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

1. U.S.-South Korea: working group blues

2. Peace in Korea can happen without denuclearization

3.  N.K. propaganda outlets slam S. Korea over revised missile guidelines

4. 2.0 magnitude quake hits southern N. Korea, central S. Korea

5. 2 in 5 re-defectors live in S. Korea for less than 3 years: lawmaker

6. Why do NK defectors flee to destitute North?

7. Kim Jong Un adds new measure for North Koreans traveling near China border

8. Covid-19 relief to North approved, but details not disclosed

9. South's military kept recent missile test by North under wraps

10. S. Korea reports 30 new virus cases, single-digit number of local infections for 2nd day

11. Korea, Iran agree to launch working group on humanitarian trade

12. KJU National Defense University students to participate in Oct. military parade

13. NGO calls on S. Korea to stop 'regulatory intimidation' against activist groups

1. U.S.-South Korea: working group blues

Real Clear Defense · by Khang Vu · August 01, 2020

It is amazing how a simple working group to coordinate strategy can be so misunderstood and become a lightning rod for political opponents.

It is not to veto South Korean actions. But if the South intends to take an action that violates UN sanctions or US law, such violations must be discussed. That is not a veto by the working group. It is simply a fact that if an action violates sanctions or US law, then the ROK must understand what the effects of such a violation will be. On the other hand, the working group has been useful to inform the US of ROK intentions and the US has gone to the UN Security Council to get waivers for certain sanctions.

This article is full of misinformation (note the Tamiflu accusation) and misunderstanding. If the ROK and US cannot have a simple working group to coordinate strategy, then the alliance is in real trouble.  Fortunately, those with whom I have spoken who are involved with the working group (Korean and US diplomats) know how important and effective it is. It is the press, pundits, and partisan political operatives who criticize and use it to advance their anti-alliance agendas. 

I would make the bold statement and say anyone who opposes this working group is working in opposition to the Alliance.

2. Peace in Korea can happen without denuclearization

The Diplomat · by Daniel R. DePetris · July 31, 2020

First, the only thing this essay does is posit three (inaccurate) straw man assumptions, simply to focus blame on the US for the security and diplomatic situation on the peninsula, and the author says we must learn to live with a nuclear North Korea. Appeasing and apologizing for North Korea is not sound policy and strategy. And the author provides no explanation of how peace can break out on the peninsula (except for the misguided belief that accepting North Korea as a nuclear state will bring peace).

3. N.K. propaganda outlets slam S. Korea over revised missile guidelines

Yonhap News Agency · by Yi Wonju · August 2, 2020

Good. North Korea is paying attention. No one should be dismayed from fielding missile systems in the South because of this propaganda. And you have to love that North Korean propaganda talks about South Korean "evil intentions."  That is the pot calling the kettle black.

4. 2.0 magnitude quake hits southern N. Korea, central S. Korea

Yonhap News Agency · by ycm@yna.co.kr · August 1, 2020

5. 2 in 5 re-defectors live in S. Korea for less than 3 years: lawmaker

Yonhap News Agency · by ycm@yna.co.kr · August 1, 2020

What comes to my mind is the possibility of the North using "escapee/defectors" for infiltration purposes. They complete their mission within three years and then return to the North for debriefing. They may not be spying and collecting military or intelligence information. They may be performing the mission for which the North has tried to use kidnapped foreigners (e.g., South Koreans, Japanese, etc.): specifically, to obtain cultural and linguistic information needed to train actual spies for infiltration into the South. They also learn all there is to know about a specific area in the South and all that a spy must know to operate undercover and not be compromised.

However, we must be cautious in not suspecting all escapee/defectors with a broad brush. Obviously, most escapees are coming to the South to escape the most despotic regime in the world.

6. Why do NK defectors flee to destitute North?

Korea Times · by Jung Da-min · August 2, 2020

I think the three assumptions here are correct. But as I note above, we also must consider there may be some who are sent undercover as defectors to gather information for follow-on spies.

7. Kim Jong Un adds new measure for North Koreans traveling near China border

New York Post · by Dana Kennedy · August 1, 2020

The regime continues to implement some of the most draconian population and resources control measures.

8. Covid-19 relief to North approved, but details not disclosed

Korea Joong Ang Daily · by Ser Myo-Ja & Ko Suk-Hyun · July 31, 2020

Of course it is the right thing to do to help the Korean people in the North. However, we must understand how the regime set this up to justify acceptance of such aid with the return of the "defector."  I wonder if a condition of the aid by the North is to keep the type of aid secret. I certainly hope the ROK government will not comply with such a condition.

