of Ukraine’s intelligence officer Shapoval”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 26 June 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 27, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, June 20-27, 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 28 June 2017 – UKR govt ATO map, 27 June 2017 – “OSCE reports almost 70 explosions in Donbas within one day” – “Russian proxies attack Ukraine 31 times in last day” – “Seven ceasefire violations reported in LPR” – “Donbas conflict: 31 shelling reported over the day” – “21 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 21 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “Ukrainian commandos trained to carry out terrorist attacks in DPR during “harvest ceasefire” “ – “Kiev forces prepare for terrorist attacks in DPR during truce”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Defense Ministry refutes BBC reports on alleged capture of Russian serviceman in Ukraine” – “In the Lugansk region, Russian military serviceman Victor Ageyev, who was drafted in the Altai Territory and served under a contract, was taken prisoner. The BBC was informed about this by the interlocutors in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the command of the 93rd separate mechanized brigade of the armed forces of Ukraine …” (BBC, in Russian) – “Aggressive Russian “soft power” in Ukraine on eve of the war” (InformNapalm.org) – “Russia’s Neighbor Ukraine Besieged by ‘Fake News’ and Hacking Years Before United States”
• “500 Young Guard activists pledge loyalty to LPR — Some 500 activists of the Young Guard youth organization operating under the aegis of the Mir Luganschine social movement took a loyalty oath to the Republic, which is home to the famous World War II underground resistance group …”
• RUS media:  “Russian Radars Could Not ‘Miss’ Missile Approaching MH17 Flight in Donbass”
• “US State Department informs on labor camps for DPRK citizens in Russia”
• “LPR addresses human rights defenders to help liberate AFU-captured soldiers — The LPR People’s Militia appeals to international human rights organizations to assist in the liberation of the Republic’s servicemen captured by Kiev’s security forces, stated the official representative of the LPR Defense Ministry, Lieutenant-Colonel Andrei Marochko …”
• “Donbass Settlement Decisions Shouldn’t Be Made Without DPR, LPR – Kremlin”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “India, China trade accusations of border incursion”
• “Launch of China’s New Fully Homegrown 10,000-ton Class Destroyer” – “China launches first 10,000-ton-class guided-missile destroyer” – ‘China’s navy launches latest generation destroyer” – “China launches new 10,000-tonne guided-missile destroyer”
• “PLA to parade prowess in Hong Kong” – “China makes its military more visible in Hong Kong”
• “YJ-12 Sea-Skimming Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile”
• “China, Japan to hold talks on maritime affairs”
• “China strives to reconcile Kabul, Islamabad” – “China defends Pakistan, says it’s fighting terror” – “A day after India and the US asked Pakistan to stop cross-border terror, China today put up a strong defence of its ‘all-weather’ ally, saying Islamabad was at the frontlines of the fight against terrorism …”
• “China hits back at US for speaking ‘irresponsibly on China’s domestic affairs’ “
• “China passes tough new intelligence law”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “Imagery Confirms Recent Media Reports of Rocket Engine Test”
• “What China wants in return for pressuring North Korea”
• “Can Moon close gap in US-S.Korea alliance?”
• “U.S. worries Russia could step up North Korea support to fill China void”
• “South Korea’s bold plan for dealing with the nuclear-armed North: Walkom — South Korea President Moon Jae-in wants talks with the North’s Kim Jong Un. But will Donald Trump sign on? …”

#Afghanistan

• “Hockey Hall of Fame to display boards used by Canadian military — Rink served as outlet for soldiers stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan from 2006 to 2016 …”
• “Trump, Mattis, and the Future of Afghanistan”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “F-35 LIGHTNING II: STILL TROUBLED AFTER ALL THESE YEARS”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Minister Hehr announces appointments to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board” – “Le ministre Hehr annonce des nominations au Tribunal des anciens combattants”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre Announces New Executive Director”

Other

• “Canadian military conducting operation in Northwest Territories”
• “Canadian is first female infantry officer to lead Queen’s Guard”
• “Canadian Armed Forces Welcomes New Judge Advocate General”
• “Unions warn private contractors could jeopardize public security under Liberals’ new defence plan”
• “An upcoming Penticton performance of Canada’s Snowbirds aerobatic team this summer could be hazardous to your health, will cost you too much as a Canadian taxpayer and will be bad for the nation as a whole — according to 62 people from across the country …” – “Cancel military display at Penticton Peach Festival Petition” (GoPetition)
• “New exhibit opening at the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence”
• “How dare Trudeau buy all that military hardware”
• “How Canada will punch above its weight”

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