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News Reports

Current Operations

• Pentagon Press Secretary Updates Reporters on DOD Operations DoD 08 Feb 2021 -- Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Leaders Will Address Extremism in the Ranks DoD News 08 Feb 2021 -- On Feb. 5, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III ordered a Defense Department-wide stand down to discuss the problem of extremism in the ranks. He directed commanding officers and supervisors at all levels to conduct a one-day stand-down with their personnel within the next 60 days.
• Command and Control from a Distance: 3rd MEB deploys to conduct distributed operations USMC News 08 Feb 2021 -- U.S. Marines and sailors with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in order to rehearse distributed operations capabilities beginning January 21. 3rd MEB plays a critical role in the success of III Marine Expeditionary Force's mission in the Indo-Pacific region, serving as the primary scalable, rapidly deployable command and control element for III MEF crisis operations.
• Red Flag 21-1 integrates space, cyberspace for joint all-domain operations training US Air Force 08 Feb 2021 -- The development of in-theater command and control mechanisms and training exercises like Red Flag 21-1 will enable future deployment of space assets.
• Travis AFB C-17 delivers aid to support two COCOMs US Air Force 08 Feb 2021 -- The Airmen of the 60th Air Mobility Wing delivered COVID-19 personal protective equipment and humanitarian aid bound for two separate combatant commands.
• US B-1B Lancer debuts at Aero India 2021 US Air Force 08 Feb 2021 -- The government-sponsored Aero India 2021, Asia's largest trade show opened its doors at Yelahanka Air Force Station Feb. 3, ushering in foreign delegates and representatives from more than 60 countries and 500 defense industry companies.
• NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Conducts First of its Kind Repair Parts Analysis on LHD US Navy 08 Feb 2021 -- When Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (SURFLANT) approached the Industrial Support Department at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk about performing a pilot project adding a full Repair Parts Analysis Group (RAG) to an integrated logistics overhaul (ILO) scheduled for USS Wasp (LHA 1), the response was an enthusiastic "yes."
• USS Hershel 'Woody' Williams Enters Mombasa, Kenya US Navy 08 Feb 2021 -- The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Mombasa, Kenya for a port visit, February 8, 2021, in support of its 2021 African coast deployment.
• NATO Focused Security Patrols in Western Mediterranean NATO 08 Feb 2021 -- MEDITERRANEAN SEA -- Spanish offshore patrol vessel Meteoro, supported by maritime patrol aircrafts from Portugal and Spain, has deployed to the Western Mediterranean as part of NATO's maritime security operation, Operation Sea Guardian (OSG).
• Ukraine security situation and reform agenda at the heart of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council meeting NATO 08 Feb 2021 -- The Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council (UNIC) reviewed Ukraine's extensive partnership with NATO during exchanges with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana and deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olga Stefanishyna on Monday 8 February.
• Interception capability strengthens defense shield PLA Daily 08 Feb 2021 -- On Thursday, China conducted a land-based, midcourse missile interception test, which is the fifth land-based, anti-ballistic missile test the country has publicly announced.
• PLA Xinjiang Military Command commissions Z-20 helicopter, vows to safeguard western border Global Times 08 Feb 2021 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Xinjiang Military Command has commissioned China's newly developed, plateau-capable utility helicopter, the Z-20. Observers noticed on Monday that the choppers seem to have modified engines that could boost their performance and survivability.
• U.S. Strategic Command chief's warning of nuclear war groundless People's Daily 08 Feb 2021 -- The head of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) Charles Richard recently warned that a nuclear war between the U.S. and China or Russia has become a "very real possibility."
• MoU between DRDO and IISc for Joint Advanced Technology Program India PIB 08 Feb 2021 -- DRDO today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru for creation of JATP–Center of Excellence (JATP – CoE) in the premises of IISc to expand the scope and objective of existing Joint Advanced Technology Program.
• MoD and BEL sign contract for procurement of Software Defined Radio (Tactical) worth over Rs 1,000 crore India PIB 08 Feb 2021 -- Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a contract for procurement of Software Defined Radio Tactical (SDR-Tac) worth over Rs 1,000 crore in New Delhi on February 08, 2021.
• Malabar Naval Exercises India PIB 08 Feb 2021 -- The Malabar series of exercises began as an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and the US in 1992. Japan joined the Naval Exercises in 2015. Malabar 2020 saw the participation of the Australian Navy also.
