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

1. Efforts under way with N. Koreans for new opportunity: Pompeo

2. What US knows about Kim Jong Un

3. N. Korean leader vows continued cooperation with China in letter to Xi

4. North Korea's SLBMs: Daniel DePetris Responds to Victor Cha

5. South Korea military chief nominee stands by GSOMIA with Japan

6. Preparations Continue at the Mirim Parade Training Ground

7. Unification minister calls for N. Korea to implement summit agreements

8. Unification Ministry suspends investigations into human rights in N. Korea

9. N. Korea could fire SLBM around next month's party anniversary: JCS chief nominee

10. N. Korea's SLBM test barge gone in possible sign of impending test: 38 North

11. N.K. propaganda outlet slams S. Korea over budget proposal for military spending hike

12. Kim Jong Un is tightening control as North Korea's economy reels

13. Pyongyang university students began practicing for Oct. 10 parade on Sept. 1

14. North Korea triples the amount of propaganda taught to pre-schoolers  

15. Kim Jong Un criticizes Ministry of Social Security for confusion over vehicle licenses

16. Kim Jong-Un seen visiting typhoon-hit town as he praises military response after claims he called Obama an 'a**hole'

17. Moon sends letter to Suga, proposes efforts to improve ties

1. Efforts under way with N. Koreans for new opportunity: Pompeo

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · September 15, 2020

Excerpt:

“Pompeo sounded optimistic.

‘I am still optimistic that it's gone quiet publicly, but there's still lots of work going on, work going on between ourselves, our allies in the region -- the Japanese and South Koreans -- and even efforts with the North Koreans to come to understand where there may be opportunity as time goes on,’ he told the virtual seminar.”

2. What US knows about Kim Jong Un

donga.com · September 16, 2020

I like this concluding thought from the journalist: "It is telling that Kim has avoided military conflicts and has not given up on nuclear weapons. If past deals with Kim have taught us anything, it is that we should be able to discern threats in disguise."

3. N. Korean leader vows continued cooperation with China in letter to Xi

en.yna.co.kr · by 변덕근 · September 16, 2020

Closer than lips and teeth?  The PRC-nK alliance.

4. North Korea's SLBMs: Daniel DePetris Responds to Victor Cha

The National Interest · by Daniel R. DePetris · September 15, 2020

The Cha-DePetris spat continues.

I would say we should not miss the forest for the trees.  The important point is that north Korea continues to try to advance its military capabilities.  These capabilities serve two purposes: support to blackmail diplomacy and for war fighting. We should be under no illusion that the north still intends to dominate the peninsula to include through the use of force.  So the Depetris and Cha can argue over their interpretations of imagery and north Korean actions over the past three years but again, the important point is the north is advancing its military capabilities in a potentially significant way.

5. South Korea military chief nominee stands by GSOMIA with Japan

upi.com · September 14, 2020

I think all the professional military leaders in South Korea fully support the GSOMIA.  They have to walk a political-military tightrope on the issue because the political leaders are using threat to end the GSOMIA for political purposes and risk Korean national security.

6. Preparations Continue at the Mirim Parade Training Ground

38 North  · by Martyn Williams, Jenny Town, and Peter Makowsky  · September 15, 2020

Excerpts:

“Having just completed the construction of the large vehicle storage compound, the purpose of these new structures is unclear. While the larger ones are likely able to accommodate a TEL for North Korea's largest missiles, the compound contains over 100 garage bays, including some that are sized to house vehicles as large as the Hwasong-15 TELs. Therefore, it seems odd that a purpose-built facility would need supplemental storage shortly after construction.

The structures were erected sometime between September 4 and 14, amid multiple typhoons. Satellite imagery was unavailable between those dates, but there are now significantly more tire marks on the concrete pavement around the garages, indicating heavy vehicle movement and probable participating in parade practices during that period.”

7. Unification minister calls for N. Korea to implement summit agreements

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · September 16, 2020

The burden is on Kim Jong-un.  The South has faithfully implemented many aspects of the agreements but they can only go so far without reciprocity from the north. The north's actions (or inaction) are a clear indication of regime intent and that intent does not include serious and substantive agreements that can be implemented.

8. Unification Ministry suspends investigations into human rights in N. Korea

donga.com · September 16, 2020

Oh no. This is terrible.  Is this blatant appeasement of the Kim family regime?  We must focus on the human rights abuses of Kim Jong-un and the Kim family regime.  It is a moral imperative and a national security issue.  Yes, when we focus on human rights in north Korea it undermines the legitimacy of the Kim family regime and is a threat to Kim Jong-un because he must deny the human rights of the Korean people living in the north in order to remain in power.  I am very disappointed in the Ministry of Unification.  This is going to harm eventual unification efforts because this action will be perceived as abandoning the Korean people living in the north (who are Korean citizens).

9. N. Korea could fire SLBM around next month's party anniversary: JCS chief nominee

en.yna.co.kr · by 오석민 · September 16, 2020

A difference in views between the nominees for MINDEF and CJCS: "The remark indicates changes in the military's assessment of what is going on in the North because Defense Minister nominee Gen. Suh Wook said Monday that chances for an SLBM launch anytime soon are slim given the short time left until the anniversary that falls on Oct. 10."

10. N. Korea's SLBM test barge gone in possible sign of impending test: 38 North

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · September 16, 2020

Or is it possible the barge was damaged by the typhoon?

11. N.K. propaganda outlet slams S. Korea over budget proposal for military spending hike

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · September 16, 2020

This is a threat to the regime.  It cannot compete militarily with the South. This excerpt is potentially laying the foundation for the justification to conduct some kind of provocation or tension raising event such as a missile test.

The website called the proposed budget hike "a military provocation" and "reckless act" that could spark an arms race.

It also lashed out at Seoul for being hypocritical in talking about peace while at the same time spending a large amount of money on developing high-tech weapons.

