Iran Hit By Computer Virus More Violent Than Stuxnet

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech to thousands of Basij members at Azadi stadium in Tehran, Iran October 4, 2018. Khamenei.ir/ Handout via REUTERS

Haaretz: TV report: Israel silent as Iran hit by computer virus more violent than Stuxnet

Tehran strategic networks attacked, Hadashot TV says, hours after Israel revealed it tipped off Denmark about Iran murder plot, and days after Rouhani’s phone was found bugged.

Iranian infrastructure and strategic networks have come under attack in the last few days by a computer virus similar to Stuxnet but “more violent, more advanced and more sophisticated,” and Israeli officials are refusing to discuss what role, if any, they may have had in the operation, an Israeli TV report said Wednesday.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This cyber attack caught the attention of the Supreme leader .... Iran's Khamenei calls for fight against enemy 'infiltration' (Reuters).

China Releases Dramatic Propaganda Video Of Its 'Deadliest Drone Bomber'

Daily Mail: China releases dramatic propaganda video of its 'deadliest drone bomber' that can carry 16 missiles and destroy targets from 19,600 feet high

* CH-5, a mass-produced unmanned warplane, can fly 60 hours without refuelling
* It can reach the altitude of 26,246 feet and has a maximum range of 6,213 miles
* Clip shows the deadly drone striking still and moving targets at live-fire drills
* It's China's equivalent to the U.S. military drone, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

China has released a new propaganda video of its deadly unmanned fighter jet, which shows the aircraft striking still and moving targets.

CH-5, also known as Rainbow-5, was unveiled in 2016 and is said to be China's largest and most powerful drone bomber.

The aircraft can carry 16 missiles and strike targets while flying at an altitude of 6,000 metres (19,685 feet), Chinese media have claimed.

It can fly up to 60 hours without refuelling with a maximum flight altitude of 8,000 metres (26,246 feet) and a maximum range of 10,000 kilometres (6,213 miles).

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It does look like General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.

China Underestimated President Trump

Gordon G. Chang, National Interest: The Trump Curveball: This Is What China Didn't Expect

Donald Trump's message to Xi Jinping: the United States intends to disengage with your country to the greatest extent possible.

A long-planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese ruler Xi Jinping, scheduled for the sidelines of the G20 meeting at the end of next month in Buenos Aires, looks like it might not occur. And even if the get-together takes place, it does not appear it will be productive. There may even be no discussions on the topic of the moment, the so-called “trade war.”

The U.S. won’t talk to Beijing about trade until the Chinese, in the words of the Wall Street Journal , submit a “concrete proposal to address Washington’s complaints about forced technology transfers and other economic issues.” For many reasons, China’s officials are unlikely to do that.

Call it, as the Wall Street Journal does, an “impasse.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: And the sad thing is that Beijing still does not have a coherent strategy on how to deal with President Trump with the exception of the following .... hope that the Democrats succeed in winning Congress, and that President Trump will be a one term President. But as Hillary Clinton put it a few years ago .... hope is not a strategy.

Satellite Images Expose China's Vast Network Of Secret Re-Education Camps

A show of military force in front of Uighurs in Xinjiang. Reuters

Mark Doman, Stephen Hutcheon, Dylan Welch and Kyle Taylor, ABC News Online: China’s frontier of fear

Satellite imagery captured over a remote and highly volatile region of western China lifts the lid on the size and spread of internment camps used to indoctrinate vast numbers of the region’s Muslim population.

An investigation by ABC News using new research collated by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) think tank, identifies and documents the expansion of 28 detention camps that are part of a massive program of subjugation in the region of Xinjiang.

Analysis of the data shows that since the start of 2017, the 28 facilities have expanded their footprint by more than 2 million square metres. In the past three months alone, they’ve grown by 700,000 square metres - that’s about the size of 35 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

The nominally autonomous province is home to about 14 million Chinese citizens belonging to mainly Muslim ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Turkic-speaking Uighur (pronounced WEE-ger) people.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Bottom line. These camps are huge, and there are many of them.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- October 31, 2018

Netanyahu shook hands with Sultan Qaboos bin Said in Oman [Israel GPO/Handout via Reuters]

Al Jazeera: Secret no more: Israel's outreach to Gulf Arab states

Prime Minister Netanyahu has for years boasted about ties with key Arab states, but those ties were rarely visible.

It was a scene unthinkable just weeks ago: an Israeli Cabinet minister, tears of joy filling her eyes, proudly singing her country's national anthem at a sports event in the heart of the Arab world.

