To All,
Good Thursday morning September 7, 2023
I hope that your short week has been going well
.Regards,
Skip
Today in Naval and Marine Corps History Thanks to NHHC
September 7
During the American Revolution, the British supply ship Unity is taken by the Continental schooner, Hannah, paid for by Army Gen. George Washington. It is the first prize taken by a Continental vessel.
1776
David Bushnell's submarine Turtle is used by Sgt. Erza Lee to attack HMS Eagle in New York Harbor. Lees efforts to attach a "torpedo" to the ship's hull are frustrated by copper-sheathing, marine growth, perhaps merely a hard spot in the hull, which prevents the drill from boring into the ship bottom and it drifts away.
1797
USS Constellation, the second of the original six frigates, is launched. Notable service includes the battles between the French frigate, LInsurgente and Vengeance, during the Quasi-War with France; participation in the Barbary Wars where she helps capture the Algerian frigate, Mashuda in 1815; and service in the West Indies Squadron against piracy and slavery.
1825
The frigate USS Brandywine receives the Marquis de Lafayette on board for return to France after his year-long tour of the United States. The name honors the battle where the Marquis was wounded while serving with the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
1945
The Japanese surrender the Ryukyu Islands area at the U.S. Tenth Army Headquarters on Okinawa.
2013
USS Minnesota (SSN 783) is commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk is the 10th of the Virginia-class submarines and the third Navy vessel to be named after the state of Minnesota.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Today in History: World September 7
1571 At the Battle of Lepanto in the Mediterranean Sea, the Christian galley fleet destroys the Turkish galley fleet.
1630 The town of Trimountaine in Massachusetts is renamed Boston. It became the state capital.
1701 England, Austria, and the Netherlands form an Alliance against France.
1778 Shawnee Indians attack and lay siege to Boonesborough, Kentucky.
1812 On the road to Moscow, Napoleon wins a costly victory over the Russians at Borodino.
1813 The earliest known printed reference to the United States by the nickname "Uncle Sam" occurs in the Troy Post.
1864 Union General Phil Sheridan's troops skirmish with the Confederates under Jubal Early outside Winchester, Virginia.
1876 The James-Younger gang botches an attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota.
1888 An incubator is used for the first time on a premature infant.
1892 The first heavyweight-title boxing match fought with gloves under Marquis of Queensbury rules ends when James J. Corbett knocks out John L. Sullivan in the 21st round.
1912 French aviator Roland Garros sets an altitude record of 13,200 feet.
1916 The U.S. Congress passes the Workman's Compensation Act.
1940 Blitz against London begins during the Battle of Britain.
1942 The Red Army pushes back the German line northwest of Stalingrad.
1953 Nikita Krushchev elected first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
1954 Integration of public schools begins in Washington D.C. and Maryland.
1965 Pro Football Hall of Fame opens in Canton, Ohio.
1970 Jockey Bill Shoemaker earns 6,033rd win, breaking Johnny Longden's record for most lifetime wins; Shoemaker's record would stand for 29 years.
1977 Panama and US sign Torrijos-Carter Treaties to transfer control of the Panama Canal from the US to Panama at the end of the 20th century.
1978 Secret police agent Francesco Gullino assassinates Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov in London by firing a ricin pellet from a specially designed umbrella.
1979 ESPN, the Entertainment and Sports Programing Network, debuts.
1986 Desmond Tutu becomes first black leader of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (now the Anglican Church of South Africa).
1988 Pilot and cosmonaut Abdul Ahad Mohmand, the first Afghan to travel to outer space, returns to earth after 9 days aboard the Soviet space station Mir.
2004 Hurricane Ivan damages 90% of buildings on the island of Grenada; 39 die in the Category 5 storm.
2008 US Government assumes conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the country's two largest mortgage financing companies, during the subprime mortgage crisis.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
1813: United States nicknamed Uncle Sam
On September 7, 1813, the United States gets its nickname, Uncle Sam. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson (1766-1854) stamped the barrels with "U.S." for United States, but soldiers began referring to the grub as "Uncle Sam's." The local newspaper picked up on the story and Uncle Sam eventually gained widespread acceptance as the nickname for—and personification of—the U.S. federal government.
In the late 1860s and 1870s, political cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902) began popularizing the image of Uncle Sam. Nast continued to evolve the image, eventually giving Sam the white beard and stars-and-stripes suit that are associated with the character today. The German-born Nast was also credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus as well as coming up with the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic Party and the elephant as a symbol for the Republicans. Nast also famously lampooned the corruption of New York City's Tammany Hall in his editorial cartoons and was, in part, responsible for the downfall of Tammany leader William Tweed, alongside former New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia who ran his platform on ending Tammany Hall and its corrupt practices.
