MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 1, 2016

Canada Into Africa?

• “Reconnaissance mission sent to study peacekeeping operations in Mali” – “Ottawa envoie une mission étudier le travail des Casques bleus au Mali”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Dallaire: Canada’s role in peacekeeping should focus on child soldiers”
• “There’s a role for the RCAF to play in UN operations”

Internal Security

• “Former al-Qaeda recruiter advised ‘several’ Canadians drawn to radical Islam”

Cold War 2.0

• “Russian Anti-Access and Area Denial (A2AD) Range: August 2016” (ISW Blog)
• “Russian warships identified near Latvian waters”
• “Lithuania creates fake town to help prepare for a military invasion”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “DND sex-abuse response centre missing calls because of limited hours”
• “Military chief is moving fast on sexual misconduct: Editorial”
• “Editorial: Change sexualized culture of the military”
• “Operation HONOUR: RCN taking decisive action”

What’s Canada Buying?

• More on CAF’s UAV buy  “U.S., Canada Agree to First Foreign Sale of RQ-21A Blackjack”  – “Canada orders RQ-21A Blackjack UAS” – “Canada to acquire RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft from US”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  “The Five Fighters”
• Wanted:  “COMBAT POUCHES for the ISSP Project”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Personal stories of anguish shared Wednesday in Belleville painted a grim picture of how Canada’s veterans and their families are falling through the cracks of a broken system …” – “Veterans Affairs is broken and the system needs to be fixed now. That’s the message that came across – loud and clear – from veterans and their spouses who attended a town hall style discussion hosted by Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis in Belleville Wednesday evening …”
• “Minister promises ‘relatively timely’ action on homeless veterans strategy” – “Hehr vows “relatively timely” action on homeless veterans strategy”
• “Veterans Affairs Canada expanding outreach to Veterans in the territories and other northern communities”

Other

• “Décès au Collège militaire royal du Canada: le commandant acceptera toutes les recommandations du comité d’enquête”
• “HMCS Chicoutimi Expected to Return to Sea by Year-End”
• “Canadian Army contributes to successful completion of Ex PANAMAX 2016”

World War Two

• “Sparky MacKenzie loved her time in the BCATP”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 31, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “What Canada can do about returning extremists”

Internal Security

• “Parole Board extends day parole for Saad Gaya, member of Toronto 18” – “Convicted ‘Toronto 18’ member Saad Gaya gets day parole extension”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Centcom Commander Discusses Partners, Regional Operations, Challenges”
• OSINT Think Tank:  “This is the inaugural edition of the Australian Foreign Fighters and Domestic Actors Report which provides a comprehensive look into the factors contributing to the radicalisation trajectory of Australian’s that shape acts of foreign and domestic terrorism …”

Syria

• So, does this mean Canadian-trained Kurds may be (allegedly, according to other Kurds) fighting U.S.-trained Kurds in Syria???  “Barzani-affiliated forces fighting with Turkey against Syrian Kurds: PYD”
• “Turkey and SDF both critical to fight against ISIS in Syria – CENTCOM head” – “US headache: Keeping Turks, Kurds apart” – “Russia Plays Important Role in Balancing Various Powers in Syria”
• “Russian Airstrikes in Syria: July 28 – August 29, 2016” (ISW)
• southfront.org (pro-RUS OSINT):  “Overview of Military Situation in Northern Syria On August 31” – “Map Update: Military Situation in Northern Syria on August 30, 2016”
• He says … “Turkish-led Forces & Kurdish SDF Reached Ceasefire Agreement – Reports” – “Turkish, Kurdish Forces Reach Initial Ceasefire in Northern Syria” – “U.S. lauds fragile respite between Turkey, Kurdish forces in Syria”
• “Turkish army, Kurdish forces agree to temporary ceasefire, says YPG rep” – “Kurdish forces agree on ceasefire with Turkish army”
• … she says  “Turkey denies cease-fire deal with Kurdish rebels in Syria” – “Turkey denies ceasefire deal with Syrian Kurdish militia” – “Turkey denies reaching ceasefire with Kurdish forces” – “No ceasefire between Turkey and PYD/YPG in Syria , EU Minister says”
• “Syrian Kurdish Militia Largely Withdraws From West Bank of Euphrates River”
• “Turkish Syria offensive to not stop until threats removed: PM”
• “Turkish Incursion into Northern Syria Signals Turning Point in anti-ISIS Fight”
• Nasty Guy Nailed (1)  “ISIS Says No. 2 In Command Has Been Killed In Syria; Pentagon Assessing Strike” – “Daesh Leader and Spokesman Reportedly Killed in Syria’s Aleppo” – “Islamic State: Abu Muhammad al-Adnani ‘killed in Aleppo’ “ – “Abu Muhammad al-Adnani , the Voice of ISIS, Is Dead” – “US airstrike killed terror mastermind al-Adnani ; ISIS vows revenge” – “Everything We Know About ISIS Spy Chief Abu Mohammad al-Adnani”
• Nasty Guy Nailed (2)   “The Latest: Report: Senior Iranian commander killed in Syria” – “Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Officer Killed near Aleppo” – “Iranian ex-general killed fighting in Syria” – “Iranian General Killed During Battle In Aleppo”
• “Iranian Foreign Ministry Concerned About Turkish Military Operation in Syria”
• “Russia blocks UN move to sanction Syria for chemical attacks” – “Joint Investigative Mechanism Presents Its Third Report to Security Council” (UN Disarmament Commission) – “Letter dated 24 August 2016 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council – Third report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (S/2016/738)”
• “UN official highlights challenges of humanitarian operations in Syria” – “Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien Statement on Darayya and the situation in other besieged areas of Syria” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Iraq