• Gender Ratio in the Armed Forces India PIB 08 Feb 2021 -- The number of men and women employed in the three armed forces are as under:
• Decrease in Budget Spending for Defence India PIB 08 Feb 2021 -- Defence allocation as well as defence expenditure for last four years is as under:-
• Disinvestment of Defence Sector DPSUs India PIB 08 Feb 2021 -- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) set for disinvestment are BEML Ltd, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI). The products being produced by them are as under:
• India to Receive Entire Fleet of Rafale Fighter Jets From France by April 2022 Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Back in 2016, the Indian government placed an order with the Dassault Aviation aircraft manufacturer for the purchase of 36 new Rafale fighter jets to enhance the capability of the Indian Air Force, which is facing a severe shortage of aircraft.
• Iran defense hardware products reach 800 from 30 items since Islamic Revolution IRNA 08 Feb 2021 -- Iranian Minister of Defense highlighted Monday the great efforts of indigenous scholars who helped cut dependence on foreigners after manufacturing 800 types of defense hardware products from 30 items before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
• 340 combat speedboats join IRGC Navy fleet on Islamic Revolution anniversary Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran's military has supplied the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy with 340 combat speedboats on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
• Iran's Revolutionary Guards Take Delivery of Entire Armada of Missile Speedboats Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- The Islamic Republic's large coastal defence fleet of small missile and machinegun-armed speedboats has become a major headache for US military planners. Last year, then-President Donald Trump threatened to blow Iranian speedboats out of the water after accusing Iran of "harassing" large US surface warships by zipping by them at high speeds.
• Israel approves $9bn deal to buy US fighters, refueling tankers, choppers Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Israel's security cabinet has approved a major arms deal worth billions of dollars with the United States to receive new fighter jets, refueling planes and heavy-lift helicopters.
• Japanese Submarine Collides With Fishing Vessel Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- A Japanese submarine collided with a private fishing vessel off the coast of the prefecture of Kochi on Monday, Japanese media reported.
• Pakistan to Host Russia, NATO Members for Joint Naval Drill VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- Pakistan announced Monday it will host navies from 45 countries, including the United States, China and Russia, for a joint military exercise in the North Arabian Sea later this month.
• Gwadar a commercial port, to receive port calls by ships of different navies: Pakistan Navy chief Global Times 08 Feb 2021 -- The Gwadar Port is a commercial port that may receive port calls by ships of different navies, said Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, in a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times, in response to media reports claiming the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is mulling to build a naval base in Pakistan.
• Pakistan Navy welcomes potential exercises with, visits by Chinese aircraft carriers: Pakistan Navy chief Global Times 08 Feb 2021 -- The Pakistan Navy would like to conduct an exercise with aircraft carriers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and welcome their visits, Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, told the Global Times in a recent exclusive interview.
• China, Pakistan strength naval collaboration with arms procurement: Pakistan Navy chief Global Times 08 Feb 2021 -- Naval collaboration between China and Pakistan is strengthening with a series of arms procurements, as Pakistan is acquiring Chinese-made frigates that will be one of the most technologically advanced platforms of the Pakistan Navy and submarines that would substantially add to the offensive capability of the Pakistan Navy, Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, told the Global Times in a recent exclusive interview.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, February 8, 2021 The White House 08 Feb 2021
• Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India The White House 08 Feb 2021
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Secretary General Natthaphon Narkphanit of the Thai National Security Council The White House 08 Feb 2021
• Department Press Briefing – February 8, 2021 US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 8, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 8 February 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Feb 2021
• At Least 12 UN Peacekeepers Killed in 2020 in Line of Duty VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- Twelve United Nations personnel and three civilian staff members were killed in the line of duty in 2020, bringing the total number of deaths over the last decade to 440, according to findings of the Standing Committee for the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service of the United Nations Staff Union.
• Philippine Foreign Secretary: Manila Won't Protest China Coast Guard Law Before UN Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2021 -- The Philippines will not protest before the United Nations about a new law that allows the Chinese coast guard to use force against foreign boats in the South China Sea, Manila's top diplomat said Monday, while announcing plans to meet with American officials later this month to "iron out" differences over a key military pact.
• US Urges Yemen's Houthis to Halt Attacks VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- The United States is calling on Yemen's Houthi rebels to avoid any new military offensives inside Yemen, and to halt attacks affecting civilian areas in Saudi Arabia.
• Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom SPA 08 Feb 2021 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki:
• US to Keep Up Pressure on Yemen's Houthis - State Department Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- On Friday, media reported, citing US officials, that the administration of President Joe Biden had formally informed Congress it would remove the Houthis from the US foreign terrorist organizations list.
