News

News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1. North Korea and leader Kim Jong Un yet to react to Joe Biden's victory

2. Moon sends congratulatory message to Biden, says he has 'great expectations' for alliance's future

3. Moon to seek new teamwork with Biden over N. Korea, 'top-down' diplomacy in doubt

4. Biden to give S. Korea more 'room' in inter-Korean policy: experts

5. Biden's victory raises hope for swift defense cost-sharing deal, stable USFK presence

6. How might Biden deal with Korea?  Ambassador Robert R. King

7. Foreign ministry vows continued efforts with incoming U.S. gov't for stronger alliance

8. Kim Yo-Jong Involved in Statement About Shooting of South Korean Official: Report

9. North Koreans Reject New Anti-Smoking Law, Criticize Leader Kim Jong Un as Chain Smoker

10. Amidst The Pandemic, Korea Ensures That The Grand Show Goes On! – COMEUP 2020 Organizing Committee Announces The Final Plan

11. Korean politicians to strengthen ties with Biden

1. North Korea and leader Kim Jong Un yet to react to Joe Biden's victory

straitstimes.com

I do not think his reaction will be a tweet or a letter.  It may be something more visible.  What happens when he conducts some kind of test during the transition period?  Are we prepared to deal with that?

2. Moon sends congratulatory message to Biden, says he has 'great expectations' for alliance's future

en.yna.co.kr · by 이치동 · November 8, 2020

Here is my retweet of President Moon's congratulatory tweet.  The intent of my comments is to advocate for the Moon administration to re-examine (and revise) its assumptions about the nature of the Kim family regime and to focus on a solution to the  "Korea question" which is the unnatural division of the potential as the only way we are going to see an end to north Korea's nuclear program and its crimes against humanities and finally free the Korean people living in the north.

3. Moon to seek new teamwork with Biden over N. Korea, 'top-down' diplomacy in doubt

en.yna.co.kr · by 이치동 · November 8, 2020

I think we must remember that Kim Jong-un has a vote.  In many ways he has THE vote on what happens in terms of negotiations and diplomacy.  The US nor the ROK can produce a magic or silver bullet that will cause the Kim family regime to change its spots and become some that it is not - such as a responsible member of the international community.  While Moon and perhaps the Biden team might want to pursue a bottom up diplomatic approach, we cannot forget the nature of the Kim family regime is about central control and everything in the north is "top-down."

4. Biden to give S. Korea more 'room' in inter-Korean policy: experts

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · November 8, 2020

This: "Experts said South Korea should mobilize every possible diplomatic capacity before Washington's North Korea policy shapes up, to persuade Biden to engage with the North and keep the momentum for cross-border exchanges and cooperation alive."

Actually, the Moon administration needs to re-examine its north Korea policy, and as I will continue to emphasize, especially its assumptions about north Korea.  It needs to spend less time trying to influence or shape a Biden Korea policy and instead get its house in order.

5. Biden's victory raises hope for swift defense cost-sharing deal, stable USFK presence

en.yna.co.kr · by 오석민 · November 8, 2020

The Moon administration must refrain from unrealistic wishful thinking. There are alliance issues that must be solved and just because there will be a change in a US administration they are not going to disappear.  Yes the SMA stalemate is a huge one but there are issues that impact on it such as the decline in available use of training areas (e.g., Rodriguez range) that is going to increase US training costs if US forces have to leave the peninsula to conduct qualification training.  I am sure the Biden national security team like the Trump national security team will continue to emphasize the importance of the conditions based OPCON transition process.  The THAAD issue and logistic support to the soldiers manning the battery must be resolved.  A new Biden national security team will not hand wave these issues.  They need to be resolved through comprehensive negotiations keeping our shared interests, shared values, and shared strategy in the forefront. 

6. How might Biden deal with Korea?  Ambassador Robert R. King

asiatimes.com · by Robert R King · November 8, 2020

Interesting anecdote.  I have to admit that I never watched West Wing.

7. Foreign ministry vows continued efforts with incoming U.S. gov't for stronger alliance

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · November 8, 2020

Minister Kang will have an interesting visit to DC this week.  But there are still 73 days of transition and she will need to work closely with the current national security team because we should not forget that Kim Jong-un may very well act out during this time.

8. Kim Yo-Jong Involved in Statement About Shooting of South Korean Official: Report

The National Interest · by Stephen Silver · November 7, 2020

So how much political power does she really have?

9. North Koreans Reject New Anti-Smoking Law, Criticize Leader Kim Jong Un as Chain Smoker

rfa.org – 6 November 2020

Could an anti-smoking law contribute to resistance potential inside north Korea?

10. Amidst The Pandemic, Korea Ensures That The Grand Show Goes On! – COMEUP 2020 Organizing Committee Announces The Final Plan

asiatechdaily.com · by AsiaTechDaily Writer · November 7, 2020

Interesting concept.

11. Korean politicians to strengthen ties with Biden

The Korea Times · November 8, 2020

My caution to the Biden national security team, beware Moon Chung-uin.  He does not have the best interests of the ROK/US alliance at heart.  He truly wants US forces to leave the peninsula and he wants to appease north Korea.  Do not be taken in by how well he speaks English and his charisma. 

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.

Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.

I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.

All my life through, the new sights of Nature make me rejoice like a child.”

-Madame Marie Curie

“You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once.”

- Robert A. Heinlein

Seventy-three years ago this week—on November 11, 1947:

"Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise.

Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."

Ever since, however, this observation has been presented in a simplified way:

"Democracy is the worst form of Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

- Winston Churchill

News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1. What Chinese and Asian soft power teaches the West

2. Report on World Geography and U.S. Strategy

3. 2020 election reveals two broad voting coalitions fundamentally at odds

4. Chaotic US election stress tests global economy

5. Fighting the CENTCOM OIF Campaign Plan: Lessons for the Future Battlefield

6. AFP, Facebook team up vs terror (Philippines)

7. Western Economies Embrace State Intervention, Emulating Asia

8. Can the world stop China's surge into biological warfare?

9. Cancel culture vs. toleration: The consequences of punishing dissent

10. Head of nuclear weapons agency unexpectedly resigns

11. USAID deputy leader ousted in staff shakeup amid vote counting

12. QAnon Is Winning: Conspiracy thinking in America had a huge night on Tuesday.

13. Capitalism After the Pandemic: Getting the Recovery Right

14. Incendiary texts traced to outfit run by top Trump aide

15. Shuttering Asymmetric Warfare Group and Red Team is the 'wrong direction,' retired Army three-star says

16. Taiwan's Overall Defense Concept, Explained

1. What Chinese and Asian soft power teaches the West

asiatimes.com · by Andrew Salmon · November 7, 2020

Excerpts:

While digital China looks set to remain walled off from the globe, the rest of cybersphere is seeing digital frontiers evaporate. "We are seeing the rise of a borderless culture and economy, and young people don't care about the nation it's from. They say, 'That is so cool, I am now a fan'," Bang said.

But speaking geographically, Bang likes the look of Southeast Asia.

"ASEAN is the next place that is going to rise, it is a huge market, it is not to be scoffed at," she said, citing the Malaysian animation Egen Ali. "He is this Muslim detective who is loved all over the region," she said. "And we are seeing some great Malaysian hip hop."

2. Report on World Geography and U.S. Strategy

news.usni.org · November 6, 2020

The CRS report can be accessed here: https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/20402600/if10485.pdf

Key excerpts from report: 

Consistent with a goal of being able to conduct sustained, large-scale military operations in Eurasia or the oceans and airspace surrounding Eurasia, the United States also stations significant numbers of forces and supplies in forward locations in Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Indo-Pacific.

The United States is the only country in the world that designs its military to depart one hemisphere, cross broad expanses of ocean and air space, and then conduct sustained, large-scale military operations upon arrival in another hemisphere. The other countries in the Western Hemisphere do not design their forces to do this because they cannot afford to, and because the United States is, in effect, doing it for them. Countries in the other hemisphere do not design their forces to do this for the very basic reason that they are already in the other hemisphere, and consequently instead spend their defense money primarily on forces that are tailored largely for influencing events in their own local regions of that hemisphere. (Some countries, such as Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France, have an ability to deploy forces to distant locations, but only on a much smaller scale.)