9. South's military kept recent missile test by North under wraps

Korea Joong Ang Daily · by Shim Kyu-Seok · July 30, 2020

Why? And don't they know something like this will always be exposed. This is just bad public affairs operations (I do not mean to blame public affairs officers as they are likely following orders and I am sure they recommended the release of the information). But I guess it is some American official's fault for revealing the information. It is likely a test such as this was to simply advance their missile program and, since the North Korean Propaganda and Agitation Department did not exploit it, it was not meant as a message.

10. S. Korea reports 30 new virus cases, single-digit number of local infections for 2nd day

Yonhap News Agency · by Kim Kwang-tae · August 2, 2020

South Korea is managing the problem. But it is international travel that is the weak link in preventing the spread.

11. Korea, Iran agree to launch working group on humanitarian trade

Korea Joong Ang Daily · by Yonhap · August 2, 2020

The want currency-based accounts to continue Korea's oil imports from Iran and exports of goods to Iran upon the U.S. waiver of sanctions limiting dollar-based financial transactions with Tehran. But Washington refused to extend the sanctions waiver. Hmmm...? You have humanitarian aid and you have trade. What is humanitarian trade (rhetorical question)?

12. KJU National Defense University students to participate in Oct. military parade

Daily NK · by Jeong Tae Joo · July 31, 2020

It is the same in every army. Military students are always "forced" (ordered) to participate in these events.

13. NGO calls on S. Korea to stop 'regulatory intimidation' against activist groups

Yonhap News Agency · by sshluck@yna.co.kr · August 1, 2020

Again, rule of law or rule by law?

"Guerrilla Strategy is the only strategy possible for an oppressed people."

-Kao Kang (quoted in Mao's On Guerrilla Warfare)

"Guerrilla war is a kind of war waged by the few but dependent on the support of the many."

-B.H. Liddel Hart

"If historical experience teaches us anything about revolutionary guerrilla war, it is that military measures alone will not suffice."

-Brig Gen S.B. Griffith in the Introduction to Mao's On Guerrilla Warfare, 1961

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

1. Jitters mount over USFK reduction

2. N. Korea begins probe into 2nd and 4th corps following returnee incident

3. Interview: they said my face looked pretty but also old, so $1,100 was all I was worth

4. Military embarrassed by surveillance camera footage mapping defector’s exit route

5. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

6.  Kim Jong Un 'doesn't look well'

7. TWE remembers: the Taft-Katsura memorandum

8. I fled North Korea as my family starved before I was sold into human trafficking

9. N. Korean authorities sound the alarm following avian flu outbreak

10. N. Korea's border closure likely to increase chronic disease mortality: expert

11. That job offer in your inbox might be part of a North Korean cyberattack

12. UN official urges Seoul to listen to defector groups

13. North Korean hackers phish for victims with 'too good to be true' job offers

14. Unification minister vows to seek ways to resume Mt. Kumgang tour

15. Rare insights on business in North Korea from being in the hermit country

16.  Charles Armstrong, Korean War officer during early years of Army integration, dies at 93

1. Jitters mount over USFK reduction

Chosun Ilbo · by Yu Yong-weon & Kim Jin-myung · July 31, 2020

Yes, but...

Here is the conundrum: this is not about the SMA and burden-sharing. This is about being able to sustain a trained and ready force. If I was the commander and I could not sustain training and readiness, I would recommend they be deployed/stationed to a location where they can conduct effective and sustained training.

There are two issues here for South Korea. The first is that Korean citizens are protesting US training (which is, of course, their right and we all must fully support their right to do so). But it is the responsibility of the Korean government to provide a suitable training location (if they want US forces to remain). The second is the Comprehensive Military Agreement and its impact on training and readiness (as well as ISR with its no fly zones along the DMZ). The desired confidence building measures by South Korea impact US training and readiness (I do not think Pilsung Range can be used for air operations now - I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that it is inside the no fly boundary). These actions hinder the ability of US forces to train and maintain readiness. So SMA/burdens-haring and funding aside, if I were advising the commander I would recommend withdrawing forces to ensure they can sustain readiness.  If that cannot be done on the Korean peninsula, then the alliance has a problem.

2. N. Korea begins probe into 2nd and 4th corps following returnee incident

Daily NK · by Ha Yoon Ah · July 31, 2020

I think the South Korean Marine general and his chain of command will end up in a better situation than the North Korean chain of command.

But on a serious note, this does provide an indication of North Korean readiness. Of course, South Korea has not put any emphasis on DMZ infiltration in recent decades, so I am sure there was a high level of complacency in the NKPA and security services. Also, unlike the South, much of their focus is on preventing escapees and not detecting infiltrators.

Of course they have to "punish" the chain of command if this was actually a planned recall of the defector. Otherwise we would suspect it was planned.