The spectacle of Miri Regev singing "HaTikva", which describes the Jewish yearning for a homeland in Zion, was just one in a series of taboo-busting public appearances by Israeli officials in Gulf Arab states that have thrust the once-secret back channels of outreach into public view.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- October 31, 2018

Is the Trump Administration Backing Away from Saudi Arabia? -- Curt Mills, National Interest

In Yemen, plenty of food but few have the cash to buy it -- Saeed Al-Batati, Asia Times

Putin's Game: Did Russia Win in Syria? -- Tabitha Sanders, RCW

Why Jordan Is Next for ISIS -- Emily Przyborowski, National Interest

At the Latest Inter-Korean Summit, Kim Jong-un Created a Diplomatic Minefield for the United States -- David Maxwell and Mathew Ha, War On The Rocks

Sri Lanka's Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mahinda Rajapaksa both lay claim to prime ministership -- Linda Mottram, ABC News Online

Beware: China may be reading your email -- Chris Taylor, Asia Times

China Has Landed -- Christopher R. O'Dea. NRO

Russia’s Roadmap to Exiting Ukraine (Op-ed) -- Moscow Times

Treasury Can’t Go Wobbly When Sanctions Against Russians Are Starting to Hurt -- Luke Coffey, Daily Signal

Why Franco's tomb is a headache for Spain's new government -- BBC

Brazilians were simply fed up -- Hildegard Stausberg, DW

Which countries grant unconditional birthright citizenship? -- Cristina Burack, DW

Tough US trade rhetoric masks negotiating strategy -- David P. Goldman, Asia Times

The New Tyranny of the Dollar -- Mark Leonard, Project Syndicate

World News Briefs -- October 31, 2018 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Trump hardens stance on Mexico border, says 15,000 troops could be sent

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States could send as many as 15,000 troops to the border with Mexico, as he hardens his stance against a caravan of migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Central America.

The numbers cited by Trump are significantly higher than defense officials have disclosed. The Pentagon said on Monday it was deploying more than 5,200 troops to the border but that the number would rise. On Wednesday, it said more than 7,000 troops would support the Department of Homeland Security along the border.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Pompeo says Khashoggi murder violated international law.

Khashoggi murder: Turkey gives official details of Saudi writer's death. Khashoggi strangled in planned attack, body dismembered – Turkish prosecutor. Turkish prosecutor: Khashoggi was strangled, dismembered inside Saudi consulate.

King Salman's brother 'returns to Riyadh' amid Khashoggi crisis.

US-backed Syria force suspends anti-IS attacks after Turkey hits.

US backed Syria Kurds accuse Turkey of jeopardizing IS fight.

Syria war: Aid fails to reach civilians in desert camp.

Mattis sets 30-day deadline for Yemen ceasefire. US defence chief demands Yemen ceasefire; peace talks in 30 days.

US shifts on Yemen as toll mounts and Saudi alliance falters.

UN aims to re-launch Yemen peace talks 'within a month'.

Yemeni rebels unveil new missile.

U.S. doesn't want to harm friends, allies with Iran sanctions: Bolton.

ASIA

US-SKorea to decide fate of future drills after review.

Afghan military leader, 24 others killed in helicopter crash.

China’s top leaders prepare for worse as economy takes hits from US trade war.

Report: U.S. envoy proposed joint inspection of North Korea nuclear sites. North Korea prepares nuclear test site for inspectors.

Asia Bibi's blasphemy verdict: Islamists protest across Pakistan. Asia Bibi's blasphemy verdict, death sentence overturned in Pakistan. Asia Bibi: Pakistan acquits Christian woman on death row.

Vietnam rolls out web monitor to control 'false information'.

Okinawa's new leader speaks about US military bases in Japan.

Crews hear 'pings' from locator beacon of crashed Lion Air plane.

AFRICA

Amnesty accuses Nigeria forces of 'horrific' Shiite killings.

Amnesty alarmed at number of protesters killed in Guinea.

Rebel leader Riek Machar returns to South Sudan for peace ceremony.

South Sudan celebrates new peace accord amid joy – and scepticism.

Nigeria arrests 400 Shia Muslims after deadly clashes.

Nigerian Shi'ite group says 42 killed when security forces fired upon protests.

Nigerian Shiites bury dead after clashes with security forces.

Malawi court halts 'racist' Gandhi statue plan.

President Macky Sall: ‘Senegal doesn’t need any lessons in democracy’.

Tanzania: Anti-gay crackdown in Dar es Salaam.

EUROPE

Rare NATO-Russia talks address military drills, 1987 missile treaty.

Brexit deal should be done by Nov. 21, UK's Raab says.

Lavrov confirms Putin, Trump set to discuss INF Treaty at Paris meeting.

Trump faces Election Day deadline on Russia.

US, Europeans say planned Ukraine separatist vote illegal.

Migration to Russia exceeds one million: Influx offsets population decline.

Hungary's top court acquits camerawoman who kicked and tripped migrants.

Rightwinger leads race to succeed Angela Merkel as party chair.

AMERICAS

US could send as many as 15,000 troops to Mexico border: Trump.

'We don't do stunts', Mattis says of troops to border.

Trump bashes Paul Ryan on birthright citizenship: Focus on holding the majority.

GOP senators press Trump to halt nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia.

US indicts 10 Chinese intelligence agents following ‘hack on US and European aviation companies’.

Migrant caravan: More people enter Mexico to join march to US.

'We don't do stunts', Mattis says of troops to border.

Brazil: Bolsonaro plans threaten Amazon, say experts.

Hawaii top court approves controversial Thirty Meter Telescope.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

5 freed from Gitmo in exchange for Bergdahl join Taliban’s political office in Qatar.

