17 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Condemning Taliban Violence US Dept. of State 17 Sep 2019 -- The United States condemns the recent Taliban attacks on the people, institutions, and infrastructure of Afghanistan.
UN Mission in Afghanistan Renewed After Brief Stalemate VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Tuesday to extend and strengthen the mandate of its mission in Afghanistan, overcoming threats of a Chinese veto.
Afghanistan's Ghani Escapes Election Violence That Killed 24 VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani escaped an attack on his campaign rally in Parwan province that killed 24 people and wounded more than 30 others Tuesday.
Taliban Envoys Visit Iran, Russia Following Collapse Of U.S. Talks RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- A four-member Taliban delegation has traveled to Tehran for talks with high-ranking Iranian officials -- the second such trip by the militants to a foreign country just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that peace talks with the United States had collapsed.
Two Separate Suicide Bombings Kill At Least 48 In Afghanistan RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- Two Taliban attacks have killed at least 48 people and wounded dozens more in Afghanistan, 11 days before the country is set to hold a presidential election the militant group has vowed to disrupt.
Bomb attacks kill 46, wound dozens in Afghanistan Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Two separate explosions in Afghanistan have killed a total of 46 people and wounded dozens of others, including during one event attended by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
FM spox confirms visit of Taliban delegation to Iran IRNA 17 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Tuesday confirmed that Taliban delegation is currently on a visit to Iran for exchange of views on the latest developments in Afghanistan.
Taliban delegation led by Abdul Salam Hanafi visits Iran ISNA 17 Sep 2019 -- Spokesman for the Taliban Political Office in Qatar, suhail shaheen announced that a Taliban delegation led by Abdul Salam Hanafi has visited Iran.
Taliban Delegation Visits Iran Amid Stalled Peace Deal With US - Spokesman Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- A delegation of the Taliban movement has travelled to Iran amid the decreasing prospects for signing a peace deal with the United States, a Taliban spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said Tuesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Military Still Buying Chinese-Made Drones Despite Spying Concerns VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- The Air Force and the Navy bought Chinese-manufactured drones for elite forces months after the Pentagon prohibited their use due to cybersecurity concerns, according to government documents.
Goldfein details Air Force's move toward a 'fully networked,' multi-domain future US Air Force 17 Sep 2019 -- Blending resolute certainty with optimism and unsentimental assessments of the challenges ahead, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein outlined the Air Force of the future and the path for getting there Sept. 17 in a speech at the Air Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor.
AFGSC commander speaks on competitive edge, long-term strategic competition US Air Force 17 Sep 2019 -- Gen. Timothy Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, gave a keynote speech addressing global strike and the critical competitive edge it presents at the Air Force Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 16 in National Harbor.
Greywolf Brigade conducts complex combined breach training with ROK Army partners Army News 17 Sep 2019 -- The Soldiers of Task Force Charger consisting of elements from 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment; 2nd Battalion, 7th Cav. Regt.; and 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division; the 11th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division and the ROK Army's 15th Chemical Battalion and 3rd Battalion, 137th Infantry conducted combined arms breach training here, Sept. 3-7.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Meeting With Bahrain's Deputy Supreme Commander His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa DoD 17 Sep 2019
Ready for the Fight: Accelerating Cloud-Based Warfare Systems NNS 17 Sep 2019 -- As conflicts become compressed in time and more complex, with an increasing number of data sources and platforms feeding information to warfighters, it is a challenge to build and share a complete and accurate operational picture.
NAVFAC Pacific Awards $15 Million Contract for Work on Guam NNS 17 Sep 2019 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded today a $15 million firm-fixed price contract to Nan, Inc. of Honolulu, Hawaii for the construction of an ordnance operations facility at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam.

