News

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

1. Troop control handover may be delayed, USFK chief warns

2. What if America also reduced its forces in South Korea?

3. Kim does not mind U.S. troops in Korea but wants military drills stopped: Woodward book

4. Kim put 'conditions' on denuclearization three months after first summit: Woodward

5. N. Korea's paper urges antivirus efforts in typhoon-hit areas

6. 'Alliance talks' between U.S. and S. Korea stumble even before they begin

7. Nigel Jeffries: North Korea will never play fair with U.S.

8. With a poker face, Kim Jong Un waits for Japan's next PM

9. Unification ministry hopes inter-Korean liaison office resumes operations as it marks 2nd anniversary

10. Kim Jong-un unbuttons to oversee flood recovery

11. N. Korea unlikely to test-fire SLBM around October anniv.: defense minister nominee

12. Any use of U.S. military force in Korea impossible without Seoul's consent, Cheong Wa Dae says

13. How deceitful propaganda lured Japan's 'Zainichi' to North Korea

14. Eight more US troops, family members test positive for coronavirus after flying to South Korea

15. Claim that BTS and 'Parasite' were Korean government projects made netizens furious

1. Troop control handover may be delayed, USFK chief warns

Chosesun Ilbo · by Yang Seung-sik · September 14, 2020

I think the Chosun Ilbo means General Abrams (not Adams).

Koreans must remember these conditions are not only agreed to by both countries, but that these conditions are also critical to the defense of the ROK.

2. What if America also reduced its forces in South Korea?

National Interest · by Stratfor Worldview · September 13, 2020

The future of US forces on the Korean peninsula should be based on the answer to one question: how should ROK and US forces be organized, trained, equipped, and led to be able to accomplish missions assigned by the ROK/US alliance.

This paragraph illustrates all that is wrong with talking about the OPCON transition process. Yes, of course, it is perceived as a sovereignty issue. But that is because no one has explained that, since 1978 and the establishment of the bilateral warfighting command (the ROK/US Combined Forces Command that is charged with deterrence and defense of the ROK), the command is co-equally "owned" by both nations. In 1994 the "peacetime" OPCON change simply made the ROK JCS a "force provider" to the ROK/US CFC, just as USFK and PACOM (and CONUS based commands) are force providers. Both countries decide whether they will provide forces under the OPCON of the ROK/US CFC. And, of course, the command answers to the Military Committee, which is made up of the National Command and Military Authorities of both countries. The bottom line is ROK forces are not under the control of the US in exactly the same way that US forces will not be under the control of the ROK when the OPCON transition is complete and the ROK/US CFC is commanded by a ROK general officer. It would be useful if the press, pundits, and political leaders could understand the fundamental command relationships and explain them to the public - both Korean and US.

3. Kim does not mind U.S. troops in Korea but wants military drills stopped: Woodward book

Yonhap News Agency · by Byun Duk-kun · September 14, 2020

If US forces cannot train, they cannot remain on the Korean peninsula. I think even Kim Jong-Un must understand that. And he has probably factored that into his long con. Kim also knows military training is routine. He knows alliance forces are postured for the defense while his forces have long been postured for the offense. He knows that the ROK and US forces have to prepare to defend the South because of the threat he poses. He only wants training halted in order to weaken and divide the alliance. Given the burden sharing issues and the threats to reduce and remove troops as well as the opposition to US troops among the South Korean progressives, he sees the opportunity to accomplish his objective to get US forces off the peninsula without making the demands to do so. It is all part of his strategy of subversion, coercion, and extortion that will eventually create the conditions that Kim believes will give him the ability to use force to achieve his objectives. No one should be duped by Kim Jong-Un's statements. It would be the height of foolishness and utter irresponsibility to take him seriously and to consider leaving US forces on the peninsula without being able to conduct any training.

4. Kim put 'conditions' on denuclearization three months after first summit: Woodward

Yonhap News Agency · by Byun Duk-kun · September 14, 2020

I guess I will not have to read Woodward's book all night on Tuesday evening when it arrives. Everything is being exposed by the press who have had the opportunity to read it ahead of the rest of us.

The unilateral decision to suspend or cancel exercises is one of the largest errors we have made in the past few years. The only thing that offsets it is that we have not given into the demand for relief of sanctions.

5. N. Korea's paper urges antivirus efforts in typhoon-hit areas

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · September 14, 2020

Perhaps we are soon going to see reports of a coronavirus outbreak in the North. When that happens, we could very well see significant internal problems.

6. 'Alliance talks' between U.S. and S. Korea stumble even before they begin

Dong-A Ilbo · by [email protected] · September 14, 2020

If MOFA used "agreement" when there was not one, then it could be in for some difficult times ahead –especially with how General Abrams’s comments on OPCON transition are being interpreted by the Korean side.

7. Nigel Jeffries: North Korea will never play fair with U.S.

Charleston Gazette-Mail · by Nigel Jeffries · September 12, 2020

A question: has the North ever played fair with anyone?

8. With a poker face, Kim Jong Un waits for Japan’s next PM

Nikkei Asian Review · by Hiroshi Minegishi · September 13, 2020

9. Unification ministry hopes inter-Korean liaison office resumes operations as it marks 2nd anniversary

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · September 14, 2020

Wishful thinking, I think.

10. Kim Jong-un unbuttons to Oversee Flood Recovery

Chosun Ilbo · by Kim Eun-joong · September 14, 2020

Does the Propaganda and Agitation Department think this is a good look for Kim Jong-Un? Is this as close to a "Putin-look" that Kim can get?

Buried lede: Kim's former mistress was part of his traveling party for this event.

11. N. Korea unlikely to test-fire SLBM around October anniv.: defense minister nominee

Yonhap News Agency · by Oh Seok-min · September 14, 2020

I am not sure that making such predictions on North Korean provocations and test launches is useful. What I would recommend that the defense minister nominee focus on are the indications that the North is working to advance a broad range of military capabilities, from the tactical to the strategic. These are threat to South Korea and the ROK/US alliance.

12. Any use of U.S. military force in Korea impossible without Seoul's consent, Cheong Wa Dae says

Yonhap News Agency · [email protected] · September 14, 2020

To the advisors at Chong Wa Dae: this is unhelpful for the alliance (though I understand why it has had to make this statement). You do not get a veto or a vote in ANY use of force. It is time for you to grow up. The right of self-defense is never denied. If the US has intelligence that the North is matching a nuclear warhead to an ICBM that could strike the US, the President of the United States is going to be faced with a decision that only he can make. Should he conduct a pre-emptive strike to defend the United States? The US does not need South Korean consent or approval to do so. I would ask about the South Korean kill chain concept and conducting a strike on a North Korean missile site before launch? I would ask about South Korean military responses to North Korean provocations? Has the South sought US approval in every case? The right of self-defense for anyone or any country is never denied. The US president will decide how to best defend the US, just as the ROK president will decide how to defend South Korea.

As a practical matter, I would always recommend consultation for any use of force because of the likely blowback from the North. But time and security may dictate otherwise. There may be little time from an intelligence warning to probable launch. The US may also be concerned with intelligence ties to the North from within a South Korean administration.

Execution of the operational plans (such as the old 5027 or 5029) does require approval and consent of both governments, because they are combined plans and require forces from both countries. The US also cannot act unilaterally from South Korean territory. Any operation launched from South Korea will require South Korean support, but – most importantly – South Korea is a sovereign nation and South Korea has a say in how foreign forces use South Korean territory. However, the US has the capability to conduct a pre-emptive strike against a North Korean ICBM armed with a nuclear warhead without any use of South Korean territory or South Korean military support.

Yes, Chong Wa Dae has to make this statement for domestic political purposes. But there are uses of force that can and will be conducted without South Korean notification and approval.

13. How deceitful propaganda lured Japan's 'Zainichi' to North Korea

Vice · by Dan Buyanovsky · September 14, 2020

The regime was established on a foundation of propaganda (the legitimacy of the regime was based on anti-Japanese partisan warfare that liberated the Korean peninsula). Propaganda is a key tool for rule of the Korean people in the North as well as for national security and foreign affairs. We should not be surprised by this propaganda campaign.

