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Defense Policy / Programs

• CSG9 Concludes Global Thunder 22 US Navy 18 Nov 2021 -- Global Thunder 22 (GT22) concluded Nov. 10, after a week-long of command-post and field training that tested command, control and operational readiness.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov to the Pentagon DoD 18 Nov 2021
• Defense Innovation Unit Publishes 'Responsible AI Guidelines' DoD News 18 Nov 2021 -- The Defense Innovation Unit released its initial "Responsible AI Guidelines" document Nov. 15, with intent to operationalize the Defense Department's ethical principles of artificial intelligence into its commercial prototyping and acquisition efforts.
• Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) US Navy 18 Nov 2021 -- The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) shipyard Nov. 18.
• NAVSUP in Africa Helps Make USS Sentry, USS Gladiator Ready for Mission in the Red Sea US Navy 18 Nov 2021 -- Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bock, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUP FLCSI) site director at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti (CLDJ) leads a team of military and contractor logisticians whose mission is to provide a full spectrum of logistics support services to USS, USNS and USCG ships in this Eastern Africa Region.
• U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO Staffs Complete Operations in the Mediterranean and Black Seas US Navy 18 Nov 2021 -- The U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) flagship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), and embarked SIXTHFLT and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) staffs, returned to Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 18.
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl Virtual Meeting with Alice Guitton, Director General for International Relations and Strategy, French Ministry of the Armed Forces DoD 18 Nov 2021
• NATO Secretary General marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the NATO Defense College in Rome NATO 18 Nov 2021 -- Today (18 November 2021), speaking at the NATO Defense College in Rome, Secretary General Stoltenberg said that the College is "NATO's leading academic institution; and it makes a lasting contribution to our shared security, by helping our Alliance adapt to a changing world and stay ahead of the curve."
• NATO Secretary General addresses the NATO Industry Forum NATO 18 Nov 2021 -- Today (18 November 2021), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke about the important role played by industry in international security. Speaking at the NATO Industry Forum in Rome, he highlighted NATO's long-standing engagement with industry.
• Speech by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the NATO-Industry Forum (NIF) in Rome, Italy NATO 18 Nov 2021
• Secretary General praises Italy for major role in NATO NATO 18 Nov 2021 -- Today (17 November 2021), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Italian President of the Council of Ministers, Mario Draghi, as part of a two day-visit to Rome.
• NATO Deputy Chief Urges Russia To Agree To 'Honest' Dialogue To Defuse Tensions RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana has called on Russian officials to establish a "solid, transparent, and honest dialogue" with the Western military alliance amid persistent high tensions between Moscow and the West over issues including its seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and the ongoing conflict in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
• Russia test-fires Zircon hypersonic missile amid tensions with West Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- The Russian military has successfully test-fired a hypersonic cruise missile against a target in the White Sea waters in northern Russia, amid rising tensions between Moscow and the West over NATO drills and the recent migrant crisis in eastern Europe.
• Government signs Contract for procurement of Two Fixed Base Full Mission Simulator (FBFMS) for Jaguar Aircraft from HAL for IAF India PIB 18 Nov 2021 -- The government has signed a contract for procurement of two Fixed Base Full Mission Simulators (FBFMS) for Jaguar Aircraft from HAL for IAF with five years Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) at a combined total cost of Rs.357 crore. These simulators would be installed at Air Force Stations Jamnagar and Gorakhpur.
• Prime Minister to Formally Handover DRDO Designed and Developed Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite 'Shakti' for Indian Naval Ships to Chief of Naval Staff India PIB 18 Nov 2021 -- Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) System 'Shakti' has been designed and developed by Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) Hyderabad a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for Capital Warships of the Indian Navy for the interception, detection, classification, identification and jamming of conventional and modern Radars.
• WNC CONDUCTS EXERCISE PRASTHAN IN WESTERN OFFSHORE DEVELOPMENT AREA India PIB 18 Nov 2021 -- An offshore security exercise, code-named 'Prasthan' was conducted in the Offshore Development Area (ODA) off Mumbai on 16th November 2021, under the aegis of Headquarters, Western Naval Command.
