Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ambassador James F. Jeffrey And Counterterrorism Coordinator Ambassador Nathan A. Sales US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2019 -- Special Briefing by James F. Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS, Nathan A. Sales, Acting Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights
• Interview: U.S. Envoy Backs Afghan Presidential Election If No Peace Deal RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- The U.S. peace envoy seeking to negotiate an end to the nearly 18-year war in Afghanistan said peace negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban will determine whether the presidential election slated for September 28 is held.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Pulling Out of INF Treaty VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- The United States on Friday will pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty to develop its own new warheads after the Russians refused to destroy their new missiles, which NATO says violate the pact.
• Department of Defense Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) - December 2018 DoD 01 Aug 2019 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) has released details on major defense acquisition program cost, schedule, and performance changes since the December 2018 reporting period.
• Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 01 Aug 2019
• Northern Strike 19 fosters Michigan-Latvia cooperation Army News 01 Aug 2019 -- In Michigan's 26-year defense cooperation with Latvia under the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program (SPP), a defining area of collaboration has been the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) program.
• Indiana National Guard perform helicopter hoist operations Army News 01 Aug 2019 -- People in distress stranded atop flooded houses as responders lower from a helicopter. The rotor wash creates a jarring frenzy of sound, waves rippling out in the floodwaters as people are extracted from their water-encircled refuge and whisked away to safety. It's a familiar image that frequently finds itself in newscasts from disaster areas.
• Army awards laser weapon system contract Army News 01 Aug 2019 -- The U.S. Army issued a contract award to accelerate the rapid prototyping and fielding of its first combat-capable laser weapon system.
• Reserve Marines train at ITX 5-19 in preparation of deployment to Okinawa, Japan USMC News 01 Aug 2019 -- TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA -- Reserve U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, joined forces with their active duty counterparts to support Integrated Training Exercise 5-19, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 25- Aug. 22, 2019.
• Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Billings NNS 01 Aug 2019 -- The Navy will commission its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Billings (LCS 15), during a 10 a.m. ceremony Saturday, Aug. 3, in Key West, Florida.
• Talisman Sabre 2019 concludes with ceremony aboard ESG flagship NNS 01 Aug 2019 -- The bilateral U.S.-Australian exercise, Talisman Sabre 2019, concluded with a closing ceremony aboard the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) flagship, USS Wasp (LHD 1), July 27.
• Fatal Mishap of F/A-18E Super Hornet NNS 01 Aug 2019 -- Lemoore, CA (NNS) – The Navy has confirmed that the pilot of the F/A-18E Super Hornet involved in the mishap on July 31 died in the crash.
• Ten years on, crisis in Nigeria 'far from over'; UN and humanitarian partners urge support for millions still affected UN News 01 Aug 2019 -- Ten years after the start of a violent insurgency in north-east Nigeria plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis that is "still far from over", the United Nations and its aid partners have underscored the need to "collectively redouble efforts" to help the most vulnerable.
• US Air Force Reveals Only Seven of 61 B-1B Lancer Bombers are War-Ready Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The US Air Force (USAF) is requesting additional funding for its aging B-1B Lancer strategic stealth bombers, as it was revealed in a Tuesday Senate hearing that only around 10% of the fleet is fully mission-capable.
• Broken Promises: $13 Billion USS Ford's Weapons Elevators Still Not Fixed Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was supposed to be delivered to the US Navy in July. Instead, its shakedown period has been extended by three months, and only one more weapons elevator is working than in January. Clearly someone should be fired over this - fortunately, Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer has volunteered himself.
• US, South Korea to ignore North's warnings on joint drills Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- The United States will proceed with plans to hold a joint military drill with South Korea despite warnings by North Korea, which deems the military cooperation as detrimental to denuclearization talks.
• Russia set to deploy new missiles as INF collapses: Analysts Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- With Russia and the United States about to officially pull out of the landmark Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), analysts say Moscow is set to deploy new missiles.
• Fears Of New Arms Race As U.S., Russia Set To Let Historic INF Treaty Lapse RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- A landmark nuclear agreement that eliminated an entire class of land-based missiles is set to lapse on August 2 as both the United States and Russia officially withdraw from the 31-year-old deal.
• US Move to Bolster Aussie Military Base Could Jinx Beijing-Sydney Relations Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Australia has turned a blind eye to the rapid transfer of US military units to Oceania and Southeast Asia. According to Australian Foreign Minister Maris Payne, the United States plans to build additional military infrastructure in Australia.
• Thailand Likely to Become First Importer of BrahMos Supersonic Missile Developed by Russia and India Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Thailand is likely to become first importer of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia, with a diplomatic official in New Delhi confirming that India is in advanced talks with the southeast Asian country for the purchase.
