MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 23, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “How Canada’s small military produced deadly, record-breaking snipers” – “Canadian sniper’s record-breaking kill shot an ‘incredible achievement’ “ – ” ‘A hell of a shot’: Sniper record latest example of deadly Canadian marksmanship” – “Canadian Special Operations sniper shoots Daesh fighter from 3.5 kilometres away” – “A Shot in the Dark — Being a dual citizen can provide all kinds of strange experiences. Today, news came out that a Canadian sniper set the long distance record for a kill–3540 meters–in Iraq. My Canadian nationalism was not so much activated by pride in this, but when American folks raised doubts …” – More via Google News

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Extremist destruction in Iraq and Syria”
• “Why has Italy been spared mass terror attacks in recent years?”

#Syria

• “Russian navy launched missile strikes on IS target in Syria: RIA” – “Russia Fires 6 Cruise Missiles on IS in Syria” – “Russian Warships, Sub Launch Cruise Missiles at Daesh Targets in Syria – MoD (VIDEO)”
• “Russia proposing foreign monitors inside Syria” – “Multinational forces could patrol Syria ‘de-escalation zones’: Turkey” – “Russia proposing foreign monitors inside Syria” – “Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Reportedly Asked About Sending Troops To ‘Monitor’ Syria” – “Kazakhstan Denies Talks On Sending Troops To Syria” – “Multinational forces to patrol Syria ‘de-escalation zones’ “ – “Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Denies Talks Underway to Send Troops to Syria”
• “Damascus won’t let ‘enemies’ benefit from de-escalation zones- (SYR deputy for min) minister”
• “U.S. will take weapons from Kurds after Islamic State defeat: Turkey”
• “The DoD Just Dropped New Details On The Shootdown Of A Syrian Warplane By A US F/A-18E”
• “Islamic State’s Raqqa Elegy Shows Both Weakness And Power”

#Afghanistan

• “Previous attacks underscore dangers for Canadians in Afghanistan training mission — As the security situation in Afghanistan continues to slip, NATO has asked Canada to help with its Resolute Support mission by sending trainers to help build an Afghan military and police force capable of defending the country …”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “US: North Korea ‘ tests rocket engine for ICBM'” – “Latest North Korean rocket engine test linked to ICBM programme” – “North Korea tests rocket engine, possibly for ICBM – U.S. officials”
• “South Korea says engagement with North possible only with strength”
• “North Korea may be open to moratorium on nuclear, missile tests” – “North Korea Reaches Out to US with Offer for Nuclear, Missile Testing Moratorium”  – “North Korean diplomat offers compromise to halt nuclear tests” – “North Korea hints at suspending nuke tests if S. Korea-US military exercises are suspended”
• “China’s top diplomat holds talks with Donald Trump on North Korea”
• “US pressed to pursue deal on freezing North Korea nuclear tests”
• “Will America Wage War with a Nuclear -Armed North Korea ?”
• “China reiterates NK stance”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Senior Chinese, American military officials meet in Washington” – “China, U.S. hold “constructive and fruitful” dialogue on diplomatic, security issues”
• “Virginia Man Charged with Espionage, Accused of Leaking Classified Info to China”
• “Japanese warship takes Asian guests on cruise in defiance of China”
• “China’s new long-range maritime surveillance plane could cover all of S. China Sea: report” – “China deploys new anti-submarine aircraft to fringes of South China Sea”
• “Chinese Army strengthens supervision at grass-roots level”
• “Chinese military authorities to shut down majority of paid army services”
• “Safety of military airports in China threatened by nearby high-rises: army newspaper”
• “Asia-Pacific countries eye Russia’s advanced fighter jets and amphibious planes”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “EU Flexes Military Muscles With New Defense Plan”
• “A NATO F-16 Tailed the Russian Defense Minister Over the Baltic — A Russian Su-27 chased off the Polish jet …”
• “Nuclear bombs over Lithuania?” (EU vs Disinformation)
• “(EST) Defense chief: Cooperation among NATO eastern flank nations critical”
• “WMD’s radio technical regiment units started the tactical exercise in Karelia (near Finnish border)” (RUS MoD)
• “Not Georgia, Not Crimea: Ethnic Russian Discrimination in Estonia and Latvia – NAOC”
• “No official report in Belarus about light aircraft incident at Lithuanian border”
• “Russian Army Again Threatening Georgia From the Occupied Territories”
• “(RUS) Defense Ministry comments on upcoming Russia-China military exercises”
• “The Kremlin: Preparations have not been made for a meeting between Putin and Trump”
• “Russia to Deploy Its First Operational AIP-Powered Underwater Sea Ghost — Kronstadt, the fourth generation diesel-electric attack submarine (Project 677 or Lada class), is to be launched in 2018. It will become the first ever Russian Air-independent propulsion (AIP) boat …”
• Russia Claims Its Next-Generation Main Battle Tank Has 3 Times The Range Of The Abrams”
• “Aerial Spies: How NATO is Searching for Any Loopholes in Russia’s Defense”
• “I See You: Why Washington is Uneasy About Russia’s New Early Warning Radars”
• “Moscow slams Poland’s decision on war memorials as attempt to insult memory of fallen”
• “Russia probe expands to Facebook, Drudge, foreign companies”