• “Iraq Situation Report: August 23-30, 2016” (ISW)
• “Iraq’s Mosul can be retaken from IS this year: US general” – “Airstrikes Destroy Explosives Factory near Mosul, Iraq”
• “Daesh terrorists behead 13 civilians in northern Iraq”
• “Iranian ambassador discusses regional development with Iraqi party leader”
• IRQ’s Kurds  “Baghdad and Erbil Reach an Agreement Over Financial Issues” – “KRG and Baghdad closer to solving issues after two-day talks” – “Iraq and Kurdistan Reach Agreement on Kirkuk Oil”
• More on Oil in IRQ  “Oil Fires Cast Black Cloud over Qayyara Retaken from ISIS” – “Iraq blacklists three tankers for carrying Kurdish crude” – “Iraq’s SOMO blacklists three tankers” – “Battling ISIS for control of Iraq’s oil facilities” – “Iraq to support oil output freeze at OPEC meeting – PM”
• “Iraq: Militias Recruiting Children” (Human Rights Watch)

Libya

• “Eye on ISIS in Libya” 29 Aug 2016
• “ISIS’s Retaliatory IED Tactics in Sirte and The Escape of More Fighters”
• “Italian soldiers fighting in Libya”
• “EU Naval Force Med Operation Sophia starting Libyan training” – “EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia authorised to start two additional supporting tasks” (European Union)
• “3000 migrants saved off Libya a day after record rescue”
• “Libyan parliament votes against UN-backed government”
• “Libya : Two Oil Fields Closed Over Payment Delays”

The Kurds

• “Bodies of three Americans fighting with YPG repatriated through Kurdistan Region”

Afghanistan

• SITE Intel Group on Twitter:  “A jihadist posted a video showing two “#American hostages” of the Taliban addressing the #American & #Canadian govts …” – “The people in the video seem to be #Canadian Joshua Boyle and #American Caitlan Coleman, who were kidnapped in 2012 in #Afghanistan” – “US Assessing Video Of Taliban Hostage Pleading For End To Executions”–  “Joshua Boyle, Canadian held hostage in Afghanistan, pleads for help in new video” – “Kidnapped Canadian-American couple plead for their lives in new video”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Five questions left unanswered following Canada’s peacekeeping commitment”
• Michael Den Tandt: The rose-tinted Liberal reminiscence of blue-helmets contains bomb-crater-sized holes | National Post
• “Some Perspective Sauce for the “New” Canadian UN “Commitment”
• “Ottawa must be clear: This is not traditional peacekeeping”
• “Harjit Sajjan wants to do homework first, then pick a UN mission later”

Canada Into Africa?

• “Matthew Fisher: Despite the potential complications, all signs point to Canada sending troops to Africa”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• From the Info-machine “Canadian Armed Forces releases progress report on mission to eliminate inappropriate sexual behaviour” – report (51 page PDF) – RCAF Boss: “Operation Honour: “We must continue to lead this change” “
• “30 Canadian Forces members punished for sexual misconduct, 97 cases ongoing” – “Military says progress made on sexual misconduct, but admits long way to go” – “Op. HONNEUR menée tambour battant: 30 nouveaux cas d’inconduite sexuelle sanctionnés” – “Sexual offense complaints in Canada military up 22 percent: report”– “Video: Canadian military defends use of ‘soldier cards’ to stem sexual misconduct”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “New Veterans Affairs office opening in Surrey”
• “Minister Hehr to make announcement regarding services to Veterans in the territories and other northern communities (today)”

Cold War 2.0

• “Kremlin Watch Monitor” (August 29, 2016)
• “Disinformation Review 30 August 2016” (EU, via To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “Putin plays the long game in the Middle East”

