Monday, September 30, 2019
China Doubles Troop Deployment In Hong Kong. Prepares For A 'Worst-Case Scenario'
Reuters: China quietly doubles troop levels in Hong Kong, envoys say
There are now up to 12,000 Chinese troops in Hong Kong, diplomats tell Reuters. Among them: members of the People’s Armed Police, a paramilitary force that answers to Xi Jinping. If China moves to put down protests in the city, they will likely do the job.
Last month, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into this restive city. They came in on trucks and armored cars, by bus and by ship.
The state news agency Xinhua described the operation as a routine “rotation” of the low-key force China has kept in Hong Kong since the city’s handover from Britain in 1997. No mention was made of the anti-government protests that have been shaking the metropolis since June.
It was a plausible report: China has maintained a steady level of force in the territory for years, regularly swapping troops in and out. And days earlier, according to an audio recording obtained by Reuters, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had told local businesspeople that China had “absolutely no plan” to order the army to put down the demonstrations.
Read more ....
WNU editor: China is prepared for a worst case scenario in Hong Kong. And what is the worst case scenario? It is riots erupting throughout Hong Kong and a complete collapse of Hong Kong's security forces and police, and all of this happening tomorrow on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
More News On China Doubling Its Troop Deployment In Hong Kong
China Doubles Troop Presence in Hong Kong as Protests Turn Violent --US News and World Report
Chinese troop presence in Hong Kong doubled: report -- The Hill
Police warn of 'violent' attack in Hong Kong on key Chinese anniversary -- The Hill
China Doubles Troop Deployment In Hong Kong As It Braces For A "Worst-Case Scenario" -- Zero Hedge
U.S. President Nancy Pelosi?
Robert Atkins and Adam P. Frankel, Washington Times/Washington Post: President Pelosi? It could happen.
What happens when a Democratic speaker of the House - third in line to the presidency, according to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 - is suddenly thrust into the Oval Office, succeeding a Republican president and vice president who resign, embroiled in scandal?
Such a scenario is attracting attention - #PresidentPelosi was trending on social media after last week's announcement of an impeachment inquiry - even though it may seem far-fetched that President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence would be forced from office over abuse of power related to the administration's dealings with Ukraine or other misdeeds.
This was a more urgent question in the fall of 1973. On Oct. 10, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned, pleading nolo contendere to charges of tax evasion. Ten days later, President Richard Nixon ordered the firing of Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox in what is widely known as the Saturday Night Massacre. As hearings began in the Senate and the House on the nomination of Agnew's successor, Gerald Ford, questions swirled about the possibility that Democratic House Speaker Carl Albert, D-Okla., might assume the presidency.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: What is more likely is Nancy Pelosi losing her Speakership when Americans go to the polls next year than being in the Oval Office before November, 2020.
Trump Pressed Australian Leader to Help Barr Investigate Mueller Inquiry’s Origins
New York Times: Trump Pressed Australian Leader to Help Barr Investigate Mueller Inquiry’s Origins
WASHINGTON — President Trump pushed the Australian prime minister during a recent telephone call to help Attorney General William P. Barr gather information for a Justice Department inquiry that Mr. Trump hopes will discredit the Mueller investigation, according to two American officials with knowledge of the call.
The White House restricted access to the call’s transcript to a small group of the president’s aides, one of the officials said, an unusual decision that is similar to the handling of a July call with the Ukrainian president that is at the heart of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry into Mr. Trump. Like that call, the discussion with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia shows the extent to which Mr. Trump sees the attorney general as a critical partner in his goal to show that the Mueller investigation had corrupt and partisan origins, and the extent that Mr. Trump sees the Justice Department inquiry as a potential way to gain leverage over America’s closest allies.
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WNU editor: The media is trying to frame this as a scandal but it is not. First things first, a couple of sentences after claiming that this was President Trump abusing his power to advance his interests, the New York Times noted: “Mr. Barr requested that Mr. Trump speak to Mr. Morrison, one of the people said.” The New York times also said the following .... “The White House restricted access to the call’s transcript to a small group of the president’s aides … an unusual decision that is similar to the handling of a July call with the Ukrainian president that is at the heart of House Democrats’ impeachment inquiry into Mr. Trump”. But the New York Times' fails to acknowledge that former National Security Adviser Susan Rice recently said that the Obama administration was doing the same thing .... Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice Admits President Obama Put Transcripts On Top Secret Server Too (September 29, 2019). It is also common knowledge that AG Barr is overseeing an investigation into the origins of the 2016 Russia probe, and that the Australian Ambassador to London is involved. So why is it not unusual that this investigation would be discussed? The Australians are also saying there was no pressure exerted on them to help Attorney Barr, and in fact are pushing back on what the New York Times is claiming .... Barr asked Trump to reach out to other countries for Durham probe, official says; source pushes back on NYT reporting (FOX News). But I am going to leave the best to last. This New York Times story ignores a New York Times story that was published over two years ago on this very same topic on how the Australian Ambassador was used to get the Russia-Gate investigation going .... The New York Times Has A Different Take On How The Russia Probe Began (December 31, 2019). The New York Times was wrong then. And they are wrong now. Bottom line. Nothing that is reported in this New York Times’ report is remotely controversial.
