MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 16, 2017

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Anti-Canada propaganda greets troops in Latvia” – “The “Blue Division” of NATO has been entrenched in Latvia. Waiting for reinforcements” (vesti.lv, in Russian) – Google English translation – Vesti.lv search “Canadian” (in Russian)
• “Some say the biggest threat facing Latvia is Russian propaganda” (CTV video)
• “Gagetown troops headed to Latvia, new commanding officer says”
• “Russian World-views – Domestic power play and foreign behaviour” (Canadian Security Intelligence Service paper)
• “Russians in Estonia: A Case Study in Offensive Structural Realism”
• “US National Guard Soldiers Join Lithuania Troops in Urban Warfare Practice”
• “(BLR Pres) Lukashenko worried about NATO activity near Belarus’ western borders” – “Why Did NATO Drones Make Afraid Lukashenka?”
• “Belarusian-Russian-Serbian army exercise over in Brest Oblast”
• “Kaliningrad Region is the place for the WMD’s AiF and AD association, as well as the BF’s Naval Aviation — As part of the training tasks, the air group will practise in intercepting various air targets, including simulating cruise missiles and unmanned vehicles of the simulated enemy, and also carry out firing and bombing in the sea ranges of the Baltic Fleet …” (RUS MoD)
• ‘Baltic Fleet’s marines worked out anti-landing defence of the coast” (RUS MoD info-machine)
• “Military Games: Russia and U.S. Are Holding More War Drills In Europe”
• “US Senate Approves Russia Sanctions”
• “Direct Line with Vladimir Putin — The annual special Direct Line with Vladimir Putin was broadcast live by Channel One, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24 and Russia Today TV channels, and Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii radio stations …” (RUS Pres info-machine) – “Putin’s Q&A session: a ‘nationwide book of complaints’ “
• “Russia at final stage of developing advanced electronic warfare system”
• “Russian Inform And Influence Operations On Public Opinion” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “The West and the Rest: What does 2017 hold for the Baltic States?”
• “Poland to construct pipeline to provide an alternative to Russian gas supplies”
• “Russia, Palestine agree to expand anti-terror cooperation”

#Ukraine

• “U.S. Would Support New Solution to Ukraine War, Tillerson Says” – “U.S. ready to support alternative to Minsk accords” – “US Not to Be Leading Any New Plan for Ukraine Conflict Settlement”
• ‘Turchynov, NATO assistant secretary general discuss Ukraine’s defense sector transition to NATO standards”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 14 June 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 16 June 2017 – “55 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Donbas conflict: Militants fired 20 times over past day” – “LPR reports eight ceasefire violations, two Republic’s defenders wounded” – “Militants shell Ukrainian army positions 50 times on Thursday killing one serviceman” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire eight times, two LPR militiamen wounded” – “Ukraine reports 50 enemy attacks, 1 KIA in last day” – “Kiev forces fired almost 4,000 rounds at DPR in a week”
• “Ukraine ships fifth batch of new Oplot tanks to Thailand”
• “National Security and Defense Council supported concept of draft law on reintegration of occupied Donbas”
• “LPR teachers develop Ukrainian language, literature textbooks”
• “Court to consider Yanukovych’s high treason case per se on June 26”
• “SBU suggests criminal liability for enemy propaganda in Ukraine’s media” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “Yandex: Tool of Russian Disinformation and Cyber Operations in Ukraine”

#Afghanistan

• “Mattis’s Afghanistan War Plan: Be Patient, Convince Everyone” – “Mattis To Send Nearly 4,000 US Troops To Afghanistan” – “Statement by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on Afghanistan Troop Levels” (CENTCOM info-machine) – “ISIS Hardliners Seize Control over Former Bin Laden Hideout”
• “An Open-Ended Afghan War Can Serve ‘America First’ “
• “ISIS Captures Tora Bora, Once Bin Laden’s Afghan Fortress” – “ISIS Just Moved Into Osama Bin Laden’s Infamous Afghan Stronghold Of Tora Bora” – “Tora Bora captured? Taliban dispute ISIS claim”

#Syria

• “Russia Claims Its Airstrike Near Raqqa Killed IS Leader al-Baghdadi” – “Putin Briefed on Russian MoD’s Report on Possible Daesh Leader Baghdadi Elimination – Kremlin” –  “Daesh Leader’s Reported Death to Facilitate Liberation of Raqqa – Russian Senator”
• “ISIS drones are attacking U.S. troops and disrupting airstrikes in Raqqa, officials say”
• “U.S. expands presence in Syrian desert, rebels say”
• “Russia says U.S. moves rocket launching system to Syria: agencies”
• “Putin says Russia aims to beef up Syrian military in mid-term”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Ankara Pushes Back on Iraqi Kurd Independence Bid” – “UN says won’t play a part in Iraqi Kurdish referendum”
• “300 Austrian imams condemn ISIS terrorists”
• “The Coalition’s Plan To Keep US Weapons Out Of ISIS Hands Is Garbage”
• “U.S. Sanctions Islamic State Coordinator of Paris, Brussels Attacks” – US State Department news release  – US Treasury Department details
• “Fight or Flight: How to Avoid a Forever War against Jihadists”
• ” Following the Money — A Primer on Terrorist Financing …”
• “Trump punishes “funder of terrorism” Qatar with $12 billion weapons deal”
• “ISIS’s Global Campaign Remains Intact” (ISW)
• “UN General Assembly approves new counter-terrorism office” – “General Assembly approves creation of new UN Counter-Terrorism Office” (UN info-machine) – “Capability of the United Nations system to assist Member States in implementing the United Nations Global Counter – Terrorism Strategy” (PDF via UN info-machine) – “Adoption of the Counter-terrorism resolution” (UN General Ass’y info-machine)

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Canada vows help for PH amid Marawi crisis … Canada’s assistance to Mindanao will continue amid the war in Marawi and the declaration of martial law in the region, an official said. Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines John Holmes said Canada “stands ready to help” … Holmes also said Canada is ready to work with the Philippines and offer assistance in fighting terrorism in terms of capacity building and information exchange. “We stand ready to work with the Philippines in that regard. We don’t normally… we wouldn’t be sending troops or anything like that but we do capacity building, exchanges of information, things like that. That’s been ongoing,” he said …”
• “China, US to hold security talks” – “U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue to be held June 21, 2017” (US DoD info-machine)
• “South China Sea: US commander says ships on course for more days in South China Sea”
• “Beijing shares Putin’s ideas of Russia-China cooperation”
• “Chinese naval fleet visits Iran”
• “Chinese naval escort taskforce visits New Zealand”
• “China lauds Pakistan’s support in fighting terrorism”
• “OPCW delegation visits Chinese military organizations”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “S. Korea willing to enter talks if North stops nuclear, missile tests: Moon”
• “Why Pyongyang turned down humanitarian aid from the South”
• “Why North Korea is best described a “guerrilla state” “
• “North Korean vessel may have captured Russian yacht, – TASS”
• “Can North Korea use drone for terrorism?”