New NATO command declared operational NATO 17 Sep 2019 -- A new NATO command in the German city of Ulm achieved initial operating capability on Tuesday (17 September 2019). The establishment of the Joint Support and Enabling Command is part of NATO's increased deterrence and defence in response to a changed security environment. The new command will help to speed up, coordinate and safeguard the movement of allied armour and infantry across European borders.
NATO Allies Join US Navy in Cutlass Fury Photo Exercise NNS 17 Sep 2019 -- Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) forces participated in a photo exercise alongside the Royal Canadian Navy and other participating nations Sept. 11 during exercise Cutlass Fury 2019.
NATO Secretary General in Iraq: training national forces is a key tool in fighting terrorism NATO 17 Sep 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi on Tuesday (17 September 2019) for talks on the Alliance's new training mission in the country and the security situation in the region.

Russia, China, SCO member states start large-scale drills Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Russia, China, and other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have started large-scale military exercises on the Russian soil.
Russia Has Found Aircraft to Succeed 5th Gen Su-57 Stealth Fighter Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Under development since 2012, the 20+ tonne stealthy flying wing design began rigorous military testing earlier this year.

Pakistan, India Join Russia-Led Military Drills Despite Kashmir Tensions VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan and India are taking part in a multinational counterterrorism military drill in Russia notwithstanding escalating border tensions between the two South Asian nuclear-armed rival nations over their Kashmir territorial dispute.

Construction of F35 facilities progressing at RAF Lakenheath UK MOD 17 Sep 2019 -- Work is progressing on buildings that will be home to 2 US Air Force F35 squadrons at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

China's Sharp Sword Carrier-Based Stealth Drone to Enter Service by End of Year Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- China's new carrier-based drone, dubbed the Sharp Sword, will appear in the October 1 National Day parade in Beijing and is expected to enter service before the end of the year.

Chinese Submarines Didn't Violate India's Sovereignty - Indian Foreign Minister Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- A day after a Navy spy plane detected seven warships in the Indian Ocean, the Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar clarified that New Delhi had not raised the issue with Beijing as the warships had not violated any maritime boundaries.
India Successfully Tests its Air-to-Air Missile Astra From Su-30MKI Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- India launched the project to develop Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Astra missiles in 2004, at a budget of Rs. 995 crores (approximately $138.4 million).
Israel Delivers Bunker Buster Version of Spice 2000 Bombs to India Amid Tension With Pakistan Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Amid tension with Pakistan, Israel has delivered its first batch of the 'building blaster' version of its Spice-2000 bombs, equipped with Mk.84 warheads, to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Gwalior airbase.

Iran to unveil low-altitude missile radar IRNA 17 Sep 2019 -- Iran is expected to unveil a new radar system to detect low-altitude missiles in a bid to expand the country's national air defense systems, said a senior defense official on Tuesday.

South Korea to develop new weapons system by 2023 Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- South Korea is planning to develop a weapons system to detect and strike small drones and eventually larger aircraft, as part of the country's program to modernize its military and despite efforts to defuse tensions with North Korea.

Philippine Senator Seeks Probe of Military's Deal with China-owned Telecoms Group Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- A Philippine senator called on legislators Tuesday to investigate whether a deal signed last week between the armed forces and a Chinese-led consortium to set up telecommunications equipment inside military bases in the country could threaten national security.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 17, 2019

Other Conflicts

17 September 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Sep 2019

US blame game on Saudi oil attack won't stop Yemenis' response: Iran FM Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has lashed out at the United States for playing a blame game over the recent Yemeni drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, saying this will never stop Yemeni victims from giving a response.
Saudi, allies must pay the price for spilling Yemenis' blood: Ansarullah Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has censured support for the Saudi-led coalition of aggressors in the wake of Yemeni retaliatory drone attacks on Aramco oil facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia, stressing that those who have no reservations at all about the bloodletting in the war-ravaged country must bear the consequences of their actions.
US military preparing response to Saudi oil attacks: Pentagon chief Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- The US military is preparing a response to the recent Yemeni drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said.
US Official Claims Cruise Missiles Used in Attack on Saudi Aramco Facilities - Report Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Earlier, US media reported that US intelligence agencies had handed over a classified report to their Saudi counterparts which alleged that Saturday's attacks on two major Saudi oil facilities were launched from Iran. Iran has denied any involvement. Yemen's Houthi militia have repeatedly claimed responsibility.
US Intel Shared With Saudis Claims Strikes on Oil Facilities Launched From Iranian Soil – Report Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- On Monday, Yemen's Houthi militia movement reiterated that they were responsible for Saturday's drone attacks, and accused those trying to blame the attacks on outside actors of acting like "cowards."

