News

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

 

1. U.S. says OPCON transfer will be impossible by 2022

2. Non-weapon materials brought into THAAD base after dispersal of protesters

3. N. Korean nukes highlight importance of strategic deterrence: U.S. commander

4. North Koreans Scoff as Government Mobilizes Them for '80-Day Battle'

5.  North Korea Tells Citizens to Report on Illegal Contact with Foreigners

6. Does Size Matter? North Korea's Newest ICBM

7. Analyst: North Korea making strides in solid propellant ballistic missiles

8. North Korea's Kim Lauds Chinese War Dead On Anniversary

9. South Korea Tries to Quell Anxiety Over Flu Shots After 13 Unexplained Deaths

10. FDD | Russia and China Obstruct UN Reporting on North Korea

11. North Korea outbreak: Panic as new disease spreads through hermit state - markets impacted

12. North Korea PARANOIA: Kim Jong-un launches desperate bid to stop spies at border

13. Head of South Korea ruling party sees chance of inter-Korean 'breakthrough'

14. South Korea Is Caught Between China and the United States

15. South Korea's Asean strategy needs sturdy pillars of understanding to succeed

16. International humanitarian institutions managed by central power in Pyongyang - retired US diplomat

17. U.S., South Korea alliance facing setback, ex-U.S. commander says

 

1. U.S. says OPCON transfer will be impossible by 2022

donga.com – 22 October 2020

This is not good.  I am getting very worried about the alliance.  This is a more significant problem than the SMA stalemate.

 

2. Non-weapon materials brought into THAAD base after dispersal of protesters

en.yna.co.kr · by 유청모 · October 22, 2020

This is one of the issues few Americans are aware of.  Very hardcore anti-American leftist and well organized activists continue to protest the THAAD deployment and work to prevent resupply of the THAAD battery. They block the access road 24-7 and the ROK government has been unable to remove them.  These are not the same type of protestors we see in Seoul.  These are sophisticated activists who know how to manipulate the government with their activities and through social media.  

 

3. N. Korean nukes highlight importance of strategic deterrence: U.S. commander

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · October 22, 2020

Is Kim Jong-un deterred?  What does deter him?  Do "traditional" methods of deterrence work?  Have we been lulled into a false sense of security because we have successfully deterred the resumption of hostilities for the past 67 years?  How do we know deterrence is actually working?  As Sir Lawrence Freedman says, "Deterrence works. Until it doesn't."

 

4. North Koreans Scoff as Government Mobilizes Them for '80-Day Battle'

rfa.org

Again, I am grateful for the reporting Radio Free Asia and Voice of America do to provide us insights into what is happening inside north Korea.

 

5.  North Korea Tells Citizens to Report on Illegal Contact with Foreigners

rfa.org

As Dr. Jung Pak often asks:  Who does Kim Jong-un fear more? The US or the Korean people living in the north?  It is the Korean people who he fears the most and he really fears the people when they are armed with information.  Therefore, he must prevent foreign contacts.

 

6. Does Size Matter? North Korea's Newest ICBM

38north.org · by Michael Elleman · October 21, 2020

Yes, it does. But, as Michael Ellemna notes, the real capability we need to be concerned with is the development of solid-fuel ICBM.  Conclusion: "As it stands today, Kim Jong Un cannot be certain that his ICBMs will succeed in striking the US mainland. Perhaps the development of the Hwasong-16 is a near-term solution to the perceived need for a mobile, multiple-warhead ICBM. But North Korea has an active solid-fuel development and production infrastructure in place to facilitate the creation of large solid-fuel boosters for an ICBM. Thus, a more prudent and cost-effective path forward would focus on the longer-term development of solid-fuel technologies and a solid ICBM. In a best-case scenario, it will take longer than four or five years to succeed in this enterprise. The resulting ICBM, however, would be far more survivable and operationally flexible than a Hwasong-16, which will have limited mobility. Which direction the North's ICBM development program will take remains to be seen."

 

7. Analyst: North Korea making strides in solid propellant ballistic missiles

upi.com – by Elizabeth Shim – 20 October 2020

 

8. North Korea's Kim Lauds Chinese War Dead On Anniversary

Barron's · by AFP - Agence France Presse

Another indication that Kim wants to sustain close relations with China.

 

9. South Korea Tries to Quell Anxiety Over Flu Shots After 13 Unexplained Deaths

The New York Times · by Choe Sang-Hun and Sui-Lee Wee · October 21, 2020

I hope they can determine the cause of these deaths.  This can obviously have long term negative effects on fighting COVID-19. 

 

10. FDD | Russia and China Obstruct UN Reporting on North Korea

fdd.org · by Andrea Stricker · October 21, 2020

Important analysis from our FDD colleague Andrea Stricker.  Russia and China cannot get a pass for their complicity in helping north Korea evade sanctions even if it is only hindering the Panel of Experts (but it goes well beyond that).

 

11. North Korea outbreak: Panic as new disease spreads through hermit state - markets impacted

Express · by Steven Brown · October 22, 2020

Another food source for the Korean people is compromised.  Why can the north supposedly prevent a spread of COVID-19 but not Swine Flu?

 

12. North Korea PARANOIA: Kim Jong-un launches desperate bid to stop spies at border

Express · by Luke Hawker · October 22, 2020

Paranoia is in the DNA of all authoritarian leaders, but I think it courses through the veins of the Kim family regime.

 

13. Head of South Korea ruling party sees chance of inter-Korean 'breakthrough'

upi.com – by Thomas Maresca – 21 October 2020

With all due respect there is only one word to describe this: delusional.  I urge the Moon administration to re-examine its assumptions upon which it is basing its policy toward north Korea.  I think it is wrong to assume that Kim shares President Moon's vision for engagement and for peace and reconciliation.  A better assumption is that Kim Jong-un seeks the domination of the Korean peninsula. There is much more evidence to support this assumption.

 

14. South Korea Is Caught Between China and the United States

carnegieendowment.org · by Chung Min Lee

Important analysis from a former National Security Advisor.

 

15. South Korea's Asean strategy needs sturdy pillars of understanding to succeed

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3106500/south-koreas-asean-strategy-needs-sturdy-pillars-understanding - by Pou Sothirak – 22 October 2020

My Korean friends tell me the ROK's Southern Strategy is complementary to and supportive of the US strategy for a Free and Open INDOPACIFIC.

 

16. International humanitarian institutions managed by central power in Pyongyang - retired US diplomat

rnz.co.nz · October 22, 2020

This is what the Kim family regime does.  All the "Friendship Society" are exploited and controlled by the regime.

 

17. U.S., South Korea alliance facing setback, ex-U.S. commander says

upi.com – by Elizabeth Shim – 21 October 2020

I participated in this conference. General Brooks provided important advice on how to repair and manage the alliance in the mutual interests of both the ROK and US.  He provided one of the best descriptions of what is and is not OPCON transition and what it means and does not mean.

 

"Reasoning will never make a man correct an ill opinion which by reasoning he never acquired."

- Jonathan Swift

 

"The sign of an intelligent people is their ability to control emotions by the application of reason."

- Marya Mannes

 

"Technology is so much fun but we can drown in our technology. The fog of information can drive out knowledge."

- Daniel J. Boorstin

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

1. N. Korean leader vows to further develop ties with China

2. Esper says U.S. continues to face threats from N. Korea, other rogue states

3. Abuse of Women Detained in North Korea Given Special Attention by United Nations

4. US continues pressure on Korea to stand against China

5. North Korean Human Rights Activist Suzanne Scholte, “Now, we have a golden opportunity to save North Korean refugees,” to President Moon.

6. 48 N. Koreans defected to South Korea in this year's 3rd quarter

7. “Worth Less Than an Animal” Abuses and Due Process Violations in Pretrial Detention in North Korea

8. North Korea's New ICBM Lacks MIRV Capability, Has 15,000 km Range: Report

9. Iran To Import North Korean missiles In 25-Year Military Deal With China

10. North Korea's Pukguksong-3 SLBM: A Step Towards Second-Strike Capability?

11. "The Most Impressive Private Intelligence Operation”: Review of "The Mole" (north Korea illicit activities)

12. Minister renews calls for inter-Korean cooperation in railway linking, tourism

13. U.N. grants sanctions exemptions to aid programs in N.K.

14. Kiwi man raided by police over North Korean PPE donation says it was 'like a sick joke'

15. N. Korea develops mobile payment service: propaganda outlet

16. Donju on the losing end of recent ban on "mobile money"

17. S. Korea pledges US$10 mln in humanitarian aid to conflict-ridden Sahel region

18. What is the Kim Jong Il University of Military Politics?

19. China Backs Off From Fight With K-Pop Fans

20. Exhibition commemorating War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea opens in Beijing

21. What were they fighting for? (South Korea's 386 now 586 generation)

 

1. N. Korean leader vows to further develop ties with China

en.yna.co.kr · by 김광태 · October 20, 2020

Again, this should be no surprise.  And China will play both sides.  South Korea should not be "competing" with the north for Chinese influence and affection despite the huge trade relationship.  That trade relationship has already demonstrated the South is vulnerable to Chinese economic and political warfare.

 

2. Esper says U.S. continues to face threats from N. Korea, other rogue states

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · October 21, 2020

As I have written a number of times, I cannot recall such consistency among our senior leaders in discussing and appearing to try to implement the National Security and National Defense Strategies. I think it is a testament to how well constructed these strategies are.

 

3. Abuse of Women Detained in North Korea Given Special Attention by United Nations

csis.org · by Robert R. King · October 20, 2020

These abuses are terrible.  

