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News Reports

Current Operations

• NATO to increase troops in Iraq in declared bid to 'fight terrorism' Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the number of NATO troops in Iraq would increase eightfold, claiming that the move is intended to fight terrorism and ensure that the Daesh terrorist group does not return.
• Russian Envoy Visits Pakistan as Part of Effort to Jumpstart Stalled Afghan Peace Process VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan visited Islamabad Friday to encourage Pakistan's support for a meeting in Moscow to help facilitate the stalled Afghan peace process.
• On Tour Of Middle East, U.S. Commander Blames Taliban For Afghan Instability RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Feb 2021 -- The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East says the U.S. military is looking for so-called "fallback" bases in Saudi Arabia to protect forces in the event of raised tensions with Iran.
• U.S. General Visits Pakistan As Washington Mulls Delaying Afghan Withdrawal RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Feb 2021 -- The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia has held talks with Pakistani military leaders about the possibility of postponing the withdrawal of foreign forces from neighboring Afghanistan amid stalled peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Defense Policy / Programs

• President Biden Tells World: 'America Is Back' DoD News 19 Feb 2021 -- The United States is back and ready to work with like-minded nations to find solutions to the world's pressing problems, President Joe Biden told the Munich Security Conference today.
• Remarks by President Biden at the 2021 Virtual Munich Security Conference The White House 19 Feb 2021
• Biden Calls On Allies To Defend Freedom, Accuses Russia Of Undermining Democracy RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden warned allies that the world is at an "inflection point" in the ideological battle between democratic and autocratic values, and called on them to join with Washington in defending freedom.
• Reserve Airmen, PACAF distribute ops for AFFOR exercise US Air Force 19 Feb 2021 -- Reserve Airmen from the 713th Combat Operations Squadron supported Headquarters Pacific Air Forces thousands of miles away for an Air Force Forces exercise, Feb. 3-11. More than 25 Reserve Airmen worked via distributed operations from Beale Air Force Base, California, with PACAF's AFFOR staff at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
• FRCE inducts first F-35B for laser peening modification US Navy 19 Feb 2021 -- Fleet Readiness Center East marked a milestone with the induction of the first F-35B Lightning II aircraft to undergo laser peening modifications, and leaders anticipate the new workload will keep the facility engaged for the next several years.
• Mission Capable US Navy 19 Feb 2021 -- The maintenance department of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 keeps P8-A maritime and patrol and reconnaissance aircraft flying in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet, ensuring access to the global commons.
• USS Porter Operates with Romanian Navy and Air Force US Navy 19 Feb 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), participated in maneuvering exercises with Romanian Naval Forces and Romanian Air Forces in the Black Sea on Feb. 5, 2021.
• USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Deploys Upon Completion of Historic COMPTUEX US Navy Press Release 19 Feb 2021 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and the ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), departed for deployment Feb. 18, after successfully completing a historic Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), that included a NATO vignette and training with SEALS from an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Group for the first time in recent history.
• 405th AFSB conducts ROC drill in preparation for DEFENDER-Europe 21 exercise Army News 19 Feb 2021 -- The 405th Army Field Support Brigade conducted a Rehearsal of Concept Drill Feb. 19 in preparation for the U.S. Army Europe and Africa led DEFENDER-Europe 21 exercise scheduled for this spring. During the 405th AFSB ROC drill, the brigade staff as well as representatives from the battalions, the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program and other 405th AFSB assets presented a detailed operational overview of support to DEFENDER-Europe 21. The briefings, presented to the 405th AFSB commander and command sergeant major, were conducted virtually, and more than 100 personnel participated.
• Marines receive improved optic to identify threats from longer distances USMC News 19 Feb 2021 -- Marines recently received an innovative new optic that better prepares them to engage adversaries from longer distances.
• U.S. Commander Says Military Seeks 'Fallback' Saudi Bases Amid Tensions With Iran RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East says the U.S. military is looking for so-called "fallback" bases in Saudi Arabia to protect forces in the event of raised tensions with Iran.