Personal observation. For over two years this blog pointed out the inconsistencies of the Russia-Gate investigation, the Russian-collusion narrative, and why the Mueller Investigation was going to reveal nothing. And now the same people, politicians, and media outlets are doing the exact same thing on the Justice Department's quest to know the origins of the Russian-collusion hoax that paralyzed Washington for over two years, and the people who were responsible for it. IMHO the people reponsible must be held accountable, and I hope that President Trump goes to the end of the earth to do so. And as for those who are buying this new narrative from the media .... all that I can say is be very skeptical, remember that they deliberately lied to you when they covered Russia-Gate and the Mueller investigation that followed.
More News On Reports That President Trump Pressed Australian Leader to Help Barr Investigate Mueller Inquiry’s Origins
Trump sought Australia’s help on Russia probe origins -- AP
Trump pressed Australian Prime Minister to help with Justice review of Russia probe origins -- CNN
Barr personally asked foreign officials to aid inquiry into CIA, FBI activities in 2016 -- The Washington Post
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 30, 2019
Emily Feng, NPR: At 70, People's Republic Of China Faces Economic And Political Headwinds
Major streets have been cordoned off for hours at a time, leaving restaurant and bar customers stranded overnight. Bomb-sniffing dogs stand guard on busy corners. Teams of hawk-eyed retirees sporting red armbands patrol the sidewalks as part of volunteer neighborhood watch committees, ready to report the smallest sign of a challenge to public security.
Normally, Beijing is an oasis of calm during the annual Golden Week holiday that begins on Oct. 1. But this year is different. Not only is China preparing to celebrate an important milestone — the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's rule — but it is doing so at a particularly turbulent time of economic uncertainty and testing of its authority.
Read more ....
Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- September 30, 2019
Analysis: New challenges confront China's Communists at 70 -- Byken Moritsugu, AP
They were born at the start of Communist China. 70 years later, their country is unrecognizable -- Ben Westcott and Lily Lee, CNN
China at 70 must take on its greatest challenge yet – political reform and opening up -- David Shambaugh, SCMP
Xi’s historic power grab has cost China a great deal of stability -- Frederick Kempe, CNBC
Is defeat inevitable for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement? -- Simon Tisdall, The Guardian
North Korea Can’t Hide Its Population Problem -- Anthony Fensom, National Interest
Does a Trump Impeachment Mean the End of Negotiations with North Korea? -- Doug Bandow, National Interest
Duterte still waiting for China’s ballyhooed bonanza -- Richard Javad Heydarian, Asia Times
Suu Kyi and the generals drift apart in Myanmar -- Bertil Lintner, Asia Times
How Gulf geopolitics are turning Somalia into a theatre of the absurd -- The East African editorial
Saudi Arabia Considers the Consequences of a Strike on Iran -- Stratfor Worldview
Bluff or masterstroke? Johnson's Brexit riddle baffles his party -- William James and Kylie MacLellan, Reuters
Kurz Returns -- Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review
Austria's Election Shows Germany's Future -- Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg View
What's fuelling the protests in Haiti? -- Al Jazeera
World News Briefs -- September 30, 2019 (Evening Edition)
Nikkei Asian Review: Beijing on lockdown for China's 70th national day
Tight security puts squeeze on transport networks and businesses
BEIJING -- Security in the heart of China's capital is extremely tight ahead of the country's 70th National Day on Tuesday, with residents told to keep curtains shut and businesses facing disruptions.
The presence of security forces near Tiananmen Square -- the main venue for the celebrations -- and in subway stations appears even more pronounced than it was for the annual legislative meetings in March.
Tuesday's military parade will feature around 15,000 personnel and 580 pieces of hardware, including some of the country's most advanced weapons, planners said. Tenants in buildings along the parade route have been ordered not only to close their drapes but to avoid standing near windows or on balconies.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Iraqi PM says Israel is responsible for attacks on Iraqi militias: Al Jazeera.
Yemeni rebels show off captives, wrecked armoured vehicles after attack on Saudi-backed forces.
Houthis announce release of 350 prisoners: Al Masirah TV.
Saudi Arabia has sent messages to Iran's president: Iran government.
Iran releases photo of Khamenei with Hezbollah chief.
Saudi crown prince warns of escalation with Iran, prefers political solution.
Saudi King Salman's bodyguard shot dead by friend.
Syria demands withdrawal of all American, Turkish forces.
Turkey says its military downed unidentified drone on Syria border.
Lebanon: Protests over worsening economic crisis.
Netanyahu, Gantz trade blame over breakdown in Israel coalition talks.
ASIA
Hong Kong braces for 'violent attack' on sensitive Chinese anniversary: police.
Police battle protesters as they set streets ablaze in central Hong Kong. More than 100 arrested during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong rejects democracy rally on China's National Day.
Beijing on high alert ahead of October 1 national celebration.
Indonesia police fire tear gas as rallies over new laws turn violent.
Abdullah Abdullah claims victory in Afghanistan election. Confusion as Afghan election frontrunners each claim victory.
Voter turnout low in Afghanistan's presidential election.
Afghan protesters claim US strikes kill 5 civilians.
North Korea won't give up nuclear weapons: ex-Trump adviser Bolton.
North Korea to Trump: Make ‘bold decision’ to revive diplomacy. North Korea blames U.S. for failure to restart talks.
More than 100 dead after heavy rains, flooding in India.
AFRICA
Ten militants killed after Somalia attack: U.S. military.
Cameroon peace talks falter as separatists, politicians boycott.
Cameroon dialogue starts as Anglophone separatists pull out.
Algerian army chief: Won't back any leader in presidential polls.
Zambia proposed constitutional reforms stoke opposition.
Angola says funding cuts have hit its mine-clearing work.
Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah rearrested amid crackdown.
Sudan summons Egypt envoy over detained student as protesters rally.