Perhaps the South Korean intelligence services should re-evaluate DMZ infiltrations after a time when the complacency sets in again among the NKPA (note sarcasm).

3. Interview: they said my face looked pretty but also old, so $1,100 was all I was worth

Radio Free Asia · by RFA/Rebel Pepper · July 29, 2020

This is important reporting from Radio Free Asia. Remember that this report is being broadcast in Korea to the Korean people in the North. Even as the North tries to jam the broadcasts, our transmitters can overpower them. And the regime wastes a lot of energy resources on the electricity that it takes to try to jam this news. This is news and information that helps educate the Korean people about the human rights they deserve. Note also that commercial media uses these reports to craft their own news. They would not be able to report about North Korean human rights abuses without the work of RFA (and VOA).

This is so sad. This also illustrates the evil nature of the Kim family regime and the Chinese Communist Party for being complicit in human rights abuses. But we also must appreciate the incredible resilience among the Korean people living in the North. They deserve our respect and our help.

4. Military embarrassed by surveillance camera footage mapping defector’s exit route

Korea Herald · by Choi Si-young · July 31, 2020

As it must be.

5. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

Yonhap News Agency · by Koh Byung-joon · July 31, 2020

At some point information is going to start spilling out about an outbreak.

6. Kim Jong Un 'doesn't look well'

Sky News · August 01, 2020

The only thing I agree with Mr. Sircusa on is that it is likely that there is an outbreak of the virus in the North that is far worse than we can see.

But a number of his other points in the video are somewhat suspect – especially the comment about the military will put a bullet in his head if he gives up too much to President Trump.

7. TWE remembers: the Taft-Katsura memorandum

CFR · by James M. Lindsay · July 31, 2020

An interesting historical perspective in light of relations in Asia today, specifically Chinese-US relations as the author notes how the US should respond to the rise of China. But what I think most Americans are unaware of is how this memorandum of agreement paved the way for Japanese occupation and colonization of Korea. The US not only divided the Korean peninsula in 1945 (to save half of it from Soviet occupation). It was also complicit in the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910.

8. I fled North Korea as my family starved before I was sold into human trafficking

The Sun · by Dan Hall · July 31, 2020

Again, we should have much respect for the Korean people in the North and the tragic hardships they endure.

9. N. Korean authorities sound the alarm following avian flu outbreak

Daily NK · by Jong So Yong · July 31, 2020

Is this "cover" for the coronavirus outbreak?

10. N. Korea's border closure likely to increase chronic disease mortality: expert

Yonhap News Agency · by julesyi@yna.co.kr · July 31, 2020

This is very likely and may seem like a blinding flash of the obvious.

11. That job offer in your inbox might be part of a North Korean cyberattack

Tech Republic · by Brandon Vigliarolo · July 31, 2020

Beware.

12. UN official urges Seoul to listen to defector groups

Chosun Ilbo · by Kmi Myong-song · July 31, 2020

Escapees (defectors) are a national asset and should be treated as such.

13. North Korean hackers phish for victims with 'too good to be true' job offers

The Next Web · by Mix · July 31, 2020

As we all know when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. I think we probably do not appreciate the sophistication of these North Korean operations. These are not emails from Nigerian princes.

14. Unification minister vows to seek ways to resume Mt. Kumgang tour

Yonhap News Agency · July 31, 2020

But for North Korea is all about trying to extort cash from South Korea.

15. Rare insights on business in North Korea from being in the hermit country

Forbes · by Donald Kirk · July 31, 2020

16. Charles Armstrong, Korean War officer during early years of Army integration, dies at 93

Washington Post · by Louie Estrada · July 31, 2020

Some important personal history that we should reflect upon this weekend. There is a lot to consider in this short article as we confront the demons of our past, but we can take solace in knowing there were and are great Americans like Charles Armstrong.

"The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine percent of them is in a book."

- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."

- Douglas MacArthur

"Being in the special forces has really broken a lot of the limitations I thought I had. Thoughts like 'We've done this much, so we should take a break now' were ones that I had to ignore and overcome in my training. They taught me how to keep going, no matter how difficult a situation can get."