12. Kim Jong Un is tightening control as North Korea's economy reels

Business Insider · by Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein

The economy is reeling because of Kim Jong-un's policy decisions (and those of his father and grandfather).  The fundamental cause of economic problems is the decision to prioritize development of nuclear weapons and missiles over economic development and the welfare of the Korean people living in the north.  Yes the north has suffered from multiple natural disasters and is trying to prevent a COVID outbreak by implementing draconian population and resources control measures that are crushing the market activity that is necessary for survival of the people. But all these conditions simply magnify the effects of Kim Jong-un's policy decisions.  He is solely responsible for the suffering of the Korean people living in the north despite the propaganda that blames the South and the US and everybody and everything except Kim Jong-un.

13. Pyongyang university students began practicing for Oct. 10 parade on Sept. 1

dailynk.com · by Ha Yoon Ah · September 16, 2020

If there is COVID inside north Korea this could become a super spreader, both all the preparations over the next few weeks and the actual event itself.

14. North Korea triples the amount of propaganda taught to pre-schoolers  

dailymail.co.uk· by Michael Havis · September 16, 2020

north Korean math:  If you have 5 American bastards and you shoot 3 of them between the eyes, how many American bastards do you have left to kill?

15. Kim Jong Un criticizes Ministry of Social Security for confusion over vehicle licenses

dailynk.com· by Jong So Yong · September 16, 2020

Maybe north Korea is more like the rest of the countries in the world.  It is also cursed with a terrible Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (note attempt at humor my apologies to all the workers at the DMVs around the US).

16. Kim Jong-Un seen visiting typhoon-hit town as he praises military response after claims he called Obama an 'a**hole'

the-sun.com· by Debbie White· September 16, 2020

Definitely a clickbait title.  Photos of the typhoon effects below.

17. Moon sends letter to Suga, proposes efforts to improve ties

en.yna.co.kr · by 이치동 · September 16, 2020

I hope Korea-Japan relations can improve but I am not holding my breath.

--------

Remind me to write an article on the compulsive reading of news. The theme will be that most neuroses can be traced to the unhealthy habit of wallowing in the troubles of five billion strangers."

-Robert A. Heinlein

"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please,
but as the opportunity to do what is right."

- Peter Marshall, the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate after WWII

"Curiously enough, it is often the people who refuse to assume any responsibility who are apt to be the sharpest critics of those who do."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

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

1. We still have time to act against US election vulnerability

2. Defending Taiwan and deterring China

3. The future the UN wants - is it the future the US needs?

4. The best (cyber) defense is a good (cyber) offense

5. Hackers connected to China have compromised U.S. government systems, CISA says

6. Top general: intel doesn't prove Russia paid bounties for U.S. troops

7. Army COVID-19 vaccine may produce a side benefit: cure for the common cold

8. U.S. military re-emphasizing large warfighting exercises

9. Leaked memo excoriates Facebook’s ‘slapdash and haphazard’ response to global political manipulation

10. Kill chain in the sky with data: Army’s project convergence

11. We need to talk about PTSD. I’ll start.

12. The problem with soft power

13. Mysterious drone incursions have occurred over U.S. THAAD anti-ballistic missile battery in Guam

14. ‘This all could have been prevented’ - inside the disappearance and death of Vanessa Guillén

15. Japan’s Suga will struggle to pull off Abe’s defense transformation

16. When will the US military return to pre-COVID normal? Probably never, this admiral says

17. Americans ‘not fully conscious’ of Chinese military threat to US, commander says

18. Chinese nuke arsenal next on Beijing’s ‘to-do’ list, US commander warns

1. We still have time to act against US election vulnerability

Hill · by Gen. (Ret.) Keith B. Alexander & Jamil N. Jaffer · September 13, 2020

We. Must. Act.

2. Defending Taiwan and deterring China

Real Clear Defense · by Alan W. Dowd · September 15, 2020

3. The future the UN wants - is it the future the US needs?

FDD · by Emily de La Bruyere et al. · September 14, 2020

A timely discussion as we approach the annual UN General Assembly meeting later this month.

4. The best (cyber) defense is a good (cyber) offense

Newsweek · by Jamil N. Jaffer · September 14, 2020

5. Hackers connected to China have compromised U.S. government systems, CISA says

Next Gov · by Mariam Baksh · September 14, 2020

6. Top general: intel doesn't prove Russia paid bounties for U.S. troops

NBC News · by Courtney Kube & Ken Dilanian · September 14, 2020

But there must be intelligence on this.

7. Army COVID-19 vaccine may produce a side benefit: cure for the common cold

Impact 2020 · by Tara Copp & Michael Wilner · September 14, 2020

8. U.S. military re-emphasizing large warfighting exercises

National Defense · by Connie Lee · September 14, 2020

9. Leaked memo excoriates Facebook’s ‘slapdash and haphazard’ response to global political manipulation

Tech Crunch · by Devin Coldewey · September 14, 2020

10. Kill chain in the sky with data: Army’s project convergence

Breaking Defense · by Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. · September 14, 2020

Who controls and can effectively exploit the data wins.

11. We need to talk about PTSD. I’ll start.

Modern War Institute · by Matt Sacra · September 15, 2020

12. The problem with Soft Power

FPRI · by Margaret Seymour · September 14, 2020

13. Mysterious drone incursions have occurred over U.S. THAAD anti-ballistic missile battery in Guam

Drive · by Tyler Rogoway & Joseph Trevithick · September 14, 2020

Are there Chinese (or other countries') assets in Guam conducting these operations?

I am reminded of the scene in the movie, The Green Berets, when "Charlie" is inside the wire in the A Camp, pacing off distances to support later VC fire missions. We have come a long way and now "spies" can use drones to map US installations.

14. ‘This all could have been prevented’ - Inside the disappearance and death of Vanessa Guillén

Task & Purpose · by Haley Britzky · September 14, 2020

What a tragic story.