Russia: Teen suicide bomber targets FSB offices in North Caucasus.

Iraq looks to snuff out ISIL remnants in remote Anbar province.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. ends last day of haunted October in the black.

Scary Season? Global stocks get rare gain as bruising month concludes.

Lion Air crash: Indonesia to inspect Boeing 737-Max 8 planes.

Pacific Rim trade pact dumped by Trump nears take-off.

Canadian, British lawmakers call for Zuckerberg to talk data privacy.

The World Will Be Watching The U.S. Midterm Elections Next Week

USA Today: Iran, China, S. Korea on edge awaiting results of U.S. midterm elections

WASHINGTON – When Americans go to the polls next week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be glued to the results – along with China’s Xi Jinping, Iran’s Hassan Rouhani and an array of other foreign leaders around the world.

America’s allies and enemies alike will be trying to analyze the 2018 midterms for hints of President Donald Trump’s political future and the staying power of his foreign policies – whether it’s sanctions against Iran, nuclear talks with North Korea or a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Some foreign leaders are quietly rooting for Democratic gains in Congress, hoping the opposition party will counter the Trump administration’s attacks on international agreements, his crackdown on immigration and his penchant for trade tariffs. Other countries – such as North Korea – are hoping Republicans maintain power in Washington so the president is not restrained or distracted by a hostile Congress.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Republicans do not have many friends abroad.

China's Top Leaders Are Acknowledging That The Economy Is Slowing Faster Than Expected

Growth in China's manufacturing sector was weaker than expected in October, falling for the second straight month in further evidence the world's largest economy is slowing. EUGENE HOSHIKO

SCMP: China’s top leaders prepare for worse as economy takes hits from US trade war

* Politburo offers renewed support for the private economy and stock market, seeing more downward pressure on growth ahead

China’s top leadership has outlined a new game plan for the private economy and the stock market as the country braces for further hits to the economy from the trade war with the United States.

The Communist Party’s Politburo, the 25-member supreme policymaking body headed by President Xi Jinping, agreed on Wednesday that there was “growing downward pressure” on the economy with “profound changes” in the external environment, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement was a shift from three months ago when the Politburo said there was “noticeable” changes in the external environment.

Read more ....

More News On China's Slowing Economy

Trump's trade war hits Beijing harder than expected as China's factory growth drops to two-year low -- Daily Mail/Reuters
China reports lower-than-expected manufacturing growth -- CNBC
China reveals trade war strain as yuan slides and manufacturing stalls -- The Guardian
China’s caught up in an ever decreasing numbers game -- Asia Times
Chinese economy slowing faster than expected, worst yet to come, analysts say -- SCMP

U.S. Charges 10 Chinese Intelligence Officers Following A 'Cyber-Hack On U.S. And European Aviation Companies’

The American flag flies near the national emblem of China outside of the Bayi Building before a welcome ceremony for U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Beijing, Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via Reuters

SCMP: US indicts 10 Chinese intelligence agents following ‘hack on US and European aviation companies’

* The US Department of Justice said the agents had hacked into commercial jet fan firms based in Suzhou, China
* The charges come weeks after the US’ ‘unprecedented’ extradition of a Chinese spy from Belgium

The US Justice Department has charged a group of Chinese agents with trying to steal aviation technology from US companies, the third such indictment in less than two months in an escalating effort to halt cyber-espionage allegedly orchestrated from China.

A group of 10 people, led by agents of the Jiangsu provincial arm of China Ministry of State Security (MSS) tried to hack into the computer systems of a US company and a French company with an office in Suzhou, China, both manufacturers of a turbofan engine used in commercial airliners, the Justice Department (DoJ) alleged on Tuesday. Members of the group also targeted other US aerospace companies producing parts for the engine makers, it said.

Read more ....

Update #1: U.S. charges Chinese intelligence officers for jet engine data hack (Reuters)
Update #2: US charges Chinese intelligence officers for jet engine data hack (Al Jazeera)

WNU Editor: This is the third indictment of Chinese intelligence agents in the past two months. On a side note, here is an interesting read .... China's 5 Steps for Recruiting Spies (Wired).

U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis Discusses U.S. National Defense Strategy

U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis: Border Force Is Not Politically Motivated. ‘We Don’t Do Stunts’

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

This map shows the positions of all the caravans headed to the US, including the fourth group that departed El Salvador Wednesday

Washington Examiner: Jim Mattis denies border force is politically motivated: ‘We don’t do stunts’

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis denied on Wednesday that the 5,200 active-duty troops being deployed to the Mexico border is a political stunt to help Republicans in the midterm elections.

“The support that we provide to the secretary for homeland security is practical support based on the request from the commissioner of customs and border police, so we don't do stunts in this department,” Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon.

With less than a week until the midterm elections, President Trump has ordered the deployment of the troops in addition to 2,100 National Guardsmen at the border since April because he said a group of migrants walking north through Mexico is a threat to national security.

Read more ....

Update #1: Report: Pentagon Identifies 7,000 American Troops for Mexico Border (Epoch Times)
Update #2: Pentagon readies 7,000 troops for border duty as Trump warns of ‘gang members’ in caravan (VIDEO) (RT)

WNU Editor: A new migrant caravan (the fourth one) has now formed .... Now a FOURTH caravan has left El Salvador to join other groups of migrants trekking through Mexico on their way to the US (Daily Mail).

