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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Roadside Bomb Blast Strikes Bus, Kills 11 Afghan Civilians RFE/RL Gandhara 10 May 2021 -- At least 11 civilians were killed and 28 more wounded when a roadside bomb hit a bus in Afghanistan's Zabul Province, the Interior Ministry said on May 10.
• Taliban declare three-day Eid ceasefire amid spike in violence Press TV 10 May 2021 -- The Taliban militant group has declared a three-day ceasefire across Afghanistan in observance of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, two days after 50 people, mostly young girls, were killed in bomb blasts outside a school in Kabul.
• US Hails Afghan Eid Cease-fire, Suspects IS Conducted Kabul School Bombing VOA 10 May 2021 -- The United States on Monday welcomed the Taliban's declaration of a nationwide cease-fire in Afghanistan over this week's Eid-al-Fitr festival, reiterating Washington's call for the Islamist insurgency and Afghan leaders to negotiate an end to the "senseless violence."
• Two for Two: USS Sioux City Conducts Back-to-Back Drug Busts US Navy 10 May 2021 -- The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) with embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 109 seized over $24 million in suspected cocaine, April 26-28, 2021.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Unsafe and Unprofessional Interaction with IRGCN FIAC in Strait of Hormuz NAVCENT 10 May 2021 -- On May 10, 2021, Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) fast in-shore attack craft (FIAC), a type of speedboat armed with machine guns, conducted unsafe and unprofessional maneuvers and failed to exercise due regard for the safety of U.S. forces as required under international law while operating in close proximity to U.S. naval vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iranian Fast Boats Harass US Ships, Submarine in Strait of Hormuz VOA 10 May 2021 -- A U.S. Coast Guard cutter fired two rounds of warning shots at a group of Iranian fast boats after what the Pentagon described as an "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter in the Strait of Hormuz.
• In Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Vessels Exercised Right to Self Defense DoD News 10 May 2021 -- Earlier today, 13 "fast boats" with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy precariously approached U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels that were operating in the Strait of Hormuz. After those ships failed to heed warnings to move away to a safe distance, the U.S. fired warning shots, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.
• US Ship Fires 30 Warning Shots to Repel Iranian IRGC Boats, Pentagon Says Sputnik 10 May 2021 -- A US Coast Guard cutter on Monday fired dozens of warning shots to fend off multiple Iranian attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Defense Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
• U.S. Vessel Fires Warning Shots After Encounter With Iranian Fast Boats RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- A U.S. Coast Guard ship fired some 30 warning shots after 13 boats from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) came close to it and other U.S. Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon said on May 10.
• No Plan to Host Foreign Bases on Uzbek Soil, MoD Says Amid Reports of US Afghan Troop Redeployment Sputnik 10 May 2021 -- The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan that kicked off on 1 May was followed by media reports of US plans to redeploy the American forces' Afghan contingent.
• CNO Speaks at a Press Conference with First Sea Lord, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps US Navy 10 May 2021
• CNO and Maine Senators Visit Bath Iron Works; CNO emphasizes shipbuilding US Navy Press Release 10 May 2021 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday, travelled to Bath, Maine, May 10 to visit Bath Iron Works with Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Angus King.
• Coast Guard, Navy High Seas Oceania Maritime Security Initiative Patrol Continues US Navy 10 May 2021 -- The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy continue their joint mission, May 9.
• "World Famous Golden Eagles" Fly High During U.S. 4th Fleet Deployment US Navy 10 May 2021 -- Sailors from Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9) returned home to family and friends after a successful deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet Area of Operations.
• DOD Aims to Transform Itself Into a Data-Centric Organization DoD News 10 May 2021 -- Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks signed a memorandum to transform the Defense Department into a data-centric organization with the goal, she said, of "improving warfighting performance and creating decision advantage at all echelons from the battlespace to the board room."
• US and UK Special Relationship Strengthened by CSG-21 Deployment USMC News 10 May 2021 -- With the arrival of F-35B stealth fighters, the United States' tri-maritime support to the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21 is underway. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 aboard Her Majesty's Ship Queen Elizabeth, DDG-68 USS The Sullivans, and U.S. Coast Guard engineers on exchange programs round out the United States support to the strike group, for their upcoming deployment. This will be the first time US F-35's have deployed on another countries carrier.