15. Japan’s Suga will struggle to pull off Abe’s defense transformation

Foreign Policy · by Jack Detsch · September 14, 2020

Especially the missile defense plans.

16. When will the US military return to pre-COVID normal? Probably never, this admiral says

Military Times · by Diana Stancy Correll · September 14, 2020

Yes, the proverbial "new normal." Are we learning how to effectively "fight through" this pandemic? Can we learn and grow stronger? And what are our adversaries learning about operating in the pandemic as well as what are they learning about us and how we fight through this?

17. Americans ‘not fully conscious’ of Chinese military threat to US, commander says

Stars & Stripes · by Caitlin M. Kenney · September 14, 2020

18. Chinese nuke arsenal next on Beijing’s ‘to-to’ list, US commander warns

VOA News · by Carla Babb · September 14, 2020

"I can almost hear the ticking of the second hand of destiny. We must act now or we will die. ... We shall land at Inchon, and I shall crush them."

- General Douglas MacArthur, USA, Planning Conference for the Battle of Inchon, 1950.

"All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter."

- Edmund Burke

"The freedom to criticize ideas, any ideas - even if they are sincerely held beliefs - is one of the fundamental freedoms of society."

-Rowan Atkinson

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

1. Opening remarks by Deputy Secretary Stephen Biegun at NCNK members’ meeting

2. Chronology of letters exchanged between Trump and N. Korean leader

3. North Korea seen enriching uranium at nuclear facility, says International Atomic Energy Agency chief

4. S. Korea, U.S. closely monitoring N.K. ahead of Oct. party anniversary: JCS

5. Senior U.S. diplomat urges N. Korea to carry out summit deal on denuclearization

6. US fired missiles in 2017 to demonstrate it could target NK leader Kim: Woodward

7. North Korea’s disaster management: getting better, but a long way to go

8. Time to open nongovernmental contacts with North Korea

9. Trump, Kim both promise lasting friendship, but only time will tell: Woodward

10. Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump are clearly not friends

11. U.S.-South Korea major military drills: how long can they hold?

12. N.K. leader lauds soldiers as 'creators of all miracles' for successful typhoon recovery work

13. Strong army, easy training

14. North Korea brutality: how Kim will ‘level playing field’ with US using chemical weapons

15. South Korea to secure coronavirus vaccines for 60% of population

16. Unification minister to visit Panmunjom this week

17. N. Korea touches on Hong Kong, South China Sea issues at last week's ARF session

18. A field manual never lies

1. Opening remarks by Deputy Secretary Stephen Biegun at NCNK members’ meeting

National Committee on North Korea · September 12, 2020

2. Chronology of letters exchanged between Trump and N. Korean leader

Yonhap News Agency · September 15, 2020

3. North Korea seen enriching uranium at nuclear facility, says International Atomic Energy Agency chief

Straits Times · September 15, 2020

This "80 nuclear weapons" quote from Woodward's book is creating quite a stir in the Korean media and among some in the ROK government. I wish Chong Wa Dae would make a statement about the importance of extended deterrence instead of the statements below. And note the two interpretations of the 80 nuclear weapons comments.

4. S. Korea, U.S. closely monitoring N.K. ahead of Oct. party anniversary: JCS

Yonhap News Agency · by scaaet@yna.co.kr · September 15, 2020

Of course, it would be irresponsible not to conduct aggressive ISR around the October 10th date.

5. Senior U.S. diplomat urges N. Korea to carry out summit deal on denuclearization

Yonhap News Agency · by Byun Duk-kun · September 15, 2020

I am sure the regime would like to implement the four-point Singapore Summit agreement. But they would like to do so in a specific order, step by step.

1. Change relationship - Declaration of the end of the war (end of hostile US policy - i.e., peace regime)

2. Sanctions relief (permanent removal)

3. Denuclearization of the South (end of alliance, removal of troops, end of nuclear umbrella over ROK and Japan)

4. Then negotiate dismantlement of the north’s and ICBM programs

In Short:

NK order of work: change relationship, build trust, denuclearize

US order of work: denuclearize, build trust, change relationship

We have not talked about it much of late, but we should recall that for the regime denuclearization of the Korean peninsula means denuclearization of the South. Although the US removed all US nuclear weapons in 1991-1992 (unilateral and with no reciprocity from the North) in support of the North-South denuclearization agreement in 1992. However, the North considers the South armed with nuclear weapons because of the presence of US forces who they believe have access to and will deploy nuclear weapons. So, when we use the phrase “denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” the North interprets that as acceptance of the removal of US troops. And, of course, the end of the hostile US policy as well as security guarantees also means removal of US troops and an end to the alliance and an end to extended deterrence and the nuclear umbrella over the ROK and Japan. 

Denuclearization of the Korean peninsula plays right into the regime's long term strategy to include its "divide to conquer" line of effort.

* Vital Interest: Survival of the Kim Family Regime

* Strategic Aim: Unification of the Peninsula

 Subversion, coercion, extortion, use of force

* Key Condition: Split the ROK/US Alliance

US forces off the Peninsula

“Divide and Conquer” – Divide the Alliance and conquer the ROK

* Desire: Recognition as nuclear power – negotiate SALT/START-like agreements

* Nuclear weapons key to deterrence – Hwang Jong Yop

* NK believes US will not attack a nation with nuclear weapons

6. US fired missiles in 2017 to demonstrate it could target NK leader Kim: Woodward

Korea Herald · by Ahn Sung-mi · September 14, 2020

Did the regime get the message? How do we know? I would like to read the PSYOP analysis for this messaging attempt. Are we even conducting thorough target audience analysis for our actions so we can understand the influence effects of such actions?