#Ukraine

• Analyzing Proposed Changes to How UKR Fights the Fight  “ATO or No ATO? What did Turchinov and Poroshenko think in the fourth year of the war” (in Ukrainian) – Google English Translation
• “Canadian soldiers ‘love’ military training program in Lviv Oblast”
• “Experts Urge Congress and Trump to Arm Ukraine”
• “Looks like the US will start providing Ukraine with weapons to combat Russia with”
• ANOTHER ceasefire … “OSCE to watch closely “harvest ceasefire” preservation in Donbass” – “Germany welcomes harvesting period ceasefire in Donbas”  – “Minsk contact group announces ‘harvest ceasefire’ as shelling in Donbas continues” – “DPR hopes Kiev will reduce strikes during “harvest ceasefire” – Pushilin”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 21 June 2017” – URK govt ATO map, 23 Jun 2017 – “35 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Donbas: 29 attacks on Ukrainian positions” – “Spokesperson for ATO issues: Two Ukrainian soldiers wounded, one killed in mine blast” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire eight times” – “Militants launched 29 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” – “Donbas: Ten attacks on Ukrainian positions over day”
• “Stepan Poltorak: Until the end of 2017 a new food supply system will be implemented in about 20% military units” (UKR MoD)
• “DPR Ombudsman confirms detainees verification process successful completion”
• “Turchynov announces check of all from occupied territories who want to get biometric passport” – “Crimean authorities discourage residents from obtaining Ukrainian biometric passports by threatening them with arrest on the mainland of Ukraine”
• Really???  “English-speaking ‘volunteers’ in NATO uniform deliver electronic equipment to Popasnaya — A group of “American volunteers” wearing NATO uniform and carrying uninstalled electronic equipment has appeared in the Kiev-controlled Popasnaya, the LPR Ministry of Internal Affairs Public Relations Center reports …”
• “Russian Defense Ministry: Nearly 2,000 spring conscripts arrived at Sevastopol to serve in the Russian Black Sea Fleet”
• “Press Statement of Special Representative of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Sajdik after meeting of Trilateral Contact Group on 21 June 2017” – “Remarks by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OSCE Dmitry Balakin on the situation in Ukraine and the need to implement the Minsk Agreements, Vienna, June 22, 2017”
• ” ‘Normandy Four’ leaders’ meeting not being planned for now, phone call will take place”
• “Kuchma expects no tangible advancements at Donbas talks until German and Russian elections” – “Russia wants frozen conflict in Donbas as in Transnistria but more frightful, – Kuchma”
• “Over 76,000 tonnes of Donbas coal smuggled to Russia within month – NGO” – “PM Groysman assures Ukrainian state companies don’t buy Russian coal”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Lockheed Martin Hopeful Canada Will Purchase the F-35 and not F-18 Super Hornets” – “Lockheed Exec ‘Confident’ Canada Will Pick F-35 as Block Buy Eyed” – “Boeing plays down Bombardier dispute, still hopes to sell fighter jets to Canada” – “Boeing downplays dispute with rival Bombardier, calls it ‘company-to-company issue’ “
• Wanted:  “Sniper Body Armour System … The sniper community currently has access to the in-service Fragmentation Protective Vest (FPV) that is worn by all Canadian Forces (CF) members. The in-service FPV is an all-in-one system, meaning the soft armour and in-service Bullet Resistant Plate (BRP) pockets are part of one garment. While the in-service FPV provides excellent ballistic protection, it hinders the snipers ability to operate effectively due to its bulk and restricted range of motion. Therefore it was determined that snipers require a less restrictive garment that allows flexibility of protection and movement based on operational needs …”
• Wanted:  “Dev of Characterization Methodology EO — The Canadian Forces (CF) must regularly select equipment to support operations. Sensors are an integral part of the electro-optical systems used to detect and locate threats. One of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)s mandates is to support the CF in its electro-optical system acquisition process by technically translating their operational needs, evaluating the performance of sensors currently in use, evaluating the potential of sensors from emerging technologies, analyzing options and issuing recommendations …” – Bid packages (PDF)

Internal Security

• “Montreal suspect in Michigan airport stabbing had tried to buy a gun, FBI says” – “Stabbing suspect was caretaker, studied insurance sales” – “FBI: Stabbing suspect in Michigan days before airport attack, unable to buy gun” – “Officer stabbed at Bishop International Airport, FBI says it’s terrorism, Canadian charged” –  More on Amor Ftouhi via Google News
• “Bill C-59 omits essential check on abuse of power”
• “Meet 5 of the World’s Most Dangerous Hacker Groups”

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “How Does Canada’s New Defence Policy Measure Up? A Benchmark Analysis” (PDF, Conference of Defence Associations paper)
• “The shelf life of defence White Papers”

Other

• “HMCS Ottawa joins multi-ship exercise — Two months into POSEIDON CUTLASS 17, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa left Port Klang, Malaysia, to go their separate ways …”
• New Commander for CSOR … “Change of Command at CSOR: LCol Andrew Vivian assumes command from LCol Steven Hunter, 22 Jun. #CANSOFCOM https://t.co/dCPMtr5UXY”
• … CFB Esquimalt …  “New commander, region’s ‘14th mayor,’ takes the helm at base”
• … and CFAWC  “New leader for CFAWC”
• “CFB Shilo honoured with ‘Freedom of the City’ “
• “RCAF command team touches down at 4 Wing”
• “Controlled detonations at Base Borden no cause for alarm”
• “Women in Aviation: Chief Warrant Officer Brigitte Marley”

---

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 22, 2017

#CANvsISIL

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

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

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

#Syria

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

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

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

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

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

#Ukraine

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

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

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

Internal Security

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

Changes to #CAN Security Law

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

Way Up North

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

What’s Canada Buying?

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

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

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

Mental Health in the CAF

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

Other

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

---

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 21, 2017

Internal Security

• “Canada seeks to boost transparency with new security review agency”
• “How, when and where can Canada’s digital spies hack? Government makes some suggestions in CSE Act”
• “CSE getting ‘proactive’ mandate overhaul in major national security reform bill”
• “Loi antiterroriste: Ottawa veut pouvoir lancer des cyberattaques”
• “Ottawa crée une super-unité de surveillance du renseignement”
• “On national security, Liberals stake out the middle ground”
• “Liberals table bill to remodel national security services, oversight”
• “Canada going on offensive on cyberwarfare”
• “Liberals to create ‘super’ national security watchdog as part of anti-terror law overhaul”
• “New national security approach lets electronic spy agency play cyber-offence”
• “Canada Plans to Boost Oversight of Its Intelligence and Security Services”
• “Canada’s Spies, Police, and Border Agents Are Quietly Coordinating on Biometrics”
• “Le projet de loi C-59 destiné à remplacer la controversée loi antiterroriste des conservateurs a été déposé “

#CANvsISIL

• “Malgré l’escalade militaire en Syrie, le Canada poursuit sa mission”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

