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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Defeating Daesh Highlights of the Week July 29, 2020 CENTCOM 29 Jul 2020 -- Our partners in Iraq and Syria are leading the way to find and eliminate Daesh fighters and their finance, logistics, and media networks.
• Iran welcomes Taliban's ceasefire announcement over Eid ul-Adha, hopes for mutually acceptable peace agreement Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- Iran has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire by the Taliban militant group over Eid ul-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice), one of the most important Muslim-calendar events, hoping for a mutually acceptable peace agreement in the war-ravaged country.
• Afghan people, officials call for permanent ceasefire Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- In Afghanistan, the public and officials have called for a lasting ceasefire in the wake of the government and the Taliban's commitment to observe a three-day truce for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday.
• U.S. Officials Hail Afghan Cease-Fire Amid Renewed Hopes For Peace RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Top U.S. officials have hailed a three-day cease-fire proposed by the Taliban and agreed by the Afghan government, raising hopes that the long-delayed intra-Afghan peace talks could begin next week.
• Afghan Government: Over 3,500 Troops Killed Since US-Taliban Agreement VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Tuesday that more than 3,500 Afghan security forces have been killed since the United States and the Taliban signed a peace agreement in February.
• US acknowledges killing civilian, wounding 3 others in Somalia Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States says one of its airstrikes in Somalia earlier this year killed one civilian and wounded three others.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Statement: U.S. European Command Force Posture Review DoD 29 Jul 2020 -- Today the Secretary of Defense announced an update to the status of our U.S. European Command Force Posture review as a part of the department's continued efforts to implement the National Defense Strategy.
• U.S. European Command Force Posture Policy Press Conference: Secretary Esper's Opening Statement (as prepared) DoD 29 Jul 2020
• Department of Defense Senior Leaders Brief Reporters on European Force Posture DoD 29 Jul 2020 -- Secretary Of Defense Mark T. Esper; Joint Chiefs Of Staff Vice Chairman General John Hyten; General Tod Wolters, Commander, U.S. European Command, And Supreme Allied Commander Europe
• DOD Proposes Removing More Than 11,000 Troops From Germany DoD News 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States will bring some American service members home from their forward stationed assignments in Germany, while other service members will move to other locations in Europe to improve the commitment to NATO and the defense of Europe, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said, adding that the proposed changes are firmly in line with the National Defense Strategy.
• US to pull about 12,000 troops from Germany, half to stay in Europe Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The US says it will withdraw about 12,000 of its troops from Germany and place them in other European countries to counter Russia.
• U.S. To Move Troops From Germany, In Shift That Esper Says Will Strengthen NATO Against Russia RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States will move almost 12,000 troops out of Germany, relocating some of them to Belgium and Italy, in a strategic shift the Pentagon says will help deter Russia.
• US Pulling Almost 12,000 Troops From Germany VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States is pulling almost 12,000 troops from Germany, unleashing a torrent of criticism against U.S. President Donald Trump, both at home and abroad, even as senior U.S. and NATO officials defended the move as a strategic necessity.
• Trump Says He Never Questioned Putin About Reports That Russia Paid Taliban To Kill U.S. Troops RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- President Donald Trump said he never raised with Russian leader Vladimir Putin media reports that Moscow paid the Taliban to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
• Trump Says He Didn't Discuss Russia-Taliban Bounty Allegations with Putin VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump told the Axios news site that he did not discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin an alleged Russian plot to pay militants for attacks on American and coalition forces in Afghanistan.
• Eglin AFB prepared, ready for F-15EX US Air Force 29 Jul 2020 -- In less than a year, Eglin Air Force Base takes possession of the Air Force's newest fighter, the F-15EX. Big plans and procedures are underway so developmental and operational testing can begin as soon as possible when EX1 and EX2 arrive in 2021.
• USS Halsey Completes PASSEX with Guatemalan Navy NNS 29 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Guatemalan navy Quetzal LCU BL-1601, July 28.
• USS Roosevelt Earns Arctic Service Ribbon NNS 29 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon (NARCS) July 28, 2020 for serving more than 28 days above the Arctic Circle.