14. Eight more US troops, family members test positive for coronavirus after flying to South Korea

Stars & Stripes · by [email protected] · September 14, 2020

15. Claim that BTS and 'Parasite' were Korean government projects made netizens furious

K Pop Post · by KpopPost Editor · September 14, 2020

This is not how Japan and Korea should fight a soft power "war."

"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."

- George Washington

"There are three kinds of patriots, two bad, one good.

The bad ones are the uncritical lovers and the loveless critics. Good patriots carry on a lover's quarrel with their country."

- William Sloane Coffin

"God created strategy by allowing choice,"

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

1. Soldier to receive Medal of Honor after helping save 70 captives from execution by Islamic State

2. There's still work to be done to avoid the next 9/11: Thomas Kean & Lee Hamilton

3. Why I Fear For Taiwan

4. Removal of flag honoring veterans from White House sparks anger

5. QAnon spreads across globe, shadowing COVID-19

6. 'Ally-shoring' will help US rebuild economy and global leadership

7. China, Iran and Russia dismiss US election hacking claims

8.  Can Social Media Incite a War?

9. We're numb to the coronavirus

10. Trump ally who sought to change CDC Covid reports claims he was fighting 'deep state'

11. Current IO Topics: Disinformation and conspiracy theories are impacting decisions of governance. Call them out.

12. West Coast officials are already fighting wildfires. Now they're fighting misinformation, too.

13. How China Ramped Up Disinformation Efforts During the Pandemic

1.  Soldier to receive Medal of Honor after helping save 70 captives from execution by Islamic State

The Washington Post – by Alex Horton - September 11, 2020

There is a video at the end of the article at this link of SGM Payne describing the operation in his own words. It is very much worth watching.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/09/11/medal-of-honor-payne-trump/

Good work by the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School producing this video.

And how about the new Army uniform with those pinks and greens (and brown jump boots)?

I watched the ceremony on the White House live page and at first I thought the camera work was terrible as it never panned the audience and never switched to an audience view when the President was acknowledging people such as SGM Payne's wife and son or the wide widow of MSG Wheeler.  Then it struck me this was probably by design as there were likely SGM Payne's fellow operators who are still in the unit and there was likely a request and coordinating instructions to the camera crew to keep the camera focused on the President and SGM Payne. There was a slight scan of the audience during the the arrival and departure of the official party but no other cuts to audience views as there normally are in these events.

2. There's still work to be done to avoid the next 9/11: Thomas Kean & Lee Hamilton

USA Today · by Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton, Opinion contributors

Terrorism is an ongoing global "infection" for which there is no vaccine that is anywhere near 100% effective.  We have to continue to manage this problem through intelligence, law enforcement, information and influence activities, political action, economic development, education, and, when appropriate, military action.  It is every bit of an ideological war as the one being waged with the revisionist and rogue powers.

3.  Why I Fear For Taiwan

scholars-stage.blogspot.com – by Tanner Greer - September 11, 2020

Some useful analysis and perspectives on Taiwan's military capabilities. 

5. QAnon spreads across globe, shadowing COVID-19

The Hill · by Chris Mills Rodrigo · September 12, 2020

Sigh...Again why do people fall for QAnon and its idiotic and dangerous conspiracy theories?  If you believe in these conspiracies and QAnon please seek immediate mental health assistance.

6. 'Ally-shoring' will help US rebuild economy and global leadership

The Hill · by Elaine Dezenski and John Austin, Opinion Contributors · September 10, 2020

Our alliance system is key to our national security and our global power.  

7. China, Iran and Russia dismiss US election hacking claims

CNN · by Donie O'Sullivan and Zachary Cohen, CNN

They doth protest too much.

8. Can Social Media Incite a War?

osiris.substack.com · by David C. Benson

An interesting question. I think the subtitle offers important food for thought.  It may not be a cause of war, but it certainly can be a contributor to instability.  I can just be another venue or platform and line of effort for subversion and psychological warfare which can be a destabilizing force.  And if you are concerned with stability you need to effectively compete on these platforms.

I wonder if China assesses this conclusion as accurate or we mirror imaging incorrectly?

9. We're numb to the coronavirus

Axios · by Neal Rothschild

And of course, some believe the pandemic is a hoax.

However, we can and must get on with our lives, but we have to learn how to make adjustments to protect ourselves and others.  But it takes concerted civic action and implementation of proven public health measures to deal with this pandemic.  Denial by so many only hurts and kills fellow citizens.

10. Trump ally who sought to change CDC Covid reports claims he was fighting 'deep state'

The Guardian · by Martin Pengelly · September 12, 2020

Of course, everything is about setting the narrative and effective messaging.

And this will generate lots of controversy.

But what is interesting to me is the continuing BS about the "deep state" (a conspiracy theory as bad as QAnon (and related).  I say this because the actual "deep state guru" Steve Bannon has debunked the deep state conspiracy theory last year.  I guess he created a monster.  But I wonder why the Steve Bannon disciples and acolytes have not supported his "new" message from last year.  See this article and the below excerpt:  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/21/steve-bannon-lou-dobbs-deep-state-conspiracy-theory

11. Current IO Topics: Disinformation and conspiracy theories are impacting decisions of governance. Call them out.

standuprepublic.com · by Molly McKew · September 8, 2020

Yes, call them out.

12. West Coast officials are already fighting wildfires. Now they're fighting misinformation, too.

NBC News · by Brandy Zadrozny · September 11, 2020

Go figure.  But we should not be surprised by this.  

13. How China Ramped Up Disinformation Efforts During the Pandemic

cfr.org · by Joshua Kurlantzick

"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind. There's no other definition of it."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The willow submits to the wind and prospers until one day it is many willows - a wall against the wind."

- Frank Herbert, Dune

"If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

- Dalai Lama

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

1. Department of Justice Announces Charges of North Korean and Malaysia Nationals for Bank Fraud, Money Laundering and North Korea Sanctions Violations

2. U.S. charges suspect in Kim Jong Nam assassination with North Korean sanctions violations

3. U.S. Prosecutors Step Up Pressure on North Korea

4. Joint Press Statement for the 18th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

5. Gentlemen Apparently Do Read Other Gentlemen’s Mail: Kim Jong Un’s Letters to President Trump

6. Moon to Make Fresh Advance to N.Korea in UN Speech

7. South Korea Has a New Way to Kill North Korea's Tanks

8. S. Korea reaffirms commitment to new dialogue with U.S.

9. Kang calls for region's 'unified message' for resumption of N.K. dialogue

10. Korea, US to discuss OPCON transfer at ministerial talks: defense dept.

11. Pres. Moon, Kim Jong-in should meet first without preconditions

12. S. Korea and U.S. agree to set up working-level consultative body

13. United Nations Command and a Korean Peace Process

14. US Military Chief in Korea Confirms North Korean Kill Zone on China Border

15. Meet The New Anonymous - 100 Million BTS ARMY And K-Pop Stans, A Cyber Force To Be Reckoned With?

1. Department of Justice Announces Charges of North Korean and Malaysia Nationals for Bank Fraud, Money Laundering and North Korea Sanctions Violations

justice.gov · September 10, 2020

Another positive step forward by DOJ.

2. U.S. charges suspect in Kim Jong Nam assassination with North Korean sanctions violations

The Washington Post – by Spencer S. Hsu - September 11, 2020

Father and daughter: " set up front companies that transmitted banned dollar transactions through the United States to purchase commodities on behalf of North Korean customers."

3. U.S. Prosecutors Step Up Pressure on North Korea

WSJ · by Aruna Viswanatha and Kate O’Keeffe

More details here.  Keep up the good work, DOJ (and the interagency as well, as I am sure this is the result of good coordination).

4. Joint Press Statement for the 18th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

defense.gov

I hope the meeting was as productive as the statement indicates, especially in this area: "the importance of establishing stable access to training facilities and other critical sites and resources as essential to maintaining a steadfast combined defense posture."  We heard General Abrams discuss the impact of the reduction in training areas in Korea at his talk at CSIS this week.

