News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Ahyoung Shin

 

1. Pentagon official expresses condolences over Korean War hero Paik's death

2. Korean War hero Paik laid to rest

3. Seoul dismisses N.Korean endorsement of New top officials

4. Letter to President Moon: Re: fighters for a free North Korea and Keunsaem

5. Korea punishes TikTok for data mishandling

6. Will a waning moon reduce the opportunity for peace on the Korean Peninsula?

7. Why a 'Grand Bargain' between the West and North Korea is possible

8. The true burden of the unending Korean War

9. Six men caught trying to escape North Korea on Memorial Day for Founder Kim Il Sung

10. It was petty of Moon to ignore Korean War hero's funeral

11. Pompeo downplays possibility of summit with North Korea

12. Trump insiders: Trump wants 'breakthrough' NoKo deal before election

13. Seoul prosecutors open probe into N. Korean leader's sister over liaison office demolition

14. North Korea boosts Mount Kumgang tourism amid COVID-19

15. S. Korea on alert over imported virus cases coming from Iraq

16. Arrivals from 6 countries subject to tougher quarantine (South Korea)

 

1. Pentagon official expresses condolences over Korean War hero Paik's death

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · July 16, 2020

Very nice statement from David Helvey. It is difficult to convey how important General Paik was to the ROK/US Alliance for so many years - from 1950 until the day he passed away.

2. Korean War hero Paik laid to rest

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · July 15, 2020

I think this is the last message I will send on General Paik's passing. However, the Korean press continues to harp on General Paik's short period of military service in Manchukuo under Japan. Therefore, I am going to take this opportunity to share some comments some Korea hands sent me. This provides what I think is some more objective history about General Paik's service in Manchukuo.  And it also includes some political analysis regards those in South Korea who want to discredit General Paik's service.

Apologies for the length of these but I think they are worthy of study and reflection.

First Comment.

History Distortion in South Korea

"He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past."  

---George Orwell's 1984

History is so distorted that most Koreans don't know the truth, and those academics/historians who speak out are sued, punished, and attacked physically and online.

As the editorial in the Korea Herald on July 14, 2020 pointed out ([Editorial] Proper recognition),

"In 2005, Paik was stigmatized as a pro-Japanese collaborator by a presidential committee formed by the leftist government of President Roh Moo-hyun to determine who those collaborators were. The committee cited Paik's membership in Japan's Gando Special Force, created in 1938 to subdue armed resistance forces in the Jiandao region of Kirin province in Manchuria, known in Korean as "Gando."

However, according to historians, independence fighters had already moved out of Gando by 1943, when Paik joined the force. Paik acknowledged having served in the force but stressed that he never saw any independence fighters."

Who were the Korean "Independence fighters?" There were those who wanted independence from Japan, and not to be subsumed under another country, but there were also those who had different ideas.  Many were communists, who wanted independence from Japan in order to create a communist state loyal to the Soviet Union. There also were bandits, who threatened, extorted, and stole from Korean businesses in Manchuria. Money and jobs were not readily available back then. So the money for their activities came from where they can. Lenin provided funds for those seeking independence, but that wasn't out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted to propagate communism and Soviet Union's influence to the Far East, but Japan was standing in its way. They received financial and other support from Lenin (which was crucial) and also, communism was romanticized back then (sort of like now too)--all the oppressed rise up and be "equal," "carve your own destiny," "workers, peasants are the masters," etc. The communists and nationalist had the common goal of independence from Japan, so sometimes they worked together, but also there were a lot of internecine fighting. Some of these communist/gangster-oriented groups also advocated killing and killed their parents (like Mao's Red Guards). Manchuria at this time was sort of like the wild, wild West.

By 1921, these groups were decimated. The Soviet Union's Bolsheviks essentially massacred them and took more as prisoners to the Soviet Union and sent to labor camps or killed.

Some escaped this situation and joined the Chang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces or Mao's 8^th Routh Army. That means they were part of Chinese military under Mao, working toward the mission of 8RA, which was not independence of Korea, but the independence of China, and building a communist society. Thus by 1940s, when General Paik and President Park Chung Hee were Gando (Manchuria) military officers, there really weren't "Korean independent fighters."  There were bandits (Kim Il Sung's band was in this category).

In 1942, Stalin created the 88^th Special Reconnaissance Brigade of ethnic Chinese, Koreans, and Russians.  This is where Kim Il-sung and key personnel were when Stalin set up its puppet state in the north.  In fact, Stalin created this unit to hold and train personnel, who will fill key slots and run Soviet Union's satellite state in the northern half of the peninsula.

During Japan's annexation of Korea (1910-1945), Koreans were treated as 2^nd class citizens, to the point that they could not join the Japanese Imperial Army. They were seen as not capable. As the war went on, and Japan needed more soldiers, it started to open up, and the Koreans could join the military in Manchuria-the Gando forces. For many who lived in abject poverty (because Koreans were poor during the Chosun Dynasty-about 40% were slaves during that dynasty, which ended after Japan occupied Korea, but the majority were still poor), one of the ways up the social ladder was through the military. Their military training, of course, provided the capability needed for the ROK military, which fought the Korean War, started by North Korean invasion. To say General Paik and others who served in the Gando military are "pro-Japan" and are "traitors" ignores the reality of the situation. Also, since Koreans were seen as "not capable," it was a way to prove that Koreans are indeed capable and "equal."

Under Rho Moo-hyun, they began to create a "dictionary" of "collaborators with Japan." What they discovered was that so many of the people on the left can trace their ancestry to those who "collaborated" with Japan.  So they stopped, and kept the part about the left's "pro-Japan" background silent.

So this is not about "pro-Japan collaborators." President Park Chung-hee also served in the Gando military. The South Korean left will drag this out about General Paik to go after President Park Chung-hee, his legacy, and his family (which includes President Park Geun-hye; the impeachment was not based on facts, as there still is no evidence-there never was. See here and here.   

They have been rewriting history, and it accelerated under Moon. They have tried to defame and erase President Syngman Rhee. They have also tried to create a negative image of Park CH, but his achievement is so large that most Koreans will not go for it, but with this "pro-Japan because he served in the Gando military" is a narrative set up to target PCH.

 

This is part of their overall effort to change South Korean history to confuse its identity and de-legitimize the ROK system. Then they'll introduce another system-socialism/communism. It's already doing it--signs are everywhere:  suppression of freedom speech/freedom press/freedom assembly/freedom of religion, severe deterioration of the rule of law, unfair and unfree elections, encroachment on private property rights, consolidation (not separation\) of power, and the efforts to change the constitution to delete "freedom" from it, and adding "public concept of property" (nationalization of property), among others, in it.

The Moon administration and his party are relying more and more on "anti-Japan" rhetoric as source of their legitimacy (like the North Korean narrative of Kim Il-sung and his partisan fighting Japanese and single-handedly bringing independence to Korea). Also, it's part of the Gat-geun (hat strings) strategy of Kim Il-sung-1 string ties to Japan, the other ties to the U.S. If the string to Japan is cut off, then the hat blows away (so it automatically ends the alliance with the U.S.).

So for many reasons, it's not really about "pro-Japan" Koreans and their "faults," but a concerted effort to change South Korea's system to socialism/communism, and help North Korea achieve its vision of unification.

Second comment.

Sir - thank you for a defense of a hero who should need no defense, yet is under full throated attack. But, there is far more to this: the reality: the sinister evil intent in destroying GEN Paik is not the destruction of GEN Paik, he is but a vessel for the attack - it is calculated, vicariously and strategically targeted at one single political opponent, legacy, and ideas that the individual and group represent: the Park Family and specifically progenitor Park Chung-hee.

            Purposely without historical context, the Moon advocates are destroying GEN Paik for his service in the Japanese Imperial Army for the underlying purpose to destroy former President Park CH, his legacy, as well as his family and familial lines - President Park Geun-hye. They see their Paik destruction as thrusting a gold spike into the heart of the Park legacy and enduring opposing political gravitas as well as real Korean War history.

            As you know, I recently completed a very detailed and lengthy study into the origins, actions, and history of the ROKMC from 1949 thru Vietnam. Given the first brilliant Commandant, the other founders, the officer corps, the few NCOs, and many of those who fell saving the ROK were former Japanese Imperial Army or their surrogate forces - where does the attack on GEN Paik lead? You also have studied the war, Korean history, and origins of the ROKA - it is a parallel tale to the ROKMC.

            I make only one comment on the similarity of the destruction of ROK history for political sinister purposes and our Nation today: education is the center of gravity. Change history (should be an oxymoron), one changes the people and simultaneously the very foundational freedom principles of the Nation. We have already lost freedom of speech and public thought - speak one's thoughts lose one's livelihood and family's future. The ROK has parallel indicators in today's knowledge distribution: the escapee groups loss of expression freedom.

            In the Machiavellian machination worlds occurring today - both Left and Right - it confirms again and again that "money is NOT the root of all evil" - an evil tree roots, grows, and is driven ever upward by political power instinct.

My comment:

There is so much to think about from the above comments. I will just focus on a couple points. I think the comments about Park CH are spot on and important but it even goes beyond that. Some in the current administration (and the political philosophy of their partisan views) seem to base their legitimacy on modern anti-Japanese sentiment. This is similar to the Kim family regime's legitimacy that is built on anti-Japanese partisan warfare and the myth of liberating Korea. This also parallels efforts to align the South more politically with the north by doing such things as attempting to remove "liberal" from the Constitution and taking out words like freedom. Afterall north Korea is a "democracy" - it says so in their name DPRK and constitution. A real conspiracy theorist would say North Korean subversion of the South is being very effective.

3. Seoul dismisses N.Korean endorsement of New top officials

english.chosun.com · July 15, 2020

I think this is pretty amazing that the North makes these statements and the South has to counter them. But according to some Korea analysts the members of the administration's new national security team were chosen because of their relationships with North Korean officials. It should be no surprise the North would endorse these officials. But the Blue House is concerned with the criticism such endorsements reign.

4. Letter to President Moon: Re: fighters for a free North Korea and Keunsaem

by Suzanne Scholte · July 15, 2020

Here is a letter from Suzanne Schotle to President Moon. Suzanne is the President, Defense Forum Foundation and among her many great contributions to freedom and human rights she supports the work of escapees/defectors working to get information to the Korean people in the North. Information and influence activities are so important not only to sustaining maximum pressure on the regime but also to informing the people of what their leadership is doing and how their human rights are being denied. Ultimately this work supports unification by helping to educate the Korean people about the outside world and to show them the alternatives to the Socialist Workers Paradise, its Juche ideology (religion), and the Songbun social classification system that supports the denial of human rights so the Kim family regime can remain in power.

5. Korea punishes TikTok for data mishandling

The Korea Times · July 15, 2020

A small victory (and a fine that is too small). But hopefully this will help to wake people to the "predatory" TikTok app.

6. Will a waning moon reduce the opportunity for peace on the Korean Peninsula?

The National Interest · by Denny Roy · July 15, 2020

Is waning better than waxing? I always get those confused. Seriously, If Kim or his successor (we hope) seek a peace treaty for tactical advantage by definition they would not be seeking a peace treaty that would bring peace and stability to the region. Instead the tactical advantage would be to support its "long con" and part of the regime's political warfare strategy.

7. Why a 'Grand Bargain' between the West and North Korea is possible

The National Interest · by Richard Javad Heydarian · July 14, 2020

A "grand bargain" is no longer improbable? How many times have we tried that? What happened to the Agreed Framework? The Perry Policy Review? The September 2005 Agreement? The Leap Day Agreement? Something must be in the kimchi Mr. Heydarian ate in North Korea. Now I agree unification is the solution; however, it cannot be under the mafia like crimes family cult in the north. The Korea question must be solved. But pieces like this read like a pro-north Korea propaganda piece.

8. The true burden of the unending Korean War

The National Interest · by Zhu Feng · July 15, 2020

Zhu Feng does provide a Chinese view; however, it has been my experience that he is masterful at telling us what we want to hear. An example is this statement. "It would be a grave miscalculation on the part of Kim Jong-un and Kim Yo-jong to think that the deterioration of China-U.S. relations and long-soured ties between Moscow and Washington might serve as grounds for another go at military adventurism." We certainly hope that Xi is giving this warning to Kim Jong-un. But is he? Does Xi really believe this or does he want us to believe this so we will miscalculate?

