Further Reading

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Top commander says U.S. likely to withdraw troops from Syria in weeks: U.S. media People's Daily 11 Feb 2019 -- U.S. media reported on Sunday that a top commander has said that the United States would likely start to withdraw its troops from Syria in weeks.
• US to withdraw from Syria 'in weeks,' claims top general Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- A top American general is claiming that Washington is "right on track with" its supposed Syria withdrawal.
• U.S. Commander: Syria Pullout Likely To Begin Within Weeks RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- The Pentagon commander in charge of U.S. forces in the Middle East says the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria will likely begin within "weeks."
• Acting US Defense Chief: No Orders to Withdraw Troops from Afghanistan VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said he has not received orders from President Donald Trump to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan.
• U.S. Acting Defense Chief Backs Kabul Role In Peace Talks RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- U.S. Acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan has arrived in Afghanistan on an unannounced visit to meet with military commanders and Afghan officials amid a heightened push by Washington for a peace deal with the Taliban.
• Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan is currently visiting the Central Command Area of Responsibility DoD 11 Feb 2019
• Acting Pentagon chief visits Afghanistan, urges Kabul role in talks with Taliban Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan has made an unannounced trip to Afghanistan to discuss the process of peace talks with the Taliban militant group and Washington's planned drawdown of its military forces in the war-torn country.
• Taliban Calls for Recognition of Qatar Office Ahead of Fresh Talks With US VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- The Taliban says it hopes ongoing negotiations with the United States would bring a long-demanded formal recognition for the insurgent group's "political office" in Qatar, insisting it would help accelerate consultations over the endgame in the Afghan war.
• U.S. Special Envoy Khalilzad Conducts New Afghan Peace Trip RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- The U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who just returned to Washington after a series of stops in the Middle East and Europe, is journeying out again to several key countries as part of efforts to push a U.S. peace initiative for the war-torn country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Intelligence Agency Releases Report on Challenges to U.S. Security in Space DIA 11 Feb 2019 -- The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) today released "Challenges to Security in Space," a report that examines the space and counterspace programs that could challenge U.S. or partner interests in the space domain.
• DIA Report Details Threats to America's Space-Based World DoD News 11 Feb 2019 -- Space enables the modern world, and the United States needs to maintain its progress in this critical domain if it hopes to lead in the future.
• US Sees as Threat North Korea, Iran Space Capabilities - Defense Intel Agency Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Iran and North Korea pose an increasing challenge to the United States in space as both countries have developed jamming capabilities, the US Defense Intelligence Agency said in a new report on Monday.
• US Sees Growing Threats to 'Freedom of Action' in Space VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- Russia and China are racing to advance their space-based military capabilities and could soon prevent the United States and its allies from using outer space freely.
• Army aligning modernization programs with other services Army News 11 Feb 2019 -- The Army collaborates now more than ever with the Air Force and Navy, and development of a hypersonic weapon is a good example, senior leaders said.
• Installation Management Command to realign under Army Materiel Command Army News 11 Feb 2019 -- The Installation Management Command will realign as a major subordinate command under the Army Materiel Command by March 1 in an effort to enhance readiness across Army installations, officials announced Friday.
• U.S. and Thai armies complete exercise Hanuman Guardian 19 Army News 11 Feb 2019 -- Soldiers from the U.S. and Royal Thai Army completed an 11-day training exercise Feb. 7, 2019, at Camp Nimman Kolayut, Thailand. The closing ceremonies marked the 9th year of the bilateral training exercise known as Hanuman Guardian.
• Cobra Gold19: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Exercise Commenced in Phitsanulok Provin Army News 11 Feb 2019 -- The second annual Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Tabletop Exercise (HADR TTX), as part of the 38th annual Thai, U.S. co-sponsored Cobra Gold Exercise, commenced with opening ceremony in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, on Feb. 11, 2019.
• Continuous improvement techniques for an APS bridging system Army News 11 Feb 2019 -- In September 2015, the Japan Support Team and Sagami General Depot of Army Field Support Battalion-Northeast Asia (AFSBn-NEA) received a new operational project requirement regarding Mabey Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) systems. These
• ABECSG Participates in Strait Transit Exercise NNS 11 Feb 2019 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and ships from its carrier strike group (ABECSG) participated in a simulated strait transit off the eastern coast of the United States, Feb. 7.