• OP SANKALP - MISSION-BASED DEPLOYMENT TO PERSIAN GULF BY INS TRIKAND India PIB 18 Nov 2021 -- INS Trikand is currently deployed in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as part of Operation Sankalp, the Indian Navy's effort to maintain a frontline ship in the region to ensure safe and secure movement of trade, instill confidence in the maritime community and contribute to regional maritime security.
• US senators move to block $650 mln arms sale to Saudi Arabia Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- A number of US senators are seeking to block the Biden administration's first major arms sales to Saudi Arabia, according to three senators.
• Upgraded F-16s a testament to solid Taiwan-U.S. partnership: Tsai CNA 18 Nov 2021 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday that the commissioning of upgraded F-16Vs will boost Taiwan's modern warfare capabilities, describing it as a testament to the nation's solid partnership with the United States.
• Taipei deploys advanced new F-16 fighter jets amid tensions with China Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- The self-proclaimed government in Chinese Taipei has commissioned into service the most advanced version of F-16 fighter jets in an attempt to boost its military capabilities amid rising tensions with China.
• Four Killed In Blast At Romanian Munitions Factory RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- Four people were killed and four others were injured in an explosion at a munitions factory in southern Romania, local media reported.
• UK and Poland collaborate on multi-billion pound Polish air defence systems UK MOD 18 Nov 2021 -- A landmark agreement has been reached between Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak to cooperate on Poland's future air defence system.
• Blinken Discusses US-Africa Policy During Stop in Nigeria VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks Thursday in Abuja with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and other officials to discuss furthering cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access and economic growth, and revitalizing democracy, according to the U.S. State Department.
• Biden Meets Canadian, Mexican Leaders in Trilateral Summit VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said his summit Thursday with the leaders of Canada and Mexico was an opportunity for the three neighbors to push for solutions to problems that affect all of North America and beyond.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks at the Signing Ceremony for $2.1 Billion Development Assistance Agreement with Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Nigerian President Buhari US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama At a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Choi US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2021
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger's Travel to Japan The White House 18 Nov 2021
• Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 18 Nov 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 18, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 18 November 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Nov 2021
• Afghanistan's Collapsing Economy Heightens 'Risk Of Extremism,' UN Envoy Warns RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Nov 2021 -- The UN's special representative for Afghanistan has warned about a potential "humanitarian catastrophe" in Afghanistan as she appealed to the international community to find a way to provide financial aid to the country.
• Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Pair Of Deadly Explosions In Kabul RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Nov 2021 -- A local affiliate of the Islamic State group in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for two explosions in Kabul that killed at least one person and wounded six others.
• Taliban Takeover In Afghanistan Triggers Detentions Inside Neighboring Uzbekistan RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Nov 2021 -- When the Taliban seized control of most of Afghanistan in mid-August, one of the inevitable ripple effects was going to be a crackdown on suspect Islamic groups in the Central Asian states north of Afghanistan.
• UN official claims Daesh now seems to be present across Afghanistan Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- The United Nations' special envoy for Afghanistan has warned that members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group now seem to be present in all provinces of Afghanistan.
• Philippines: Chinese coast guard used water cannon to block Manila's supply boats Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2021 -- The Philippines issued a strongly worded protest Thursday over the Chinese coast guard's reported firing of water cannons to block a Filipino resupply mission to a military outpost at a reef in the South China Sea, calling the action "illegal."
• Chinese coast guard safeguards sovereignty as Philippine boats trespass Chinese waters: FM Global Times 18 Nov 2021 -- Two Philippine supply boats trespassed waters near China's Ren'ai Jiao without China's permission, and Chinese coast guard ships carried out their duty in accordance with the law to safeguard China's sovereignty and maintain maritime order, said a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Treasury Sanctions Senior Houthi Military Officer Overseeing Group's Seizure of Opposition Property US Treasury 18 Nov 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating senior Houthi military officer Saleh Mesfer Alshaer, commander of the Houthi-controlled military logistics support organization, whom Houthi-controlled courts have designated as the "judicial custodian" of assets confiscated from opponents of the Houthis. Alshaer has overseen the Houthis' seizure of property in Yemen valued at greater than 100 million dollars, using a variety of unlawful tactics, including extortion. This campaign of extortion, which was used to fund the Houthi military effort, is yet another example of Houthi actions fueling instability and increasing the already extraordinary suffering of the Yemeni people. Like the continuing Houthi offensive against Marib, where millions of Yemenis displaced by years of war have fled for refuge, these actions contribute to the severity of the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
• Austin: U.S. Will Work With Ukraine, Allies to Counter Russian Aggression DoD News 18 Nov 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, to the Pentagon today reaffirming America's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Putin: West escalating situation in Ukraine, providing Kiev with lethal weapons Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of escalating the situation in Ukraine by providing Kiev with "lethal modern weapons" and holding drills in the Black Sea region.