Perhaps the most famous image of Uncle Sam was created by artist James Montgomery Flagg (1877-1960). In Flagg's version, Uncle Sam wears a tall top hat and blue jacket and is pointing straight ahead at the viewer. During World War I, this portrait of Sam with the words "I Want You For The U.S. Army" was used as a recruiting poster. The image, which became immensely popular, was first used on the cover of Leslie's Weekly in July 1916 with the title "What Are You Doing for Preparedness?" The poster was widely distributed and has subsequently been re-used numerous times with different captions.
In September 1961, the U.S. Congress recognized Samuel Wilson as "the progenitor of America's national symbol of Uncle Sam." Wilson died at age 87 in 1854, and was buried next to his wife Betsey Mann in the Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, New York, the town that calls itself "The Home of Uncle Sam."
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear … Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
Skip… For The List for Thursday, 7 September 2023… Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post for 7 September 1968…
The successful 50-year search for a missing Tailhooker…oohrah…
Thanks to Micro
From Vietnam Air Losses site for Thursday, September 7
September 7th: https://www.vietnamairlosses.com/loss.php?id=2996
This following work accounts for every fixed wing loss of the Vietnam War and you can use it to read more about the losses in The Bear's Daily account. Even better it allows you to add your updated information to the work to update for history…skip Vietnam Air Losses Access Chris Hobson and Dave Lovelady's work at: https://www.VietnamAirLosses.com.
This is a list of all Helicopter Pilots Who Died in the Vietnam War . Listed by last name and has other info https://www.vhpa.org/KIA/KIAINDEX.HTM
MOAA - Wall of Faces Now Includes Photos of All Servicemembers Killed in the Vietnam War
site works, find anyone you knew in "search" feature. https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/ )
Wall of Faces Now Includes Photos of All Servicemembers Killed in the Vietnam War
By: Kipp Hanley
AUGUST 15, 2022
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Thanks to Interesting Facts
A jiffy is an actual measurement of time.
You've probably heard people say things like "I'll be there in a jiffy," using "jiffy" to mean a very short period of time — something like the blink of an eye. But it may surprise you to learn that for some scientists, the term has a more precise definition. That definition varies depending on who's doing the talking: The physical chemist Gilbert Newton Lewis (1875–1946) defined a jiffy as the length of time it takes for light to travel 1 centimeter in a vacuum. However, some physicists have defined a jiffy as the time it takes light to travel 1 femtometer — one-millionth of a millionth of a millimeter. By this account, each second contains roughly three hundred thousand billion billion jiffys.
But a jiffy has also been defined outside of physics and chemistry. An electrical engineer, for example, might describe a jiffy as the time it takes for a single cycle of alternating current, which is one-fiftieth or one-sixtieth of a second depending on the electrical system. Whatever definition holds true, one thing is certain — no one in the history of the world has ever truly accomplished much "in a jiffy."
Numbers Don't Lie
Minimum number of years the world's oldest clock, at Salisbury Cathedral, has kept time
637
Year Jiffy Lube was founded, in Utah
1971
Number of "atoms" - an Old English measurement - in a minute
376
Approximate year that the word "jiffy" entered the English lexicon
1785
A leading theory suggests that "jiffy" was originally slang for a flash of lightning.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Thanks to Dr. Rich
A Weird Animal May Finally Expose Where Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 Crashed
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Thanks to YP
I think that many of us have been hassled at Air Force Bases over the years. Crossing the dreaded RED line got my CO dragged out of his cockpit and spread-eagled against the side of his F-8 once. At Naha Okinawa…..We were sort of happy about that one though. But they gave him back. skip
Here is another from YP
RE airplane noise: When I was going thru VA-43 at Oceana, then the Northern Scoot RAG, we lived in an upstairs garage apartment on Back Cove Road (it really was on a back cove!) several miles north of Oceana. Late at night, the distinctive hard burner lights of F-8 engine tests would still shake us.
Barksdale AFB: I was cross country back to NAS Dallas from Cecil in my Crusader. When I turned the corner into FT Worth Center air space, they advised me that there was a 30 minute ATC hold into their airspace due WX. Um. No hab gas. Change my flight plan to….um, Barksdale in Shreesport (Grits pronunciation), and how about one of them vectors? All right, when I got there, I got put on a real long downwind. Seems that I arrived during a B-52 scramble-ex RTB, and I was fitted in amongst the Buffs. When I landed and exited the runway, I was met by a truck full of airmen with rifles pointed at me! Oy! I popped my canopy, and they demanded and I furnished my DD-175. They reluctantly figgered I wasn't a commie, but, even worse, still might be a secret Squid ORI inspector! They escorted me to the base of the Tower, which was serving as a transient line for Suspicious Creatures. They finally allowed me to shut down and deplane. Eventually, things calmed down enough to tell me to git out and don't come back.
