Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US Air Force Member Arrested in Connection With April Attack on Syria Base Sputnik 22 Jun 2022 -- A US Air Force service member has been arrested in connection to the April attack on a US military base in northern Syria in which four US military personnel were injured.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Addresses Supply Chain Resiliency With Lone Star State Industry DoD News 22 Jun 2022 -- Even before COVID-19, the Defense Department had identified supply chain vulnerabilities for things like microelectronics. There, the onset of the pandemic exacerbated a problem the department was already aware of. But the pandemic also highlighted other areas of supply chain vulnerability in the U.S., some of which affect national security.
• New Trailer Hauls in Capabilities for Marines USMC News 22 Jun 2022 -- The Marine Corps' latest Force Design 2030-driven change comes in the form of a trailer and brings to mind the wise words of World War II U.S. Army Gen. Omar Bradley, "Amateurs talk strategy, professionals discuss logistics."
• BALTOPS 22 Final Press Conference US Navy 22 Jun 2022
• U.S. Naval Forces Africa participates in Exercise African Lion 2022 US Navy 22 Jun 2022 -- U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) is participating in Exercise African Lion 2022 in Agadir, Morocco and Gabes, Tunisia along with partners and allies from 11 nations, June 21-30, 2022.
• National Guard Coordinates Transport of German Satellite Army News 22 Jun 2022 -- A rocket carrier is barely recognizable from a distance on a typically foggy June morning at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• Iowa Soldiers Display Demolition Skills at Western Strike Army News 22 Jun 2022 -- "Basically, we're infantry with explosives," said Staff Sgt. Codey Johnson, a combat engineer and squad leader with the 833rd Engineer Company based in Ottumwa, Iowa.
• Oregon Air, Army National Guard Train on CERFP Response Army News 22 Jun 2022 -- The Oregon National Guard CERFP task force trained at Camp Umatilla June 12-14 to maintain standards for emergency management.
• Khaan Quest 2022 Finishes Strong Reaffirming Multinational Spirit of Exercise Army News 22 Jun 2022 -- Closing ceremonies commenced today at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, marking the official end to Exercise Khaan Quest 2022.
• Cougar battalion returns home Army News 22 Jun 2022 -- About 11 total UH-60 Black Hawk, HH-60 MedEvac Black Hawk, and CH-47F Chinook helicopters from the 1-214th General Support Battalion "Cougars", 12th Combat Aviation Brigade returned to Germany, June 14. The Soldiers and helicopters from 1-214th GSAB, 12 CAB returned after being deployed to Poland for over 120 days to increase strategic readiness and interoperability.
• DOD Official Touts Sweden, Finland Joining NATO DoD News 22 Jun 2022 -- A Department of Defense official strongly urged the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to quickly approve the request of Finland and Sweden to join NATO.
• NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) - Precision Guided Munitions DSCA 22 Jun 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency of Precision Guided Munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $22.7 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• NATO Secretary General previews transformative NATO Summit NATO 22 Jun 2022 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg set out his priorities for the upcoming Madrid Summit during a speech on Wednesday (22 June 2022). Speaking at an event organised by Politico, Mr Stoltenberg said: "We will take decisions to strengthen our Alliance, and keep it agile in this more dangerous world."
• Speech by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during an online conversation with POLITICO journalist Lili Bayer NATO 22 Jun 2022
• NATO pre-Summit polling results show historically high level of support for NATO NATO 22 Jun 2022 -- Ahead of the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid, NATO commissioned a survey across all 30 Allies to understand perceptions of Allied citizens, including on support for NATO membership, collective defence, and the transatlantic bond. Overall, support for NATO remains strong and continues to rise.
• Finland Reportedly Blocks Sale of Real Estate to Russian Buyer Over 'Security Risks' Sputnik 22 Jun 2022 -- According to the Finnish Defense Ministry, the screening of foreigners' permit applications to procure property, introduced via a 2020 law, has been intensified following Russia's special operation in Ukraine, which Finland regards as a security risk.