Supercars seized from Equatorial Guinea President's son sold for almost $35 million at auction.
Mugabe, Zimbabwe's founding father, buried 3 weeks after death.
EUROPE
U.S. tightens sanctions on Putin ally linked to election tampering.
UK PM Johnson to reveal his final Brexit plan as early as Tuesday: Telegraph.
Britain's Boris Johnson won't quit, vows to 'get Brexit done'.
London refers British PM to watchdog over ties to U.S. businesswoman.
Austria's far-right loses ground as Sebastian Kurz wins landslide. Ousted chancellor Kurz wins Austrian election.
20,000 rally in Moscow for release of jailed protesters.
Chirac gets full military honours as France bids him farewell.
Deadly fires break out at overcrowded Greek migrant camp.
Neo-Nazi ‘terrorist cell’ on trial over alleged Berlin attack plot.
AMERICAS
Trump rages, McConnell says 'no choice' on Senate trial if House moves to impeach.
Trump lashes out at whistleblower and renews attack on House intelligence chair.
Trump claim on stalled aid for Ukraine draws new scrutiny.
GOP senators attack whistleblower's credibility.
Donald Trump says he 'deserves' to meet accuser who prompted impeachment probe.
Amid criticism, Colombia defends assertions that Venezuela's Maduro supports rebels.
Venezuela's Maduro says Trump merits 'a thousand impeachments'.
Haiti protests: Calls for President Jovenel Moise to resign.
In pictures: Indigenous Bolivians demand action over fires.
Hurricane Dorian death toll rises to 56; 600 missing.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
International Criminal Court puts Mali war crimes suspect to trial.
Islamic State claims attack on soldiers in northeast Nigeria.
Somali attacks hit EU military convoy, US base.
US strikes ISIS in Libya three times in eight days.
UN says night vision devices are being supplied to the Taliban in increasing numbers.
Iraq’s removal of counterterrorism chief sparks controversy.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Apple and Microsoft push Wall Street higher as trade worries abate.
On U.S. delisting threat, China says 'decoupling' would harm both sides.
Saudi prince warns of 'unimaginable' oil prices.
Boeing omitted safeguards on 737 Max that were used on military jet.
Volkswagen emissions scandal: mass lawsuit opens in Germany.
European Diplomatic Efforts With Iran Have Failed
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets with members of the Assembly of Experts in Tehran, Sept. 26, 2019. Khamenei.ir
Con Coughlin, Gatestone Institute: Rouhani Has Exposed the Futility of European Diplomacy
* The reality of the delusional approach adopted by Mr Macron and other European leaders was, though, brutally exposed the moment Mr Rouhani arrived in New York. Instead of showing any sign of seeking to repair Tehran's strained relationship with the West and its allies, he instead indulged in an orgy of self-justification in which he sought to portray his country as an innocent victim of Western aggression rather than accepting, as is really the case, that Iran was the primary instigator of the latest escalation in tensions.
* "The security of our region shall be provided when American troops pull out." — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, UN General Assembly, September 25, 2019.
* This will have made for uncomfortable listening for all those European leaders who still believe that the best way to resolve the global crisis with Iran is by trying to save the nuclear deal.
* The reality is that, so long as Tehran remains committed to its hostile stance towards the West, there is little prospect of having a constructive relationship with Iran.
The utter futility of European attempts to keep faith with the flawed Iranian nuclear deal has been brutally exposed in the wake of the uncompromising approach adopted by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during the United Nations General Assembly.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: You know your diplomatic efforts have failed when the other side does not care about your warnings on nuclear breaches .... Iran rejects European warning on nuclear deal breaches (Al-Monitor), and when the Supreme Leader says you are untrustworthy .... Iranian leaders call Europe untrustworthy and the US abhorrent (DW). More here .... Iran's supreme leader says it’s time to move on from Europe (Al-Monitor).
Russia Makes Its Presence Felt In The Middle East
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russia's President Vladimir Putin speak during a meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
Reuters: After Saudi attacks, Russia makes its regional presence felt
LONDON (Reuters) - In the two weeks since attacks blamed on missiles or drones shut down half of Saudi Arabia’s oil output, the country that has arguably moved most deftly to position itself for any upside is Russia.
Within hours of the attacks, Moscow’s state arms exporter said it would hold talks with countries in the Middle East on selling them new anti-drone weapons systems, muscling in on a market long dominated by the United States. [nR4N265016]
Next month, President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Saudi and the Gulf, a chance to deepen cooperation on energy and oil, drum up investment and promote Russia’s Pantsir group of anti-UAV weaponry, the arms systems the state export company will put on display at the Dubai Airshow in November.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: With impeachment dominating Washington right now, the U.S. will not be focused on the Middle East from now till after the 2020 elections. This is an golden opportunity for countries like Russia and China, and not surprisingly the Russians are taking advantage of it.
Kremlin Trolls The U.S.. Says Disclosure Of Trump-Putin Phone Calls Would Need Russian Consent
Kremlin.ru
Tina Nguyen, Vanity Fair: Russia “Would Like to Hope” White House Won’t Release Trump-Putin Calls
U.S.-Russia relations “are already troubled by a lot of problems,” said a Kremlin spokesperson rather ominously.