• MQ-9 begins flying missions from Romania US Air Force 19 Feb 2021 -- The 25th Attack Group began flying the first active-duty operated U.S. Air Forces in Europe MQ-9 Reaper sorties in Romania via remote-split operations as of Feb. 1.
• Air Force releases environmental study on Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ICBM recapitalization Test Program US Air Force 19 Feb 2021 -- The U.S. Air Force announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate potential environmental effects associated with the implementation of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, or GBSD, Test Program. The GBSD program would modernize the aging U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III system.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Andrii Taran DoD 19 Feb 2021
• Secretary of Defense Briefs Reporters on NATO Defense Ministerial and Ongoing Department of Defense Issues DoD 19 Feb 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby
• Austin Says Afghanistan, Iraq, China Among Topics at NATO Meeting DoD News 19 Feb 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III briefed Pentagon reporters on the results of NATO's virtual Defense Ministerial, discussing the decisions to increase NATO support in Iraq and defer a decision about NATO troops in Afghanistan, and summarizing discussions among allies and partners about China.
• NATO Secretary General sets out ambitious transatlantic agenda at Munich Security Conference NATO 19 Feb 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for a strong NATO at the heart of a new transatlantic agenda. Speaking at a virtual meeting of the Munich Security Conference on Friday (19 February), Mr. Stoltenberg said, "we now have an historic opportunity to build a stronger Alliance, to regain trust and reinforce our unity - Europe and North America working together in NATO in strategic solidarity."
• Chinese naval fleet wraps up joint exercise "Peace-21" in Pakistan People's Daily 19 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.
• Xi signs order promulgating regulations on int'l military cooperation PLA Daily 19 Feb 2021 -- Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order promulgating regulations on international military cooperation.
• Chinese peacekeeping force to Lebanon passes UN military capability assessment PLA Daily 19 Feb 2021 -- The 19th Chinese peacekeeping multi-functional engineer contingent to Lebanon passed with high standards the military capability assessment of the first quarter of 2021 conducted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on February 17.
• Chinese military issues decision on fostering new-type military training system PLA Daily 19 Feb 2021 -- Approved by Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the CMC has released a decision on fostering a new-type military training system.
• Taiwan names new defense, intelligence, China affairs heads (update) CNA 19 Feb 2021 -- Taiwan's Presidential Office on Friday announced a reshuffle of three Cabinet-level officials, replacing the leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, the National Security Bureau and the Mainland Affairs Council.
• Taiwan reshuffles top defense, intelligence, China affairs officials CNA 19 Feb 2021 -- Taiwan's Presidential Office on Friday announced a reshuffle of three Cabinet-level officials, replacing the leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, the National Security Bureau and the Mainland Affairs Council.
• Indian Navy Ship Pralaya Arrives in Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate in NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21 India PIB 19 Feb 2021 -- Indian Naval Ship Pralaya arrived at Abu Dhabi, UAE today 19 Feb 21 to participate in the NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition), scheduled from 20 to 25 February 2021.
• Successful user trials of DRDO-developed Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems 'Helina' and 'Dhruvastra' India PIB 19 Feb 2021 -- Joint User Trials for Helina (Army Version) and Dhruvastra (Air Force Version) Missile Systemshave been carried out from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform in desert ranges. The missile systems have been designed and developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Satellite images reveal Israel quietly expanding secretive Dimona nuclear site Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- Newly-released satellite images have revealed that the Israeli regime — the sole possessor of nuclear arms in the Middle East — is conducting "significant" constructive activities at the highly-secretive Dimona nuclear facility in the Negev Desert.
• Pentagon chief calls MBS to reaffirm 'strategic defense partnership' Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia and the kingdom's defense minister – has received a phone call from Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin weeks after the new US administration took office.
• Prime Minister's speech at the Munich Security Conference: 19 February 2021 Gov.UK 19 Feb 2021 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson virtually addressed the Munich Security Conference.