Worked for me.
YP
Thanks to Phil
A kindrede spirit and fellow Loring AFB kid. I spent time up there with the B-36 and first B-52…skip
My dad was a plankholder at Loring (originally Limestone AFB) and we spent 5 years there during the B-36 era. Base housing wasn't the highest of priorities and we spent several months in an apartment over a garage in downtown Limestone, which meant we heard the B-36s every day (and night), but they normally weren't all that loud. That changed and things got really sporty once we went into our base quarters because of our proximity to the runway. Recoveries were loud, but when they launched the windows would rattle and any sort of dish or plate on the dinner table during mealtime would do the Peacemaker Shuffle towards the edges and awaiting floor. I was a kid and I loved it. My dad had spent WW2 in the mud of New Guinea and the Philippines as a grunt and nothing much phased him. My mom hated it.
As a point of real-world reference we also spent 7 years at Sheppard and were there when SAC began using the place for B-52 operations in the very early 60s. My mom would occasionally take us to an off-base church that was located near the end of the runway, so we received the full benefit of the Mighty BUFF launching and recovering. That was impressive too but noise-wise the Boeing products couldn't hold a candle to all those recips and their associated prop noise coupled with the podded jet engines on the B-36. It was quite literally no contest.
If you ever heard a B-36 you'd never forget it---thanks very much for sharing that photo.
phil
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
This Day in U S Military History…….7 September
1927 – American television pioneer Philo T. Farnsworth, 21, succeeded in transmitting an image through purely electronic means by using a device called an image dissector. When Philo T. Farnsworth was 13, he envisioned a contraption that would receive an image transmitted from a remote location–the television. Farnsworth submitted a patent in January 1927, when he was 19, and began building and testing his invention that summer. He used an "image dissector" (the first television camera tube) to convert the image into a current, and an "image oscillite" (picture tube) to receive it. On this day his tests bore fruit. When the simple image of a straight line was placed between the image dissector and a carbon arc lamp, it showed up clearly on the receiver in another room. The New York World's Fair showcased the television in April 1939, and soon afterward, the first televisions went on sale to the public.
1942 – A force of Marine Corps Raiders, 600 in strength, attack the Japanese base at Taivu. The raid succeeds in damaging the base and disrupting the Japanese preparation for an attack on the main American position at Guadalcanal.
1986 – Off the Coast of Florida — An F-106 "Delta Dart" of the 125th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron encounters a Soviet Air Force Tu-95 "Bear" bomber flying parallel to the twelve-mile limit of U.S. airspace as it makes its way from Russia to Cuba. These are routine flights which are just as routinely met by Air Guard fighters who act as 'escorts' to be sure the bombers pose no threat to the U.S. homeland. Since 1953 Air Guard fighter-interceptor units took on an air defense mission, challenging unidentified aircraft flying into American airspace. Air Guard pilots and aircraft stood alert 24 hours a day, every day. This mission grew each year and by 1965 the 22 interceptor squadrons flew 30,000 hours and completed 38,000 alert sorties. By 1988 the Air Guard provided 86% of the Air Force units assigned to national airspace security. In the post 9/11 environment the Air Guard has continued and expanded its role in homeland defense by flying overhead cover for major cities in times of heightened alert as well as investigating all suspicious air traffic heading toward or across the country.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
KING, HUGH
Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1845, Ireland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 176, 9 July 1872. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Iroquois, Delaware River, 7 September 1871. Jumping overboard at the imminent risk of his life, King rescued one of the crew of that vessel from drowning.
MAXWELL, ROBERT D.
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Besancon, France, 7 September 1944. Entered service at: Larimer County, Colo. Birth: Boise, Idaho. G.O. No.: 24, 6 April 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 7 September 1944, near Besancon, France. Technician 5th Grade Maxwell and 3 other soldiers, armed only with .45 caliber automatic pistols, defended the battalion observation post against an overwhelming onslaught by enemy infantrymen in approximately platoon strength, supported by 20mm. flak and machinegun fire, who had infiltrated through the battalion's forward companies and were attacking the observation post with machinegun, machine pistol, and grenade fire at ranges as close as 10 yards. Despite a hail of fire from automatic weapons and grenade launchers, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell aggressively fought off advancing enemy elements and, by his calmness, tenacity, and fortitude, inspired his fellows to continue the unequal struggle. When an enemy hand grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell unhesitatingly hurled himself squarely upon it, using his blanket and his unprotected body to absorb the full force of the explosion. This act of instantaneous heroism permanently maimed Technician 5th Grade Maxwell, but saved the lives of his comrades in arms and facilitated maintenance of vital military communications during the temporary withdrawal of the battalion's forward headquarters.
