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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• 62 worshippers die in bomb blasts in mosque in eastern Afghanistan Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- At least 62 worshippers have been killed and more than 100 injured in bomb explosions at a mosque in eastern Afghanistan during Friday prayers.
• Many Killed In Mosque Blasts In Eastern Afghanistan RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- At least 62 people have been killed and dozens wounded in an explosion during Friday Prayers at a mosque in eastern Afghanistan, officials say.
• Kabul Condemns Mosque Blasts in East Afghanistan, Blames Taliban - Presidential Spokesman Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- The Afghan authorities have condemned the mosque blasts in eastern Nangarghar province, Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesperson for the country's president, said on Friday, putting the blame on Taliban.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army researchers test human-like robots Army News 18 Oct 2019 -- Army researchers recently tested ground robots performing military-style exercises, much like Soldier counterparts, at a robotics testing site in Pennsylvania recently as part of a 10-year research project designed to push the research boundaries in robotics and autonomy.
• Department Of Defense Press Briefing By Undersecretary Of Defense For Acquisition And Sustainment Ellen M. Lord DoD 18 Oct 2019 -- Ellen M. Lord, Undersecretary Of Defense For Acquisition And Sustainment
• Ten Take-Aways: The Education for Seapower Report USMC News 18 Oct 2019 -- In February 2019, the Department of the Navy issued its landmark Education for Seapower (E4S) Report, calling for major reform and improvement of our system of naval education for commissioned and enlisted Sailors and Marines. The Department of the Navy is beginning to implement the report's recommendations at the direction of the Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, through his memorandum to all naval forces.
• Seabees Explore Construction Opportunities with Thai Partners NNS 18 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 arrived in U-Tapao, Kingdom of Thailand, to survey potential construction project opportunities to support the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and existing U.S. Air Force initiatives, Oct. 15.
• NATO Ships Work with Military Sealift Command NNS 18 Oct 2019 -- Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) forces conduct multiple replenishments-at-sea alongside Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships as the group has operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Need for a Cybersecurity Paradigm Shift NNS 18 Oct 2019 -- Cyber threats against federal agencies, including across the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy, are increasing in frequency, sophistication and impact, opening to attack vast amounts of sensitive data housed on government information technology systems and the nation's critical infrastructure. These can be incredibly difficult to identify and attribute to a nation, organization or person.
• US Army to Defend Patriot Missile Batteries From UAV Attack With 'Kamikaze Drones' Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- In the wake of the airstrikes that crippled two Saudi Aramco facilities last month, the US Army is taking a harder look at how it handles close-range air defense. The service has long prioritized long-range anti-air defense systems like the MIM-104 Patriot that proved unable to protect the Saudi facilities.
• Remarks at the joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo NATO 18 Oct 2019
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
• Estonian Interior Minister Says NATO 'Temporarily Paralyzed' Over Turkey's Syria Offensive Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Estonian Interior Minister Mart Helme said Thursday he was concerned that big NATO partners looked elsewhere as cooperation within the alliance came to a standstill.
• Russia test launches nuclear capable missile systems in Arctic drill Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has observed live launches of intercontinental ballistic missile systems that can carry thermo-nuclear warheads during a military drill across the country's arctic region.
• Photos: China's New Carrier Being Built Alongside Massive New Shipyard Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- New satellite photos show the shipyard where China's new Type 002 aircraft carrier is being built is just part of a massive, kilometer-long naval dock where even more large vessels might be constructed.
• Japan says will not join US anti-Iran 'coalition' in Mideast Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Japan says it will not join any US coalition in the Middle East, but is considering sending its own forces in a bid to ensure oil shipments from the region.
• Japan Snubs US-Led Gulf Coalition, Considers Sending its Own Troops to Strait of Hormuz - Reports Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, the United States and the European Union had been rallying allies to send ships to the region after a string of attacks on commercial vessels took place earlier this year, which the US has blamed on Iran. Tehran has vehemently denied the allegations.