Military Issues And Foreign Policy Are Being Ignored In This Year's U.S. Midterm Elections

President Donald Trump speaks during an event at Fort Drum, New York, on Aug. 13. Trump has made national security a key talking point in his campaign trail speeches this fall, but many candidates have not. (Sgt. Thomas Scaggs/Army)

Military Times: Military issues largely MIA on the campaign trail

WASHINGTON — For months, President Donald Trump’s campaign trail speeches have included the same version of the same applause line on national security.

“Our military will soon be more powerful than it ever has been ever, ever, ever before,” the president said at an event in Nevada a week ago. “Under Republican leadership, America is booming, America is thriving, and America is winning, because we are finally putting America first.”

Democrats’ defense policies, he insists, “are against your military.”

The Democratic National Committee’s actual platform on national security says party members “are committed to ensuring our troops have the training, equipment, and support that they need when they are deployed and the care that they and their families need and deserve when they return home.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Military and foreign policy issues should be discussed on the campaign trail. Unlike the Republicans, the Democrats are very clear on what they want to do .... If Democrats Win Control Of Congress What Would Be The Impact On The Pentagon? (October 24, 2018). More here .... Ro Khanna and progressive Democrats hope ‘Blue Wave’ shakes up American defense policy (Defense/News).

According To CNN People Like Me Are The Biggest Terror Threat In The U.S. Today

The Hill: Don Lemon: 'White men' are biggest terror threat to US, and there is no travel ban on them

CNN anchor Don Lemon declared that "the biggest terror threat in this country is white men," adding that "there is no travel ban on them" in an exchange that has prompted rebuke from conservatives on social media.

"I keep trying to point out to people and not to demonize any one group or any one ethnicity," Lemon said to fellow CNN anchor Chris Cuomo during a handoff of their respective programs late Monday. "But we keep thinking that the biggest terror threat is something else, someone people who are marching, you know, towards the border, like it's imminent."

Read more ....

Update #1: CNN host: 'The biggest terror threat in this country is white men' (FOX News)
Update #2: CNN’s Don Lemon Says Biggest Terror Threat In Country Is White Men: ‘We Have To Start Doing Something About Them’ (Newsweek)

WNU Editor: How this racist and hateful man still has a job at CNN is very revealing to me on who and what is CNN today. Which leads me to this point made by CNN Founder Ted Turner's last month .... he'd prefer his old network have a more balanced agenda .... CNN Founder Ted Turner Says Network Is Too Heavy on Politics (Hollywood Reporter). Yup .... the CNN that Ted Turner and I remember from the 1990s is definitely not the network of today.

U.S. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Says The Democrats Will Win The House After Next Week's Midterm Elections

Business Insider: Nancy Pelosi guarantees Democrats will win the House majority

* House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi guaranteed that Democrats will retake majority control in the House after next week's midterm elections.
* Democrats have not controlled the House of Representatives since 2010, when Pelosi was then speaker of the House.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi guaranteed that Democrats will retake majority in the House in the midterm elections this coming Tuesday.

During an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Pelosi became very bullish about Democrats' ability to take back a majority they have not seen since losing their grip on the House in 2010, just two years into the Barack Obama administration.

"Let me say this. Up until today, I would've said, 'If the election were held today, we would win,' she said. "What now I'm saying is, 'We will win.'"

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Nope .... Pelosi: Political climate will cool 'when we win' (The Hill).

More News On U.S. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Saying The Democrats Will Win The House After Next Week's Midterm Elections

'Democrats WILL carry the House.' Nancy Pelosi says party is on a path to victory and even flipping the Senate is STILL possible -- Daily Mail
Pelosi predicts Dems will take back the House -- The Hill
Pelosi predicts Dems 'will win' the House, as Colbert pleads not to jinx it -- FOX News
Nancy Pelosi is confident the Democrats will gain 30 seats and flip the House -- CNBC
Nancy Pelosi Predicts Election Night For Stephen Colbert: “We Will Win” -- Deadline

Turkish Prosecutor: Jamal Khashoggi Strangled As Soon As He Entered Saudi Consulate, Then Dismembered And Disposed Of

BBC: Khashoggi murder: Turkey gives official details of Saudi writer's death

Turkey has given its first official statement on how it believes writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed, saying he was immediately strangled.

The statement follows weeks of media reports about the murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October. Turkey has yet to provide evidence.

Chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan said a meeting with his Saudi counterpart on Monday yielded "no concrete results".

Saudi Arabia has not commented on the meeting.

Read more ....

