MILNEWS.ca Highlights – April 25, 2017

Cold War 2.0

• The Koreas (1)  CHN Communist Party editorial:  “Will Pyongyang be wise to take a step back? … given North Korea’s current national strength as well as its peculiar geopolitical circumstances, it must learn how to be flexible as well as resolute. Taking a small step back will make a conflict easier to solve …”
• The Koreas (2)  “North Korea conducting live-fire drill” – “North Korea live-fire drill on army anniversary, South Korea confirms” – “Reports of N Korea artillery drill as US submarine docks in South” – “US sub in S. Korea port call, North defiant” – “North Korea Stages Long-Range Artillery Drills” – “Seoul to deploy new radar system to detect North Korean long-range artillery” – “China-Based Hackers Targeting South Korea Over THAAD: Report” – “Chinese forces in normal training along China-DPRK border: Ministry” – “Haley: Another missile test by North Korea could prompt US military action” – “Trump Says UN Security Council ‘Failed’ in Syria, Must Prepare for More North Korea Sanctions” –“Secretary Tillerson To Chair UN Security Council Meeting on Denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.)” – “North Korea’s ICBM arsenal: How advanced is it, and should we be worried?” – “What if North Korea Conducts a 6th Nuclear Test?” (Center for Strategic and International Studies) – “North Korea Takes another American Hostage” (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) – “N. Korean ships allowed into port for humanitarian reasons: China FM” – “To follow the course of recent Western political and media rhetoric, North Korean President Kim Jong-un is a reckless megalomaniac with a goofy haircut who is bent on a nuclear war with the U.S. …” – “Trump’s bluster doing nothing to neutralize North Korea’s nuclear ambitions”
• “Shanghai Agreement, Moscow Agreement set good example in easing tensions in border areas with neighboring countries”
• “No offensive weapons on China-Russia-Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan borders”
• “US F-35 Jets to Arrive in Estonia on Tuesday for Air Policing Missions” – “U.S. F-35A stealth fighters to move to Estonia tomorrow. Meanwhile, the British Typhoons have arrived in Romania.” – “In surprise, F-35s reportedly visiting Estonia”
• “Speaker Ryan in Estonia: the US commitment to NATO is resolute”
• “Latvia to purchase machine guns for 5.5 million euros (CDN $8.1 million)”
• “US armoured Strykers heading to Finland for offensive war exercise” – “Finnish Army’s mechanised exercise, Exercise Arrow 17, begins in Niinisalo … The exercise brings to Finland a reinforced US Army Europe infantry company of approximately 125 soldiers equipped with armoured Stryker personnel carrier vehicles as well as a Norwegian Brigade North mechanized platoon of approximately 50 soldiers equipped with CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. In addition, the exercise will include an instruction session on armour tactics with participants from Sweden, Denmark, and Estonia …” (Finnish military info-machine)
• “Russia’s Caspian Flotilla warships take to sea in snap combat readiness check”
• “Russian Pacific Fleet to receive new 636.3-project diesel-electric submarines in 2019”
• “Russia, Serbia to boost military cooperation”
• “Mongolia asks Russia to arm its air defense forces”
• “Russian Army – exercises of the Central Air Intelligence Agency, a multi-circuit reconnaissance fire system” (video)
• “Taking Stock of Russian Acquisition” (Russian Defense Policy blog)
• “PLA group armies to get greater role — A largely overlooked official report has uncovered the latest changes in China’s group armies, which suggests the groups will consist of different corps in the future, experts said. The 76th Group Army is the newest designation of China’s group armies made public after China announced a military reshuffle with 84 newly adjusted or established corps-level units, news site caixin.com reported …”
• Colonel Ted’s take:  “… is China challenging America? Yes! But the challenge is muted, nuanced, even modest in the details but the scope is global. China is, in my opinion, playing a “long game” and trying to position itself as a trusted world leader in fields ranging from military dominance to promoting and protecting free(er) trade ~ in the face of apparent American isolationism and protectionism …”
• “New Study: How do European democracies react to Russian aggression?”
• “How do European democracies react to Russian aggression?” (European Values Think-Tank)

