News

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

1. U.S.-South Korea: working group blues

2. Peace in Korea can happen without denuclearization

3.  N.K. propaganda outlets slam S. Korea over revised missile guidelines

4. 2.0 magnitude quake hits southern N. Korea, central S. Korea

5. 2 in 5 re-defectors live in S. Korea for less than 3 years: lawmaker

6. Why do NK defectors flee to destitute North?

7. Kim Jong Un adds new measure for North Koreans traveling near China border

8. Covid-19 relief to North approved, but details not disclosed

9. South's military kept recent missile test by North under wraps

10. S. Korea reports 30 new virus cases, single-digit number of local infections for 2nd day

11. Korea, Iran agree to launch working group on humanitarian trade

12. KJU National Defense University students to participate in Oct. military parade

13. NGO calls on S. Korea to stop 'regulatory intimidation' against activist groups

1. U.S.-South Korea: working group blues

Real Clear Defense · by Khang Vu · August 01, 2020

It is amazing how a simple working group to coordinate strategy can be so misunderstood and become a lightning rod for political opponents.

It is not to veto South Korean actions. But if the South intends to take an action that violates UN sanctions or US law, such violations must be discussed. That is not a veto by the working group. It is simply a fact that if an action violates sanctions or US law, then the ROK must understand what the effects of such a violation will be. On the other hand, the working group has been useful to inform the US of ROK intentions and the US has gone to the UN Security Council to get waivers for certain sanctions.

This article is full of misinformation (note the Tamiflu accusation) and misunderstanding. If the ROK and US cannot have a simple working group to coordinate strategy, then the alliance is in real trouble.  Fortunately, those with whom I have spoken who are involved with the working group (Korean and US diplomats) know how important and effective it is. It is the press, pundits, and partisan political operatives who criticize and use it to advance their anti-alliance agendas. 

I would make the bold statement and say anyone who opposes this working group is working in opposition to the Alliance.

2. Peace in Korea can happen without denuclearization

The Diplomat · by Daniel R. DePetris · July 31, 2020

First, the only thing this essay does is posit three (inaccurate) straw man assumptions, simply to focus blame on the US for the security and diplomatic situation on the peninsula, and the author says we must learn to live with a nuclear North Korea. Appeasing and apologizing for North Korea is not sound policy and strategy. And the author provides no explanation of how peace can break out on the peninsula (except for the misguided belief that accepting North Korea as a nuclear state will bring peace).

3. N.K. propaganda outlets slam S. Korea over revised missile guidelines

Yonhap News Agency · by Yi Wonju · August 2, 2020

Good. North Korea is paying attention. No one should be dismayed from fielding missile systems in the South because of this propaganda. And you have to love that North Korean propaganda talks about South Korean "evil intentions."  That is the pot calling the kettle black.

4. 2.0 magnitude quake hits southern N. Korea, central S. Korea

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · August 1, 2020

5. 2 in 5 re-defectors live in S. Korea for less than 3 years: lawmaker

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · August 1, 2020

What comes to my mind is the possibility of the North using "escapee/defectors" for infiltration purposes. They complete their mission within three years and then return to the North for debriefing. They may not be spying and collecting military or intelligence information. They may be performing the mission for which the North has tried to use kidnapped foreigners (e.g., South Koreans, Japanese, etc.): specifically, to obtain cultural and linguistic information needed to train actual spies for infiltration into the South. They also learn all there is to know about a specific area in the South and all that a spy must know to operate undercover and not be compromised.

However, we must be cautious in not suspecting all escapee/defectors with a broad brush. Obviously, most escapees are coming to the South to escape the most despotic regime in the world.

6. Why do NK defectors flee to destitute North?

Korea Times · by Jung Da-min · August 2, 2020

I think the three assumptions here are correct. But as I note above, we also must consider there may be some who are sent undercover as defectors to gather information for follow-on spies.

7. Kim Jong Un adds new measure for North Koreans traveling near China border

New York Post · by Dana Kennedy · August 1, 2020

The regime continues to implement some of the most draconian population and resources control measures.

8. Covid-19 relief to North approved, but details not disclosed

Korea Joong Ang Daily · by Ser Myo-Ja & Ko Suk-Hyun · July 31, 2020

Of course it is the right thing to do to help the Korean people in the North. However, we must understand how the regime set this up to justify acceptance of such aid with the return of the "defector."  I wonder if a condition of the aid by the North is to keep the type of aid secret. I certainly hope the ROK government will not comply with such a condition.

9. South's military kept recent missile test by North under wraps

Korea Joong Ang Daily · by Shim Kyu-Seok · July 30, 2020

Why? And don't they know something like this will always be exposed. This is just bad public affairs operations (I do not mean to blame public affairs officers as they are likely following orders and I am sure they recommended the release of the information). But I guess it is some American official's fault for revealing the information. It is likely a test such as this was to simply advance their missile program and, since the North Korean Propaganda and Agitation Department did not exploit it, it was not meant as a message.

10. S. Korea reports 30 new virus cases, single-digit number of local infections for 2nd day

Yonhap News Agency · by Kim Kwang-tae · August 2, 2020

South Korea is managing the problem. But it is international travel that is the weak link in preventing the spread.

11. Korea, Iran agree to launch working group on humanitarian trade

Korea Joong Ang Daily · by Yonhap · August 2, 2020

The want currency-based accounts to continue Korea's oil imports from Iran and exports of goods to Iran upon the U.S. waiver of sanctions limiting dollar-based financial transactions with Tehran. But Washington refused to extend the sanctions waiver. Hmmm...? You have humanitarian aid and you have trade. What is humanitarian trade (rhetorical question)?

12. KJU National Defense University students to participate in Oct. military parade

Daily NK · by Jeong Tae Joo · July 31, 2020

It is the same in every army. Military students are always "forced" (ordered) to participate in these events.

13. NGO calls on S. Korea to stop 'regulatory intimidation' against activist groups

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · August 1, 2020

Again, rule of law or rule by law?

"Guerrilla Strategy is the only strategy possible for an oppressed people."

-Kao Kang (quoted in Mao's On Guerrilla Warfare)

"Guerrilla war is a kind of war waged by the few but dependent on the support of the many."

-B.H. Liddel Hart

"If historical experience teaches us anything about revolutionary guerrilla war, it is that military measures alone will not suffice."

-Brig Gen S.B. Griffith in the Introduction to Mao's On Guerrilla Warfare, 1961

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

1. Jitters mount over USFK reduction

2. N. Korea begins probe into 2nd and 4th corps following returnee incident

3. Interview: they said my face looked pretty but also old, so $1,100 was all I was worth

4. Military embarrassed by surveillance camera footage mapping defector’s exit route

5. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

6.  Kim Jong Un 'doesn't look well'

7. TWE remembers: the Taft-Katsura memorandum

8. I fled North Korea as my family starved before I was sold into human trafficking

9. N. Korean authorities sound the alarm following avian flu outbreak

10. N. Korea's border closure likely to increase chronic disease mortality: expert

11. That job offer in your inbox might be part of a North Korean cyberattack

12. UN official urges Seoul to listen to defector groups

13. North Korean hackers phish for victims with 'too good to be true' job offers

14. Unification minister vows to seek ways to resume Mt. Kumgang tour

15. Rare insights on business in North Korea from being in the hermit country

16.  Charles Armstrong, Korean War officer during early years of Army integration, dies at 93

1. Jitters mount over USFK reduction

Chosun Ilbo · by Yu Yong-weon & Kim Jin-myung · July 31, 2020

Yes, but...

Here is the conundrum: this is not about the SMA and burden-sharing. This is about being able to sustain a trained and ready force. If I was the commander and I could not sustain training and readiness, I would recommend they be deployed/stationed to a location where they can conduct effective and sustained training.

There are two issues here for South Korea. The first is that Korean citizens are protesting US training (which is, of course, their right and we all must fully support their right to do so). But it is the responsibility of the Korean government to provide a suitable training location (if they want US forces to remain). The second is the Comprehensive Military Agreement and its impact on training and readiness (as well as ISR with its no fly zones along the DMZ). The desired confidence building measures by South Korea impact US training and readiness (I do not think Pilsung Range can be used for air operations now - I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that it is inside the no fly boundary). These actions hinder the ability of US forces to train and maintain readiness. So SMA/burdens-haring and funding aside, if I were advising the commander I would recommend withdrawing forces to ensure they can sustain readiness.  If that cannot be done on the Korean peninsula, then the alliance has a problem.

2. N. Korea begins probe into 2nd and 4th corps following returnee incident

Daily NK · by Ha Yoon Ah · July 31, 2020

I think the South Korean Marine general and his chain of command will end up in a better situation than the North Korean chain of command.

But on a serious note, this does provide an indication of North Korean readiness. Of course, South Korea has not put any emphasis on DMZ infiltration in recent decades, so I am sure there was a high level of complacency in the NKPA and security services. Also, unlike the South, much of their focus is on preventing escapees and not detecting infiltrators.

Of course they have to "punish" the chain of command if this was actually a planned recall of the defector. Otherwise we would suspect it was planned.

Perhaps the South Korean intelligence services should re-evaluate DMZ infiltrations after a time when the complacency sets in again among the NKPA (note sarcasm).

3. Interview: they said my face looked pretty but also old, so $1,100 was all I was worth

Radio Free Asia · by RFA/Rebel Pepper · July 29, 2020

This is important reporting from Radio Free Asia. Remember that this report is being broadcast in Korea to the Korean people in the North. Even as the North tries to jam the broadcasts, our transmitters can overpower them. And the regime wastes a lot of energy resources on the electricity that it takes to try to jam this news. This is news and information that helps educate the Korean people about the human rights they deserve. Note also that commercial media uses these reports to craft their own news. They would not be able to report about North Korean human rights abuses without the work of RFA (and VOA).