• Russia to deploy Sarmat ballistic missile system by year end: Putin People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the country's first Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system would enter combat duty by the end of the year.
• Navy chopper crew chief in critical condition after crash; all S-70Cs grounded CNA 22 Jun 2022 -- Taiwan's Navy said Wednesday said it has grounded all of its S-70C helicopters, pending safety checks, after one of them crashed in Kaohsiung City earlier in the day, leaving the four crew members injured, one in critical condition.
• Taiwan Air Force helicopter crashes in Kaohsiung, four injured CNA 22 Jun 2022 -- A Taiwan Navy S-70C anti-submarine helicopter crashed at the southern Kaohsiung Zuoying naval base during a training session on Wednesday afternoon, leaving the four-man crew with non-life threatening injuries.
• 38TH INDIA - INDONESIA COORDINATED PATROL (IND-INDO CORPAT) India PIB 22 Jun 2022 -- The 38th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between Indian Navy and Indonesian Navy is being conducted from 13-24 Jun 22. Indian Naval Ship INS Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, along with a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, is participating in the CORPAT whilst the Indonesian Navy is being represented by KRI Cut Nyak Dien, a Kapitan Pattimura (PARCHIM I) class Corvette.
• MOU SIGNED BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING FOR TRANSITION OF INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL TO MERCHANT NAVY India PIB 22 Jun 2022 -- A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Indian Navy (IN) and the Directorate General of Shipping on 20 Jun 22 to facilitate transition of Indian Navy personnel, both serving and retired, into the Merchant Navy. Through this MoU, DG Shipping has envisioned certification of IN personnel in accordance with the International STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) conventions in furtherance to the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of expanding Indian presence and share in the global seafarers. The MoU is also in line with the GoI's focus on the maritime domain including Blue economy as also the optimal utilisation of skilled and trained human resources.
• Indian Military Seeks Signal Jammers To Protect Himalayas From Guided Weapons, Drones Sputnik 22 Jun 2022 -- Delhi has recently augmented its capacity along the China border, deploying military hardware to the region following a violent clash in the Galwan valley in June 2020. The two countries continue military and diplomatic talks to withdraw thousands of troops from the Line of Actual Control.
• Israel records sharp increase in suicide cases among military forces: Report Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Israel has recorded a sharp increase in suicide cases among its military personnel, raising serious concerns in the occupying regime's military and intelligence apparatus.
• PM Bennett Holds Security Assessment at IDF Gaza Division HQ Israel - Prime Minister 22 Jun 2022 -- Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited IDF Gaza Division headquarters, this morning, and held a security assessment with the commander of IDF Southern Command, Maj.-Gen. Eliezer Toledano, and Gaza Division commander Brig.-Gen. Nimrod Aloni. They discussed the main points of the strategic concept vis-à-vis the Palestinians, especially in Gaza; a survey of the operational situation was presented.
• Moldova Ready to Discuss Lethal Weapons Supplies With France, President Says Sputnik 22 Jun 2022 -- Moldova is ready to discuss the supplies of lethal weapons with France as part of the assistance for the republic's military budget promised by the European Union, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.
• G7 Media Ministers Meeting Communiqué US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2022 -- The following statement was released by the G7 Media Ministers following their meeting in Bonn, Germany on June 19th, 2022:
• Special Envoy for Global Food Security Cary Fowler; Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui; and Deputy Director for Western Europe, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Amy Radetsky On the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Germany US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with European External Action Service Secretary General Sannino US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2022
• PM Bennett speaks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Israel - Prime Minister 22 Jun 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Delattre US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm The White House 22 Jun 2022
• Department Press Briefing - June 22, 2022 US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 22, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 22 June 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Jun 2022
• UN agencies rush to aid Afghanistan following deadly quake UN News 22 Jun 2022 -- The UN and partners have rushed to support Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake that hit two provinces in the east of the country early on Wednesday morning.
• Earthquake Kills More Than 1,000 People in Afghanistan VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- A powerful earthquake in Afghanistan's southeast has killed more than 1,000 people and injured hundreds of others, Taliban authorities said.