More News On Turkey Giving Its Official Details On Jamal Khashoggi's Death

Jamal Khashoggi case: All the latest updates -- Al Jazeera
Turkish prosecutor says Saudi writer strangled, dismembered -- AP
Istanbul prosecutor says Khashoggi was suffocated in Saudi consulate -- Reuters
Jamal Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered Saudi consulate, then dismembered and disposed of, Turkish prosecutor says -- Daily Mail
Turkey: Khashoggi strangled to death then dismembered -- DW
Khashoggi strangled and 'cut into pieces' in consulate: Turkish prosecutor -- AFP
Jamal Khashoggi strangled as soon as he entered consulate, prosecutor confirms -- The Guardian
Turkish prosecutor: Khashoggi was strangled, dismembered inside Saudi consulate -- The Hill
Khashoggi strangled in planned attack, body dismembered – Turkish prosecutor -- RT
Turkey suspects top Saudi diplomats of role in Khashoggi murder -- Al Jazeera

World News Briefs -- October 31, 2018

DW: Turkey: Khashoggi strangled to death then dismembered

The chief prosecutor in Istanbul has alleged that Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was strangled to death as soon as he entered the Saudi consulate.

Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Irfan Fidan said on Wednesday that Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was strangled to death in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul as soon as he entered the building and his body was dismembered before being disposed of.

Fidan said it was a premeditated operation.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Khashoggi murder: Turkey gives official details of Saudi writer's death. Khashoggi strangled in planned attack, body dismembered – Turkish prosecutor. Turkish prosecutor: Khashoggi was strangled, dismembered inside Saudi consulate.

King Salman's brother 'returns to Riyadh' amid Khashoggi crisis.

US-backed Syria force suspends anti-IS attacks after Turkey hits.

US backed Syria Kurds accuse Turkey of jeopardizing IS fight.

Syria war: Aid fails to reach civilians in desert camp.

Mattis sets 30-day deadline for Yemen ceasefire. US defence chief demands Yemen ceasefire; peace talks in 30 days.

UN aims to re-launch Yemen peace talks 'within a month'.

Yemeni rebels unveil new missile.

ASIA

Afghan military leader, 24 others killed in helicopter crash.

China’s top leaders prepare for worse as economy takes hits from US trade war.

Report: U.S. envoy proposed joint inspection of North Korea nuclear sites. North Korea prepares nuclear test site for inspectors.

Asia Bibi's blasphemy verdict: Islamists protest across Pakistan. Asia Bibi's blasphemy verdict, death sentence overturned in Pakistan. Asia Bibi: Pakistan acquits Christian woman on death row.

Vietnam rolls out web monitor to control 'false information'.

Okinawa's new leader speaks about US military bases in Japan.

Crews hear 'pings' from locator beacon of crashed Lion Air plane.

AFRICA

Rebel leader Riek Machar returns to South Sudan for peace ceremony.

South Sudan celebrates new peace accord amid joy – and scepticism.

Nigeria arrests 400 Shia Muslims after deadly clashes.

Nigerian Shiites bury dead after clashes with security forces.

Malawi court halts 'racist' Gandhi statue plan.

President Macky Sall: ‘Senegal doesn’t need any lessons in democracy’.

Tanzania: Anti-gay crackdown in Dar es Salaam.

EUROPE

Brexit deal should be done by Nov. 21, UK's Raab says.

Lavrov confirms Putin, Trump set to discuss INF Treaty at Paris meeting.

Trump faces Election Day deadline on Russia.

US, Europeans say planned Ukraine separatist vote illegal.

Migration to Russia exceeds one million: Influx offsets population decline.

Hungary's top court acquits camerawoman who kicked and tripped migrants.

Rightwinger leads race to succeed Angela Merkel as party chair.

AMERICAS

Trump bashes Paul Ryan on birthright citizenship: Focus on holding the majority.

GOP senators press Trump to halt nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia.

US indicts 10 Chinese intelligence agents following ‘hack on US and European aviation companies’.

Migrant caravan: More people enter Mexico to join march to US.

'We don't do stunts', Mattis says of troops to border.

Brazil: Bolsonaro plans threaten Amazon, say experts.

Hawaii top court approves controversial Thirty Meter Telescope.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

5 freed from Gitmo in exchange for Bergdahl join Taliban’s political office in Qatar.

Russia: Teen suicide bomber targets FSB offices in North Caucasus.

Iraq looks to snuff out ISIL remnants in remote Anbar province.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Lion Air crash: Indonesia to inspect Boeing 737-Max 8 planes.

Pacific Rim trade pact dumped by Trump nears take-off.

Canadian, British lawmakers call for Zuckerberg to talk data privacy.

Military And Intelligence News Updates -- October 31, 2018

Taiwan Air Force's F-16 fighter jets fly during the annual Han Kuang military exercise at an army base in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan on July 4, 2015. Reuters

SCMP: Pentagon official urges Taiwan to boost defence spending in face of possible attack by mainland

* David Helvey says the self-ruled island ‘must have resources to modernise its military’
* Accuses Beijing of attempting to ‘erode Taiwan’s diplomatic space’ at defence industry conference

A Pentagon official is urging Taiwan to ramp up its defence budget to protect against potential attacks from mainland China.

David Helvey, US principal deputy assistant secretary of defence for Asian and Pacific security affairs, told a conference in Annapolis, Maryland on Monday that the self-ruled island “must have resources to modernise its military and provide the critical materiel, manning and training needed to deter, or if necessary defeat, a cross-strait invasion”.

