Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Lawmakers Argue Over War Top General Says Was 'Unwinnable' VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- Anger over the end of the United States' two decades of fighting in Afghanistan turned into arguments during a second day of hearings by U.S. lawmakers Wednesday, with some demanding top officials resign while others praised them for making the best of a difficult situation.
• DOD Leaders Address Bagram Departure, Noncombatant Evacuation Operation Timing DoD News 29 Sep 2021 -- Following the U.S. departure from Afghanistan in August, some questioned the hand-over of Bagram Air Base — about 27 miles north of the capital city, Kabul — saying the move was ill-advised and had been a tactical mistake.
• Taliban Remains Dangerous, Harbors al-Qaida, Joint Chiefs Chairman Says DoD News 29 Sep 2021 -- The Taliban remains dangerous and is harboring al-Qaida, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
• Top U.S. general calls Afghan war "strategic failure" People's Daily 29 Sep 2021 -- Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Tuesday during a Senate hearing that it is a "strategic failure" with the Taliban back in power and U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks' Travel to U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency DoD 29 Sep 2021
• Navy Continues Block III Super Hornet Testing, Accepts First New Production Jet US Navy 29 Sep 2021 -- The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the first new-production Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet on Aug. 31.
• 1st Infantry Division builds multinational partnerships with allied training in Romania Army News 29 Sep 2021 -- The Joint National Training Center in Cincu, Romania, is a critical training area for U.S. Army Soldiers and their North Atlantic Treaty Organization nation counterparts to build upon their relationships, and tactically integrate with other militaries of NATO. U.S. Army Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment "Iron Rangers," 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, participated in this partnership building Sep. 22 - 27, at the Joint National Training Center.
• Largest joint airborne training with US and Serbian Paratroopers takes place during Skybridge 21 Army News 29 Sep 2021 -- Skybridge 21 established a common ground between U.S. and Serbian forces during airborne operations and rapid response missions such as the humanitarian aid training. The completion of the operation opened more joint force capabilities for real world situations that mirror this type of training, should they arise in the future.
• Readout of U.S. - PRC Defense Policy Coordination Talks DoD 29 Sep 2021
• Australia and Indo-Pacific partners conclude multilateral exercise in Timor-Leste Australia DOD 29 Sep 2021 -- ADF personnel have completed the ninth iteration of Exercise Hari'i Hamutuk in Timor-Leste with defence partners from across the Indo-Pacific region.
• Chinese FM stresses three dangers of U.S.-Britain-Australia nuclear-sub cooperation People's Daily 29 Sep 2021 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has highlighted three hidden dangers posed by the proposed cooperation by the United States, Britain and Australia on nuclear submarine technology.
• AUKUS, trilateral security partnership: joint op-ed by UK, US and Australia UK FCDO 29 Sep 2021 -- This op-ed is jointly authored by H.E. Dr Justin Lee, High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia, H.E. Brian D. McFeeters, Ambassador of the United States of America to Malaysia and H.E. Charles Hay MVO, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Malaysia.
• Address to the National Press Club - September 2021 Malcolm Turnbull - 29th Prime Minister of Australia 29 Sep 2021
• Top designers announce J-20 production capacity, Y-20 domestic engines, new carrier-based fighter at Airshow China Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- Top designers for China's advanced warplanes on Wednesday updated the market on the production status for the J-20 stealth fighter jet, domestically developed engines for the Y-20 large transport aircraft and next-generation aircraft carrier-based fighter jet at the ongoing Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.
• J-20's production capacity can meet PLA Air Force demand: maker Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- The production capacity of the J-20 stealth fighter jet can meet the demand of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, the aircraft's maker said on Wednesday at Airshow China 2021 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.
• China to reveal new progress on next-gen carrier-based fighter in 2021: chief designer Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- China will reveal new progress on its next-generation aircraft carrier-based fighter jet this year, the maker of the aircraft said on Wednesday at the ongoing Airshow China 2021 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.