#Syria

• “US Sanctions Syrian Officials Over Gas Attack” – “Treasury Sanctions 271 Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center Staff in Response to Sarin Attack on Khan Sheikhoun” (US Tres Info-machine) – “Syria Designations” (US Treas Info-machine list)
• “Moscow expects OPCW to send experts to Syria’s Khan Sheikhoun” – “Tillerson reiterates support for OPCW’s investigative mechanism in phone call with Lavrov”
• From the Info-fight  “Russia Casts More Doubt on the West’s Syria Chemical Attack Narrative” – “Ex-CIA officer: US officials behind chemical attack in Syria” – “Russian diplomat warns about possible false flag (chemical attack) near Damascus” – “Russian and western dispute over Syria chemical attack further muddies truth — Russian officials accuse Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons of siding with the west after rejecting plan to reinvestigate evidence of sarin gas …” – “Russian Fake News In Syria – With A Russian MFA Connection” (To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “Russia complains to US over exclusion from Syria chemical probe”
• “Attaque «chimique» en Syrie: Lavrov discute par téléphone avec Tillerson”
• So, Which Is It?  “Russia prepared to deploy ground forces to Syria: Sources” – “The Latest: No Russian troops for Syria’s Assad in IS fight”
• “Serbian military wants to take part in demining Palmyra”
• “ISIS moves its capital in Syria”
• “Al-Qaeda leader urges Islamists to unite, prepare for long ‘holly war’ in Syria” – “Al-Qaida Leader Tells Fighters to Prepare for Long Syria War” – “Al-Qaeda’s Zawahiri calls for ‘guerrilla war’ in Syria”
• “IHS: Assad is primary opponent of ISIS in Syria”  – “Study Shows Islamic State’s Primary Opponent in Syria Is Government Forces, IHS Markit Says — The Islamic State fought Syrian government forces more than any other opponent over the past 12 months, according to new analysis from Conflict Monitor by IHS Markit …”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Turkey Hits Kurdish Areas in Iraq and Syria” –“Turkish military says struck PKK targets in Iraq’s Sinjar and northeast Syria” – “Turkish jets hit PKK targets in Iraq, northeast Syria” –“Turkey carries out air strikes on ′Kurdish rebel positions′ in Iraq, Syria” “Pentagon Spokesman Updates Iraq, Syria, Yemen Operations” (US DoD) “Vimy-Ridge centennial flyby ‘close to home’ for 14 Wing pilot”
• “Officer Who Thinks ISIS War Is Illegal Heads Back To Court To Plead His Case”

#Ukraine

• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (1)  “U.S. may cut financial assistance to Ukraine by 70% in 2018 – media” – “U.S. draft budget for 2018 foresees almost 70% reduction in aid to Ukraine” –  “The End of Foreign Aid As We Know It” (Foreign Policy) – “Trump dumps Ukraine: USA cuts aid four times” (PravdaReport)
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (2)  “Secretary Tillerson’s Call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko” (US State Info-machine)
• No Ukrainian Power for YOU, Separatists!   “Ukrenergo completely halts power supplies to Luhansk People’s Republic” –  “Ukraine halts power supplies to occupied parts of Luhansk region” –  “Blackout in Luhansk: Ukraine cuts off electricity in occupied territories” – “Nazi Ukraine Regime Cuts Power And Electricity But Sister Republic Of Lugansk Restores Power Within One Hour !” –  “Donbas militants claim power supplies in Luhansk region restored” –  “Energy workers restore power to nearly all LPR territory – Ministry”
• Latest on Fatal OSCE Mine Blast in Occupied Area  “UN calls for probe and accountability following possible landmine blast in eastern Ukraine” (UN Info-machine) –  “Interfax: OSCE vehicle blown up in Luhansk region by Three Ukrainian saboteurs – LPR” – “Kyiv denies Ukrainian troops’ involvement in OSCE SMM vehicle blast” – “Minsk calls for thorough investigation of OSCE SMM car blast near Luhansk” – “Comment by the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus in connection with the accident with SMM monitors” (RUS MFA) – “OSCE mission to conduct own inquiry into its car blast in Luhansk region” – “Ukraine’s Defense & Security chief Turchynov blames Kremlin for OSCE car blast” – “Oleksandr Turchynov: The military-political leadership of the Russian Federation is responsible for the death of a member of the OSCE SMM and wounding of two members of the Mission” (UKR NSDC info-machine) – “Russia’s leadership bears responsibility for OSCE car blast in Donbas, – Turchynov” – “NATO PA President shocked and saddened at death of OSCE monitoring team member in Eastern Ukraine” (NATO Parl Ass’n info-machine) – “OSCE mission to partially resume patrolling in Donbas on April 25” – “Contact Group Meeting Scheduled For This Week Has Been Postponed Indefinitely Due To The Horrific Death Of American OSCE Member !” – “Ukraine reconciliation meeting in Minsk postponed over OSCE car blast The event will be postponed indefinitely” – “Moscow says OSCE car explosion in Donbass seems to be ‘provocation’, advocates negotiations” – “Ukraine: Russia responsible for casualties of OSCE observers” – “US urges Moscow to help ensure OSCE probe into blast of observer mission’s car” – “Russian Foreign Ministry slams OSCE car incident in Donbass as ‘provocation’ The ministry has described deadly incident with an OSCE SMM car as a provocation aimed at breaking down the settlement process in Donbass” – “Russia calls for unbiased investigation into incident with OSCE mission in Donbass” – “The first fatality of the OSCE SMM in Ukraine” (Odessa Talk blog)
• “OSCE Chief To Meet With Lavrov In Moscow, Discuss Ukraine Conflict”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 23 April 2017” –  UKR govt ATO map, 25 Apr 2017 (in Ukrainian) –  “Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, April 25, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 04/24/2017” – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 04/24/2017” – “Donbas conflict: Militants shell ATO positions 21 times” – “Donbas conflict: Enemy attacks 9 times, Ukrainian forces adhere to ceasefire regime” – “21 attacks in Donbas yesterday, involving Grad-P, mortars, AA guns and IFVs, – ATO HQ” – “DPR reports damages in 30 ‘silence regime’ violations over 24 hours” – “Ukraine reports 21 enemy attacks in Donbas in last day” – “LPR Command reports a ceasefire violation by Kiev forces”
• “Ukraine, NATO developing rehabilitation programs for ATO veterans”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Russian secret services plan provocations in Odesa on May 2, 9, – Defense Intelligence” – “Russia redeploys hardware and troops to frontline, disguises as preparations to military parade, – Intelligence” – “Russian Bereg coastal artillery complexes conducted firing against a naval target — In accordance to the combat training plan, a tactic exercise with the separate missile-artillery brigade of the Novorossiysk naval base of the Black Fleet is held at the Zhelezny Rog range in the Krasnodar Krai …” – “Russia remains key threat to Black Sea region, – EU ambassador in Ukraine” – “Policy shift shows Russia preparing to recognize its puppet republics in Donbas” (Euromaidan Press) – “Russia Funds and Manages Conflict in Ukraine, Leaks Show” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• ” ‘Head of DNR military intelligence’: Moscow responsible for MH17 tragedy,- media” – “Russian journalist presents exclusive proof of “Khmuryi” involvement in MH17 downing (Video)” – “Voice of “Gloomy” — Investigation of the shot down “Boeing” is completed. Pavel Kanygin found a colleague of the Russian colonel, who is considered responsible for the transportation of “Buka”, who shot down the Boeing MH17 …” (Novaya Gazeta, in Russian)
• “Kiev eager to drag a third force into Donbass conflict – DPR Head”
• “Kremlin reacts to proposal on UN peacekeepers’ deployment in Donbass”
• “Zakharchenko: The ship sailed. DPR will never be part of Ukrainian Federation.”