7. North Korea’s disaster management: getting better, but a long way to go

38 North · by Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein · September 14, 2020

Emphasis on a long way to go. While there may be improvements, the North will never recover until the regime makes policy changes and places the welfare of the Koran people and the nation above the desire to sustain a high degree of "good living" for the regime elite and the nuclear and missile programs.

8. Time to open nongovernmental contacts with North Korea

National Interest · by Doug Bandow · September 14, 2020

The problem is there are no actual "non-governmental" organizations in North Korea. All organizations are under the absolute control of the party. They are all organized and run in such a manner as to prevent exactly what Mr. Bandow proposes

That said I support as much contact with Koreans in the North as possible. But we must be under no illusion about how the regime and party rules and runs the entire country and we must not make rosy assumptions about the use of NGOs to influence change.

9. Trump, Kim both promise lasting friendship, but only time will tell: Woodward

Yonhap News Agency · by Byun Duk-kun · September 15, 2020

10. Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump are clearly not friends

National Interest · by Daniel R. DePetris · September 14, 2020

Another view. Of course, I doubt they are really friends as well. It is pure showmanship on both sides. I will not believe they are really friends until they have a "soju experience" together.

11. U.S.-South Korea major military drills: how long can they hold?

National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · September 14, 2020

If we cannot train, we cannot sustain forces on the peninsula. We cannot leave unready forces in harm's war.

If we cannot train, we cannot proceed with the OPCON transition process.

If we cannot train, the Alliance will suffer.

12. N.K. leader lauds soldiers as 'creators of all miracles' for successful typhoon recovery work

Yonhap News Agency · by Koh Byung-joon · September 15, 2020

Without a coherent military that supports Kim the regime cannot survive.

13. Strong army, easy training

Dong-A Ilbo · September 15, 2020

An interesting op-ed. Training is critically important (yes, that is a blinding flash of the obvious).

14. North Korea brutality: how Kim will ‘level playing field’ with US using chemical weapons

Express · by Joel Day · September 14, 2020

While we are rightly concerned with the regime's nuclear weapons, we also must assume the NKPA will employ chemical weapons as a matter of routine and an integral part of its operational methods (and we cannot neglect the biological threats as well). This article is based on old reporting, but it is still relevant.

15. South Korea to secure coronavirus vaccines for 60% of population

Reuters · by Sangmi Cha · September 15, 2020

16. Unification minister to visit Panmunjom this week

Yonhap News Agency · by Yi Wonju · September 15, 2020

17. N. Korea touches on Hong Kong, South China Sea issues at last week's ARF session

Yonhap News Agency · by sshluck@yna.co.kr · September 15, 2020

I wonder if the North was using this as prep for the UN General Assembly meeting this month. Maybe these are some of the items that will be in the North Korean address to UNGA.

18. A field manual never lies

Korea Joong Ang Daily · Kang Ki-Heon · September 14, 2020

Some weird op-eds in the Korean press today. This is quite a treatise on field manuals and how important they are to the US military.

I guess the author never read the alleged quote from a German officer in WWII (also supposedly attributed to a Soviet officer): "one of the serious problems in planning the fight against American doctrine is that the Americans do not read their manuals, nor do they feel any obligation to follow their doctrine.”

And then there is this one supposedly attributed to a Soviet officer: "the reason the U.S. Navy does so well in wartime is that war is chaos, and the U.S. Navy practices chaos on a daily basis."

"I can almost hear the ticking of the second hand of destiny. We must act now or we will die. ... We shall land at Inchon, and I shall crush them."

- General Douglas MacArthur, USA, Planning Conference for the Battle of Inchon, 1950.

"All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter."

- Edmund Burke

"The freedom to criticize ideas, any ideas - even if they are sincerely held beliefs - is one of the fundamental freedoms of society."

-Rowan Atkinson

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

1. China's 'hybrid war': Beijing's mass surveillance of Australia and the world for secrets and scandal

2. Why China is becoming a target of jihadist hatred, like the US

3.  What Islamists and ‘wokeists’ have in common

4. Ian Easton on Taiwan: making the Pentagon super ready for China

5. The Army's new 500-km precision strike missile will attack enemy ships

6. Japan’s next Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, emerges from behind the curtain

7. Pentagon’s top general calls out Nazis, communists, jihadis in 9/11 remarks

8. China as a faltering contender

9. China’s wolf-warrior tactics are here to stay

10. Here’s how Global Strike Command is shifting its focus to China, Russia

11. 19 years into War on Terror, overstretched AFSOC at a crossroads

12. More aggressive and less ambitious: Cyber Command’s evolving approach

13. How Putin got into America’s mind

14. China must be militarily and morally ready for a potential war

15. Officials: Iran weighs plot to kill U.S. ambassador to South Africa

16. The coronavirus and U.S. national security: an opportunity for strategic reassessment?

17. ‘Asian NATO’ presents opportunity

18. How to burst CCP’s balloon

19. US Ambassador to China stepping down as tensions with Beijing rise

20. Army marshals resources to aid in race for coronavirus vaccine

21. Morality has been stripped from public life. Here’s a four-step plan to revive it.

1. China's 'hybrid war': Beijing's mass surveillance of Australia and the world for secrets and scandal

ABC News · by Andrew Probyn & Matthew Doran · September 14, 2020

Wow. This is an amazing article.

2.  Why China is becoming a target of jihadist hatred, like the US

South China Morning Post · by Mohammed Sinan Siyech · September 14, 2020

3. What Islamists and ‘wokeists’ have in common

Wall Street Journal · by Ayaan Hirsi Ali · September 10, 2020

4. Ian Easton on Taiwan: making the Pentagon super ready for China

Taipei Times · Ian Easton · September 14, 2020

5. The Army's new 500-km precision strike missile will attack enemy ships

Warrior Maven · Kris Osborn · September 13, 2020

6. Japan’s next Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, emerges from behind the curtain

New York Times · by Motoko Rich · September 14, 2020

7. Pentagon’s top general calls out Nazis, communists, jihadis in 9/11 remarks

Military Times · by Meghann Myers · September 11, 2020

Hmmm... The triple threat: Nazis, communists, and jihadis.