3. 2020 election reveals two broad voting coalitions fundamentally at odds

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/11/06/2020-election-reveals-two-broad-voting-coalitions-fundamentally-at-odds/?utm_source – by Claudia Deane and John Gramlich – 6 November 2020

We should think hard about this and, regardless of which camp or tribe you fall into or are a part of, ask if we are still committed to making our great American experiment work?  Are we committed to the true and fundamental ideals and ideas upon which our nation was founded (not the ideas and ideals espoused by the revisionists)?

4. Chaotic US election stress tests global economy

asiatimes.com – by William Pesek

Conclusion: "All this means markets hoping for clarity in Washington could be in for a long, stressful and financially turbulent Trumpian wait."

5. Fighting the CENTCOM OIF Campaign Plan: Lessons for the Future Battlefield

mwi.usma.edu · by Kevin Benson · November 6, 2020

We can always learn something about campaign planning and campaigning from Kevin Benson.

6. AFP, Facebook team up vs terror (Philippines)

philstar.com · by Romina Cabrera

7. Western Economies Embrace State Intervention, Emulating Asia

WSJ · by Tom Fairless and Stella Yifan Xie

Is this really something new?  I think governments have been pretty interventionist for a long time... (forever?)

8. Can the world stop China's surge into biological warfare?

http://www.washingtontimes.com

Short answer. No.

Excerpt: We have to take seriously China's thinking about military applications of biological warfare, including specific "ethnic genetic attacks." By broadening the concept of biowarfare - which it labels one of the principal domains of war - into fields such as genomics, the study of human DNA, China intends to create weapons based on genomic data. The concept is not fanciful.

9. Cancel culture vs. toleration: The consequences of punishing dissent

Big Think · November 4, 2020

Cancel culture must stop.

Conclusion: This is what cancel culture robs society of - the healthy and essential practice of toleration, without which pluralism and a peaceful society cannot be sustained.

10. Head of nuclear weapons agency unexpectedly resigns

Defense News · by Aaron Mehta · November 6, 2020

11. USAID deputy leader ousted in staff shakeup amid vote counting

The Hill · by Laura Kelly · November 6, 2020

12. QAnon Is Winning: Conspiracy thinking in America had a huge night on Tuesday.

defenseone.com · by Kaitlyn Tiffany – 7 November 2020

It so pains me to read this: "QAnon is not just on the internet anymore; it's in the U.S. Capitol. It is not just a conspiracy theory anymore; it's a voting bloc. And it is not going anywhere."

13. Capitalism After the Pandemic: Getting the Recovery Right

Foreign Affairs · by Mariana Mazzucato · October 28, 2020

Excerpts:

When the public and private sectors come together in pursuit of a common mission, they can do extraordinary things. This is how the United States got to the moon and back in 1969. For eight years, NASA and private companies in sectors as varied as aerospace, textiles, and electronics collaborated on the Apollo program, investing and innovating together. Through boldness and experimentation, they achieved what President John F. Kennedy called "the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked." The point was not to commercialize certain technologies or even to boost economic growth; it was to get something done together.

More than 50 years later, in the midst of a global pandemic, the world has a chance to attempt an even more ambitious moonshot: the creation of a better economy. This economy would be more inclusive and sustainable. It would emit less carbon, generate less inequality, build modern public transport, provide digital access for all, and offer universal health care. More immediately, it would make a COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone. Creating this type of economy will require a type of public-private collaboration that hasn't been seen in decades.

Some who talk about recovering from the pandemic cite an appealing goal: a return to normalcy. But that is the wrong target; normal is broken. Rather, the goal should be, as many have put it, to "build back better." Twelve years ago, the financial crisis offered a rare opportunity to change capitalism, but it was squandered. Now, another crisis has presented another chance for renewal. This time, the world cannot afford to let it go to waste.

14. Incendiary texts traced to outfit run by top Trump aide

AP · by FRANK BAJAK and GARANCE BURKE · November 7, 2020

Of course if I were advising a subversive organization that was in opposition to the Trump campaign, I might contract this service and send out inflammatory messages that appear to be in support of the campaign in order to try to discredit it.  And of course, if I were advising supporters of the Trump campaign, I would advise them not do something like this that is so blatantly obvious and wrong.

15.  Shuttering Asymmetric Warfare Group and Red Team is the 'wrong direction,' retired Army three-star says

armytimes.com · by Kyle Rempfer · November 4, 2020

It seems to me the AWG and the Red Team course are organizations and programs that apply well to both IW and traditional warfare.  And I am sure they are worth the very minimal investment to sustain them.  The title mentions Red Team, but the text discussed the Rapid Equipping Force.  We know the Army is closing the Red Team program at Ft Leavenworth as well

This is from 2007 and is reaffirmed in the new IW annex to the NDS.

It is DoD policy that IW is as strategically important as traditional warfare and DoD must be equally capable in both. Many of the capabilities and skills required for IW are applicable to traditional warfare, but their role in IW can be

proportionally greater. (DoDD 3000.07 "Irregular Warfare")

16.  Taiwan's Overall Defense Concept, Explained

thediplomat.com · November 3, 2020

I was fortunate to attend a working group with the Taiwan Army that was led by our Army's Asymmetric Warfare Group.  Taiwan absolutely must take an asymmetric approach to its defense.

"Never appeal to a man's better nature. He may not have one. Invoking his self-interest gives you more leverage."

- Robert A. Heinlein

Helmuth von Moltke: "No plan survives first contact with the enemy."

Bob Leonhard: "A plan that doesn't survive first contact with the enemy is called 'a bad plan.' You shouldn't be a planner. Fire your G2. Learn about decision matrices."

"A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot."

- Robert A. Heinlein, Friday

News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1. Pyonghattanite: Why I Left North Korea?

2. North Korea and Biological Weapons: Assessing the Evidence

3. Peeking under the shroud of North Korea's Monster Missile

4. Suspected North Korean hackers who targeted job applicants prove more ambitious than first believed

5. Unification minister urges N.K. not to heighten tensions to test incoming U.S. administration

6. Experts call for new U.S. gov't to craft viable approach to N.K. nukes

7. 'Biden fully ready to invest in N. Korea denuclearization'

8. South Korea Lost Track of North Korean Defector Who Crossed DMZ

9. S. Korea, China agree to cut fishing in EEZs

10.  S. Korea's new coronavirus cases reduced to double digits

11. Defense minister meets brother of S. Korean official killed by N. Korea

12. U.N. chief Guterres calls for intensified efforts to engage with N. Korea

13. How Did a Floating Australian "Party Resort" End Up in North Korea?

14. South Korea, Japan, US discuss Korean peninsula, US election & COVID in recent talks

1. Pyonghattanite: Why I Left North Korea?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5AoGDxLGuU

Another powerful video from our friend Seo Hyun Lee in which she describes the truly evil nature of the Kim Family Regime.  Please take 5 minutes to watch this.  We will never truly understand what it is like to live in north Korea but Ms. Lee can help us to have some knowledge about it.

2. North Korea and Biological Weapons: Assessing the Evidence

38north.org · by Elisa D. Harris

The 18 page report can be downloaded here: https://www.38north.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/38-North-SR-2011-Elisa-Harris_North-Korea-Biological-Weapons-Assessment.pdf

Sigh.... this conclusion makes me think of Sun Tzu - "Never assume your enemy will not attack. Make yourself invincible."

In the final analysis, North Korea may once have had and may still be pursuing a biological weapons capability. It is also possible that North Korea never moved beyond R&D on biological agents and the establishment of a biotechnical infrastructure that could support future BW production. It is also possible that the North Korean program never moved beyond planning or, whatever its previous nature, the program has essentially ended. But one thing seems clear-nothing in the official public record to date indicates that North Korea has an advanced BW program, notwithstanding media reports to the contrary.

This may be correct (it does provide enough waffling to be correct whether they have a bio program or had one and stopped it).  But after witnessing the global pandemics and the response to it, especially in countries like the US I suspect the revisionist and rogue powers of the world are re-evaluating the efficacy of developing deliberate bio weapons that might give them an advantage.  Perhaps they did not intend to initiate a global pandemic, but they are surely observing how military forces "fight through" the pandemic to discern lessons as to how forces may react to a biological attack.

3. Peeking under the shroud of North Korea's Monster Missile

armscontrolwonk.com · by Joshua Pollack

More intelligence analysis is required.  Joshua Pollack provides some useful insights and this important conclusion.  What are we going to do if the regime tests such an ICBM during the transition? (assuming Biden is elected).  I doubt we are going to do any bargaining for the reaffirmation of Kim Jong-un's 2018 pledge" during the transition period.