• Yemen's Houthis in new push to capture Hadi's last stronghold in north Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Fighters of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement have resumed an offensive to take control of the city of Ma'rib, the last northern stronghold of Saudi-sponsored militiamen loyal to the former pro-Saudi president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.
• Yemeni criminal court tries six people for spying for Britain, acts of sabotage Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- A criminal court in Yemen has put on trial six people on charges of spying for the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) as well as perpetrating various acts of sabotage in the war-torn Arab country.
• Zarif: Iran supports efforts made by UN to resolve crisis in Yemen Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran's foreign minister says the Islamic Republic is ready to support special efforts made by the United Nations to resolve the ongoing crisis in the war-torn Yemen.
• 'Unknown number' of foreign nationals have died in squalid Syrian camps, say rights experts UN News 08 Feb 2021 -- "An unknown number" of foreign nationals have died while being detained in squalid camps in Syria's northeast, senior UN-appointed independent rights experts said on Monday.
• UN Experts Call for Repatriation of Women, Children in Syrian Displacement Camps VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- U.N. human rights experts are calling for the repatriation of tens of thousands of women and children held in squalid conditions in northern Syria's Al Hol and Roj refugee camps, which are run by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces.
• Killings Spike at Syrian Displacement Camps, Raising Fears of IS Resurgence VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- A surge in violence at one of the biggest displaced persons camps in northeastern Syria is sparking renewed fears that the Islamic State terror group maintains a worrisome grip on the region.
• US-Backed Forces Stepping Up Campaign Against IS in Eastern Syria VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- U.S.-backed forces have intensified their campaign against the remnants of the Islamic State (IS) terror group in eastern Syria.
• Turkish-backed militants cut power to 24 Syrian villages for more than a month: SANA Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Turkish-backed militants have deprived several villages in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah of electricity for more than a month, as they continue to commit various crimes against local populations.
• Damascus slam Turkey's 'dangerous' plan to open schools in Syria Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Damascus has strongly objected to Turkey's decision to open schools in northern Syria, calling the decision a "dangerous act" and a "flagrant violation of international law."
• Libya's Saleh Says Withdrawal of Foreign Forces Expected in 'Near Future' Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Speaker of Libya's Tobruk-based House of Representatives (parliament) Aguila Saleh Issa says foreign military presence in Libya will end soon.
• Turkey Launches New Operation Against Armed Kurdish Separatist in Country's South, Reports Suggest Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Turkey's Interior Ministry said on Monday that a new operation was launched aimed a combating Kurdish separatist movements in the country's southern regions, media reported.
• Palestinian reconciliation talks must end national division: Hamas Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says reconciliation talks among political factions in Cairo must result in ending internal divisions and confront those who seek to undermine the Palestinian cause.
• Key Palestinian factions open reconciliation talks ahead of elections Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- The key Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, have opened talks in the Egyptian capital to tackle issues that could jeopardize long-awaited elections.
• Ethiopia: Government approves 'first step' towards Tigray emergency assistance UN News 08 Feb 2021 -- UN agencies have received approval from the Ethiopian Government for 25 international staff to provide humanitarian assistance inside the country's conflict-torn Tigray region, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday.

News Reports

• U.S. Decision To Reengage with the UN Human Rights Council US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2021 -- The Biden administration has recommitted the United States to a foreign policy centered on democracy, human rights, and equality. Effective use of multilateral tools is an important element of that vision, and in that regard the President has instructed the Department of State to reengage immediately and robustly with the UN Human Rights Council.
• US to Rejoin UN Human Rights Council VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monday the United States will return to the U.N. Human Rights Council as an observer.
• Guterres welcomes US decision to re-engage with the Human Rights Council UN News 08 Feb 2021 -- The UN Secretary-General has welcomed a commitment from the new US administration to "reengage immediately and robustly" with the Human Rights Council, following the withdrawal of the United States from the multilateral body nearly three years ago.
• Haiti says attempted coup on Moise's govt. foiled Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Haitian authorities say they have foiled an attempt to overthrow the government of President Jovenel Moise in the impoverished Caribbean country that is divided by a dispute over when the president's term in office ends.
• Myanmar Military Junta Sets Curfews, Crowd Controls After Days of Mass Protests Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's military junta on Monday set curfews and other restrictions in major cities, unveiling the decrees as peaceful public protests across the country drew hundreds of thousands of marchers demanding the reinstatement of deposed Aung San Suu Kyi and her elected government.
• Myanmar Junta Bid to Draw in Ethnic Parties Met With Chilly Response Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2021 -- Political parties in Myanmar are largely refusing to take up roles in the military junta's State Administrative Council government, rejecting the regime's effort to draw in civilian and ethnic minority parties a week after it deposed democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials in a nonviolent coup.
