Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Khalilzad Renews Afghan Peace Push as US Reduces Troops VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- The U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation has resumed his diplomatic efforts to press warring Afghan parties to reduce battlefield hostilities and accelerate ongoing negotiations to reach a deal that ends the country's nearly 20-year war.
• Wisconsin Activates 400 National Guard Troops to Support Election Officials, Governor Says Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- The US state of Wisconsin will mobilize about 400 National Guard troops to support local election officials working at polls in the days ahead and on the Election Day, November 3, the Office of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said in a press release.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy Released DoD 29 Oct 2020 -- Today the Department of Defense announced the release of the DOD Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy.
• New Strategy Details Department Goals for Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority DoD News 29 Oct 2020 -- The Defense Department today released the "2020 Department of Defense Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy," a road map for how the U.S. military can maintain freedom of action in the electromagnetic spectrum at the time, place, and parameters of its choosing.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting With Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin Gantz DoD 29 Oct 2020
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu DoD 29 Oct 2020
• Department of Defense Press Briefing on Military Community and Family Policy Family Readiness Programs, Policies and Initiatives DoD 29 Oct 2020 -- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military, Community and Family Policy Kim Joiner; Marcus J. Beauregard, Director, Defense-State Liaison Office, Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy; Lee Kelley, Director, Military Community Support Programs; Carolyn S. Stevens, Director, Office of Military Family Readiness Policy
• DOD Establishes Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy DoD 29 Oct 2020 -- As directed in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 the Department of Defense established the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy (ASD(SP)) and the Office of the ASD(SP) Oct. 29, 2020.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting With His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan DoD 29 Oct 2020
• USS John S. McCain Sails Alongside HMAS Ballarat US Navy 29 Oct 2020 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) joined the Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) during integrated operations in the South China Sea, Oct 27, 2020.
• TF Spartan Soldiers Exercise Critical Air and Missile Defense Capabilities CENTCOM 29 Oct 2020 -- Field Artillery Soldiers of Task Force Spartan conducted High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) training as part of the Air and Missile Defense Exercise 21-1 here in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 21-22, 2020.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meetings With His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain Defence Force Commander Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa DoD 29 Oct 2020
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Meeting With USNAVCENT Commander Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo DoD 29 Oct 2020
• Defense Secretary Meets With Bahraini, U.S. Military Leaders DoD News 29 Oct 2020 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper visited with Bahraini and U.S. leaders in Manama, Bahrain, to get a feel for conditions in the vital Persian Gulf region.
• Shortfalls of Defensive Hypersonic Weapons Must Be Addressed, NORAD General Says DoD News 29 Oct 2020 -- Hypersonic weapons are changing the nature of warfare and the insular security that North America has enjoyed for centuries, the leader tasked with defending the homeland said today.
• USS Halsey Returns Home From Seven-Month Deployment US Navy 29 Oct 2020 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) returned to its homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, today, following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
• USS William P. Lawrence, Brazil Unite for Training Exercise in the Caribbean US Navy 29 Oct 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and BNS Brasil (U 27) executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the Caribbean Sea, Oct. 28.
• USS Hershel 'Woody' Williams Arrives in Naples, Italy US Navy 29 Oct 2020 -- The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Naples, Italy, for a routine logistics stop, Oct. 29.
• Secretary of Defense Visits Naval Support Activity Bahrain US Navy 29 Oct 2020 -- During his first visit to Bahrain as Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper toured facilities and met with personnel on board U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Oct. 28.
• AFNWC team supports ICBM test launch US Air Force 29 Oct 2020 -- A team of Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center experts supported the recent launch of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile to verify its accuracy and reliability, providing valuable data to ensure this safe, secure, effective nuclear deterrent is ready every day to defend the United States and its allies.
• NATO Allies Growing Weary of Turkish Aggression VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- The United States is pushing NATO countries to work with Turkey in hopes of healing divisions that have seen Ankara move closer to Russia, but at least one of those allies is bracing for more turmoil.
• NATO Countries Rejected Russia's Proposals on INF Treaty Too Hastily, Russian FM Spokeswoman Says Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- NATO countries too hastily rejected the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), Moscow characterises the situation in the missile sector as a crisis, and the United States is fully responsible for it, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
• U.S. Department of Defense Hosts First Crisis Communications Working Group With the People's Republic of China People's Liberation Army DoD 29 Oct 2020 -- On October 28 and 29, 2020, U.S. and Chinese defense officials convened the first Crisis Communications Working Group by video teleconference to discuss concepts of crisis communications, crisis prevention, and crisis management.