• Russian Navy Starts Large-Scale Drills in Black Sea Soon After Completion of NATO Exercise Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- On Monday, large-scale NATO exercise Sea Breeze-2020 concluded in the north-west of the Black Sea. Over 20 ships, as well as numerous aircraft and helicopters, and around 2,000 servicemen from Ukraine, the United States, Bulgaria, Georgia, Norway, Romania, Spain and Turkey took part in the drills.
• New generator unit application assists China's future warship development Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- China's domestically developed 20-megawatt turbo generator unit has been put into actual use for the first time. It is widely expected to be used on China's future warships to support the advanced integrated electric propulsion (IEP) technology that would enable the use of high energy weapons, including electromagnetic railguns and lasers.
• PLAN carrier-based fighters complete nighttime buddy refueling in flight PLA Daily 29 Jul 2020 -- Recently, two J-15 carrier-based fighter jets attached to a ship-borne aviation unit under the PLA Navy (PLAN) have successfully completed the nighttime buddy refueling training in air space, marking a new breakthrough in their all-weather long-range combat capability.
• Iran Launches Underground Ballistic Missiles During Exercise RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched underground ballistic missiles as part of a drill involving a fake U.S. aircraft carrier during military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a day after the IRGC fired a missile from a helicopter targeting the same carrier.
• First ballistic missiles fired deeply from beneath Earth by IRGC IRNA 29 Jul 2020 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said on Wednesday that IRGC can target hostile targets anywhere in the Persian Gulf region with the facilities which it has available today.
• IRGC fires underground ballistic missiles on 2nd day of massive drills Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has, in an unprecedented maneuver, fired ballistic missiles from underground launch facilities on the second day of its major naval and aerial drills in southern Iran.
• IRGC Drill In Persian Gulf: Unverified Claims, Propaganda And Naïve Stunts Radio Farda 29 Jul 2020 -- As the Islamic Republic of Iran continues its military exercises in the Persian Gulf near the strait of Hormuz, more details are coming out in traditional and social media revealing the Revolutionary Guard's publicity about Tehran's military might.
• U.S. Bases In The Persian Gulf Go On Alert After Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles Radio Farda 29 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched underground ballistic missiles as part of a drill involving a fake U.S. aircraft carrier during military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a day after the IRGC fired a missile from a helicopter targeting the same carrier.
• Combinatory war games by IRGC' navy, aerospace forces at 2nd day of drills ISNA 29 Jul 2020 -- Day two of the final phase of major war games by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) named "Payambar-e Azam 14" saw ballistic missiles fired from deep inside the ground.
• IRGC Navy: Persian Gulf drills conducted in 'wargame' style Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps says the IRGC's ongoing drills simulate actual warzone engagement with real enemy forces and are meant to send across a message of warning to those potentially seeking to undermine the country's security.
• Iran military satellite relays full-scale image of US base Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- Iran's first military satellite Nour (Light)-1 has relayed a full-scale image of the United States' biggest airbase in West Asia in its first attempt at imaging from the space since launch.
• Induction of Rafale In Indian Air Force India PIB 29 Jul 2020 -- The first five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale aircraft have arrived at Air Force Station, Ambala. The aircraft got airborne from Dassault Aviation Facility, Merignac, France on the morning of 27 Jul 20 and reached India this afternoon with a planned stopover en-route at Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath says Rafales have given a timely boost to IAF's capabilities India PIB 29 Jul 2020 -- As the first batch of five Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Rafale jets landed in Ambala air base today, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in a series of tweets welcomed these by saying, "The Birds have entered the Indian airspace… Happy Landing in Ambala!"
• Surprise for the Enemy: What to Know About Rafale Jets as India's Air Power Receives Major Boost Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- India purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a 2016 government-to-government deal at a cost of $8.7 billion. The delivery of the jets, which began in October 2019, will be completed by 2022. India urged France to expedite the delivery amid heightened tensions with China along the border.
• 'New Era in Our Military History': Indian Defence Minister Welcomes Touchdown of Five Rafale Jets Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- France agreed to supply Rafale jets to India in September 2016. The warplanes started being supplied in 2019 and will continue to arrive in India in several batches until 2022.