• Pentagon May Drop Microsoft JEDI Cloud Data Contract Over Amazon Charge of Trump Influence Sputnik 10 May 2021 -- Amazon launched a lawsuit against the US Department of Defence in 2019 after it awarded a major contract to software giant Microsoft for a new common cloud data system for all service arms. Last month, the Pentagon acknowledged that the legal battle might be too costly.
• B-52 completes successful hypersonic kill chain employment US Air Force 10 May 2021 -- A B-52 Stratofortress from the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, conducted a successful simulated hypersonic kill chain employment from sensor to shooter and back during Northern Edge 21, May 5.
• USCGC Hamilton Conducts Exercises with Ukraine US Navy 10 May 2021 -- The Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) conducted a series of operational exercises with Ukraine, May 9, 2021, in the Black Sea.
• USS New Mexico Arrives in Tromsø, Norway US Navy 10 May 2021 -- Virginia-class submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) arrived at Grøtsund harbor in Norway for a scheduled visit, May 10, 2021.
• U.S Coast Guard Conducts Port Visit in Odesa, Ukraine US Navy 10 May 2021 -- The Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) conducted a port visit in Odesa, Ukraine, May 10, 2021, following at sea engagements with Ukrainian navy.
• USS San Antonio Conducts General Quarters US Navy 10 May 2021 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) conducted general quarters (GQ) training, May 8, 2021.
• NATO and Austria sign agreement on liaison office in Vienna NATO 10 May 2021 -- On Monday (10 May 2021), the Secretary General welcomed the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, to NATO HQ for discussions about the strong partnership that exists between Austria and the Alliance.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General stresses the importance of strengthening transatlantic ties at the Delphi Economic Forum NATO 10 May 2021 -- Speaking at the sixth edition of the Delphi Economic Forum on Monday (10 May 2021), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană advocated the strengthening of transatlantic ties. He underlined the importance of NATO as a unique platform bringing Europe and North America together to discuss and defend our shared security.
• NATO Secretary General speaks with the leaders of the Bucharest 9 Initiative ahead of NATO Summit NATO 10 May 2021 -- Today (10 May 2021), NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg participated in a meeting with Heads of State and Government of the Bucharest 9 Initiative, which includes Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
• Romania Tells Biden More NATO Forces Needed On Eastern Flank RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- NATO members from Eastern Europe have pushed for a larger allied military presence on the bloc's eastern flank, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on May 10 after a virtual summit of those states that was also joined by U.S. President Joe Biden.
• China, Indonesia hold joint naval drill near Jakarta PLA Daily 10 May 2021 -- According to the annual training plan, a far-sea training taskforce composed of the guided-missile frigates Liuzhou and Suqian from the navy under the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command held a joint maritime training exercise with the Indonesian Navy in the waters near Jakarta, Indonesia on the morning of May 8, local time.
• PLA holds joint cross-sea landing drill, 'revealing details of Taiwan secessionist-deterring tatics' Global Times 10 May 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently held a joint cross-sea landing drill with multiple service branches and practiced the coordinated operations among several amphibious landing units, including dock landing ship, armored vehicle and hover landing craft, boosting the troops' combat capabilities in amphibious landing missions.
• New rocket launcher system delivered to PLA's high-altitude plateau unit Global Times 10 May 2021 -- A unit affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Xinjiang Military Command deployed in a high-altitude plateau recently replaced its outdated artillery with digital, long-range heavy rocket artillery, greatly enhancing its all-weather combat capability in the border region.
• Iran has made great strides in defense systems: Cmdr IRNA 10 May 2021 -- Commander of Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh said that over the past years, Iran has made great strides in research and producing of defense systems, including missile, radar, and electronic warfare systems.
• Canada - AEGIS Combat System DSCA 10 May 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of AEGIS Combat System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Readout from NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi The White House 10 May 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi US Dept. of State 10 May 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 10 May 2021
• Department Press Briefing – May 10, 2021 US Dept. of State 10 May 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies Anne Neuberger, May 10, 2021 The White House 10 May 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 10, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 10 May 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 May 2021
• Yemeni forces' drone hits Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport: Spokesman Press TV 10 May 2021 -- The spokesman for Yemen's Armed Forces says the Yemeni forces and allied Popular Committees fighters have launched a new drone attack targeting Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia's southwestern province of Asir.
• Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Interception, Destruction of Bomb-Laden UAV Launched In A Cowardly, Brutal Act by Terrorist, Iran-Backed Houthi Militia towards Abha International Airport SPA 10 May 2021 -- Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki, Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, issued the following statement:
• Israeli helicopter attacks Quneitra in southwestern Syria, one civilian injured Press TV 10 May 2021 -- The Israeli military has carried out an airstrike against a residential area in Syria's southwestern province of Quneitra, in what would be the second such attack in less than a week.
• Tehran Protests To Iraq Over Assault On Its Consulate In Karbala RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- Tehran says it "strongly condemns" a weekend attack on the Iranian Consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Karbala following the killing of a prominent activist.
• ISIL crimes against Yazidis constitute genocide, UN investigation team finds UN News 10 May 2021 -- A UN team investigating ISIL atrocities in Iraq has established "clear and convincing evidence" of genocide against the Yazidi religious minority, the Security Council heard on Monday.
• UN Team Says Islamic State Committed Genocide Against Yazidis VOA 10 May 2021 -- The Islamic State terrorist group committed genocide against the Yazidi people in Iraq, a U.N. team said Monday.
• Hamas rockets target Israel after deadline for troop withdrawal expires Press TV 10 May 2021 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has launched a barrage of rockets at Israeli targets following Israel's failure to observe a deadline set by the movement to pull out its troops from occupied East Jerusalem al-Quds and the holy al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
• Hamas warns Israel would face escalation if forces do not withdraw from al-Aqsa Press TV 10 May 2021 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has warned that the Israeli regime would face escalation unless it withdrew its forces from two flashpoint areas in the occupied Jerusalem al-Quds.
• Hamas: In brutal al-Quds crackdown, Israel playing with fire Press TV 10 May 2021 -- A senior official of the resistance movement Hamas says by the aggressive treatment of Palestinians in Jerusalem al-Quds the Zionist regime is playing with fire.
• UN chief and senior officials express deep concern over East Jerusalem violence UN News 10 May 2021 -- The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and senior UN officials have expressed their deep concern over confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in East Jerusalem, particularly those which began on Friday evening, and continued into Sunday night. Several Palestinian children are among the wounded.
• Hamas Fires Rockets into Jerusalem After Clashes at Al-Aqsa Mosque; Israel Strikes Gaza VOA 10 May 2021 -- Hamas militants fired rockets toward Jerusalem on Monday, setting off air raid sirens in the city, after hundreds of Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli police outside the Al-Aqsa mosque.
• Turkey Criticizes Israel over Response to Palestinian Protests VOA 10 May 2021 -- Mosques across Turkey broadcast prayers Monday in support of Palestinians injured in violent confrontations with Israeli police in Jerusalem. The unrest, which coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, comes amid the possible eviction of Palestinians from east Jerusalem homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers.
• Fresh Dispute Erupts Between Spain and Morocco Over Western Sahara Leader VOA 10 May 2021 -- A diplomatic dispute between Morocco and Spain over Madrid's decision to host a leader of the Western Saharan independence movement has soured what had been improving relations across the Mediterranean Sea.
• No Religion in Tibetan Schools, China Tells Parents Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- Parents of Tibetan schoolchildren may no longer carry rosaries, prayer wheels, or other religious items onto school grounds, Chinese authorities in one Tibetan county say, as China continues to enact policies wearing away at Tibetans' distinct cultural identity.
• Neighbors Stake Out Positions After Deadly Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Conflict RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- When hostilities broke out along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border at the end of April, many countries and organizations were quick to call for an end to the fighting and a peaceful resolution to the long-running border conflict.

News Reports

• Statement by Press Secretary Jen Psaki on the Colonial Pipeline Incident The White House 10 May 2021
• FBI Statement on Compromise of Colonial Pipeline Networks FBI 10 May 2021 -- "The FBI confirms that the Darkside ransomware is responsible for the compromise of the Colonial Pipeline networks."