Internal Security

• “Extremism experts are starting to worry about the left” (VICE News)

Way Up North

• “Russia’s Machines Are Well-Suited for Arctic Conflict — Icebreakers, sturdy bombers, attack subs and long-range fighters …”
• “Russian Military Becomes Unrivaled in Terms of Arctic Warfare”
• “Putin comments on plans to build bridge to Sakhalin Island — The president says the price of the bridge to Sakhalin should be lower than for the bridge to Crimea …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “National Defence considers the boots on the ground — In the wake of a striking new review of Canada’s military, and promises of a 20-year vision for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Department of National Defence has confirmed a new, high-tech, painstakingly engineered form of transportation for soldiers in the field. After years of niggling displeasure, CAF members can anticipate a sigh of relief. The department is buying new boots …”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  “Davie Celebrates Canada 150 with Public Unveiling of Resolve-Class AOR”  – “Resolve-class supply ship for Royal Canadian Navy to be unveiled next month” – “Resolve iAOR to be Unveiled July 20”
• Wanted:  “Peanut Butter IMP Program … This bid solicitation is being issued to satisfy the requirement of the Department of National Defence (the Client) to procure packages of Peanut Butter in support of the Individual Meal Packs (IMP) …”
• Wanted:  “Physicians Assistants Degree Granting … The Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp) plans to establish a contract with an accredited university in order to award academic credentials and the associated baccalaureate degree to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Physician Assistant (PA) Program graduates …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Six months after Nova Scotia murder-suicide, family members call for inquiry”
• “Team representing Canada at the 2017 Invictus Games announced” (DND info-machine) – “Prince Harry promotes Invictus Games in Canadian interview” – “Invictus Games ‘about inspiring others’ “ – “Invictus Games Canadian Team announced in Kingston” – “Ottawa annonce la composition de l’équipe qui représentera le Canada lors des Jeux Invictus 2017”

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “The Defence Policy Review: Déjà Vu All Over Again: James Fergusson for Inside Policy” (Macdonald-Laurier Institute)
• “Canada’s ruling elite applauds Liberals’ military spending hike”
• “Moula for the military ? I’ll believe it when I see it”
• “How To Profit From Canada’s Growing Military — Canada has recently announced an increased in military spending. This will directly effect Canada’s defense contractors …”

Other

• “Liberals Sinking Billions Into Used, Problem-Plagued Submarines”
• Speaking of Subs … “Le NCSM Chicoutimi percuté par un ORCA alors qu’il était amarré à Esquimalt”
• “PM opens (Jamaican Defence Force) Directorate of Training and Doctrine … Developed with support from the Government of Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Programme (MTCP), the facility, is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and a lecture theatre …”
• “A World in Disarray: What Role for Canada in a Confused International System?” (CGAI Podcast)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 14, 2017

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “Sajjan: Canada Committed to Iraq for the Long-Haul; Afghanistan Training Mission a Possibility”
• “Defence plan: believe it when rubber hits the road”
• “Liberal defence blueprint a political win—for now”
• “Defence plan: believe it when rubber hits the road”
• “Matthew Fisher: Canada’s involvement in drone warfare is nothing new”
• “Weaponized Canadian drones likely to make us less secure”
• “How will Liberals pay for military upgrade?”
• “Canada’s Increased Military Budget Will Fuel the US War Machine”
• Lookit all the Highlighting and Speaking …
• “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy”
• “Minister Sajjan to Canadian Armed Forces members on Canada’s New Defence Policy (in Edmonton)”
• “Minister Sajjan Highlights Investments in Canada’s Reserve Force”
• “Parliamentary Secretary Miller Highlights Investments in Canada’s Reserve Force”
• “Parliamentary Secretary Lamoureux Highlights Investments in Canada’s Reserve Force”
• “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado Highlights Investments in Canada’s Reserve Force”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Russia’s cyber trolls attack online as NATO troops gather in Latvia”
• ” ‘We are not only guarding Latvia’s border but all of Europe’ “
• “Latvia Spots Two Russian Navy Ships Off Its Own Waters”
• “Military Attaches of 22 States Monitor Slavic Brotherhood Drills in Belarus”
• “Military attaches from 65 countries visited the (RUS) Northern Fleet warships”
• “A Cold War Relic: Intelligence Station In Northern Norway Is Still Spying on the Russians”
• “Putin vows adequate response to US missile shield plans”
• “Having Lost ‘Soft’ Power in Post-Soviet Space, Moscow Increasingly Using ‘Hard’ “
• “Russian Pacific Fleet flagship back at home port after 11,000-mile voyage”
• “Russia’s modernized strategic bombers to get protection from all types of missiles”
• “Russia hopes to sign mega deal with Egypt to supply T-90 main battle tanks”
• “25 ways of combatting propaganda without doing counter-propaganda” (EU vs Disinformation)
• “Kremlin: Oliver Stone’s documentary on Russia’s leader ‘revealed Putin genuinely’ “
• “No harassment of gays in Russia, Putin says in interview with Oliver Stone”
• “Kremlin Watch Monitor: How to Putin-Proof Your Elections?”