#Afghanistan

• “Top U.S. general in Afghanistan sees Russia sending weapons to Taliban” – “U.S. Concerned Russia Supplying Arms To Afghan Taliban” – “Russia May Be Supplying Taliban With Weapons: Mattis”
• “Russian ambassador denies Moscow supporting Taliban” – “Claims of Russian Assistance towards the Mujahideen are Baseless” (Taliban statement)
• “Taliban strikes US base in eastern Afghan”
• “U.S. Stands by Afghan People After Taliban’s Heinous Acts, Mattis Says” (US DoD)
• “U.S. considers deploying troops to Afghanistan in wake of deadly Taliban attack”
• “Afghan defense minister, Army chief of staff resign after deadly suicide assault”

Internal Security

• “(NZ) PM confirms ‘Five Eyes’ conference in Queenstown”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Construction work is underway in Bagotville” (CAF Info-machine) –  “Bagotville: début de la construction des bâtiments pour les sections du Transport et Génie électrique et mécanique”
• “Canada requests $195m sale of C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support from US”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Minister touts new money for vets”

Other

• “Military helicopters to fly low across Nova Scotia this week, including American Black Hawk” – “Armed Forces staging evacuation exercise, with Island as nation in chaos”
• “Russia Conducting Aerial Surveillance of CAF Bases via Post-Cold War Treaty”
• “L’exercice annuel du NCSM Donnacona montre une Réserve navale avec de nouvelles ambitions”
• “Out Standing in the Field: Vet shares story of abuse, misogyny and hope in Canada’s military”
• “Too many grieving families left in the dark: military ombudsman”
• “What to Look for in Canada’s New White Paper on Defence?”
• “John Ivison: New Liberal defence plan looks likely to leave military short-changed”
• “Futurs astronautes canadiens: 17 finalistes dont 10 militaires” – “Eight members of the RCAF among the 17 astronaut finalists” – “Army background ‘key’ to success, says (Canadian) astronaut candidate” (Army info-machine)
• “What Joining the Arms Trade Treaty Means for Canada”
• “Minister Hehr and Minister Sajjan mark ANZAC Day” – “The Anzac Day tradition” (Australian War Memorial)
• DefMin’s Trip Around Asia  “Sajjan invites India to take part in Canada’s Maple Flag” – “Le ministre de la Défense du Canada a conclu sa visite en Inde” – “Minister of National Defence to visit Malaysia”
• “Halifax to debate motion that could change commemoration of city’s founder — The story of Edward Cornwallis in Nova Scotia is told two ways: The tale of a brave leader and his entourage of soldiers and settlers trying to survive in a new world, or the commander of a bloody and barbaric extermination campaign against Mi’kmaq inhabitants. On Tuesday, Halifax council will debate a motion that could change how the city remembers its controversial founder …” – “Edward Cornwallis considered: The man behind Halifax’s divisive debate”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – January 12, 2017

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “No explanation for Lionel Desmond murder-suicide, priest tells N.S. funeral” – “Could the tragedy have been prevented?”
• “Ottawa ignored calls to probe veteran suicides despite troubling 2014 audit”

Internal Security

• “The Trudeau government has cancelled a cabinet order by the previous Harper government that would have forced a Chinese electronics company to abandon its takeover of a Montreal-based high-tech firm because of concerns the deal could harm national security …”
• “Federal government ‘not up to the challenge’ on cyberthreats: Report”
• “National Security Law “Nutshell” Lectures via iTunes Podcasts” (National Security Law Blog)

