southfront--2020-08-05--Iran’s IRGC Commander Renews Pledge To Avenge Assassination Of Soleimani

The commander of Iran ’ s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps ( IRGC ) has renewed the pledge to avenge the blood of top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and continue his path until the liberation of all Muslim territories is achieved .
Speaking in Tehran on Tuesday , Major General Hossein Salami said enemies wrongly believe that the martyrdom of great men would grind the Islamic Revolution to a halt , but the historical realities of the past four decades have shown otherwise .
He said martyrdom is in fact the driving force behind the resistance and defence agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that the rule is the same in the case of the martyrdom of General Soleimani , the “ great ” and “ unforgettable ” commander , who belonged to the entire Muslim world .
The IRGC chief said not only will Iran take revenge for the US assassination in January of General Soleimani , but it will also “ continue the sacred path of General Soleimani until the end , which is the liberation of al-Quds , the elimination of enemies of Islam and their expulsion from Muslim lands.
” Avenging his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We will be pursuing our ideals , ” he emphasized .
The US military assassinated General Soleimani , the commander of the IRGC ’ s Quds Force , along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , deputy head of Iraq ’ s Hashd al-Sha ’ abi , and their companions by targeting their vehicles outside Baghdad International Airport on January 3 .
The IRGC chief ’ s statements followed those of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei , who said last month that Iran will never forget Washington ’ s crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shortly after the assassination , Ayatollah Khamenei vowed “ harsh revenge ” against the US , with the IRGC missile attacks on two US bases on Iraqi soil in a “ first slap.
” Iran ’ s Defence Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami also said on Tuesday that the enemies had hatched a “ big plot ” for the West Asia and were bent on institutionalizing insecurity in the region .
Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said terrorists such as Daesh and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats to Iran ’ s security by gaining dominance over Iraq and Syria .
LINK While Iran ’ s leadership has emphasized that it still has scores to settle with the US , events in Syria in particular are again pushing the region to the brink of a major conflict .
In the evening of August 4 the Jerusalem Post reported that ‘ intensive ’ airstrikes have hit several ‘ Iranian-backed ’ militia positions over the previous two days : Iranian positions near Albukamal , a key border city in Syria that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unidentified jets , ” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) … The recent attacks took place between five and nine in the morning , apparently on August 3 , although the reports emerged on August 4 .
They targeted Iranian-backed forces at Imam Ali , an area named Al-Sekka and also in the desert near Deir Ezzor .
There were casualties and weapons were destroyed… The SOHR report was picked up at Al-Ain , where the report also notes that “ 15 Iraqi militia members loyal to Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive .
Al-Ain says that a major explosion also happened at Al-Hizam al-Akhdar area near Albukamal , targeting an Iranian militia there… Iran has signed a deal to support Syrian air defence , which could see it deploy the 3rd Khordad or Bavar systems .
Tehran tried to move a 3rd Khordad to T-4 base in April 2018 , but it was hit by an airstrike .
The Syrian regime blames Israel for airstrikes in Syria .
Jerusalem has carried out more than 1,000 airstrikes on Iranian targets .
Israel says it carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 in retaliation for a thwarted IED planting effort by an unknown group in Syria near the Golan .
“ Jets , attack helicopters and aircraft struck military targets in southern Syrian belonging to the Syrian armed forces , ” the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday… Hezbollah says one of its members was killed on July 20 in airstrikes in Syria and blamed Israel , leading to tensions .
On June 24 , wide-ranging airstrikes hit a number of locations in Syria , including “ dish hill ” near Suwayda and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven Iranians and Syrians were allegedly killed in those strikes ; reports at the time indicated that Iran might respond.
” LINK While China has been the main focus of attention in the US for the last few weeks , the Middle East is dangerously close to a major catastrophe as it appears one misstep away from a major conflict involving Israel , Lebanon , Syria and Iran .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • As Showdown Looms Over Iran ’ s Oil Shipments To Venezuela US Nato Forces Poised For Possible Interception

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The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has renewed the pledge to avenge the blood of top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and continue his path until the liberation of all Muslim territories is achieved.
Speaking in Tehran on Tuesday, Major General Hossein Salami said enemies wrongly believe that the martyrdom of great men would grind the Islamic Revolution to a halt, but the historical realities of the past four decades have shown otherwise.
He said martyrdom is in fact the driving force behind the resistance and defence agenda of Iran and other Muslim nations, and that the rule is the same in the case of the martyrdom of General Soleimani, the “great” and “unforgettable” commander, who belonged to the entire Muslim world.
The IRGC chief said not only will Iran take revenge for the US assassination in January of General Soleimani, but it will also “continue the sacred path of General Soleimani until the end, which is the liberation of al-Quds, the elimination of enemies of Islam and their expulsion from Muslim lands.” Avenging his blood has “turned into an ideal. We will be pursuing our ideals,” he emphasized.
The US military assassinated General Soleimani, the commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of Iraq’s Hashd al-Sha’abi, and their companions by targeting their vehicles outside Baghdad International Airport on January 3.
The IRGC chief’s statements followed those of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who said last month that Iran will never forget Washington’s crime and will deliver a “counterblow.”
Shortly after the assassination, Ayatollah Khamenei vowed “harsh revenge” against the US, with the IRGC missile attacks on two US bases on Iraqi soil in a “first slap.” Iran’s Defence Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami also said on Tuesday that the enemies had hatched a “big plot” for the West Asia and were bent on institutionalizing insecurity in the region. Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said terrorists such as Daesh and their supporters attempted in vain to pose major threats to Iran’s security by gaining dominance over Iraq and Syria. LINK
While Iran’s leadership has emphasized that it still has scores to settle with the US, events in Syria in particular are again pushing the region to the brink of a major conflict. In the evening of August 4 the Jerusalem Post reported that ‘intensive’ airstrikes have hit several ‘Iranian-backed’ militia positions over the previous two days:
Iranian positions near Albukamal, a key border city in Syria that is near Iraq, were hit by “unidentified jets,” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR)… The recent attacks took place between five and nine in the morning, apparently on August 3, although the reports emerged on August 4. They targeted Iranian-backed forces at Imam Ali, an area named Al-Sekka and also in the desert near Deir Ezzor. There were casualties and weapons were destroyed… The SOHR report was picked up at Al-Ain, where the report also notes that “15 Iraqi militia members loyal to Iran” were killed. The airstrikes were intensive. Al-Ain says that a major explosion also happened at Al-Hizam al-Akhdar area near Albukamal, targeting an Iranian militia there… Iran has signed a deal to support Syrian air defence, which could see it deploy the 3rd Khordad or Bavar systems. Tehran tried to move a 3rd Khordad to T-4 base in April 2018, but it was hit by an airstrike. The Syrian regime blames Israel for airstrikes in Syria. Jerusalem has carried out more than 1,000 airstrikes on Iranian targets. Israel says it carried out other airstrikes in Syria on August 3 in retaliation for a thwarted IED planting effort by an unknown group in Syria near the Golan. “Jets, attack helicopters and aircraft struck military targets in southern Syrian belonging to the Syrian armed forces,” the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday… Hezbollah says one of its members was killed on July 20 in airstrikes in Syria and blamed Israel, leading to tensions. On June 24, wide-ranging airstrikes hit a number of locations in Syria, including “dish hill” near Suwayda and also points near Deir Ezzor. At least seven Iranians and Syrians were allegedly killed in those strikes; reports at the time indicated that Iran might respond.” LINK
While China has been the main focus of attention in the US for the last few weeks, the Middle East is dangerously close to a major catastrophe as it appears one misstep away from a major conflict involving Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Iran.
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southfront--2020-08-05--“Don’t Die Before I Kill You”: Israel Offers Lebanon Humanitarian Aid Following Explosion

Firefighter douse a blaze at the scene of an explosion at the port of Lebanon ’ s capital Beirut on August 4 , 2020 .
– Two huge explosion rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut , wounding dozens of people , shaking buildings and sending huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky .
Lebanese media carried images of people trapped under rubble , some bloodied , after the massive explosions , the cause of which was not immediately known .
( Photo by STR / AFP ) This was carried out via international security and diplomatic channels and happened under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi .
As such , this was not an official offer by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , and his Likud party , but from the Blue and White .
Gantz is , however , scheduled to become Prime Minister of Israel in November 2021 , meaning he isn ’ t exactly without authority to carry out such a move .
Regardless , the sheer hypocrisy of the offer is astounding .
Israel quite regularly threatens Lebanon with restarting war between the two countries , threatens to strike various locations inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of an alleged humanitarian incident such as this Tel ’ Aviv appears as a trusted friend , ready to offer help .
Essentially , they can be blown up , but only by Israel , accidents can ’ t cause their death .
Just days earlier , on August 1st , Lebanon ’ s President Michel Aoun said that Lebanon is prepared to defend itself against Israel ’ s attacks , which are in violation of the 2006 UN Security Council ( UNSC ) resolution .
On the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official complaint with the UNSC .
The Israeli military claimed it had “ thwarted an infiltration attempt by Hezbollah ” in the Jabal Ros area .
Hezbollah , however , denied the claim , saying : MORE ON THE TOPIC : • ‘ Likely Attack ’ : Trump Comments On Beirut Explosion That Left At Least 100 Dead • Lebanon ’ s President Says The Country Is Prepared To Defend Itself Against Israeli Attacks