Also of note, we have not had a US Ambassador for north Korean Human Rights since Ambassador King stepped down in 2017.

 

4. US continues pressure on Korea to stand against China

The Korea Times· by Kang Seung-woo · October 21, 2020

We need to tread carefully here.  Pressure is not going to work.  South Korea must come to its own conclusion that joining the Quad and aligning itself with like-minded democratic countries is in its best political, economic, and national security interests.  We have to help South Korea come to that realization but too much pressure will backfire.  

 

5. North Korean Human Rights Activist Suzanne Scholte, “Now, we have a golden opportunity to save North Korean refugees,” to President Moon.

nkfreedom.org · October 21, 2020

I am proud to serve with Suzanne Scholte on the board of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea.  She does incredible work for north Korean human rights and human rights in general around the world.

As she notes this is an important opportunity and I hope the Moon administration pays attention to her.  Note the number of escapees is in decline.

 

6. 48 N. Koreans defected to South Korea in this year's 3rd quarter

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

Note the declining numbers of escapees (defectors). This is surely partly due to the draconian population and resources control measures implemented to defend against COVID.  But Kim has exploited COVID to impose harsh measures on the people to better control them.

 

7. “Worth Less Than an Animal” Abuses and Due Process Violations in Pretrial Detention in North Korea

hrw.org · October 19, 2020

The entire report can be accessed here.

The summary and key recommendations are at the news link.

 

8. North Korea's New ICBM Lacks MIRV Capability, Has 15,000 km Range: Report

The National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · October 20, 2020

As Dr. Bruce Bechtol reminds me every time I send something out on the "Hwasong 16" that there is no evidence of the north having a MIRV capability.  He says the larger missile may simply be capable of carrying a larger missile.

 

9. Iran To Import North Korean missiles In 25-Year Military Deal With China

Oil Price· by Simon Watkins · October 19, 2020

I hate to use an old "cliche" but this is truly an axis of evil.  Dr Bruce Becthol and his co-author are working on a major book project tracking north-Korean-Iranian proliferation and cooperation.

 

10. North Korea's Pukguksong-3 SLBM: A Step Towards Second-Strike Capability?

The National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · October 20, 2020

Whether north Korea can actually develop a submarine force capable of credible second strike capability I think we can assess that they want to at the very least give us the appearance of the capability.  Surely they would like a second strike capability for real deterrence.  However, this may also be part of its eventual negotiation strategy. Like the "Hwasong 16" the "Pukguksong-4" may be something to be bargained away for concessions during some future negotiations process.

 

11. “The Most Impressive Private Intelligence Operation”: Review of "The Mole" (north Korea illicit activities)

38north.org · by Ruediger Frank · October 20, 2020

I still have not been able to track down access to this documentary in the US.  I look forward to seeing this someday.

If you want to watch something about the "star" of this report, Alejandro Cao de Benós, please see this short trailer for the film the Propaganda Game.  It is truly bizarre. 

 

12. Minister renews calls for inter-Korean cooperation in railway linking, tourism

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

Is this to provide the evil north Korean regime the opportunity to brutally murder more Korean citizens from the South? I fear the Minister is tone deaf and misguided.

 

13. U.N. grants sanctions exemptions to aid programs in N.K.

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

How cooperative and transparent will the regime be?  

Excerpt: "The delivery of supplies into North Korea is expected to be trickier this year as the communist state has tightened its borders to stop the spread of the new coronavirus."

 

14. Kiwi man raided by police over North Korean PPE donation says it was 'like a sick joke'

Stuff.co.nz · by Joel MacManus · October 21, 2020

All of the north Korean "friendship societies" around the world should be targets of investigation for their illicit activities.

 

15. N. Korea develops mobile payment service: propaganda outlet

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · October 21, 2020

Another technical system/process I hope we are working on penetrating. Imagine if we could pump money to certain targets?

 

16. Donju on the losing end of recent ban on "mobile money"

dailynk.com· by Mun Dong Hui · October 21, 2020

Hmmmm... This is very important for the nascent markets in the north and this has significant impact.

Here is an excellent article from Yongho Kim that explains how the process works and its importance. North Korea’s Mobile Telecommunications and Private Transportation Services in the Kim Jong-un Era: 

 

17. S. Korea pledges US$10 mln in humanitarian aid to conflict-ridden Sahel region

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · October 21, 2020

This is one of the great miracles of South Korea. It went from a major aid recipient to a major donor nation.

 

18. What is the Kim Jong Il University of Military Politics?

dailynk.com· by Jeong Tae-Joo · October 21, 2020

I wonder if they are hiring (note sarcasm). I guess since Kim Jong-il is the father of Songun - Military First Politics, it is only appropriate to venerate him with his own university.

 

19. China Backs Off From Fight With K-Pop Fans

Foreign Policy · by S. Nathan Park · October 20, 2020

I think that is the problem.  China does not want to learn from South Korea or anyone.  In fact as an imminent Chia watcher has commented China is upset (and perhaps jealous) that South Korea is so popular around the world and has the first foreign Oscar winning film (Parasite) and has K-Pop groups like BTS which is the first to top the US billboard charts.

 

20. Exhibition commemorating War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea opens in Beijing

news.cgtn.com · October 19, 2020

Ah yes, the US war of aggression.

 

21. What were they fighting for? (South Korea's 386 now 586 generation)

The Korea Times· by Kang Hyun-kyung · October 21, 2020

A very thoughtful essay that addresses the democracy movement of the 1980's and the current Moon administration. 

 

---------------------

 

"Big groups solve small problems; whereas small groups solve big problems, and guess what?  We have a lot of big problems."

- Adrian Bogart

 

"The freedom to criticize ideas, any ideas – even if they are sincerely held beliefs – is one of the fundamental freedoms of society."
- Rowan Atkinson

 

“Have you ever stopped to ponder the amount of blood spilled, the volume of tears shed, the degree of pain and anguish endured, the number of noble men and women lost in battle so that we as individuals might have a say in governing our country? Honor the lives sacrificed for your freedoms.”
- Richelle E. Goodrich

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

1. China keeps inching closer to Taiwan

2. A distracted US is dangerous for Taiwan

3. Genghis Can't: the growing reach of Chinese censorship.

4. GRU hackers' destructive malware and international cyber attacks

5. Sleepwalking into World War III

6. America's response 2001

7. Marine Corps marks end of Harrier operations for historic 'Tomcats' squadron

8. A Secret U.S. rescue in Yemen played a role in Mideast peace deal

9. Special Forces learned in Syria, prepares to confront China

10. Special Forces needs to go back to basics to win against China and Russia

11. The third coronavirus surge has arrived

12. Extremists don’t belong in the military

13. China's ascension through a narrative lens

14. Twitter, responsibility, and accountability

15. Why is America the world’s police?

16. Missing Marine vet Austin Tice’s release part of White House official’s secret Syria visit

17. Cyber Solarium Commission outlines recommendations for strengthening the supply chain

18. How to spot a military impostor

19. Junior enlisted share the most ‘sham-tastic’ things they’ve ever done

 

1. China keeps inching closer to Taiwan

Foreign Policy · Michael Beckley · October 19, 2020

I am not sure about the "consensus."

 

2. A distracted US is dangerous for Taiwan

Financial Times · Gideon Rachman · October 19, 2020

True. And we are surely distracted by so much right now.

 

3. Genghis can't: the growing reach of Chinese censorship.

CEPA · Edward Lucas · October 19, 2020

For those working on information and influence activities (such as at the GEC), themes and messages are easily derived from exposing the Chinese information strategy.

 

4. GRU hackers' destructive malware and international cyber attacks

FBI · October 19, 2020

 

5. Sleepwalking into World War III

Foreign Affairs · Carrie A. Lee · October 19, 2020

I think this problem existed well before President Trump.

 

6. America's response 2001

Alan Mack 47 · Alan Mack · October 19, 2020

Some important first-person history. Where do we find such soldiers? NSDQ!

 

7. Marine Corps marks end of Harrier operations for historic 'Tomcats' squadron

Military.com · Oriana Pawlyk · October 19, 2020

I always thought the Harrier was one of the coolest jets. I hope the F-35B will be as well.

 

8. A Secret U.S. rescue in Yemen played a role in Mideast peace deal

Wall Street Journal · Dion Nissenbaum · October 19, 2020

A fascinating story.  Good work Miguel!

 

9. Special Forces learned in Syria, prepares to confront China

ConnectingVets.com · Jack Murphy · October 19, 2020

I think Jack is referencing the 1st Special Forces Command vision for 2021 and Beyond, which is  here. It is worth reading.

The USASOC Strategy document is here. It is also very much worth reading for those with an interest in special operations.

 

10. Special Forces needs to go back to basics to win against China and Russia

Task & Purpose · Chris Miller & Doug Livermore · October 19, 2020

As I previously mentioned. Important thoughts from Chris Miller and Doug Livermore.

 

11. The third coronavirus surge has arrived

Defense One · COVID Tracking Project · October 17, 2020

 

12. Extremists don’t belong in the military

Defense One · James L. Jones · October 19, 2020

 

13. China's ascension through a narrative lens

Asia Power Watch · Paul Cobaugh · October 19, 2020

 

14. Twitter, responsibility, and accountability

Stratechery · October 19, 2020

Long read.