• Chinese MOD announces military interaction with US 'aims to cool down tensions' Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- The Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday that the militaries of China and the US were currently holding a virtual meeting for crisis communication, and more exchanges and consultations on issues including maritime military security will be held by the year end.
• PLA Tibet command conducts ultra-limit range live fire drills for new equipment Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- A brigade of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Tibet Military Command has carried out ultra-limit range live fire drills of multiple types of artillery in an area at an altitude of 4,400 meters to test new equipment at extreme ranges in plateau conditions.
• China-US military exchange activities continue: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 29 Oct 2020 -- The China-US military relationship plays an important role in the bilateral relations. It is in both sides' interests to maintain the stability of the China-US military relationship, which requires joint efforts, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND), at the regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
• No "October Surprise" and urge US to stop provocations: defense spokesman PLA Daily 29 Oct 2020 -- The US should walk with China toward the same goal instead of continuing provocations in sea and air spaces around China, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of China, at a regular MND press conference in Beijing on October 29, 2020.
• High-tech serves to improve border troops' training and living conditions: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 29 Oct 2020 -- Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND),introduced more details on the improvement of border defense troops' training and living conditions on plateau by the high-tech applications at the regular press conference in Beijing on October 29.
• Taiwan's Air Force grounds F-5s pending crash probe CNA 29 Oct 2020 -- Taiwan's Air Force on Thursday temporarily suspended the operation of all its F-5 fighter jets following an incident off Taiwan's east coast earlier the same day that resulted in the death of a pilot.
• F-5E fighter crashes off eastern Taiwan, killing pilot CNA 29 Oct 2020 -- An F-5E fighter jet crashed during a training mission off the coast of Taitung County in eastern Taiwan Thursday morning, killing the pilot.
• Taiwan jet crashes, pilot dies after parachuting into sea Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- A Taiwan one-seat F-5E combat jet crashed two minutes after taking off Thursday morning, and the pilot onboard died after ejecting and parachuting into the sea, Taiwan-based media China Times reported.
• Pilot killed in fighter jet crash off eastern Taiwan People's Daily 29 Oct 2020 -- An F-5E fighter jet crashed during a mission off the coast of Taitung County in eastern Taiwan Thursday morning, killing the pilot, the island's defense department said.
• Engel Statement on Proposed Sale of F-35 Aircraft to UAE U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs 29 Oct 2020 -- Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the Trump Administration's plan to sell advanced military technology to the United Arab Emirates, which was presented to the Committee today in an informal notification:
• Trump Administration Notifies Congress of Plan to Sell F-35 Jets to UAE - Lawmaker Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- The Trump administration has notified Congress of its intent to sell F-35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said Congressman Eliot Engel, who chairs the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• Venezuela entitled to buy arms from any country, Iran included: Maduro Press TV 29 Oct 2020 -- President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela says his country reserves the right to buy weapons from any nation, including Iran and Russia.
• Unalienable Rights and Traditions of Tolerance US Dept. of State 29 Oct 2020 -- Speech by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo And Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi US Dept. of State 29 Oct 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 29, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 29 October 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Oct 2020
• UN: 20 Years After Landmark UN Resolution, Women Still Excluded in Peace Processes VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Twenty years after a landmark U.N. Security Council resolution seeking to include more women in the prevention and settlement of conflicts, the head of U.N. Women says "exclusion is still the norm."
• Guterres to Security Council: Women leaders 'essential to peace and progress for all' UN News 29 Oct 2020 -- Women continue to be under-represented in key decision-making over the battle against COVID-19, the chief of the UN gender empowerment agency said on Thursday, addressing the Security Council, adding that the situation is even "worse for women in conflict areas".
• Iran-backed Houthi Attacks Against Saudi Arabia US Dept. of State 29 Oct 2020
• Yemen's Collapsing Health System Unable to Cope with Disease Upsurge VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- The World Health Organization warns nearly 18 million people in Yemen are unable to get treatment for deadly diseases because years of war, economic distress and a chronic shortage of money have led to a collapse of the country's healthcare system.
• Libya's High Council of State Chairman Urges GNA Head Al-Sarraj to Postpone Resignation Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- The chairman of the Libyan High Council of State, Khalid al-Mishri, has on Thursday urged the head of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Sarraj, to postpone his resignation until a new Presidential Council is elected.
• Red Cross Helps Transfer Remains of Fighters Killed in Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday it helped transfer the remains of fighters killed in the conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan to Armenia.