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Israel officially offered Lebanon humanitarian medical aid.
This was carried out via international security and diplomatic channels and happened under order by Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.
As such, this was not an official offer by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his Likud party, but from the Blue and White.
Gantz is, however, scheduled to become Prime Minister of Israel in November 2021, meaning he isn’t exactly without authority to carry out such a move.
Regardless, the sheer hypocrisy of the offer is astounding.
Israel quite regularly threatens Lebanon with restarting war between the two countries, threatens to strike various locations inside it and what not.
However, in the face of an alleged humanitarian incident such as this Tel’Aviv appears as a trusted friend, ready to offer help.
Essentially, they can be blown up, but only by Israel, accidents can’t cause their death.
Just days earlier, on August 1st, Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun said that Lebanon is prepared to defend itself against Israel’s attacks, which are in violation of the 2006 UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution.
On the same day, Lebanon said it would lodge an official complaint with the UNSC.
The Israeli military claimed it had “thwarted an infiltration attempt by Hezbollah” in the Jabal Ros area.
Hezbollah, however, denied the claim, saying:
“There was no clash or shooting on our part in the events that took place today on the southern border in Lebanon, but rather it was only one party which was the fearful, anxious, and tense enemy.”
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southfront--2020-08-05--In Highest-level Visit In 40 Years, US Health Secretary To Lead Delegation To Taiwan

In what is the highest-level visit by a US official in decades , U.S. Health and Human Services ( HHS ) Secretary Alex Azar will lead a delegation to Taiwan .
Azar is the first Cabinet member to visit in six years , and the highest-level visit by a U.S .
Cabinet official since 1979 .
“ Taiwan has been a model of transparency and cooperation in global health during the COVID-19 pandemic and long before it , ” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar .
“ I look forward to conveying President Trump ’ s support for Taiwan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belief that free and democratic societies are the best model for protecting and promoting health .
This trip represents an opportunity to strengthen our economic and public health cooperation with Taiwan , especially as the United States and other countries work to strengthen and diversify our sources for crucial medical products.
” Of course , this is all presented as cooperation in the face of COVID-19 , not that the US doesn ’ t need any assistance it can get .
In 2018 , President Donald Trump signed into law the Taiwan Travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America ’ s policy of sending high-level U.S. officials to Taiwan to reaffirm the U.S.-Taiwan friendship , pursue shared interests , and celebrate the shared values that bond the United States and Taiwan to the international family of democracies .
In a very obvious stab at China , the statement of the visit , furthermore , makes a contrast between free societies such as the US and Taiwan , China .
“ In contrast to authoritarian systems , U.S. and Taiwan societies and economies are uniquely equipped to drive global progress in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help the world tackle emerging threats .
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most recent example of joint U.S.-Taiwan efforts to confront global challenges for the good of the world.
” This goes directly in spite of all the humanitarian aid China has provided all around the world , following the beginning of the pandemic .
The Secretary will be joined by Ambassador ( ret ) James F. Moriarty , Chairman of the Board of the American Institute in Taiwan ; Dr. Mitchell Wolfe , Chief Medical Officer of the Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief of Staff ; Garrett Grigsby , Director of the HHS Office of Global Affairs ; and other members of the Administration .
China is unlikely to welcome this visit , as the US is using Taiwan as yet another direction of pressure against Beijing .
Washington ’ s attempts MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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In what is the highest-level visit by a US official in decades, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar will lead a delegation to Taiwan.
Azar is the first Cabinet member to visit in six years, and the highest-level visit by a U.S. Cabinet official since 1979.
“Taiwan has been a model of transparency and cooperation in global health during the COVID-19 pandemic and long before it,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “I look forward to conveying President Trump’s support for Taiwan’s global health leadership and underscoring our shared belief that free and democratic societies are the best model for protecting and promoting health. This trip represents an opportunity to strengthen our economic and public health cooperation with Taiwan, especially as the United States and other countries work to strengthen and diversify our sources for crucial medical products.”
Of course, this is all presented as cooperation in the face of COVID-19, not that the US doesn’t need any assistance it can get.
In 2018, President Donald Trump signed into law the Taiwan Travel Act, and this visit is part of America’s policy of sending high-level U.S. officials to Taiwan to reaffirm the U.S.-Taiwan friendship, pursue shared interests, and celebrate the shared values that bond the United States and Taiwan to the international family of democracies.
In a very obvious stab at China, the statement of the visit, furthermore, makes a contrast between free societies such as the US and Taiwan, China.
“In contrast to authoritarian systems, U.S. and Taiwan societies and economies are uniquely equipped to drive global progress in areas such as medicine and science to help the world tackle emerging threats. The COVID-19 pandemic is the most recent example of joint U.S.-Taiwan efforts to confront global challenges for the good of the world.”
This goes directly in spite of all the humanitarian aid China has provided all around the world, following the beginning of the pandemic.
The Secretary will be joined by Ambassador (ret) James F. Moriarty, Chairman of the Board of the American Institute in Taiwan; Dr. Mitchell Wolfe, Chief Medical Officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Brian Harrison, HHS Chief of Staff; Garrett Grigsby, Director of the HHS Office of Global Affairs; and other members of the Administration.
China is unlikely to welcome this visit, as the US is using Taiwan as yet another direction of pressure against Beijing. Washington’s attempts
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southfront--2020-08-05--U.S. Needs To Develop New Sea-Launched Nuclear Cruise Missile To Deter Russia

The US Department of Defense concluded that it needs to develop a new sea-launched nuclear cruise missile ( SLCM ) .
According to the statement it is necessary to deter Russia .
This was also underlined by a paper released by the US Department of State on July 23rd .
[ pdf ] The paper concludes that it wasn ’ t right for the Obama administration to abandon development of a SLCM .
“ Accordingly , as noted in the National Defense Strategy , U.S. prioritization has also had to evolve with the times .
Whereas the Obama Administration had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats in order to focus upon nuclear terrorism and nonproliferation –and had , inter alia , eliminated TLAM-N on this basis–developments in the PRC and Russia have driven the Trump Administration once again to the conclusion that “ inter-state strategic competition , not terrorism , is now the primary concern in U.S. national security.
” As the attached DOD paper makes clear , our renewed pursuit of a nuclear-armed SLCM grows out of the duty that every U.S. Administration has , as a steward of the safety and security of the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevailing threats .
As the security environment has deteriorated , the United States must approach its nuclear posture differently than it did when it believed the world was becoming a steadily safer place.
” The United States retired its last nuclear sea-launched cruise missile in 2010 — one of only two remaining U.S. theater or tactical ( “ non-strategic ” ) nuclear weapons .
Russia , however , hasn ’ t .
It continued its “ comprehensive program ” to modernize and expand its low-yield theater and tactical nuclear weapons .
The need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed because of one disturbing fact : “ Russian strategy actually contemplates the use of these nuclear capabilities in conflict.
” Russia , however , according to the State Department , is wrong in thinking that using a low-yield nuclear weapon could provide it with a “ coercive advantage.
” As such the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review needs an update since it is simply outdated now .
According to the US , there are entirely credible concerns that Russia ’ s approach to a regional conflict ( not global ) could include using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach may be premised on Russia ’ s belief that its expanding anti-access/area denial networks will be able to neutralize the airborne nuclear deterrent forces of the United States and NATO , ” the 2018 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review concluded .
“ In the future , it is possible that China could adopt a similar doctrine .
Developing and fielding ( sea-launched cruise missile-nuclear ) signal the leaders of nuclear competitors in a concrete way that the United States has the capability and will to maintain operationally effective nuclear options to deter regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new nuclear-ready SLCM could help put any concerns to sleep .
Since if the US would have such a capability , any adversary ( Russia ) would “ think twice ” before employing their own .
Without requiring nuclear testing or violating any treaty , the SLCM “ will lower the risks of nuclear conflict , bolster the confidence of allies and restore a degree of balance in non-strategic nuclear weapons that could create conditions more conducive to addressing this category of forces through arms control , ” the posture review said .
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The US Department of Defense concluded that it needs to develop a new sea-launched nuclear cruise missile (SLCM).
According to the statement it is necessary to deter Russia.
This was also underlined by a paper released by the US Department of State on July 23rd. [pdf]
The paper concludes that it wasn’t right for the Obama administration to abandon development of a SLCM.
“Accordingly, as noted in the National Defense Strategy, U.S. prioritization has also had to evolve with the times. Whereas the Obama Administration had, as noted, downplayed great-power strategic threats in order to focus upon nuclear terrorism and nonproliferation –and had, inter alia, eliminated TLAM-N on this basis–developments in the PRC and Russia have driven the Trump Administration once again to the conclusion that “inter-state strategic competition, not terrorism, is now the primary concern in U.S. national security.” As the attached DOD paper makes clear, our renewed pursuit of a nuclear-armed SLCM grows out of the duty that every U.S. Administration has, as a steward of the safety and security of the American people, to preserve deterrence in light of prevailing threats. As the security environment has deteriorated, the United States must approach its nuclear posture differently than it did when it believed the world was becoming a steadily safer place.”
The United States retired its last nuclear sea-launched cruise missile in 2010 — one of only two remaining U.S. theater or tactical (“non-strategic”) nuclear weapons.
Russia, however, hasn’t. It continued its “comprehensive program” to modernize and expand its low-yield theater and tactical nuclear weapons.
The need to develop a new nuclear-capable SLCM is needed because of one disturbing fact: “Russian strategy actually contemplates the use of these nuclear capabilities in conflict.”
Russia, however, according to the State Department, is wrong in thinking that using a low-yield nuclear weapon could provide it with a “coercive advantage.”
“Russia may have pursued this strategy because the United States, unlike Russia, retired most of its non-strategic nuclear systems. Russia may believe it can use theater or tactical weapons, the paper says, because the United States could not effectively respond and might be reluctant to escalate further by responding with strategic nuclear weapons.”
As such the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review needs an update since it is simply outdated now.
“A nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile would address alarming developments in the forces and doctrine of nuclear competitors, the posture review says, adding that Russia and China both are investing significant sums to improve and expand their nuclear forces with no clear indication as to where that expansion will stop.”
According to the US, there are entirely credible concerns that Russia’s approach to a regional conflict (not global) could include using low-yield nuclear weapon first.
“This approach may be premised on Russia’s belief that its expanding anti-access/area denial networks will be able to neutralize the airborne nuclear deterrent forces of the United States and NATO,” the 2018 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review concluded. “In the future, it is possible that China could adopt a similar doctrine. Developing and fielding (sea-launched cruise missile-nuclear) signal the leaders of nuclear competitors in a concrete way that the United States has the capability and will to maintain operationally effective nuclear options to deter regional aggression.”
As such, developing a new nuclear-ready SLCM could help put any concerns to sleep.
Since if the US would have such a capability, any adversary (Russia) would “think twice” before employing their own.
Without requiring nuclear testing or violating any treaty, the SLCM “will lower the risks of nuclear conflict, bolster the confidence of allies and restore a degree of balance in non-strategic nuclear weapons that could create conditions more conducive to addressing this category of forces through arms control,” the posture review said.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Fire Broke Out At Misrata Airport, As White House Calls For Peace In Libya