• Afghan Leader Calls For International Donations After Country Hit By Worst Quake In Two Decades RFE/RL Gandhara 22 Jun 2022 -- The supreme leader of Afghanistan's Taliban-led government has called on the international community to make donations to help with relief efforts after an earthquake struck the country early on June 22, killing at least 1,000 people.
• Death toll of Afghanistan's quake surpasses 1,000: official People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- The death toll from an earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan early Wednesday has surpassed 1,000, while more than 1,500 people were injured, a provincial official said, adding the number of casualties might rise further.
• Taliban urge US to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets after quake Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- The Taliban have urged the United States to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets after a powerful earthquake struck a rugged, mountainous region in the east of the impoverished country.
• Afghan earthquake: Iran sends two aid shipments as death toll crosses 1,000 Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Following the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan on Wednesday, which has so far claimed more than 1,000 lives, Iran expressed condolences and pledged full support to the neighboring country.
• Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Earthquake in Afghanistan The White House 22 Jun 2022
• Devastating Earthquake in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2022 -- "The United States expresses deep sorrow for the victims of today's devastating earthquake in Afghanistan, and we offer our sympathy and prayers to those who lost loved ones in the tragedy."
• Houthi: Nothing takes precedence over resisting Saudi-led aggression on Yemen Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says nothing takes priority over resisting the Saudi-led aggression against his country, stressing that Riyadh and its allies had been mulling over the bombardment of the capital Sana'a.
• Myanmar junta forces kill 2 militiamen, torch villages near copper mine Radio Free Asia 22 Jun 2022 -- Myanmar junta soldiers killed two local militia members and torched over 20 villages near the Chinese-owned Letpadaung copper mine in northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing region on Tuesday, forcing more than 10,000 civilians to flee, residents said.
• Myanmar civilian death toll surpasses 2,000 since coup-NGO Radio Free Asia 22 Jun 2022 -- The toll of civilians who died at the hands of Myanmar's military junta since it overthrew the country's elected government 16 months ago reached 2,000 this week and is rising, according to a Thai-based activist group that has closely tracked deaths
• 12 militia members killed in shootout in Myanmar's Magway Radio Free Asia 22 Jun 2022 -- Twelve members of a People's Defense Force (PDF) have been shot dead and three others arrested after fighting near Mae Zali Bridge in Myanmar's central Magway region, according to police, a PDF official and local residents.
• Israel begins building wall in northern West Bank People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- Israel has begun building a 9-meter-tall wall to replace the old fence barrier in the northern occupied West Bank, said Israeli Defense Ministry on Wednesday, citing security reasons.
• Fear And Outrage In Pamir: Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Reeling From Brutal State Crackdown RFE/RL 22 Jun 2022 -- With reports of dozens killed as well as hundreds injured and detained in recent weeks, the Tajik government tried to settle a long-standing conflict in its Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) with forceful and repressive measures in a crackdown that has shocked the remote region.
• East African Community Sends Troops to Eastern Congo as War with Rwanda Brews Sputnik 22 Jun 2022 -- Amid the threat of war in the Great Lakes region, the East African Community bloc has elected to send peacekeepers to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Meanwhile, Rwanda has accused Kinshasa of allowing the crisis between Hutu and Tutsi rebel groups across the border to fester.
• Civilian Deaths in Mali US Dept. of State 22 Jun 2022 -- "The United States was deeply saddened to learn of the violence in the Bandiagara and Gao regions of Mali this past weekend, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 civilians."
• Mali: Guterres 'shocked and outraged' by reports of civilian massacres UN News 22 Jun 2022 -- The Secretary-General issued a statement on Wednesday expressing his shock and outrage over reports that well over a hundred civilians have been killed in the past week, during attacks by armed extremists in central Mali, and further north.
• Food and fuel shortages hampering the UN response in Central African Republic UK FCDO 22 Jun 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA
• 'De facto lethargy' in Central African Republic, despite escalating attacks UN News 22 Jun 2022 -- Efforts are underway to reinvigorate the Central African Republic's political process, which has lapsed into a state of "de facto lethargy" even as horrific attacks against civilians have risen, the senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• Ethiopian Government Calls Tigray Fuel Shortage a 'Myth' VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- Ethiopia is refuting reports of a fuel shortage in the embattled Tigray region.