#Syria

• “Russia in Syria Monitor, June 13-20, 2017”
• “U.S. Shoots Down Armed, Iranian-Made Drone Over Syria Amid Russian Protests”  – “US Shoots Down Armed Drone Over Southern Syria” –  “US shoots down another Iranian UAV over Syria” – “The U.S. military just shot down another Syrian drone”
• “The Real Reason The Navy, Not The Air Force, Got The First Air-To-Air Kill Since Desert Storm”
• “Is Russia Ready to Fire at US Military Jets in Syria?”
• “Russian diplomat blasts US military presence in southern Syria as ‘illegal’ “
• “Senators want Congress to OK military action in Syria”
• “The US Has No Long-Term Plan In Syria, And That’s Dangerous”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Russia has no confirmation of IS leader’s death: Interfax”
• “ISIS media deputy minister killed in Mosul”
• ” ‘Fighting Joe’ Dunford Explains Exactly How Mattis’ ‘Annihilation Campaign’ Against ISIS Will Go Down”
• “Islamic State’s cyber army still ‘largely intact’ despite America’s efforts”
• “The Kurdish region of Iraq is going to vote on independence. Here’s what you need to know.”
• “Italian police arrest asylum seeker over ISIS propaganda”

#Ukraine

• MOAR Sanctions!  “Treasury Designates Individuals and Entities Involved in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine” (US Treasury info-machine)  – “Kremlin calls U.S. statement on eastern Ukraine inappropriate” – “Russia considering retaliatory sanctions against U.S.: Kremlin” – “Lavrov Accuses U.S. Of ‘Russophobic Mania’ After New Sanctions Imposed”
• #UKR Boss Drops By #USA  “President Poroshenko: President Trump can help bring peace to Ukraine” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “President met with U.S. Secretary of State” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “Readout of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis’ meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko” – “Ukraine leader says Trump voiced strong support for Kiev during talks” – From the pro-separatist press: “Nazi Coup Leader Of Ukraine Meets US President Trump For Only 10 Minutes, Coca Cola Or Dr. Pepper Tubby !” – “The United States and Ukraine might sign a security agreement stipulating for placement of American military equipment in Ukraine” (To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “US military on visit to Lviv Land Forces Academy” (UKR MoD)
• “Russia Expects United States Will Force Ukraine to Implement Minsk Agreements”
• “Ukraine can only defeat Russia with aid of allies, – MP”
• “Stepan Poltorak holds talks with Minister of Defence of France” (UKR MoD)
• “Minister Sajjan to Address Ottawa’s Ukrainian-Canadian Community (in Ottawa)”
• “Ukraine prepares new law on Donbas military operation”
• “34,000 Ukrainian soldiers in ATO zone, 100 servicemen killed this year” – “There are 34,000 military men of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in ATO zone”
• “Spot Report by the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): Armed man shoots at and violently attacks SMM in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata” (OSCE) – Play “Guess Which Side Wrote This Version”! “Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemns militants’ attack on OSCE observers” – “Ukraine’s Defense Ministry confirm yesterday’s attack on OSCE observers” –  “Armed provocators detained in DPR after discrediting attack on OSCE SMM” – “Armed men who attacked OSCE SMM detained in DPR” – “OSCE monitors cannot say who attacked them in Yasinovataya. There were 6 armed people in balaclavas” – “Armed man in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata shoots at OSCE SMM amid violent attack”
• “OSCE SMM Deputy Chief Monitor visits DPR south with an inspection”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 19 June 2017” – “Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 20 June 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 21, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, June 13-20, 2017” – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 06/20/2017” – “36 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours”  – “Kiev forces shell LPR territory six times” – “LPR reports six ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Poroshenko says over 40,000 Russian troops in occupied Donbas” –  “Russian propagandists disclose air defense positions at Khmeimim air base” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Colonel of the National Guard of Ukraine goes missing without trace” – “(UKR) Defense Ministry do not confirm capture of missing National Guard officer”
• “Ukraine to block websites from Donbass and Crimea”
• “DPR activists pass 31 Ukrainian torture victims’ cases to International Criminal Court” – “ECHR files 1,400 DPR residents’ statements on Kiev war crimes” – “Russia opens trumped-up “criminal cases” against Ukrainian soldiers”
• From the Separatist Media  “Due To Low Moral, Drugs And Alcohol, Nazi Ukraine Units Abandon Front Line Positions, The Proud LPR People’s Army Take Control Without A Shot !” – “Defective army, uneducated generals, poor logistics cripple common Ukrainians” – “What can the Armed Forces of Ukraine teach NATO? — Another loud statement of the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister, Pavel Klimkin: he is sure that Ukraine has something to teach NATO and that Ukrainian soldiers are even better than the North Atlantic Alliance’s fighters.Is it so? …” – “US military reserves may be placed on Ukraine’s territory”
• “How An Entire Nation Became Russia’s Test Lab for Cyberwar — Russia’s Cyberwar on Ukraine Is a Blueprint For What’s to Come …”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canadian presence in Latvia reduces danger of Crimean-style takeover, Latvian ex-general says”
• “Canada and other NATO members continue pressing Putin”
• “Partnership of countries of NATO battalion to be more than military cooperation”
• “Lithuanian President and NATO SYG observe eFP Battle Groups’ Training Exercise” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “NATO Allies bridge the Suwalki Gap” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “NATO′s Jens Stoltenberg warns Russia during Baltic military drills”
• “Ministers of National Defence and Foreign Affairs met with NATO Secretary General” (Lithuanian DefMin)
• “US participates in NATO drill that approximates Russian invasion between Poland and Lithuania”
• “Norway Sent 200 Soldiers to Russia Border”
• “Latvia boosts defence spending”
• “Armed Russian Jet Comes Within 5 Feet of US Recon Jet” – “Russian Defense Minister’s Plane Harassed by NATO Jet”
• “Russia and China to hold a military exercise in the Baltic Sea”
• “Russia’s Military Precision Strike Capability Prioritizes Iskander-M”
• “Russia to supply batch of Su-30SM jet fighters to Belarus”
• “Russian troops to start Armata tank operational evaluation in 2019”
• “Putin Trying to Create His Own Praetorian Guard to Protect Him Against Internal Revolt”
• “European Response to Russia’s Disinformation and Cyber Aggression: Reaction or Strategy?”
• “Are Russia And The Saudis Planning A Natural Gas Cartel?”

Canada Into Africa?