• UK Troops reach training milestone ahead of UN Peacekeeping deployment to Mali UK MOD 29 Jul 2020 -- UK troops deploying to the United Nations Peacekeeping operation in Mali have reached a significant training milestone in preparation for their mission, which starts in December 2020.
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 29 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 29, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 29 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Jul 2020
• China says disputed islands in East China Sea are its territory Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- Beijing says the Diaoyu Islands, which Japan disputes, are Chinese territory and that it has the right to conduct law enforcement activities there, after a US military commander said China had conducted "unprecedented incursions" around the islands.
• Yemen peace talks might fail - UN envoy People's Daily 29 Jul 2020 -- The prolonged UN-brokered peace talks between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels might fail, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths warned on Tuesday.
• Rival Saudi-led, UAE-allied militants agree to share power in south Yemen Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- Yemen's Saudi-backed militants and rival separatist forces sponsored by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to share power in the country's south as part of an agreement brokered by Riyadh in an attempt to end infighting in the military coalition that is waging a bloody war against broader Yemen.
• Security Council: Poverty deepens, along with need, across Syria UN News 29 Jul 2020 -- Humanitarian operations across war-shattered Syria are reaching 6.8 million people a month, but a worsening economic crisis is deepening poverty and pushing more and more Syrians into humanitarian need, the Security Council heard Wednesday.
• Syrian Activist: 'They Are Using Food as Weapon of War' VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- Many of the tents here are sewn together by hand, and women cook on homemade stoves made out of rocks.
• Five Civilians Injured After Explosion in Iraqi Capital of Baghdad, Reports Suggest Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- The situation in Iraq has been worsening in recent months, with more attacks taking place every week. In mid-July, two rockets fell near the US Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone, where diplomatic missions are located.
• Rwanda Genocide Suspect in France Denies Allegations, Lawyer Says VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- A lawyer for an alleged Rwandan ex-spy chief living in France says his client denies allegations that he was involved in Rwanda's 1994 genocide. Aloys Ntiwiragabo is now under investigation by French prosecutors.
• Bereaved Rakhine Families Attest to Rise in Deaths in Myanmar Army Custody Radio Free Asia 29 Jul 2020 -- In Myanmar's restive Rakhine state, civilian deaths in military custody have increased to at least 29 cases this year, with most of the victims ethnic Rakhine men detained and tortured for suspected connections to the rebel Arakan Army (AA), family members of the missing or dead told RFA.
• India to Deploy 35,000 Troops Along China Border Amid Disengagement Talks - Reports Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- Earlier in July, India and China agreed to pull back their troops to ensure a complete disengagement in the high-altitude Ladakh region following the worst clash between the two South Asian nations in nearly 50 years. The troops of two countries engaged in an intense standoff that killed 20 Indian soldiers.

News Reports

• Portland Riots Read-out: July 29 DHS 29 Jul 2020
• Acting Secretary Wolf's Statement on Oregon Agreeing to Cooperate in Quelling Portland Violence DHS 29 Jul 2020 -- Over the past 24 hours, Governor Brown and I have been in regular communication and have agreed to a joint plan to end the violent activity in Portland directed at federal properties and law enforcement officers.
• Expanding 'Operation LeGend': More Feds to Be Sent to Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland to Combat Crime Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- At the beginning of July, Attorney General William Barr announced the creation of a nationwide initiative to address the surge in crime in several cities. A group of more than 100 federal agents, including from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were sent to Kansas City.
• Operation Legend Expanded to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee US Dept. of Justice 29 Jul 2020 -- Today, the expansion of Operation Legend was announced in Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee. Operation Legend is a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. The Operation was first launched on July 8 in Kansas City, Missouri, and expanded on July 22, 2020, to Chicago and Albuquerque.
• Federal forces to pull out of Portland: Oregon governor Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- Oregon governor has announced that the US federal troops will begin a phased withdrawal from downtown Portland following two months of anti-racism protests.
