Vol. 1, No. 1, November 2, 2016
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These Recommended Reads are drawn from multiple sources and languages to deliver you the best information possible. Read on for an examination of news buzz surrounding Russia, Mosul, Spain, drones, and other important items.
Some argue that the carrier caper was part of a plan to deflect attention away from Russia’s direct aid in the onslaught ongoing in Aleppo, Syria and the collapse of the Syrian Peace Talks. Even the UN has been appalled at Russia’s role in the level of carnage in Aleppo to the point of dumping Moscow from the vaunted Human Rights Council.
Iraqi and allied forces are tightening the noose around ISIS-held Mosul.
Russia The voyage of Moscow’s decrepit Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier (video) caused quite a stir first passing through the English Channel and later requesting and then withdrawing refueling at Ceuta, Spain at the opening of the Mediterranean. The NATO countries did not seem amused. UK’s MI5 chief in a historic first interview fingered Russia’s “aggressiveness” (like flashing its Satan 2 missile?) while the US moves to shore up the alliance’s northern flank.
Putin’s latest moves come amidst reviews of US President Obama’s “profound effects” on the course of foreign policy which has left US-Russian relations in tatters.
Mosul and Raqqa Meanwhile, Iraqi and allied forces are tightening the noose around ISIS-held Mosul. Troops are just now entering the city proper as some observers wonder what “victory” means. Back to Syria, the US is already eyeing the ISIS capital of Raqqa. The Islamic State’s grip on its self-proclaimed Caliphate appears in danger.
Spain The Admiral Kuznetsov Affair is not the only news from Madrid. Spain has a new government. After the meltdown of the Socialist Party whose leader Pedro Sánchez was ousted by his own militants (after a ten-month showdown with rival Popular Party leader, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy), a narrow coalition was formed to return to governance in Moncloa Palace. However, pressing economic issues remain. All of this as Spain will be the last country to operate the Harrier fighter after 2026.
Drones The weapon du jour – drones – also have their fair part of the Global Security News Scan. The Washington Post reports Washington has secretly expanded its network of drone bases to North Africa while US and UK navies launch undersea drones.
Need to Know The Washington Post: In a first in 25 years, U.S. abstains in U.N. vote condemning its Cuba policy
El Tiempo (Colombia): Sin partido de Leopoldo López comienza diálogo en Venezuela (Without Leopoldo Lopez’s party, dialogue begins in Venezuela) Infodefensa.com: Argentina compra cuatro toneladas de uranio enriquecido a Brasil por 4,5 millones de dólares (Argentina buys four tons of enriched uranium from Brazil for $4.5 million)
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