9. Six men caught trying to escape North Korea on Memorial Day for Founder Kim Il Sung

rfa.org 

This is the key point: "The crackdown and surveillance on illegal phone usage is stronger now than it ever has been." Cell phone usage is critically important in North Korea from contacting brokers and smugglers, managing the market prices, coordinating transportation for move goods and people, etc. The North is using the coronavirus to impose very harsh population and resources control measures to more completely oppress the Korean people in the North to prevent any kind of resistance.

10. It was petty of Moon to ignore Korean War hero's funeral

english.chosun.com

Strong criticism of President Moon from the Chosun Ilbo editorial board. But actually this illustrates a crack in the alliance. I do worry that General Paik has become the dividing line for support to the ROK/US alliance. I think the NSC, State, and DOD did the right thing in sending condolence statements; however, the political opposition in Korea uses that to shame and criticize the Blue House which make those with already existing anti-US sentiment even more likely to work toward the end of the alliance which certain partisan political factions blame for hindering intra-Korean relations.

11. Pompeo downplays possibility of summit with North Korea

Stars and Stripes · July 15, 2020

But there are those who think the US is going to engineer an October Surprise summit to help with the election.

12. Trump insiders: Trump wants 'breakthrough' NoKo deal before election

The American Conservative · by Harry J. Kazianis

I am glad these "Trump insiders" are confiding in Mr. Kazianis. A "return to the Six-Party talks?" Really? I am also not sure how there can be a bilateral summit that will have clear deliverables for each side if there are no substantive working level talks that are taking place (Or are there talks being conduct and somehow this has been kept secret from all the watchful eyes of the press, pundits and Korea hands). Mr.Kazianis does recognize the negotiating problem and the lack of a "counterpart for our special representative. But in the end is the same old tired recommendation: put denuclearization at the end of the negotiating process. Which means give North Korea everything first in the hopes it will denuclearize. How has that worked for us in the past? And I hope everyone can see how this would play right into Kim's long con..

13. Seoul prosecutors open probe into N. Korean leader's sister over liaison office demolition

en.yna.co.kr · by 유청모 · July 16, 2020

Good. So maybe the next time she comes to South Korea for the Olympic games she can be arrested. On a serious note I am surprised but pleased to see this. I hope the prosecutor and the ROK government will stand up to the North's bullying. But I am sure this will produce a rhetorical firestorm from the North at some point.

14. North Korea boosts Mount Kumgang tourism amid COVID-19

upi.com · July 15, 2020

Wishful thinking? Perhaps not if South Korean lawmakers have their way. And this is a large money-making enterprise for the regime which of course is problematic with the sanctions regime.

15. S. Korea on alert over imported virus cases coming from Iraq

en.yna.co.kr · by 주경돈 · July 16, 2020

Iraq? Note South Korean construction businesses operating in Iraq.

16. Arrivals from 6 countries subject to tougher quarantine (South Korea)

english.chosun.com · July 16, 2020

Can we read between the lines here? "...the government was squeamish about saying what the new additions are. A health spokesman cited "diplomatic reasons." Is one of them the US?

 

-----------

"So the realm of strategy is one of bargaining and persuasion as well as threats and pressure, psychological as well as physical effects, and words as well as deeds. This is why strategy is the central political art. It is about getting more out of a situation than the starting balance of power would suggest. It is the art of creating power."

- Lawrence Freedman, Strategy: A History

 

"You've got to think about big things while you're doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction."

- Alvin Toffler

 

"Do not feel entitled to anything you do not sweat or struggle for."

- Marian Wright Edelman

 

 

 

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Ahyoung Shin

 

1. House panel votes to end 2001, 2002 war authorizations

2. Massachusetts Democrat calls for Voice of America chief to resign

3. The U.S. wants Asian allies to stand up to China. It's not that easy

4. US may need to nationalize military aircraft industry, USAF says

5. How significant is the new U.S. South China Sea policy?

6. Picking flowers, making honey. (China)

7. To block Trump’s troop withdrawals, Congress turns an old tactic upside down

8. Trump administration rescinds rules on foreign students studying online

9. Three Marines, now focus of Russian bounties investigation, show the costs of an endless war

10. US picks a fight with China in South China Sea

11. Camouflage uniforms, flight suits now off-limits for Marines and Sailors at the Pentagon

12. President Donald J. Trump announces intent to appoint individuals to key administration posts | The White House

13. FDD | Five reasons it's smart to ban Chinese apps

14. FDD | Taliban suicide team strikes NDS headquarters in Afghan city

15. FDD | German gov’t removes Taiwan flag, permits Palestinian flag

16. An abuse of power (USAGM)

17. Exclusive: Secret Trump order gives CIA more powers to launch cyberattacks

18. New York Times to move Hong Kong staff to Seoul over press freedom fears

19. US allies once seemed cowed by China. Now they're responding with rare coordination

20. Chinese police are making threatening video calls to dissidents abroad

21. Opinion | I’m a former civil servant. We are professionals, not a ‘deep state.’

 

1. House panel votes to end 2001, 2002 war authorizations

Defense News · by Joe Gould · July 14, 2020

It is unlikely this will make it through the Senate.

2. Massachusetts Democrat calls for Voice of America chief to resign

The Hill · by Rafael Bernal · July 14, 2020

Actually he is calling for the head of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to resign.

3. The U.S. wants Asian allies to stand up to China. It's not that easy

Los Angeles Times · by Shashank Bengali · July 14, 2020

It requires a strong alliance structure to back them up.

4. US may need to nationalize military aircraft industry, USAF says

defenseone.com· by Marcus Weisgerber

Wow. That is a shocking headline. It got my attention.

5. How significant is the new U.S. South China Sea policy?

csis.org · by Gregory B. Poling · July 14, 2020

This is how the author describes it: "The statement marks a significant clarification of prior U.S. positions but not a radical break from past policy. It makes explicit things that had been implied by previous administrations.” But he does balance this with some of the downsides in the conclusion.

6. Picking flowers, making honey. (China)

aspi.org.au · by Alex Joske

A view from Australian that focuses on Chinese R&D and Chinese students at western universities.

7. To block Trump’s troop withdrawals, Congress turns an old tactic upside down

defenseone.com · Katie Bo Williams

The language in the 2018 through 2020 NDAAs focused on preventing the withdrawal of troops from Korea.  

Here is language on Korea in the HASC and SAC versions of the 2021 NDAA:

HASC:

Indo-Pacific

▪ Authorizes $3.58 billion as the basis for the Indo-Pacific Reassurance Initiative to

optimize the presence of U.S. forces in the region, strengthen and maintain bilateral and

multilateral military exercises and training with United States allies and partner countries,

improve infrastructure in the region to enhance the responsiveness of U.S. Armed

Forces, enhance the prepositioning of equipment and materiel of the U.S. Armed

Forces, and build the defense and security capabilities, capacity, and cooperation of

allies and partner nations.

▪ Prohibits the use of funds to reduce the total number of active duty service members

deployed to South Korea below 28,500 until 180 days after the Secretary certifies: 1)

doing so is in the national security interest of the United States and will not significantly

undermine the security of U.S. allies in the region, 2) is commensurate with a reduction

in the threat posed by North Korea, 3) that South Korea is capable of deterring a conflict,

and 4) U.S. allies – including South Korea and Japan – have been appropriately

consulted.

▪ Note: See Africa section for China’s One Belt, One Road Initiative in Africa

SASC:

SEC. 1260. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS TO REDUCE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE

ARMED FORCES SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY WHO ARE DEPLOYED TO THE REPUBLIC OF

KOREA. None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be obligated or expended to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and deployed to the Republic of Korea to fewer than 28,500 such members of the Armed Forces until 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense certifies to the congressional defense committees that— 

(1) such a reduction—

(A) is in the national security interest of the United States; and

(B) will not significantly undermine the security of United States allies in the region; and

(2) the Secretary has appropriately consulted with allies of the United States, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, regarding such a reduction. 

8. Trump administration rescinds rules on foreign students studying online

WSJ · by Michelle Hackman, Melissa Korn, and Andrew Restuccia · July 14, 2020

Good news.

9. Three Marines, now focus of Russian bounties investigation, show the Costs of an Endless War

The New York Times · by Helene Cooper · July 14, 2020

10. US picks a fight with China in South China Sea

asiatimes.com · by Richard Javad Heydarian · July 14, 2020

Is it picking a fight or trying to operate within the rule of law and international norms?

11. Camouflage uniforms, flight suits now off-limits for Marines and Sailors at the Pentagon

military.com · by Hope Hodge Seck · July 13, 2020

It is hard to recall for many but I believe pre-911 there were no camouflage uniforms or flight suits in the Pentagon. This is a post 9-11 thing with everyone supposedly on a war footing. It is hard to rescind that decision when we still have troops in harm's way as some interpret it as no longer supporting the troops (which is not true of course - but it is all about appearances).

12. President Donald J. Trump announces intent to appoint individuals to key administration posts | The White House

whitehouse.gov · by President Donald J. Trump

So when I saw this announcement on twitter I (and others) wondered what is the National Security Education Board? I had never heard of this board. I expected to learn that it was a board to oversee national security education in the government, e.g., provide guidance to military PME institutions and the Foreign Service Institute and other training and education programs in the government.  

However, that is not the case. The "board" is the board of directors for the National Security Education Program which funds scholarships and fellowships and other programs to support civilian education in national security, including language education. Here is the link to the board of directors and the link of the mission of the NSEP. This is an important organization for students (undergrad and graduate) who want to compete for scholarships and fellowship to study in the area of national security.

So the bottom line is there is no Board that oversees national security education for US government officials and military personnel.

13. FDD | Five reasons it's smart to ban Chinese apps

fdd.org · by Cleo Paskal · July 14, 2020

A public service announcement. :-)  Delete those "predatory" apps. I like the description of predatory. 

14. FDD | Taliban suicide team strikes NDS headquarters in Afghan city

fdd.org · by Bill Roggio · July 14, 2020

15. FDD | German gov’t removes Taiwan flag, permits Palestinian flag

fdd.org · by Benjamin Weinthal · July 14, 2020

This is what the PRC and CCP do. We should ask all free countries to raise the Taiwan flag outside the PRC embassies. (yes that would be just as petty an act as the PRC pressuring all countries not to recognize or deal with Taiwan and to prevent Taiwan's access to and participation in international organizations.)

16. An abuse of power (USAGM)

the-american-interest.com · by Martha Bayles

Another critical article of the US Agency for Global Media.

17. Exclusive: Secret Trump order gives CIA more powers to launch cyberattacks

news.yahoo.com · by Zach Dorfman, Kim Zetter, Jenna McLaughlin and Sean D. Naylor · July 15, 2020

Well, I hope we kept this plausibly deniable for a sufficient amount of time. We should review Title 50 and the definition and description of a Presidential Finding here. Just to review the key points regarding covert action and presidential findings:

50 U.S. Code § 3093.Presidential approval and reporting of covert actions

(a)Presidential findings. The President may not authorize the conduct of a covert action by departments, agencies, or entities of the United States Government unless the President determines such an action is necessary to support identifiable foreign policy objectives of the United States and is important to the national security of the United States, which determination shall be set forth in a finding that shall meet each of the following conditions:

(1)Each finding shall be in writing, unless immediate action by the United States is required and time does not permit the preparation of a written finding, in which case a written record of the President’s decision shall be contemporaneously made and shall be reduced to a written finding as soon as possible but in no event more than 48 hours after the decision is made.

(2)Except as permitted by paragraph (1), a finding may not authorize or sanction a covert action, or any aspect of any such action, which already has occurred.

(3)Each finding shall specify each department, agency, or entity of the United States Government authorized to fund or otherwise participate in any significant way in such action. Any employee, contractor, or contract agent of a department, agency, or entity of the United States Government other than the Central Intelligence Agency directed to participate in any way in a covert action shall be subject either to the policies and regulations of the Central Intelligence Agency, or to written policies or regulations adopted by such department, agency, or entity, to govern such participation.

(4)Each finding shall specify whether it is contemplated that any third party which is not an element of, or a contractor or contract agent of, the United States Government, or is not otherwise subject to United States Government policies and regulations, will be used to fund or otherwise participate in any significant way in the covert action concerned, or be used to undertake the covert action concerned on behalf of the United States.

(5)A finding may not authorize any action that would violate the Constitution or any statute of the United States.