• US Federal Agents Agree to Leave Portland, With Conditions VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. government says it will withdraw the federal tactical teams that have clashed with protesters in Portland, Oregon, beginning Thursday provided they are confident of an end to the violence and vandalism that have accompanied weeks of protests in the Pacific Coast city.
• UN Provides Roadmap for Peaceful Assembly in Time of Coronavirus VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The 18-member U.N. Human Rights Committee has issued new guidance on the rules of engagement for people taking part in peaceful protests and the police monitoring them.
• No merit in US politicians' claim that TikTok is meddling in US elections: FM Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- Some US politicians' accusation that short video app TikTok is meddling in the US elections is a fabrication and deliberate smearing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Wednesday's regular press conference.
• Report: U.S. Officials Say Russia-Backed Websites Spread Coronavirus Disinformation RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- U.S. officials have identified three English-language websites that they say Russia is using to spread disinformation about the coronavirus pandemic to exploit the U.S. struggle to contain the outbreak.
• Chinese Hackers Targeted Vatican, NY Times Reports VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The New York Times Wednesday said the Vatican's computer networks have been breached by Chinese hackers since May, in an apparent espionage effort before the start of sensitive talks between the Roman Catholic Church and Communist China.
• US Slaps New Sanctions on Bashar Assad's Son, First Division of Syrian Arab Army Sputnik 29 Jul 2020 -- On 17 June, the sanctions against Syria were expanded, a total of 14 additional people were affected, including the spouse of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Asma Assad, and his sister Bushra Assad, as well as 21 organisations.
• US imposes sanctions on Syrian president's son, 9 other entities Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on the son of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over "enriching" a government that has been fighting Takfiri militancy for years.
• Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Continued Treasury and State Sanctions on the Assad Regime The White House 29 Jul 2020
• Syria Sanctions Designations US Dept. of State 29 Jul 2020 -- Today, the State Department and Treasury Department continued the United States' sanctions campaign against the Assad regime by releasing 14 new designations under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and other authorities. This campaign began last month with the first round of Caesar Act designations.
• Treasury Continues to Pressure Investors and Companies Supporting the Assad Regime's Corrupt Reconstruction Efforts US Treasury 29 Jul 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one individual and nine entities for enriching the Syrian regime through construction of luxury real estate.
• US Sanctions Assad's Son, Syrian Army Unit VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The United States designated 14 Syrian individuals and entities for sanctions Wednesday, including President Bashar al-Assad's eldest son and a division of the Syrian Army.
• US Sanctions Entities Supporting Syrian President Assad VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one person and nine entities on Wednesday for supporting the efforts of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
• Three Detained In Russia's Far East Amid Anti-Kremlin Protests RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Police in Russia's Far East have detained three people who demonstrated in support of the arrested former governor of the Khabarovsk Krai region.
• Incoming MI6 Chief has strong diplomatic and intellignece background Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- In the latest churn at the top of the British security establishment, Richard Moore has been named as the next chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), better known as MI6.
• Appointment of the new Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) UK FCO 29 Jul 2020 -- Foreign Secretary approves the appointment of Richard Moore CMG to succeed Sir Alex Younger
• University of Arkansas Professor Indicted for Wire Fraud and Passport Fraud US Dept. of Justice 29 Jul 2020 -- The Department of Justice announced today that Simon Saw-Teong Ang, 63, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas on 42 counts of wire fraud and two counts of passport fraud.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 29, 2020 PRC MofA 29 Jul 2020
• Reality Check of US Unilateral Demand for China to Close Consulate-General in Houston Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- On 21 July, the US made the unilateral provocation by making an outrageous demand that China close its Consulate-General in Houston. By so doing, the US has grossly violated international law, the basic norms of international relations, and relevant provisions of the China-US Consular Convention, and gravely damaged China-US relations. China has made legitimate and necessary response.
• China censures US 'reckless provocation' after consulate closures Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- China has censured the US for a "reckless provocation of confrontation and division" after Washington's closure of a Chinese consulate culminated in a tit-for-tat measure on behalf of Beijing.
• Is West Turning Away from Nixon's Approach to China? VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- In 1972 US President Richard Nixon visited the People's Republic of China, ending years of estrangement between the two countries and lifting the bamboo curtain China had been hidden behind since Mao Zedong launched his Cultural Revolution in 1966.