• £180-million British Army vehicle contract protects 700 Glasgow jobs UK MOD 19 Feb 2021 -- A £180-million contract to deliver cutting edge threat detection technology for the British Army's new Boxer vehicles will support hundreds of jobs in Scotland, it is announced today.
• Australian, United States and Japan conclude Exercise Cope North 21 Australia DOD 19 Feb 2021 -- Forces from Australia, the United States and Japan have successfully completed the annual trilateral Exercise Cope North.
• UAE dismantles part of Eritrea base amid widespread condemnation: Report Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- A report says the United Arab Emirates has been dismantling parts of a military base it runs in Eritrea amid a widespread condemnation of its troubling role in the region.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Honduran Foreign Minister Rosales US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Hill Tinoco US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2021
• Department Press Briefing – February 19, 2021 US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2021
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the Danish Prime Minister's Office The White House 19 Feb 2021
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jen Psaki Aboard Air Force One En Route Kalamazoo, MI The White House 19 Feb 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 19, 2021
• Photo Release — Huntington Ingalls Industries Awarded $2.9 Billion Contract To Execute USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Refueling and Complex Overhaul Huntington Ingalls Industries 19 Feb 2021 -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has been awarded a $2.9 billion contract for the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
• Thales to provide new-generation sonar suite for French Navy's nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) Thales 19 Feb 2021 -- With the launch of full-scale development of France's third generation of nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SNLE 3G), Thales is developing a new sonar suite based on disruptive technologies that represent a significant break from the systems in service today.

Other Conflicts

• 19 February 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 Feb 2021
• Saudi Press: Iran-Backed Terrorist Houthi Militias Continue Their Attacks with Missiles and a Bomb-Laden UAV on Civilian and Civilian Objects in Saudi Arabia SPA 19 Feb 2021 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas.
• Yemen: UN rights office calls for de-escalation in Marib Governorate UN News 19 Feb 2021 -- The UN human rights office, OHCHR, appealed on Friday for a de-escalation in hostilities in Marib Governorate in northern Yemen as Houthi forces, also known as Ansar Allah, attempt to seize the area from Government control.
• China Says Four PLA Soldiers Died in India Border Clash Last Year Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) admitted on Friday that four of its soldiers died in a border clash with Indian soldiers, days after China and India withdrew their troops from the region.
• Clandestine Training of Somali Forces in Eritrea Stirs Families' Concern VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Somalia's government sent thousands of recruits to Eritrea for military training in a clandestine operation, as the country faces al-Shabab threats, the recent withdrawal of U.S. military personnel and the projected drawdown of African Union peacekeeping forces.
• Violence Threatens Lives, Futures of 3M Displaced Congo Children VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- The lives and futures of more than three million displaced children in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are being threatened by armed militia groups, the U.N. Children's Fund warns.
• DR Congo: Lives and futures of three million children at risk, UNICEF warns UN News 19 Feb 2021 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), on Friday, highlighted the dire situation of some three million displaced children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who face brutal militia violence and extreme hunger.
• Staggering Level of Violence in South Sudan Threatens to Spiral Out of Control, UN Warns VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- U.N. investigators warn that unprecedented levels of ethnically based violence in South Sudan threaten to spiral out of control because of lack of justice and accountability. The report issued Friday will be submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council, which begins a four-week meeting next week.
• Violence in South Sudan engulfs country, 10 years after independence 'children all have guns' UN News 19 Feb 2021 -- Extreme violence and attacks involving thousands of fighters at a time have engulfed more than three-quarters of South Sudan, UN human Rights Council-appointed investigators said on Friday, warning that the bloodshed faced by civilians are "the worst recorded" since the country's civil war began in December 2013.

