In 2016, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace deal, which ended over five decades of guerrilla war. Having provided the Colombian government with over $10 billion of assistance, the United States played a critical role in supporting Colombia on the path towards peace.

What broader lessons can be gleaned from the case of Colombia for the irregular warfare community?

Our two guests argue that effective US interagency coordination, bipartisan congressional support, and a focus on building institutions and stabilizing the security situation were key ingredients to success in Colombia’s efforts against the insurgency. But more important than anything was that the Colombian government and population owned the commitment to resolve the conflict.

Kevin Whitaker served as US ambassador to Colombia from May 2014 to August 2019, the longest-serving ambassador to that country in a century. Prior to this appointment, he was deputy assistant secretary of state for South America in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. Ambassador Whitaker has served in the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, where he was deputy chief of mission (2005–07). In addition, he previously served in a number of positions at the Department of State. In 2005, he won the Secretary’s Award for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy. A native of Virginia, Ambassador Whitaker received his degree from the University of Virginia.

Caryn Hollis held a number of leadership roles at the Department of Defense throughout her career. These included performing duties of assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics and global threats, and acting deputy assistant secretary for western hemisphere affairs. In addition, she served as the director of the partnering directorate at US Southern Command and the senior defense policy advisor to the combatant commander, where she was responsible for identifying interagency opportunities and aligning US Southern Command efforts to expand collaboration and integration of interagency representation. Ms. Hollis holds a master of arts from Georgetown University and a bachelor of arts from George Mason University.

 

Podcast Link: https://mwi.usma.edu/institution-building-as-a-counterinsurgency-tool-the-case-of-colombia/

By Tore Refslund Hamming

 

The article discusses the history of the group in Mozambique, how it became an ISIS affiliate, and the local government's attempts to counter the group.

 

Full Article: https://www.lawfareblog.com/islamic-state-mozambique

The book discusses CIA and some military activity in Northern Iraq before and during Operation Iraq Freedom in 2003.

 

Full Review: https://sof.news/books/cia-war-in-kurdistan/

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. The Longer Telegram: Toward A New American China Strategy

2. South China Sea: 'significant' strategic move Biden approved to 'reverse Obama error'

3. U.S. intelligence officials say Chinese government is collecting Americans' DNA

4. Top Navy intel officer hopes China will keep dumping money into anti-ship ballistic missiles

5. US vows to defend Philippines, including in South China Sea

6. A scathing new documentary from HBO alleges a Chinese coverup on the coronavirus

7. Drawdowns of troops in Germany and Afghanistan up in the air

8. Joe Biden is off to a weak start on foreign policy

9. Mattis takes a swipe at Trump, gives advice to new secretary of defense

10. Mattis: Trump 'fomented' Jan. 6 Capitol assault

11. Thousands of troops and DOD workers refusing COVID vaccine as cases mount

12. DOD personnel must do more to win fight against COVID-19, special advisor says

13. US defense secretary says Germany is ‘highly valued’ station for American troops

14. Inside a pro-Huawei influence campaign

15. Strengthening alliance with Japan is critical for Biden’s Indo-Pacific strategy

16. Chinese warplanes simulated attacking US carrier near Taiwan

17. Lunik: inside the CIA’s audacious plot to steal a Soviet satellite

18. Facebook ad services let anyone target US military personnel

19. US congressional commission hears China may force Taiwan crisis in 2021

20. How will Biden intervene abroad?

21. Afghan conflict update - January 2021

22. These three Pacific military flashpoints could shape Biden's China strategy

23. Pentagon halts Trump appointments to advisory boards

 

1. The Longer Telegram: Toward a New American China Strategy

Atlantic Council · Anonymous · January 29, 2021

The 85-page report is at this link.

The decision to allow the author to publish anonymously is already generating criticism on social media - everything from the arrogance of the author (the comparison to Kennan) to a marketing ploy by the think tank. And, of course, it generates the speculation on who is the real author. This should keep us guessing for a while. Unfortunately, the controversy will distract from the substance, which also has been criticized by some as merely being a checklist. One comment from a good friend and scholar on social media: "Sorry, a list of ten principles does not a strategy make."

 

2. South China Sea: 'significant' strategic move Biden approved to 'reverse Obama error'

Express · Clive Hammond · January 28, 2021

 

3. U.S. intelligence officials say Chinese government is collecting Americans’ DNA

CBS News · 60 Minutes · January 28, 2021

Wow. What are the Chinese going to do with the DNA information of Americans? That is a rhetorical question. Nothing good I am sure.

 

4. Top Navy intel officer hopes China will keep dumping money into anti-ship ballistic missiles

Drive · Joseph Trevithick · January 28, 2021

Perhaps the Navy is executing some good IO and creating uncertainty for the Chinese.

I would argue that this excerpt also describes what the Chinese may have been trying to do with us - have us prepare for the wrong threat (e.g., A2AD).

 

5. US vows to defend Philippines, including in South China Sea

Nikkei Asia · Ken Moriyasu · January 29, 2021

This is a significant change.

 

6. A scathing new documentary from HBO alleges a Chinese coverup on the coronavirus

Washington Post · Steven Zeitchik · January 28, 2021

HBO has some guts. This could be a useful test case to see the Chinese response and then how a US entertainment company stands up to China.

 

7. Drawdowns of troops in Germany and Afghanistan up in the air

Military Times · Meghann Myers · January 28, 2021

The Pentagon supposedly did a global force posture review last year. What were the results and will the SECDEF do a zero-based review or work from the last assessment?

 

8. Joe Biden is off to a weak start on foreign policy

National Interest · Christian Whiton · January 28, 2021

An initial critique. This very short essay actually covers a lot of ground. He will get no pass from any quarter (especially from former Trump administration officials). :-))

 

9. Mattis takes a swipe at Trump, gives advice to new secretary of defense

Marine Corps Times · Philip Athey · January 28, 2021

He gave a great talk last evening. PME classes (at all levels from the Academies and ROTC through Senior Service Colleges) should spend an hour listening to his wisdom.

This quote is going in my quote book.  No one who believes in America and our Constitution can logically disagree with this.

 

10. Mattis: Trump ‘fomented’ Jan. 6 Capitol assault

Yahoo! News · Sean D. Naylor · January 29, 2021

 

11. Thousands of troops and DOD workers refusing COVID vaccine as cases mount

Washington Examiner · Jamie McIntyre · January 29, 2021

So, I was at the Fort Belvoir Hospital for an appointment and I spoke with a squad leader (with proper social distancing) who got vaccinated for COVID. He told me this was the first time a vaccination or a shot of any kind was voluntary (I do not recall any voluntary shorts during my time on active duty). He told me that only he and two members of his squad agreed to get vaccinated. He could not convince the other 9 members of his squad to receive. I was very surprised to hear that. I would get the vaccination in a heartbeat and, as soon as we are eligible, my wife and I will get vaccinated.