• USS John C. Stennis Arrives in Thailand for Port Visit NNS 11 Feb 2019 -- The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) arrived in Laem Chabang, Feb. 10, for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between Thailand and the United States.
• Airmen, dignitaries celebrate KC-46 arrival US Air Force 11 Feb 2019 -- Reserve Airmen assigned to the 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron, dignitaries and Air Force leaders accepted the new KC-46A Pegasus during a historic arrival celebration Feb. 8 at Altus Air Force Base.
• 'Trial by Flag' for new F-35A pilots US Air Force 11 Feb 2019 -- The desert screams by below. The clouds scream by above. Both stretch on into the horizon. It's deceptively calm in the cockpit. There's a constant, seemingly discordant stream of chatter coming through his helmet. The digital screens in front of him, along with images projected onto his visor, provide enough information to save lives and take a few as well. In the sky ahead are more than 60 advanced enemy aircraft, flown by some of the best fighter pilots in the world. They are hunting–looking to kill him and his wingmen. He just graduated pilot training. Welcome to Red Flag.
• NATO Trains to Keep Sea Lanes Clear NNS 11 Feb 2019 -- The sea lanes are vital to the health and wellbeing of a nation. These strategic byways allow trade, travel and the movement of resources. NATO maintains two groups of mine countermeasures ships ready to respond to a crisis if needed. In order to maintain a high level of readiness, NATO conducts training exercises to keep Sailor's skills sharp.
• Russian UN envoy warns of unpredictable results if U.S. destroys arms control system People's Daily 11 Feb 2019 -- The dismantling of an arms control system by the United States might result in unpredictable consequences, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya has said.
• Gavin Williamson sets out vision for defence in Global Britain UK MOD 11 Feb 2019 -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has outlined the future role of the UK's Armed Forces in a speech at RUSI today.
• Defence in Global Britain UK MOD 11 Feb 2019 -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson gave a speech at RUSI outlining the future direction of the UK Armed Forces.
• Post-Brexit UK should be ready to use 'hard power': Defense minister Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- The United Kingdom should be able to use military force to defend its global interests after leaving the European Union, Defense Minister Gavin Williamson will say on Monday.
• British Defense Chief Urges Bolstering Military Post-Brexit, Warns Russia Of 'Costs' RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Britain's defense minister says the country should bolster its military capabilities after Brexit and warned that Russia should be aware that actions deemed unacceptable by the West will "come at a cost."
• 'Kid in a Tank Shop': Britain's Def Secretary Wants to 'Enhance UK's Lethality' Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Gavin Williamson has made some new proposals regarding the UK's global military prowess. He only needs to secure £7 billion for them to work.
• Defence Minister to Say Post-Brexit UK Should Increase Its 'Lethality' – Reports Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Britain should be ready to use military force in order to defend its global interests after Brexit, according to extracts from a speech defence minister Gavin Williamson will give on Monday.
• UK to Send Carrier to Pacific Ocean in Show of 'Hard Power' to China – Report Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Later in the day, UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson will speak at the Royal United Services Institute in London, where he is due to unveil his plans for the modernisation of the country's armed forces, which he will say should increase its "mass and lethality".
• U.S. Cancels National Guard Commander's Kosovo Visit Over Serbia Tariff RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- The National Guard commander of the U.S. state of Iowa has cancelled a visit to Kosovo over Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj's refusal to cancel 100 percent tariffs on goods from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
• S. Korea pays $924 mil. for defense cost sharing deal with the U.S. for year 2019 Arirang 11 Feb 2019 -- South Korea and the U.S. have finally reached an agreement on this year's defense cost sharing deal, with Seoul's financial contribution for the stationing of some 28-thousand American troops on the Korean Peninsula at 9-hundred-24 million U.S. dollars.
• Navy welcomes historic agreement for future submarines Royal Australian Navy 11 Feb 2019 -- The Australian Government today ratified a Strategic Partnering Agreement with the French shipbuilding company Naval Group that will see 12 regionally superior submarines designed and built in Australia for the Royal Australian Navy as part of the Future Submarine Program.
• Australia Signs $35Bln Submarine Deal With French Contractor - Defence Minister Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The Australian government has signed an agreement with French Naval Group to build 12 attack class submarines worth 50 billion Australian dollars ($35.5 billion) for the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian defense minister said on Monday.
