Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• More Than Two Dozen Killed In Taliban Attacks Despite Peace Talks RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Jan 2021 -- A spate of violence has killed more than two dozen people across Afghanistan, even as peace talks are under way between representatives of the government and Taliban militants in Qatar.
• U.S. Africa Command forces conduct two strikes on al-Shabaab operatives AFRICOM 19 Jan 2021 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted two airstrikes in the vicinities of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele, Somalia, Jan. 19.
• Washington on High Alert on Eve of Biden Inauguration VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- The U.S. National Guard, the part-time military service providing security for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, has removed 12 members from security duty for the event, military officials announced Tuesday.
• Senate Republican Leader: Trump 'Provoked' US Capitol Rampage VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell contended Tuesday that outgoing President Donald Trump "provoked" thousands of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6 in a futile effort to block Congress from certifying that Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump in the November election.
• Despite COVID-19 Restrictions, Service Members Play Important Role in Inauguration DoD News 19 Jan 2021 -- While the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed much of the military-influenced pomp and circumstance that typically surrounds a presidential inauguration, service members will still play an important role during the event, said the commander of Joint Task Force — National Capital Region, which orchestrates the military's involvement.
• Statement of Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen Regarding Nationwide Safety and Security for Inauguration Day US Dept. of Justice 19 Jan 2021 -- Tomorrow, the Nation and the world will witness an orderly and peaceful transfer of power in the United States, as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court swears in President-Elect Biden. Throughout our Nation's proud history, this ceremony has served as a beacon of democracy and a testament to the enduring strength of our Constitution.
• US National Guard Pulls 12 Troops From Biden Inauguration Duty, Including 2 Over Extremist Ties Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden will take place on January 20 and will make the start of the four-year term of Biden as the 46th president of the United States and Kamala Harris as vice president.
• 12 Guardsmen Relieved of Duty for Inauguration, Officials Say DoD News 19 Jan 2021 -- With 25,000 National Guard troops in Washington to protect the U.S. Capitol and tomorrow's presidential inauguration of the U.S. 46th president, law enforcement officials have identified and removed 12 people in the Guard's ranks because of security precautions, officials told Pentagon reporters today.
• Senior DOD Officials Brief Reporters on Inauguration Activities DoD 19 Jan 2021 -- Jonathan Rath Hoffman, Assistant To The Secretary Of Defense For Public Affairs; Thomas Muir, Washington Headquarters Service; General Daniel R. Hokanson Chief, National Guard Bureau

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Secretary Nominee: US Faces Enemies Both at Home and Abroad VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's pick to lead the Pentagon warns the country is facing a series of enemies, both at home and abroad, and that it will fall, in part, to the United States military to overcome the dangers.
• Secretary Nominee Says Defense Resources Must Match Strategy DoD News 19 Jan 2021 -- BY Lloyd J. Austin III, President-elect Joe Biden's choice to be defense secretary, told the Senate Armed Services Committee today that Defense Department resources and strategy must match.
• US Allies in Europe Welcome Biden Presidency, But Hurdles Lie Ahead VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- The inauguration of Joe Biden represents not only a new chapter for the United States, but for the world. For allies and adversaries alike, new relationships with the world's superpower are already taking shape.
• Bahrain and U.S. Armed Forces Conduct Joint Anti-Terrorism Exercise CENTCOM 19 Jan 2021 -- Forces assigned to the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in a combined, joint anti-terrorism exercise in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations, Jan. 12-13.
• CATC Camp Fuji oversees successful first time fixed wing close air support training USMC News 19 Jan 2021 -- Marines from 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines coordinated fixed wing close air support at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, successfully dropping 12 inert MK76s from F18s, a first in recent history for the installation, January 14.
• Bahraini, U.S. Armed Forces Conduct Joint Antiterrorism Exercise US Navy 19 Jan 2021 -- Forces assigned to the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in a combined, joint anti-terrorism exercise in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations, Jan. 12-13.
• USS John P. Murtha Completes Availability On-Time with Support from Southwest Regional Maintenance Center US Navy 19 Jan 2021 -- Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) successfully delivered USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) from her availability on-time, Jan. 8.
• DOD Announces New Members of the Defense Policy Board DOD 19 Jan 2021
• Statement by Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller on Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Doses Delivered Today DoD 19 Jan 2021
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 19 Jan 2021
• AFRICOM commander concludes visit to East Africa AFRICOM 19 Jan 2021 -- U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, wrapped up a five-day visit to East Africa, which included stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), operating off the coast of Somalia. Townsend was accompanied by the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher.
