Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Letter to the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148) The White House 25 Aug 2022
• CENTCOM forces engage militants in northeast Syria CENTCOM 25 Aug 2022 -- Over the past 24 hours, in response to yesterday's rocket attacks on Mission Support Site Conoco and Mission Support Site Green Village in northeast Syria, CENTCOM forces struck at Iran-affiliated militants in the area with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, AC-130 gunships, and M777 artillery, resulting in four enemy fighters killed and seven enemy rocket launchers destroyed.
• Strikes Send Clear Message to Iranian-Backed Groups in Syria to Stop Attacks on U.S. Forces DoD News 25 Aug 2022 -- The United States military sent a clear message to Iranian-backed groups attempting to harm Americans based in Syria that their actions must stop, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.
• Pentagon: US Killed 'Iranian-Affiliated Militants' in Retaliatory Strikes in Syria VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- At least three "Iranian-affiliated militants" were killed in multiple U.S. strikes in northeast Syria over the past 24 hours, the Pentagon said Thursday.
• U.S. airstrikes in E. Syria kill 6 fighters: war monitor People's Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. military launched airstrikes targeting positions of pro-Iran militias in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour on Wednesday, killing six Syrian and foreign fighters, a war monitor reported.
• Three American forces injured in rocket attack on US-occupied bases in Syria Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- Rocket strikes have hit US-occupied military bases in eastern Syria, injuring at least three American service members, reports say.
• For second time in hours, US military base in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr comes under rocket attack Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- A military facility housing US occupation forces in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr has come under attack for the second time in a few hours when rockets fired from nearby areas hit the facility.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. Army supports Polish allies with Abrams tanks and training US Army 25 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. Army recently awarded a $1.148 billion contract to General Dynamics Land Systems for 250 M1A2 System Enhancement Program version 3 (SEPv3) Abrams tanks for the Polish army. In addition, the Army has begun training Polish soldiers on 28 Abrams tanks transported to Poland in July 2022.
• Reflecting on combat to build a more ready force Army News 25 Aug 2022 -- "It was a convoy training lane where the Soldiers react to direct and indirect fire, taking casualties and a vehicle breaks down along with civilian contact," said U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Kristin Caulfield, Observer Coach/Trainer Team Lead, 2-361st Training Support Battalion, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an Off-camera Press Briefing DoD 25 Aug 2022
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks During DON One Year-In-Review All Hands US Navy 25 Aug 2022
• Experts: US Plans to Improve Missile Defense of Guam VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. plans to dramatically improve the missile defense system on the island of Guam, its territory closest to China, a move urgently needed amid evolving missile and hypersonic weapon threats from Beijing, analysts say.
• Bahrain Conducts Fifth Sentinel Shield Exercise with IMSC CENTCOM 25 Aug 2022 -- Forces from Bahrain and the United States completed a joint exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Aug. 23, led by a nine-nation coalition staff based in the Middle East.
• Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan Fact Sheet DoD 25 Aug 2022 -- On August 25, 2022, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which lays out a series of major actions DoD will implement to mitigate and respond to civilian harm.
• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 25 Aug 2022
• U.S. Should Not Surrender Clean Energy Technology to China, DOD Official Says DoD News 25 Aug 2022 -- China has made it very clear that clean energy technology also results in geostrategic power, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for environment and energy resilience said.
• Deputy Secretary Discusses Roles for Universities in Nation's Defense DoD News 25 Aug 2022 -- Last week Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks toured the Midwest, visiting U.S. Transportation Command in Illinois, the Air Force Research Laboratory in Ohio and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. As part of the trip, the deputy secretary also stopped by Purdue University in Indiana to meet with ROTC cadets there, to look at research facilities at the school, and to talk about how universities such as Purdue can best contribute to the nation's defense.
• B-2 Bomber Successfully Test Fires First Long-Range Stealth Missile - Northrop Grumman Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- A B-2 Spirit strategic bomber has successfully test-fired its first long -range stealth standoff missile, Northrop Grumman announced in a press release on Thursday.
• Pacific Angel 22-2 strengthens ties with Indo-Pacific allies, partners US Air Force 25 Aug 2022 -- Exercise Pacific Angel 2022-2 wrapped up at Subang Air Base, Aug. 19, culminating nearly a week of multilateral activities that brought together 370 participants from six countries to foster cooperation and interoperability during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
• Bahrain Conducts Fifth Sentinel Shield Exercise with IMSC US Navy 25 Aug 2022 -- Forces from Bahrain and the United States completed a joint exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Aug. 23, led by a nine-nation coalition staff based in the Middle East.
