MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 22, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Canadian elite special forces sniper makes record-breaking kill shot in Iraq” – “Report: Canadian army sniper sets record for longest kill shot” – “Canadian military sniper’s kill in Iraq shatters distance record” – “Iraq: Canadian JTF2 sniper breaks longest confirmed kill record” – “Un «kill shot» à 3450 mètres pour un sniper canadien en Irak”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• Commentary:  “Canada’s Iraqi allies employing IS tactics”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “ISIS Setting Up Support Networks to Move Terrorists to Europe, Asia”
• “The Campaign for Mosul: May 12-June 21, 2017” (ISW)
• “Islamic State destroys mosque where Baghdadi delivered first speech as ‘caliph’ “ – “Historic Mosque Destroyed by ISIS” (CENTCOM info-machine) – “Battle for Mosul: Destruction of al-Nuri mosque ‘shows IS defeated’ “
• “Eye on ISIS in Libya Newsletter June 21, 2017”
• “The Race to the Iraqi Border Begins” (Stratfor Worldview)
• “Russian diplomat says nothing to report on IS leader al-Baghdadi’s fate”
• “Captured ISIS Documents Show US Aerial Surveillance Is Getting More Effective”

#Syria

• “Syria conflict: Australia resumes anti-IS air raids”
• “The Campaign for Ar-Raqqa City: June 6 – 20, 2017” (ISW)
• “Drones Are Dropping Like Flies From the Sky Over Syria”
• “New details on US shoot down of Syrian jet” – “Russia just threatened to target US jets in Syria — but the last thing it wants is an air war with the US” – “US gave no explanations to Russia over downing of Syrian jet — diplomat”
• “The Iran-US Drone War in Syria Could Quickly Spin Out of Control”
• “U.S. tells Turkey it will take back weapons from Kurdish militia- Turkish sources — The United States has told Turkey it will take back weapons supplied to the Kurdish YPG militia in northern Syria after the defeat of Islamic State, Ankara said on Thursday, seeking to address Turkish concerns about arming Kurds on its border …” – “US reassures Turkey over arms provided to Syrian Kurds”
• “WALKOM: U.S. and Russia come close to the brink in Syria”
• “Islamic State Defeat Can Provoke Conflict Between Those Who Fight It”
• “What’s Behind Moscow’s Latest Threats In Syria”
• “Counter Terrorism Updates and Removals; Transnational Criminal Organizations Removal; Syria Designation Update” (US Treasury info-machine)

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “North Korean Drone Crashes In South Korea, ROK Fired 90 Shots After It Reconned US THAAD” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “U.S., China meet on North Korea after Trump points to failed Chinese effort” – “U.S., China Affirm North Korean Threat, Mattis Says” (US DoD) – “China welcomes solutions to Korean Peninsula nuclear issue”
• “The North Korea Instability Project: North Korea, Weapons of Mass Destruction and Instability: Strategic Issues for Managing Crisis and Reducing Risks”
• “Trump signals shifting approach to North Korea after death of U.S. student” – “US could be tougher on NK after Warmbier’s death” – “Warmbier’s death tests Trump’s NK policy”
• “Training tunnel will keep US soldiers returning to front lines in S. Korea”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Glavin: Here’s how Trudeau is ramming China down our throats”
• “China, U.S. kick off inaugural diplomatic, security dialogue”
• “China-Vietnam meeting scrapped due to ‘reasons related to working arrangements’ “
• “China vows cooperation with ASEAN to promote peace in South China Sea”

#Ukraine

• Again?  “Armistice agreed in Minsk, starts on midnight of June 24”
• “Canada-Ukraine relationship: Minister tells Ukrainian Canadian Congress Canada’s support is unwavering” (DND Info-machine) – “Le ministre Sajjan affirme au Congrès des Ukrainiens canadiens que le soutien du Canada est inébranlable”
• “President about the results of the visit to the U.S.: Ukrainian-American agreements in the defense sphere will be signed shortly” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “Ukraine’s President Says Defense Deals With U.S. To Be Signed Soon” – “Ukraine, U.S. to sign defense deals soon – Poroshenko” – “Poroshenko: High-ranking U.S. officials to visit Ukraine soon”
• “Minister of Defence holds talks with Director of NATO Liaison Office to Ukraine” (UKR MoD) – “Poltorak, Director of NATO Liaison Office discuss Ukrainian Armed Forces reform, importance of consultations”
• “Pushilin: “Reintegrating” Donbass behind the back of the Contact Group threatens peace”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 20 June 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 22, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 22 June 2017 – UKR govt ATO map, 21 June 2017 – “LPR reports six ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces” – “41 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours”
• “Minister of Defence of Ukraine: Reserve draft is carried out in any country taking care of its security” (UKR MoD)
• “Armed men who attacked OSCE patrol in occupied Yasynuvata ‘arrested’ “ – “UN covers up murder of OSCE monitor in Ukraine” (separatist media) – “Nazi Ukraine Sabotage Unit That Attacked OSCE Have Been Captured, Also Criminal Case Against Coup Leader Poroshenko For The Murder Of Emma Litvinenko !”
• “President: We discussed greater involvement of the American partners in the Normandy format” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “Poroshenko says he sees no need for change of Normandy format” – “Poroshenko sees no need to change Minsk, Normandy negotiating formats on Donbas” – “Normandy format leaders plan to have telephone talk before end of June” – ” ‘Normandy format’ leaders to have phone calls next week”
• “Trilateral Contact Group’s Minsk meeting to verify captives’ lists was substantive, held in atmosphere of mutual trust – Sajdik” – “Kiev and Donbass finalize POWs verification”
• “Deinego: Kiev blocks cashless payments for water supplied to LPR”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Russia Says NATO Jet Buzzed Defense Minister’s Plane — Russian news agencies are reporting a NATO fighter jet buzzed a plane carrying Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday as it flew over the Baltic Sea, but was escorted away by a Russian escort jet …” – “Russian defense minister’s plane buzzed by NATO F-16 fighters over Baltic” – “NATO Jet Approaches Russian Defense Minister’s Plane”
• “Canada’s mission to scare off Russia”
• Saideman’s Semi-Spew:  “CAF in Latvia? Woot!”
• “NATO Drills Defending Suwalki Gap, Weak Spot between Poland and Baltics, from Russian Invasion”  – “What Is The Suwalki Gap – And Why Is NATO Worried About It?” – “Lithuanians delight in tank parades as NATO forces arrive for military exercises”
• “I Pee Freely: US Soldier Relieves Himself on Lithuanian Government Building” (RUS media)
• “Nuclear bomb over Lithuania?” (EU Disinformation Review)
• “NATO ready to consider possible NATO-Russia Council meeting if there is pressing agenda – Gottemoeller”
• “Timeline: Russian Provocations and Dangerous Acts since January 20, 2017” (Just Security blog)
• “Around 20 military bases to be established in western Russia before year-end”
• “Comment by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov on new US sanctions against Russia” (RUS MFA)
• “Fakebook” (EU Disinformation)

Internal Security

• “Montreal man suspected in stabbing of police officer at Michigan airport” – ” ‘Allahu Akbar’; Cdn charged in cop’s stabbing at airport asked police why didn’t kill him, compaint says” – Amor Ftouhi criminal complaint (FBI) – “Amor Ftouhi, un Québécois d’origine maghrébine poignarde un policier au Michigan au cri d’«Allah Akbar» “ – More on Amor Ftouhi via Google News
• “Montreal man extradited for allegedly using library on U.S. border to smuggle guns — A Montreal man has been extradited to the United States on charges that he used the Haskell Free Library, which was purposefully built astride the Quebec-Vermont border as a symbol of friendship between the two countries, to smuggle a backpack full of handguns into Canada …”
• “Amnesty says no evidence for France to jail Ottawa professor, urges PM to act — Hassan Diab, an Ottawa professor behind bars in France despite numerous court rulings questioning the evidence against him, is being held solely for political purposes, his lawyer said Wednesday …”
• “Mr. Trudeau: It’s not just about Omar”