5. Gentlemen Apparently Do Read Other Gentlemen’s Mail: Kim Jong Un’s Letters to President Trump

38north.org · by Robert Carlin · September 11, 2020

An interesting hypothetical interpretation of Kim's letters from Bob Carlin.   He provides a very optimistic interpretation as if Kim Jong-un is really interested in substantive negotiations, to include at the working level, and that Kim does want to reach an agreement.  It seems like Bob Carlin's analysis is along the lines of President Trump's beliefs and interpretation.  President Trump's statements about US intelligence analysts on Korea are telling (from Woodward's book).  It prompted this response from the former National Intelligence Officer on Korea, Markus Garlasukas who has been briefing Trump and Obama on north Korea for the past 6 years.  I agree.  I do not know a single Korean intelligence analyst who would describe (or has described) Kim as stupid.

6. Moon to Make Fresh Advance to N.Korea in UN Speech

english.chosun.com

I fear this will fall on deaf (or at least unreceptive) ears.

7. South Korea Has a New Way to Kill North Korea's Tanks

The National Interest · by Caleb Larson · September 11, 2020

Seems like a very good capability to develop.

8. S. Korea reaffirms commitment to new dialogue with U.S.

en.yna.co.kr · by 유지호 · September 12, 2020

The alliance continues to evolve.  This should be a positive development and way forward.

9. Kang calls for region's 'unified message' for resumption of N.K. dialogue

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · September 12, 2020

Minister Kang is exactly right here.  There is no short-term silver bullet to the security issues on the Korean peninsula.

10. Korea, US to discuss OPCON transfer at ministerial talks: defense dept.

The Korea Times · September 12, 2020

OPCON transition, not transfer.  OPCON is transitioning from a US commander to a Korean commander.  It is NOT being transferred from Washington to Seoul.  The ROK/US Combined Forces Command belongs equally to both governments now and it will continue to be co-equally owned by both when a Korean general takes command.  The US does not exercise OPCON of Korean forces and when the transition occurs the ROK will not exercise OPCON of US forces.  The press, pundits, politicos, and public need to understand this.

A key agenda item for these ministerial talks needs to be an effective information campaign to inform and educate those in Korea and the US on the true scale, scope, meaning, and benefits of OPCON transition.

11. Pres. Moon, Kim Jong-in should meet first without preconditions

donga.com – 11 September, 2020

I think President Moon has already met with Kim Jong-un a number of times without pre-conditions.  I think the precedent has been established.  Of course, the pre-condition that Kim may demand is giving in to his coercion and extortion.  He may require a large cash fund payment for a meeting. We must avoid that at all costs otherwise his blackmail diplomacy strategy will be reinforced which will lead to continued execution and that is not a path to peace.

 12. S. Korea and U.S. agree to set up working-level consultative body

donga.com – 12 September, 2020

AD -"Alliance Dialogue."  Will that abbreviation catch on? I think there needs to be a more pithy title. Since working group has such negative connotations we need something new.

Alliance Dialogue Structure (ADS)?  Alliance Diplomatic Committee (ADC)? (a counterpart of the ROK/US Military Committee).  Alliance Strategy Committee (ACS)?  Alliance Consultative Committee (ACC)? 

13. United Nations Command and a Korean Peace Process

kdva.vet – by Seung Joon Lee - September 10, 2020

Interesting analysis and proposal from Steve Lee.   Koreans need to view the UNC as an asset and ally and not an obstacle (as the north Korean Kim family regime does for its propaganda purposes).

14. US Military Chief in Korea Confirms North Korean Kill Zone on China Border

rfa.org – by Eugene Whong – 11 September 2020

It is important the Korean people in the north get this message that the Commander of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command knows their plight.  This is one example of the importance of RFA (and VOA).

15. Meet The New Anonymous - 100 Million BTS ARMY And K-Pop Stans, A Cyber Force To Be Reckoned With?

Forbes · by Davey Winder · September 8, 2020
This is an interesting development.

"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind. There's no other definition of it."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The willow submits to the wind and prospers until one day it is many willows - a wall against the wind."

- Frank Herbert, Dune

"If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

- Dalai Lama

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

1. 9/11 was the 'defining moment' for soldier who will receive the Medal of Honor tomorrow

2. That day: veterans share where they were on Sept. 11, 2001

3.  This 9/11 anniversary arrives with the end of the war on al-Qaeda well in sight

4. 19 Years after 9/11, politicians need to stop overhyping threats

5. How United Flight 93 passengers fought back on 9/11

6. He watched a plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11. Then he braved flames and smoke to save lives.

7. Nineteenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

8.  Who can win America's politics of humiliation?

9. Despite pandemic, the U.S. Army is in its best shape in a generation. Here's why.

10. Tomgram: Andrew Bacevich, what have they (and we) learned?

11. US lawmakers seek posthumous Medal of Honor for black D-Day medic

12. Russian hackers who disrupted 2016 election targeting political parties again, Microsoft says

13. What the Sturgis superspreader report actually says about Covid-19

14. What is China's strategy in the Senkaku Islands?

15. Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden opens up about the mission

16. College board corrupted by Chinese funding

17. Trump administration underplays intelligence on Alexei Navalny poisoning

18. Mothers for QAnon

19. Human rights could be the next US-China flashpoint

20. Not in my backyard: land-based missiles, democratic states, and Asia's conventional military balance

21. U.S. senator asks for CFIUS review of GNC purchase by Chinese company

22. The Kremlin's plot against democracy

23. How conspiracy theories are shaping the 2020 election - and shaking the foundation of American democracy

1. 9/11 was the 'defining moment' for soldier who will receive the Medal of Honor tomorrow

Army Times · by Kyle Rempfer · September 10, 2020

He will be honored today.

2. That day: veterans share where they were on Sept. 11, 2001

Military Times · by Sarah Sicard · September 11, 2020

3. This 9/11 anniversary arrives with the end of the war on al-Qaeda well in sight

Washington Post · by Christopher Miller · September 10, 2020

From retired Special Forces Colonel Christopher Miller, who is one of the NCTC Directors.

4. 19 Years after 9/11, politicians need to stop overhyping threats

Defense One · by Joshua A. Geltzer · September 10, 2020

Really? Overhyping? Surely, we have made many mistakes since 9-11 and we continue to make mistakes. But is minimizing the threats a way to prevent these mistakes? It is interesting that the author makes no mention of the National Security or National Defense Strategies. Does he think we have it right in those documents?

Then again, those documents were written by professionals and not politicians.

5. How United Flight 93 passengers fought back on 9/11

History.com · by Adam Janos

This is what Americans do. But we should ask if something like this would bridge the partisan divide (chasm) we have today? Would/could people on the right and left band together to defend our country the way these great American patriots did on 9/11?  Can we be inspired by their heroic efforts or will we continue to practice politics of humiliation as Friedman described it today and the politics of contempt as Arthur Brooks has described it?

6. He watched a plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11. Then he braved flames and smoke to save lives.

Task & Purpose · by Jeff Schogol · September 11, 2020

So many acts of heroism on this date.

7. Nineteenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

United States Department of State · by Michael R. Pompeo · September 11, 2020

8. Who can win America's politics of humiliation?

New York Times · by Thomas L. Friedman · September 8, 2020

Food for thought. I see these acts of humiliation every day on my social media feeds from both sides.

9. Despite pandemic, the U.S. Army is in its best shape in a generation. Here's why.

Forbes · by Loren Thompson · September 10, 2020

Hmmm....

10. Tomgram: Andrew Bacevich, what have they (and we) learned?

TomDispatch.com · by Andrew Bacevich · September 10, 2020

A long and unusual read on the military not winning.  Bacevich can always be counted on for the most biting critiques of the US military. 

11. US lawmakers seek posthumous Medal of Honor for black D-Day medic

VOA · by Leslie Bonilla · September 9, 2020

Make this happen.

12. Russian hackers who disrupted 2016 election targeting political parties again, Microsoft says

Washington Post · by Ellen Nakashima & Josh Dawsey · September 10, 2020

This will be called the intellectually bankrupt term of fake news. This is a real threat.

13. What the Sturgis superspreader report actually says about Covid-19

Inverse · by Sarah Sloat · September 10, 2020

This report has stirred up a lot of controversy. This is an interesting analysis of that controversy and the report. And, of course, this report and its debunking of this report plays into the hands of the large segment of our population who are now anti-science and anti-expert and anti-intellectuals, which, of course, undermines trust in institutions, which will have long term political, health, and even national security implications.