• Two types of domestic engines for China's Y-20 transport plane currently undergoing testing: chief designer Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- China's Y-20 large transport plane is set to change over to two types of domestically developed engines and the testing of which is proceeding well, which was announced at the ongoing Airshow China 2021 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province on Wednesday.
• Hypersonic Missile Newly Developed by Academy of Defence Science Test-fired KCNA 29 Sep 2021 -- The Academy of Defence Science of the DPRK test-fired a hypersonic missile Hwasong-8 newly developed by it in Toyang-ri, Ryongrim County of Jagang Province on Tuesday morning.
• North Korea says test-fired new hypersonic missile Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- North Korea says it has successfully test-fired a newly-developed hypersonic missile, in a move it said is strategically significant in the development of the domestic nuclear weapons technology.
• North Korea Tested a Hypersonic Missile. Here's Why it Matters VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- North Korea's latest missile launch involved a new hypersonic weapon, state media said Wednesday, the country's first test of an advanced missile system that would add yet another unpredictable component to its fast-expanding arsenal.
• SIGNING OF TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE CONDUCT OF NAVY TO NAVY TALKS BETWEEN THE INDIAN NAVY AND THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY India PIB 29 Sep 2021 -- Consequent to the signing of 'Joint Guidance for the India - Australia Navy to Navy Relationship' document by the Chiefs of the Indian Navy (IN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) on 18 August 2021, the 'Terms of Reference for the Conduct of Navy-to-Navy Talks between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy' was signed on 29 Sep 2021.
• Defence Acquisition Council headed by Raksha Mantri approves proposals of value Rs.13,165 cr. India PIB 29 Sep 2021 -- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting of 29 September 2021 held under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisitions proposals for modernization and operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces amounting to approx. Rs.13,165cr.Of the total amount approved, procurement worth Rs. 11,486cr. (87%) is from the domestic sources.
• India's Elite Military Academy to Open Doors to Women VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- For the first time, women in India are eligible to apply to the country's elite military college after a historic Supreme Court ruling paved the way for them to aspire to the top ranks of the world's second largest military and marking a key step in gender equality.
• Iraq may buy S-300 air defense systems from Russia, senior MP says Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- A senior Iraqi legislator says Baghdad intends to purchase Russian-built S-300 missile defense systems from Moscow to enhance capabilities of the armed forces and protect its territory against any act of aggression.
• Joint Statement on the C5+1 Ministerial during UNGA 76 US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the occasion of the C5+1 Ministerial on the margins of UNGA 76.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 29, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 29 September 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Sep 2021
• For 55 million displaced, status quo 'not an option' UN News 29 Sep 2021 -- Nationally-owned solutions must be found for more than 55 million people displaced within their own countries, according to a new report presented to the UN Secretary-General by the High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, released on Wednesday.
• Italy To Host G20 Summit On Afghanistan Next Month RFE/RL Gandhara 29 Sep 2021 -- Italy plans to hold an extraordinary meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies on October 12 to discuss Afghanistan, which is facing a humanitarian catastrophe following the takeover by the Taliban last month.
• Senate Democrats Call on Biden to Support Resettlement of Eligible Afghans, Others VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- A dozen Democratic senators are pushing President Joe Biden to create two high-level posts to assist in evacuating eligible Afghans and others who remained in the country after the U.S. withdrew troops Aug. 31.
• Taliban, China Decry Afghan Airspace Violations by US VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- The Taliban and China called Wednesday for the United States to stop flying drones over Afghanistan's airspace, saying such actions were in breach of Afghanistan's sovereignty and a mutual agreement.
• UN Warns of Worsening Health Conditions in Afghanistan VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric warned Wednesday of deteriorating health conditions in Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized in August following the pullout of U.S. and allied troops after 20 years.
