Today’s D Brief: US Army chief, live; New Pacific bases?; Russia in Africa; Wildfire rescues; And a bit more. – Defense One
Posted By admin on September 11, 2020
The president of Palau has invited the U.S. military to build bases and ports and runways in the republic made up of hundreds of islands in the Philippine Sea. The request came during a visit [to Palau] last week by Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the Wall Street Journals Gordon Lubold reported Tuesday morning.
The request aligns nicely with the White Houses 2018 National Defense Strategy, which calls for enhanced steps to meet security challenges posed by China, Lubold writes.
Palaus request to the U.S. military remains simplebuild joint-use facilities, then come and use them regularly, reads a letter Palauan President Tommy Remengesau Jr., reportedly handed to SecDef Esper. There arent many more details in the letter, according to Lubold.
U.S. Navy Seabees are already extending a runway in Palau so it can support a greater number of C-130 arrivals in the future. Read more, here.
From the region: After Chinese officials questioned them over an unspecified national security problem, two Australian journalists are back in their home country at last on Tuesday. Bill Birtles, the Australian Broadcasting Corp.s Beijing-based correspondent, and Michael Smith, based in Shanghai with the Australian Financial Review, had initially been informed by Chinese state security officials they were banned from leaving China, the WSJ reports from Sydney and Melbourne.
Whats going on: Birtles and Smith were told they were persons of interest in an investigation into a third Australian journalist, Cheng Lei, a news anchor for state broadcaster China Global Television Network, who has been detained in Beijing since mid-August, the Journal writes. Ms. Chengs detention comes as Australias federal government reacts to local concerns about growing Chinese influence by trying to secure veto power over deals between state and local officials and foreign governments, the Journal reported eight days ago. The legislation, expected to be introduced this week, doesnt specifically target Chinait would apply to all foreign governmentsbut it comes at a time when relations between Beijing and the federal government are especially chilly, and China is asserting itself around the world. More from Aug. 31, here; and from Tuesdays reporting from Australia, here.
To review what we mean when we talk about China here in 2020, dont miss this Defense One Radio episode from the summer.
Happening this morning: U.S. Army Chief Gen. James McConville speaks with Defense One Executive Editor Kevin Baron in a livestream that begins at 11 a.m. ET. Its the first in our new series of virtual conversations about the future of each U.S. military service starting with the Army before turning to the Air Force on Sept. 22; the Marine Corps on Sept. 24; Space Force on Oct. 1; and the Navy on Oct. 2.
Shortly after McConvilles conversation, Baron will moderate a panel discussion, which includes former Deputy Director of National Intelligence Karen Gibson, a retired Army three-star; former three-star commander of U.S. Army Europe Ben Hodges; and Tom Karako of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. More info, here; or register for your spot, here.
Also happening at noon ET today: Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy sits down for a firechat side with the Reagan Institutes Director Roger Zakheim. Read more or register for that virtual event, here.
Trump's Reported 'Loser' Remarks Give Biden an Opening // Katie Bo Williams: The remarks fit into the Democrat's existing strategy of painting the president as unsupportive of U.S. troops.
Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are Losers and Suckers // Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic: The president has repeatedly disparaged the intelligence of service members, and asked that wounded veterans be kept out of military parades, multiple sources tell The Atlantic.
Fearing Satellite Hacks and Hijacks, White House Issues Space-Security Directive to Industry // Patrick Tucker: Manufacturers need to build in better defenses and even ways to regain control of hijacked spacecraft, directive says.
Pentagon to Employees: How Can We Boost Diversity? // Courtney Bubl, Nextgov: The request is part of Defense Secretary Mark Espers overhaul of personnel practices.
Herd Immunity Is Not a Strategy // James Hamblin, The Atlantic: What the term actually means, and what it doesnt.
Pentagon Awards JEDI Cloud Contract to Microsoft, Again // Frank R. Konkel and Aaron Boyd, Nextgov: The decision follows a months-long legal challenge filed by Amazon Web Services.