Changes to #CAN Security Law

• “Ottawa says broad new immunity for CSIS crimes is Charter-compliant”
• “The roses and the thorns of C-59, Canada’s new national security bill”
• “Canada’s cyber spy agency is about to get a major upgrade”
• “Charter Statement – Bill C-59: An Act respecting national security matters”
• “Liberals’ national security bill keeps Tories’ lowered threshold for terrorism peace bonds”
• “Liberals propose huge changes for CSE” (Lux Ex Umbra blog)
• “Liberals’ Bold Bill C-59 Would Redraw the National Security Landscape”
• “Spy bill allows government security agency to collect ‘publicly available’ info on Canadians”
• “Canada’s cyber spy agency is about to get a major upgrade”

Way Up North

• Wanted:  “DCC – RFP for Facilities Maintenance and Support Services for various locations in the North: Churchill (MB), Inuvik (NT), Yellowknife (NT), Iqaluit (NU), Rankin Inlet (NU), Whitehorse (YT) … Defence Construction Canada (DCC) is calling for Request for Proposals (RFP)for Facilities Maintenance firms to provide proposals to carry out the required Facilities Maintenance Services for buildings and associated areas for various locations in the North: Churchill (MB), Inuvik (NT), Yellowknife (NT), Iqaluit (NU), Rankin Inlet (NU), Whitehorse (YT) …”
• “HMCS Labrador’s Polar Flag to fly again”
• “Northern national corridor key to Canada’s economic future” (Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade & Commerce)
• “What Canada’s New Defense Policy Means for the Arctic”
• “Putin Says Arctic Security is Critical”
• “Putin: Arctic is extremely important for national defense”
• “Remembering When the Arctic Was a War Zone”
• “Norway Makes Itself a Target with New Radar in Arctic Pointed At Russia”
• “Ireland Invites China to Build Shannon Deepwater Port as Future Transportation Hub in Arctic Route”
• “(RUS) Eastern Military District’s environmental platoon starts waste removing on Wrangel Island”
• “An Uneasy Alliance: The Limits of the China-Russia Arctic Partnership”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Liberals limiting options for stopgap fighter jet deal” – “Lockheed Exec ‘Confident’ Canada Will Pick F-35 as Block Buy Eyed”
• “Australia better at equipping its military than Canada”
• “Saudi Arabia top non-U.S. destination for Canadian arms exports: federal report”
• Wanted:  “Ship’s Whistle,Electric (Port and Starboard)”
• Wanted:  “Detector Kit, Forens … The Department of National Defence has a requirement for the items detailed below. The delivery is requested at CFSU Ottawa, CMTT Building 346, Uplands Site, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K5 30 September 2017 …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Benefit change gave wounded vets raises ranging from $1.39 to thousands a month: memo”

Mental Health in the CAF

• “Canada must do better to support soldiers suffering from PTSD”

Other

• “Liberals planning $600M down payment on defence strategy”
• “I had to let my daughter go because of my job in the Canadian military”
• “In time for blockbuster season: launch of national recruiting advertising campaign for the Canadian military” (CAF info-machine)
• Colonel Ted’s Take:  “… Maybe, as new aircraft are being procured and new ships are being built it is also time to revisit one of the centre-pieces of Paul Hellyer’s military: the integrated rank and trade system. maybe we need to go back to “square one” And “disintegrate” some (many? all?) of the integrated branches like logistics, and communications and electronics and let each service decide for itself what rank (leadership) and (technical) skill sets it need and it what numbers …”
• “Command Change at Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre”
• “An evolution of community service: How the Bold Eagle program became a success “

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 10, 2017

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• We’ll see … “Canada’s military will soon be able to disrupt ISIS: defence minister”
• “Armed drones are the future, but discussion needed on how we use them, Trudeau says” –“Les futurs drones armés canadiens ne seront pas des tueurs destinés à des missions secrètes, assure Vance”
• “Canada boosts defence spending by 70%” – “Canada to boost military spending 70% over 10 years” –“Strong, Secure, Engaged supports military”
• “Le ministre Hehr souligne les soins aux militaires qu’assure la nouvelle politique de défense du Canada”
• Commentary:  “Matthew Fisher: Liberals’ feel-good defence plan has some notable omissions” – “John Ivison: Liberal defence plan puts national interest ahead of its own partisan concerns, for now” – “Canada must acknowledge the failures of its military past” – “Kelly McParland: Freeland’s fighting words are at odds with all of the Liberals’ military practices in the past generation” – “Canada’s new defence policy: Don’t expect greater capacity, just a more efficient military”
• “Commander Canadian Army Statement on the new Defence Policy” 
• Note a Trend in Today’s Talking Points Road Show?  “Minister Sajjan Highlights Care for Military Members in Canada’s new Defence Policy” – “Minister Hehr Highlights Care for Military Members in Canada’s new Defence Policy” – “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado Highlights Care for Military Families in Canada’s new Defence Policy” – “Parliamentary Secretary DeCourcey Highlights Care for Military Members in Canada’s new Defence Policy”
• MOAR Talking Points Road Show  “Minister Sajjan to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy (in Vancouver)” – “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy (in Kingston)” – “Minister Brison to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy (in Halifax)” – “Parliamentary Secretary McCrimmon and Member of Parliament Alleslev to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy (in Ottawa)” – “Minister Duclos to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy (@ CFB Valxcartier)”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Suppressing Terrorism Financing, Foreign Fighter Flows, Online Propaganda Key to Countering ISIL Threat, Speakers Tell Security Council” (UN info-machine) – “Despite pressure and losses, ISIL remains potent threat, UN political chief warns Security Council” (UN info-machine)
• “ISIS Massacring Civilians Fleeing Battle for Iraq’s Mosul, UN Says” – “ISIS is slaughtering hundreds as they flee Mosul”
• “ISIS Militants Plotted Tehran Attacks for a Year, Fought in Iraq and Syria, Iran Says”
• “New (ISIL, AQ) Propaganda Emphasizes Attacks at Large Gatherings” (NJ DHS open source document)
• “Egypt calls for UN probe on Qatar giving terrorists in Iraq $1 billion” – “Russia ready to increase food deliveries to Qatar” – “Qatar rejects as baseless terrorism blacklist by four Arab states”
• “Islamic State Threatens More Terror Against Iran” – “Islamic State’s Amaq Agency Releases Video Of Tehran Attackers, Threaten More Attacks Inside Iran”
• “Islamic State kills two Chinese teachers kidnapped in Pakistan – group’s news agency”