• Afghanistan: Rapid decline in public health conditions, WHO warns UN News 29 Sep 2021 -- Healthcare provision is deteriorating fast in Afghanistan, the UN health agency warned on Wednesday, with cases of measles and diarrhoea shooting up, and polio becoming a "major risk".
• Taliban warn US of 'bad consequences' over violation of Afghan airspace Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- The Taliban-ruled Afghan government has warned Washington that there would be "bad consequences" if the US-operated unmanned drones continued the violation of the country's airspace.
• White House defend's US Afghanistan withdrawal after general's contradictory response Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- The White House has put up a heated defense of President Joe Biden's order to withdraw US forces from Afghanistan after contradictory responses from American generals before Congress.
• Taliban Write to Modi Gov't Urging India to Resume Commercial Flights to Afghanistan Sputnik 29 Sep 2021 -- India had halted air operations with Afghanistan after the Taliban* took over Kabul on 15 August. India has not recognised the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" and has continuously called for an "inclusive dispensation" in Kabul.
• China Survey Ship Leaves Indonesia EEZ but Another Appears off Malaysia Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- The Chinese survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 10 has left Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) after almost a month, marine traffic data show.
• Yemen blasts 'act of piracy' after Saudi Arabia seizes fuel ship Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Saudi Arabia has seized a vessel carrying 27,000 tons of diesel and mazut for the Yemeni people, says the Yemen Petroleum Company (YPC)'s executive director, slamming the seizure as an act of piracy in the Red Sea.
• All uninvited foreign forces must leave Syria without further delay: Iran's envoy to UN ISNA 29 Sep 2021 -- Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi stressed that thanks to the efforts made by Special Envoy of the UN for Syria and cooperation of the Syrian Government, the next meeting of the Constitutional Committee is expected to take place soon and this is an encouraging development.
• Jordan reopens main border, to resume Syria flights for first time in decade Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Jordan has fully reopened its main border crossing with Syria, in a step to restore extensive business ties with Damascus.
• UN launches initiative to support returnees trapped in Syria camps UN News 29 Sep 2021 -- When the extremist militant group ISIL, or Da'esh, collapsed in Iraq and Syria, thousands of foreign nationals were hastily detained in prisons and camps. At least 42,000 foreign women and children, most under the age of 12, currently remain in squalid and overcrowded conditions inside camps in northeast Syria.
• Dozens of civilians killed as Nigerian air force bombs village Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Two months after receiving several fighter jets from the United States in an apparent bid to intensify its war on militancy, the Nigerian military has killed dozens of fishermen in an airstrike in the country's conflict-ridden northeast, a report says.
• UN aid chief calls for urgent action to stave off famine in Ethiopia's Tigray Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- The United Nations' humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, has called for urgent action to stave off famine in Ethipia's war-scarred Tigray region.
• Visiting EU Commission Chief Urges Kosovo-Serbia Reconciliation RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- During a visit to Pristina, the head of the European Union's executive branch called on Kosovo and Serbia to resolve their disputes through dialogue and to de-escalate recent tensions over license plates.
• Pakistan Rejects India's Charge of Infiltrating 'Militants' into Kashmir After LeT Operative Nabbed Sputnik 29 Sep 2021 -- Pakistan's alleged support for terrorist organisations targeting India featured prominently in discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden during the former's recent visit to Washington, DC.
• All parties to Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be open to further dialogue UK FCDO 29 Sep 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council Briefing on the Middle East.
• Top UN envoy 'encouraged' by recent engagement of Israeli and Palestinian officials UN News 29 Sep 2021 -- The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Wednesday that he was "encouraged" by the recent engagement of senior Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Malian government and the Wagner Group: Minister for Africa's statement UK FCDO 29 Sep 2021 -- The UK is deeply concerned by the Malian government's discussions with Russian private military company Wagner Group.

News Reports

• The United States and Qatar Take Actions Against Hizballah Financial Network US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2021 -- The United States and the Government of Qatar have taken coordinated actions against a major Hizballah financial network based in the Gulf.