Welcome to this Tuesday edition of The D Brief from Ben Watson with Bradley Peniston. Send us tips from your community right here. And if youre not already subscribed to The D Brief, you can do that here. On this day in 1978, Iran experienced whats now called Black Friday, when at least 100 protesters were shot and killed by soldiers from Irans U.S.-backed Pahlavi monarchy. The incident galvanized the Iranian protest movement and ended any hope of compromise with the ruling Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who fled to the U.S. four months later. By December 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was named Supreme Leader of the newly Islamic republic and the Iranian Revolution, as its remembered, was complete.
At least 37 million people have been displaced by America's "War on Terror," and thats an admittedly conservative estimate from analysts at Brown Universitys Costs of War project (PDF). More than a half dozen scholars counted up refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons in eight of the countries that the U.S. has concentrated most of its airstrikes since Sept. 11, 2001. They calculated the high-end estimate to be closer to 59 million displaced people, rais[ing] the question of who bears responsibility for repairing the damage inflicted on those displaced, the authors write.The countries of origin include Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Pakistan, the Philippines and Libya. And Millions more have been displaced by other post-9/11 conflicts involving U.S. troops in smaller combat operations, including in: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Niger, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia.FWIW, 25.3 million people have returned after being displaced, according to the reports authors, who add that return does not erase the trauma of displacement or mean that those displaced have returned to their original homes or to a secure life.For a historical comparison, World War II is the only conflict that displaced more people over the past 120 years. Read over the full 30-page report from the Costs of War project, here.Reminder from Capt. Obvious: Wars often have awful and unpredictable consequences. Consider the rise of far-right violence in just the past couple of years, as we did in our latest Defense One Radio podcast. That increase especially in the U.S. didnt emerge simply out of the blue. We did see an increase in the number of attacks [from far-right extremists] sort of coinciding with the election of Donald Trump; but it's not just that, Erin Miller, program manager for the Global Terrorism Database at the University of Marylands National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, told us.The sort of refugee crisis, for example, has led to a lot of backlash against refugee populations, [and] immigrant populations, said Miller. And so many of the attacks, particularly in Western Europe, that we're seeing that are racially or ethnically motivated, are really driven by an anti immigrant sentiment. And so you can imagine that all of these sort of types of violence, or phenomena of violence. The result of the wars that have been going on in Iraq and Afghanistan and Syria, for many years now, has created a refugee crisis. And that has an impact that has sort of broader results in terms of the way that the people have responded to the refugee crisis in places like the United States and Western Europe. Catch the rest of that conversation, here.Another thing: The contemporary upsurge in white nationalism in the U.S. echoes a historical pattern, scholars told Reuters late last week. The pattern: any expansion of civil rights for a minority group leads to a rise in intolerance. For the U.S., this involved America electing its first Black president in 2008, followed by the expansion of LGBTQ rights shortly afterward.And this year, the Anti-Defamation League has documented at least 3,566 "extremist propaganda incidents" and events across the U.S. for 2020 so far. Thats compared to 2,704 such events in 2019, which is more than a 30% increase. And four out of every five of those 2020 cases involve white nationalist ideology. Read more, here.
President Trump will spend the day campaigning in Florida before flying to Winston-Salem, N.C., for a speech scheduled at 7 p.m. ET.The White Houses goal for the first leg of todays trip: to remind voters [in Florida] of his conservation and environmental protection efforts in the Everglades region, the Associated Press reported in a preview of two battleground states. Tiny bit more, here.
Russia has a new influence operations front for Africa, and perhaps unsurprisingly its partnered with a host of racist and fascist activists in Europe to stir up, of all things, purportedly anti-colonialist politics in sub-Saharan Africa, The Daily Beast reports.Its called the Association for Free Research and International Cooperation, and it was founded two years ago as a a community of independent researchers, experts and activists. It just so happens to run a side hustle in election monitoring, TDB writes.Bigger picture: Its part of a century-long Russian battle for influence in Africa. And this time around, The aim is not necessarily to decide who wins [an election], but to entice and secure a relationship with whoever does. Read on, here.