Helvey said “Taiwan’s current efforts will falter” unless its defence budgets keep growing, according to a transcript of his remarks released by the US-Taiwan Defence Industry Conference on Tuesday.

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Updates -- October 31, 2018

Taiwan seeks more advanced weapons from US at defence industry conference -- SCMP

US, Taiwan military ties closer than ever as Donald Trump challenges Beijing -- Lawrence Chung, SCMP

US reassures Taiwan on security as China increases threats -- Al Jazeera

U.S. Navy chief says U.S, China to 'meet more and more on high seas' -- Reuters

US Defense Secretary Mattis: Khashoggi killing, support for Saudis in Yemen are 'separate' issues -- The Hill

Mattis: No diplomatic solution on Russia arms treaty yet -- The Hill

Rearming Europe: US Air Force receives largest ordnance shipment in decades -- Air Force Times

BAE lands $72M award to support Navy air traffic control -- UPI

First digital air connection established between F-35, U.S. Navy vessel -- UPI

Boeing to deliver Harpoon missile to Navy, multiple countries -- UPI

The Corps wants to cut tedious annual training in order to focus on lethality -- Marine Times

For Once, The Army Is Getting The Marine Corps’ Old Crap -- Task & Purpose

US Army’s modernization efforts foster boom in US-foreign partnerships -- Defense News

U.S., Japan start biennial Keen Sword military exercise -- UPI

Cuban crisis 2.0? Moscow eyes military bases in Cuba after US INF pullout -- RT

Serial production of Russia's ICBMs Sarmat to begin in 2021 — source -- TASS

Russia Sets Up Commission to Investigate Admiral Kuznetsov Incident -- Sputnik

Russia's strategic bombers on mission over Barents, Norwegian seas -- TASS

India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-I Ballistic Missile - Reports -- Sputnik

Russia inked S-400 deal with India in rubles, says deputy PM -- TASS

Israeli company to outfit Indian Navy, Army after $1.3 billion in defense deals -- Defense News

Report: How the West’s Research Aids China’s Military -- National Interest

Chinese troops in Hong Kong and Macau ‘will join more overseas war games’ -- SCMP

Lockheed nabs $366M award for South Korean navy weapons system -- UPI

Turkey Starts Development of Long-Range Air Defense System - Erdogan -- Sputnik

U.K. boosts military spending on cyber security, nuclear submarine builds -- UPI

RAF Typhoon fighters scrambled to escort Russian bombers -- TASS

Just One Third of Germany's New Weapons Hardware Combat Ready – Defense Ministry -- Sputnik

Venezuela Names New Spy Chief After Uproar Over Politician's Death -- VOA

Venezuela a threat to regional stability, security: senior U.S. official -- Reuters

Brazil’s Military Is Not the Problem -- Foreign Policy

Canada to accept bids for new fighter jet in May — here are the potential competitors -- Defense News

China Expands Its Footprint In Antarctica

China's Zhongshan station in Antarctica is a polar research and exploration facility. Photo: Xinhua

Asia Times: China plans airstrip near one of five bases in Antarctica

Chinese keen to boost logistical support to its bases near the South Pole; a fifth base is due to be finished in 2022

A group of Chinese scientists and engineers is set to embark on a trek to the bottom of the world aboard the Xuelong, an icebreaking research vessel, early next month to kickstart the nation’s 35th Antarctic exploration mission.

They plan to conduct a survey and likely lay the foundation for a permanent airstrip atop a polar ice sheet some 28 kilometers from the nation’s Zhongshan polar research and exploration station in the Larsemann Hills by Prydz Bay in East Antarctica.

Chinese papers said one of the major technical hurdles was site selection, and Chinese geologists spent a year monitoring ice sheet dynamics on a number of possible locations on major glacial bodies near the Zhongshan station.

The meteorological team has also installed automatic weather stations to collect data.

Read more ....

Update: China to begin building first permanent airfield in Antarctica (SCMP)

WNU Editor: Questions are being raised on what are China's long term goals in the Antarctic .... What’s China up to in Antarctica? (Claire Young, The Strategist).

Russian Defense Official Threatens To 'Shoot Down' U.S. Spy Planes Over Syria

US P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane

Zero Hedge: Russia "Ready To Shoot Down" U.S. Spy Plane Behind Attacks On Airbase, Says Defense Official

A Russian defense official has doubled down on prior claims that the United States was behind a prior massive drone attack against Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia (alternately Hmeimim), which has further come under sporadic waves of attack by small armed drones which have appeared increasingly sophisticated.

Vladimir Shamanov, head of the lower parliamentary house's defense committee and a former airborne troops commander, warned, according to a translation of his Tuesday statement by Russian Market:

In case of another U.S. drone attack on Russian Military Base in Syria, Russia is ready to shoot-down that plane.

Read more ....

Previous Post: Russian Deputy Defense Minister Claims Rebel Drone Attack On Russian Base In Syria Was Directed By A US Boeing Poseidon-8 Reconnaissance Plane (October 25, 2018).

WNU Editor: I would take this threat very seriously.