#Syria

• “Syria Situation Report: June 1 – 8, 2017” (ISW)
• “Russia’s Maneuvers in Syria: May 1 – June 7, 2017” (ISW)
• “Is The US-Led Coalition Creeping Toward Outright War With Syria?”
• “U.S. downs pro-Syrian drone that fired at coalition forces: spokesman”  – “US Shoots Down Pro-regime Drone that Fired Upon Coalition Forces in Syria” – “U.S. Shoots Down Unmanned Aircraft That Fired on Coalition Troops in Syria” (US DoD) – “Coalition statement on At Tanf” (US CENTCOM)
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Minister Defence of the Russian General of the Army Sergei Shoigu met with the UN Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura” (RUS MoD) – “Operation in Syria strips IS of hefty chunk of oil revenue — Russia’s deputy UN envoy” – “Russia a Fair-Weather Friend for Syria’s Kurds”
• “Syria: Fear for civilians mounts as conflict in Ar-Raqqa intensifies” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• Mo’ on Mo’ PRK Missile Tests  “North Korea appears to launch yet another missile, this time in defiance of U.N. sanctions” – “North Korea says leader Kim supervised test of new anti-ship missiles” – “La Corée du Nord affirme avoir tiré jeudi un nouveau type de missile” – “North Korea confirms successful missile test — state media” – “North Korea anti-ship missile (AShM) launches could well be new mobile coastal defence system paraded in April” – “North Korea Fires More Missiles as Seoul Puts Off US Defense System” – “North Korea fires multiple missiles off its east coast” – “North Korea launches 4 anti-ship missiles, fourth test in a month” – “La Corée du Nord tire plusieurs missiles”
• “Head of U.S. missile defense says North Korea missile advances a ‘great concern’ “
• “North Korean Nuclear Threat Model Makes Headlines”
• “U.S. Soldiers Strengthen Alliance, Readiness With South Korean Partners” (US DoD)
• “South Korea military finds small air craft near North Korea border”
• “Can a Russia-China Axis Help Find a Solution to Problems on the Korean Peninsula?”
• “North Korea at the forefront of America”s «dual containment» policy against China and Russia”

Cold War 2.0:  Asia-Pacific

• “25th Task Group of the People’s Liberation Army – Navy visits Sydney” (Aussia mil info-machine)
• “PLA Hong Kong Garrison holds joint air and sea patrol operations”
• “Xi, Putin meet on bilateral ties, SCO development” – “Chinese defense minister attends 14th SCO defense ministers’ meeting” – “SCO to expand as Xi attends summit”
• “Geopolitical bias blinds India to benefits of cooperation with China”
• “Ministry: US report on Chinese military pure speculation” – “China is firmly opposed to Pentagon report on Chinese military” – “China slams ‘exaggerated’ US report on PLA moves”
• “China builds largest warships in Asia”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “The Russian Army to Be Subordinated to the National Guard in a Crisis”
• “US Soldiers delivering equipment for Saber Strike Exercise”
• “Germany to relocate troops from Turkey to Jordan”
• “Russia’s Syria Resupply Route Through the Turkish Straits: Vulnerable to Terrorist Attack?”
• “Russian, Belarussian and Serbian paratroopers held their first joint training in the framework of the Slavic Brotherhood-2017 exercise” (RUS MoD)
• “Kremlin vows to counter NATO expansion towards Russian borders”
• “Putin Angrily Denounces ‘Anti-Russian Hysteria’ in US”
• “Russia is pushing its candidate to the head of UN department on terrorism” – “Sergey Kislyak may become U.N.’s new anti-terror chief” – “UN General Assembly Anticipates Vote on Counter-Terror Office Next Week – Source”
• “US hackers attack Kremlin daily, but not grounds to blame American officials — spokesman”

#Ukraine

• “25,000 NATO Troops to Take Part in Largest US-Led Black Sea Drills in July”
• “Russia deploys to Crimea marine infantry of Caspian Flotilla” – “Marines units of the Caspian Flotilla of the Southern military district master the tactics of warfare on the black sea coast” (RUS MoD)
• Ya Think???  “Poroshenko tasks energy minister to reduce share of nuclear fuel purchases from Russia” – “Kiev Aims to Swap Russia for US as Nuclear Fuel Supplier, Petro Poroshenko Says”
• “White House Says Russia Sanctions To Remain Until Ukraine Crisis Resolved”
• Updates from All Sides  “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv on Friday” – “1 Ukrainian Soldier KIA; 6 WIA; 4 Civilians Injured in Kamenka and Maryinka; 1 Separatist Fighter KIA, 1 WIA” – “Donbas: 18 attacks on Ukrainian positions” – “13 ceasefire violations reported in LPR” – “52 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours”
• “Ukraine blocks Donbass reunification humanitarian programme’s hotline”

Way Up North

• What’s Canada Buying?  “RFP for Facilities Maintenance and Support Services for various locations in the North: Churchill (MB), Inuvik (NT), Yellowknife (NT), Iqaluit (NU), Rankin Inlet (NU), Whitehorse (YT)”
• “(US) Arctic air base gets $40 million upgrade in face of increasing missile threats”
• “Russian military going to clean Novaya Zemlya archipelago” – “A (RUS) Defense Ministry unit to clean Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic
• “(RUS) Northern Fleet takes on key role in Exercise Barents”
• “Russia beefs up its Arctic nuclear capabilities to phase out NATO” – “Phasing NATO Out of Arctic: Russia Arming Up Northern Fleet With New Weapons”
• “Putin’s Russian military test white whales for Arctic naval duties”
• “(RUS) Eastern Military District army aircraft go on duty in the Arctic”
• “Water station built at (RUS) Pacific Fleet Arctic headquarters at Cape Schmidt”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “MDA seeks to provide extensive support to U.S. intelligence and defense agencies”

Internal Security

• “Liberals waive security review for Chinese takeover of high-tech firm”
• Colonel Ted’s Take:  “Thinking about terrorism and the post national state … most world leaders are exploring ways to identify and “neutralize” the (mostly) young men who are likely attackers and the people who indoctrinate, recruit, train, equip and finance them … most world leaders, that is, except, it seems Canada’s leaders …”
• “Options for Paying Ransoms to Advanced Persistent Threat Actors” (Divergent Options paper)
• “US Must Boost War Games, Data Sharing With Allies: (US Defense Intelligence Agency)”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• ” “Pridefully” Serving in Canada’s Military” (NATO Association of Canada)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 31, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “NATO Launches Its Own Operation in the Middle East … Last year, NATO started a training and capacity-building mission for Iraqi armed forces. In January it opened a regional center in Kuwait. NATO AWACS aircraft operate in Syria. But the participation in combat actions against the IS has so far been limited to a few aircraft taking part in the operations of the US-led coalition of the willing …”“Eye on ISIS in Libya Newsletter May 30, 2017”
• “Iraqi Forces Begin Final Push in Mosul” – “The Final Push for Mosul: ‘Matter of Time’ Until ISIS Flag Falls in Iraq’s Second City” – “Iraq presses Mosul assault, UN warns of danger to civilians” –
• “5 Lessons for Us From the Manchester Bombing” (Counter Jihad Report blog)
• “Iraq paramilitaries have reach Iraq’s border with Syria, cutting off ISIS supply lines” – “Iraq paramilitaries reach Iraq’s border with Syria”
• ” ‘We are not close’ to urgently needed peace deal in Yemen, UN envoy tells Security Council” – “Oman mediating between Yemenis over U.N. peace plan: official”

#Syria

• “Russia in Syria Monitor, May 23-30, 2017”
• “Russian cruise missiles hit Syrian Palmyra” – “Russian Navy ships conducted strikes by four Kalibr cruise missiles on objects of ISIS terrorist grouping near Palmyra” (RUS MoD) – “(RUS) Defence Minister reported to the President on the successful launch of missiles at terrorist targets in Syria” (President of Russia info-machine) – “Russian Warship, Submarine Fire Missiles At ISIS Targets In Syria” – “Russia fires cruise missiles at Islamic State targets from Mediterranean” – “Russia Launches Missile Strikes Targeting Islamic State in Syria”
• “Captured Humvees and Russian command vehicle in Syria: Possible connection of ISIS and Russian special forces?” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Moscow sees positive military and political developments in Syria”
• “US Begins Arming Syrian Kurdish Fighters for Raqqa Assault” –  “US begins sending weapons to Kurdish YPG in Syria” – “Syrian rebels say U.S., allies sending more arms to fend off Iran threat”
• “US-backed Syrian fighters reach gates of IS capital of Raqqa”
• “How Syria and Russia Spun a Chemical Strike” – “Russia’s Putin says certain Syria’s Assad didn’t use chemical weapons”
• “Chinese Uyghur colonies in Syria a challenge for Beijing”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “U.S., China debating when U.N. should act on North Korea: Haley”
• “Defense Department Makes Successful Missile-Intercept in Test” (US DoD info-machine) – “Defense Department Slates Missile-Intercept Test” (US DoD) – “Pentagon Successfully Tests Missile Defense System Amid N. Korea Fears” – “US homeland missile defence system scores first ICBM target intercept” – “ICBM defence system tested successfully by US military”
• “5 Reasons Why Upcoming US Interceptor Test Affects American Deterrence”
• “South Korea defense ministry ‘intentionally dropped’ THAAD units in report: Blue House”
• “Thinking the Unthinkable With North Korea’
• “North Korea: Intra-elite Conflict and the Relevance for Global Security”