(b)Reports to congressional intelligence committees; production of information. To the extent consistent with due regard for the protection from unauthorized disclosure of classified information relating to sensitive intelligence sources and methods or other exceptionally sensitive matters, the Director of National Intelligence and the heads of all departments, agencies, and entities of the United States Government involved in a covert action—

(1)shall keep the congressional intelligence committees fully and currently informed of all covert actions which are the responsibility of, are engaged in by, or are carried out for or on behalf of, any department, agency, or entity of the United States Government, including significant failures; and

(2)shall furnish to the congressional intelligence committees any information or material concerning covert actions (including the legal basis under which the covert action is being or was conducted) which is in the possession, custody, or control of any department, agency, or entity of the United States Government and which is requested by either of the congressional intelligence committees in order to carry out its authorized responsibilities.

(c)Timing of reports; access to finding

(1)The President shall ensure that any finding approved pursuant to subsection (a) shall be reported in writing to the congressional intelligence committees as soon as possible after such approval and before the initiation of the covert action authorized by the finding, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) and paragraph (3).

(2)If the President determines that it is essential to limit access to the finding to meet extraordinary circumstances affecting vital interests of the United States, the finding may be reported to the chairmen and ranking minority members of the congressional intelligence committees, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, and such other member or members of the congressional leadership as may be included by the President.

(3)Whenever a finding is not reported pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of this section,[1] the President shall fully inform the congressional intelligence committees in a timely fashion and shall provide a statement of the reasons for not giving prior notice.

(4)In a case under paragraph (1), (2), or (3), a copy of the finding, signed by the President, shall be provided to the chairman of each congressional intelligence committee.

(5)

(A)When access to a finding, or a notification provided under subsection (d)(1), is limited to the Members of Congress specified in paragraph (2), a written statement of the reasons for limiting such access shall also be provided.

(B)Not later than 180 days after a statement of reasons is submitted in accordance with subparagraph (A) or this subparagraph, the President shall ensure that—

(i)all members of the congressional intelligence committees are provided access to the finding or notification; or

(ii)a statement of reasons that it is essential to continue to limit access to such finding or such notification to meet extraordinary circumstances affecting vital interests of the United States is submitted to the Members of Congress specified in paragraph (2).

18. New York Times to move Hong Kong staff to Seoul over press freedom fears

BBC · July 15, 2020

:-). Press freedom in Seoul? Some of the political opposition in Korea may take exception to that.

19. US allies once seemed cowed by China. Now they're responding with rare coordination

CNN · by Angela Dewan

I think few countries can respond to the PRC alone. There is safety in numbers!

20. Chinese police are making threatening video calls to dissidents abroad

Vice · July 15, 2020

The evil nature of the Chinese Communist Party.

21. Opinion | I’m a former civil servant. We are professionals, not a ‘deep state.’

The Washington Post · by Russell E. Travers

I do not believe in the "deep state." I believe in our professional civil service corps. Yes there are problems in every bureaucracy but there is no deep state.

 

-----------

"Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an accessible simple diagnosis of the world's ills and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all."

- John W. Gardner, No Easy Victories

 

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." 

- Hyman Rickover

 

"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut." 

- Will Rogers

 

 

 

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Ahyoung Shin

 

1. On the Death of General Paik Sun-yup - United States Department of State

2. U.S. State Department offers condolences over death of Korean War hero Paik

3.  Funeral held for Korean War hero Paik

4.  New virus cases dip below 40, imported cases still on upward path (and a report on the quarantine process in Korea)

5.  Gov't expected to revoke operation permits for 2 defector groups this week over leafleting

6.  North Korea's first sister forges ahead

7. 'Being in North Korea' is not all bad

8.  North Korea's Gulag in the Age of Coronavirus

9. How do you solve a Cold War conundrum like Korea?

10. N.K. paper calls for tightened anti-virus measures

11. North signals openness to working with new unification officials

12. Japan claims control of Dokdo in its defence white paper

13. Hero or traitor? (General Paik)

14. [Editorial] Proper recognition (General Paik)

15. N. Korea prepares for October military parade training exercise

16. N.Korea's Malaise Makes Coronavirus More Deadly

17. North Korean Citizens Desperately Need the China Border to Reopen

18. N. Korea purchases "premium" construction materials from China

19. Opinion | Why a Trump October surprise deal with North Korea would be such a bad idea

20. N. Korea lashes out at Pompeo over anti-China remarks

21. N.K. official involved in missile development removed from British blacklist

22. South Korean city seeks pre-arrival coronavirus tests for U.S. soldiers

23. North Korea fury: Trump's nuclear test threatens to provoke Kim Jong-un in dangerous way

 

1. On the Death of General Paik Sun-yup - United States Department of State

state.gov · by Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson · July 14, 2020

Excellent condolence statement from State.

2. U.S. State Department offers condolences over death of Korean War hero Paik

en.yna.co.kr · by 이해아 · July 15, 2020

Like the NSC tweet the Korean press recognizes our sincere statements of condolences for General Paik.

3.  Funeral held for Korean War hero Paik

en.yna.co.kr · by 최수향 · July 15, 2020

Yonhap could have left out the controversy as I think that has been addressed enough in previous reporting. The General deserves to be honored and his legacy of service to Korea preserved. I would say there is not a Korea alive today who has done anything near to the level of General to contribute to the defense and development of the ROK.

4.  New virus cases dip below 40, imported cases still on upward path (and a report on the quarantine process in Korea)

en.yna.co.kr · by 이준승 · July 14, 2020

I want to provide a report from a good friend of mine who just returned to Korea this week. He is an American who lives in Korea. He describes his arrival and interaction with the Korean bureaucracy and how the quarantine process works.

On 12 July, I arrived in Korea for the first time in five months. Beginning with getting off the plane to finally arriving at my condo for an isolated two-week quarantine, the detail that the ROK Govt has put into controlling each arriving person is phenomenal. Most of the detail is at the airport where foreigners are led by KATUSAs to download a personal tracing app and explain all the requirements the government demands. Had to fill out 11 forms, most for tracking and agreements not to break rules at threat of deportment.

Had to take a specially equipped taxi to my home. It was equipped with a clear plastic shield between driver and back seat. Could not take a regular taxi or bus.

The virus info put out by the US Embassy in Seoul is way out of date. It states one must have a virus test record signed by a health professional just to get in for long-term residents. But now, everybody must take a virus test ASAP after arrival. The day after arrival I took a virus test at the nearest health center. I got the results - negative - the following day. Before leaving I took the same test in Dallas county and it took four days to get the result.

During quarantine, I must report my temperature and symptoms twice a day to the local public health center. That center delivered a survival kit of water, 25 pounds of rice, other foods, masks, sanitizer, etc. No charge.

Never heard of any of this in the US.

Just thought you might be interested.

5.  Gov't expected to revoke operation permits for 2 defector groups this week over leafleting

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 14, 2020

I cannot state strongly enough how disappointing is this decision. I believe the Moon administration is making a huge mistake with this action.

6.  North Korea's first sister forges ahead

asiatimes.com · by Bradley K. Martin · July 14, 2020

This is very good analysis on Kim Yo-jong and her recent "promotions." This statement from Jiro Ishimaru is very significant." In other words, the 'delivery of commands' - a right reserved solely for the supreme leader - was extended to Kim Yo-jong. It can therefore be said that an era of brother-sister rule, with Kim Yo-jung as a quasi-supreme leader, has officially begun." Brother-sister rule is an interesting (and unusual concept) for north Korea. I wonder if this is because Kim Jong-un's health is bad, and this is a new method of succession. Among other interesting analysis in this piece is the emphasis on the Peaktu bloodlines and the rewriting of the Ten Great Principles both of which seem to be actions to support dynastic succession with brother-sister rule.

7. 'Being in North Korea' is not all bad

asiatimes.com · by Andrew Salmon · July 13, 2020

An interesting book from Andray Abrahamian that provides some interesting insights into North Korea. He notes both engagement and pressure have come up short. And of course he favors engagement. We have seen engagement fail in various forms for almost three decades. I would argue pressure has not failed because we are not done with it. Since 2017 we have conducted a relatively sustained pressure campaign and the fact that we have made no concessions on sanctions is exerting tremendous pressure on Kim from his elite and military. But it is still going to take time to work. Premature lifting of sanctions will not generate reciprocity or good behavior from the North. It will only lead Kim to believe his blackmail diplomacy continues to work and this will lead him to make more threats and demands. If we sustain pressure we might break the cycle that has been ongoing for three decades.

8.  North Korea's Gulag in the Age of Coronavirus

HRNK · by Benjamin Fu, Edited by Rosa Park · July 14, 2020

A useful overview of the gulags and North Korea's human rights abuses. And like the regime's denial of the existence of the gulags it is also denying an outbreak of the coronavirus. If there is an outbreak it will of course devastate the populations in the gulags.

9. How do you solve a Cold War conundrum like Korea?

The National Interest · by Charles Armstrong · July 14, 2020

From Charles Armstrong. I challenge the assumption that both Koreas want to resolve their problems peacefully. I believe South Korea sincerely does but not the North. The problem for North Korea and the Kim family regime is the existence of the South. It is a threat to the regime. It stands in the way of unification of Korea on the North's terms which the regime is willing to achieve through subversion coercion/extortion, and use of force.

10. N.K. paper calls for tightened anti-virus measures

en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · July 14, 2020

It really seems to be getting harder to deny that there is a coronavirus outbreak.

11. North signals openness to working with new unification officials

koreajoongangdaily 

Beware the North Korean long con. Note the criticism of the ROK/US strategy working group and the favorable view of Im Jong-seok and Lee In-young being new members of the Moon administration's national security team due to their leadership in the student movement of the 1980s.

12. Japan claims control of Dokdo in its defence white paper

donga.com · by Ji-Sun Choi · July 15, 2020

Not good for our trilateral relationship.

13. Hero or traitor? (General Paik)

The Korea Times · by Choi Sung-jin · July 14, 2020

A truly sad and insulting OpEd. But it is important because it illustrates the beliefs of many Koreans and the issue of the Japanese occupation and the accusations against "collaborators." The author acknowledges at least half the Korean population thinks of General Paik as a hero. But we must read it because it provides understanding of one view in Korea (and the other half of the Korean people who do not think he is a hero).

14. [Editorial] Proper recognition (General Paik)

koreaherald.com · July 14, 2020

Another view on General Paik with a different interpretation of history.

15. N. Korea prepares for October military parade training exercise

dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · July 15, 2020

What a waste of resources when so many Korean people in the North are suffering. (though despite the hard work of the participants they do seem to be fed by the regime so there is that.)

I was asked about Kim Yo-jong's recent statement about her getting permission from her brother to watch the US Independence Day celebrations and asked if someone could get her a DVD.  Apparently, some in South Korea speculate this is a message that the North wants to engage in talks with the US. Here are my comments as some of them relate to the October military parade.

Your question is an interesting one. First there should be no problem for Kim Yo-jong to get a DVD of the 4th of July celebration. The North Korean diplomats at the UN should have no trouble obtaining one and sending it to Pyongyang. When she made this statement I half-jokingly commented that the representatives at the UN Military Armistice Commission (UNMAC) should provide one to the North Korean duty officer at Panmunjom. We used to provide the duty officer with copies of the Stars and Stripes newspaper every day. I am not sure if they still do that.

So I do not believe her comment was any kind of request nor do I think it was it any kind of signal to the US that the regime is seeking any kind of engagement with the US. I do not believe the regime will agree to a summit or perhaps even working level talks without some kind of guarantee of sanctions relief. Kim Jong-un's failure to get sanctions relief is placing him under enormous pressure in Pyongyang.

We should note that among Kim Yo-jong's many titles and duties she is the Vice Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department. As you know the regime is preparing for the military parade this fall. It would not surprise me if she was telegraphing the kind of propaganda campaign she may be planning. She may want to show how the regime's parade outdoes the US Independence Day celebration. She may show the relatively sparse and subdued crowds due to COVID 19 protections and compare them to the huge crowds and the (forced) emotional celebrations that will take place to honor the regime.

In addition, her "request" might merely be designed to cause confusion and see how the South and US react to it. It is probably much ado about nothing except to in a way to say "the joke's on you." It makes her and her brother feel important to see how we parse every utterance that comes from the regime.

The bottom line is I would not read anything positive into Kim Yo-jong's statements.