8. China as a faltering contender

Real Clear Defense · by Andrew A. Latham · September 14, 2020

A worrisome conclusion.

9. China’s wolf-warrior tactics are here to stay

ASPI · by Peter Jennings · September 11, 2020

10. Here’s how Global Strike Command is shifting its focus to China, Russia

Air Force Times · by Stephen Losey · September 13, 2020

11. 19 years into War on Terror, overstretched AFSOC at a crossroads

Air Force Times · by Stephen Losey · September 14, 2020

A good overview of AFSOC challenges.

12. More aggressive and less ambitious: Cyber Command’s Evolving Approach

War On the Rocks · by Joshua Rovner · September 14, 2020

I did not realize that Cyber Command is ten years old.

13. How Putin got into America’s mind

Defense One · by Dominic Tierney · September 14, 2020

Because we let him.

14. China must be militarily and morally ready for a potential war

Global Times · by Hu Xijin · September 11, 2020

I saw a tweet from a China watcher that says this article provides important insights in Chinese thinking.

15. Officials: Iran weighs plot to kill U.S. ambassador to South Africa

Politico · by Nahal Toosi & Natasah Bertrand · September 13, 2020

Wow.

16. The coronavirus and U.S. national security: an opportunity for strategic reassessment?

Strategy Bridge · by Jim Cook · September 14, 2020

Perhaps a fair criticism, though a strategy cannot identify and prioritize every threat. But I have no doubt that future strategies will specifically identify global pandemics as a threat.

17. ‘Asian NATO’ presents opportunity

Taipei Times · by Yao Chung-yuan · September 14, 2020

Yes, Taiwan would probably be the most supportive of an "Asian NATO."

18. How to burst CCP’s balloon

Sunday Guardian Live · by Cleo Paskal · September 14, 2020

19. US Ambassador to China stepping down as tensions with Beijing rise

CNN · by David Culver & Ben Westcott · September 14, 2020

20. Army marshals resources to aid in race for coronavirus vaccine

NPR · by Tom Bowman · September 14, 2020

21. Morality has been stripped from public life. Here’s a four-step plan to revive it.

Guardian · by Roger Paxton · September 13, 2020

A UK perspective, but one from which we can all benefit. If we could spend more intellectual capital thinking about the moral challenges, rather than embracing conspiracy theories, we would be much better off.

"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."

- George Washington

"There are three kinds of patriots, two bad, one good.

The bad ones are the uncritical lovers and the loveless critics. Good patriots carry on a lover's quarrel with their country."

- William Sloane Coffin

"God created strategy by allowing choice,"

- Lawrence Freedman, Strategy: A History

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

1. Troop control handover may be delayed, USFK chief warns

2. What if America also reduced its forces in South Korea?

3. Kim does not mind U.S. troops in Korea but wants military drills stopped: Woodward book

4. Kim put 'conditions' on denuclearization three months after first summit: Woodward

5. N. Korea's paper urges antivirus efforts in typhoon-hit areas

6. 'Alliance talks' between U.S. and S. Korea stumble even before they begin

7. Nigel Jeffries: North Korea will never play fair with U.S.

8. With a poker face, Kim Jong Un waits for Japan's next PM

9. Unification ministry hopes inter-Korean liaison office resumes operations as it marks 2nd anniversary

10. Kim Jong-un unbuttons to oversee flood recovery

11. N. Korea unlikely to test-fire SLBM around October anniv.: defense minister nominee

12. Any use of U.S. military force in Korea impossible without Seoul's consent, Cheong Wa Dae says

13. How deceitful propaganda lured Japan's 'Zainichi' to North Korea

14. Eight more US troops, family members test positive for coronavirus after flying to South Korea

15. Claim that BTS and 'Parasite' were Korean government projects made netizens furious

1. Troop control handover may be delayed, USFK chief warns

Chosesun Ilbo · by Yang Seung-sik · September 14, 2020

I think the Chosun Ilbo means General Abrams (not Adams).

Koreans must remember these conditions are not only agreed to by both countries, but that these conditions are also critical to the defense of the ROK.

2. What if America also reduced its forces in South Korea?

National Interest · by Stratfor Worldview · September 13, 2020

The future of US forces on the Korean peninsula should be based on the answer to one question: how should ROK and US forces be organized, trained, equipped, and led to be able to accomplish missions assigned by the ROK/US alliance.

This paragraph illustrates all that is wrong with talking about the OPCON transition process. Yes, of course, it is perceived as a sovereignty issue. But that is because no one has explained that, since 1978 and the establishment of the bilateral warfighting command (the ROK/US Combined Forces Command that is charged with deterrence and defense of the ROK), the command is co-equally "owned" by both nations. In 1994 the "peacetime" OPCON change simply made the ROK JCS a "force provider" to the ROK/US CFC, just as USFK and PACOM (and CONUS based commands) are force providers. Both countries decide whether they will provide forces under the OPCON of the ROK/US CFC. And, of course, the command answers to the Military Committee, which is made up of the National Command and Military Authorities of both countries. The bottom line is ROK forces are not under the control of the US in exactly the same way that US forces will not be under the control of the ROK when the OPCON transition is complete and the ROK/US CFC is commanded by a ROK general officer. It would be useful if the press, pundits, and political leaders could understand the fundamental command relationships and explain them to the public - both Korean and US.