News Reports

• Six Individuals Affiliated with the Oath Keepers Indicted by a Federal Grand Jury for Conspiracy to Obstruct Congress on Jan. 6, 2021 DOJ/USAG-DC 19 Feb 2021 -- This week, six additional individuals associated with an organization known as the Oath Keepers, some of whose members were among those who forcibly entered the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, were arrested and charged in federal court in the District of Columbia for conspiring to obstruct the United States Congress's certification of the result of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, among other charges.
• US Arrests 6 More Linked to Oath Keepers in Capitol Attack VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- U.S. prosecutors announced Friday the arrest of six more people associated with the far-right Oath Keepers militia in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
• Congress Repeats Calls for Independent Commission to Probe US Capitol Attack VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for a commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the latest in a long line of independent panels appointed by lawmakers and U.S. presidents to examine moments of national crisis as well as policy issues.
• IARPA Program Driving New Capabilities to Capture Clearer Images of Satellites Orbiting (Very) High Above Earth Director of National Intelligence 19 Feb 2021 -- The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) is developing new scientific approaches to take high-definition-like pictures of geosynchronous satellites from the ground. The goal is to better account for the behavior and movement of these high orbiting objects in space.
• Officials, Experts Say Islamic State's Economic Spigot Not Dry Yet VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Nearly two years after losing the last sliver of territory in eastern Syria, the Islamic State terror group seems to be generating substantial amounts of revenue that has been instrumental for funding its insurgency across Syria and Iraq.
• Readout of Secretary Mayorkas' Call with Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Blair DHS 19 Feb 2021
• DHS Statement on First Step in Process to Address Individuals in Mexico with Active MPP Cases DHS 19 Feb 2021 -- Today, DHS began the first step in a phased approach to restore safe and orderly processing at the Southwest Border.
• The United States Officially Rejoins the Paris Agreement US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2021 -- On January 20, on his first day in office, President Biden signed the instrument to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement. Per the terms of the Agreement, the United States officially becomes a Party again today.
• US Rejoins Paris Climate Accord VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden warned Friday that climate change is a "global existential crisis" that must be addressed, as the United States rejoined the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
• Federal Charges Against Stanford University Researcher Expanded US Dept. of Justice 19 Feb 2021 -- Grand Jury Adds Obstruction, Alteration of Records, and False Statements to Visa Fraud Charges Against Visiting Researcher Alleged to Be Member of China's People's Liberation Army
• Woman dies of bullet wound to head during anti-coup protest in Myanmar Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- A young woman has died of a bullet wound to the head during an anti-coup protest in Myanmar, becoming the first known casualty of days of protests over the past two weeks against a military coup in the country.
• Civil Disobedience Against Military Rule in Myanmar Paralyzes Banking Sector Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- Protests against the military's seizure of power in Myanmar have crippled its economy, as businesses struggle to conduct commerce without physical cash and a banking system that is now unreliable, sources in Myanmar told RFA.
• First Myanmar Protester Death Galvanizes Anti-Coup Demonstrators Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- The death of a young woman fatally shot in the head by police last week during a peaceful demonstration against Myanmar's junta — the first death in two weeks of protests — provided a fresh focal point Friday for coup opponents who braved arrests, beatings and slingshots from police to rally across the country.
• Myanmar Coup Puts French, US Oil Majors Back in Spotlight VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Since Myanmar's military toppled the country's democratically elected government Feb. 1, a chorus of activists at home and abroad have called on foreign firms to cut ties with the generals' sprawling business empire, and a few firms have taken heed.
• The Week In Russia: Navalny's Return: Masterstroke Or Mistake? RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- Since he touched down in Moscow a month ago, Kremlin foe and poison survivor Aleksei Navalny has been jailed and handed a prison term of two years and eight months -- and he faces possible further prosecution that could result in many more years behind bars.
• Russian Police Remove Memorial To Slain Opposition Leader Nemtsov, Detain Activists RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- Russian police have once again removed a makeshift memorial to slain opposition politician Boris Nemtsov in central Moscow, and detained two activists guarding it, local media reported.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on February 19, 2021 PRC MofA 19 Feb 2021
• Former FM's commissioner in HK appointed vice foreign minister Global Times 19 Feb 2021 -- Xie Feng, former commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has been appointed as vice minister of foreign affairs, the Global Times learned from the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday.