• George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group transits the Strait of Gibraltar US Navy 25 Aug 2022 -- The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), transited the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean Sea as part of a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations, Aug. 25, 2022.
• Joint statement by Defence Ministers of Finland, Norway and Sweden Finnish MoD 25 Aug 2022 -- The security situation has deteriorated following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia has proved that it does not respect international law and has upended the European security order.
• Putin orders expansion of military forces as Ukraine war enters 7th month Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- Russia is set to ramp up the size of its armed forces from 1.9 to 2.04 million as the war in Ukraine intensifies.
• Number of Russian Military Personnel to Increase by 137,000, Reach 1.15 Million Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed a decree to increase the number of military personnel by 137,000 to 1,150,628.
• Germany's 'Absolute Deficit' in Weapon Reserves Impedes Supplies to Ukraine, FM Baerbock Says Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- The reserves of German armed forces (Bundeswehr) are depleted to the point when Berlin cannot step up weapons deliveries to Ukraine, but Berlin remains unwavering in its military support to Kiev, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.
• U.S. announces largest weapons package for Ukraine People's Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- The United States on Wednesday announced an additional tranche of security assistance to Ukraine worth nearly 3 billion U.S. dollars, the largest one-time weapons aid to Kiev that came as the Russia-Ukraine conflict reached the half-year mark.
• Circular urges study of book on Xi Jinping's thinking on armed forces People's Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- A circular has called on Party organizations at all levels and the armed forces to conduct thorough and in-depth study of a new book on Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the armed forces.
• Book on Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening armed forces published People's Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- A book illustrating Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the armed forces has been jointly published by the People's Liberation Army Publishing House and the People's Publishing House.
• PLA aircraft carrier Shandong holds drills in South China Sea in full combat group Global Times 25 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's aircraft carrier Shandong conducts realistic combat-oriented exercises in the South China Sea in the early autumn of 2022. Photo: Screenshot from the WeChat account of the PLA South Sea Fleet
• For 1st time China sends ground, naval, air forces to join Russian Vostok drills Global Times 25 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has dispatched forces to join the upcoming Vostok-2022 in Russia, with PLA ground and air forces having already arrived at the designated drill region and naval forces being rendezvoused with Russian warships at sea. This is the first time the PLA has sent three of its forces to participate in a single Russian drill, observers said.
• China's military training exercises aimed at defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity：Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- "The series of military exercises and training conducted by the Chinese PLA near China's Taiwan Island were open, transparent, professional and appropriate, and served as a warning and counterattack to the provocateurs and trouble makers," Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), remarked at a regular press confrence Thursday.
• Taiwan to deploy UAV defense system to tackle China drone incursions CNA 25 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan has successfully developed an indigenous remote-controlled drone defense system, and it will first be deployed in the nation's outlying islands to counter hostile drone incursions, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday, after a video emerged showing Taiwanese soldiers throwing rocks at a drone near a sentinel station on one of the islands.
• Cabinet approves NT$2.71 trillion 2023 central government budget CNA 25 Aug 2022 -- The Executive Yuan on Thursday approved a NT$2.71 trillion (US$90.01 billion) central government general budget plan for fiscal 2023, with proposed spending on national defense increasing by 12.9 percent to NT$415.1 billion amid tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
• Taiwan vows to improve defenses after soldiers throw rocks at Chinese drone Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense "will install a drone defense system next year" after a "humiliating" video showing Taiwanese soldiers throwing rocks at a hovering drone in Kinmen County emerged on Chinese social media, the ministry said late Wednesday.
• Emboldened by Western support, Taiwan announces record military budget Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- Emboldened by expressions of support by the United States and other Western countries, Chinese Taipei has announced a record military budget, in what would further raise tensions with Beijing.
• Curtain raiser Commissioning of indigenous aircraft carrier India PIB 25 Aug 2022 -- 02 Sep 2022 will mark the historical milestone of realisation of Nation's commitment towards 'AatmaNirbharta', a landmark date for the Indian Navy and the entire Nation; with Commissioning of first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) 'Vikrant'. Hon'ble Prime Minister would be the Chief Guest on this momentous occasion. Vikrant is the largest warship to have ever been built in India. It is also the first indigenously designed and built Aircraft Carrier for the Indian Navy.