3. Kim does not mind U.S. troops in Korea but wants military drills stopped: Woodward book

Yonhap News Agency · by Byun Duk-kun · September 14, 2020

If US forces cannot train, they cannot remain on the Korean peninsula. I think even Kim Jong-Un must understand that. And he has probably factored that into his long con. Kim also knows military training is routine. He knows alliance forces are postured for the defense while his forces have long been postured for the offense. He knows that the ROK and US forces have to prepare to defend the South because of the threat he poses. He only wants training halted in order to weaken and divide the alliance. Given the burden sharing issues and the threats to reduce and remove troops as well as the opposition to US troops among the South Korean progressives, he sees the opportunity to accomplish his objective to get US forces off the peninsula without making the demands to do so. It is all part of his strategy of subversion, coercion, and extortion that will eventually create the conditions that Kim believes will give him the ability to use force to achieve his objectives. No one should be duped by Kim Jong-Un's statements. It would be the height of foolishness and utter irresponsibility to take him seriously and to consider leaving US forces on the peninsula without being able to conduct any training.

4. Kim put 'conditions' on denuclearization three months after first summit: Woodward

Yonhap News Agency · by Byun Duk-kun · September 14, 2020

I guess I will not have to read Woodward's book all night on Tuesday evening when it arrives. Everything is being exposed by the press who have had the opportunity to read it ahead of the rest of us.

The unilateral decision to suspend or cancel exercises is one of the largest errors we have made in the past few years. The only thing that offsets it is that we have not given into the demand for relief of sanctions.

5. N. Korea's paper urges antivirus efforts in typhoon-hit areas

Yonhap News Agency · by kokobj@yna.co.kr · September 14, 2020

Perhaps we are soon going to see reports of a coronavirus outbreak in the North. When that happens, we could very well see significant internal problems.

6. 'Alliance talks' between U.S. and S. Korea stumble even before they begin

Dong-A Ilbo · by lightee@donga.com · September 14, 2020

If MOFA used "agreement" when there was not one, then it could be in for some difficult times ahead –especially with how General Abrams’s comments on OPCON transition are being interpreted by the Korean side.

7. Nigel Jeffries: North Korea will never play fair with U.S.

Charleston Gazette-Mail · by Nigel Jeffries · September 12, 2020

A question: has the North ever played fair with anyone?

8. With a poker face, Kim Jong Un waits for Japan’s next PM

Nikkei Asian Review · by Hiroshi Minegishi · September 13, 2020

9. Unification ministry hopes inter-Korean liaison office resumes operations as it marks 2nd anniversary

Yonhap News Agency · by julesyi@yna.co.kr · September 14, 2020

Wishful thinking, I think.

10. Kim Jong-un unbuttons to Oversee Flood Recovery

Chosun Ilbo · by Kim Eun-joong · September 14, 2020

Does the Propaganda and Agitation Department think this is a good look for Kim Jong-Un? Is this as close to a "Putin-look" that Kim can get?

Buried lede: Kim's former mistress was part of his traveling party for this event.

11. N. Korea unlikely to test-fire SLBM around October anniv.: defense minister nominee

Yonhap News Agency · by Oh Seok-min · September 14, 2020

I am not sure that making such predictions on North Korean provocations and test launches is useful. What I would recommend that the defense minister nominee focus on are the indications that the North is working to advance a broad range of military capabilities, from the tactical to the strategic. These are threat to South Korea and the ROK/US alliance.

12. Any use of U.S. military force in Korea impossible without Seoul's consent, Cheong Wa Dae says

Yonhap News Agency · lcd@yna.co.kr · September 14, 2020

To the advisors at Chong Wa Dae: this is unhelpful for the alliance (though I understand why it has had to make this statement). You do not get a veto or a vote in ANY use of force. It is time for you to grow up. The right of self-defense is never denied. If the US has intelligence that the North is matching a nuclear warhead to an ICBM that could strike the US, the President of the United States is going to be faced with a decision that only he can make. Should he conduct a pre-emptive strike to defend the United States? The US does not need South Korean consent or approval to do so. I would ask about the South Korean kill chain concept and conducting a strike on a North Korean missile site before launch? I would ask about South Korean military responses to North Korean provocations? Has the South sought US approval in every case? The right of self-defense for anyone or any country is never denied. The US president will decide how to best defend the US, just as the ROK president will decide how to defend South Korea.

As a practical matter, I would always recommend consultation for any use of force because of the likely blowback from the North. But time and security may dictate otherwise. There may be little time from an intelligence warning to probable launch. The US may also be concerned with intelligence ties to the North from within a South Korean administration.

Execution of the operational plans (such as the old 5027 or 5029) does require approval and consent of both governments, because they are combined plans and require forces from both countries. The US also cannot act unilaterally from South Korean territory. Any operation launched from South Korea will require South Korean support, but – most importantly – South Korea is a sovereign nation and South Korea has a say in how foreign forces use South Korean territory. However, the US has the capability to conduct a pre-emptive strike against a North Korean ICBM armed with a nuclear warhead without any use of South Korean territory or South Korean military support.

Yes, Chong Wa Dae has to make this statement for domestic political purposes. But there are uses of force that can and will be conducted without South Korean notification and approval.

13. How deceitful propaganda lured Japan's 'Zainichi' to North Korea

Vice · by Dan Buyanovsky · September 14, 2020

The regime was established on a foundation of propaganda (the legitimacy of the regime was based on anti-Japanese partisan warfare that liberated the Korean peninsula). Propaganda is a key tool for rule of the Korean people in the North as well as for national security and foreign affairs. We should not be surprised by this propaganda campaign.

14. Eight more US troops, family members test positive for coronavirus after flying to South Korea

Stars & Stripes · by news@stripes.com · September 14, 2020

15. Claim that BTS and 'Parasite' were Korean government projects made netizens furious

K Pop Post · by KpopPost Editor · September 14, 2020

This is not how Japan and Korea should fight a soft power "war."

"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."

- George Washington

"There are three kinds of patriots, two bad, one good.

The bad ones are the uncritical lovers and the loveless critics. Good patriots carry on a lover's quarrel with their country."