News Reports

• S. Korea confirms 1st monkeypox infection People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- South Korea confirmed its first case of monkeypox infection on Wednesday out of the two suspected cases.
• Man Who Acted as Russian Agent Sentenced to Federal Prison Term US Dept. of Justice 22 Jun 2022 -- Hector Alejandro Cabrera Fuentes, 36, a Mexican citizen who had resided in Singapore and spent significant time in Russia, was sentenced yesterday in the Southern District of Florida to four years and one day in prison for acting within the United States on behalf of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow 22, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Jun 2022
• Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with the National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Jun 2022
• Opening remarks by Foreign Minister Lavrov during talks with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, Tehran, June 22, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Jun 2022
• Meeting with permanent members of Security Council President of Russia 22 Jun 2022 -- Vladimir Putin held a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council, via videoconference.
• Moscow vows response after US bars Russian aircraft from picking up diplomats Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Moscow says it will take countermeasures in response to Washington's decision not to allow a Russian aircraft to pick up Russian diplomats and their families from the United States.
• Russia summons head of EU Delegation in protest over Kaliningrad transit ban People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Russia Markus Ederer on Tuesday to protest against the restrictions on cargo transit between the Kaliningrad region and the rest of the Russian territory, it said in a statement.
• China's oil imports from Russia surge amid Ukraine war, US bans Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- China has increased its crude oil imports from Russia in recent months, importing more than any other country in the month of May since December last year by taking advantage of lower prices in the face of Western sanctions.
• Readout of U.S.-EU Task Force on European Energy Security Meeting The White House 22 Jun 2022
• Swiss Refineries Restart Russian Gold Ingots Imports After Having Halted Them Over Ukraine Conflict Sputnik 22 Jun 2022 -- Numerous gold refineries have refused to work with gold produced in Russia, sometimes even when western sanctions permitted it. However, some of the factories continued to accept Russian bullions, or only bought bars smelted prior to 24 February when the special military operation in Ukraine was launched.
• VOA Interview: John Sullivan, US Ambassador to Russia VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a "massive act of aggression," was a major topic during the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference in Washington on Tuesday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 22, 2022 PRC MofA 22 Jun 2022
• China, ASEAN vow to strengthen defense, security cooperation PLA Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- The 13th China-ASEAN Defense Ministers' Informal Meeting was held via video link on Wednesday. The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh.
• Survey Shows Deepening Fear of China in New Zealand VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- The number of New Zealanders who see China as a geopolitical threat has climbed, according to a new survey.
• Incoming HKSAR chief executive John Lee vows to build caring, inclusive Hong Kong People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- John Lee, the incoming sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), has pledged to build a caring and inclusive Hong Kong that boasts diversified development under his leadership.
• Interview: Nury Turkel to 'call China out' for atrocities against Uyghurs, others Radio Free Asia 22 Jun 2022 -- Uyghur-American lawyer Nury Turkel was unanimously elected chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a bipartisan and independent federal government body. In a long career in advocacy, Turkel, who also serves as chairman of the board for the Uyghur Human Rights Project in Washington, he has played a major role in raising global awareness of the plight of the 12 million Uyghurs in the Chinese-controlled Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
• China firmly opposes US ban on imports of Xinjiang-related products: MOFCOM Global Times 22 Jun 2022 -- China firmly opposes the US ban on imports of any products related to Xinjiang. The US move is a typical act of economic coercion, seriously harming the interests of enterprises and consumers in both countries, and it is not conducive to the stability of global industrial and supply chains, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Tuesday.
• Experts raise concern about implementation of US law on Uyghur forced labor Radio Free Asia 22 Jun 2022 -- A U.S. law that bans the importation of products from Xinjiang in China in response to allegations that Uyghurs in the region are being used as forced labor took effect this week, but the tough new prohibitions could prove difficult to enforce, experts said Wednesday.