• France, Germany Accuse Moscow Of Diplomatic Breach For Publishing Ukraine Correspondence RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- France and Germany have accused Moscow of violating diplomatic protocol by publishing confidential correspondence related to efforts to resolve the conflict in parts of eastern Ukraine.
• Joint US-South Korea-Japan presser cancelled over disputed islands Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- A joint press conference in Washington by the deputy foreign ministers of Japan, South Korea, and the US has been canceled over a territorial dispute, with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman being left to answer questions on her own.
• China, India prepare for new round of Corps Commander Level meeting Global Times 18 Nov 2021 -- China and India held a virtual meeting on the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on border affairs on Thursday, in which they agreed to consolidate the disengagement results, and strictly abide by bilateral agreements and consensus, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a press release.
• Germany Floats Document Proposing EU Sanctions Against Bosnian Serb Officials RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- Germany has raised the issue of sanctions against officials of the Serbian-majority entity that makes up part of Bosnia-Herzegovina who have threatened to unilaterally withdraw from state institutions established under the 1995 peace accord that ended the Bosnian War.
• UK supports Minsk Group Co-Chairs and OSCE for efforts towards regional stability UK FCDO 18 Nov 2021 -- UK Ambassador Bush urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to act with restraint in the interests of civilians and make a conscious effort to support regional stability.

News Reports

• Two Iranian Nationals Charged for Cyber-Enabled Disinformation and Threat Campaign Designed to Influence the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election US Dept. of Justice 18 Nov 2021 -- An indictment was unsealed in New York today charging two Iranian nationals for their involvement in a cyber-enabled campaign to intimidate and influence American voters, and otherwise undermine voter confidence and sow discord, in connection with the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
• U.S. Sanctions Six Iranians, Indicts Two For Attempted Interference In 2020 U.S. Election RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- The United States says it has sanctioned six Iranian individuals and one entity for attempting to influence last year's U.S. presidential election and charged two of the individuals with election interference.
• Designation of Iranian Cyber Actors for Attempting to Influence the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021 -- State-sponsored actors, including Iranian groups, have engaged in covert and deceptive activities to disseminate disinformation through websites and social media designed to undermine Americans' faith in U.S. elections.
• Treasury Sanctions Iran Cyber Actors for Attempting to Influence the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election US Treasury 18 Nov 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six Iranian individuals and one Iranian entity pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13848, "Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference in a United States Election," for attempting to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
• US Indicts 2 Iranian Hackers for Alleged Attempts to 'Sow Discord' in 2020 Election VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- The U.S. Justice Department announced the indictment Thursday of two Iranian nationals for "their involvement in a cyber-enabled campaign to intimidate and influence American voters, and otherwise undermine voter confidence and sow discord, in connection with the 2020 U.S. presidential election," according to a press release.
• Iran-Backed Cybergroup Accused Of Targeting Critical U.S. Sectors RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- U.S., British, and Australian authorities say a hacker group "associated" with the Iranian government is behind cyberattacks on targets in the United States and Australia, including in the health-care and transportation sectors.
• Britain To Hold Public Inquiry Into Woman's 2018 Novichok Death RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- Britain says it will hold a public inquiry into the death of a woman believed to have died indirectly during the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian double agent.
• Ukraine's Zelenskiy Endorses Sanctions On 28 Russian Intelligence Officers RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has endorsed the imposition of sanctions on 28 members of Russia's intelligence and special services, as well as six other individuals alleged to be responsible for human rights abuses in Crimea.