 

12. DOD personnel must do more to win fight against COVID-19, special advisor says

US Department of Defense · Jim Garamone · January 28, 2021

Again, if the military has any leftover vaccine, I am sure there are many retirees like me who would jump at the chance to receive it.

 

13. US defense secretary says Germany is ‘highly valued’ station for American troops

Military Times · Staff and Wire Report · January 29, 2021

 

14. Inside a pro-Huawei influence campaign

New York Times · Adam Satariano · January 29, 2021

Online covert action.

 

15. Strengthening alliance with Japan is critical for Biden’s Indo-Pacific strategy

Real Clear Defense · Mathew Ha · January 29, 2021

From my colleague Mathew Ha.

 

16. Chinese warplanes simulated attacking US carrier near Taiwan

Financial Times · Kathrin Hille · January 29, 2021

I hope we have simulated attacking their aircraft carrier and warships as well.

 

17. Lunik: inside the CIA’s audacious plot to steal a Soviet satellite

MIT Technology Review · Jeff Maysh · January 28, 2021

History is more fascinating than fiction.

 

18. Facebook ad services let anyone target US military personnel

Wired · Lily Hay Newman · January 28, 2021

 

19. US congressional commission hears China may force Taiwan crisis in 2021

ASPI - The Strategist · Brendan Nicholson · January 29, 2021

 

20. How will Biden intervene abroad?

ASPI - The Strategist · Joseph S. Nye · January 29, 2021

Softly? Okay, that is an attempt at humor since this article is written by the "father" of the soft power concept.

But seriously, there is a lot of food for thought in this essay.

All unconventional, irregular, and political warfare strategists and practitioners would do well to study the work of Voice of America and the National Endowment of Democracies (and though not mentioned, the programs of USAID's Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance).

 

21. Afghan conflict update - January 2021

SOF News · January 29, 2021

 

22. These three Pacific military flashpoints could shape Biden's China strategy

CNN · CNN Staff · January 28, 2021

 

23. Pentagon halts Trump appointments to advisory boards

Politico · Lara Seligman · January 28, 2021

 

"You make a living by what you earn; you make a life by what you give."

- Winston Churchill

"A nationalist...is not at all the same thing as a patriot. A nationalist encourages us to be our worst, and then tells us that we are the best."

- Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

"Knowledge by itself is not power, but it holds the potential for power if we use it a s a guide for action. Truth will always be defeated by tyranny unless the people are willing to step forward and put their lives into the battle. The future belongs, not to ideas, but to people who act on those ideas."

- G. Edward Griffin

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. U.S. committed to keeping readiness of USFK through exercises: Pentagon official

2. 'Joint military drills are negotiable with N. Korea,' say Suh Wook

3. Moon still waiting for his phone time with Biden

4. Most Korea-U.S. defense training now computer-simulated

5. Deterring North Korea

6. OPCON transition will be conditions, not time-based: Pentagon spokesman

7. N. Korea may resort to unofficial markets amid virus-hit economy: expert

8. High-profile N. Korean defector leaves for U.S. for congressional hearing on anti-leaflet law

9. South Korea keen on providing vaccine aid to North Korea

10. N.K. organization sends congratulatory message to S. Korean counterpart

11. North Korea keeps Kim dynasty statues lit during energy shortage

12. North Korea poses old challenges to new U.S. administration

13. Indictment files reveal plan to build nuclear power plant in North

14. North Korea conducts lectures warning people of broadcasts from the US, South Korea and Japan

15. USFK personnel may be subject to another furlough in April

 

1. U.S. committed to keeping readiness of USFK through exercises: Pentagon official

Yonhap News Agency · 장재순 · January 29, 2021

A good statement. An important statement. But an insufficient statement. It is insufficient because it is a US unilateral statement. We need a combined alliance statement on this issue. We need a commitment to exercises, to training, and to readiness from both countries.

 

2. ‘Joint military drills are negotiable with N. Korea,’ say Suh Wook

Dong-A Ilbo · Sang-Ho Yun · January 29, 2021

This is extremely troubling. I am shocked and saddened to hear this from the defense minister. I am sure he is making these statements under duress because no military professional would make such statements on his own. This is going to inflict damage on the alliance.

Of course, the minister is walking back the President's statement here - the possibility of negotiating exercises with the North is "just in principle." But it really does reveal the true intention of the Moon administration.

We must not forget we have cancelled, postponed, and scaled back exercises for the past two plus years and there has been no reciprocity from the North. The only result of negotiating away our exercises will be to split the ROK/US alliance, severely degrade readiness, and put the ROK at great security risk.

 

3. Moon still waiting for his phone time with Biden

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Kang Tae-Hwa & Ser Myo-Ja · January 28, 2021

A sign???? How to interpret this. Of course, the Koreans assess this from the worst-case perspective.

But we should not forget that President Biden published only one op-ed in the foreign press before the election and that was in Yonhap News in Korea. It was a powerful statement—both the act itself and the words.

 

4. Most Korea-U.S. defense training now computer-simulated

Chosun Ilbo · January 29, 2021

This is true going back to the Ulchi Focus Lens exercises in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These exercises are designed to train the theater-level command and components in the plans for the defense of the Republic of Korea from North Korean attack. Computer-simulation is the most efficient and effective way to train high level staffs and commanders.

 

5. Deterring North Korea

War On the Rocks · Daniel Post · January 29, 2021

A review of deterrence theory and its application to North Korea.

I am a believer in deterrence, and I believe all our actions toward North Korea must rest on a foundation of deterrence. But we cannot become complacent, because we have successfully deterred a resumption of hostilities since 1953. I worry about the concept of a "more conciliatory way."

We also must not forget the wise words of Sir Lawrence Freedman: "Deterrence works.  Until it doesn't."

 

6. OPCON transition will be conditions, not time-based: Pentagon spokesman

Korea Herald · Yonhap · January 29, 2021

The spokesman left out one important point in his otherwise good statement. If we are going to have alliance based national security, we need to be making alliance arguments. What the spokesman should have added was that failure to meet the conditions will put the security of South Korea at great risk. It is in the interests of the ROK government, the Korean military, and the Korean people to complete a conditions-based OPCON transition in order to maintain the security of the ROK. He especially should have made this argument to the Korean media.