- William Sloane Coffin

"God created strategy by allowing choice,"

News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1. Soldier to receive Medal of Honor after helping save 70 captives from execution by Islamic State

2. There's still work to be done to avoid the next 9/11: Thomas Kean & Lee Hamilton

3. Why I Fear For Taiwan

4. Removal of flag honoring veterans from White House sparks anger

5. QAnon spreads across globe, shadowing COVID-19

6. 'Ally-shoring' will help US rebuild economy and global leadership

7. China, Iran and Russia dismiss US election hacking claims

8.  Can Social Media Incite a War?

9. We're numb to the coronavirus

10. Trump ally who sought to change CDC Covid reports claims he was fighting 'deep state'

11. Current IO Topics: Disinformation and conspiracy theories are impacting decisions of governance. Call them out.

12. West Coast officials are already fighting wildfires. Now they're fighting misinformation, too.

13. How China Ramped Up Disinformation Efforts During the Pandemic

1.  Soldier to receive Medal of Honor after helping save 70 captives from execution by Islamic State

The Washington Post – by Alex Horton - September 11, 2020

There is a video at the end of the article at this link of SGM Payne describing the operation in his own words. It is very much worth watching.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/09/11/medal-of-honor-payne-trump/

Good work by the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School producing this video.

And how about the new Army uniform with those pinks and greens (and brown jump boots)?

I watched the ceremony on the White House live page and at first I thought the camera work was terrible as it never panned the audience and never switched to an audience view when the President was acknowledging people such as SGM Payne's wife and son or the wide widow of MSG Wheeler.  Then it struck me this was probably by design as there were likely SGM Payne's fellow operators who are still in the unit and there was likely a request and coordinating instructions to the camera crew to keep the camera focused on the President and SGM Payne. There was a slight scan of the audience during the the arrival and departure of the official party but no other cuts to audience views as there normally are in these events.

2. There's still work to be done to avoid the next 9/11: Thomas Kean & Lee Hamilton

USA Today · by Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton, Opinion contributors

Terrorism is an ongoing global "infection" for which there is no vaccine that is anywhere near 100% effective.  We have to continue to manage this problem through intelligence, law enforcement, information and influence activities, political action, economic development, education, and, when appropriate, military action.  It is every bit of an ideological war as the one being waged with the revisionist and rogue powers.

3.  Why I Fear For Taiwan

scholars-stage.blogspot.com – by Tanner Greer - September 11, 2020

Some useful analysis and perspectives on Taiwan's military capabilities. 

5. QAnon spreads across globe, shadowing COVID-19

The Hill · by Chris Mills Rodrigo · September 12, 2020

Sigh...Again why do people fall for QAnon and its idiotic and dangerous conspiracy theories?  If you believe in these conspiracies and QAnon please seek immediate mental health assistance.

6. 'Ally-shoring' will help US rebuild economy and global leadership

The Hill · by Elaine Dezenski and John Austin, Opinion Contributors · September 10, 2020

Our alliance system is key to our national security and our global power.  

7. China, Iran and Russia dismiss US election hacking claims

CNN · by Donie O'Sullivan and Zachary Cohen, CNN

They doth protest too much.

8. Can Social Media Incite a War?

osiris.substack.com · by David C. Benson

An interesting question. I think the subtitle offers important food for thought.  It may not be a cause of war, but it certainly can be a contributor to instability.  I can just be another venue or platform and line of effort for subversion and psychological warfare which can be a destabilizing force.  And if you are concerned with stability you need to effectively compete on these platforms.

I wonder if China assesses this conclusion as accurate or we mirror imaging incorrectly?

9. We're numb to the coronavirus

Axios · by Neal Rothschild

And of course, some believe the pandemic is a hoax.

However, we can and must get on with our lives, but we have to learn how to make adjustments to protect ourselves and others.  But it takes concerted civic action and implementation of proven public health measures to deal with this pandemic.  Denial by so many only hurts and kills fellow citizens.

10. Trump ally who sought to change CDC Covid reports claims he was fighting 'deep state'

The Guardian · by Martin Pengelly · September 12, 2020

Of course, everything is about setting the narrative and effective messaging.

And this will generate lots of controversy.

But what is interesting to me is the continuing BS about the "deep state" (a conspiracy theory as bad as QAnon (and related).  I say this because the actual "deep state guru" Steve Bannon has debunked the deep state conspiracy theory last year.  I guess he created a monster.  But I wonder why the Steve Bannon disciples and acolytes have not supported his "new" message from last year.  See this article and the below excerpt:  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/21/steve-bannon-lou-dobbs-deep-state-conspiracy-theory

11. Current IO Topics: Disinformation and conspiracy theories are impacting decisions of governance. Call them out.

standuprepublic.com · by Molly McKew · September 8, 2020

Yes, call them out.

12. West Coast officials are already fighting wildfires. Now they're fighting misinformation, too.

NBC News · by Brandy Zadrozny · September 11, 2020

Go figure.  But we should not be surprised by this.  

13. How China Ramped Up Disinformation Efforts During the Pandemic

cfr.org · by Joshua Kurlantzick

"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind. There's no other definition of it."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The willow submits to the wind and prospers until one day it is many willows - a wall against the wind."

- Frank Herbert, Dune

"If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

- Dalai Lama

News and Commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and Published by Riley Murray.