#Ukraine

• “Ukrainian Border Service’s Odesa hospital gets digital radiography system from Canada“
• “Moscow concerned over escalation of violence in Donbass”
• “Putin says Washington seeks to prevent any rapprochement between Moscow and Kiev”
• “US Attorney General admits to talk with Russian Ambassador about Ukraine”
• “Conflict in Ukraine enters fourth year ‘with no end in sight’ – UN report” (UN News Centre)
• “Poroshenko to visit Donetsk region on June 14”
• “OSCE envoy Sajdik visits occupied Donbas, meets Catholic communities”
• “The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Martin Sajdik, visited certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions” (OSCE)
• “OSCE Special Representative Martin Sajdik visits DPR”
• “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv on Thursday”
• “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 12 June 2017”
• “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 14, 2017” (UKR MoD)
• “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, June 6-13, 2017”
• “Ukrainian forces launch 110 shells onto LPR over past 24 hours”
• “UN Mission reports 36 civilian casualties in Donbass from February to May 2017”
• “Ukraine’s Donbas war toll in past day: 1 KIA, 7 WIA’s amid over 50 attacks”
• “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 9 times”
• “Casualties among civilians increased by 110 percent in Donbas, – OSCE’s Hug”
• “Donbas: Seven Ukrainian servicemen wounded over day”
• “LPR People’s Militia official returns lost UAV to OSCE staff” – “LPR People’s Militia representative hands over lost drone to OSCE”
• “Ukraine Makes Groundless Allegations Over OSCE Mine Incident – Moscow”
• “Ukrainian media: Separatists attacked Ukrainian Armed Forces after they took control of territory in the gray zone”
• “Russian Air Defense in Donbas: Barnaul-T and Tor-M1 in the hands of Russian terrorists” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Russian diplomats expelled from Moldova were spies who recruited fighters for combat in the Ukraine – sources”
• “Ukrainian company tests new flame-resistant clothing for tank crewmen”
• “(UKR) Cabinet to approve main guidelines for military equipment development on Wednesday”
• “Law banning St. George’s ribbon in Ukraine officially released”
• “Kiev in talks with another nuclear fuel supplier — official”
• “66th Russian humanitarian convoy to arrive in DPR on June 15”
• “LPR People’s Militia & ‘Volunteer’ Project hand over humanitarian aid to front-line localities’ residents”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Philippines army is struggling to drive out ISIS, even with US help” – “Philippines says U.S. troops near besieged Marawi, but not fighting”
• “Corpses being dumped in Iraq show signs of torture, execution — and Iraqi forces may be responsible”
• “US Boosts Team to Investigate Civilian Deaths in Iraq, Syria”
• “Emirati Ambassador: US Should Rethink its Air Base in Qatar”
• “Applauding Central Asia Plan as Show of Collective Action, Secretary-General Calls for Enhancing ‘Strong’, ‘Smart’ Policies to Prevent Violent Extremism” (UN) – “Not only strong, but smart policies needed to combat terrorism – UN chief”

#Syria

• “Russia in Syria Monitor, June 6-13, 2017”
• “Russia may restrain PYD in Syria, experts say”
• “US deploys long-range artillery system to southern Syria for first time”
• “The Complexity Of Syria’s War Is Catching Up To The US”
• “What Is Trump’s Plan for Syria When ISIS Is Gone?”
• “UN coordinator: Regime soldiers looting aid to Syria”
• “Syria Safe Zones Lead to ‘Discernible Reduction in Levels of Violence’ – UN”
• “Tehran’s land corridor through Syria, a reality”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “US destroyer Sterett makes port call to Zhanjiang”
• “China, Spain vow to boost military and defense cooperation”
• “PLA Begins Training for China’s Electromagnetic Catapult, Rail Gun”
• “Xi commends outstanding PLA company in HK”
• “China says will investigate reports Chinese pair abducted in Pakistan were missionaries”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “U.S. blames North Korea for hacking spree, says more attacks likely” – “Alert (TA17-164A) HIDDEN COBRA – North Korea’s DDoS Botnet Infrastructure”
• “North Korea’s Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site: Media Report of Intensified Activity Cannot be Corroborated”
• “North Korea soldier defects through heavily mined DMZ border to South”
• “Suspected North Korean UAV photographed South Korea’s THAAD site, says report”
• “Moon engages in delay tactics as policy of ambiguity on THAAD fails”
• “A New North Korea Sanctions Approach”
• “Challenges Ahead for the US-South Korea Alliance”
• “U.S. blames North Korean government for cyber attacks since 2009”

#Afghanistan

• “Canada mulls a return to the unwinnable Afghan War: Walkom”
• “Sending More Troops to Afghanistan Will Require More Money: Mattis”
• “No military solution in Afghanistan, U.N. chief says on Kabul visit”

Canada Into Africa?

• ” ‘Security vacuum’ in Central Africa may be exploited by armed groups – UN envoy”
• “Qatar withdraws troops from Djibouti-Eritrea border mission”
• “China’s first peacekeeping helicopter unit joins UN mission in Darfur” – “China’s first helicopter peacekeeping detachment prepares to leave for Sudan” (CHN military magazine)

Internal Security

• “Upcoming ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence talks to focus on getting ISPs to provide encrypted data to spy agencies”
• “Enhancing the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians: Reduxed and Reduced”
• “U.S. rebukes Canada over Chinese takeover of Norsat” – “U.S. was consulted over proposed Chinese takeover of tech firm: Trudeau” – “Trudeau says U.S. was consulted before approving Chinese takeover of Norsat “ – “Bains’s mixed messages on Norsat a cause for concern”
• “Incidents targeting Muslims drove rise in hate crimes in 2015: StatsCan”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War (1) “Overwhelming majority of defence thought leaders reject Ottawa’s Super Hornet fighter jet proposal” (Macdonald-Laurier Institute) –  “Should We Purchase Interim Super Hornets? A Survey of the Experts” (MLI PDF)
• F-35 Tug o’ War (2)  “Feds set to meet with fighter jet firms amid Super Hornet questions” – “Feds to meet with Boeing’s fighter jet competitors at Paris airshow”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  “Canada’s Next Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Ship – Episode 3”
• Wanted:  “The Department of National Defence (DND) requires a Contractor to supply instruction, facilities, resources, and infrastructure needed to support the conduct of Canadian Forces Military Freefall Parachute (MFP), Military Square Parachute Jump Master (MSPJM), Military Square Parachute Instructor (MSPI) course and training of the Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team (CAFPT) – The SkyHawks …”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Military refuses to print ad from law firm seeking to represent sexually assaulted soldiers”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Les militaires blessés ou malades ne seront pas laissés à eux-mêmes, promet Ottawa”
• “The Veterans’ Service Experience — Over the course of my mandate, my team and I have done a lot of work to ensure that the right benefits and services are in place for Veterans and their families, in other words, the What. Now, it’s time to turn our attention to How these services are delivered …” (Vets Ombudsman)