 

7. N. Korea may resort to unofficial markets amid virus-hit economy: expert

Yonhap News Agency · 이원주 · January 29, 2021

It is deja vu all over again. It was the unofficial markets that developed during and after the Arduous March of the great famine of 1994-1996 that provided the foundation for the resilience of the Korean people living in the North.  These markets evolved into semi-official and tolerated markets over the past two decades, and they have been responsible for maintaining the suffering of the people at a somewhat tolerable level. But with COVID, the Kim family regime saw the opportunity to crack down on market activity that was causing the regime to lose some control over the population. The regime has implemented a number of draconian population and resources control measures in the name of COVID defense. In reality, these measures allow the regime to defend itself against any potential resistance from among the population. Now the people are going to have to resort to unofficial markets just like in the 1990s, which turned out to an important safety or relief valve. If the regime prevents the re-emergence of unofficial markets, it could give rise to some level of resistance. We need to observe for instability indications and warning.

 

8. High-profile N. Korean defector leaves for U.S. for congressional hearing on anti-leaflet law

Yonhap News Agency · 고병준 · January 28, 2021

This is not making the ROK look good in the eyes of the international community or among fellow democratic nations. Please remember our shared values and the ideological war between the North and South.

Ideological War - a choice for all the Korean people between:

• Shared ROK/US Values
  • Freedom and individual liberty
  • Liberal democracy
  • Rule of law
  • Free market economy
  • Human rights

OR

• Kim family regime (KFR) "values"
  • Juche/Kimilsungism
  • Socialist Workers Paradise
  • Songun, Songbun, Byungjin
  • Rule BY law
  • Denial of human rights to sustain KFR power

 

9. South Korea keen on providing vaccine aid to North Korea

Korea Times · Kange Seung-woo · January 29, 2021

If any Korean in the North gets vaccinated before all Koreans in the South, the Moon administration will likely experience some backlash. But will the regime accept such vaccinations from the South?

 

10. N.K. organization sends congratulatory message to S. Korean counterpart

Yonhap News Agency · 이원주 · January 28, 2021

Just as a reminder:

“The United Front Department (UFD) overtly attempts to establish pro-North Korean groups in the ROK, such as the Korean Asia-Pacific Committee and the Ethnic Reconciliation Council. The UFD is also the primary department involved in managing inter-Korean dialogue and North Korea's policy toward the ROK… The 225th Bureau is responsible for training agents to infiltrate the ROK and establish underground political parties focused on fomenting unrest and revolution.” – Military and Security Developments Involving the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Office of the Secretary of Defense)

 

11. North Korea keeps Kim dynasty statues lit during energy shortage

Radio Free Asia · Jieun Kim, Leejin Jun, & Eugene Whong · January 28, 2021

There are two major wasted expenditures of energy in the North: 1) the lighting these statues and 2) the jamming of VOA and RFA broadcasts to try to prevent the people from getting the truth about not only the outside world but what is actually happening inside North Korea.

It is the deliberate policy decision-making by Kim Jong-Un that is responsible for all the suffering of the Korean people living in the North.

 

12. North Korea poses old challenges to new U.S. administration

United States Institute of Peace · Ambassador Joseph Yun & Frank Aum · January 27, 2021

A good assessment of the emerging Korea team within the Biden administration from Ambassador Joseph Yun and Frank Aum at USIP.

 

13. Indictment files reveal plan to build nuclear power plant in North

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Ser Myo-Ja & Lee Chul-Jae · January 29, 2021

Sigh.... and the irony - the Moon administration is trying to end all nuclear power in the South.

That said, it could be a useful tool to gain access to North Korean nuclear scientists and technicians.  Widespread people to people contacts could be useful for the long term. But I do not think we are thinking that way.

And there is KEDO. How did that work out?

 

14. North Korea conducts lectures warning people of broadcasts from the US, South Korea and Japan

Daily NK · Mun Dong Hui · January 29, 2021

Another important indicator to help answer the question of who Kim Jong-Un fears more—the US or the Korean people living in the North?  (A question from the new DASS for EAP, Dr. Jung Pak)

Information is an existential threat to Kim Jong-Un. We should think about that. It is also a critical component of human rights as identified by the UN Commission of Inquiry in 2014.

We must press with information. No amount of ideological lecturing can put the knowledge genie back in the bottle. Give the Korean people knowledge and information and.... well, we  will just have to see what will happen.

 

15. USFK personnel may be subject to another furlough in April

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Kim Sang-Jui, Park Yong-Han, Shim Kyu-Seok · January 28, 2021

We still have to solve the Special Measures Agreement (cost sharing) stalemate.

 

"You make a living by what you earn; you make a life by what you give."

- Winston Churchill

"A nationalist...is not at all the same thing as a patriot. A nationalist encourages us to be our worst, and then tells us that we are the best."

- Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

"Knowledge by itself is not power, but it holds the potential for power if we use it a s a guide for action. Truth will always be defeated by tyranny unless the people are willing to step forward and put their lives into the battle. The future belongs, not to ideas, but to people who act on those ideas."

- G. Edward Griffin

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Daniel Riggs.

1. Chinese bots had key role in debunked ballot video shared by Eric Trump

2. Homeland security bulletin warns Americans about violence by grievance-fueled domestic extremists

3. Op-Ed: Are there pieces of Trump's foreign policy worth keeping?

4. Is America prepared for a catastrophic cyberattack?

5. The United States Smuggled A Russian-Made Pantsir Air Defense System Out Of Libya: Report

6. Navalny Poison Squad Implicated in Murders of Three Russian Activists - bellingcat

7. US Plan to Withdraw Troops from Germany Up for Reconsideration, SecDef Says

8. Amid Biden-Ordered Review of Afghanistan Troop Drawdown, Report Finds al-Qaida Gaining Strength

9. DoD to Investigate Special Operations' Compliance with War Crimes Laws

10. Army Rolls Out Army Green Uniform Wear Guidelines, Renames Combat Patch

11. Regulate Social-Media Companies

12. Homeland security bulletin warns Americans about violence by grievance-fueled domestic extremists

13. Self-styled militia members in three states began planning in November for recruits, weapons ahead of Capitol breach, U.S. alleges

14. Beijing’s Welcome Gift to Biden: More Threats and Tensions

15. A butterfly flaps its wings in Beijing and the stock market crashes

16. Biden Orders Pentagon To Include Climate Change In New Strategy & War Games

17. Why Attempts to Build a New Anti-China Alliance Will Fail

18. Biden sends messages rejecting China expansionism

19. A World Divided: The Conflict with Chinese Techno-Nationalism Isn’t Coming - It’s Already Here

20. WHO team studying COVID-19 origins in China out of quarantine

21. Study ranks New Zealand Covid-19 response best, Brazil worst, US in bottom five

22. Is the SolarWinds Cyberattack an Act of War? It Is, If the United States Says It Is.

23. This Over-the-Counter Medication Can Kill COVID, Study Says

24. Declassified U.S. intelligence bolsters Wuhan lab theory in coronavirus outbreak

 

1. Chinese bots had key role in debunked ballot video shared by Eric Trump

The Guardian · by Luke Harding · January 27, 2021

Some more food for thought.  I will bet those who attacked the capitol will not like to hear they may have been manipulated by the Chinese.