Cold War 2.0

• “Canada won’t play ball with Russia on travel ban for Chrystia Freeland” – “Canada says no ‘quid pro quo’ with Russia on lifting Freeland travel ban”
• “HMCS St. John’s joins Standing NATO Maritime Group 2” – “Le NCSM St. John’s se joint au 2e Groupe maritime permanent de l’OTAN” – Op REASSURANCE – Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (Facebook)
• “Latvian ambassador says NATO deployment a ‘new phase’ in Latvia-Canada relations”
• “Spain to send 300 soldiers to Latvia”
• “Kremlin sees deployment of US armor in Poland as threat”
• “US Soldiers in Estonia Train to Fight in Winter Conditions”
• “NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller to attend Snow Meeting in Lithuania”
• “NATO’s Efforts to Increase Pressure on Russia to Prove Futile”
• “Moscow Plans To ‘Export Separatism’ To Baltic Countries?” (Eurasia Review)
• “Lithuania looking to single (defence) procurement agency”
• “NATO Chief Sees No ‘Imminent Threat’ of Hacking on Allies” (RUS state media)
• From the Info-fight  “Russian ‘dezinformatsiya’ throws U.S. politics into chaos” – “Disinformation back in Germany” (EU Disinformation Review) – “Russian Propaganda Outlets Declared ‘Important for Country’s Defense’ “ (To Inform is to Influence blog)

Ukraine

• “The Right Sector has created the Crimean Hundred to combat separatism”
• Really???  “Military Cemetery Site in Kiev Runs Out Of Free Space” – “Ukraine Junta Still Deceiving It’s People On Toy Soldiers Lost, Laying Dead On Their Mine Fields And Low Morale !”
• Updates from All Sides  “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv on Thursday” – “Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 10 January 2017” – “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 10 January 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 12 Jan 2017 – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 11.01.2017” – “Donetsk Defense TV News Report, 11.1.2017” – “Lugansk Defense TV News Report, 11.1.2017” – “Escalation in Donbas: 62 militant attacks, 4 WIA’s in last day” – “Lugansk militias say Kiev forces violate ceasefire 8 times” – “Heavy armaments yet to be withdrawn from Donbas contact line, continue to be used”
• “Volunteer on Ukraine troops’ advancement: “Closer to Debaltseve” “
• ” “The decision to call officers – graduates of military departments of universities will be taken if necessary,” – Colonel Mark Andrusyak” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “FrolovLeaks: church-going Kremlin influence expert in Ukraine. Episode 1” (InformNapalm.org)

Syria/Refugees in Canada

• “Last-minute wave of Syrian refugees lets Liberals keep their promise”

Afghanistan

• “(CAN) Foreign Minister condemns terrorist bombings in Afghanistan” (Info-machine) – “Afghan Blasts Intensify Calls to Delay U.S. Troop Withdrawal” – “UNSC, US condemn Kabul , Kandahar attacks” – Official Taliban statement denies involvement in Kandahar blast (Ilsl Emirate of AFG page) – “Five UAE officials among 57 dead in Afghan blasts” – More via Google News

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Canadian Forces looking to replace Second World War-era pistols but it could take another 10 years”
• Wanted:  “Senior Leadership Advisor – The Journey … Senior Leadership Advisor – The Journey … The Department of National Defence has a requirement to develop The Journey – a modern concept for personnel support which will make Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel support more compassionate, dependable and comprehensive, while ensuring effectiveness, efficiency and affordability in a healthy and safe workplace. The DND wishes to contract a senior leadership advisor to assist the team’s leadership in developing a Strategy and Action Plan …”
• “Canadian military poses $3-million question to (UVic) Geography department”
• “Ottawa has taken the first steps in securing a maintenance package for the newly modernized Halifax-class frigates, worth up to a combined $3 billion …”
• “CAE Gets C$1 Bln In Training Services Contracts With U.S. Army And RCAF”

Other

• “The Canadian Forces has grounded its Cyclone helicopters after aerospace firm Sikorsky issued a worldwide notice for safety checks to be conducted on the aircraft’s civilian variant …”
• Colonel Ted’s Take:  “One of our Canadian values: our military heritage”
• “February at the Philosopher’s Cafe: Canada’s military, what should it do?”
• “Feds invest in new armoury for Halifax Army Reserve”
• Via the Info-machine  “Major Maxime Renaud: The best of the best — An RCAF CF-188 Hornet pilot was the top graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School Class 150 in December 2016 …”
• “Military volunteers should receive medals”

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MILNEWS.ca News Highlights – October 30, 2015

Syria/Refugees

• “Canadian Forces to draft plan to help resettle Syrian refugees — Canada’s military is researching transportation and housing options to help make Liberal goal a reality ….”
• ” ‘Technically’ feasible for Trudeau to meet refugees goal: RCAF vets”
• “Massive Syrian refugee airlift would strain Canada’s diplomatic and military resources” – “Logistical cracks emerge in Liberal pledge to settle 25,000 Syrian refugees by end of 2015” – “Trudeau wants 25,000 more Syrian refugees in Canada by Jan. 1. Not realistic, say advocates”