• Australia likely to face unbearable consequences Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- The US and Australia are teaming up to levy criticism against China and vow to strengthen military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, especially after the meetings between their foreign and defense ministers. Experts warned that by cooperating with the US' anti-China policies, Australia, as an opportunist, would not climb to a more important position in the region as it has always longed for, but will face unbearable consequences by undermining its ties with China.
• HK LegCo election may be postponed to next year to ensure fairness: expert Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- Hong Kong media reported on Tuesday that the Legislative Council (LegCo) election, scheduled for September, would be postponed to next year due to the worsening COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong, with experts saying if the report is true, it aims to protect the health of the public and ensure a fair environment for residents to elect lawmakers.
• EU sanctions on HK 'symbolic' Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- The European Union (EU)'s sanctions on China over the Hong Kong affairs are a "symbolic gesture" to strike a balance between Washington and Beijing, as the measures will only have a limited impact on Hong Kong, observers noted.
• EU measures restricting exports to HK a 'wrong' move: Chinese Mission to the EU Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese Mission to the EU on Wednesday opposed EU's "wrong" move of setting out measures restricting exports to Hong Kong and urged the EU to respect China's decision to adopt the national security law for Hong Kong.
• Hong Kong LegCo election postponement urged Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- As Hong Kong is facing the third wave of a serious COVID-19 epidemic, many local social organizations and residents have urged the HKSAR government to postpone the Legislative Council (LegCo) election, scheduled for September.
• EU's Hong Kong proposal prompts Beijing's censure Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- China has denounced a decision by the European Union to restrict the export of 'sensitive' technology to Hong Kong in response to a new security law in the semi-autonomous city.
• Hong Kong Arrests Four For 'Secession' Under China's Security Law Radio Free Asia 29 Jul 2020 -- Hong Kong police on Wednesday arrested four people on suspicion of pro-independence activities under a draconian security law recently imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
• Hong Kong Police Arrest 4 for Alleged National Security Breach Under New Law VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- Four young activists who belonged to a disbanded pro-independence group have been arrested on secessionist charges in Hong Kong's first crackdown on political figures after the enactment July 1 of a sweeping national security law.
• Hospital dismisses rumors of former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui's death Global Times 29 Jul 2020 -- A Taipei hospital has dismissed rumors claiming that former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui has died after he choked while drinking milk in February, saying he is still under treatment.
• Travelers to North Korea's China Border Region Must Now Pledge Not to 'Defect' Radio Free Asia 29 Jul 2020 -- North Koreans who live in or travel to regions bordering China are grumbling about a new policy that forces all visitors to pledge they won't "defect" -- the latest salvo in a government campaign targeting exiles from the reclusive state, RFA has learned.
• Iran urges other countries not to be deceived by US over arms embargo ISNA 29 Jul 2020 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Mohsen Baharvand has urged other countries not to be deceived by the US, which is trying to have the UN's arms embargo on Iran extended.
• Hook Says Iran Wants 'Endless War' In Yemen, Asks For Extension Of Arms Embargo Radio Farda 29 Jul 2020 -- The Islamic Republic wants an "endless war" in Yemen, on Saudi Arabia's southern flank, U.S. Special Representative Brian Hook told reporters in during his visit to London on Wednesday, where he is lobbying for the extension of UN's arms embargo against Iran.
• Iran Parliament's Research Arm Says U.S. Sanctions Are Here To Stay Radio Farda 29 Jul 2020 -- In a new report published on July 28, the Iranian Parliament's Research Center (MRC) has said that U.S. sections are expected to remain in effect in mid and even long terms, and longstanding strategies to cope with them are required.
• Iran pursuing complaint against S Korean banks IRNA 29 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday in a communiqué said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will pursue the lawsuit concerning the frozen assets against the South Korean banks in the international courts.
• South Korea, Iran to hold talks on expanding humanitarian trade ISNA 29 Jul 2020 -- South Korea was set to hold virtual talks with Iran later Wednesday about expanding humanitarian trade like medicine exports, following the first such shipment to Tehran in May.