This is so sad. This also illustrates the evil nature of the Kim family regime and the Chinese Communist Party for being complicit in human rights abuses. But we also must appreciate the incredible resilience among the Korean people living in the North. They deserve our respect and our help.

4. Military embarrassed by surveillance camera footage mapping defector’s exit route

Korea Herald · by Choi Si-young · July 31, 2020

As it must be.

5. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

Yonhap News Agency · by Koh Byung-joon · July 31, 2020

At some point information is going to start spilling out about an outbreak.

6. Kim Jong Un 'doesn't look well'

Sky News · August 01, 2020

The only thing I agree with Mr. Sircusa on is that it is likely that there is an outbreak of the virus in the North that is far worse than we can see.

But a number of his other points in the video are somewhat suspect – especially the comment about the military will put a bullet in his head if he gives up too much to President Trump.

7. TWE remembers: the Taft-Katsura memorandum

CFR · by James M. Lindsay · July 31, 2020

An interesting historical perspective in light of relations in Asia today, specifically Chinese-US relations as the author notes how the US should respond to the rise of China. But what I think most Americans are unaware of is how this memorandum of agreement paved the way for Japanese occupation and colonization of Korea. The US not only divided the Korean peninsula in 1945 (to save half of it from Soviet occupation). It was also complicit in the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910.

8. I fled North Korea as my family starved before I was sold into human trafficking

The Sun · by Dan Hall · July 31, 2020

Again, we should have much respect for the Korean people in the North and the tragic hardships they endure.

9. N. Korean authorities sound the alarm following avian flu outbreak

Daily NK · by Jong So Yong · July 31, 2020

Is this "cover" for the coronavirus outbreak?

10. N. Korea's border closure likely to increase chronic disease mortality: expert

Yonhap News Agency · by [email protected] · July 31, 2020

This is very likely and may seem like a blinding flash of the obvious.

11. That job offer in your inbox might be part of a North Korean cyberattack

Tech Republic · by Brandon Vigliarolo · July 31, 2020

Beware.

12. UN official urges Seoul to listen to defector groups

Chosun Ilbo · by Kmi Myong-song · July 31, 2020

Escapees (defectors) are a national asset and should be treated as such.

13. North Korean hackers phish for victims with 'too good to be true' job offers

The Next Web · by Mix · July 31, 2020

As we all know when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. I think we probably do not appreciate the sophistication of these North Korean operations. These are not emails from Nigerian princes.

14. Unification minister vows to seek ways to resume Mt. Kumgang tour

Yonhap News Agency · July 31, 2020

But for North Korea is all about trying to extort cash from South Korea.

15. Rare insights on business in North Korea from being in the hermit country

Forbes · by Donald Kirk · July 31, 2020

16. Charles Armstrong, Korean War officer during early years of Army integration, dies at 93

Washington Post · by Louie Estrada · July 31, 2020

Some important personal history that we should reflect upon this weekend. There is a lot to consider in this short article as we confront the demons of our past, but we can take solace in knowing there were and are great Americans like Charles Armstrong.

"The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine percent of them is in a book."

- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."

- Douglas MacArthur

"Being in the special forces has really broken a lot of the limitations I thought I had. Thoughts like 'We've done this much, so we should take a break now' were ones that I had to ignore and overcome in my training. They taught me how to keep going, no matter how difficult a situation can get."

- Lee Seung-gi

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

1. It's time for a third special operations revolution

2. Treasury sanctions Chinese entity and officials pursuant to global Magnitsky human

rights executive order

3. U.S. imposes sanctions on Chinese company over abuse of Uighurs

4. U.S. sanctions China's paramilitary in Xinjiang

5. Muslim countries must take a stand for China's Uighur community

6. Why America is afraid of TikTok

7. Three people are charged in Twitter hack

8. Poland wraps deal for permanent US troops, drones, special ops

9. As Pentagon reduces numbers in Europe, Army turns focus to new missions in Pacific

10. Russia commends US decision to pull thousands of troops from Germany

11. The disinfomercial: How Larry King got duped into starring in Chinese propaganda

12. People win wars: the PLA enlisted force, and other related matters

13.  Countering China's influence activities: lessons from Australia

14. The QAnon conspiracy theory: a security threat in the making?

15. After spiking through June and July, military COVID-19 cases level off

16. The US is a 'cheap date' in cyberspace. A commission has ideas to change that.

17. 'The jet doesn't care:' 1st female F-35 demo pilot says she's focused on excellence

18. The panopticon is already here (China and AI)

19. Why it's so hard to discern between conspiracies and intentional disinformation

20. The hooligan Navy of WWII

21. Federal agents don't need Army fatigues

1. It's time for a third special operations revolution

Military Times · by David Maxwell · August 01, 2020

I thought it was time for some provocation.

2. Treasury sanctions Chinese entity and officials pursuant to global Magnitsky human rights executive order

US Department of the Treasury · July 31, 2020

I think this has been a long time coming.

3. U.S. imposes sanctions on Chinese company over abuse of Uighurs

Reuters · by Steve Holland & Daphne Psaledakis · July 31, 2020

4. U.S. sanctions China's paramilitary in Xinjiang

Axios · by Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian · July 31, 2020

5. Muslim countries must take a stand for China's Uighur community

Real Clear World · by Katrina Lantos Swett & Irshad Manji · July 31, 2020

I have wondered why they have not. Is this the result of the power and influence of the Chinese Communist Party and how it has co-opted and covered these countries?

6. Why America is afraid of TikTok

Defense One · by Michael Schuman · July 31, 2020

A long read. And we should wonder why Microsoft wants to buy it. The author really seems to downplay the threats. The author provides some excellent background on the development of TikTok and its head -Mr. Zhang. But he seems a bit too sympathetic toward it and seems to put more emphasis on blaming China hawks.

7. Three people are charged in Twitter hack

Wall Street Journal · by Robert McMillan · July 31, 2020

And we worry about TikTok.

8. Poland wraps deal for permanent US troops, drones, special ops

Breaking Defense · by Paul McLeary · July 31, 2020

This is not easy and does not happen overnight.

9. As Pentagon reduces numbers in Europe, Army turns focus to new missions in Pacific

Washington Times · by Mike Glenn · July 31, 2020

We have tried the "Asia Pivot" before.

10. Russia commends US decision to pull thousands of troops from Germany

Washington Examiner · by Haley Victory Smith · July 30, 2020

But does he like more troops farther to the east?

11. The disinfomercial: how Larry King got duped into starring in Chinese propaganda

ProPublica · by Renee Dudley & Jeff Kao · July 30, 2020

Another long but fascinating and troubling read.

12. People win wars: the PLA enlisted force, and other related matters

War On the Rocks · by Marcus Clay & Dennis J. Blasko · July 31, 2020

Very interesting. My limited experience with the PLA is that as long as you have a political officer system you will never develop an NCO corps. I spent a day at the Kunming Military Academy with the Political Officer. Since I was the second ranking officer (we were accompanying War College students and our commandant, a Rear Admiral) he thought I must be the Political Officer. The fact that he thought the US military had political officers was a shock to me (and this officer was a one star). But, when he asked me if we did not have a political officer who looks after the ideological purity and welfare of the soldiers, I thought then they could never have a professional NCO corps. He did not like my response that we do not concern ourselves with ideological purity and that we have an NCO corps with a Command Sergeant Major who is at the right hand of the commander to advise him on all issues concerning our soldiers.

He did not seem to know or understand this.

13. Countering China's influence activities: lessons from Australia

CSIS · by Amy Searight · July 2020

14. The QAnon conspiracy theory: a security threat in the making?

Combating Terrorism Center · by Amarnath Amarasingam & Marc-Andre Argentino · July 2020

It is hard for me to fathom how rational people could fall for these conspiracies.

15. After spiking through June and July, military COVID-19 cases level off

Military Times · by Meghann Myers · July 31, 2020

Some good news here.

16. The US is a 'cheap date' in cyberspace. A commission has ideas to change that.

Defense News · by Mark Pomerleau · July 31, 2020

I think the Cyber Solarium Commission is necessary to push us along. And I think Senator King is exactly right: we have not done a good job in imposing costs on those responsible for cyber attacks.

17. 'The jet doesn't care:' 1st female F-35 demo pilot says she's focused on excellence

Military.com · by Oriana Pawlyk · July 30, 2020

Another great American.

18. The panopticon is already here (China and AI)

The Atlantic · by Ross Andersen · September, 2020

Another long but very worthwhile read on China and AI. This is more confirmation for me of my thesis: China seeks to export its authoritarian political system around the world in order to dominate regions, co-opt or coerce international organizations, create economic conditions favorable to China alone, and displace democratic institutions.

19. Why it's so hard to discern between conspiracies and intentional disinformation

Fast Company · by Kate Starbird · July 27, 2020

The author notes that history tells us the blending of activism and active measures is nothing new.  In my opinion, we all have to be critical (and skeptical) thinkers and have to understand our own biases (and we need to be most critical and skeptical regarding our biases).

20. The hooligan Navy of WWII

The History Reader · by P. T. Deutermann · July 16, 2020

Some interesting history for the weekend.

21. Federal agents don't need Army fatigues

New York Times · by the Editorial Board · July 31, 2020

Correct. Police should wear police uniforms. Federal authorities should wear uniforms unique to their organizations (and stop trying to be something they are not). The military should wear military uniforms.  There is no need to wear multi-cam in Portland or in any other city.

"The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine percent of them is in a book."

- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."

- Douglas MacArthur

"Being in the special forces has really broken a lot of the limitations I thought I had. Thoughts like 'We've done this much, so we should take a break now' were ones that I had to ignore and overcome in my training. They taught me how to keep going, no matter how difficult a situation can get."