More than 189,000 Americans have died of complications from the novel coronavirus, according to the New York Times tracker, which now splits its state-by-state status reports into four categories, which includes Where new cases are higher and staying high (thats across 15 states and territories), Where new cases are higher but going down, (just three states), and Where new cases are lower and staying low (28).Hows Operation Warp Speed going? STAT News looks at the White House-led effort to do the unprecedented: find a safe and effective vaccine in less than a year. Among its innovations: the government is paying manufacturers to begin producing vaccines before testing is done; if a vaccine candidate proves out, distribution can start immediately. The report also looks at therapeutics, diagnostics, and materiel. Read it, here.
New in town: Theres a new progressive think tank called FP21, which claims to be dedicated to transforming the process and institutions of US foreign policy, since the culture of policymaking at organizations like the Department of State is stuck in a previous century.FP21s stated goal: draw a sharp contrast between the failing status quo foreign policy infrastructure and our vision for a better foreign policy driven by evidence, integrity, and innovation. To this end, our nascent team of experienced policymakers, academics, veterans, technologists, and NGO practitioners are recommending pragmatic reforms for the next administration.The group is launching its inaugural report of new ways to approach U.S. policymaking today. Find the full report here; or the executive summary, here.
And lastly: The U.S. military is busy today evacuating California residents from extreme wildfires sweeping through the state. That includes more than two dozen people just since 3 a.m. local, according to Fresno-based ABC30.In perspective: Two of the three largest fires in state history are [now] burning in the San Francisco Bay Area, AP reports. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling those fires and about two dozen others around California.More than 200 people were airlifted out of harms way over the holiday weekend, AP adds. And On Monday evening, officials said more than 60 people were trapped at Lake Edison and China Peak, and a rescue operation to retrieve them was unsuccessful, according to ABC30. A Chinook aircraft piloted by a team of military personnel tried to land and rescue the trapped people, but the smoky conditions made it impossible for the team to approach safely. More, here. Or read APs separate reporting, here.
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Today's D Brief: US Army chief, live; New Pacific bases?; Russia in Africa; Wildfire rescues; And a bit more. - Defense One
- Decoding the extremist symbols and groups at the Capitol Hill insurrection - ABC17News.com - January 12th, 2021
- Lawmakers Fear More Violence Ahead Of Inauguration Day : Insurrection At The Capitol: Live Updates - NPR - January 12th, 2021
- The Big Question: Can the U.S. Defuse Violent Right-Wing Extremism? - BloombergQuint - January 10th, 2021
- Opinion: We have to work together to protect democracy from threats - The Detroit News - January 10th, 2021
- Sacha Baron Cohen on Facebook, Twitter and Trump - Variety - January 10th, 2021
- Extremists intensify calls for violence ahead of Inauguration Day - WDJT - January 10th, 2021
- Trump Helped Take Extremist Views From The Fringes Of Society To A Mob Attacking The Capitol - FiveThirtyEight - January 10th, 2021
- US Capitol: Q-Anon, Confederate flag man, and Baked Alaska - here are the people who stormed the building - Sky News - January 10th, 2021
- Domestic terrorism and hate exploded in 2020. Here's what the Biden administration must do. - ABC News - January 1st, 2021
- Arizona hate crimes bounced back in 2019, experts fear a surge in 2020 - Cronkite News - January 1st, 2021
- Weeks-Old Statue of Breonna Taylor Is Battered in Oakland, Calif. - The New York Times - January 1st, 2021