 

15. Why is America the world’s police?

Boston Review · Sam Lebovic · October 19, 2020

 

16. Missing Marine vet Austin Tice’s release part of White House official’s secret Syria visit

Marine Corps Times · Sarah El Deeb & Ben Fox · October 19, 2020

 

17. Cyber Solarium Commission outlines recommendations for strengthening the supply chain

C4ISR Net · Mark Pomerleau · October 19, 2020

 

18. How to spot a military impostor

New Yorker · Rachel Monroe · October 19, 2020

What possesses people to tell these kinds of lies? They will always be found out. Especially with the amount of data available today and just the connectivity through social media that can expose their lies.

 

19. Junior enlisted share the most ‘sham-tastic’ things they’ve ever done

Military Times · Sarah Sicard · October 20, 2020

We will close with some humor today.  If ever there was a deep state in the military, it would be the E4 mafia.

 

"Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above it."

- Washington Irvine

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

- Winston Churchill

"This is not a contest between persons. The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error. I come to you in defense of a cause as holy as the cause of liberty - the cause of humanity."

- William Jennings Bryan

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

1. North Korea’s new ICBM: why the “monster missile” matters

2. Only Star Wars can beat North Korea's nukes

3. North Korea cybercriminals threaten Russian entities, report says

4. Kim Jong Un rescued after SUV rolled into ditch, state media says

5.  S. Korean defense chief, U.S. commander vow strong cooperation for N.K. denuclearization

6.  N.K. fast narrowing missile technology with S. Korea: defense development agency chief

7. N.K. media slams S. Korea over recent defense talks with U.S.

8.  Seoul to get U.S. drone intelligence system

9. Deployment of Global Hawk carried out behind closed doors

10. N. Korea's new ICBM can't hit two or more targets at same time

11. Post typhoon repairs: progress on Chongjin Bridge

12. South Korea's April 2020 elections rigged? The answer is a clear no.

13. North Korea thinks America started ebola

14. Cheong Wa Dae mired in corruption

15. One of China's largest logistics companies stops delivering BTS goods

16. South Korea eases coronavirus restrictions, touts 'exceptional' success

17. Coronavirus outbreak? North Korea school opening delayed: report

18. New contingent of "Storm Corps" sent to Sino-N. Korean border

19. Experts look for solutions to Korea-Japan conundrum

20. What my North Korean friend taught me about home

 

1. North Korea’s New ICBM: Why the “Monster Missile” Matters

National Interest · Markus V. Garlauskas · October 19, 2020

From the former NIO for Korea: “I would add one other important point. This is a critical system for exploitation in negotiations. I think Kim could use this as a future concession. Something to give up in return for sanctions relief. Kim believes he will be able to convince us to push for the elimination of the ‘Hwasong 16’ based on the excellent expert analysis below. We don't want Kim to have such a system.”

 

2. Only Star Wars can beat North Korea’s nukes

Washington Times · Brandon J. Weichert · October 19, 2020

Clickbait title perhaps but the author's key message is here. And, of course, this is a bigger issue than North Korea.

 

3. North Korea cybercriminals threaten Russian entities, report says

UPI · Elizabeth Shim · October 19, 2020

An interesting development. But North Korea has no friends, only interests, and, of course, it is interested in penetrating the defense firms of any country, to include Russia.

 

4. Kim Jong Un rescued after SUV rolled into ditch, state media says

UPI · Elizabeth Shim · October 19, 2020

Safety first, gentlemen. I am sure the rescuers will forever be heroes of the regime (the story will be a legend, as noted) and those responsible for the mishap will be in the gulag.

But how many times have we seen Jeeps and HMMWVS slip off rice paddy dikes in South Korea? We have all seen it happen. I recall a major recovery operation one late winter in the DMZ just as the thaw was occurring. The paddies had not been flooded, yet but the melted snow made them bogs. We had a HMMWV so stuck that it took three other vehicles to pull it out of the mire.

 

5. S. Korean defense chief, U.S. commander vow strong cooperation for N.K. denuclearization

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · October 20, 2020

I understand the title and the focus, but there is much more to the alliance than just North Korea denuclearization. Readiness is not just to support denuclearization.

 

6. N.K. fast narrowing missile technology with S. Korea: defense development agency chief

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · October 20, 2020

We have not seen the testing to confirm this. But we should remember that North Korea has surprised us many times with their advances.

I am not as concerned with competition between North and South as to "matching" ballistic missile capabilities. My concern is with South Korean missile defense. Can it defeat North Korean ballistic missiles?

 

7. N.K. media slams S. Korea over recent defense talks with U.S.

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · October 20, 2020

A key part of the regime's strategy is to undermine, weaken, and eventually break the alliance. Divide to conquer… divide the alliance to be able to conquer the ROK. We must never forget that when dealing with North Korea and when we make decisions that could impact the alliance (e.g., troop reductions or withdrawal).

 

8. Seoul to get U.S. drone intelligence system

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Shim Kyu-Seok · October 20, 2020

Good. An important capability.

 

9. Deployment of Global Hawk carried out behind closed doors

Dong-A Ilbo · Kyu-Jin Shin · October 20, 2020

Maybe not every military or intelligence action should be made public right away or as it happens.

 

10. N. Korea's new ICBM can't hit two or more targets at same time

Daily NK · Jang Seul Gi · October 20, 2020

Daily NK would seem to be a little out of its lane here, though it is not the one making this analysis. This comes from a Daily NK source in North Korea.

 

11. Post typhoon repairs: progress on Chongjin Bridge

38 North · Martyn Williams · October 19, 2020

 

12. South Korea's April 2020 elections rigged? The answer is a clear no.

National Interest · Mitchell Blatt · October 19, 2020

Anti-China Hawks?  I think not.

But it seems Mr. Blatt is carrying the water of both the Moon administration and China.

 

13. North Korea thinks America started ebola

National Interest · Stephen Silver · October 19, 2020

Actually, we should "believe" much of the regime's propaganda. It often tells us what the regime is going to do and explains policy direction. But, actually, it is not "believing" it that is important. It is analyzing and understanding the messages the regime is sending.

 

14. Cheong Wa Dae mired in corruption

Dong-A Ilbo · October 20, 2020

This is key. Where are the checks and balances?

 

15. One of China's largest logistics companies stops delivering BTS goods

All K Pop · AKP Staff · October 19, 2020

The soft power fight and Chinese economic warfare.

 

16. South Korea eases coronavirus restrictions, touts 'exceptional' success

NPR · Se Eun Gong · October 19, 2020

 

17. Coronavirus outbreak? North Korea school opening delayed: report

National Interest

Out of an abundance of caution or a possible indicator?

 

18. New contingent of "Storm Corps" sent to Sino-N. Korean border

Daily NK · Ha Yoon Ah · October 20, 2020

"Hunting weapons?" Shoot to kill orders remain in effect. I do like the "net guns" for defending against animals trying to penetrate into North Korea. This is another indication of the regime's need to defend its border, both from COVIID but also from external influence (economic and information) and from Koreans, who not only want to conduct cross border commerce but also want to escape.

 

19. Experts look for solutions to Korea-Japan conundrum

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Lee Yu-Jung & Sarah Kim · October 20, 2020

Solutions? I think the word they are looking for is a miracle.

 

20. What my North Korean friend taught me about home

Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage · Rachel J. Lee · October 19, 2020

This fact is important for us to understand. Despite the hardship and suffering as well as the freedom they experience, there are many escapees (defectors) who still long for their homeland. This truth is important for those working on information and influence activities. Messages cannot vilify the North Korean territory and people and culture. They can and should undermine the regime and expose the regime's wrongdoing as well as educate those in the North about their inalienable human rights. But we should respect the fact that many do want to return and that should be factored into the South's unification plans (it is also helpful to ensure a "stay put" policy when the regime is no longer in power and the unification process begins in earnest). The best way to prevent refugee flows is to incentivize people to remain in their homes. How do you do that? Land ownership is one way.

 

"Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above it."

- Washington Irvine

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

- Winston Churchill

"This is not a contest between persons. The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error. I come to you in defense of a cause as holy as the cause of liberty - the cause of humanity."

- William Jennings Bryan

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

1. Can America perfect missile defense in 10 years?

2. Trump should listen to Kissinger and stop treating China as an enemy

3. The real danger in Trump touting a baseless Bin Laden conspiracy theory

4. Prime Minister Suga must reassess his priorities for the Korean Peninsula

5. US Stresses importance of human rights to Indonesian Defense Minister

6. Robert O'Brien reiterates 2,500 troops will remain in Afghanistan past Christmas

7.  Alexey Navalny on the poisoning attack he survived and why he thinks Putin was behind it

8. Congress can do far more to oversee America’s foreign wars

9. USS Barry cruises through Taiwan Strait after Beijing blasts McCain’s South China Sea transit

10. A storied female warlord surrenders, Taliban say, exposing Afghan weakness

11. Multilateralism in the national interest

12. Asian Americans in San Francisco are dying at alarming rates from COVID-19: racism is to blame

13. White House official went to Syria seeking Americans' release

14. Thanks to Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines is losing its Boronavirus battle

15. Trump or Biden, Australia is alone

16. The central idea of conflict: will

17. West Point creates advisory group, an honor stand-down, cadet-led talks to tackle race issues

18. Toward an information warfare theory of victory

19. Lying to ourselves: Senator Johnson shows that the disinformation problem starts at home

20. 'It is serious and intense': white supremacist domestic terror threat looms large in US

21. Eagle Down: The Last Special Forces Fighting the Forever War

22. A reward for the “Raiders”: the US will celebrate the special unit that fought in Burma

 

1. Can America perfect missile defense in 10 years?

National Interest · Kris Osborn · October 18, 2020

Can we afford to wait 10 years?

