southfront--2020-07-23--Growing Crescent Of Political And Economic Instability In South America

If the first decade of the new millennium was claimed by a new generation of national liberation leaders across South America and resulted in the ‘ second independence ’ of many countries , the second decade belonged to the forces of international capital and their local collaborators who reconquered almost all of the lost territory utilizing a combination of old-fashioned military coups and new ‘ fifth generation ’ regime change methods spearheaded by the US .
Of the almost a dozen countries whose leadership had committed themselves to the path of national independence from the political and economic dominance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( starting with Hugo Chavez in Venezuela ) and 2008 , only two remain ; Venezuela and Nicaragua ( and Cuba of course , which the US still has not been able to subdue despite 60 years of economic blockade and countless coup and assassination attempts against its leadership ) .
The resilience of these countries in the face of the incessant hybrid warfare regime change plots spearheaded by the US lies in their hard earned experience in dealing with such strategies and the commitment of the armed forces as a block and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the revolutionary cause and national independence from US domination .
In the case of Venezuela , Hugo Chavez had been a career military officer .
Even so , he barely survived a US backed coup attempt in 2002 , after which he made good use of the experience gained to counter the many subsequent regime change plots , acts of sabotage and unilateral punitive measures imposed by the US .
In the case of Nicaragua , the political leadership had learned all of the tricks in the US ’ sabotage and regime change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the overthrow in 1979 of the US-backed Somoza dictatorship which had ruled the country for decades , and also can count on the support of the armed forces in their efforts to preserve the country ’ s independence and resist hostile external attacks acting in tandem with local collaborators or dupes .
( See , in particular , Preparations for the Final Phase of Regime Change in Venezuela ) The other countries which had embarked to greater or lesser degree on projects to increase national independence and capacity and reduce inequality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Honduras , Bolivia and Ecuador , in the end proved to be easy prey for reconquest as their political leadership did not anticipate the full extent of the power , resources and ruthlessness of their external enemies and the domestic collaborators acting in tandem with them ( including within the military , the police , the judiciary , the political opposition , the media , as well as ensconced within many other key State and private sector institutions ) .
In the case of Argentina , the changeover from ‘ national liberation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred in what could reasonably be described as an open political and democratic process when Mauricio Macri won the presidential election in 2015 .
While Mexico and Argentina have elected presidents in the last two years who have pledged to adopt a more independent course and favour programs for poverty reduction and the elaboration of national economic and social development strategies , as well as adopting independent foreign policies that at times clash with those of the US , their objectives and policies are much more mild than those adopted in many countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new millennium .
Even so , there are indications that plans are being laid by their opponents to instigate coup attempts at the first opportune moment .
LINK In Mexico , the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador faces the additional challenge of governing in the midst of rampant organized crime and wars between the major cartels which developed over the previous two decades .
( Mexican cartel CJNG releases statement saying state cartel is behind killings in some provinces , Mexico the evolution of the drug wars and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Colombia , which along with Chile remained firmly committed to its bilateral relationship with the US throughout the period of change that took place in many other countries in the region , exemplifies how the alignment has become entrenched over time .
According to successive US and Colombian governments since at least the 1960s , the purpose of the military alliance is to protect democracy , human rights and free markets in Colombia as well as throughout the Western hemisphere .
According to critics , the alliance serves to advance US economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and locks Colombia into strategic subordination to the US , in return for which the US supports Colombian economic and political elites against all threats and substantive criticism .
An essay in the Historic Commission , established jointly by the FARC-EP and the Colombian Government during the peace negotiations in Havana , Cuba , states of the bilateral relationship : When one analyses the causes of the social and armed conflict in Colombia , the factors and interests that have prolonged the conflict , and the impacts it has had on the civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States is not simply a minor external influence but has been a direct participant in the conflict due to its prolonged involvement during much of the twentieth century .
Public awareness of the participation of the United States has been deliberately minimized by its covert nature ; in accordance with this strategy , many of its activities in Colombia have been “ planned and executed in such a manner that they can be hidden , or at least enabling plausible deniability of responsibility for such actions.
” These activities are conducted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood as a in which the national interests of Colombia have been placed at the service of a third party ( the United States ) , which is perceived as being endowed with political , economic , cultural and moral superiority .
It is an unequal and asymmetrical relationship that has assumed a character , as the very existence of the Colombian republic is thought to be inextricably linked to its condition of subordination to the United States , due to which it is more appropriate to speak of a rather than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the relationship of subordination : “ the most efficient way to guarantee our national sovereignty is to maintain ourselves as a dedicated ally under the protective umbrella of the United States.
” The association of imperialist dependency with national sovereignty is indicative of the contradictory reasoning and logic of its supporters .
Understood as “ subordination by invitation ” , the relations between the United States and Colombia require an examination of the active role of the people in power that have maintained the condition of dependency , particularly given the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the national elites for more than one hundred years , for whom the subordination has produced economic and political benefits.
” These benefits are administered through practices of patronage that permeate all of the political and social institutions and structures in Colombia .
The utilization of patronage through international networks and relations is readily apparent in all sectors of the State , the Army and the Police , for whom the foreign support and the military budget are private bounties that confer them power and privilege , creating a that is considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the essay is available HERE .
While in Colombia there are occasional investigative reports in some of the flagship periodicals ( in particular and ) of very high quality that question or criticize some aspect of the prevailing economic and political conditions ( for example , the massacres perpetrated against communities around the Cerro Matoso ferro-nickel mining and smelting complex , or extensive corruption and abuses of power within the Colombian military ) , as a whole the corporate mass media narrative conforms entirely with the situation described above ( led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Caracol , which are the dominant if not only source of information for around 70-80 % of Colombians ) .
( See , for example , The multinationals among the untouchables of the Colombian conflict ) Although the mass mobilizations of previous years were brought to an abrupt halt by the pandemic in both Chile and Colombia , the non-Establishment political opposition has grown steadily in size and organization over the last few years .
This was clearly demonstrated in Colombia by the 2019 provincial-municipal elections when opposition figures won convincingly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and provinces .
( Colombia results and trends from the territorial elections ) In the presidential election held the previous year , a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group ( Gustavo Petro ) won over 40 % of the vote in the run-off vote , a result that would have been unthinkable 5 or 10 years ago .
Such emerging trends were also apparent in the responses to the news of the US troop deployment to Colombia last month .
Senator Iván Cepeda maintained that the US intervention represents an attack on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the troubled peace process , and moreover brings with it the threat of involving Colombia in an international war .
Cepeda stated : The Cumbre Agraria , Campesina , Etnica y Popular ( Agrarian , Farmers , Ethnic and Popular Summit ) , one of the main protagonists in the national strikes and blockades that have brought the country to a halt on numerous occasions over the last few years , also condemned the planned deployment : In Bolivia and Ecuador , the mass protests of last year were also squelched by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ transitory ’ coup regime in Bolivia and the ruling party in Ecuador to preserve their grip on power , officials are moving to prohibit the political parties of Evo Morales and Rafael Correa from participating in forthcoming elections .
In Bolivia , a recent report has suggested that forces behind the current regime are also preparing a wave of violent mob actions that will be attributed to MAS to justify the measure .
LINK While trenchant Venezuela critics ( basically the entire corporate mass media complex ) will disagree , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest traditional political parties in that country can be distinguished , as the political parties themselves were left intact and only leaders who announced they would boycott all elections ( unless Preident Maduro resigns and transfers all power to them ) , and who joined the repeated attempts to incite the military to instigate a coup with US-backing , have been prohibited from participating in the forthcoming legislative elections .
In Brazil , it appears that President Jair Bolsonaro has survived the mounting calls for impeachment that threatened his presidency over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible explanations .
After alienating them during the first years of his presidency , maybe he has decided to offer political and administration posts and resources to enough factions in the National Assembly to assure their support against an impeachment process .
Maybe those political factions have decided to postpone an impeachment process in accordance with their own calculations , given the instability this could cause .
Or , maybe they were ‘ persuaded ’ not to instigate impeachment proceedings by the military .
A recent report suggests that a three-pronged pincer movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideologically motivated forces from within the military , the police and local militias throughout the country .
It is unclear whether they intend to launch a pre-emptive strike against their political opponents , or whether the measure is intended as a precautionary measure against possible loss of power whether through the electoral process or social rebellion .
( Brazil are extreme right-wing elements stealthily preparing an extermination of their opponents , Recent political developments – pressure continues to build against Bolsonaro ) MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Preparations for the Final Phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Supreme Court opens another criminal investigation against former president Alvaro Uribe