On August 3rd , a fire broke out at the Misrata International Airport , which is a Turkish base of operations in Libya .
It doesn ’ t appear to be a result of any attack by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s forces , but rather an incident .
No significant damages and no injuries have been reported .
Separately , the Government of National Accord ’ s Sirte and Jufra operation commander Abdulhadi Drah said that all the troops , including Turkish armed forces , mercenaries and militants who came from Syria , are present and ready for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the side of the Libyan National Army , Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s forces received a new batch of Jordanian RPG-32 .
A video showed that a group of LNA soldiers , at Tariq bin Ziyad battalion base in Benghazi , which Haftar recently visited , were allegedly preparing to depart for Egypt .
The Libyan National Oil Corporation said that since the blockade of oil facilities began , Libya has lost $ 7.8 billion .
Finally , on the diplomatic front , the US appears to be becoming more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a peaceful solution .
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On August 3rd, a fire broke out at the Misrata International Airport, which is a Turkish base of operations in Libya.
A major fire broke out in the passenger departure and return hall at #Misrata International Airport. pic.twitter.com/ij7KIFAH7K — Ahmed ALberiaf (@Ahmedalberiaf) August 3, 2020
It doesn’t appear to be a result of any attack by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces, but rather an incident. No significant damages and no injuries have been reported.
Separately, the Government of National Accord’s Sirte and Jufra operation commander Abdulhadi Drah said that all the troops, including Turkish armed forces, mercenaries and militants who came from Syria, are present and ready for the possible siege and takeover of Sirte.
Sirte ve Cufra askeri birlikler komutanı Abdulhadi Drah: Hafter terör örgütünü Trablus'tan ve diğer batı kentlerinden çekilmek zorunda bırakan birliklerin tamamı Sirte ve Cufra savaşına katılmaya hazırdır#Libya pic.twitter.com/lU0J47wRMJ — Libya Febrayer TV (@TvFebruary) August 3, 2020
On the side of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces received a new batch of Jordanian RPG-32.
A video showed that a group of LNA soldiers, at Tariq bin Ziyad battalion base in Benghazi, which Haftar recently visited, were allegedly preparing to depart for Egypt.
#Libya
Geolocation of the video that shows a group of LNA soldiers getting ready to depart – allegedly to Egypt. Location of the video is Tariq bin Ziyad battalion base in Benghazi, which Haftar recently visited. 32°04'08.3"N 20°13'09.3"E https://t.co/7gHDRqXDpy pic.twitter.com/n97HhncBcA — Sargon Courtenay (@CourtenaySargon) August 5, 2020
The Libyan National Oil Corporation said that since the blockade of oil facilities began, Libya has lost $7.8 billion.
Finally, on the diplomatic front, the US appears to be becoming more active in rhetoric toward Libya, calling for a peaceful solution.
White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien said:
“The United States is deeply troubled by the escalating conflict in Libya. We strongly oppose foreign military involvement, including the use of mercenaries and private military contractors, by all sides.”
The White House calls for demilitarized solution for Sirte and immediate reopening of oil sector. #Libya https://t.co/K8pc4pczF8 — Mohammed Ali (@M_abdusa) August 4, 2020
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southfront--2020-08-05--‘Likely Attack’: Trump Comments On Beirut Explosion That Left At Least 100 Dead

On August 4th , a massive explosion took place in Lebanon ’ s capital city Beirut , leaving at least 100 dead and injuring more than 4,000 .
At least 48 staff members of the United Nations and 27 members of their families were among injured .
10 rescuers involved in the operation to contain the damage and help people also reportedly died .
The explosion sent a shockwave across the city and blew out windows up to 10 kilometers away , it was felt as far as Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea .
Lebanon ’ s Prime Minister Hassan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ammonium nitrate , which is typically used as an agricultural fertilizer , had been stored for six years at a port warehouse without safety measures , “ endangering the safety of citizens , ” according to a statement .
It is not specifically clear what caused the explosion itself , only what presumably exploded afterwards .
This came on the heels of a formal Israeli denial that it had anything to do with it , which also seemed be echoed by Hezbollah officials .
Initial reports in state media blamed the blast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the port , that likely spread to nearby buildings .
However , the Prime Minister ’ s account appeared to be backed by Lebanon ’ s General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim , who said a “ highly explosive material ” had been confiscated years earlier and stored in the warehouse , just minutes ’ walk from Beirut ’ s shopping and nightlife districts .
However , US President Donald Trump made a different statement , saying that it was a “ bomb of some kind.
” Trump said he had been briefed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they “ seem to feel ” that the explosion was not an accident .
Trump essentially either shared classified information , or once again just made baseless claims without evidence .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also pledged aid after the “ horrible tragedy ” .
The US Embassy in Lebanon was warned American citizens and residents in the surrounding area of the potential for toxic gases and chemicals in the air .
CNN cited experts who claimed that the official cause of the explosion – ammonium nitrate was inconsistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Robert Baer , a former CIA operative with extensive experience in the Middle East said videos of Tuesday ’ s blast showed that while ammonium nitrate may have been present in the warehouse , he does not believe it was responsible for the massive explosion that ensued .
“ It was clearly a military explosive , ” he said .
“ It was not fertilizer like ammonium nitrate .
I ’ m quite sure of that.
” “ You look at that orange ball ( of fire ) , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a military explosive.
” “ It almost looks like an accident , ” he said .
“ It was incompetence , and maybe it was corruption , but the question is whether it was military explosives , who was it going to or why was it stored there ?
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Israeli-Syrian Tensions Are Flaring Up In Golan Heights Area • Lebanon ’ s President Says The Country Is Prepared To Defend Itself Against Israeli Attacks

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On August 4th, a massive explosion took place in Lebanon’s capital city Beirut, leaving at least 100 dead and injuring more than 4,000.
At least 48 staff members of the United Nations and 27 members of their families were among injured. 10 rescuers involved in the operation to contain the damage and help people also reportedly died.
The explosion sent a shockwave across the city and blew out windows up to 10 kilometers away, it was felt as far as Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate, which is typically used as an agricultural fertilizer, had been stored for six years at a port warehouse without safety measures, “endangering the safety of citizens,” according to a statement.
It is not specifically clear what caused the explosion itself, only what presumably exploded afterwards.
This came on the heels of a formal Israeli denial that it had anything to do with it, which also seemed be echoed by Hezbollah officials.
Israeli military sources tell Israeli 10 News reporter: Israel didn't bomb Beirut. The explosion did not occur in a Hezbollah weapons depot. This was not a security-related event. https://t.co/hgDXFVxZdH — Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) August 4, 2020
Initial reports in state media blamed the blast on a major fire at a firecrackers warehouse near the port, that likely spread to nearby buildings.
However, the Prime Minister’s account appeared to be backed by Lebanon’s General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim, who said a “highly explosive material” had been confiscated years earlier and stored in the warehouse, just minutes’ walk from Beirut’s shopping and nightlife districts.
However, US President Donald Trump made a different statement, saying that it was a “bomb of some kind.”
Without providing any evidence, President Trump claims the explosion in #Beirut is a result of an attack. This contradicts the official statement of the Lebanese prime minister. @akhbarpic.twitter.com/QbfiS6DN68 — Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) August 4, 2020
Trump said he had been briefed by “our great generals” and that they “seem to feel” that the explosion was not an accident.
“According to them – they would know better than I would – but they seem to think it was an attack,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “It was a bomb of some kind.”
So the President of the United States is (1) once again publicly revealing highly sensitive national security information; or (2) needlessly exacerbating an already tense and fraught reaction to a tragedy—or both. Must be Tuesday… https://t.co/OvA7Xs7Vvw — Steve Vladeck (@steve_vladeck) August 4, 2020
Trump essentially either shared classified information, or once again just made baseless claims without evidence.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also pledged aid after the “horrible tragedy”.
The US Embassy in Lebanon was warned American citizens and residents in the surrounding area of the potential for toxic gases and chemicals in the air.
“There are reports of toxic gases released in the explosion so all in the area should stay indoors and wear masks if available,” the embassy said on its website.
CNN cited experts who claimed that the official cause of the explosion – ammonium nitrate was inconsistent with how the material burned or exploded.
“I’ve done a lot of accident investigations with the government, both national and international, and it is clear to me that this was a large amount of explosives or energetic material stored in a building that caught fire and that fire propagated to the explosives, causing the accident,” said Tony May, a former explosives investigator for the US Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Robert Baer, a former CIA operative with extensive experience in the Middle East said videos of Tuesday’s blast showed that while ammonium nitrate may have been present in the warehouse, he does not believe it was responsible for the massive explosion that ensued.
“It was clearly a military explosive,” he said. “It was not fertilizer like ammonium nitrate. I’m quite sure of that.” “You look at that orange ball (of fire), and it’s clearly, like I said, a military explosive.” “It almost looks like an accident,” he said. “It was incompetence, and maybe it was corruption, but the question is whether it was military explosives, who was it going to or why was it stored there?”
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southfront--2020-08-05--Raytheon and Rafael To Produce Iron Dome Missile Defence System In The US