• Indian Navy Prepared to Ensure 'Maritime Security' In Case of War Over Taiwan, Says Vice-Admiral Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- The member of the US-led Quad group has expressed concern over tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Indian Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation of tensions and "avoidance" of actions that might alter the status quo this month.
• That's a wrap for HMAS Canberra Australia DOD 25 Aug 2022 -- After almost three months at sea on a regional presence deployment through the Pacific, HMAS Canberra is heading back to her home port in Sydney.
• Australia-ROK Indo-Pacific Dialogue Australia MFA 25 Aug 2022 -- On 25 August, Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK) held the second Australia-ROK Indo-Pacific Dialogue in Canberra.
• Australia - UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters DSCA 25 Aug 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.95 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Iran major drone drills continue on second day IRNA 25 Aug 2022 -- A major drone maneuver of the Iranian Army continued on its second day on Thursday.
• Day 2 of Army drills: Iranian drones destroy mock targets with precision weapons Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- The Iranian Army's cutting-edge drones have successfully hit and destroyed a set of "sensitive and vital" mock enemy targets using state-of-the-art weapons with pinpoint accuracy on the second day of massive countrywide drills.
• South Korea updates war plans over North Korea 'threats' Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has ordered an update of his country's wartime operational plans to counter alleged threats from North Korea.
• Morocco - Ground Command and Control DSCA 25 Aug 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Morocco of Ground Command and Control and related equipment for an estimated cost of $141.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• US Approves $141Mln Ground Command, Control Systems Deal With Morocco - State Dept. Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- The Biden administration has approved the potential sale of $141 million of Ground Command and Control systems and related equipment to Morocco, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Thursday.
• Joint Statement on the Mongolia-United States Strategic Partnership US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Mongolia on the occasion of the United States-Mongolia Annual Bilateral Consultations.
• Department Press Briefing - August 25, 2022 US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 25, 2022
• Northrop Grumman Continues B-2 Spirit Modernization Northrop Grumman 25 Aug 2022 -- Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are continuing enhancements to the B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber fleet providing new capability, including its first long-range stealth missile.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 25 August 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Aug 2022
• UN Security Council Stumbles on Taliban Travel Waiver VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- The Taliban have been in control of Afghanistan for more than a year but still do not have an ambassador in the United Nations or any country. And since last Friday, the regime's foreign minister has been banned from traveling abroad.
• Taliban Say Travel Ban Hurts Diplomacy and Dialogue With World VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- Afghanistan's Taliban on Thursday called for ending the travel ban on some of their leaders to help advance diplomacy, as the U.N. Security Council remains divided over whether to grant the exemption.
• 'We Don't Know Where To Go': Afghan Refugees Forcibly Deported From Tajikistan RFE/RL Gandhara 25 Aug 2022 -- An ominous message was sent to Afghan refugees in Tajikistan this week, warning members of the some 10,000-strong community that they risk being forcibly sent back to face the persecution and violence they fled.
• Afghanistan: UNHCR alarm over forced refugee returns from Tajikistan UN News 25 Aug 2022 -- On Thursday, UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, warned of the danger faced by Afghan refugees who continue to be detained and deported from Tajikistan, reiterating that it's illegal to force those fleeing persecution back to their homeland.
• Syrian air defenses repel Israeli attack over Tartus, Hama Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- Syria's air defenses have repelled yet another Israeli act of aggression targeting the Arab country's western areas.
• The China-Indian border issue doesn't need third-party interference: Defense Ministry Global Times 25 Aug 2022 -- The border issue is a matter between China and India, and China firmly opposes any form of external interference by a third party in the boundary issue, Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday in response to the joint military exercises held by the US and Indian militaries in the disputed China-Indian border area.
• China opposes any third party medddling in China-India border issue: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- "We firmly oppose any third party to meddle in the China-India border issue in any form," said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) at a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday when being asked about his comments on the onging and future US-India joint military exercises near the China-India border.
• Fighting between Myanmar junta and Karen forces intensifies Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- Karen National Union forces have killed nearly 50 soldiers from Myanmar's military in weeks of heavy fighting in an area near the Thai border that, despite a major junta offensive, remains controlled by the KNU.