Way Up North

• ” “Searching for HMS Terror: Hunt resumes for 2nd Franklin Expedition ship”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “US expands its foreign drone sales to Canada”

Other

• “Stranded paddlers get military rescue in Yukon”
• “New (RCN) Command Chief Petty Officer takes over”
• From the Pentagon Info-machine  “South Korean Army General Ki-Hak Eom, commander of the Third Republic of Korea Army, greets Canadian 1st Division Commander Maj. Gen. Omer Lavoie – as U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza (second from left), I Corps commanding general, looks on – at TROKA headquarters in Yongin, South Korea, Aug. 26, 2016.” – more here\ and here

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 30, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• “Trudeau Government Now Refers To ISIS As Daesh”
• “One Canadian jihadi’s secret plan to join ISIL: Go through Alaska then travel to Russia by boat”
• 3D’s Mark Collins:  “A Canadian, ISIS, Bangladesh and Terror…and Earlier Calgary”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Australia Unveils ‘How-to’ Guide to Fight Militant Propaganda” – “Australian-sponsored counter-terrorism guide says military action partly to blame” – “Fighting terrorism – A Counter Narrative Guide for South East Asia” (AUS Minister for Justice) – “Launch of the Counter Narratives in South East Asia How-To Guide”
• “Horrific survey unveils 72 ISIS mass graves across Syria , Iraq” – “Isis buried thousands in 72 mass graves – AP finds”

Syria

• “White House Cites Desire for Expanding Humanitarian Response in Syria” – “Russian Army Convoy Arrives in Aleppo – Reports”
• “Kremlin Regrets Russia, US Still Far From Real Cooperation on Syria” – “US Closes ‘Window of Opportunity’ for Russia in Syria”
• “UN Might Impose Sanctions on Syria Over Alleged Chemical Weapons Use” – “Syria’s 2013 Ghouta Sarin Attack Committed by Al-Qaeda. German Media Die Welt” (globalresearch.ca)
• southfront.org (pro-RUS OSINT):  “Turkey-led Operations in Northern Syria on August 29-30”
• TUR into SYR:  “U.S. Defense Secretary calls on Turkey not to target Syrian Kurdish forces” – “Turkey destroys over 10 militant positions in Syria” – “3,000 More Militants Enter Northern Syria from Turkey – Reports” – “Report: Turkey did not inform US before launching Syria push” – “Turkey Should Talk to Kurds Instead of Using Military Force in Syria” – “U.S.-led coalition planes hit Islamic State in north Syria – Turkish military” – “Turkish military: US-led coalition planes hit ISIS in north Syria” – “Turkey threatens more strikes on Syrian Kurdish militia” – “Erdogan Vows To Continue Syria Operations Till The End As Death Toll Rises” – “Turkey and Syrian Kurdish forces ‘should stop fighting'” – “US Says Clashes Between Turkish and Syrian Kurdish Forces “Unacceptable” “
• “ISIS & US-backed ‘Moderate Rebels’ Unite Efforts for Operations in Northern Hama”
• “New Russian Reconnaissance Aircraft TU-214R in Syria: Trial by Fire”
• “New Stats From Aleppo Show Devastating Impact of Airstrikes On Children” (Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations)

Iraq

• “Iraq militias ‘enlisting children’ for Mosul push”
• “(Kurdistan Regional Gov’t) delegation meets Iraqi parliament speaker” – “KRG delegation meets U.S. and Iraq officials in Baghdad”
• IRQ-Kurd Oil Deal in Place?  “Abadi reiterates call for KRG oil exports to Baghdad in exchange for budget” – “Baghdad-Erbil oil deal significant, says Iraq spokesman” – “Barzani, Abadi reach preliminary agreement on oil exports” – “Baghdad-Erbil oil deal significant, says Iraq spokesman”
• “Baghdad Paying Monthly Salary of PKK Guerrillas in Sinjar”
• “Delegation of Houthi negotiators visit Iraq”
• “Iraqi government, Kurds to start talks on oil dispute”
• “UNHRD Operations Update – Response to the Crisis in Iraq, as of 26 August 2016” (World Food Programme)
• “Iraq: Humanitarian Bulletin, July – August 2016 | Issued on 29 August” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Libya