• Merit citations indicate PLA Navy's weapon development Global Times 01 Aug 2019 -- Another Chinese naval scientist working on full electric propulsion (FEP) received a first-class merit citation on Wednesday, a year after a colleague on his team was likewise honored. Experts said the honors reflect the rapid development in China's FEP warships.
• China is modernizing PLA to handle new security threats: official People's Daily 01 Aug 2019 -- China is devoted to modernizing its defense forces to enhance its capacity to handle new security threats, said Wang Yang, military attache at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya late on Tuesday.
• National defense, military TV channel starts broadcast People's Daily 01 Aug 2019 -- The National Defense and Military Channel of China Media Group (CMG), one of China's major broadcasters, started broadcast Thursday on the 92nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army.
• US Stratcom 'Concerned' Over China's 'Rapid' Nuclear Build-Up Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- A couple of months ago, the Pentagon said that it was worried China was pursuing a so-called nuclear "triad", meaning it would join three nations – the US, Russia, and India – that are capable of delivering a nuclear weapon by land, air, and sea.
• Chinese Commander Says Army Ready to Ensure Stability in Hong Kong Amid Protests Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Chen Daoxiang, the commander of China's People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) Hong Kong garrison, said on Thursday the PLA was prepared to ensure stability and security in Hong Kong after weeks of protests.
• PLA Garrison in Hong Kong SAR marks 92nd anniversary of PLA founding Global Times 01 Aug 2019 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) hosted a reception on Wednesday to mark the 92nd anniversary of the PLA's founding.
• U.S. Envoy Rebukes Germany On Hormuz Patrol Mission RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- The U.S. ambassador to Germany chided Chancellor Angela Merkel's government for its reluctance to join a U.S.-led maritime patrol mission in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Europe's biggest economy must take on more responsibility.
• US Ambassador Lashes at Germany for Lack of Enthusiasm About Military Operation in Hormuz Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The US invited Germany, along with other European states, to join a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime oil transit route, but the offer was rejected, with Berlin instead opting for a peaceful solution to ensure the safety of civilian ships.
• German FM Rules Out Joining US Naval Mission in Hormuz Strait Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Germany will not take part in the US-led mission to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday.
• Trump names Brazil 'major non-NATO ally of US' Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has designated Brazil a so-called major non-NATO ally of the United States, a move that could potentially facilitate the expansion of Washington's dominance over the Latin American country.
• Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Guides Test-Fire of New-type Large-caliber Multiple Launch Guided Rocket System KCNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, guided a test-fire of newly-developed large-caliber multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31.
• Torrential Rain Witnessed in DPRK KCNA 01 Aug 2019 -- According to data available at the Hydro-meteorological Administration of the DPRK, downpour hit some areas in the central part of the country from 00:00 of July 29 to 18:00 of July 31.
• N. Korea Conducts Third Launch in Eight Days, Amid Stalled Talks VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- North Korea launched a fresh round of short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast early Friday, U.S. and South Korean officials say. It is the third such launch in just more than a week.
• North Korea Reportedly Fires Short-Range Projectiles Into East Sea Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Citing military officials, Yonhap reported Friday that North Korea had fired off short-range projectiles "at 2:59 a.m. and 3:23 a.m. from Yonghung, South Hamgyong Province, into the East Sea."
• North Korea confirms firing of rockets, says new launcher developed Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- North Korea says it has successfully tested a new multiple rocket launcher, a day after South Korea said it had detected the launch of projectiles by the North.
• North Korea's Latest Weapon: A Rocket or a Missile? VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- North Korea said Thursday its latest weapons test involved a new multiple rocket launch system – not ballistic missiles, as South Korea had reported – raising questions about whether the launch violated U.N. Security Council resolutions.
• Kim Jong Un Oversaw Recent Ballistic Missile Test - KCNA Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- According to reports by North Korean state media, State Affairs Commission chair Kim Jong Un oversaw Wednesday's ballistic missile test, which confirmed the weapon's combat effectiveness.
• India Moves 25,000 More Troops to Pakistan Border Amid Escalation - Report Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Since 2003, India and Pakistan have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with continued instability in the region leading to the emergence of various extremist groups.
• India Expresses 'Grave Concern' over US Military Sale to Pakistan Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Days after the US State Department approved the sale of F-16 fighter jet technical support to Pakistan, India expressed "grave concern" to the Trump administration over the deal.
• Iran, UAE sign document to boost maritime security cooperation Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran and the United Arab Emirates have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance maritime border security cooperation.