Experts: Saudi Arabia's Sophisticated Defense Vulnerable to Drone Strikes VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- The recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's crude oil hub at the Abqaiq and Khurais production facilities reveal that even a nation with a sophisticated military and a massive defense budget is still vulnerable to drone strikes.
Saudi King Calls for International Response to Oil Facility Attacks VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Saudi King Salman said Tuesday his country is capable of defending itself against the "cowardly attacks" that knocked out half of its oil production, but called on the international community to "clearly confront" the perpetrators.
House Speaker calls for intelligence briefings on Saudi oil attacks Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for a briefing for all House members on the recent Yemeni drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities.
Pompeo Heads To Saudi Arabia As U.S. Weighs Response To Saudi Oil Attack RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- Vice President Mike Pence says the U.S. military is "ready to defend" the interests of the country's allies, and that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is en route to Saudi Arabia to "discuss our response" to an attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities over the weekend.
Explainer: Was Iran Behind Attacks On Saudi Oil Installations? RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- Suspected drone attacks on key oil installations in Saudi Arabia have rattled world energy markets, spiked regional tensions, and provoked threats of military action by the United States.
Energy Minister Says Oil Supply Back to Normal After Attack on Saudi Aramco Facilities - Report Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- The energy minister also announced that the country's oil market is expected to be fully back online by the end of September.
VP Pence Says US Ready to Defend Its Interests and Regional Allies After Saudi Aramco Attack Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Earlier, US officials including President Donald Trump accused Iran of being responsible for Saturday's attacks on two major Saudi oil facilities. Tehran has dismissed the accusations. The Houthis, a Yemeni militia group against which Riyadh and its allies have waged a four year war, claimed responsibility and promised more attacks.

Joint statement of Astana guarantor states on Syria ISNA 17 Sep 2019 -- The Presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey, in a joint statement, reaffirmed their firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, rejecting every effort to create new realities in the Syrian field under the pretext of combatting terrorism, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives.
Turkey continues to arm terrorist groups in Idlib, evades Sochi commitments: Syrian UN envoy Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Syria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Hussam Eddin Ala, says Turkey has been providing various types of munitions to foreign-sponsored terrorist groups operating in the country's militant-held northwestern province of Idlib, and reneging on its commitments under the Sochi agreement.
Turkey, Russia, Iran Vow To Ease Tensions In Syria's Idlib RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted the leaders of Russia and Iran in Ankara on September 16 for talks aimed at finding a lasting truce in the ruinous eight-year Syrian civil war.
Syrian Military Finds Large Militant Base in Cave Near Liberated Khan Sheikhoun Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Syrian military has found a cave near the recently liberated city of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province that was used by militants as a large military base, Big. Gen. Abdel Kerim Meikhun told reporters.
Inquiry: Civilians in Syria Victims of Insufferable Abuse, Misery VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- An independent commission on Syria has accused all parties in the coutry's conflict of cold-bloodedly pursuing military objectives regardless of the cost in civilian lives and human suffering.

Turkey May Launch Operation in Safe Zone in Northeastern Syria Within 2 Weeks - Erdogan Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Ankara is ready to start an operation against Kurdish militia in a safe zone in northeastern Syria within two weeks, if no specific measures are taken there jointly with the United States, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