• “Martin Kobler: “I Welcome the PC statement and the Resumption of HoR sessions as a New Dynamic.” “(UN Support Mission in Libya) – ” Second presidential council member ends boycott of Libya’s unity government”
• “Libyan Forces Prepare for Liberation of Sirte” – “Libyan forces say Islamic State beaten back in Sirte”
• “Last chemical weapons stocks shipped out of Libya : Officials”
• “6500 Migrants Rescued Off Libyan Coast in a Single day”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Peacekeeping expected to cost less than non-UN missions thanks to reimbursements”
• “Canada to become a top Western contributor in peacekeeping missions”
• 3D’s Mark Collins:  “The end of peacekeeping, and what comes next for Canada’s soldiers”
• “Canada’s commitment to re-engage in peacekeeping; are we ready?”
• “The end of peacekeeping, and what comes next for Canada’s soldiers”
• “Ottawa must be clear: This is not traditional peacekeeping”

Canada into Africa

• “Matthew Fisher: Why an African mission could be more dangerous than Afghanistan”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Shelter use higher for military veterans, aboriginals than general population: study” – “Subsidies for homeless veterans could be coming”
  
• “Okanagan veteran wants to give money to PTSD group — but told ‘no’ “
• “(Toronto) Veterans ‘ facility seeks help with roof repair”
• From the VAC Info-Machine  “Veterans Affairs Canada office in Prince George to reopen by May 2017” – “Minister Hehr to make announcement regarding office opening in Surrey, British Columbia (today)” – “Canadians (in BC) recognized for their dedication to Veterans”

Way Up North

• “Trudeau ends Harper’s tradition of annual late-summer Arctic visits” – “Justin Trudeau tarde à se rendre en Arctique” – “Trudeau skips annual Arctic military exercise, has yet to visit Far North as PM”
• “Canadian Rangers Complete Trip of a Lifetime”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Chief of the Defence Staff releases second progress report on mission to eliminate inappropriate sexual behaviour in the Canadian Armed Forces”
• The Aussies talked about this two years ago – the CF Info-machine shares a bit this week  “Culture shift: Australian Army Chief on the fight against sexism”

Internal Security

• “Secrecy in security may be frustrating, but it’s necessary”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted:  swim trunks for the troops  “Request for a Regional Individual Standing Offer to supply on an as-and- when requested basis men’s and women’s swimsuits for a period of 2 years firm and 1 optional year.
  Required for the Department of National Defence , Garrison St. Jean at St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qc.  Approximate quantities for the 3 years is as follows:  12,000 for the men’s swimsuits. 3,000 for the women’s swimsuits …”  
• “Canada to buy Blackjack UAVs”

Afghanistan

• “Author Kevin Patterson on relearning the lessons of war in Afghanistan”

Other

• “Saint John ex-officer cadet’s death part of military board of inquiry”
• “The CDS had been in his position for 10 months when he agreed to an interview. Over the hour LGen Michel Maisonneuve (retd) spent with the general, the two main themes the CDS spoke on were: support to the troops and relations with the government …” (Part 1) – Part 2
• “Defence Policy Review Considerations: Canada’s Army”
• “New Integrated Personnel Support Centre in Trenton officially opens” – “New Integrated Personnel Support Centre opens at 8 Wing Trenton”
• “Man who thrust hips into War Memorial fined for ‘insult to veterans’ “
• “Toronto Air Show Triggers The Trauma Of War”
• “Canadian soldier starts custom-clothing company before retiring from military”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 26, 2016

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Ministers Dion, Sajjan, Goodale and Bibeau to make important announcement — The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, will make an important announcement (today) about Canada’s peace operations and hold a joint media availability …” – “Liberals to unveil plans for UN peacekeeping force” – “Liberals to commit peacekeeping troops, money” – “Liberals to announce troop details, commitments for UN peacekeeping”

#CANvsISIL/Internal Security

• “Report on terrorist threat to Canada released” (Canada News Centre) – “2016 Public Report On The Terrorist Threat To Canada” – “More Canadians travelling abroad to join ISIS, other terrorist groups, report says” – “Main terror threat to Canada comes from lone wolves, those inspired to attack: Report” – “Report: Terrorist Maintained Contact with Iran While Plotting Attack” – “Ralph Goodale désignera désormais l’État islamique par Daesh”
• “Liberals replacing Harper Tories’ anti-terror project with new program”
• Commentary  “If you’re worried about terrorism, please don’t call the fashion police” – “Deprogramming the jihadi” – “Yemen: The war Canada can’t afford to ignore”

Cold War 2.0

• “Canada helps tighten the tripwires on NATO’s doomsday machine” (rabble.ca)
• “Russia-NATO Update – August 2016” (MEMRI.org)
• “Assessing the Russian Military as an Instrument of Power”
• “Russian hybrid warfare sparks new US Jedburgh unit — Russian hybrid warfare has inspired a new unit’s formation within Special Forces to combat hybrid warfare around the world. But it’s not a new concept …”