• US-led Persian Gulf coalition doomed to fail: Senior IRGC cmdr. Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has described a United States plan for forming a naval coalition to interfere in the Persian Gulf as a self-defeating initiative.
• Japan denies report on 5-fold increase of spending for U.S. military presence People's Daily 01 Aug 2019 -- Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday denied a media report that the United States seeks up to a fivefold increase in what Japan pays to support U.S. military forces based here.
• Israel Reportedly Pressured US to Boot Out Turkey From F-35 Programme Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The report comes as Turkish defence officials warned that the United States "has no legal basis" for excluding Ankara from the F-35 programme since Washington froze the delivery of the fighter jets over Turkey's acquisition of Russia-made S-400 air defences.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 01 Aug 2019
• Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo Opening Remarks at U.S.-ASEAN Ministerial US Dept. of State 01 Aug 2019

Defense Industry

• Contracts for Aug. 1, 2019

Other Conflicts

• Pompeo slams Chinese 'coercion' in South China Sea Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of being engaged in "coercion" of its Southeast Asian neighbors in disputes over the South China Sea and criticized its building a dam on the Mekong River.
• Dozens of Saudi mercenaries killed as Yemeni retaliatory attacks hit camp in Aden Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Yemeni armed forces have launched missile and drone attacks on a camp of Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to the country's ex-government in the port city of Aden, killing dozens of them, including a commander.
• Rebels, Militants Kill Dozens In Yemen's Aden; Saudi Arabia Blames Iran RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran-backed Huthi rebels say they launched missile and drone attacks on a military parade in Yemen's southern port of Aden, the headquarters of the Saudi-backed government, that killed more than 30 people.
• Yemeni Houthis Reportedly Target Saudi Arabian Military Site in Dammam With Long-Range Missiles Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Saudi authorities have still not commented on reports of the missile attack.
• At Least 32 Killed in Missile Attack on Military Parade in South of Yemen - Reports Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the incident, stating they had launched a medium-range ballistic missile and an armed drone at the event.
• Yemen's Houthis Claim Responsibility for Missile Strike on Saudi-Coalition Airbase VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- Yemen's Houthis are claiming responsibility for a ballistic missile strike that tore through a military parade at a Saudi-coalition airbase near Aden Thursday, killing dozens. A suicide bomber also blew himself up near a police compound in the city, killing over half a dozen people.
• UN Chief Establishing Inquiry into Attacks on Civilian Targets in Syria's Idlib VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres announced Thursday that he is setting up an internal inquiry into attacks in a de-escalation zone in northwest Syria, where numerous hospitals have been targeted in recent months.
• 13th round of Syria talks held in Kazakh capital Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- A 13th round of talks aimed at finding a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria has officially gotten has been held in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan.
• New Round Of Syria Talks Under Way In Kazakh Capital RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Representatives of Russia, Iran, and Turkey have begun a fresh round of talks on finding a solution to the situation in war-ravaged Syria.
• Pentagon Confirms Training Maghawir al-Thawra Militants Near Syria's Al-Tanf Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) of the US-led international coalition fighting Daesh* has confirmed to Sputnik that the coalition was training the armed rebel group, Maghawir al-Thawra, near Syria's Al-Tanf, stressing that the group was efficient in countering Daesh.
• Israel Attacks Syria's Quneitra With Missiles – Report Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The strike comes after Damascus stated last Wednesday that Israel had struck a Syrian army base in Tel Al-Hara in the Golan Heights and in Quneitra.
• Israeli missile hits village in southwestern Syria; no casualties reported Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Israeli military has launched a missile at an area in Syria's southwestern province of Quneitra near the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
• Libya's GNA govt. protests at 'untruths' in UN report Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- The Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) has protested at UN envoy Ghassan Salame's latest report to the United Nations Security Council on the ongoing conflict in the North African country.
• Ukraine's Naftogaz Seeks $5.2 Billion In Damages From Russia Over Seized Crimea Assets RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Naftogaz Group, Ukraine's state-run oil and gas conglomerate, on July 31 filed a lawsuit for a $5.2 billion damage claim over assets that Russia seized during its annexation of Crimea in March 2014.
• Mozambique President, Opposition Leader Sign Peace Agreement VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- The president of Mozambique and the head of opposition group Renamo signed a peace deal on Thursday, formally ending years of conflict between the two factions.
• Mogadishu Mayor Dies From Wounds Sustained in al-Shabab Attack VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- Authorities in Somalia say the mayor of the capital has died of wounds sustained in a militant suicide attack on his office last month.