- Lee Seung-gi

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

1. The American Way of Irregular War: An Analytical Memoir

2. Op-Ed: The U.S. faces new kinds of threats around the globe, but we have failed to adapt

3. The Military Demographic Conundrum

4. Beyond Borders: PLA Command and Control of Overseas Operations

5. DHS compiled ‘intelligence reports’ on journalists who published leaked documents

6. Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

7. Russian Intelligence Agencies Push Disinformation on Pandemic

8. Current IO Topics: US intelligence is finally figuring out how to communicate with the American public

9. ISIS releases video calling on supporters to carry out arson attacks in US

10. Democrats and Republicans take aim at Pompeo over US troop withdrawal from Germany

11. How a secretive Pentagon agency seeded the ground for a rapid coronavirus cure

12. Report Sheds Light on China’s Use of Military-Linked Researchers

13. China-Backed Infrastructure Bank Seeks to Win Over Countries With Western-Style Approach

14. FDD | Was Nixon Wrong About China?

15. Panel: New Focus on China Fight Could Rob Marine Corps of Versatility

16. Dirty tricks and the 2020 election: lessons from the KGB

17. Study: US adults who mostly rely on social media for news are less informed, exposed to more conspiracies

18. What the heck is ‘brushing’? The scam behind the China mystery seeds

19. There is no new cold war, the West is just losing influence in Eurasia

20. Pentagon Aims to Support More Sensitive Telework By Year's End

21. 'Bay of Piglets': A 'bizarre' plot to capture a president

22. FBI chief warns of China election interference

23. Hackers Broke Into Real News Sites to Plant Fake Stories

1. The American Way of Irregular War: An Analytical Memoir

Link Here to Publication. By LTG Charles Cleveland and Daniel Egel

There is no other "report" that identifies the essence of the problems we face and offers big ideas for solutions. (I put "report" in quotes because it is unlike any report and as noted it is an analytic memoir). Everyone who writes about these issues (most researchers. admire the problem - none have lived it). This report uses real world experience to tell the story (which is a key element here because the "case studies" tell the story and that is the best way to influence people - to see what is real and tangible rather than theoretical or some dry historical recounting). Furthermore those with some experience who write about these issues do not come close to the level of expertise in multiple theaters. There is no senior leader who has put this much intellectual sweat into analyzing the problems and recommending sound and concrete solutions. There is so much meat in this report to drive thinking and debate. Some may not like the recounting of some stories, some may not like the recommendations but all who read this will benefit. The perspective from the depth experience combined with the intellectual rigor ensures this report will make a significant contribution to the future study of the American Way of Irregular Warfare.

2. Op-Ed: The U.S. faces new kinds of threats around the globe, but we have failed to adapt

Los Angeles Times· Seth G. Jones and Juan C. Zarate· July 30, 2020

A good overview of the threats. It is why we need to have a world class irregular warfare capability to support of whole government/society approach to an America Way of Political Warfare

3. The Military Demographic Conundrum

lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com · by Robert Farley · July 29, 2020

Again, this is not submitted from a partisan perspective. But Professor Farley does a good job of explaining why Congresswomen Ocasio-Cortez proposed legislation on military recruiting is based on misinformation and misunderstanding.

4. Beyond Borders: PLA Command and Control of Overseas Operations

ndupress.ndu.edu · by Philipp C. Saunders·  July 28, 2020

The 12 page report can be downloaded here.

5. DHS compiled ‘intelligence reports’ on journalists who published leaked documents

The Washington Post· by Shane Harris · July 30, 2020

Might want to re-read our history.  

6. Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

breakingdefense.com · by Paul McLeary

The SECDEF is in a tough spot.

7. Russian Intelligence Agencies Push Disinformation on Pandemic

The New York Times · by Julian E. Barnes and David Sanger · July 28, 2020

Very important analysis.

8. Current IO Topics: US intelligence is finally figuring out how to communicate with the American public

standuprepublic.com · by Molly McKew · July 30, 2020

9. ISIS releases video calling on supporters to carry out arson attacks in US

Washington Examiner · by Zachary Halaschak · July 29, 2020

10. Democrats and Republicans take aim at Pompeo over US troop withdrawal from Germany

The Guardian · by Julian Borger · July 30, 2020

Both the SECDEF and the SECSTATE are in tough positions.

11. How a secretive Pentagon agency seeded the ground for a rapid coronavirus cure

The Washington Post· by Paul Sonne July 30, 2020

A lot of science in this.  But this is one of the unsung aspects of the military and the contributions it can make beyond military operations.

12. Report Sheds Light on China’s Use of Military-Linked Researchers

WSJ · by Kate O’Keeffe and Aruna Viswanatha· July 30, 2020

Some fascinating data and insights.  Here is the link to the Hoover essay .  In the essay is a link to the 85 page chapter one but I could not find the link to the entire report.  There are 10 good recommendations in the essay/Chapter 1.

13. China-Backed Infrastructure Bank Seeks to Win Over Countries With Western-Style Approach

WSJ · by Jonathan Cheng· July 30, 2020

Go figure. A western style approach works. But this is the buried lede: 'David Skidmore, a professor of political science at Drake University in Iowa, calls the AIIB “a quality institution,” though he says its small scale makes it akin to a boutique firm that is dwarfed by the trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, which he says finances many more projects—of lower quality and with little transparency."  I also did not realize the AIIB now has 103 members.

14. FDD | Was Nixon Wrong About China?

fdd.org · by Thomas Joscelyn Senior Fellow and Senior Editor of FDD's Long War Journal · July 29, 2020

I am pretty sure the Secretary and everyone on the NSC staff have read Michael Pillsbury's book.

15. Panel: New Focus on China Fight Could Rob Marine Corps of Versatility

news.usni.org · by Mallory Shelbourne · July 30, 2020

16. Dirty tricks and the 2020 election: lessons from the KGB

CNN · by Donie O'Sullivan · July 30, 2020

What is old is new.  Just add social media and modern technology to the mix.

17. Study: US adults who mostly rely on social media for news are less informed, exposed to more conspiracies

TechCrunch · by Sarah Perez · July 30, 2020

What about the next generation(s) who are using social media almost exclusively? According to my daughter all her college peers only watch YouTube news channels and follow the news on social media. I have watched a couple with her and there are some interesting commentators out there.  But my daughter only watches CNN and Fox and ABC News Tonight. and C-Span etc.  when she is with me. Of course I make her read all the news I send out as well.  I do have to say when we sit down to dinner and we discuss the news she is already on top of most of the important national and international issues that have broken during the day. 

18. What the heck is ‘brushing’? The scam behind the China mystery seeds

Fortune · by Jeff John Roberts· July 30, 2020

I hope it is only "brushing."  But worry that it could be more.  I think brushing this threat off as "brushing" will breed complacency.  We need to be vigilant toward asymmetric and unconventional threats.

19. There is no new cold war, the West is just losing influence in Eurasia

SCMP · by Raffaello Pantucci· July 31, 2020

The reluctance to take sides is problematic.  No one is going to be able to sit out the next conflict whether it is political warfare, economic warfare, or warfare.

20. Pentagon Aims to Support More Sensitive Telework By Year's End

defenseone.com · by Mariam Baksh

This could be game changing for the work force.

21. 'Bay of Piglets': A 'bizarre' plot to capture a president

BBC · by Linda Pressly · July 30, 2020

Kudos to the headline editor.

22. FBI chief warns of China election interference

Axios · by Alayna Treene

I am more worried about China than Russia but we must prepare to defend against all threats.  This one thing should unite all Americans.  Don't eff with our elections, our democracy, and our way of life.  But of course our adversaries are exploiting our deep political divisions and the contempt we hold for the other side.

23. Hackers Broke Into Real News Sites to Plant Fake Stories

Wired · by Andy Greenberg

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

"It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace."

- Aristotle

"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."

- Alexander von Humboldt

"Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they've been given."

- Orson Scott Card

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

1. A Daughter's Tribute - Ms. Namhi Park's tribute to General Paik Sun-yup

2. Pompeo reaffirms U.S. goal of N. Korea's complete denuclearization

3. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

4. U.N. rapporteur: Inspection of activist groups should not undermine efforts to improve N.K. rights situation

5. ROK Government's stance on leaflet campaigns and North Korean Human Rights

6. Two-star Marine Corps general to be relieved of command over N.K. defector's border crossing

7. North Korea's economy grew for first time in three years: South Korea

8. EU sanctions Russian intelligence, North Korean, Chinese firms over alleged cyberattacks

9. North Korean hackers target defense and aerospace industry in 'Operation North Star'

10. Kim Jong-un subjects North Koreans to cruel new law in crackdown on defectors

11. South Korea: Stop Intimidating North Korean Human Rights Groups

12. Column: Korean War armistice and today's world

13. Commentary: North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons

14. For North Korea, phishing with fake job-recruitment emails never gets old

15. Southeastern counties agree to co-host new military airport (South Korea)

16. Co-opting the Narrative: How Changing Women's Roles Provide Legitimacy to Kim Jong Un

17. S. Korea's first military satellite successfully reaches orbit

18. Unification minister promises support for NGOs' efforts to expand cross-border exchange

19. New virus cases rebound, imported cases still hampering virus fight (South Korea)

20. 'Window of opportunity for dialogue between North Korea, US still open'

1. A Daughter's Tribute - Ms. Namhi Park's tribute to General Paik Sun-yup

Thank you to the Korea Defense Veterans Association for providing this video.

What a wonderful tribute to a great soldier. It is well worth the 5 minutes to watch this. I will be forever thankful that I was able to hear him talk about his experiences in the war so many times over the past few decades. And there is no one who supported the ROK/US Alliance more than General Paik. RIP.

2. Pompeo reaffirms U.S. goal of N. Korea's complete denuclearization

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · July 31, 2020

There can be nothing less than this goal.