• Azerbaijani Foreign Minister: Turkey's Karabakh Stance Based on International Law Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- Turkey's position on the Karabakh conflict settlement is based on the principles of international law, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said.
• Armenian Foreign Minister Slams Idea of Implicitly Agreeing to Pull Forces From Karabakh Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said on Thursday that Yerevan did not implicitly agree to withdraw its forces from Karabakh during Moscow talks, contrary to a recent statement by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
• 2nd round of talks on Tehran's initiative for Nagorno-Karabakh held in Moscow IRNA 29 Oct 2020 -- The negotiations about the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was continued on Thursday between Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Russian counterpart Sergei Ryabkov.
• Azerbaijan Hands Over Bodies Of Armenian Soldiers Killed In Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- Azerbaijan has handed over to Armenia the bodies of 29 servicemen killed in the ongoing fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, as the death toll mounted in the latest flareup of violence in the decades-old conflict over the separatist region.
• No threat poses to Iran's borders: Army commander IRNA 29 Oct 2020 -- The Commander of Ground Force of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari said on Thursday that no threat has been posed to Iran's borders.
• Iranian Army's Ground Forces cmdr.: No breathing space for enemies near borders Press TV 29 Oct 2020 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces has warned enemies that they would be given no breathing space near the country's borders, adding that there was no immediate threat to border areas amid the ongoing conflict between the Republic of Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia.
• U.S. Citizens Born in Jerusalem US Dept. of State 29 Oct 2020 -- "Consistent with President Trump's Jerusalem Proclamation of December 6, 2017, and the historic opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018, today I am announcing updates to the Department's guidance on passports and other consular documents issued to U.S. citizens."
• Jerusalem-born US Citizens May List Israel as Birth Country, Pompeo Says VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday that U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem will now be able to list Israel as their country of birth on their passports.
• China's Panchen Lama Tours Tibet to Push CCP Agenda, 'Sinification' of Buddhism Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2020 -- A Tibetan Buddhist leader appointed by China left his home in Beijing recently for a three-month tour of Tibet, joining in religious rituals and visiting monasteries in a bid to push the political agenda of the ruling Chinese Communist Party and raise his personal profile, state media and other sources said.
• Survivors of Military Attack on Red Cross-Hired Boat in Myanmar Deny Arakan Army Connection Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2020 -- Survivors of a deadly Myanmar Navy artillery attack on a boat delivering Red Cross supplies to war refugees in Rakhine state rejected on Thursday military claims that they were armed members of the rebel Arakan Army, saying they were fired on as they displayed documents for inspection.
• Four Killed in South Sudan-Uganda Border Skirmish VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Two South Sudanese soldiers and two Ugandan soldiers have been killed in a clash near the two countries' border, a South Sudanese army spokesman said.
• 2 Sentenced to Death in Deadly 2015 Mali Attacks VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- A Malian court sentenced to death a suspected jihadist and his co-defendant for killing more than two dozen people in attacks targeting foreigners in 2015.

News Reports

• DHS and CBP Celebrate 400 Miles of New Border Wall System DHS 29 Oct 2020 -- Today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) celebrated the construction of nearly 400 miles of new border wall system, in high priority locations across the Southwest border under the Trump Administration.
• U.S. Senator Urges Administration To Sanction Russians Indicted For Cyberattacks RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- The highest-ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is calling on the Trump administration to impose targeted sanctions on five Russian nationals indicted last week by the Justice Department for a series of cyberattacks.
• Hackers Could Unleash Ransomware Attacks on US Health System, US Officials Warn VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Cyber criminals could soon unleash a wave of ransomware attacks targeting U.S. hospitals and health care providers, according to a statement released by three federal agencies, including the FBI.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, October 29, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Oct 2020
• Putin Says Russia Ready To Work With Anyone Who Wins U.S. Presidency RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country is ready to work with any U.S. president, regardless of who wins next week's election.
• Chinese Energy Company, U.S. Oil & Gas Affiliate and Chinese National Indicted for Theft of Trade Secrets US Dept. of Justice 29 Oct 2020 -- A federal grand jury has returned an indictment alleging corporate entities conspired to steal technology from a Houston-area oil & gas manufacturer, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Department of Justice's National Security Division.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on October 29, 2020 PRC MofA 29 Oct 2020
• US poisons China's international anti-graft efforts Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- As US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo goes on an anti-China roadshow in South and Southeast Asian countries, the US has also stepped up efforts on US soil by abruptly charging eight people with "involvement in China's Fox Hunt anti-graft campaign," smearing it as an operation that targets dissidents and critics of Chinese leaders rather than economic crime suspects.
