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News Reports

Current Operations

• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 18 Feb 2021 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
• Iraqi guard wounded in bomb attack targeting US-led coalition convoy Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- An Iraqi security guard has sustained injuries after a roadside bomb exploded near a convoy of trucks carrying logistics belonging to the US-led coalition in Iraq's central province of al-Qadisiyah.
• NATO to Increase Troops in Iraq From 500 to 4,000 Amid Daesh Resurgence, Stoltenberg Says Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- In January 2020, the Iraqi Parliament voted to demand that US forces leave the country. Instead, Washington threatened to freeze the country's bank account at the US Federal Reserve, where billions of dollars in oil wealth are stored.
• NATO Defense Leaders Agree to Increase Iraqi Mission, Defer Decision on Afghanistan DoD News 18 Feb 2021 -- Alliance defense ministers have agreed to raise the number of troops for the NATO Mission in Iraq from 500 to 4,000, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during a virtual news conference today.
• NATO Makes 'No Final Decision' On Military Withdrawal From Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Feb 2021 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance did not make a final decision on whether or when to withdraw troops out of Afghanistan during a virtual meeting on February 18.
• Pentagon Chief Tells NATO US Will Not Undertake Hasty Exit From Afghanistan Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured NATO allies on Thursday that the United States will not withdraw from Afghanistan in a hasty or disorderly manner, the Pentagon said in a statement.
• No decision on any NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan: Stoltenberg Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says defense ministers from the Western military alliance made no decision at a recent meeting in Brussels on whether or when to pull out of war-torn Afghanistan.
• NATO Defers on Afghanistan Pullout, Calls on Taliban to Negotiate in 'Good Faith' VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- NATO defense ministers wrapped up a two-day, virtual meeting Thursday, refusing to commit to a deadline to withdraw forces from Afghanistan by May 1, as required by last year's agreement between the United States and the Taliban.
• National Guard vaccinates hundreds of thousands of people Army News 18 Feb 2021 -- National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are vaccinating about 72,000 people a day across the country in the Guard's ongoing, year-long effort to help combat the spread of COVID-19, Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus told members of Congress Feb. 17.

Defense Policy / Programs

• AFGSC begins retirement of B-1 aircraft, paving way for B-21 US Air Force 18 Feb 2021 -- In support of its efforts to modernize America's bomber fleet, the Air Force will begin divesting 17 B-1B Lancers from its current fleet as authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act.
• US Mothballs 17 B-1 Lancers to Begin Bomber Modernisation Effort, Air Force Says Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- The US fleet of 62 B-1 bombers will shrink with the retirement of 17 of the legacy aircraft as part of a bomber modernisation program, the Air Force said on Thursday.
• Acting SecAF, Nordic Ministers of Defense sign Letter of Intent strengthening US-Nordic defense ties US Air Force 18 Feb 2021 -- Acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth and the Ministers of Defense of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden signed a Letter of Intent demonstrating continued support for the Arctic Challenge Exercise, one of Europe's largest tactical air exercises.
• U.S. Africa Command Leadership visits Spain CENTCOM 18 Feb 2021 -- U.S. Africa Command's Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk Smith, traveled to Spain Feb. 15-17 to discuss deepening collaboration and efforts within Africa with senior Spanish defense officials.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Saudi Minister of Defense His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman DoD 18 Feb 2021
• Readout of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks at Day Two of the NATO Defense Ministerial DoD 18 Feb 2021
• NAVSUP Leverages Training with Industry for NSS-Supply Vanguard US Navy 18 Feb 2021 -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) conducted a virtual roundtable with the Training with Industry (TWI) fellows and alumni 12 Feb. to introduce Naval Sustainment System-Supply (NSS-Supply) and invite them to join the vanguard in making transformational change throughout Navy supply chains.
• Foreign Military Sales, Supporting the Supply Chain Internationally US Navy 18 Feb 2021 -- While NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support has provided supply support to the Navy for more than 100 years, it has also supported the international community for more than a quarter century. As the International Logistics Control Office for the U.S. Navy, the NAVSUP WSS International Programs, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) directorate provides support to more than 80 countries around the world, ensuring foreign mission partners are prepared and equipped to participate in cooperative coalition military actions with U.S. Forces.
• USS James E. Williams Conducts Passing Exercise with Colombian Navy US Navy 18 Feb 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Colombian Navy frigate ARC Antioquia (FM-53) Feb. 15 while operating in the Caribbean Sea.