CRUMP, JERRY K.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company L, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Chorwon, Korea, 6 and 7 September 1951. Entered service at: Forest City, N.C. Born: 18 February 1933, Charlotte, N.C. G.O. No.: 68, 11 July 1952. Citation. Cpl. Crump, a member of Company L, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. During the night a numerically superior hostile force launched an assault against his platoon on Hill 284, overrunning friendly positions and swarming into the sector. Cpl. Crump repeatedly exposed himself to deliver effective fire into the ranks of the assailants, inflicting numerous casualties. Observing 2 enemy soldiers endeavoring to capture a friendly machine gun, he charged and killed both with his bayonet, regaining control of the weapon. Returning to his position, now occupied by 4 of his wounded comrades, he continued his accurate fire into enemy troops surrounding his emplacement. When a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into the position, Cpl. Crump immediately flung himself over the missile, absorbing the blast with his body and saving his comrades from death or serious injury. His aggressive actions had so inspired his comrades that a spirited counterattack drove the enemy from the perimeter. Cpl. Crump's heroic devotion to duty, indomitable fighting spirit, and willingness to sacrifice himself to save his comrades reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry and the U.S. Army.
*KANELL, BILLIE G.
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company I, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Pyongyang, Korea, 7 September 1951. Entered service at: Poplar Bluff, Mo. Born: 26 June 1931, Poplar Bluff, Mo. G.O. No.: 57, 13 June 1952. Citation: Pvt. Kanell, a member of Company I, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. A numerically superior hostile force had launched a fanatical assault against friendly positions, supported by mortar and artillery fire, when Pvt. Kanell stood in his emplacement exposed to enemy observation and action and delivered accurate fire into the ranks of the assailants. An enemy grenade was hurled into his emplacement and Pvt. Kanell threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the blast with his body to protect 2 of his comrades from serious injury and possible death. A few seconds later another grenade was thrown into the emplacement and, although seriously wounded by the first missile, he summoned his waning strength to roll toward the second grenade and used his body as a shield to again protect his comrades. He was mortally wounded as a result of his heroic actions. His indomitable courage, sustained fortitude against overwhelming odds, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
*PORTER, DONN F.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Mundung-ni Korea, 7 September 1952. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born: 1 March 1931, Sewickley, Pa. G.O. No.: 64, 18 August 1953. Citation: Sgt. Porter, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Advancing under cover of intense mortar and artillery fire, 2 hostile platoons attacked a combat outpost commanded by Sgt. Porter, destroyed communications, and killed 2 of his 3-man crew. Gallantly maintaining his position, he poured deadly accurate fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing 15 and dispersing the remainder. After falling back under a hail of fire, the determined foe reorganized and stormed forward in an attempt to overrun the outpost. Without hesitation, Sgt. Porter jumped from his position with bayonet fixed and, meeting the onslaught and in close combat, killed 6 hostile soldiers and routed the attack. While returning to the outpost, he was killed by an artillery burst, but his courageous actions forced the enemy to break off the engagement and thwarted a surprise attack on the main line of resistance. Sgt. Porter's incredible display of valor, gallant self-sacrifice, and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.
*ENGLISH, GLENN H., JR.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company E, 3d Battalion, ~03 Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Place and date: Phu My District, Republic of Vietnam, 7 September 1970. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 23 April 1940, Altoona, Pa. Citation: S/Sgt. English was riding in the lead armored personnel carrier in a 4-vehicle column when an enemy mine exploded in front of his vehicle. As the vehicle swerved from the road, a concealed enemy force waiting in ambush opened fire with automatic weapons and anti-tank grenades, striking the vehicle several times and setting it on fire. S/Sgt. English escaped from the disabled vehicle and, without pausing to extinguish the flames on his clothing, rallied his stunned unit. He then led it in a vigorous assault, in the face of heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, on the entrenched enemy position. This prompt and courageous action routed the enemy and saved his unit from destruction. Following the assault, S/Sgt. English heard the cries of 3 men still trapped inside the vehicle. Paying no heed to warnings that the ammunition and fuel in the burning personnel carrier might explode at any moment, S/Sgt. English raced to the vehicle and climbed inside to rescue his wounded comrades. As he was lifting 1 of the men to safety, the vehicle exploded, mortally wounding him and the man he was attempting to save. By his extraordinary devotion to duty, indomitable courage, and utter disregard for his own safety, S/Sgt. English saved his unit from destruction and selflessly sacrificed his life in a brave attempt to save 3 comrades. S/Sgt. English's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for September 7, FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
7 September
1911: Lt Theodore G. Ellyson (USN) demonstrated a shipboard wire launching of the Curtiss seaplane. His plane took off from a wire cable stretched across a platform on shore, representing a ship's deck, and then alighted on the water at Lake Keuka. (24)
1917: A winged foul anchor became the official insignia for Navy aviators. It was nearly the same as the device used today.