US-based Raytheon Technologies and Israeli-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have formed a joint venture to build the Iron Dome missile defence system in the United States , the companies announced on August 3 .
Under the name Raytheon Rafael Area Protection Systems , the partnership is being set up to build a first-ever Iron Dome “ all-up-round ” facility in the US .
The facility will build Iron Dome systems , the Tamir interceptor and launcher , and the SkyHunter missile ( the US version of Tamir ) , according to a statement issued by Rafael .
Tamir and SkyHunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unmanned aircraft , rockets , artillery , mortars and other threats .
The companies expect to finalize the location where the system will be produced before the end of the year , the statement said .
“ This will be the first Iron Dome all-up-round facility outside of Israel , and it will help the U.S. Department of Defense and allies across the globe obtain the system for defense of their service members and critical infrastructure , ” according to Sam Deneke , vice president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense ’ s land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Raytheon have had a long partnership developing and manufacturing Iron Dome .
The system is widely fielded in Israel and , according to Rafael , is “ the world ’ s most-used system with more than 2,500 operational intercepts and a success rate exceeding 90 percent.
” The US Army has chosen Iron Dome as an interim capability to counter cruise missiles while it continues to develop a future Indirect Fires Protection Capability , or IFPC , to counter threats from cruise missiles as well as enemy drones , rockets , artillery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy two batteries to cover urgent cruise missile defence gaps , and another set of two batteries if the Army didn ’ t come up with a way forward for its enduring IFPC .
While the Army has said it will not buy all-up Iron Dome systems as part of the IFPC program , officials developing the capability are looking at the possibility of incorporating parts of Iron Dome in the final solution .
The Army plans to field the two Iron Dome batteries it has already purchased by the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to train troops on the system before deployment .
Some lawmakers are urging the Army to rapidly deploy the systems to the Middle East , arguing US and coalition forces there need the protection from Iran and its proxies .
In an analysis conducted by the Army , it was concluded the Iron Dome launcher and the Tamir interceptor ’ s performances are “ highly reliant ” on their own battle management systems and multimission radars .
The analysis also determined that the launcher and interceptor would be a viable option for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it worked on the Army ’ s future Integrated Air-and-Missile Defense Battle Command System , or IBCS , which is under development , according to a report sent to Congress earlier this year .
But General Mike Murray , the head of Army Futures Command , which is in charge of the service ’ s modernization efforts , testified before the House Armed Services Committee earlier this year that the Army has struggled to integrate Iron Dome into its IBCS system , mostly because the Israeli government has refused to provide critical source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tamir interceptor ’ s performance data proves its effectiveness when used within the Iron Dome system , but since data is lacking , it ’ s uncertain how well it would perform when linked through IBCS to the Sentinel radar , which is used to alert air defence weapons of threats , the report noted .
The Army will conduct a ‘ shoot-off ’ of the best available options for integration into an enduring IFPC solution in the third quarter of fiscal 2021 .
The US Marine Corps is also evaluating the system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluate the best options for a future indirect fires protection capability to defend against rockets , artillery and mortars as well as cruise missile and drones , according to a report sent to Congress and obtained by Defense News .
The shoot-off that will take place at White Sands Missile Range , New Mexico , is fashioned much in the same way the Army recently conducted its “ sense-off ” to choose a new air and missile defence radar that will replace the sensor in the Army ’ s current Patriot system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in charge of the Army ’ s air and missile defence modernization effort , told Defense News in a March 9 interview .
The Army has been trying to formulate its enduring Indirect Fires Protection Capability Increment 2 ( IFPC Inc 2 ) system for several years .
The intention for IFPC is to protect critical fixed or semi-fixed assets and is intended to be a more mobile solution than one that would suffice at a forward operating base , Gibson stated , and it will fill in gaps between tactical short-range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence such as the Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US army inks deal for Israels iron dome in historic first • Israeli military capabilities scenarios for the third Lebanon war

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US-based Raytheon Technologies and Israeli-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have formed a joint venture to build the Iron Dome missile defence system in the United States, the companies announced on August 3.
Under the name Raytheon Rafael Area Protection Systems, the partnership is being set up to build a first-ever Iron Dome “all-up-round” facility in the US. The facility will build Iron Dome systems, the Tamir interceptor and launcher, and the SkyHunter missile (the US version of Tamir), according to a statement issued by Rafael.
Tamir and SkyHunter are capable of intercepting cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft, rockets, artillery, mortars and other threats.
The companies expect to finalize the location where the system will be produced before the end of the year, the statement said.
“This will be the first Iron Dome all-up-round facility outside of Israel, and it will help the U.S. Department of Defense and allies across the globe obtain the system for defense of their service members and critical infrastructure,” according to Sam Deneke, vice president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense’s land warfare and air defense business. Rafael and Raytheon have had a long partnership developing and manufacturing Iron Dome. The system is widely fielded in Israel and, according to Rafael, is “the world’s most-used system with more than 2,500 operational intercepts and a success rate exceeding 90 percent.”
The US Army has chosen Iron Dome as an interim capability to counter cruise missiles while it continues to develop a future Indirect Fires Protection Capability, or IFPC, to counter threats from cruise missiles as well as enemy drones, rockets, artillery and mortars. Congress directed the service buy two batteries to cover urgent cruise missile defence gaps, and another set of two batteries if the Army didn’t come up with a way forward for its enduring IFPC.
While the Army has said it will not buy all-up Iron Dome systems as part of the IFPC program, officials developing the capability are looking at the possibility of incorporating parts of Iron Dome in the final solution.
The Army plans to field the two Iron Dome batteries it has already purchased by the end of the year, but it will still take time to train troops on the system before deployment. Some lawmakers are urging the Army to rapidly deploy the systems to the Middle East, arguing US and coalition forces there need the protection from Iran and its proxies.
In an analysis conducted by the Army, it was concluded the Iron Dome launcher and the Tamir interceptor’s performances are “highly reliant” on their own battle management systems and multimission radars. The analysis also determined that the launcher and interceptor would be a viable option for an enduring IFPC solution as long as it worked on the Army’s future Integrated Air-and-Missile Defense Battle Command System, or IBCS, which is under development, according to a report sent to Congress earlier this year.
But General Mike Murray, the head of Army Futures Command, which is in charge of the service’s modernization efforts, testified before the House Armed Services Committee earlier this year that the Army has struggled to integrate Iron Dome into its IBCS system, mostly because the Israeli government has refused to provide critical source code needed for the integration.
The Tamir interceptor’s performance data proves its effectiveness when used within the Iron Dome system, but since data is lacking, it’s uncertain how well it would perform when linked through IBCS to the Sentinel radar, which is used to alert air defence weapons of threats, the report noted.
The Army will conduct a ‘shoot-off’ of the best available options for integration into an enduring IFPC solution in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The US Marine Corps is also evaluating the system. LINK
The ‘shoot-off’ will evaluate the best options for a future indirect fires protection capability to defend against rockets, artillery and mortars as well as cruise missile and drones, according to a report sent to Congress and obtained by Defense News.
The shoot-off that will take place at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, is fashioned much in the same way the Army recently conducted its “sense-off” to choose a new air and missile defence radar that will replace the sensor in the Army’s current Patriot system, Brig. Gen. Brian Gibson, who is in charge of the Army’s air and missile defence modernization effort, told Defense News in a March 9 interview.
The Army has been trying to formulate its enduring Indirect Fires Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) system for several years. The intention for IFPC is to protect critical fixed or semi-fixed assets and is intended to be a more mobile solution than one that would suffice at a forward operating base, Gibson stated, and it will fill in gaps between tactical short-range air defence and strategic air and missile defence such as the Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System. LINK
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southfront--2020-08-05--Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile (Infographics)

Only because it ’ s an escalation management issue .
Once the Syrian victory is further along .
Then the @ @ @ @ @ missile to to missile destruction to launch platform to launch platform destruction .
The IAF @ @ @ @ @ launchers .
And hasn ’ t shot down a single Syrian fighter that I can @ @ @ @ @ have it ’ s rare .
Many of the IAF targets are undefended low value @ @ @ @ @ that are defended have to be hit with saturation strikes to insure that some get @ @ @ @ @ change when IAF and IDF launch platforms start being destroyed .
Rather than only missiles @