4. Suspected North Korean hackers who targeted job applicants prove more ambitious than first believed

cyberscoop.com · by Tim Starks · November 6, 2020

"Operation dream Job." When something seems too good to be true it probably is.  But I think we should never underestimate the capabilities of the north Koran all purpose sword.

5. Unification minister urges N.K. not to heighten tensions to test incoming U.S. administration

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · November 6, 2020

Somehow, I do not think the regime is going to heed anything from the Minister of Unification.

6. Experts call for new U.S. gov't to craft viable approach to N.K. nukes

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · November 7, 2020

I would ask both the South Korean and US governments to first conduct a thorough review of their strategic assumptions about the nature of the Kim family regime and its strategy and objectives.  I would love to see a joint review by senior ROK and US government officials and an alliance agreement on the fundamental assumptions the alliance upon which the alliance will base policy and strategy.

7. 'Biden fully ready to invest in N. Korea denuclearization'

koreaherald.com · by The Korea Herald · November 6, 2020

I am still thinking about Vice President Biden's unprecedented Yonhap OpEd.  In what other country's media did he publish an OpEd?  

Here is a challenge to Vice President Biden’s national security team from our good friend Shin Beom-chul.  If he is elected, I hope they can be ready before July though I suppose he is anticipating a long confirmation process in a Republican majority Senate.  But I am sure there is a national security team working behind the scenes below the level of confirmation required positions that is conducting (and likely has conducted) assessments and policy and strategy review and development.

8. South Korea Lost Track of North Korean Defector Who Crossed DMZ

WSJ · by Andrew Jeong

I do not know this for sure, but my sense is the ROK military is too dependent on technology and is not executing the basic "blocking and tackling" fundamentals of daylight reconnaissance and nighttime ambush patrols. I assume the DMZ south of the MDL is no longer saturated with patrols but rather only has sensors and troops in guard posts monitoring them as in the photo below the "patrols" take place along the South Barrier Fence of the DMZ.  I suspect the military is operating under politically imposed rules of engagement to not conduct aggressive patrols in the DMZ in the misguided belief that this will somehow have a positive effect on north Korea.  Instead it simply communicates a military weakness.   If you want to prevent infiltration and track infiltrators in the DMZ, you have to conduct aggressive patrolling.   There is no effective technological replacement though the technology can be a useful force multiplier.  Give me the enduring fundamentals.

9. S. Korea, China agree to cut fishing in EEZs

en.yna.co.kr · by 남광식 · November 6, 2020

???? reduction of 50 fishing boats?

Excerpt: "Under the agreement, which was reached during a meeting of fisheries officials, the number of boats allowed to fish in each other's EEZs will be reduced to 1,350 next year from this year's 1,400, according to South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries."

10. S. Korea's new coronavirus cases reduced to double digits

en.yna.co.kr · by 김광태 · November 7, 2020

It is all relative - 89 in South Korea - 121,000 in the US.  27,284 total cases in the ROK and 9+ million in the US.  Just saying.  Where you stand depends on where you sit.

And then there is this: "Of the 17 imported cases, 11 were foreigners and six were South Koreans. They came from the United States, Russia, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, France, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Algeria, Liberia and Ghana."  The company we keep.

11. Defense minister meets brother of S. Korean official killed by N. Korea

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · November 6, 2020

This wound is going to fester in South Korea for some time to come and may never heal.

12. U.N. chief Guterres calls for intensified efforts to engage with N. Korea

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · November 6, 2020

Unfortunately, the criteria for engagement with north Korea is concessions to the regime.  The Secretary General and the Presidents of South Korea and the US and most of the entire international community want to sincerely engage with north Korea to bring peace and stability and denuclearization to the peninsula.  Unfortunately, the regime will continue to conduct its political warfare with Juche characteristics.

13. How Did a Floating Australian "Party Resort" End Up in North Korea?

insidehook.com · by Tanner Garrity

Another truth is stranger than fiction account.

14. South Korea, Japan, US discuss Korean peninsula, US election & COVID in recent talks

republicworld.com – by Vishal Tiwari – 6 November 2020

Three different ways to handle COVID and three different (ongoing) outcomes:

The three sides discussed the COVID-19 pandemic situation in their respective countries and agreed to strengthen cooperation when it comes to vaccine development programmes. COVID-19 situation is particularly grim in the United States, where more than over 9 million have been infected and over 2,35,000 have died. Meanwhile, South Korea and Japan have managed to control the pandemic, reporting just 27,000 and 1,05,000 cases respectively and fewer than 2,000 deaths when combined.

South Korea, Japan, US discuss Korean peninsula, US election & COVID in recent talks

"Never appeal to a man's better nature. He may not have one. Invoking his self-interest gives you more leverage."

- Robert A. Heinlein

Helmuth von Moltke: "No plan survives first contact with the enemy."

Bob Leonhard: "A plan that doesn't survive first contact with the enemy is called 'a bad plan.' You shouldn't be a planner. Fire your G2. Learn about decision matrices."

"A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot."

- Robert A. Heinlein, Friday

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. Doctors begin to crack covid’s mysterious long-term effects

2. Misinformation 2020: what the data tells us about election-related falsehoods

3. International election observation mission - US elections

4. Defense Secretary Esper has prepped resignation letter, say officials

5.  Scaling the counterterrorism return on investment in support of great power competition

6. NGA adds small sat imagery to its unclassified collection

7. Record $1 billion worth of bitcoin linked to the Silk Road seized by U.S. government

8. Meet the AI that’s defeating automated fact checkers

9. U.S. Department of Energy launches program to enhance partnerships between government and critical infrastructure

10. The unthinkable: could Taiwan stand up to China alone?

11. The weight training puzzle: six-shooters, ‘six packs,’ or men with a sixth sense – what does SF need?

12. Mercenaries in the service of authoritarian states

13. Make good choices! National security transitions and the policy and process decisions

14. One day in America: more than 121,000 coronavirus cases

15. Our strategic military investment in freely associated states of the Pacific

16. The debate over allies: makers or takers of US military might?

17. Nasal spray prevents covid infection in ferrets, study finds

18. Achieving information dominance: what we can learn from “SOF effects cells”

19. Will the Army change the size of the infantry squad? A new study is looking at it.

20. David Petraeus on irregular warfare and countering violent extremism

21. National Army museum opening on Veterans Day tells the US soldier’s story from 1600s to today

1. Doctors begin to crack covid’s mysterious long-term effects

Wall Street Journal · Sarah Toy, Sumathi Reddy, & Daniela Hernandez · November 1, 2020

Very troubling for all of us.

2. Misinformation 2020: what the data tells us about election-related falsehoods

Defense One · Peter W. Singer · November 5, 2020

Excellent analysis and data from Zignal Labs.

3. International Election Observation Mission - US Elections

OSCE · November 3, 2020

4. Defense Secretary Esper has prepped resignation letter, say officials

NBC News · Courney Kube & Carol E. Lee · November 5, 2020

5. Scaling the counterterrorism return on investment in support of great power competition

Lawfare · Doowan Lee & DeVan Shannon · November 5, 2020

We should be talking about foreign internal defense rather than security force assistance. FID is a more comprehensive mission than SFA. It is the superior mission. Also, although FID is associated with SOF (and is a Title 10 SOF activity), it is not SOF exclusive and, by definition, it is joint and interagency. Too often we say SFA when we really mean FID.

Just saying.

foreign internal defense — Participation by civilian agencies and military forces of a

government or international organizations in any of the programs and activities

undertaken by a host nation government to free and protect its society from subversion,

lawlessness, insurgency, terrorism, and other threats to its security. Also called FID.