- Hanover police need help identifying possible menorah vandals - The Union Leader - December 27th, 2020
- Boycott urged on firms that assist Israel's occupation - Triple Pundit - December 27th, 2020
- After Dartmouth menorah was vandalized, Hanover police seek more information - Concord Monitor - December 22nd, 2020
- New York bans display of Confederate flag and other hate symbols on state grounds - WDJT - December 22nd, 2020
- 'We're against everything they stand for': LGBTQ-owned clothing company Verillas pushes back after Proud Boys wear its kilts - USA TODAY - December 22nd, 2020
- Thomas O'Brien on Boston's Newest Luxury High-Rise Residential Tower, Bulfinch Crossing Development, Pandemic and 2021 - Boston Real Estate Times - December 22nd, 2020
- Hate groups receive millions of dollars in federal funds - WVTM13 - December 14th, 2020
- 'Is this what we're becoming?': Anne Frank memorial in Idaho, the only one in US, defaced with swastika stickers - USA TODAY - December 14th, 2020
- Opposition Mounts Against Proposed Appointment of Far-right Chairman to Israeli Holocaust Museum - Hyperallergic - December 14th, 2020
- Only yesterday - The Hudson Reporter - December 14th, 2020
- Chelsea FC launches exhibition about Jewish Athletes and the Holocaust - Chelsea FC - December 14th, 2020
- Evergreen Mill Elem. student named 'Kid of the Year' finalist - Loudoun Times-Mirror - December 14th, 2020
- Conservatives flocked to Parler after the election. But its explosive growth is over - KCTV Kansas City - December 14th, 2020
- Anti-Defamation League to honor health secretary Levine ... - December 5th, 2020
- The Anti-Defamation League Is Not What It Seems | Boston ... - December 5th, 2020
- Travel Fairness Now Hosts Webinar with Health Care, Consumer and Travel Experts to Improve Traveler Access to Vital Information During Covid-19 and a... - December 5th, 2020
- ADL and Aspen Institute Announce Two Civil Society Fellowship Classes in Response to the Heightened Need for Civil Discourse in a Divided America -... - November 17th, 2020
- Tens of thousands rally in DC to support outgoing President Trump; at least 20 arrested as protesters clash with counterprotesters - USA TODAY - November 17th, 2020
- White supremacist jailed for 2 years over plot to bomb Las Vegas synagogue, ADL - The Times of Israel - November 15th, 2020
- ADL webinar addresses election, extremes - Cleveland Jewish News - November 13th, 2020
- Jewish orgs. react to presumptive win of Dem. nominee Joe Biden - The Jerusalem Post - November 13th, 2020
- Sharon L. Klein Named to Working Mother's Top Wealth Advisor Moms 2020 - PRNewswire - November 13th, 2020
- Facebooks redoubled AI efforts wont stop the spread of harmful content - VentureBeat - November 13th, 2020
- Proceed with eyes open - Isthmus - November 13th, 2020
- Tip lines allow voters to report intimidation, extremism at the polls - Chicago Sun-Times - November 3rd, 2020
- Hate Speech on the Rise - PBS39.org - November 3rd, 2020
- 100-year-old Jewish cemetery in Michigan vandalized with red paint - New York Post - November 3rd, 2020
- Who are the 'Proud Boys'? Photos of Austin protesters circulating online - KIIITV.com - November 3rd, 2020
- In Texas, Jewish Republicans step in against lawsuit seeking to reject 127,000 drive-through votes - Haaretz.com - November 3rd, 2020
- Uncomfortable Conversations: Fighting racism against Asian Americans in wake of COVID - AdAge.com - November 3rd, 2020
- Suspect In Ithaca String Of Hate Crimes Arrested - WSKG.org - November 3rd, 2020
- The risk of violence and protests on Election Day - Vox.com - November 3rd, 2020
- The Color Of Water | Opinion | coronadonewsca.com - Coronado Eagle and Journal - November 3rd, 2020
- Desperation - And Response (2) - The Chattanoogan - November 3rd, 2020
- Opinion: Why Gen Z and Millennials need to vote in 2020 - WHYY - November 3rd, 2020
- ADL says election-related hate on the rise: 'antisemitism, racism, xenophobia & all forms of bigotry.' - The Boston Globe - October 25th, 2020