 

2. Homeland security bulletin warns Americans about violence by grievance-fueled domestic extremists

The Washington Post· by Nick Miroff · January 27, 2021

Things are getting serious.

 

3. Op-Ed: Are there pieces of Trump's foreign policy worth keeping?

Los Angeles Times· by Dennis and Juan Zarate · January 27, 2021

Yes.

Conclusion: The beginning of a new administration is often a time for reversing course, but reflexive impulses in foreign policy are seldom right. Biden will need to demonstrate his ability to lead globally and heal America’s democracy in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack and the effects of the pandemic. Still, in forming his own foreign policy agenda, Biden should consider seriously the elements of his predecessor’s approach worth keeping.

 

4. Is America prepared for a catastrophic cyberattack?

washingtontimes.com · by Clifford D. May

I do not think we will ever be prepared for a catastrophic cyber attack.  But we must develop resiliency now to be able to be best prepared for when it does happen.  And I fear it will.

And I have to say that is a very cool graphic.

The key question:

How about the possibility that Russia (prime suspect in the SolarWinds hack), China, the Islamic Republic of Iran or North Korea (all of which have carried out multiple and seriously damaging breaches in the past) might wage full-out cyberwar?

What that would mean: attacks intended to shut down financial systems, electricity, water supplies, transportation, communications - perhaps even the entire U.S. economy. Should that happen, what’s the plan?

 

5. The United States Smuggled A Russian-Made Pantsir Air Defense System Out Of Libya: Report

thedrive.com · by Joseph Trevithick · January 27, 2021

Excellent work.  But we need better OPSEC (unless there is a deliberate IO plan).

British newspaper The Times was first to report the covert mission, which it said took place in June 2020. A U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft is said to have flown to Zuwarah International Airport, situated to the west of Tripoli, to pick up the Pantsir-S1, which it then flew to Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

 

6. Navalny Poison Squad Implicated in Murders of Three Russian Activists - bellingcat

bellingcat.com · January 27, 2021

Bellingcat makes a great contribution to open source information.  Their investigators do some very good work uncovering these threats and actions from malign actors (namely Russia)

 

7. US Plan to Withdraw Troops from Germany Up for Reconsideration, SecDef Says

military.com · by Richard Sisk · January 27, 2021

We need to ensure we have the right forces forward stationed in the right places so that we can effectively project power to protect US interests, ideally by deterring conflict by demonstrating strategic reassurance and strategic resolve.

 

8. Amid Biden-Ordered Review of Afghanistan Troop Drawdown, Report Finds al-Qaida Gaining Strength

military.com · by Richard Sisk · January 27, 2021

I do not think this was unexpected by professional intelligence analysts.

 

9. DoD to Investigate Special Operations' Compliance with War Crimes Laws

military.com · by Richard Sisk · January 27, 2021

Only special operations?  

 

10. Army Rolls Out Army Green Uniform Wear Guidelines, Renames Combat Patch

military.com · by Matthew Cox · January 27, 2021

But I am sure the troops will always call it the "combat patch."

Excerpt:

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Former Wartime Service will now be called the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Military Operations in Hostile Conditions. It is authorized for soldiers who served on combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, but also those who served in certain countries considered hostile areas.

 

11. Regulate Social-Media Companies

defenseone.com · by Divya Ramjee and Elsa Kanias· January 27, 2021

This is going to require a lot of debate and critical thought. If the government gets involved in regulating social media companies how do we ensure protection of civil liberties?

 

12. Homeland security bulletin warns Americans about violence by grievance-fueled domestic extremists

The Washington Post·  by Nick Miroff · January 27, 2021

This seems like an unprecedented and significant warning.  Things are getting serious.

 

13.  Self-styled militia members in three states began planning in November for recruits, weapons ahead of Capitol breach, U.S. alleges

The Washington Post · by Spencer S. Hsu, Rachel Weiner and Tom Jackman · January 28, 2021

All based on the big lie and conspiracy theories.

 

14. Beijing’s Welcome Gift to Biden: More Threats and Tensions

Foreign Policy · by Robert A. Manning, Patrick M. Cronin · January 27, 2021

Excerpts:

“What can Biden do? At his confirmation hearing, Biden’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Trump administration’s tougher approach toward China was right, but the tactics were wrong. While there is consensus that China is a strategic competitor, the Trump administration never defined the terms of that competition. Kurt Campbell, Biden’s new Asia adviser in the White House, has written, together with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, about the need for “clear-eyed coexistence” between the two nuclear states. With Brookings China Strategy Initiative director Rush Doshi, Campbell has also called for building a durable and flexible balance of power. The Biden team undoubtedly hoped to begin a thorough policy review as they assemble the full complement of appointees to steer an Indo-Pacific strategy. But now, Beijing has given the nascent Biden team no choice but to preoccupy itself with crisis management, beginning with better risk-reduction mechanisms to minimize the danger of inadvertent escalation.The Trump administration made a grave mistake in turning Asia strategy into a bilateral U.S.-Chinese problem.

...

The new thinking of the Biden administration must narrow differences with China while expanding the toolkit. There is no daylight between Biden and his team regarding the need to work with allies and partners. Further, the team understands policy must not just counter malign activities but create a positive counterweight across all realms—economic, technological, trade, and security—with tangible benefits for the well-being of the United States as well as China’s Asian neighbors.

Whatever terms one uses to describe China’s activities—political warfare, gray-zone operations, technological supremacy, or information dominance—the United States’ best strategic approach should be based on a positive vision of the future. China is a formidable competitor, exploiting the United States’ desire and need to protect the boundaries of a fraying rules-based international order. But rather than reacting to Beijing by escalating a mindless tit-for-tat that risks a major war, Washington needs to reclaim credibility by offering a path to a new balance in Asia—in which the interests of allies and partners are addressed and the limits of Chinese power is defined.”