• Top US security agency confirms Darkside hacking group behind pipeline attack Press TV 10 May 2021 -- The premier US intelligence and security service on Monday confirmed that DarkSide, a hacking group, was behind the massive ransomware attack on a US pipeline that provides the East Coast of the country with nearly half of its gasoline and jet fuel.
• FBI Confirms DarkSide Hacker Group Is Behind Pipeline Cyberattack RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- A criminal gang known as DarkSide is behind a ransomware cyberattack that has paralyzed the largest U.S. fuel pipeline, the FBI confirmed on May 10.
• Ransomware Attack That Halted US Fuel Pipeline a 'Criminal Act,' Biden Says VOA 10 May 2021 -- A Russia-linked cyberattack targeting the largest U.S. fuel pipeline system is a "criminal act, obviously," President Joe Biden said Monday.
• FBI Confirms DarkSide Ransomware Responsible for Compromise of Colonial Pipeline Networks Sputnik 10 May 2021 -- The Washington Post previously reported the cyberattack on the pipeline could have been carried out by the DarkSide ransomware gang, which is reportedly based in Eastern Europe.
• Australia Appoints Its First Space Commander VOA 10 May 2021 -- A senior female air force officer whose childhood idol was iconic Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong will become Australia's first space commander.
• NASA Probe to Leave Asteroid's Orbit, Bring Back Samples VOA 10 May 2021 -- A probe from the U.S. space agency NASA is scheduled later Monday to fire its thrusters and leave the orbit of the asteroid Bennu, beginning a two-year journey back to Earth, complete with samples from the asteroid's surface.
• Russia's 'Pivot to Asia' Fails to Gain Much Traction Beyond Arms Sales to Myanmar, Vietnam Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- Russia announced a plan last year to shift its diplomatic and trade ties eastward from Europe to the Asia-Pacific region.
• 'Alone' Among Allies? Why Putin Shunned The West In Victory Day Speech RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- In his speeches at the annual Red Square military parade marking the anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized the massive role the Soviet Union played, while often minimizing the contributions made by the Western Allies, including the United States.
• Missing Russian Doctor Who Headed Hospital That Treated Navalny Found Alive RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- Officials in Russia's Omsk region says regional Health Minister Aleksandr Murakhovsky, who was the head doctor at the hospital that treated opposition politician Aleksei Navalny last August, has been found alive after going missing under mysterious circumstances.
• Missing Doctor Who Treated Navalny in Siberia Found Alive Sputnik 10 May 2021 -- Alexander Murakhovsky, the missing health minister from Russia's Omsk Region and former chief of a hospital that treated opposition figure Alexei Navalny for his alleged poisoning, has been found alive, the regional government said.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on May 10, 2021 PRC MofA 10 May 2021
• EU Suspends China Trade Deal as Tensions Grow Over Xinjiang, Hong Kong VOA 10 May 2021 -- European and Chinese leaders are urging swift ratification of the trade deal they agreed to in December, after tensions over accusations of human rights abuses in China delayed approval of the deal by European Union lawmakers.
• China Warns of 'Damage' to Relations if Bangladesh Joins Quad Initiatives Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- Ties between Bangladesh and China could be "substantially damaged" if the South Asian country joins any initiative launched by the Quad alliance, Beijing's envoy to Dhaka told reporters on Monday.
• Publishing, Media Takeovers Part of China's Two-Pronged Grip on Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is making further moves towards setting up a media and publishing empire in Hong Kong, as part of a two-pronged strategy to bring the city under its ideological control, the Ming Pao newspaper reported on Monday.
• 'No Right to Jury Trial,' Hong Kong Prosecutors Tell Judicial Review Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- Residents of Hong Kong have 'no right to jury trial' under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the city's department of justice said on Monday.
• US-led talks on Xinjiang desecrate UN: FM Global Times 10 May 2021 -- The US, together with a few other countries, is using the venues of the UN to hype topics of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a move that has nothing to do with the UN but only "desecrates it," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson and a member of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee said about an online event planned by Germany, the US and the UK on the so-called "repression" of Uygurs in Xinjiang.