1918: Several planes carried 18 enlisted men from Chanute Field to Champaign, Ill., to make the first demonstration of troop transport by air in the US. (18) (24)
1933: Lt Cmdr H. E. Holland led six Consolidated P2Y-1 flying boats on a 25 hour 19 minute nonstop flight from Norfolk to Coco Solo, Panama Canal, to set a 2,059-mile record for formation flying. (24)
1938: Seventeen Navy planes completed a mass flight from San Diego to Hawaii, covering the 2,570 miles in 17 hours 21 minutes. (24)
1950: KOREAN WAR. The 22 BG employed 24 B-29s against the iron works at Chongjin in north-east N. Korea. (28)
1956: At Edwards AFB, Capt Iven C. Kincheloe set an altitude record for manned flight by flying the Bell X-2 rocket-powered aircraft to 126,000 feet Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe Jr., served in the USAF during the Korean War, in which he was recognized as a flying ace. He continued as a test pilot after the war, participating in the Bell X-2 program, in which he set an altitude record of 126,200 feet (38,470 m) in 1956. For this suborbital flight above most of the atmosphere, he became known as "The First Spaceman". He later received the Mackay Trophy for this flight. He was selected for the Air Force's program to put a man in space but was killed in a plane crash in 1958.
1968: Max Conrad set a closed circuit record in a twin-engine Piper Aztec, flying 4,968 miles over a 621-mile triangle between St. Louis, Des Moines, and Kansas City, eight times in 37 hours 50 minutes.
1975: Through 3 November, following the Angolan civil war, USAF-managed civil aircraft flew 31,597 refugees to Portugal. Altogether, international airlift moved over 204,000 refugees. (18)
1979: President Carter selected the horizontal multiple protective shelter basing mode for the M-X missile (Peacekeeper). (6)
1988: The F-15 STOL demonstrator made its first flight at St. Louis. (30)
1995: Two 436 AW C-5s from Dover AFB airlifted gas turbine generators from Ramstein AB to Incirlik AB to provide electrical power for Kurdish refugees living in northern Iraq. (18)
1997: F-22 Chief Test Pilot Paul Metz flew the Lockheed Martin-Boeing F-22 Raptor for the USAF for the first time from Dobbins ARB over Marietta and north Georgia. The aircraft reached 15,000 feet in altitude in three minutes, where Metz then tested its handling characteristics and engine performance.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Thanks to Brett….Catching up with what is going on in the world
Stratfor snippets - North Korea/Russia, Niger, Vanuatu, Mexico, Italy/China, Ukraine, Russia/Saudi
North Korea, Russia: Kim and Putin Plan Summit in Russian Far East
What Happened: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will travel by armored train to the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok to negotiate an arms deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin sometime during the Eastern Economic Forum from Sept. 10-13, The New York Times reported Sept. 4. Kim may travel on to Moscow.
Why It Matters: The two leaders will likely strike a deal based on North Korea (DPRK) supplying Russia with artillery shells and anti-tank missiles. In response, Russia could offer Pyongyang advanced technology for satellites as well as food aid and low-cost energy. A face-to-face meeting would advance a relationship that the United States has been warning about for over a year and intensify regional and global apprehensions. For North Korea, Russian enthusiasm for partnership with Pyongyang is a major boon to the Kim regime in terms of food, energy and technology, as well as political capital to move away from its overdependence on China.
Background: Momentum toward the Russia-DPRK partnership was seemingly kicked into overdrive by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang on July 25, when he reportedly invited Kim to Russia and suggested trilateral drills involving the two countries and China. North Korean leadership security protocol officials subsequently traveled to Vladivostok and Moscow to likely lay the groundwork for Kim's visit.
Niger: French Military in Talks With Junta Over Withdrawal of Troops
What Happened: France opened talks with the Nigerien junta over the withdrawal of French forces from Niger, Le Monde reported on Sept. 4. The junta is demanding a complete withdrawal, likely over a series of months.