#CANvsISIL

• “Canada’s Airstrikes in Iraq Under Scrutiny Amid Civilian Casualties” – “CF-18 airstrikes linked to another allegation of civilian casualties in Iraq” – “Canadian Airstrikes Linked To 2nd Allegation Of Civilian Casualties In Iraq, CBC Has Learned”
• ” ‘Canada ran away’: Online jihadists celebrate Trudeau’s win as they anticipate end to airstrikes” – “Pro-ISIS Activists React Joyously On Twitter To Canada’s Elections” – Precedent:  “Taliban Takes Credit for Canada’s Withdrawal” (April 2010)
• “Military Airstrikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Iraq” – “Military strikes continue against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq” – “Military strikes continue against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq” (via the Pentagon Info-machine)
  
• “How to Be a Good Little ISIS Jihadi”

Federal Election 2015

• “Bloc Québécois MP Michel Boudrias proud to have served Canada”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War (1)  ” ‘No plans’ to update Parliament with projected F-35 costs, says Public Works”
• F-35 Tug o’ War (2)  “Lockheed promotes Babione to head F-35 fighter jet program” – “Jeff Babione Named F-35 Program Leader”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Le colonel Ouellette, viré sans ménagement de son commandement en 2010, victime d’un déni de justice”

Internal Security

• “Canada exporting terrorists? U.S. bill calls for threat assessment”
• “The new face of extremists”
• “Actually, terrorists do want to kill us”
• “Who watches the spies?”

Veterans & Helping Veterans

• From the Vets Ombudsman  “How Research And Evidence-based Analysis Can Shape Veterans’ Public Policy”
• “Kelowna military veteran says fate reunited him with Rwandan orphan”

Other

• Via the Info-machine:  “HMCS Montréal participates in multinational missile defence exercise” – “HMCS Winnipeg showcases Halifax Class Modernization at DSEi in London” – “Pacific Fleet warship departs for joint exercise in California” – “Looking back over the summer – Military training programs make a difference for Aboriginal youth”
• Photos, via the Pentagon Info-machine:  “Canadian Chinooks and American Black Hawks Fly Together — Canadian service members assigned with the 450th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, 1st Wing Kingston, conduct a partner air mission brief prior to a flight with Bravo Company, 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, UH-60 Black Hawks to conduct a mix formation utilizing both type of aircraft for an upcoming air assault mission in support of Combined Joint Operational Access Exercise 16-01 ….”
• More, via the Pentagon Info-machine:  “Senior land forces commanders from more than 30 European partner nations, the U.S. and Canada convened here Oct. 26-28, to discuss the future of cooperative European security operations during the 23rd Annual Conference of European Armies ….”

Remembering

• “Poppies ensure no stone left alone in Wetaskiwin (SK)”
• “Poppy campaign gets underway (in Owen Sound) Friday”
• “Albert Bridge (NS) students will honour veterans at ceremony”
• Letter to the editor:  “Importance of Monuments and Cenotaphs”
• “Help support legion’s Poppy Campaign in Williams Lake (BC)”

World War Two

• “Check Six! The Battle of Britain in hindsight”

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Taliban Propaganda Watch: Bowe Bergdahl

Given the apparent demand, here’s what the Taliban is saying on its “Voice of Jihad” web pageabout the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner swap – usual caveats about clicking on the bad guy’s links, etc.

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“al-Imārah Studio presents a new video message from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: “Exchange of Prisoners Between the Islamic Emirate and U.S. Government” “  (links to analyst blog jihadology.com)

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“Statement of the Islamic Emirate about the release of five heads from ‘Guantanamo Jail’ “  (screen capture at non-terrorist site here)
Created on Sunday, 01 June 2014 07:34

We heartily congratulate the whole nation, Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate, particularly the kith and kin of the released ones that five heads of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan namely Mulla Muhammad Fazal Akhund, Mulla Noorulla Noori, Mulla Khairulla Khairkhwa, Mulla Abdul Haq Waseeq and Moulavi Muhammad Nabi who had been incarcerated for the last thirteen years in ‘Guantanamo Jail’ are released due to the benevolence of Allah Almighty and the sacrifices of the heroic and courageous Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate.

These five heads were released in the result of an indirect negotiation between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States mediated by Qatari government. They will remain with their families inside Qatar and will lead a normal life.

To get the preceding five heads released, it is worth mentioning that the Islamic Emirate handed over the American soldier to the US who was captive with us approximately for the last five years.

These five heads of the Islamic Emirate were handed over on Saturday at 07:00 pm Afghanistan standard time to the delegation of Qatar who has been waiting there in ‘Guantanamo Bay’ for the previous three days. This delegation, including five heads of the Islamic Emirate, left Guantanamo at 10:00 pm and will arrive in Qatar today Sunday. They will be received and welcomed by the Political Bureau of the Islamic Emirate inside Qatar and members of the leading council of the Islamic Emirate. Similarly, the American prisoner ‘Bergdahl’ was handed over in the suburbs of ‘Khost’ province to the other side on Saturday at 07:00 pm Afghanistan standard time.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been taking all possible measures since long to get all the Afghan prisoners released whether they are incarcerated inside the country or outside and to let them enjoy a free and peaceful life.