16. N.Korea's Malaise Makes Coronavirus More Deadly

english.chosun.com · July 15, 2020

I am not sure about the title of this piece and the use of malaise but this is an interesting essay on North Korea's medical challenges over the years and the obvious fear it has of disease and infection spreading inside the North. It speculates that perhaps thousands have already died from the coronavirus. But it concludes with this ominous warning: "It is unclear how North Korea can overcome the coronavirus crisis." If it cannot overcome the crisis, we had better be prepared for what comes next.

17. North Korean Citizens Desperately Need the China Border to Reopen

thediplomat.com · by Gabriela Bernal · July 15, 2020

If the coronavirus is spreading inside North Korea it will be devastating. And the continued closure of the border will destroy the 400 or markets inside north Korea and will crush the economy like it has never been crushed before. Together these could cause a humanitarian disaster of epic proportions that will make the Arduous March of the great famine of 1994-1996 pale in comparison. This could cause the instability we have speculated about but have been seen. Now is the time to review Robert Collins' seven phases of regime collapse and be tracking the indications and warnings for instability. And as noted in this article this could be the mother of all humanitarian disasters. Is the ROK and ROK/US alliance prepared for this contingency, especially if it has to operate in a coronavirus environment?

18. N. Korea purchases "premium" construction materials from China

dailynk.com · by Mun Dong Hui · July 15, 2020

Office 39 (or Bureau, Department, or Room) at work. Note the purchase of "premium" materials is likely for use in "special residences (luxurious mansions) of the Kim family." The regime is taking care of itself. 

19. Opinion | Why a Trump October surprise deal with North Korea would be such a bad idea

NBC News · by Victor Cha · July 14, 2020

An October Surprise meeting is one thing but an October Surprise that resulted in a deal would could be very bad unless there are negotiations taking place at the working level that work out a substantive agreement. We should not make any deal with the North that is not founded on real, detailed, and thorough negotiations and even then it will still only be a piece of paper and nothing should happen until the verification process is in place. I think those kinds of conditions would be impossible to create by October. Never say never but I just cannot see either Kim or the US having a summit meeting in October. Also, I do not think a summit or even a deal or a North Korean provocation will affect the outcome of the November election.

20. N. Korea lashes out at Pompeo over anti-China remarks

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 15, 2020

It appears North Korea is attempting to be a good ally and providing supporting rhetorical fires to China.

21. N.K. official involved in missile development removed from British blacklist

en.yna.co.kr · by 고병준 · July 15, 2020

What is not explained in this article is the why except to say it complies with an EU decision made in 2019. This does not seem to make sense.

22. South Korean city seeks pre-arrival coronavirus tests for U.S. soldiers

in.reuters.com · by Hyonhee Shin

ROK-US relations in Pyeongtaek could get tense.

23. North Korea fury: Trump's nuclear test threatens to provoke Kim Jong-un in dangerous way

Express · by Manon Dark · July 15, 2020

I disagree. A US test of a nuclear weapon is not going to "provoke" North Korea. North Korea will make a deliberate decision to test a nuclear weapon to achieve specific effects - either for messaging and deterrence or to technically advance its program. Of course it will use a US nuclear test as justification in its propaganda but it will not simply respond to a US nuclear test with a test of its own. I think there are other reasons for the US not to test but I do not think a North Korean response is one of them (but North Korea loves to read this kind of analysis as it tells them analysts fear North Korean actions). If we make a decision not to test and use a potential North Korean response as justification, we will play right into the regime's hands. Mr. Herzog is not helpful here.

 

-----------

"Political extremism involves two prime ingredients: an accessible simple diagnosis of the world's ills and a conviction that there are identifiable villains back of it all."

- John W. Gardner, No Easy Victories

 

"Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience." 

- Hyman Rickover

 

"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut." 

- Will Rogers

 

 

 

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

1. U.S. position on maritime claims in the South China Sea - United States Department of State

2. Why Mike Pompeo's South China Sea statement is so significant

3. Philippines: China should comply with sea feud ruling

4. US rejects nearly all Chinese claims in South China Sea

5. Rule of law in the South China Sea

6. With protests curbed, Hong Kong's opposition looks to the ballot box

7. Iran could face a summer of nuclear sabotage

8.  Time to close the legal loopholes that facilitate Russian illicit finance

9. Re-forge strategic alliances and check China abroad, rebuild economy at home

10. The U.S. must respond forcefully to Russia and the Taliban. Here's how.

11. Seduced by China’s honeytrap spies: book that lays bare how deeply the Chinese have infiltrated Britain reveals how they steal intelligence using blackmail, money… and sex

12. Future echoes; is Covid-19 the latest Cold War ghost to surface?

13. Rundown of China's spy agencies will make uncomfortable reading for some

14. Pompeo spoke with Russia's Lavrov about Afghanistan: U.S. State Dept

15. WHO warns 'no return to normal' amid pandemic

16. The top 5 REALLY important NDAA policies

17. Ex-US diplomat Richardson to urge Maduro to free Americans, including 2 former Green Berets

18. HASC chair Smith: troops 'not ready to fight' without resource-informed strategy

19. The anti-American century

20. Hundreds come forward as #IAmVanessaGuillen movement surges online

21. Biden's foreign-policy blast from the past

22. Why the U.S. needs a strong diplomatic corps

23. Amid pandemic, Pentagon would cut 'chem-bio' protections

 

1. U.S. position on maritime claims in the South China Sea - United States Department of State

US Department of State · by Michael R. Pompeo · July 13, 2020

A most important statement. This statement is generating a lot of news articles and a response from China.

 

2. Why Mike Pompeo's South China Sea statement is so significant

Washington Examiner · by Tom Rogan · July 13, 2020

This article offers a very significant conclusion. What can we do to prevent conflict and are we ready if conflict does break out?

 

3. Philippines: China should comply with sea feud ruling

Real Clear Defense · by Jim Gomez · July 14, 2020

Rule of law or rule by law? China is a rule by law nation - its own laws.

 

4. US rejects nearly all Chinese claims in South China Sea

Military Times · by Matthew Lee & Lolita Baldor · July 13, 2020

 

5. Rule of law in the South China Sea

Wall Street Journal · by the Editorial Board · July 13, 2020

 

6. With protests curbed, Hong Kong's opposition looks to the ballot box

The New York Times · by Tiffany May · July 13, 2020

Following Gene Sharp's From Dictatorship to Democracy?

 

7. Iran could face a summer of nuclear sabotage

FDD · by Andrea Stricker Research Fellow · July 13, 2020

So I guess the "summer of fun" is out.

 

8. Time to close the legal loopholes that facilitate Russian illicit finance

FDD · by John Hardie Research Manager · July 12, 2020

It is all about the money. This should be a no brainer. We need to crack down on this. Russia is not a responsible member of the international community.

 

9. Re-forge strategic alliances and check China abroad, rebuild economy at home

FDD · by Elaine K. Dezenski · July 13, 2020

Three easy to understand but very important actions for our way forward. Can we do this? I would argue we must do this. To do otherwise will do long term if not irreparable damage to the US.

 

10. The U.S. must respond forcefully to Russia and the Taliban. Here's how.

The Washington Post · by John W. Nicholson · July 13, 2020

 

11. Seduced by China’s honeytrap spies: book that lays bare how deeply the Chinese have infiltrated Britain reveals how they steal intelligence using blackmail, money… and sex

Daily Mail · by Clive Hamilton · July 13, 2020

The oldest trick in the book, but we still fall for it. We should have no illusions about how the CCP operates.

My self-esteem is quite low because on my trips to China they never approached me! I have also seen them in operation at conferences here in DC but they never chat me up (yes, this is said with some humor, but I have observed them in DC).

 

12. Future echoes; is Covid-19 the latest Cold War ghost to surface?

Forbes · by Paul Kennard · July 14, 2020

A UK perspective. What might we learn from the Cold War? I certainly hated the NBC training we did during the Cold War. It was so hard to try to practice working in a contaminated environment. But, perhaps there are lessons.

 

13. Rundown of China's spy agencies will make uncomfortable reading for some

The Sydney Morning Herald · by Peter Hartcher · July 13, 2020

A view from Australia and New Zealand. Do we know the ABC's of the Chinese spy agencies? I admit I do not know them well enough and they certainly do not roll off the tongue from CIA, FBI, MI6, etc. 

 

14. Pompeo spoke with Russia's Lavrov about Afghanistan: U.S. State Dept

Reuters · by Eric Beech, Mohammad Zargham, & Lincoln Feast · July 13, 2020

 

15. WHO warns 'no return to normal' amid pandemic

The Chosun Ilbo · by VOA News · July 14, 2020

I agree with the WHO that we cannot go back to our old ways, at least not while the pandemic rages and I think even after it subsides we will be in for a new normal. The question is can we say we "won't get fooled again?" I mean the WHO did once sing that. Perhaps my generation might have to get on the magic bus, because I can't explain why Tommy is a pinball wizard (my apologies to those not of the WHO generation).

 

16. The Top 5 REALLY Important NDAA Policies

Breaking Defense · by Mackenzie Eaglen · July 13, 2020

1. Navy Procurement and Force Structure Assessment

2. Big Budget Changes; Ending "Use It or Lose It"

3. Eliminating the Pentagon's Chief Management Officer

4. Keeping U.S. Troops In Germany (my comment: and Korea, too – but that has been in the last two NDAAs and similar language is in this one)

5. Pitting the F-35 Against the Virginia Class

 

17. Ex-US diplomat Richardson to urge Maduro to free Americans, including 2 former Green Berets

Military Times · by Joshua Goodman · July 13, 2020

Best of luck. I guess he will try to apply his North Korea experience to Venezuela. Maybe he can give us a comparison of Maduro and the Kims.

 

18. HASC chair Smith: troops 'not ready to fight' without resource-informed strategy

USNI News · by Megan Eckstein · July 13, 2020

Resource informed is another way to say resource constrained. As I have often written, we have more senior leaders talking knowledgeably about the National Security and National Defense Strategies than at any time I can recall in the past 4 decades. The question is can we adequately resource the strategies? As the saying goes, a strategy without resources is a hallucination or something like that.

 

19. The anti-American century

Foreign Policy · by Zachary Karabell · July 13, 2020

Mark Twain had a saying about being down and out and even dead. But what will replace the US led world order? I guess we will believe it when we see it.

The author notes the crumbling of three pillars: (1) the first pillar of the American Century to be knocked aside was military; (2) the second pillar to crumble was economic; (3) the final pillar was democracy.

Spoiler alert: the author's prescription is we let go of American exceptionalism and embrace American humility, realizing that America is a country like every other. Hmmm...

 

20. Hundreds come forward as #IAmVanessaGuillen movement surges online

Military Times · by Sarah Sicard · July 13, 2020

I hope (as we have hoped before) that some good will come from this terrible tragedy.

 

21. Biden's foreign-policy blast from the past

Wall Street Journal · by Walter Russell Mead · July 13, 2020

I do not offer with any partisan intent. It does two things. First, I think it does provide a fairly detailed and accurate view of Biden's views on foreign policy. Second, it is the most polite "debunking" of someone's foreign policy I have ever read and it should not only appeal to Biden supporters who will say yes, that is what I believe and that is what makes sense, but also Biden opponents who can say, yes that is what Biden and his supporters believe and it makes NO sense. This essay could actually be a template for the debates as it lays out the views and issues in a very succinct way.

 

22. Japan needs fight-style reform

The Japan Times · by Kuni Miyake · July 13, 2020

This is about first strike offensive operations and ridding Japan of its obsolete style of warfighting. This will be welcomed by the US but panned by the Chinese and Koreans.

 

22. Why the U.S. needs a strong diplomatic corps

Barron's · by David McKean and Jason Bruder · July 14, 2020

Sigh...  this should go without saying. Putting aside the perspective that this is in anticipation of a new administration, the authors make some important points that should be addressed by any administration. We need a diplomatic corps as strong as a military officer corps and our intelligence officer corps (if not stronger than both).

 

23. Amid pandemic, Pentagon would cut 'chem-bio' protections

Roll Call · by John M Donnelly · July 13, 2020

Timing is everything. Why now?

 

"Here's the wicked paradox about terrorism. Long-term responses do nothing about short-term dangers. Short-term reactions feed extremism over long term."