 

2. Trump should listen to Kissinger and stop treating China as an enemy

South China Morning Post · Ngai Ming Chit & Tseung Kwan O · October 19, 2020

 

3. The real danger in Trump touting a baseless Bin Laden conspiracy theory

FDD · Thomas Joscelyn · October 15, 2020

It obscures that Iran and al-Qaeda sometimes do work together.

 

4. Prime Minister Suga must reassess his priorities for the Korean Peninsula

FDD · Mathew Ha · October 16, 2020

 

5. US Stresses Importance of Human Rights to Indonesian Defense Minister

Benar News · Ika Inggas · October 17, 2020

This is one of the contributing reasons for the Leahy Amendment on human rights.

 

6. Robert O'Brien reiterates 2,500 troops will remain in Afghanistan past Christmas

Washington Examiner · Anthony Leonardi · October 16, 2020

 

7. Alexey Navalny on the poisoning attack he survived and why he thinks Putin was behind it

CBS News · Lesley Stahl · October 18, 2020

Does anyone believe the Russians did not do this on the orders of Putin?

 

8. Congress can do far more to oversee America’s foreign wars

National Interest · Richard Fontaine · October 18, 2020

Congress has been abdicating its oversight role since the AUMF was passed.

 

9. USS Barry cruises through Taiwan Strait after Beijing blasts McCain’s South China Sea transit

Stars & Stripes · Seth Robson · October 15, 2020

It is good to see the USS McCain back in action.

 

10. A storied female warlord surrenders, Taliban say, exposing Afghan weakness

New York Times · Mujib Mashal · October 18, 2020

Quite a story.

 

11. Multilateralism in the national interest

Lawfare · Elizabeth Cousens & Lise Morjé Howard · October 18, 2020

I do not think we can compete in Great Power Competition without engaging in multilateral organizations.

 

12. Asian Americans in San Francisco are dying at alarming rates from COVID-19: Racism is to blame

USA Today · Marco della Cava · October 19, 2020

 

13. White House official went to Syria seeking Americans' release

Reuters · Jeff Mason, Arshad Mohammed, Daniel Wallis, & Peter Cooney · October 18, 2020

 

14. Thanks to Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines is losing its Coronavirus battle

National Interest · Alec Regino · October 19, 2020

 

15. Trump or Biden, Australia is alone

Lowy Institute · Sam Roggeveen · October 16, 2020

Strategic reassure and strategic resolve? The Australians do not think the US is demonstrating that.

 

16. The Central Idea of Conflict: Will

Strategy Bridge · Wayne Michael Hall · October 19, 2020

This should cause some deep reflection.

 

17. West Point creates advisory group, an honor stand-down, cadet-led talks to tackle race issues

Army Times · Todd South · October 18, 2020

 

18. Toward an information warfare theory of victory

Modern War Institute · Iain King · October 19, 2020

 

19. Lying to ourselves: Senator Johnson shows that the disinformation problem starts at home

Georgetown Security Services Review · Meaghan Byrne · October 16, 2020

 

20. 'It is serious and intense': white supremacist domestic terror threat looms large in US

Guardian · Ed Pilkington · October 19, 2020

The question many will ask, what about ANTIFA?

 

21. Eagle Down: The Last Special Forces Fighting the Forever War

Publishers Weekly · October 15, 2020

 

22. A reward for the “Raiders”: the US will celebrate the special unit that fought in Burma

Pledge Times · Bhavi Mandalia · October 18, 2020

 

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art...It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

- C.S. Lewis

“In democracies, a peaceful transfer of power has two elements: The loser concedes without violence, and the winner accepts without vengeance.”

- Jill Lepore

“Cold Wars cannot be conducted by hotheads.  Nor can ideological conflicts be won as crusades or concluded by unconditional surrender.” 

- Walter Lippmann: The Russian-American War 1949

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

1. South Korea isn't convinced on an American-led ‘Asian NATO’

2. North Korean justice system treats people as 'less than animals': HRW

3. North Korea is envious of Israel’s nuclear weapons strategy

4. North Korea detainees subjected to ritual torture and sexual assault - rights group

5. Japan's ruling party plots revenge for asset seizure ruling

6. N. Korea says call for CVID is 'domestic interference'

7. By boosting ties, China and ROK can help restore peace in region

8. S. Korea, Philippines vow to beef up defense cooperation

9. North Korea's message for Donald Trump or Joe Biden

10. S. Korea reaffirms commitment to NK-US talks

11. N. Korea policy needs to change from top-down approach to “alliance outsourcing”

12. FULL TEXT: Parents of Otto Warmbier ‘pledge solidarity’ with family of slain S. Korean official

13. Meeting Kim Jong-un?

14. Hard choices for South Korea

15. New virus cases under 100 for 4th day, cluster infections still on rise

16. Tours to inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom to resume early next month

17. What internet users in China taking offence at BTS’ Korean war comments says about the political climate there

 

1. South Korea isn't convinced on an American-led ‘Asian NATO’

National Interest · Anthony V. Rinna · October 18, 2020

As I have previously written, if we are going to convince South Korea to join the Quad then we need to be prepared to help defend it against the massive economic warfare that China will unleash upon the ROK. Can we conduct the necessary political and economic warfare to help defend our ally in return for them joining the Quad?

 

2. North Korean Justice System Treats People As 'Less Than Animals': HRW

Barron's · AFP · October 18, 2020

I know people tire of reading about the horrendous human right abuses and crimes against humanity being committed by the Kim family regime. However, we cannot turn a blind eye and we cannot remain silent. Human rights must be on the agenda and must be included in allied and international efforts to solve the Korea questions and bring peace, security, and stability to the Korean peninsula. We should never forget this: the root of all problems in Korea is the existence of the mafia-like crime family cult known as the Kim family regime that has the objective of dominating the Korean Peninsula under the rule of the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State.

 

3. North Korea is envious of Israel’s nuclear weapons strategy

National Interest · Kyle Mizokami · October 18, 2020

Some things just make you go hmmmm... North Korea is not Israel. It would make more sense for South Korea to adopt some Israeli national security concepts and strategy. Like Israel, it is surrounded by hostile forces (of course North Korea likes to claim that condition for itself).

 

4. North Korea detainees subjected to ritual torture and sexual assault - rights group

Guardian · Justin McCurry · October 19, 2020

Ritual torture? Is there any regime in power today that is eviler than the Kim family regime?

 

5. Japan's ruling party plots revenge for asset seizure ruling

Chosun Ilbo · Lee Ha-Won · October 19, 2020

Again, I am not optimistic for improved Korea-Japan relations.

 

6. N. Korea says call for CVID is 'domesticiInterference'

KBS World · October 17, 2020

And we call North Korea's nuclear and missile programs a global threat.

 

7. By boosting ties, China and ROK can help restore peace in region

China Daily · Wang Sheng & Wang Yuxan · October 19, 2020

Excellent CCP propaganda in the China Daily. Just one area of Great Power Competition. 

 

8. S. Korea, Philippines vow to beef up defense cooperation

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · October 19, 2020

Part of the ROK's southern strategy that is complementary to the US free and open INDOPACIFC strategy?

 

9. North Korea's message for Donald Trump or Joe Biden

National Interest · Doug Bandow · October 18, 2020

I am afraid I just cannot agree with this assessment of Kim Jong-Un.

Kim Jong-Un is no Gorbachev. That is wishful thinking. We must deal with Kim Jong-Un as he really is and not as we wish him to be.

 

10. S. Korea reaffirms commitment to NK-US talks

Korea Times · Do Je-Hae · October 19, 2020

Would anyone expect otherwise? Note the South appears to be really pushing for an end of war declaration. Again, we must ask what effect will such a declaration achieve and will the security of the ROK be enhanced by such a declaration?

 

11. N. Korea policy needs to change from top-down approach to “alliance outsourcing”

Hankyoreh · Kim Sung-Bae · October 18, 2020

The very progressive Hankyoreh Ilbo and the author anticipate a Biden victory and advocate for a ROK lead in negotiations with the North.

 

12. FULL TEXT: Parents of Otto Warmbier ‘pledge solidarity’ with family of slain S. Korean official

Korea Herald · Kim Arin · October 19, 2020

I hope the ROK Government realizes the issue it has created by how it has handled the North Korean murder of the a South Korean civil servant.

 

13. Meeting Kim Jong-un?

Korea Times · David Tizzard · October 17, 2020

 

14. Hard choices for South Korea

Korea Times · Tong Kim · October 19, 2020

Tong Kim is right.

 

15. New virus cases under 100 for 4th day, cluster infections still on rise

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · October 19, 2020

 

16. Tours to inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom to resume early next month

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · October 19, 2020

I wonder when was the last time Panmunjom tours were suspended this long?

 

17. What internet users in China taking offence at BTS’ Korean war comments says about the political climate there

South China Morning Post · Dong Sun-hwa · October 19, 2020

Interesting to see how this is playing put on the soft power "battlefield."

 

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art...It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

- C.S. Lewis

“In democracies, a peaceful transfer of power has two elements: The loser concedes without violence, and the winner accepts without vengeance.”

- Jill Lepore

“Cold Wars cannot be conducted by hotheads.  Nor can ideological conflicts be won as crusades or concluded by unconditional surrender.” 