(JP 3-22)

security force assistance — The Department of Defense activities that support the

development of the capacity and capability of foreign security forces and their

supporting institutions. Also called SFA. (JP 3-20)

6. NGA adds small sat imagery to its unclassified collection

C4ISR Net · Nathan Strout · November 5, 2020

7. Record $1 billion worth of bitcoin linked to the Silk Road seized by U.S. government

CNBC · Kate Rooney · November 5, 2020

8. Meet the AI that’s defeating automated fact checkers

Defense One · Patrick Tucker · November 5, 2020

9. U.S. Department of Energy launches program to enhance partnerships between government and critical infrastructure

US Department of Energy · November 5, 2020

An important initiative of FDD's Center for Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI) and DOE

10. The unthinkable: could Taiwan stand up to China alone?

National Interest · Daniel L. Davis · November 5, 2020

I am all for helping Taiwan bolster its independent warfighting capabilities. But the argument that we should not come to the defense of Taiwan undermines deterrence. I also think Taiwan will be hard pressed to develop, buy, and deploy sufficient capabilities. This is simply an argument to cut away Taiwan. Now, of course we could decide to do that if the unthinkable happened, but by making recommendations such as the one in this article we reduce or even eliminate any semblance of deterrence. 

11. The weight training puzzle: six-shooters, ‘six packs,’ or men with a sixth sense – what does SF need?

Small Wars Journal  · Anna Simons · November 5, 2020

An anthropological analysis of SOF.

12. Mercenaries in the service of authoritarian states

CSS · Julia Friedrich & Niklas Masuhr · November 2020

13. Make good choices! National security transitions and the policy and process decisions

War On the Rocks · Loren DeJonge Schulman & Alex Tippett · November 6, 2020

14. One day in America: more than 121,000 coronavirus cases

New York Times · Julie Bosman · November 6, 2020

We cannot take our eye off the COVD-19 ball. None of the cable news shows or networks are addressing this except perhaps as asides. This number seems unfathomable.

15. Our strategic military investment in freely associated states of the Pacific

Daily Signal · Walter Lohman · November 5, 2020

This could turn out to be a key strategic development of our INDOPACIFIC strategy.

16. The debate over allies: makers or takers of US military might?

Washington Examiner · Jamie McIntyre · November 6, 2020

That is fundamentally the wrong question. We should be framing the question in terms of our interests and grand strategy. I would argue our alliance structure is key to our strategic flexibility and not only the ability to project US power but also to generate coalition power when necessary. And it may make the most vital contribution to deterrence and helps us to compete effectively in great power competition.

17. Nasal spray prevents covid infection in ferrets, study finds

New York Times · Donald G. McNeil Jr. · November 5, 2020

Whew! Save the ferrets. But seriously, this could be a huge game changer if it works on humans, though I am not going to get my hopes up yet.

18. Achieving information dominance: what we can learn from “SOF effects cells”

Modern War Institute · Ashely Franz Holzmann et al. · November 6, 2020

19. Will the Army change the size of the infantry squad? A new study is looking at it.

Army Times · Todd South · November 5, 2020

An important and likely controversial decision (and even emotional for some).

20. David Petraeus on irregular warfare and countering violent extremism

Modern War Institute · Kyle Atwell & Shawna Sinnott · November 6, 2020

21. National Army museum opening on Veterans Day tells the US soldier’s story from 1600s to today

Stars & Stripes · Corey Dickstein · November 5, 2020

This museum is within walking distance from my house. I look forward to the opening.

"My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right."

-Senator Carl Schurz (1829–1906)

“What all the wise men promised has not happened, and what all the damned fools said would happen has come to pass.”

- Lord Melbourne (1779-1848)

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." 

- Mark Twain

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. Blue House says it's ready for any U.S. eventuality

2. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to have gained weight (again)

3. Sources: N. Korea is hiding the real number of suspected COVID-19 cases

4. New virus cases above 100 for 3rd day on chains of cluster infections

5. Korea Faces decision on China because of the Quad

6. North Korea tells its people to stop smoking. Can Kim Jong-un quit, too?

7. Biden could restore broken alliance with Korea

8. 7 incredibly basic things North Korea doesn't allow its women to do

9. North Korea increases Workers' Party control over markets

10. 'Biden may order review of policy on North Korea'

11. Seoul's mediator role to become more important

12. South's top national security official urges U.S. to resume talks with North

13. Moon congratulates CFC on 42nd founding anniversary

14. Will Biden win turn N. Korea policy back to square one?

15. Panel: Biden should reach agreement over Korean Peninsula burden-sharing talks if elected

16. South Korea ready to work with U.S. president, Trump or Biden

17. Border reopening rumors follow North Korean repatriation of stranded Chinese

18. Falling N. Korean won - dollar exchange rate causes headaches among dollar holders

1. Blue House says it's ready for any U.S. eventuality

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Sarah Kim · November 5, 2020

Koreans are watching the news as intently as Americans. As I watch Korean news, it is amazing to see the reporting on how the ruling and opposition parties are preparing. We saw Ban Ki Moon speak to the opposition party about his relationship with Biden. Ruling and opposition party delegations are preparing to visit the US on about November 16th. As previously reported and in the article below, Foreign Minister Kang is flying to the US this weekend for a visit next week. 

2. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to have gained weight (again)

Vice · Junhyup Kwon · November 5, 2020

Why is this important? Because we should be ready to answer the question of: if we learn today that Kim Jong-Un is dead, what actions are we prepared to take immediately to ensure security of the ROK and US interests and to possibly seize the initiative with an emerging leadership?

3. Sources: N. Korea is hiding the real number of suspected COVID-19 cases

Daily NK · Jang Seul Gi · November 5, 2020

And the people do not trust the regime either. That is an important data point.

4. New virus cases above 100 for 3rd day on chains of cluster infections

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 6, 2020

5. Korea Faces decision on China because of the Quad

Peninsula · Terrence Matsuo · November 5, 2020

My comments on Korea and the Quad below.

6. North Korea tells its people to stop smoking. Can Kim Jong-un quit, too?

New York Times · Choe Sang-Hun · November 5, 2020

If Biden is elected, perhaps he should send Kim an ice breaker gift? It could be one of those smoking cessation programs.

7. Biden could restore broken alliance with Korea

Korea Times · Kang Seung-woo · November 5, 2020

Is the Korean view that the alliance is broken?

They would be mistaken to think that if he is elected, he will immediately solve all these issues. Sure, he might do something quickly about the SMA stalemate. But on issues such as OPCON transition, he will be listening to his national security team and senior military leaders and will do what is right for the alliance and the security of the ROK and US interests.

8. 7 incredibly basic things North Korea doesn't allow its women to do

Hauterfly · Jinal Bhatt · November 5, 2020

I know this is accurate, but it is still unbelievable whenever I read these accounts about how the Korean people living in the North are so oppressed. De Oppresso Liber.

9. North Korea increases Workers' Party control over markets

Daily NK · Kim Yoo Jin · November 6, 2020

This is what the regime wants, but this will also severely hinder the now decades old "safety valve" for the population and what has allowed them to survive since the Arduous March of the great famine of 1994-1996 and the failure of the public distribution system. What the party controls, the party eventually destroys because of the implementation of policies that are doomed to fail because they are only focused on supporting the regime and not based in any reasonable economic principles.

10. 'Biden may order review of policy on North Korea'

Korea Times · Do Je-hae · November 5, 2020

I imagine the Korean experts on his national security team have already conducted one or at least have begun one. And this should be no surprise.

Regardless of who wins the election, we will continue to recommend this strategy that is based on new assumptions, is derived from a holistic application across the instruments of national power, and takes a long term view to include solving the "Korea question."

11. Seoul's mediator role to become more important

Korea Times · Kang Seung-woo · November 5, 2020

With all due respect, I think this is highly unlikely. Kim Jong-Un does not accept President Moon as a mediator. But this is part of the Moon Administration's desire to double down on its engagement initiatives, end of war declaration, and pursuit of "peace at any cost" – even if it weakens the alliance and puts the security of the ROK at risk, which it is very likely to do.

12. South's top national security official urges U.S. to resume talks with North

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Ser Myo-Ja · November 6, 2020

I know I sound like a broken record, but the US has been ready, willing, and able to conduct substantive working talks since Singapore in June 2018. It is Kim Jong-Un who has prevented such talks from taking place.

13. Moon congratulates CFC on 42nd founding anniversary

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 6, 2020

The binational command means it belongs equally to both the ROK and US. It is not a US command. And when the OPCON transition process is complete, OPCON will not transfer from Washington to Seoul. It will have a ROK General Officer in command and will answer to the Military Committee, which is made up of representatives and members of both nations' national command and military authorities. And the Korean general will say, just as every commander of the ROK/US CFC has said, that he works equally for both Presidents.