• Danish Court Rejects Appeal Of Russian Sentenced For Espionage RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- A Danish high court has rejected an appeal filed by a Russian citizen sentenced to three years in prison on an espionage charge.
• In new intelligence fiasco, Israeli minister's home cleaner charged with spying for Iran Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- Already disgraced by a spate of hackers' attacks, which led to an extensive leak of information related to Israel's critical facilities and top political figures, the regime's claims to intelligence invulnerability has been further debunked by a new report that a man working as a cleaner in the home of the Israeli minister of military affairs has been charged with spying for Iran.
• Expanded meeting of the Foreign Ministry Board President of Russia 18 Nov 2021 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the expanded meeting of the Foreign Ministry Board.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the granting of dialogue partner status to Russia by the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Nov 2021
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the expanded meeting of the Foreign Ministry Collegium with the participation of President Vladimir Putin, Moscow, November 18, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Nov 2021
• Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov's meeting with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Nov 2021
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following an expanded meeting of the Foreign Ministry Collegium with the participation of President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Moscow, November 18, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Nov 2021
• Russia expects US to abandon 'irresponsible' plans to dominate Black Sea Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- Russia says it expects the United States to abandon its "irresponsible" plans to control the Black Sea, after the US navy's 6th fleet deployed its command ship Mount Whitney to the strategic region to take part in multinational drills, amid escalating tensions over NATO activities near Russia's borders.
• Putin Lambasts West, But Says Russia Open To 'Dialogue' RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized the United States, the European Union, and NATO over their stance on the situation in the territories controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and other issues, but said his country is ready "for contacts and a dialogue."
• USCC report a pack of lies and far-fetched analogies, China denounces as US politicians playing 'Hong Kong card' to interfere in internal affairs Global Times 18 Nov 2021 -- Both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong on Thursday, strongly condemned and opposed the unfounded allegations made by the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), saying any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of China through Hong Kong will not succeed.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on November 18, 2021 PRC MofA 18 Nov 2021
• HKSAR gov't strongly opposes U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission report People's Daily 18 Nov 2021 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday strongly condemned and opposed the various unfounded allegations made by a report of the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC).
• Video from Xinjiang provides fresh evidence of China's Uyghur repression Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2021 -- A 20-minute video shot by a bespectacled young man who calls himself Guanguan appears to confirm reports of China's vast network of concentration camps used to persecute Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.
• In Conversation: Adrian Geiges, Co-Author of First Xi Jinping Biography VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- German journalists Adrian Geiges and Stefan Aust published the biography "Xi Jinping - The Most Powerful Man in the World in July."
• Journalist who founded the Beijing News now serving eight-year jail term Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2021 -- Authorities in Beijing have sentenced former Beijing News publisher and co-founder Dai Zigeng to eight years' imprisonment for "bribery," RFA has learned.
• Taiwan's office in Lithuania opens despite Chinese protests CNA 18 Nov 2021 -- Taiwan on Thursday officially opened its new representative office in Lithuania despite retaliatory sanctions launched by China against the Baltic state over the latter's decision to allow the use of "Taiwanese" in the office's name.
• U.S. gov't report calls for reforms to deter China in Taiwan Strait CNA 18 Nov 2021 -- A U.S. government report published Wednesday has called for improved military deterrence and arms sales to Taiwan in light of growing challenges posed by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait.
• North Korean soldiers face punishment for calling South Korea by its official name Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2021 -- The North Korean military will severely punish two soldiers for referring to South Korea by an abbreviation of its official name, which is essentially a political statement that recognizes the legitimacy of the government in Seoul, military sources in the North told RFA.
• Experts: China May Attempt to Use North Korea to Counter US VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- Experts believe Beijing may come to see North Korea as leverage for challenging Washington's position on multiple issues, including the U.S. goal to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.
• P4+1 firm determination, practical readiness to remove sanctions key to successful talks in Vienna: Iran top negotiator Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- Iran's top negotiator says the forthcoming talks in the Austrian capital of Vienna will succeed if the P4+1 group of countries have a "firm determination" and stand "practically" ready to bring about a removal of the United States' sanctions against Iran.