• The United States and Qatar Take Coordinated Action Against Hizballah Financiers US Treasury 29 Sep 2021 -- Today, the United States, through the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Government of Qatar both designated in coordinated actions a major Hizballah financial network based in the Arabian Peninsula.
• US, Qatar Sanction 7 People for Supporting Hezbollah VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- The U.S. and Qatar together sanctioned seven individuals for supporting a financial network of the Islamist political party and militant group Hezbollah in the Arabian Peninsula.
• CIA evacuated officer with 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms from Serbia Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- The CIA has evacuated a US intelligence officer who was serving in Serbia due to experiencing symptoms related to the mysterious "Havana Syndrome," the US media reported.
• Russian Security Agents Raid Moscow Offices Of Major Cybersecurity Company RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian security agents raided the Moscow offices of Group-IB, a leading Russian cybersecurity company known for its work in tracking down hackers and fighting theft and cyberfraud.
• Lavrov, Shoigu Among Dozens Of Ruling United Russia Party Members To Refuse Mandates RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu are among dozens of members of the ruling United Russia party who will not take up the mandates they won during recent parliamentary elections.
• Russia Designates Mediazona, OVD-Info, And Others As 'Foreign Agents' RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- The Russian government has designated three prominent information outlets and 22 individuals as "foreign agents," continuing what critics say is a broad crackdown on independent media and civic organizations.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on September 29, 2021 PRC MofA 29 Sep 2021
• China says US must lift unilateral sanctions, its 'long-arm jurisdiction' over other states Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- China has dismissed a US request to cut oil imports from Iran, urging Washington to end its unilateral sanctions and lift its so-called 'long-arm jurisdiction' over third-party entities.
• Increased China-EU dialogues help reduce misjudgment: FM Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- Coinciding with the retirement of strong China-EU ties supporter Angela Merkel and the snub of France in the AUKUS security pact which targets China's influence in the Indo-Pacific, top diplomats of China and EU on Tuesday held a strategic dialogue by video link, serving as a stabilizer for geopolitical uncertainties.
• Interview: Newly-elected Election Committee member confident in Hong Kong solving deep-seated problems People's Daily 29 Sep 2021 -- With the improved electoral system, Hong Kong will be able to solve its deep-seated problems by electing capable patriots into its administration team, said Lam Yuk-chun, a newly elected member of the Election Committee in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• Hong Kong LegCo adopts bill requiring use of national flag and emblem on local govt organ websites Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passed the National Flag and National Emblem (Amendment) Bill 2021 on Wednesday at a third reading, requiring the HKSAR government, the LegCo and the Judiciary to use the national emblem design on the home page of their websites.
• Hong Kong National Security Police Freeze Tiananmen Campaign Group's Assets Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- National security police in Hong Kong have frozen the assets of a group that organized vigils for Tiananmen massacre victims, as the city's public broadcaster was warned on Wednesday that its reporting must 'safeguard national interests.'
• China to boost new energy amid rationing Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- Amid public concerns over the current electricity rationing and power shortages in some provinces in China, the National Energy Administration (NEA) has issued management guidance for the new energy industry. Analysts said the guidance will boost the use of power generated from new energy, and offers a solution to instability in power supply.
• China's State Grid Denies Country in is 'Energy Crisis' Despite Rolling Outages Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- China's power grid operator denied there was an energy crisis and vowed to upgrade the national power grid and guarantee normal power supply amid a rolling wave of outages around the country, state media reported on Wednesday.
• Meng Wanzhou Arrest, Return Used as Patriotic Talking Point in Chinese Schools Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- Students in China are being taught the "correct" patriotic response to the return of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou to China following her release from house arrest pending an extradition process requested by U.S. federal investigators.