- Walter Lippmann: The Russian-American War 1949

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

1. S. Korea to launch annual defense drill to deter N. Korea

2. North Korea's New Missile Appears Designed to Overwhelm US Defenses

3. U.S. Backtracks on Troop Control Transfer

4. Korea, U.S. Clash over Defense Cost-Sharing

5. Securing an 'Asian NATO' or destabilising Korea relations?

6. U.S. security adviser sees chance to resume talks with N. Korea around 2021 Olympics

7. After the parade, North Korea's steady progress matters more than its big new missile

8. Xi tells Japan's leader he shares concern over North Korea kidnappings

9.  Military Warns of New N.Korean Landmines

10. Army chief apologizes for military's role in 1980 pro-democracy uprising

11. N. Korea pressures some border residents to hand in foreign cell phones

12. N. Korea still rejecting Chinese proposals to repatriate defectors

13. BTS's Loyal Army of Fans Is the Secret Weapon Behind a $4 Billion I.P.O.

14. End-of-war declaration and denuclearization are linked, says Seo Hoon

15. Suh says Seoul, Washington on the same page regarding end-of-war proposal

16. South Korea voices 'deep regrets' over Suga's offering to Yasukuni war shrine

17. Pence Cartoon: "Crocodile Tears" - Daily NK

 

1.  S. Korea to launch annual defense drill to deter N. Korea

en.yna.co.kr · by 오석민 · October 16, 2020

Good.  This is necessary and the ROK government and military deserve kudos for executing this training especially in the face of the Yin-Yang of the north's charm offensive and display of modernized military capabilities.  The ROK cannot back down nor be duped by the regime's phony apologies and rhetoric.  Now we have to do some combined training. I remember participating in the ROK Blue Dragon river crossing exercises on the Kanghwa peninsula and Han River back in the 1980s.  These were ROK planned and led exercises with a small number of US units participating and consisted of river crossing, amphibious landings and air assaults and extensive multi-echelon training. I hope we see extensive reporting on this training and I wish there were US units participating.

 

2. North Korea's New Missile Appears Designed to Overwhelm US Defenses

voanews.com · by William Gallo · October 16, 2020

This certainly makes sense especially if it has developed a MIRV capability.  However, we have seen no indication it has developed such a capability.  But then again the north has surprised us many times.

 

3. U.S. Backtracks on Troop Control Transfer

english.chosun.com· October 16, 2020

This is really troubling.  I am not being hyperbolic when I say this. Not following through on OPCON transition could break the alliance.  The train has left the station. If we do not complete this transition (that must be condition based and not based on a timeline) it could catastrophically undermine the ROK trust in the alliance and in the US.  It will confirm all the conspiracy theories that have existed since this transition process began in 2003 that say the US never had any intention of following through on the transition.   This is one of many complex issues coming from the SCM that is creating a perfect storm to damage the alliance.

 

4. Korea, U.S. Clash over Defense Cost-Sharing

english.chosun.com · October 14, 2020

And this is the other obvious major issue contributing to the brewing of the perfect storm.

 

5. Securing an 'Asian NATO' or destabilising Korea relations?

eastasiaforum.org · by Anthony Rinna · October 14, 2020

Respect for Korea walking the tightrope between China and the US.

Excerpt: "Washington should therefore restrain itself from pushing Seoul too hard to join the Quad as a full member, leveraging instead its shared interests with Seoul to focus foremost on seeing through an equitable solution to the Korean security crisis. South Korea's accession to the Quad will complicate Beijing's ties with Seoul and entrench the Korean Peninsula as an even more explicit geopolitical battleground between China and the United States."

 

6. U.S. security adviser sees chance to resume talks with N. Korea around 2021 Olympics

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · October 17, 2020

Somehow I do not think the conditions are similar to the Olympics in Korea in 2018.

 

7. After the parade, North Korea's steady progress matters more than its big new missile

thebulletin.org· by Jenny Town · October 16, 2020

Key points from Jenny Town: "But the fixation on the two new ballistic missiles has obscured a far more important story about North Korea's overall military modernization. While the new ballistic missiles themselves may ultimately bring little in the way of strategic benefits, the level and pace of North Korea's broader military modernization should compel US policy makers to rethink the current approach to denuclearization."  And this "The rate of change North Korea has demonstrated in its military modernization and strategic weapons development over the past five years is telling. Despite "biting" sanctions, Pyongyang has consistently shown a superior ability to adapt to the times and find ways to meet its strategic goals. The question is whether US policy makers can be equally as adept at adjusting their approach to one that will bring about incremental results to prevent a repeat modernization story five years from now."

In my assessment, north Korean actions illustrate there is no intent to denuclearize the north but the long term strategy to dominate the Korean peninsula remains the "lodestar" and guiding principle for the regime.

 

8. Xi tells Japan's leader he shares concern over North Korea kidnappings

South China Morning Post · October 17, 2020

Sure.  I am sure he is sincerely concerned. (not).

 

9. Military Warns of New N.Korean Landmines

english.chosun.com · October 16, 2020

This is a danger after every Monsoon.  And it will persist in the vicinity of the DMZ long after unification occurs.  The DMZ will never be completely safe.

 

10. Army chief apologizes for military's role in 1980 pro-democracy uprising

en.yna.co.kr · by 오석민 · October 16, 2020

This is troubling.  The Kwangju story still has not been sufficiently told. But historical revisionism is bent on ensuring that the Army is vilified and the "activists" are almost deified.  

 

11.  N. Korea pressures some border residents to hand in foreign cell phones

dailynk.com· by Kim Yoo Jin · October 16, 2020

The regime is deathly afraid of external information and communication among the Korean people in the north.  But I wonder how effective "inducement" will be.

Excerpt: "Not only professional smugglers and brokers but also residents of border areas with foreign-made mobile phones are reportedly handing over their phones voluntarily to the Ministry of State Security. The source noted, however, that this appears to be aimed at temporarily escaping surveillance and pressure from the ministry."

The fear of the draconian population and resources control measures seems to be inducing them.

 

12. N. Korea still rejecting Chinese proposals to repatriate defectors

dailynk.com· by Mun Dong Hui · October 15, 2020

Potentially some slight good news for escapees in China.  The north remains fearful of COVID and that is preventing repatriation.

 

13. BTS's Loyal Army of Fans Is the Secret Weapon Behind a $4 Billion I.P.O.

The New York Times · by Ben Dooley · October 14, 2020

Pretty amazing that a "boy band" could generate this level of funding.  The Korean wave (Hallyu) continues.

 

14. End-of-war declaration and denuclearization are linked, says Seo Hoon

donga.com · October 17, 2020

How so?  How will an end of war declaration improve security on the Korean peninsula? Why does north Korea want an end of war declaration? What are they going to do with it?  What are they going to do after such a declaration is made?  How long before the north and anti-American activists in the South push for withdrawal of US troops?

 

15. Suh says Seoul, Washington on the same page regarding end-of-war proposal

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com· by Ser Myo-Ja

Well there you go.  I guess it is a done deal. I hope we have a strategy for this.  I want the war to end.  I want peace on the Korean peninsula. I do not want to provide an advantage to the north especially due to the second and third order effects that will result from such a declaration.

 

16.  South Korea voices 'deep regrets' over Suga's offering to Yasukuni war shrine

The Korea Times · October 17, 2020

Not helpful.

 

17. Pence Cartoon: "Crocodile Tears" - Daily NK

dailynk.com · by Gregory Pence  ·October 15, 2020

Not VP Pence.

 

-----------

 

"It is important to remember that bureaucratic politics and rivalry are not just matters of competing for primacy in foreign policy - although they are that too. Rather, most bureaucratic competition comes from the fact that these bureaucracies often have overlapping jurisdictions on policy matters and that each may have legitimate but differing responsibilities. For example, both the CIA and the Defense Department have large intelligence-gathering operations, and at times these overlap and compete; at the same time, the State Department and Defense Department both have important but very different responsibilities in American foreign policy-making, and it is quite understandable that these are not always in exact accord."  

- Howard J. Wiarda, American Foreign Policy: Actors and Processes

 

"To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe."

- Marilyn vos Savant

 

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."

- Rumi

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

 

1. For Baltic Defense, Forget the ‘Forest Brothers’

2. Who Is a Domestic Terrorist?

3. Will Commanders Trust Their New AI Weapons and Tools?

4. Turnkey Allies: Israel Backing the Sunni Cause

5.  How Xinjiang’s gulag tears families apart

6. FDD | Time to Act on Human Shields

7. FDD | UN Elects Worst Violators to Human Rights Council

8. FDD | Washington Should Avoid a Self-Inflicted Wound in the Sinai

9.  No, Drones Haven’t Made Tanks Obsolete

10. The United States Isn’t Doomed to Lose the Information Wars

11. With ‘absurd’ timing, FCC announces intention to revisit Section 230

12. Forget Counterterrorism, the United States Needs a Counter-Disinformation Strategy

13. 66 Ways to Beat China in AI: Report

14. Women in combat wear armor designed for men. That's finally changing in 2020.

15. The Status of US Military Power in 2020

16. How East Asia’s balance of power is shaping its US election stance

17. QAnon conspiracy about SEAL Team Six raid on Osama bin Laden picks up steam

 

1. For Baltic Defense, Forget the ‘Forest Brothers’

warontherocks.com · by Kevin Blachford · October 16, 2020

I am not a Europe expert (the last time I was there was when I was stationed in Germany in 1983-1985).  However, this essay challenges the Resistance Operating Concept (ROC) by SOCEUR.  I happen to think it is a viable and important concept.  This critique is useful and hopefully will make the concept stronger.  It seems though this critique really boils down to urban versus rural.  And I did not expect the authors to use a Philippines example (Marawi).