• Long March 5B developers dismiss hazard hype on rocket debris re-entry Global Times 10 May 2021 -- The US' fussiness over China's Long March-5B debris' re-entry, fully displayed in Western media reports that spared no effort in painting a "catastrophic aftermath," has mounted to a new high as NASA's newly appointed chief Bill Nelson openly criticized China's "lack of transparency" and "failure to act responsibly" over the event.
• China refutes NASA chief's attack over rocket landing, opposes double-standards Global Times 10 May 2021 -- China conducted close monitoring and tracking work throughout the re-entry of the Long March-5B Y2 carrier rocket remnants on Sunday, and had shared a relevant forecast via international cooperation mechanisms, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday, refuting NASA chief Bill Nelson's accusation of China's lack of transparency and failure to "act responsibly" over the event.
• All Taiwanese officials in Hong Kong could be forced home this year CNA 10 May 2021 -- Visas of all remaining Taiwanese officials at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Hong Kong will expire within this year, raising concerns that the operation of the consular-level office that represents Taiwan's interests in the special administrative region will be seriously affected.
• President urges democracies to stand against authoritarian regimes CNA 10 May 2021 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Monday called on democracies around the world to stand together to defend their shared values in the face of threats posed by the expansion of authoritarian regimes.
• US supporting Taiwan to join WHA is pure political manipulation, contradicts own recognition of island's epidemic control: FM Global Times 10 May 2021 -- Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday again expressed strong opposition to the US' support for allowing the island of Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly (WHA), as it violates the one-China principle and provisions of the Three China-US Joint Communiqués, and constitutes blatant interference in China's internal affairs.
• Can Taiwan's Silicon Shield Protect It against China's Aggression? VOA 10 May 2021 -- The global shortage of semiconductors, or microchips — the "brains" in all electronic devices, has heightened the geopolitical significance of Taiwan and its chip-making sector. The island is home to the world's largest contract chipmaker: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).
• Ex-Army officer loses appeal in spy case, to serve 2-year prison term CNA 10 May 2021 -- The Supreme Court on Monday upheld a two-year prison sentence imposed on a retired military officer, who was convicted of charges related to spying for China.
• North Korea Orders Youth League Reshuffle for More Effective Self-Criticism Sessions Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- North Korea is ordering local leaders of the country's main youth organization to change reviewers of self-criticism meetings to force young people to snitch on each other "more honestly," sources in the country told RFA.
• S. Korean president says to find way for restored inter-Korean, DPRK-U.S. talks People's Daily 10 May 2021 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday that his government will seek to find a way during the remainder of his presidency for restored talks between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and between the DPRK and the United States.
• South Korea's Moon sets final-year goal of 'irreversible peace' with North Press TV 10 May 2021 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said he plans to use his final year in office to achieve enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula amid stalled talks over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
• S. Korean President Pledges to Restore Dialogue with N. Korea VOA 10 May 2021 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in is vowing to spend his final year in office trying to finally bring a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.
• JCPOA to be revived if West returns to its commitments IRNA 10 May 2021 -- There are both hopes and obstacles in the way of reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal amid the fourth round of the Joint Commission meetings of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna, Austria, and the remaining issues will be solved if the Western party shows seriousness when it comes to abiding by its commitments under the deal.
• Technical talks with Iran ongoing in parallel to Vienna negotiations to revive JCPOA: IAEA chief Press TV 10 May 2021 -- The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says talks on the technical aspects of Iran's peaceful nuclear program are going on in the Austrian capital, Vienna, in parallel to political talks on the revival of a landmark nuclear deal clinched by Tehran and world powers in 2015.
• Iran presidential election: Registration of hopefuls to begin on Tuesday Press TV 10 May 2021 -- Iran is set to begin registering the hopefuls seeking to join the country's 13th presidential race as of Tuesday, officially beginning the quadrennial process of electing the country's chief executive.
• Iranian administration, Constitutional Council differ on interpretation of electoral law Press TV 10 May 2021 -- Iran's Constitutional Council says it will only vet those presidential hopefuls who have submitted documents in accordance with the body's recent interpretation of the law, as a spat surfaces between the administration of President Hassan Rouhani and the Council over the required qualifications of presidential candidates.