• One-third of US military refusing Covid vaccine as Pfizer reported less effective against variant Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- About one-third of the US military have refused to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, despite significant virus infection levels in the forces, Pentagon officials said.
• Upcoming Army budget to continue focus on modernization Army News 18 Feb 2021 -- As the Army crafts its next budget, its chief of staff said Wednesday he will ensure every dollar counts as the service pushes ahead with its modernization efforts.
• The Israel Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency Commence Development of the Arrow-4 Weapon System Israel Aerospace Industries 18 Feb 2021 -- The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), in the Directorate of Defense R&D (MAFAT) of the Israel Ministry of Defense, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), have commenced the development of the Arrow-4 system. Arrow-4 will be the next generation of endo-exoatmospheric interceptors in the Arrow weapon system, which today consists of Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors.
• Defence Ministry Announces Joint Israeli-US Project to Create New Ballistic Missile Shield Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Israel's defence sector has already created a range of advanced air and missile defence systems, including the Arrow 3, the Iron Dome, the Barak 8, and David's Sling. The systems are designed to defend against a variety of threats – from small rockets to ballistic and cruise missiles.
• UK renews commitment to NATO missions UK MOD 18 Feb 2021 -- The UK will expand its contribution to NATO Mission Iraq, following the Alliance's decision to scale up the crucial mission at this week's NATO Defence Ministerial.
• Online press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the second day of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers NATO 18 Feb 2021
• NATO needs to update its strategic concept over Russia, China: Stoltenberg Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the military alliance needs to update its decade-old strategic concept to take into account what he called Russia's aggressive attitude and the rise of China.
• China advances development of AG600 large amphibious aircraft PLA Daily 18 Feb 2021 -- China's indigenously developed AG600 large amphibious aircraft has achieved continuous progress with multiple test planes entering the manufacturing phase, according to its developer.
• Revised regulation on military political work released PLA Daily 18 Feb 2021 -- The revised regulation on political work in the army has been released in China and came into effect recently.
• Chinese naval fleet wraps up joint exercise "Peace-21" in Pakistan PLA Daily 18 Feb 2021 -- A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy composed of the guided-missile destroyer Guiyang (Hull 119), the missile frigate Zaozhuang (Hull 542) and the comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu (Hull 960) , completed the maritime drill of the multinational naval exercise "Peace-21," in the waters off Karachi, Pakistan, running from February 15 to 16 local time.
• China Condemns NATO's New Strategic Concept as 'Cold War Thinking', Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Proposed updates to NATO's strategic concept calling for the containment of China in view of its global rise are reminiscent of Cold War rhetoric and have no place in the modern world, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stated during a press conference on Thursday.
• Taiwan's locally-developed military drone crashes; no one hurt CNA 18 Feb 2021 -- A locally developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed at a forest park in eastern Taiwan on Thursday evening. No one was reportedly hurt in the incident.
• Taiwan island's intensive military exercises a political show to cover its weakness: analysts Global Times 18 Feb 2021 -- The island of Taiwan has reportedly arranged intensive military exercises in February and March in areas where aircraft of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the US military often visit.
• Blackout in Le Castellet, France After Two Fighter Jets Tear Through Power Lines Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- An investigation was launched into the incident, while the French Air and Space Force apologised for it.
• Government of Canada takes next step toward construction of offshore oceanographic science vessel for Canadian Coast Guard Canada 18 Feb 2021 -- Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada is committed to providing members of the Canadian Coast Guard with the modern vessels they need to safely and effectively do their important work on behalf of all Canadians, while delivering important economic benefits to the regions of the country.
• India to Upgrade Military Comms with Advanced Radios to Boost Net-Centric Warfare Capability Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Indian's armed forces will be equipped with around 5,5000 state-of-the-art software defined radios as the system currently in place has limited or no data transmission capability.
• Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Indian Army under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan India PIB 18 Feb 2021
• IRGC official: Iran's conventional weapons non-negotiable IRNA 18 Feb 2021 -- The senior IRGC official Mohammad Ismaeeil Kowsari stressed that Iran's conventional defense weapons are non-negotiable.
• Australia gifts boat to Bahrain Australia DOD 18 Feb 2021 -- The ADF gifted a rigid hull inflatable boat to the Bahrain Defence Force on February 16.
• Trilateral training for disaster relief Australia DOD 18 Feb 2021 -- Australia, Japan and the United States combined at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario during Exercise Cope North.
• Statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America UK FCDO 18 Feb 2021 -- Today, the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States of America met in Paris, France. This group recently met on 5 February 2021.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan of Singapore The White House 18 Feb 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, February 18, 2021 The White House 18 Feb 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Afghan President Ghani US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Quad Ministers US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 18, 2021

Other Conflicts

• China's Coast Guard Can Fire on Foreign Vessels, Complicating Security in South Sea VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- Analysts are warning that China's new law authorizing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels in the disputed South China Sea will target five other Asian governments that have competing maritime claims and growing support from Beijing's superpower rival, Washington.
• Taiwan calls for restraint in waters around Diaoyutais CNA 18 Feb 2021 -- Taiwan's government on Thursday reasserted its sovereignty over the contested Diaoyutai Islands and called for restraint by all parties as tensions between Japan and China escalate.
• Five million Yemenis 'one step away from famine'- UN relief coordinator tells Security Council UN News 18 Feb 2021 -- Malnutrition rates in Yemen are at "record highs" as the country is "speeding towards the worst famine the world has seen in decades", the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Thursday, citing newly released data.
• UN: Yemen Famine Risk Growing VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- The United Nations says time is running out for Yemenis, as malnutrition rates hit record highs and the war-torn country speeds towards "the worst famine the world has seen in decades."
• Top UN officials say massive famine threatens purported new peace efforts in Yemen Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- Top UN officials have warned that a massive famine in Yemen could wipe out fresh peace efforts in the impoverished country, which has been suffering from a brutal war imposed by Saudi Arabia for the past six years.
• Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward Khamis Mushait City SPA 18 Feb 2021 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki
• Saudi Coalition Sends Troops to Reinforce Yemen's Marib as Houthis Close in on Gov't Stronghold Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- The United Arab Emirates has begun dismantling a key military base in Eritrea that it used to wage war against the Houthi movement as it withdraws from the six-year-long conflict. Despite a devastating air campaign, the Saudi-led coalition hasn't been able to stop the Houthi advance or its attacks into Saudi Arabia.
• UAE Reportedly Dismantling Red Sea Military Base as Country Pulls Back From War in Yemen Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Abu Dhabi is one of the half-dozen mostly Gulf State countries to have intervened in the Yemeni civil war, taking part in the Saudi-led effort to try to restore the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to power after the 2014 Houthi-led popular uprising in Saana. The United Arab Emirates has also provided support for secessionists in Yemen's south.
• 'Put Syrians first…finally', UN rights investigators urge after deadly decade of conflict UN News 18 Feb 2021 -- Along with an end to the "instrumentalization" of humanitarian aid, victims of Syria's decade-long civil war and their families need justice to help rebuild their lives, Human Rights Council-appointed investigators said on Thursday.
• UN Report Points to Continuing War Crimes in Syria VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- A U.N. report finds nearly 10 years of warfare in Syria has been marked by what investigators describe as the most heinous violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including genocide, with civilians bearing the brunt of past and ongoing atrocities.
• Pakistani Tribes Exchange Gunfire In Land Dispute RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Feb 2021 -- A land dispute between two tribes in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal district has led to gunfire exchanges between gunmen positioned on hilltops, residents and officials told RFE/RL.
• Ukrainian Army Fired 23 Shells on DPR Wednesday, Representative Says Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- The Ukrainian army fired twenty-three 82-mm shells on the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Wednesday, a DPR spokesman in the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of the ceasefire told reporters.
• Loss of autonomy in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir threatens minorities' rights – UN independent experts UN News 18 Feb 2021 -- India's decision to end autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir and restrict the participation of minorities in political and other activities sparked the concern of two UN-appointed independent human rights experts, on Thursday.
• New Allegations on France's Role in Rwanda Genocide Put Pressure on Fact-Finding Commission VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- Two years ago, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a fact-finding commission of historians to shed full light on a less glorious past: notably France's role in Rwanda's 1994 genocide.
• UN chief condemns attack on school in Nigeria UN News 18 Feb 2021 -- The United Nations Secretary-General has strongly condemned Wednesday's attack on a boarding school in north-central Nigeria in which one student was killed and several students, as well as relatives and staff, abducted.
• Nigerian security forces work to rescue kidnapped students in north-central Nigeria People's Daily 18 Feb 2021 -- Nigeria's security forces said that they are working to rescue students abducted on Wednesday morning in the north-central part of the country.