Within hours of Donald Trump releasing a rough readout of a call between him and Volodymyr Zelensky, in a ham-fisted attempt to prove he hadn’t extorted the Ukrainian president into investigating Hunter Biden, Republicans had begun privately fretting that they’d made a terrible mistake. “It puts the whole quid pro quo to bed, but trades it for several other issues,” one administration official told Axios of the readout. Among those issues: setting a precedent for the handling of calls between the president and other world leaders.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Before the transcript of President Trump's conversation with Ukrainian President Zelensky was made public, the U.S. sought and received permission from the Ukrainian President's office to disclose it. The U.S. did not need to seek this permission, but there are unwritten international protocols and understandings where conversations between leaders and diplomats are considered private, and that both parties must agree before releasing any transcript to the public. Even though it never happened to me when I worked as a diplomat, I know I would never release my notes on a conversation with a counterpart to the public unless we both agreed to its release. As to the Trump-Putin transcripts. President Trump could release these transcripts without President Putin's. But you can take to this bank .... it will be a long time before President Putin and the ones who will follow him will ever talk candidly to a U.S. President on the telephone.
More News On The Kremlin Saying That Disclosure Of Trump-Putin Phone Calls Would Need Russian Consent
Kremlin says it hopes US wouldn't release calls between Trump and Putin calls -- USA Today/AP
Kremlin says disclosure of Trump-Putin phone calls would need Russian consent -- Reuters
Russia tells U.S. not to release Trump-Putin meeting transcripts -- Japan Times/AFP
Kremlin says Russian consent needed to release Trump-Putin phone calls -- The Hill
Release of Trump-Putin transcripts needs Russian approval, Kremlin says -- The Guardian
CIA Whistleblower's Lawyer: '60 Minutes' Federal Protection Story Is False
NEWS ALERT: 60 Minutes completely misinterpreted contents of our letter, which is now published online at https://t.co/HjmBrEQLEi. Nor have we, as we stated earlier today, reached any agreement with Congress on contact with the whistleblower. Discussions remain ongoing. https://t.co/3XSwmtuRrn— Mark S. Zaid (@MarkSZaidEsq) September 30, 2019
Politico: Whistleblower's attorney says '60 Minutes' misinterpreted letter in federal protection report
An attorney for the whistleblower in the Trump-Ukraine scandal said Sunday that CBS’ “60 Minutes” had “completely misinterpreted” a document from his legal group, after the news outlet tweeted that the whistleblower was now under federal protection.
On Sunday night, CBS wrote on Twitter: “‘60 Minutes’ has obtained a letter that indicates the government whistleblower who set off the impeachment inquiry of President Trump is under federal protection because they fear for their safety.”
Two hours later, following significant reaction to the report, Attorney Mark Zaid responded: “NEWS ALERT: 60 Minutes completely misinterpreted contents of our letter, which is now published online.”
Read more ....
Update #1: Whistleblower attorney says '60 Minutes' 'misinterpreted' key letter -- FOX News
Update #2: CIA Whistleblower's Attorney: '60 Minutes' Federal Protection Story Is Fake News -- Zero Hedge
WNU Editor: Last night the main stream media carried the story that the Ukraine whistle-blower feared that his life was in danger, and that he needed federal protection .... Ukraine Whistle-Blower Now Under Federal Protection (September 29, 2019). Now the lawyer for this whistle-blower is saying that CBS and the other major networks made this all up. That they "completely misinterpreted" a legal document from his his legal group. Sighhh .... another example of Fake News.
U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley Sworn In As The New U.S. Chairman Of The Joints Chief of Staff
The Hill: Trump applauds Gen. Milley on becoming Joint Chiefs chairman
Army Gen. Mark Milley on Monday was sworn in as the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, becoming the highest ranking military officer in the United States at a time of turmoil both home and abroad.
Outgoing Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford administered the oath at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., in a ceremony attended by President Trump and a cadre of top administration officials, including Vice President Pence, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and all of the service secretaries and chiefs.
Read more ....
Update #1: Trump applauds Gen. Milley on becoming Joint Chiefs chairman (Military Times/AP)
Update #2: Watch: Trump attends welcome ceremony for Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley (CNBC)
WNU Editor: Learn something new everyday .... Trump says Gen. Joseph Dunford helped him make 2015 decision to run (Washington Times).
Iran's Top General Says Destroying Israel Is Now An 'Achievable Goal'
Commander of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said that the Islamic Republic has "prepared the capability" to remove the Israeli regime from the map of the world.
MEHR News Agency: Destroying Israeli regime 'an achievable goal', says IRGC cmdr.
“We have created the capability to destroy the fake Zionist regime, and this sinister regime should be removed from the map of the world; this is no longer an ideal nor dream but an achievable goal,” Major General Hossein Salami said on Monday in the 23rd nationwide IRGC commanders’ conference in Tehran
“Today, we are able to attack the enemy on any scale, with any intensity, precision, and area and our power is credible,” he added.
“Today, the enemy is more confused than ever; and we are not worried. The spirit of our resistance stems from wisdom, awareness, and resolve,” he said.
“Over time, the Islamic Revolution of Iran has expanded, conquering new spaces; and hostilities against it also grows more complex.”
Read more ....
More News On Iran's Top General Saying Destroying Israel Is Now An 'Achievable Goal'
Top Iran general says destroying Israel 'achievable goal' -- France 24
‘Iran has created necessary conditions for destruction of Zionist regime’ -- Tehran Times
Guards Top Commander Says Iran Has Prepared 'The Capability To Annihilate' Israel -- Radio Farda
IRGC Chief: Elimination of Israel Not a Dream -- Tasnim News Agency
Saudi Crown Prince Warns That War With Iran Would Collapse The World Economy And Oil Prices Will Reach 'Unimaginably High Numbers'
ABC News Online: Saudi Arabia's crown prince warns oil prices could spike to 'unimaginably high numbers' if Iran isn't stopped
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warns that oil prices could spike to "unimaginably high numbers" if the world does not come together to deter Iran, but says he prefers a political solution to a military one.
n an interview with America's 60 Minutes broadcast on Sunday, Prince Mohammed also said he agreed with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the September 14 attacks, which damaged the world's biggest petroleum-processing facility and knocked out more than 5 per cent of global oil supply, were an act of war by Iran.