- Lee Seung-gi

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

1. It's time for a third special operations revolution

2. Treasury sanctions Chinese entity and officials pursuant to global Magnitsky human

rights executive order

3. U.S. imposes sanctions on Chinese company over abuse of Uighurs

4. U.S. sanctions China's paramilitary in Xinjiang

5. Muslim countries must take a stand for China's Uighur community

6. Why America is afraid of TikTok

7. Three people are charged in Twitter hack

8. Poland wraps deal for permanent US troops, drones, special ops

9. As Pentagon reduces numbers in Europe, Army turns focus to new missions in Pacific

10. Russia commends US decision to pull thousands of troops from Germany

11. The disinfomercial: How Larry King got duped into starring in Chinese propaganda

12. People win wars: the PLA enlisted force, and other related matters

13.  Countering China's influence activities: lessons from Australia

14. The QAnon conspiracy theory: a security threat in the making?

15. After spiking through June and July, military COVID-19 cases level off

16. The US is a 'cheap date' in cyberspace. A commission has ideas to change that.

17. 'The jet doesn't care:' 1st female F-35 demo pilot says she's focused on excellence

18. The panopticon is already here (China and AI)

19. Why it's so hard to discern between conspiracies and intentional disinformation

20. The hooligan Navy of WWII

21. Federal agents don't need Army fatigues

1. It's time for a third special operations revolution

Military Times · by David Maxwell · August 01, 2020

I thought it was time for some provocation.

2. Treasury sanctions Chinese entity and officials pursuant to global Magnitsky human rights executive order

US Department of the Treasury · July 31, 2020

I think this has been a long time coming.

3. U.S. imposes sanctions on Chinese company over abuse of Uighurs

Reuters · by Steve Holland & Daphne Psaledakis · July 31, 2020

4. U.S. sanctions China's paramilitary in Xinjiang

Axios · by Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian · July 31, 2020

5. Muslim countries must take a stand for China's Uighur community

Real Clear World · by Katrina Lantos Swett & Irshad Manji · July 31, 2020

I have wondered why they have not. Is this the result of the power and influence of the Chinese Communist Party and how it has co-opted and covered these countries?

6. Why America is afraid of TikTok

Defense One · by Michael Schuman · July 31, 2020

A long read. And we should wonder why Microsoft wants to buy it. The author really seems to downplay the threats. The author provides some excellent background on the development of TikTok and its head -Mr. Zhang. But he seems a bit too sympathetic toward it and seems to put more emphasis on blaming China hawks.

7. Three people are charged in Twitter hack

Wall Street Journal · by Robert McMillan · July 31, 2020

And we worry about TikTok.

8. Poland wraps deal for permanent US troops, drones, special ops

Breaking Defense · by Paul McLeary · July 31, 2020

This is not easy and does not happen overnight.

9. As Pentagon reduces numbers in Europe, Army turns focus to new missions in Pacific

Washington Times · by Mike Glenn · July 31, 2020

We have tried the "Asia Pivot" before.

10. Russia commends US decision to pull thousands of troops from Germany

Washington Examiner · by Haley Victory Smith · July 30, 2020

But does he like more troops farther to the east?

11. The disinfomercial: how Larry King got duped into starring in Chinese propaganda

ProPublica · by Renee Dudley & Jeff Kao · July 30, 2020

Another long but fascinating and troubling read.

12. People win wars: the PLA enlisted force, and other related matters

War On the Rocks · by Marcus Clay & Dennis J. Blasko · July 31, 2020

Very interesting. My limited experience with the PLA is that as long as you have a political officer system you will never develop an NCO corps. I spent a day at the Kunming Military Academy with the Political Officer. Since I was the second ranking officer (we were accompanying War College students and our commandant, a Rear Admiral) he thought I must be the Political Officer. The fact that he thought the US military had political officers was a shock to me (and this officer was a one star). But, when he asked me if we did not have a political officer who looks after the ideological purity and welfare of the soldiers, I thought then they could never have a professional NCO corps. He did not like my response that we do not concern ourselves with ideological purity and that we have an NCO corps with a Command Sergeant Major who is at the right hand of the commander to advise him on all issues concerning our soldiers.

He did not seem to know or understand this.

13. Countering China's influence activities: lessons from Australia

CSIS · by Amy Searight · July 2020

14. The QAnon conspiracy theory: a security threat in the making?

Combating Terrorism Center · by Amarnath Amarasingam & Marc-Andre Argentino · July 2020

It is hard for me to fathom how rational people could fall for these conspiracies.

15. After spiking through June and July, military COVID-19 cases level off

Military Times · by Meghann Myers · July 31, 2020

Some good news here.

16. The US is a 'cheap date' in cyberspace. A commission has ideas to change that.

Defense News · by Mark Pomerleau · July 31, 2020

I think the Cyber Solarium Commission is necessary to push us along. And I think Senator King is exactly right: we have not done a good job in imposing costs on those responsible for cyber attacks.

17. 'The jet doesn't care:' 1st female F-35 demo pilot says she's focused on excellence

Military.com · by Oriana Pawlyk · July 30, 2020

Another great American.

18. The panopticon is already here (China and AI)

The Atlantic · by Ross Andersen · September, 2020

Another long but very worthwhile read on China and AI. This is more confirmation for me of my thesis: China seeks to export its authoritarian political system around the world in order to dominate regions, co-opt or coerce international organizations, create economic conditions favorable to China alone, and displace democratic institutions.