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The Harpoon is a United States all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile. The missile has been developed and is being manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security). The missile also has a land attack variant.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Military Situation In Libya On August 4, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • A major fire @ @ @ @ @ departure and return hall at Misrata International Airport .
No casualties were reported ; • @ @ @ @ @ the Sirte-Jufra Operations Room Abdelhadi Drah , the forces under the command of the GNA @ @ @ @ @ needed preparations to liberate Sirte and Jufra once negations for Khalifa Haftar forces ’ withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
A major fire broke out in the passenger departure and return hall at Misrata International Airport. No casualties were reported;
According to the spokesman for the Sirte-Jufra Operations Room Abdelhadi Drah, the forces under the command of the GNA are ready and have all needed preparations to liberate Sirte and Jufra once negations for Khalifa Haftar forces’ withdrawal fail.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Israeli-Syrian Tensions Are Flaring Up In Golan Heights Area

Tensions are once again flaring up in the Golan Heights area , on the contact line between Syrian and Israeli forces .
Late on August 3 , the Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF ) struck several targets in the Syrian province of Quneitra .
According to the IDF , the strikes hit observation posts , intelligence collection systems , anti-aircraft artillery and command and control systems of the Syrian Armed Forces .
The Syrian state media reported that Syrian forces intercepted several missiles , while the impact of the rest of them caused only material damage .
A day earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed that it had neutralized 4 gunmen that were trying to plant an IED on the security fence on the contact line between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and the government-controlled part of Syria .
Soldiers from the Maglan special forces unit and unspecified aircraft opened fire at the four suspects , some of whom were armed , killing them all , IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman said .
The spokesman said the military did not yet know which military or group the men belonged to , but Israeli media as always blamed Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new energy between the Syrian Army and Turkish-backed militant groups , first of all Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda ) , in southern Idlib and northern Lattakia .
According to pro-government sources , the escalation began with a series of intense strikes on positions of the army in southern Idlib .
In response to the attack , the Syrian Army and the Russian Aerospace Forces struck a number of positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham along the contact line .
Sources loyal to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants claimed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle in northwestern Hama and killed up to 10 Syrian soldiers by rocket and mortar strikes .
Early on August 4 , units of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham also stormed positions of the Syrian Army near Ard al-Wat and Ayn al-Qantarah , but the attack was repelled .
The clashes followed a series of incidents , including the canceled joint Turkish-Russian patrol along the M4 highway in southern Idlib .
These developments are a logical result of the current situation in Greater Idlib , where the so-called ‘ opposition-held area ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups supported by Turkey .

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Tensions are once again flaring up in the Golan Heights area, on the contact line between Syrian and Israeli forces.
Late on August 3, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck several targets in the Syrian province of Quneitra. According to the IDF, the strikes hit observation posts, intelligence collection systems, anti-aircraft artillery and command and control systems of the Syrian Armed Forces. The Syrian state media reported that Syrian forces intercepted several missiles, while the impact of the rest of them caused only material damage.
A day earlier, on August 2, the IDF claimed that it had neutralized 4 gunmen that were trying to plant an IED on the security fence on the contact line between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and the government-controlled part of Syria.
Soldiers from the Maglan special forces unit and unspecified aircraft opened fire at the four suspects, some of whom were armed, killing them all, IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman said. The spokesman said the military did not yet know which military or group the men belonged to, but Israeli media as always blamed Iran and Hezbollah.
Clashes also resumed with a new energy between the Syrian Army and Turkish-backed militant groups, first of all Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda), in southern Idlib and northern Lattakia. According to pro-government sources, the escalation began with a series of intense strikes on positions of the army in southern Idlib.
In response to the attack, the Syrian Army and the Russian Aerospace Forces struck a number of positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham along the contact line. Sources loyal to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants claimed that the group shot down a Russian Orlan-10 reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle in northwestern Hama and killed up to 10 Syrian soldiers by rocket and mortar strikes.
Early on August 4, units of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham also stormed positions of the Syrian Army near Ard al-Wat and Ayn al-Qantarah, but the attack was repelled.
The clashes followed a series of incidents, including the canceled joint Turkish-Russian patrol along the M4 highway in southern Idlib. These developments are a logical result of the current situation in Greater Idlib, where the so-called ‘opposition-held area’ is in fact controlled by various terrorist groups supported by Turkey.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Massive Explosions Rock Port Of Lebanese Capital. Multiple People Killed & Injured (Videos)

Yeah , even HRWs eh….. Roth , currious name isnt it , yup as somebody mentioned , just lacks the rest as “ child ” , was yapping something about Hezb , and then came the rest of the usual bunch of droolers crawling up from their foggy bottom , and babbles something about Nukes , etc to missiles .
Well , it is an explosion we can agree upon that , and if the initital reports are true , several small fires/bangs going of before the bigg one came , sounds like something happened inside this building , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if this compound stored Nitrats ( like the one used by the Jewish patsie Breivik in Norway ) this will eventually , because of the intitial heating up and create an massive explsion , thats one way to see it , the other is of course weapon systems , but I think this is an combo of fire/works and nitrats aka fertilizers witch is comonly used everywhere when it comes to say , mining , etc .
Nukes , dont look like an tack nuke , missile/s , so far I have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deed see was an bird , please do look at the image , you can clearly see the wings , witch make the object do somehting similare as flipping , etc .
its an bird .
Yeah , the hasbaRats , the leauge of morons are out in masses , but I dont want to speculate anymore than just whats said above , the jet sound , may equally be the sound of firecrackers etc before the detonation of the much larger explosion , I have seen tack nukes , I know ISISrael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 invasion when they nuked an chiken farm in the southern parts of Lebanon , I cant right now remeber the location but that was an tack nuke , but they are been used or tested , in Yemen .
And there was an similare explosion in France some years ago , with the same devestating effect and an grine silo isnt something to joke about , its basically an hughe bomb , that dust is highly explosive .
And so on .

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UPDATE (19:40 CEST): Both Israel and Hezbollah denied responsibility for two massive explosions in Beirut. According to media authorities are considering a version that the explosion was caused by some confiscated materials that were stored in the port area.
***
On August 4, two major explosions rocked the port of the Lebanese capital of Beirut causing the large-scale devastation wreaked in the surrounding area and multiple casualties.
The estimated number of casualties is already over 100 people.
A large number of buildings, including offices and apartments, were damaged or completely destroyed. According to social media reports, the incident may have been caused by the explosion of a fireworks storage.
Nonetheless, authorities are yet to officially reveal the cause of the incident.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Military Situation In Afghanistan On August 4, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • US Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ video meeting with the Taliban ’ s chief negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ At least 10 ISIS members were killed in the almost day-long battle between Afghan security @ @ @ @ @ Jalalabad prison ; • Several civilians were allegedly killed and wounded in mortar rounds fired @ @ @ @ @ , Badghis province .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a video meeting with the Taliban’s chief negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund to discuss the Afghan peace process;
At least 10 ISIS members were killed in the almost day-long battle between Afghan security forces and ISIS in the Jalalabad prison;
Several civilians were allegedly killed and wounded in mortar rounds fired by ANDSF in Bala Murghab, Badghis province.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Secret Meeting on the Privatization of Nuclear War Held on Hiroshima Day 2003

The Trump Administration ’ s Nuclear Posture Review ( NPR ) 2018 has called for “ the development of new , more usable nuclear weapons ” .
The 2018 NPR is in many regards .
What seems to have escaped the numerous media reports on Trump ’ s 2018 NPR is that the development of “ more usable nuclear weapons ” had already been put forth in George W. Bush ’ s 2001 Nuclear Posture Review , which was adopted by the US Senate in late 2002 .
In this regard , Senator Edward Kennedy had accused the Bush Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more useable nuclear weapons.
” namely tactical nuclear weapons ( B61-11 mini-nukes ) with an explosive capacity between one third and 6 times times a Hiroshima bomb .
The term “ more usable ” emanates from the debate surrounding the 2001 NPR , which justified the use of tactical nuclear weapons in the conventional war theater on the grounds that tactical nuclear weapons , namely bunker buster bombs with a nuclear warhead are , according to scientific opinion on contract to the Pentagon “ harmless to the surrounding population because the explosion is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excerpt from Michel Chossudovsky ’ s Towards a World War Three Scenario , The Dangers of Nuclear War .
first published in 2011 .
At no point since the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6th , 1945 , has humanity been closer to the unthinkable – a nuclear holocaust which could potentially spread in terms of radioactive fallout over a large part of the Middle East .
All the safeguards of the Cold War era , which categorized the nuclear bomb as “ a weapon of last resort ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” military actions using nuclear warheads are now described as acts of “ self-defense ” .
During the Cold War , the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction ( MAD ) prevailed , namely that the use of nuclear weapons against the Soviet Union would result in “ the destruction of both the attacker and the defender ” .
In the post Cold war era , US nuclear doctrine was redefined .
The dangers of nuclear weapons have been obfuscated .
Tactical weapons have been upheld as distinct , in terms of their impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cold War era .
Tactical nuclear weapons are identical to the strategic nuclear bombs .
The only things that differentiates these two categories of nuclear bombs are : The tactical nuclear weapon or low yield mini-nuke is described as a small nuclear bomb , delivered in the same way as the earth penetrating bunker buster bombs .
Tactical nuclear weapons , in terms of in-theater delivery systems are comparable to the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 .
The Pentagon ’ s 2001 Nuclear Posture Review envisaged so-called “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first strike use ” of nuclear weapons , not only against “ axis of evil ” countries ( including Iran and North Korea ) but also against Russia and China.2 The adoption of the NPR by the US Congress in late 2002 provided a green light for carrying out the Pentagon ’ s pre-emptive nuclear war doctrine , both in terms of military planning as well as defense procurement and production .
Congress not only rolled back its prohibition on low yield nuclear weapons , it also provided funding “ to pursue work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was allocated to bunker buster ( earth penetrator ) tactical nuclear weapons as well as to the development of new nuclear weapons.3 On August 6 , 2003 , on Hiroshima Day , commemorating when the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima ( August 6 1945 ) , a secret meeting was held behind closed doors at Strategic Command Headquarters at the Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska .
Senior executives from the nuclear industry and the military industrial complex were in attendance .
This mingling of defense contractors , scientists and policy-makers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The meeting was intended to set the stage for the development of a new generation of “ smaller ” , “ safer ” and “ more usable ” nuclear weapons , to be used in the “ in-theater nuclear wars ” of the 21st Century .
In a cruel irony , the participants to this secret meeting , which excluded members of Congress , arrived on the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing and departed on the anniversary of the attack on Nagasaki .
More than 150 military contractors , scientists from the weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the headquarters of the US Strategic Command in Omaha , Nebraska to plot and plan for the possibility of “ full-scale nuclear war ” , calling for the production of a new generation of nuclear weapons – more “ usable ” so-called “ mini-nukes ” and earth penetrating “ bunker busters ” armed with atomic warheads.4 According to a leaked draft of the agenda , the secret meeting included discussions on “ mini-nukes ” and “ bunker-buster ” bombs with nuclear war heads “ for possible use against rogue states ” : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post 9/11 nuclear weapons doctrine was in the making , with America ’ s major defense contractors directly involved in the decision-making process .
The Hiroshima Day 2003 meetings had set the stage for the “ privatization of nuclear war ” .
Corporations not only reap multibillion-dollar profits from the production of nuclear bombs , they also have a direct voice in setting the agenda regarding the use and deployment of nuclear weapons .
The nuclear weapons industry , which includes the production of nuclear devices as well as the missile delivery systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handful of defense contractors with Lockheed Martin , General Dynamics , Northrop Grunman , Raytheon and Boeing in the lead .
It is worth noting that barely a week prior to the historic August 6 , 2003 meeting , the National Nuclear Security Administration ( NNSA ) disbanded its advisory committee which provided an “ independent oversight ” on the US nuclear arsenal , including the testing and/or use of new nuclear devices.6 The above text is an excerpt from Michel Chossudovsky ’ s Towards a World War Three Scenario , The Dangers @ @ @ @