• Leidos to Lead on Integration of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Australia Department of Defence 12 Feb 2019 -- Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, and Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, today announced Leidos Australia Pty Ltd as the Prime System Integrator to deliver the first tranche of Joint Project 2096 Phase 1.
• China eyes building next-generation fighter jets by 2035 Global Times 11 Feb 2019 -- China will not fall behind in the global race toward sixth-generation fighter jets and is expected to build its own next-generation fighter jets by 2035, said a leading Chinese fighter jet specialist.
• Liaoning sale to Pakistan totally false: experts Global Times 11 Feb 2019 -- Media reports on China's decision to sell its only at-service aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to Pakistan "in order to compete with India" are unrealistic, military analysts told the Global Times.
• China Mulls Installing Electromagnetic Catapults on First Aircraft Carrier Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The Chinese navy is weighing whether to retrofit its Liaoning aircraft carrier, replacing the ship's distinctive ski-jump bow and giving it new electromagnetic catapults, though Chinese experts say the undertaking may be too expensive.
• Fully Loaded and Home-Made: India Begins Production of Tejas Fighter Jet Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The fully loaded Tejas MK-1 will be equipped with battle-ready capabilities, including mid-air refuelling, AESA radar, an electronic warfare array, and smart bombs.
• IRGC missiles on display on Islamic Revolution victory anniv. IRNA 11 Feb 2019 -- On the 40th anniversary of victory of Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has on Monday put on display its `Qadr', `Ghiam' and `Zolfeghar' missiles.
• Iran to Continue Developing Missile Program - President Rouhani Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran did not need anybody's permission to continue boosting its military capabilities and developing the missile program.
• Japan Sets Up Crisis HQ After Incident With Chinese Ship - Reports Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The Japanese government created a crisis response headquarters on Monday after a Chinese patrol ship entered Japanese territorial waters next to the disputed islands in the East China Sea, NHK broadcaster reported.
• Military plans to hold aircraft takeoff, landing drill on freeway CNA 11 Feb 2019 -- The military will stage an emergency aircraft takeoff and landing drill on a freeway as part of the annual Han Kuang series of exercises this year, the Air Force Command Headquarters said Monday.
• Military helicopter crash kills four in Istanbul Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Four soldiers died after a military helicopter crashed in a suburb of Istanbul on Monday, according to Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya.
• Venezuela's Maduro leads military exercises Global Times 11 Feb 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro led military exercises on Sunday, pledging to strengthen the country's anti-aircraft defensive system.
• Iran awaits Lebanese 'desire' to accept its military assistance: Zarif Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reiterated Iran's support for the Lebanese government, saying Tehran is waiting for Beirut to show a desire to accept its past offers of military assistance.
• Poland to buy US rocket systems for $414 million Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Poland says it is set to purchase artillery rocket systems worth $414 million from the United States as the two NATO allies seek closer military ties amid tensions with Russia.
• Uzbek President Reshuffles Security, Defense Chiefs RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Uzbekistan's president has appointed new heads of the state security agency and the defense ministry after the previous security chief resigned on health grounds, the president's office said in a statement
• Pompeo Says U.S. To Be More Engaged In East Europe, Warns Russia Trying To Divide West RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the United States must be more engaged in Central and Eastern Europe as Russia tries to divide the West.
• Remarks at U.S. Embassy Budapest US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
• Press Availability With Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto US Dept. of State 11 Feb 2019 -- Press Availability by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Defense Industry

• Contracts for February 11, 2019

Other Conflicts

• 11 February 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Feb 2019
• US seeks to 'stir up trouble' with naval sails-by: China Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- China says the United States is trying to "stir up trouble" by dispatching military vessels to the vicinity of disputed islands in the South China Sea, which Beijing regards as sovereign Chinese territory.
• US sails destroyers near Chinese archipelago: Official Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- The United States has reportedly sailed two destroyers close to the Nansha archipelago in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety despite Washington's objection.
• Beijing Accuses US of Illegally Crossing Its Sovereign Borders in S China Sea Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- China protests and expresses dissatisfaction with US vessels entering the waters near the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea that Beijing continues to regard as its "indisputable sovereignty," without authorization, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday.
• Taiwan takes issue with Manila's South China Sea island buildup CNA 11 Feb 2019 -- Taiwan on Monday urged all parties involved to halt any action that could escalate regional tensions in the disputed South China Sea amid ongoing construction by the Philippines on an island it occupies in the disputed region.