• Myanmar Junta Imposes Curfew Amid Protests VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's junta has declared a curfew in the country's two most populous cities, following days of large protests against the military's seizure of power.
• Myanmar military pledges new election as thousands join anti-coup protests Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's ruling junta has pledged to hold a new election and hand power to the winner as tensions continue to simmer in the Southeast Asian country amid growing opposition to last week's military coup that ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Junta in Myanmar declares martial law as pressure mounts on coup leaders Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- A junta in Myanmar has declared martial law in parts of Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, after hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated nationwide against a much-condemned military coup that ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Fears of military crackdown as Myanmar police use water cannon against anti-coup protesters Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Tensions continue to simmer in Myanmar amid growing opposition to last week's military coup, as the authorities' patience appears to be wearing thin, with police using water cannon against protesters in the tightly-controlled capital.
• Myanmar Junta Bid to Draw in Ethnic Parties Met With Chilly Response Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2021 -- Political parties in Myanmar are largely refusing to take up roles in the military junta's State Administrative Council government, rejecting the regime's effort to draw in civilian and ethnic minority parties a week after it deposed democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials in a nonviolent coup.
• US Considering Taking Actions Against Myanmar Military Over Coup, White House Says Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- The Biden administration is considering taking possible actions against the Myanmar military following the coup in that country, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a press briefing on Monday.
• Myanmar Military Leader: Election Commission Used COVID as Excuse to Prevent Fair Campaigning Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- On 1 February, Myanmar's key leaders, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint, and other high-ranking officials, were ousted by the country's military and arrested over claims that the November 2020 elections were rigged.
• Kremlin defends Russia's expulsion of EU diplomats Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- The Kremlin has thrown its weight behind Russia's expulsion of European Union diplomats during their high-profile visit to the country, but insisted that Moscow remained interested in reviving relations with Brussels.
• Germany, Sweden, Poland Expel Russian Diplomats In Tit-For-Tat Move RFE/RL 08 Feb 2021 -- Germany, Sweden, and Poland are each expelling a Russian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Moscow's expulsion last week of diplomats from the three EU countries for allegedly taking part in protests in support of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny.
• Germany, Poland, and Sweden Expel Russian Diplomats in Tit-for-Tat Moves Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Previously, three diplomats from Poland, Germany and Sweden were expelled from Russia after participating in unauthorised rallies to support jailed Russian blogger Alexei Navalny.
• Russia Expels Albanian Diplomat In Tit-For-Tat Move RFE/RL 08 Feb 2021 -- Russia says it is expelling an Albanian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Tirana told a Russian diplomat to leave for allegedly violating lockdown rules instituted for the coronavirus pandemic.
• Russia Expels Albanian Diplomat in Tit-for-Tat Move Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the expulsion of an Albanian diplomat is in response to Albania ousting a Russian diplomat for allegedly violating coronavirus measures on 21 January 2021.
• Putin, Kremlin Critic Navalny Set Battle Plans for Next Phase in Struggle for Mastery VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- "Who cares about him?" Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a December news conference when asked about Alexey Navalny, the Kremlin critic who survived a near-fatal poisoning and was arrested last month in Moscow on his return following life-saving treatment in Germany.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 8, 2021 PRC MofA 08 Feb 2021
• Chinese FM confirms arrest of Australian national Cheng Lei on suspicion of illegally supplying state secrets overseas Global Times 08 Feb 2021 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday the arrest on Friday of Australian national Cheng Lei on suspicion of illegally supplying Chinese state secrets overseas, adding that an investigation into the case is underway.
• Australian Journalist Arrested in China on Suspicion of Espionage, Foreign Department Says Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Australian national Cheng Lei, who was detained in August last year by Chinese authorities, has been formally arrested on suspicion of spying, Australia's Foreign Department said on Monday.
• China Charges Chinese-Australian Journalist with Supplying State Secrets VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- Australia's foreign minister says an Australian television journalist who has been detained in China since last August has been formally arrested.
• National Security Police Arrest Hong Kong Radio Show Host For 'Seditious Intent' Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2021 -- National security police in Hong Kong have rearrested an outspoken online radio show host under a colonial-era sedition law, citing comments made during his shows.
• Legal Opinion Finds 'Credible Case' For Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2021 -- Available evidence of Chinese state actions establishes a "credible case" that authorities have committed crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide against Uyghurs in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), experts said in a legal opinion Monday.
• China Appears to Block Popular Clubhouse App VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- After a brief honeymoon, China appears to have blocked a popular, invitation-only audio app called Clubhouse.