Way Up North

• “RCAF participates in search and rescue exercise in Alaska”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Minister Sajjan to announce investments in Defence infrastructure at CFB Bagotville” – “Construction de 22 nouvelles unités de logement à Bagotville”
• Wanted:  someone to train CF get-away drivers🙂  “Basic Evasive Driver Training Course … The Department of National Defence (DND) Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) has a requirement for the provision of Basic Evasive Driver Training courses for CJOC members …”
• Fixed Wing Search & Rescue (FWSAR) Project  Senator:  “Former presidential copters should do search and rescue in Canada”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “There is no standing down when it comes to sexual misconduct in the Canadian Army”

Other

• “Statement from the Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces — Major-General Michael Rouleau, Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces issues the following statement after being charged with one count, Section 129, National Defence Act (for a negligent discharge) …”
• Andrew Fitzgerald, R.I.P.  “Investigation into death of soldier Andrew Fitzgerald concludes” – “Ontario police close investigation into death of 19-year-old soldier”
• “Exercise Pitch Black provides ‘unique’ experience for RCAF participants”
• Commentary  “Air show too traumatic for newcomers who escaped war”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 5, 2016

Canada Into Africa?

• “Defence Minister to visit DRC on mission to learn about peacekeeping” – “Harjit Sajjan to visit DRC ahead of peacekeeping mission decision” – Via the Info-machine: “Minister of National Defence to Visit Africa”

#CANvsISIL

• “Searching for the Shadowy Canadian Leader of ISIS in Bangladesh”
• “Genocide of Yazidis has garnered little international response” – “Ottawa should take compassionate lead on Yazidis: Editorial”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• “Counter-ISIL Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq”
• “ISIL Knows It Will Lose, Already Shifting Strategy, Obama Says at Pentagon” – “Obama: Islamic State will ‘inevitably’ be defeated, but networks will persist”
• “Hezbollah sees no immediate end to Syria war, partition in Iraq and Syria a possible outcome”

Syria

• “Obama: IS defeat “inevitable” if Russia is “serious” on Syria”
• “Syrian group demands exchange for bodies of Russian air crew”
• “Russia’s most advanced spy plane deployed to Syria again”
• “Syria: UN considers role in Russia’s ‘deeply flawed’ humanitarian corridors plan”
• “Strikes kill 10 in Syria’s rebel-held Aleppo: monitor” – “Opposition Forces Launch Offensive to Break the Siege of Aleppo” (ISW) – “The Siege of Aleppo and the Eternal Nature of War” (CDR Salamander)
• “Israeli warplanes said to hit Hezbollah arms convoy in Syria”
• “EU: We’re tracking Balkan arms flow to Syria”
• “First UN aid since June reaches Syrians trapped on Jordan border” – “Syria war: Stranded refugees get first aid in weeks”
• Humanitarian Bits  “Syria: Systematic Torture and Sexualized Violence” (Heinrich Boell Foundation) – “UNHCR Regional Bureau Europe: Weekly Report (Updated August 4, 2016 3:33 PM)” (UN High Commissioner for Refugees) – “Syria Crisis Bi-Weekly Situation Report No. 10 (as of 1 August 2016)” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Iraq

• “Iraqi Army Foils IS Plot of Attacking Baghdad”
• “Iraq’s violence-torn capital suffers string of attacks”
• “Shia Militias Keep Undermining the Campaign for Mosul” – “Iran Using Shi’ite Militias to Extend Influence Over Iraq: Nujaifi”
• “The Iraqi Air Force Just Got New Bomber Planes — By Arming Transports”
• “Two years after ISIL’s attacks on Sinjar, Iraq, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, demands justice and support for the victims” (UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, UN Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict)
• “IS captures 3000 fleeing citizens in Iraq” – “UNHCR: 3000 fleeing Iraqis seized by ISIL”
• “UNHRD Operations Update – Response to the Crisis in Iraq, as of 03 August 2016” (World Food Programme)

Libya

• “EU extends Libyan civilian mission” – “EU extends Libya mission for another year” – EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) in Libya
• “U.S. Airstrikes Support Government of National Accord in Libya” – “Airstrikes in Libya: Will the US Be Drawn Into Another Quagmire?”
• “Great, Now There Are Two Competing Libyan Air Forces”
• “Laughing Libyan fighters launch rockets at ISIS while standing on the back of pick-up trucks in battle to take back the coastal city of Sirte”
• “Libya Coast Guard reports over 10K migrants rescued up to July 2016”