Cold War 2.0:  China & Environs

• “China among invitees to major US exercise”
• “Representatives of the Russian General Staff held negotiation with their Chinese counterparts” (RUS MoD)
• “China Spurs Submarine Spending Spree”
• “Thailand, China vow to push forward all-round development of military ties” – “Chinese high ranking military official discusses military cooperation with Thailand”
• “UN hails Chinese peacekeeping role in South Sudan”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Russia’s Strategic Missile Force operates 99% combat-ready launchers”
• “NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Lithuania is fully manned” (Lithuanian defence info-machine)
• “Norwegian troops complete NATO deployment in Lithuania”
• “Tallinn-based NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence is Expanding” (NATO info-machine)
• “Russian anti-submarine destroyer enters English Channel — Russia’s Severomorsk large anti-submarine destroyer is set to travel to the northeastern section of the Atlantic Ocean …”
• Way Up North  “Fighter jets scrambled over Russian aircraft in weekend-break of Arctic Challenge Exercise” – “Look who’s coming; world’s largest submarine en route south — For the first time in many years, a Typhoon submarine made a short port call to a base on the Kola Peninsula this weekend. Russian media says next stop is St. Petersburg …” – “Russian military to collect 2,000 tonnes of scrap metal on Novaya Zemlya archipelago”
• “Russia’s cutting-edge (T-50) fighter jet to enter service this year”
• “Russian Views of the International Order” (RAND)

#Ukraine

• “NATO allows Ukrainian arms producers to bid on defense contracts to member countries” – “NATO may open its tenders to Ukraine”
• “Ukraine says will continue participation in UN peacekeeping operations despite hostilities in Donbas”
• “Russia, US Maintain Contacts on Ukraine Conflict Settlement – (RUS) Foreign Ministry”
• “New Battle Looms On Ukraine’s Blockade Lines”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 29 May 2017” – “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, May 23-30, 2017” (Russia Matters) – UKR govt ATO map, 31 May 2017 – UKR govt ATO map, 30 May 2017 – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 05/30/2017” –  “ATO HQ reports 50 attacks on Ukrainian army positions, 5 from prohibited arms” – “65 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours”  – “One Ukrainian soldier killed, five wounded in combat yesterday, – ATO HQ” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 65 times over past 24 hours” – “Ukraine reports 1 KIA, 5 WIA’s amid 44 attacks in Donbas on May 30” – “Donbas: 44 attacks on Ukrainian positions” – “Five ceasefire violations detected in LPR over day”  – “Ukrainian forces deploy heavy weapons to Gorlovka and Mariupol contact line sector” – “Some 35 civilians killed in Donbas from March until mid-April, more than 2,000 over 3 years of conflict”
• From the Separatist/pro-RUS media   “Kiev acknowledges only 100 foreign mercenaries in Ukraine’s Armed Forces” – “SBU uses drug addicts to spy in LPR — Ukrainian special services supervise work with drug addicts in the territory of the Lugansk region controlled by Kiev, using methadone substitution therapy as a tool for recruiting spies …” – “Number of Ukrainian deserters reaches 10 thousands” – “Ukraine harbors plans to destroy Russia’s super bridge to Crimea” (Pravda)
• He Says, She Says  “British Mercenary Describes His Time Fighting Alongside the UAF in Donbass” – Kieran Ashley Walsh FB post 19 Dec 2017 (note no ref to being in Donbass)
  
• “Could Crimea Return to Ukraine?” (Geopolitical Monitor)
• “VKontakte to close Kyiv’s office – media”
• “Normandy format talks underway in Berlin on deputy foreign ministers’ level”
• Minsk & Other Talking “DPR hopes to unblock Minsk Agreements after the next Normandy Four meeting” –  “Next Normandy Four meeting could take place in summer, – Ukrainian official” – ” Ukraine raised hostage-related issues during Normandy talks in Berlin” – “Prystaiko during Normandy talks in Berlin raises hostage issue as priority one – Gerashchenko”

Internal Security

• “Manchester bombing suspect Salman Abedi reportedly linked to former Ottawa extremist imam”
• “Former spy chief says Canada should be careful about scaling back C-51 after Manchester attack”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Jonathan Vance praises soldier who lodged sex-assault complaint”  –  “Chief of Defence Staff orders acceptance of sex assault panel recommendations” – “Summary: Canadian Armed Forces Action Plan to Implement the Recommendations from the Report by the Board of Inquiry on the Irregularities Identified by the Chief of the Defence Staff in his 2014 Decision Letter” – “Chief of the Defence Staff statement on Master Corporal (Retired) Stéphanie Raymond” – Raymond thread @ Army.ca (Disclosure:  I’m a moderator over @ Army.ca)
• “Sexual assault charge laid against Lieutenant-Colonel Stephan Popowych in Ottawa” – “Sexual assault charge laid against officer in Ottawa” – “Senior military officer charged with sexual assault” – “17 ans après: une accusation d’agression sexuelle qui remonte au temps où l’accusé étudiait à Kingston”
• “Able Seaman Bradley Betts found guilty following Court Martial” (DND info-machine) – “Le matelot de 2e classe Bradley Betts est déclaré coupable au terme de son procès devant la cour martiale”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Letter From The Minister (responding to 3 Mar 2016 Actuarial Analysis)” (Veterans Ombudsman)
• “Increasing Veterans’ Access to Long Term Care at the Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead” (VAC info-machine)
• “Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr announces new spending for former military personnel”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “As Canada questions Super Hornet deal, Boeing to announce interim fighter industry team” – “Canada Preparing to Replace its CF-18 Hornets”
• “CANSEC military trade show to draw crowds and protests” – “Minister Sajjan to speak at CANSEC 2017”
• Wanted:  “Accommodations (Ex) Serpentex , Ventiseri FR”

Other

• “Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE puts learning into focus”
• “438 Squadron “Wildcats” shine on U.S. leadership course”
• “Cash-strapped HMCS Ojibwa sub in Port Burwell opens for summer”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 26, 2017