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 18, 2019

Other Conflicts

• 18 October 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Oct 2019
• Statement from the Secretary of Defense DoD 18 Oct 2019 -- "Yesterday, Vice President Pence announced an agreement between the United States and Turkey to establish a ceasefire in Northeast Syria. As a result, Turkey has agreed to pause its offensive operations in Syria for 120 hours to allow for the withdrawal of the Peoples Protection Units from the roughly 20-mile safe zone along its border. Upon completion of the YPG withdrawal, Turkey has committed to enacting a permanent ceasefire."
• Esper to Turkish Counterpart: U.S. Expects Turkey to Honor Ceasefire DoD News 18 Oct 2019 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper detailed what the United States expects from Turkey as a ceasefire in Northern Syria goes into effect.
• Trump: US in position to impose very powerful sanctions on Turkey Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- President Donald Trump has said the United States is in a position where it could impose very powerful sanctions on Turkey or others if it wanted to.
• Erdogan threatens to re-launch Syria operation if truce not respected Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Turkey's army could restart its ground offensive in northeast Syria if Kurdish fighters from the People's Protection Units (YPG) do not pull back from a so-called safe zone under a five-day ceasefire.
• Turkish airstrikes kill civilians; sporadic clashes continue in northeast Syria despite ceasefire Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkish airstrikes kill at least five civilians while sporadic clashes continue with Kurdish forces despite a ceasefire agreed between Ankara and Washington in northeast Syria.
• Turkish-backed forces using white phosphorus against Kurds: Report Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- White phosphorus-loaded munitions appear to have been used by Turkish-backed forces in their ongoing operation in northeastern Syria, allegedly causing horrific burns on the bodies of Syrian Kurds, a report by Foreign Policy says.
• Trump likens Turkey's offensive against Kurds to a schoolyard fight Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has praised the temporary cease-fire that Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reached with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and likened Ankara's military offensive against Syrian Kurds to a schoolyard fight.
• EU Leaders Condemn Turkey's Operation in Northern Syria, Call for End to Military Action Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- The European Council condemned Turkey's military operation in northern Syria, noted the Turkish-US deal to suspend the offensive and called for ending military action in the area.
• Amid ongoing fighting in northeast Syria, hundreds cross Iraqi border in search of safety UN News 18 Oct 2019 -- Shelling and clashes in northern Syria on the border with Turkey continue to cause hundreds of people to flee, the UN said on Friday, despite a cessation of hostilities deal between Turkish forces and Syrian-backed Kurdish military.
• Syrian Locals Grieve as Turkey-Syrian Cease-fire Collapses VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- A smattering of celebratory bullets lit up the sky like fireworks in towns in northeastern Syria on Thursday night, but by Friday afternoon the mood was more somber.
• Clashes Continue Between Turkish, Syrian Kurdish Forces Despite Cease-fire VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Friday that Turkish forces would intensify their operation into Syria if Kurdish militias failed to comply with an agreement struck with the United States. The warning was made as sporadic fighting continued and disputes emerged over the cease-fire terms.
• No Letup in Smoke, Gunfire and a War of Words along Syrian-Turkish Border VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday hailed the U.S.-brokered pause in hostilities between Turkey and the Kurds in northeast Syria, despite reports of continued fighting.
• Despite Reports of Fighting, US Hopeful Cease-fire Will Hold Between Turkey, Syria's Kurds VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Despite reports of continued fighting, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced hope on Friday that a U.S.-brokered cease-fire agreement would hold between Turkey and Syria's Kurds.
• Who Are the Kurds? VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- The Kurds' involvement in the conflict in Syria is complicated, because of the group's troubled history that spreads across several regional borders. Here is a look at the current Kurdish crisis and how it came to be.
• Turkish invasion must stop, all foreign troops must leave Syria: Assad Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has demanded a complete halt to Turkey's operation against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria, and a full withdrawal of foreign forces illegally present in Syrian territories.
• US transferring Daesh inmates to Iraq from Syria: Report Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's decision to pull American troops out of Syria seems to be linked to the escape of Daesh elements from jails in the north of the Arab country, which can finally result in the regrouping of the notorious Takfiri terrorist outfit, a media report says.
• Deadly Clashes Reported In Northeastern Syria Despite Cease-Fire RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkish-led bombardment killed 14 civilians in northeastern Syria on October 18, a war monitor said, despite a U.S.-brokered cease-fire that went into effect overnight.