Other

• “Military’s much-delayed new helicopters return to limited service” – “Military helicopters back in limited service after software issue grounds fleet”
• “Satisfaction with military housing up, but DND still waiting on long-term plan”
• “Hexagon Geospatial Honors Canadian Armed Forces Mapping and Charting Establishment”
• “CFB Shilo Honoured With Freedom of the City”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 13, 2017

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “Défense: le Bloc demande des mesures pour les francophones de l’armée”
• “Borden will get more cash to help families live better, feds say”
• “The case for a small, skilled fighting force”
• “A New Defence Policy for a New World Disorder?”
• The Info-machine Continues to Spread the Word … “Parliamentary Secretary Miller to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy” – “Member of Parliament Stephen Fuhr Highlights Investments in Canada’s Reserve Force” – “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado Speaks with Military Families” –  “Minister Sajjan Speaks with Members of the Royal Canadian Navy” – “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy” – “Parliamentary Secretary Lamoureux to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy” – “Minister says pricey defence strategy needed after ‘under-investment’ in Forces” –

Changes Coming???

• “Is it time for Harjit Sajjan to move on and a new defence minister to take over?”
• “Rumours of cabinet shuffle swirl”

Afghanistan

• “Liberal government misleads on Afghan mission – return to Afghanistan being considered”
• “Canada considering NATO request for police trainers in Afghanistan, Sajjan says”

#CANvsISIL

• “Canada’s top general “horrified” by images of Iraqi abuse — Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of defence staff, says he was “horrified” by the images revealed by the Star of an elite Iraqi squad torturing and in one case, executing a detainee …”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “ISIS Calls on Followers to Attack During Ramadan”
• “From ‘Caliph’ to Fugitive: IS Leader Baghdadi’s New Life on the Run”
• “US designates 2 Islamic State leaders tied to chemical weapons” –  “Trump Administration Targets ISIS Leaders With New U.S. Sanctions Over Chemical Weapons Used In Iraq” – U.S. Treasury Department notice
  
• “Islamic State’s Chemical Weapons Capability Degraded, IHS Markit Says — But group likely retains expertise to produce small batches of sulphur mustard and chlorine agents …”
• “ISIS clings to Mosul on 3rd anniversary of invading Iraq”
• “Philippines army struggles as city siege enters fourth week”
• “Operation GLOWING SYMPHONY: NSA/US Cyber Command’s Cyber Weapons Have Had Only Limited Effectiveness Against ISIS”
• A Libertarian’s Perspective  “How To Beat Terrorism … A diffuse threat calls for a diffuse response …”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Russia ready for dialogue with Canada despite sanctions, Russophobia – Foreign Ministry”
• “No indication Russia wants positive relationship with U.S.: Mattis”
• “Canadian troops newly arrived in Latvia encounter skepticism” – “Focus on Latvia-Russia border as Canadian troops lead NATO mission” – “Canadian media reports on Latvia deployment”
• “Estonia sees Russia as biggest cyber threat at it assumes EU presidency”
• “1st Infantry Division Paves the Way For Saber Strike 17”
• “NATO begins ‘Iron Wolf’ drills in Lithuania” – “Iron Wolf 2017: Lithuania Launches Over 5,000-Strong Military Drill With NATO Allies” – “5,000+ NATO troops to take part in ‘Iron Wolf’ drills in Lithuania”
• “NATO: Whipping Up Hysteria over Russia”s “Threat” from Kaliningrad Region”
• “NATO’s Essential Minnows and the Russian Threat”
• “Second Georgian Unit to Join NATO Response Force”
• “Russia detected more than 800 surveillance aircraft in 2016”
• “Lukashenko: We will stage the Belarusian-Russian army exercise regardless of pressure”
• “Post-Soviet military bloc’s collective force to hold exercises in four countries 2018”
• “Russian Navy Is Beefing up Its Mediterranean Presence”
• “Land and Airborne Forces Biggest ‘Winners’ of 2018–2025 Russian Armaments Program”
• “First test flight of new Russian Tu-160M2 missile carrier is scheduled for 2018”
• “Researchers Say Russian Hackers Can Now Cause Major Power Outages” – “Reuters: Security firms warn of new cyber threat to electric grid” – “Russia has developed a cyber weapon that can disrupt power grids, according to new research”
• “Lithuanian law-enforcement officials have suspended their pre-trial investigation into the hacking of the system of the Baltic News Service’s Vilnius bureau, saying that they are unable, at least for now, to track down the hacker, who used a system that ensures anonymity of the user. BNS Lithuania on Monday was informed by a prosecutor about the suspension of the probe. A fake news story headlined “An Echo of Syria in Latvia: US Soldiers Exposed to Yperite” was published on the BNS Lithuania wire in the Lithuanian and Russian languages on Apr. 12 The article alleged that a group of US troops in Latvia had been exposed to mustard gas and that mustard gas stockpiles lying on the bottom of the Baltic Sea were “an ecological bomb” and “only the Kremlin knows when it will explode” …”
• “Exclusive: Russian diplomats expelled from Moldova recruited fighters – sources”
• “A lesson on how not to fight disinformation”
• “Russians Spying on U.S. Military Personnel Are Posing as Attractive Women on Facebook” – “4 Crazy Ways Russian Operatives Are Targeting American Troops Online” – “How Russia Targets the U.S. Military”
• “Fake News and the Russian Interference Lie — As a former intelligence officer who participated in covert actions overseas (i.e., actions designed to shape foreign public opinion to fall in line with U.S. policy) I have watched with a mixture of amusement and horror the circus spun up around the ridiculous claim that Russia interfered with the U.S. Presidential election …”