• New US sanctions continuation of Trump's failed policies: Iran Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- The Foreign Ministry spokesman calls the new US sanctions against Iran the continuation of Washington's abortive policies concerning the Islamic Republic.
• Iran: Success in future talks depends on serious will from other side IRNA 18 Nov 2021 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs said that the success of talks which will start on November 29 depends on the serious will and practical readiness from the other side to lift the sanctions.
• Iran FM: Removal of all illegal sanctions, Tehran's main goal in Vienna talks Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- Iran's foreign minister says the main goal pursued by Iran during the forthcoming talks with the remaining parties to the landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers is to secure removal of all illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
• E3+US statement: meeting with GCC, Egypt & Jordan - November 2021 UK FCDO 18 Nov 2021 -- The E3 and United States met the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), its Member States, Egypt and Jordan in Riyadh, and have issued a spokesperson statement.
• Analysts: Myanmar, South China Sea to Be Discussed at Upcoming ASEAN-China Summit Radio Free Asia 18 Nov 2021 -- Post-coup Myanmar, the disputed South China Sea, and a response to a new United States-led defense pact may be the main issues discussed at next week's special ASEAN-China Summit to mark 30 years of bilateral relations, political analysts said.
• G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Belarus US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
• G-7 Urges Belarus to End Migrant Crisis VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- The G-7 group of nations condemned what it called the Belarus government's "orchestration of irregular migration across its borders" Thursday, as neighboring Poland reported new attempts to cross its border.
• Poland Detains Migrants Attempting Belarus Border Breach, Hundreds Prepare To Fly Home RFE/RL 18 Nov 2021 -- Tensions remain high at the Polish-Belarus border, with soldiers detaining about 100 migrants who illegally crossed into the European Union country, while hundreds of others checked in for a flight back home to Iraq.
• Cuban Dissident Vows to Keep Battling 'Brutal Tyranny' of Regime VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- The leader of a Cuban dissident group who left the island for Spain said Thursday that the communist government was "behaving like an abusive husband" toward its people.
• Observers: Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite Militias Threaten Iraq's Sovereignty VOA 18 Nov 2021 -- There has been no claim of responsibility for the November 7 assassination attempt on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, but analysts say suspicion has widely fallen on Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militias who were the biggest losers in last month's parliamentary elections.
• Pakistan Frees Jailed Radical Islamist Leader Rizvi RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Nov 2021 -- Pakistani authorities have released the jailed leader of a radical Islamist party who was behind protests that triggered deadly clashes with police.
• New clashes between police, anti-coup protesters rock Sudan capital after deadliest day since October coup Press TV 18 Nov 2021 -- Fresh clashes between police and anti-coup protesters have rocked the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, just a day after 15 protesters were killed in a crackdown, marking the deadliest day in the African country since a military putsch last month.
• Bachelet condemns killings of peaceful protesters in Sudan UN News 18 Nov 2021 -- At least 39 people have been killed by security forces in Sudan since the 25 October military coup, 15 of whom were reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• Termination of Burundi Sanctions Program US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021 -- The President today revoked an Executive Order, thereby terminating the Burundi sanctions program and related visa restrictions.
• Termination of Burundi Sanctions Program US Treasury 18 Nov 2021 -- Today, President Biden signed an Executive Order (E.O.) terminating the national emergency with respect to Burundi and revoking E.O. 13712, which has authorized sanctions with respect to Burundi since 2015. As a result, the economic sanctions with respect to Burundi administered by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) are no longer in effect. These steps were taken in light of changed circumstances and positive political developments in Burundi, including the reforms pursued by President Ndayishimiye since he took office.
• Executive Order on the Termination of Emergency With Respect To the Situation in Burundi The White House 18 Nov 2021
• A Message to the Congress on the Termination of Emergency with Respect to the Situation in Burundi The White House 18 Nov 2021
• Treatment of Former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2021 -- "We are closely following the treatment of former President Mikheil Saakashvili since his arrest on October 1."
• Madagascar: 'World cannot look away' as 1.3 million face severe hunger UN News 18 Nov 2021 -- The international community must step up support to Madagascar, where more than one million people in the south are facing severe hunger, the top UN aid official there said on Thursday in a renewed appeal for solidarity and funding.