• US authorities give necessary assurances for operation of SHTA humanitarian channel ISNA 29 Jul 2020 -- The first Iran and Switzerland deal via humanitarian channel went through. For discussing SHTA and further details, we'd asked Nadine Mathys for a commentary.
• Iran Reverses Decision to Give Public Lands To Religious Endowment Following Uproar Radio Farda 29 Jul 2020 -- Public uproar over news that vast lands around Damavand Mountain, a national symbol was handed over to a religious endowment has forced the state to reverse its decision and return the land to government ownership.
• Iranian Workers Strike Amid Worsening Economy, Deadly Coronavirus Crisis RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Amid crushing economic conditions, demonstrations and strikes by workers have sprung up in Iran recently over unpaid wages and poor working conditions.
• State Media Vs. The Streets: How Lukashenka Lost The Media War In Belarus RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- All is not well for Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka ahead of an August 9 election in which he is seeking a new term.
• Belarus Says Over 30 Russian Mercenaries Detained Ahead Of Presidential Vote RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Belarusian authorities say they have detained 32 Russian members of the private military company Vagner who were allegedly plotting to "destabilize" the country ahead of a presidential election on August 9.
• Watchdog Denounces 'Oppressive' Climate For Reporters Ahead Of Belarus Election RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has warned of the "oppressive" climate surrounding media freedom in Belarus ahead of a presidential election in two weeks, condemning the "systematic" arrests of journalists covering pro-democracy demonstrations.
• Two Top Aides To Pakistani Prime Minister Step Down Over Criticism RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Two special assistants to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have resigned from their posts amid criticism of the government over its handling of the coronavirus crisis and revelations about the dual citizenship of cabinet members.
• EU lawmakers concerned bin Salman may kill ex-rival in Saudi jail Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The largest bloc at the European Parliament says it has concerns that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may attempt to kill his predecessor and onetime rival, Mohammed bin Nayef, in custody.
• Turkey's parliament approves law regulating social media Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- The Turkish parliament has passed a law that imposes new requirements on social media companies with more than 1 million daily users and orders their local representatives to address government concerns over content.
• Malaysia's ex-PM Najib sentenced to 12 years in jail in 1st corruption case Press TV 29 Jul 2020 -- Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has been sentenced to 12 years in prison in a first of several cases against him over the misappropriation of state funds.
• Cambodia's Government Uses Laws to Curtail, Not Protect Fundamental Freedoms: Report Radio Free Asia 29 Jul 2020 -- Cambodia's government regularly utilized the country's laws to impinge on fundamental freedoms, rather than to protect them over the past year, according to the latest edition of an annual report compiled by three local rights groups.
• Cambodia's Hun Sen Called Out Over Million-Dollar Watches Radio Free Asia 29 Jul 2020 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was criticized this week by an online news service for flaunting a collection of million-dollar watches in a display of vast personal wealth in one of Southeast Asia's poorest countries.
• Text of a Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Lebanon The White House 29 Jul 2020
• Text of a Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Lebanon The White House 29 Jul 2020
• Serbia Launches Probe Into Media, Rights Groups Over Terror Financing, Money Laundering RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Serbia's Finance Ministry has launched a terrorist financing and money laundering probe into journalists and nongovernmental organizations that critics say is a blatant attempt at intimidation by President Aleksandar Vucic's government.
• Azerbaijani Opposition Figure Sent To Pretrial Detention Over Unsanctioned Rallies RFE/RL 29 Jul 2020 -- Mammad Ibrahim, an opposition politician in Azerbaijan, has been sent to pretrial detention over his participation in an unsanctioned rally.
• South Sudan Judge Seeks Reinstatement After Court Ruling Against President Kiir VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- A former South Sudanese Judge says he and 14 other judges should be reinstated immediately after an East African court ruled President Salva Kiir illegally fired them three years ago.
• Zimbabwe Signs $3.5B Compensation Deal With White Farmers VOA 29 Jul 2020 -- Zimbabwe's government signed a $3.5 billion agreement Wednesday to compensate white farmers displaced during a sometimes-violent land redistribution program two decades ago.