News Reports

• Trump Considering Blockade of Venezuela VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- President Donald Trump says he is considering a blockade or quarantine of Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro continues to hold power.
• Thousands of Sudanese hold protest rallies across country against killing of 4 students Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Khartoum and other cities to express their anger at the shooting death of four school students in a central city after protest leaders called for a "million-strong" rally to condemn tragic killings.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, August 1, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Aug 2019
• Navalny Demands Official Probe Into Possible 'Poisoning' In Russian Custody RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has filed an official complaint with Russia's main investigative authority in connection with an unexplained physical reaction that required his hospitalization, alleging that he was poisoned after being taken into custody following a recent Moscow protest.
• Protesters' Homes Searched After Moscow City Council Rally RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Police in Moscow have searched the home of Aleksei Minyailo, who trains signature collectors for the headquarters of opposition leader Lyubov Sobol, according to the independent watchdog OVD-Info.
• Navalny's Group Says Family Of Moscow Deputy Mayor Owns $102-Million Property RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's anti-corruption watchdog has revealed that the family of one of Moscow's deputy mayors owns property worth 6.5 billion rubles ($102.3 million).
• U.S. Senate Panel Backs New Sanctions For Nordstream-2 Companies RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- A key U.S. Senate committee has advanced legislation that would hit companies involved in the Baltic Sea gas pipeline known as Nordstream 2 with financial sanctions.
• Iran Responds to US Sanctions on Foreign Minister VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday called the move by the United States to sanction Iran's foreign minister "childish."
• Rouhani: White House afraid of Zarif's diplomatic competence IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in reaction to the sanctions recently imposed against his foreign minister said that sanctions against Zarif indicate the White House is afraid of his diplomatic capabilities.
• Russian FM spokeswoman: Iran sanctions doomed to failure IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Russian Federation Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in reaction to the sanctions imposed against Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif by the US government announced that this is blind action, and Russia is wondering why the Americans are using worn-up tools against Iran.
• US designation of Zarif shows its cowardice: Iran armed forces IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces condemned on Thursday the US sanctioning of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, saying it shows the US cowardice.
• Sanctioning FM Zarif ridiculous, shows US anger at Iran's logical discourse: IRGC IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday condemned the US "ridiculous" sanctioning Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
• Zarif represents Iran all around the world with authority: Deputy FM IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi slammed the US sanctioning of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, and said that he is Iran's powerful representative all around the world.
• Sanctioning Zarif further proof for US "hypocrisy" in calling for talks: Iran 1st VP IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Even the enemies of Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif confess to his rare knowledge and skill in dialog and creating opportunities to avoid clashes and wars, wrote Iran's First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri in a Twitter message.
• Iran FM: US people never require US Treasury to hear my words IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- "Dialog and peace" are "existential threats" to the B-team and the Americans never need a permission from the US Treasury to "engage" with him, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif wrote in his Twitter account on Thursday after being sanctioned by the US.
• FM spokesman: Americans afraid of Zarif's logic IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Thursday criticized US for imposing sanctions against Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and said the move indicates to what extent hey are afraid of Zarif's logic.
• US imposes sanctions on Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- The US Department of the Treasury on Wednesday imposed sanctions against Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
• FM Zarif thanks US for considering him as huge threat to their agenda IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message thanked US for considering him as a huge threat to their agenda.
• Iran will further reduce JCPOA commitments if other parties fail to fulfill theirs: Rouhani Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the country will continue to further reduce its commitments under the landmark nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), if other parties to the accord fail to live up to their commitments.
• Iran to produce 74m liters of petrol by end of August IRNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran will produce more than 70 million liters of Euro-quality petrol by the end of August, said Petroleum minister Bijan Zanganeh on Thursday.
• Persian Gulf mission crude attempt by US to pressure Iran, says Russia Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Russia says a proposed US-led mission to purportedly help secure the Strait of Hormuz is a pretext for Washington to further pressure Tehran and destabilize the Persian Gulf region.
• US 'ridiculous' sanctioning of Zarif aimed at mounting pressure on Iran: IRGC Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has condemned imposition of sanctions on the country's top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif, as a "ridiculous" and "illegal" measure, which is in line with the United States' policy of mounting maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic.
• Sanctions on Zarif show US afraid of Iran's top diplomat: Rouhani Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slams the United States for imposing sanctions on Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, saying the "childish" move stems from Washington's "fear" of the top Iranian diplomat's logic and interviews.
• Bolton confirms US will extend Iran sanction waivers Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- US National Security Adviser John Bolton has confirmed reports that his boss, President Donald Trump, is going to authorize a 90-day extension of sanction waivers against Iran, allowing the UK, France, China, Russia and Germany – the remaining signatories of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal -- to continue their civilian nuclear cooperation with the Islamic Republic.