• US slander of China's united front work aims to 'discredit China's political system': FM Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's recent remarks on China's united front work are lies and malicious slander whose real intention is to discredit China's political system, Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday in response to US' recent accusations of China "spreading influence and propaganda overseas."
• During Visit to Indonesia, Top US Diplomat Targets China in Fresh Diatribe Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo launched a fresh diatribe against Beijing on Thursday, criticizing the Asian superpower over its persecution of Uyghur Muslims and military expansionism in the South China Sea, as he visited Indonesia as part of a regional tour.
• Pompeo Says China 'Gravest Threat to Future of Religious Freedom' VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday described Communist-run China as "the gravest threat to the future of religious freedom," during a visit to Indonesia.
• Communique of 5th plenary session of 19th CPC Central Committee released PLA Daily 29 Oct 2020 -- The communique of the fifth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was released on Thursday.
• China sets 'pragmatic' targets through 2035 Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- With decisive progress in the past five years and a strategic victory against the COVID-19, top leadership of the Communist Part of China (CPC) on Thursday unveiled a steady and bright picture for the country's future, as it sets sweeping social and economic development goals for the next five to 15 years that aim to build the world's most populous nation into a modern socialist power in the economic, technological and other fields by 2035.
• China to build powerful domestic market, modernize industry chain in next five years: CPC 5th plenum Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- China set its goals for economic and social development in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) on Thursday, including realizing healthy and continuous economic development; enhancing the country's response to public emergencies; and enhancing progress on national defense and modernization of the country's army.
• China to be a 'moderately developed' economy by 2035: CPC plenum Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- China is aiming to become a moderately developed economy by 2035, with "big leaps" in a wide range of areas from economic strength and technological prowess to overall national capability, according to the communiqué of the fifth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
• HK secessionist Tony Chung denied bail, charged with secession Global Times 29 Oct 2020 -- The former leader of Hong Kong pro-secession group Studentlocalism Tony Chung Hon-lam, who has been charged with secession and money laundering, was denied bail by a Hong Kong court on Thursday, local media reported.
• Hong Kong Police Charge Pro-Independence Activist Tony Chung With 'Secession' Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2020 -- Authorities in Hong Kong have charged 19-year-old pro-independence activist Tony Chung with "secession" under a draconian national security law that took effect in the city on July 1.
• Arrest and Detention of Student Democracy Activists in Hong Kong Under the National Security Law US Dept. of State 29 Oct 2020 -- The United States strongly condemns the arrest and detention of three student democracy activists and calls on Hong Kong authorities to release those that remain detained immediately.
• New research shows China's interference in recent Taiwan elections CNA 29 Oct 2020 -- China has been found to be one of the most active states worldwide engaged in cyber operations over the past decade to disrupt elections and referendums in other countries, including Taiwan, according to a report released Wednesday by an Australian government-funded think tank.
• China lodges solemn representations over Canadian warship's sailing through Taiwan Strait: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 29 Oct 2020 -- China has lodged solemn representation with Canada on the sailing of the Canadian warship through the Taiwan Strait during China's National Day holiday, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense,at the regular press conference in Beijing on October 29.
• Defense ministry responds to recent military deployment near Taiwan PLA Daily 29 Oct 2020 -- Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of China, reiterated the warning towards the secessionist forces who wanted to seek so-called "Taiwan independence" with force when commenting on the PLA's recent moves near Taiwan at a regular MND press conference in Beijing on October 29, 2020.
• United States Files Complaint to Forfeit Iranian Missiles and Sells Previously-Transferred Iranian Petroleum US Dept. of Justice 29 Oct 2020 -- The Justice Department today announced the filing of a complaint to forfeit two shipments of Iranian missiles that the U.S. Navy seized in transit from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to militant groups in Yemen, as well as the sale of approximately 1.1 million barrels of Iranian petroleum that the United States previously obtained from four foreign-flagged oil tankers bound for Venezuela.
• Remarks of Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John C. Demers on the Iran Forfeiture Actions US Dept. of Justice 29 Oct 2020
• US Sells Petroleum Seized From 4 Iranian Ships, Imposes Petrochemical Sanctions Sputnik 29 Oct 2020 -- The United States has sold all the petroleum aboard four Iranian ships the US Navy captured earlier this year en route to Venezuela and sanctioned companies and individuals involved in Iran's petrochemical sales, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers said on Thursday.
• Treasury Sanctions Companies Selling, Purchasing, and Enabling Iranian Petrochemical Products US Treasury 29 Oct 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated eight entities for their involvement in the sale and purchase of Iranian petrochemical products brokered by Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (Triliance), an entity designated by Treasury in January 2020.