19. Why it's so hard to discern between conspiracies and intentional disinformation

Fast Company · by Kate Starbird · July 27, 2020

The author notes that history tells us the blending of activism and active measures is nothing new.  In my opinion, we all have to be critical (and skeptical) thinkers and have to understand our own biases (and we need to be most critical and skeptical regarding our biases).

20. The hooligan Navy of WWII

The History Reader · by P. T. Deutermann · July 16, 2020

Some interesting history for the weekend.

21. Federal agents don't need Army fatigues

New York Times · by the Editorial Board · July 31, 2020

Correct. Police should wear police uniforms. Federal authorities should wear uniforms unique to their organizations (and stop trying to be something they are not). The military should wear military uniforms.  There is no need to wear multi-cam in Portland or in any other city.

"The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine percent of them is in a book."

- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."

- Douglas MacArthur

"Being in the special forces has really broken a lot of the limitations I thought I had. Thoughts like 'We've done this much, so we should take a break now' were ones that I had to ignore and overcome in my training. They taught me how to keep going, no matter how difficult a situation can get."

- Lee Seung-gi

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

1. The American Way of Irregular War: An Analytical Memoir

2. Op-Ed: The U.S. faces new kinds of threats around the globe, but we have failed to adapt

3. The Military Demographic Conundrum

4. Beyond Borders: PLA Command and Control of Overseas Operations

5. DHS compiled ‘intelligence reports’ on journalists who published leaked documents

6. Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

7. Russian Intelligence Agencies Push Disinformation on Pandemic

8. Current IO Topics: US intelligence is finally figuring out how to communicate with the American public

9. ISIS releases video calling on supporters to carry out arson attacks in US

10. Democrats and Republicans take aim at Pompeo over US troop withdrawal from Germany

11. How a secretive Pentagon agency seeded the ground for a rapid coronavirus cure

12. Report Sheds Light on China’s Use of Military-Linked Researchers

13. China-Backed Infrastructure Bank Seeks to Win Over Countries With Western-Style Approach

14. FDD | Was Nixon Wrong About China?

15. Panel: New Focus on China Fight Could Rob Marine Corps of Versatility

16. Dirty tricks and the 2020 election: lessons from the KGB

17. Study: US adults who mostly rely on social media for news are less informed, exposed to more conspiracies

18. What the heck is ‘brushing’? The scam behind the China mystery seeds

19. There is no new cold war, the West is just losing influence in Eurasia

20. Pentagon Aims to Support More Sensitive Telework By Year's End

21. 'Bay of Piglets': A 'bizarre' plot to capture a president

22. FBI chief warns of China election interference

23. Hackers Broke Into Real News Sites to Plant Fake Stories

1. The American Way of Irregular War: An Analytical Memoir

Link Here to Publication. By LTG Charles Cleveland and Daniel Egel

There is no other "report" that identifies the essence of the problems we face and offers big ideas for solutions. (I put "report" in quotes because it is unlike any report and as noted it is an analytic memoir). Everyone who writes about these issues (most researchers. admire the problem - none have lived it). This report uses real world experience to tell the story (which is a key element here because the "case studies" tell the story and that is the best way to influence people - to see what is real and tangible rather than theoretical or some dry historical recounting). Furthermore those with some experience who write about these issues do not come close to the level of expertise in multiple theaters. There is no senior leader who has put this much intellectual sweat into analyzing the problems and recommending sound and concrete solutions. There is so much meat in this report to drive thinking and debate. Some may not like the recounting of some stories, some may not like the recommendations but all who read this will benefit. The perspective from the depth experience combined with the intellectual rigor ensures this report will make a significant contribution to the future study of the American Way of Irregular Warfare.

2. Op-Ed: The U.S. faces new kinds of threats around the globe, but we have failed to adapt

Los Angeles Times· Seth G. Jones and Juan C. Zarate· July 30, 2020

A good overview of the threats. It is why we need to have a world class irregular warfare capability to support of whole government/society approach to an America Way of Political Warfare

3. The Military Demographic Conundrum

lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com · by Robert Farley · July 29, 2020

Again, this is not submitted from a partisan perspective. But Professor Farley does a good job of explaining why Congresswomen Ocasio-Cortez proposed legislation on military recruiting is based on misinformation and misunderstanding.

4. Beyond Borders: PLA Command and Control of Overseas Operations

ndupress.ndu.edu · by Philipp C. Saunders·  July 28, 2020

The 12 page report can be downloaded here.

5. DHS compiled ‘intelligence reports’ on journalists who published leaked documents

The Washington Post· by Shane Harris · July 30, 2020

Might want to re-read our history.  

6. Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

breakingdefense.com · by Paul McLeary

The SECDEF is in a tough spot.

7. Russian Intelligence Agencies Push Disinformation on Pandemic

The New York Times · by Julian E. Barnes and David Sanger · July 28, 2020

Very important analysis.

8. Current IO Topics: US intelligence is finally figuring out how to communicate with the American public

standuprepublic.com · by Molly McKew · July 30, 2020

9. ISIS releases video calling on supporters to carry out arson attacks in US

Washington Examiner · by Zachary Halaschak · July 29, 2020

10. Democrats and Republicans take aim at Pompeo over US troop withdrawal from Germany

The Guardian · by Julian Borger · July 30, 2020

Both the SECDEF and the SECSTATE are in tough positions.

11. How a secretive Pentagon agency seeded the ground for a rapid coronavirus cure

The Washington Post· by Paul Sonne July 30, 2020

A lot of science in this.  But this is one of the unsung aspects of the military and the contributions it can make beyond military operations.

12. Report Sheds Light on China’s Use of Military-Linked Researchers

WSJ · by Kate O’Keeffe and Aruna Viswanatha· July 30, 2020

Some fascinating data and insights.  Here is the link to the Hoover essay .  In the essay is a link to the 85 page chapter one but I could not find the link to the entire report.  There are 10 good recommendations in the essay/Chapter 1.

13. China-Backed Infrastructure Bank Seeks to Win Over Countries With Western-Style Approach

WSJ · by Jonathan Cheng· July 30, 2020

Go figure. A western style approach works. But this is the buried lede: 'David Skidmore, a professor of political science at Drake University in Iowa, calls the AIIB “a quality institution,” though he says its small scale makes it akin to a boutique firm that is dwarfed by the trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, which he says finances many more projects—of lower quality and with little transparency."  I also did not realize the AIIB now has 103 members.

14. FDD | Was Nixon Wrong About China?

fdd.org · by Thomas Joscelyn Senior Fellow and Senior Editor of FDD's Long War Journal · July 29, 2020

I am pretty sure the Secretary and everyone on the NSC staff have read Michael Pillsbury's book.

15. Panel: New Focus on China Fight Could Rob Marine Corps of Versatility

news.usni.org · by Mallory Shelbourne · July 30, 2020

16. Dirty tricks and the 2020 election: lessons from the KGB

CNN · by Donie O'Sullivan · July 30, 2020

What is old is new.  Just add social media and modern technology to the mix.

17. Study: US adults who mostly rely on social media for news are less informed, exposed to more conspiracies

TechCrunch · by Sarah Perez · July 30, 2020

What about the next generation(s) who are using social media almost exclusively? According to my daughter all her college peers only watch YouTube news channels and follow the news on social media. I have watched a couple with her and there are some interesting commentators out there.  But my daughter only watches CNN and Fox and ABC News Tonight. and C-Span etc.  when she is with me. Of course I make her read all the news I send out as well.  I do have to say when we sit down to dinner and we discuss the news she is already on top of most of the important national and international issues that have broken during the day. 

18. What the heck is ‘brushing’? The scam behind the China mystery seeds

Fortune · by Jeff John Roberts· July 30, 2020

I hope it is only "brushing."  But worry that it could be more.  I think brushing this threat off as "brushing" will breed complacency.  We need to be vigilant toward asymmetric and unconventional threats.

19. There is no new cold war, the West is just losing influence in Eurasia

SCMP · by Raffaello Pantucci· July 31, 2020

The reluctance to take sides is problematic.  No one is going to be able to sit out the next conflict whether it is political warfare, economic warfare, or warfare.

20. Pentagon Aims to Support More Sensitive Telework By Year's End

defenseone.com · by Mariam Baksh

This could be game changing for the work force.

21. 'Bay of Piglets': A 'bizarre' plot to capture a president

BBC · by Linda Pressly · July 30, 2020

Kudos to the headline editor.

22. FBI chief warns of China election interference

Axios · by Alayna Treene

I am more worried about China than Russia but we must prepare to defend against all threats.  This one thing should unite all Americans.  Don't eff with our elections, our democracy, and our way of life.  But of course our adversaries are exploiting our deep political divisions and the contempt we hold for the other side.

23. Hackers Broke Into Real News Sites to Plant Fake Stories

Wired · by Andy Greenberg

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

"It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace."

- Aristotle

"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world."

- Alexander von Humboldt

"Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they've been given."