-  Carmen Medina former DDI, CIA, 19 NOV 2015

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

-Rowan Atkinson

"And how we burned in the camps later, thinking: What would things have been like if every Security operative, when he went out at night to make an arrest, had been uncertain whether he would return alive and had to say good-bye to his family? Or if, during periods of mass arrests, as for example in Leningrad, when they arrested a quarter of the entire city, people had not simply sat there in their lairs, paling with terror at every bang of the downstairs door and at every step on the staircase, but had understood they had nothing left to lose and had boldly set up in the downstairs hall an ambush of half a dozen people with axes, hammers, pokers, or whatever else was at hand?... The Organs would very quickly have suffered a shortage of officers and transport and, notwithstanding all of Stalin's thirst, the cursed machine would have ground to a halt! If...if...We didn't love freedom enough. And even more - we had no awareness of the real situation.... We purely and simply deserved everything that happened afterward."

- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

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

1. 'S. Korea's prosperity is thanks to heroes like Paik Sun-yup,' U.S. NSC says

2. Gen. Paik Sun-yup of my memories

3. We send food and information into North Korea. Why is Seoul trying to stop us?

4. Rise of Kim Jong-Un's sister marks increase North Korean cyber attacks

5. New COVID cases complicate US military missions in Japan, South Korea

6. NK poised to test submarine-launched ballistic missile: think tank

7.  Kim Jong-Un zigs, Kim Yo-Jong zags, and how North Korea negotiates

8.  Kim Jong-un's sister just put an end to Trump's nuclear talks

9. Trump may play into Pyongyang tactics in possible summit

10. N.K. media hints at optimism about S. Korea's new security lineup

11. North Korea's barbaric indoctrination laid bare as Kim Jong-un dubbed 'literal god'

12. Train destroyed in North Korea fire was carrying food, report says

13. Why does anyone listen to John Bolton on North Korea?

14. One in three South Korean COVID-19 patients improve with remdesivir

15. N. Korea is buying up dogs to supply restaurants in Pyongyang

16. S. Korea seeks to request pre-departure COVID-19 tests for incoming USFK members

17. My Quarantine Experience on Yeongjong Island in South Korea

 

1. 'S. Korea's prosperity is thanks to heroes like Paik Sun-yup,' U.S. NSC says

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

Excellent statement from our NSC as well as former CINCs.

I think we should initiate an effort to build a statue of General Paik at the Korean War Memorial on the Mall. He is one of the most important and iconic symbols of the ROK/US alliance.

 

2. Gen. Paik Sun-yup of my memories

The Dong-A Ilbo · by Op-Eds · July 14, 2020

I cannot find the name of the author of this piece. It is on the OpEd page of the Donga Ilbo.

 

3. We send food and information into North Korea. Why is Seoul trying to stop us?

The Washington Post · by Park Sang Hak · July 13, 2020

The title asks the right question – the one that the Korean people in the South should be asking of their government and the one that we as a blood alliance partner should be asking of the Moon administration. As Mr. Park says, human rights groups should not be persecuted. I believe they must be protected and supported. Information and influence activities are not only a key element of sustaining maximum pressure on the regime. They contribute to undermining the legitimacy of the regime, they support one of the many human rights abuses noted by the UN Commission of Inquiry in 2014 (e.g. the lack of free and open information available to the Korean people living in the North), they inform and educate Koreans about the human rights protections they deserve, they inform them that their human rights are denied for the purpose of keeping Kim Jong-Un in power, and, lastly, they help prepare the Korean people for unification. It is the right thing to do to get information to the Koreans. Anyone who argues that these activities hinder diplomacy and engagement should be reminded of what Kim is doing to the Korean people living in the North. Even if the North is appeased by giving into this demand, the regime is not going to change its behavior or negotiate or act in good faith but instead will take such appeasement as license to make even more demands to support its long con (to get sanctions relief while keeping nuclear weapons) and conduct its long term political warfare strategy with Juche characteristics, which is to achieve domination of the peninsula under the rule of the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State to ensure the survival of the Kim family regime.

 

4. Rise of Kim Jong-un's sister marks increase North Korean cyberattacks

Washington Times · by Guy Taylor · July 12, 2020

Cyber is in the title and North Korea's hacking and phishing attacks are described. But this is about more than cyber. It is the information and influence activities of Suzanne Scholte, whose work should also be supported. People like Suzanne and others are having an effect on the North, which is why North Korean hackers are targeting them. Their work threatens the regime. And that is a good thing.

I also make a few comments on influence as well. Guy Taylor, the journalist, references our report on a North Korean strategy, a plan B for maximum pressure 2.0. Our 5th section is on information and influence activities and it begins on page 46 here.

 

5. New COVID cases complicate US military missions in Japan, South Korea

Voice of America · by William Gallo · July 13, 2020

I know the military commanders are putting into place strict procedures to prevent any spread of the coronavirus infection throughout the ROK/US CFC and subordinate component headquarters. But these headquarters are petri dishes for the infection due to the large number of people who will be working in close confines in windowless burners with re-circulated air. I fear, come the fall, we may have a serious number of infected senior personnel, which could have a greater impact on readiness than if we did not conduct the exercise. As I note below, we need to train. But we have to do the risk analysis and weigh the potential costs versus the benefits.

 

6. NK poised to test submarine-launched ballistic missile: think tank

American Military News · by Asia News Network - TNS · July 13, 2020

Perhaps this is why we recently deployed additional ISR assets to Kadena.

 

7. Kim Jong-un zigs, Kim Yo-jong zags, and how North Korea negotiates

The Interpreter · by Khang Vu · July 13, 2020

Yes, it does have a purpose: to execute the regime's long con and conduct political warfare with Juche characteristics (apologies for continuing to beat this dead horse even more!). There is nothing new to this 7 decade old pattern. The TTPs may change (sharper zigs and zags perhaps), but the pattern and intent remain the same.

 

8. Kim Jong-un's sister just put an end to Trump's nuclear talks

Slate · by Fred Kaplan · July 13, 2020

Maybe Mr. Kaplan thinks it was a little noticed statement, but I think most of us are tracking what Kim Yo-Jong says. The "dear Sister?" I wonder if that is an authorized moniker like Dear Leader or Great leader or Supreme Leader? Or the Supreme Great and Dear Leader? But, I have been wondering if the "dear Sister" is actually Kim Jong-Un's Christmas or New Year's gift to us. Mr. Kaplan asks the $64,000 question in the conclusion: is Kim about to take a "wild risk?" We need to be ready.

 

9. Trump may play into Pyongyang tactics in possible summit

The Straits Times · by Editorial Notes · July 13, 2020

I think not. We have to outplay Kim's long con with our long game. I seriously doubt Kim will agree to a summit unless we make concessions of guaranteed sanctions relief. I do not think President Trump will do that. He will do a lot of things with his unconventional, experimental, top-down, pen-pal diplomacy, but I do not think he is going to lift sanctions. It is his best current leverage and the fact that Kim has failed to successfully play both Moon and Trump to get sanctions relief is putting Kim Jong-Un under enormous pressure. We need to hold the line until his elite military puts sufficient pressure on him to change his strategy or take some other action.

 

10. N.K. media hints at optimism about S. Korea's new security lineup

Yonhap News Agency · by Yi Wonju · July 14, 2020

Go figure. Maybe they think it will be deja vu all over again? They have won the power ball lottery and expect to receive hundreds of millions of dollars as they did during the Sunshine Policy.

I would be happy about this if these "unification activists" would focus their efforts, leading to the only acceptable durable political arrangement: a secure, stable, economically vibrant, non-nuclear Korean peninsula unified under a liberal constitutional form of government with respect for individual liberty, the rule of law, and human rights, determined by the Korean people. In short, a United Republic of Korea (UROK). I fear this is not their vision, but I would like to be proven wrong.

I would also be happy if the Moon administration would exploit the North's optimism while playing its own long game with US support against Kim's long con.

 

11. North Korea's barbaric indoctrination laid bare as Kim Jong-un dubbed 'literal god'

Express · by Joel Day · July 13, 2020

Yes, we must focus on the regime's human rights abuses. Note how the regime reacts against the UK action on sanctions over human rights. It is a threat to the regime. Talk and actions on human rights weakens the regime. Talk on the nuclear weapons program reinforces regime legitimacy. And it is much harder for the North's Propaganda and Agitation department to counter human rights activities by the outside world while they salivate over any and all talk about the North Korean nuclear and missile threat.

 

12. Train destroyed in North Korea fire was carrying food, report says

UPI · by Elizabeth Shim · July 13, 2020

Again: an accident, incompetence, or sabotage?

 

13. Why does anyone listen to John Bolton on North Korea?

The National Interest · by Daniel R. DePetris · July 13, 2020

Well, he was in the room and the author of this piece was not. 

Yes, there are many things on which I disagree with Mr. Bolton - the continued use of the "Libya model' for one (if only to play to Kim's ego, we should understand that the only "model" he will accept is a North Korean model - not a Libya model, nor Vietnam model, nor Chinese style reforms, etc. - everything has to be uniquely North Korea). And deterrence works (or as Sir Lawrence Freedman says, "Deterrence works, until it doesn't.") We can and must deter an attack on South Korea.

But I think Mr. Bolton has this exactly right. He understands Kim's long con and strategy as well as the regime's blackmail diplomacy playbook. And the only thing more dangerous is for authors like Mr. DePetris to not grasp this and to think that appeasing the regime will somehow bring peace and stability.

 

14. One in three South Korean COVID-19 patients improve with remdesivir

Reuters · by Sangmi Cha, Miyoung Kim, & Robert Birsel · July 13, 2020

 

15. N. Korea is buying up dogs to supply restaurants in Pyongyang

Daily NK · by Kim Yoo Jin · July 14, 2020

The regime is buying up dogs using IOUs, promising future rice or Chinese cooking oil by October: an indicator of problems on many levels. It must be very upsetting to Kim (excuse my sarcasm). The focus is on feeding the people in Pyongyang and implying those outside of Pyongyang need to lessen his worries by helping to feed the people in Pyongyang. This illustrates the hyperthermia analogy of North Korea: the body must focus on keeping the core temperature warm and it does that by cutting off the circulation to the extremities. Those extremities contribute nothing to keep the core warm so like areas outside of Pyongyang they are "deprioritized." Eventually those areas will get frostbite and then gangrene and have to be cut off. This is what happens to certain sectors and geographic areas in the North. And when the regime has to start making decisions that begin deprioritizing elements of the military, we will soon see the loss of coherency in the military and loss of support for the regime. We need to keep a watchful eye for the indications and warning.

 

16. S. Korea seeks to request pre-departure COVID-19 tests for incoming USFK members

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

This should not be unexpected but will hardly reduce the problem if testing result wait times are still days and even more than a week in the US. Theoretically, you would need to take the test and immediately quarantine until the results are negative, then immediately deploy to Korea (and hope you do not get infected while in transit), and then quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Perhaps there will be another stop movement order put in place because travel from the US is too high risk.

 

17. My quarantine experience on Yeongjong Island in South Korea

The National Interest · by Mitchell Blatt · July 13, 2020

First hand experience with the bureaucracy.

 

"Here's the wicked paradox about terrorism. Long-term responses do nothing about short-term dangers. Short-term reactions feed extremism over long term."

- Carmen Medina, former DDI, CIA, 19 NOV 2015

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

- Rowan Atkinson

"And how we burned in the camps later, thinking: What would things have been like if every Security operative, when he went out at night to make an arrest, had been uncertain whether he would return alive and had to say good-bye to his family? Or if, during periods of mass arrests, as for example in Leningrad, when they arrested a quarter of the entire city, people had not simply sat there in their lairs, paling with terror at every bang of the downstairs door and at every step on the staircase, but had understood they had nothing left to lose and had boldly set up in the downstairs hall an ambush of half a dozen people with axes, hammers, pokers, or whatever else was at hand?... The Organs would very quickly have suffered a shortage of officers and transport and, notwithstanding all of Stalin's thirst, the cursed machine would have ground to a halt! If...if...We didn't love freedom enough. And even more - we had no awareness of the real situation.... We purely and simply deserved everything that happened afterward."

- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

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

1. To deter war with China, defend Guam

2. Iran and China angle for broad partnership to offset U.S. pressure

3. Still the one: great power competition and special operations forces

4. The history of America's National Security Strategy

5. China announces sanctions against US lawmakers over Uighur issue (Rubio, Cruz, Smith and Brownback)

6. The Pentagon has a plan to include more women in national security. Here's what that means - and why it matters

7. Congress pulls punches on Russian bounties firestorm

8. Historic retention rates credited by Army, Air Force generals with helping them meet end-strengths

9. The Navy is trolling the Army over Tom Hanks' new WWII film

10. Why reassessing Israel's risky relationship with China matters

11. The military's privileged position above the political fray is at risk

12. Within the Taliban, clashing views of Afghanistan's future

13. As U.S. moves to exit Afghanistan, rivals prepare to swoop in

14. WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases, up over 230,000

15. Okinawa demands answers from US after 61 marines contract coronavirus

16. Is the Aegis Ashore cancellation a mixed blessing?

17. 1st SFG (A) welcomes new commander

18. COVID-19 and pandemics: the greatest national security threat of 2020 and beyond

19. Latvia wants US troops, and is ready to pay for them

20. Trump praises SOUTHCOM counter-drug ops that seize 264,000 pounds and 1,000 traffickers

21. Assessing African strategic needs to counter undue Chinese influence

 

1. To deter war with China, defend Guam

The National Interest · by Rebeccah Heinrichs · July 11, 2020

Yes Guam is important. But, it is also vulnerable. Can we defend it?

Dynamic Force Employment (DFE)

Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD)

Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS)

 

2. Iran and China angle for broad partnership to offset U.S. pressure

Wall Street Journal · by Sune Engel Rasmussen & Aresu Eqbali · July 12, 2020

I hate to use those three words: "axis of evil." But it is certainly a partnership of revisionist and rogue powers. Other than North Korea, China has never had any allies. Could this be a change?

 

3. Still the one: great power competition and special operations forces

Foreign Policy Research Institute · by Tim Ball · July 10, 2020

The 17 page think piece can be downloaded here.

Bottom line is SOF can do (and does) more than counterterrorism and direct action.

 

4. The history of America's National Security Strategy

The National Interest · by John Garofano · July 12, 2020

A useful historical overview for those with an interest in US strategy.

 

5. China announces sanctions against US lawmakers over Uighur issue

Voice of America · by VOA News · July 13, 2020

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Maybe our sanctions have a greater effect than some people think.

This probably means no CODELs to China for Cruz, Rubio, and Smith.

 

6. The Pentagon has a plan to include more women in national security. Here's what that means - and why it matters

Task & Purpose · by Jeannette Gaudry Haynie & Kyleanne Hunter · July 10, 2020

Yes it matters. We need to effectively employ all the talent of our great nation.

 

7. Congress pulls punches on Russian bounties firestorm

The Hill · by Rebecca Kheel · July 12, 2020

I concur with the Majority Leader here: the Russians are up to no go - and in multiple areas.

 

8. Historic retention rates credited by Army, Air Force generals with helping them meet end-strengths

Army Times · by Kyle Rempfer · July 12, 2020

 

Yes, I would imagine retention is good right now as the military offers a lot of relative stability (e.g., paycheck and health benefits)

 

9. The Navy is trolling the Army over Tom Hanks' new WWII film

Task & Purpose · by Jared Keller · by July 11, 2020

Can we now give Tom Hanks his designation as a Joint Duty Officer? He should now have constructive credit for his experiences despite not having completed JPME II.

 

10. Why reassessing Israel's risky relationship with China matters

ynetnews.com · by Mark Dubowitz & Richard Goldberg · by July 11, 2020

 

11. The military's privileged position above the political fray is at risk

Military Times · by Ian Bryan · by July 12, 2020

I think the use of privilege is misplaced here.  It is the duty and responsibility of the military and the executive branch to ensure the military is non-partisan and above the political fray.

 

12. Within the Taliban, clashing views of Afghanistan's future

The Washington Post · by Susannah George & Aziz Tassal · by July 12, 2020

 

13. As U.S. moves to exit Afghanistan, rivals prepare to swoop in

Gandhara · by Frud Bezhan · by July 13, 2020

 

14. WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases, up over 230,000

Reuters · by Lisa Shumaker & Daniel Wallis · by July 12, 2020

 

15. Okinawa demands answers from US after 61 marines contract coronavirus

The Guardian · by Press Association · July 12, 2020

 

16. Is the Aegis Ashore cancellation a mixed blessing?

The Japan Times · by Tatsumi Yuki · July 10, 2020

Time will tell.  But this is a very sober assessment.

 

17. 1st SFG (A) welcomes new commander

US Army · by Anthony Bryant · July 9, 2020

 

18. COVID-19 and pandemics: the greatest national security threat of 2020 and beyond

Foreign Policy Research Institute · by Colonel (Retired) Robert E. Hamiliton · July 9, 2020

 

19. Latvia wants US troops, and is ready to pay for them

Breaking Defense · by Paul McLeary · July 9, 2020

 

20. Trump praises SOUTHCOM counter-drug ops that seize 264,000 pounds and 1,000 traffickers

Military Times · by Todd South · July 12, 2020

 

21. Assessing African strategic needs to counter undue Chinese influence

Divergent Options · by Damimola Olawuyi · July 13, 2020

Every geographic combatant commander has a China problem.

 

"Well when events change, I change my mind. What do you do?" 

- Dr. Paul Samuelson, who was awarded the 1970 Nobel Prize in economics.

"Everybody is a Genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid."

- Albert Einstein

"The framers of the Constitution took deliberate steps to ensure that treason trials would not be used as political weapons against opponents. Article 3, Section 3 defines the crime very narrowly: 'Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.' This language is drawn from an English statute from 1351 that was also intended to limit the scope of treason. Speaking against the government, undermining political opponents, supporting harmful policies or even placing the interests of another nation ahead of those of the United States are not acts of treason under the Constitution."

-Carlton F.W. Larson

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

1. [Exclusive Interview - John Bolton] "No direct (phone) line between Trump and Kim"

2. North Korea's worst nightmare has come true: stealth F-35s have arrived next door

3.  Kim Jong-un cruelty: shocking details of punishment for families of defectors leaked

4. Altar for war hero set up in Gwanghwamun

5. Korea's top communist killer passes at 99

6. U.S. sends surveillance plane to air base in Japan: aviation tracker

7. SpaceX test-fires rocket for South Korean military satellite launch this week

8. N.K. paper warns against following 'bourgeois culture'

9. Kim Yo Jong becomes full member of N. Korea's politburo

10. USFK commander pays tribute to late war hero Paik

11. Pro-N.K. paper says Washington's WHO withdrawal decision indicates deepening isolation

12. Korean War hero Paik Sun-yup deserves proper treatment

13. 'Cancellation of joint drills may hamper denuclearization' (Korea)

14. It's up to North Korea

15. Bilateralism in inter-Korea relations

 

1. [Exclusive Interview - John Bolton]"No direct (phone) line between Trump and Kim"

The Dong-A Ilbo · by Jungahn Kim · July 13, 2020

A relatively long interview with John Bolton. Some interesting tidbits that I will still take with a grain of salt. But he also gets some critical things right especially about our presence in South Korea and why we have an alliance (e.g., it is about mutual defense and mutual interests and not simply about defending South Korea).

 

2. North Korea's worst nightmare has come true: stealth F-35s have arrived next door

The National Interest · by Mark Episkopos · July 12, 2020

Yes, Kim Jong-un should be afraid, very afraid of the F-35.

 

3. Kim Jong-un cruelty: shocking details of punishment for families of defectors leaked

Express · by Simon Osborne · July 11, 2020

The truly evil nature of Kim Jong-Un and the Kim family regime.

 

4. Altar for war hero set up in Gwanghwamun

The Chosun Ilbo · by Ariang News · July 13, 2020

From what I have been told, this is being funded by private funds while the Mayor of Seoul's is being funded by taxpayer money.

 

5. Korea's top communist killer passes at 99

Asia Times · by Andrew Salmon · July 12, 2020

Quite the click bait headline. I thought it was going to be in reference to Operation RatKilller, which General Paik led to root out the North Korean guerrillas in the Jiri Mountains of South Korea in December 1951 - February 1952 and which killed or captured some 10,000 North Korean guerrillas who were harassing the UN rear and supply lines. But it does not cover that. This is actually a useful summary of General Paik's history and the current controversy over his funeral and honors.

 

6. U.S. sends surveillance plane to air base in Japan: aviation tracker

Yonhap News Agency · by scaaet@yna.co.kr · July 13, 2020

We can never have too much ISR in theater.

 

7. SpaceX test-fires rocket for South Korean military satellite launch this week

Space.com · by Tariq Malik · July 12, 2020

This is very important for ROK military command and control.

 

8. N.K. paper warns against following 'bourgeois culture'

Yonhap News Agency · by julesyi@yna.co.kr · July 13, 2020

Blame the bourgeois culture and prepare for the severe hardship that is coming and will likely last for some time.

 

9. Kim Yo Jong becomes full member of N. Korea's politburo

Daily NK · by Ha Yoon Ah · July 13, 2020

If this is accurate, then it is further indication of the trust Kim Jong-Un has in her, that she is being given even more power and stature, and that she is possibly being groomed for succession. Maybe Kim has been reading his Ranger Handbook and is adopting the 5 point contingency in case something happens to him and for use while he has been hiding out from the coronavirus in Wonsan and leaving Kim Yo-Jong in charge in Pyongyang.

(8) Contingency Plans. The leader leaves his unit for many reasons throughout the planning, coordination, preparation, and execution of his patrol mission. Each time the leader departs the patrol main body, he must issue a five-point contingency plan to the leader left in charge of the unit. The contingency plan is described by the acronym GOTWA, and includes:

* G: Where the leader is GOING.

* O: OTHERS he is taking with him.

* T: TIME he plans to be gone.

* W: WHAT to do if the leader does not return in time.

* A: The unit's and the leader's ACTIONS on chance contact while the leader is gone

 

10. USFK commander pays tribute to late war hero Paik

Yonhap News Agency · by scaaet@yna.co.kr · July 13, 2020

That is the ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the ROK/US Combined Forces Commander. I wish the press would refer to General Abrams (and his eventual ROK successor) by the title, which is most important to the Alliance. The ROK/US Combined Forces Command is charged with deterring North Korea and, if necessary, defending South Korea by defeating a North Korean attack. The Korean press should always refer to the ROK/US Combined Forces Command and not USFK, which is not a warfighting command, is only a sub-unified command of INDOPACOM, and is a force provider to the ROK/US Combined Forces Command.

This act is a symbol of the strength of the alliance and General Paik was one of the best living symbols of the alliance. He will be missed, but I hope his legacy will continue to serve as a reminder of what our two nations did together and can and will do together.

 

11. Pro-N.K. paper says Washington's WHO withdrawal decision indicates deepening isolation

Yonhap News Agency · by kokobj@yna.co.kr · July 13, 2020

Well, there is the pot calling the kettle... No country is more isolated in this world than North Korea. But, it is interesting to assess how the North's Propaganda and Agitation Department will try to exploit our actions with the WHO and others to try to undermine US legitimacy. Note its defense of its only ally, China.

 

12. Korean War hero Paik Sun-yup deserves proper treatment

The Dong-A Ilbo · by Editorial · July 13, 2020

Yes he does. Enough said.

One thing I would like to see happen is the erection of a statue in General Paik's honor at the Korean War Memorial in DC. That would be a fitting tribute to his contribution to the Alliance.

 

13. 'Cancellation of joint drills may hamper denuclearization' (Korea)

The Korea Times · by Kang Seung-woo · July 13, 2020

I cannot emphasize this article’s sentiment enough: there is no evidence of reciprocity. What we have learned over the past two years is that canceling, postponing, or scaling back exercises (or establishing a Comprehensive Military Agreement) has resulted in no reciprocity from the North and has not reduced either tension or the threat of the North. The North remains postured for offensive operations along the DMZ with 70% of the 4th largest army in the world between the DMZ and Pyongyang. None of our actions to demonstrate the reduction of what the North describes as a hostile policy will ever satisfy the regime. The regime's definition of an end to the US hostile policy is an end to the ROK/US alliance, the removal of US troops from the peninsula, and an end to extended deterrence and the nuclear umbrella over the ROK and Japan. We must move forward with a thorough understanding of the regime's strategy, objectives, and tactics, techniques, and procedures.

 

14. It's up to North Korea

The Korea Times · by Tong Kim · July 13, 2020

I agree with Tong that Kim is taking the long view beyond this administration (and even the next), which is why I call it a "long con." But I am not as optimistic as Tong in his conclusion (though I agree that the regime is very rational from the North Korean point of view).