However, in my opinion, the only way we are going to see an end to the nuclear program and north Korean threats (as well as the human rights abuses and crimes against humanity being committed against the Korean people living in the north by the mafia-like crime family cult known as the Kim family regime) is through achievement of unification and the establishment of a United Republic of Korea that is secure and stable, non-nuclear, economically vibrant, and unified under a liberal constitutional form of government based on individual liberty, rule of law, and human rights as determined by the Korean people.  In short, a United Republic of Korea (UROK).

3. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 31, 2020

This the regime's coronavirus task force: "Pyongyang City Emergency Anti-epidemic Headquarters."  I think it is becoming increasingly clear there is an outbreak inside north Korea and probably within Pyongyang.

4. U.N. rapporteur: Inspection of activist groups should not undermine efforts to improve N.K. rights situation

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 30, 2020

Rule of law or rule by law?  Explaining their actions with technicalities.  Stopping the flow of information into north Korea is contrary to supporting the human rights of Koreans in the north.

5. ROK Government's stance on leaflet campaigns and North Korean Human Rights

Received this via email from the Ministry of Unification. I have to say I vehemently disagree with the rationale that this action will help reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula and improve INTRA-Korean relations.  But the most egregious statement is the assumption the quality of life of Koreans in the north will be improved due to these actions.  Not only does the ROK and the international community have a responsibility for getting information into north Korea (re 2014 UN COI) this assumption belies the fact the Kim family regime denies the rights of the Korean people living in the north in order to keep Kim Jong-un in power.  Who does Kim fear more: the US or the Korean people? It is the Korean people and even more so when they are armed with information.  

Ministry of Unification <[email protected]>

Fri 7/31/2020 2:47 AM

To:  David Maxwell

Dear all, 

The Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea would like to attached document 'ROK Government's stance on leaflet campaigns and North Korean Human Rights' to help your understanding concerning flying leaflets to North Korea.

The Ministry of Unification believes that it is crucial to reduce tension on the Korean peninsula and improve inter-Korean relations as part of effort to improve overall quality of life for the North Korean people.

If you have any question concerning the Ministry of Unification's policy toward North Korea and the Unification of the Korean Peninsula, feel free to contact Ministry of Unification for more details and check our English website.

We sincerely hope that you will stay safe under this pandemic.

Regards,

------------------------------------------
Ministry of Unification
International Cooperation Division
T. 82-2-2100-5754
E. [email protected]
------------------------------------------

6. Two-star Marine Corps general to be relieved of command over N.K. defector's border crossing

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · July 31, 2020

And as a friend who flagged this for me wrote: "This approach has never changed in my 40 years in Korea. No doubt the regimental, battalion, and company commander's careers are now over."  This does appear to be a breakdown in security procedures but we should all keep in mind the primary mission is to defend against infiltrators from the north and not people going from South to north. But it is no. excuse especially if he was seen on video and thermal imagery some 7 times. Also, from the limited information we have rad it seems likely this 24 year old Kim had some training.  He had to be a strong swimmer at the very least but if he knew the route to take (through the drainage pipe) he must have conducted a prior reconnaissance. And he was either just lucky in terms of the tide or else he knew how to plan to use the tide for his crossing.

7. North Korea's economy grew for first time in three years: South Korea

Reuters · by Cynthia Kim · July 31, 2020

It is all relative: A 0.4% increase after a 4.1% contraction the year before and three years of decline.  Except for the increased export of non-sanctioned goods (such as shoes, hats and wigs) there is not much good news in the numbers below for north Korea.

8. EU sanctions Russian intelligence, North Korean, Chinese firms over alleged cyberattacks

ca.reuters.com · by Francesco Guarascio

The EU got the hat trick. Good for them.

9. North Korean hackers target defense and aerospace industry in 'Operation North Star'

siliconangle.com · by Duncan Riley · July 30, 2020

Note the comments on social engineering and spear phishing attacks.  We need good cyber civil defense and cyber hygiene. We all have to take responsibility for protecting our networks: work, industry, academic, government and military, and personal networks.

10. Kim Jong-un subjects North Koreans to cruel new law in crackdown on defectors

Mirror · by Ryan Merrifield · July 31, 2020

I would just note in this and many other media reports how dependent journalists are on RFA and VOA reporting for their stories.  Our great RFA and VOA journalists have extensive contacts and networks that reach into north Korea and provide access to information the general media does not have access to.

11. South Korea: Stop Intimidating North Korean Human Rights Groups

hrw.org · July 31, 2020

Yes.

12. Column: Korean War armistice and today's world

Chicago Tribune · by Arthur I. Cyr

An interesting column and short history of the Armistice and the end of the war (cessation of hostilities).  Credit to both Truman and Eisenhower for their decision (though the massive bombing campaign that ran out of targets in the north remains a central focal point of north Korean propaganda to this day - the north fears the devastation of US air power). 

Note the comments on US impatience and our adversaries understanding this.

Of course President Rhee wanted unification.  But It is interesting that people make a big deal about South Korea not signing the Armistice as if that somehow delegitimize the South or the South has forfeited some right to future peace negotiations. We should recall the Armistice was a military agreement and not a political agreement.  The US did not sign the Armistice either. It was signed by military leaders on both sides - the UN forces on one (and the South Korean military was part of the UN forces) and the north Korean People's Army and Chinese Peoples Volunteers on the other side. It would not have been appropriate for President Rhee to sign.  Para 60 of the Armistice recognized there needed to be a political settlement as the Armistice was only a temporary agreement to cease hostilities between military forces.

13. Commentary: North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons

channelnewsasia.com · by Robert E. Kelly · July 31, 2020

Sigh. An argument for living with north Korean nuclear weapons.  And what good does it do to pay north Korean a huge amount of money (and lift sanctions) to give up some of its nuclear weapons?  What does that accomplish except for Kim saying his strategy worked?  His long con paid off.

14. For North Korea, phishing with fake job-recruitment emails never gets old

cyberscoop.com · by Sean Lyngaas · July 30, 2020

Smokey says, "Only you can prevent...phishing attacks?"  We need the same kind of individual responsibility to protect our networks as we do to prevent forest fires.

15. Southeastern counties agree to co-host new military airport (South Korea)

en.yna.co.kr · by 유지호 · July 30, 2020

K2 has been an important Air Base in Korea.  It looks like there won't be a "Futenma dilemma" in relocating it. Of course the difference is it is a ROK Air Base with US units only temporarily based there for training and exercises.

16. Co-opting the Narrative: How Changing Women's Roles Provide Legitimacy to Kim Jong Un

38north.org · by Darcie Draudt · July 30, 2020

Good reference to the dictator's three step playbook.  Very useful analysis form Darcie Draudt.

17. S. Korea's first military satellite successfully reaches orbit

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · July 31, 2020

I bet it will do a lot more than play music like north Korea's satellite (and I think it actually failed at that as well).

18. Unification minister promises support for NGOs' efforts to expand cross-border exchange

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 31, 2020

But not escapees (defectors) and information efforts  to the north. And obviously escapees cannot go back to the north for fear of "arrest."

19. New virus cases rebound, imported cases still hampering virus fight (South Korea)

en.yna.co.kr · by 김수연 · July 31, 2020

You cannot get frustrated by the day to day changes and ups and downs. But unless they shut down international travel these outbreaks will persist.

20. 'Window of opportunity for dialogue between North Korea, US still open'

The Korea Times · July 31, 2020

Andrew Kim's interpretation of Kim Yo-Jong's remarks.  I guess he must go to Pyongyang to hand deliver the DVD of US Independence Day celebrations. 

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

"It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace."

- Aristotle

"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world." 

- Alexander von Humboldt

"Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they've been given."
- Orson Scott Card

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Ahyoung Shin

1. US to withdraw nearly 12,000 troops from Germany in move that will cost billions and take years

2. China has squandered its first great opportunity

3. The color of diplomacy: A U.S. diplomat on race and the foreign service

4. Trump's spite-Germany plan

5. Generals Shouldn't be welcome at these parties: stopping retired flag officer endorsements

6. Guam's air defense should learn lessons from Japan's Aegis Ashore

7. Putin's agents and cronies run amok in Britain

8. 'Generation Z' and foreign policy: Building a common vision of restraint in a divided era

9. Special Operations Command - Europe to move to Belgium | SOF News

10. Coronavirus surges in Asia bring warnings over complacency

11. Will Trump 'wag the dog' to win reelection?

12. Together, you can redeem the soul of our nation by John Lewis

13. Man who helped ignite George Floyd riots identified as white supremacist: Police

14. Opinion: Pompeo, a dire threat to America and world peace - Xinhua

15. Senate hearing for controversial Pentagon nominee Anthony Tata canceled just before it was set to begin

16. The future's biggest cybercrime threat may already be here

17. US Army cyber chief outlines ten-year plan for information warfare

18. Deepfakes: A grounded threat assessment

19. The economic costs of national security

20. A viral epidemic splintering into deadly pieces

1. US to withdraw nearly 12,000 troops from Germany in move that will cost billions and take years

CNN · by Ryan Browne and Zachary Cohen

It will be interesting to understand the strategic rationale and how this will improve our ability to support our national security and defense strategies. And will the improvement be worth the time, effort, and cost - cost in terms of billions as well as political costs?

Excerpt: 

Defense officials said that Secretary of Defense Mark Esper had directed that the repositioning seek to enhance deterrence against Russia, strengthen NATO, and support families of US service members.

I guess the key questions are how do these moves enhance deterrence of Russia? How does it strengthen NATO, and how does it support families?

HQ organizations aside, will the combat forces (if any) be stationed (or deployed for rotational units) in the vicinity of APOEs and SPOEs for rapid deployment?

2. China has squandered its first great opportunity

The Atlantic · by Richard Fontaine · July 30, 2020

But will China learn from this? (and more importantly will we?)