The United States, European powers and Saudi Arabia have previously blamed the attacks on Iran, but Tehran has denied any involvement. Instead, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: 20% of the world's oil supplies travels through the Persian Gul. Any disruption will mean huge price increases and shortages, and a massive hit on the global economy. For developing nations who are dependent on energy supplies to grow and develop their econopmies, this will be a disaster.
More News On Saudi Crown Prince Salman's Warnings That War With Iran Would Collapse The World Economy
Saudi crown prince warns of 'Iran threat' to global oil -- BBC
Saudi Arabia's MBS: War with Iran would collapse global economy -- Al Jazeera
Oil will hit levels ‘we haven’t seen in our lifetimes’ if Iran isn’t stopped, Saudi crown prince says -- CNBC
Saudi crown prince warns of escalation with Iran, prefers political solution -- Reuters
Saudi prince warns of 'unimaginable' oil prices -- DW
Saudi prince warns regional war with Iran could lead to 'total collapse of global economy' -- The Telegraph
Saudi Crown Prince says he 'takes full responsibility' for the death of Jamal Khashoggi during interview with 60 Minutes but denies ordering journalist's murder, before laying into 'stupid' Iran for drone attack on his country's oil facilities -- Daily Mail
Saudi Arabia predicts huge spike in oil prices if no global action is taken ‘to deter Iran’ -- RT
Highlights from this week's Mohammad bin Salman interview on "60 Minutes" -- 60 Minutes (CBS)
Al-Shabab Suicide Bomber And Gunmen Attack US Drone Base In Somalia. European Convoy Also Attacked
Italian and Somali security forces guarding the scene of the attack on an Italian military convoy in Mogadishu. Photograph: Feisal Omar/Reuters
Daily Mail: Al-Shabab suicide bomber and gunmen attack US drone base in Somalia at the same time as Italian peacekeepers are ambushed in Mogadishu
* Suicide bomber in a car blew themselves up at gate to Belidogle military base
* Gun attackers then flooded inside but have been pushed back, officers claimed
* Meanwhile suicide bomber also attacked convoy of Italian troops in the capital
* Blast missed the soldiers but injured several Somali citizens nearby
Al-Shabaab jihadis have launched twin attacks on US and Italian troops in Somalia.
A suicide bomber in a car blew himself up at the gates to a US drone base at Belidogle, in the south of the country, on Monday before gunmen swarmed inside.
Meanwhile a suicide bomber attempted to blow up a convoy of European Union peacekeepers in the capital Mogadishu.
Read more ....
More News On Today's Al-Shabaab Attacks In Somalia
Extremists launch 2 attacks on military targets in Somalia -- ABC News/AP
Somali militants attack US drone base and European convoy -- The Guardian
US military base, Italian military convoy attacked in Somalia -- Al Jazeera
Somalia: Jihadists attack US Baledogle training base -- BBC
Somali attacks hit EU military convoy, US base -- DW
Car bomber hits US military base in Somalia -- The Hill
World News Briefs -- September 30, 2019
Daily Mail: 'It will cause a Civil War-like fracture from which our Country will never heal': Trump reposts evangelical pastor's tweets warning of the perils of impeachment and demands to meet his whistleblower 'accuser'
* Original comment was made by Pastor Robert Jeffress on Fox News Channel
* Jeffress appeared on the morning show Fox & Friends on Sunday
* Trump quoted Jeffress in a series of posts on Twitter late Sunday evening
* Jeffress is a pastor at the 13,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas
* Earlier on Sunday, Trump said he wanted to meet Ukraine scandal whistleblower
* Democrats launched official impeachment inquiry in Congress last week
* They accuse Trump of 'mafia-style shakedown' of Ukrainian leader
* Trump pressed President Volodymyr Zelensky to probe Joe Biden and his son
President Trump on Sunday tweeted a quote from a Baptist pastor who said that his removal from office would ‘cause a Civil War like fracture... from which our country will never heal.’
Trump’s tweet was quoting Pastor Robert Jeffress, who appeared early Sunday morning on the Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends show.
Jeffress, an evangelical who is a staunch supporter of the president, is the Southern Baptist pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas.
The church, whose congregation numbers 13,000, is considered one of the more influential in the American evangelical community.
‘Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats can’t put down the Impeachment match,’ Jeffress told Fox News.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Yemeni rebels show off captives, wrecked armoured vehicles after attack on Saudi-backed forces.
Houthis announce release of 350 prisoners: Al Masirah TV.
Iran releases photo of Khamenei with Hezbollah chief.
Saudi crown prince warns of escalation with Iran, prefers political solution.
Saudi King Salman's bodyguard shot dead by friend.
Syria demands withdrawal of all American, Turkish forces.
Turkey says its military downed unidentified drone on Syria border.
Lebanon: Protests over worsening economic crisis.
Netanyahu, Gantz trade blame over breakdown in Israel coalition talks.
ASIA
Abdullah Abdullah claims victory in Afghanistan election. Confusion as Afghan election frontrunners each claim victory.