14. What Is China's strategy in the Senkaku Islands?

War On the Rocks · by Alessio Patalano · September 10, 2020

15. Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden opens up about the mission

Daily Mail · by Claire Toureille · September 11, 2020

16. College Board Corrupted by Chinese Funding

NAS · by Rachelle Peterson · September 2, 2020

17. Trump administration underplays intelligence on Alexei Navalny poisoning

Washington Examiner · by Tom Rogan · September 10, 2020

North Korea and Russia are using nerve agents to assassinate their enemies. That cannot be denied and should not be "underplayed."

18. Mothers for QAnon

New York Times · by Annie Kelly · September 10, 2020

Again, I just cannot understand how anyone accepts the idiocy of these QAnon conspiracy theories.

19. Human rights could be the next US-China flashpoint

Telegraph · by Louis Ashworth · September 11, 2020

It is not already?

20. Not in my backyard: land-based missiles, democratic states, and Asia's conventional military balance

Brookings · by Frank A. Rose · September 10, 2020

This is our challenge for deterrence, countering A2AD and campaigning in Asia.

21. U.S. senator asks for CFIUS review of GNC purchase by Chinese company

Reuters · by Diane Bartz & Steve Orlofsky · September 10, 2020

Will they want to sell fentanyl at GNC?

22. The Kremlin's plot against democracy

Foreign Affairs · by Alina Polyakova · September 10, 2020

We, along with the Community of Democracies (not just the "west"), should be fighting with all our strength to defend against this "plot" and these attacks.

23. How conspiracy theories are shaping the 2020 election - and shaking the foundation of American democracy

Time · by Charlotte Alter · September 10, 2020

And we should be fighting against these idiotic conspiracy theories as well as they just feed into the hands of the Russians and Chinese and other adversaries, who seek to undermine the legitimacy of, if not destroy, democracies.

”On this day... 19 years (September 10th) ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.”

-Unknown

”When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.”

-Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You

“What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we’ve never met.”

-Author David Levithan

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

1. N. Korea showing no sign of 'lashing out' in near future: USFK chief

2. N. Korea showing no signs of rolling out new weapons system: USFK chief

3. Seoul, Washington agree to new working-level dialogue channel

4. Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, China hold phone talks on stalled N.K. dialogue

5. Through the looking glass: Chinese open source assessments of North Korea’s ballistic missile capabilities

6. New virus cases under 200 for 9th day, S. Korea undecided on easing virus measures

7. Juche in the era of a pandemic

8. Both Trump, N. Korea could opt for 'October surprise': expert

9. How Washington can help bridge the gap between Seoul and Tokyo

10. N.K. paper says unity is 'most powerful weapon' against multiple challenges

11. Kim Yo Jong updates "greatness education" curriculum at preschools

12. Pyongyang might launch SLBM on the day of U.S. presidential election

13. Ballistic missile units given additional manpower, deploy new equipment

14. Intelligence looking into NK’s submarine missile launch: report

15. South Korea and Japan: resolving the comfort women Issue

16. North Korea covers up apartment collapse with 70 casualties after two typhoons hammer Wonsan

17. How Kim Jong Un ‘played’ Donald Trump

18. South Korea's geopolitical fear: getting stuck between China and America

19. The sorrows of young Kim Jong Un

1. N. Korea showing no sign of 'lashing out' in near future: USFK chief

Yonhap News Agency · by Byun Duk-kun · September 11, 2020

I hope he is right, and I tend to agree. However, we cannot know what is really in KIm Jong-Un's mind.  And, of course, the regime is masterful at denial and deception. We should pay close attention to the words of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command (the command which belongs equally to both the ROK and US).He said there is no sign - so again we need to keep in mind the North's deception capabilities.

2. N. Korea showing no signs of rolling out new weapons system: USFK chief

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · September 10, 2020

Beware regime deception. Again, the Commander of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command chooses his words carefully.

3. Seoul, Washington agree to new working-level dialogue channel

Korea Joong Ang Daily · by Sarah Kim · September 11, 2020

Appears to be a positive step forward. As long as we have a codified process it is a good thing. I hope the Korean naysayers (primarily the appointees in the MOU) will be sent to their corners to shut up and color.

4. Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, China hold phone talks on stalled N.K. dialogue

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · September 11, 2020

The ROK/US Alliance cannot count on Chinese cooperation for north Korean denuclearization.

5. Through the looking glass: Chinese open source assessments of North Korea’s ballistic missile capabilities

KEI · by Nathan Beauchamp–Mustafaga & Scott W. Harold · September 10, 2020

6. New virus cases under 200 for 9th day, S. Korea undecided on easing virus measures

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · September 11, 2020

Now is not the time to waffle. South Korea must be decisive.

7. Juche in the era of a pandemic

NK Hidden Gulag · by Benjamin Fu · September 10, 2020

Good summary analysis of the humanitarian situation in the North and the regime's bankrupt ideology.

8. Both Trump, N. Korea could opt for 'October surprise': expert

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · September 11, 2020

Maybe. But to what ends? What effects do they think they can achieve? And, of course, the more we talk about an October surprise, the less of a surprise it might be.

9. How Washington can help bridge the gap between Seoul and Tokyo

FDD · by Mathew Ha · September 10, 2020

From my colleague Mathew Ha.

Yes, Washington can help, but I believe it will still be up to both Korean and Japanese leaders to exercise decisive leadership and commit to putting national security and national prosperity first, while trying to manage the historical issues.

10. N.K. paper says unity is 'most powerful weapon' against multiple challenges

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · September 11, 2020

I am reminded of an RI at Ranger School, Sergeant Pugh, who used to bellow out on the PT stand, "False motivation will get you nowhere."

We should remind North Korea that false unity will not work.

11. Kim Yo Jong updates "greatness education" curriculum at preschools

Daily NK · by Kim Yoo Jin · September 11, 2020

Make North Korea great again? Seriously, note that it is not about the greatness of North Korea, it is only about instilling loyalty in the Kim family regime.

12. Pyongyang might launch SLBM on the day of U.S. presidential election

Dong-A Ilbo · by San-Ho Yun · September 11, 2020

What effect would it have on the day of election? What effect would the regime think it could achieve?

13. Ballistic missile units given additional manpower, deploy new equipment

Daily NK · by Jeong Tae Joo · September 11, 2020

Now these are potential indicators.

14. Intelligence looking into NK’s submarine missile launch: report

Korea Herald · by Choi Si-young · September 11, 2020

15. South Korea and Japan: Resolving the Comfort Women Issue

Diplomat · by Naoko Kumagai · September 10, 2020

Empathy is helpful, but decisive national leadership on both sides is key. And then it can only be managed as it will likely never be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.

16. North Korea covers up apartment collapse with 70 casualties after two typhoons hammer Wonsan

Radio Free Asia · by Yonhap News · September 10, 2020

Reporting you can only get from RFA and VOA. And remember: this information is broadcast into North Korea to inform the Korean people living in the North because this information is not reported in the party controlled media.

17. How Kim Jong Un ‘played’ Donald Trump

Daily Beast · by Donald Kirk · September 11, 2020

Sure, there is a lot that can be criticized. But there is one thing we should keep in mind that the press and the pundits do not emphasize. The fact that Trump and Moon have not lifted sanctions is the best indication that they have not been played. And Kim's failure to play them and get sanctions relief after he raised expectations among the elite and military that he could play them has put him under enormous internal pressure in Pyongyang.

18. South Korea's geopolitical fear: getting stuck between China and America

National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · September 10, 2020

A shrimp among whales. And when whales wrestle, shrimp die. 

This is a very real fear among Koreans. We need to understand and respect this and help alleviate Korean fears.

19. The sorrows of young Kim Jong Un

Foreign Policy · by Michael Hirsh · September 10, 2020

I am now coming to regret having ordered Woodward's new book. I did so to read the letters between Kim and trump. But with all the reporting on the book it seems like reporters have revealed every key point in the book about Korea and other issues. We may not need to read the book. And there are too many reports to send out.

”On this day... 19 years (September 10th) ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.”

-Unknown

”When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.”

-Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You

“What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we’ve never met.”