No Cease-fire Deal With Northern Alliance, But Parties Agree to Another Meeting in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- Myanmar government peace negotiators and the Northern Alliance group of ethnic armies on Tuesday did not reach an agreement on a bilateral cease-fire to end hostilities between the rebel forces and national military in northeast and western Myanmar, though they decided to meet again for further discussions, spokesmen for the parties said.
Rohingya still face genocide in Myanmar: UN Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- A new report by a United Nations Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) says that persecution against Rohingya Muslims continues in Myanmar, exposing hundreds of thousands of them to the risk of genocide.
UN: 600,000 Rohingya Live Under Threat of Genocide VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- A U.N. fact-finding mission is calling for an international investigation into the dangers faced by 600,000 Rohingya, who the UN says are living under the threat of genocide in Myanmar's Rakhine State. The findings, which have been submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Rwanda, Uganda Hold Peace Talks to Defuse Tensions VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Rwanda and Uganda have agreed to resolve issues that have strained bilateral relations in recent months. Through an ad hoc commission, the two sides have been working on their differences in order to defuse tensions.

New Bill Threatens Sanctions For Chinese Officials Interfering in Selection of Dalai Lama Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- In a bipartisan show of U.S. support for Tibet, a new bill introduced in Congress threatens sanctions against Chinese officials interfering with the selection of a new Dalai Lama, with proposed penalties including the freezing of assets and denial of entry to the United States.

News Reports

Suspension of Talks Between Venezuela's Interim Government and the Former Maduro Regime US Dept. of State 17 Sep 2019 -- The suspension of the Norway-sponsored talks between Venezuela's interim government and the former Maduro regime reflects the refusal of the regime to negotiate in good faith. Once again, the regime sees negotiations as a delaying tactic and has subverted good-faith efforts to find a peaceful political solution.
Treasury Increases Pressure on Alex Saab and His Network in Venezuela US Treasury 17 Sep 2019 -- day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals and 16 entities for their connections to Alex Nain Saab Moran (Alex Saab) and his business partner, Alvaro Enrique Pulido Vargas (Alvaro Pulido), who have enabled former President Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) and his illegitimate regime to corruptly profit from imports of food aid and distribution in Venezuela.
Venezuela opp. members break with Guiado, strike deal with government Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Members of the Venezuelan opposition have broken ranks with the Western-backed opposition figure Juan Guaido and signed an agreement with President Nicolas Maduro's government.
Venezuelan Government Convenes National Dialogue With Other Political Parties - Minister Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- The Venezuelan authorities have formed a national dialogue with a number of political parties, Communication Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a state TV broadcast.

Russian Embassy to Ask State Dept About Alleged Diplomats' Role in Hacking FBI Systems Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- The Russian Embassy in the United States intends to ask the US State Department for clarifications in connection with media reports about the alleged involvement of diplomatic mission's employees in hacking FBI communication systems, the embassy's press service said.

United States Files Civil Lawsuit against Edward Snowden for Publishing a Book in Violation of CIA and NSA Non-Disclosure Agreements US Dept. of Justice 17 Sep 2019 -- The United States today filed a lawsuit against Edward Snowden, a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), who published a book entitled Permanent Record in violation of the non-disclosure agreements he signed with both CIA and NSA.

Japan Hit for Illegal Intrusion into DPRK's Exclusive Economic Zone: Spokesperson for DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 17 Sep 2019 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on September 17 with regard to Japan's intrusion into our exclusive economic zone.
Self-Reliance Is Consistent Line to Be Maintained in State Building and Activities: Rodong Sinmun KCNA 17 Sep 2019 -- There is no immutable mode in developing the state and social system, but the fundamental principle of progress and development that one should solve everything and open a shortcut to a leap with one's own efforts in any case does not change, says Rodong Sinmun Tuesday in an article, and goes on:
N.Korea's Charge d'Affaires in Russia to Be Summoned to Foreign Ministry Over Schooners Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- North Korea's charge d'affaires in Russia will be summoned to the Foreign Ministry in connection with the detention of North Korean schooners, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Supreme Leader: No negotiations between Iran, US officials at any level IRNA 17 Sep 2019 -- Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei noted that country's officials have unanimously announced that they would not take part in talks, be it bilateral or multilateral, with the United States.
Iran's top leader rejects any talk with U.S. People's Daily 17 Sep 2019 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday that Iranian officials unanimously rule out talks with the United States at any level.
Leader castigates US for seeking imprudent demands from Iran IRNA 17 Sep 2019 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Tuesday castigated the US administration for seeking "impudent demands" from Iran.
European companies, banks ready to join Europe's channel with Iran: INSTEX president IRNA 17 Sep 2019 -- Several European companies and banks have expressed their readiness to join the European financial channel with Iran, INSTEX, in a bid to help operationalize the system, said new INSTEX president on Tuesday.
Putin hails Iran-Russia common stance on JCPOA IRNA 17 Sep 2019 -- President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin described as valuable the common stance of Iran and Russia about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Return to JCPOA only way to de-escalate tensions in Middle East: Merkel Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel says a return to a 2015 nuclear deal Iran clinched with six world states is the only way to defuse tensions in the Middle East.
Iran nuclear deal still viable, has no alternative: Russian president Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his country's support for the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal, saying the multilateral accord is still viable despite the US's withdrawal.
US Policy of Maximum Pressure Will Fail - Iran's Leader Khamenei Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- The statement comes amid tough situation in the Gulf as the US has been calling on its allies to start patrolling the area to increase the security of their vessels in the face of what it has called the "Iranian threat".