• Refugees: ARSA rebels threaten Rohingya leaders who push for repatriation Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- Five years after hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled a brutal crackdown by Myanmar's military, refugees stuck at camps in southeastern Bangladesh say they feel increasingly unsafe as ARSA rebels and armed criminal gangs are targeting community leaders for attack.
• Rohingya rally for repatriation on 5th anniversary of brutal Myanmar crackdown Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- Rohingya refugees staged mass demonstrations at camps in southeastern Bangladesh on Thursday to demand the world help repatriate them to Myanmar, as they marked the fifth anniversary of a brutal Burmese military offensive that spurred an unprecedented exodus.
• Myanmar: Joint Ministerial Statement Marking the 5th Anniversary of the Myanmar Military's Attack against Rohingya and Ensuing Crisis European External Action Service (EEAS) 25 Aug 2022 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the fifth anniversary of the Myanmar military's attack against Rohingya.
• 'Comprehensive' solution needed to end mass displacement of Rohingya UN News 25 Aug 2022 -- It's been five years since more than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh to escape a brutal military crackdown. The UN chief on Thursday called on the international community to find "comprehensive, durable and inclusive solutions" to help end their plight.
• Fifth anniversary of the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar: UK statement UK FCDO 25 Aug 2022 -- The UK announces new sanctions and legal action in support of Myanmar's Rohingya community.
• Federal Foreign Office on the fifth anniversary of the attacks against Rohingya communities in Myanmar and the refugee crisis they triggered Germany Federal Foreign Office 25 Aug 2022 -- A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (25 August) on the fifth anniversary of the attacks against Rohingya communities in Myanmar and the refugee crisis they triggered:
• Resistance groups at same front to defend Palestine against Israeli aggression: Islamic Jihad chief Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- The leader of the Gaza-based Islamic Jihad movement says Palestinian resistance groups are all at the same front to defend the Palestinian cause and nation against the Israeli regime and its vicious acts of aggression.
• Security Council: Managing Israel-Palestine conflict 'no substitute' for meaningful political process UN News 25 Aug 2022 -- Managing the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis is no substitute for a real political process, a truth laid bare by recent events, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Thursday, as he urged delegates to turn their attention to the broader strategy of ending the occupation and realizing the long elusive two-State solution.
• The situation on the ground demonstrates the urgent need to make progress towards a Two State Solution UK FCDO 25 Aug 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East
• Leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan To Hold EU-Mediated Talks RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to meet in Brussels on August 31 for talks mediated by the European Union, the Armenian government said on August 25.
• Statement by Executive Director of WFP on seizure of humanitarian fuel supplies in Tigray WFP 25 Aug 2022 -- It is reprehensible that millions of people will be pushed further into hunger by the resumption of fighting in Northern Ethiopia. In the past few months, the humanitarian truce has allowed WFP and our partners to reach almost 5 million people in Tigray. However, yesterday that lifeline was severed.
• WFP Chief Alleges TPLF Stole Fuel Designated for Humanitarian Use VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- Ethiopia's government has joined the World Food Program in condemning Tigrayan forces for allegedly stealing more than half-a-million liters of fuel meant for delivering food aid.
• Federal Foreign Office on the breach of the ceasefire in northern Ethiopia Germany Federal Foreign Office 25 Aug 2022 -- A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (25 August) on the breach of the ceasefire in northern Ethiopia:
• African Union Urges Both Sides to Stop Civil Conflict in Ethiopia Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- Over the past day, hostilities reignited in Ethiopia after a five-month-long ceasefire, with the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigray rebels accusing each other of violating the peace.
• No: 263, 25 August 2022, Press Release Regarding the Developments in Ethiopia Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Aug 2022
• Ethiopia: Massive fuel theft puts WFP operations in Tigray at risk UN News 25 Aug 2022 -- The robbery of over half a million tonnes of fuel from the World Food Programme (WFP) in Ethiopia's Tigray region will make it impossible to continue operations that support millions of hungry people, the UN agency said on Thursday.
• Cameroon, Nigeria Reopening Border Markets and Schools with Boko Haram Threat Diminished VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- Governors from Cameroon and Nigeria plan to re-open markets and rebuild schools along their shared border after declaring the area free of Boko Haram militants.

News Reports

• How U.S. Cyber Command, NSA Are Defending Midterm Elections: One Team, One Fight DoD News 25 Aug 2022 -- With 75 days until the midterm elections, the Defense Department is fully engaged to defend the U.S. electoral system from foreign interference and foreign influence alongside interagency partners.