• Despite US Troop Pullout, Somalia Vows to Continue Security Cooperation VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- The U.S. withdrawal of troops training Somalia's elite forces has raised concerns about security and stability in the country. But Somali officials and analysts note the country will still count on U.S. air power against al-Shabab militants.
• Statement on Carrier Strike Group 2021 Joint Declaration Signing DoD 19 Jan 2021 -- Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller and UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace have co-signed the Joint Declaration for the Carrier Strike Group 2021 deployment.
• Joint Statement on Carrier Strike Group 2021 Joint Declaration Signing UK MOD 19 Jan 2021 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and US Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller have co-signed the UK-US Joint Declaration for the Carrier Strike Group 2021 deployment.
• China's J-15 fighter jets conduct drills in frigid weather, 'prepare for aircraft carrier exercises' Global Times 19 Jan 2021 -- China's J-15 aircraft carrier-based fighter jets recently conducted a series of free air combat drills in temperatures below -20 C, proving the warplane's strong environmental adaptability, given that Chinese aircraft carriers will need to sail to all kinds of places around the world, experts said on Tuesday.
• Taiwan Army tests helicopter drone in airport defense drill CNA 19 Jan 2021 -- Taiwan's military on Tuesday tested the capabilities of its tactical helicopter drone for the first time, during an airport defense drill.
• Taiwan conducts military drills Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- Taiwan has conducted military drills in presumed preparation for potential military attacks.
• Curtain Raiser: Indo-French Exercise Desert Knight-21 India PIB 19 Jan 2021 -- Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) will conduct a bilateral Air exercise, Ex Desert Knight-21 at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 20 to 24 Jan 21.
• IRGC chief: Recent drills gave enemies warning against any miscalculation Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the recent military exercises in Iran were a show of the country's deterrent power and served as a warning to enemies against any miscalculation in dealing with the Islamic Republic.
• Iranian Army's Ground Force starts drill on southeastern Makran coast Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- The Iranian Army's Ground Force has launched a new drill to assess the combat readiness of its military units as well as the pace of their deployment from territorial areas to mission zones.
• Remarks by President Trump In Farewell Address to the Nation The White House 19 Jan 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 19, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 19 January 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 Jan 2021
• UN chief urges pullout of foreign forces from Libya Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- The United Nations (UN)'s chief has demanded the pullout of all foreign soldiers and mercenaries from Libya, also hailing "tangible progress" made in recent months in resolving the conflict in the North African country.
• Trilateral Talks on Rohingya Repatriation Resume Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2021 -- Bangladesh and Myanmar resumed China-brokered talks on Rohingya repatriation for the first time in a year on Tuesday, with Dhaka urging the neighboring country to create conditions in which refugees would agree to return, officials said.
• Refugees in Myanmar's Rakhine State Call on Government Forces to Withdraw From Villages, Stop Thefts Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2021 -- More than 100 ethnic Rakhine refugees in Myanmar's Rakhine state called on Myanmar's military in a protest on Tuesday to withdraw from villages abandoned amid heavy fighting over the last two years between government forces and the rebel Arakan Army.
• 'Swift action' needed in Tigray to save thousands at risk, UNHCR warns UN News 19 Jan 2021 -- Two months after conflict forced humanitarian workers to withdraw from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), on Tuesday, stressed the need for "swift action" to restore safe access to "save thousands of lives at risk".
• Thousands of Eritrean Refugees in Tigray Desperately Short of Aid VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- The U.N. refugee agency reports thousands of Eritrean refugees trapped by fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray province are in desperate need of food and other essential supplies and services.
• Two UN peacekeepers killed in Central African Republic ambush, as 2021 death toll rises to nine worldwide UN News 19 Jan 2021 -- Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed after their convoy was ambushed by members of the UPC and anti-Balaka armed groups in southern Central African Republic (CAR), the UN Mission in the country said on Monday, bringing the overall toll of 'blue helmet' deaths to nine so far this month.
• Israel: 'Halt and reverse' new settlement construction – UN chief UN News 19 Jan 2021 -- Israel's decision to advance plans for some 800 new settlement units, most of which are located deep inside the occupied West Bank, has sparked the concern of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

News Reports

• Biden Intelligence Pick Promises Return of Speaking Truth to Power VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- The woman tapped to lead the United States intelligence agencies following four years under President Donald Trump is telling lawmakers her first task will be to restore trust, both with the American people and Washington's key allies.