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If the first decade of the new millennium was claimed by a new generation of national liberation leaders across South America and resulted in the ‘second independence’ of many countries, the second decade belonged to the forces of international capital and their local collaborators who reconquered almost all of the lost territory utilizing a combination of old-fashioned military coups and new ‘fifth generation’ regime change methods spearheaded by the US.
Of the almost a dozen countries whose leadership had committed themselves to the path of national independence from the political and economic dominance of the US and international capital between 1998 (starting with Hugo Chavez in Venezuela) and 2008, only two remain; Venezuela and Nicaragua (and Cuba of course, which the US still has not been able to subdue despite 60 years of economic blockade and countless coup and assassination attempts against its leadership).
The resilience of these countries in the face of the incessant hybrid warfare regime change plots spearheaded by the US lies in their hard earned experience in dealing with such strategies and the commitment of the armed forces as a block and a large majority of the people to the revolutionary cause and national independence from US domination. In the case of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez had been a career military officer. Even so, he barely survived a US backed coup attempt in 2002, after which he made good use of the experience gained to counter the many subsequent regime change plots, acts of sabotage and unilateral punitive measures imposed by the US.
In the case of Nicaragua, the political leadership had learned all of the tricks in the US’ sabotage and regime change text book during the 1980s and 1990s following the overthrow in 1979 of the US-backed Somoza dictatorship which had ruled the country for decades, and also can count on the support of the armed forces in their efforts to preserve the country’s independence and resist hostile external attacks acting in tandem with local collaborators or dupes. (See, in particular, Preparations for the Final Phase of Regime Change in Venezuela)
The other countries which had embarked to greater or lesser degree on projects to increase national independence and capacity and reduce inequality and poverty, including Brazil, Paraguay, Honduras, Bolivia and Ecuador, in the end proved to be easy prey for reconquest as their political leadership did not anticipate the full extent of the power, resources and ruthlessness of their external enemies and the domestic collaborators acting in tandem with them (including within the military, the police, the judiciary, the political opposition, the media, as well as ensconced within many other key State and private sector institutions). In the case of Argentina, the changeover from ‘national liberation’ to ‘US aligned’ political leadership occurred in what could reasonably be described as an open political and democratic process when Mauricio Macri won the presidential election in 2015.
While Mexico and Argentina have elected presidents in the last two years who have pledged to adopt a more independent course and favour programs for poverty reduction and the elaboration of national economic and social development strategies, as well as adopting independent foreign policies that at times clash with those of the US, their objectives and policies are much more mild than those adopted in many countries in the region during the first decade of the new millennium. Even so, there are indications that plans are being laid by their opponents to instigate coup attempts at the first opportune moment. LINK
In Mexico, the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador faces the additional challenge of governing in the midst of rampant organized crime and wars between the major cartels which developed over the previous two decades. (Mexican cartel CJNG releases statement saying state cartel is behind killings in some provinces, Mexico the evolution of the drug wars and the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion)
The case of Colombia, which along with Chile remained firmly committed to its bilateral relationship with the US throughout the period of change that took place in many other countries in the region, exemplifies how the alignment has become entrenched over time. According to successive US and Colombian governments since at least the 1960s, the purpose of the military alliance is to protect democracy, human rights and free markets in Colombia as well as throughout the Western hemisphere.
According to critics, the alliance serves to advance US economic political and military interests in the region and locks Colombia into strategic subordination to the US, in return for which the US supports Colombian economic and political elites against all threats and substantive criticism. An essay in the Historic Commission, established jointly by the FARC-EP and the Colombian Government during the peace negotiations in Havana, Cuba, states of the bilateral relationship:
When one analyses the causes of the social and armed conflict in Colombia, the factors and interests that have prolonged the conflict, and the impacts it has had on the civil population, it is apparent that the United States is not simply a minor external influence but has been a direct participant in the conflict due to its prolonged involvement during much of the twentieth century. Public awareness of the participation of the United States has been deliberately minimized by its covert nature; in accordance with this strategy, many of its activities in Colombia have been “planned and executed in such a manner that they can be hidden, or at least enabling plausible deniability of responsibility for such actions.” These activities are conducted in the context of a relationship of subordination, understood as a relationship of dependency in which the national interests of Colombia have been placed at the service of a third party (the United States), which is perceived as being endowed with political, economic, cultural and moral superiority. It is an unequal and asymmetrical relationship that has assumed a strategic character, as the very existence of the Colombian republic is thought to be inextricably linked to its condition of subordination to the United States, due to which it is more appropriate to speak of a strategic rather than a pragmatic subordination. According to one Colombian defender of the relationship of subordination: “the most efficient way to guarantee our national sovereignty is to maintain ourselves as a dedicated ally under the protective umbrella of the United States.” The association of imperialist dependency with national sovereignty is indicative of the contradictory reasoning and logic of its supporters. Understood as “subordination by invitation”, the relations between the United States and Colombia require an examination of the active role of the people in power that have maintained the condition of dependency, particularly given the fact that “there has been a pact between the national elites for more than one hundred years, for whom the subordination has produced economic and political benefits.” These benefits are administered through practices of patronage that permeate all of the political and social institutions and structures in Colombia. The utilization of patronage through international networks and relations is readily apparent in all sectors of the State, the Army and the Police, for whom the foreign support and the military budget are private bounties that confer them power and privilege, creating a military caste that is considered to be untouchable.
A full copy of the essay is available HERE.
While in Colombia there are occasional investigative reports in some of the flagship periodicals (in particular El Espectador and Semana) of very high quality that question or criticize some aspect of the prevailing economic and political conditions (for example, the massacres perpetrated against communities around the Cerro Matoso ferro-nickel mining and smelting complex, or extensive corruption and abuses of power within the Colombian military), as a whole the corporate mass media narrative conforms entirely with the situation described above (led by the two main television channels, RCN and Caracol, which are the dominant if not only source of information for around 70-80% of Colombians). (See, for example, The multinationals among the untouchables of the Colombian conflict)
Although the mass mobilizations of previous years were brought to an abrupt halt by the pandemic in both Chile and Colombia, the non-Establishment political opposition has grown steadily in size and organization over the last few years. This was clearly demonstrated in Colombia by the 2019 provincial-municipal elections when opposition figures won convincingly in most of Colombia’s largest cities and provinces. (Colombia results and trends from the territorial elections)
In the presidential election held the previous year, a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group (Gustavo Petro) won over 40% of the vote in the run-off vote, a result that would have been unthinkable 5 or 10 years ago.
Such emerging trends were also apparent in the responses to the news of the US troop deployment to Colombia last month. Senator Iván Cepeda maintained that the US intervention represents an attack on Colombia’s sovereignty as well as the troubled peace process, and moreover brings with it the threat of involving Colombia in an international war. Cepeda stated:
“If you want to fight drug trafficking, you should investigate the role of ‘Uribismo’ in the political arena, and military commanders’ relations with the Gulf Clan and the Envigado Office (described in the Operation Bastón report). For this, hundreds of US military personnel are not required, but rather that the Office of the Prosecutor General fulfil its duties and obligations…”
The Cumbre Agraria, Campesina, Etnica y Popular (Agrarian, Farmers, Ethnic and Popular Summit), one of the main protagonists in the national strikes and blockades that have brought the country to a halt on numerous occasions over the last few years, also condemned the planned deployment:
“As another example of the country’s surrender to foreign interests, the anti-national government of Iván Duque announces the arrival in Colombia of the SBAF Mission, a US military brigade for the alleged purpose of combatting drug trafficking. This decision is one more step in the direction of greater dependence of the Colombian armed forces on North American guidelines and a severe blow to our national independence. It also means greater involvement in the plans to attack the sister Republic of Venezuela, which have increased significantly in recent months.”
(Venezuela: US Maximum Pressure Continues, More Details Of Failed Mercenary Attack Revealed)
In Bolivia and Ecuador, the mass protests of last year were also squelched by the pandemic. In the latest move of the ‘transitory’ coup regime in Bolivia and the ruling party in Ecuador to preserve their grip on power, officials are moving to prohibit the political parties of Evo Morales and Rafael Correa from participating in forthcoming elections. In Bolivia, a recent report has suggested that forces behind the current regime are also preparing a wave of violent mob actions that will be attributed to MAS to justify the measure. LINK
While trenchant Venezuela critics (basically the entire corporate mass media complex) will disagree, the disqualification of the leadership of several of the largest traditional political parties in that country can be distinguished, as the political parties themselves were left intact and only leaders who announced they would boycott all elections (unless Preident Maduro resigns and transfers all power to them), and who joined the repeated attempts to incite the military to instigate a coup with US-backing, have been prohibited from participating in the forthcoming legislative elections.
In Brazil, it appears that President Jair Bolsonaro has survived the mounting calls for impeachment that threatened his presidency over the last few months. There are several possible explanations. After alienating them during the first years of his presidency, maybe he has decided to offer political and administration posts and resources to enough factions in the National Assembly to assure their support against an impeachment process. Maybe those political factions have decided to postpone an impeachment process in accordance with their own calculations, given the instability this could cause. Or, maybe they were ‘persuaded’ not to instigate impeachment proceedings by the military.
A recent report suggests that a three-pronged pincer movement is being formed comprising armed politically and ideologically motivated forces from within the military, the police and local militias throughout the country. It is unclear whether they intend to launch a pre-emptive strike against their political opponents, or whether the measure is intended as a precautionary measure against possible loss of power whether through the electoral process or social rebellion. (Brazil are extreme right-wing elements stealthily preparing an extermination of their opponents, Recent political developments – pressure continues to build against Bolsonaro)
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-07-23--New Russian Helicopter Designed To Support Special Operations Starts Test Flights