I do like this excerpt:  "The lesson to be derived from Marawi for the outgunned and outmanned Baltic militaries is clearly this: It is not the tactics, techniques, and procedures of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that should form the primary focus of study, but rather those employed by the Islamic State in the rubble of Marawi."

 

2. Who Is a Domestic Terrorist?

The New Yorker · by David Rohde · October 15, 2020

A necessary discussion.

Conclusion: As O’Connor put it, “In my thirty-five years in law enforcement, I’ve not seen the country as divided as it is today. It’s amazing times. It’s the perfect storm.” This week, a federal law-enforcement official acknowledged the danger and told me that authorities were “looking out for” individuals planning or engaging in violence. “We’ll take appropriate action,” he said. The greatest responsibility, though, lies with the President and other elected leaders. Exhibiting restraint in the weeks ahead will produce more political benefit for themselves, and for the public, than further talk of Armageddon.

 

3. Will Commanders Trust Their New AI Weapons and Tools?

defenseone.com · by Margarita Konaev

A good question.  Sometimes I worry if a simple email went through because I just do not know for sure and seeing it in the outbox does not give me assurance it made it to the intended recipient.  I imagine I would be very worried about AI -something I cannot see, smell, taste, or touch.  Of course, I am old.  How will the younger generation accept AI is the key question - will our digital natives be more trusting (I am sure they will be more accepting).

 

4. Turnkey Allies: Israel Backing the Sunni Cause

warroom.armywarcollege.edu · by Andrew Narloch · October 16, 2020

Conclusion: Israel is in an optimal position to aid Sunni states should conflict break out between an Iranian-led alliance and the Sunni Arab world. Iraq could prove a fertile battleground, valuable for both sides, and with substantial Sunni and Shia populations for respective Arab states to support in a conflict. This alignment could easily cascade into a wider conflict, but it is unlikely to escalate to a conventional war given the Shia’s disadvantage in such a fight. While there are no current military cooperation agreements between Israel and any major Sunni state, Tel Aviv could still support its preferred side by bogging down Syrian and Lebanese Hezbollah elements with its air and ground presence. Wisely, the Sunni states and Israel have already developed intelligence and informal diplomatic networks. These networks could likely be improved upon through further liaisons and summits. Strengthening the Sunni states’ economies would be another avenue for Israel to prepare its partners for a wartime footing. Victory over Iran and its allies in any conflict would immediately improve Israel’s security, resulting in a weakened Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah and a Pro-Gulf Iraq. However, the greater triumph for Israel would be the potential for normalized relations with its Sunni neighbors, which would prove invaluable to the Jewish state’s longevity.

 

5. How Xinjiang’s gulag tears families apart

The Economist – 17 October 2020

Tragic. These are crimes against humanity. The world cannot remain blind to or quiet about this.

 

6. FDD | Time to Act on Human Shields

fdd.org · by Orde Kittrie · October 15, 2020

My colleague, Orde Kittrie, has been doing a lot of work on the human shields problem. Quote: "It has been nearly two years since the Shields Act became law. Despite considerable prior evidence of human-shields use by terrorist groups, the Trump administration has yet to impose any sanctions under the law. It is time for the U.S. government to use the Shields Act to hold terrorists and their material supporters publicly accountable for the war crime of using human shields."

 

7. FDD | UN Elects Worst Violators to Human Rights Council

fdd.org · by Tzvi Kahn · October 15, 2020

We should not allow this to happen.  I really do think that Great Power Competition also includes competition for influence among international organizations.  We should not be ceding this "battlespace" to revisionist and rogue powers.

 

8. FDD | Washington Should Avoid a Self-Inflicted Wound in the Sinai

fdd.org · by Bradley Bowman and Major Amoreena York· October 15, 2020

 

9. No, Drones Haven’t Made Tanks Obsolete

Foreign Policy · by Robert Bateman · October 15, 2020

For all my tanker friends, I certainly hope not.

 

10. The United States Isn’t Doomed to Lose the Information Wars

Foreign Policy · by Doowan Lee · October 16, 2020

An optimistic article from my good friend, Dooowan Lee.  Conclusion: "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought long-overdue attention to the use of disinformation by authoritarian regimes, but naming the problem is not enough. China and Russia have weaponized the information environment for too long, and democratic countries need to find ways to preserve the principles of an open society and organic online discourse. In the face of information warfare, the United States in particular has the dual advantages of technological innovation and an unparalleled national security apparatus. It’s time to use them."

 

11. With ‘absurd’ timing, FCC announces intention to revisit Section 230

TechCrunch · by Devin Coldewey

Or at least interesting timing.

Conclusion: "The process will be just as drawn out and public as previous ones, however, which means that a cavalcade of comments may yet again indicate that the FCC ignores public opinion, experts and lawmakers alike in its decision to invent or eliminate its roles as it sees fit. Be ready to share your feedback with the FCC, but no need to fire up the outrage just yet - chances are this rulemaking won’t even exist in draft form until after the election, at which point there may be something of a change in the urgency of this effort to reinterpret the law to the White House’s liking."

 

12. Forget Counterterrorism, the United States Needs a Counter-Disinformation Strategy

Foreign Policy · by Brian Raymond · October 15, 2020

Or we need American Way of Political Warfare: https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PE304.html

Since the Active Measures Working Group was mentioned here is a link to the NDU report on it: https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Publications/Article/717885/deception-disinformation-and-strategic-communications-how-one-interagency-group/

Hopefully we will hear from Matt Armstong who has some strong critical opinions about these issues.

 

13. 66 Ways to Beat China in AI: Report

defenseone.com · by Mila Jasper

Or 66 ways to leave your lover (I could not resist the Paul Simon reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4xoHjNjxus . Perhaps a few of these rhymes would be useful to negotiators when dealing with the Chinese)

 

14. Women in combat wear armor designed for men. That's finally changing in 2020.

USA Today · by Tom Vanden Brook

About time.  You would have thought we would have fixed this long ago.

 

15. The Status of US Military Power in 2020

dailysignal.com · by Dakota Wood · October 15, 2020

From one of the best military analysts.   The complete assessment is at this link: https://www.heritage.org/military-strength. There are a lot of details to unpack.

 

16. How East Asia’s balance of power is shaping its US election stance

NewStatesman · by James Chater · October 15, 2020

A very interesting survey of how major East Asian countries assess the election, the issues, and the two candidates.

 

17. QAnon conspiracy about SEAL Team Six raid on Osama bin Laden picks up steam

militarytimes.com · by Sarah Sicard, J.D. Simkins · October 15, 2020

I guess we just cannot help ourselves.  We love our conspiracy theories.  And I guess the more idiotic the better.

 

"In foreign policy, a modest acceptance of fate will often lead to discipline rather than indifference. The realization that we cannot always have our way is the basis of a mature outlook that rests on an ancient sensibility, for tragedy is not the triumph of evil over good so much as triumph of one good over another that causes suffering. Awareness of that fact leads to a sturdy morality grounded in fear as well as in hope. The moral benefits of fear bring us to two English philosophers who, like Machiavelli, have for centuries disturbed people of goodwill: Hobbes and Malthus."

- Robert D. Kaplan, Warrior Politics: Why Leadership Requires a Pagan Ethos

 

"If you concentrate exclusively on victory, while no thought for the after effect, you may be too exhausted to profit by peace, while it is almost certain that the peace will be a bad one, containing the germs of another war."

- B.H. Liddell-Hart

 

"If in taking a native den one thinks chiefly of the market that he will establish there on the morrow, one does not take it in the ordinary way." 

- Lyautey:  The Colonial Role of the Army, Revue Des Deux Mondes, 15 February 1900

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

 

1. U.S.-Korea Security Meeting Epitomizes Malaise of Alliance

2. Storms, Covid Raise Fear of Worst North Korea Famine Since 1990s

3. U.S. military says South Korean workers may be laid off amid row over costs

4. U.S. Joint Chiefs chair stresses 'extended deterrence' on peninsula

5. Why the US and South Korea are drifting apart

6. Pompeo Plays Down North Korea ICBM Risk

7. North Korea's Two New Strategic Missiles: What Do We Know and What Do They Mean for US Deterrence?

8. Army rotational brigade begins arriving in South Korea despite coronavirus

9. North Korea's charm offensive

10. Infographic: North Korea's new monster missile

11. North Korea says Danish documentary on alleged sanctions-busting 'fabricated'

12. Will the Real North Korea Policy Please Stand Up?

13. N. Korea's new SLBM labeled 'Pukguksong-4ㅅ,' not 'Pukguksong-4A: Navy chief|

14. Debenhams model shows off new matching trousers and jacket range (Kim Jong-un)

15. How to Counter North Korea's New Military Capabilities: Deterrence by Denial

16. North Korea's new battle tank baffles experts

 

1.  U.S.-Korea Security Meeting Epitomizes Malaise of Alliance

english.chosun.com

If the alliance has lost the Chosun Ilbo...

I hope everyone realizes the OPCON transition train has left the station. We have to make it work.  Going back now could break the alliance and I hope no one wants that.  It will certainly undermine the integrity of the US and confirm the long held South Korean conspiracy theories about the sincerity of the US toward the transition process.