 

15. Bilateralism in inter-Korea relations

The Korea Times · by Sandip Kumar Mishra · July 13, 2020

Intra-Korean relations. We should not forget that Korea should be unified and one day will be.

There are two points. First is that there is no success versus North Korea unless there is the foundation of a rock solid ROK/US Alliance. However, this is a double-edged sword because the North correctly perceives this as two against one. This is of course necessary, because without the US half of the alliance and the US presence on the peninsula, the regime will eventually resort to the use of force to accomplish its objectives after exhausting its subversion and coercion/extortion lines of effort. This is why we (the ROK/US Alliance) should focus our efforts on resolving the "Korea question."

 

"Well when events change, I change my mind. What do you do?" 

- Dr. Paul Samuelson, who was awarded the 1970 Nobel Prize in economics.

"Everybody is a Genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid."

- Albert Einstein

"The framers of the Constitution took deliberate steps to ensure that treason trials would not be used as political weapons against opponents. Article 3, Section 3 defines the crime very narrowly: 'Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.' This language is drawn from an English statute from 1351 that was also intended to limit the scope of treason. Speaking against the government, undermining political opponents, supporting harmful policies or even placing the interests of another nation ahead of those of the United States are not acts of treason under the Constitution."

-Carlton F.W. Larson

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Riley Murray.

 

1. How a Great Power Falls Apart: Decline Is Invisible From the Inside

2. Opinion | Failing to renew VOA foreign staffers' visas would devastate one of its core functions

3. USAGM Reviewing Foreign Journalist Visas

4. Visa Delays Could Hamper VOA News Coverage, Journalists Say

5. John Hopkins University Sues to Defend International Students Against Trump Administration Decision

6. Private Donations and National Defense

7. The Next Experiments in Elitism

8. Green Beret, 34, dies by suicide in front of his wife

9. Get Ready for a New Type of Israeli War

10. Should the U.S. designate racial violence as terrorism?

11. China's Troubling Vision for the Future of Public Health

12. U.S. warns citizens of heightened detention risks in China

13. We're losing the war on the coronavirus

14. Inside the Volunteer Supercomputer Team That's Hunting for COVID Clues

15. Army opens investigation into Fort Hood following death of Vanessa Guillen

16. 'I thought this was a hoax' | 30-year-old patient dies in local hospital after attending 'COVID Party'

17. The National Emergency at Your Doorstep: The disappearance of local news is a slow-moving disaster. (book review)

18. Opinion | Trump's bullying of Lt. Col. Vindman will be studied by military cadets for years

19. The Far-Right Revolution Was Waiting for an Opportunity. Now, It's Here.

20. In Latin America, the Pandemic Threatens Equality Like Never Before

21. Gurkhas: The World's Most Famous Mercenaries (Known As a Savage Soldiers)

 

1.  How a Great Power Falls Apart: Decline Is Invisible From the Inside

Foreign Affairs · by Charles King · July 10, 2020

An interesting review of the history of fall of the Soviet Union.  I was of course familiar with the Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago but not with the writing of Andrei Amalrik.  But the concluding two paragraphs is something to really ponder.  I have read them three or four times and it is really powerful.

 

2. Opinion | Failing to renew VOA foreign staffers' visas would devastate one of its core functions

The Washington Post · by Editorial Board

I fear that USAGM is being used to further the idiotic immigration policies and at the same time take down VOA, RFA, RFE, RL, MEB, etc.

We should be overly concerned.  We need these native speakers to effectively accomplish the mission. 

I hope to be proven wrong.

 

3. USAGM Reviewing Foreign Journalist Visas

voanews.com · by VOA News

Here is reporting on the Visa issue straight from VOA.  We can discount the NPR reporting, but it is hard to dispute reports that come from the actual agencies affected.

 

 

4. Visa Delays Could Hamper VOA News Coverage, Journalists Say

voanews.com · by Jessica Jerreat – 11 July 2020

Here is a concrete and personal example of the impact of the Visa issue. I hope there is no retribution against this journalist for telling her story for the VOA journalist.  It the USAGM response is to make some kind of allegations of wrongdoing it will be a sign of not only retribution but the real intent.  Again, I fear this is a concerted effort to implement the White House's anti-immigration policies and to gut our VOA, etc. capabilities.  We are going to shoot ourselves in the foot with these actions. Or worse.

I am trying hard to give the new leadership the benefit of the doubt, but this kind of reporting does not give me confidence. It is unfortunate that there is no constituency in the US to support the work of VOA, et al because few really know what the mission is or the important contributions these journalists make to the US and our foreign policy. 

 

5. John Hopkins University Sues to Defend International Students Against Trump Administration Decision

TIME · by time.com editors

Another decision not in the best interests of the United States. I hope the court rules correctly for our universities and American interests.  There seems to be a pattern with immigration.

 

6. Private Donations and National Defense

philanthropyroundtable.org · by Karl Zinsmeister

I previously sent out the original article from Philanthropy Magazine.  Spirit of America makes contributions to our foreign affairs and national security like no other NGO.  It is one of a kind.  I hope people will support it.

Truth in advertising, I am a member of the Board of Advisors.

 

7. The Next Experiments in Elitism

https://breakingsmart.substack.com/ - by Venkatesh Rao – 10 July 2020

A 60 paragraph discussion on elitism (and no we are not taking about "elite" military forces)

You can listen to this at the link below.

The Next Experiments in Elitism

 

8. Green Beret, 34, dies by suicide in front of his wife

Daily Mail · by Frances Mulraney · July 11, 2020

Another terrible tragedy in our Regiment and the US military.

 

9. Get Ready for a New Type of Israeli War

The National Interest · by Jacob Nagel · July 11, 2020

A very interesting discussion of precision guided munitions. 

 

10. Should the U.S. designate racial violence as terrorism?

PBS · by Simon Ostrovsky · July 11, 2020

I think not. My gut says racial violence should remain criminal activity. However, I do think the opposite argument can made. Of course, one of the problems we have with classifying acts as terrorism is there is no commonly accepted definition of terrorism. I still think one of the best definitions is from my old boss Bruce Hoffman in his book Inside Terrorism.  The question is does racial violence fit within this definition?  

"We may therefore now attempt to define terrorism as the deliberate creation and exploitation of fear through violence or the threat of violence in the pursuit of political change. All terrorist acts involve violence or the threat of violence. Terrorism is specifically designed to have far-reaching psychological effects beyond the immediate victim(s) or object of the terrorist attack. It is meant to instill fear within, and thereby intimidate, a wider `target audience' that might include a rival ethnic or religious group, an entire country, a national government or political party, or public opinion in general. Terrorism is designed to create power where there is none or to consolidate power where there is very little. Through the publicity generated by their violence, terrorists seek to obtain the leverage, influence and power they otherwise lack to effect political change on either a local or an international scale."

 

11. China's Troubling Vision for the Future of Public Health

Foreign Affairs · by Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Julian Gewirtz · July 10, 2020

I think the authors are correct. I am surprised they did not discuss China's influence over the WHO which is one of the reasons why we should not be withdrawing from it.

 

12. U.S. warns citizens of heightened detention risks in China

Reuters · by Reporting by Lusha Zhang and Yew Lun Tian; writing by Se Young Lee; Editing by Toby Chopra · July 11, 2020

I would certainly not travel to the PRC at this time.  I have probably violated the law by writing negative things about the CCP.  A cursory search of social media would reveal my views of the CCP.

 

13. We're losing the war on the coronavirus

Axios · by Sam Baker

Not good news.  And will not be accepted by many.

 

14. Inside the Volunteer Supercomputer Team That's Hunting for COVID Clues

defenseone.com · by Brandi Vincent

I hope all this computing power can find us the answers we need.  The article is a real "who's who" of the technical world.

 

15. Army opens investigation into Fort Hood following death of Vanessa Guillen

Axios · by Ursula Perano

Based on the reporting it seems we have a significant problem there (and likely other places as well despite all the efforts that have been made to stop sexual harassment/assault, etc.). 

 

16. 'I thought this was a hoax' | 30-year-old patient dies in local hospital after attending 'COVID Party'

wzzm13.com

What did Forrest Gump say?  "Stupid is as stupid does?"  Perhaps this is one way of reducing the gene pool of idiots.

 

17. The National Emergency at Your Doorstep: The disappearance of local news is a slow-moving disaster. (book review)

The Atlantic · by Megan Garber · July 11, 2020

My wife has been pushing hard for us to watch and read local news.  I think she is right.  We need to support our local papers and media.

The author wants us to "recalibrate our vision" of the local news and think of it as "instead as an intimately local proposition."

As an aside one of the longest jobs I ever held was delivering the local newspaper I delivered it every day for 7 years from the time I was 7 until I went to high school at 14.  I bet few kids get to do that today.

 

18. Opinion | Trump's bullying of Lt. Col. Vindman will be studied by military cadets for years

NBC News – by Jeff McCausland - July 11, 2020

This will be panned by those with partisan political views especially because of the clickbait title as that is all many will read. But I think Jeff McCausland's analysis here is important I know he is correct that this will be studied at PME institutions for years to come.  Regardless of partisan views this incident requires study and reflection on a number of levels.

 

19.  The Far-Right Revolution Was Waiting for an Opportunity. Now, It's Here.

The Intercept · by Murtaza Hussain · July 11, 2020

From the Intercept.  And this will be panned by all those who view antifa and BLM as terrorist organizations or insurgencies.  We should all agree that radicalism and radical actions on both extremes of the political spectrum is not good for our country.  Unfortunately, the radical extremes have the loudest voices or take the most aggressive actions.

 

20.  In Latin America, the Pandemic Threatens Equality Like Never Before

The New York Times · by Julie Turkewitz and Sofía Villamil · July 12, 2020

 

21. Gurkhas: The World's Most Famous Mercenaries (Known As a Savage Soldiers)

The National Interest · by Peter Suciu · July 11, 2020

The Ghurkas have to be one of the finest tactical fighting forces in the world.  And they are truly as hard as woodpecker lips as the solder's saying goes.  When I was a young company commander in Korea back in the 1980's a platoon of Gurkhas was deployed for training.  Since we were in the field conducting a major training exercise they were assigned to my company.  The First Sergeant and I drove back to the assembly area with two deuce and a half trucks to bring the platoon to our training location.  The. Brit platoon leader said no thank you and that he and his Gurkha corporal would lead them to our training location on foot at the double time.  We were located about 6 miles from the assembly area and about an hour and a half later they arrived at our location.  The First Sergeant had hot chow waiting for them and provided a bivouac area but again the UK platoon leader said no thank you as they had their own rations and they would gladly occupy a portion of the perimeter and contribute to the defense.  In the best Ranger tradition, they faded into the wood line and occupied tactical positions.  Never once in the week they were with us did they ever do anything that was not tactically sound.  They were "switched on" as they say 24/7.  

 

"Everybody wants to defend speech they agree with., only the truly principled will defend the speech of someone to say something they disagree with and hate to listen or read." - Cal Weyers

 

"Any fool can know. The point is to understand."

- Albert Einstein

 

Victor Hugo was a master of figurative language, including the use of oxymoronic and paradoxical phrasing, chiastic constructions, and, of course, vivid metaphorical images. Here are ten of his best:

"Toleration is the best religion."

"Thought is the labor of the intellect."

"The malicious have a dark happiness."

"Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad."

"To rise from error to truth is rare and beautiful."

"A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil."

""Laughter is the sun which drives winter from the human face."

"One can resist the invasion of armies;

one cannot resist the invasion of ideas."

"It is the essence of truth that it is never excessive . . .

We must not resort to the flame where only light is required."

"There are thoughts which are prayers.

There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body,

the soul is on its knees."

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Riley Murray.