- Orson Scott Card

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

1. A Daughter's Tribute - Ms. Namhi Park's tribute to General Paik Sun-yup

2. Pompeo reaffirms U.S. goal of N. Korea's complete denuclearization

3. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

4. U.N. rapporteur: Inspection of activist groups should not undermine efforts to improve N.K. rights situation

5. ROK Government's stance on leaflet campaigns and North Korean Human Rights

6. Two-star Marine Corps general to be relieved of command over N.K. defector's border crossing

7. North Korea's economy grew for first time in three years: South Korea

8. EU sanctions Russian intelligence, North Korean, Chinese firms over alleged cyberattacks

9. North Korean hackers target defense and aerospace industry in 'Operation North Star'

10. Kim Jong-un subjects North Koreans to cruel new law in crackdown on defectors

11. South Korea: Stop Intimidating North Korean Human Rights Groups

12. Column: Korean War armistice and today's world

13. Commentary: North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons

14. For North Korea, phishing with fake job-recruitment emails never gets old

15. Southeastern counties agree to co-host new military airport (South Korea)

16. Co-opting the Narrative: How Changing Women's Roles Provide Legitimacy to Kim Jong Un

17. S. Korea's first military satellite successfully reaches orbit

18. Unification minister promises support for NGOs' efforts to expand cross-border exchange

19. New virus cases rebound, imported cases still hampering virus fight (South Korea)

20. 'Window of opportunity for dialogue between North Korea, US still open'

1. A Daughter's Tribute - Ms. Namhi Park's tribute to General Paik Sun-yup

Thank you to the Korea Defense Veterans Association for providing this video.

What a wonderful tribute to a great soldier. It is well worth the 5 minutes to watch this. I will be forever thankful that I was able to hear him talk about his experiences in the war so many times over the past few decades. And there is no one who supported the ROK/US Alliance more than General Paik. RIP.

2. Pompeo reaffirms U.S. goal of N. Korea's complete denuclearization

en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · July 31, 2020

There can be nothing less than this goal.

However, in my opinion, the only way we are going to see an end to the nuclear program and north Korean 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).

3. N. Korea intensifies antivirus efforts in Pyongyang after border town's lockdown

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 31, 2020

This the regime's coronavirus task force: "Pyongyang City Emergency Anti-epidemic Headquarters."  I think it is becoming increasingly clear there is an outbreak inside north Korea and probably within Pyongyang.

4. U.N. rapporteur: Inspection of activist groups should not undermine efforts to improve N.K. rights situation

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 30, 2020

Rule of law or rule by law?  Explaining their actions with technicalities.  Stopping the flow of information into north Korea is contrary to supporting the human rights of Koreans in the north.

5. ROK Government's stance on leaflet campaigns and North Korean Human Rights

Received this via email from the Ministry of Unification. I have to say I vehemently disagree with the rationale that this action will help reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula and improve INTRA-Korean relations.  But the most egregious statement is the assumption the quality of life of Koreans in the north will be improved due to these actions.  Not only does the ROK and the international community have a responsibility for getting information into north Korea (re 2014 UN COI) this assumption belies the fact the Kim family regime denies the rights of the Korean people living in the north in order to keep Kim Jong-un in power.  Who does Kim fear more: the US or the Korean people? It is the Korean people and even more so when they are armed with information.  

Ministry of Unification <unikorea.eng@unikorea.go.kr>

Fri 7/31/2020 2:47 AM

To:  David Maxwell

Dear all, 

The Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea would like to attached document 'ROK Government's stance on leaflet campaigns and North Korean Human Rights' to help your understanding concerning flying leaflets to North Korea.

The Ministry of Unification believes that it is crucial to reduce tension on the Korean peninsula and improve inter-Korean relations as part of effort to improve overall quality of life for the North Korean people.

If you have any question concerning the Ministry of Unification's policy toward North Korea and the Unification of the Korean Peninsula, feel free to contact Ministry of Unification for more details and check our English website.

We sincerely hope that you will stay safe under this pandemic.

Regards,

------------------------------------------
Ministry of Unification
International Cooperation Division
T. 82-2-2100-5754
E. unikorea.eng@unikorea.go.kr
------------------------------------------

6. Two-star Marine Corps general to be relieved of command over N.K. defector's border crossing

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · July 31, 2020

And as a friend who flagged this for me wrote: "This approach has never changed in my 40 years in Korea. No doubt the regimental, battalion, and company commander's careers are now over."  This does appear to be a breakdown in security procedures but we should all keep in mind the primary mission is to defend against infiltrators from the north and not people going from South to north. But it is no. excuse especially if he was seen on video and thermal imagery some 7 times. Also, from the limited information we have rad it seems likely this 24 year old Kim had some training.  He had to be a strong swimmer at the very least but if he knew the route to take (through the drainage pipe) he must have conducted a prior reconnaissance. And he was either just lucky in terms of the tide or else he knew how to plan to use the tide for his crossing.