An advanced Mil Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter for Special Operations Forces has entered flight tests , Russian Helicopters Group ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) said on Wednesday .
According to the statement , the construction of the helicopters is proceeding according to schedule along with additional R & D work .
The national helicopter-building centre announced that it has already started conducting test flights .
Rostec Aviation Cluster Industrial Director Anatoly Serdyukov said that the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter had been technically designed taking into account the combat experience of employing helicopters in present-day armed conflicts .
“ The high-altitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rotor system , the expanded weapons suite , the enhanced protection and other specifics of the upgraded helicopter increase its combat capabilities and allow employing it for special operations in the most adverse conditions .
The first stage of the trials is due to be completed in November .
Eventually , two more helicopters of this type will join the flights.
” Russia ’ s Defence Ministry signed a contract with Russian Helicopters rotorcraft manufacturer at the Army-2019 international arms show for the delivery of ten of the latest Mi-8AMTSh-VN special-purpose helicopters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ during 2020-2021 .
The modified helicopters are based on the Mil Mi-8 airframe ( NATO reporting name : Hip ) , a medium twin-turbine helicopter which was originally designed by the Soviet Union .
In addition to its role as a transport helicopter , the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post , armed gunship , and reconnaissance platform .
LINK The new helicopter has been developed taking into account the experience gained during Russia ’ s combat operations in Syria .
The Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter has additional firepower provided by two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also outfitted with new flight control and navigation equipment , a gyro-stabilized opto-electronic system , a searchlight with an infrared emitter , dual-band lighting equipment and is adapted for using night vision goggles .
In order to increase its combat survivability , the Mi-8AMTSh-VN is outfitted with a digital autopilot system and a defensive aids suite that automatically detects missile launches against the helicopter , jams missile homing warheads and releases heat flares .
The crew ’ s cabin and the helicopter ’ s main systems are protected by an advanced armour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cargo compartment and the helicopter ’ s sides are shielded up to the windows with the removable lightweight Kevlar armour to provide additional protection for the crew .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia not concerned by US hypersonic weapons programs

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An advanced Mil Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter for Special Operations Forces has entered flight tests, Russian Helicopters Group (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) said on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the construction of the helicopters is proceeding according to schedule along with additional R&D work. The national helicopter-building centre announced that it has already started conducting test flights.
Rostec Aviation Cluster Industrial Director Anatoly Serdyukov said that the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter had been technically designed taking into account the combat experience of employing helicopters in present-day armed conflicts.
“The high-altitude engines of increased power, the new rotor system, the expanded weapons suite, the enhanced protection and other specifics of the upgraded helicopter increase its combat capabilities and allow employing it for special operations in the most adverse conditions. The first stage of the trials is due to be completed in November. Eventually, two more helicopters of this type will join the flights.”
Russia’s Defence Ministry signed a contract with Russian Helicopters rotorcraft manufacturer at the Army-2019 international arms show for the delivery of ten of the latest Mi-8AMTSh-VN special-purpose helicopters. The gunships are due to be delivered during 2020-2021.
The modified helicopters are based on the Mil Mi-8 airframe (NATO reporting name: Hip), a medium twin-turbine helicopter which was originally designed by the Soviet Union. In addition to its role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform. LINK
The new helicopter has been developed taking into account the experience gained during Russia’s combat operations in Syria. The Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter has additional firepower provided by two side-mounted 12.7mm forward-firing machine-guns. The helicopter is also outfitted with new flight control and navigation equipment, a gyro-stabilized opto-electronic system, a searchlight with an infrared emitter, dual-band lighting equipment and is adapted for using night vision goggles.
In order to increase its combat survivability, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN is outfitted with a digital autopilot system and a defensive aids suite that automatically detects missile launches against the helicopter, jams missile homing warheads and releases heat flares.
The crew’s cabin and the helicopter’s main systems are protected by an advanced armour made of titanium alloy. The floor of the cargo compartment and the helicopter’s sides are shielded up to the windows with the removable lightweight Kevlar armour to provide additional protection for the crew. LINK
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-07-23--At Least 40 Killed In Air Strikes In Afghanistan, Disagreements Continue To Paralyse Afghan Governme

At Least 40 Killed In Air Strikes In Afghanistan, Disagreements Continue To Paralyse Afghan Government

Airstrikes in the western Afghanistan province of Herat have killed at least 40 people , including civilians and Taliban , local officials said on Wednesday .
While there are conflicting reports concerning the incident , it appears that the air strikes targeted a gathering of Taliban leaders .
According to Ariana news agency , at least 40 Taliban militants were killed and 30 others were wounded after a gathering was targeted by an airstrike in Adraskan district of Herat province .
According to a provincial official cited by the agency , preliminary information indicated that key Taliban commanders including Abdullah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Zabihullah Akbari , Mullah Mohammad and Mullah Abdul Haq were among the dead .
LINK Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar , the governor of Adraskan District in the eastern Afghanistan province of Herat , was quoted in another media report saying at least eight civilians were among the dead and that at least forty-five people had been killed so far in airstrikes by security forces in the Kham Ziarat area .
It remains unclear how many of the remaining 37 were civilians and how many were members of the Taliban .
LINK Habib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guzara district , confirmed the incident and that 45 were killed and more injured .
Jailani Farhad , the spokesman for the Herat governor , told Anadolu Agency that at least six key Taliban commanders involved in major assaults in various districts of Herat were targeted in the air raid .
Farhad further claimed that the civilian casualties were caused by a landmine blast nearby .
Afghanistan ’ s Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
A spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan said they had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , it is not clear whether Afghan or foreign forces carried out the air raid .
The day before , local officials in Kandahar said that at least 36 Taliban insurgents were killed in an airstrike by the US forces in Khakriz district of the province .
According to media reports , clashes between the Afghan forces and Taliban in the region have left over 50 people dead on both sides .
LINK Sources in Baghlan said that a woman and a child were killed and eight others were injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dand Ghori .
Also over the last few days , clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces have moved closer to the approaches to Kabul city .
On Tuesday night in Surobi district of Kabul province , a group of Taliban attacked Afghan military checkpoints from three points on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway in the Mahipar area of Kabul ’ s Surobi district .
According to sources , the Red Crescent Taliban , who came from Kuh-e-Safi district , first closed the road and then launched the attack , which lasted 13 hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed and four others were wounded .
While violence continues to ravage the country , the Afghan government remains paralysed and it appears it will remain so for some time .
In the latest power play in Kabul , President Ashraf Ghani has rejected his power-sharing partner Abdullah Abdullah ’ s five proposed cabinet candidates , sources told Ariana News .
The nominees included Anwar al-Haq Ahadi nominated for the Ministry of Agriculture , Mustafa Mastour as Ministry of State for Peace , Noor Rahman Akhlaqi as Ministry of Immigration , Fazl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mohebullah Samim nominated for the Ministry of Tribes .
The presidential palace rejected the proposed candidates , a spokesman saying that ministry candidates should have political weight and merit and represent the people .
A spokesman for the chairman of the High National Reconciliation Council in turn criticized the statements released by the president ’ s office , claiming that they exceeded the president ’ s powers : The latest dispute has also been criticized by other politicians , who have pointed out that it could be argued that a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also not qualified .
Article 72 of the Constitution states the criteria for selecting a ministerial candidate as per the following : • Not being convicted of crimes and violations against humanity There are concerns that the domestic political disputes and challenges will further delay the peace process .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Taliban car bomb leaves at least 7 intelligence officers dead in Eastern Afghanistan