Voter turnout low in Afghanistan's presidential election.
Afghan protesters claim US strikes kill 5 civilians.
Police battle protesters as they set streets ablaze in central Hong Kong. More than 100 arrested during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong rejects democracy rally on China's National Day.
Beijing on high alert ahead of October 1 national celebration.
North Korea to Trump: Make ‘bold decision’ to revive diplomacy.
More than 100 dead after heavy rains, flooding in India.
AFRICA
Cameroon dialogue starts as Anglophone separatists pull out.
Algerian army chief: Won't back any leader in presidential polls.
Zambia proposed constitutional reforms stoke opposition.
Angola says funding cuts have hit its mine-clearing work.
Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah rearrested amid crackdown.
Sudan summons Egypt envoy over detained student as protesters rally.
Supercars seized from Equatorial Guinea President's son sold for almost $35 million at auction.
Mugabe, Zimbabwe's founding father, buried 3 weeks after death.
EUROPE
Britain's Boris Johnson won't quit, vows to 'get Brexit done'.
London refers British PM to watchdog over ties to U.S. businesswoman.
Austria's far-right loses ground as Sebastian Kurz wins landslide. Ousted chancellor Kurz wins Austrian election.
20,000 rally in Moscow for release of jailed protesters.
Chirac gets full military honours as France bids him farewell.
Deadly fires break out at overcrowded Greek migrant camp.
Neo-Nazi ‘terrorist cell’ on trial over alleged Berlin attack plot.
AMERICAS
Trump lashes out at whistleblower and renews attack on House intelligence chair.
Trump claim on stalled aid for Ukraine draws new scrutiny.
GOP senators attack whistleblower's credibility.
Donald Trump says he 'deserves' to meet accuser who prompted impeachment probe.
Haiti protests: Calls for President Jovenel Moise to resign.
In pictures: Indigenous Bolivians demand action over fires.
Hurricane Dorian death toll rises to 56; 600 missing.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Somali attacks hit EU military convoy, US base.
US strikes ISIS in Libya three times in eight days.
UN says night vision devices are being supplied to the Taliban in increasing numbers.
Iraq’s removal of counterterrorism chief sparks controversy.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Saudi prince warns of 'unimaginable' oil prices.
Boeing omitted safeguards on 737 Max that were used on military jet.
Volkswagen emissions scandal: mass lawsuit opens in Germany.
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 30, 2019
Daily Mail: China prepares to show off its growing military strength and could reveal a nuclear-capable missile that could reach the US in 30 minutes in a parade to mark 70 years of Communist Party rule
* World braces for China's military parade which could feature a missile capable of carrying a nuclear payload
* The People's Liberation Army is the now world's biggest military with 2 million men and women in uniform
* Rehearsals are underway while ceremonies are taking place to mark 70th anniversary of the People's Republic
* The army is working on fighter planes, the first Chinese-built aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered submarines
China's military is preparing to hold a parade next week which will offer a rare look at its rapidly developing arsenal.
More than 15,000 troops and almost 600 pieces of military equipment are expected to feature in the parade, as well as 160 aircraft.
This could even include a missile that can carry a nuclear payload and can reach the United States in 30 minutes.
Read more ....
Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- September 30, 2019
Mass show of advanced military aircraft set for China’s National Day parade -- SCMP
Here, The New Weapons China Will Unveil At Tomorrow's Military Parade -- NDTV/AFP
China anniversary: Military parade brings out the big guns -- BBC
Chinese parade a glimpse into military ambitions -- AP
China set to join Arms Trade Treaty that Donald Trump threatened to abandon -- SCMP
Taiwan jails head of ship firm contracted to build navy minesweepers -- SCMP/AFP
Taiwan greets China's massive 70th anniversary celebrations with a collective shrug -- Japan Times/AFP
Taiwan looks to boost artillery forces to counter China -- Defense News
Proposed F-16 Sale to Taiwan Sparks Controversy -- National Defense
Troop deployment to Saudi Arabia raises worries of looming conflict -- Military Times
Pentagon chief: Delay in Ukraine military aid didn't affect US national security -- The Hill
US Air Force Command Temporarily Retreats From Qatar as Gulf Tensions Simmer -- Sputnik
Stealthy no more? A German radar vendor says it tracked the F-35 jet in 2018 — from a pony farm -- C4ISRNet
Months after release of new tech strategy, US Air Force is still deliberating a path forward -- Defense News
Pentagon orders 15 more KC-46A tankers -- Jane's 360
Lockheed receives first contract on $3B Sentinel A4 radar program -- UPI
Pentagon is developing the Air Force’s first drone-killing microwave weapon -- American Military News
Boeing awarded $280M contract for small diameter bomb integration -- UPI
The Army Wants to Bring AI to Its Next Generation Combat Vehicle -- National Interest
McCarthy officially becomes US Army secretary -- Defense News
Navy fires admiral because of ‘off-duty incident’ -- Navy Times
Former chief of Army communications at Mar-a-Lago gets probation for lying during child pornography investigation -- CNN
UK's cash-strapped military came close to running out of ammunition, withdrawing warships from the Gulf and grounding fighter jets as well as ditching some Nato commitments, new Defence Secretary reveals -- Daily Mail
'We're at war, but not like in the past': Britain's military chief Sir Nick Carter warns the UK is fighting cyber battles with foreign powers like Russia every day -- Daily Mail
Britain's Royal Air Force receives last Typhoon fighter on order from BAE -- UPI
Russian Army Gets First New T-90M Tanks -- Sputnik
Meet Russia's Kilo-Class Submarine (NATO Hates It) -- National Interest
Northrop Grumman nets $1.4B for Japan's next nine E-2D aircraft -- UPI
Nearly 100 countries have military drones, and it's changing the way the world prepares for war -- Business Insider
Is An American Cold Civil War Now Happening?
