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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Iranian UAV Creates Safety-of-Flight Risk to IKE Carrier Strike Group in Arabian Gulf US Navy 29 Nov 2023 -- Statement from the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper: "Today, Iranian unmanned aircraft took unsafe and unprofessional actions near USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) during the course of routine flight operations in international waters, Nov. 28.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Enters Agreement to Expand Domestic Graphite Supply Chain DoD 29 Nov 2023 -- The Department of Defense announced today a $3.2 million agreement with South Star Battery Metals Corporation (South Star) to support domestic production of Coated, Spheronized, Purified Graphite (CSPG) at their BamaStar Graphite Project (BGP) in Coosa County, Alabama.
• Ukraine Security Assistance Strengthens Nation's Defense Industrial Base DoD News 29 Nov 2023 -- Since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine last year, the United States has remained committed to providing the Ukrainian armed forces with the equipment and security assistance needed to fight off Russian invaders and secure their nation's sovereignty.
• U.S. military aircraft with 8 aboard crashes off SW Japanese island People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- A U.S. Osprey military transport aircraft carrying eight people crashed off Japan's southwestern island of Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture on Wednesday, local media reported.
• US Osprey Military Aircraft Crashes Into Sea Near Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan - Reports Sputnik 29 Nov 2023 -- A US's Osprey tiltrotor military aircraft with eight people on board has crashed into the sea near the Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan, media reported on Wednesday, citing the Japan Coast Guard.
• Japan, Republic of Korea, U.S. Navies Conduct Trilateral Maritime Exercise US Navy 29 Nov 2023 -- The U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), Nov. 26.
• Littoral Combat Ship, Unmanned Systems Pair Up to Advance Lethality in the Middle East US Navy 29 Nov 2023 -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) continues advancing lethality at sea, utilizing the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) as a staging base and command center for a host of unmanned systems during live weapons firing exercises in the international waters of the central Arabian Gulf, Nov. 27.
• Pentagon says has no money for Middle East buildup, forced to reassess US operations Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- The US military is lacking the funds needed for the Middle East buildup and involvement in the Israeli war on Gaza, the Pentagon has revealed, as the whole world is reacting to US participation in the Israeli atrocities against Palestinians.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps DoD 29 Nov 2023
• NETT Positive: Training the Next Generation for the ACV Era USMC News 29 Nov 2023 -- Since its 1775 establishment by the Continental Congress, the Marine Corps has been a force in transition. Initially serving as ship guards alongside the fledgling revolutionary Navy, Marines have left an indelible mark on our nation's history-- transforming into a versatile, expeditionary fighting force and distinguishing themselves in battles such as Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and Fallujah.
• Five Allies deploy jets to NATO's eastern flank for air policing NATO 29 Nov 2023 -- Fighter jets from Belgium, France, Germany, Poland and Türkiye will take up NATO air policing duties on the Alliance's eastern flank starting in December. The long-scheduled deployments demonstrate NATO Allies' commitment to support each other and strengthen the Alliance's collective defence.
• LLS Admiral Panteleyev, Pacific Fleet, leaves Kampong Saom, Cambodia Russia MoD 29 Nov 2023 -- The large anti-submarine ship Admiral Panteleyev of the Pacific Fleet has completed activities according to the business call plan and left the port of Kampong Saom, the Kingdom of Cambodia.
• Nuclear Submarines Priority for Russian Navy - Commander Sputnik 29 Nov 2023 -- The construction of multipurpose and strategic nuclear submarines is a priority for the Russian navy and shipbuilding industry, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Nikolai Yevmenov said on Wednesday.
• Statement by the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of Foreign Ministers NATO 29 Nov 2023
• Ukraine Seeking Increased Defense Production Among Allies VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for Western allies to ramp up defense production in order to ensure that Ukrainian forces have what they need to battle Russia's invasion.
• Zelenskiy Visits Southern Ukraine As Kuleba Presses Allies To Step Up Armaments Production RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met on November 29 with civilian and military authorities in Ukraine's southern region of Odesa, which has been a regular target for Russian strikes directed at its port installations critical for food exports.
• Blinken: 'No Fatigue' in NATO Support of Ukraine VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday there is "strong bipartisan support" for Ukraine in the United States and "no sense of fatigue" among NATO allies continuing their support as the country enters its second winter of war against Russia.