• China's Evergrande to Sell $1.5 Billion in Shengjing Bank Shares Amid Liquidity Issues Sputnik 29 Sep 2021 -- China's second largest property developer, Evergrande Group, will sell its shares in the Shengjing Bank for a total of 9.9 billion yuan (around $ 1.5 billion), the company said on Wednesday in a statement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
• Taiwan facing 'political problems' in CPTPP bid: President Tsai CNA 29 Sep 2021 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday that Taiwan will have to overcome some "political problems" in its efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), one of the world's largest free-trade groups.
• Taiwan's participation in regional economic cooperation must be based on one-China principle: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council re-stressed that Taiwan's participation in regional economic cooperation must be based on the one-China principle, in response to the island's latest move of submitting application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
• Mainland to resolutely curb DPP authority's attempts to collude with U.S.: spokesperson People's Daily 29 Sep 2021 -- The Chinese mainland is resolute to curb any attempts by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority to collude with the United States and seek "Taiwan independence", said a mainland spokesperson Wednesday.
• Mainland commends KMT figures' positive remarks on cross-Strait relationship: spokesperson People's Daily 29 Sep 2021 -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday commended the positive remarks regarding the cross-Strait relationship made by prominent figures of the Chinese Kuomingtang (KMT) party.
• North Korean Missiles, Gestures Toward Seoul Seen as Latest Bid for Sanctions Relief Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- North Korea has served up a mix of three missile tests in a month, boilerplate harsh criticism of the U.S., and rare semi-conciliatory words from the sister of leader Kim Jong Un – all aimed at getting out from under international economic sanctions, analysts say.
• North Korea Dismisses US Calls for Talks VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed the United States' offer to resume a dialogue but says he is open to improving ties with South Korea.
• First-day Sitting of 5th Session of 14th SPA of DPRK Held KCNA 29 Sep 2021 -- The first-day sitting of the 5th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Sep. 28.
• Iran ready to extend gas contract with Iraq: NIGC chief Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- The newly-appointed CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) says Tehran is ready to extend a natural gas export contract with neighboring Iraq despite massive arrears owed by Baghdad for previous imports.
• Chinese FM urges US to drop 'long-arm jurisdiction' after US reportedly asked China to cut oil imports from Iran Global Times 29 Sep 2021 -- In response to a media report of the US asking China to cut oil imports from Iran, China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that China's cooperation with Iran is conducted within the framework of international law and urged the US to drop its "long-arm jurisdiction."
• Expel terrorists or we'll destroy their lairs: IRGC to KRG authorities Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) warns that it will take action to destroy terrorist and counterrevolutionary outfits' positions in the northern Iraqi Kurdistan Region if the regional authorities do not expel these elements themselves.
• Top Rohingya Leader Gunned Down at Refugee Camp in Bangladesh Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- Md. Muhib Ullah, a prominent Rohingya activist who represented his community in international settings including at the United Nations and the White House, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen Wednesday night at a refugee camp in southeastern Bangladesh, police confirmed.
• Junta Soldiers Evict Hundreds at Gunpoint, Highlighting Military Impunity in Post-Coup Myanmar Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- Troops loyal to Myanmar's junta have forced the residents of nearly 200 homes in Mandalay region to relocate at gunpoint, villagers said Wednesday, underscoring how a military that once sought to justify rights violations through questionable legal means has enjoyed near-total impunity since seizing power.
• Interview: Junta Administration in Myanmar's Rakhine State 'Has Totally Collapsed, Says Former MP Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- Myanmar's Arakan Army (AA) ethnic armed organization (EAO) has been beefing up its administrative and judiciary mechanisms in western Myanmar's Rakhine state during the past 10 months of a cease-fire negotiated with the army before its military coup. On Aug. 1, the AA announced that the people of Rakhine state can now report all crimes and land disputes, as well as other legal issues, to its political branch, the United League of Arakan (ULA). According to Pe Than, a top Rakhine politician and a former lower house MP from Arakan National Party's Myebon township, the AA now controls 80 percent of the administrative and judiciary sectors in Rakhine state, while military junta's administrative mechanism is almost completely collapsed.