• Fighting Reported In Kurdish-Held Syrian Town Despite Cease-Fire RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- Shelling and gunfire continued on October 18 in and around the northeast Syrian border town of Ras al-Ayn despite a U.S.-brokered cease-fire that went into effect overnight.
• Influential U.S. Republican Senator Romney Slams Trump's Syria Pullout RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- U.S. Republican Senator Mitt Romney, his party's 2012 presidential candidate, blasted President Donald Trump's decision to abandon Kurdish allies in Syria, saying on the Senate floor that it "will stand as a bloodstain in the annals of American history."
• Syrian Army Enters Key Northern Town Gov't Troops Haven't Set Foot in Since 2012 – Photos, Videos Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Turkey's military operation against terrorist and Kurdish militia in northern Syria has had the unexpected side effect of uniting the Kurdish forces with Damascus, with the sides reaching a security agreement to allow Syrian Army forces to enter Kurdish-governed areas to help defend them against Ankara.
• Trump Says Syria Ceasefire Has 'Good Chance of Success', Retweets Erdogan's Anti-Terrorism Message Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- On Thursday, Turkey agreed to suspend its Syria operation for 120 hours to facilitiate the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish militia forces to a distance of about 30 km from the Turkish border. The agreement came after Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo came to Ankara for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Pelosi, Schumer call US-Turkey agreement on Syria offensive 'sham' Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer have described as a "sham" an agreement reached between the United States and Turkey to end the military incursion into Syria.
• Sudan Peace Talks With Rebels Begin in Juba VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Talks among the Sudanese government, the rebel SPLM-North faction and two smaller Sudanese rebel groups began Friday in Juba.
• Cameroon Separatists Open 'Community Schools' VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Separatist groups in parts of Cameroon have opened what they call community schools, to replace government-run schools that have been shut down for the past three years. However, the government is urging parents and students to stay away from the separatist-run facilities.

News Reports

• Ukraine Legal Experts Question Back-Channel Bid for Burisma Probe VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Ukrainian legal experts say they are bemused by reports of American back-channel pressure to pursue an investigation of an energy company linked to the son of U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden, pointing out the Trump administration could have easily achieved its goal through established legal channels.
• US hits Cuba with new sanctions over Venezuela Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- The United States says it is imposing new sanctions on Cuba over its support for Venezuela's government as well as what Washington calls Havana's violation of human rights.
• US Justice Department Announces Record Number of Immigration-Linked Prosecutions VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- The U.S. Justice Department said Friday it prosecuted a record number of immigration-related criminal cases over the last year.
• The Week In Russia: 2019 In The Middle East, 1938 Back Home? RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- As headlines proclaim Russian President Vladimir Putin the Middle East's new "overlord" and the go-to guy for the region, a report about hospital bombings in Syria provides a chilling backstory. Meanwhile, at home, opposition politician Aleksei Navalny says the state campaign against his operations across Russia smacks of 1938.
• Chinese National Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export Military- and Space-Grade Technology from the United States to China US Dept. of Justice 18 Oct 2019 -- On October 16, 2019, United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa sentenced Tao Li, a 39-year-old Chinese national, to 40 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Li had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to export military- and space-grade technology to the People's Republic of China without a license in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• Chinese National Given 3-Year Prison Sentence For Exporting US Military Tech Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Chinese national Tao Li, 39, was sentenced to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on October 16 by a US judge for conspiring to illegally export military and space-grade technology to China without a license, which is a violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• Clinton Calls Gabbard a Russian Manchurian Candidate as Tulsi Slams DNC, Media Over Debate 'Rigging' Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Earlier, the Hawaii congresswoman accused CNN and the New York Times of "despicable" attempts to "smear" her over her opposition to what she described as the US's "regime-change war" in Syria.
• HRNK Report Examines a "Lost Generation" of North Korean Children Raised During and After '90s Famine. Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2019 -- Children who grew up in North Korea over the past 30 years, and particularly those raised during the 1990s famine that killed several million people, continue to suffer from "injuries both physical and psychological," said a report issued Friday by the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK), a Washington-based NGO.