....If the Democrats are successful in removing the President from office (which they will never be), it will cause a Civil War like fracture in this Nation from which our Country will never heal.” Pastor Robert Jeffress, @FoxNews— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2019
WNU editor: On Friday a reader of this blog wanted my take on what a U.S. talk show host said on Friday .... that the U.S. is now in a Cold Civil War. That question struck me, and I have been thinking about it ever since. I am person who is fascinated with American history. Particularly it's Revolution, the Civil War, the Cold War, its historical relations with Russia/Soviet Union, and U.S. political history from President Reagan onward. But what is happening now is (from my knowledge) unprecedented in American history. The vitriolic hatred of President Trump from those who oppose him and who want him removed from office, and the passion of those who defend him, this blog has covered it all since President Trump was inaugurated. But after the Mueller Report failed to provide evidence of Russian collusion coupled with his disastrous testimony, I did sense a seismic shift in Washington taking place. The news coverage and punditry became darker, and the anger among Congressional Democrats intensified. Upon reflection I wonder if it was during this time that the gloves were taken off, and the priority was to make and execute a plan to remove President Trump from office, irregardless on what it takes. The event that made me think about that was when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that an impeachment inquiry was to take place. The fact that they want this all wrapped up in two months, and articles of impeachment to be voted on before Christmas (which will passed), also told me that the fix is already in, and we are just following a plan.
So what is next? The Democrats have crossed the Rubicon, and their intent on what they want to happen next is now crystal clear. And as for President Trump .... as the above tweet indicates .... is acknowledging this and he is responding. In the next few months this crisis is going to intensify. The Democrats and their never-Trumper allies have no interest in backing down. To them President Trump is illegitimate, and they will continue to double down until he is gone even though most Americans oppose what they want, which is the forcible removal of President Trump. On the opposite side there is going to be blow-back from President Trump's supporters, and they will double down in their defense of him. By December or early 2020 President Trump will be impeached along partisan lines, and the case will go to the US Senate where it will be dismissed. No one will be satisfied, and the anger and bitterness will continue but at a level not seen in decades.
So .... is an American "Cold" Civil War now happening? You tell me.
Satellite Photo Of US Carrier Surrounded By Chinese Warships Makes Rounds on Social Media
USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and some unidentified warships were seen sailing in the area north-east of Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on September 28. pic.twitter.com/eQNOBku8eV— Duan Dang (@duandang) September 28, 2019
Sputnik: Alleged Satellite Photo of US Carrier Surrounded by Chinese Warships Makes Rounds on Social Media
The US Navy regularly conducts so-called freedom of navigation operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, currently mostly controlled by Beijing. The latter condemns such actions as "provocations" and frequently calls on Washington to cease carrying them out.
A Chinese Weibo social media user with the handle @zhezhongzhihuizhang published a satellite image allegedly showing American aircraft carrier the USS Ronald Reagan surrounded by at least seven other, purportedly Chinese, warships on 24 September. The image, which later spread to other social media platforms, also suggested that the USS Ronald Reagan was alone when it was allegedly surrounded northeast of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, although aircraft carriers are usually accompanied by other warships.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The U.S. Navy would never permit a number of foreign warships to approach a U.S. aircraft carrier.
Tweets For Today
China anniversary: Military parade brings out the big guns https://t.co/I6yzUhDVez— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) September 29, 2019
North Korea to Trump: Make ‘bold decision’ to revive diplomacy https://t.co/sy0NkzygQH pic.twitter.com/7GUU3GXYR4— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) September 29, 2019
Taiwan shrugs as communist China hails 70th anniversary of People's Republichttps://t.co/jXHm3Xq0yZ pic.twitter.com/xLEOvFDuaL— AFP news agency (@AFP) September 30, 2019
Brazil's aircraft carrier "São Paulo" to be auctioned off after years of disappointment:https://t.co/40039c1E36— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) September 27, 2019
A lot of people seem to think that American units would somehow magically perform better than this, in this situation. Start hitting a log unit with ATGMs at range and watch them burn. The US has never faced a real ATGM threat, and our tactics aren’t adjusted to the threat. https://t.co/14lNCwWzdn— SoldierOfTheSea(Ret.) (@AnonymousSooner) September 30, 2019
ICYMI: Thousands of notes are cleaned out of Jerusalem's Western Wall pic.twitter.com/addQrjh9lX— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) September 30, 2019
NATO Rejects Russian President Putin’s Missile Moratorium Offer For Europe
Image via US Department of Defense/Defense One
Moscow Times: NATO Rejects Putin’s Missile Moratorium Offer
NATO has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calls to suspend deployment of missiles in Europe that were banned under a recently abandoned U.S.-Russian nuclear pact.
The Kommersant business daily reported and the Kremlin confirmed Putin’s offer, which came amid concerns that Russia and the U.S. are headed toward an arms race after Washington exited the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) pact last month. The INF pact’s demise means both Washington and Moscow are legally free to develop and deploy ground-launched nuclear and conventional ballistic and cruise missiles.
Read more ....
Update #1: NATO denies Russia request to bar missiles in Europe (UPI)
Update #2: NATO Rejects Putin's Request To Ban Missile Deployments In Europe (Zero Hedge)
WNU Editor: Laying the groundwork for the next arms race.