• Secretary General wraps up meeting of Foreign Ministers: "Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before" NATO 29 Nov 2023 -- NATO Foreign Ministers concluded two days of meetings in Brussels on Wednesday (29 November 2023), addressing support for Ukraine, preparations for the Washington Summit and pressing security challenges, including in the Western Balkans and NATO's southern neighbourhood.
• NATO supplies Ukraine with medical ventilators NATO 29 Nov 2023 -- NATO and Allies are helping to bring much-needed medical ventilators to Ukraine, to support emergency and intensive care units in hospitals around the country.
• Secretary General welcomes Ukraine's Foreign Minister to NATO Headquarters NATO 29 Nov 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (29 November 2023) for the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of foreign ministers.
• Deputy Minister Gerwel attends NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Nov 2023 -- On 29 November, Undersecretary of State Wojciech Gerwel took part in a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
• The Foreign Minister reaffirms Allied readiness to defend the entire territory of the Alliance and expresses support for Ukrainian integration into NATO Latvia MFA 29 Nov 2023 -- On 28 and 29 November 2023 in Brussels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krišjānis Kariņš, took part in the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
• Adding fuel to the fleet Australia DOD 29 Nov 2023 -- Two Australian warships contributed to the high tempo of a Japan-led maritime exercise in the Philippine Sea.
• Russia to deliver military aircraft to Iran People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Mehdi Farahi said the arrangements have been finalized for the delivery of a number of Russian military aircraft to Iran on Tuesday.
• Report dubs Iran-Russia arms deal a win-win IRNA 29 Nov 2023 -- US media Forbes has said that completing the Iran-Russia arms deal in a timely manner could become a win-win for both Moscow and Tehran.
• Commander: Army's ground force is self-sufficient in terms of combat power IRNA 29 Nov 2023 -- Commander of Iranian Army's Ground Force said that manufacturing the equipment and weapons needed in 23 ranks and defense components by Iranian experts has made this force self-sufficient in the field of combat power.
• Iran drones monitoring US vessels entering Persian Gulf ISNA 29 Nov 2023 -- A US aircraft carrier that entered Gulf waters was forced to change its course and land its helicopters after receiving a direct warning from Iranian naval forces, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy in Iran General Alireza Tangsiri said on Monday.
• Royal Canadian Navy in 'Critical State,' May Not Meet Commitments in 2024 - Top Admiral Sputnik 29 Nov 2023 -- The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is currently in a "critical state" due to major personnel shortages and may fail to meet its force posture commitments next year and beyond, commander Vice Adm. Angus Topshee stated.
• India's new aircraft carrier plan against China exposes its 'tunnel vision' Global Times 29 Nov 2023 -- India is reportedly set to acquire its second indigenous aircraft carrier to counter China, with analysts saying on Wednesday that being able to build one's own carriers is a great accomplishment, but building them only to "counter China" shows its tunnel vision.
• Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel Sajag arrives at Muscat, Oman as part of overseas deployment to West Asia India PIB 29 Nov 2023 -- The Indian Coast Guard Ship Sajag, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman, on November 29, 2023, for a three-day visit as part of the overseas deployment of ICG ships to West Asia
• Army Chief Addresses Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) :'Securing India's Economic Growth' India PIB 29 Nov 2023 -- The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande addressed members of the Pune International Centre, Observer Research Foundation, Officers, Veterans and other distinguished guests on 27 November 2023 at Pune on the commemoration of 8th PDNS of Pune International Centre (PIC).
• Create a culture of quality manufacturing for India to become a net defence exporter: Raksha Mantri to Indian defence manufacturers at DRDO Quality Conclave India PIB 29 Nov 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the Indian defence manufacturers to create a culture of quality in defence production, terming it as a prerequisite to compete in the international market
• The Baltic-Nordic cooperation to be strengthened in international organisations Latvia MFA 29 Nov 2023 -- On 28 November 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the annual meeting of the directors of departments responsible for the United Nations affairs in the Nordic countries and Baltic States (Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8) to exchange views on recent developments and closer coordination in the field of multilateral cooperation.