• Iran Says 'Too Soon' To Discuss Results Of Talks With Rival Saudi Arabia RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- Iran has for the first time confirmed that it is holding talks with its bitter regional rival Saudi Arabia, saying that de-escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf is in the interest of both nations and the region.
• Iran Officially Confirms Holding Negotiations With Saudi Arabia to Mend Ties Sputnik 10 May 2021 -- The two countries cut bilateral ties in 2016 over scandals around the execution of a Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh's claims of Iran's meddling in the domestic affairs of regional powers, including the kingdom's.
• Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi to Make First In-Person Court Appearance on May 24 Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is scheduled to make her first in-person appearance in a special courtroom in the capital Naypyidaw on May 24, her chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told RFA on Monday.
• Aung San Suu Kyi to Appear in Court Later This Month, Lawyer Says VOA 10 May 2021 -- Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi will appear in court on May 24, her lawyer said.
• Myanmar junta suspends thousands of academics, targeting country's education sector Press TV 10 May 2021 -- Thousands of academics opposed to Myanmar's ruling junta have been suspended after going on strike in protest over the Feb. 1 coup, a teacher association says.
• Hunger Stalks Many in Myanmar After Double Whammy of Coup And COVID-19 Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- After a yearlong shutdown of most economic activity to fight the coronavirus, many citizens of Myanmar are now threatened with grave food shortages 100 days after a military coup added political turmoil and military violence to their already difficult lives, U.N. agencies and activists say.
• Give Us a Better Future and Better Lives' Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- An education plan will soon be released to prevent students from losing their rights to public education, says Sai Khaing Myo Tun, Deputy Minister of Education of Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government set up to counter the military regime that seized power Feb. 1. On May 9, RFA Myanmar Service's Khin Khin Ei interviewed Sai Khaing Myo Tun about how Myanmar's ruling State Administration Council, the junta's formal name, is suspending teachers involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), and what the NUG is planning now for Myanmar's education sector.
• Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson in tense post-election phone call Press TV 10 May 2021 -- Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has had a tense phone call with Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, following the Scottish National Party's (SNP) victory in the Holyrood election.
• French Army Rejects 'Non-Credible' Claims of 'Brewing Civil War' in France Sputnik 10 May 2021 -- The Defence Staff of the French Army doubted the existence of servicemen who allegedly wrote a new open letter warning of the "civil war" in the country, and its credibility due to anonymity, BFM TV stated on Monday.
• Second Open Letter by French Soldiers Warns of Civil Insurrection VOA 10 May 2021 -- Disquiet is growing within France's military ranks, with the publication of a second open letter — this time by serving soldiers — warning growing Islamism, delinquency and violence threaten the country's very survival.
• Lao Power Company Deep in Debt, But Managers Live Well Radio Free Asia 10 May 2021 -- Lao electric power provider Electricite du Laos is deep in debt, owing at least $2 billion to foreign creditors, mainly Chinese and Thai. Meanwhile, EDL managers still live well, in some cases amassing large personal fortunes, sources say.
• Turkmen Leader Pardons Hundreds Of Inmates, Including Jehovah's Witnesses RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has pardoned hundreds of inmates on the occasion of a religious holiday, including jailed Jehovah's Witnesses.
• Georgian Opposition Leader Released In Tbilisi After EU Posts His Bail RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- The leader of Georgia's opposition United National Movement (ENM) was freed from prison on May 10 after the European Union posted his bail to help end the country's protracted political crisis.
• Kyrgyz Opposition Politician Moldokmatov Arrested On Charge Of Organizing 'Mass Disorder' RFE/RL 10 May 2021 -- A Kyrgyz opposition politician and an outspoken critic of President Sadyr Japarov has been arrested on a charge of organizing "mass disorder" in October over anti-government rallies protesting the official results of parliamentary elections.
• Malaysia's State-Owned Investment Fund, Ex-Unit Sue to Recoup Billions VOA 10 May 2021 -- Malaysia's state-owned 1MDB investment fund and a former unit have filed nearly two dozen civil lawsuits seeking $23 billion in assets allegedly looted from the two entities.
• Nepal PM Loses Vote of Confidence in Parliament VOA 10 May 2021 -- Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli lost a confidence vote in parliament Monday, ending his attempt to show he has enough support in office.