14. Will Biden win turn N. Korea policy back to square one?

Chosun Ilbo · November 6, 2020

No. If Biden is elected, he is going to be able to have a more flexible policy and strategy based on the work President Trump has done with his unconventional, experimental, top-down, pen-pal diplomacy.  He will of course implement his one policy and strategy, but it is unlikely he will return to the so-called "strategic patience" of the Obama administration (which was not the name of the policy but the one the press and the pundits gave it). 

15. Panel: Biden Should Reach Agreement Over Korean Peninsula Burden-Sharing Talks if Elected

USNI News · John Grady · November 6, 2020

Whoever is elected must resolve the SMA stalemate. This has gone on too long. It is harming the alliance. We must not forget that there can be no success on the Korean peninsula without the foundation of a strong, "rock-solid" ROK/US alliance (as well as a strong Japan-US alliance and, ideally, adequate ROK-Japan cooperation on security issues).

16. South Korea Ready to Work With U.S. President, Trump or Biden

National Interest · Stephen Silver · November 6, 2020

Cynically, I ask: what choice does it have?

17. Border reopening rumors follow North Korean repatriation of stranded Chinese

Radio Free Asia · Jeong Kim et al. · November 4, 2020

Does this mean COVID-19 is contained? Has there really been no outbreak? Or is the economy suffering so badly that North Korea must reopen the border?

18. Falling N. Korean won – dollar exchange rate causes headaches among dollar holders

Daily NK · Jang Seul Gi · November 6, 2020

The regime wants to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of foreign currency. But it is foreign currency that has really allowed the 400+ nascent markets to flourish. This could eventually come back to harm the regime. But the regime's domestic strategy appears to use COVID 19 to crack down on all the areas that have provided the Korean people in the North with resilience since the Arduous March. The regime has long been afraid of losing control of the people and it may view COVID 19 as a gift to be able to crack down on the people and their livelihoods. We must not ever forget that Kim fears the Korean people more than he fears the US.

"My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right."

-Senator Carl Schurz (1829–1906)

“What all the wise men promised has not happened, and what all the damned fools said would happen has come to pass.”

- Lord Melbourne (1779-1848)

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." 

- Mark Twain

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. U.S. Cyber Command expands operations to hunt hackers from Russia, Iran and China

2. Palau makes US a military offer it shouldn’t refuse

3.  In hunt for virus source, W.H.O. let China take charge

4.  Vladimir Marugov murder: Russian 'Sausage King' killed in sauna with a crossbow

5. John Ivison: report on 'values war' with China deserves close look from Canadian policy-makers

6. China’s ‘secret weapon’ against COVID-19 won’t work for post-pandemic economic recovery

7. Buy American earmarks slip in: defense committees must act

8.  Air Force purchase of Chinese drones spurs security concerns

9. Exploding the myth of Huawei’s 5G security risk

10. 'Rebalancing of power': next president to face increasing complex geopolitical puzzle

11. Speak softly and conceal a big stick: a diplomat’s strategy for competing with China

12. Intel community investing in biothreat detection tool

13. U.S.-backed ‘Quad’ starts joint naval exercises in India waters

14. Was the secret RQ-180 stealth drone really photographed over the Mojave Desert?

15. But what does “rules-based order” mean?

16. Intelligence isn’t just for government anymore

17. United States: online views of the upcoming presidential election & possible violence

18. US elections are safer from foreign interference, but gaps remain

19. How can the United States move toward gender-neutral special forces?

20. The importance of teaching civic responsibility in America

21. Getting the fait accompli problem right in U.S. strategy

22. Missionaries from a strange land: veterans and the society that sends them

1. U.S. Cyber Command expands operations to hunt hackers from Russia, Iran and China

New York Times · Julian E. Barnes · November 2, 2020

Hunt them down and then......?

2. Palau makes US a military offer it shouldn’t refuse

Asia Times · Grant Newsham · November 2, 2020

I wonder in 10 to 20 years how we and the citizens of Palau will look back on this.

3. In hunt for virus source, W.H.O. let China take charge

New York Times · Selam Gebrekidan et al. · November 2, 2020

The WHO ... compromised?  I hope we "won't get fooled again."

4. Vladimir Marugov murder: Russian 'Sausage King' killed in sauna with a crossbow

BBC · November 2, 2020

Truth is stranger than fiction. Sausage king? Sauna? Crossbow? 

5. John Ivison: report on 'values war' with China deserves close look from Canadian policy-makers

National Post · John Ivison · November 2, 2020

Obviously, a Canadian view.

6. China’s ‘secret weapon’ against COVID-19 won’t work for post-pandemic economic recovery

Diplomat · Zhuoran Li · October 30, 2020

7. Buy American earmarks slip in: defense committees must act

Breaking Defense · Bill Greenwalt · October 28, 2020

8. Air Force purchase of Chinese drones spurs security concerns

Wall Street Journal · Brett Forrest & Gordon Lubold · November 2, 2020

I am told the risks are understood and mitigated. But not a good look.

9. Exploding the myth of Huawei’s 5G security risk

Asia Times · Michael MacDonald · November 2, 2020

Myth???

It seems like Asia Times is becoming a mouthpiece for the CCP. Of course, we should not expect Mr. McDonald to write anything criticizing Huawei since he is their chief digital officer.

10. 'Rebalancing of power': next president to face increasing complex geopolitical puzzle

Washington Times · Ben Wolfgang · November 2, 2020

But interestingly this election has not been about foreign policy and national security (external) to any great extent.

11. Speak softly and conceal a big stick: a diplomat’s strategy for competing with China

Strategy Bridge · George Bartle · November 3, 2020

From a serving Foreign Service Officer.

12. Intel community investing in biothreat detection tool

National Defense · Mandy Mayfield · November 2, 2020

I love the creativity of acronyms.

13. U.S.-backed ‘Quad’ starts joint naval exercises in India waters

Bloomberg · Sudhi Ranjan Sen · November 3, 2020

14. Was the secret RQ-180 stealth drone really photographed over the Mojave Desert?

Drive · Tyler Rogoway · November 2, 2020

15. But what does “rules-based order” mean?

Interpreter · Ben Scott · November 2, 2020

An important question. A view from Australia.

16. Intelligence isn’t just for government anymore

Foreign Affairs · Amy Zegart · November 2, 2020

17. United States: online views of the upcoming presidential election & possible violence

Babel Beacon · McDaniel Wicker · October 31, 2020

18. US elections are safer from foreign interference, but gaps remain

Defense One · Patrick Tucker · November 2, 2020

19. How can the United States move toward gender-neutral special forces?

Marine Corps University · Mariah Loukou

The PDF can be downloaded here.

20. The importance of teaching civic responsibility in America

RAND · Laura S. Hamilton · October 29, 2020

The most important subject that should be taught in all schools (but also by parents as well).

21. Getting the fait accompli problem right in U.S. strategy

War On the Rocks · Michael Kofman · November 3, 2020

22. Missionaries from a strange land: veterans and the society that sends them

War On the Rocks · Kori Schake & Aine Josephine Tyrrell · November 3, 2020

"The fact that a man is to vote forces him to think.”

- John Jay Chapman

“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”

 - John Lewis

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

- Abraham Lincoln

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. N. Korea says no confirmed cases of coronavirus: WHO

2. North Korean covid victims 'left to starve in secret quarantine camps'

3.  Pence cartoon: "spooky"

4. New tools make North Korea's Kimsuky group more dangerous

5. Natural disaster preparedness in North Korea or lack thereof

6. Donald Trump's North Korea strategy must survive

7. Kim Yo Jong angered by UN criticism of the North's human rights situation

8. N. Korean officials try to talk people out of selling information for money

9. U.S. warns against dealing in N. Korean art

10. China supports end-of-war pact, says Beijing envoy

11. North Korea attempted to hack into COVID-19 vaccine developers data

12. South Korean base employees face new furlough worries over funding stalemate

13. North Korea rear commanders promoted, analyst says

14. [Column] S. Korea should carefully consider its own national interest regarding alliance with the US

15. US Asia allies Japan, South Korea build better China ties despite concerns

16. The quadruple threat: North Korea, China, Pakistan and Iran

17. Philippines gets $100-M loan from South Korea for COVID-19 response

1. N. Korea says no confirmed cases of coronavirus: WHO

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 3, 2020

It is more important that the regime control the information than the actual virus.

I wonder what "intensified surveillance" is like in a state with already the highest level of surveillance of almost any country in the world.