Picture Of The Day
Young Iranian skateboarders in Nahjolbalaghe Park, Tehran. Masoud Soheili/Business Insider
WNU Editor: The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... Abandoned markets and empty cinemas: 11 photos show how ordinary people are being hit by Trump's sanctions on Iran, which are ramping up again (Business Insider). This photo-gallery illustrates how severe sanctions are impacting Iran.
Is President Trump's 'Maximum Pressure' Against Iran The Same Strategy FDR Used On Japan Before Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbour. Wikipedia
Jacob G. Hornberger, The Future of Freedom Foundation: Trump, FDR, and War
President Trump’s campaign of “maximum pressure” against Iran reminds me of President Franklin Roosevelt’s similar campaign against Japan prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
After England declared war on Germany, owing to the latter’s invasion of Poland, the American people were overwhelmingly opposed to entry into the war. That was because they recognized that U.S. interventionism into World War I, which cost the lives and limbs of tens of thousands of American soldiers and severely infringed on the liberty of the American people, had accomplished nothing.
Americans had no interest in doing it again. Their mindsets were similar to those of our American ancestors, whose founding foreign policy was to avoid involvement in Europe’s forever wars.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: There were many other reasons why Japan declared war against the U.S., sanctions was one of them. But Iran is not what Japan was before Pearl Harbour.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
China Leaks Video Of A New Type Of Supersonic Cruise Missile
A video released by China’s military appeared to show the launch of a new type of supersonic cruise missile. Photo: PLA Rocket Force
SCMP: Did China just accidentally show off its new supersonic cruise missile?
* Mystery weapon is seen in video released by PLA Rocket Force as part of 70th anniversary celebrations only to disappear from edited version
* Missile’s design unlike any other in military’s arsenal, experts say
China’s military on Wednesday published a video containing a clip of what appeared to be the launch of a new type of supersonic cruise missile, only to withdraw the film and replace it with a version with that scene trimmed out.
The original footage, which ran for just over a minute, was released on social media by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force as part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which falls on Tuesday.
The film contained a two-second clip in which an unidentified missile with an unusual design is seen being fired from a launcher truck. However, in the later version, the scene is replaced with footage of two separate missile launches in a desert setting.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: This was no accident. This leak was done deliberately.
China Leaks Video Of A New Type Of Supersonic Cruise Missile
China Leaks Video Of Mysterious Ground-Launched Missile -- Warzone/The Drive
Videos: China May Have Accidentally Revealed Its New Supersonic Cruise Missile Online -- Sputnik
China May Have Accidentally Revealed New Supersonic Cruise Missile In Now-Deleted Footage -- Zero Hedge
Saudi Arabia Releases Camera Footage Showing The Exact Moments Aramco Was Hit By Drones And Cruise Missiles
#FLASH: Camera footage showing the exact moments Aramco was hit by drones and cruise missiles. pic.twitter.com/WZvaXLDJO2— Global: MilitaryInfo (@Global_Mil_Info) September 30, 2019
WNU Editor: Considering the importance of this facility, there must be a lot of security cameras watching everything. My prediction .... this is going to be the first of many videos released by Saudi Arabia to prove their case that Iran was responsible for this attack.
Ukraine Whistle-Blower Now Under Federal Protection
Axios: Whistleblower in federal protection over safety fears, letter shows
The intelligence whistleblower whose complaint on the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine triggered an impeachment inquiry into the president is under federal protection because they fear for their safety, "60 Minutes" first reported.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Timed with its coverage of the impeachment inquiry, "60 Minutes" has obtained a letter that indicates the Ukraine whistle-blower who set off the impeachment inquiry of President Trump is under federal protection .... The impeachment inquiry: "We could not ignore what the president did." (60 Minutes).
The New York Times already knows who this CIA official is, and I am sure that they are not the only one. IMHO it is only a matter of time before his name becomes public. As to this whistle-blower's demand to remain anonymous, I just do not see how this is possible. His actions have resulted in an impeachment inquiry with a Democrat Congress that has been determined to impeach President Trump since he was inaugurated. This CIA officer's complaint also has errors, so he has to address it when he testifies, and he has to implicate others for giving him the information that he used in his complaint. Something that I am sure these people are not going to be happy with. Bottom line, his career is over, and everything about him .... from his personal history to his political leanings .... is going to be in the public domain very soon. Being under Federal Protection is going to be the least of his worries. On a side note .... I am sure this CIA official expected all of this. Everything has been presented in a thoughtful and timely manner, even his request for federal protection. He had a plan, and he is executing it right now.
Update: There two former whistle-blowers also believe that this CIA official's complaint was done in a deliberate and thoughtful manner with a plan in place (What Past Whistle-Blowers Think of the Trump-Ukraine Complaint, Wired). ....
.... Both Kiriakou and Drake stressed that whistle-blowers are rare, and that whoever filed the complaint against Trump likely took what they were doing incredibly seriously—including the possibility that they would become a political target. Drake points to how the whistle-blower took care to note that their complaint was unclassified, and that if it were to be classified retroactively, "it is incumbent on the classifying authority to explain why such a marking was applied." In other words, the person who wrote the complaint knew the White House or another authority might try to keep it secret. "That complaint is stunning in its detail," says Drake. "[The whistle-blower] would be well aware of what the risks were, there is no question he or she knew what the risks were."
"Do you remain silent or do you risk it all?” asks Kiriakou. “If you believe in your heart you’re right, you risk it all.”