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Airstrikes in the western Afghanistan province of Herat have killed at least 40 people, including civilians and Taliban, local officials said on Wednesday. While there are conflicting reports concerning the incident, it appears that the air strikes targeted a gathering of Taliban leaders.
According to Ariana news agency, at least 40 Taliban militants were killed and 30 others were wounded after a gathering was targeted by an airstrike in Adraskan district of Herat province.
According to a provincial official cited by the agency, preliminary information indicated that key Taliban commanders including Abdullah Akbari, Mawlawi Haidar, Mullah Rahmatullah, Zabihullah Akbari, Mullah Mohammad and Mullah Abdul Haq were among the dead. LINK
Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar, the governor of Adraskan District in the eastern Afghanistan province of Herat, was quoted in another media report saying at least eight civilians were among the dead and that at least forty-five people had been killed so far in airstrikes by security forces in the Kham Ziarat area.
It remains unclear how many of the remaining 37 were civilians and how many were members of the Taliban. LINK
Habib Amini, a local official in neighbouring Guzara district, confirmed the incident and that 45 were killed and more injured.
Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said in a statement that two airstrikes were conducted in the Guzara district’s Kham Zyarat area on the residence of a recently freed Taliban fighter, killing eight people and wounding 12, including women and children. The Taliban warned that “such attacks would compel recently freed prisoners who wish to live normal lives to take up arms once again against the enemy.”
Jailani Farhad, the spokesman for the Herat governor, told Anadolu Agency that at least six key Taliban commanders involved in major assaults in various districts of Herat were targeted in the air raid.
Farhad further claimed that the civilian casualties were caused by a landmine blast nearby.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan said they had not taken part in Wednesday’s airstrikes.
So far, it is not clear whether Afghan or foreign forces carried out the air raid.
The day before, local officials in Kandahar said that at least 36 Taliban insurgents were killed in an airstrike by the US forces in Khakriz district of the province. According to media reports, clashes between the Afghan forces and Taliban in the region have left over 50 people dead on both sides. LINK
Sources in Baghlan said that a woman and a child were killed and eight others were injured in an airstrike by Afghan forces in Dand Ghori.
Also over the last few days, clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces have moved closer to the approaches to Kabul city.
On Tuesday night in Surobi district of Kabul province, a group of Taliban attacked Afghan military checkpoints from three points on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway in the Mahipar area of Kabul’s Surobi district. According to sources, the Red Crescent Taliban, who came from Kuh-e-Safi district, first closed the road and then launched the attack, which lasted 13 hours.
In the clash, three Taliban fighters were killed and four others were wounded.
While violence continues to ravage the country, the Afghan government remains paralysed and it appears it will remain so for some time. In the latest power play in Kabul, President Ashraf Ghani has rejected his power-sharing partner Abdullah Abdullah’s five proposed cabinet candidates, sources told Ariana News.
The nominees included Anwar al-Haq Ahadi nominated for the Ministry of Agriculture, Mustafa Mastour as Ministry of State for Peace, Noor Rahman Akhlaqi as Ministry of Immigration, Fazl Ahmad Manawi as Ministry of Justice, and Mohebullah Samim nominated for the Ministry of Tribes.
The presidential palace rejected the proposed candidates, a spokesman saying that ministry candidates should have political weight and merit and represent the people.
“The main goal of the Afghan government is to nominate people to the parliament who have political weight, who are a mirror of the stability of the government and people should trust the past of the candidates. This is important for completing the cabinet.”
A spokesman for the chairman of the High National Reconciliation Council in turn criticized the statements released by the president’s office, claiming that they exceeded the president’s powers:
“The criteria for the ministerial nominee are clear in the constitution, but unfortunately the presidential spokesman is unaware of the ongoing debates and the provisions of the constitution.”
The latest dispute has also been criticized by other politicians, who have pointed out that it could be argued that a number of the figures nominated by the president are also not qualified.
Sayed Ishaq Gilani, leader of the Afghan Solidarity Movement, said: “These actions of the president will create tension and persecution against Afghanistan.”
Article 72 of the Constitution states the criteria for selecting a ministerial candidate as per the following:
Having Afghan citizenship Having higher education, work experience, and a good reputation Age over 35 years Not being convicted of crimes and violations against humanity
There are concerns that the domestic political disputes and challenges will further delay the peace process. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-23--US Air Force Releases Revised Arctic Strategy

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett unveiled the new , comprehensive Department of the Air Force Arctic Strategy on 21 July .
The strategy outlines the Department ’ s efforts to optimize Air and Space Force capabilities throughout the region in support of the National Defense Strategy .
Barrett stated with respect to the significance of the revised strategy document : The strategy identifies four coordinated lines of effort that Air and Space Forces will use to enhance vigilance , reach and power to the nation ’ s whole-of-government approach in the Arctic region : The strategy states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is homeland defence .
To achieve this objective , Air and Space Forces in the region monitor potential threats across all warfighting domains , including air , space and cyberspace .
US Air and Space Forces are responsible for the majority of Department of Defense missions in the Arctic region , including the regional architecture for detecting , tracking , and engaging air and missile threats .
Space Force personnel in the region are responsible for critical nodes of the satellite control network that deliver space capabilities to joint and coalition partners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority .
US military assets in the region are spearheaded by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base , both located in Alaska , which host fifth-generation fighters as well as transport and refuelling aircraft .
The Air Force also provides the capability to reach remote northern locations via the New York Air National Guard ’ s 109th Airlift Wing which operates ski-equipped LC-130s that can land on ice .
The combat capabilities of these installations are supplemented by the use of installations in other countries in the region .
The strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Arctic , where no one nation has sufficient infrastructure or capacity to operate alone .
Many regional allies and partners have dedicated decades of focus to the Arctic , developing concepts , tactics and techniques from which the joint force can greatly benefit .
The document also noted that Indigenous communities possess millennia of knowledge about the Arctic domain passed down through generations .
Working with indigenous communities helps Air and Space Forces understand the Arctic environment , enriches training and exercises , and ensures recognition of their contributions to Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy notes the extra preparations that must be taken prior to undertaking operations in the Arctic region due to the extremely challenging environmental conditions .
LINK The latest US Air Force strategy for the Arctic complements the National Defense Strategy , the overall blueprint for defending the United States and its interests , and the the 2019 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy , which also emphasizes the essential role of US Air and Space Force assets in the Arctic .
Commenting on the US strategy and capabilities in the region , other military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the keystone for global power projection .
Alaska offers the quickest flight access from mainland United States to locations across much of the Pacific region and western Russia .
Additionally , with polar ice melting , new and more efficient maritime routes are opening , which is increasing accessibility to Arctic natural resources such as oil and gas reserves and rare earth metals .
This is also driving an increase in commercial traffic and international competition , not just from Russia but also from China and other countries .
While vast Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the United States , technological advancements are eroding this natural geographical defence .
Russia is investing in Arctic airfields and infrastructure to secure its northern approaches , and now has the largest permanent military presence above the Arctic Circle of any country .
The Arctic is also extremely important for US operations in space , a point that is repeatedly emphasized in the new strategy document .
The Alaska Radar System and the 50-plus radars that comprise the North Warning System across Canada , for example , have long provided vital early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North American Aerospace Defense Command , or NORAD .
Locations like Clear , Alaska and Thule , Greenland offer additional advantages for missile warning and defence as well as serving to enhance space domain awareness , helping track more than 20,000 objects daily .
The Arctic is also a key post for managing satellites .
When Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska receives its full allotment of F-35s , Alaska will host more fifth-generation fighters than any other location in the world .
From the perspective of US military commanders , bases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and west that they are effectively forward-deployed and provide access to multiple combat command zones , including a large part of the Indo-Pacific Command and European Command zones , while simultaneously covering the core Northern Command zone .
LINK The document notes that Russia has always been a heavy player in the region , stating of its presence and activities in the Arctic : The Arctic region is an area where the United States is especially reliant on NATO allies and partners .
That means the US should plan for an increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interoperable electronic communications , Air Force leaders said .
Over the past year , the US Air Force has conducted air-to-air training with Nordic partners in the Arctic Challenge Exercise , participated in air policing missions over Iceland , and trained with Canadian and joint partners in Arctic Edge , a homeland defence exercise .
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said that the Air Force will be conducting even more exercises in the region in the future , pointing to the four ‘ red-flag ’ exercises that the service runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year ’ s Arctic Challenge , which , he said , saw 140 different aircraft from nine nations and 4,000 participants .
The revised strategy describes the need to increase training with regional partners and establish new forums with allies to discuss Arctic issues , but does not specify if the United States wants NATO or any other international organization to take that lead role .
In this sense , the biggest area of investment for the Air Force in future arctic operations is not cold-weather specific , but networking between different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States and its allies .
Among the Arctic states , Canada , Denmark ( which owns Greenland ) , Iceland , and Norway , are NATO allies , and two others , Finland and Sweden , are NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partners .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US strategic bombers trained for strikes on Russia when they were intercepted over the Black Sea • Apocalypse soon ?
US still scrambling and surging to develop new high tech weapons systems