• US sanctions Zarif for being Iran's 'primary spokesperson around the world' Press TV 01 Aug 2019 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for what Iran calls "great fear" of his eloquent delivery of the Iranian nation's message to the world.
• Iranian President Says 'Childish' Sanctions on Zarif Show US 'Afraid' of Foreign Minister Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The United States imposed restrictions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday, with a senior official saying that Washington would not consider him a primary point of contact if it were to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Tehran.
• US Extends Restrictions Related to Iran's Nuclear Programme, Pompeo Vows to Continue Pressure Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The US Department of the Treasury on Wednesday sanctioned Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif for acting on behalf of the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• US Sanctioned Zarif Because They Fear His Negotiating Skills - Iran FM Spokesman Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- The US Department of the Treasury said on Wednesday that Washington sanctioned Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Moreover, a senior presidential administration official said the United States would not treat Zarif as a primary point of contact if Washington negotiated a new nuclear agreement with Tehran.
• Taiwanese back government support for Hong Kong people: survey CNA 01 Aug 2019 -- Just over six out of ten Taiwanese back the Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) administration's support for Hong Kong demonstrators demanding democracy and freedom, a recent survey commissioned by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) showed Thursday.
• No compromise with "black sheep" attempting to disrupt Hong Kong's social order: Tung Chee-hwa People's Daily 01 Aug 2019 -- Tung Chee-hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said here Wednesday that continuous turmoil and violence have severely damaged Hong Kong's rule of law and business environment, while also spoiling the confidence of the international community in Hong Kong and even the relationship between the mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• US to Impose Additional 10% Tariffs on Remaining $300Bln of Chinese Goods - Trump Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Earlier this week, China began purchases of a number of US agricultural goods after the White House reiterated China's earlier made commitment to doing so amid an ongoing trade dispute betwen the top economies.
• Pakistan's Senate Chairman Survives No-Confidence Vote, Opposition Cries Foul VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- The chairman of Pakistan's Senate has survived a no-confidence vote that has opponents alleging political interference.
• US Warns Al-Qaida 'as Strong as It Has Ever Been' VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- Despite the reported death of the son and heir apparent of al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden, U.S. officials warn the global terror group remains a significant threat to the United States.
• Texas Man Charged with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 01 Aug 2019 -- Defendant Returned to Dallas After Being Detained by the Syrian Democratic Forces
• US Citizen Accused of Joining IS in Syria Is Repatriated to Texas to Face Charges VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- A dual American-Turkish citizen who left the United States as a teenager with his brother to join the Islamic State terror group has been brought back to his hometown to face terror-related charges.
• CDC Sends More Ebola Staffers to Congo Border VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday a dozen staffers had been sent to a Democratic Republic of Congo border city to manage Ebola cases there. The outbreak, which began a year ago Thursday, has now killed more than 1,800 people. The agency indicated it would send more staffers if armed conflict in the northeastern region subsided to safer levels.
• As Brexit Storm Gathers, Britain Looks to Trump for Hope VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- As the likelihood of Britain crashing out of the European Union with no deal at the end of October appears ever more likely, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a tumultuous first few weeks in office. The British currency, the pound sterling, has plunged to two-year lows against the U.S. dollar and the Euro, while there are warnings of widespread disruption in the event of a so-called no-deal Brexit.
• Merkel's 'Shakes' Perceived As EU Tremors In The Balkans RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Montenegrins eager for the political and economic benefits of closer cooperation with the European Union can use all the influential voices they can get in Brussels.
• Croatian President Denies 'Militant Islam' Insult Of Bosnia RFE/RL 01 Aug 2019 -- Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has dismissed an Israeli newspaper's account of her remarks during an official visit that quoted her accusing neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina of being "controlled by militant Islam."
• A dangerously hot climate, simmering political tensions: 'This is not the summer of our youth,' UN chief warns UN News 01 Aug 2019 -- Global warming and rising political tensions are dangerous and avoidable, Secretary-General António Guterres told reporters on Thursday, previewing the UN's upcoming Climate Action Summit, and spotlighting geopolitical hotspots.
• Tensions Rise After Nigerian Court Labels Muslim Sect 'Terrorists' VOA 01 Aug 2019 -- Tension between a Nigerian Shi'ite Muslim group and authorities is growing after a court last week granted permission to label the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) a terrorist organization. Security forces clashed violently with the group as they took to the streets of Abuja this month to call for the release of their leader, Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, who authorities have held since deadly clashes in 2015, despite a court order for his release.