News Reports

• NASA Rover Lands On Mars In Crater Named After Bosnian Town RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- NASA says its Perseverance aircraft has successfully landed in a Mars crater named after the Bosnian town of Jezero -- the third visit to the red planet in just over a week.
• Federal Aid Dispatched to Dark, Freezing Texas VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- Federal aid moved into Texas and other states Thursday amid a winter storm that left more than 1 million people shivering in the dark after the state's independent power grid failed. Alabama and Louisiana also saw widespread electrical outages.
• WHO Sends Ebola Vaccine to Guinea VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- The World Health Organization said Thursday it is sending 11,000 doses of Ebola vaccine and more than 100 experts to Guinea to address an Ebola outbreak in the West African nation.
• Chinese Companies Supplying Arms, Military Equipment to Myanmar: Group Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2021 -- Chinese state-owned enterprises are among the biggest suppliers of arms and military equipment to the Myanmar military, according to an advocacy group Justice For Myanmar and public domain information.
• 'China backing Myanmar upheaval' is pure rumor, intended to sow discord: FM Global Times 18 Feb 2021 -- The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to claims that China backed the Myanmar upheaval and reports that some people in Myanmar said they will boycott Chinese goods, said these were pure rumors and intended to sow discord between China and Myanmar.
• Chinese ambassador to Myanmar: all parties should avoid using violence People's Daily 18 Feb 2021 -- Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said that all parties should avoid using violence in the current situation and the basic rights of people need to be protected as Myanmar citizens took to the street recently.
• Refugee Group: Malaysia Plans to Deport Asylum-Seekers to Myanmar Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2021 -- Malaysia plans to deport asylum-seekers among the 1,200 Myanmar nationals it is sending home next week, a refugee group told BenarNews on Thursday, while rights groups expressed shock at a move they said would endanger lives after the military coup.
• Arrests, Journalist Beatings as Myanmar Junta Faces Relentless Protests Rejecting Army Rule Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2021 -- With Myanmar's mass anti-coup demonstrations showing no sign of letting up and even drawing more civil servants, the military junta that seized power this month stepped up arrests of protesters on Thursday and attacked journalists covering the rallies.
• Myanmar's military launches campaign of arrests to stymie paralyzing strikes Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's military has issued arrest warrants for six celebrities, including film directors, actors, and a singer, for encouraging strikes that have paralyzed government offices, as mass protests continue over the recent coup d'état in the country.
• Canada Imposes Sanctions on 9 Myanmar Military Officials Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Canada has imposed sanctions on nine Myanmar officials, including the country's leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, in response to the coup d'etat carried out by Myanmar's armed forces earlier this month, Global Affairs Canada said in a statement on Thursday.
• UK sanctions Myanmar military generals for serious human rights violations UK FCDO 18 Feb 2021 -- The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced sanctions against members of the Myanmar military for serious human rights violations following the military coup.
• Myanmar Security Forces Confront Striking Railway Workers VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- Mass demonstrations against Myanmar's military overthrow of the civilian government resumed again Thursday, hours after security forces confronted striking railway workers.
• Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 18 Feb 2021 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 18, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Feb 2021
• Russia Expels Estonian Diplomat In 'Tit-For-Tat' Move RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry said on February 18 that it has expelled an Estonian diplomat in retaliation for a move by Tallinn to declare a Russian diplomat persona non grata.
• Navalny's Brother Loses Appeal On House Arrest Ruling By Russian Court RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- A Moscow court has upheld a ruling placing Oleg Navalny, the brother of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, under house arrest.
• U.S. Ambassador Says Navalny Poisoning, Jailing Is Not Just An Internal Russian Matter RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- The U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, has rejected Moscow's assertion that last year's nerve-agent poisoning of opposition politician Aleksei Navalny and protests prompted by his recent jailing is a strictly internal Russian affair.
• Russian Activist Gets Suspended Sentence For Ties With Opposition Group RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- Russian activist Anastasia Shevchenko has been handed a four-year suspended sentence for carrying out activities on behalf of an "undesirable organization," in what Amnesty International has called a "travesty of justice."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on February 18, 2021 PRC MofA 18 Feb 2021
• Xi Jinping's online diplomacy during COVID-19 pandemic People's Daily 18 Feb 2021 -- The COVID-19 pandemic, affecting all countries across the world, has underlined the way that China addresses a global challenge and its vision for a better world.