#Ukraine

• “Media are invited to participate in a one-on-one telephone interview with the Commanding Officer of the Joint Task Force-Ukraine currently deployed on Op UNIFIER, Canada’s contribution to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces through military capacity building …”
• “Kremlin stresses Donbass engulfed in civil war, not ‘occupied’ by Russia”
• “UN report: More than 10,000 killed in Donbass conflict” – “UN Says Ukraine Conflict Escalating Amid Cease-Fire Violations”  – UN release:  “Conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year with no end in sight – UN report — Parties to the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine have repeatedly failed to implement ceasefire agreements, allowing hostilities to escalate and claim more lives as the conflict moved into its fourth year, a UN report published today says …”
• “Cyberthreat experts link power grid malware to Russia-connected hackers”
• “SBU: Russia’s special forces prepared to invade Ukraine using web sites”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 11 June 2017”  – UKR govt ATO map, 13 June 2017 – “With 7 dead, Ukraine’s army suffers bloodiest days of fighting in months” – “Ukrainian Defense Ministry says 22 militants killed, 60 wounded in Donbas last week” – “Donbas conflict: 25 enemy attacks reported, one Ukrainian soldier killed” – “70 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukrainian forces violate ceasefire eight times over 24 hours in LPR” – “Ukraine reports almost 60 enemy attacks, 1 KIA, 5 WIA’s in last day” – “Russian proxies attempt to down OSCE drone in Donbas”
• “Ukraine Hopes to Become Arms Exporter to NATO Countries”
• “Ukraine to acquire An-140 and An-74 transport aircraft”
• “Non-combat losses: the Russian occupier, unmasked in 2015, got what he deserved” (InformNapalm.org)
• From the Separatist Media  “Russian Peace Officers Of The JCCC Who Are Trying To Establish A Ceasefire Were Under Attack By Nazi Ukraine Military Units !”
• “Poroshenko signs bill banning St. George ribbons production, public use”
• “Contact Group sets schedule for meetings in Minsk until end of year”

Cold War 2.0:  Asia-Pacific

• “China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities–Background and Issues for Congress” (U.S Congressional Research Service, 103p PDF)
• “PLA schools to expand recruitment, help China win information war”
• “China establishes highest military award”
• “China tests 119 drones, makes breakthrough in AI systems — China has tested 119 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), breaking the previous record of 67 drones, the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) said …”
• “This Is How Chinese Spying Inside the U.S. Government Really Works”
• “IS killing won’t impact China-Pakistan ‘Iron brother’ ties — After an extremist organization announced it had killed the two Chinese citizens it kidnapped in Pakistan last week, speculation has been swirling among Indian and some Western media outlets that the China-Pakistan bilateral relationship, in particular the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road initiative, would be affected. They are evidently overthinking the issue …”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “Pentagon chief declares North Korea the new top threat to U.S. security” – “North Korea ‘most urgent’ threat to security: Mattis”
• “Suspected North Korea drone spied on U.S. anti-missile system: South Korea officials”
• “THAAD’s deployment delay may overshadow US-South Korea alliance”
• “North Korea trolls Trump with threat to test long-range missile”

Internal Security

• ” ‘Five Eyes’ talks to focus on encryption: Australian PM — Officials from the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will meet next month to discuss plans to press technology firms to share encrypted data with security agencies, Australia’s prime minister said on Tuesday …”
• “U.S. hedge fund makes bid for Canadian tech firm wanted by Chinese giant”
• “Accused Yahoo hacker Karim Baratov to stay in custody after bail decision upheld”
• Commentary  “Terrorists are misogynists first: Mallick” – “Why we have sympathy — but may lack empathy — over some terror strikes: DiManno”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “U.S. could stand in the way of Canadian purchase of armed drones, DND documents warn”
• F-35 Tug o’ War “Liberals Might be Changing Course on Interim Fighter Purchase”
• “Griffon Helicopter Replacement not in the Cards”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  Colonel Ted’s latest take  “Ships, again … another update of Project Resolve”

Way Up North

• “Canadian Ranger staff survive bites and bruises to learn white water rescue”
• “Ecological platoon of the SF is aimed at the boiler house for cleaning the arctic island from debris” (RUS MoD, in Russian)

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Injured troops will stay in uniform until pension, vet benefits in place: Sajjan”
• “Commemorative watches will support wounded soldiers”

Other

• “La coalition navale dont fait partie le Canada met en garde contre les attaques au large du Yémen” – “STATEMENT TO INDUSTRY:  Recent attacks against merchant shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandeb have highlighted that there are still risks associated with transits through these waters …In response to these threats the Combined Maritime Forces will be increasing the naval presence in the western Gulf of Aden. It is important to note however that these attacks can develop rapidly and having warships positioned for an effective response depends on information provided by the shipping community …” (Combined Maritime Forces info-machine)
• “U.S., Canada have an ‘open conversation’ on drones”
• “Commander’s message to RCAF personnel: “Be ready to innovate” “

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 12, 2017

 

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “NATO wants Canadians back in Afghanistan: Sajjan”
• “Canadian military to relax deployment-readiness rule”
• “Canada’s new military drones won’t be used in black-ops missions like assassinations: defence chief”
• “Liberals face questions on Afghanistan, jets”
• “Will the new defence policy survive a recession? ‘We can’t talk about hypothetical situations,’ says Sajjan”
• “Big-ticket defence plan helps Canada face new global threats, top general says”
• “Resource centres to benefit from new defence policy”
• Commentary  Lux Ex Umbra blog:  “Canadian Forces to get offensive cyber capability — but questions remain” – “Ivison: New Liberal for CAF gets Parliamentary Reality Check” – “Liberals Silence Opposition By Fulfilling Their Defence-Spending Promises” – “Cost is one question — but partisan politics may undo Liberal defence plan” – Colonel Ted:  “… It’s not nothing; it does arrest the ongoing decline in Canada’s “hard power,” which must happen if we ever want to be able to use whatever “soft power” we can have. That’s something, but … it’s a very, very modest something …” – Colonel Ted (again):  “Promises, promises (3) … perhaps, Team Trudeau, including his Privy Council Office, understands what’s going on and has simply decided to allow things to deteriorate to crisis status and then force the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces to reform themselves. I might actually hope that’s the case, and there’s a “plan” in the bottom drawer of someone important’s desk, but I fear it ~ the deferred promises ~ is just a sign of political and high level bureaucratic indifference to national defence …” – “EDITORIAL: Charge ahead with Canada’s Defence review, if necessary” – “Krayden: Liberal defence review is as durable as the paper it’s printed on” – “New Canadian Defence Policy neither credible nor affordable.” (ceasefire.ca) – “A New Defence Policy for a New World Disorder?” (MacDonald Laurier Institute) – “Why increase Canadian military spending? A=Trump” – “LEGER: Ambitious plans for the forces, but are they the right ones?” – “ON TARGET: If military spending seems too good to be true, it likely is”
• From the Info-machine  “Member of Parliament Stephen Fuhr to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy” – “Defence Minister Addresses Troops in Vancouver” – “Parliamentary Secretary McCrimmon and Member of Parliament Alleslev Highlight Recruitment and Retention in the Canadian Armed Forces” – “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado Highlights Care for Military Families in Canada’s new Defence Policy” – “Parliamentary Secretary Romanado to Speak on Canada’s New Defence Policy” – “Minister Duclos Addresses Military Families in Valcartier”
• On the Foreign Policy Piece … “5 Most Important Phrases of Freeland’s Speech” (NATO Association of Canada) – “Trudeau’s hard line on foreign aid won’t help re-elect him”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canadian troops newly arrived in Latvia encounter skepticism” – “Spanish and Canadian troops arrive in Latvia”
• “US military conducts amphibious assault in Latvia during Baltic Operations” – “US military demonstrates combined arms capabilities with NATO Allies during Exercise Saber Strike”
• “NATO military drills Iron Wolf-2017 start in Lithuania”
• “Russia creates an electronic warfare system that simulates a massive missile attack”