• “Opération NABERIUS: première rotation de l’Armée canadienne complétée”
• “UN to vote on sending troops to Sahel after French-US deal”
• “Secretary-General Condemns Terrorist Attack in Bamako, Mali”
• “Mali: UN condemns terrorist attack at hotel on the outskirts of Bamako”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “USS Destroyer and Canadian Naval Warships make first docking at Jeju naval base”
• “US spy satellites detect activity at North Korean nuclear test site”  – “US-China to meet as ‘activity detected’ at North Korea nuclear test site”
• “Patriot batteries are Tokyo’s last line of defense against North Korean missiles” – “Japan missile defense drill aims to ease concern over North Korean threat”
• “South Korea says crashed North Korean drone a ‘grave provocation’ “
• “China Counters Trump, Says North Korea Efforts ‘Indispensable’ “
• “State Department presses North Korea to release detained Americans”
• “North Korea faces calls to release remaining U.S. prisoners after Otto Warmbier’s death”
• “Trump faces ‘land of lousy options’ with North Korea after Otto Warmbier’s death”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China, US to hold first diplomatic, security dialogue” – “North Korea Discussion Expected at U.S.-China Dialogue, DoD Official Says” (US DoD)
• “Chinese Navy commander meets with US Pacific Fleet commander”
• “China’s Formidable Nuclear Submarine Fleet Coming Soon”
• “China donates military equipment to Serbian Army”
• “A more loyal PLA rebuffs the heresy of separating the Party and military”
• “Scholarly soldiers — The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s flagship newspaper recently responded to netizens who suggested that the military is the last refuge for those who fail China’s highly competitive college entrance examinations, or gaokao …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Liberal ministers meet Lockheed Martin at Paris Air Show, snub Boeing”
• “U.S. could stand in the way of Canadian purchase of armed drones, DND documents warn”
• Wanted:  “PERSONNEL PARACHUTE, BACK”
• Wanted:  “Instructor … The Department of National Defence (DND) Air Force Aerospace Control Training (AF AEC Training) requires the services of a Contracted Instructor to facilitate the DND developed Air Force On Scene Controller Emergency Response Course (OSCER) …”
• “Even the US army wants the Made in Canada label on its tech devices”

Afghanistan

• “How Trump might break Afghan stalemate”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Top general urges new approach to injured soldiers”
• “MPs say Ottawa should reach out to soldiers who took mefloquine”

Other

• “Liberals face tough questions on Afghanistan and interim fighter jets”
• “Liberals planning $600M down payment on defence strategy”
• “Highlights from Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2017 : Video”
• “Joint statement on the occasion of the visit of the Australian Chief of Army to the Canadian Army”
• “Minister Of National Defence Appoints A New Judge Advocate General”
• “Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre to welcome new CO”
• “RCAF firefighter deploys on Iceland mission”

World War Two

• “Portrait of Courage: Alan Arnett McLeod, VC”

---

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 20, 2017

#Syria

• “Canada mum on threat of Russia shooting down war planes over Syria”
• “Australia Suspends Syria Airstrikes Amid US-Russia Tensions” – “Australia halts Syria air strikes after Russia warning”
• “The Official Russian Statement About Syrian Jet Shootdown Includes A Juvenile Turdball” (To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “Confusion in the Air and on the Ground as U.S. and Syrian Planes Clashed”
• “Pilot of Syrian aircraft dropped by US-led coalition found in Raqqa”
• “Russia Draws A Line Across Syria After US Shoots Down Syrian Jet”
• “Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue; U.S. Super Hornet Downs Syrian Jet” (US DoD info-machine)
• “A flexing contest in Syria may trap the US in an endless conflict”
• “Analysis: Future of Post-ISIS Raqqa Remains Unclear”
• “Al-Qa’ida: Rebuilding Capabilities in Syria” (NJ DHS)

#CANvsISIL

• “With Kurdish independence closer than ever, Canada needs to prepare a response — A referendum on independence for Iraqi Kurds is set for September. Given Canada’s support of Kurdish forces in the country — and by extension their nation-building efforts — it can’t avoid involvement in the future of Iraq, writes Michael Petrou …”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• From the New Jersey DHS  “ISIS: Magazine Suggests Hostage Taking as a Tactic” (NJ DHS) – “Extremists Poised to Continue Using Vehicles in Operations (UPDATED)” (NJ DHS)
• “ISIS: Continues to Withstand Leadership Losses” – “Daesh: What Happens Next?”
• “The Yazidis Of Iraq Are Disappearing From The Country”
• “ISIS Presents Battles In Philippines As Part Of War Against Christianity” (Middle East Media Research Institute)

Internal Security

• “Quebec man found guilty of trying to join ISIS” – “Ismael Habib coupable de terrorisme” – “Ismaël Habib coupable d’avoir voulu rejoindre une organisation terroriste à l’étranger” – “Quebec man guilty of attempting to leave Canada to join Daesh” – “Le Québécois Ismaël Habib déclaré coupable d’avoir tenté de rejoindre l’EI en Syrie”
• “Liberals to introduce bills to reform Access to Information and national security laws” – “Access to Information law changes won’t open up PMO, cabinet offices” – “Liberals set to table bill to revamp national security measures” – “Agenda for National Security Law Day” (National Security Law Blog)