-Author David Levithan

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

1. 9/11 was the 'defining moment' for soldier who will receive the Medal of Honor tomorrow

2. That day: Veterans share where they were on Sept. 11, 2001

3.  Opinion | This 9/11 anniversary arrives with the end of the war on al-Qaeda well in sight

4. 19 Years After 9/11, Politicians Need to Stop Overhyping Threats

5. How United Flight 93 Passengers Fought Back on 9/11

6. He watched a plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11. Then he braved flames and smoke to save lives

7. Nineteenth Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks - United States Department of State

8.  Opinion | Who Can Win America's Politics of Humiliation?

9. Despite Pandemic, The U.S. Army Is In Its Best Shape In A Generation. Here's Why.

10. Tomgram: Andrew Bacevich, What Have They (and We) Learned?

11. US Lawmakers Seek Posthumous Medal of Honor for Black D-Day Medic

12. Russian hackers who disrupted 2016 election targeting political parties again, Microsoft says

13. What the Sturgis superspreader report actually says about Covid-19

14. What Is China's Strategy in the Senkaku Islands?

15. Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden opens up about the mission

16. College Board Corrupted by Chinese Funding

17. Trump administration underplays intelligence on Alexei Navalny poisoning

18. Opinion | Mothers for QAnon

19. Human rights could be the next US-China flashpoint

20. Not in my backyard: Land-based missiles, democratic states, and Asia's conventional military balance

21. U.S. senator asks for CFIUS review of GNC purchase by Chinese company

22. The Kremlin's Plot Against Democracy

23. How Conspiracy Theories Are Shaping the 2020 Election - and Shaking the Foundation of American Democracy

1. 9/11 was the 'defining moment' for soldier who will receive the Medal of Honor tomorrow

armytimes.com · by Kyle Rempfer · September 10, 2020

He will be honored today.

2. That day: Veterans share where they were on Sept. 11, 2001

militarytimes.com · by Sarah Sicard · September 11, 2020

3. Opinion | This 9/11 anniversary arrives with the end of the war on al-Qaeda well in sight

The Washington Post · by Christopher Miller · September 10, 2020

From retired Special Forces Colonel Christopher Miller who is one the NCTC Director.

4. 19 Years After 9/11, Politicians Need to Stop Overhyping Threats

defenseone.com · by Joshua A. Geltzer

Really? Overhyping?  Surely we have made many mistake since 9-11 and we continue to make mistakes.  But is minimizing the threats a way to prevent these mistakes?  It is interesting the author makes no mention of the National Security or National Defense Strategies. Does he think we have it right in those documents?

Then again those documents were written by professionals and not politicians.

5. How United Flight 93 Passengers Fought Back on 9/11

history.com · by Adam Janos

This is what Americans do.  But we should ask if something like this would bridge the partisan divide (chasm) we have today? Would/could people on the right and left band together to defend our country the way these great American patriots did on 9/11?   Can we be inspired by their heroic efforts or will we continue to practice politics of humiliation as Friedman described it today and the politics of contempt  as Arthur Brooks has described it?

6. He watched a plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11. Then he braved flames and smoke to save lives

taskandpurpose.com · by Jeff Schogol

So many acts of heroism on this date.

7. Nineteenth Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks - United States Department of State

state.gov · by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State · September 8, 2020

8. Opinion | Who Can Win America's Politics of Humiliation?

The New York Times · by Thomas L. Friedman · September 8, 2020

Food for thought.  I see these acts of humiliation every day on my social media feeds from both sides.

9. Despite Pandemic, The U.S. Army Is In Its Best Shape In A Generation. Here's Why.

Forbes · by Loren Thompson · September 10, 2020

Hmmm....

10. Tomgram: Andrew Bacevich, What Have They (and We) Learned?

Tom Dispatch · by Andrew Bacevich · by September 10, 2020

A long and unusual read on the military not winning.  Bacevich can always be counted on for the most biting critiques of the US military.  

11. US Lawmakers Seek Posthumous Medal of Honor for Black D-Day Medic

voanews.com · by Associated Press

Make this happen.

12. Russian hackers who disrupted 2016 election targeting political parties again, Microsoft says

The Washington Post · by Jay Greene, Matt Viser and Isaac Stanley-Becker · September 10, 2020

This will be called the intellectually bankrupt term of fake news. This is a real threat.

13. What the Sturgis superspreader report actually says about Covid-19

inverse.com · by Sarah Sloat

This report has stirred up a lot of controversy.  This is an interesting analysis of that controversy and the report.  And of course this report and its debunking of this report plays into the hands of the large segment of our population who are now anti-science and anti-expert and anti-intellectuals which of course undermines trust in institutions which will have long term political, health, and even national security implications.

14. What Is China's Strategy in the Senkaku Islands?

warontherocks.com · by Alessio Patalano · September 10, 2020

Conclusion:

“Yoshihide Suga, the leading contender to replace Shinzo Abe as Japan's prime minister, has the support of influential factions that welcome a steady relationship with Beijing. Some Chinese observers have expressed similar positive views about Suga. Whoever becomes prime minister will certainly inherit a fast-deteriorating situation, and should take the lead in resuming discussions with Beijing for a crisis management and prevention mechanism applicable to their coast guards. This might help a delaying strategy, though the air and maritime mechanisms already in place have thus far elicited limited success. Indeed, realizing that slowing the Chinese advance in the Senkakus may no longer suffice as a strategy may be the greatest challenge facing post-Abe Japan.”

15.  Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden opens up about the mission

Daily Mail · by Claire Toureille · September 11, 2020

Navy SEAL who helped kill Osama bin Laden reveals how the harrowing memory of people jumping out of the World Trade Center on 9/11 gave him the courage to go through with the mission he didn't expect to survive

• Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill has opened up about the fateful May 2011 mission 
• He was a member of the team who took down terrorist leader Osama bin Laden 
• The al-Qaeda architect of the 9/11 attacks was hiding in Abbottabad, Pakistan
• O'Neill admitted that he thought he would not come back from the risky mission
• Said the memory of people jumping off the World Trade Center motivated him 

16. College Board Corrupted by Chinese Funding

nas.org

The full report can be accessed here. 

17. Trump administration underplays intelligence on Alexei Navalny poisoning

Washington Examiner · by Tom Rogan · September 10, 2020

north Korea and Russia are using nerve agents to assassinate their enemies.  That cannot be denied and should not be "underplayed."

18. Opinion | Mothers for QAnon

The New York Times · by Annie Kelly · September 10, 2020

Again, I just cannot understand how anyone accepts the idiocy of these QAnon conspiracy theories. 

19. Human rights could be the next US-China flashpoint

The Telegraph · by Louis Ashworth

It is not already?

20. Not in my backyard: Land-based missiles, democratic states, and Asia's conventional military balance

The Brookings Institution · by Frank A. Rose · September 10, 2020

This is our challenge for deterrence, countering A2AD and campaigning in Asia.

21. U.S. senator asks for CFIUS review of GNC purchase by Chinese company

ca.reuters.com · by Diane Bartz

Will they want to sell fentanyl at GNC?

22. The Kremlin's Plot Against Democracy

Foreign Affairs · by Alina Polyakova · September 10, 2020

We, along with the Community of  Democracies (not just the "west") should be fighting with all our strength to defend against this "plot" and these attacks.

23. How Conspiracy Theories Are Shaping the 2020 Election - and Shaking the Foundation of American Democracy

TIME · by [email protected]

And we should be fighting against these idiotic conspiracy theories as well as they just feed into the hands of the Russians and Chinese and other adversaries who seek to undermine the legitimacy if not destroy democracies. 

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

"On this day... 19 years (September 10th) ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted."