#Ukraine

• “Ukraine warns of new wave of Internet provocations from Russia”
• “Russian Ministry of Defense: Black Sea fleet will receive new frigate Admiral Makarov equipped with cruise missiles”
• “President: Ukrainian border crossing points will carry out joint control with Slovak, Polish, Romanian and Hungarian partners” (UKR Pres info-machine)
• “Czech police have for the first time launched the prosecution of a Czech man who fought in eastern Ukraine on the side of the pro-Russian separatists …”
• Updates from All Sides  “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 06/12/2017” – “60 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Kiev forces fired over 3,800 rounds at DPR in a week” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 13 times” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 12, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Militants launched 67 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” – UKR govt ATO map, 12 Jun 2017 – “Ukraine reports 2 KIA’s, 4 WIA’s in almost 70 enemy attacks on June 11” – “One soldier killed, four injured on Monday” –
• “Security Service of Ukraine restricts freedom of movement in Donetsk Oblast”
• “Delegation of representatives of US leading politological centres (think tanks?) visits Mariupol operations centre” (UKR MoD)
• “Poroshenko describes blocking of MH17 tribunal by Russia as guilty plea”
• “Belarus donates 58 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Donbas residents”

#CANvsISIL

• “Canada’s anti-ISIS mission will be extended, confirms Harjit Sajjan”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “Body of Canadian killed fighting Daesh in Syria returned home, mother says” – “Le corps du jeune Canadien Nazzareno Tassone parti combattre l’EI en Syrie a été rapatrié”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Long Before It Lost Turf, ISIS Was Already Targeting Britain”
• “French Special Forces Targeting French Citizens Fighting for ISIS in Iraq”

Syria

• “ISIS leader Abu Bkr al-Baghdadi ‘killed in Syrian air strike’ “ – “ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi killed in Syria, state TV claims”
• “Russia says US-led coalition colludes with IS in Syria”
• “Russia says tells U.S. not to strike Syrian pro-government forces again”
• “Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov’s meeting with Qadri Jamil, representative of the leadership of the Syrian opposition Popular Front for Change and Liberation and head of the Syrian opposition’s Moscow platform” (RUS MFA info-machine)
• “US Special Operators Are On The Ground Fighting ISIS In Raqqa” – “Syria’s SDF rebels capture parts of ISIL-held Raqqa” – “Kurdish forces enter two more ISIS-held neighborhoods in Raqqa city” – “US-backed SDF forces enter Raqqah from western battle front’ – “Yezidi MP Calls on SDF to Consider Yezidi Abductees in Negotiations with IS over Raqqa” – “Kurdish-led forces liberate another district in Raqqa city, besiege ISIS-held silos” – “US-Backed Syrian Fighters Seize Parts of IS ‘Capital’ Raqqa”
• “Is America Getting Sucked into More War in Syria?”

The Kurds

• IRQ’s Kurds Set a Date  “President Barzani Meets with Kurdistan Region’s Political Parties to Set the Date for the Referendum” (Kurdish gov’t in IRQ info-machine)
• “Iraq’s Kurds will vote on independence, and there’s ‘no turning back’ “
• “Iraq criticizes plan of Kurds independence referendum”
• “US Favours Separation of Kurdistan Region from Iraq: Analyst”
• “Can northern Iraq be independent?”
• “Sunni politician not against Kurdistan referendum in contrast to Shiites”
• “Kurdistan Electoral Commission Preparing for Independence Referendum”
• “Kurdistan Independence Will Make Yezidis’ Dream Come True: Ezidkhan Commander”
• “PM Barzani: Countries’ Positions on Referendum “Normal” “
• “Barzani: Kurdistan Referendum Plan Decisive Step”
• “Kurdistan Sets Date for Independence Referendum”
• “Official: Kurdistan, like Brexit, will hold a referendum followed by negotiation”
• “Iraq’s constitution violations, years of persecution led Kurds to referendum” (KRG info-machine)
• “Iraqi VP says now not time for Kurds to hold referendum”
• “(TUR PM) Yildirim: Decision to hold referendum in Kurdistan Region ‘irresponsible’ “