• U.S. Army Soldier Arrested for Attempting to Assist ISIS to Conduct Deadly Ambush on U.S. Troops US Dept. of Justice 19 Jan 2021 -- The Justice Department, along with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and U.S. Army Counterintelligence, announced today the arrest of a private first class in the U.S. Army, on federal terrorism charges based on Bridges' alleged efforts to assist ISIS to attack and kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East.
• US Soldier Arrested in Plot to Blow Up 9/11 Memorial VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- A U.S. Army soldier has been arrested and charged with plotting to blow up New York City's 9/11 Memorial, and plotting to kill U.S. soldiers in the Middle East.
• Violent German Far-Right Groups' Recruitment Aided By Lockdown Frustrations VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- Violent far-right groups are using rising frustration with pandemic lockdowns in their recruitment efforts, German officials fear.
• Statement from National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien The White House 19 Jan 2021 -- "Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order that closes a longstanding, critical, security loophole for United States Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) products, one abused by those seeking to harm our country."
• Text of a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate The White House 19 Jan 2021 -- "Pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby report that I have issued an Executive Order declaring additional steps to be taken concerning the national emergency with respect to significant malicious cyber enabled activities declared in Executive Order 13694 of April 1, 2015 (Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-enabled activities), as amended, to address the use of United States Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) products by foreign malicious cyber actors."
• Controversial Parler Network Gets Support From Russia, Reports Say RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Parler, a social-media website popular with U.S. right-wing groups, has partially returned online with the apparent help of a Russian-based technology company, according to reports on January 18.
• The United States Takes Further Action Against Enablers of Venezuelan Oil Transactions, Including Sanctions Evasion Network US Dept. of State 19 Jan 2021 -- The United States has sanctioned three individuals and 11 entities for their ties to a network helping Nicolas Maduro and his illegitimate regime evade U.S. sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector.
• Treasury Targets Venezuelan Oil Sector Sanctions Evasion Network US Treasury 19 Jan 2021 -- "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals, fourteen entities, and six vessels for their ties to a network attempting to evade United States sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector."
• Secretary Pompeo's Call with Venezuelan Interim President Guaido US Dept. of State 19 Jan 2021
• US Sanctions 23 Actors With Ties to Venezuelan Oil VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday sanctioned three individuals, fourteen entities, and six vessels for their ties to a Mexico-based network involved in the sale of Venezuelan oil benefitting the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
• Hundreds Arrested After 3rd Night of Rioting Across Parts of Tunisia VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- Riots and looting were reported late Monday in a number of Tunisian towns and cities, leading to the arrests of nearly 600 people. Widespread rioting began early Sunday, days after the country marked the 10th anniversary of the resignation of long-time President Zein el Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia's 2011 Arab Spring revolution. The riots also came as Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi announced a major ministerial reshuffle Saturday.
• Russia Dismisses Calls for Sanctions After Navalny Arrest VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- Russia dismissed calls Tuesday for opposition leader Alexei Navalny's release and threats of sanctions after his arrest, calling the issue a national matter.
• In A Response To Navalny's Arrest, Clues to Biden's Russia Policy RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Less than two hours after Aleksei Navalny was detained at passport control at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on January 17, the man who will hold one of the most important positions in the new White House made a statement on Twitter:
• Russian Police Officer 'Under House Arrest' Over Data Leak About Alleged Navalny Poisoners RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- A police officer in the Russian city of Samara has been placed under house arrest on suspicion of leaking data that may have helped the Bellingcat investigative group identify the alleged poisoners of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, the RBC business daily reports, citing its sources.
• Navalny Sent To Notorious Moscow Jail, Kremlin Shrugs Off Criticism RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has been placed in a cell in Moscow's notorious Matrosskaya Tishina detention center after a judge at a hastily arranged hearing ruled to keep the Kremlin critic in custody for 30 days following his dramatic airport arrest upon arrival from Germany.
• Navalny Investigation Shines Light On 'Putin Palace' RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- The Anti-Corruption Foundation of Aleksei Navalny issued a fresh investigation on January 19, shining a spotlight on a Black Sea mansion allegedly built for Russian President Vladimir Putin, one day after the opposition leader and Kremlin critic was ordered to remain in custody for 30 days pending trial following his dramatic return to Russia from Germany.
• US Sanctions Russian Vessel Fortuna Laying Pipelines for Russian Nord Stream 2, Treasury Says Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- The United States imposed sanctions on the Russian pipe-laying vessel Fortuna and its owner KVT-Rus for building the Nord Stream 2 gas-exporting route, the US Department of Treasury said on Tuesday.