- CAPAC: New ADL Report Ties Spike in Anti-Asian Bigotry to Trump - The Rafu Shimpo - October 25th, 2020
- Resisting the Tide of Bigotry - The Cairo Review of Global Affairs - October 25th, 2020
- Order allowing Texas counties to have multiple mail-in ballot drop off sites is upheld, but appeal halts openings - Katy Times - October 25th, 2020
- Video of Trump rally appears to show attendee making hand gesture commonly used by white supremacists - USA TODAY - October 25th, 2020
- Hate Groups Active In Ohio Long Before Plot To Kidnap Michigan Governor - WOSU - October 25th, 2020
- Students at Foothill College pass antisemitism resolution J. - The Jewish News of Northern California - October 25th, 2020
- New Initiative Unlocks the Power of Consumers and Brings Brands and Social Media Platforms Together to Clean Up Hate Online - PRNewswire - October 25th, 2020
- Pernod Ricard gets industry buy-in for tool that reports hate speech on social media - Marketing Dive - October 25th, 2020
- 5 Things You Need to Know Today in Worcester Oct. 21, 2020 - This Week In Worcester - October 25th, 2020
- Hate Crimes on the Rise in Orange County - Fullerton Observer - October 25th, 2020
- On its 50th anniversary, the secret Jewish history of Doonesbury - Forward - October 25th, 2020
- Berkeley man known to police charged with Oakland synagogue vandalism - The Jewish News of Northern California - October 25th, 2020
- GOP mailer in the 165th decried as anti-Semitic - The Delaware County Daily Times - October 25th, 2020
- AP Explains: What's Behind Trump's Town Hall Answer on QAnon - WTTW News - October 25th, 2020
- Who are the Proud Boys: Englewood business owner proud to lead controversial group - yoursun.com - October 25th, 2020
- What Is a Militia? And Why Is the Word So Controversial These Days? - The New York Times - October 25th, 2020
- New Pernod Ricard Initiative Aims to Clean Up Hate Online - BevNET.com - October 25th, 2020
- QAnon: YouTube bans conspiracy theory content that justifies real-world violence - Euronews - October 16th, 2020
- LEADING NATIONAL AND STATE ADVOCACY GROUPS, BEN & JERRY'S, AND THE SACRAMENTO BEE ENDORSE PROPOSITION 17 - Civilrights.org - October 16th, 2020
- What You Need to Know About The Trial of the Chicago 7 - The New York Times - October 16th, 2020
- Gateway to Radicalization: Wisconsin cultivates extremism with ties to Michigan insurrection group - Milwaukee Independent - October 16th, 2020
- Affirmative Action on the Ballot: A Closer Look at Prop 16 - Fullerton Observer - October 16th, 2020
- Community organizations to hold virtual summit focused on race, hatred and social justice - SILive.com - October 12th, 2020
- Grand jury releases report on hate speech in San Mateo public schools - The Jewish News of Northern California - October 12th, 2020
- Anti-government groups shift focus from Washington to states - Idaho Business Review - October 12th, 2020
- On the Move: East Valley JCC, Arizona ADL and Valley Beit Midrash - Jewish News of Greater Phoenix - October 8th, 2020
- Facebook says it will now ban all pages supporting QAnon, the anti-Semitic conspiracy theory - Forward - October 8th, 2020
- Are the Proud Boys anti-Semitic? A primer on the far-right group - Jewish Community Voice - October 8th, 2020
- Committee talks rebranding of Waterloo Police insignia - kwwl.com - October 8th, 2020
- Nazi comparisons have long been off-limits for American Jews. But not this year. - Connecticut Jewish Ledger - October 8th, 2020
- Proud Boys presence in North Carolina according to SPLC - WCNC.com - October 8th, 2020
- Everything 'potentially up for grabs': What Jewish groups are watching for in this unusual Supreme Court session - JTA News - Jewish Telegraphic... - October 8th, 2020
- White supremacy gang may have had a role in escape attempt thwarted at Lee County Jail - News-Press - October 8th, 2020
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