• Yemeni retaliatory attack leaves 8 Saudi soldiers dead in Jizan Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- At least eight Saudi troopers have been killed when Yemeni army soldiers, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, launched a surprise attack against them in response to Riyadh's war on their conflict-stricken country.
• Yemen accuses Saudis of breaching truce 547 times IRNA 11 Feb 2019 -- Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman has accused the Saudi-led coalition of repeatedly breaching ceasefire agreement in Yemen, saying that it has violated the truce 547 times over the last 72 hours.
• UN urges access to grain stocks in Yemen's Hudaydah Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- The United Nations (UN) has warned that there is an urgent need for making grain warehouses accessible in the Red Sea port city of Hudaydah and that the sustenance stored there is "at risk of rotting."
• Food for millions in Yemen at risk of rotting in key Red Sea port, warns UN UN News 11 Feb 2019 -- Desperately needed food aid for millions of Yemenis "is at risk of rotting" in a key Red Sea storage facility because conditions are too unsafe to reach it, UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and UN Emergency relief chief Mark Lowcock said on Monday
• Daesh Has Up to $300Mln in Cash Reserves for Sustaining Operations - UN Office Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The Daesh terrorist group* despite territorial losses has up to $300 million in cash on hand to sustain operations, UN Counter-Terrorism Office (CTO) Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov told the Security Council on Monday.
• Despite falling attacks, ISIL terrorists remain 'global threat': UN report UN News 11 Feb 2019 -- Though attacks were down last year, a new United Nations report to the Security Council on Monday shows that ISIL is still a global threat, despite evolving into a "covert" terrorism network, with countries continuing to face challenges from the growing scourge of violent extremism.
• US-Backed Forces in Syria Close In on Last IS Stronghold VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- U.S.-backed forces are closing in on Islamic State fighters in their last stronghold in eastern Syria.
• US, Partners Claim 'Significant Progress' as IS Makes Last Stand VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- U.S.-backed forces are making "significant progress" against Islamic State fighters in the last sliver of its self-proclaimed caliphate, despite poor weather conditions that have played to the terror group's advantage.
• Russia, Turkey 'agree on need for decisive measures' in Syria's Idlib Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Russia and Turkey say they agree on the need to take "decisive measures" to stabilize the situation in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, ahead of a summit between the presidents of the three guarantor states of a negotiated Syrian ceasefire, namely Iran, Russia, and Turkey.
• 20 more Syrian civilians killed as US-led warplanes bombard Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Nearly two dozen civilians have been killed when the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group conducted a series of airstrikes in Syria's embattled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
• At Least 16 Civilians Dead as US Coalition Pounds Village in Southeastern Syria Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- According to the Syrian state broadcaster Ikhbariya, citing local sources, the US-led coalition struck the town of Baghuz in Deir ez-Zor province on Monday. The airstrike claimed the lives of 16 civilians, including seven children, Ikhbariya reported.
• Israeli Tank Fire Hits Hospital in Syria, Shells Observatory - Reports Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The province where a demolished hospital was shelled by Israeli tank fire, is located in southern Syria, close to the Golan Heights, which have long been occupied by Israel.
• Syrian Crisis Settlement Should Include Foreign Forces' Pullout – Iranian FM Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- A political solution to the Syrian crisis should necessarily include the withdrawal of all armed forces that are in Syria illegally, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Monday.
• Leader of Iraqi Shia militia: US using Daesh as excuse to fulfill interests Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- The leader of a powerful Iraqi militia group has lashed out at the United States for propping up the Daesh terrorist outfit in order to extend the stay of American troops in Iraq.
• European Court Deals Blow to Human Rights Efforts in Turkey VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- The European Court of Human Rights has dealt Turkish human rights activists a significant blow in its refusal to hear a pivotal case stemming from a Turkish military operation that left more than 100 civilians dead. The military campaign took place in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast between December 2015 and February 2016 as the security forces sought to oust PKK separatist fighters from towns and cities across the region.
• Bangladesh stops Rohingya refugees en route to Malaysia Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Bangladeshi security forces have stopped nearly two dozen Muslim Rohingya refugees from heading to the more prosperous and Muslim-majority Malaysia.