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Written by Prof Michel Chossudovsky; Originally appeared at Global Researh
Behind closed doors at Strategic Command Headquarters
The Trump Administration’s Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) 2018 has called for “the development of new, more usable nuclear weapons”.
The 2018 NPR is in many regards Déjà Vu.
What seems to have escaped the numerous media reports on Trump’s 2018 NPR is that the development of “more usable nuclear weapons” had already been put forth in George W. Bush’s 2001 Nuclear Posture Review, which was adopted by the US Senate in late 2002. In this regard, Senator Edward Kennedy had accused the Bush Administration for having developed “a generation of more useable nuclear weapons.” namely tactical nuclear weapons (B61-11 mini-nukes) with an explosive capacity between one third and 6 times times a Hiroshima bomb.
The term “more usable” emanates from the debate surrounding the 2001 NPR, which justified the use of tactical nuclear weapons in the conventional war theater on the grounds that tactical nuclear weapons, namely bunker buster bombs with a nuclear warhead are, according to scientific opinion on contract to the Pentagon “harmless to the surrounding population because the explosion is underground.”
Michel Chossudovsky, August 6, 2019, August 3, 2020
***
The text below is an excerpt from Michel Chossudovsky’s Towards a World War Three Scenario, The Dangers of Nuclear War. first published in 2011.
***
At no point since the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945, has humanity been closer to the unthinkable – a nuclear holocaust which could potentially spread in terms of radioactive fallout over a large part of the Middle East.
All the safeguards of the Cold War era, which categorized the nuclear bomb as “a weapon of last resort”, have been scrapped. “Offensive” military actions using nuclear warheads are now described as acts of “self-defense”.
The casualties from the direct effects of blast, radioactivity, and fires resulting from the massive use of nuclear weapons by the superpowers [of the Cold War era] would be so catastrophic that we avoided such a tragedy for the first four decades after the invention of nuclear weapons.1
During the Cold War, the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) prevailed, namely that the use of nuclear weapons against the Soviet Union would result in “the destruction of both the attacker and the defender”. In the post Cold war era, US nuclear doctrine was redefined.
The dangers of nuclear weapons have been obfuscated. Tactical weapons have been upheld as distinct, in terms of their impact, from the strategic thermonuclear bombs of the Cold War era. Tactical nuclear weapons are identical to the strategic nuclear bombs. The only things that differentiates these two categories of nuclear bombs are:
1) their delivery system;
2) their explosive yield (measured in mass of trinitrotoluene (TNT), in kilotons or megatons.
The tactical nuclear weapon or low yield mini-nuke is described as a small nuclear bomb, delivered in the same way as the earth penetrating bunker buster bombs. Tactical nuclear weapons, in terms of in-theater delivery systems are comparable to the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
The Pentagon’s 2001 Nuclear Posture Review envisaged so-called “contingency plans” for an offensive “first strike use” of nuclear weapons, not only against “axis of evil” countries (including Iran and North Korea) but also against Russia and China.2
The adoption of the NPR by the US Congress in late 2002 provided a green light for carrying out the Pentagon’s pre-emptive nuclear war doctrine, both in terms of military planning as well as defense procurement and production. Congress not only rolled back its prohibition on low yield nuclear weapons, it also provided funding “to pursue work on so-called mini-nukes”. The financing was allocated to bunker buster (earth penetrator) tactical nuclear weapons as well as to the development of new nuclear weapons.3
Hiroshima Day 2003: Secret Meeting at Strategic Command Headquarters
On August 6, 2003, on Hiroshima Day, commemorating when the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima (August 6 1945), a secret meeting was held behind closed doors at Strategic Command Headquarters at the Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
Senior executives from the nuclear industry and the military industrial complex were in attendance. This mingling of defense contractors, scientists and policy-makers was not intended to commemorate Hiroshima. The meeting was intended to set the stage for the development of a new generation of “smaller”, “safer” and “more usable” nuclear weapons, to be used in the “in-theater nuclear wars” of the 21st Century.
In a cruel irony, the participants to this secret meeting, which excluded members of Congress, arrived on the anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing and departed on the anniversary of the attack on Nagasaki. More than 150 military contractors, scientists from the weapons labs, and other government officials gathered at the headquarters of the US Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska to plot and plan for the possibility of “full-scale nuclear war”, calling for the production of a new generation of nuclear weapons – more “usable” so-called “mini-nukes” and earth penetrating “bunker busters” armed with atomic warheads.4
According to a leaked draft of the agenda, the secret meeting included discussions on “mini-nukes” and “bunker-buster” bombs with nuclear war heads “for possible use against rogue states”:
We need to change our nuclear strategy from the Cold War to one that can deal with emerging threats… The meeting will give some thought to how we guarantee the efficacy of the (nuclear) stockpile.5
The Privatization of Nuclear War: US Military Contractors Set the Stage
The post 9/11 nuclear weapons doctrine was in the making, with America’s major defense contractors directly involved in the decision-making process.
The Hiroshima Day 2003 meetings had set the stage for the “privatization of nuclear war”. Corporations not only reap multibillion-dollar profits from the production of nuclear bombs, they also have a direct voice in setting the agenda regarding the use and deployment of nuclear weapons.
The nuclear weapons industry, which includes the production of nuclear devices as well as the missile delivery systems, etc., is controlled by a handful of defense contractors with Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Northrop Grunman, Raytheon and Boeing in the lead. It is worth noting that barely a week prior to the historic August 6, 2003 meeting, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) disbanded its advisory committee which provided an “independent oversight” on the US nuclear arsenal, including the testing and/or use of new nuclear devices.6
The above text is an excerpt from Michel Chossudovsky’s
Towards a World War Three Scenario, The Dangers of Nuclear War.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Poll Shows Only 2% Of Russians Trust Authorities