3. The color of diplomacy: A U.S. diplomat on race and the foreign service

warontherocks.com · by Kip Whittington · July 30, 2020

An important message especially the final two paragraphs.

4. Trump's spite-Germany plan

WSJ · July 29, 2020

Tough talk from the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board.

5. Generals Shouldn't be welcome at these parties: stopping retired flag officer endorsements

warontherocks.com · by Heidi Urben · July 27, 2020

6. Guam's air defense should learn lessons from Japan's Aegis Ashore

Defense News · by Timothy Walton, Bryan Clark · July 29, 2020

I think this is very useful analysis.

7. Putin's agents and cronies run amok in Britain

washingtontimes.com · by Clifford D. May

If Putin is doing this in the UK we can be sure he is doing this in the US. Cliff may ask the important question - does the arc of history bend toward democracy or does it bend toward strong men as the leaders of revisionist and rogue powers believe?

8. 'Generation Z' and foreign policy: Building a common vision of restraint in a divided era

realcleardefense.com · by Jake Mercier

Older war-weary Americans and detached Zoomers. A very idealistic conclusion.

If you build strategy and policy around a "negative" concept such as restraint I fear you are always going to be in a reactionary stance. Rather than a default of restraint I would like us to "do strategy" better and if we did do strategy better we might find ourselves more inclined to be restrained. Strategy is about priorities, assumptions, ways, and means and providing civilian decision makers options. But if the first (and only option) is restraint we will find ourselves unable to protect our interests.

9. Special Operations Command - Europe to move to Belgium | SOF News

sof.news · by SOF News · July 29, 2020

10. Coronavirus surges in Asia bring warnings over complacency

Reuters · by Colin Packham, Alasdair Pal · July 30, 2020

And I think international travel (less to North Korea) has to be contributing to this.

11. Will Trump 'wag the dog' to win reelection?

defenseone.com · by Charles A. Stevenson

I am not sending this with any partisan intent. This article provides a historical perspective to debunk the "wag the dog" myth.

Here is the link to the Congressional Research Service Report on Instances of Use of United States Armed

Forces Abroad, 1798-2020 

This 52-page report should be a very useful reference for researchers.

12. Together, you can redeem the soul of our nation by John Lewis

NYTimes

A powerful essay that we should reflect deeply upon.

13. Man who helped ignite George Floyd riots identified as white supremacist: Police

ABCNews.com

We are likely to see more and more subversion actions.

14. Opinion: Pompeo, a dire threat to America and world peace – Xinhua

xinhuanet.com

From a Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece Xinhua. Unsurprising criticism but it is pretty slick propaganda citing Richard Haas and invoking Goebbels. They criticize him for Iran, Venezuela, and North Korea and of course the obvious attacks on China to include the blames of the Wuhan Coronavirus which was the name the Chinese Global Times and Xinhua used to describe it on January 23 until they realized it made them look bad.

15. Senate hearing for controversial Pentagon nominee Anthony Tata canceled just before it was set to begin

The Washington Post · by Dan Lamothe and Seung Min Kim · July 30, 2020

An interesting last minute development.

16. The future's biggest cybercrime threat may already be here

darkreading.com

The future is here and we are all vulnerable and will be affected by this. The key point: "We are the targets."

17. US Army cyber chief outlines ten-year plan for information warfare

c4isrnet.com · by Mark Pomerleau · July 28, 2020

A new name for the command?   My question with everything surrounding these organizations and emerging concepts is what is their relationship with the discipline of psychological operations and psychological operations forces?

18. Deepfakes: A grounded threat assessment

cset.georgetown.edu · by Tim Hwang

The entire 50-page report can be downloaded here. 

19. The economic costs of national security

project-syndicate.org · by Andrew Sheng and Xiao Geng · July 29, 2020

The economic instrument of power is key to national security. But based on the reports coming out this morning our economy is not doing so well.

20. A viral epidemic splintering into deadly pieces

The New York Times · by Donald G. McNeil Jr. · July 29, 2020

Very depressing and scary analysis.

-----------

"We rest our hopes too much upon constitutions, upon laws, and upon courts. These are false hopes; believe me, these are false hopes. Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it." 

- Judge Learned Hand

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination."  

- Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

"It's part of a writer's profession, as it's part of a spy's profession, to prey on the community to which he's attached, to take away information - often in secret - and to translate that into intelligence for his masters, whether it's his readership or his spy masters. And I think that both professions are perhaps rather lonely."

- John le Carre 

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Ahyoung Shin

1. N.K. media says scaled-down joint exercise shows S. Korea-U.S. alliance is an 'illusion'

2. 'USFK's ground warfare capability requirement will be reduced,' says U.S. report

3.  This Democratic-Republican duo wants to solve the Korean War once and for all

4.  North Korea's emergency measures suggest possible COVID outbreak

5.  Moon Jae-in wants improved ties with North Korea but his two new point men have checkered pasts

6.  North Korea-linked hackers are now spreading their own ransomware

7. North Korean defector 'shocked' by kindness, racial diversity of US

8. Did Kim Jong Un just bury Trump's nuclear diplomacy?

9. China and N. Korea fears: Why experts warned volcano on border 'could be ready to erupt'

10. North Korean women suffer 'gender-specific' abuses, new UN report says

11. U.S. envoy for defense cost talks appointed as Arctic region coordinator

12. Trump says U.S. pulling out troops from Germany because he doesn't want to be 'sucker'

13. N. Korea launched ship-based missile in early July as part of regular summertime exercise: officials

14. New virus cases dip to over 1-month low of 18 on slowing imported cases (South Korea)

15. Runaway N. Korean defector unlikely to have contracted coronavirus: KCDC

16. New unification minister renews willingness to work with N. Korea to tackle coronavirus

17. N. Korea's No. 2 leader visits Kaesong after lockdown amid virus fear

18. 'New missile guideline to help OPCON transition'

19. N. Korean Christians facing starvation as regime bans cash aid to defectors' families amid COVID-19

20. U.N. experts warn Venezuela it could be in breach of North Korea sanctions -documents

1. N.K. media says scaled-down joint exercise shows S. Korea-U.S. alliance is an 'illusion'

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 30, 2020

For anyone who thinks our cancelation, postponement, or scaling back of ROK/US Combined Forces Command exercises will generate a positive response from north Korea, this is another indication of the regime's true intent. For two years we have "tested" Kim Jong-un and he has been found wanting. We have cancelled exercises as the North has demanded. We offered working level negotiations time and time again and Kim Jong-un has refused. South Korea negotiated a Comprehensive Military Agreement and provided a number of trust building measures that were not reciprocated. The North's demand for an end to the US "hostile policy" as the North calls it, is an end to the ROK/US Alliance, removal of US troops, and an end to extended deterrence and the nuclear umbrella over the ROK and Japan. We should understand the true nature of the regime and its objectives and strategy.

2. 'USFK's ground warfare capability requirement will be reduced,' says U.S. report

donga.com · July 30, 2020

What is important to understand this very comprehensive (and well done) report on INDOPACOM is an academic study that is not policy nor approved strategy. It is an academic exercise. Yes it will be considered by the Pentagon but our Korean counterparts should not over interpret this.

3.  This Democratic-Republican duo wants to solve the Korean War once and for all

The National Interest · by Matthew Petti · July 29, 2020

One of the interesting things about Korea is that it is one of the most bi-partisan issues and that is almost always a very positive thing. But not in this case.

With all due respect to these two Congressmen, they are pursuing a dangerous path. I will repeat my previous comments from yesterday. I hope someone can inform these Congressman and give them a different view than the one they are getting from a number of organizations that can best be described as appeasers of North Korea.

To reiterate:

Let me be frank: The bottom line is thinking along the lines of Congressman Khanna and those who are influencing him demonstrates a lack of understanding of the true nature of the Kim family regime, its strategy and objectives, and the history of north-South and north-US relations.   

First let me preface this with the following which is my standard caveat:
I support peace on the Korean peninsula
I support a diplomatic solution to the North Korean nuclear threat
I support ROK engagement with the North
I do not support a weakening of the ROK and ROK/US defensive capabilities
I believe there cannot be success for US, ROK, and Japanese interests without strong ROK/US and Japan/US alliances
Despite the above I think we have to accept that North Korea does have a continued hostile strategy and therefore while we prioritize diplomacy we have to remain prepared for the worst cases. I hope I am wrong here and that Kim Jong-un will dismantle his nuclear weapons and seek peaceful co-existence.

There are many issues to address. First is a peace treaty should be between the two belligerents: the North and South. The US did not declare war on the North. It fought under the UN authorizations which declared the North the aggressor and called on member nations to defend freedom in the South, per UN Security Council Resolutions 82 ,83, 84, and 85.

Second, a declaration of the end of the war or any kind of "peace mechanism" or "peace regime" that does not resolve the "Korea question" (para. 60 of the Armistice) will not bring peace and stability to the peninsula.

Third, the objective of North Korea is to dominate the entire Korean Peninsula. The regime strategy is based on subversion, coercion, extortion, and use of force to achieve unification on its terms to ensure regime survival. It is a zero sum situation for the North and it is not going to capitulate or peacefully co-exist with the South.

Fourth, those who advocate for a peace regime are actually "carrying the water" for Kim Jong-un because he is playing the long con and executing a political warfare strategy with Juche characteristics to achieve his objective to dominate the South. A peace regime is the first step in his plan to get US forces off the Korean Peninsula. This will also include disestablishing the UN Command as well.

We should never forget that the strongest deterrent of an attack by the North is the presence of US forces. If we go down the path the Congressman and others advocate, we will have conflict on the Korean Peninsula with a scale of loss of blood and treasure and suffering we have not seen since the Armistice was signed in 1953.