The Kurds

• “Barzani: Independence the only way to protect future generations”
• “Syrian Kurdish leader says ‘nation state’ no longer an objective”
• “PYD leader says result of Kurdistan Region’s referendum will be respected”
• “U.S. calls for ‘close cooperation’ between Iraq, KRG for ISIS fight”
• “Peshmerga question relationships with tribal leaders after series of attacks”
• “Gulen speaks to NRT on the situation of Kurds in Turkey”
• “Yezidi Genocide Similar to Jewish Holocaust”

#TurkeyCoupAttempt

• “Turkish pilot admits to bombarding parliament during failed coup attempt”

Cold War 2.0

• He says …  “Russia’s Defense Ministry confirms invitation to Latvian military for Baltic consultations”
• … she says  “Estonia will not enter into separate defense talks with Russia – PM”
• “A darkness over Europe”

Internal Security

• “The Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) supports efforts to engage youth in disaster resilience”
• Point:  “Anti-terrorism law: Why the Liberals aren’t living up to vow to amend it”
• Counter-point:  “(CSIS) Director responds to Globe and Mail article”
• Commentary  ” ‘A case of police-manufactured crime’ “ – “B.C. entrapment ruling reins in excesses of war on terror: Walkom”

Way Up North

• “Canadian, U.S. soldiers face off in Alaska war games”
• “Climate change may cause Cold War-era Arctic military base to resurface” – “Camp Century” (Association for the Preservation of the Coelacanth) – Project Iceworm (Wikipedia)

Afghanistan

• “Military police watchdog gears up for investigation of alleged detainee abuse in Afghanistan”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• Edmonton military commander to face trial on sex charges” – “Judge orders Edmonton military officer to face trial on sex charges”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Poppy plates for veterans who ride motorcycles in NL”
• “22 Push Ups | 22 Days Challenge Partners with Wounded Warriors Canada”
• “Working with horses offers a lifeline to vets”

Other

• “The Canadian military has told its members and followers on Twitter to stop using the hashtag #CAF — at least for the duration of the Rio Olympics. Senior public affairs officials at National Defence say the social media site has released an emoji specifically for the Games that turns the hashtag into the flag for the war-torn Central African Republic and links to a site for soccer results …”
• “Canadian Armed Forces successfully completes RIMPAC 2016” – “RIMPAC 2016: de l’importance de l’interopérabilité” – “Seven Kiwi sailors and a Canadian warship named Calgary”
• “Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Change of Command”
• “Tactical Mobile Support training at Camp Aldershot: a real-life account”
• “British military officer charged with sexually assaulting Canadian officer”
• Funny thing about this petition:  you can change the text of the e-mail you send to politicians … “Sign the Petition: Urge Canada to Lead on the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons!”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 4, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• “A fast-spreading disease: New map shows ISIS has become a truly global terror group, with outposts as far as Mali and the Philippines”
• “OIR Spokesman Details Progress Degrading ISIL in Syria, Iraq” – “12 more air strikes target IS in Syria, Iraq”
• “Stop the war drive in Syria and Libya! Workers of the world unite against war!” (World Socialist Web Site)
• “Washington transit cop accused of trying to help Islamic State” – “DC transit police officer charged with aiding ISIS” – “Washington transit officer allegedly caught funding ISIS” – “Fairfax Man Arrested for Attempting to Support ISIL” (US Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice) – Young Complaint and Affidavit Signed (via Scribd) – “Nicholas Young: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know”
• “Boko Haram in Nigeria: Abu Musab al-Barnawi named as new leader” – “Who is new Boko Haram’s leader Abu Musab al-Barnawi?” – Abu Musab al-Barnawi (Wikipedia)
• “Must American Muslims prove their patriotism before they speak?”

Syria

• “Russia Says Syrian Rebels Used Toxic Gas against Civilians” – “Syria ‘toxic attack’: Aleppo rebels accused by Russia”
• “Government forces make gains in Syria’s Aleppo” – “No, Aleppo is not the new Srebrenica – the west won’t go to war over Syria”
• “Assad best bet for maintaining Syria integrity: Hezbollah”
• “UN expert urges action to protect millions living in besieged and hard to reach areas in Syria” (UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights)
• “Syria Operation Overview (July 2016)” (World Food Programme, Logistics Cluster)

Iraq

• “UN: ISIS genocide of Yazidis in Iraq “ongoing” “ – “Yezidis still appealing for international help two years on” – “Barzani: IS Genocide Against Yezidis “not the First; Should Be the Last” “ – “Genocide of Yazidis has garnered little international response”
• “KRG Endeavors to Recognize Yezidi Massacre as Genocide: PM” – “KRG calls for assistance in bringing recognition of Ezidi genocide to court” – “KRG appeals for help to bring Yezidi genocide case to court” – “PM Barzani and Deputy PM Talabani commemorate ‘deep wound’ of Yezidi massacre” – “Anniversary of Yezidi genocide being commemorated around the world” – “Kurdish MP Calls on Turkish Parliament to Recognize the Genocide of Yezidis”
• “UNHRD Operations Update – Response to the Crisis in Iraq, as of 03 August 2016” (World Food Programme)