• US Sanctions Target 11 Entities, 5 People for Violating Iran Sanctions VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- The U.S. Treasury and State departments on Thursday announced sanctions on 11 entities in Iran, China and Singapore for buying and selling Iranian petrochemicals.
• US imposes Iran-related sanctions on individuals, entities Press TV 29 Oct 2020 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed Iran-related sanctions on several individuals and entities, including some based in China and Singapore.
• No threat poses to Iran's borders: Army commander IRNA 29 Oct 2020 -- The Commander of Ground Force of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari said on Thursday that no threat has been posed to Iran's borders.
• Iranian Army's Ground Forces cmdr.: No breathing space for enemies near borders Press TV 29 Oct 2020 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces has warned enemies that they would be given no breathing space near the country's borders, adding that there was no immediate threat to border areas amid the ongoing conflict between the Republic of Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia.
• Iran's Rouhani: Sanctions have failed to break us Press TV 29 Oct 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani says the United States' sanctions have failed to break down Iran's resistance, expressing certainty that the Iranian nation will successfully weather the current situation.
• U.S. Sanctions Taking Last Breaths, Says Rouhani Radio Farda 29 Oct 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the U.S. sanctions imposed on the nation were taking their "last breaths."
• Lukashenka Closes Belarus's Borders, Reshuffles Security Team Amid Protests RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- Belarus has partially closed its land borders with all neighbors except Russia for most travelers, amid strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka's efforts to end weeks of street protests against a disputed election that gave him a sixth consecutive term as president.
• Workers In Belarus Face Dismissal, Potential Arrest If They Join Anti-Government Walkout RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- Inside the factory, they face the threat of dismissal by management. Outside the factory, they face the prospect of punishment at the hands of riot police.
• UN strongly condemns knife attack inside Nice church which left three dead UN News 29 Oct 2020 -- The UN Secretary-General on Thursday strongly condemned a knife attack inside a French church in the southern French city of Nice, which reportedly left three worshippers dead.
• French Authorities Identify Suspect in Deadly Knife Attack VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- French authorities have identified the suspect in a knife attack that left three dead in the southern city of Nice.
• France-Turkey Dispute Grows Over Cartoons and Influence in Africa VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- The war of words between France and Turkey over cartoons portraying Islam's Prophet Muhammad, triggered by the recent beheading of a French teacher, continues to escalate. But behind the diplomatic storm over freedom of expression versus religious sensitivity is a bitter rivalry for influence in Africa.
• Vote cancellations raise serious doubts about integrity of Myanmar poll Press TV 29 Oct 2020 -- Myanmar's election commission has barred certain areas in the country from voting in upcoming elections, deepening concerns about the credibility of the polls, as more than 1.5 people in the Buddhist-majority country remain without the right to vote.
• Early Voting Begins in Myanmar Election VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Despite Myanmar's growing coronavirus caseload and continuing unrest in some areas, early voting began Thursday for the November 8 general election, which involves nearly 100 political parties and contests for the upper and lower houses of the national, state and regional governments.
• G7 'Alarmed' By Ukraine 'Undoing' Anti-Graft Reforms RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- The Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized countries says it is "alarmed" by the rollback of reforms in Ukraine after the Constitutional Court stripped the country's anti-corruption agency of some of its critical powers.
• Controversial Luang Prabang Dam Construction Well Underway in Laos Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2020 -- Construction of the controversial Luang Prabang Dam on the Mekong River, near the ancient Lao capital of the same name, is making rapid headway, according to Lao energy officials.
• Vietnam Cracks Down on Growing Wave of Migrant Workers From China Radio Free Asia 29 Oct 2020 -- Vietnamese authorities say they are cracking down on a growing number of migrants crossing the border illegally from neighboring China, in an apparent reversal of previous trends.
• Kyrgyz Supreme Court Refuses Appeal Challenging Election Delay RFE/RL 29 Oct 2020 -- Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal filed by the Central Election Commission (BShK) challenging a recently adopted law that canceled a decision to rerun parliamentary elections on December 20.
• Senegal President Macky Sall Dissolves Government VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Senegal's President Macky Sall dissolved his government late Wednesday, without any explanation.
• Spain Investigates Russian Links to Catalan Separatists VOA 29 Oct 2020 -- Russian agents offered military aid to Catalan separatists at the height of their failed bid to break away from Spain in 2017, according to a judicial investigation in Spain.