• In Post-Coup Myanmar, Citizens Fight to Get Online VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- Since the military coup in February, Myanmar's national army has cracked down on coup protesters, while deadly fighting continues to target rebel armies that oppose junta rule.
• EU To Toughen Visa Requirements For Belarusian Officials Over Election Fraud, Migrants RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- The European Union says it will tighten the rules for issuing visas to Belarusian state officials in retaliation for Minsk using migrants to destabilize the 27-member bloc.
• Belarusian Authorities Seek Dissolution Of Top Human Rights Group RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- International human rights organizations are urging Belarus's authorities to withdraw a lawsuit requesting the liquidation of one of the country's oldest independent human rights groups -- the Belarusian Helsinki Committee -- a move seen as part of a wide effort by the government of authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka to silence all critical voices.
• French Foreign Minister: Crisis in Paris-Washington Relations Serious, It Has Not Ended Sputnik 29 Sep 2021 -- The crisis in relations between Paris and Washington is serious, it did not end after the dialogue between the two countries was resumed, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.
• Japan's Ruling Party Selects New Leader and Presumptive Next PM VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- Fumio Kishida is one step away from becoming Japan's next prime minister after his election Wednesday as leader of the country's long-serving ruling party.
• Profile: New president of Japan's ruling LDP Fumio Kishida People's Daily 29 Sep 2021 -- Fumio Kishida on Wednesday won the presidential election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to succeed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
• Fumio Kishida wins Japan's ruling party presidential election People's Daily 29 Sep 2021 -- Fumio Kishida on Wednesday won the presidential election of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to succeed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
• Japan picks ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida for PM Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Japan's former foreign minister Fumio Kishida is set to become the country's next prime minister, after winning leadership of the long-ruling conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
• Putin hosts Turkey's President Erdogan in Sochi Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where the two leaders discussed regional issues as well as Ankara's acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
• Putin Hails 'Compromises' With Erdogan At Sochi Talks RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for what was considered the most consequential meeting between the two leaders in years.
• New Regional Alliances Highlight ASEAN's Irrelevance, Analysts Say Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- Newly minted alliances among nations in the Indo-Pacific region have sidelined ASEAN, analysts say, with some arguing that the 10-nation grouping of Southeast Asian countries dug its own grave through its inaction on regional issues.
• First Female Prime Minister Appointed in Tunisia VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- Tunisian President Kais Saied surprised many Wednesday with his appointment of Najla Bouden Romdhane, a 63-year-old professor at a prestigious engineering school, as the country's first female prime minister.
• President Saied appoints Tunisia's first female prime minister Press TV 29 Sep 2021 -- Tunisian President Kais Saied has appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane, a top education official, as the country's prime minister, nearly two months after he dismissed the former premier and suspended the parliament.
• US Lawmakers Pass Legislation Targeting Political Repression in Cambodia Radio Free Asia 29 Sep 2021 -- U.S. lawmakers and Cambodian opposition figures welcomed the bipartisan passage Tuesday of legislation calling for sanctions on Cambodian officials found responsible for suppressing political opposition in the authoritarian Southeast Asian country.
• IRC: 2.1 million Kenyans Face Hunger Due to Drought VOA 29 Sep 2021 -- The International Rescue Committee says more than two million Kenyans are facing hunger due to poor rainfall. Kenya's president, Uhuru Kenyatta, declared a national disaster this month because of drought.
• EU Countries Mull Curbing Visa-Free Travel For Balkan, Eastern European States Due To 'Abuses' RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Alleged abuses perpetrated by some Western Balkan states, as well as Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine, have prompted some European Union members to raise the possibility of canceling the visa-free travel regime to the bloc, according to an internal EU document.
• Trial Of Former Kyrgyz President Postponed Again RFE/RL 29 Sep 2021 -- Former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev's trial in a case related to a deadly two-day standoff between security forces and his supporters in August 2019 has been postponed again.