This concluding paragraph illustrates the perfect storm that may be building. I did not comment on the SECDEF's comments when I read them previously but it pains me to read that the concern is only that the OPCON transition could endanger American troops and US citizens when in fact it could undermine deterrence and affect the security of the ROK.  I wish the SECDEF has put the issue in Alliance terms (out of a genuine concern for the strength of the alliance) rather than just American terms.  Combine this with the ROK Ambassadors misinterpreted comments, the SMA stalemate, the controversy over the QUAD for South Korea, the US push for clean cyber (e.g., the Huawei threat) and more and we have a perfect storm brewing. And both sides are contributing to it.  We may need to do some immediate alliance damage control and repair.

Conclusion: "The head of our Joint Chiefs of Staff even said timing is the most important factor in transferring troop control, even if that means revising the preconditions. The government is more interested in meeting its preconceived schedule than the safety of the people. The U.S. warned South Korea that setting a specific timeframe for the handover could "endanger" American troops and citizens. A country that places another nation's people in danger cannot be called an ally. Yet the South Korean ambassador to the U.S., who should be focused on diffusing the conflict, said South Korea does not necessarily have to choose the U.S. as an ally. It would be a miracle for the bilateral alliance to survive unscathed."

 

2.  Storms, Covid Raise Fear of Worst North Korea Famine Since 1990s

Bloomberg · by Heesu Lee · October 15, 2020

As I have noted we have to be concerned with this possibility and its effects.  This is not the time to have a shaly ROK/US alliance or have cracks in its foundation.

 

3. U.S. military says South Korean workers may be laid off amid row over costs

Bloomberg · by Heesu Lee · October 15, 2020

I was wondering how long before this would happen.  The perfect storm is brewing.

 

4. U.S. Joint Chiefs chair stresses 'extended deterrence' on peninsula

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

We need strategic reassurance and strategic resolve.

 

5. Why the US and South Korea are drifting apart

asiatimes.com · by Grant Newsham · October 15, 2020

It saddens and pains me to read this. However, we have weathered these storms in the past.  And I will remain optimistic that can do so because despite the political leaders and their beliefs and agendas the people to people relationship remains strong, surveys in both countries show continued strong support for the alliance, the professional relationships in the military in business, in academia, and at the civil servant level of government remains strong.  And most important the alliance remains grounded in shared interests and shared values (to include liberal democracy, freedom and individual liberty, free market economics, rule of law, and human rights) despite the apparent efforts of some political leaders (and pundits).

But alliance management takes commitment and hard work.

 

6. Pompeo Plays Down North Korea ICBM Risk

military.com · by 15 Oct 2020 Agence France Presse · October 15, 2020

But every time we play down the risk and their capabilities the regime seems to surprise us with their advancements.  And perhaps we should not wave a red cape in front of the regime.  It might show us the Hwasong 16 works (which of course could be very useful for intelligence analysis purposes)

 

7. North Korea's Two New Strategic Missiles: What Do We Know and What Do They Mean for US Deterrence?

mwi.usma.edu · by Joe Varner · October 15, 2020

An ominous but unsurprising conclusion: "All of this suggests very strongly that North Korea is developing a nuclear deterrent along the path of other traditional nuclear powers, which will include a variety of strategic systems-a deterrent that, for anybody who still harbors hope that denuclearization is possible, they have no intentions of giving up. A likely test of either of the Pukguksong-4 SLBM or the new ICBM could come in the next month or two, possibly prior to the US presidential election for potential impact on its outcome. Both strategic systems represent a serious challenge to US security interests at home and abroad and will most likely require a new and robust approach to nuclear deterrence, force structure, doctrine, and the size of US Missile Defense.

 

8. Army rotational brigade begins arriving in South Korea despite coronavirus

Stars and Stripes – by Kim Gamel – 15 October 2020

How long will the rotations continue?  If President Trump is reelected I fear this could be the last one.

 

9. North Korea's charm offensive

DW · 15 October 2020

What is one of the purposes of a north Korean charm offensive?  To split the ROK/US alliance.

 

10. Infographic: North Korea's new monster missile

https://www.dhakatribune.com/.../infographic-north-korea... - 15 October 2020

I am reminded of Crocodile Dundee: Now that's a missile. Of course, this has not been tested. We do not know if it is operational or just a mock-up. The range is a guesstimate at best (though probably extrapolated from the estimate Hwasong 14 range). We have never seen the north with a MIRV capability (but then again, they have surprised us many times with their advancements). Now the 11 axle and 22 wheeled TEL is interesting. This is supposedly the world's largest road mobile liquid fueled ICBM. But how mobile is it? Only 9% of the roads in north Korea are paved and the road infrastructure is poor at best. This will probably not be moving too far from its underground facility (if/when it is fielded) and we will likely see road improvements in the vicinity of its UGF so that it can have some limited mobility. Hopefully we will be able to identify those road improvements to facilitate targeting (again, if/when fielded).

 

11. North Korea says Danish documentary on alleged sanctions-busting 'fabricated'

Reuters · by Reuters Staff · October 15, 2020

I am still looking for a way to access this "documentary."   If anyone comes across it please let me know so I can share it with everyone.  It obviously touched a nerve in the regime.

 

12. Will the Real North Korea Policy Please Stand Up?

Foreign Policy · by Jack Detsch, Robbie Gramer · October 15, 2020

Good cop, bad cop?

And this is something we will worry about if the election turns out this way: Some experts predict that if Biden wins, Kim could use the waning months of Trump's lame-duck administration to test more advanced weapons systems and feel out how Biden would respond.

 

13. N. Korea's new SLBM labeled 'Pukguksong-4ㅅ,' not 'Pukguksong-4A: Navy chief|

en.yna.co.kr · by 오석민 · October 15, 2020

Good to see we are getting down to the nitty gritty analytic details. But on a serious note we do need to pay attention to every detail.

 

14. Debenhams model shows off new matching trousers and jacket range (Kim Jong-un)

https://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/debenhams-model-shows-off-new-matching-trousers-and-jacket-range/

I could not resist this satire.  Perhaps the Suffolk Gazette is the UK answer to the Onion and the Babylon Bee.

 

15. How to Counter North Korea's New Military Capabilities: Deterrence by Denial

The National Interest · by Wallace C. Gregson · October 15, 2020

I concur with Lt Gen Gregson.  The subtitle says it all: "North Korea and its weapons are not the most important thing. The safety and security of our allies and friends, our conventional and extended deterrence, and revitalizing our relations with countries around the world are the most important."

 

16. North Korea's new battle tank baffles experts

asiatimes.com · by Dave Makichuk · October 15, 2020

I do not know if 9 tanks baffle the experts, but we do have to assess all of the modernized weapons systems they showed us. One question I have is are these the only ones?  Did they develop all these just for show in the parade? How many of these systems have actually been fielded?  I am sure the squints are looking hard at all the imagery for signs of actual fielding of these systems.  But I wouldn't put it past the regime to just have developed these for show only.  The regime is masterful at denial and deception.

 

"In foreign policy, a modest acceptance of fate will often lead to discipline rather than indifference. The realization that we cannot always have our way is the basis of a mature outlook that rests on an ancient sensibility, for tragedy is not the triumph of evil over good so much as triumph of one good over another that causes suffering. Awareness of that fact leads to a sturdy morality grounded in fear as well as in hope. The moral benefits of fear bring us to two English philosophers who, like Machiavelli, have for centuries disturbed people of goodwill: Hobbes and Malthus."

- Robert D. Kaplan, Warrior Politics: Why Leadership Requires a Pagan Ethos

 

"If you concentrate exclusively on victory, while no thought for the after effect, you may be too exhausted to profit by peace, while it is almost certain that the peace will be a bad one, containing the germs of another war."

- B.H. Liddell-Hart

 

"If in taking a native den one thinks chiefly of the market that he will establish there on the morrow, one does not take it in the ordinary way." 

- Lyautey:  The Colonial Role of the Army, Revue Des Deux Mondes, 15 February 1900

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

 

1. Competitors, Adversaries, or Enemies? Unpacking the Sino-American Relationship

2. Philippine plan to deploy militia in South China Sea raises concerns

3. End the Pentagon's OCO slush fund

4.  Should U.S. Foreign Policy Focus on Great-Power Competition?

5.  Analysis | Would the U.S. protect Taiwan from China? Taiwan's new envoy hopes for 'clarity.'

6. China Is Biggest Long-Term Threat to Britain, Says U.K. Spy Chief

7. Hybrid war, Quad or sitting it out? The 5 options for India against China

8.The breakdown of the international order is raising barely a shrug this election

9. China insists Genghis Khan exhibit not use words 'Genghis Khan'

10. Philippine Communist Leadership Orders Guerrillas to Go After Chinese Firms

11. The rise of lockdown radicalism

12. 'Machines set loose to slaughter': the dangerous rise of military AI

13. MAD Is Bad U.S. Policy for Iran and North Korea

14. The Common Good: Ethical Strategy Between States and Partner Forces

15. Army Wants Missile to Kill Enemy Targets Beyond 900 Miles

16. How will Trump and Biden handle veterans issues? Here's what they told us.

17. New force generation model aims to regionally align Army units, give troops predictability

18. Riled Up: Misinformation Stokes Calls for Violence on Election Day

19. The secret history of Confederate post names the Army never wanted you to see

20. What do you do with an angry veteran, when they stop being an angry veteran?

21. Here's what you need to know about the new Army and Navy national museums

22. Here are the weapons and gear that the US military's top special operators never leave home without

 

1. Competitors, Adversaries, or Enemies? Unpacking the Sino-American Relationship

warontherocks.com · by Paul Poast · October 14, 2020

"The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms." - Socrates

Conclusion: "Which term will best capture U.S.-Chinese relations in the years ahead? If one is to take seriously Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's call for an "Alliance of Democracies" or Joe Biden foreign policy advisor Tony Blinken's call for a "League of Democracies," then one should expect a coalition of "partners" to balance against actual and perceived Chinese aggression. In that sense, China is not solely a "competitor." But "enemy" could be taking things too far. If international relations scholars are correct in expecting actual military conflict between China and the United States within the next five years, then "enemy" could indeed become the appropriate term. In the meantime, compromise seems possible on some issues with China and military competition is not yet the core domain of the relationship (economic relations appear to be the primary point of cooperation and conflict). Hence, to use the above terminology of Ignatieff, "adversaries" is the most appropriate term, at least for now."
 