• A look at the Defence news 20-26 November Netherlands Ministry of Defence 29 Nov 2023
• Tsahkna in Brussels: we are ready to repel Russia's possible hybrid attack Estonia MFA 29 Nov 2023 -- Today, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended a meeting of Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers (NB8) in Brussels, held on the sidelines of the NATO ministerial meeting, addressing Russia's hybrid attack on Finland's border.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Osmani US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And North Macedonia Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Al Sabah US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Call with President Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates The White House 29 Nov 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger The White House 29 Nov 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor to the Vice President Philip Gordon's Travel to El Salvador The White House 29 Nov 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 29, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 29 November 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Nov 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 29th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 29 Nov 2023
• Announcement from the Prime Minister's Office Israel - Prime Minister 29 Nov 2023 -- The Government of Israel embraces the two hostages who were released as part of the phase expected today.
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 29 Nov 2023 -- ""From the start of the war, I set three goals: Eliminating Hamas, returning all of our hostages and ensuring that Gaza will never again go back to being a threat to the State of Israel. These three goals still stand."
• Far-right Israeli minister Ben-Gvir threatens to dissolve cabinet if Gaza bombing stops Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- Israel's so-called national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has threatened to dissolve the regime's incumbent administration if the devastating bombing campaign against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip stops.
• There is no way we are not going back to fighting in Gaza after end of pause: Netanyahu Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the regime will return to the war in Gaza after the end of a six-day ceasefire with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.
• Palestinian FM pleads for international protection, says nation faces 'existential threat' Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- The Palestinian foreign minister has pleaded with the world to provide international protection to the Palestinian people, who "are faced with an existential threat."
• Gaza health situation 'catastrophic' despite truce; hospitals buckle under shortage: Ministry Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- A senior health official in Gaza has raised the alarm over the dire situation of hospitals in the northern part of the besieged enclave despite a truce, describing it as "catastrophic" amid lack of medicine and fuel.
• Palestine Foreign Minister Calls for International Protection, Action to End Israeli Impunity Sputnik 29 Nov 2023 -- Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Riyad Al-Maliki called for international protection of Palestinians and for undertaking action to end Israeli impunity as well as prevent future war crimes and crimes against humanity that are taking place daily amid Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip.
• Israel Agrees to Extend Truce VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- Israel says it has agreed to extend the truce with Hamas for at least one more day.
• 6th phase of prisoner exchange kicks off as part of Gaza truce deal IRNA 29 Nov 2023 -- The sixth phase of a prisoner exchange between the Israeli regime and Palestine's Hamas Resistance Movement has got underway as part of an extended truce that paused seven weeks of relentless airstrikes by the regime on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Israel-Hamas Truce Reaches 6th Day Amid Push for Extension VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas reached its sixth day Wednesday, with the two sides expected to release more hostages and prisoners while negotiators pushed for extending the deal.
• 30 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel on 5th day of truce People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- A bus carrying 30 Palestinian prisoners departed on Tuesday evening from the Israeli Ofer prison, which is located near the West Bank city of Ramallah, said a Xinhua reporter on-site.
• Hamas releases 5th batch of hostages from Gaza People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, handed over 10 Israeli hostages to the International Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday evening, after the truce in the Gaza Strip was extended for a fifth day.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on the Middle East UN Secretary-General 29 Nov 2023
• Humanitarian assistance reaches UNRWA shelters in northern Gaza for the first time since the war began UNRWA 29 Nov 2023
• World must not look away from humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, UN chief tells Security Council UN News 29 Nov 2023 -- The UN Security Council met intensively through Wednesday morning in New York on the Middle East crisis. It was the first open meeting since the 15-member body passed a resolution in mid-November and the first featuring foreign ministers from across the region and beyond.
• Israel-Palestine crisis: Gaza City a 'ghost town', reports UN aid agency UN News 29 Nov 2023 -- Amid hopes of a deal to extend the pause in fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported that humanitarian assistance had reached its shelters in northern Gaza for first time since war erupted last month.
• UN affirms solidarity with the Palestinian people on International Day UN News 29 Nov 2023 -- From New York to Jerusalem and beyond, United Nations offices on Wednesday commemorated the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
• UN Chief: 'We Must Not Look Away' From Gaza 'Catastrophe' VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- The U.N. secretary-general called Wednesday for Israel and Hamas to prolong a temporary truce, saying a "true humanitarian cease-fire" is needed in the eight-week-old war.
• UN food agency warns Gaza at risk of famine after weeks-long Israeli bombardment Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- The UN World Food Program (WFP) has warned of the possibility of a famine in the Israeli-bombarded Gaza Strip, stressing that supplies are woefully insufficient to address the hunger levels observed by WFP staff in the UN shelters and communities.