News Reports

• Maduro oversees maneuvers, urges readiness to defend Venezuelan sovereignty Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- The Venezuelan military has launched large-scale drills to bolster its combat readiness after the US threatened that it could use military force to oust the elected government of President Nicolas Maduro.
• Humanitarian Aid Could Enter Venezuela in Coming Days - Guaido's Envoy to OAS Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- A humanitarian convoy carrying aid from non-governmental organizations may enter Venezuela in the coming days, self-declared interim president Juan Guaido's representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) Gustavo Tarre told Sputnik on Monday.
• US Contact With Venezuelan Army to Change Its Stance Unacceptable - Moscow Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- This comes after reports of the United States being engaged in direct contact with members of Venezuela's military, encouraging them to pledge allegiance to self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, while also working on new sanctions to ramp up pressure on Nicolas Maduro.
• US Power, Influence Seen as Greater Threat than Russia, China VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- More people around the world worry about the threat posed by the United States' use of power and influence than they do about similar threats from Russia or China.
• Shutdown Is Still 'on the Table' as Border Security Talks Hit Another Impasse Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Talks between President and lawmakers have stalled as negotiators hint that they are still struggling to reach a deal to fund border security and avoid another government shutdown before the Friday deadline.
• Russia Mulls Disconnecting From Internet In Test Of Cyberdefenses RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Russia is planning to temporarily disconnect from the global Internet in the coming weeks as it tests its defenses against cyberattacks.
• Those Fishy-Looking Russian Economic Stats Look A Lot Like Those Fishy-Looking Soviet Economic Stats RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- When Russia's state statistics agency released its initial estimates of 2018 economic growth on February 4, it caught economists, investment bankers, financial analysts, and many others off-guard.
• Estonian Army Officer, Father Jailed For Spying For Russia RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- An Estonian court has found a former army officer and his father guilty of committing treason by spying for Russia.
• Norway Claims Russia, China Strengthening Intelligence Activities Against Oslo Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The Norwegian Intelligence Service believes that Russian and Chinese security services are stepping up reconnaissance activities against the Nordic state, VG newspaper reported on Monday, citing the agency's report.
• Chinese Embassy Dismisses Media Reports About Chinese Spies Working in Brussels Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The Chinese Embassy in Belgium has rejected media reports claiming that hundreds of Chinese spies are operating in Brussels as a hoax.
• Alleged Third Suspect in Skripal Case Visited Bulgaria in 2015 - Prosecutor Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Bulgaria's Prosecutor General Sotir Tsatsarov has said that a third suspect in the Salisbury incident had paid three visits to Bulgaria in 2015, including when Bulgarian businessman Emilian Gebrev was presumably poisoned.
• Bulgarian Prime Minister, British Envoy Discuss Links Between Skripal, Gebrev Cases RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- The British ambassador to Sofia has discussed with top Bulgarian officials possible links between the 2015 poisoning of a local businessman in Bulgaria and last year's nerve-agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain.
• All foreign forces must end unauthorized presence in Syria: Iran FM Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says all countries must facilitate the peace process in Syria and refrain from making decisions on its fate, stressing that foreign troops need to end their unauthorized presence in the Arab country.
• Enemies, not Iran, must end regional presence: IRGC commander Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says enemies of the Islamic Republic must finally leave the region instead of expecting Iran to end its regional presence.
• Rohani Blasts U.S. 'Conspiracy' As Iran Marks 40th Anniversary Of Revolution RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- President Hassan Rohani blasted a U.S. "conspiracy" against Iran as the country marked the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution that ended the monarchy and heralded the start of four decades of clerical rule.
• Iran's Oil Revenues Increased by Almost 50% Despite Sanctions - Reports Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- Tehran's revenue from oil exports in the first nine months of the current Iranian year – which runs from 21 March 2018 to 20 March 2019 – have increased by 48.9 percent year-on-year despite the reimposition of US sanctions, the IRNA news agency reported on Monday.
• Iran's oil revenues up by about 49% IRNA 11 Feb 2019 -- Despite sanctions by the US to zero Iran's oil exports, statistics show that over the course of the first nine months of this current Iranian year, revenues from crude oil sales reached $17,152,334 which is up 48.9 percent in comparison to past year.
• Tehran 'Will Raze Tel Aviv, Haifa' if US Attacks - Iranian Islamic Guard Comdr. Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- On Monday, hundreds of thousands of Iranians held nation-wide rallies to mark the 40th anniversary of the fall of the Shah and the triumph of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Shiite cleric who led an Islamic Revolution that rattles the West to this day.