Lastly I think people should be cautious when dealing with organizations such as Women Cross DMZ due to connections to north Korean intelligence handlers in New York, e.g., Pak Chol and the United Front Department. https://freekorea.us/2019/11/christine-ahn-pak-chol-and-the-united-front-department/

4.  North Korea's emergency measures suggest possible COVID outbreak

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com 

I think we should have little doubt there is an outbreak in North Korea and it is not the result of the defector who returned.

5.  Moon Jae-in wants improved ties with North Korea but his two new point men have checkered pasts

SCMP · July 30, 2020

His new national security team is an indication President Moon wants to double down on his peace strategy and maximum engagement with North Korea. Our two Congressmen who are pursuing the peace agreement should understand this and the long time ties members of the Moon administration have with North Korea.  I fear they will not get an understanding of the true nature of the Kim family regime and its objectives and strategy from this team.

Most important to understand is Kim does not want improved ties with the South. He wants to play his long con against the South.

6.  North Korea-linked hackers are now spreading their own ransomware

Forbes · by Lee Mathews · July 29, 2020

North Korea’s all-purpose sword.

7. North Korean defector 'shocked' by kindness, racial diversity of US

foxnews.com · by @calebparke

So much to undo in the minds of Koreans living in the North.

8. Did Kim Jong Un just bury Trump's nuclear diplomacy?

Washington Examiner · by Tom Rogan · July 29, 2020

But it should be clear that the failure of diplomacy is Kim's failure to make the right strategic choices. Excerpt for lifting sanctions (which would be the worst strategic mistake because it will set back relations decades and not improve them as the apologists and appeasers hope) the Trump administration has extended opportunity after opportunity  for working level negotiations , engagement, and to allow the North to act as a responsible member of the international community. It refuses to do so. Any and all failures on the Korean peninsula rest on Kim Jong-un's decision making.

9. China and N. Korea fears: Why experts warned volcano on border 'could be ready to erupt'

Express · by Callum Hoare · July 29, 2020

North Korea does not need another natural disaster.

10. North Korean women suffer 'gender-specific' abuses, new UN report says

nknews.org · by Terrence Matsuo · July 29, 2020

Comments from Olivia Enos, Greg Scarlatoiu, and me below.

11. U.S. envoy for defense cost talks appointed as Arctic region coordinator

en.yna.co.kr · by 김승연 · July 30, 2020

There has to be a meme in this - South Korean negotiations then to the Arctic? I suppose this is a move. Afterall the arctic is at the top of the world. (please excuse my attempt at humor. I have great respect for Mr. DeHart who had an absolutely thankless job trying to negotiate with South Korea given the current political conditions.).

12. Trump says U.S. pulling out troops from Germany because he doesn't want to be 'sucker'

en.yna.co.kr · by 김승연 · July 30, 2020

Of course Korea is watching this very closely and will analyze every move we make with regard to troop withdrawals from anywhere.

But I guess no one can convince the President that we have forward stationed troops to serve US interests first and foremost. He seems to only view alliance as transactional. I do feel for his advisors who view our actions through the lens of national interest and strategy versus a transactional relationship.

13. N. Korea launched ship-based missile in early July as part of regular summertime exercise: officials

en.yna.co.kr · by 오석민 · July 30, 2020

Why does no one complain about North Korea's summer training exercises (and it's Winter Training Cycle)? Despite our cancellation, postponement, and scaling back our exercises the North continues to conduct its exercises unabated. He has complied with almost no confidence building measures in the Comprehensive Military Agreement with South Korea.

14. New virus cases dip to over 1-month low of 18 on slowing imported cases (South Korea)

en.yna.co.kr · by 김수연 · July 30, 2020

Some good news that I hope will continue. But based on recent history and other reporting in Asia I fear there will continue to be ups and downs.

15. Runaway N. Korean defector unlikely to have contracted coronavirus: KCDC

en.yna.co.kr · by 강윤승 · July 30, 2020

I am sure this is the case. But it will not stop the regime from exploiting it. The more we think about this the more we have to wonder if this defector was an agent who was called back for a purpose. I will bet NK intelligence knew about the criminal charges against him so this made a perfect opportunity to conduct an operation to discredit and blame the South for the coronavirus outbreak that is already happening.

How many North Koreans have the ability to conduct an infiltration operation? Crossing the Han River Estuary once could be luck. Twice seems to indicate training and skill.

16. New unification minister renews willingness to work with N. Korea to tackle coronavirus

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 30, 2020

Exactly what the regime wants. Of course it is the right thing to do. But the regime had to engineer a scenario that was politically acceptable in the North. So now when the South does the right thing to help the Korean people in the North, the perception in the North is they are doing it because they are to blame for the outbreak and Kim Jong-un has demanded that they help solve the problem they caused.

17. N. Korea's No. 2 leader visits Kaesong after lockdown amid virus fear

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 30, 2020

Being called "Number 2" is a dangerous job in North Korea (ask Jang Song-taek). There can be no actual number 2. "There can be only one." So said Kim Jong-un, the Korean highlander.

18. 'New missile guideline to help OPCON transition'

The Korea Times · July 30, 2020

Terrence Roehrig makes an important point. With OPCON transition and the call for South Korea to develop more independent warfighting capabilities the US has a difficult time saying no to South Korean requests to change the guidelines.

19. N. Korean Christians facing starvation as regime bans cash aid to defectors' families amid COVID-19

christianpost.com · by Leah MarieAnn Klett · July 29, 2020

It is hard to fathom that Pyongyang was once called the "Jerusalem of the East" and the Presbyterian missionaries ministered to Kim Il-sung's families. But religion will be one of the most important elements in the unification process because the Koreans in the North will need to turn to faith to replace the Juche ideological indoctrination when they learn North Korea was built on myths and lies. Religious groups will have some of the largest impact on the unification process and many are already doing the Lord's work trying to get information into the North as well as helping to get people out.

20. U.N. experts warn Venezuela it could be in breach of North Korea sanctions-documents

Reuters · by Luc Cohen, Michelle Nichols5 Min Read · July 28, 2020

Venezuela and North Korea. Military and technical agreements. Hmmm… No mention of it but I am sure the North would like some of Venezuela’s oil. 

-----------

"We rest our hopes too much upon constitutions, upon laws, and upon courts. These are false hopes; believe me, these are false hopes. Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it." 

- Judge Learned Hand

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination."  

- Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

"It's part of a writer's profession, as it's part of a spy's profession, to prey on the community to which he's attached, to take away information - often in secret - and to translate that into intelligence for his masters, whether it's his readership or his spy masters. And I think that both professions are perhaps rather lonely."

- John le Carre 

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Ahyoung Shin

1. 1 big thing: China's consulates do a lot more than spy

2. Beijing hard-liners kick against Xi Jinping's wolf warrior diplomacy

3. Has the wind changed? PLA hawks General DAI Xu and General QIAO Liang release odd articles

4. Australia asserts to US: 'We don't agree on everything'

5. Mystery seeds from China are landing in Americans' mail boxes

6. We need a better China policy in the Middle East

7. How to hide from a drone – the subtle art of ‘ghosting’ in the age of surveillance

8. Inkstone explains: Who are the 92 million Chinese Communist Party members?

9. Oh God, not the Peloponnesian War again

10. Graduate school as a mission, not a reward

11. To keep up with our competitors, America must boost shipbuilding

12. Sacrifice and security: A pandemic’s lessons on building 'consent' as an element of strategy

13. Three urgent questions for the Air Force’s new Chief of Staff

14. Will Japan pursue a strike capability in lieu of Aegis ashore?

1. 1 big thing: China's consulates do a lot more than spy

Axios

Some important insights into what China does, especially with student groups, political involvement, and Chinese citizens and Uighurs.

2. Beijing hard-liners kick against Xi Jinping's wolf warrior diplomacy

lowyinstitute.org · by Richard McGregor

Again I have mentioned this but Richard MacGregor's book, The Party, is still very useful despite being a decade old.

3. Has the wind changed? PLA hawks General DAI Xu and General QIAO Liang release odd articles

gnews.org · July 12, 2020

Everyone should read or re-read Unrestricted Warfare. But the last line of the introduction (MIles' comments) is fascinating: "Nobody can dispute the fact that the CCP is collapsing and perishing." I am sure there is somebody who will dispute this.  Is that Miles' assessment of does he think General Qiao is making us think this? If so then it must be part of a political warfare strategy and it is the message he wants us to have. And of course the four unexpected things and "ten understandings" are interesting. (the ten understandings make me think someone wants to be like Mao).

4. Australia asserts to US: 'We don't agree on everything'

9news.com.au

Nor should allies agree on everything. National interests always come first.

5. Mystery seeds from China are landing in Americans' mail boxes

CBS News

More on the mystery seeds, just a scam? But whatever you do not plant them.

6. We need a better China policy in the Middle East

defenseone.com · by Bilal Y. Saab and Joseph Votel 

This article begs the question in my mind, do our geographic combatant commands offer the best way to organize to deal with competition and threats? China is not restricted to the INDOPACOM AOR. We need Chinese expertise in CENTCOM and AFRICOM and SOUTHCOM, etc. Should we be geographically organized and focused or should be threat and global competition focused? As the authors note - it is all interconnected.

7. How to hide from a drone – the subtle art of ‘ghosting’ in the age of surveillance

theconversation.com · by Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick

A “public service announcement?”

8. Inkstone explains: Who are the 92 million Chinese Communist Party members?

inkstonenews.com · by Viola Zhou

You can also listen to this at the link below.

9. Oh God, not the Peloponnesian War again

Foreign Policy · by James Palmer · July 28, 2020

Whoa.  A slam on Thucydides? Fear, honor, and interest is timeless and cuts across all cultures.

But the author makes a good point even though as he notes eastern history is harder to access than western history. I do recommend reading about the Korean ironclads (turtle ships) and Admiral Yi Sun-shin.