• UN Chief Says Conflict Has Forced Over 80% of Gazans Out of Homes Sputnik 29 Nov 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that over 80% of Gaza residents have been forced to leave their homes amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Number of People Living in Shelters Across Gaza Strip Reaches 1.3Mln - WHO Sputnik 29 Nov 2023 -- As many as 1.3 million people are living in shelters in the Gaza Strip with limited access to basic needs and the looming risk of disease outbreaks due to poor living conditions and a lack of basic health care, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday.
• Hamas Hostage Families Urge US Lawmakers to Continue Negotiations VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- Families of hostages still held by Hamas urged U.S. lawmakers Wednesday not to let up on negotiations for their release.
• Supreme Leader: Israeli regime's crimes in Gaza damaged West's reputation for good IRNA 29 Nov 2023 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei referred to the effects of the Al-Aqsa storm operation, saying that the Zionist regime's brutal action against the people of Gaza damaged the reputation of the civilization and culture of the West.
• Iran calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza ISNA 29 Nov 2023 -- "Amir Saeid Iravani" Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Islamic Republic of Iran to United Nations said: Our meetings today indeed represent the long-standing support of the international community for the full realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. It is my delegation's pleasure to commend the Committee for providing us with updates on the Palestinian Question, as illustrated by the second chapter of its report. I also wish to express my delegation's gratitude to the Vice-Chair and Rapporteur of the Committee, for providing an in-depth briefing.
• Aqsa Storm laid bare inefficiency of Israeli military systems, erosion of its army capabilities: Iran cmdr. Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- A high-ranking Iranian military commander says Operation al-Aqsa Storm launched by Gaza-based resistance factions against Israel laid bare the inefficiency of the occupying regime's military systems, and the erosion of its armed forces' capabilities.
• Leader: Hamas' Al-Aqsa Storm, mainly anti-Israeli, upended US political agenda in region Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the historic Hamas' Al-Aqsa Storm was mainly against the Zionist regime, but was able to disrupt the table of American policies in the region and will hopefully erase the "agenda."
• US, Israel 'main losers' of Gaza war, 'incapable' of eliminating Hamas: Iran Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister says the United States and Israel have failed to eradicate the Palestinian Hamas resistance group and lost their war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• We must collectively create the opportunity for more pauses in Gaza: Lord Ahmad's statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 29 Nov 2023 -- Statement by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon at the United Nations Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
• Chinese FM reiterates China's stance on Palestine-Israel issue before chairing UN high-level meeting Global Times 29 Nov 2023 -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi reiterated the country's stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, before chairing a UN Security Council high-level meeting on the issue. Wang stressed that China stands firmly on the side of peace, and called for a complete cease-fire, as well as the implementation of a two-state solution as soon as possible.
• Hamas discovers identity of scores of Israeli spies during al-Aqsa operation IRNA 29 Nov 2023 -- The representative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement in Tehran has announced that during Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, the Palestinian resistance movements succeeded in seizing Israeli intelligence servers that saved many names of spies for the regime such as infiltrators in the Gaza Strip and even Iran.
• Hamas working to extend truce in Gaza, Israel unable to impose military solution: Top official Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- A top Hamas official says the Palestinian resistance movement is engaged in intensive talks with various mediators to extend the pause in the fighting in the Gaza Strip, stressing that Israel cannot impose a military solution either on the conflict in the enclave or on tensions escalating across the West Bank.
• Hamas Military Wing Says Released 2 Russian Citizens in Response to Request of Moscow Sputnik 29 Nov 2023 -- The military wing of the Palestinian movement Hamas, Al Qassam Brigades said on Wednesday that it released two Russian citizens in response to Moscow's request.
• Resistance operation exposed Israeli spy network inside Iran: Islamic Jihad Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- The Islamic Jihad has said the operation staged by the Gaza Strip's resistance movements against the occupied territories last month led to the exposure of the Israeli regime's espionage network inside Iran.
• Jenin Brigade confronts Israeli army, targets military vehicles ISNA 29 Nov 2023 -- The resistance confronts the occupation's raid into the city of Jenin and its camp in the West Bank, declaring the defeat of the Israeli forces following armed confrontations and the deployment of bullets and explosive devices against them.