• Treasury Announces Cyber Security Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Israel US Treasury 25 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance of the State of Israel (MOF) announced the finalization of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") on Cybersecurity Cooperation. The MoU builds on U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo's visit to Israel in November 2021 that established a bilateral partnership to protect critical infrastructure in the financial sector and recognized the importance of deepening cooperation on cybersecurity to protect the integrity of the international financial system.
• WHO Says Global Monkeypox Cases Down 20% VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday the number of new monkeypox cases fell 20% globally last week, but new cases increased in the Americas and said there is still "intense transmission" of the disease.
• World reaches 'tragic milestone' of one million COVID-19 deaths so far in 2022 UN News 25 Aug 2022 -- There have been one million COVID-19 deaths so far this year - a "tragic milestone" that must lead to more people being vaccinated against the disease, World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported on Thursday.
• Judge Orders Justice Department to Unseal Trump Search Affidavit VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- A federal judge directed the U.S. Justice Department late Thursday to unseal its redacted version of an affidavit it used to obtain a recent search warrant for former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.
• U.S. judge orders release of redacted Mar-a-Lago affidavit People's Daily 26 Aug 2022 -- A U.S. judge on Thursday ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release a redacted version of the affidavit used to seek the search warrant on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.
• U.S. Department of Justice submits redacted Mar-a-Lago search affidavit People's Daily 26 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed its proposed redactions to the affidavit used to seek the search warrant on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, a spokesperson said on Thursday.
• For First Time, Facebook, Twitter Take Down Pro-US Influence Operation VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- This summer, for the first time, Facebook and Twitter removed a network of fake user accounts promoting pro-Western policy positions to foreign audiences and critical of Russia, China and Iran, according to a new report.
• Latvia Demolishes Soviet Memorial In Riga, Latest To Be Dismantled Across Eastern Europe RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- Latvia toppled a towering Soviet-era monument commemorating the Red Army victory over Nazi Germany, the latest in a series of monuments that have been pulled down in Eastern Europe amid growing hostility toward Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine.
• In Landmark Case, Bulgaria Refuses To Extradite Passport-Burning Russian Who Criticized Putin's War RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- A battle-tested Bulgarian rights lawyer laid out his preferred outcome last week in a crucial test of EU principle and resolve as the Kremlin aggressively pursues its perceived enemies at home and abroad.
• Russian Court Orders Release Of Former Mayor Charged With 'Discrediting Armed Forces' RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- A Russian court released former Yekaterinburg Mayor Yevgeny Roizman from detention but ordered him not to communicate with anyone without permission as it imposed pretrial restrictions a day after police arrested the outspoken Kremlin critic.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during a meeting with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, Moscow, August 25, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Aug 2022
• Global Shipping Container Suppliers China International Marine Containers and Maersk Container Industry Abandon Merger after Justice Department Investigation US Dept. of Justice 25 Aug 2022 -- Acquisition Would Have Combined Two of the Four Suppliers of Insulated Container Boxes and Refrigerated Shipping Containers in the World and Further Concentrated the Global Cold Supply Chain
• Ministry says US threatens global supply chain, after Washington adds 7 Chinese entities to export control list Global Times 25 Aug 2022 -- A spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) urged the US to immediately stop its erroneous practice of putting Chinese entities on its export control list, saying the move poses "a serious threat" to the stability of global supply and industrial chains, which will seriously hurt normal economic and trade cooperation between Chinese and US companies.
• From Kyiv To Bucharest: Has Chinese Influence Peaked In Eastern Europe? RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- In the early days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some officials and analysts raised the possibility of China playing a mediating role or even pushing Moscow to the negotiating table to help end the conflict.
• China Cancels 23 Loans to Africa Amid 'Debt Trap' Debate VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- A recent announcement by China that it is forgiving 23 loans for 17 African countries may be motivated by accusations of "debt-trap diplomacy," say some analysts.
• US Report Accuses China of Disinformation Campaign on Xinjiang VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- Members of the Uyghur diaspora are welcoming a U.S. State Department report on China's efforts to manipulate global opinion regarding its western Xinjiang region but say Beijing's approach is not new.
• UN human rights chief says overdue report on abuses in Xinjiang still not ready Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- The United Nations human rights chief said a long overdue report on rights abuses in western China's Xinjiang region may not be issued by the time she leaves her post on Aug. 31, prompting dismay among Uyghur advocacy groups and a U.S. call to release the document.