HK lawmakers slams US over bill Global Times 17 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong lawmakers and media on Tuesday slammed the US for colluding with Hong Kong secessionists to pass the so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, saying it is absurd and interferes in the city's internal affairs.
Protest leader has no right to beg for foreign interference in Hong Kong: spokesperson People's Daily 17 Sep 2019 -- A Chinese spokesperson on Monday condemned Joshua Wong Chi-fung, leader of a Hong Kong political group advocating "independence", for seeking foreign interference in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's leader to open public dialog next week Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong's leader says she will open direct dialog with protesters next week in an attempt to address social discontent, following some three months of unrest in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.
Open Dialogue Between Hong Kong Authorities, Public to Start Next Week - Chief Executive Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- The Hong Kong government will launch the first session of an open dialogue with the community next week to come to a mutual understanding and possibly reach a compromise after months of protests over the controversial extradition bill, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Tuesday.
Hong Kong Activists Urge US Lawmakers to Support Protesters and Stand Up to Beijing VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong urged U.S. lawmakers Tuesday to support human rights and democracy in the semiautonomous Chinese territory, declaring, "The stakes have never been higher."

China Blamed For Cyber Attack on Australian Parliament, Political Parties Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- The Chinese Communist Party was behind a massive cyber attack on the Australian national parliament ahead of May's general election, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Taiwan Sees Shake-up of Presidential Candidates As Solomon Islands Severs Ties Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- Former Taiwan vice-president Annette Lu on Tuesday threw her hat into the ring ahead of presidential elections next year, as Beijing warned the democratic island that it could face total isolation on the world stage if it votes for incumbent and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Tsai Ing-wen.
Money diplomacy contest between democracy, authoritarianism: envoy CNA 17 Sep 2019 -- China's ongoing money diplomacy to snatch away Taiwan's diplomatic allies is not merely a diplomatic competition between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait but also a competition between China's model of authoritarian government and Western-style democracy, according to Taiwan's top envoy to the European Union.
U.S. slams China for undermining cross-strait status quo CNA 17 Sep 2019 -- The United States reiterated its support for the status quo in the cross-Taiwan Strait relations Tuesday, including Taiwan's diplomatic ties, one day after the Solomon Islands decided to sever ties with Taipei.
U.S. senators call for swift passage of TAIPEI Act to help Taiwan CNA 17 Sep 2019 -- Several U.S. senators have called for the swift passage of a draft bill in the U.S. Congress in an effort to help Taiwan keep its diplomatic allies, a day after Taiwan announced the severing of ties with the Solomon Islands in the wake of the Pacific country's decision to switch allegiance to Beijing.
China praises Solomon Islands for cutting ties with Taiwan island Global Times 17 Sep 2019 -- The Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council praised Solomon Islands on Tuesday after the country ended "diplomatic ties" with the island of Taiwan on Monday, saying that the decision will benefit the country's people and the one-China principle in an overwhelming global trend of recognition.
China 'highly appreciates' Solomon Islands' cutting Taiwan ties People's Daily 17 Sep 2019 -- China on Monday said it highly appreciates the Solomon Islands' decision to cut the "diplomatic ties" with the island of Taiwan and acknowledge the one-China principle.
Taiwan Sees Shake-up of Presidential Candidates As Solomon Islands Severs Ties Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- Former Taiwan vice-president Annette Lu on Tuesday threw her hat into the ring ahead of presidential elections next year, as Beijing warned the democratic island that it could face total isolation on the world stage if it votes for incumbent and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Tsai Ing-wen.