As Millions Flee Venezuela, Latin American Meet To Coordinate Their Response To This Crisis

People wait in line overnight to apply for passports at the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration, and Foreigners in Caracas. Photographer: Manaure Quintero/Bloomberg

Bloomberg: Latin America in Fresh Crisis Talks as Millions Flee Venezuela

Latin American governments will meet Wednesday to coordinate their response to region’s largest-ever migration crisis as Venezuela’s economic collapse causes millions to flee.

Regional governments including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, met in Quito in September, where they pledged to help arrivals get permanent residence.

Speaking in Bogota on Tuesday, Colombia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Trujillo reiterated his government’s opposition to military intervention to overthrow the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. About 1 million Venezuelans are living in Colombia, according to a report last month by Human Rights Watch.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: With the exception of  Venezuela and Bolivia, every major government in South America is now in sync with the Trump administration's view that Venezuela is the region's number one crisis.

More News On The Crisis In Venezuela

Colombia denies it’s plotting with Brazil’s new president to invade Venezuela -- Miami Herald
Venezuela a threat to regional stability, security: senior U.S. official -- Reuters
'Venezuela poses clear threat' – Fresh comments could refuel Trump military action talks -- Express
Pompeo discusses Venezuela, economic ties in call with Brazil's Bolsonaro -- Reuters
Venezuela names new spy chief after uproar over prisoner death -- Euronews/Reuters
Warnings of attack on Venezuelan opposition leader came days before beating -- Miami Herald
Ecuador Extends State of Emergency Over Influx of Venezuela Migrants - Reports -- Sputnik
Russia Sends Team to Venezuela to Help Draft Rescue Plan -- Bloomberg
Maduro banks on Russia’s support to bolster Venezuela’s economic independence -- TASS
Colombian rebels blamed for killing spree 400 miles inside Venezuela -- The Guardian
Venezuela’s Hard-Partying Beaches Are Now Deserted and Filthy -- Bloomberg

Things That You Will Never See On The Main Stream Media

@RealJamesWoods I wanted you to see the President tonight at UPMC in Pittsburgh visiting the survivors of the shooting as the nurses and Dr’s were waiting to see him. pic.twitter.com/LdbeHz9pti

— Sheryl Mascio (@sheryl_mascio) October 31, 2018

9/11 Convicted Terrorist Released By Germany And Now Living In Morocco Is Being Treated As A Hero

Photo: Out of jail: Mounir el-Motassadeq in Marrakesh

Daily Mail: 9/11 terrorist back on the streets... and treated like a hero: Freed early from his cell, the twisted money man behind attack that killed 2,996 is mobbed by well-wishers back home in insult to those who died

* Mounir el-Motassadeq is living in a suburb of Marrakesh after his prison release
* 44-year-old served less than 15 years for being the 'treasurer' for 9/11 hijackers
* He was seen being greeted by well-wishers as he returned from his local mosque

One of only two men to be jailed over the 9/11 terror attacks is back in his home country as a free man – where he is being given a hero's welcome.

The Daily Mail tracked down Mounir el-Motassadeq to a suburb of Marrakesh where he is now living in the family home with his wife and children.

In the first sighting of him since he was deported from Germany following his early release from prison, he was seen being greeted by well-wishers as he returned from prayers at his local mosque.

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WNU Editor: For being an accessory to the murder of 2,9770 people, Mounir el-Motassadeq is clearly enjoying his freedom and attention. The fact that people are traveling to meet him also tells me that he has become a rallying call for extremists. The Germans should never have released him. They should have deported him to the U.S. to face trial.

Has President Trump Already Been Subpoenaed By The Mueller Special Counsel?

Then FBI Director Robert Mueller testifies at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, U.S. on February 16, 2011. REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo

Politico: Has Mueller Subpoenaed the President?

A careful reading of court filings suggests the special counsel hasn't been quiet. Far from it.

These months before the midterm elections are tough ones for all of us Mueller-watchers. As we expected, he has gone quiet in deference to long-standing Justice Department policy that prosecutors should not take actions that might impact pending elections. Whatever he is doing, he is doing quietly and even farther from the public eye than usual.

But thanks to some careful reporting by Politico, we may have stumbled upon How Bob Mueller Is Spending His Mid-Terms: secretly litigating against President Trump for the right to throw him in the grand jury.

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WNU Editor: There is nothing but speculation in the above report. But six days before the mid term elections I predict we will be reading and hearing more stories on what Special Counsel Robert Mueller will be doing.

Images Of The Migrant Caravan Making Its Way To The U.S.

Images of the migrant caravan as it slowly advances through southern Mexico trying to reach the U.S. border. https://t.co/8QnOWTtb1D pic.twitter.com/rpoYe5ky1Y

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 30, 2018

WNU Editor: That is one big line.