An internet poll organized by a prominent independent Russian journalist , Andrey Karaulov , has demonstrated that only 2 % of Russians trust authorities .
The total number of people that participated in the poll is 2,244,147 .
It is important to note that the held poll demonstrated the attitude of people towards the current governance system , not President Vladimir Putin .
The trust level of Putin among the Russian population is always higher than the level of trust to authorities in general .
According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center , Putin ’ s trust level in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic and coronavirus crises , was 28.3 % .
The impact of the global economic decline , harsh restrictions imposed in large Russian cities , first of all Moscow , due to the spread of COVID-19 and their impact on the social and economic life of the country are among the main reasons of dissatisfaction of citizens with actions of authorities .
Even now , when the situation with the spread of coronavirus in Russia is reportedly comparable with the spread of seasonal flu in recent years and a large part of restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some local authorities continue enforcing bureaucratic procedures and restrictions under pretext of combating the spread of disease .
The strange situation is observed in Moscow , where the team of notorious mayor Sergey Sobyanin goes fully in the framework of its earlier approach of tightening the screws .
In many cases formalism and paper work dominate over the real care about the health of Moscow residents .
This situation is especially clear in the field of face mask requirements .
In particular , authorities pressure markets to not sell goods and services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other hand , people that formally demonstrate their mask ( for example , on a jaw ) are not targeted by any restrictions .
Fees and penalties for violations of the coronavirus restrictions still remain in force .
At the same time , more and more public gathering areas and public spaces , including cinemas , are being opened .
Seaside resort in the Russian regions of Crimea and Krasnodar are full of domestic tourists .
The restrictive approach of Moscow authorities in these conditions causes an apparent perplexity .
Local experts point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities , are employing the widely-known Overton window concept to impose more and more limitations by painting them as something obvious and unavoidable .
According to this version , the real goal is not to protect the health of people , but to force them to obey newly imposed , even strange or unfounded , norms .
Thus , the group of elites that promotes this approach likely believes that it will be able to set conditions for a further digitalization and atomization of the society .
Moscow is on the spearhead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by these actions , the Western-affiliated part of the Russian elite is trying to build its own ‘ local neo-liberal paradise ’ on the territory of the Russian capital in order to compensate the losses suffered due to the closure of borders and the developing collapse of the concept of ‘ united Europe ’ .
This new ‘ paradise ’ is being built in the best practices of the modern Western neo-liberal fascism , which became the mainstream trend in the ‘ democratic world ’ .
All these developments happen amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus , which will likely reach its peak after the presidential election on August 9 .
Just recently , Belarusian authorities detained 33 Russians ( supposedly private military contractors ) accusing them of being hired to destabilize the situation in Belarus .
This version does not hold up against criticism and even the Belarusian government acts like it does not believe in its own words .
According to reports in social media , pro-Western organized groups have been actively preparing to exploit the August 9 election in the country and the current difficulties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by actions of Minsk ) to destabilize the situation .
If Western-funded groups really stage a coup and seize power in Belarus , the following deep social and political crisis may trigger the intensification of negative political tendencies in Russia .
This may lead to a larger crisis fueled by the dissatisfaction of the population with the negative consequences of the economic decline and coronavirus crisis .
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An internet poll organized by a prominent independent Russian journalist, Andrey Karaulov, has demonstrated that only 2% of Russians trust authorities. The total number of people that participated in the poll is 2,244,147.
It is important to note that the held poll demonstrated the attitude of people towards the current governance system, not President Vladimir Putin.
The trust level of Putin among the Russian population is always higher than the level of trust to authorities in general. According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, Putin’s trust level in March 2020, amid the developing global economic and coronavirus crises, was 28.3%.
The impact of the global economic decline, harsh restrictions imposed in large Russian cities, first of all Moscow, due to the spread of COVID-19 and their impact on the social and economic life of the country are among the main reasons of dissatisfaction of citizens with actions of authorities.
Even now, when the situation with the spread of coronavirus in Russia is reportedly comparable with the spread of seasonal flu in recent years and a large part of restrictions imposed by the federal government is lifted, some local authorities continue enforcing bureaucratic procedures and restrictions under pretext of combating the spread of disease.
The strange situation is observed in Moscow, where the team of notorious mayor Sergey Sobyanin goes fully in the framework of its earlier approach of tightening the screws. In many cases formalism and paper work dominate over the real care about the health of Moscow residents. This situation is especially clear in the field of face mask requirements. In particular, authorities pressure markets to not sell goods and services to people without masks. On the other hand, people that formally demonstrate their mask (for example, on a jaw) are not targeted by any restrictions. Fees and penalties for violations of the coronavirus restrictions still remain in force. At the same time, more and more public gathering areas and public spaces, including cinemas, are being opened. Seaside resort in the Russian regions of Crimea and Krasnodar are full of domestic tourists. The restrictive approach of Moscow authorities in these conditions causes an apparent perplexity.
Local experts point that Moscow authorities, and possibly federal authorities, are employing the widely-known Overton window concept to impose more and more limitations by painting them as something obvious and unavoidable. According to this version, the real goal is not to protect the health of people, but to force them to obey newly imposed, even strange or unfounded, norms. Thus, the group of elites that promotes this approach likely believes that it will be able to set conditions for a further digitalization and atomization of the society. Moscow is on the spearhead of these efforts. Some may even suggest that by these actions, the Western-affiliated part of the Russian elite is trying to build its own ‘local neo-liberal paradise’ on the territory of the Russian capital in order to compensate the losses suffered due to the closure of borders and the developing collapse of the concept of ‘united Europe’. This new ‘paradise’ is being built in the best practices of the modern Western neo-liberal fascism, which became the mainstream trend in the ‘democratic world’.
All these developments happen amid the slowly but steadily developing crisis in neighboring Belarus, which will likely reach its peak after the presidential election on August 9. Just recently, Belarusian authorities detained 33 Russians (supposedly private military contractors) accusing them of being hired to destabilize the situation in Belarus. This version does not hold up against criticism and even the Belarusian government acts like it does not believe in its own words. According to reports in social media, pro-Western organized groups have been actively preparing to exploit the August 9 election in the country and the current difficulties in the Belarusian-Russian relations (mostly caused by actions of Minsk) to destabilize the situation. If Western-funded groups really stage a coup and seize power in Belarus, the following deep social and political crisis may trigger the intensification of negative political tendencies in Russia. This may lead to a larger crisis fueled by the dissatisfaction of the population with the negative consequences of the economic decline and coronavirus crisis.
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southfront--2020-08-05--AS90 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The AS-90 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed for and used by the British @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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The AS-90 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed for and used by the British Army.
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southfront--2020-08-05--China Will Soon Be Able To Close Off The Straits Of Hormuz And The Red Sea