• Chinese Police Hold Women's Rights Activist Thousands of Miles From Home Radio Free Asia 08 Feb 2021 -- Police from the eastern Chinese province of Shandong have detained a prominent women's rights activist in Beijing, detaining her thousands of miles away from her home, after she accepted a prize on behalf of jailed dissident Xu Zhiyong.
• Two Chinese military aircraft enter Taiwan's ADIZ Monday night CNA 08 Feb 2021 -- Chinese aircraft entered the southwestern section of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) for a fifth consecutive day Monday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• White House Emphasizes No Major Change to Iran Policy VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- The White House is clarifying its position on Iran after President Joe Biden gave an interview in which he indicated that the United States would not lift sanctions until Tehran stops enriching uranium.
• Biden says U.S. not to lift sanctions on Iran first People's Daily 08 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States would not lift sanctions against Iran unless Tehran stops enriching uranium, according to an interview broadcasted on Sunday.
• FM Zarif: US must return, implement obligations IRNA 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that "the US left and violated the nuclear deal. So it's the US that has to return and implement its obligations."
• Iran's Zarif Says US Needs to Return to Nuclear Deal to Avoid Future 'Failures' Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the United States must remove sanctions imposed on Iran and return to the nuclear deal if it really wants to discontinue with the policies of former US President Donald Trump.
• Qalibaf: Future of JCPOA depends on US response IRNA 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Monday that the future of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) depends on the US' response.
• JCPOA doesn't need mediator: Khatbzadeh ISNA 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh stressed that Iran never stops the US from returning to rationality and logic and welcomes any action which will end outrageous manners.
• EU's Borrell, Chinese FM stress full implementation of Iran deal Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi have discussed the need for continued close international coordination on Iran.
• 'US, EU need to regain Iran trust by rectifying past mistakes on JCPOA' Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran says the European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal and the current US administration have two options, either to distance themselves from their past approach towards the multilateral accord or continue down the same wrong path.
• Biden, Iran's Khamenei Issue Dueling Demands Amid Nuclear Talks Stalemate RFE/RL 08 Feb 2021 -- Iran and the United States have deepened their standoff over Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers as the leaders of both countries demanded the other side act first.
• Exclusive: More Sanctions Mooted As EU Group Outlines Policy Options For Lukashenka Regime RFE/RL 08 Feb 2021 -- A group of European Union states with diplomatic representatives in Belarus, together with the bloc's delegation in Minsk, will recommend several paths for the 27-member bloc to take, including expanding the scope of sanctions against authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka for hijacking an election last year and then violently cracking down on protesters demanding that he step down.
• Netanyahu appears in court to answer corruption charges Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appeared in court to formally respond to corruption charges against him, as his trial resumes weeks before legislative elections in the occupied territories.
• Israeli PM Netanyahu Pleads Not Guilty to Corruption Charges Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust in two criminal cases against him.
• Turkey detains 39 more people over suspected affiliation to Gulen movement Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Turkish security forces have arrested dozens of people on suspicion of affiliation to a movement led by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having orchestrated the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Turkey's Opposition HDP Faces Ban VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- The future of Turkey's second-largest opposition party is hanging in the balance, with mass arrests and growing calls for its closure. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses the pro-Kurdish HDP of militant links, but the party says it's a victim of increasing government authoritarianism.
• Nicaragua's Foreign Agents Law Drives Nicaragua Toward Dictatorship, Silencing Independent Voices US Dept. of State 08 Feb 2021
• Somali Opposition Refuses to Recognize President Farmajo as Term Expires VOA 08 Feb 2021 -- Somalia's international partners, including the United States, have raised concerns about the political impasse that has delayed the country's presidential and parliamentary elections.
• Somalia election impasse: Opposition leaders say Farmajo no longer president Press TV 08 Feb 2021 -- Somalia's opposition leaders have announced that they no longer recognize Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed as president, after his term expired without a political agreement on how to choose a new leader.
• Somali Opposition Leaders Refuse to Recognize Legitimacy of President Farmaajo Sputnik 08 Feb 2021 -- Opposition leaders in Somalia announced they no longer recognized President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, also known as Farmaajo, after his term expired on Sunday with the authorities failing to negotiate a deal on holding new presidential election.
• UN rights experts alarmed by rise in use of lèse-majesté laws in Thailand UN News 08 Feb 2021 -- United Nations independent human rights experts on Monday voiced grave concerns over increasingly severe use of lèse-majesté laws in Thailand, warning that a rise in their usage is further restricting civic space and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms in the country.