• Many Gravity-fed Waterways Completed KCNA 18 Oct 2019 -- The Kaechon-Lake Thaesong Waterway, a large-scale gravity-fed irrigation waterway, was successfully built in the DPRK on Oct. 18, Juche 91 (2002). A total of over 29 000 ri (11 600km) gravity-fed irrigation waterway has been completed, taking the country as a whole.
• Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Gives Field Guidance to Jungphyong Vegetable Greenhouse Farm and Tree Nursery under Construction KCNA 18 Oct 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, gave field guidance to the Jungphyong Vegetable Greenhouse Farm and Tree Nursery under construction in Kyongsong County.
• Hong Kong Press Seeks Court Ruling to Stop Police Restrictions, Injuries VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- The driver for local Hong Kong media outlet Now News parked his van near the Mong Kok police station on Oct. 14 as the crew readied to cover another night of protests. As protesters hurled Molotovs, the driver, who identified himself only as Mr. Lau, was felled by a beanbag round in the head, according to the broadcaster. Officers bound his hands and left the man face down. A cameraman captured the scene, a neon press vest crumpled on the ground nearby, and was threatened when he tried to aid his colleague.
• Hong Kong Protesters, Chief Executive Vow Not to Give In VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Hong Kong is bracing for the 20th straight weekend of anti-government protests, after both sides revealed this week that they are digging in.
• HKSAR chief executive talks on social media about policy address, current situation Global Times 18 Oct 2019 -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on Thursday night took to a live streaming on social media and communicated with residents over her third policy address and the current situation.
• Hong Kong-style riots to haunt West People's Daily 18 Oct 2019 -- Supporters of the Catalan separatist movement publicly declared to have learned from the Hong Kong demonstrators, promoting the latter's tactics such as to "be water" and wearing masks to reduce the risk of being arrested. They seized the local airport on Monday and Tuesday, forcing a large number of flights to cancel. They also blocked roads and railways, set garbage cans on fire. Their slogan is "We're going to do a Hong Kong!"
• Thousands Protest Anti-Mask Law With Human Chain Across Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2019 -- Thousands of protesters gathered across Hong Kong on Friday, linking hands and wearing masks of all descriptions in protest at a mask ban under colonial-era emergency laws.
• China's Economic Growth Slows to Record Low 6.0% in 3rd Quarter - Statistics Bureau Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.2 percent during the first three quarters of 2019, while in the third quarter, it increased by 6.0 percent, which is the slowest growth rate in 27 years on the record, the country's National Bureau of Statistics said in a report.
• China's Q3 GDP growth slows to 6.0% to hit a 27-year low, still within target range Global Times 18 Oct 2019 -- China's GDP grew 6.0 percent in the third quarter of 2019, touching a 27-year low amid the impact of a bruising trade war with the US and other downward pressure. But the number is still within the annual target range set by policymakers, and analysts are confident that China could achieve the annual target this year as more stimulus measures kick in and economic potential further unfolds.
• China launches new communication technology experiment satellite Global Times 18 Oct 2019 -- China sent a new communication technology experiment satellite into planned orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province late Thursday.
• Isolated Diplomatically by China, Taiwan Is Finding Friends in Europe VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Leaders in Europe are offering diplomatically isolated Taiwan a sudden chorus of support this year, giving the democratic Asian island welcome international exposure and a morale boost during its spiraling struggles with China.
• Global watchdog extends suspension of anti-Iran measures until February Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has given Iran a final deadline of February 2020 to tighten its rules against money laundering in compliance with the global watchdog's financial standards.
• Global Watchdog Gives Pakistan Until February To Step Up Action Against Terror Funding RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- A global money-laundering watchdog has given Pakistan until February to step up its operations to combat terrorism financing in accordance with an internationally agreed action plan or face actions against it.
• FATF Watchdog Urges Pakisan to Comply With Anti-Terrorism Action Plan by February 2020 Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), globally mandated to combat terrorism financing and money laundering, has set a fresh deadline for Pakistan to deliver on its counter-terrorism action plan by February 2020.