NATO Summit 2017

• From the Respective Horses’ Mouths/Info-machines  “Remarks by President Trump at NATO Unveiling of the Article 5 and Berlin Wall Memorials” (whitehouse.gov) – “President: NATO Member Nations Must Increase Defense Spending” (US DoD) – “Russia, terrorism, burden sharing on the agenda at NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s post-summit Session” (NATO parliamentarians’ info-machine) – “Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the meeting of NATO Heads of State and/or Government” – “NATO Secretary General’s Doorstep Statement” (Natochannel video) – “Canadian PM Press Conference at Meeting of Heads of State at NATO HQ” (via Natochannel) – “Prime Minister Trudeau attends NATO Leaders’ Meeting” (PM info-machine)
• “Trudeau Clear On Intel-Sharing, Vague On Defense Spending”
• “Trudeau suggests defence review will invest more in troops than weaponry — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, facing demands that Canada invest more in its military, says caring for troops is the priority in the upcoming defence policy. His comments in Brussels raise questions about the focus of the Liberal government’s long-awaited statement …”
• “Rencontre 2017 de l’OTAN: face à Trump, le Canada réaffirme son engagement”
• “Trump’s ‘almost bullying’ of NATO leaders awkward for Canada: analyst”
• “Doubling defence spending wouldn’t move Canada higher among NATO’s ranks: study”
• “Donald Trump lectures Canada, other NATO members to up defence spending”
• “NATO’s joining anti-IS coalition has little to offer — senior (RUS) diplomat”
• “NATO to join anti-IS coalition but unlikely to engage in combat — chief”
• “Nato to join the US-led coalition against Isis fighting in Iraq and Syria”
• “Nato to join air war in Syria and Iraq”
• “In NATO speech, Trump is once again vague on mutual defense pledge”
• “Trump and Article V”
• “Trump Pisses Off NATO Allies in Heated Meeting by Demanding Money From Them But at the Same Time Refusing to Pledge US Commitment to NATO”
• “Donald Trump tells Nato allies to pay up at Brussels talks”
• “Trump Scolds NATO on Spending as Allies Aim to Please”
• “Citing Manchester, Trump rebukes NATO over defence spending”
• “NATO to step up defenses, continue dialogue with Russia — chief”
• “Trump’s Less-Than-Cordial Meetings With His NATO Allies Points to Problems in the Future”
• “How the Baltic States Can Win Trump Over on NATO”
• “Saideman’s Semi-Spew: What Trump Costs NATO”
• “Opinion: On Trump’s Treatment of NATO Allies”
• “So Much Wrong, Trump at NATO”
• Meanwhile … “Russia warns NATO against military buildup along eastern border” – “NATO Will Deter Russia With Giant Bonfires of Wasted Dollars” – “Russia, Belarus hold consultations on structuring relations with EU, NATO”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “NATO Bilateral Meeting with Leaders from Canada and Poland” (video via Nato Channel)
• “Les campagnes de désinformation de la Russie ont touché 39 pays selon une étude de l’université de Toronto” – “Tainted Leaks: Disinformation and Phishing With a Russian Nexus” (U of Toronto Citizen Lab)
• “What is Propaganda?”
• Colonel Ted on CAN-led NATO Battalion’s ORBAT:  “Potemkin Village (3)”
• “NATO and US: Enemies of Choice for Russia’s Military”
• From the U.S. Army Info-machine:  “Saber Strike 17 is this year’s iteration of a long-standing U.S. Army Europe-led cooperative training exercise. The key exercise objective will be training and exercising the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Groups with a focus on promoting interoperability with allies and regional partners and improving joint operational capability in a variety of missions. The exercise will take place in multiple locations throughout Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland May 28-June 24 …”
• “Poland Adopts Anti-Russian Defense Doctrine to ‘Get More Aid’ From Washington” – “In Defense Doctrine of Poland, Russia named as main destabilizing factor”
• “Long-neutral Sweden beefs up military defenses to face Russia threat”
• “Russia to sell over 360 cutting-edge helicopters by 2030”
• “Launch of the second satellite of the EKS early-warning system” (Russian strategic nuclear forces blog) – “Russia’s military satellite delivered into orbit”
• “Russian top diplomat, defense minister to visit Egypt on May 29”
• “Russia’s Comeback to the Balkans”
• “Putin, Duterte agree to develop military-technical cooperation”

#Ukraine

• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (1)  “Poroshenko, Trudeau discuss intensification of bilateral relations and top-level contacts schedule” – “The Prime Minister of Canada told Poroshenko about the support of NATO”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (2)  “Trump ‘Looking At’ Sanctions On Russia Over Aggression In Ukraine” – “The Latest: Trump to review US sanctions on Russia” – “Trump ‘Looking At’ Sanctions On Russia Over Aggression In Ukraine”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (3)  “Stoltenberg says NATO allies confirm support of Ukraine”
• “Junior leader training in Ukraine” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 24 May 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 26 May 2017 – “Ukraine’s punishers launch over 500 ammunition on DPR territory in 24 hours” – “58 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukraine reports 5 WIAs in Donbas in past 24 hours” – “LPR reports 3 ceasefire violations on Ukrainian part” – “OSCE mission reports 44 civilian fatalities in Donbas in 2017”
• “Separatist field commander killed in eastern Ukraine”
• “Ukraine’s Air Force to get modernized jet fighters, bombers”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “30 Crimean residents sent to military service in Russia” – “The first conscripts from the Crimea went to serve in Russia” – “Russian occupiers shelled the Trudovskyi bus station as a provocation” (InformNapalm.org)
  
• “IR summary: Occupiers are sharply increasing the firepower of LNR 2nd Army Corps artillery units”
• “Donbas hostage swap: militants demand release of ex-Berkut troops, terrorists, murderers – Gerashchenko” – “Kiev drags feet over providing current detainee lists – ombudswoman”
• “Decapitating Lenin Statues Is the Hottest New Trend in Ukraine”
• “Minsk negotiators fail to reach compromise” – “Ukraine names conditions for Minsk accords’ political part implementation”

Cold War 2.0:  China & Environs

• “(CHN) Defense Ministry warns against US warship in South China Sea” – “China opposes US maneuvers in South China Sea” – “US bound to lose supremacy in W.Pacific”
• ” “No-fly zone in South China Sea” a fabrication”
• “(CHN Pres) Xi calls for “strong, modern” navy”
• “How America Could End Up in an Unexpected War with China”
• “(CHN) Defense Ministry’s Regular Press Conference On May 25”
• ” The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China has no military or geo-strategic intentions, according to a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Thursday …”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “The Potential Institutional Consequences of Deeper UN Actions against North Korea”
• “The Pukguksong-2: Lowering the Bar on Combat Readiness?”
• “Trump calls North Korea a ‘big problem’, promises to resolve issue”
• “Trump Lets Slip That American Subs May Be Ready to Attack North Korea”
• “Did North Korean leader’s brother meet with a US spy before he was assassinated?” – “Kim Jong Nam thought to have met U.S. agent ahead of slaying”
• “South Korea ready for joint efforts to build up Russia’s Far East”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “NATO in Doubts Over Training Missions in Iraq, Afghanistan”
• “Counter-ISIS Campaign Progresses in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan” (Pentagon info-machine)
  
• “Terrorists continue their asymmetric war”
• “London police charge men over alleged terrorism plot in Britain”
• “Islamic state claims responsibility for Jakarta bus station attacks”
• “Britain’s May asks G7 to back moves to tackle internet extremism”
• “Pentagon Blames 105 Civilian Deaths From Mosul Strike On ‘Secondary Explosion’ “
• “Executive Summary of the Investigation of the Alleged Civilian Casualty Incident in the al Jadidah District, Mosul” (US DoD) – “Mosul residents deny findings of US probe into Iraq strike “
• “First deployment of OSCE Mobile Training Team to address cross-border challenges in identifying foreign terrorist fighters”
• “Want To Defeat The Legacy Of ISIS? Try Rebuilding Non-Muslim Communities It Has Destroyed”
• “Iraq Situation: UNHCR Flash Update – 25 May 2017”

#Syria

• “Complete map of Syrian War: May 26th” (almasdarnews.com)
• “The Syrian Airfield The US Hit Is Back In Business”
• “Next round of Syria talks in Geneva not scheduled yet — diplomat”
• “Russian diplomat says Moscow, Washington, UN maintaining contacts on Syria”
• “Russian Foreign Ministry: OPCW not rushing to investigate chemical incident in Syria” – “Moscow says all conditions are there for OPCW inspection at Shayrat airbase” – “Russian diplomat says West continues to ‘turn a blind eye’ to chemical incidents in Syria”
• “US-backed Syrian Forces Step Up Training Ahead of Raqqa Offensive”
• “Putin personally awards Russian Special Forces for military actions in Syria”
• “(US) Marine Artillery Unit Went Hard On ISIS During Syria Deployment Shrouded In Secrecy”
• “After Bailing Out Assad, the Russian Military Risks a Syria Quagmire”
• “Lawmakers warn: Iran wants military base in Syria near Israel”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Le Canada sera l’hôte de la Réunion des ministres de la Défense des pays participants aux missions de paix”
• “Le Canada considère donner davantage de fond à l’ONU pour les victimes d’abus sexuels”
• “UN gives posthumous award to peacekeepers who died in mission”

Canada Into Africa?