In the future too, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is determined to get all the Mujahidin prisoners released as soon as possible. In this regard, we expect all the legal and human rights societies particularly the United Nations to share and accelerate their efforts with Afghan people and the Islamic Emirate on the basis of human sympathy so that all the incarcerated people are freed and their basic legal and human rights are safeguarded and they could lead an independent and peaceful life of their own accord.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

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“Felicitation message of esteemed Amir-ul-Momineen (May Allah safeguard him) regarding the release of Jihadi heads from ‘Guantanamo Jail’ “ (screen capture at non-terrorist site here)
Created on Monday, 02 June 2014 08:31

I would like to congratulate from the core of my heart the whole Afghan nation, the devoted Mujahidin and the kith and kin of the prisoners on the auspicious occasion of this great achievement of the release of five distinguished Mujahidin heads from the ‘Guantanamo Jail’.

All praise is to Allah Almighty! Due to the benevolence of Allah Almighty, the enormous sacrifices of courageous Mujahidin and the statesmanship of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Emirate in Qatar, five prominent heads of the Islamic Emirate are soundly released from the ‘Guantanamo Jail’.

This huge and vivid triumph requires from all Mujahidin to offer thanks to the Benevolent Creator who accepted the sincere sacrifices of our Mujahid nation and managed the release of these five renowned Mujahidin from the enemy’s clutch.

The efforts and endeavors of all Mujahidin, leading council of the Islamic Emirate, the detainers and keepers of the American prisoner ‘Bergdahl’ and generally the whole nation which played a significant role in this colossal victory are appreciated and I beg even deeper divine help, guidance and favorable turn of circumstances for all of them.

I would like to thank his highness ‘Shaikh Tameem Bin Hamd Al-Thani’ the Amir of Qatar, for his sincere and friendly efforts and mediation in the release of these five prominent Mujahidin heads. I pray to Allah Almighty to reward him reciprocally in this world and in the world hereafter.

May Allah Almighty get, just like these five heads, all those oppressed prisoners released who are incarcerated in the path of liberating their country and serving their creed.

This huge accomplishment brings the glad tidings of liberation of the whole country and reassures us that our aspirations are on the verge of fulfillment, Insha-Allah.

And it is never hard for Allah Almighty.

Servant of Islam, Mulla Mohammad Omar Mujahid

03/07/1435 A.H. (Lunar)
11/03/1393 A.H. (Solar)        01/06/2014 A.D.

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“The release of prominent heads brings the glad tidings of the absolute freedom of our homeland!”  (screen capture at non-terrorist site here)
Created on Friday, 06 June 2014 09:06

Five significant and distinguished heads of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan were swapped for a an American prisoner, Bowe Bargdahl, on 31st May 2014 and just one day later, on 1st June 2014, at 03:00 pm Afghanistan standard time, these renowned heads of the Islamic Emirate arrived at ‘Doha’ the capital of Qatar where they were warmly received by the head of Political Bureau and its members. Verily it is a huge achievement.

It was an impressive and remarkable occasion when the officials of the Islamic Emirate were welcoming their significant and commendable heads namely Mulla Mohammad Fazil (commander in-chief of the Islamic Emirate government), Mulla Noorulla Noori (in-charge of northern zone and governor of Balkh province), Mulla Khairulla Khairkhuwa (interior minister then in-charge of south-western zone and governor of Herat province), Mulla Abdul Haq Waseeq (deputy director general of Intelligence department) and Mulla Mohammad Nabi Omari (commander of frontiers’ brigade) having been outside their nearest and dearest and beloved country for a prolonged period of thirteen years. They were bright to sight and heart’s delight.

Verily it was a remarkable occasion of delight which conveyed the glad tidings of the absolute freedom of Afghanistan. It was a tangible outcome of the sincere sacrifices of Martyrs and Mujahidin which were honestly rendered in the path of Allah Almighty and in the service of Islam. It was an explicit favor and benevolence of Allah Almighty; it was a great victory for Mujahidin who sacrificed their lives for making it feasible; it was the logical outcome of guidance of the leadership of Islamic Emirate and the endeavors of its Political Bureau inside Qatar.

Verily, by the grace of Allah Almighty, it has been a historical glory that they have preserved their patience, faithfulness and determination. With the support of Allah Almighty, peace stability and an Islamic government will be restored inside Afghanistan in the near future in which the masses will be served in all walks of their lives i.e. socially, economically and educationally.

The felicitation message of the esteemed Amir-ul-Mominin (may Allah safeguard him) contains explicitly allusion to the success of this Jihadi caravan. It seems that his Excellency is fully confident that the issues and sufferings of the oppressed people of Afghanistan will be resolved in the near future. A part of his message says that this significant achievement gives us the glad tidings of liberation of the whole country. It encourages us that, Insha-Allah, (God willing) the aspirations of the Mujahid people of Afghanistan will be fulfilled very soon. And it is never hard for Allah Almighty!!!