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Russian fake news smears fallen Canadian soldiers”
• “Canadian-led NATO Battlegroup begins work in Latvia” (CAF info-machine) – “Canadian combat engineers make a home for NATO battlegroup in Latvia” (CAF Info-machine) – “Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia: joint press point” (Pentagon/NATO info-machines) – “Canadian-Led NATO Battle Group Begins Operations in Latvia – Defense Ministry” – “Latvia welcomes NATO troops” – “Multinational NATO battalion begins official work in Latvia” – “Latvia welcomes NATO battlegroup – ceremony” (Pentagon/NATO info-machine video) – “(LVA) President Vejonis calls NATO Enhanced Forward Presence a historic affirmation of solidarity”
• “ZAPAD risk is “low” say Kucinskis, Stoltenberg — Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis met with NATO General secretary Jens Stoltenberg on June 19, in Riga, receiving a briefing on the launch of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) and the forthcoming Zapad exercises due to take place in Russia and Belarus, and which have set some security analysts and military personnel speculating about possible incursions …”
• “Latvia’s Defense Budget to Meet NATO 2% GDP Target in 2018 – President”
• “NATO Holds Military Maneuvers In Poland, Near Lithuanian Border” – “Baltics’ land link to other Nato allies” – “U.S. Soldiers Join British Marines, Polish Soldiers in Lithuania for Saber Strike 17” – “Nato holds first war games on vulnerable Baltic corridor” – “Nato runs drill to defend Baltic border from Russians” – “NATO deploys 4 battalions in Baltic states, Poland” – “Russia Plans Mega Drill After NATO simulates Invasion”
• “Updated Tu-160 will take off in a year” (Rossiskaya Gazeta, in Russian)
• “In July, two “Varshavyanka” for the Pacific Fleet will be built in St. Petersburg — At the “Admiralty Shipyards” in St. Petersburg in July, the first two non-nuclear submarines of Project 636.3 for the Pacific Fleet will be laid …” (Rossiskaya Gazeta, in Russian)
• “The exercises involving the ships of the Chinese Navy will be held in the Baltic Sea” (Rossiskaya Gazeta, in Russian)
• “Russia to modernize Indian Ka-28 helicopters in cooperation with Italy”
• “Russia set to become leader in military aircraft market in next decade”
• “Russia’s biggest defense contractor reports on sales boost despite sanctions”
• “Don’t believe the hype about Russia’s hypersonic missile” (Popular Science)

#Ukraine

• “Canadian armed forces delegation visits future military law enforcement training centre in Lviv” (UKR MoD) – “The delegation of the Canadian Armed Forces familiarized itself with the capabilities of the Training Center of the Military Service of Law Enforcement, which is being set up in Lviv” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Ukraine’s President Poroshenko to Hold Talks With Trump in US on Tuesday” – “Ukrainian and U.S. militaries reaffirm their strategic bilateral partnership” (UKR MoD)  – “(UKR) President in the United States: It is important that the meeting of the Ukrainian President in the White House will take place earlier than that of Putin” (UKR pres info-machine)
• “Stepan Poltorak holds talks with Minister of Defence of France” (UKR MoD)
• “OSCE Deputy Chief Monitor Hug to visit Donetsk on June 20”
• “OSCE SMM: armed ‘DPR’ members instructed not to let SMM pass checkpoints”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 18 June 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 20 June 2017 – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 20, 2017” (UKR MOD) – “Militants fire on Ukrainian army positions 43 times over past day” – “Ukrainian forces violate ceasefire 37 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “37 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Ukrainian forces launch nearly 4 thousand shells onto LPR in June”
• “DPR, Kiev to jointly exhume Ukrainian servicemen’ bodies near Marinovka”
• “Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces shows interest in Z-10 precision rifle”
• “Bill on Donbas reintegration might be introduced in Rada in coming days, – Speaker Parubii” – “Kiev’s plan for the ‘reintegration of Donbass’ is rejected (by separatists)” – “Martial law is not for everyone. What will replace the ATO?” – “Turchynov introduces concept bill on Donbas de-occupation – Rada Speaker” – “DPR rejects Kiev’s plan on Donbass reintegration” – ‘Humanitarian component of Kiev’s draft law on Donbass reintegration is tenuous, Pushilin says”
• “OSCE: Hostilities in Donbas put water supply to over 1 mln people at risk” – “Over million people may be left without water due to fighting in Donbas, — Hug”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “Korea, US, Canada to Stage Military Drills Near Jeju” – “Canada to Join US and Korea in Naval Exercise”
• “US military in South Korea face growing threats from North”
• “Mattis Explains What War With North Korea Would Look Like” (Task & Purpose blog)
• “Pyongyang won’t discuss nuclear issues with Seoul: North Korean media”
• “Seoul distances itself from adviser comments on joint military exercises — Moon Chung-in said President considering downsizing exercises in exchange for DPRK denuclearization …”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China to unveil new weapon systems at upcoming large-scale military parade”
• “Advanced PLA navy ship to join joint drill with Russia”
• “A longtime US ally may soon be home to a Chinese military base”
• “25th Chinese naval escort taskforce completes visit to New Zealand”
• China’s nuclear weapons research and development has attained the world’s most advanced level although the country’s nuclear weapons stockpile is small, experts said Sunday, one day after the 50th anniversary of the country’s first test of a hydrogen bomb …”
• “China claims development of microwave photonics-based radar”

#Afghanistan

• “(AFG) Troop Levels Are Too Important To Be Left To The Generals” (Task & Purpose blog)
• “Too Little, Too Late? White House-Pentagon Review of the War in Afghanistan Pushes Cracking Down on Pakistan For Its Support of Taliban and ISIS”

Way Up North

• “Four artificial islands will be built in Kola Bay”
• “Putin: Our future lies in the Arctic”
• “Four manmade islands to be built in Kola Gulf for marine construction work”
• “(RUS) Lead icebreaker Arktika to enter service in June 2019”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “RCMP allege federal procurement employee with no link to admiral leaked shipbuilding info”
• “Ottawa’s Super Hornet plan fails to stand up to defence community scrutiny” – “McDonough and Crowley: The experts weigh in – the Super Hornet purchase is a bad one”
• Wanted:  “Search and Rescue Mission Management System Application … Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is requesting Industry feedback regarding the design, assembly, delivery and support of a Search and Rescue Mission Management System (SMMS) Web-based Application …”
• “More than 90 new manufacturing jobs linked to the aerospace industry could be created in Quebec thanks to the Government of Canada’s $2.2 million investment in the form of repayable contributions. The funding will help the Canadian aerospace industry continue to provide high-quality jobs for all Canadians …”
• “B.C. tech could cash in on Canada’s defence plan”
• “Bureaucrats, Canadian officers headed to Paris for taxpayer-funded vacation?”
• “Pratt & Whitney Canada Signs Maintenance Contracts Covering More than 300 Auxiliary Power Units”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “After campaigning off the backs of veterans, the Trudeau government turns its back to them”
• “Nova Scotia’s health authority has agreed to meet with Lionel Desmond’s immediate family next week, almost six months after the former Canadian soldier fatally shot his mother, wife, daughter and himself in a horrific murder-suicide …”