• Israeli forces conduct extensive raid against Jenin: Reports Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- The Israeli regime's forces have reportedly embarked on an extensive raid against the city of Jenin and its refugee camp in the north of the occupied West Bank.
• Israeli shipping company changes routes of vessels amid Yemen retaliation over Gaza IRNA 29 Nov 2023 -- Israel's cargo shipping company, ZIM, has announced plans to change the maritime routes of its vessels amid threats by Yemeni armed forces to target Israeli-linked ships in response to the regime's crimes against Palestinians in Gaza.
• Ansarallah says fate of seized Israeli ship depends on Palestinian resistance options IRNA 29 Nov 2023 -- Spokesman for Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement Mohammad Abdul-Salam has said that the fate of the seized Israeli ship in the Red Sea depends on the options of the Palestinian resistance.
• Israeli firm re-routes ships to avoid possible attacks by Yemeni forces Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- A major Israeli shipping company has decided to change the route its ships sail through, amid threats by Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement that it will target vessels linked to the Israeli regime amid the war on Gaza.
• ICRC appeals for urgent assistance to meet humanitarian needs in war-ravaged Gaza Press TV 29 Nov 2023 -- A spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by the devastating Israeli military onslaught in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Other Conflicts

• Afghans Face Abuses in Pakistan, US Announces Hotline VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- Pakistani police are facing accusations of unlawfully detaining, beating, extorting and sexually harassing Afghan refugees as part of a coercive campaign aimed at compelling them to return to their home country.
• Taliban Say Afghan Embassy in India Set to Resume Operations Soon VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- A senior Taliban government official has stated its representatives have taken control of Afghanistan's diplomatic missions in India, including the embassy in New Delhi.
• Chinese officials, experts call for regional countries to work together to safeguard peace and stability in South China Sea Global Times 29 Nov 2023 -- Chinese officials and international experts called for a clearer understanding of international law and the scientific use of legal means to protect China's maritime sovereignty and rights, amid the complex situation in the South and East China seas, at the International Symposium on Maritime Dispute Settlement and International Law, which was held in Beijing.
• Security forces kill 2 terrorists in SW Pakistan: military People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- Pakistani security forces conducted an operation in the country's southwestern Kalat district and killed two terrorists on Tuesday, said the military.
• UN envoy calls for de-escalation in Syria People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi on Tuesday called for urgent de-escalation in Syria and warned of the spillover of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Shootout in central Myanmar kills 4 at restaurant Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- A shootout in central Myanmar between junta forces and locals killed four men, residents said on Wednesday.

News Reports

• Henry Kissinger, Former Top US Diplomat Under Nixon, Dies at 100 VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- Henry Kissinger, who died Wednesday at the age of 100, personified U.S. foreign policy during the Nixon and Ford administrations, serving as secretary of state under both presidents and inviting both praise for his diplomatic successes and controversy for his calculating political view of the world.
• Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger dies at 100 Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- Henry Kissinger, a veteran strategist who wielded major influence on U.S. foreign policy for decades after he served as top diplomat under President Richard Nixon, died Wednesday at the age of 100, his consulting firm said.
• U.S. Attorney Announces Charges In Connection With Foiled Plot To Assassinate U.S. Citizen In New York City U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York 29 Nov 2023 -- Indian Government Employee Directed a Plot From India to Murder U.S.-Based Leader of Sikh Separatist Movement
• US Alleges Indian Government Officer Directed Assassination Plot VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- A man who claimed to be a "senior field officer" for an Indian intelligence agency has been accused by U.S. federal prosecutors of orchestrating a foiled assassination plot against an American citizen who is the leader of Sikh separatist movement.
• Xi, Biden among notable absences as COP28 set to begin in Dubai Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- More than 70,000 dignitaries from across the world gather on Thursday to attend the largest-ever COP28 as Dubai plays host, marking a historic moment for a major oil-producing nation taking the reins of the United Nations climate change summit.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 29, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Nov 2023
• Press release on the online-meeting between the Envoy of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in the Field of Information Security, Director of the Department of International Information Security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Artur Lyukmanov, and UN Under-Secretary- General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Nov 2023
• Is The OSCE Meeting In Skopje A Triumph For Russia? RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- There were two big questions looming over the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial meeting in Skopje, which on November 30-December 1 will bring together the foreign ministers from the 57 members of the Vienna-based security body.