Why It Matters: Paris' participation in negotiations suggests that it does not anticipate another change of leadership in Niger, either via foreign military intervention or a counter-coup movement. It is unclear to what extent France will reduce its defense presence in Niger, but a complete withdrawal could create a security vacuum that may enable the Islamic State and Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin to expand their operations deeper into Niger, although continued American troop presence would likely mitigate this risk.
Background: Paris previously rejected the prospect of withdrawing its 1,500 troops from Niger and maintains that its ambassador to Niger will remain in Niamey, despite demands that he leave. Since France's exit from Mali and Burkina Faso in 2022 and 2023, respectively, jihadist groups in those countries have expanded slowly, but they do not threaten to overrun either capital so far.
Vanuatu: New Prime Minister Could Shake Up Pacific Island Diplomacy
What Happened: Vanuatu's parliament elected Sato Kilman as prime minister after ousting his predecessor Ishmael Kalsakau in a no-confidence vote, Reuters reported Sept. 4. Kilman has pledged to reevaluate Vanuatu's foreign policy, including a review of last year's security pact with Australia.
Why It Matters: Much of the ire toward Kalsakau revolves around a December 2022 security pact he signed with Australia in which it has been alleged he did not consult his cabinet. Kilman was formerly one of Kalsakau's deputy prime ministers. As a result, Kilman pledged to "revisit" the security agreement with Australia, which likely means he will look to exit it or stall its ratification in parliament. Kilman and former opposition lawmakers regard the security pact with Australia as detrimental to Vanuatu's neutrality while also jeopardizing aid and investment from China, the country's largest external creditor. The focus now for Australia and its allies, such as the United States, will be to stop Vanuatu from signing a security pact with China akin to the one Beijing signed with the Solomon Islands in early 2022. However, there is thus far little indication Kilman intends to do so.
Background: A political crisis befell Vanuatu in August when parliament brought a no-confidence vote against Kalsakau, primarily based on foreign policy decisions. This will be Kilman's fifth term as prime minister. In previous stints, Kilman demonstrated skepticism toward Australia, including ending a police cooperation agreement (which was later reinstated after his departure).
Mexico: Morena Candidate Questions Validity of Presidential Nominee Process
What Happened: Marcelo Ebrard, who is competing for the presidential nomination of Mexico's ruling Morena party, said he is "very concerned" about how the party conducted the polling process used to select its nominee, El Financiero reported on Sept. 5. Morena will select a single presidential candidate for Mexico's June 2024 general elections on Sept. 6.
Why It Matters: Polls indicate that Ebrard will likely lose Morena's presidential nomination to former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, and if he feels that the loss was unfair, Ebrard could run independently. The subsequent rift in Morena could weaken the party for the remainder of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's tenure, preventing the passage of expansive economic reforms.
Background: Sheinbaum's platform aligns with that of Lopez Obrador, as she aims to keep spending on welfare and major public infrastructure projects high. Meanwhile, Ebrard has repeatedly sought to take advantage of a "nearshoring" opportunity and has granted interviews to some of Lopez Obrador's most famous critics.
Italy, China: Rome Reassures Beijing Amid Likely BRI Exit
What Happened: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his country is interested in "strengthening trade ties" with Beijing even if it withdraws from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Bloomberg reported on Sept. 4. Tajani made these comments during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, China.
Why It Matters: Tajani's words demonstrate that although Italy will leave the BRI, likely by the end of 2023, Rome intends to maintain strong trade and economic ties with China. Italy's withdrawal from the BRI would align it with Europe's broader "de-risking" approach to China and mark a diplomatic setback for Beijing. However, the economic impact on both countries would be minimal, as the initiative did not boost bilateral trade and investment relations.
Background: Italy, like other European countries, is attempting to de-risk its relationship with China while preserving key trade and investment ties. Rome signed a memorandum of understanding about its adherence to the BRI in 2019, becoming the only member of the Group of Seven to join the initiative. The MoU will automatically renew in March 2024 unless the Italian government pulls out of the deal.
Ukraine: Oligarch Kolomoisky Arrested in Corruption Crackdown
What Happened: Ukraine's security services arrested Ihor Kolomoisky, one of the country's most controversial oligarchs and a former benefactor of President Volodymyr Zelensky, on fraud and money-laundering charges, The New York Times reported on Sept. 4.
Why It Matters: Kolomoisky's arrest and investigation will bolster the Ukrainian government's anti-corruption credentials, particularly because of Kolomoisky's previously close ties to Zelensky. Such corruption cases will be popular domestically, and if Ukraine maintains this crackdown, it will make the United States and EU states more likely to continue supporting Ukraine. Therefore, the arrest is likely part of the early stages of a steady anti-corruption campaign.