10. Graduate school as a mission, not a reward

usni.org · by Lieutenant Thomas Krasnican, U.S. Navy · July 28, 2020

That is correct. But the anti-intellectual clique in the military views it not only as a reward but also as a negative "due to time away from muddy boots and troops."

11. To keep up with our competitors, America must boost shipbuilding

Defense News · by Sen. David Perdue · July 28, 2020

12. Sacrifice and security: A pandemic’s lessons on building 'consent' as an element of strategy

warontherocks.com · by Gregory A. Daddis · July 29, 2020

Is the war metaphor ill-chosen?

13. Three urgent questions for the Air Force’s new Chief of Staff

defenseone.com · by Mara E. Karlin and Jim Mitre

14. Will Japan pursue a strike capability in lieu of Aegis ashore?

thediplomat.com · July 28, 2020

It will be a political as well as strategic, military challenge. 

-----------

"In one way we think a great deal too much of the atomic bomb. "How are we to live in an atomic age?" I am tempted to reply: "Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents."

In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to death before the atomic bomb was invented: and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways. We had, indeed, one very great advantage over our ancestors-anesthetics; but we have that still. It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty.

This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things-praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts-not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.

- C.S. Lewis "On Living in an Atomic Age" (1948)

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Ahyoung Shin

1. Kim Jong Un is the patron saint of hilarious photos

2. Kim Jong Un says N. Korea is a nuclear state

3. N. Korea's nuclear state drive will just lead to self-destruction

4. Defector may be used in regime promotion

5. Gov't to review whether to request repatriation of defector accused of sexual assault

6. Cheong Wa Dae says no document exists on alleged money deal with N. Korea in 2000

7. Moon urges continued efforts for 'complete missile sovereignty'

8. Is North Korea's COVID-19 vaccine program a dangerous ruse?

9. North Korea tells foreigners in capital to follow rules amid coronavirus crackdown

10. North Korea ramps up preventive measures after first possible coronavirus infection

11. 'Unforgivable': Japan decries wartime sex slave statue likened to PM Shinzo Abe

12. FDD | Report Shows North Korean Cybercriminals Now Target Online Shoppers

13. From scandal to accusations of disloyalty, South Korea's new point men on North have dramatic past

14. North Korea's Yongbyon Nuclear Complex: Activity Around the UEP Suggests Ongoing Operations

15. Thousands of North Koreans ignore distancing at Kim celebration despite coronavirus case

16. South Korean lawsuit against Kim Jong-un's sister could spell doom for strained relation between two countries

17. The Transpartisan Case for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

18. Lazarus Group Shifts Gears with Custom Ransomware

19. Unification ministry to brief U.N. rapporteur on decision to probe activist groups over anti-N.K. leafleting

20. Using Cultural Diplomacy to Decouple North Korea from China

21. South Korea - Military guardhouse system to be abolished after 124 years

22. Long way to go for Yongsan Park

1. Kim Jong Un is the patron saint of hilarious photos

militarytimes · by J.D. Simkins  

Here is something lighter to start the day because the rest of the news will be so depressing. Perhaps KIm Jong-un will start trending on twitter. You have to access each of the 10 photos individually at the bottom of the page but some are of course hilarious.

2. Kim Jong Un says N. Korea is a nuclear state

donga.com · July 29, 2020

This is nothing new. The North's constitution says so as well. I am reminded of Dr. Bruce Bennett's characterization of North Korea: A non-compliant (NPT), unsafe, nuclear experimenter.

3.  N. Korea's nuclear state drive will just lead to self-destruction

donga.com · July 29, 2020

I just hope it does not destroy the South along with itself. Again as noted this is not new and the Editorial board recognizes this is in the North's constitution. Interesting they speculate this is aimed at the November election targeting both Trump and Biden. What I think Kim needs to know is that this and his actions will have no influence over voters. No American is going to change their vote based on what he says or does (except perhaps if he launches a war).

4. Defector may be used in regime promotion

The Korea Times · by Kang Seung-woo · July 29, 2020

Promotion? I think they mean propaganda. If he is treated and cured of coronavirus, we can be pretty sure he never was infected. And while he will be used and exploited for a period of time for propaganda purposes, this poor soul will likely never return to his family or friends and at best will be exiled to some far off county in the North and at worst he and his family (perhaps three generations) will spend the rest of their lives in a gulag.

5. Gov't to review whether to request repatriation of defector accused of sexual assault

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 29, 2020

Does the rule of law exist in North Korea? I think not. Rule by law, yes. But I doubt the regime will allow extradition of this person.

6. Cheong Wa Dae says no document exists on alleged money deal with N. Korea in 2000

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 29, 2020

They doth protest too much. I am pretty sure there is strong intelligence information that confirms what happened. Even the Nobel Peace Prize Committee was pissed after giving Kim Dae Jung the Nobel Peace Prize for the summit.

7. Moon urges continued efforts for 'complete missile sovereignty'

en.yna.co.kr · by 이치동 · July 29, 2020

"Missile sovereignty?" I could not find that in my international relations reference book. But it is obvious what he means. But the irony is even if all restrictions were lifted the South would not develop a potent ballistic missile that could target all of North Korea) despite its kill chain concept and its massive punishment and retaliation plans) for fear of upsetting the regime and damaging the South's peace strategy. If we really wanted a maximum pressure campaign on the North we would help the South build a fully stock ballistic missile arsenal full of "sovereign missiles." That would show north Korea.

8. Is North Korea's COVID-19 vaccine program a dangerous ruse?

Politico · by Elizabeth Ralph · July 29, 2020

Very interesting analysis. This could be more than propaganda. We should not laugh this off. Certainly the regime wants to develop biological weapons and I believe intelligence assessments estimate they have a program (p.21  HERE)  And from a human rights perspective I worry about all the human testing that will be done on the prisoners in the gulags. The North does not need to use lab rats when it has a segment of the population that it considers less than human.

9. North Korea tells foreigners in capital to follow rules amid coronavirus crackdown

Reuters · July 29, 2020

Another indicator that there is likely an outbreak in the North.

10. North Korea ramps up preventive measures after first possible coronavirus infection

businesstoday.in · July 29, 2020

Yep. Human trials for a vaccine. Please remember those suffering in the gulags.

11. 'Unforgivable': Japan decries wartime sex slave statue likened to PM Shinzo Abe

The Guardian · by Justin McCurry · July 29, 2020

What is "unforgivable?" The stature or what happened to Korean women during WWII? This is quite a statue. But this will not be helpful in trying to move forward. It is obviously designed for the reaction it is having in Japan.

12. FDD | Report Shows North Korean Cybercriminals Now Target Online Shoppers

fdd.org · by Mathew Ha · July 28, 2020

Important analysis from my colleague Mathew Ha.

13. From scandal to accusations of disloyalty, South Korea's new point men on North have dramatic past

in.reuters.com · by Hyonhee Shin

This will not go quietly into the night for the Moon administration. The opposition will exploit this. And of course actual democracy advocates worry about the real harm pro-North views will have on the South's democracy. Many look at the crackdowns on individuals and news organizations (and the use of "libel laws") as based on pro-North views and are attacks on freedom of speech and freedom of the press and threats to democracy.

14. North Korea's Yongbyon Nuclear Complex: Activity Around the UEP Suggests Ongoing Operations

38north.org · by Peter Makowsky · July 28, 2020

Possibly enriching more uranium? I wonder what for?

15. Thousands of North Koreans ignore distancing at Kim celebration despite coronavirus case

Mirror · by Dave Burke · July 28, 2020

I am sure the all powerful Kim Jong-un blessed the participants and with his god-like power prevented them from being infected with the virus.

16. South Korean lawsuit against Kim Jong-un's sister could spell doom for strained relation between two countries

meaww.com

I doubt it. Of course the regime will use this for propaganda purposes but it will not doom the relationship (of course it is not on very good terms at the moment either). This should not dissuade the South from filing the suit. I think a public trial in absentia would be a great thing as they could lay out all the crimes of the Kim family regime. But I do not think that will be in the cards as long as the Moon administration is in office.

17. The Transpartisan Case for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

The American Conservative · by Jessica Lee

Let me be frank: The bottom line is thinking along the lines of Congressman Khanna and those who are influencing him demonstrates a lack of understanding of the true nature of the Kim family regime, its strategy and objectives, and the history of North-South and North-US relations.   

First let me preface this with the following which is my standard caveat:
I support peace on the Korean peninsula
I support a diplomatic solution to the North Korean nuclear threat
I support ROK engagement with the North
I do not support a weakening of the ROK and ROK/US defensive capabilities
I believe there cannot be success for US, ROK, and Japanese interests without strong ROK/US and Japan/US alliances.

Despite the above I think we have to accept that North Korea does have a continued hostile strategy and therefore while we prioritize diplomacy we have to remain prepared for the worst cases. I hope I am wrong here and that Kim Jong-un will dismantle his nuclear weapons and seek peaceful co-existence.

There are many issues to address. First is a peace treaty should be between the two belligerents: the North and South. The US did not declare war on the North. It fought under the UN authorizations which declared the North the aggressor and called on member nations to defend freedom in the South, per UN Security Council Resolutions 82 ,83, 84, and 85.

Second, a declaration of the end of the war or any kind of "peace mechanism" or "peace regime" that does not resolve the "Korea question" (para. 60 of the Armistice) will not bring peace and stability to the peninsula.

Third, the objective of North Korea is to dominate the entire Korean Peninsula. The regime strategy is based on subversion, coercion, extortion, and use of force to achieve unification on its terms to ensure regime survival. It is a zero sum situation for the North and it is not going to capitulate or peacefully co-exist with the South.

Fourth, those who advocate for a peace regime are actually "carrying the water" for Kim Jong-un because he is playing the long con and executing a political warfare strategy with Juche characteristics to achieve his objective to dominate the South. A peace regime is the first step in his plan to get US forces off the Korean Peninsula. This will also include disestablishing the UN Command as well.