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “Special Report on Defence Policy, Pt. 1: Initial Findings – NAOC” (NATO Association of Canada)

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Dans l’affaire Stéphanie Raymond, l’appel de l’acquittement de l’adjudant Gagnon enfin entendu en septembre”

Other

• “After completing a two-year assignment as I Corps’ Deputy Commanding General for Operations, Canadian Brig. Gen. Dany Fortin and his wife Madeleine Collin, are headed north, back to their home country …” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “Mapping Our Past and Present: The Department of National Defence launches an interactive online map to commemorate Canada 150”
• “A brief history on (Exercise) Maple Flag”
• ” “Lost Airmen of the Empire” memorial dedicated at Patricia Bay”

---

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 19, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Harjit Sajjan Rules Out Sending Troops To Syria In New Anti-ISIL Mission” – “Les troupes canadiennes n’iront pas en Syrie, dit le ministre Sajjan”
• “ON TARGET: Barbarism casts doubt on Canada’s role in Iraq”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Investigating the Russian Ministry of Defense claim they may have killed ISIS leader” – “ISIS leader Baghdadi has a history of coming back from the dead” – “Russia Says It Killed ISIS Leader 2 Weeks Ago, Maybe, Possibly” – “Why the death of ISIS’s leader could spell trouble” – “Did Russia Kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Or Not? Russia – Professionals Or Not?” (To Inform is to Influence)
• “The war we’re not fighting against ISIS”
• “Iraq Control of Terrain Map: June 16, 2017” (ISW)
• “Kurdish independence in Iraq could inflame a destabilized neighborhood” – “Iraqi PM says Kurdish referendum “illegal”, will not support it”
  
• “The US agreed a major warplane sale to Qatar and began maneuvers with the emirate’s navy Thursday, underscoring its commitment to their military alliance despite Do-ha’s rift with other Gulf allies …”
• “Gulf blockade target isn’t Qatar, it’s Al Jazeera: Burman”
• “Iraqi forces urge IS fighters to surrender as Mosul’s Old City invasion begins” – “Iraq troops push into last ′Islamic State′ bastion in Mosul” – “Iraqi Forces Begin Offensive to Retake Mosul’s Old City” – “Iraqi Offensive to Recapture Mosul’s Old City From ISIS Has Begun”
• “The Islamic State’s four layers of threat”

#Syria

• “Syrian SU-22 Fighter Shot Down by U.S. Fighter Near Raqqa in Northern Syria” –  “US shoots down Syrian Air Force fighter jet” – “A U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Just Shot Down a Syrian Warplane” – “US fighter jet downs Syrian plane in Raqqa province” – “Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet shoots down Syrian jet after it attacks U.S. allies” – “U.S. military said U.S. fighter plane was defending anti-ISIS fighters in Syria” – “Coalition Defends Partner Forces from Syrian Fighter Jet Attack” (CENTCOM info-machine) – “Russian Foreign Ministry: US strike against Syrian plane is act of aggression” – “Lavrov stresses any ‘on the ground’ action in Syria should be coordinated with Damascus”
• “Russia Halts Cooperation With US Within Deconfliction Channel in Syrian Airspace”
• “US-led coalition says hostile actions of Syrian pro-regime forces will not be tolerated”
• “Iran Says It Fired Missiles at Terror Bases in Eastern Syria” – “Iran fires missiles at ISIL positions in eastern Syria” – “Iran fires missiles against ‘terrorist bases’ in E. Syria in retaliation for Tehran attacks” – “Iran strikes Islamic State targets in Syria in response to parliament attack” – “Iran fires missiles against Islamic State in Syria”
• “Backgrounder on Russia’s Military Intervention in Syria: 2015-Date” (AP)
• “Report: Israel secretly giving aid to Syrian rebels”
• “U.N. mediator targets fresh Syria talks for July 10”

Canada Into Africa?

• “Internal documents detail UN peacekeeping requests for Mali, other hotspots”
• “(Minister of International Development and La Francophonie) Bibeau to hold media teleconference from South Sudan”
• “Terrorist attacks ‘major’ hurdle to peace in Mali, UN mission chief tells Security Council”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Wang Yi Meets with Newly-appointed Canadian Ambassador to China John McCallum” (CHN MFA)
• “USS Fitzgerald Badly Damaged After Crash With A Merchant Ship In The Pacific”
• CHN military press opinion:  “US patrols in name of freedom of navigation unapproved”
• “China’s Islands Building Wins in South China Sea and Then in Pacific”
• “Chinese naval fleet departs for joint drill in Russia” – “Advanced PLA navy ship to join joint drill with Russia”
• “Senior military leader meets with Pakistani Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee”
• “Senior Chinese military official visits Vietnam”
• “Iran, China Conduct Naval Drill in Gulf” – “Chinese naval fleet wraps up visit to Iran”
• “China, Finland willing to advance military cooperation”
• “China to deepen defense cooperation with central and eastern European countries”
• “The inconvenient truth about North Korea and China”
• “Celebration held for 20th anniversary of PLA’s stationing in HKSAR — A meeting was held at a barrack on Stonecutters Island Friday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) being stationed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) …”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “South Korea Delays THAAD Deployment – What Next?”
• “North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station: Construction Activity Continues at Launch Pad”
• “(US) DOJ accuses Chinese company of laundering money for sanctioned DPRK entities”
• “Russian yacht intercepted by North Korea returns to Vladivostok” – “Incident around detention of Russian yacht in DPRK fully settled”
• “North Korea demands explanations from US over seizure of diplomatic package”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Russian, Chinese foreign ministers agree to enhance coordination in world affairs” – “Press release on the talk between the foreign ministers of Russia and China” (RUS MFA) – “Russia, China fostering strategic relations – Lavrov”
• “Nato shields its weak spot in first ever large scale defensive drill in Lithuania amid fears of a Russian assault” – “eFP Battle Group Poland crosses the Suwalki Gap into Lithuania” (Pentagon Info-machine) –  “NATO war game defends Baltic weak spot for first time” – “A combined forces exercise transitioned into a medical evacuation exercise with mock injured Soldiers outside Sventezeris, Lithuania, June 18 …” – “Lithuanians ‘sleep peacefully’ thanks to German troops”
• “Two years since NATO command element in Tallinn established”
• “NATO’s Stoltenberg visits Latvia”
• “Russia’s army orders Terminator fire support combat vehicles”
• “Russia may supply 48 military transport helicopters to India in 2018”
• “A Line in the Steppes: NATO Meets an Expanded SCO”