 

15. A butterfly flaps its wings in Beijing and the stock market crashes

asiatimes.com · by David P. Goldman · January 27, 2021

Excerpt: What happened was a literal illustration of chaos theory, namely the proverbial butterfly that flapped its wings in Beijing and caused a hurricane in the Caribbean. The Beijing butterfly in this case was the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), which pushed up the benchmark 7-day repo rate to 3.1% from 2.5% on January 25, a significant tightening that was mirrored in banks’ cost of funding. Hong Kong stocks and European stock futures dropped immediately, followed by S&P futures (the subsequent drop in the S&P during the Wednesday New York trading session isn’t shown on the chart).

Please go to the link to view the chart: 

 

16. Biden Orders Pentagon To Include Climate Change In New Strategy & War Games

breakingdefense.com · by Paul McLeary

Buried lede - New NDS in 2022.

 

17.  Why Attempts to Build a New Anti-China Alliance Will Fail

Foreign Policy · by Kishore Mahbubani · January 27, 2021

That is one of the biggest differences about a European security architecture (e.g., NATO) and one in Asia.  In Asia there needs to be an economic security relationship and not just a military security relationship and the economic relationship has to take priority over the military.

Conclusion: This is why the Quad’s naval exercises in the Indian Ocean will not move the needle of Asian history. Over time, the different economic interests and historical vulnerabilities of the four countries will make the rationale for the Quad less and less tenable. Here’s one leading indicator: No other Asian country—not even the staunchest U.S. ally, South Korea—is rushing to join the Quad. The future of Asia will be written in four letters, RCEP, and not the four letters in Quad.

 

18. Biden sends messages rejecting China expansionism

asiatimes.com · by Sylvie Lanteaume · January 28, 2021

A similar China-directed refrain echoed through Austin’s call with Australian defense minister Linda Reynolds on Tuesday.

Austin “emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, founded on existing international law and norms in a region free of malign behavior,” Kirby said.

To underscore the unchanged US stance in Asia, on January 24, the fourth day of the new Biden administration, the US aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a so-called “freedom of navigation” mission in the South China Sea, sailing in or close to waters that China claims to underscore Washington’s rejection of those claims.

In addition, even as his initial focus for the US Defense Department is battling the coronavirus, Austin is expected to make Asia his first destination on an international trip.

 

19.  A World Divided: The Conflict with Chinese Techno-Nationalism Isn’t Coming - It’s Already Here

warontherocks.com · by James Mulvenon · January 28, 2021

Conclusion: If implemented, these measures will help the new Biden administration adapt to the significant changes in the trade and security environment over the last four years and ensure its ability to achieve simultaneous goals: strengthening the American economy, accelerating the domestic innovation and job growth, deepening cooperative relationships with like-minded countries, bolstering U.S. military capabilities, and protecting critical intellectual property and core technologies of the future from wholesale technology and cyber theft.

 

20.  WHO team studying COVID-19 origins in China out of quarantine

upi.com· by Daryl Coote · January 28, 2021

Now we will see how much access they will have.  Will they be able to definitively pinpoint the origin?

 

21. Study ranks New Zealand Covid-19 response best, Brazil worst, US in bottom five

France 24 · by FRANCE 24 · January 28, 2021

Are we surprised? More importantly are we ashamed of our poor performance? Do we understand why our response has been so poor?

Excerpts:

“Aside from New Zealand – which has largely kept the virus at bay with border closures and "go early, go hard" lockdowns and testing regimes – Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Cyprus, Rwanda, Iceland, Australia, Latvia and Sri Lanka made the top 10 for their responses.”

 

22. Is the SolarWinds Cyberattack an Act of War? It Is, If the United States Says It Is.

lawfareblog.com·  by Yevgeny Vindman · January 26, 2021

Conclusion: The Biden administration will need to determine how to respond to the SolarWinds cyberattack to establish deterrence and impose costs given the magnitude of the attack. These are policy issues, but they should be informed by the legal determination that the SolarWinds cyberattack may well constitute a casus belli under international law.

 

23. This Over-the-Counter Medication Can Kill COVID, Study Says

bestlifeonline.com · by Zachary Mack · January 27, 2021

If there is anything to this why aren't we reading about this in other media or from the COVID 19 task force?

When things seem too good to be true they usually are.  Of course there is probably a conspiracy theory to explain the answer to my question above.

 

24. Declassified U.S. intelligence bolsters Wuhan lab theory in coronavirus outbreak

washingtontimes.com · by Bill Gertz

 

------------

 

“The media controls the mind.” 

- Jim Morrison

 

“Some people awake each morning dreading the day looking for the negatives in their lives and in others, while some awaken fresh appreciating the opportunity to contribute to life, making the world a better place and see the positives. Neither is right or wrong for we are human, we all make a conscious choice everyday as to who we shall be.” 

- Mark W Boyer

 

“Success of democracy lies within the analytical thought of a common man.” 

- M.H. Rakib

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Daniel Riggs.

1. Gov't Hires U.S. Lobbyists to Defend Controversial Leaflet Ban

2. U.S. will work with China, Russia to denuclearize N. Korea: UN envoy

3. South Korea willing to share COVID-19 vaccines with North, PM says

4. Kang, Blinken reveal differences in perspective in their first phone call

5. Civic groups demand suspension of military drills with U.S. for confidence building with N. Korea

6. Weak Allies Limit Biden’s Options In Northeast Asia

7. For Peace With North Korea, Biden Must End the US-South Korea Military Exercises

8. Biden stresses need for complete denuclearization of Korean Peninsula: White House

9. FM nominee: Boosting alliance with U.S. 'primary task' for S. Korea diplomacy

10. N.Korea, US should aim for initial nuclear freeze - S.Korean PM

11. North Korea continues to export coal and dispatch laborers overseas

12.  North Korea moves toward mass production of miniature reconnaissance drones

13. South Korea sees one of strongest recoveries among major economies

14. 'Crash Landing on You,' BTS, 'Parasite' lead 'hallyu' popularity in 2020: report

 

1.  Gov't Hires U.S. Lobbyists to Defend Controversial Leaflet Ban

english.chosun.com · January 28, 2021

This is troubling. The anti-leaflet law is indefensible by anyone who believes in civil liberties and the shared values of the ROK and US.  And it is a major strategic error on at least two levels - one it indicates the ROK unwillingness to engage in a sophisticated information and influence campaign to influence the major target audiences of the regime elite, the second tier leadership, and the population.   The second strategic error was giving into Kim Yo-jong's blackmail diplomacy that she executed for the Kim family regime. The ROK can expect to see blackmail diplomacy ratchet up in the foreseeable future.  The anit0-leaflet law "proves" to Kim Jong-un that his political warfare strategy is working. 