-Unknown

"When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We're not about what happened on 9/11. We're about what happened on 9/12."
-Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You

"What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we've never met."
-Author David Levithan

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

1. N. Korea showing no sign of 'lashing out' in near future: USFK chief

2. N. Korea showing no signs of rolling out new weapons system: USFK chief

3.  Seoul, Washington agree to new working-level dialogue channel

4. Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, China hold phone talks on stalled N.K. dialogue

5. Through The Looking Glass: Chinese Open Source Assessments Of North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Capabilities

6. New virus cases under 200 for 9th day, S. Korea undecided on easing virus measures

7. Juche in the Era of a Pandemic

8. Both Trump, N. Korea could opt for 'October Surprise': expert

9. FDD | How Washington Can Help Bridge the Gap Between Seoul and Tokyo

10. N.K. paper says unity is 'most powerful weapon' against multiple challenges

11. Kim Yo Jong updates "Greatness Education" curriculum at preschools

12. Pyongyang might launch SLBM on the day of U.S. presidential election

13. Ballistic missile units given additional manpower, deploy new equipment (north Korea)

14. Intelligence looking into NK’s submarine missile launch: report

15. South Korea and Japan: Resolving the Comfort Women Issue

16. North Korea Covers Up Apartment Collapse With 70 Casualties After Two Typhoons Hammer Wonsan

17. How Kim Jong Un ‘Played’ Donald Trump

18. South Korea's Geopolitical Fear: Getting Stuck Between China and America

19. The Sorrows of Young Kim Jong Un

1. N. Korea showing no sign of 'lashing out' in near future: USFK chief

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · September 11, 2020

I hope he is right and I tend to agree. However, we cannot know what is really in KIm Jong-un's mind.  And of course the regime is masterful at denial and deception. We should pay close attention to the words of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command (the command which belongs equally to both the ROK and US).  He said there is no sign - so again we need to keep in mind the north's deception capabilities. 

2. N. Korea showing no signs of rolling out new weapons system: USFK chief

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · September 10, 2020

Beware regime deception.  Again, the Commander of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command chooses his words carefully.

3. Seoul, Washington agree to new working-level dialogue channel

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com· by Sarah Kim

Appears to be a positive step forward.  As long as we have a codified process, it is a good thing.  I hope the Korean naysayers (primarily the appointees in the MOU) will be sent to their corners to shut up and color.

4. Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, China hold phone talks on stalled N.K. dialogue

en.yna.co.kr · by 김승연 · September 10, 2020

The ROK/US Alliance cannot count on Chinese cooperation for north Korean denuclearization.

5. Through The Looking Glass: Chinese Open Source Assessments Of North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Capabilities

Nathan Beauchamp–Mustafaga and Scott W. Harold

The 19 page report can be downloaded here. 

ABSTRACT 

“North Korea’s ballistic missile program has long been a concern for the United States, South Korea, and Japan. Foreign researchers have increasingly leveraged advanced open source intelligence technology and cooperated across countries to track the North’s developments over the last 25 years. But one country has been left out – China. Are there open source Chinese analyses of DPRK ballistic missiles, do they align with U.S. assessments, and is there anything for other researchers to gain from reading these analyses? This report examines Chinese assessments of North Korean ballistic missile capabilities between 1998 and 2017. We find that Chinese analysts have paid growing attention to the North’s missile capabilities but are still not as attentive as Western observers, from whom they draw most of their information and analytic insights. Chinese analyses broadly mirror Western experts’ conclusions about the state of North Korea’s missile capabilities, most notably that North Korea has a functional, if not fully perfected, intercontinental-range ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach the United States with a nuclear weapon. However, there is little original Chinese analysis that would enhance foreign experts’ preexisting understanding of DPRK missiles.”

6. New virus cases under 200 for 9th day, S. Korea undecided on easing virus measures

en.yna.co.kr · by 강윤승 · September 11, 2020

Now is not the time to waffle.  South Korea must be decisive.

7. Juche in the Era of a Pandemic

NK Hidden Gulag· by Benjamin Fu · September 10, 2020

Good summary analysis of the humanitarian situation in the north and the regime's bankrupt ideology.

Conclusion:

“As Kim Jong-un faces a pivotal crossroads in his stance on juche relative to international cooperation, one thing has become abundantly clear: the regime’s continued deference to an arms race in lieu of basic human rights as well as entrenched social elitism represent symbolic games of roulette that the regime cannot win in the long run.”

8. Both Trump, N. Korea could opt for 'October Surprise': expert

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · September 11, 2020

Maybe.  But to what ends?  What effects do they think they can achieve?  And of course the more we talk about an October Surprise the less of a surprise it might be.

9. FDD | How Washington Can Help Bridge the Gap Between Seoul and Tokyo

fdd.org · by Mathew Ha · September 10, 2020

From my colleague Mathew Ha.

Yes, Washington can help but I believe it will still be up to both Korean and Japanese leaders to exercise decisive leadership and commit to putting national security and national prosperity first while trying to manage the historical issues.

10. N.K. paper says unity is 'most powerful weapon' against multiple challenges

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · September 11, 2020

I am reminded of an RI at Ranger School, Sergeant Pugh, who used to bellow out on the PT stand, "False motivation will get you nowhere." 

We should remind north Korea that false unity will not work.

11. Kim Yo Jong updates "Greatness Education" curriculum at preschools

dailynk.com · by Kim Yoo Jin· September 11, 2020

Make north Korea great again?  Seriously, note that it is not about the greatness of north Korea, it is only about instilling loyalty in the Kim family regime.

12. Pyongyang might launch SLBM on the day of U.S. presidential election

donga.com· September 11, 2020

What effect would it have on the day of election?  What effect would the regime think it could achieve?

13. Ballistic missile units given additional manpower, deploy new equipment (north Korea)

dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · September 11, 2020

Now these are potential indicators.

14. Intelligence looking into NK’s submarine missile launch: report

koreaherald.com · by Choi Si-young · September 11, 2020

Excerpt:

“A new ICBM would be the last bargaining chip, regardless of who gets sworn in as the next American president. At least that’s how we see it,” a military source was quoted as saying, reinforcing speculation Pyongyang prefers a less provocative SLBM to heap pressure on Washington.

15. South Korea and Japan: Resolving the Comfort Women Issue

thediplomat.com · Naoko Kumagai ·  September 10, 2020

Empathy is helpful but decisive national leadership on both sides is key,  and then it can only be managed as it will likely never be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.

16. North Korea Covers Up Apartment Collapse With 70 Casualties After Two Typhoons Hammer Wonsan

rfa.org

Reporting you can only get from RFA and VOA.  And remember this information is broadcast into north Korea to inform the Korean people living in the north because this information is not reported in the party controlled media.

17. How Kim Jong Un ‘Played’ Donald Trump

Sure, there is a lot that can be criticized.  But there is one thing we should keep in mind that the press and the pundits do not emphasize.  The fact that Trump and Moon have not lifted sanctions is the best indication that they have not been played.  And Kim's failure to play them and get sanctions relief after he raised expectations among the elite and military that he could play them has put him under enormous internal pressure in Pyongyang. 

The Daily Beast · by  Donald Kirk· September 10, 2020

18.  South Korea's Geopolitical Fear: Getting Stuck Between China and America

The National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · September 10, 2020

A shrimp among whales.  And when whales wrestle, shrimp die.  

This is a very real fear among Koreans.  We need to understand and respect this and help alleviate Korean fears.

19. The Sorrows of Young Kim Jong Un

Foreign Policy · by Michael Hirsh · September 10, 2020

I am now coming to regret having ordered Woodward's new book. I did so to read the letters between Kim and trump.  But with all the reporting on the book it seems like reporters have revealed every key point in the book about Korea and other issues.  We may not need to read the book.  And there are too many reports to send out.

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

On this day... 19 years (September 10th) ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.”

-Unknown

”When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.”

-Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You

“What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we’ve never met.”

-Author David Levithan

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

1. U.S. Military Is Offered New Bases in the Pacific

2. Nine Drug Company CEOs Sign Pledge on Covid-19 Vaccine

3. I Hope American Soldiers Read Stars and Stripes Forever

4. White House asked VA secretary about running Pentagon if Trump fires Esper

5. Opinion | We must stop helping our enemies undermine our democracy

6. The Milk Tea Alliance (Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand)

7. Stopping jihadists is a mission worth discussing during presidential election

8. China's second century of shame, thanks to its Communist Party

9. Army Chief Denies Trump's Claim That Generals Make War for Arms Makers

10. Neurotoxins Are A Rising Threat. Here's How the Military Will Detect Them

11. How America's Defense Strategy Left Us Unprepared for a Pandemic

12. Australia's "Belt & Road" Agreements: Dead and Buried?

13. How the government is keeping hackers from disrupting coronavirus vaccine research

14. Trump is serious about ending America's longest war

15. Osama bin Laden's niece says only Trump can prevent another 9/11

16. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Now Linked to 250,000 Covid-19 Cases

17. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was 'superspreading event' that cost public health $12.2 billion: analysis

18. Did Stars and Stripes win the fallout from Trump's 'losers' comments?

19. From Racism to Russia, Top General Says Army Must Change

20. 'Mulan' Has a Message: Serve China and Forget About the Uighurs

21. 5th SFAB just went on its first overseas mission to Asia

22. The Cold War Is Over, But Radio Free Europe Is Back in Hungary

23. Beyond the classics: A fresh international relations reading list for students

24. Military Forced Into Payroll Tax Deferral; 1.3 Million Can't Opt-Out

1. U.S. Military Is Offered New Bases in the Pacific

WSJ · by Gordon Lubold – 8 September, 2020

2. Nine Drug Company CEOs Sign Pledge on Covid-19 Vaccine

WSJ · by Jared S. Hopkins and Peter Loftus – 8 September, 2020

This unprecedented action probably makes very good business sense too.  You cannot have the public lose trust in a vaccine before it is even developed. 