#Ukraine

• “Poroshenko leaving for U.S. to meet with Trump” – “Poroshenko leaves on working visit to U.S.” –  “A.Parubii: US-UA memorandum to uplift interaction” (Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine) – “Top 5 issues Poroshenko is to discuss in the White House”
• “EU sanctions over occupied Crimea, Sevastopol extended for another 12 months” – “EU extends sanctions against Russia over occupied Crimea for 12 months” – “EU Foreign Ministers Extend Crimea Sanctions”
• “Russia remains main coal supplier for Ukraine — Energy Ministry”
• Updates from All Sides  “Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 19, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 19 Jun 2017
•  – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 06/18/2017” – “Donbas war update: 6 Ukraine soldiers wounded in almost 50 attacks on Sunday” – “Donbas conflict: 19 shelling reported in ATO area over the day” – “Ukraine violated ceasefire 71 times in a day” – “LPR reports ten ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces” – “Donbas: Six Ukrainian servicemen wounded since early June 18” – “Nearly 50 ceasefire violations reported in DPR over day” – “Six Ukrainian servicemen wounded in 47 shellings by militants in Donbas” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 10 times” – “Six Ukrainian soldiers wounded yesterday, – ATO HQ” –
• From the Seapratist Media Machine  “Urgent report from the Deputy Command-In-Chief of the DPR — Ukrainian hostile side violates the ceasefire regime, and this time they started using tanks at the populated area of Donetsk Spartak. Tanks worked 20 times and infantry combat vehicles worked 35 times …” – “Ukrainian commanders sell advanced positions to DPR army – Basurin — Commanders of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are ready to leave their positions in Donbass for an “acceptable” reward, in a number of cases, the DPR Armed Forces managed to persuade the enemy to do it for free. This information was announced by the Vice-Commander of the Republican Operational Command Eduard Basurin …” – “Kiev is planning to cancel ATO and to implement military situation in Mariupol” – “The second Ukrainian position left for the week”

Internal Security

• “Canada cyber-spy agency expects hacktivist attacks in 2019 vote” – Lux Ex Umbra “CSE releases report on electoral threats” – “Cyber Threats To Canada’s Democratic Process” (Communications Security Establishment) – “Attention: cyberattaques d’États étrangers fort possibles sur les prochaines élections canadiennes en 2019”
• “Mysterious hacker linked to attacks on Canadian miners, casinos”
• ” ‘Hack-proof’ quantum internet networks closer to reality, studies say”
• “Alleged Yahoo hacker is considering waiving extradition hearing”
• “American Political Violence Can Be Stamped Out If We’re Smart”

Afghanistan

• “Mattis Hasn’t Decided to Send 4K More Troops to Afghanistan”
• “McChrystal: 4,000 More Troops In Afghanistan Is A Good Start”

Way Up North

• “What Canada’s New Defense Policy Means for the Arctic”
• “Arctic area to be expanded with three Karelia districts — Three districts in Russia’s Karelia — Loukhsky, Kemsky and Belomorsky — may be added to the country’s list of Arctic areas, according to Yelena Lashkina, aid to and press secretary of the Russian Minister of Economic Development …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Canada’s top general keeping door open to F-35s in open fighter-jet competition”
• Colonel Ted’s take:  “Lies, damned lies, capability gaps and Super Hornets”
• Wanted:  “Meal Kits … There is a requirement for the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest)) to purchase complete Prepared Meal Kits to replace the military Individual Meal Packs (IMP) which have been removed due to the operational tempo of the military …”
• Wanted:  “IMP Program- Retort Pouches”
• Wanted:  “Weapons Systems Modelling and Simulation … The Weapons Systems (WS) Section uses the WeaponsSystemsLibrary (WSL) for its work involving weapons systems modelling and simulation. This library uses the Matlab/Simulink environment, which is very familiar to and valued by members of the Section. The Section would therefore like to continue working with this library …”
• “CAE wins key battles for its military business”

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• “Donald rump lauds Justine Trudeau for increasing Canada’s military budget by 70 percent” – “Trump praises Trudeau for Canada’s increased military spending”
• “(UK) Defence Secretary welcomes new Canadian Defence Policy” (GOV.UK info-machine)
• “Liberals barely deserve pass on defence review”
• “CDA Institute Initial Reflections on the new Defence Policy “Strong, Secure, Engaged” “
• “(NATO Association of Canada) Director Jeff Hull on BNN Talking About Canada’s Role in NATO Against Cyber Attacks”
• “Civilian oversight key to offensive cyber operations, says expert”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “What happened to Lionel Desmond? An Afghanistan veteran whose war wouldn’t end”
• “A soldier first: transgender veteran of Afghanistan war fights for identity”
• “Government of Canada investment in Invictus Games Toronto 2017”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “DND appeals not-guilty verdict in military sexual assault trial”

Other

• “Fighting in the dark: What Canadians still don’t understand about war”
• “HMCS Chicoutimi Struck by Orca-Class Training Vessel”
• “RCAF concludes NATO surveillance and intercept mission”
• “Armed drones may be prone to targeting errors” (Ceasefire.ca)
• “Canadian Army Mounting the Queen’s Guard in London” – “Edmonton Garrison military musicians headed to Buckingham Place” – “Edmonton Garrison’s military band will play at Buckingham Palace”
• “Army members share spiritual experiences at the International Military Pilgrimage”
• “Canadian NORAD Region aircraft practice intercept and escort procedures with United States Air Force bombers”
• “The inner workings of an international exercise — Wing logistics keeps Exercise Maple Flag participants fed, moving, housed, fueled, and much much more …”

---

 

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)