We should never forget that the strongest deterrent of an attack by the North is the presence of US forces. If we go down the path the Congressman and others advocate we will have conflict on the Korean Peninsula with a scale of loss of blood and treasure and suffering we have not seen since the Armistice was signed in 1953.

Lastly I think people should be cautious when dealing with organizations such as Women Cross DMZ due to connections to north Korean intelligence handlers in New York, e.g., Pak Chol and the United Front Department. https://freekorea.us/2019/11/christine-ahn-pak-chol-and-the-united-front-department/

18. Lazarus Group Shifts Gears with Custom Ransomware

darkreading.com 

This is North Korea's "All-purpose Sword." (as opposed to its "treasured sword" of nuclear weapons).

19. Unification ministry to brief U.N. rapporteur on decision to probe activist groups over anti-N.K. leafleting

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 29, 2020

I wonder if the Minister will get an earful from the UN.

20. Using Cultural Diplomacy to Decouple North Korea from China

HRNK · by Junsoung “Steve” Kim · July 28, 2020

21. South Korea - Military guardhouse system to be abolished after 124 years

The Korea Times · July 28, 2020

Hmmm.... 124 years? That means it existed through the colonial occupation period?

22. Long way to go for Yongsan Park

The Korea Times · July 28, 2020

I recall when we were going to leave Yongsan in the 1980s and early 1990s and we gave up the 8th Army Golf Course that became first the Yongsan Family Park and then later grounds for the National Museum (which forced the relocation of the H-128 helipad on Yongsan).  The buildings in the photo look like our quarters in Blackhawk village where we lived for a number of years in the 1990s.

-----------

"In one way we think a great deal too much of the atomic bomb. "How are we to live in an atomic age?" I am tempted to reply: "Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents."

In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to death before the atomic bomb was invented: and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways. We had, indeed, one very great advantage over our ancestors-anesthetics; but we have that still. It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty.

This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things-praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts-not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.

- C.S. Lewis "On Living in an Atomic Age" (1948)

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

1. Trump Signs Proclamation Commemorating End of Korean War

2. Proclamation on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2020 | The White House

3. N.K. leader confers pistols to officers on armistice anniversary

4. Declare your ideology (South Korea)

5. North Korea Reports 1st Suspected Case Of Coronavirus

6. US ambassador shaves off mustache to stay masked in summer amid pandemic

7. United Nations Command launches official website

8. Bill Gates Says Korea Taking Lead in COVID-19 Vaccine Development

9.  Korea aims to maximize its newfound global popularity

10. Tear down the DMZ

11. The children of Korean War prisoners who never came home

12. Guns and glory : two Koreas mark armistice

13. North Korea's Kim marks war anniversary amid virus concerns

14. Trump stresses 'ironclad alliance' with Seoul in armistice proclamation

15. Gov't, military hit for poor security, defector management

16. North Korea shock: Kim Jong-Un’s sister asserts authority with new childbirth plan

1. Trump Signs Proclamation Commemorating End of Korean War

defense.gov · by David Vergun

Let us never forget the sacrifices of all those who defended freedom in Korea.  And let us also never forget the blood of some 5 million souls in the hands of Kim Il Sung and the Kim family regime.

2. Proclamation on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2020 | The White House

whitehouse.gov · by President Donald J. Trump· July 24, 2020

3. N.K. leader confers pistols to officers on armistice anniversary

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 27, 2020

Some of the north Korean generals might need some muzzle awareness.  Quite the "oaths" from these officers: "solemn pledges, looking up to the Party flag, to hold close to their hearts the commemorative pistols conferred upon them by the Supreme Leader until their death,"  Not like our oaths to support and defend the Constitution.  And we stand before our national flag, not the "party flag."

4. Declare your ideology (South Korea)

The Korea Times · by David Tizzard · July 26, 2020

Sigh... I think Professor Tizzard is giving the ruling party line here.  Ideology is important because it guides actions. Look at what new members of Moon's national security team have been jailed for.  Anyone who have violated the national security law should be thoroughly examined for suitability by the National Assembly. 

5. North Korea Reports 1st Suspected Case Of Coronavirus

NPR · by Doreen McCallister · July 26, 2020

The other thing this accusation against a defector returning from South Korea does it to pave the way for acceptance of medical aid from the SOuth to help combat the coronavirus.  Now the Propaganda and Agitation Department will say South Korea must atone for its sin of allowing the coronavirus to spread into north Korea.  So the South will have to now provide aid and meet all the demands of the north.

6. US ambassador shaves off mustache to stay masked in summer amid pandemic

koreaherald.com · by The Korea Herald · July 27, 2020

Everyone must do their part to #killthevirus.

7. United Nations Command launches official website

koreaherald.com · by The Korea Herald · July 27, 2020

Well it is about time.  Now the ROK/US Combined Forces Command needs its own web site.  This has long been one of the problems with the USFK server hosting both UNC and ROK/US CFC.  It is what gives the impression that the US controls the ROK forces apportioned to ROK/US CFC. It is why the ROK press always refers to USFK as the higher command and even makes such erroneous statements as ROK forces "falling under the control" of USFK.  Especially in preparation for OPCON transition the ROK/US CFC should establish its own web site not connected to USFK.

8. Bill Gates Says Korea Taking Lead in COVID-19 Vaccine Development

english.chosun.com

9. Korea aims to maximize its newfound global popularity

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com· by Yoon So-Yeon· July 26, 2020

Wise moves by Korea.

10. Tear down the DMZ

The Korea Times · July 26, 2020

It saddens me to read this.  Yes I want to "tear down" the DMZ.  I have said the following many times:

* I support a diplomatic solution to the north Korean nuclear threat
* I support ROK engagement with the north
* I do not support a weakening of the ROK and ROK/US defensive capabilities
* I believe there cannot be success for US, ROK, and Japanese interests without strong ROK/US and Japan/US alliances
* Despite the above I think we have to accept that north Korea may have a continued hostile strategy and therefore while we prioritize diplomacy we have to remain prepared for the worst cases.  I hope I am wrong here and that Kim Jong-un will dismantle his nuclear weapons and seek peaceful co-existence.

I am not one who is willing to gamble and remove troops before unification and the establishment of a United Republic of Kora. (UROK).  If we remove troops while the Kim family regime is still in power there will be conflict and war.  Yes it is true I cannot prove that will happen. But the truth is no one can disprove it either.  I am not willing to gamble the lives of 85 million Koreans and hundreds of thousands of Americans.  It is in US interests to prevent war on the Korean peninsula.

11. The children of Korean War prisoners who never came home

BBC · July 27, 2020

On the 67th anniversary of the Armistice we should not forget those who never came home because of the evil nature of the Kim family regime and the Chinese Communist Party.  This was the most contentious issue of the Armistice negotiations: the return of and accounting for POWs.

12. Guns and glory : two Koreas mark armistice

24matins.uk · July 27, 2020

Which side wants peace and which side wants to use its military to dominate the peninsula?  Which side honors its veterans and the sacrifice of a nation?  Which side makes its military and the population worship at the feet of its dictator?

13. North Korea's Kim marks war anniversary amid virus concerns

AP · by Hyung-Jin Kim · July 27, 2020

The more I read these reports and think about the situation the more I think either the north is having a large outbreak or it soon will because it is unable to contain it and/or it knows it can no longer contain the information about it which is just as dangerous for the regime.

If I were advising the ROK/US CFC I would recommend they incorporate instability scenarios into next month's training.  And this is why readiness has to take precedence over the OPCON transition process.  On the other hand if we have a contingency in north Korea it would be best if the ROK/US CFC was led by a Korean general.  If the situation ever evolves to the point where the peninsula is on the path to unification, military operations in support of the unification process need to be led by a Korean general.  This is one of the reasons why I support the OPCON transition process.  While I make a distinction of readiness over OPCON transition process in reality we have to figure out they can be "both/and" versus "either/or."

14. Trump stresses 'ironclad alliance' with Seoul in armistice proclamation

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

Good words from the President but it is becoming difficult to make the Koreans believe we have an ironclad alliance rather than a transactional house of cards as I wrote here last year: 

It is always interesting that he did not mention north Korea in this proclamation.

15. Gov't, military hit for poor security, defector management

The Korea Times · July 27, 2020

As I have written, escapees (defectors) should be treated as South Korea national assets.  They should be protected and they should be provided the opportunity to work toward unification in pursuit of the United Republic of Korea.

16. North Korea shock: Kim Jong-Un’s sister asserts authority with new childbirth plan

Express · by Ted Jeffery · July 27, 2020

What is Kim Yo-jong up to?  She seems to have her hand in every aspect of north Korea these days.

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

July 27, 1953

Agreement between the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, on the one hand, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and the Commander of the Chinese People's volunteers, on the other hand, concerning a military armistice in Korea.

Preamble

The undersigned, the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, on the one hand, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and the Commander of the Chinese People's Volunteers, on the other hand, in the interest of stopping the Korean conflict, with its great toil of suffering and bloodshed on both sides, and with the objective of establishing an armistice which will insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved, do individually, collectively, and mutually agree to accept and to be bound and governed by the conditions and terms of armistice set forth in the following articles and paragraphs, which said conditions and terms are intended to be purely military in character and to pertain solely to the belligerents in Korea:

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Article IV

Recommendations to the Governments Concerned on Both Sides

60. In order to insure the peaceful settlement of the Korean question, the military Commanders of both sides hereby recommend to the governments of the countries concerned on both sides that, within three (3) months after the Armistice Agreement is signed and becomes effective, a political conference of a higher level of both sides be held by representatives appointed respectively to settle through negotiation the questions of the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Korea, the peaceful settlement of the Korean question, etc