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MILNEWS.ca News Highlights – March 14, 2014

• “9 Shilo soldiers injured after military trucks collide”
• Congrats to Canadian Press, Postmedia News for sharing the document being written about   “The cost of six years of military commemorations surrounding Canada’s 150th birthday is to come out of existing Canadian Forces operational budgets.  Almost 300 pages of documents obtained by the Liberal party under the Access to Information Act detail something called “Operation Distinction” — a campaign mandated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that will include dozens of events through to the year 2020.  “This series of commemoration events will have significant resource implications for DND organizations and CF units,” says a 10-page draft communications plan prepared by National Defence ….”
• “On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville, will present the new Bomber Command Bar to a Canadian Veteran (this afternoon) ….”
  
• Afghanistan (1)  From the CF Info-machine  “As the flag lowers in Kabul after a 12 year presence in Afghanistan, the last round of troops deployed on Operation ATTENTION are coming home.  “I am proud to be the last Canadian commanding our troops in Afghanistan as we get ready to bring the troops home. It has been an honour and a privilege and I have been extremely proud to be leading our great Canadians,” said Major General Dean Milner, the commander of the Canadian Task Force known as the Canadian Contribution to NATO’s Training Mission in Afghanistan ….”
  
• Afghanistan (2)  From an American military blogger  “Our Brothers in Arms are done”
  
• Afghanistan (3)  “An Ex-CIDA Officer’s Reflections on Afghanistan: Looking Back, Looking Forward”
  
• Afghanistan (4)  ceasefire.ca’s take “…. it would be a mistake for the government to assume that the public’s support for the troops equals a willingness to engage in more combat, or pay for terribly expensive stealth aircraft or warships. On the contrary – Canadians are war-weary, and now realize that there are limits to what can be accomplished through military power. Once politicians send our forces to war, it is very difficult to get them out again. Canadians have not embraced the “warrior nation” role that many had hoped they would, and still want our forces to support peacekeeping ….”
  
• Afghanistan (5)  From the Taliban’s Info-machine  “A round of goodbye messages are following the last Canadian troops out the door in Afghanistan and some of them are rather nasty.  The Taliban’s information arm issued a statement Thursday to followers in Kandahar congratulating its fighters in the rural districts of Panjwaii, Zharey, Dand, Maiwand and Shah Wali Kot claiming that Canada has been defeated and has now fled the country.  “Your sacrifices have brought us freedom. The beacons of your blood have lit the way to independence. Celebrate the victory and freedom from the Canadians,” said the statement, written in Pashtu, but translated for The Canadian Press ….”
  
• Afghanistan (6)  Commentary  “How the West made a hash of the Afghan war – With Canada, NATO and maybe even the U.S. pulling out, what next for Afghanistan?”
  
• ” ‘Systemic’ racism in Canadian Forces needs inquiry, veterans say”
• Opposers gotta oppose  ” ‘Mother Canada’ is the dystopian war monument we deserve”
  
• Analysis  “Canada First Defence Strategy: Beyond its “best before” date”
• Q&A Analysis  “The Canadian Armed Forces are in the process of refreshing the Canada First Defence Strategy. As they rebalance government ambition with near-term budgets, what are the areas of greatest risk they need to manage? ….”
• From the Info-machine  “While we may be rivals on the Olympic hockey rink, Canada and the United States have a lot of common interests and challenges when it comes to the defence of North America. Working together and sharing information really just makes sense ….”
  
• “More bureaucrats, departmental lawyers facing life-long gag order” – more – more

Two Canadians Killed in Kabul Suicide Bombing

This from Foreign Affairs, Trade & Development Canada:

“Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement following a deadly terrorist attack on a restaurant in Kabul which has claimed the lives of many, and left many more injured. At this point, we can confirm that two Canadian citizens have died in the attack.

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the targeted, cowardly terrorist attack today on a restaurant in Kabul.

“On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured in this horrible and senseless act of terror.

“Acts of brutal terror cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Those who perpetrated this act of violence and those who support the Taliban, who have claimed responsibility for the attack, must be held accountable.

“This attack only enhances our resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms. Canada is committed to the people of Afghanistan and to those who believe Afghanistan can one day see peace, security and prosperity.”

Due to privacy concerns, and out of respect for the families of those Canadians killed in today’s attack, further information will not be made available.”

This, from The Canadian Press:

“Two Canadians were among 16 people who died in a brutal suicide attack on Friday at a restaurant in the Afghanistan capital of Kabul, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird’s office confirmed. There was no further information about the two Canadian victims. Baird’s office said it could not release further information due to privacy concerns.

Canada is winding up a military training mission in Afghanistan, but sources in the Department of National Defence said that no uniformed personnel were among the casualties.

The restaurant is located close to Canada’s embassy in Kabul and is a popular spot for Canadians living and visiting the capital.

(….)