• Uyghur Mass Detention Report May Be Delayed Again VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Thursday cast doubt on whether she will release a long-awaited report on the mass incarceration of Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region before she leaves office on August 31.
• US double standards shown again in latest state department report; manipulation of Xinjiang-related affairs worth alert of all developing countries Global Times 25 Aug 2022 -- Should China just keep silent at all and refrain from making any legitimate response and clarification in face of the US' big lies on Xinjiang-related affairs? Chinese observers questioned the latest lengthy report the US State Department released on Thursday local time, which defamed China by accusing it of actively attempting to manipulate and dominate the global discourse on Xinjiang.
• Police stop mourners attending funeral of Jiang Zongcao, wife of former top CCP aide Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- Chinese police on Thursday prevented mourners from attending the funeral of Jiang Zongcao, the wife of former top ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aide Bao Tong, who has been a vocal critic of the regime for decades.
• Chinese prosecutors charge former senior official of Guangxi with bribery People's Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- A public prosecution has been instituted against Liu Hongwu, former vice chairman of the people's government of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. He is suspected of bribery, an official statement said on Thursday.
• China to build on policy package for stabilizing economy to firm up foundation for recovery, growth People's Daily 25 Aug 2022 -- China will adopt follow-up policies on top of the policy package for stabilizing the economy as part of intensified efforts to consolidate the foundation of economic recovery and growth, and send taskforces to localities to supervise and assist work on this front to promote policy implementation at a faster pace, according to the decision made at the State Council's Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.
• Chongqing residents queue for mass testing in searing heat as wildfires rage Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- Millions of residents of the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing are being ordered out to line up for mass COVID-19 tests across the city in a heatwave that has sparked a three-day-long wildfire in the nearby hills and dried up a major local river.
• Senator Marsha Blackburn arrives in Taiwan, escalating tensions with China Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- A US lawmaker on the Senate Commerce and Armed Services committees has landed in Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) on the third visit by an American dignitary this month, escalating further tensions with China.
• MOFA thanks allies for joint statement condemning Chinese threats CNA 25 Aug 2022 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed its gratitude on Thursday to 12 of Taiwan's diplomatic allies for issuing a joint statement calling on the international community to urge China to immediately cease its "dangerous actions" around Taiwan and refrain from making attempts to alter the status quo.
• U.S., China mum on high-level talks with rumored Taiwan focus CNA 25 Aug 2022 -- In an unusual move, a press readout was not issued for an Aug. 23 meeting between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and China's chief envoy in Washington Qin Gang (秦剛), which reportedly focused on Taiwan.
• KMT voices concerns over drills in meeting with Chinese official CNA 25 Aug 2022 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia (夏立言) on Wednesday expressed concerns of Taiwan's public over China's recent military live-fire drills around Taiwan during a meeting with China's top Taiwan affairs negotiator Zhang Zhijun (張志軍), the KMT said in a statement issued late that day.
• China warns Canada over planned visit by lawmakers to Taiwan Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- China has warned Canada over a planned visit by Canadian parliamentarians to Chinese Taipei, threatening to take "forceful measures" if Ottawa interferes in Beijing's affairs regarding the self-ruled island.
• Some Facts About Pelosi's Visit to Taiwan Global Times 25 Aug 2022 -- "Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi made a provocative visit to China's Taiwan region recently in disregard of the Chinese side's stern warnings."
• China lays out 11 facts to firmly rebut US chicanery on Taiwan question after Pelosi's provocative trip Global Times 25 Aug 2022 -- After China-US relations seriously worsen due to the provocative trip to Taiwan made by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month, Washington, instead of reflecting on its own mistakes and correcting them, continues to provoke China with the latest reported trip by US lawmakers to Taiwan on Thursday night.
• Yoon's Approach to North Korea Lacks Initial Strategy on Human Rights VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's "audacious initiative" needs to include the goal of improving human rights in North Korea, not necessarily in the beginning of potential negotiations but as the plan is put in place, according to experts, if Pyongyang is to agree give up its nuclear weapons.
• US Facing Pressure to Deny Iran's President Visa for UN Visit VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. government is facing pressure from Iranian Americans and others not to grant visas and provide protection for Iran's hard-line president, Ebrahim Raisi, and other Iranian officials expected to attend next month's session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City.