• “DR Congo opposes international probe into deaths of UN investigators”

Internal Security

• “Intel Sharing Basics”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Feds fork over another $30 million to keep Canada at F-35 table”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  “Halifax’s first Arctic patrol ship to be pieced together this summer”  – “First of Irvings Halifax-made patrol ships nearly ready”
• Wanted:  “Casket Flag and Wind Band … The Department of National Defence (DND) requires 500 Flag Casket and 500 Windband Casket …”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Wilks sentenced for sexual assault, breach of trust — A former military medic has been sentenced to nine months for sexual assault and three counts of breach of trust, stemming from incidents in London and Windsor …” – “Former Canadian Armed Forces member sentenced at court martial” (CAF Info-machine) – “Former medic sentenced to 9 months in prison” – “Former military medic jailed nine months for sex assault of female recruits” – “Former military medic gets nine months in prison for inappropriate breast exams”

Other

• MCPL Alfred Barr, R.I.P.  “Flight Safety Summary Released for death of Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue Technician”
• “Cutting military costs are not the answer to growing government debt”
• “Alberta’s British invasion: Massive military base allows troops from U.K. to replicate war”
• “Corporal Andrea Lorinczy, third-generation CAF member”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 15, 2017

Afghanistan

• “NATO assessing request for more troops to Afghanistan” – “Canada, other NATO nations being asked to send troops back to Afghanistan”
• “A mission to Mali is already a lost opportunity, so let’s refocus on Afghanistan’s ‘forgotten war’ “
• “The Trump administration wants to send more military advisers to Afghanistan. Good luck with that.”

#2016SpringFloodSeason

• “Op LENTUS 17: le NCSM Montréal sera finalement amarré au Quai de l’Horloge à Montréal”
• “Canadian Forces build temporary bridge on Laval’s Île-Verte” (CBC video)
• “Canadian Armed Forces call off military celebrations for Montreal’s 375th anniversary”
• “Flood victims in Montreal prepare to go home, apply for financial aid”
• “L’utilisation des Forces armées canadiennes au Québec et le spectre de la Crise d’octobre 1970”

#CANvsISIL

• Canadian Killed Fighting ISIS w/YPG Reportedly On His Way Home (FB Post)
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else vs. ISIL

• “Will Trump agree to the Pentagon’s permanent war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria?”

#Syria

• “The U.S.-Turkey Divide Beyond Raqqa” (ISW Blog)
• “SDF Awaits Weapons, Says Final Push on Raqqa in Early Summer”
• “The video of a TOW missile system launch, which presumably led to Russian officer’s death in Syria” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Russian, Jordanian top diplomats discuss de-escalation zones in Syria”
• “Assad: De-escalation Zones Real Chance for Reconciliation”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “North Korea carries out new ballistic missile test” – “La Corée du Nord procède à un nouveau tir de missile balistique” – “North Korea’s New Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile, the Hwasong-12: First Takeaways” – “N. Korea claims successful intermediate-range ballistic missile test launch” – “North Korean missile reached altitude of over 2,000 km — Japanese minister” – “Trump demande des sanctions après le tir de missile nord-coréen”
• Remember, It’s Not True Until It’s Denied by Russia … “North Korea fires missile that lands in sea near Russia” – “North Korea launched another missile — and it landed close to Russia” – “Russia denies the Pentagon’s report that the North Korean missile fell close to its borders” – “Russian missile warning systems tracked North Korea’s missile launch” – “Russia puts its air defense systems into a state of high readiness following North Korea’s missile launch”
• “In testing missile, North Korea challenges South’s new leader”
• More on Korea via Google News
• “Japan to seek cooperation with Russia, China over North Korea – government official”
• “China should adjust approach to S.Korea … China should adjust its manner of dealing with South Korea, and get rid of emotions that hamper mutual communication. China should demonstrate its resolute opposition to THAAD, and show to the Korean society that it does not mean China belittles South Korea or is indifferent to the Sino-South Korean relations. The Chinese society should be aware of the sensitivity of the THAAD issue in South Korea, and play down the hardline voices toward South Korea so as to not embolden South Korean conservative forces’ anti-China sentiment …”

Cold War 2.0:  China & Environs

• “Is China Winning in the South China Sea?”
• “New Chinese maritime patrol aircraft starts to fly over exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea”
• “PLA Navy deploys KJ-500 to Hainan”
• “Indian Navy ships deployed in Malacca Straits”
• “Chinese naval escort fleet visits Malaysia”
• “Chinese naval escort fleet visits Madagascar”
• “Chengdu FC-1 (JF-17) Multirole Fighter” (China Defence Today)
• “US, allies begin drills in Guam”
• “Quadrilateral US, UK, Japan, France Naval Exercises Off Guam Indefinitely Postponed”
• “Bipartisan Group of US Senators Call for South China Sea FONOPs”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Matthew Fisher: Sajjan a target of Russian cyber campaign aimed at undermining NATO’s presence in Baltic republics”
• “ON TARGET: Latvia deployment unnecessary, wasteful”
• “Great Baltic Wall: Latvia Seeks to Build Giant Fence Along Border With Belarus”
• “How Norway stood up to Putin – and what Canada can learn”

#Ukraine

• “Poroshenko discusses release of Ukrainian hostages, including journalist Sushchenko, with Putin by phone”
• “Poroshenko insists on UN peacekeepers deployment in Donbas”
• Updates from All Sides  “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 05/14/2017” – “Donbas: 49 attacks on Ukrainian positions” – “LPR Command says Ukrainian forces violate ceasefire twice” – “Donbass militia report Ukrainian army shells Donetsk, Lugansk republics” – “48 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “DPR serviceman wounded in shelling by Ukrainian troops – DPR command” – “Ukraine updates on Donbas war: 49 attacks, 6 WIA’s in last day” – “One DPR soldier wounded in Ukrainian shelling” –
• “Oh Those Russians …”  “Russian improved T-72B3 tanks spotted in military convoy near Ukrainian border” – “SBU chief: Russia infiltrates agents into Ukrainian patriotic organizations” – “Crimea ready to cooperate with Donbass, supply goods”
• “U.S. special rep for coordinating actions with Ukraine to be appointed in near future – Poroshenko” – “U.S. engaged in Normandy Format” – “President: Ukraine is interested in continuing the Normandy format” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “OSCE: “DPR” members instructed to deny SMM passage”  – “Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas to meet in Minsk today” – “Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group to be held in Minsk” – “Next Trilateral Contact Group to meet again in Minsk”  – “Poroshenko to discuss Normandy format in Berlin next week”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming/Canada Into Africa?