3. I Hope American Soldiers Read Stars and Stripes Forever

WSJ · by Seth Lipsky – 7 September, 2020

As I said I still maintain a digital subscription to the Stars and Stripes. I think the description of it has independent minded is a good one and one we should all value.

4. White House asked VA secretary about running Pentagon if Trump fires Esper

NBC News · by Carol E. Lee · September 7, 2020

Terrible RUMINT.

5. Opinion | We must stop helping our enemies undermine our democracy

The Washington Post · by Opinion by Susan M. Gordon · September 8, 2020

YES.  I hope everyone gives some thought to this.

6. The Milk Tea Alliance (Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand)

donga.com - September 09, 2020

7. Stopping jihadists is a mission worth discussing during presidential election

washingtontimes.com · by Clifford D. May

8. China's second century of shame, thanks to its Communist Party

The Hill · by Joseph Bosco, opinion contributor · September 8, 2020

They still haven't gotten over the first hundred years of humiliation.

9. Army Chief Denies Trump's Claim That Generals Make War for Arms Makers

defenseone.com · by Katie Bo Williams

A strong rebuttal to the President's comments.

10. Neurotoxins Are A Rising Threat. Here's How the Military Will Detect Them

defenseone.com · by Patrick Tucker

The Russians (and the north Koreans) are likely being conditioned to believe they have free reign to employ these chemicals.

11. How America's Defense Strategy Left Us Unprepared for a Pandemic

defenseone.com · by Jerry Meyerle

This seems a little naive and idealistic.  Yes, there needs to be a global response to the pandemic.  But we also have to recognize and deal with our adversaries as they really are and not as we would wish they would be. While we may have laudable goals and willing to work with anyone to solve the pandemic that is likely not the case for our adversaries.

That said, the bigger problem is simply that we are taking a "go it alone" approach to a global pandemic.  But that is not a National Defense Strategy problem.  

12. Australia's "Belt & Road" Agreements: Dead and Buried?

The National Interest · by Michelle Grattan · September 8, 2020

The Chinese-PRC relationship, competition, conflict is important to observe and assess.  We should be able to learn from it.  And One belt One Road must be considered a potential threat to many countries.

13. How the government is keeping hackers from disrupting coronavirus vaccine research

cyberscoop.com · by Shannon Vavra · September 8, 2020

14. Trump is serious about ending America's longest war

Washington Examiner · by Jack Hunter · September 8, 2020

15.  Osama bin Laden's niece says only Trump can prevent another 9/11

New York Post · by Jon Levine · September 5, 2020

16. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Now Linked to 250,000 Covid-19 Cases 

metalsucks.net · by Vince Neilstein · September 8, 2020

Not sure about this source but the information should be no surprise.  But it links to this 63 page report from the Institute of Labor Economics  http://ftp.iza.org/dp13670.pd

17. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was 'superspreading event' that cost public health $12.2 billion: analysis

The Hill · by J. Edward Moreno · September 8, 2020

This also refers to the 63-page report from the Institute of Labor Economics. http://ftp.iza.org/dp13670.pdf

18.  Did Stars and Stripes win the fallout from Trump's 'losers' comments?

Columbia Journalism Review

Timing is everything.  Did this get a reprieve for Stars and Stripes?

19. From Racism to Russia, Top General Says Army Must Change

defenseone.com · by Kevin Baron

20. 'Mulan' Has a Message: Serve China and Forget About the Uighurs

Foreign Policy · by Jeannette Ng · September 8, 2020

The cultural battlefield.

21. 5th SFAB just went on its first overseas mission to Asia

armytimes.com · by Kyle Rempfer · September 8, 2020

I wonder how they are faring on Soi Cowboy.

22.  The Cold War Is Over, But Radio Free Europe Is Back in Hungary

Vice – by Tim Hume

23. Beyond the classics: A fresh international relations reading list for students

The Brookings Institution · September 8, 2020

24. Military Forced Into Payroll Tax Deferral; 1.3 Million Can't Opt-Out

Forbes · by Shahar Ziv · September 7, 2020

Military personnel (and others) are going to face a financial crisis in the next year when they have to pay their taxes.

"Read, read, read. Read everything - trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it." 

- William Faulkner

 "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

- Lao Tzu
 

"An unexamined life is not worth living."

- Socrates

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

 1. N.K. leader holds party meeting to discuss typhoon damage at large mine area

2. Just in: Xi congratulates Kim on DPRK's 72nd founding anniversary

3. N. Korea's Central Committee orders Foundation Day events to be toned down

4. N. Korea orders apples to be supplied to residents of Pyongyang

5.  Typhoon Maysak causes death, destruction in Sinpo

6. New virus cases under 200 for week, virus fight still harried by cluster infections

7. U.S. Amb. Harris unveils books on his desk, many about N. Korea, for Month of Reading

8. U.S. flies surveillance plane over peninsula on N.K.'s founding anniversary

9. UNESCO reiterates support for Moon's plan to list DMZ as World Heritage site

10. Vice FM Choi to visit U.S. for talks with Biegun this week

11. Kim Jong-un 'Feared Poisoning' at Summit with Trump

12. Don't Ignore North Korea Human Rights, UN Says

13. Kim Yo-jong disappears from public radar

14. Korea ranks first in shipbuilding orders for two consecutive months

15. Evaluating Trump's North Korea policy - Different methods but strategic ambiguity remains constant

16. North Korea celebrates 72nd anniversary, as coronavirus, typhoons hit economy

17. South Korea's defiant churches face backlash for hampering COVID-19 response

18. Korean War: Open Questions

1. N.K. leader holds party meeting to discuss typhoon damage at large mine area

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · September 9, 2020

This is a significant statement.  But the question is will he cancel the October 10th celebration since the preparations must be expending all kinds of resources that might be better deployed to help contain the damage as well as "change the direction of the year-end tasks."  If the October 10th celebration goes as planned with the extravaganza we expect then we can be sure Kim is only paying lip service to the problems the Korean people and north Korea as a whole face.

2. Just in: Xi congratulates Kim on DPRK's 72nd founding anniversary

Xinhua | English.news.cn xinhuanet.com

I wonder why north Korea is not the "senior" communist country.  It was founded in the year before the PRC (1948).

3. N. Korea's Central Committee orders Foundation Day events to be toned down

dailynk.com – by Kim Yoo Jin - September 9, 2020

"Reduced by half". This is an interesting development.  I think the regime may be very worried about internal control and the potential for instability.  After all, who does the regime fear more" The US? Or the Korean people lining in the north?

4. N. Korea orders apples to be supplied to residents of Pyongyang

dailynk.com · September 9, 2020

Let them eat.....apples?

North Korea has a bureaucracy like all others - the right hand does not always know what the left hand is doing.

5. Typhoon Maysak causes death, destruction in Sinpo

dailynk.com – by Lee Sang Yong - September 8, 2020

The question is what damage did the naval facilities at the port of Sinpo suffer?  Of course, those reports are likely state secrets.  Hopefully, we will get some satellite imagery analysis from CSIS' Beyond Parallel or the Stimson Center's 38 North soon.  Will this affect a potential SLBM test?

7. U.S. Amb. Harris unveils books on his desk, many about N. Korea, for Month of Reading

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · September 9, 2020

An interesting reading pile!  (not a list since the books are already on his desk)

8. U.S. flies surveillance plane over peninsula on N.K.'s founding anniversary

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · September 9, 2020

As we should.