7. North Korea's economy grew for first time in three years: South Korea

Reuters · by Cynthia Kim · July 31, 2020

It is all relative: A 0.4% increase after a 4.1% contraction the year before and three years of decline.  Except for the increased export of non-sanctioned goods (such as shoes, hats and wigs) there is not much good news in the numbers below for north Korea.

8. EU sanctions Russian intelligence, North Korean, Chinese firms over alleged cyberattacks

ca.reuters.com · by Francesco Guarascio

The EU got the hat trick. Good for them.

9. North Korean hackers target defense and aerospace industry in 'Operation North Star'

siliconangle.com · by Duncan Riley · July 30, 2020

Note the comments on social engineering and spear phishing attacks.  We need good cyber civil defense and cyber hygiene. We all have to take responsibility for protecting our networks: work, industry, academic, government and military, and personal networks.

10. Kim Jong-un subjects North Koreans to cruel new law in crackdown on defectors

Mirror · by Ryan Merrifield · July 31, 2020

I would just note in this and many other media reports how dependent journalists are on RFA and VOA reporting for their stories.  Our great RFA and VOA journalists have extensive contacts and networks that reach into north Korea and provide access to information the general media does not have access to.

11. South Korea: Stop Intimidating North Korean Human Rights Groups

hrw.org · July 31, 2020

Yes.

12. Column: Korean War armistice and today's world

Chicago Tribune · by Arthur I. Cyr

An interesting column and short history of the Armistice and the end of the war (cessation of hostilities).  Credit to both Truman and Eisenhower for their decision (though the massive bombing campaign that ran out of targets in the north remains a central focal point of north Korean propaganda to this day - the north fears the devastation of US air power). 

Note the comments on US impatience and our adversaries understanding this.

Of course President Rhee wanted unification.  But It is interesting that people make a big deal about South Korea not signing the Armistice as if that somehow delegitimize the South or the South has forfeited some right to future peace negotiations. We should recall the Armistice was a military agreement and not a political agreement.  The US did not sign the Armistice either. It was signed by military leaders on both sides - the UN forces on one (and the South Korean military was part of the UN forces) and the north Korean People's Army and Chinese Peoples Volunteers on the other side. It would not have been appropriate for President Rhee to sign.  Para 60 of the Armistice recognized there needed to be a political settlement as the Armistice was only a temporary agreement to cease hostilities between military forces.

13. Commentary: North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons

channelnewsasia.com · by Robert E. Kelly · July 31, 2020

Sigh. An argument for living with north Korean nuclear weapons.  And what good does it do to pay north Korean a huge amount of money (and lift sanctions) to give up some of its nuclear weapons?  What does that accomplish except for Kim saying his strategy worked?  His long con paid off.

14. For North Korea, phishing with fake job-recruitment emails never gets old

cyberscoop.com · by Sean Lyngaas · July 30, 2020

Smokey says, "Only you can prevent...phishing attacks?"  We need the same kind of individual responsibility to protect our networks as we do to prevent forest fires.

15. Southeastern counties agree to co-host new military airport (South Korea)

en.yna.co.kr · by 유지호 · July 30, 2020

K2 has been an important Air Base in Korea.  It looks like there won't be a "Futenma dilemma" in relocating it. Of course the difference is it is a ROK Air Base with US units only temporarily based there for training and exercises.

16. Co-opting the Narrative: How Changing Women's Roles Provide Legitimacy to Kim Jong Un

38north.org · by Darcie Draudt · July 30, 2020

Good reference to the dictator's three step playbook.  Very useful analysis form Darcie Draudt.

17. S. Korea's first military satellite successfully reaches orbit

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · July 31, 2020

I bet it will do a lot more than play music like north Korea's satellite (and I think it actually failed at that as well).

18. Unification minister promises support for NGOs' efforts to expand cross-border exchange

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 31, 2020

But not escapees (defectors) and information efforts  to the north. And obviously escapees cannot go back to the north for fear of "arrest."

19. New virus cases rebound, imported cases still hampering virus fight (South Korea)

en.yna.co.kr · by 김수연 · July 31, 2020

You cannot get frustrated by the day to day changes and ups and downs. But unless they shut down international travel these outbreaks will persist.

20. 'Window of opportunity for dialogue between North Korea, US still open'

The Korea Times · July 31, 2020

Andrew Kim's interpretation of Kim Yo-Jong's remarks.  I guess he must go to Pyongyang to hand deliver the DVD of US Independence Day celebrations. 

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"It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace."

- Aristotle

"The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world." 

- Alexander von Humboldt

"Soldiers can sometimes make decisions that are smarter than the orders they've been given."
- Orson Scott Card