• Hong Kong Government Moves to Strengthen Editorial Control Over Broadcaster Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- Amid a citywide crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition under a draconian national security law imposed by Beijing, authorities in Hong Kong are replacing the head of the city's public broadcaster and reforming its editorial structure to "ensure it complies" with government directives.
• China Targets Muslim Communities Around the Country With 'Ethnic Unity' Policies Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is pushing ahead in the Year of the Ox with policies of sinicization and "ethnic unity" targeting Muslim communities around the country, according to government websites.
• China's Energy Agency Rocked by Coal Power Report Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- After years of complaints from environmental advocates, China seems to be headed for an interagency showdown over the construction of new coal-fired power plants.
• China's Coal Supply Crisis Means High Prices, Blackouts VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- As the cost of coal spikes during China's severely cold winter, what is an economic and uncomfortable hardship for many citizens could turn into a hot political problem for one man: President Xi Jinping.
• U.S. House introduces bill to back Taiwan's WHO observer status bid CNA 19 Feb 2021 -- Nearly 40 members of the United States House of Representatives on Thursday led a bipartisan effort to back Taiwan's bid for observer status in the World Health Organization (WHO).
• U.S. congressmen reintroduce bill to protect Taiwan from China attack CNA 19 Feb 2021 -- Two members of the United States Congress reintroduced a bill on Thursday in the Senate and House of Representatives to deter the use of force by China against Taiwan.
• Nine Chinese PLA planes enter Taiwan's ADIZ after U.S. bill submitted CNA 19 Feb 2021 -- Nine Chinese military planes entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Friday, including bombers and fighter jets, after U.S. lawmakers introduced a bill to help defend Taiwan from an attack by China.
• Taiwan top flashpoint in U.S.-China relations: former officials CNA 19 Feb 2021 -- A number of former American officials and scholars ranked Taiwan the number one flashpoint in the United States-China relations with the potential to trigger military conflict, at a congressional commission hearing Thursday.
• Iran: US must lift sanctions to revive P5+1 IRNA 19 Feb 2021 -- Spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saeed Khatibzadeh on Friday said that the US must lift sanctions to revive P5+1.
• US sends signal to Iran on JCPOA IRNA 19 Feb 2021 -- The US has finally sent the first signal on the JCPOA to Iran by returning Donald Trump's earlier claims of imposing sanctions against Iran and announcing that the country is ready to attend the P5+1 meeting.
• Zarif: US must lift all sanctions unconditionally IRNA 19 Feb 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that the US must lift all sanctions imposed against Iran unconditionally.
• U.S. joins Europe with willingness to engage with Iran over nuke deal People's Daily 19 Feb 2021 -- After a virtual meeting with Britain, Germany, and France, also known as E3, the United States said on Thursday that it was ready to attend talks with Iran and other major countries to discuss the Iran nuclear issue.
• Iran threatens to stop implementing IAEA additional protocol if U.S. sanctions not lifted People's Daily 19 Feb 2021 -- A senior Iranian official said Thursday that Iran will stop implementing the Additional Protocol of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if the U.S. sanctions against Iran are not lifted in the coming days.
• US needs to swiftly lift Iran sanctions, return to JCPOA compliance: China Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- China says the United States should immediately lift the sanctions it has re-imposed on Iran after Washington's violation of a multilateral nuclear agreement with the Islamic Republic and unilaterally leaving the deal.
• Biden admin. reverses two Trump-era measures against Iran, offers to rejoin JCPOA talks Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden has reversed two measures adopted by his predecessor Donald Trump against Iran and offered to rejoin negotiations with the Islamic Republic and other parties to a nuclear agreement Washington left over two years ago, in the first apparent break with the previous administration's stance against the deal.