Libya

• “Bombs away: No good will come of US attacks on Libya” – “Marine Harriers Strike ISIS Targets in Libya from USS Wasp” – “As Obama Bombs ISIS in Libya, Are We Backing the Right Regime?”
• “Libyan unity forces fight IS in Sirte”
• “UN Monitors Refugee Situation Amid Anti-Daesh Campaign in Sirte, Libya”

The Kurds

• “Kirkuk Sunni tribes propose a 5,000 Sunni brigade within Ministry of Peshmerga”
• “U.S. calls for ‘close cooperation’ between Iraq, KRG for ISIS fight” – “Biden Encourages Iraqi PM to Cooperate With Kurdistan Gov’t – White House”
• “Iraqi Defense Minister Rules out Military Tensions over Kurdish Independence”
• “Barzani: Independence the only way to protect future generations” – “EU Countries Won’t Oppose Kurdish Independence: KRG Envoy” – “PYD leader says result of Kurdistan Region’s referendum will be respected”
• “Kurdish bid to merge Kirkuk into Kurdistan Region angers Baghdad”
• “KRG Rejects HRW Allegations on Human Rights Abuses by Peshmerga”
• “President Masoud Barzani welcomed Mr. Jan Kubis, the Special Representative of the United Nations to Iraq …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “F-35, the aircraft Trudeau said is ‘far from working,’ now declared ready for combat by U.S. Air Force” – “USAF Declares F-35 Ready For War” – “U.S. Air Force declares first squadron of F-35 jets combat-ready”
• “Liberals receive information on five fighter jets but what happens next?”

Cold War 2.0

• “Canada is not required to provide a certain number of fighter jets to NATO, says a Defence Department report that’s raising fresh questions about the Liberal government’s rush to buy a new warplane. The report, published in June 2014 by the research arm of National Defence, says that while Canada supports NATO and contributes aircraft and other military assets when possible, “there is no hard minimum requirement for the NATO commitment.” …”
• Via the Pentagon Info-machine  “The man with the ‘stache — Chief of Staff Maj. Sean Clark, with the Canadian Army, stands with Minister of National Defense Minhea Motoc and military officers at the opening ceremony of the Exercise Saber Guardian 2016 at the Romanian Land Forces Combat Training Center, Cincu, Romania July 27, 2016. Exercise Saber Guardian 2016 is a multinational military exercise involving approximately 2,800 military personnel from ten nations including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and the U.S. …”
• “The Bear in Sheep’s Clothing: Russia’s Government-Funded Organisations in the EU — This paper sheds light on organisations operating in Europe that are funded by the Russian government, whether officially or unofficially …”

Internal Security

• “A Chinese national was arrested Tuesday while trying to cross into Canada and was charged with illegally exporting military parts to Iran …”
• “Man charged with uttering threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Facebook”

Way Up North

• “Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is inviting Energy Service Companies (ESCos) to submit proposals for the provision of professional and construction services, financing, training and monitoring associated with the implementation of energy efficiency improvements for the CFS Alert facility, located in Alert, Nunavut …”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Preliminary hearing begins in military sex assault case involving Edmonton cadet” — A preliminary hearing into allegations of sexual assault and exploitation of a young cadet by a high ranking military officer got underway Tuesday in an Edmonton courtroom …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Media are invited to attend the Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) Change of Command Ceremony as Brigadier-General Dave Corbould takes over from Captain (N) France Langlois (tomorrow) …”
• “Veterans ‘ centres of excellence process continues”

Afghanistan

• Vaughan Ingram, 1971-2006, R.I.P.  ” ‘The students are still talking about it’ Speakers program brings Newfoundland community closer to fallen soldier — Thanks to a Department of National Defence program, students in Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador got the chance to see the Afghanistan conflict through a soldier’s eyes …”

Other

• “Public awareness of Canadian military drops, according to DND polling data”
• “Canada condemns North Korean missile test” – “N. Korea fires mid-range missile toward waters near Japan” (Google News search)
• “Canada should stop participating in war on terror”
• “American Iraq War deserters beg to stay in Canada”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – August 3, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• “Iraq Sinjar Yazidis : Bringing IS slavers to justice … Funded by the Canadian and German governments, a team of experienced war crimes investigators has so far identified 49 slave-owners and a further 34 men holding senior positions in the IS infrastructure …” – “Yazidis Collecting Signatures, Calling on UN to Recognize IS Genocide in Sinjar” – “Latest Figures Revealed on Yezidi Abductees Held by IS” – “Foreign Envoys Will Attend Yazidi Genocide Commemoration”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• “Is Israel’s success against terror a model for the US Army against ISIS?”
• “650 Pakistanis fighting in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan: Media reports” – “Iranian Proxy Warfare in Iraq and Yemen”