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Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett unveiled the new, comprehensive Department of the Air Force Arctic Strategy on 21 July. The strategy outlines the Department’s efforts to optimize Air and Space Force capabilities throughout the region in support of the National Defense Strategy.
Barrett stated with respect to the significance of the revised strategy document:
“The Arctic is among the most strategically significant regions of the world today – the keystone from which the U.S. Air and Space Forces exercise vigilance. This Arctic Strategy recognizes the immense geostrategic consequence of the region and its critical role for protecting the homeland and projecting global power.”
The strategy identifies four coordinated lines of effort that Air and Space Forces will use to enhance vigilance, reach and power to the nation’s whole-of-government approach in the Arctic region:
Vigilance in all domains
Projecting power through a combat-credible force
Cooperation with allies and partners
Preparation for Arctic operations
Vigilance in all domains:
The strategy states that the number one Department of Defense priority is homeland defence. To achieve this objective, Air and Space Forces in the region monitor potential threats across all warfighting domains, including air, space and cyberspace.
US Air and Space Forces are responsible for the majority of Department of Defense missions in the Arctic region, including the regional architecture for detecting, tracking, and engaging air and missile threats.
Space Force personnel in the region are responsible for critical nodes of the satellite control network that deliver space capabilities to joint and coalition partners, as well as the US national command authority.
“Integrating space capabilities into joint operations fuels the joint force’s ability to project power anywhere on the planet, any time,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Jay Raymond. “The Arctic is no different. Spacepower is essential to Arctic operations, allowing us to see with clarity, navigate with accuracy, and communicate across vast distances.”
Projecting power through a combat-credible force
US military assets in the region are spearheaded by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base, both located in Alaska, which host fifth-generation fighters as well as transport and refuelling aircraft.
The Air Force also provides the capability to reach remote northern locations via the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing which operates ski-equipped LC-130s that can land on ice.
The combat capabilities of these installations are supplemented by the use of installations in other countries in the region.
“Our unique positioning in locations like Alaska, Canada and Greenland are integrated with multi-domain combat power,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein. “These locations harness powerful capabilities, and their unwavering vigilance to protecting the homeland represents a strategic benefit that extends well beyond the region itself.”
Cooperation with allies and partners
The strategy states that alliances and partnerships are key in the Arctic, where no one nation has sufficient infrastructure or capacity to operate alone. Many regional allies and partners have dedicated decades of focus to the Arctic, developing concepts, tactics and techniques from which the joint force can greatly benefit.
The document also noted that Indigenous communities possess millennia of knowledge about the Arctic domain passed down through generations. Working with indigenous communities helps Air and Space Forces understand the Arctic environment, enriches training and exercises, and ensures recognition of their contributions to Department of the Air Force activities.
“Strong relationships with regional allies and partners, including at the local level, are a key strategic advantage for the U.S. in the Arctic,” Barrett said. “U.S. Air and Space Forces are focused on expanding interoperability with peers that value peaceful access in the region, and we appreciate our local hosts that have welcomed Department of the Air Force installations, Airmen and Space Professionals as part of their communities for decades.”
Preparation for Arctic operations
The strategy notes the extra preparations that must be taken prior to undertaking operations in the Arctic region due to the extremely challenging environmental conditions. LINK
The latest US Air Force strategy for the Arctic complements the National Defense Strategy, the overall blueprint for defending the United States and its interests, and the the 2019 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy, which also emphasizes the essential role of US Air and Space Force assets in the Arctic.
Commenting on the US strategy and capabilities in the region, other military analysts have also emphasized that the Arctic is the keystone for global power projection. Alaska offers the quickest flight access from mainland United States to locations across much of the Pacific region and western Russia.
Additionally, with polar ice melting, new and more efficient maritime routes are opening, which is increasing accessibility to Arctic natural resources such as oil and gas reserves and rare earth metals. This is also driving an increase in commercial traffic and international competition, not just from Russia but also from China and other countries.
While vast Arctic expanses formerly served as a strategic buffer for the United States, technological advancements are eroding this natural geographical defence. Russia is investing in Arctic airfields and infrastructure to secure its northern approaches, and now has the largest permanent military presence above the Arctic Circle of any country.
The Arctic is also extremely important for US operations in space, a point that is repeatedly emphasized in the new strategy document.
The Alaska Radar System and the 50-plus radars that comprise the North Warning System across Canada, for example, have long provided vital early warning decision space for homeland defence and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD.
Locations like Clear, Alaska and Thule, Greenland offer additional advantages for missile warning and defence as well as serving to enhance space domain awareness, helping track more than 20,000 objects daily. The Arctic is also a key post for managing satellites.
“If you’re going to command and control satellites that are in polar orbits, where better to do that than on top of the world at the pole. The geography and position on the globe makes it an extremely advantageous place to operate from,” even if the Arctic does present what the strategy document describes as ‘arctic-unique orbital mechanics and electro-magnetic obstacles’ that the Air Force must overcome.
When Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska receives its full allotment of F-35s, Alaska will host more fifth-generation fighters than any other location in the world. From the perspective of US military commanders, bases in Alaska are positioned so far north and west that they are effectively forward-deployed and provide access to multiple combat command zones, including a large part of the Indo-Pacific Command and European Command zones, while simultaneously covering the core Northern Command zone. LINK
The document notes that Russia has always been a heavy player in the region, stating of its presence and activities in the Arctic:
“Russia’s recent Arctic initiatives include refurbishing airfields and infrastructure, creating new bases, and developing an integrated network of air defense, coastal missile systems, and early warning radars to secure its northern approaches. Further, Russia seeks to regulate maritime traffic on the Northern Sea Route in ways that may exceed its authority permitted under international law.”
The Arctic region is an area where the United States is especially reliant on NATO allies and partners. That means the US should plan for an increase in international military exercises and more spending on interoperable electronic communications, Air Force leaders said.
Over the past year, the US Air Force has conducted air-to-air training with Nordic partners in the Arctic Challenge Exercise, participated in air policing missions over Iceland, and trained with Canadian and joint partners in Arctic Edge, a homeland defence exercise.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said that the Air Force will be conducting even more exercises in the region in the future, pointing to the four ‘red-flag’ exercises that the service runs on a yearly basis as well as last year’s Arctic Challenge, which, he said, saw 140 different aircraft from nine nations and 4,000 participants.
The revised strategy describes the need to increase training with regional partners and establish new forums with allies to discuss Arctic issues, but does not specify if the United States wants NATO or any other international organization to take that lead role.
“Building these relationships counters influence from adversaries, whose actions are not aligned with U.S. interests, and bolsters U.S. national security,” it reads. “The Department of the Air Force must work to highlight shared goals, ensuring a peaceful and stable region where international norms and standards are upheld. To strengthen collaborative international security relationships.”
In this sense, the biggest area of investment for the Air Force in future arctic operations is not cold-weather specific, but networking between different parts of the Air Force and between the United States and its allies.
Among the Arctic states, Canada, Denmark (which owns Greenland), Iceland, and Norway, are NATO allies, and two others, Finland and Sweden, are NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partners. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-23--P-15 Termit Anti-Ship Missile (Infographics)

You learn from both your failures and successes .
It ’ s better for the LNA to learn from a @ @ @ @ @ than during hostilities .

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The P-15 Termit is an anti-ship missile developed by the USSR’s Raduga design bureau in the 1950s.
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southfront--2020-07-23--Facebook’s Neutral “Fact Checkers” Exposed As Ex-CNN Staffers And Democratic Donors

Today in news about the radical left-wing censorship machines our social media companies have become , it was exposed this week that Facebook ’ s fact-checker , Lead Stories , is an outfit that is stocked to the brim with ex-CNN staffers .
The organization presents itself as neutral yet “ most of its employees ” have donated to the Democratic party , according to RT .
The National Pulse reached out to Facebook ’ s fact checkers this week after a story they published about Black Lives Matter was flagged as “ partly false ” by the platform .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ digging ” on who was behind the smear .
What they found was stunning : an organization “ staffed almost entirely by Democratic donors , half of whom had worked for CNN in the past.
” 25 % of the organization ’ s employees were recurring Democratic donors and Lead Stories ’ founder , Perry Sanders , has donated over $ 10,000 to Democratic political campaigns – including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ’ s Presidential runs .
TNP also exposed that “ several other writers ” had Democratic contributions on their records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gita Smith , was listed in “ 99 separate small-dollar donations ” to various Democratic candidates – in addition to contributions to ActBlue .
The org ’ s editor , Alan Duke , spent nearly three decades with CNN as a reporter and editor and the org ’ s senior editor , Monte Plott , spent over 10 years with CNN .
Five other names at the organization were also found to have worked at CNN as some point .
Writer Jessica Ravitz spent 10 years with CNN and also spent “ nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a self-styled anti- ‘ hate ’ watchdog that spends most of its considerable resources demonizing political voices that deviate from the neoliberal centrist mainstream-media line.
” TNP ’ s investigation followed Lead Stories taking exception with their article titled : “ Black Lives Matter Website , ‘ Defund the Police ’ Donations Go to ‘ Act Blue ’ , the ‘ Biden for President ’ Campaign ’ s Top Source of Donations ” .
Facebook posted the story in the “ Hoax Alert ” section of its website as a result of Lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out that “ BLM ’ s donations go , not ActBlue , which is a payment processor for Democratic campaigns and not the ultimate source of the Biden campaign ’ s cash.
” TNP corrected the word “ to ” to “ through ” but claimed Lead Stories still would not lift the “ partly false ” flag on its story .
And so it appears to us what we have is a social media platform clearly acting as a publisher yet not having to incur the legal liabilities that come with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue – and only get worse , we predict – until at some point it gets even more blindingly obvious than it is now that these Silicon Valley firms are using their power to nudge the country toward the political ideologies they support , rather than providing unbiased “ fact-checked ” outlets for public discussion .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Today in news about the radical left-wing censorship machines our social media companies have become, it was exposed this week that Facebook’s fact-checker, Lead Stories, is an outfit that is stocked to the brim with ex-CNN staffers.
The organization presents itself as neutral yet “most of its employees” have donated to the Democratic party, according to RT.
The National Pulse reached out to Facebook’s fact checkers this week after a story they published about Black Lives Matter was flagged as “partly false” by the platform. This led TNP to “do some digging” on who was behind the smear.
What they found was stunning: an organization “staffed almost entirely by Democratic donors, half of whom had worked for CNN in the past.”
THREAD #1: So Facebook just put a "Partly False" flag on one of our @TheNatPulse exclusives. Except… it's not false at all. I called Alan Duke, the editor at the LeadStories website (I've never heard of it?) which apparently conducts fact checks for Facebook. pic.twitter.com/AwVFd1EO6Z — Raheem Kassam (@RaheemKassam) June 17, 2020
25% of the organization’s employees were recurring Democratic donors and Lead Stories’ founder, Perry Sanders, has donated over $10,000 to Democratic political campaigns – including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s Presidential runs.
TNP also exposed that “several other writers” had Democratic contributions on their records. For example, one writer named Gita Smith, was listed in “99 separate small-dollar donations” to various Democratic candidates – in addition to contributions to ActBlue.
The org’s editor, Alan Duke, spent nearly three decades with CNN as a reporter and editor and the org’s senior editor, Monte Plott, spent over 10 years with CNN. Five other names at the organization were also found to have worked at CNN as some point.
Writer Jessica Ravitz spent 10 years with CNN and also spent “nearly four years with the Anti-Defamation League, a self-styled anti-‘hate’ watchdog that spends most of its considerable resources demonizing political voices that deviate from the neoliberal centrist mainstream-media line.”
TNP’s investigation followed Lead Stories taking exception with their article titled: “Black Lives Matter Website, ‘Defund the Police’ Donations Go to ‘Act Blue’, the ‘Biden for President’ Campaign’s Top Source of Donations”.
Facebook posted the story in the “Hoax Alert” section of its website as a result of Lead Stories’ flagging. The fact checked pointed out that “BLM’s donations go through, not to ActBlue, which is a payment processor for Democratic campaigns and not the ultimate source of the Biden campaign’s cash.”
TNP corrected the word “to” to “through” but claimed Lead Stories still would not lift the “partly false” flag on its story.
And so it appears to us what we have yet again is a social media platform clearly acting as a publisher yet not having to incur the legal liabilities that come with it. This slippery slope is going to continue – and only get worse, we predict – until at some point it gets even more blindingly obvious than it is now that these Silicon Valley firms are using their power to nudge the country toward the political ideologies they support, rather than providing unbiased “fact-checked” outlets for public discussion.
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southfront--2020-07-23--As US Prepares For Polls, Democrats And Republicans Try To Stack The Odds In Their Favour