• Biden Says Iran Talks Needed to Avoid Mistakes in Mideast VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Friday that the United States was driven to "reengage in negotiations" to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran by the desire to avoid missteps that could further destabilize the Middle East.
• Iran Offers to Reverse Its Nuclear Deal Violations if Sanctions Are Lifted VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Iranian media reported tentative steps by the U.S. and its European allies in the P5+1 group, which negotiated the original 2015 nuclear accord with Tehran, to resume adherence to that deal and back away from Trump administration policies, including the 2018 reimposition of economic sanctions.
• Belarus Reportedly Looking At Law To Expand Definition Of Extremism RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- Belarusian lawmakers are reportedly preparing to consider legal changes that would make almost any criticism of the government "extremist" behavior that could lead to severe punishment including the loss of livelihood and citizenship.
• Tsikhanouskaya Says Belarusian Regime Telling Media: 'You're Either With Us, Or In Jail' RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya says that by prosecuting journalists the authorities in Belarus are sending a message to the media: "Either you're with the regime, or you're in jail."
• Police In Tbilisi Brawl With Opposition Activists, Detain 20 Protesters RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- Police in downtown Tbilisi have brawled with dozens of opposition and civil rights activists who unsuccessfully tried to set up a tent in front of the parliament building.
• Ukraine Sanctions Putin-Friendly Politician, Tycoon Medvedchuk RFE/RL 19 Feb 2021 -- Ukraine has placed sanctions on Viktor Medvedchuk, a political heavyweight and tycoon who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a move some see as an attempt by Kyiv to improve relations with the West.
• Algerian president dissolves lower house of parliament amid calls for protests Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has dissolved the lower house of parliament and called for snap legislative elections as activists have launched a campaign to mobilize the street again against authorities.
• Algerian President Calls for New Elections after Dissolving Lower House of Parliament VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced Thursday he is dissolving the lower house of parliament, whose members have little more than a year left on their five-year terms.
• Vietnam Appoints Military General Country's New Propaganda Chief Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- Vietnam has named a senior military officer to head the country's powerful propaganda department, with responsibility for oversight of the country's tightly controlled media on all platforms, state media and other sources said.
• Two Critics of Lao Government Removed as Candidates for Reelection to National Assembly Radio Free Asia 19 Feb 2021 -- Two candidates for reelection to the Lao National Assembly, the country's parliament, have been removed from the list of persons eligible to run, apparently for remarks criticizing corruption in the upper ranks of the government and ruling party, Lao sources say.
• UN human rights office alarmed by 'attacks' on judicial independence in Haiti UN News 19 Feb 2021 -- The UN human rights office (OHCHR) is "very concerned" over recent attacks against judicial independence in Haiti, as the country is gripped by political and institutional instability, a spokesperson said on Friday.
• Amid Clashes in Mogadishu, Analysts Warn Somalia Could Slip Back into Civil War VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Politicians and analysts warn that clashes in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, between the federal government and supporters of opposition presidential candidates could escalate the country's political crisis into a full-blown conflict.
• Gunfire erupts in Mogadishu as Somali government forces seal off streets Press TV 19 Feb 2021 -- Gunfire, rocket fire and mortar blasts have been reported in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, where opposition parties launched a protest rally despite a coronavirus lockdown enforced by the government.
• 'Exercise restraint and calm', UN chief urges after violent outbreak in Somalia UN News 19 Feb 2021 -- The UN chief expressed grave concern on Friday over an outbreak of violence in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
• Mogadishu Police Open Fire on Protesters VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Gunfire erupted in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, Friday morning after security forces cut off a planned opposition protest. The opposition is in a standoff with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo over the election process and has been calling for him to leave office since February 8, when they say his term officially expired.
• Lebanese Families Angered by Removal of Judge Leading Port Explosion Probe VOA 19 Feb 2021 -- Families of those who died in last year's deadly explosion in Beirut protested for a second day Friday and denounced the removal of a judge leading the probe into the blast.