2. Philippine plan to deploy militia in South China Sea raises concerns

upi.com – by Elizabeth Shim – 14 October 2020

Philippine irregular warfare? Employing naval militias?  To counter China's three warfares?

 

3. End the Pentagon's OCO slush fund

Defense News · by Sean Kennedy · October 14, 2020

Perhaps we should return to the old supplemental budget system and DOD will have to request specific funding to support the war(s).

I am not sure if the overseer contingency operations (OCO) account was created after 9-11. Maybe it was but we did not use that term for some use. I recall for many years we used supplemental and then around 2007-2010 we were talking about "sup to base" shifting the supplemental funding to the base budget for long term sustainment. I think during the Obama administration we started using OCO but some pundits misinterpreted that as a desire to change the name of the Global War on Terrorism and we were somehow minimizing the emphasis on the war(s) and instead calling them contingency operations.  

The fundamental question we should ask is are we conducting military appropriations in accordance with our Constitution?  (sustain a navy and raise an army).

 

4. Should U.S. Foreign Policy Focus on Great-Power Competition?

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/ask-the-experts/2020-10-13/should-us-foreign-policy-focus-great-power-competition

This might be described as great power competition versus irregular warfare.  You will have to go to the link to see the survey results and read each of the respondents' essays (and a lot of very impressive scholars and luminaries.  I think Foreign Affairs has not put this behind its paywall.

But in my opinion IW and GPC are not mutually exclusive or either/or/. They are both/adn.  And I think IW is the dominant characteristic of GPC and the most likely to occur.  I think we overly focus on the state-on-state warfare aspect of GPC which is of course the most dangerous.

5. Analysis | Would the U.S. protect Taiwan from China? Taiwan's new envoy hopes for 'clarity.'

The Washington Post – by Adam Taylor - October 15, 2020

To defend or not to defend.  That is the question.  Or maybe another way to ask it; to have clarity or ambiguity?

 

6.  China Is Biggest Long-Term Threat to Britain, Says U.K. Spy Chief

english.chosun.com – 15 October 2020

A UK perspective in the Korean press.

 

7. Hybrid war, Quad or sitting it out? The 5 options for India against China

theprint.in · October 15, 2020

A perspective from India.  I am afraid a couple of these courses of action may result in escalation we do not want to see.

Conclusion: "Put simply, China uses the Ladakh situation to play us, fine-tuning this with its psychological operations. 'Talking' in such a situation will only buy us time, and not much else. But that time can be used for a fluid strategy that includes the favourable options we have listed. Forget the jargon and the PowerPoint presentations. It's time for shrewdly playing China's game back at them, with the luxury of so many widely different points of attack."

 

8. The breakdown of the international order is raising barely a shrug this election

thespinoff.co.nz · October 15, 2020

A view from New Zealand on the US election.

 

9. China insists Genghis Khan exhibit not use words 'Genghis Khan'

The Guardian · by Agence France-Presse · October 14, 2020

Is China stepping on its soft power here?  Shooting itself in the proverbial foot?  I think China needs to grow some thicker skin, but I guess it really illustrates the nature of the Chinese leadership.  The "three warfares" are executed on many levels and in many domains.

 

10.  Philippine Communist Leadership Orders Guerrillas to Go After Chinese Firms

benarnews.org

Interesting "geometry" in the relationships among the Philippines, the US, China, and the CPP/NPA.  

 

11. The rise of lockdown radicalism

eastasiaforum.org · by Farooq Yousaf · October 14, 2020

An interesting phenomenon.

 

12. 'Machines set loose to slaughter': the dangerous rise of military AI

The Guardian · by Frank Pasquale · October 15, 2020

Quite an article and some real food for thought that should cause debate and hopefully thoughtful reflection.  Perhaps some hyperbole and over the top analysis but again perhaps that is what will help generate discussion.   And yes, we should be paying attention to some of the contemporary novels on these topics (what the mind can conceive man can achieve).

An interesting and worrisome conclusion: For this more expansive and humane mindset to prevail, its advocates must win a battle of ideas in their own countries about the proper role of government and the paradoxes of security. They must shift political aims away from domination abroad and toward meeting human needs at home. Observing the growth of the US national security state - what he deems the "predator empire" - the author Ian GR Shaw asks: "Do we not see the ascent of control over compassion, security over support, capital over care, and war over welfare?" Stopping that ascent should be the primary goal of contemporary AI and robotics policy.

 

13. MAD Is Bad U.S. Policy for Iran and North Korea

realcleardefense.com · by Norm Haller

Well I would drop the mutual and just go for the assured destruction of both.  (note sarcasm or poor attempt at gallows humor)

 

14. The Common Good: Ethical Strategy Between States and Partner Forces

thestrategybridge.org – by Joshua O. Lehman - October 15, 2020

I think it is important to take a philosophical approach to national security issues.  We can create a moral hazard if we only use partner forces to achieve our objectives with little or no consideration of theirs.  Of course, we have to always place our interests first but we need to ensure we have a least sufficient alignment of interests with our "partner" forces - otherwise they can hardly be described as partners.

Conclusion: "Warfare in the 21st century will be formed by its global context. This means alliances and partnerships will continue to be central to how states fight wars. Western democracies have grappled with the concept of non-state enemy actors over the last two decades but have thought little about non-state partners and moral obligations owed to those partners. A realist calculus of transactional security fails to take account of the moral reality of war. It results in unjust war and moral injury to those who engage in war. It tarnishes the state's way of war by reducing groups of persons into means rather than recognizing their proper dignity as ends in themselves. Strategists working today must formulate the common good among those political communities that agree to partnership in war. At a minimum, this must include the analogy of political communities as persons who retain inherent human dignity as ends in themselves. It must also include the deliberate effort to formulate a positive good that is not narrowly the destruction of an enemy but is a basis of trust leading to a mutual, better peace."

 

15. Army Wants Missile to Kill Enemy Targets Beyond 900 Miles

military.com · by Matthew Cox · October 14, 2020

Gives new meaning to stand off weapons in the Army.  It would be good to have these kinds of capabilities on call for small teams operating independently in remote or denied areas.

 

16. How will Trump and Biden handle veterans issues? Here's what they told us.

militarytimes.com · by Leo Shane III · October 14, 2020

Good to know.

 

17. New force generation model aims to regionally align Army units, give troops predictability

armytimes.com · by Kyle Rempfer · October 14, 2020

But will the personnel management system be adapted to support this concept?

 

18. Riled Up: Misinformation Stokes Calls for Violence on Election Day

The New York Times · by Davey Alba · October 13, 2020

Hmmm...  It is hard to believe these kinds of articles have to be written during this election cycle.  How about everyone committing to free and fair elections and making the Constitution and our laws work. But I know I am demonstrating my naivete. 

 

19.  The secret history of Confederate post names the Army never wanted you to see

taskandpurpose.com · by Paul Szoldra

The study and videos can be accessed at the link.  https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-confederate-post-study

 

20. What do you do with an angry veteran, when they stop being an angry veteran?

plucier.medium.com · by Plucier · October 14, 2020

Important questions here: "I feel a bit like I did when I first got out. There is a story to tell here. The story of how we told our stories. From the milblogs, to the Facebook groups, to Twitter, to TikTok. For twenty years now, veterans have been trying to tell Americans what has been happening in their name. The wars. The suicides. The deployments and the homecomings. The reunions. The successes. The failures. Every day, veterans have been writing, tweeting, posting, and filming it all, and sharing it online. Did we get through? Did they hear us? Because we are running out of spaces where people will listen."

 

21. Here's what you need to know about the new Army and Navy national museums

militarytimes.com · by Diana Stancy Correll · October 14, 2020

We are still a few years from completing the National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations. https://nationalintelligencemuseum.org/NMISO%20Brochure.pdf

 

22. Counter China by Making Guam a State

Foreign Policy · by Eyck Freymann · October 14, 2020

Hmmm... I never heard of this argument.  But how would it really affect China? 

Excerpt: Finally, statehood for Guam and the Northern Marianas would send a powerful message to Beijing. Although Chinese diplomats and scholars deny it, China ultimately seeks to drive the United States out of Asia. Washington must make clear that Beijing will never succeed.

 

23. Here are the weapons and gear that the US military's top special operators never leave home without

Business Insider · by Stavros Atlamazoglou

 

"He who controls the past, controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past."

-George Orwell

 

"A complete and generous education fits a man to perform justly, skillfully and magnanimously all the offices of peace and war."

- John Milton

 

"Your surviving spy must be a man of keen intellect although in outward appearance a fool; of shabby exterior but with a will of iron.  He must be active, robust, endowed with physical strength and courage, thoroughly accustomed to all sorts of dirty work; able to endure hunger and cold and to put up with shame and ignominy."

-Sun Tzu, The Art of War