By Michael Every of Rabobank The world is rightly shocked today by the terrible explosion that devastated Beirut , and our thoughts go out to the people of Lebanon .
The cause is still unknown , but visual evidence and official government statements suggest it was a tragic accident due to storing fireworks next to up to 2,750 tons ( ! )
of ammonium nitrate .
Despite denials from daggers-drawn Israel Hezbollah , even a region rife in conspiracy theories had dismissed thoughts of this being either ( Lebanese ) politics or regional geopolitics ( indeed , Israel has offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are overflowing ) …until US President Trump blurted out his generals had told him it looked like a bomb and “ attack ” of some kind .
Speculation or confidential information ?
Either way , it ’ s explosive .
As is the fact that not too far away , the United Arab Emirates has opened its first nuclear reactor , a step to being able to develop a nuclear weapon if it so chooses – though it has sworn not to .
Not so sworn , perhaps , is Saudi Arabia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped Riyadh construct a facility for extracting uranium ‘ yellowcake ’ from uranium ore , a crucial step to developing nukes .
It ’ s ironic given China has signed a 25-year co-operation agreement with the Saudis ’ bitter foe Iran , including military cooperation , and Tehran is itself not far from a nuclear breakout capability .
It ’ s also tragic if this leads to greater regional instability – which has serious implications for energy prices we saw just a flicker of yesterday .
It ’ s also a further indication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the energy-rich Middle East as the US has tried to step back .
Specifically , if China and Iran develop their deal on the ground and China expands the power of its Djibouti naval base with further ship-building , one could see a not-too-distant future where oil flows to China via the Belt and Road and , at the same time , China could be able to close off the Straits of Hormuz the Red Sea if it wanted , making it .
That ’ s the stick that it would not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping all sides on trade , infrastructure , weapons , and nuclear energy ( For a more detailed run-down , see here . )
Even the carrot is a highly explosive prospect given what it implies for energy pricing and so the future of the US dollar .
Indeed , it is something the US won ’ t just sit back and let happen under President Trump or other president .
Meanwhile , Turkey has its own controversial Mediterranean energy claims it is pressing ahead with , to which France has reacted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Markets are already on edge here , with USD/TRY testing towards the psychological 7 level and overnight interest rates hitting as high as 1,024 % ( ! )
yesterday : a volatile fusion of markets and geopolitics is at play again , it seems , which does not likely to get better anytime soon .
Likewise as talks to see Indian and Chinese forces –now including tens of thousands of men , heavy tanks , and planes– pull back from their disputed border have stalled .
India is insisting China retreats from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China is literally digging in and insisting India drops its economic boycott of Chinese goods and services .
Indian analysis underlines New Delhi faces a stark choice between accepting the loss of territory so far ( and China the loss of influence and Indian market share ) or pushing ahead militarily to reclaim the land – which would obviously be explosive .
Markets are assuming it must be the former , “ obviously ” .
Then again , markets didn ’ t see the border clash coming .
They so often miss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Trip to Taiwan in Decades to Challenge China ” , as the US Secretary for Health and Human Services ) takes the largest and most senior delegation to Taipei for 40 years with an itinerary including meeting President Tsai Ing-wen .
The Indian press has also been pushing for New Delhi to swing behind Taiwan to show China that it can take the diplomatic offensive , and not just always play catch-up defence .
This is again all highly explosive .
Sticking with things that are easier for markets to get their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US and China will review progress of their phase one trade deal on 15 August and , as Reuters puts it , “ ” .
Which I presume will include TikTok .
It does not take much analysis to see that China is far behind on its pledged purchase commitments from the US .
That could be put down to Covid-19 , of course .
What can not , however , is Beijing pushing ahead with a focus on the domestic market at the expense of imports wherever possible ; and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the development of integrated chip manufacturing by offering ten years of no corporate taxes .
Recall the US still holds the leading edge ( with Taiwan ) in this field , and China is still a large net importer of them : this looks like import substitution , which USTR Lighthizer will be able to see all the way from DC .
Imagine if the trade deal were to *officially* collapse – which is something we see happening eventually .
Imagine how markets will react then .
Especially in the case if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington DC on stimulus by then .
The latest is talk of both sides digging in , and of possible executive orders of questionable constitutionality , and all the while as nearly USD2 trillion provided by the Fed sits there in the Treasury accounts and not in household pockets .
Markets at least get an inkling of how explosive that combination is when we see bond yields moving towards new lows .
10-year Treasuries are now at 0.51 % and look to be heading for a sub-0.50 % close ahead .
2-years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for single digits .
5-years are already just below 0.20 % .
Even 30-years are at 1.20 % , roughly pricing in four Fed hikes over the course of the next generation .
And that ’ s with most people in the market blissfully unaware of the prevailing geopolitical backdrop .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
By Michael Every of Rabobank
The world is rightly shocked today by the terrible explosion that devastated Beirut, and our thoughts go out to the people of Lebanon. The cause is still unknown, but visual evidence and official government statements suggest it was a tragic accident due to storing fireworks next to up to 2,750 tons(!) of ammonium nitrate. Despite denials from daggers-drawn Israel and Hezbollah, even a region rife in conspiracy theories had dismissed thoughts of this being either (Lebanese) politics or regional geopolitics (indeed, Israel has offered medical assistance given Beirut’s hospitals are overflowing)…until US President Trump blurted out his generals had told him it looked like a bomb and “attack” of some kind. Speculation or confidential information? Either way, it’s explosive.
As is the fact that not too far away, the United Arab Emirates has opened its first nuclear reactor, a step to being able to develop a nuclear weapon if it so chooses – though it has sworn not to. Not so sworn, perhaps, is Saudi Arabia. The Wall Street Journal reports China has helped Riyadh construct a facility for extracting uranium ‘yellowcake’ from uranium ore, a crucial step to developing nukes. It’s ironic given China has signed a 25-year co-operation agreement with the Saudis’ bitter foe Iran, including military cooperation, and Tehran is itself not far from a nuclear breakout capability. It’s also tragic if this leads to greater regional instability – which has serious implications for energy prices we saw just a flicker of yesterday. It’s also a further indication that China and Russia are stepping into the energy-rich Middle East as the US has tried to step back.
Specifically, if China and Iran develop their deal on the ground and China expands the power of its Djibouti naval base with further ship-building, one could potentially see a not-too-distant future where oil flows to China via the Belt and Road and, at the same time, China could be able to close off the Straits of Hormuz and the Red Sea if it wanted, making it primus inter pares. That’s the stick that it would not want to use; the carrot would be helping all sides on trade, infrastructure, weapons, and nuclear energy (For a more detailed run-down, see here.) Even the carrot is a highly explosive prospect given what it implies for energy pricing and so the future of the US dollar. Indeed, it is something the US won’t just sit back and let happen under President Trump or any other president.
Meanwhile, Turkey has its own controversial Mediterranean energy claims it is pressing ahead with, to which France has reacted with talk of sending naval vessels to Cyprus. Markets are already on edge here, with USD/TRY testing towards the psychological 7 level and overnight interest rates hitting as high as 1,024%(!) yesterday: a volatile fusion of markets and geopolitics is at play again, it seems, which does not likely to get better anytime soon.
Likewise as talks to see Indian and Chinese forces –now including tens of thousands of men, heavy tanks, and planes– pull back from their disputed border have stalled. India is insisting China retreats from all the territory it has taken; China is literally digging in and insisting India drops its economic boycott of Chinese goods and services. Indian analysis underlines New Delhi faces a stark choice between accepting the loss of territory so far (and China the loss of influence and Indian market share) or pushing ahead militarily to reclaim the land – which would obviously be explosive. Markets are assuming it must be the former, “obviously”. Then again, markets didn’t see the border clash coming. They so often miss the obvious.
Like Bloomberg reporting “Highest-Level US Trip to Taiwan in Decades to Challenge China”, as the US Secretary for Health and Human Services) takes the largest and most senior delegation to Taipei for 40 years with an itinerary including meeting President Tsai Ing-wen. The Indian press has also been pushing for New Delhi to swing behind Taiwan to show China that it can take the diplomatic offensive, and not just always play catch-up defence. This is again all highly explosive.
Sticking with things that are easier for markets to get their heads round, but also dangerous, the US and China will review progress of their phase one trade deal on 15 August and, as Reuters puts it, “air other grievances”. Which I presume will include TikTok. It does not take much analysis to see that China is far behind on its pledged purchase commitments from the US. That could be put down to Covid-19, of course. What cannot, however, is Beijing pushing ahead with a focus on the domestic market at the expense of imports wherever possible; and in particular in the policy unveiled yesterday to support the development of integrated chip manufacturing by offering ten years of no corporate taxes. Recall the US still holds the leading edge (with Taiwan) in this field, and China is still a large net importer of them: this looks like import substitution, which USTR Lighthizer will be able to see all the way from DC. Imagine if the trade deal were to *officially* collapse – which is something we see happening eventually. Imagine how markets will react then.
Especially in the case if there is still no big bang up in Washington DC on stimulus by then. The latest is talk of both sides digging in, and of possible executive orders of questionable constitutionality, and all the while as nearly USD2 trillion provided by the Fed sits there in the Treasury accounts and not in household pockets.
Markets at least get an inkling of how explosive that combination is when we see bond yields moving towards new lows. 10-year Treasuries are now at 0.51% and look to be heading for a sub-0.50% close ahead. 2-years are at just 0.11% and heading for single digits. 5-years are already just below 0.20%. Even 30-years are at 1.20%, roughly pricing in four Fed hikes over the course of the next generation. And that’s with most people in the market blissfully unaware of the prevailing geopolitical backdrop.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Syrian Security Forces Uncovered U.S. Grenades, Israeli Mines In Southern Region (Video, Photos)

Syrian security forces had uncovered a number of weapons caches in recent search operations in the southern region , the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on August 5 .
A security source told the state-run agency that the caches had contained a number of assault rifles , heavy machine guns , hundreds of rocket-propelled grenades and more than 180,000 rounds of the 12,7 and 14,5 mm calibers .
Security forces also uncovered dozens of smoke and bang grenades , which were made in the U.S. as well as a number of Israeli-made anti-personnel mines .
Most of these weapons were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a part of a secret operation to equip rebel groups in Syria .
The operation , codenamed “ Timber Sycamore ” , was authorized by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2013 .
President Donald Trump halted the operation when he came to power .
Syrian security forces and the Syrian Arab Army are conducting search operations in the southern governorates of Daraa and al-Quneitra on a regular basis .
Loads of U.S.-supplied weapons were seized over the last year .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Jihadists Released New Video Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Greater Idlib

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Syrian security forces had uncovered a number of weapons caches in recent search operations in the southern region, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on August 5.
A security source told the state-run agency that the caches had contained a number of assault rifles, heavy machine guns, hundreds of rocket-propelled grenades and more than 180,000 rounds of the 12,7 and 14,5 mm calibers.
Security forces also uncovered dozens of smoke and bang grenades, which were made in the U.S. as well as a number of Israeli-made anti-personnel mines.
Most of these weapons were supplied by the U.S. and its allies as a part of a secret operation to equip rebel groups in Syria. The operation, codenamed “Timber Sycamore”, was authorized by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2013. President Donald Trump halted the operation when he came to power.
Syrian security forces and the Syrian Arab Army are conducting search operations in the southern governorates of Daraa and al-Quneitra on a regular basis. Loads of U.S.-supplied weapons were seized over the last year.
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southfront--2020-08-05--Advanced S-300 Air-Defense System Spotted Near Key Libya Oil Port (Photos)

On August 5 , Libyan sources shared images claiming to show an advanced S-300 long-range air-defense system in Libya .
The photos were supposedly taken near the town of Ras Lauf , a key oil export port controlled by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The town is located more than 200 km to the east of the town of Sirte , where LNA forces are preparing for an attack by Turkish-backed forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) The photos show a 96L6E Cheese Board radar and a transporter erector launcher ( TEL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and S-400 air-defense systems .
The 96L6E is a 3D early-warning and acquisition radar operating in C-Band designed to work with the S-300 and S-400 air-defense systems .
The radar has a range of 300 km and can track up to 100 targets simultaneously .
The photos are yet to be verified by an independent side .
They can be forged , taken in another country or even completely fake .
Last month , several Arab sources reported that an S-300 system was deployed in Libya .
Egypt , an ally of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system that is different from the one allegedly spotted near Ras Lanuf .
If confirmed , the presence of an S-300 or even an S-400 system could grant the LNA complete control of the skies over the frontline in Sirte .
GNA forces , which relied on the support of Turkish combat drones during the recent battles , will lose their advantage .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Fire Broke Out At Misrata Airport , As White House Calls For Peace In Libya

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On August 5, Libyan sources shared images claiming to show an advanced S-300 long-range air-defense system in Libya.
The photos were supposedly taken near the town of Ras Lauf, a key oil export port controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA). The town is located more than 200 km to the east of the town of Sirte, where LNA forces are preparing for an attack by Turkish-backed forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA)
The photos show a 96L6E Cheese Board radar and a transporter erector launcher (TEL) similar to those used in S-300 and S-400 air-defense systems.
Unidentified air defense system deployed by #LNA near Ras Lanouf oil port, eastern #Libya pic.twitter.com/ZeXsaBeMqc — KRS (@alkaraisili) August 5, 2020
The 96L6E is a 3D early-warning and acquisition radar operating in C-Band designed to work with the S-300 and S-400 air-defense systems. The radar has a range of 300 km and can track up to 100 targets simultaneously.
The photos are yet to be verified by an independent side. They can be forged, taken in another country or even completely fake.
Last month, several Arab sources reported that an S-300 system was deployed in Libya. Egypt, an ally of the LNA, operates a variant of the system that is different from the one allegedly spotted near Ras Lanuf.
If confirmed, the presence of an S-300 or even an S-400 system could grant the LNA complete control of the skies over the frontline in Sirte. GNA forces, which relied on the support of Turkish combat drones during the recent battles, will lose their advantage.
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