Syria

• “Syrian Army Repels Attack on Deir ez-Zor Killing 60 Daesh Militants”
• “Russian Military Registers Seven Ceasefire Violations in Syria”
• “Children In Syria Take Matters Into Their Own Hands, Burn Tyres To Create No-Fly Zones With Smoke”
• “Syrian government and rebels trade gas attack accusations” – “Assad gases town ‘to avenge Russian losses’ “ – “Use of Chlorine Gas Suspected in Attack by Syrian Forces” – “Russia Denies Involvement in Syrian Gas Attacks” – “Russia, unlike the United States, abstains from accusing states of using chemical weapons in the Syrian city of Aleppo in the absence of facts, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday …” – “Aid Workers Report Toxic Gas Attacks in Northern Syria”
• A bunch of NGO’s seem to agree:  ” “Humanitarian Corridor” Proposal Deeply Flawed”
• “Syrian rebels target regime supply lines in attempt to lift Aleppo siege” – “Kremlin spokesman: Humanitarian situation in Syria’s Aleppo dramatic” – “Syrian regime forces roll back rebel gains in Aleppo” – “Russian Foreign Ministry Rules Out Offensive on Syria’s Aleppo” – “Syria Aleppo siege: Fighting rages as Russian jets strike” – “Syria : Aleppo has become a ‘new Srebrenica'”

Iraq

• “Iraq Situation Report: July 26 – August 2, 2016” (Institute for the Study of War)
• “British jets bomb Saddam palace used by Isis in Iraq” – “UK Strikes Hussein’s Former Palace in Iraq Used as Daesh Headquarters”
• “UN Casualty Figures Report Over 750 Iraqis Killed in July”
• “UN Warns Over Speedy Execution of IS Prisoners in Iraq”
• “Iraqi PM bans travel for MPs accused of defence corruption”
• Humanitarian Bits  “Displacement Tracking Matrix – Iraq IDP Crisis – January 2014 to 22 July 2016: IDP Locations & Population” (International Organization for Migration) – “Assessment of Eight Hard-To-Reach Areas in Iraq, 2015 – 2016 (June 2016)” (REACH Initiative)

Libya

• “Weekly Eye on ISIS in Libya Update – August 1, 2016”
• “Dueling Libyan Governments At Odds Over US Airstrikes” – “Italy would consider U.S. request to use NAS Sigonella in Libya airstrikes” – “Obama: Libya airstrikes critical to U.S. security” – “Fighting Daesh in Libya in America’s interest: Obama” – “Can US air strikes push ISIL out of Libya ?”
• “Benghazi Car Bomb Kills More Than 22 in War-Torn Libya” – “Libya car bomb targets security forces in Benghazi, kills 22: officials”
• “WFP Libya Country Brief June 2016” ( World Food Programme)

#TurkeyAttemptedCoup

• “In Turkey, a criminal complaint targets two senior U.S. generals”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Canada’s new fighter jet should be chosen by open competition, says former bureaucrat” – “F-35 clears major hurdle as US air force declares it combat ready”
• “Les libéraux adoptent le ton conservateur — Ottawa a discrètement assoupli son mandat en matière d’exportation …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “ANAF: Hoping to expand services to veterans”
• “Some legion members felt N.L. delegation snubbed at Beaumont-Hamel ceremony in France”

Internal Security

• “The righteous fight against Ottawa’s anti-terror law goes on”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Preliminary hearing begins in military sex assault case” – Mason Stalker backstory via Army.ca (DISCLOSURE:  I’m a moderator at Army.ca)

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan …announced the conclusion of public consultations on the future of Canada’s defence policy, the largest such efforts in over 20 years …” – “Canada Concludes Public Consultations as Part of Defence Policy Review”

Other

• “A veteran Asian policy observer is suggesting Chinese and US authorities open a line of communication connected to the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system in South Korea. Yves Tiberghien, director of the Institute of Asian Research with the University of British Columbia in Canada, suggests this can be done on a non-political level …”
• “Peacekeepers monument to be unveiled in Sydney (NS)”
• “Airdrie (AB) to receive war monument”

World War Two

• “Ted Barris: Bringing the Hally home” – Handley Page Halifax (Wikipedia)

World War One

• “Exhibit in Barrie highlights First World War general”

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