• China Drives Wedges in Europe to Break Up US Proposed Alliance VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- While U.S. President Joe Biden has been calling world leaders trying to build an alliance of Western democracies to counter China, Beijing also has been reaching out to the region. Since December, Chinese President Xi Jinping has talked to more than 10 European leaders either by phone or video conference.
• Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Sent Back to Jail After Bail Denied Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2021 -- A Hong Kong court on Thursday denied a further bail application, sending pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai back to a top-security jail to await trial.
• Latest progress in China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System PLA Daily 18 Feb 2021 -- China has been making continuous progress in the satellite navigation and positioning industry with significant moves and industrial applications in more diversified fields.
• Taiwan's Cabinet approves space development promotion act (update) CNA 18 Feb 2021 -- Taiwan's Cabinet on Thursday approved a draft act regulating space-based activities and promoting the development of space-related industries.
• US administration considering North Korean 'malign activity' in policy review Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden says it is considering North Korea's "malign activity," including alleged cyber threats, in a review of US policy toward the country.
• U.S.-ROK-Japan Trilateral Meeting on Shared North Korea-Related Challenges US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2021 -- The Biden Administration is committed to strengthening U.S. alliance relationships, particularly with our key Northeast Asian allies Japan and the Republic of Korea.
• Briefing with Senior State Department Officials on Diplomacy to Constrain Iran's Nuclear Program US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2021
• Rouhani: JCPOA, important achievement for multilateral diplomacy IRNA 18 Feb 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani referred to the important role of the Council of Europe in determining the overall policies and priorities of the European Union (EU) said the EU as a key player in world arena should act properly in confronting the US unilateralism.
• European Council President: We fully support JCPOA IRNA 18 Feb 2021 -- The European Council President Charles Michel voiced full support for the JCPOA after a phone conversation with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Thursady.
• About JCPOA, the other side's actions matter, not their promises: Leader IRNA 18 Feb 2021 -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Seyyed Ali Khamenei stated that the Islamic Republic has heard many words and promises from the other side about the JCPOA. He emphasized that this time only actions matter, and if the Islamic Republic sees actions from Europe and the US, it will act too.
• President Rouhani: Iran wants US to abide by law, fulfill obligations IRNA 18 Feb 2021 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday that Iran wants the United States to abide by the law and fulfill its obligations under a multinational nuclear deal it signed with Iran in 2015.
• Zarif denounces US, allies for throwing ball into Iran's court as JCPOA revival hangs in balance Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif denounces the US and its European allies for attempting to paint Iran responsible for, what they call, nuclear non-compliance, while it was their non-commitment in the first place that had Tehran suspend its obligations under a nuclear agreement.
• US return to Iran nuclear deal only proper approach to resolve deadlock: China Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- China describes the US' potential return to the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world countries as the only means of resolving the deadlock that has been born out of Washington's illegal moves in violation of the accord.
• Rouhani tells Merkel: Adding anything to nuclear deal 'impossible' Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says it would be "impossible" to modify the country's landmark nuclear agreement, emphasizing that the only way to save the deal is to lift the United States' "inhumane sanctions" on Iran.
• U.S., European Diplomats Urge Iran To Comply With Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- The top diplomats from the United States, Germany, France, and Britain have urged Iran to return to full compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, which Washington pulled out of in 2018.
• US Ready to Accept EU Invitation to Attend P5+1 Meeting With Iran, State Department Says Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- A senior US official told Reuters Thursday the US was "ready to show up" if the European Union extended an invitation to host talks with Iran. Meanwhile, Washington has taken an important step toward undoing some moves against Tehran by the Trump administration.
• E3, US Call on Iran to Avoid Any Additional Steps to Suspend Nuclear Protocols, Limit IAEA Access Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Earlier, Iran indicated that it would block snap inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if parties of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) failed to fulfill their commitments under the agreement and lift sanctions against Tehran by February 21.
• Iran's Latest Measures Put US Return Into JCPOA at Risk, German Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Earlier this week, the US urged Iran to reverse the decision to limit inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Lukashenka Says He Will Not Ask For Money At Talks With Putin RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka says he does not plan to ask for money from Russia when he holds talks in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin on February 22.
• Imposing Visa Restrictions on Additional Individuals Undermining Belarusian Democracy US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2021 -- The United States remains alarmed by the Lukashenka regime's continuing violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, pro-democracy activists, and journalists. The February 16 raids on human rights organization Vyasna, the Belarusian Association of Journalists, and independent trade union workers, as well as the February 18 sentencing of journalists Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova are particularly troublesome.