• “Canada’s decision on peacekeeping mission is now delayed for months” – “CAF “Peacekeeping” Mission Decision is Delayed for Months” – “Canada’s allies growing impatient with Trudeau government*s decision on peacekeeping mission” – “Trudeau shrugs off pressure to make decision on Mali peacekeeping mission”
• “Cables reveal Canadian government’s muted reaction to (1982-83) Zimbabwe massacre”
• “Armed group attacks civilians, UN in Central African Republic overnight; one peacekeeper killed” – “UN chief ‘outraged’ by latest attacks in CAR, warns they could be war crimes” (UN)
• “Chinese peacekeeping engineer detachment to Darfur passes UN assessment”

Internal Security

• “Canada’s main spy agency refuses to say whether it thinks Russia is interfering in Canadian politics”
• “Al-Qaida Affiliate Gets Off Terrorist List By Changing Name” – “Syria’s al-Qaeda affiliate escapes from Canada’s terror list”
• “Hackers used stolen NSA tools to launch a cyberattack on more than 70 countries” – “Nations battle cyberattack damages; UK focuses on hospitals” – “German rail operator affected by global cyber attack” –
• “Presidential Executive Order on Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure” (whitehouse.gov)
• “We went inside a cybersecurity firm to find out what a major internet war might look like”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Federal contracts: Ottawa’s Modis lands $5M support job for Canadian Forces Warfare Centre”
• Wanted  (Update):  “Cleaning Kit, C6, 7, 8 & 9”
• Wanted:  “Sponsorship of organizations and eligibility for safety investigation C4ISR Project … Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), on behalf of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Valcartier Research Center, is issuing this letter of interest to inform industry members that a strategy is being developed to potentially address future needs in the area of command, control, communications, computing, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (more commonly known as C4ISR). Security requirements will be associated with these needs …”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Corporal Simon Cadieux found not guilty following Court Martial” – “Le caporal Simon Cadieux est reconnu non coupable par la cour martiale”
• “RCAF sergeant from Trenton charged with sex assault” – “Sexual assault charge laid against military member in Trenton” – “Canadian soldier in custody after secret recording device found in U.S. home”
• “Un militaire accusé d’agression sexuelle durant l’Opération NEVUS”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “VETS Canada gives ground support to help homeless and at-risk veterans”
• “Prince George Veterans Affairs office to reopen in less than 2 weeks”
• “Commemorative watches will support wounded soldiers”

Way Up North

• “Operation BOXTOP: Sustaining the CAF’s most northern station”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “Defence policy review to be released after Trudeau meets NATO allies in Brussels”
• “Appearing to retreat on previous claims, Liberals steer toward boost in defence spending”
• Col. Ted: “Defence, again ~ Senate reports, 2% and capabilities”
• “Sajjan à Washington, peut-être pour préparer les Américains à notre nouvelle politique de défense”

Other

• “Canadian Army commences largest yearly exercise” – “MAPLE RESOLVE 2017: l’Armée canadienne sur le point d’entreprendre son plus grand exercice annuel”
• “An unforgettable day for Zack”
• “The case for a war memorial park in Sydney Mines (NS)”
• “Be wary of Vimy myth, urges author featured at peace summit”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 11, 2017

#CANFloodSeason2017

• “Commander’s message to RCAF personnel: “You have a unique and vital role” “
• “More military to Quebec” – “Hundreds of extra troops sent to Quebec as feds warn about more floods in BC” – “Military to have 2200 soldiers helping with Quebec floods by day’s end: Sajjan” – “More troops deployed as flood situation improves gradually in Quebec” – “Another 460 soldiers deployed to Quebec for flood relief” – “Flood Updates: More soldiers to Quebec, weather improves, Gatineau offices, schools reopen” – “Hundreds of extra troops sent to Quebec as feds warn about more floods in B.C.” – “Canadian military deploys hundreds of extra troops to Quebec as water levels recede”
• “Programmation annulée pour les activités militaires du 375e anniversaire de la Ville de Montréal”

#CANvsISIL

• “Off-target (Canadian) airstrikes in Iraq buried behind wall of secrecy”
• “Statement by Minister Sajjan Following Meeting of Defence Ministers from Global Coalition against ISIS” (Info-machine)
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “ISIS Sanctuary: May 10, 2017” (ISW Blog)
• “The US military’s special ops has slowly fallen back to its roots — and it’s paying off in Iraq and Syria”
• “More than 400,000 people displaced from western Mosul”
• “Families pour out of Mosul as Iraqi troops push into last militant-held areas”
• “Iranian Kurdish party calls on PKK and KRG to de-escalate tension”

#Syria

• “Turkey slams US decision to arm Syrian Kurds” – “Turkey: US pledge to arm Syrian Kurds is ‘unacceptable'” – “US decision to arm Kurds in Syria poses threat to Turkey, says Ankara” – “US may have dispersed equipment to Syrian Kurds ‘very quickly’ “
• “Kurdish-led SDF forces expel ISIS from strategic Tabqa Dam near Raqqa”
• “State offers $10 million for leader of ‘the Syria branch of al Qaeda’ “ – “US Offers Reward for Information on al-Nusra Leader — The United States has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on the military leader of Syria’s al-Qaida affiliate, al-Nusra …” – “The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Muhammad al-Jawlani, leader of the al-Nusrah Front (ANF) terrorist group. This is the first Rewards for Justice reward offer for a leader of al-Nusrah Front, the Syrian branch of al-Qaida …” (US State Dept info-machine)
• “Putin awards officers of Russian Special Forces for ‘outstanding service in Syria’ “
• “Russia sends more weapons to Syria ahead of Lavrov visit to Washington – Fox News”
• “Interfax: Russian Defense Ministry reports stable situation in de-escalation zones in Syria” – “Russian Defence Ministry held a briefing titled “Principles of implementation of the Memorandum on Syria de-escalation zones signed in Astana” “ (RUS MoD)
• “Dunford Pleased with Israeli Talks, Discusses Deconfliction Zones” (US DoD)
• “Russia cautions US, world to avoid Iraq’s situation by keeping Assad in power”
• “US’s new ‘plan B’ for Syria”
• “Will America Partition Syria?”
• “Trump is getting closer to collusion with Russia — in Syria”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• The Meetings  “Trump and Lavrov meeting round-up” – “Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia” (whitehouse.gov) – “Secretary Tillerson’s Meeting With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov” (US State Dept) – “Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks and answers to media questions following talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Washington DC, May 10, 2017” (RUS MFA) – “Trump says meeting with Russia’s Lavrov was ‘very, very good'” – “Putin and Trump to meet in Hamburg in July”
• “Sanctions against Russia will remain until Moscow abolishes actions that caused them, – Tillerson”
• “Russian diplomat reproaches US media for heavy bias during Lavrov’s visit to US” – “President Trump’s meeting with Russians closed to U.S. media, but not to TASS photographer” – “Trump Bars U.S. Press, but Not Russia’s, at Meeting With Russian Officials” – “Russian government releases photos of Oval Office meeting”
• “US suffers damage due to speculation about Russia’s influence on Washington — Lavrov”
• “US shifting forces to monitor large Russian military exercises, officials say” – “U.S. shifting forces to Baltic Sea to monitor large Russian military exercises, officials say”
• “US May Send Patriot Missile to Lithuania Amid Moscow Threat” – ” ‘Russian Threat’ May Cause US to Deploy Patriot Missiles To Lithuania” – “US set to play Patriot games in Baltic region” – “Des batteries Patriot peut-être temporairement dans les pays baltes cet été”
• “Mattis Goes to the Baltics” (Jamestown Foundation) – “US defense secretary pledges to defend Baltic states” – “Mattis Meets With Lithuanian President, Baltic Defense Ministers” (US DoD) – “Pentagon chief Mattis says Russia’s military buildup destabilises Baltic region” – “US warns Russia over ‘destabilising’ Baltic arms build-up”
• “(CZE) Gov’t backs deployment of Czech troops in Baltics”
• “Russia pressing for conference on making Middle East WMD-free zone before 2020”
• “Russian Foreign Ministry says US systematically violates obligations under INF treaty”
• “Assessing Russia’s Reorganized and Rearmed Military” (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)
• “Decision on S-400 deliveries to Turkey to be made after talks on price, minister says”
• “Russia shows off upgraded T-72B3 MBTs in Moscow parade”
• “Russia’s 20-tonne reconnaissance and attack robot to undergo testing in 2018”
• “MCIS 2017: Cooperation lost in translation” (Russian Military Reform blog)
• “Prague court to hear case of Russian national suspected of cyberattacks on US targets”
• “DISINFORMATION A PRIMER IN RUSSIAN ACTIVE MEASURES AND INFLUENCE CAMPAIGNS” (U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, PDF)
• “Accusing Europe” (EU Disinformation Review)