---

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 15, 2017

Canada’s New Defence Policy

• Today’s Update is Brought to You By the Word “Cyber”  “Defence Minister Sajjan prioritizes space and cyber warfare in new defence policy” – “Modernized military will put more emphasis on cyber attacks, defence minister says” – “Cyber warfare, drones are new priorities, defence minister tells Edmonton troops” – “Defence minister shares details with Edmonton troops on cyber warfare, ramping up drone use” – “University of New Brunswick to partner with Canadian Forces on cybersecurity” – “Minister LeBlanc Addresses the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity on Canada’s New Defence Policy”
• “Defence Review: A Realistic Plan That’s Bound to Disappoint”
• “The Defence Policy Review: Déjà Vu All Over Again: James Fergusson for Inside Policy” (Macdonald-Laurier Institute)

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “US Senate overwhelmingly approves Russia sanctions” – “U.S. Senate Advances New Russia Sanctions Amid Moscow Threats, White House Caution” – “Putin says Western sanctions made Russia stronger” – “Putin says proposed new U.S. sanctions result of internal politics in U.S” – “Putin not surprised at US Senate’s crusade to tighten sanctions against Russia” – “New Senate’s anti-Russian sanctions: “that feel of deep satisfaction” A.Parubii” (Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine)
• “Baltic Region Holds Multiple NATO Exercises in Anticipation of Russia’s Massive Zapad 2017 Drills”
• “Soldiers participate in “Saber Strike 2017″ exercise in Estonia” – “NATO Force Integration Units play pivotal role in Exercise Saber Strike 17” (Pentagon info-machine)
• “Invitation for media representatives to register for Exercise Iron Wolf 2017 Distinguished Visitors and Media Day” (Lithuanian MoD info-machine)
• “Lithuania changing defense system acquisitions scheme”
• “Moscow’s Pursuit of Military Strategic Parity With NATO”
• “Space and the Russian Military: New Trends”
• “Monitoring Social Media: Lessons for Future Department of Defense Social Media Analysis in Support of Information Operations” (RAND)
• “The world in black and white” (EU Disinformation Review)

#Ukraine

• “Ottawa quietly eases restrictions on Canadian military mission in Ukraine” – “Canada eases restrictions on its military mission in Ukraine – media”
• “Ukraine Battalion Tactical Groups to Start Training at Starychi in 2018 — Canadian training mission to Ukraine commander Lt. Col. Mark Lubiniecki said that the Starychi combat training center in Ukraine is looking to start rotations of battalion tactical groups in 2018 …”
• “Canada gave Ukrainian border guards the newest digital diagnostic system” (State Border Guard Service of Ukraine info-machine)
• “Sources: Ukraine’s Poroshenko To Meet Trump In Washington” – “Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirms Poroshenko-Trump meeting, doesn’t give specific dates”
• “Parubiy: Ukraine interested in more active participation of the U.S. in resolving conflict with Russia” – “Poland, Italy ready to cooperate in resolving conflict in Donbas” – “US bid for talks outside Minsk format aims to save Poroshenko regime – Pushilin”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 13 June 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 15, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 14 Jun 2017 – UKR govt ATO map, 15 Jun 2017 – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 11 times over 24 hours” – “66 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “LPR reports 11 ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces” – “Three Ukrainian servicemen injure in 55 shellings by militants on Wednesday” – “Russian proxies attack Ukraine 55 times, 3 WIA’s in last day”
• “Russia deploys airborne early warning and control aircraft in Crimea”
• “Ukraine to develop new 155-mm self-propelled howitzer”
• “President: If we cancel ATO and prevent the military from adequate actions in conditions of aggression, we will leave Ukraine defenseless” (UKR Pres Info-machine)
• “President awarded warriors of the legendary 72nd brigade who defend Ukraine in the east” (UKR Pres Info-machine)
• “Ukraine must do much to comply with NATO standards – Turchynov” – “Rada should permit partners from NATO to take part in privatization, investment projects in Ukrainian defense industry – NSDC secretary”
• “Researchers break down malware likely used in Ukraine blackout” – “Turchynov favors passage of Rada law for reliable information, cyber defense”
• Humanitarian Bits  “ICRC trucks deliver over 330 tonnes of relief supplies to Donetsk” – “Hundreds of thousands in eastern Ukraine at grave risk after water supplies disrupted – UN aid chief” – “Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, Statement on Ukraine, 14 June 2017” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) – “Russian humanitarian aid convoy arrives in Lugansk” – “Russian humanitarian aid convoy delivers 364 tons of baby formula, medications to Donetsk” – “66th Russian humanitarian convoy arrives in DPR”
• “Detainees’ questionnaires to be passed to humanitarian subgroup at Minsk meeting”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “Body of a Niagara man killed fighting ISIS returns home, but family isn’t sure it’s his”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Eye On ISIS in Libya Weekly Update” 14 June 2017

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Chinese naval escort force meets with EU Combined Task Force 465”
• “China, Pakistan hold defense and security consultation in Beijing” – “Pakistan deaths show new risks for China”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “S.Korean president names new official to handle North Korea ties”
• “The NSA has linked the WannaCry computer worm to North Korea”
• “Rodman back in N.Korea for ‘private’ visit”

Afghanistan

• “Ethics commissioner says Harjit Sajjan may have downplayed his role in handling of Afghan detainees” – “Is the Afghan detainee case unfinished business?”
• “President Gives Mattis Authority to Set U.S. Troop Strength in Afghanistan” (US DoD)

Internal Security

• “The Birth of Canada’s Armed, Anti-Islamic ‘Patriot’ Group” (Caveat:  some spelling & fact-check errors – like where’s the University of Ontario?)
• “Norsat International may accept U.S. bid over controversial Chinese takeover offer” –  “Trudeau mum on what US said about Chinese takeover of Norsat” – “No buzz from Chinese over tech takeover concerns, but ‘stars aligned’ to build relationship: ambassador”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Defence Experts Reject “Capability-Gap” and Interim Fighter Plan” – “Le remplacement des CF-18 au menu des discussions à Paris”
• Wanted:  “Turn Key Tactical Smartphone Solution Demonstration”

#CAN-#USA Stuff

• Colonel Ted’s Take:  “Everyman’s Strategic Survey: America in 2017 and some steps Canada can take”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Invictus Games will celebrate military families”
• “Invictus Games helps pave way to recovery for veterans : Prince Harry”
• “Invictus Games will celebrate military families”

Other

• “OPINION: A Massive Military Base Would Help Churchill”

---