• Pakistan, For Now, Averts Being Blacklisted by Terror-Funding Watchdog VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- A global agency leading the fight against the funding of terrorism and money laundering has urged Pakistan to address terrorist financing-related deficiencies by February or face punitive action.
• Treasury Launches the Counter-Hizballah International Partnership (CHIP) to Thwart Illicit Financial Activity US Treasury 18 Oct 2019 -- This week the Treasury Department convened the first meeting of the Counter-Hizballah International Partnership (CHIP) to build multilateral cooperation for targeting Hizballah's global financial networks.
• UN Committee says Ebola in DR Congo still an international public health emergency UN News 18 Oct 2019 -- The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) officially remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, experts meeting in Geneva said on Friday.
• US Deports Sudanese Man Convicted in New York City Bombing Plot VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- A Sudanese man convicted of a 1993 terror plot against several buildings in the U.S., including the United Nations, was deported this week after serving out a more than 20 year prison sentence.
• Mexican President Defends Decision to Free Drug Kingpin's Son VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday defended freeing the son of drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, whom police let go during a shootout with drug gangs.
• Saudi Aramco Delays Initial Public Offering Over September Attacks on 2 Major Plants – Reports Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- Saudi oil giant Aramco has delayed its initial public offering after work at two of its major facilities was disrupted by September attacks, media reported Thursday.
• Britain's 'Super Saturday' as Brexit Vote Goes to Wire VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is battling to persuade lawmakers to back the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement he signed with the European Union, ahead of a special session in the British Parliament scheduled Saturday. The vote on the deal is set to go to the wire and is likely to prove critical for Britain's future in or out of the EU.
• Democratic Unionist Party: Brexit deal to open path to united Ireland Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) says UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal may open a path for Northern Ireland to join into a united Ireland.
• Scotland high court to hear legal challenge to Brexit deal Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Scotland's highest court is to hear a challenge to have Boris Johnson's deal agreed with the EU declared unlawful, arguing that it is illegal for Northern Ireland to form part of a separate customs territory – originally amended by the Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg.
• Media: Boris Johnson offers thwarting Brexit concessions Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- The Brexit accord, struck between the UK premiere and EU officials, has drawn widely mixed reactions, with many saying Boris Johnson succumbed to pressure and granted Brussels the greatest and most humiliating concessions.
• UN slams Egypt for arresting prominent dissidents Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- The United Nations (UN)'s human rights office has censured Egypt for detaining prominent dissidents following unprecedented protests against President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, calling for their release after they were allegedly subjected to torture by security forces.
• Cambodian Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy Vows to Lead 'Tsunami' of Supporters to Arrest PM Hun Sen Radio Free Asia 18 Oct 2019 -- The acting president of the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sam Rainsy said Friday he will lead a "tsunami" of supporters to arrest Prime Minister Hun Sen and "liberate" party leader Kem Sokha from detention upon his return to the country from self-imposed exile next month.
• North Macedonia, Albania Disappointed As EU Blocks Membership Talks RFE/RL 18 Oct 2019 -- A handful of European Union countries led by France have again blocked membership talks for North Macedonia and Albania.
• Talks on North Macedonia and Albania EU Accession Collapse Due to Macron Intransigence Sputnik 18 Oct 2019 -- After EU ministers failed to reach a deal on the question of enlargement at a meeting of the General Affairs Council earlier this week, Tusk moved the matter to the leaders' summit agenda - although Macron made clear he would obstruct any progress, on 16th October demanding wholesale upheaval of the accession system in its entirety.
• Lebanon's premier moves to address nation amid public anger with corruption Press TV 18 Oct 2019 -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri has delivered a speech addressing recent protests driven by grievances against corruption and economic woes. He has given a 72-hour ultimatum for "partners in the government" to exhibit determination in bringing about "real reforms."
• Protests Engulf Large Parts of Lebanon as Economic Situation Deteriorates VOA 18 Oct 2019 -- Protesters have taken to the streets of many towns and cities in Lebanon, following efforts by the government to begin taxing Whatsapp text messages, amid an increasingly dire economic situation due to massive government debt and insufficient revenues to continue funding government operations.