• Former U.S. Marine Whelan Assaulted In Russian Prison RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) said on November 29 that Paul Whelan, a U.S. citizen who is serving a 16-year espionage sentence in a Russian prison, was assaulted by another inmate, an attack prison officials said was sparked by "political differences" but that Whelan's family said was likely prompted by anti-American sentiment.
• Revealed: The Kremlin-Connected Russians Employed By Europe's Top Security Body RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- Just two days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko addressed the lower chamber of parliament on what would become the Kremlin's initial steps to annex territory in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• Hospitals across China grapple with respiratory illnesses surge Global Times 29 Nov 2023 -- From providing more beds for pneumonia treatment and allocating more manpower to extending working hours, hospitals across China are grappling with a surge in cases of respiratory illnesses in children, especially a spike in mycoplasma pneumonia.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on November 29, 2023 PRC MofA 29 Nov 2023
• China, Australia should be 'cautious of destructive forces' as ties improve Global Times 29 Nov 2023 -- Senior Chinese official Liu Jianchao delivered an overall positive speech on China-Australia ties at a university in Sydney local time on Tuesday, but also urged that "great prudence" is needed for Australian vessels following a recent spat, which reflects China's goodwill to revive relations while maintaining a firm stance on core interests, analysts said on Wednesday.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Is The Middle Corridor Set To Take Off? RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023
• Mailing channels should be strictly prevented being used to carry out activities that compromise national security: ministry Global Times 29 Nov 2023 -- In 2022, China's express delivery volume reached 110.58 billion units, with international express delivery volume exceeding 2 billion units and while the flow of each express package reflects the Chinese people's pursuit of a better life and releases strong development momentum, each delivery is also closely tied to national security, China's Ministry of State Security said in an article released on Wednesday, noting that it is necessary to strictly prevent criminals using mailing channels to carry out activities that could compromise national security.
• Xi: Bolster rule of law in foreign affairs People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has highlighted the significance of strengthening China's foreign-related legal system and its capacity in alignment with the nation's high-quality development and opening-up.
• China to achieve 5-pct annual growth target: central bank governor People's Daily 29 Nov 2023 -- China's economy has, on the whole, continued to gain momentum in recovery, and is expected to achieve the 5 percent growth target for the whole year, People's Bank of China (PBOC) governor Pan Gongsheng said here Tuesday.
• KMT vice president pick could be double-edged sword, analysts warn CNA 29 Nov 2023 -- "If elected, I won't be a voiceless vice president," declared Jaw Shau-kong (趙少康), the once political "golden boy," shortly after being named as the Kuomintang's (KMT) vice presidential candidate on the last day of registration for Taiwan's 2024 presidential election.
• 'Taiwan independence' incompatible with cross-Straits peace, a source of instability in Asia-Pacific region: mainland spokesperson Global Times 29 Nov 2023 -- "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Straits and is a source of instability in the Asia-Pacific region. If we want to bring cross-Straits relations back to the correct track of peaceful development and ensure the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits, we must return to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, Chen Binhua, spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference on Wednesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Nov. 29, 2023 ROC MND 29 Nov 2023
• N Korea closes diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, DR Congo: reports Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- In a further shutdown of diplomatic missions, North Korea has been closing down its embassies in Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo, media reports showed.
• Kim Jong Un's daughter has a new lofty title Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- The daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has received a new official title - "Morning Star of Korea" - that seemingly casts her as heir apparent to succeed her father, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Sanctioning Virtual Currency Mixer that Facilitated DPRK Laundering of Stolen Funds US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2023 -- The United States is sanctioning virtual currency mixer Sinbad.io (Sinbad) today for its role in processing millions of dollars' worth of virtual currency stolen by the U.S.-designated Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored malicious cyber actor group of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• Treasury Sanctions Mixer Used by the DPRK to Launder Stolen Virtual Currency US Treasury 29 Nov 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Sinbad.io (Sinbad), a virtual currency mixer that serves as a key money-laundering tool of the OFAC-designated Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored cyber hacking group of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Sinbad has processed millions of dollars' worth of virtual currency from Lazarus Group heists, including the Horizon Bridge and Axie Infinity heists. Sinbad is also used by cybercriminals to obfuscate transactions linked to malign activities such as sanctions evasion, drug trafficking, the purchase of child sexual abuse materials, and additional illicit sales on darknet marketplaces.