Exit Polls Show a Deadlock in Israel Elections VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Exit polls in Israel show that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not won enough seats to put together a majority coalition of 61 seats in the 120-seat Knesset. The same exit polls also show, however, that neither does challenger and former Israeli army head Benny Gantz.
Corruption-tainted Netanyahu fights to hang on in repeat general polls Press TV 17 Sep 2019 -- People in the Israeli-occupied territories are voting for the second time in less than six months in an election that pits corruption-tainted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the right-wing Likud party against centrist Benny Gantz of the Blue and White alliance.
Netanyahu Faces Tough Re-Election Fight Against Rival Gantz VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Israelis are voting Tuesday in general elections for the second time in six months as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a challenge from former military chief Benny Gantz.

Envoy: U.S., Belarus To Bring Back Ambassadors After 11-Year Pause RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- The United States and Belarus plan to resume hosting ambassadors after an 11-year hiatus amid mutual growing concern over Russia's foreign policy.

India Grappling With Sharp Economic Downturn VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- Since being laid off from a garment factory when it downsized two months ago, 35-year-old Shrawan Kumar Mandal has been making daily visits to a hub of small manufacturing units in Gurugram on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Anthrax Diagnosis Confirmed In Kazakhstan RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- Four residents of a village in Kazakhstan's southern region of Zhambyl have been diagnosed with anthrax.

Ireland Braces for Impact of Boris Johnson's No-Deal Brexit VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- A no-deal Brexit would cause havoc to the island of Ireland and agri-businesses on both sides of the border are fearful of the impact.

Greener Pastures For Ukrainian Farmers? Zelenskiy Plows Ahead With Land Reform RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- With some of the world's most nutrient-packed soil, Ukraine has long been considered "the breadbasket of Europe."

Romania's Koevesi Edges Closer To European Prosecutor Job RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- Negotiators from the European Council and the European Parliament have resumed talks to choose the first-ever European anti-fraud prosecutor, with sources indicating that former Romanian anti-corruption official Laura Codruta Koevesi is emerging as the favorite to get the job.

Judge Rejects Appeal By Former Armenian President Kocharian RFE/RL 17 Sep 2019 -- A court in Yerevan has rejected a motion by lawyers of former Armenian President Robert Kocharian to release their client from pretrial detention based on a September 4 ruling by the Constitutional Court that declared unconstitutional a legal provision used by law enforcement authorities to arrest and prosecute the 65-year-old.

Acting Prime Minister Sanchez Confirms Snap General Election in Spain on November 10 Sputnik 17 Sep 2019 -- Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed on Tuesday that Spain will hold early parliamentary election on November 10.

Cambodian Court Issues Second Warrant to Arrest Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- A court in Cambodia has issued a new warrant for the arrest of acting president of the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sam Rainsy for "insulting the King," after he gave an interview in which he called King Norodom Sihamoni a "puppet" of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Cambodian Government's Request for 'Meetings' Seen as Intimidation VOA 17 Sep 2019 -- The Cambodian government summoned three human rights organizations to meetings in Phnom Penh to examine research they published and comments one of them gave to the media, a move the NGOs described as attempts at intimidation.

In Myanmar's Remote Mongla Region, Mandarin Supplants The Burmese Language Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2019 -- The teaching of Mandarin Chinese is now prevalent in many government-run schools in Myanmar's Mongla autonomous special region, local teachers say, in the remote border area in eastern Shan state that has become dependent on nearby China for business and jobs.

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