Background: Kolomoisky was reportedly stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship in July 2022, and it is unclear whether he could be extradited to face charges in other jurisdictions. The United States sanctioned Kolomoisky in March 2021 in an apparent signal that Washington could forgo more robust support for Ukraine if Zelensky did not break ties with him.
Russia, Saudi Arabia: Production Cuts Extended as Brent Crude Hits $90 per Barrel
What Happened: Russia and Saudi Arabia announced on Sept. 4 that they would extend their voluntary production cuts of 300,000 barrels per day and 1 million barrels per day, respectively, through the end of 2023, AP reported on Sept. 5. At the announcement, European light sweet crude benchmark Brent broke through $90 per barrel — its highest level in 2023 — though it has since settled at just below the $90 mark.
Why It Matters: Russia and Saudi Arabia are extending production cuts to maintain the price rally in oil markets, thereby earning more oil revenue. Higher prices also give Russia more leverage to pressure customers into purchasing oil above the West's $60 price cap, though Western sanctions limit the number of tankers and financial services able to facilitate these transactions. Elsewhere, higher prices will worsen cost-of-living crises for consumers and undermine Western central banks' efforts to fight inflation. Looking forward, forthcoming oil production in countries like Nigeria, Libya and Guyana will fill the demand gap left by the Russian and Saudi cuts, making it difficult for Russia and Saudi Arabia to ramp up production again without lowering oil prices, particularly as China's economy continues to sputter.
Background: Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry added that it would review the production cut monthly and that production levels could go up or down depending on market conditions. Previously, the two countries had only announced the cuts through the end of September.
Tunisia: Police Arrest Ennahda Leaders in Sign of Growing Authoritarianism
What Happened: Tunisian police arrested the two top leaders of the opposition Ennahda party on Sept. 5, Al Jazeera reported the next day. The opposition claimed the arrests were timed to distract Tunisians from the government's poor economic record and rising food prices.
Why It Matters: Tunisian leader Kais Saied's crackdown on the opposition will deepen concerns about his authoritarian push amid rising food prices. The arrests will also incentivize the opposition, particularly the powerful UGTT labor union, to call for protests and strikes, and they could even lead to a resurgence in popularity and influence for Ennahda. Tunisia's increasing authoritarianism will also strain relations with the European Union amid negotiations over a migration agreement.
Background: The arrests come some five months after the arrest of Ennahda leader Rachid Ghannouchi in April. They also come amid food and energy shocks, as well as bread subsidy cuts as the government tries to stabilize its national budget. Saied suspended the National Assembly in 2021 and pushed through a constitution that extended his powers in 2022.
Turkey: Erdogan Backs Tight Monetary Policy
What Happened: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would bring inflation to "single digits" through "tight monetary policy," a reversal of his years-long public position that high interest rates spark inflation, Reuters reported on Sept. 6.
Why It Matters: These are the first comments Erdogan has made that explicitly back his new economic team's approach to interest rates and monetary policy, reducing the risk that Erdogan will intervene in Central Bank policymaking ahead of the 2024 municipal elections. Nevertheless, Erdogan could reverse course if tight monetary policy results in an economic slowdown he believes could threaten the ruling Justice and Development Party's power and his vision for Turkey.
Background: Erdogan has long opposed raising interest rates, even in times of high inflation, due to his unique personal and religious views. But since winning reelection in May, Erdogan appointed a new group of technocrats to head up the country's economic strategy, improve its currency, tame inflation and restore confidence in Turkey's economic leadership.
Belarus: Belarusians Will No Longer Be Able To Renew Their Passport Abroad
What Happened: Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree prohibiting Belarusian diplomatic missions from issuing, changing and renewing passports for citizens of the country living abroad, AP reported Sept. 5. Passports will only be renewed where the holder was a registered resident before leaving Belarus.
Why It Matters: The decree is intended to rob Belarusians who have fled abroad of their citizenship, complicating their ability to continue living and traveling abroad by making them stateless persons. The Belarusian government also hopes the measure will lure or force some of those who fled the country since 2020 to return, where they can be used for domestic propaganda purposes or arrested on charges related to support of the opposition movement. The move will intensify plans from the Belarusian opposition movement in exile to develop an "alternative passport" for Belarusians and negotiations with foreign governments on its international recognition.
Background: Since the disputed 2020 presidential and subsequent mass protests in August of that year, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Belarusian citizens have fled the country, primarily to Poland, Lithuania and other European states.