 

2. U.S. will work with China, Russia to denuclearize N. Korea: UN envoy

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · January 28, 2021

This seems like the Biden administration intends to not only continue the sanctions regime against north Korea but to improve enforcement.

"Reengaging with South Korea with Japan, as well as with China and Russia, particularly to push for their respect for a sanctions regime against North Korea, is going to be really important," Thomas-Greenfield told the hearing.

This is our recommendation from our essay with policy recommendations for the Biden administration:  

• Encourage Chinese and Russian support for denuclearization while holding them accountable for ongoing violations of UN sanctions they claim to support. The Biden administration should publicize this duplicity and blacklist entities identified as violating sanctions.

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2021/01/14/north-korea/

 

3. South Korea willing to share COVID-19 vaccines with North, PM says

upi.com· by Thomas Maresca

Excerpts:

"Vaccines are an expensive drug and if North Korea cannot afford them we are willing to help," Chung said at a policy briefing with international correspondents in downtown Seoul. "South Korea wants to cooperate with the North in many ways, including health and humanitarian issues."

South Korean health officials have announced that vaccinations are scheduled to begin in late February, and the prime minister said the government is aiming to achieve herd immunity by November at the latest, with leftover doses potentially going to North Korea.

"If we have additional vaccines that may not be used, they can be shared with other countries, including North Korea," Chung said. "We will keep this option open."

Foreign Minister Chung is accusing the US of indifference?  Who has been indifferent about north Korea?

White House press secretary Jen Psaki added on Friday that the United States has a "vital interest" in deterring North Korea's nuclear ambitions and vowed that the Biden administration would work in close consultation with South Korea and other allies.

"It is fortunate that [administration officials] are expressing interest in North Korea," Chung said. "Indifference is the biggest issue."

 

4. Kang, Blinken reveal differences in perspective in their first phone call

donga.com· January 28, 2021

Every word in every US statement is parsed by South Korean media.  The question is whether there are real differences (I do think there are but they are not outlined in this article) or are differences in statements and what the public affairs officials choose to highlight and release that are interpreted as significant differences in sustainability policy issues?

 

5. Civic groups demand suspension of military drills with U.S. for confidence building with N. Korea

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · January 28, 2021

I certainly respect these civic groups and their pursuit of peace and reconciliation.  But their demands will put the security of the ROK at great risk.  I fear that their single clear-eyed focus on peace blinds them to the true nature of and the objectives of the Kim family regime.  The regime seeks to dominate the entire peninsula and will use subversion, coercion/extortion, and use of force to achieve its objectives.  The demands of these civic actions groups play into the regime's hands. The regime wants to weaken the combined readiness of the ROK.US military forces and ultimately cause a split in the alliance to drive US forces off the peninsula.

The bottom line is the failure to conduct military training and exercises will lead to the failure in the defense of Korea.

 

6. Weak Allies Limit Biden’s Options In Northeast Asia

Forbes · by Scott Snyder · January 27, 2021

Scott Snyder and Brad Glasserman discuss "weak" allies in terms of the very strained relationship between the ROK and Japan.  The US administration (as did the last one) recognizes the importance of the trilateral relationship to the security of all three countries in Northeast Asia as well as for the outcome of the challenges on the Korean peninsula and in terms of mitigating the malign influence of China.  

 

7. For Peace With North Korea, Biden Must End the US-South Korea Military Exercises

truthout.org · by Ann Wright · January 27, 2021

Like the civic action groups she is part of and supports, I fear this retired Army Colonel does not understand the nature of the objectives of the Kim family regime.

It would be the height of irresponsibility to not conduct training on the peninsula.  It will put the ROK at great risk.   And most importantly we have seen over the past two plus years that exercise concessions do not result in any reciprocity from north Korea. We must recognize north Korea's strategy and its call for the end of exercises is not about US provocations and threats to the north.  It is about weakening the ROK/US alliance and its combined military forces so that the north can achieve an advantage.

I also wonder why these peace advocates do not acknowledge the north Korean winter training cycle and the offensive operations training the north conducts.

I too want peace. But it is my belief that weakening the military is more likely to lead to conflict than sustaining military strength through proper training.

 

8. Biden stresses need for complete denuclearization of Korean Peninsula: White House

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · January 28, 2021

I would remind the President of this: The only way we are going to see an end to the nuclear program and threats as well as the human rights abuses and crimes against humanity being committed against the Korean people living in the north by the mafia-like crime family cult known as the Kim family regime is through achievement of unification and the establishment of a United Republic of Korea that is secure and stable, non-nuclear, economically vibrant, and unified under a liberal constitutional form of government based on individual liberty, rule of law, and human rights as determined by the Korean people.  In short, a United Republic of Korea (UROK).

 

9. FM nominee: Boosting alliance with U.S. 'primary task' for S. Korea diplomacy

en.yna.co.kr · by 김승연 · January 28, 2021

I concur. The alliance is the priority, for both countries.  I hope the new FM will sustain the MOFA-State strategy working group as the vehicle to ensure alliance policy and strategy is aligned with common strategy assumptions about the nature and objectives of the Kim family regime.

 

10. N.Korea, US should aim for initial nuclear freeze - S.Korean PM

nationalpost.com · by Hyonhee Shin

A freeze could be acceptable if there is full declaration of all nuclear facilities from R&D through production through storage  through fielded military organizations with nuclear weapons combined with inspection access to all sites.  And we should also understand how the regime will manipulate a freeze to achieve advantages toward its long terms strategy to dominate the peninsula and not give up its nuclear weapons, ever.

 

11.  North Korea continues to export coal and dispatch laborers overseas

dailynk.com · by Jang Seul Gi · January 28, 2021

Again, no surprise here.  The regime must do this to gain hard currency.  And we need to enforce sanctions against the enablers who allow these activities to persist.

 

12. North Korea moves toward mass production of miniature reconnaissance drones

dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · January 28, 2021

With the priority on developing military capabilities the people are destined to continue to suffer.

 

13. South Korea sees one of strongest recoveries among major economies

hindustantimes.com · January 27, 2021

Some good news for our ally.