1. Department of Justice Announces Charges of North Korean and Malaysia Nationals for Bank Fraud, Money Laundering and North Korea Sanctions Violations

2. U.S. charges suspect in Kim Jong Nam assassination with North Korean sanctions violations

3. U.S. Prosecutors Step Up Pressure on North Korea

4. Joint Press Statement for the 18th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

5. Gentlemen Apparently Do Read Other Gentlemen’s Mail: Kim Jong Un’s Letters to President Trump

6. Moon to Make Fresh Advance to N.Korea in UN Speech

7. South Korea Has a New Way to Kill North Korea's Tanks

8. S. Korea reaffirms commitment to new dialogue with U.S.

9. Kang calls for region's 'unified message' for resumption of N.K. dialogue

10. Korea, US to discuss OPCON transfer at ministerial talks: defense dept.

11. Pres. Moon, Kim Jong-in should meet first without preconditions

12. S. Korea and U.S. agree to set up working-level consultative body

13. United Nations Command and a Korean Peace Process

14. US Military Chief in Korea Confirms North Korean Kill Zone on China Border

15. Meet The New Anonymous - 100 Million BTS ARMY And K-Pop Stans, A Cyber Force To Be Reckoned With?

1. Department of Justice Announces Charges of North Korean and Malaysia Nationals for Bank Fraud, Money Laundering and North Korea Sanctions Violations

justice.gov · September 10, 2020

Another positive step forward by DOJ.

2. U.S. charges suspect in Kim Jong Nam assassination with North Korean sanctions violations

The Washington Post – by Spencer S. Hsu - September 11, 2020

Father and daughter: " set up front companies that transmitted banned dollar transactions through the United States to purchase commodities on behalf of North Korean customers."

3. U.S. Prosecutors Step Up Pressure on North Korea

WSJ · by Aruna Viswanatha and Kate O’Keeffe

More details here.  Keep up the good work, DOJ (and the interagency as well, as I am sure this is the result of good coordination).

4. Joint Press Statement for the 18th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue

defense.gov

I hope the meeting was as productive as the statement indicates, especially in this area: "the importance of establishing stable access to training facilities and other critical sites and resources as essential to maintaining a steadfast combined defense posture."  We heard General Abrams discuss the impact of the reduction in training areas in Korea at his talk at CSIS this week.

5. Gentlemen Apparently Do Read Other Gentlemen’s Mail: Kim Jong Un’s Letters to President Trump

38north.org · by Robert Carlin · September 11, 2020

An interesting hypothetical interpretation of Kim's letters from Bob Carlin.   He provides a very optimistic interpretation as if Kim Jong-un is really interested in substantive negotiations, to include at the working level, and that Kim does want to reach an agreement.  It seems like Bob Carlin's analysis is along the lines of President Trump's beliefs and interpretation.  President Trump's statements about US intelligence analysts on Korea are telling (from Woodward's book).  It prompted this response from the former National Intelligence Officer on Korea, Markus Garlasukas who has been briefing Trump and Obama on north Korea for the past 6 years.  I agree.  I do not know a single Korean intelligence analyst who would describe (or has described) Kim as stupid.

6. Moon to Make Fresh Advance to N.Korea in UN Speech

english.chosun.com

I fear this will fall on deaf (or at least unreceptive) ears.

7. South Korea Has a New Way to Kill North Korea's Tanks

The National Interest · by Caleb Larson · September 11, 2020

Seems like a very good capability to develop.

8. S. Korea reaffirms commitment to new dialogue with U.S.

en.yna.co.kr · by 유지호 · September 12, 2020

The alliance continues to evolve.  This should be a positive development and way forward.

9. Kang calls for region's 'unified message' for resumption of N.K. dialogue

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · September 12, 2020

Minister Kang is exactly right here.  There is no short-term silver bullet to the security issues on the Korean peninsula.

10. Korea, US to discuss OPCON transfer at ministerial talks: defense dept.

The Korea Times · September 12, 2020

OPCON transition, not transfer.  OPCON is transitioning from a US commander to a Korean commander.  It is NOT being transferred from Washington to Seoul.  The ROK/US Combined Forces Command belongs equally to both governments now and it will continue to be co-equally owned by both when a Korean general takes command.  The US does not exercise OPCON of Korean forces and when the transition occurs the ROK will not exercise OPCON of US forces.  The press, pundits, politicos, and public need to understand this.

A key agenda item for these ministerial talks needs to be an effective information campaign to inform and educate those in Korea and the US on the true scale, scope, meaning, and benefits of OPCON transition.

11. Pres. Moon, Kim Jong-in should meet first without preconditions

donga.com – 11 September, 2020

I think President Moon has already met with Kim Jong-un a number of times without pre-conditions.  I think the precedent has been established.  Of course, the pre-condition that Kim may demand is giving in to his coercion and extortion.  He may require a large cash fund payment for a meeting. We must avoid that at all costs otherwise his blackmail diplomacy strategy will be reinforced which will lead to continued execution and that is not a path to peace.

 12. S. Korea and U.S. agree to set up working-level consultative body

donga.com – 12 September, 2020

AD -"Alliance Dialogue."  Will that abbreviation catch on? I think there needs to be a more pithy title. Since working group has such negative connotations we need something new.

Alliance Dialogue Structure (ADS)?  Alliance Diplomatic Committee (ADC)? (a counterpart of the ROK/US Military Committee).  Alliance Strategy Committee (ACS)?  Alliance Consultative Committee (ACC)? 

13. United Nations Command and a Korean Peace Process

kdva.vet – by Seung Joon Lee - September 10, 2020

Interesting analysis and proposal from Steve Lee.   Koreans need to view the UNC as an asset and ally and not an obstacle (as the north Korean Kim family regime does for its propaganda purposes).

14. US Military Chief in Korea Confirms North Korean Kill Zone on China Border

rfa.org – by Eugene Whong – 11 September 2020

It is important the Korean people in the north get this message that the Commander of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command knows their plight.  This is one example of the importance of RFA (and VOA).

15. Meet The New Anonymous - 100 Million BTS ARMY And K-Pop Stans, A Cyber Force To Be Reckoned With?

Forbes · by Davey Winder · September 8, 2020
This is an interesting development.

"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind. There's no other definition of it."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The willow submits to the wind and prospers until one day it is many willows - a wall against the wind."

- Frank Herbert, Dune

"If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

- Dalai Lama