2. North Korean Covid victims ‘left to starve in secret quarantine camps’

U.S. Sun · Debbie White · November 2, 2020

Of course, these reports are questionable.

Then again, I guess if you make anyone with COVID "quarantine" in secret camps until they starve to death, you do not have to report them as ever having COVID.

3. Pence cartoon: "spooky"

Daily NK · Gregory Pence · October 30, 2020

There is not much that can give us something to chuckle about when it comes to North Korea. But Gregory Pence tries to give us some humor.

4. New tools make North Korea's Kimsuky group more dangerous

Dark Reading · Jai Vijayan · November 2, 2020

More on north Korea's all-purpose sword.

I do love all the names.

5. Natural disaster preparedness in North Korea or lack thereof

HRNK Insider · Kim Myong & Greg Scarlatoiu · November 2, 2020

Emphasis on lack thereof.

6. Donald Trump's North Korea strategy must survive

National Interest · Doug Bandow · November 2, 2020

Praise from Doug Bandow.

7. Kim Yo Jong angered by UN criticism of the North’s human rights situation

Daily NK · Rob Lauler · November 3, 2020

Kim Yo Jong has also been sanctioned by the US for her complicity in human rights abuses.  "Admit nothing. Deny everything, Make counter accusations."

8. N. Korean officials try to talk people out of selling information for money

Daily NK · Lee Chae Un · November 3, 2020

Information is valuable and profitable. Of course, for those buying information it makes such information suspect, especially if more sensational information brings more money. But the key point is this is another attempt at population and resource control measures from the regime to control (and continue to oppress) the Korean people living in the North.

9. U.S. warns against dealing in N. Korean art

Chosun Ilbo · Roh Suk-jo · November 3, 2020

10. China supports end-of-war pact, says Beijing envoy

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Sarah Kim & Esther Chung · November 3, 2020

Of course, China does, because it is a step toward the major objective of both China and North Korea: to get the US forces off the Korean peninsula despite their rhetoric to the contrary.

11. North Korea attempted to hack into COVID-19 vaccine developers data

Korea Times · Park Han-sol · November 3, 2020

This article cites the excellent work of my colleague, Mathew Ha.

12. South Korean base employees face new furlough worries over funding stalemate

Stars & Stripes · Kim Gamel · November 2, 2020

There are going to be long term problems for USFK. Even after we get this resolved, the effects of the furloughs are going to undermine confidence and trust among Korean national employees.

13. North Korea rear commanders promoted, analyst says

UPI · Elizabeth Shim · November 2, 2020

It is probably a translation issue, but the divisions noted below are designated corps except the 105th is a brigade and not a division (unless it has been increased to a division size unit, but I have not seen any reports of that).

14. [Column] S. Korea should carefully consider its own national interest regarding alliance with the US

Hankyoreh · Moon Chung-in · November 2, 2020

I agree that South Korea must consider its interest and I agree with the Korean Ambassador Lee and his remarks that have been criticized (wrongly in my view). However, I think Ambassador Lee's intent in his comments was to show the ROK/US alliance is stronger when South Korean assesses its interests rather than just maintaining the status quo of a 7 decades old alliance. I believe he truly intended to mean that a continual assessment of interests will reveal that it is a vital national interest for South Korea to have a strong ROK/US alliance. Moon Chung-in, despite his rhetoric, does not have the same view of the alliance.

I also disagree with the Moon Chung-in about China. It has already demonstrated its willingness to conduct economic warfare with the ROK. South Korea should not allow itself to be an economic "hostage" to China, but, if you follow Moon's reasoning, the South will always be held hostage. It must assess its interests and an objective assessment will reveal how South Korean should pursue alliances.

Remember Moon Chung-in is not a friend of the ROK/US alliance. Take his comments with a grain of salt, but we must keep in mind he is an advisor to President Moon.

15. US Asia allies Japan, South Korea build better China ties despite concerns

Newsweek · Tom O’Connor · November 2, 2020

The ROK and Japan must manage their relations with China. We must respect that. I believe they can (and must) do that without harming their alliance with the US.

16. The quadruple threat: North Korea, China, Pakistan and Iran

Israel National News · Dany Shoham · November 2, 2020

An interesting grouping of the threats from an Israeli perspective.

17. Philippines gets $100-M loan from South Korea for COVID-19 response

ABS CBN News · November 2, 2020

Again, South Korea is the only country that has moved from a major aid recipient to a major donor nation.

"The fact that a man is to vote forces him to think.”

- John Jay Chapman

“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”

 - John Lewis

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

- Abraham Lincoln

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

My editorial comment for the election tomorrow.

For those considering violence following the election:

Whether on the radical or extreme left or the radical or extreme right, anyone who seeks to overthrow our government or who espouses unsanctioned violence to protect it is wrong. We should not make this a left versus right conflict, but we should be united in opposing both those who seek to destroy our federal democratic republic with force and violence as well as those who think they can use unsanctioned force to defend our republic outside of the law.

Those of us who believe in supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States know that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents believe in that common cause, even if we have different world views and views of how our government should function. To say or believe otherwise marks such a person as one on the extreme left or extreme right - not the traditional left or right. We need to make the distinction and call out the extremes - and not attack those who simply have different opinions and views than our own. We should welcome and applaud criticism and protest of all types from both sides of the traditional left and tight (but not the extremes). However, once the extremes call for violence against our nation, or against an opposing side, they must be stopped and the full force of the law must be brought to bear on them.

For those considering the use of violence from the extreme left or extreme right, I would like to know what effects you are seeking to achieve? What is your theory of “victory” or winning through the use of violence? What is your long-term strategy and what is your campaign plan to achieve your objectives?

One last point. I think conflict occurs when the paradoxical trinity gets out of alignment - passion, reason, and chance (or as Clausewitz wrote, primordial violence, hatred, and enmity, which are to be regarded as a blind natural force; … chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam; and of its element of subordination, as an instrument of policy, which it subject to reason alone.) When passion dominates and is not constrained by reason, bad things can happen in the province of chance – the outcomes are unforeseen.

The fundamental question for all of us is: do we want this great American experiment to continue regardless of the outcome of the election?

1. Pentagon draw-down at U.S. embassies prompts concern about ceding field to global rivals

2. DoD canceled its diversity training audit to comply with new White House rules

3. The Pentagon is building a school to teach the force how to defeat drones

4. More veterans running for office as numbers dwindle in Congress

5. Cyber warriors are getting new teammates: information operators

6. Coronavirus hits brigade at NTC, as home post deals with surge in cases

7. Business in discarded US military goods is booming as Kandahar base empties out

8. US military battles silent enemy of Covid within its ranks

9. Covert, coercive, and corrupting: countering the Chinese Communist Party's malign influence in free societies

10. Beijing using political warfare to subvert free societies worldwide, State Department official warns

11. Senkaku Islands: could the U.S. military and Japan really land troops?

12. The terrorist threat from the fractured far right

13. Three-quarters of Americans concerned about post-election violence: poll

14. Election Day becomes doomsday scenario for militia groups

15. Trump COVID adviser Scott Atlas apologizes for appearing on Russian state TV

16. Deadly Taliban attack probably used drone, a worrisome shift

17. An assessment of the American national interest in Sino-American competition

18. Great power conflict has arrived, but asymmetric warfare isn’t going anywhere

19. Taiwan achieves record 200 days with no local coronavirus cases

20. Marines will help fight submarines

21. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the U.S. military

22. Let me finish: how to stop interrupting ... and change the world

1. Pentagon draw-down at U.S. embassies prompts concern about ceding field to global rivals

Wall Street Journal · Warren P. Strobel & Gordon Lubold · November 1, 2020

Are we being shortsighted? The crazy thing about this issue is China is operating globally and we have to compete globally, in every region. This is similar to the arguments I have heard that SOF has to shift more assets to Asia to compete with China. More than ever, we need them in Africa and Europe and the Middle East and Latin America. I wonder if this is a reflection of our propensity to prioritize geographic regions and think we have to physically shift resources to a specific region. What we really need to make sure of is that our military personnel (and, of course, diplomats, USAID professionals, and the intelligence community as well) around the world have a sufficient understanding of how China is competing with the US in the region and countries in which they are operating.

2. DoD canceled its diversity training audit to comply with new White House rules

Military Times · Meghann Myers · October 30, 2020

3. The Pentagon is building a school to teach the force how to defeat drones

Defense News · Jen Judson · November 1, 2020

Why is this not air defense? Or have we so neglected air defense that we cannot adapt to defend against unmanned aerial systems (drones).