• Special Representative for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim's Video Conference with People's Republic of China (PRC) Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2023 -- Special Representative for the DPRK Sung Kim held a videoconference on October 30 with PRC Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu Xiaoming to discuss the DPRK's increasingly destabilizing and escalatory behavior, DPRK military cooperation with Russia, and recent reports of the repatriation of DPRK nationals by the PRC.
• New U.S. Sanctions Target Illicit Financial Networks Set Up To Benefit Iranian Military RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions on more than 20 people and firms that the U.S. Treasury Department says have been involved in a "financial facilitation network" for the benefit of the Iranian military.
• Designating Financial Facilitation Networks that Benefit Iran's Military US Dept. of State 29 Nov 2023 -- The United States is imposing sanctions today on over twenty individuals and entities involved in a financial facilitation network that benefits Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force.
• Treasury Targets Large Iranian Military Financial Facilitation Networks US Treasury 29 Nov 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned over 20 individuals and entities for their involvement in financial facilitation networks for the benefit of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and Iranian Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS), and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). Iran generates the equivalent of billions of dollars via commodity sales to fund its destabilizing regional activities and support of multiple regional proxy groups, including Hamas and Hizballah. MODAFL, the AFGS and the IRGC-QF utilize intricate networks of foreign-based front companies and brokers to enable these illicit commercial activities and exploit the international financial system.
• Classified Document On Iran's 'Hijab Guards' Unveils Government Cover-Up RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- For many commuters in the Iranian capital, navigating the subway system means passing through "tunnels of horror."
• Rights Group Says Iranian Political Prisoner Karimi Executed Along With Six Others RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- Ayoub Karimi, an Iranian-Kurdish prisoner of conscience who has been held in Qezelhesar prison in Karaj for the past 14 years, was executed on November 29, according to human rights watchdogs.
• Iranian Sports Federation Chief Removed After Athlete's Hijab Violation At Competition RFE/RL 29 Nov 2023 -- The head of Iran's Deaf Sports Federation has been dismissed after at least one female athlete from Kazakhstan did not wear attire that adhered to the Islamic republic's strict dress code during an event while male officials and referees were in attendance.
• Pakistani Court Overturns Conviction of Former PM Nawaz Sharif VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- Islamabad's High Court overturned a corruption conviction for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday, a decision that puts him closer to being able to run for elections in February.
• Myanmar court jails former minister for decade over social media posts Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- A court in Yangon's Insein Prison sentenced Myanmar's former Information Minister Ye Htut to 10 years in prison Wednesday following a trial highlighting the ruling junta's clampdown on online dissent, sources with ties to the facility told RFA Burmese.
• Belarus: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the regime's latest attacks on democratic forces European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Nov 2023 -- On Tuesday, the authorities in Minsk unleashed a new wave of persecution against the members of the democratic forces in Belarus. The attacks are aimed at intimidating and eliminating potential political opponents, especially ahead of the parliamentary elections in February next year.
• EU-Türkiye: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the adoption of the joint report on the state of play of bilateral political, economic and trade relations European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Nov 2023
• Press remarks by High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Várhelyi on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations European Commission 29 Nov 2023
• The Commission and the High Representative present a strategic and forward-looking report on the state of play of EU-Türkiye relations European Commission 29 Nov 2023 -- Today, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication on the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations, following up to the task set out by the European Council of 29-30 June 2023.
• North Macedonia/OSCE: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after meeting with Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski European External Action Service (EEAS) 29 Nov 2023
• EU allocates emergency humanitarian aid for floods in Horn of Africa European Commission 29 Nov 2023 -- The Commission has mobilised additional humanitarian aid funding of €3.5 million for those affected by devastating floods in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.
• Vietnam lawmakers pass law creating new grassroots security force Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- Vietnam's National Assembly on Monday approved a law consolidating volunteer civil defense team leaders, residential ward lookouts and part-time commune police officers into a local security force that will have arrest powers, uniforms and local offices.
• World News in Brief: South Sudan aid plan, rising cost of healthy eating, Europe's diabetes burden UN News 29 Nov 2023 -- Humanitarians have launched a $1.8 billion plan to support six million people in South Sudan next year, the United Nations has reported.
• Malaysia's Prime Minister Gets Mixed Reviews After One Year in Power VOA 29 Nov 2023 -- Little more than a year after becoming Malaysia's prime minister in late-November 2022, Anwar Ibrahim is getting mixed reviews from political analysts.