 

14. 'Crash Landing on You,' BTS, 'Parasite' lead 'hallyu' popularity in 2020: report

en.yna.co.kr · by 이민지 · January 28, 2021

South Korean soft power.  And "Crash Landing" is one of the best information and influence projects the ROK has ever produced.

 

------------

 

“The media controls the mind.” 

- Jim Morrison

 

“Some people awake each morning dreading the day looking for the negatives in their lives and in others, while some awaken fresh appreciating the opportunity to contribute to life, making the world a better place and see the positives. Neither is right or wrong for we are human, we all make a conscious choice everyday as to who we shall be.” 

- Mark W Boyer

 

“Success of democracy lies within the analytical thought of a common man.” 

- M.H. Rakib

 

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. New campaign targeting security researchers

2. Unspecified 'events' keeping Guard in DC as agencies dodge threat questions

3. Biden set his sights on China

4. Biden’s opening salvo on Beijing

5. A fake story about the secretary of defense stole my real byline

6. Biden, Congress should defend terrorism sanctions imposed on Iran

7. Trump got a space force. Biden should get a cyber force.

8. China’s leader attacks his greatest threat

9. Dissidents first: a foreign policy doctrine for the Biden administration

10. China gets a message that Taiwan is a bipartisan U.S. issue

11.  The U.S. military's real foe: the tyranny of distance

12. To defeat enemy drone swarms, troops may have to take a back seat to machines, general says

13. Taking stock of America’s pacing competitor: China at the start of 2021

14. Ike was wrong: the military-industrial-congressional complex turns 60

15. 'Secret force' comprising Tibetans gets award for operation against China in Ladakh

16. Trump-purged editors back at VOA, Radio Free Asia

17. Army general officer assignments

18. A lower bar for the cyber czar

19. It’s time to move the Army ladder

20. '2034: a novel of the next world war,' an exclusive excerpt

21. Strategic Latency Unleashed

 

1. New campaign targeting security researchers

Threat Analysis Group · Adam Weidemann · January 25, 2021

 

2. Unspecified ‘events’ keeping Guard in DC as agencies dodge threat questions

Washington Examiner · Abraham Mahshie · January 25, 2021

I think the potential threat list is pretty obvious. We can all see the indicators on social media. At some point, I worry we could see a convergence of those anarchists who are "demonstrating" in Portland and the Pacfic Northwest and those who attacked the Capitol on January 6. Of course, the likely time for this would be the Senate impeachment trial when the verdict is announced.

 

3. Biden set his sights on China

Axios · Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian · January 26, 2021

 

4. Biden’s opening salvo on Beijing

Wall Street Journal · Walter Russell Mead · January 25, 2021

 

5. A fake story about the secretary of defense stole my real byline

Defense News · Joe Gould · January 25, 2021

I saw this on social media. Commenters immediately debunked it, but there were those who thought this was a real story. I wonder if we will see more of this type of information warfare.

 

6. Biden, Congress should defend terrorism sanctions imposed on Iran

FDD · Richard Goldberg et al · January 25, 2021

From my FDD colleagues. For those who follow, Iran I recommend this.

 

7. Trump got a space force. Biden should get a cyber force.

Bloomberg · James Stavridis · January 25, 2021

I guess the Joint Chief of Staff will move from a fire team size to a platoon size (note: sarcasm).

 

8. China’s leader attacks his greatest threat

Atlantic · John Pomfret · January 25, 2021

 

9. Dissidents first: a foreign policy doctrine for the Biden administration

New York Times · Bret Stephens · January 25, 2021

Human rights is a national security issue as well as a moral imperative.

 

10. China gets a message that Taiwan is a bipartisan U.S. issue

Bloomberg · Tim Culpan · January 25, 2021

This is important. If we can approach China with bipartisan support we can successfully compete.

 

11. The U.S. military's real foe: the tyranny of distance

1945 · Patrick Hulme & Erik Gartzke · January 26, 2021

There are two laws of physics that can never be violated: time and distance.

 

12. To defeat enemy drone swarms, troops may have to take a back seat to machines, general says

Military.com · Matthew Cox · January 25, 2021

A very scary title.

 

13. Taking stock of America’s pacing competitor: China at the start of 2021

Modern War Institute · Ali Wyne · January 25, 2021

 

14. Ike was wrong: the military-industrial-congressional complex turns 60

Breaking Defense · Bill Greenwalt · January 25, 2021

 

15. ‘Secret force’ comprising Tibetans gets award for operation against China in Ladakh

India Today · Abhishek Bhalla · January 26, 2021

They have done a good job keeping this force a secret. I was certainly unaware of it.

 

16. Trump-purged editors back at VOA, Radio Free Asia

Asia Times · Shaun Tandon · January 26, 2021

VOA, RFA, et al. make important contributions to our national security through the information instrument of national power.

 

17. Army general officer assignments

US Department of Defense · January 25, 2021

Congratulations to LTG Bryan Fenton.

Some moves in the INDOPACFIC. With LTG Flynn going to USARPAC, the question is where will General LaCamera go?

 

18. A lower bar for the cyber czar

War On the Rocks · Joshua Rovner · January 26, 2021

 

19. It’s time to move the Army ladder

War On the Rocks · Eric Wesley & Robert Simpson · January 26, 2021

A very blunt conclusion to a very fascinating read. This article should be discussed on the Pentagon, in PME classes, and on the Hill.

 

20. '2034: A Novel of the Next World War,' an exclusive excerpt

Wired · January 26, 2021

Yes, this is unusual.

 

21. Strategic Latency Unleashed

Center for Global Security Research · Zachary S. Davis et al · January 2021

This 500+ page PDF should keep the special operations community reading for some time

The focus on the future and technology and concepts.

 

“The essence of immorality is the tendency to make an exception of myself.”

- Jane Addams

“For some of us, politics means fighting for our right to exist”

- Scott Westerfeld, Shatter City

“All that makes existence valuable to anyone depends on the enforcement of restraints upon the actions of other people.”

 - John Stuart Mill, On Liberty

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Duncan Moore.