Cold War 2.0:  Asia-Pacific

• “Overseas Chinese student associations deny spying for government”
• “China slams ‘exaggerated’ US report on its defense spending: FM” – “China slams ‘exaggerated’ US report on PLA moves”
• On the one hand …  “China calls out US military for flying bombers over the South China Sea”
• … while on the other   “RIMPAC develops Sino-US military ties”
• “Nation staying vigilant in South China Sea: ministry”
• “Three Chinese naval ships arrive in Karachi” – “Chinese naval fleet visits Pakistan”
• “Will Japan Switch to China’s side Causing the US to Lose Entire Asia?”
• “Did India Miscalculate China’s Red Lines in Australia Snub?”
• “US special forces aid Philippine military in a fight to reclaim an ISIS-held city” – “U.S. Manned Reconnaissance Aircraft and Surveillance Drones Helping Filipino Military in Fight Against Muslim Extremists” – “U.S. Spy Planes Help Philippines in Fight Against ISIS-Linked Militants” – “US Special Operations Forces Assist Philippines In Battle Against ISIS” –
• “New Chinese Intelligence Law Draft Promotes Mass Mobilization”
• “Professional PLA article of the day: Waiting in the Wings: PLAAF General Yi Xiaoguang “
• “China Might Have a New Way to Sink U.S. Aircraft Carriers”
• “119 Drones, China’s New Record of Fixed-Wing Drone Grouping”
• “China can contribute to ease Mideast tensions”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “South Korea discovers wreckage of North Korean UAV “
• “The Regime Strikes Back: A New Era of North Korean Information Controls”
• “The method to North Korea’s missile mania: proving its weapons can hurt the U.S.”
• “Avoiding Apocalypse on the Korean Peninsula”
• “Amidst threats, Seoul eyes defence budget hike”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Canada looking at all options for new fighter jet: Sajjan” – “Canada pushing ahead with stopgap fighter plan, rules out lease” – Commentary:  “Just when I thought I was out… They pull me back in.”
• Wanted:  “SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNICIAN CONSTANT WEAR FLYING SUIT”
• “Twin Otters for Twin Otters – Buying ‘New’ makes financial sense … so does adding similar Guardian 400 surveillance aircraft to the mix” – “Twin Option for the Twin Otters: Simple Solutions are often the Best”

Internal Security

• “Torontonians had right to know details from alleged ISIS-inspired attack”
• “Canadian court denies bail appeal for suspected Yahoo hacker”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Canadian Forces Transition Group Will Help Soldiers Return To Civilian Life”
• “Volunteers hit the streets to connect with homeless veterans” – “PEI group searches for veterans “at risk” of homelessness” – “Volunteers search for homeless veterans in Calgary’s East Village” – “Volunteers hit the streets to reach out to homeless veterans” – “Minister of Veterans Affairs announces planned extension of the contract with VETS Canada … The Honourable Kent Hehr announced today that they plan to extend the contract with Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada until March 31, 2018. Veterans Affairs Canada’s contract with VETS Canada to provide outreach services and assistance to Veterans in crisis was scheduled to expire in May 2017 …” – “Anciens Combattants prolonge son contrat avec VETS Canada pour les vétérans en crise”
• “Veterans to get more support”

Other

• “Brigadier General Shane Brennan to Announce the Team that will be Representing Canada at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto”
• From the CAF Info-machine:  “Your Pay and Allowance Increase”
• “Canadian Special Operations Forces Command … While we hear a lot about the special forces of some of our allies — US Navy SEALs, US Army Rangers and Delta Force, the British SAS and SBS — we generally hear very little about our own special forces …” (quotulatiousness.ca)
• “Les riverains du lac Saint-Joseph pourront apercevoir les parachutistes de Valcartier à l’entraînement”
• “Inspiring women to join the Canadian Forces: Short sessions offer a taste of military careers.”

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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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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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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 5, 2017

Defence Minister’s Comments, Continued …

• “Harjit Sajjan Says He’s Owned Up To ‘Mistake,’ But Has Job To Do”
• “Harjit Sajjan struggles to recover: Ottawa Power Rankings”
• “Ask Kady Anything: Will Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan lose his job?”
• “Sajjan’s Fall From Grace Is Hard For Canadian Sikhs Like Me”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “Woefully underfunded military struggles with even basic tasks, says defence minister”
• “Military faces capability gaps due to inadequate investment”
• “Why military funding in Canada is in such a lousy state”
• Colonel Ted’s Take:  “The architect plans to lower expectations — I mentioned, a couple of days ago, that the Canadian defence procurement system is “broken.” Apparently the Liberal government in Ottawa can see that, too. So, will it try to take some measures to fix it? …”
• “Trump’s Colonel Blimp brigade pushing Trudeau government to rapidly increase military spending”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “The US Military Want Its Troops To Stay In Iraq — Even After ISIS Is Gone” – “Iraq PM: No U.S. Combat Troops to Stay in Iraq After IS”
• “German army to continue supporting Kurdish Peshmerga, but won’t send new weapons: official”
• “Task Force Commander Describes Assisting Iraqi Troops in Drive on Mosul” (CENTCOM)
• “Iraq launches new assault to recapture territory from Daesh”
• “Iraq Grapples With Dilemma of Displaced Mosul Civilians”
• “Task Force Commander Describes Assisting Iraqi Troops in Drive on Mosul” (US DoD)
• “Iraq calls for bids for new oil refinery in Basra”

#Syria

• Really???  “NATO funds terrorism by harvesting organs in Syria”
• “Russia: Syria Deal Bans U.S.-led Coalition Aircraft” – “Syria’s de-escalation zones to be closed to US-led coalition aircraft, envoy says”
• “Syria’s armed opposition rejects Russian ‘safe zones’ plan”
• ” ‘Astana’ Approves Syria’s ‘De-escalation Zones’ Despite Opposition Reservations”
• “UN envoy commends plan to setup de-escalation zones as ‘promising positive step’ “ (UN Info-machine) – “Note to Correspondents: Transcript of press encounter with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura in Astana today, 4 May 2017 — Today in Astana I think we have been able to witness an important promising positive step in the right direction in the process of de-escalation of the conflict …”
• “Putin discusses de-escalation zones in Syria with Russia’s Security Council”
• “ISIL faces expulsion from central Syria as Syrian Army troops press on”
• “Trump’s Syria Strike Fell Short”
• “Putin Has a New Secret Weapon in Syria: Chechens”
• “More than 4,000 ISIS militants still fighting in Raqqa: Coalition”
• “Just Another Frozen Conflict” (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty commentary)