Illegal immigrants are set to have a major impact on the polls , whether they are included in the census or not As the US prepares to head to the polls later this year , both major parties are making statements accusing the other of attempting to rig the results in their favour .
Against the backdrop of unprecedented polarization and widespread protests and clashes throughout the country , it appears that both political parties are already making preliminary moves to dispute the election results in case their opponents win .
The topic that has been chosen as the basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most divisive and controversial , illegal immigration .
Immigrants in the US illegally will be excluded from the 2020 census , President Donald Trump has announced .
The census forms the basis for allocating the number of seats that each state wiuull have in the House of Representatives .
Senior Democrats have called the move racist and unconstitutional .
On Tuesday , Trump instructed the Department of Commerce to “ exclude illegal aliens from the apportionment base following the 2020 census , ” meaning that non-citizens will not be counted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of seats in the House is next apportioned .
The action “ reflects a better understanding of the Constitution and is consistent with the principles of our representative democracy , ” Trump said in a statement .
Giving congressional representation to aliens who enter or remain in the country illegally would “ create perverse incentives and undermine our system of government.
” The release further stated : “ Just as we do not give political power to people who are here temporarily , we should not give political power to people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The census-based apportionment is mandated in Article I of the US Constitution , which originally applied to “ whole persons ” in order to exclude slaves .
The article was subsequently amended after slavery was abolished in 1865 .
According to the White House , the census has previously excluded tourists and visitors , while counting diplomats and military personnel living overseas .
The announcement was met with strong condemnation from the opposition .
Senator Elizabeth Warren ( D-Massachusetts ) denounced it as “ flagrantly unconstitutional ” and said it amounted to another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Civil Liberties Union said the president was attempting to “ weaponize the census for an attack on immigrant communities.
” The Trump administration has already attempted to include a citizenship requirement for the preparation of the census however the move was thwarted in a June 2019 court ruling , when Chief Justice John Roberts said the policy itself was constitutional but sided with the liberals in wanting to see a “ better rationale ” for the change .
The White House press release accompanying the memo also pointed out a 1992 Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which recognized executive authority in census apportionment .
It also noted that the standard of residence may require more than mere physical presence , including some element of allegiance or enduring tie to a place .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Trump tries to tame the social media shrew

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Illegal immigrants are set to have a major impact on the polls, whether they are included in the census or not
As the US prepares to head to the polls later this year, both major parties are making statements accusing the other of attempting to rig the results in their favour. Against the backdrop of unprecedented polarization and widespread protests and clashes throughout the country, it appears that both political parties are already making preliminary moves to dispute the election results in case their opponents win.
The topic that has been chosen as the basis for the mutual accusations is already one of the most divisive and controversial, illegal immigration. Immigrants in the US illegally will be excluded from the 2020 census, President Donald Trump has announced. The census forms the basis for allocating the number of seats that each state wiuull have in the House of Representatives. Senior Democrats have called the move racist and unconstitutional.
On Tuesday, Trump instructed the Department of Commerce to “exclude illegal aliens from the apportionment base following the 2020 census,” meaning that non-citizens will not be counted in the population of those states when the number of seats in the House is next apportioned.
The action “reflects a better understanding of the Constitution and is consistent with the principles of our representative democracy,” Trump said in a statement. Giving congressional representation to aliens who enter or remain in the country illegally would “create perverse incentives and undermine our system of government.” The release further stated: “Just as we do not give political power to people who are here temporarily, we should not give political power to people who should not be here at all.”
The census-based apportionment is mandated in Article I of the US Constitution, which originally applied to “whole persons” in order to exclude slaves. The article was subsequently amended after slavery was abolished in 1865.
According to the White House, the census has previously excluded tourists and visitors, while counting diplomats and military personnel living overseas.
The announcement was met with strong condemnation from the opposition. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) denounced it as “flagrantly unconstitutional” and said it amounted to another attempt rig the system.
It is flagrantly unconstitutional to exclude people from the Census count based on their immigration status. The Constitution requires that every person be counted. This is another attempt by Trump to use scaremongering against immigrants & rig the system. https://t.co/bOHZxBP6aG — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 21, 2020
The American Civil Liberties Union said the president was attempting to “weaponize the census for an attack on immigrant communities.”
BREAKING: Trump tried to add a citizenship question to the census and lost in the Supreme Court. His latest attempt to weaponize the census for an attack on immigrant communities WILL be found unconstitutional. We’ll see him in court — and win — again. — ACLU (@ACLU) July 21, 2020
The Trump administration has already attempted to include a citizenship requirement for the preparation of the census however the move was thwarted in a June 2019 court ruling, when Chief Justice John Roberts said the policy itself was constitutional but sided with the liberals in wanting to see a “better rationale” for the change.
The presidential memorandum Trump sent to Commerce on Tuesday seemed to be written with that in mind, noting that “The discretion delegated to the executive branch to determine who qualifies as an ‘inhabitant’ includes authority to exclude from the apportionment base aliens who are not in a lawful immigration status.”
The White House press release accompanying the memo also pointed out a 1992 Supreme Court decision (Franklin v. Massachusetts), which recognized executive authority in census apportionment. It also noted that the standard of residence may require more than mere physical presence, including some element of allegiance or enduring tie to a place. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-23--Recent Israeli Airstrikes On Syria Damaged Damascus Airport (Photos)

The recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria had destroyed three buildings in Damascus International Airport , newly released satellite images revealed .
The airstrikes took place in the late hours of July 20 .
Seven Syrian service members were injured , while a fighter of Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah was killed .
On July 22 , Obretix , a Twitter defense blogger , released new satellite images showing the three targeted buildings in Damascus International Airport .
The buildings were apparently used for storage and hosted some offices .
The Israeli air attack , which was launched from the Golan Heights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several hostile missiles were shot down .
Nevertheless , many positions around Damascus were hit .
As usual , media sources reported that the Israeli airstrikes had targeted positions used by Iranian forces .
This is yet to be verified .
Last month , the Israeli Air Force carried out a large-scale operation in Syria .
A newly-established early warning network and a number of ammo depots were completely destroyed .
Some of the targets were indeed used by Iranian forces .
The recent Israeli airstrikes on Damascus will not likely go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese group had previously vowed to retaliate to any attack on its troops in Syria .
The awaited response could lead to an escalation with Israel in Syria or Lebanon .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Woman Killed And Child Injured In New Clashes In Turkish-Occupied Afrin ( Video )