• Sanctions on Russian Entity and a Vessel Engaging in the Construction of Nord Stream 2 US Dept. of State 19 Jan 2021 -- Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on the Russia-based entity KVT-RUS and identifying the vessel FORTUNA as blocked property.
• Germany regrets US plan to ban Russian vessel over Nord Stream 2 project Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- Germany has voiced regret at the United States' plan to impose sanctions on a Russian vessel involved in the construction of the Russian-led Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would increase gas exports to Germany.
• Political Scientist Author Charged With Acting As An Unregistered Agent Of The Iranian Government US Dept. of Justice 19 Jan 2021 -- A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi, also known as Lotfolah Kaveh Afrasiabi, with acting and conspiring to act as an unregistered agent of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
• U.S. Arrests Iranian Political Scientist Accused Of Being Government Agent RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- The U.S. Justice Department has filed charges against an Iranian political scientist accused of being an agent for Iran's government.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on January 19, 2021 PRC MofA 19 Jan 2021
• US Can 'Outcompete' China, Secretary of State Nominee Blinken Says VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's foreign policy team vows to work with partners around the world to take on pressing challenges ranging from receding democracy to the growing rivalry with China, Russia and other authoritarian states.
• Secretary of State Nominee Blinken Sees Strong Foundation for Bipartisan China Policy VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's foreign policy team is vowing to work with like-minded partners around the world to take on pressing challenges, ranging from receding democracy to the growing rivalry with China, Russia and other authoritarian states.
• US Declares China's Policies Toward Uyghurs Amount to 'Genocide' and 'Crimes Against Humanity' Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2021 -- China's repression of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in its northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), including its use of internment camps and forced sterilizations, amounts to "genocide" and "crimes against humanity," the U.S. State Department said Tuesday.
• Determination of the Secretary of State on Atrocities in Xinjiang US Dept. of State 19 Jan 2021 -- "The United States of America has led the world in holding the perpetrators of the most heinous human rights abuses accountable. From the Nuremberg Trials, to the creation of the Genocide Convention in 1948, to the declaration of ISIS's recent genocide against the Yazidis, Christians, and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria, Americans have given voice to those who have been silenced by evil, and stood with the living who cry out for truth, the rule of law, and justice."
• US Classifies China's Policies Toward Uighurs as 'Genocide' VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- In the final hours of the President Donald Trump's administration, the United States on Tuesday formally labeled the Chinese government's policies targeting ethnic Uighur Muslims and other minorities in the northwest region of Xinjiang as "genocide."
• Oath Requirement Will Have 'Chilling Effect' on Hong Kong Civil Servants Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2021 -- More than 180,000 civil servants in Hong Kong are being forced to choose between their jobs and being able to speak and act freely outside the office, as the city's government insists they take an oath of allegiance that includes a pledge not to "undermine the government."
• Two Chinese military planes enter Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 19 Jan 2021 -- Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) for the ninth straight day on Tuesday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• China Vows to Take Action Against US Officials for 'Nasty Behavior' in Regards to Taiwan VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- China says it will impose sanctions on U.S. officials who have engaged in what it described as "nasty behavior" over dealings with Taiwan.
• Annual work conference on Taiwan affairs stresses deterrence against Taiwan secessionist forces Global Times 19 Jan 2021 -- The Chinese mainland has listed deterrence against secessionist activities by "Taiwan independence" forces and interference by foreign forces as key work arrangements for the year 2021, said China's top political advisor at an annual work conference on Taiwan affairs.
• Iran Says Biden Never Reached Out to Discuss Return to Nuclear Deal Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- Iran has received no communications from US President-elect Joe Biden pertaining to his country's potential return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), spokesman for the Iranian government Ali Rabiee said on Tuesday.
• Tehran sanctions high-ranking US officials for their role in terrorism, anti-Iran measures IRNA 19 Jan 2021 -- The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that Iran has sanctioned several US officials for having a role in the acts of terror and anti-human measures against Iran and Iranians.
• Iran slaps sanctions on Trump, other US officials over terrorism Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- members of the outgoing administration for their role in terrorist and inhumane actions against Iran and its citizens.
• Iran's President Accuses Trump of Impeding Start of Mass Vaccination Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday has accused US outgoing President Donald Trump of impeding Iran's nationwide vaccination plan against COVID-19, stressing that the campaign will start despite US sanctions.
• UAE, Bahrain, Israel envoys to US: Any new deal with Iran must ban uranium enrichment Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- The Emirati, Bahraini and Israeli envoys to the United States have said their respective regimes should be part of any potential negotiations between the incoming American administration and Iran on a new nuclear deal, adding that such an agreement should not allow Tehran to enrich uranium.