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “North Korea is building mysterious artificial islands that would be perfect for missile launches”
• “North Korea claims CIA, NIS plotted to assassinate Kim Jong Un Attack was planned to take place during April 15 military parade: KCNA” – “North Korea Claims CIA Plot to Kill Kim Jong-un”
• “Pyongyang issues rare warning to Beijing over Chinese media criticism of North Korea’s nuclear programme” – “North Korean media accuses China of “crossing red line” “
• Meanwhile … “Is China-North Korea friendship treaty outdated?” (CHN Communist Party op-ed)
• “China calls for end to provocations on NK issue”
• “Consequences of THAAD Deployment Will be Miserable” (PRK media)
• “Trump has “elementary school” understanding of N. Korea, state media says”
• “Kim Jong Un revisits Yeonpyeong strike site, reviews new strike plan against ROK” – “Kim Jong Un Inspects Island Defense Units of the KPA Southwestern Command” (North Korea Leadership Watch blog) – “Kim Jong Un Inspects Defence Detachment on Jangjae Islet and Hero Defence Detachment on Mu Islet” (PRK media)
• “House overwhelmingly backs new sanctions against North Korea — Determined to exert greater economic pressure on North Korea, the Republican-led House on Thursday overwhelmingly voted to impose new sanctions on Pyongyang …”

Cold War 2.0:  China & Environs

• “China Military Reform Rattles Others, It Changes Air Force Drills” – “PLA Air Force making exercises more realistic”
• “US Navy Unable to Provoke China in South China Sea”
• “Chinese warships to visit Penang (Malaysia)”
• “Singapore commissions first Littoral Mission Vessel”
• “RAN commissions first of two Cape-class patrol boats”
• “Myanmar looks to procure submarines”
• “Shenyang continues prototype development of FC-31 fighter”
• “Belarus, China establish closest cooperation in defense technologies – President”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “What if Russia’s Su-35 Went to War with America’s F-35 Stealth Fighter?”
• “Baltic states grow wary of Russian intentions with ‘Zapad’ manoeuvres”
• “US Army opens new Polish headquarters as troop levels rise”  – “U.S. troops, aircraft deployed to Poland as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve” – “L’armée américaine déploie un nouveau QG de division en Pologne”
• “(LVA) Border Watch: Three Russian navy ships noted”
• “Estonian activists file lawsuit against school for refusing to teach Russian language”
• “Russian troops to receive advanced satellite communications vehicles”
• “Russian army to take St. Petersburg into impenetrable ring of defence (during St. Petersburg International Economic Forum) …”
• “The U.S. Military Can Learn a Lot From the Red Army — The Soviet army in the 20th century is a case study in adaptation …”
• #Ukraine
• “The Moment An OSCE Vehicle Explodes In Ukraine” – “Radio Svoboda published footage of OSCE car tripping mine in Luhansk region” – Separatist media:  “Radio Svoboda gives away masterminds of OSCE car blast in Donbass“ –
• “Ukraine to participate in NATO tank competition”
• “Russia restrains money transfers to Ukraine”
• “Russia-Donbass integration committee to meet in Donetsk on 12 May – DPR official” – “In Ukraine, feeling grows that the east is lost to Russia” – “Ukraine : A forgotten war in Europe”
• “Two more TV towers to be built in Donbas by yearend to broadcast Ukrainian channels”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 3 May 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 5 May 2017 – “Kiev forces commit 3 ceasefire violations shelling LPR” – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 05/04/2017” – “Ukraine reports 58 enemy attacks, 10 WIAs in last day” – “46 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “(DPR’s) Basurin on Ukrainian forces’ UAV-assisted fire adjustment on Donetsk axis” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 339 times over week, fire 1,778 rounds at DPR” – “Ukrainian forces launch over 700 shells onto DPR territory over past 24 hours” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire three times”
• He Says, She Says …  “JCCC observation post in DPR south comes under Ukrainian fire” – “Donbas militants attack Ukrainian, Russian JCCC officers”
• “Poroshenko signs laws on raising social protection of servicepersons and their families”
• “Crews of Ukrainian tactical aviation brigade conducted flight training on MiG-29 and L-39 aircraft”
• RUS media:  “Defending Europe Against Russia? ‘For Every 100 Tanks Ukraine’s Got, One Works’ “
• “‘A Dead Soldier Is No Enemy’ — Repatriating The Fallen In Ukraine”
• “Russian diplomat calls energy blockade of Crimea ‘act of terrorism’ “

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?/Canada Into Africa?

• ” ‘Blue helmet’ killed in attack on UN Mission camp in Timbuktu, Mali” (UN)

Way Up North

• “Russian bombers return to skies off Alaska – this time with a fighter escort” – “Russian Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers conducted air missions near Alaska” – “Russian bombers flew over neutral waters along Aleutian Islands”– “Russia explains why Tu-95 long-range aircraft fly near Alaska” (Pravda)
• “Natural Security: Russia in the Arctic – Aggressive but Not an Aggressor”
• “Is NATO-Russia militarisation spilling over into the Arctic?”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Super Hornet cheaper than F-35, (CAN $ Minister) Morneau told”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  “New AOPVs progressing at shipyard” (RCN Info-machine)
• Wanted:  “TRAINING CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT … TRAINING AND CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CANADIAN ARMED FORCES LAND OPERATIONS …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veterans Ombudsman Releases Actuarial Follow-up Report — Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent released today a follow-up to his 2013 Actuarial Analysis of the New Veterans Charter (NVC). He noted that since 2011, and prior to Budget 2017, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) introduced four new benefits and implemented eight enhancements to the NVC. While there has been a resulting increase to lifetime compensation for many Veterans, there remains gaps requiring further improvement. As well, the layering of additional benefits has resulted in increased complexity for Veterans …”
• “Comparative Study Of Services To Veterans In Other Jurisdictions” (Veterans Ombudsman speech to Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, 1 May 2017) – “Comparative Study of Services to Veterans in Other Jurisdictions” (Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing page)
• “Minister Hehr launches Veterans Justice Outreach Initiative” (VAC info-machine) – “Nova Scotia Justice Outreach Initiative” (Backgrounder) – “Lancement d’un projet proposé par Roméo Dallaire d’aide en matière de justice pénale pour les vétérans”

Other

• “2 PPCLI Receives New Queen’s Colour”
• “LGBTQ advisor has both military and Asian roots” (Army info-machine)
• “Faucher brothers run strong at world championships — The RCAF’s Faucher brothers, Major Serge and Master Warrant Officer Claude, advance to the finals and bring home a personal best time competing at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships …”

World War One

• “Vimy Flight pilots kick off cross- Canada tour in Greenwood”

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