#Ukraine

• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …”  “Pavlo Klimkin met with top U.S. leadership in Washington” (MFA of Ukraine) – “Pence Expresses ‘Unwavering’ U.S. Support For Ukraine’s Sovereignty” – “U.S. gives Ukraine clear signal of support – ambassador” – “Pence: Ukraine has ′unwavering support′ of US” – “U.S. involvement in Normandy format discussed during Klimkin’s visit to Washington” – “Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin, US President Trump discuss further efforts to support Ukraine” – “Trump to Lavrov: Russia is responsible to implement Minsk agreements” – “Kyiv invites US Congressmen to visit Donbas and see consequences of Russian military aggression – Gerashchenko”
• “Today is the third anniversary of the establishment of the DPR”
• “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission’s Principal Deputy Chief Monitor to brief media tomorrow (12 May) via videolink from Luhansk region”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 9 May 2017” – “Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 9 May 2017” – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 05/10/2017” – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 05/10/2017” – “One DPR soldier perishes and one gets wounded due to Ukrainian shelling over past 24 hours” – “Ukrainian troops came under 15 attacks today involving portable missile launchers, mortars, – ATO HQ” – “LPR Command reports six ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces” – “Donbas conflict: 15 attacks on Ukrainian positions over past day” – “Militants launched 37 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” – “37 attacks in past day as enemy used mortars, rocket systems, armored vehicles, – ATO HQ” – “Ukraine reports 1 WIA amid 37 enemy attacks in last day” – “Militants mount rocket attacks on ATO positions on Wednesday” – “Ukrainian military down enemy’s UAV in ATO zone” – “One Ukrainian soldier killed, four wounded in ATO zone over past day, — Defense Ministry” – “1 Ukrainian Soldier KIA, 2 WIA; 2 Killed, 1 Injured from Mine; 1 Dies of Sniper’s Shot in April” – “37 militants’ attacks conducted over the past day in ATO area” – “ATO HQ reports on 37 shelling attacks on ATO positions by militants, one wounded serviceman in past 24 hours” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire six times over 24 hours” – “One DPR serviceman killed, another injured by Kiev forces fire over the last 24 hours” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire six times over 24 hours”
• “OSCE monitors to take only paved roads in Donbas following recent patrol car blast, – Hug”
• ” “Ukrainian weapons are in demand in world markets,” – Turchynov visits Turkey’s IDEF 2017″
• Really???  “Ukrainian soldiers steal military hardware details in ATO zone for selling”
• ” ‘You’re just meat’ – Ukrainian soldiers get chilling texts”
• “Lessons from Russia’s Operations in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine” (RAND)
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Ex-rebel leaders detail role played by Putin aide in east Ukraine” – “Black Fleet received two Raptor-class newest anti-sabotage motor boats” (RUS MoD)
• “DPR in Minsk shall insist on completing POWs verification” – “(DPR’s) Morozova says chances are POWs swap might transpire by the end of May if verification is finalized”
• “MH17 relatives want to sue Ukraine for not closing airspace”
• Elsewhere In The ‘Hood … “Joining NATO is unacceptable, Moldovan president says”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• Chinese Communist paper:  USA, KOR should be the adults “… Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul should realize that North Korea is the vulnerable and defensive side. It does not have the courage to have a military showdown with the US and South Korea. If its aggressive posturing leads the US and South Korea to miscalculations, the situation will spiral out of control …”
• “Russia’s envoy to China sees situation on Korean peninsula ‘recently improved’”
• “Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea” (White House info-machine)
• “La CIA forme une unité spéciale dédiée à la Corée du Nord”
• “North Korea learned how to test nukes from the U.S.”
• “US and South Korea preparing an “Arab Spring” in North Korea?” (Pravda)

Cold War 2.0:  China & Environs

• “PLA Rocket Force test fires new missile in Bohai Sea”
• “Japan tests XASM-3 anti-ship missiles against Chinese PLA Navy”

Canada Into Africa?

• So, What’s China Up to in Africa These Days?  “Chinese peacekeepers rescue trapped Nepalese peacekeeping vehicles in S. Sudan” – “(CHN) Defense ministry: China hands over 3 suspected pirates to Somalia” – “China to dispatch 5th peacekeeping force to Mali”

Afghanistan

• “Afghanistan War memorial fundraising drive (in AB)”
• “Sending More US Troops To Afghanistan Shows How Little We Learned From Vietnam”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• Reminder:  presumed innocent until proven guilty via due process  “Sexual assault and voyeurism charges laid against military member” (CAF Info-machine) – “Gagetown soldier faces sexual assault, voyeurism, child porn charges” – “Canadian soldier charged with sex assault, possessing child porn after recording device found in U.S. home” – “Canadian Forces corporal faces sex assault, child porn charges” –“Accusations d’agression sexuelle et de voyeurisme contre un militaire aujourd’hui affecté à Gagetown”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Big Honkin’ Ships  Colonel Ted on“Support ships, again … Project Resolve update”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• More Colonel Ted:  “A refreshing dose of reality — Transport Minister Marc Garneau, a retired astronaut and, before that, a senior Navy engineering officer (I believe he was a commander when he last served in the Navy, proper ~ he was promoted to Captain (N) when he was in the Canadian Space Agency, as I recall) has made a refreshing admission (at 3’35” to 4’23” in the video embedded in this Global News story) that “we have not properly assessed the real costs,” “Canadians need to recognize that … it is going to cost money,” and “in the past 10 years, and prior to that, in previous governments we have not put the proper resources into our armed forces.” …”
• “Canadian defence minister vows to build stronger military” (World Socialist)
• “The mystery continues about Sajjan’s 18 top defence projects”
• “Canada urged to acquire attack helicopters”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Trudeau Breaking Faith With Canada’s Veterans” (Spencer Fernando blog)

Other

• “Tories sponsor e-petition calling on Sajjan to resign”
• “Military tribunal ‘disconcerted in the extreme’ at slow appointments process under Liberals”

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A Few Highlights Before a Quick Break

A quick hit with the very latest before taking a short break from these means until Tuesday (9 May 2017) – while I’m learning more about my other passion, feel free to take in the good stuff from the Blog Roll.

• “As heavy rains pelt Canada , Quebec summons military aid” – “Quebec calls in the army to deal with flooding” – “Quebec calls in troops to help deal with ‘worst flooding we’ve had in our whole history’ “ – “Valcartier soldiers on standby, Quebec requests military to help with flood relief”
  
• “Transport Minister gives interview on national defence as embattled Sajjan not available”
• “Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan will live to fight another day: Hébert”
• “National Post View: Sajjan could have been exactly the defence minister Canada needed, and now he’s ruined that”
• “Flow of defence funding constricted, even when there’s money: DND figures”
• “Canada Needs to Boost Aurora Fleet Now & Beginning New Fleet Plan”
• “Military officer taking legal action against DND over sex assault investigation — A high-ranking military officer has launched legal action against the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, alleging that military police were negligent in investigating “false and malicious” sexual assault allegations against him …”

More, as of Tuesday …

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