1. Another North Korean diplomat defects to South Korea

2. Kim’s diplomatic warriors defecting one by one

3. Google: North Korean hackers have targeted security researchers via social media

4. What kind of North Korea will Biden face?

5. Unification minister stresses flexibility on sanctions against N. Korea

6. North Korea’s long shadow on South Korea’s democracy

7. Biden gov't 'doubtful' about North's denuclearization: former White House adviser

8. What the Biden administration's first call with South Korea's defense secretary says about the countries' relationship

9. Several defection attempts and smuggling operations occurred during the party congress period

10. Commentary: how will President Biden deal with the North Korea challenge?

11. North Korea hopes to begin COVID-19 inoculations by the end of February at the earliest

12. N.K. paper calls for drawing up 'realistic' economic plans

13. Military to improve security system along eastern border after defection case

14. South Korea completes deployment of K-14 sniper rifle

15. North Korea: why VP Kamala Harris should meet with Kim Yo-Jong

16. S. Korea is likely to overtake Italy in national income

17. Why Koreans pointed out two 'Joes' at inauguration

 

1. Another North Korean diplomat defects to South Korea

Wall Street Journal · Andrew Jeong · January 25, 2021

My escapee friends (to include those who have worked at Department 39) tell me there are many who would defect/escape if given the opportunity. I hope South Korea and the US are conducting covert operations to help them do so. We need to take down the Department 39 global illicit network. and one of the lines of effort should be to either help Korean members escape or to turn them.

 

2. Kim’s diplomatic warriors defecting one by one

Asia Times · Andrew Salmon · January 25, 2021

Of course, there is a lot of speculation as to motive and what drives Koreans from the North to escape.  But sometimes it could be as simple as this: failing to meet the demands from the regime to produce hard currency for the regime.

 

3. Google: North Korean hackers have targeted security researchers via social media

ZDNet · Catalin Cimpanu · January 25, 2021

At least North Korea thinks national security researchers are important! :-)

 

4. What kind of North Korea will Biden face?

Council on Foreign Relations · Scott A. Snyder · January 25, 2021

NK aims:

• Continued nuclear weapons (and missile) development
• Concessions for talks (blackmail diplomacy and political warfare)
• Arm control talks (SALT/START-like), ensuring the regime maintains its nuclear weapons and is recognized as a nuclear power.

Bottom line: North Korea will not negotiate in good faith to achieve denuclearization of the North.

 

5. Unification minister stresses flexibility on sanctions against N. Korea

Dong-A Ilbo · Oh-Hyuk Kwon · January 26, 2021

Minister Lee is going to be responsible for the difficulties in the ROK/US alliance. The Moon administration should rein him in, but I fear he is really providing the administration’s position on North Korean issues, so we have to listen to him to know the administration's true intent.

“Flexibility on sanctions" really means providing concessions to North Korea in return for only promises and hope. This course will confirm the success of the regime's blackmail diplomacy line of effort of its political warfare strategy. And, while the Moon administration doubles down on its "peace at any cost" policy, the Kim family regime will likely double down on its blackmail diplomacy.

 

6. North Korea’s long shadow on South Korea’s democracy

Brookings · Jung H. Pak · January 22, 2021

Important analysis of South Korean domestic politics. A key critique of South Korea from Dr. Jung Pak.

 

7. Biden gov't 'doubtful' about North's denuclearization: former White House adviser

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Park Hyun-Young & Sarah Kim · January 26, 2021

I concur with Evan Medeiros. As I have written, it is critical that the ROK and US sufficiently align their strategic assumptions about the nature and the objectives of the Kim family regime. However, I worry that it is not a "very, very, very solvable problem."

 

8. What the Biden administration's first call with South Korea's defense secretary says about the countries' relationship

Week · January 25, 2021

Duyeon Kim provides some important comments on how the ROK government and media interpret the readout of the call between the SECDEF and MINDEF. Understanding these differences may be helpful to John Kirby, the pentagon spokesperson.

 

9. Several defection attempts and smuggling operations occurred during the party congress period

Daily NK · Ha Yoon Ah · January 26, 2021

Shooting to kill is authorized and praised by the regime.

Buried lede: note the amount of ammunition soldiers and guards are authorized to carry.

 

10. Commentary: how will President Biden deal with the North Korea challenge?

Channel News Asia · Naoko Aoki · January 26, 2021

This sums up the assumed direction of Biden administration policy.

 

11. North Korea hopes to begin COVID-19 inoculations by the end of February at the earliest

Daily NK · Jang Seul Gi · January 26, 2021

 

12. N.K. paper calls for drawing up ‘realistic’ economic plans

Yonhap News Agency · 이원주 · January 26, 2021

A realistic economic policy would be one based on sound economic principles to include free markets, not one based on the Juche ideology.

 

13. Military to improve security system along eastern border after defection case

Yonhap News Agency · 오석민 · January 26, 2021

Technology and surveillance systems are great, but the key to security is boots on the ground and aggressive patrolling by soldiers, day and night, to prevent infiltration.

 

14. South Korea completes deployment of K-14 sniper rifle

Korea Times · Yonhap · January 26, 2021

This will be useful on the DMZ. I wonder if our good friend, Chun In Bum, had a role in this. He has been the biggest advocate of improving soldier lethality in South Korea, in particular the development of improved small arms.

 

15. North Korea: Why VP Kamala Harris Should Meet With Kim Yo-Jong

National Interest · Seong-Chang Cheong · January 25, 2021

Counterpart? I do not think they are counterparts. I would not insult our Vice President by making it seem that they are somehow on equal footing.

But it would be very interesting to see them meet. It would be great to see the Vice President put her in her place. In reality, I do not think this would ever happen and, if it did, I doubt there would be any substantive results, because despite Kim Yo-jong's apparent power and trust, she is not all powerful and she will only execute what Kim allows her to execute. I am sure the President would empower the Vice President, but KJU will not empower his sister to an equal extent.

 

16. S. Korea is likely to overtake Italy in national income

Dong-A Ilbo · Teuk-Gyo Koo · January 26, 2021

 

17. Why Koreans pointed out two 'Joes' at inauguration

NBC News · Hanna Park · January 21, 2021

But I am sure Agent Cho comes from a Hwarang-do bloodline.

 

“The essence of immorality is the tendency to make an exception of myself.”

- Jane Addams

“For some of us, politics means fighting for our right to exist”

- Scott Westerfeld, Shatter City

“All that makes existence valuable to anyone depends on the enforcement of restraints upon the actions of other people.”

 - John Stuart Mill, On Liberty

An "Oh So Social" conversation between Sec. Jim Mattis and Dr. Mike Vickers

by The OSS Society

RSVP HERE

Leadership & Strategy: A conversation between Secretary James Mattis & The Honorable Michael Vickers

About this Event

Join The OSS Society for a very special event with two leading figures from the national security community: Secretary James Mattis and The Honorable Michael Vickers. This is the first installment in The OSS Society's 2021 "Oh So Social" Conversation Series.