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The recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria had destroyed three buildings in Damascus International Airport, newly released satellite images revealed.
The airstrikes took place in the late hours of July 20. Seven Syrian service members were injured, while a fighter of Lebanon’s Hezbollah was killed.
On July 22, Obretix, a Twitter defense blogger, released new satellite images showing the three targeted buildings in Damascus International Airport. The buildings were apparently used for storage and hosted some offices.
it seems a second building in the same area of the airport was completely destroyed https://t.co/zICeGILfgu an excavator is digging in the rubble pic.twitter.com/7bR3M3WXkU — Samir (@obretix) July 21, 2020
a third building at Damascus International Airport was destroyed by Israeli airstrike on 20 Jul 2020 https://t.co/UODQQjYeRq https://t.co/KbPJgDxIp9 pic.twitter.com/1bYvAxlbyy — Samir (@obretix) July 22, 2020
The Israeli air attack, which was launched from the Golan Heights, overwhelmed the Syrian Air Defense Force. Several hostile missiles were shot down. Nevertheless, many positions around Damascus were hit.
As usual, media sources reported that the Israeli airstrikes had targeted positions used by Iranian forces. This is yet to be verified.
Last month, the Israeli Air Force carried out a large-scale operation in Syria. A newly-established early warning network and a number of ammo depots were completely destroyed. Some of the targets were indeed used by Iranian forces.
The recent Israeli airstrikes on Damascus will not likely go without a response by Hezbollah. The Lebanese group had previously vowed to retaliate to any attack on its troops in Syria. The awaited response could lead to an escalation with Israel in Syria or Lebanon.
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southfront--2020-07-23--US Armed Forces Continue To Test China’s Patience, Prowling Around Disputed Maritime Borders

The Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs unit has announced that two B-1B Lancer bombers assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron have been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam , along with approximately 170 support personnel , as part of a Bomber Task Force deployment .
According to the statement , the move is instended to demonstrate the US Indo-Pacific Command ’ s continuing commitment to allies and partners in the region .
The Stripes reported that before arriving on Guam , the bombers conducted intercept training over the Sea of Japan with F-15J fighter jets belonging to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were last deployed to Guam in May when they flew in from Dyess Air Force Base , Texas .
The duration of the current deployment has not been announced .
Against the backdrop of worsening relations between the US and China , the nuclear Ronald Reagan and Nimitz aircraft carrier groups as well as other US Navy vessels have been conducting exercises in and around the South China Sea over the last few weeks .
The exercises and manoeuvres have also involved a strategic long range bomber B-52H Stratofortress .
LINK Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims to a number of territories in the South China Sea .
The South China Morning Post reports that China ’ s Ambassador to the Philippines has urged Southeast Asian countries to be on guard against US attempts to “ sabotage ” the region ’ s stability by inserting itself into the South China Sea disputes .
The comments followed a shift in Washington ’ s posture on China ’ s claims in the area reflected in an op-ed in which his American counterpart , Sung Kim , declared Washington ’ s support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea ” .
This is the term Manila uses to refer to the portion of the South China Sea it claims as part of its exclusive economic zone ( EEZ ) , and includes areas claimed by Beijing .
The use of the term by a US state department official is rare and has been interpreted as being deliberately provocative in Beijing .
LINK Last week , one of the US Navy ’ s MQ-4C Triton high altitude long endurance ( HALE ) reconnaissance drones was spotted entering the South China Sea on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly long list of US spy planes plying the waterway in recent months .
LINK In addition to flight operations by the US Navy carrier USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan and other US military aircraft , the destroyer USS Ralph Johnson carried out a still-more-provocative act on July 14 , a so-called “ freedom of navigation operation ” inside the waters surrounding the Spratly Islands , which are claimed by China as part of its territory , in a deliberate attempt to repudiate and challenge Chinese claims .
Chinese media outlet stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ These incidents , taking place thousands of miles away from the US and on China ’ s doorstep , have again proven that the US is the real pusher of militarization in the South China Sea , and China is forced to take countermeasures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity , ” Global Times wrote , citing an unnamed Chinese military expert .
“ If US military provocations in the South China Sea persist , China could be left with no choice but to conduct more drills and deploy more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea , to the extent of setting up a possible air defence identification zone ( ADIZ ) .
” Sputnik reports that while the two US Navy carrier strike groups drilled in the South China Sea last week , Chinese People ’ s Liberation Army Air Force ( PLAAF ) jets practiced anti-ship attacks nearby .
The drills involved JH-7A and J-16B naval strike aircraft , which practiced firing anti-ship missiles , the Global Times reported .
The military exercises were held on 15 and 16 July .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikes on Russia

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The Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs unit has announced that two B-1B Lancer bombers assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron have been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, along with approximately 170 support personnel, as part of a Bomber Task Force deployment.
According to the statement, the move is instended to demonstrate the US Indo-Pacific Command’s continuing commitment to allies and partners in the region.
The Stripes reported that before arriving on Guam, the bombers conducted intercept training over the Sea of Japan with F-15J fighter jets belonging to the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force. LINK
B-1s were last deployed to Guam in May when they flew in from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The duration of the current deployment has not been announced.
Against the backdrop of worsening relations between the US and China, the nuclear Ronald Reagan and Nimitz aircraft carrier groups as well as other US Navy vessels have been conducting exercises in and around the South China Sea over the last few weeks. The exercises and manoeuvres have also involved a strategic long range bomber B-52H Stratofortress. LINK
Earlier this week, the US officially rejected Chinese claims to a number of territories in the South China Sea.
The South China Morning Post reports that China’s Ambassador to the Philippines has urged Southeast Asian countries to be on guard against US attempts to “sabotage” the region’s stability by inserting itself into the South China Sea disputes.
He urged Southeast Asian nations to “properly resolve disputes” with China and “prevent them from being capitalised on by the US to sabotage stability in the Asia-Pacific region”.
The comments followed a shift in Washington’s posture on China’s claims in the area reflected in an op-ed in which his American counterpart, Sung Kim, declared Washington’s support for Manila in the “West Philippines Sea”.
This is the term Manila uses to refer to the portion of the South China Sea it claims as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and includes areas claimed by Beijing. The use of the term by a US state department official is rare and has been interpreted as being deliberately provocative in Beijing. LINK
Last week, one of the US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton high altitude long endurance (HALE) reconnaissance drones was spotted entering the South China Sea on Wednesday – the latest addition to an increasingly long list of US spy planes plying the waterway in recent months. LINK
In addition to flight operations by the US Navy carrier USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan and other US military aircraft, the destroyer USS Ralph Johnson carried out a still-more-provocative act on July 14, a so-called “freedom of navigation operation” inside the waters surrounding the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China as part of its territory, in a deliberate attempt to repudiate and challenge Chinese claims. Chinese media outlet stated in response to the latest manoeuvres:
“These incidents, taking place thousands of miles away from the US and on China’s doorstep, have again proven that the US is the real pusher of militarization in the South China Sea, and China is forced to take countermeasures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Global Times wrote, citing an unnamed Chinese military expert. “If US military provocations in the South China Sea persist, China could be left with no choice but to conduct more drills and deploy more warships and warplanes in the South China Sea, to the extent of setting up a possible air defence identification zone (ADIZ).”
Sputnik reports that while the two US Navy carrier strike groups drilled in the South China Sea last week, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) jets practiced anti-ship attacks nearby.
The US aircraft carriers have been carrying out drills in waters near China for several weeks, including in the Philippine Sea and South China Sea. Last week, the Chinese military decided to stage their own drills, holding live-fire exercises in which PLAAF jets rehearsed how they would carry out strikes against enemy warships in the region.
The drills involved JH-7A and J-16B naval strike aircraft, which practiced firing anti-ship missiles, the Global Times reported. The military exercises were held on 15 and 16 July. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-23--Military Situation In Egypt’s North Sinai On July 22, 2020 (Map Update)

So now the US has directed their ISIS tools to hit Egypt….. USA becoming Billy no mates .