• Iran Producing Half-a-Kilo of High-Grade Uranium Fuel Per Day, Says Atomic Energy Chief Sputnik 19 Jan 2021 -- The UK, France and Germany issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning Iran for resuming high-grade uranium enrichment in breach of the 2015 nuclear energy deal — which Washington pulled out of in 2017, re-imposing sanctions on Tehran.
• South Korean banks should pay damages on Iran's frozen funds: CBI governor Press TV 19 Jan 2021 -- Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati says the country expects South Korean banks holding some $7 billion in Iranian funds to pay damages because of their failure in the past two years to release the resources amid constant pressure by the United States.
• Iran Reportedly Convicts U.S. Dual Citizen On Spying Charges RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Iranian authorities have convicted an American-Iranian businessman on spying charges, U.S. media have reported, in a recently revealed case which comes amid high tensions between the two countries.
• Leaked Belarusian Audio Points To Plan For Barbed-Wire-Bound 'Camp' For Protesters RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Arrests, beatings, forced exile, and even death. Belarusians have paid a high price for raising their voices in opposition since authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed a landslide victory and a sixth presidential term in an August 2020 election that hundreds of thousands of citizens contend was stolen.
• Belarus Blasts Decision To Move Ice Hockey World Championships From Minsk RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Belarus has blasted the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for its decision to move this year's World Championships from Minsk due to safety and security concerns amid a violent government crackdown on protests over a disputed presidential election last year.
• Tsikhanouskaya Asks OSCE To Help Ensure Lukashenka's Opponents Can Safely Return To Belarus RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who left her country for Lithuania following a disputed presidential election that she and her supporters claim she won, has asked the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to assist her and other exiled opposition politicians to safely return home.
• Experts Confirm Belarus Ex-KGB Chief's Voice On Leaked Audio Plotting Murders RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Forensic audio experts have concluded that a 2012 audio recording revealing an alleged plot to kill critics of Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka is authentic.
• State Media: Iraq to Postpone General Elections by Four Months VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- Iraq's Cabinet members voted unanimously Tuesday to postpone this year's general elections from June 6 until October 10, according to the state news agency INA.
• Thousands Protest In Islamabad Against Pakistani Prime Minister Khan RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Jan 2021 -- Thousands of opposition supporters have rallied in the capital, Islamabad, against Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is accused of illegally raising campaign funds from outside the country.
• Sam Rainsy Slams Cambodia for Travel Bans Against Exiled Opposition Leaders Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2021 -- Sam Rainsy, the acting president of Cambodia's banned opposition party slammed Phnom Penh Tuesday for refusing to allow exiled opposition officials into the country to defend themselves against treason and incitement charges in their own trials.
• Names of Vietnam's Next Top Leaders Circulate Despite Warnings Against Leaks Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2021 -- The names of Vietnam's likely next top leaders have emerged a week before the start of a ruling Communist Party Congress on Jan. 25 despite threats of punishment against leakers of what the country's government calls secret information.
• Indonesia Invites China as Investor For Extended High-Speed Railway Radio Free Asia 19 Jan 2021 -- Indonesia will go ahead with plans to extend construction of the Chinese-backed Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway to Surabaya despite Japan refusing to join the enlarged project, the investment ministry said Tuesday.
• Former Kyrgyz President's Brother-In-Law Arrested On Corruption Charges RFE/RL 19 Jan 2021 -- Aibek Tokoev, the brother-in-law of former Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, has been arrested on corruption charges.
• Visa Restrictions on Tanzanians for Undermining the Democratic Process and Human Rights US Dept. of State 19 Jan 2021 -- "Today, the United States is announcing visa restrictions on Tanzanian officials responsible for or complicit in undermining Tanzania's October 28, 2020, general elections."
• Spectre of unrest, violent repression looming over Haiti, warns UN rights office UN News 19 Jan 2021 -- Increasing political tensions in Haiti coupled with insecurity and structural inequalities could result in protests followed by violent crackdowns by authorities, the United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) warned on Tuesday.
• Uganda Opposition Leader Bobi Wine Calls for Rejection of Presidential Election Results VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- Uganda opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has called on Uganda's development partners not to recognize the results of last week's presidential election, which he said was undermined by widespread illegalities.
• Central African Republic President's Election Win Confirmed VOA 19 Jan 2021 -- Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera is officially beginning his second term Tuesday, a day after the Constitutional Court confirmed his election victory last month.