• Keep Abreast of the Trend of the Times to Shape a Bright Future PRC MofA 22 Jun 2022 -- Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping
• President Xi Jinping Delivered a Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum PRC MofA 22 Jun 2022 -- On the evening of June 22, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in virtual format and delivered a keynote speech titled "Keep Abreast of the Trend of the Times to Shape a Bright Future".
• Chinese leader Xi warns against 'expanding military alliances' ahead of BRICS summit Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- China's President Xi Jinping has warned against "expanding military alliances" ahead of the BRICS summit, calling on countries around the world to overcome difficulties together and seek win-win cooperation.
• Economic globalization unstoppable historical trend: Xi Global Times 22 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that economic globalization is an unstoppable historical trend, and those who attempt to block others' development will eventually end up blocking their own.
• Willful sanctioning brings disasters to people around world: Xi Global Times 22 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said the act of willfully imposing sanctions will bring disasters to people around the world.
• Li stresses key role of grain, energy output People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- Premier calls for implementation of steps to stabilize economic performance
• Chinese premier stresses ensuring grain security, energy supply People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday urged efforts to ensure grain security and energy supply to maintain the stability of the economy and prices.
• U.S. calls on Beijing to curb military coercion of Taiwan CNA 22 Jun 2022 -- A U.S. government spokesperson has again called on Beijing to cease military intimidation of Taiwan after the Chinese military sent a total of 29 military aircraft into the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the third-highest single-day total this year.
• PLA sends 29 warplanes around Taiwan, 'practices new tactics to counter US aircraft carrier intervention' Global Times 22 Jun 2022 -- Twenty-nine Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) warplanes entered the island of Taiwan's self-proclaimed air defense identification zone on Tuesday, marking the third largest PLA aerial drill around Taiwan this year, which according to Chinese military observers indicated that the PLA could be practicing new tactics to counter possible US aircraft carrier intervention.
• Third Enlarged Meeting of Eighth Central Military Commission of WPK Convened KCNA 22 Jun 2022 -- The Third Enlarged Meeting of the Eighth Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was convened on June 21.
• North Korean leader convenes military meeting amid tensions Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called a meeting with his senior military officials to discuss national defense policies and plans for further arms buildup, amid escalating tensions with the United States and South Korea over Pyongyang's recent missile tests.
• North Korean Leader Meets with Top Military Officials VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- North Korean state media reported the country's leader Kim Jong Un has convened a meeting of senior military officials.
• Seventh North Korean Nuclear Test Could Be Delayed Over COVID-19 and China's Plans, Reports Suggest Sputnik 22 Jun 2022 -- North Korea could have delayed its seventh nuclear test because of the situation with COVID-19 inside the country and China's plans, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a presidential official.
• Experts: North Korea's New Foreign Minister Part of Pyongyang's Nuclear Test Strategy VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- As North Korea gears up in ways that satellite images suggest are preparations for a nuclear test, experts said Pyongyang is also getting ready to deal with the aftermath of such a test - to blunt global condemnation likely to follow and defend its nuclear position while pressuring the U.S. to make concessions.
• China takes delivery of large shipment of Iranian crude: Report Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- A large shipment of Iranian crude has been delivered to China, according to a report and amid statements by Iranian government authorities insisting that exports to China have been robust despite claims that increased Russian supply of crude to China has affected Iranian shipments.
• Russia's Lavrov In Iran To Discuss Nuclear Deal, Cooperation On Energy RFE/RL 22 Jun 2022 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Iran as negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers remain stalled.
• Crashes, Bankruptcy Litter Iran's Runway For Passenger-Plane Production RFE/RL 22 Jun 2022 -- The last time Iran attempted to produce its own passenger planes to upgrade its aging commercial fleet, the effort barely got off the ground before it was doomed by a series of deadly crashes.
• UN Lambasts Iran's Increasing Use of Executions VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Iran's increasing use of executions and the death penalty — including among children - in violation of international law. The secretary-general has submitted a report on the human rights situation in Iran to the U.N. human rights council.