• Biden, Netanyahu Finally Talk, Discuss 'Iranian Threat' RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken by phone amid reports of a strained relationship between the two countries following Netanyahu's close ties to the Trump administration.
• Netanyahu finally receives much coveted phone call from Biden Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- A month into his presidency, US President Joe Biden has finally called Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after taking his time to contact leaders of several other countries around the world.
• Turkish Arrests Seen Reflecting Strains Between Competitors Ankara, Tehran VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- Recent highly publicized arrests of alleged Iranian agents in Turkey are being seen as an indication of the strains between Turkey and Iran amid regional competition.
• Kyiv Begins Marking Anniversary Of Deadly Shootings During Euromaidan Protests RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has marked the seventh anniversary of the shooting deaths of dozens of participants in the Euromaidan anti-government protests that toppled Ukraine's Russia-friendly former president, Viktor Yanukovych, in 2014.
• Perseverance Probe Successfully Lands on Mars VOA 18 Feb 2021 -- NASA's Perseverance probe landed safely and on time on Mars, at 3:55 p.m. EST, Thursday, marking another success for the U.S. space agency.
• Following UAE, China, US latest country to reach Mars in 2021 Global Times 18 Feb 2021 -- Following the Hope orbiter from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Tianwen-1 Mars probe from China, US NASA's Perseverance rover is homing in on the Red Planet and is expected to perform a "most precise" landing on Earth's neighbor on Thursday.
• Political Developments in Georgia US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2021
• Georgian prime minister resigns over plan to arrest opposition leader Press TV 18 Feb 2021 -- Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has announced his resignation over disagreements with his own team over plans to arrest Nika Melia, the chairman of Georgia's main political opposition group.
• Garibashvili Returns To Georgian PM Post After Gakharia Resigns RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- Georgia's ruling party has nominated Irakli Garibashvili to take over as prime minister hours after Giorgi Gakharia handed in his resignation following a court ruling that ordered the arrest of the head of the Caucasus country's main opposition force.
• Georgian Prime Minister Resigns Over Disagreement With Team on Opposition Figure Melia Sputnik 18 Feb 2021 -- Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced on Thursday he was resigning over disagreement with his team on the case of opposition leader Nika Melia.
• NGOs Urge Cambodia to Scrap Decree on Internet Controls Citing Impact on Online Rights Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2021 -- Dozens of local and international nongovernmental organizations on Thursday urged Cambodia's government to scrap a decree on establishing a National Internet Gateway (NIG) that can control and monitor online activity in the country, saying it would annihilate freedom of expression online.
• Aussie Government 'Pathetic' on Cambodian Dirty Money, Lawmaker Tells RFA Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2021 -- A new investigation by RFA out this week explores the multi-million dollar investments made in Australia by Cambodia's ruling elite over the last five years. These investments appear to have been made in tandem with a campaign of intimidation orchestrated by Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) against Australia's Cambodian community.
• New Lao Leader Calls Out Provincial Governor on Car Fleet Purchase Deal Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2021 -- Laos' new leader Thongloun Sisoulith indirectly ordered that the governor of a poor province scrap plans to buy a pricey new fleet of cars for newly elected provincial officials, state media reported.
• Following Protests, Authorities Rearrest Kyrgyz Powerbroker Matraimov RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (UKMK) has rearrested Raimbek Matraimov, the controversial former deputy chief of the Customs Service, days after demonstrators in Bishkek protested against what they saw as a lenient sentence handed to him on corruption charges.
• EU Gives Hungary Two Months To Change Law On 'Foreign-Funded' NGOs Or Face Penalties RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- The European Union has given Hungary a two-month deadline to change a law pushed through parliament by right-wing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government that forces nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to disclose foreign donors.
• Serbian Orthodox Church Picks New Patriarch RFE/RL 18 Feb 2021 -- Serbian Orthodox bishops have selected Porfirije, Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana, as their 46th patriarch, about three months after the death of Patriarch Irinej from COVID-19.
• Stop criminalizing civil society, UN rights experts urge Venezuelan authorities UN News 18 Feb 2021 -- United Nations independent human rights experts called on Thursday for the authorities in Venezuela to stop "continuous and increasing" attacks and intimidation against civil society organizations and journalists in the country.