4. More veterans running for office as numbers dwindle in Congress

Hill · Ellen Mitchell · November 1, 2020

5. Cyber warriors are getting new teammates: information operators

C4ISR Net · Mark Pomerleau · October 30, 2020

Recognition that cyber is not just 1s and 0s and only digital communications. It communicates information to humans and influences human behavior. Perhaps this is the  merger of art and science.

I hope these information operators include PSYOP practitioners.

6. Coronavirus hits brigade at NTC, as home post deals with surge in cases

Army Times · Kyle Rempfer · October 30, 2020

We have to fight through the pandemic. While we have to protect the force, we must also treat the pandemics effects on the military as a rehearsal for biological warfare. Hopefully, we will learn important lessons.

7. Business in discarded US military goods is booming as Kandahar base empties out

Stars & Stripes · J.P. Lawrence · November 1, 2020

One man's junk is another man's treasure. This is a common occurrence wherever the US military is deployed. And, of course, the market increases when US forces are preparing to leave.

8. US military battles silent enemy of Covid within its ranks

Financial Times · Katrina Manson · November 2, 2020

Again, we must fight through the pandemic and learn lessons for future biological warfare defense.

9. Covert, coercive, and corrupting: countering the Chinese Communist Party's malign influence in free societies

US Department of State · David Stilwell · October 30, 2020

Important remarks from David Stilwell. I am surprised this has not received more media attention.

10. Beijing using political warfare to subvert free societies worldwide, State Department official warns

Epoch Times · Cathy He · October 31, 2020

Of course, the very anti-CCP Epoch Times picked up on David Stilwell's remarks. But I applaud David Stilwell's use of political warfare and the Epoch Times' choice on the use of political warfare to describe his remarks in its headline.

11. Senkaku Islands: could the U.S. military and Japan really land troops?

National Interest · James Holmes · November 1, 2020

12. The terrorist threat from the fractured far right

Lawfare · Bruce Hoffman & Jacob Ware · November 1, 2020

Emphasis on far right. Not the traditional right or the left or traditional conservatives or liberals. We are talking about far right (and, in other analyses, far left) extremists. We should not paint the traditional conservatives and liberals with the broad brush of the far right and left extremists.

13. Three-quarters of Americans concerned about post-election violence: poll

Fox News · Adam Shaw · October 31, 2020

Reporting from Fox News.

14. Election Day becomes doomsday scenario for militia groups

Politico · Tina Nguyen · November 1, 2020

15. Trump COVID adviser Scott Atlas apologizes for appearing on Russian state TV

Axios · Maria Arias · November 1, 2020

Sigh... What was this guy thinking? He did not know this? What about the White House Communications Office? They allowed him to do this interview?

16. Deadly Taliban attack probably used drone, a worrisome shift

New York Times · Thomas Gibbons-Neff · November 1, 2020

Quite an advance in capability. But it should not be unexpected.

17. An assessment of the American national interest in Sino-American competition

Divergent Options · Brandon Patterson · November 2, 2020

We must understand our interests (and understand fear, honor, and interest as well).

18. Great power conflict has arrived, but asymmetric warfare isn’t going anywhere

National Interest · Kris Osborn · November 1, 2020

Asymmetric warfare is an inherent part of all conflict. It is not new, has always been here, and certainly is not going away.

19. Taiwan achieves record 200 days with no local coronavirus cases

Time · Cindy Wang & Samson Ellis · October 29, 2020

Another success story from which we should learn. Taiwan was able to learn from the past experience, adapt, and anticipate the future pandemic.

20. Marines will help fight submarines

USNI · General David Berger · November 2020

21. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the U.S. military

War On the Rocks · Emma Moore · November 2, 2020

22. Let me finish: how to stop interrupting … and change the world

Guardian · Nancy Kline · October 24, 2020

Seems like such a simple concept. We are all guilty and we must all do better.

“Suffrage is the pivotal right."

-Susan B. Anthony

"The vote is a power, a weapon of offense and defense, a prayer."

- Carrie Chapman Catt

"In reality, there is no such thing as not voting: you either vote by voting, or you vote by staying home and tacitly doubling the value of some Diehard's vote."

- David Foster Wallace

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. US and South Korea closely monitoring North Korean nuclear complex, military official says

2. U.S. flies reconnaissance plane near inter-Korean border: aviation tracker

3. How North Korea’s nuclear weapons advancement has left experts baffled

4. [Exclusive Interview] David Helvey :“How we manifest security commitment, though ironclad, is not fixed”

5.  S. Korea, U.S. closely monitoring activity at N. Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex: officials

6.  Decent jobs key to resettlement of N. Korean defectors: unification minister

7. North Korea’s hackers target tech secrets

8. 'Circumstantial' evidence suggests N. Korea's incineration of S. Korean official, military says

9. Search for slain official was a sham

10. Gov't eases lockdown rules

11. Soldiers in Gomdok at the end of their service periods ordered to keep helping with restoration efforts

12. Yanggang Province women’s union members asked to find new “arable” land

13. Impending minister reshuffle

14. UK bars South Korea from selling FA-50 to Argentina

15. Bank of Korea to take market-stabilizing measures if needed over US election

16. S. Korean diplomat appointed as advisory group member of UN emergency response fund

1. US and South Korea closely monitoring North Korean nuclear complex, military official says

Stars & Stripes · Kim Gamel & Yoo Kyong Change · November 2, 2020

As we are always doing. When do we not closely monitor Yongbyon? And all nuclear facilities and missile launch sites?

2. U.S. flies reconnaissance plane near inter-Korean border: aviation tracker

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 2, 2020

Looking for submarine activity? I thought all our P3s were replaced with P-8s. Are we still flying P-3s? I always loved that distinctive sound when they flew over Basilan and Jolo and, surprisingly, it had a psychological effect on the ASG.

3. How North Korea’s nuclear weapons advancement has left experts baffled

Financial Times · Edward White · November 1, 2020

Some important analysis covering a lot of ground in this relatively short piece.

4. [Exclusive Interview] David Helvey :“How we manifest security commitment, though ironclad, is not fixed”

Dong-A Ilbo · November 2, 2020

A relatively candid interview with David Helvey (as candid as any serving government official can be).

5. S. Korea, U.S. closely monitoring activity at N. Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex: officials

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 2, 2020

38 North has a lot of influence. When it posts its analysis, it causes officials to react.

6. Decent jobs key to resettlement of N. Korean defectors: unification minister

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 2, 2020

Yes, Mr. Minister, that is a BFO (blinding flash of the obvious). The question is: are the efforts outlined below sufficient?

7. North Korea’s hackers target tech secrets

Breaking Defense · Kelsey Atherton · October 30, 2020

Yes, we should be as focused on the regime's all-purpose sword (cyber) as we are on its treasured sword (nuclear weapons).

8. 'Circumstantial' evidence suggests N. Korea's incineration of S. Korean official, military says

Intelligence is not evidence.

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 2, 2020

9. Search for slain official was a sham

Chosun Ilbo · November 2, 2020

An op-ed critical of the ROK government and military. 

Does this mean the incident information was controlled at the Blue House and it had information before the intelligence community and the military? How does the Blue House get information about a fisheries official apparently falling overboard in the West Sea before the military and Coast Guard? It just does not seem logical for that to be so.

10. Gov't eases lockdown rules

Chosun Ilbo · Jung Seok-woo, Yang Ji-ho, & Yang Seung-joo · November 2, 2020

The title might be a little misleading. South Korea did not conduct a nation-wide lockdown.

11. Soldiers in Gomdok at the end of their service periods ordered to keep helping with restoration efforts

Daily NK · Jeong Tae Joo · November 2, 2020

Gives new meaning to be a  soldier for life. But, of course, no one is free in North Korea and all are subject to the "needs" and whims of the Kim family regime.

12. Yanggang Province women's union members asked to find new "arable" land

Daily NK · Kang Mi Jin · November 2, 2020

What a dilemma. Find new arable land but protect the forests. What the regime is demanding is that these women's union members produce a miracle. But I thought miracles are something only the Kim family regime can produce.

13. Impending minister reshuffle

Dong-A Ilbo · November 2, 2020

A scorecard for the upcoming shuffle.