UK, Russia: London to Proscribe Wagner PMC as a Terrorist Organization
What Happened: The British government said it would proscribe the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, as a terrorist organization, Reuters reported Sept. 6. British Interior minister Suella Braverman will present a draft order before parliament on Sept. 6, which is set to come into force on Sept. 13.
Why It Matters: While the United Kingdom had already sanctioned Wagner in 2022 and 2023, as well as the private military company's (PMC) late founder and leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2020, the terrorist labeling will take British action against the organization a step further by making it illegal to belong to, assist or support Wagner, thus creating new legal avenues to go after the Wagner PMC's assets and members. The proscription will make it a criminal offense to be a member of the mercenary group as well as to promote its activity or even display its logo publicly, publishable with up to 14 years in jail or a fine of up to £5,000 (approx. $3250). It will also allow British authorities to seize Wagner's assets by categorizing them as terrorist property and thereby prevent its members from raising funds or accessing financial, legal or public relations services in the United Kingdom.
Background: Besides Ukraine, Wagner has been operating in Syria, Libya, Sudan and several other countries in western Africa. In June this year, the organization's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, mounted a short-lived, failed mutiny in Russia before being killed alongside other top Wagner commanders under suspicious circumstances in a plane crash on Aug. 23.
Africa: Leaders Adopt Nairobi Declaration at Climate Conference
What Happened: African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration, a green energy transition plan that calls on rich countries to honor past commitments to finance carbon emissions reduction in poor countries, at the three-day Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Reuters reported on Sept. 6. The plan also proposes new carbon taxes on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport and aviation, and Kenyan President William Ruto also called for global debt relief to help indebted African countries fight the effects of climate change.
Why It Matters: The Nairobi Declaration may enable African leaders to present a more united front at the Group of 20 meeting on Sept. 9-10 and the 2023 U.N. Climate Change Conference on Nov. 30-Dec. 12. Rich carbon-emitting countries may make renewed promises to follow through on previous financing commitments for African countries and/or make limited new commitments, but they are very unlikely to agree to new carbon taxes. Furthermore, while Ruto's claim that African countries' high debt burdens are linked to their inability to finance climate change mitigation measures is compelling, his remarks are unlikely to trigger significant concrete action on the part of wealthy donor countries.
Background: Ruto said the continent received $23 billion in green growth, migration and adaptation efforts during the summit.
Malaysia: High Court Drops Dozens of Charges Against Deputy Prime Minister
What Happened: Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur High Court accepted a request from the prosecution to drop 47 corruption-related charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who leads the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, the New Straits Times reported on Sept. 4. The dismissals are not a full acquittal, meaning Ahmad Zahid could be recharged, but this is unlikely under the current government.
Why It Matters: This case further undermines Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's anti-corruption bonafides, which will continue to sink the popularity of Anwar and his unity government with BN. In the near term, this may hinder BN in upcoming by-elections in Johor state on Sept. 9. If support for Anwar and his Perikatan Harapan (PH) coalition decreases rapidly — and if BN supporters continue to migrate to the more nationalist opposition — it is even possible that the unity government could fracture, which would trigger early elections. Regardless, the case will further bolster the ascent of the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition.
Background: Ahmad Zahid was critical to the formation of Anwar's unity government. Ahmad Zahid was arrested in 2018 and acquitted of dozens of other charges in a separate case in Sept. 2022.
Armenia: Yerevan to Host Rare Joint Drills With U.S. on Armenian Territory
What Happened: The Armenian Defense Ministry announced that from Sept. 11-20, it will host Eagle Partner 2023 joint exercises with the United States, Reuters reported on Sept. 6. Eighty-five American military personnel and 175 Armenians will take part in the exercises.
Why It Matters: The drills are very small and merely aim to "increase the level of interoperability" between Armenian and U.S. forces in international peacekeeping missions, namely the NATO-led international peacekeeping force in Kosovo. However, U.S. and NATO drills inside Armenia are extremely rare, and the announcement came amid deteriorating Russia-Armenia relations and rising risks of escalation in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenia will likely continue developing such security cooperation with the United States and other NATO countries to deter Azerbaijan from attacking Armenia and gaining leverage in peace negotiations.
Background: On Sept. 5, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan's long-standing reliance on Russia as its security guarantor had been a "strategic mistake." Approximately 12,000 Russian military personnel are based in Armenia, in addition to several thousand other Russian state workers.
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SkipsList" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to skipslist+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/skipslist/CACTjsm2jg3Mz3GDWpYZzq5zj9AqmO0Zoz1HeQ5Mg%2BjA7YcV%3Drg%40mail.gmail.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.