• Iran says 'very serious' about safeguards issues in talks to bring US back to compliance Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Iran is "very serious" about the remaining issues regarding the safeguards agreement in the midst of efforts to bring the US back to compliance with the 2015 nuclear accord.
• Iran Sells Possible Revival Of Nuclear Deal As 'Political Victory' Over West RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- During 16 months of acrimonious, indirect talks with the United States, Iran has underplayed the importance of restoring the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Israel Attacks Emerging Iran Deal VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. has reportedly weighed in on the latest proposal to revive an international nuclear deal with Iran. Israel's prime minister has slammed the pact as it appears to be taking shape, saying it won't stop Iran from becoming a nuclear state, and he warned that Israel will act to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon.
• FM: Iran serious on remaining NPT issues; repetition of IAEA baseless claims unacceptable IRNA 25 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that the Islamic Republic is serious on remaining NPT issues, and is at no cost ready to yield to IAEA baseless accusations, whenever they wish in collaboration with the Zionist regime.
• Protests Over Water Supplies Hit Iranian City Of Hamedan For Second Consecutive Day RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- Protesters in the western Iranian city of Hamedan have taken to the streets for the second day in a row to demonstrate against cuts in water supplies.
• Junta arrests former UK ambassador to Myanmar on immigration charges Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- Junta authorities have arrested former U.K. Ambassador to Myanmar Vicky Bowman and her husband, a Burmese former political prisoner, for allegedly violating the country's immigration laws, according to the military regime and a source with close ties to the couple.
• Court Extends Pre-Arrest Bail For Former Pakistani Prime Minister RFE/RL Gandhara 25 Aug 2022 -- A court in Pakistan has extended by one week the pre-arrest bail set for former Prime Minister Imran Khan over terrorism charges that have ignited political tensions in the country.
• Islamabad Court Releases Former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Bail, Local Media Report Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has granted interim bail to Imran Khan, Pakistan's former Prime Minister and chairman of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, who is facing charges over statements directed against senior police officials and a female judge at a PTI rally in Islamabad on August 20.
• Pakistan floods have affected over 30 million people: Official Press TV 25 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's climate change minister says record monsoon rains and ensuing flooding have affected more than 30 million people across the country.
• MEPs Call On Nur-Sultan To Release Political Prisoners, Stop Prosecution Of Unrest Victims RFE/RL 25 Aug 2022 -- The European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) has called on Kazakh authorities to release all political prisoners and stop the criminal prosecution of those who died during unrest in the Central Asian nation in January.
• Erdogan Reportedly Tells Campaign Team to Prepare for Presidential Election Sputnik 25 Aug 2022 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a surprise meeting of his campaign team and instructed them to start rigorous preparations for next year's presidential election, Turkish media reported on Thursday.
• PM call with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt: 25 August 2022 Gov.UK 25 Aug 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
• Even with Political Nemesis Prayuth on the Ropes, Thai Democracy Advocates Still Glum VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- The suspension of Thailand's unpopular prime minister, Prayuth Chan-O-Cha, was given a lukewarm welcome Thursday by pro-democracy forces, who say his replacement — another elderly ex-army chief — shows the same authoritarian players still dominate national politics.
• Tunisia's Islamists Face Uncertain Future VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- A decade after his triumphant return to Tunisia after years in political exile, Rached Ghannouchi is keenly aware that he and his Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party may again be pushed into the political wilderness.
• Angola's Ruling Party Leads in Provisional Vote Count VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- As a third of the vote results are released, Angola's ruling party, the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, or MPLA, has taken a commanding lead over its main political challenger, the National Union for the Liberation of Angola, UNITA.
• Sweden Campaigning Reflects Changing Political Landscape VOA 25 Aug 2022 -- Sweden's immigration policies are a big factor heading into elections next month on September 11th, when Swedes head to the polls to pick a new parliament, perhaps resulting in a new prime minister. The hard right Sweden Democrats party admits to having a neo-Nazi past and polls just ahead of the election show the party gaining political ground. Some observers say public concerns about Sweden's immigration policies could mean a previously unthinkable coalition between the far right and moderate forces is on the verge of forming.
• Lao villagers told to vacate their farms by month's end Radio Free Asia 25 Aug 2022 -- About 100 families from two villages in Champassak province in southern Laos were forced to give up 190 hectares (470 acres) of farmland to a company that will build a cassava processing plant after Lao soldiers threatened them if they did not comply, a local said.