Tweets For Today

.@AFPgraphics compares the total number of children born in the US to parents not born there, to the number of children born to unauthorized immigrants in the US pic.twitter.com/GcdhMmg3nT

— AFP news agency (@AFP) October 31, 2018

The 5,239 troops headed to the border is just the beginning https://t.co/wQm9B4LPCJ pic.twitter.com/LY6rlHsQCd

— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) October 30, 2018

China factory growth weakest in over two years, slump in export orders deepens https://t.co/QRyKzntuPf

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) October 31, 2018

#UPDATE In a statement US Secretary of State Pompeo calls for the “cessation of hostilities” in Yemen including missile and UAV strikes from Huthi-controlled areas into Saudi Arabia and the UAE https://t.co/0sGlYeZ3aT pic.twitter.com/qT2TTMYWxg

— AFP news agency (@AFP) October 31, 2018

Father of 'Jihadi Jack' asks Canada to help bring son home https://t.co/m3WFnzL9Ik

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) October 30, 2018

In today's Defense News Minute, Canada is eyeing a new frigate, and Britain is getting a defense budget boost. pic.twitter.com/64JL5KSDAp

— Defense News (@defense_news) October 30, 2018

Top U.S. General In The Middle East Defends The U.S. - Saudi Military Relationship

At an Aug. 30 briefing at the Pentagon, Army General Joseph Votel, Commander of U.S. Central Command shares his thoughts on his combatant command. (Photo Credit: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tim D. Godbee) VIEW ORIGINAL

Defense One: ‘Extraordinarily Important’: Top US General Defends Saudi Relationship, Yemen War

‘I think it is better if we are engaged,” CENTCOM commander Gen. Joseph Votel says in an interview.

The top U.S. general in charge of troops in the Middle East defended America’s ties to Saudi Arabia and said on Monday that military relations between Washington and the kingdom are not changing, as public outrage over the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and the war in Yemen recedes from recent headlines.

“There’s no change with any military relationship we have with Saudi Arabia. From the military perspective, I characterize the relationship as strong, deep, and I think a beneficial one for us. They have been a – they’re an extraordinarily important security partner in the region,” said Gen. Joseph Votel, the top commander of U.S. troops in the Middle East, told Defense One on Monday.

Read more ....

Update: Top U.S. General in the Middle East Stands by U.S.-Saudi Military Alliance (Haaretz/Reuters)

WNU Editor: The U.S. military is signaling that they have already moved pass the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashogg.

Picture Of The Day

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump place stones on a memorial to shooting victims as they stand with Tree of Life Synagogue Rabbi Jeffrey Myers outside the synagogue where a gunman killed 11 people and wounded six during a mass shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 30, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

WNU Editor: The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... Trump visits Pittsburgh after synagogue shooting (Reuters).

Yemen: U.S. Defence Secretary Mattis And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Are Calling For A Ceasefire And Peace Talks

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. Photo: Reuters

CNN: Mattis and Pompeo call for Yemen ceasefire 'within 30 days'

(CNN)Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on all participants in the Yemen civil war to agree to a ceasefire "in the next 30 days," a call that comes amid criticism of US support for the Saudi-led coalition in the conflict.

"Thirty days from now we want to see everybody around a peace table based on a ceasefire, based on a pullback from the border and then based on ceasing dropping of bombs that will permit the (UN) special envoy, Martin Griffiths -- he's very good, he knows what he's doing -- to get them together in Sweden and end this war," Mattis said at an event at the US Institute of Peace in Washington.

His call was later echoed by Pompeo, who issued a statement saying, "The United States calls on all parties to support UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen."

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WNU Editor: The Saudis are not interested in a ceasefire and peace talks. They are more interested in this .... Saudi-led coalition sends thousands of troops towards Hodeidah (Al Jazeera).

More News On U.S. Defence Secretary Mattis And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Calling For A Yemen Ceasefire And Peace Talks

Secretary of State Pompeo calls for end to fighting in Yemen -- Reuters
Amid increased pressure, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pushes for end to Yemen conflict -- USA Today
Yemen: US defence secretary calls for ceasefire and peace talks -- The Guardian
US defence chief demands Yemen ceasefire; peace talks in 30 days -- Al Jazeera
Mattis calls for ceasefire in Yemen within 30 days -- CBS
Pentagon Chief Calls For Ceasefire in Yemen -- Sputnik
US pushing Saudi Arabia to end GCC crisis, Yemen war: Bloomberg -- Al Jazeera

Pentagon Official: The U.S. Reversed Its Plan To Ban Cluster Bombs Last Year Because Of North Korea

A B-52 bomber drops cluster bombs over Afghanistan during the US invasion on October 7, 2001. Reuters/US Air Force file photo

Business Insider/Military.com: The US changed its mind about banning cluster bombs because of North Korea

The United States reversed its plan to ban cluster munitions last year and kept its dated stockpiles for one reason: North Korea, a top defense official said Friday.

"That policy change was driven by the North Korean situation," Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said.

"When we were going through our readiness exercise, we said, 'How do we prepare for North Korea?' And we looked at the munitions that are required and the munitions that were available," he said in response to questions during the annual Military Reporters & Editors conference outside Washington, DC.

Shanahan said developing a replacement for cluster bombs would take too long when faced with the North Korean threat, so the Pentagon looked to available capability.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Even if a peace treaty is signed with North Korea tomorrow, I have doubts that the U.S. will be willing to eliminate cluster munitions from its arsenal. Sadly .... there are just too many possible conflicts in the future where such a weapon may be necessary.