• China Protests Over Turkey's Criticism of 'Re-Education Camps' for Uyghurs Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- China has expressed its protest over the Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy's claims that Chinese Uyghur "re-education camps" were "internment camps," the Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman said on Monday.
• China dismisses Turkey's 'unacceptable' criticism on Uighur Muslims Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- China has dismissed as "unacceptable" Turkey's allegations over Beijing's treatment of its Muslim ethnic Uighur community, urging Ankara to retract the "vile" remarks.
• China slams Turkish FM's Xinjiang centers claim Global Times 11 Feb 2019 -- China refuted claims made by Turkey's foreign ministry on the alleged death of a Uyghur musician, claiming the man is still alive and in good health.
• No End in Sight in France's 'Yellow Vest' Revolt VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- They won't go away. Week after week, France's yellow vests are out on the streets, in one of the biggest and longest popular uprisings the country has seen in years; a political crisis with no easy exit.
• Chinese president sends congratulatory message to 32nd AU summit People's Daily 11 Feb 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a congratulatory message on the holding of the 32nd African Union (AU) summit in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
• AU Commission chief extolls AU-China partnership at AU summit People's Daily 11 Feb 2019 -- Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, has extolled the partnership between the 55-member pan-African bloc and China in different arenas.
• Pompeo: US 'Not Covering Up' Khashoggi Murder VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- The United States will continue investigating the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, asserting that "America is not covering up for a murder".
• Raptor Engine Beats Russian RD-180 Record in Combustion Chamber Pressure - Musk Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The new methane-fueled Raptor engine developed by US SpaceX aerospace company for its Starship interplanetary craft has outperformed the Russian RD-180 rocket engine in terms of pressure level in the combustion chamber, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said on Monday.
• US Praises Marshall Islands For De-Flagging Ships Used by Damascus - State Dept Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- The United States commends the Marshall Islands for de-flagging ships used by the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a Twitter statement on Monday.
• 'Banderite' Rebrand: Ukrainian Police Declare Admiration For Nazi Collaborators To Make A Point RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Across social media, Ukrainian police and law enforcement officials are apologizing for one officer's slur aimed at far-right ultranationalists and making it known: They, too, are "#Banderites." Or, to be clear, supporters of militant Ukrainian nationalists who collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.
• Spain to start trial of Catalan leaders over secession bid Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- Spain's highest court is set to open the trials of 12 Catalan independence leaders for their role in Catalonia's failed secession bid in 2017, which was dismissed as "illegal" by the government in Madrid.
• Tel Aviv irate after Total says Israel not worth investing in Press TV 11 Feb 2019 -- French energy giant Total has sparked the anger of Israeli authorities after its chief executive said making investment in the "complex" Israel was not worth the risk.
• Uzbek Security Chief Who Reportedly Resigned Is Under Criminal Investigation: Officials RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- The former head of Uzbekistan's powerful security service is under criminal investigation, according to people familiar with the matter.
• Serbia Opposition Announces Parliament Boycott, Calls For Snap Elections RFE/RL 11 Feb 2019 -- Serbian opposition parties say they have begun boycotting the national parliament in a show of solidarity with a wave of protests against President Aleksandar Vucic.
• Thai Princess Disqualified From PM Candidacy - Election Commision Sputnik 11 Feb 2019 -- On February 8, the Thai Raksa Chart Party (Thai Save The Nation) stated that Princess Ubolratana had registered as the party's candidate for prime minister in March elections.
• Angry Haitians Demand Regime Change VOA 11 Feb 2019 -- Haiti is on fire – literally and figuratively.
• Protests, violence in Haiti prompts international call for 'realistic and lasting solutions' to crisis UN News 11 Feb 2019 -- Opposition-led protests in Haiti calling for the president to step down, which sparked violence last week, have prompted a group of senior diplomats, included the top UN official there, to issue a statement deploring the loss of life and calling for dialogue to end the crisis.
• Judicial independence under threat in Nigeria, warns UN rights expert UN News 11 Feb 2019 -- The dismissal of Nigeria's Chief Justice may constitute a grave attack on judicial independence from the State, a UN-appointed independent rights expert said on Monday, warning of "threats, pressures and interferences" made against the lawyers defending him.