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Egypt’s North Sinai:
ISIS terrorists attacked Egyptian security checkpoint near the city of Bir al-Abd;
According to the Egyptian Military spokesman, the Egyptian Armed Forces foiled ISIS attacks on a security base in North Sinai. 18 ISIS militants were killed and 3 VBIEDs were destroyed. Also 2 soldiers were killed and 4 were wounded;
On July 18, ISIS claimed IED attack targeting armored vehicle near the city of Rafah.
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southfront--2020-07-23--Craziness In Ukraine 2.0: Former Soldier Took Police Officer Hostage In Poltava

The craziness is the new normality in Ukraine .
Just two days after the hostage incident in the city of Lutsk , another situation of this kind erupted in Poltava .
On July 23rd , a Ukrainian man took a police officer hostage by using a grenade in the city of Poltava .
The man was suspected of stealing a car , and he escaped arrest by taking the senior police officer hostage .
He was provided with a car , and drove away with it , according to the criminal investigation department of the National Police of Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is underway .
Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook that initially , police were trying to arrest a man suspected of hijacking a vehicle when he took out a grenade and threatened to kill one of the officers .
After negotiations , the man exchanged the police officer for a police colonel and drove off with him in a car provided by police .
The man was identified as Roman Skripnik and he fought in Eastern Ukraine , on the side of the Kiev forces .
Following is a short resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Anton Gerashchenko and the Register of Court Decisions .
• In 2007 , he was sentenced to pay a fine of 510 UAH ( $ 18 ) and recognizance for petty theft .
• In 2008 , he was sentenced to recognizance for 2 years for fraud .
• In 2014 , he was sentenced to 3 years of house arrest , for the production or storage of drugs .
Separately , following are some of the more interesting photographs of his social media : On the same day , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60yo man that opened fire from his apartments with a gun .
The man also opened fire at police officers deployed to the site .
Meanwhile , the government-backed pseudo-church organization , the Orthodox Church of Ukraine continued its campaign against the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church ( Moscow Patriarchy ) .
On July 22 , the Kiev regime ’ s puppet church announced that it will hold prayers in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople .
In a “ sign of prayer solidarity ” with Constantinople , Metropolian Epiphany ( Dumenko ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divine services ” on July 24 .
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople remains the main , if not the only , backer of the non-canonic Orthodox Church of Ukraine as other local Orthodox churches continue to ignore it or have a strongly negative position towards this artificially-created organization .
At the same time , radicals loyal to the Kiev regime and supporting the ‘ independent ’ Ukrainian church continue attacking churches and priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church ( Moscow Patriarchy ) , which they declared the enemy of the state .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After the recent series of failed attacks of pro-Kiev forces , the Ukrainian Army increased mortar strikes on positions of self-defense forces of the Donetsk and People ’ s Republics often targeting civilian areas .
The current Ukrainain regime is not interested in the ceasefire and is sabotaging the implementation of the Minks agreements , including their political part ( about the de-escalation , a local autonomy and election ) .
On July 23 , a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry , Maria Zakharova , announced that Ukraine de-facto withdrew from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political solution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine .
The current situation in Ukraine demonstrates that if some state regularly employs the terror as a tool of the internal politics , various acts of terror will become an ordniary factor of the daily life in the state .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Real Face Of Pro-Kiev Forces : Estonian Killed In Eastern Ukraine Referred To Ukrainian Soldiers As “ Pigs ” Who Need “ A White Master ”

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The craziness is the new normality in Ukraine. Just two days after the hostage incident in the city of Lutsk, another situation of this kind erupted in Poltava.
On July 23rd, a Ukrainian man took a police officer hostage by using a grenade in the city of Poltava. The man was suspected of stealing a car, and he escaped arrest by taking the senior police officer hostage.
He was provided with a car, and drove away with it, according to the criminal investigation department of the National Police of Ukraine.
“The culprit took a criminal investigation officer hostage. After negotiations, the culprit exchanged the criminal investigation officer for the head of the criminal investigation department of the National Police’s main directorate in the Poltava region, Colonel Vitaliy Shyian, with whom he drove away from the city in a car provided to him according to his demands,” the report reads.
A special operation to detain the culprit is underway.
Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said on Facebook that initially, police were trying to arrest a man suspected of hijacking a vehicle when he took out a grenade and threatened to kill one of the officers.
After negotiations, the man exchanged the police officer for a police colonel and drove off with him in a car provided by police.
“Negotiations are ongoing to force the attacker to surrender to the police without harming himself or others,” Gerashchenko said.
The man was identified as Roman Skripnik and he fought in Eastern Ukraine, on the side of the Kiev forces.
Following is a short resume of Skripnik, according to Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko and the Register of Court Decisions.
In 2007, he was sentenced to pay a fine of 510 UAH ($18) and recognizance for petty theft.
In 2008, he was sentenced to recognizance for 2 years for fraud.
In 2014, he was sentenced to 3 years of house arrest, for the production or storage of drugs.
Separately, following are some of the more interesting photographs of his social media:
On the same day, in the city of Ukraine, police detained a 60yo man that opened fire from his apartments with a gun. The man also opened fire at police officers deployed to the site.
Meanwhile, the government-backed pseudo-church organization, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine continued its campaign against the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchy). On July 22, the Kiev regime’s puppet church announced that it will hold prayers in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. In a “sign of prayer solidarity” with Constantinople, Metropolian Epiphany (Dumenko) announced that the organization will conduct “divine services” on July 24.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople remains the main, if not the only, backer of the non-canonic Orthodox Church of Ukraine as other local Orthodox churches continue to ignore it or have a strongly negative position towards this artificially-created organization. At the same time, radicals loyal to the Kiev regime and supporting the ‘independent’ Ukrainian church continue attacking churches and priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchy), which they declared the enemy of the state.
The situation in eastern Ukraine is also distabilizing. After the recent series of failed attacks of pro-Kiev forces, the Ukrainian Army increased mortar strikes on positions of self-defense forces of the Donetsk and People’s Republics often targeting civilian areas. The current Ukrainain regime is not interested in the ceasefire and is sabotaging the implementation of the Minks agreements, including their political part (about the de-escalation, a local autonomy and election). On July 23, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, announced that Ukraine de-facto withdrew from the Minsk deal designed to promote a political solution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The current situation in Ukraine demonstrates that if some state regularly employs the terror as a tool of the internal politics, various acts of terror will become an ordniary factor of the daily life in the state.
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southfront--2020-07-23--Militants Panic As Syrian Army Units Take Offensive Positions Around Greater Idlib

The Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) had put several of its units , including the elite 25the Special Forces Division “ Tiger Forces ” , in offensive positions around the northwestern region of Greater Idlib , a number of pro-governmental activists reported on July 23 .
The activists , some of whom are known to be close to the 25th Special Forces Division , claimed that the army will soon launch a new large-scale ground operation against the remaining terrorists in Greater Idlib .
Opposition sources confirmed that the SAA was accumulating forces for a large attack in southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the militants in the region were placed on high-alert .
In the last battle , the SAA liberated a large part of Greater Idlib .
The M5 highway , which links Aleppo and Damascus , was also secured .
Russia and Turkey reached an agreement to stabilize Greater Idlib on March 5 .
Ankara reopened the Lattakia-Aleppo highway , known as the M4 , under the agreement .
However , terrorist groups controlling the region were not neutralized by Turkish forces .
Over the past few months , the terrorists violated the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greater Idlib were targeted on a regular basis .
Furthermore , a number of drone attacks were launched from the region at the Russian Hmeimim Air Base on the Syrian coast .
Turkey maintains a large military presence in Greater Idlib .
The Turkish military deployed thousands of troops to the region in recent months .
Air-defense systems were also deployed there .
Turkish military presence in Greater Idlib will hinder any new operation by the SAA and its allies .
A new confrontation with Turkish forces will be inevitable .
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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) had put several of its units, including the elite 25the Special Forces Division “Tiger Forces”, in offensive positions around the northwestern region of Greater Idlib, a number of pro-governmental activists reported on July 23.
The activists, some of whom are known to be close to the 25th Special Forces Division, claimed that the army will soon launch a new large-scale ground operation against the remaining terrorists in Greater Idlib.
Opposition sources confirmed that the SAA was accumulating forces for a large attack in southern Idlib. According to the sources, the militants in the region were placed on high-alert.
In the last battle, the SAA liberated a large part of Greater Idlib. The M5 highway, which links Aleppo and Damascus, was also secured.
Russia and Turkey reached an agreement to stabilize Greater Idlib on March 5. Ankara reopened the Lattakia-Aleppo highway, known as the M4, under the agreement. However, terrorist groups controlling the region were not neutralized by Turkish forces.
Over the past few months, the terrorists violated the ceasefire agreement many times. SAA positions around Greater Idlib were targeted on a regular basis. Furthermore, a number of drone attacks were launched from the region at the Russian Hmeimim Air Base on the Syrian coast.
Turkey maintains a large military presence in Greater Idlib. The Turkish military deployed thousands of troops to the region in recent months. Air-defense systems were also deployed there.
Turkish military presence in Greater Idlib will hinder any new operation by the SAA and its allies. A new confrontation with Turkish forces will be inevitable.
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southfront--2020-07-23--Military Situation On Armenian-Azerbaijani Border On July 23, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border : • A @ @ @ @ @ drill started in Armenia with the main goal of countering unmanned aircrafts ; • According @ @ @ @ @ , Armenian X-55 reconnaissance drone was shot down in the Tovuz area near the village @ @ @ @ @ to the Armenian Defense Ministry , Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire 6 times over the past @ @ @ @ @ shots from small-arms ; • According to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry , Armenia violated ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
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A brief overview of the recent developments on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border:
A joint Armenian-Russian air defense system drill started in Armenia with the main goal of countering unmanned aircrafts;
According to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, Armenian X-55 reconnaissance drone was shot down in the Tovuz area near the village of Agdam;
According to the Armenian Defense Ministry, Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire 6 times over the past 24 hours, firing 43 shots from small-arms;
According to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, Armenia violated ceasefire 47 times over the past 24 hours.
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