14. UK bars South Korea from selling FA-50 to Argentina

Janes · Gareth Jennings · October 30, 2020

Interesting development. Long lasting effects from the 1982 Falklands War?

15. Bank of Korea to take market-stabilizing measures if needed over US election

Korea Times · Yonhap · November 2, 2020

US elections have global effects.

16. S. Korean diplomat appointed as advisory group member of UN emergency response fund

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · November 2, 2020

Suffrage is the pivotal right."

-Susan B. Anthony

"The vote is a power, a weapon of offense and defense, a prayer."

- Carrie Chapman Catt

"In reality, there is no such thing as not voting: you either vote by voting, or you vote by staying home and tacitly doubling the value of some Diehard's vote."

- David Foster Wallace

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Daniel Riggs.

1. New social distancing system will have 5 tiers (South Korea)

2. [US elections and Korea] Trump vs. Biden: Key advisers give clues on future foreign policy

3. New virus cases above 100 for 5th day on cluster infections

4. N. Korea criticizes S. Korea for its killing of S. Korean official

5. Kim Jong-un's former lover sparks wild speculation

6. Biden's Korea Policy Brings No New Ideas, Experts Say

7. N.K. leader sends congratulatory message to pro-North Korean residents in Japan

8. If Joe Biden beats Donald Trump in the US election, what does that mean for North Korea and Kim Jong-un?

9. Commentary: Trump created a different playbook with North Korea and this should continue

10. New North Korea ICBM Looks Bigger, But...

11. Japan to lift entry ban on China, S. Korea, 6 other nations, Taiwan

12. Military service required for presidency (South Korea)

13. Japan urges South Korea to present solution to wartime labor row

14. Moon admin. should head toward future leaving behind era of punishment

15. Nongovernmental inter-Korean exchanges frozen

16. S. Korean Marines announce first female chopper pilot

17. Nuclear Power Trio Release "A Clear and Present Rager"

1. New social distancing system will have 5 tiers (South Korea)

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com· by Lee Sung-Eun and Kim Min-Wook

Can we learn anything from this?  South Korea never locked down the country.

2. [US elections and Korea] Trump vs. Biden: Key advisers give clues on future foreign policy

koreaherald.com · by Ahn Sung-mi Korea Herald · November 1, 2020

A summary of some key positions.

3. New virus cases above 100 for 5th day on cluster infections

en.yna.co.kr · by 김광태 · November 1, 2020

4. N. Korea criticizes S. Korea for its killing of S. Korean official

donga.com· October 31, 2020

Audacity is right.  I hope policy makers in South Korea take a step back and consider what the regime is doing here.  This is not the statement of a responsible member of the international community (of course the brutal murder is also not something a responsible member would commit).

5. Kim Jong-un's former lover sparks wild speculation

au.news.yahoo.com  · November 1, 2020

More tabloid stuff about Kim Jong-un. I am betting he likes this!  But since he likes a (relatively) older woman I would say he might have mommy issues.

6. Biden's Korea Policy Brings No New Ideas, Experts Say

freebeacon.com · by Jack Beyrer · October 30, 2020

Just as an aside I wonder what it is we have not tried with north Korea?  Are there any "new ideas" for dealing with the mafia-like crime family cult known as the Kim family regime.  The problem is not our Presidents (or Presidential candidates) but it is the existence of Kim Jong-un.

7. N.K. leader sends congratulatory message to pro-North Korean residents in Japan

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · November 1, 2020

A key part of north Korean strategy is subversion, not only in South Korea but also Japan and the US and around the world (re: Korean Friendship Associations). This is just one small indicator.  Beware the Chongryon or Chosen Soren.

8. If Joe Biden beats Donald Trump in the US election, what does that mean for North Korea and Kim Jong-un?

ABC.net.au · October 31, 2020

 Long survey of many issues from Korea watchers in Korea and the US from an Australian media outlet.  The only prediction I will make is that regardless of who wins the election Kim Jong-un will be a continuing problem that will not be easily solved as long as he remains in power.

9. Commentary: Trump created a different playbook with North Korea and this should continue

channelnewsasia.com · by Khang Vu

The playbook is unconventional, experimental, top-down, pen-pal diplomacy.

Conclusion:

“Yet the dynamics on the peninsular have undoubtedly changed under Trump. A return to a policy of "strategic patience" that marked the pre-Trump era would likely fail.

While it is understandable from a partisan standpoint for Biden to criticize Trump's North Korea policy in its entirety, Biden should pick up the diplomatic momentum Trump has created, work with North Korea based on the diplomatic framework signed in Singapore, and, if necessary, embrace Kim on a personal level.”

“Such a move would not only stabilize the US-North Korea relationship, but also keep intact South Korea's plan to engage the North diplomatically.”

10. New North Korea ICBM Looks Bigger, But...

breakingdefense.com · by Ralph Savelsberg

Analysis from Dutch professor and missile expert.  A lot to digest here.

Key excerpts: 

“This all points to a missile that can potentially carry a much larger payload to the same ranges as the Hwasong-15. However, other than the gross size envelope, the uncertainties preclude appropriate assessment of the system's capabilities and military characteristics. The missile has not flown and it is unclear which engines power it. Given its increased mass, the Hwasong-15's twin engines do not have enough thrust to lift the larger missile off the ground. Building larger engines or a larger cluster of smaller ones is difficult. The Soviet Union spent years testing and tuning to perfect their use of clusters of similar engines on the R-36 / SS-9.”
 

“The large fairing appears to have significant volume, leading to an expectation of room for multiple re-entry vehicles. Since much of the technology for defense penetration (tailored to the Moscow defenses of the day) has been published by the UK Government (from the Chevaline project) it seems that the DPRK seeks to gain sufficient payload capacity to utilize a 'bus' and penetration aids to significantly challenge the US BMD system with each missile. In that case, rather than one target per missile, a missile defense system would have to deal with multiple targets, compounding the difficulties. However, the idea that the DPRK could go from a single successful flight of the Hwasong-15 with an untested re-entry vehicle to a much larger ICBM with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles, in a single step, beggars’ belief.”

11. Japan to lift entry ban on China, S. Korea, 6 other nations, Taiwan

english.kyodonews.net 

12. Military service required for presidency (South Korea)

The Korea Times· by Chang Se-moon · November 1, 2020

But he also mentions the US.  I do not agree with him that our all volunteer military is doing more harm than good. I do not believe conscription would solve all the ills its proponents think it will. I of course strongly recommend that people volunteer to serve.

13. Japan urges South Korea to present solution to wartime labor row

japantimes.co.jp · October 30, 2020

The solution is President Moon and Prime Minister Suga have to make the politically tough decision to place national security and national prosperity ahead of historical issues.

14. Moon admin. should head toward future leaving behind era of punishment

donga.com· October 39, 2020

The treatment of former Presidents Lee and Park is simply shameful and a severe blackmark on the reputation of South Korea.  But what goes around comes around.  What might happen to future former presidents?

15. Nongovernmental inter-Korean exchanges frozen

The Korea Times · November 1, 2020

Why are they "frozen?"  It is not for lack of South Korean effort.  It is because Kim Jong-un fears engagement, opening, and information getting to the Korean people living in the north.  The biggest "threat" to Kim Jong-un is the existence and example of South Korea and the alternative it offers as the counterpoint to the most despotic and brutal regime in the modern era.

16. S. Korean Marines announce first female chopper pilot

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · November 1, 2020

An army "hooah"to add to the Marine "oorah" for the young Lieutenant.  But I am surprised it has taken this long to reach this "first' in Korea.

17. Nuclear Power Trio Release "A Clear and Present Rager"

notreble.com · by Kevin Johnson · October 31, 2020

Okay.  This is very irreverent satire. But the song is entertaining and the 3 minute video is funny.  No partisan statement is intended by sending this.

I cannot believe this band actually made a CD with these 5 songs. The music on this song is pretty good.  All three are talented musicians and both Trump and Putin really shred the guitar and the bass and Kim look pretty good on the drums.

The video (and song) can be accessed here. The comments on YouTube are pretty hilarious as well.

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"All politics is based on the indifference of the majority."

- James "Scotty" Reston

 

"No man has the right to be ignorant. In a country like this, ignorance is a crime. If a man is going to vote, if he's going to take part in his country and his government, then it's up to him to understand."

- Louis L'Amour 

"Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners"

 - Laurence Sterne