• Tehran rejects 'politically motivated' Guterres report on human rights in Iran Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Tehran has dismissed as politically motivated a recent report by UN Secretary General António Guterres on human rights in Iran, saying the Islamic Republic remains committed to promoting human rights, irrespective of the fact that the report was based on false claims made by terrorists.
• Sadr: Iran neither meddled in Iraqi politics nor put pressure on any Shia party Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Prominent Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Wednesday said the Islamic Republic of Iran has never meddled in the internal political affairs of Iraq and has not put pressure on any Shia group in the Arab country, dismissing insinuations fanned by rabble-rousers.
• Myanmar junta representative attends ASEAN defense meeting Radio Free Asia 22 Jun 2022 -- A representative of Myanmar's military regime attended the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday, despite an appeal from hundreds of pro-democracy organizations in the war-ravaged country that the Southeast Asian regional bloc not engage with the junta.
• Israeli parliament moves forward bill to dissolve People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- Israeli lawmakers voted in favor of a bill to dissolve parliament in a preliminary vote on Wednesday, taking the first step in sending the country for its fifth elections in three years.
• Israeli parliament votes to dissolve in step towards fifth election in three years Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday voted to dissolve the parliament, also known as Knesset, setting the stage for Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu's possible comeback and the unceremonious exit of sitting premier Naftali Bennett.
• Nazarbaev's Nephew Is Person Of Interest In Unspecified Criminal Case RFE/RL 22 Jun 2022 -- A nephew of former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev is a person of interest in an unspecified criminal case, the deputy chairman of the Committee of National Security (KNB) has said.
• Erdogan hosts MBS on his first visit to Turkey since Khashoggi murder Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman took another step toward breaking his international isolation by paying his first visit to Turkey since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.
• Saudi Crown Prince MBS' Whirlwind Regional Tour Reflects Preparations for Biden Visit VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was feted as a visiting head of state during talks in both Turkey and Jordan Wednesday, along with Egypt a day earlier.
• What To Watch For At The Key EU Summit RFE/RL 22 Jun 2022 -- Last week, the European Commission recommended that Ukraine and Moldova be granted EU candidate status, while Georgia must fulfill a number of conditions before candidate status can even be considered.
• European countries turn back to coal as sanctions on Russian energy backfire People's Daily 22 Jun 2022 -- Many European countries are considering turning back to coal to secure energy supplies as gas supplies from Russia slump amid EU sanctions in recent weeks.
• No Easy Escape For North Macedonia From Bulgaria's EU Veto RFE/RL 22 Jun 2022 -- A surprise initiative by France's waning EU presidency to end a two-year dispute over shared Balkan culture in time for this week's European summit hung in the balance ahead of a June 22 deadline, underscoring regional resentments and uncertainty amid risks of a further erosion of faith in the European Union.
• Bulgarian Cabinet Collapses In No-Confidence Vote RFE/RL 22 Jun 2022 -- Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov's six-month-old government has been toppled in a no-confidence vote over disagreements on the economy and whether Sofia should drop opposition to North Macedonia's European Union accession.
• Ecuador protests grow more violent, leaving 2 dead, 100 injured Press TV 22 Jun 2022 -- Anti-government protests by indigenous groups in Ecuador have left two people killed and 100 injured, with the country's defense minister warning that democracy in the Latin American state is at risk.
• Laos shuffles top Cabinet posts amid economic slowdown Radio Free Asia 22 Jun 2022 -- The Lao government this week reorganized its ruling Cabinet, adding two new deputy prime ministers and replacing heads of the national bank and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce as an economic crisis grips the Southeast Asian country.
• Malawi President Strips VP's Power After Corruption Allegations VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has suspended the powers of Vice President Saulos Chilima after the country's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) accused Chilima of accepting kickbacks in return for government contracts.
• Rwanda Hosts Showcase Commonwealth Summit, Dimmed by Rights Concerns VOA 22 Jun 2022 -- Rwanda is preparing to welcome leaders of 54 nations for a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Friday in the capital, Kigali.