Afghan officials said a suicide bomber blew himself up outside La Taverna du Liban, which was filled with foreigners and affluent Afghans, while two gunmen snuck in through the back door and opened fire.

The Taliban claimed responsibility within an hour of the attack ….”

This, from the Taliban (also downloadable here if you don’t want to click to a Taliban web site):

“The coordinated group martyrdom attack which struck the restaurant ‘Taverna du Liban’ of foreign invaders at 07:30 pm last night lasted till 09:30 pm local time in which the invaders suffered heavy losses, according to officials.

The target of the attack was a restaurant frequented by high ranking foreigners located on 14th street of Wazir Akbar Khan area in Kabul city where the invaders used to dine with booze and liquor in the plenty.

The successful operation was carried out very professionally by 3 heroic martyrdom seekers of Islamic Emirate armed with heavy and light weapons as well as explosives vests.

The attack was in retaliation to the massacre carried out by foreign invaders 2 days earlier in Parwan province’s Siyah Gerd district where the enemy airstrikes destroyed up to 10 homes, razed several orchards as well as killing and wounding up to 30 innocent civilians mostly defenseless women and children.

Reliable information received up to this point indicate that the successful revenge operation resulted in 29 high ranking foreign invaders and 8 hireling Afghans killed as well as tens of others wounded.

The inconsistent and contradictory reports handed out by the security forces of the stooge Kabul regime regarding the attack in itself show the precision and heavy toll inflicted by the powerful operation.

The fighting finally came to an end two hours later when the last Mujahid embraced martyrdom after delivering a heavy admonitory blow to the enemy which they shall never forget ….”

More, as it comes out.

MILNEWS.ca News Highlights – June 19, 2013

• Afghanistan (1)  Mark Collins on “ISAF’s (and the CF’s) Final Act”
• Afghanistan (2)  Next deployment, Afghans taking over their own defence only rates an answer in the House of Commons by the Associate Minister of Defence
  
• Syria  Canada gives U.S. Senator John McCain an honourary degree while McCain calls for coalition of countries to enforce no-fly zone over Syria – more here
• “A handful of Canadian troops are about to take part in peacekeeping operations in Haiti under the command of Brazilian forces.  According to internal defence department documents, the deployment of an infantry platoon was approved by the Harper government in October 2012.  Three-dozen soldiers arrived in Brazil last April to be embedded and train with that country’s 44th Motorized Infantry Battalion.  The partnership and the mission will be formally announced on Wednesday, one day before boots hit the ground. The deployment is expected to run six months ….”
• Pentagon Info-machine pix of HMCS Nanaimo taking part in Dawn Blitz 2013
• Taliban agree to talk, set up office in Qatar – here’s their official statement (links to non-terrorist site)
• Got operational stress injury?  There’s now a Canadian app for that.
• Way Up North (1)  Canadian disarmament academic commentary  “…. There is no denying that there is currently a build-up of conventional military capacity within the region,3 and it is not yet definitively clear whether it will turn out to be a competitive build-up that undermines the growing expectation that change will be peaceful, or whether it will instead facilitate increased security cooperation and build capacity for more effective domestic and cross border support to civil authorities in search and rescue, and in monitoring regional activity and ensuring compliance with international regulations.  For current conventional military developments and deployments in the Arctic that remains an open question, but what about ballistic missile defence (BMD)? ….”
• Way Up North (2)  “People in the western Nunavut community of Cambridge Bay got a sneak peek this week at what the Canadian High Arctic Research Station will look like: a complex of buildings designed to make the most of its location and traditional knowledge and science.  The good news: CHARS is still on target to open in July 2017, just in time for the 150th anniversary of the Canadian federation.  But, during updates from the station’s architects and representatives from Aboriginal Affairs and Development Canada, it became clear again that the CHARS isn’t just about building designs or research projects for people who live in Cambridge Bay ….”
• From one of the usual suspect anti-military sources  “Peter MacKay’s Submarine Envy:  Canada’s defence minister has deep issues. Here’s how to deal with them.”
• “Leaked documents suggest Canada helped the United States and Britain spy on participants at the London G20 summit four years ago.  Britain’s Guardian newspaper says spies monitored the computers and intercepted the phone calls of foreign politicians and officials at two G20 meetings in London in 2009.  The paper says the effort included penetration of delegates’ BlackBerry smartphones to monitor their email messages and calls.  The Guardian published PowerPoint slides describing the operation, including one featuring the emblem of the Communications Security Establishment, Canada’s electronic eavesdropping agency.  It appears alongside the logos of key allies — the U.S. National Security agency and Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters — along with an icon labelled Joint Apps ….”
  
• “U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson says Canadians do not need to worry about the NSA spying on them.  Jacobson’s comments come after leaked NSA documents obtained by Britain’s Guardian newspaper exposed a top-secret data mining program called Prism.  Prism’s exposure has since sparked a probe by Canada’s privacy commissioner about the implications of the  U.S. program for Canadians.  However, Jacobson said both Americans and Canadians highly value individual liberties and dismissed privacy concerns over the NSA disclosure ….”
• “Senate committee urges stronger actions to address harassment in the RCMP“ – more here