Buried lede.  I did not know the Army flew a jet.

9. UNESCO reiterates support for Moon's plan to list DMZ as World Heritage site

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · September 9, 2020

I bet UNESCO does not have a site that is actually as militarized as the DMZ.

10. Vice FM Choi to visit U.S. for talks with Biegun this week

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

11. Kim Jong-un 'Feared Poisoning' at Summit with Trump

english.chosun.com - September 09, 2020 12:46

Not surprising or even new. Surely common to all authoritarian dictators.  Remember as we watched Kim Yo-jong at the Singapore Summit swap out the pen on the desk at the signing ceremony.

12. Don't Ignore North Korea Human Rights, UN Says

voanews.com – by William Gallo – September 8, 2020

Human rights is a national security issue in addition to a moral imperative.  Kim Jong-un must deny the human rights of the Korean people living in the north in order to remain in power.

13.  Kim Yo-jong disappears from public radar

m.koreatimes.co.kr · September 8, 2020

I wonder if the IC has dedicated Kim Yo-jong watchers!  Seriously, her absence leads to all kinds of speculation as indicated in the article.  I disagree with the assessment she has been delegated part of her brother's authority.  The regime depends on one-man (or women) rule.  I believe she may be being groomed as an eventual successor, but she is not sharing power with her brother.

14. Korea ranks first in shipbuilding orders for two consecutive months

donga.com - September 09, 2020

15. Evaluating Trump's North Korea policy - Different methods but strategic ambiguity remains constant

ATLANTIC FILES – by Catherine Jones and Alex Brunner - September 07, 2020

Interesting analysis that you do not find in many of the more common sources of Korea reporting.

https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/evaluating-trumps-north-korea-policy/

16. North Korea celebrates 72nd anniversary, as coronavirus, typhoons hit economy

Kyodo and Reuters – September 9, 2020

The proverbial "perfect storm" is taking place in north Korea.

17. South Korea's defiant churches face backlash for hampering COVID-19 response

ca.reuters.com · by Hyonhee Shin

18. Korean War: Open Questions

wilsonquarterly.com

Some fascinating questions and scholarship from a number of scholars and researchers.  

"Read, read, read. Read everything - trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it." 

- William Faulkner

 "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."

- Lao Tzu
 

"An unexamined life is not worth living."

- Socrates

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

1. ‘Really diabolical’: inside the coronavirus that outsmarted science

2. Eyeing China, Taiwan urges alliance against 'aggressive actions'

3. A new free trade agreement opportunity for Taiwan

4. Russia and China wield dull wedges

5. Four years on, Philippine President Duterte is still struggling to show the benefits of being pro-China

6. Revealed: Royal Navy trained China for free at five-star hotel

7. China slams US defense secretary's article on Chinese army

8. How a Soviet triple agent recruited new spies in the West

9. WHO: mass COVID vaccinations unlikely before middle of 2021

10. Trump accuses Pentagon leaders of wanting to 'fight wars' to make defense companies rich

11. China to launch initiative to set global data-security rules

12. A Snowden pardon could have a snowball effect on protecting national security secrets

13. Congress must stop the closure of the Uniformed Services University

14. In 2020, Eisenhower is a lantern in the dark

15. The problem with Mulan: why the live-action remake is a lightning rod for controversy

16. Disney's Mulan was filmed in Xinjiang amid cultural genocide

17. Coming soon: LUSV, the U.S. Navy's drone mothership (and much more)?

18. Transforming Athena: educating military officers during an rra of great change through experiential learning

19. The missing, irregular half of great power competition

20. Last year, he was the country’s top military officer. Now, he is retired on the South Shore.

1. ‘Really diabolical’: inside the coronavirus that outsmarted science

Wall Street Journal · by Robert Lee Hotz & Natasha Khan · September 7, 2020

Scary. Just read the first paragraph.

2. Eyeing China, Taiwan urges alliance against ‘aggressive actions’

Reuters · by Ben Blanchard & Clarence Fernandez · September 8, 2020

I am sure Taiwan would accept an invitation to join the Quad Plus.

3. A new free trade agreement opportunity for Taiwan

National Interest · by Michael Mazza · September 8, 2020

Or it would simply "leave a mark" depending on the Chinese response.

4. Russia and China wield dull wedges

Wall Street Journal · by Walter Russell Mead · September 7, 2020

I hope he is right.

5. Four years on, Philippine President Duterte is still struggling to show the benefits of being pro-China

CNBC · by Yen Nee Lee · September 8, 2020

Brings to mind the sarcastic questions: "How's that working out for you?"

6. Revealed: Royal Navy trained China for free at five-star hotel

Declassified UK · by Phil Miller · September 7, 2020

Ouch!

7. China slams US defense secretary's article on Chinese army

China.org.cn · September 8, 2020

They doth protest too much.

8. How a Soviet triple agent recruited new spies in the West

Daily Beast · Anton Shekhovtsov · September 7, 2020

Can we trust such a "manual?" But some very interesting anecdotes in this article.

9. WHO: mass COVID vaccinations unlikely before middle of 2021

Chosun Ilbo · VOA News · September 7, 2020

Not good news.

10. Trump accuses Pentagon leaders of wanting to 'fight wars' to make defense companies rich

Task & Purpose · Jeff Schogol · September 7, 2020

I am sure people will be involving President Eisenhower's speech about the military industrial complex.  Here is a link to it.

Excerpts from Eisenhower’s' military industrial complex speech from 1961:

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades.

In this revolution, research has become central; it also becomes more formalized, complex, and costly. A steadily increasing share is conducted for, by, or at the direction of, the Federal government.”

11. China to launch initiative to set global data-security rules

Wall Street Journal · by Chun Han Wong · September 8, 2020

Of course, it does. It does not want to play by "good" rules. It wants to play by its own rules.

12. A Snowden pardon could have a snowball effect on protecting national security secrets

National Interest · by Sina M. Beaghley & Marek N. Posard · September 4, 2020

I hope the national security professionals in the administration can talk the President out of this.  This would be a terrible mistake.

13. Congress must stop the closure of the Uniformed Services University

The Hill · by Tom Jurkowsky · September 4, 2020

Another mistake. We cut off our noses to spite our face. Some of the best doctors I know were educated and trained here.

14. In 2020, Eisenhower is a lantern in the dark

War On the Rocks · by Derek Chollet · September 8, 2020

An interesting conclusion.

15. The problem with Mulan: why the live-action remake is a lightning rod for controversy

The Guardian · by Jingan Young · September 7, 2020

I am usually not a movie critic, but this has some foreign affairs implications.

16. Disney's Mulan was filmed in Xinjiang amid cultural genocide

Axios · by Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian & Sara Fischer · September 8, 2020

This gets more to the point on the film.

17. Coming Soon: LUSV, the U.S. Navy's drone mothership (and much more)?

National Interest · by Kris Osborn · September 7, 2020

Sounds like a very interesting concept.

18. Transforming Athena: educating military officers during an era of great change through experiential learning

Strategy Bridge · by Jonathan E. Czarnecki · September 8, 2020

19. The missing, irregular half of great power competition

Modern War Institute · by Eric Robinson · September 8, 2020

My sense:

Competition equals political warfare (most likely course of action)

State-on-state conventional warfare less likely (most dangerous course of action)

Problem: we face threats from political warfare strategies supported by hybrid military approaches.

All of the above may be exploited by gray zone conflict, hybrid conflict, unconventional warfare, counter-unconventional warfare, revolution, resistance, insurgency, terrorism, civil war, and great power competition.

It is not either/or. It is both/and.

We have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. We have to sustain a military that can deter the most dangerous course of action and, if deterrence fails, to fight and win. But, we cannot neglect the competition that is political warfare, which, of course, includes irregular warfare.

20. Last year, he was the country’s top military officer. Now, he is retired on the South Shore.

Boston Globe · by Brian MacQuarrie · September 6, 2020

Life after being the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

“Our society buries most of those that contribute above their station. It disbelieves them, labelling them whatever nickname will soil their reputation the most at the time. That's the standard protocol for political and economic warfare.'

- Anita B. Sulser, PhD, We Are One

"Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence."

- Aristotle

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

- George Bernard Shaw