 

1. Paik Sun-yup, South Korea's First Four-Star General, Dies at 99

2. How the dramatic death of Seoul's mayor left a country divided

3. Fire Visible From China Destroys Train and Warehouse at North Korean Station

4.  North Korea chaos: Kim Jong-un humiliated as major disaster visible from China

5. North Korea Sends 30 Pyongyang Families of Missing Overseas Workers Into Internal Exile

6.  North Korea denounces UK for sanctions on organizations accused of links to prison camps

7. North Korea Says U.K. Will 'Pay' for Sanctions Against It

8. The Korean Grind Duo That Raged Against Two Corrupt Machines

9. S. Korea, US could suspend again joint drills: sources

10. Korea to require foreigners arriving from high-risk nations to submit proof of negative virus test

11. Political controversy erupts over mourning Seoul mayor's passing

12. New virus cases rebound; imported cases, cluster infections on steady rise

13. Commentary: Another Trump-Kim summit will achieve little yet again

 

1. Paik Sun-yup, South Korea's First Four-Star General, Dies at 99

The New York Times · by Choe Sang-Hun · July 11, 2020

Note the discussion of his service in the Japanese military.  He was born 15 years after Japan occupied Korea (10 years after the official date of 1910).  He was 17 when Japan invaded China.  Yes, he attended a Japanese military school and served in the Japanese army. He likely did not have a choice.  His family, like many others, were trying to survive the Japanese occupation. And it is obvious he put his military training to good use in 1950 and beyond.  

Most who want to treat him as a collaborator are also north Korean apologists.  I think when people are making accusations against General Paik they should remember how much he has done for Korea, unlike Kim Il-sung. Kim was a soldier in the Soviet Red Army who called himself a guerrilla leader.  He commanded the 88th special independent sniper brigade and conducted one known and very minor operation during all of World War II.  He spent the war mostly hiding out because he was not a capable military leader.  Most importantly he did liberate Korea.  All he was good at was  political  manipulation, creating the myths of north  Korea  and developing the most oppressive ruling regime in the modern era and of course he has the blood of more than 1 million Koreans on his hands because he alone started the Korean War.  If it were not for Paik Sun-yup and Koreans like him there would be no free and prosperous Republic of Korea today.

Korean independence fighters in the South also deserve to be honored.  It is not a contradiction to honor them both.  But Kim Il-sung was not one of those freedom fighters.  He and his guerrilla band had no intention of developing a free and prosperous Korea only establishing a brutal that would oppress the Korean people while he held all the power.

I hope South Korea will do the right thing and honor his decades of selfless service for the good of Korea.  He has certainly given more and sacrificed more than anyone in the Moon administration has or ever will do.  I hope he is given the respect he deserves.

 

2. How the dramatic death of Seoul's mayor left a country divided

CNN · by Yoonjung Seo and Julia Hollingsworth, CNN

Korea seems to be focusing on this man's death rather than on honoring General Paik's life.

 

3. Fire Visible From China Destroys Train and Warehouse at North Korean Station

rfa.org – Reported by Joonho Kim for RFA's Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong -10 July 2020

This is an example of the important reporting RFA and VOA does to get this kind of news to the Korean people living in the north.  You know this is not likely being report by north Korean media or it is it will be spun appropriately for protect the reputation of the regime.

Of course, this begs the questions: Was this an accident?  Was it due to party/government incompetence?  Was is deliberate sabotage?  Is this an indication? 

 

4. North Korea chaos: Kim Jong-un humiliated as major disaster visible from China

Express · by Paul Withers · July 11, 2020

This is an interesting spin on the RFA report of this incident.  RFA reports the facts.  Others take the facts and add "interesting" interpretations.

 

5. North Korea Sends 30 Pyongyang Families of Missing Overseas Workers Into Internal Exile

rfa.org - Reported by Sewon Kim for RFA's Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong – 10 July 2020

Again, this is the important kind of reporting by RFA and VOA.  This news is not being reported to the Korean people living in the north by the north Korean media.  The people do not know how the human rights of these families are being abused.  RFA and VOA provide reporting that no other media can do.

 

6. North Korea denounces UK for sanctions on organizations accused of links to prison camps

Reuters · by Joyce Lee · July 11, 2020

This is another important example of why we need to spend more time talking about human rights and less time talking about nuclear weapons.  Human rights undermine the legitimacy of the regime and is a direct threat to Kim Jong-un.  Talking about nuclear weapons enhances regime legitimacy.

The UK is making an important contribution to maximum pressure here.

 

7. North Korea Says U.K. Will 'Pay' for Sanctions Against It

Bloomberg · by Jeong-Ho Lee · July 11, 2020

Again, the UK focus on human rights is a threat to Kim Jong-un.

 

8. The Korean Grind Duo That Raged Against Two Corrupt Machines

Vice · by Junhyup Kwon

A view of a part of Korea and Korea politics and culture that we really read about in mainstream of Korean English media.  I will be interested in responses from my friends in Korea.

 

9. S. Korea, US could suspend again joint drills: sources

koreaherald.com · by The Korea Herald · July 12, 2020

Note the controversy over readiness for the defense of South Korea versus the full operational capability assessment for OPCON Transition.  This why what OPCON transition must be conditions based on not timeline based.  Readiness must take precedence.  However, both may very well be trumped by the coronavirus threat to the health of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command.  I would rather forgo the exercise and maintain the health of the members of the command because the longer-term impact of a potential massive outbreak of the coronavirus within the command could be quite significant.  Commanders are going to have to find other ways to train to ensure everyone knows the defense plans without consolidating the headquarters in a single bunker and risk exposure of a large number of key leaders and staff.

 

10. Korea to require foreigners arriving from high-risk nations to submit proof of negative virus test

koreaherald.com · by The Korea Herald · July 12, 2020

Yes, Korea is experiencing a rise in infections with arriving foreigners.  The problem with this is that proof of a negative test only proves you were negative at the time the test was administered.  A person can become infected after the test and be asymptomatic but still spread the virus.  But this will have some impact as it will likely deter some travelers especially those who do have access to test or who can get test results in a timely manner (such as in the US which is obviously one of the high risk nations based on the data).

 

11. Political controversy erupts over mourning Seoul mayor's passing

en.yna.co.kr · by 김덕현 · July 12, 2020

This overshadows the passing of General Paik.

 

12. New virus cases rebound; imported cases, cluster infections on steady rise

en.yna.co.kr · by 김덕현 · July 12, 2020

It is going to take sustained vigilance by the government and the people to deal with this virus.  As long as there is no vaccine and no likelihood of developing herd immunity it is going to take the hard work of public health processes to manage this crisis.  And I think it is going to have to shift from crisis management to living in a "new normal."  Things may never be the same again - or as the Talking Heads say it will never be "the same as it ever was." (Once in a Lifetime)

 

13. Commentary: Another Trump-Kim summit will achieve little yet again

channelnewsasia.com – by Robert E. Kelly – 12 July 2020

North Korea is justified?  A summit will achieve little if there are no substantive working level talks to produce an agreement to take to the two leaders.  But he is right as to whether a summit would achieve anything. It would not and if we had to make concessions such as lifting sanctions just to have a meeting (which is the required condition just for Kim to show up) we would do more harm than good.

I really tire of the blame the US for not making concessions (to be fair he says both sides have not made concessions - but I would expect the Professor to recall the history of making concessions with north Korea and how masterful the regime is at getting something for nothing).  The reason for failure lies on the shoulders of Kim Jong-un alone.  He is the one who refuses to negotiate (and I would not characterize the recent history as the past 2 years of negotiations - there have been no substantive negotiations - review the reporting on the two sessions in Sweden in January and October of 2019. - Review the reporting on the "negotiations" in the run-up to Hanoi - review the history of the South trying to act as a go-between mediator).  There have not been 2 years of negotiations.  There have been some talks and meetings, but the north has refused to do the hard work of substantive negotiations to reach a real agreement.

But for all those who want to lift sanctions, I ask again what behavior by Kim Jong-un do you want to condone?  Continued nuclear weapons and missile testing, production, deployment, and proliferation?  Continued illicit activities around the world? Continue cyber-attacks around the world? Continued proliferation of conventional weapons and training and advisory services to conflict areas and to America's adversaries? Continued employment of slave labor around the world? And most importantly, continued human rights abuses and crimes against humanity being committed against the Korean people living in the north?  Should Kim get a pass on the gulags and the Songbun system of political and cultural oppression?

 

"Everybody wants to defend speech they agree with., only the truly principled will defend the speech of someone to say something they disagree with and hate to listen or read." - Cal Weyers

 

"Any fool can know. The point is to understand."

- Albert Einstein

 

Victor Hugo was a master of figurative language, including the use of oxymoronic and paradoxical phrasing, chiastic constructions, and, of course, vivid metaphorical images. Here are ten of his best:

"Toleration is the best religion."

"Thought is the labor of the intellect."

"The malicious have a dark happiness."

"Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad."

"To rise  from error to truth is rare and beautiful."

"A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil."

""Laughter is the sun which drives winter from the human face."

"One can resist the invasion of armies;

one cannot resist the invasion of ideas."

"It is the essence of truth that it is never excessive . . .

We must not resort to the flame where only light is required."

"There are thoughts which are prayers.

There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body,

the soul is on its knees."

News & commentary by Dave Maxwell. Edited and published by Riley Murray.

 

1. Trump confirms, in an interview, a U.S. cyberattack on Russia

2. The US Needs a Global Coalition to Defeat COVID

3. The Defense Bill Could Rewrite How the US Does Cyber Defense

4. China is rewriting the rules for its own ends - the world cannot sit idly by

5. Risk of Great Power Conflict in South China Sea is Rising, Experts Say

6. USAGM Is Reviewing Journalist Visas For Compliance With U.S. Law; Countered NPR Report

7. A racial reckoning arrived at West Point, where being black is a 'beautifully painful experience'

8. Navy's first known Black female fighter pilot graduates

9. China, Hong Kong and the world: is Xi Jinping overplaying his hand?

10. COVID-19: America, China and the Conspiracy War

11. When Companies Wielded the Power of States

12. Six Ways the U.S. Isn't Ready for Wars of the Future

13. Cyber Command's measure of success? Outcomes

14. Missile-Armed Chinese Drones Arrive In Europe As Serbia Seeks Airpower Edge

15. Cultural factors are behind disinformation pandemic: why this matters

16. Perspective | The deadly fallout of disinformation

 

1. Trump confirms, in an interview, a U.S. cyberattack on Russia

The Washington Post – by Marc A. Thiessen – 10 July 2020

I did not expect to read this in print.

 

2.The US Needs a Global Coalition to Defeat COVID

defenseone.com – by Joseph Votel, Samuel J. Locklear III

I concur. With all due respect I think this is a no-brainer.  Given the method of transmission of the virus, the global economy, and global travel (just like interstate travel in the US) the defense against the virus does require a global coalition. The world is not going to contain this effort without international cooperation. Isolated national efforts are not going to be successful as we are currently experiencing.

 

3. The Defense Bill Could Rewrite How the US Does Cyber Defense

defenseone.com · by Patrick Tucker

Office of Joint Cyber Planning (OJCP). I wonder how "joe" will figure out how to pronounce that acronym.

 

4. China is rewriting the rules for its own ends - the world cannot sit idly by

From an Administration (DOD) official.

https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3092490/china-rewriting-rules-its-own-ends-world-cannot-sit-idly - by David F. Helvey – 11 July 2020

 

5. Risk of Great Power Conflict in South China Sea is Rising, Experts Say

rfa.org – by Drake Long – 10 July 2020

What comes next?  What happens when there is a conflict and it escalates?  Are we prepared?

 

6. USAGM Is Reviewing Journalist Visas For Compliance With U.S. Law; Countered NPR Report

bbgwatch.com · by Tim Shamble · July 9, 2020

A response to the NPR report about canceling J1 visas of our foreign correspondents at VOA, RFA, etc.  

You cannot argue with doing due diligence to ensure there are no violations of the law.  There apparently will not be a wholesale cancellation of visas for our great foreign journalists.

However, this can and likely will still be interpreted as a veiled threat that might be intended to influence reporting (whether intentional or not it likely will be interpreted that way).

 

7. A racial reckoning arrived at West Point, where being black is a 'beautifully painful experience'

The Washington Post – by Alex Horton – 10 July 2020

I still think too many people are in denial about this very real problem.   It is obvious by the actions and statements of senior military leaders this week that they recognize the problem but there seem to be so many who still do not and who use anecdotes and statistics to rationalize the problem.

 

8. Navy's first known Black female fighter pilot graduates

The Hill · by Alicia Cohn · July 10, 2020

Wow.  I would have thought this milestone had been reached long ago.

 

9. China, Hong Kong and the world: is Xi Jinping overplaying his hand?

Financial Times · by James Kynge · July 10, 2020

I certainly hope so.  If so, what can we do about it? How do we exploit it?

Or do we simply follow Napoleon and never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake (yes that is one of my favorite dictums). 

 

10. COVID-19: America, China, and the Conspiracy War

thecairoreview.com · by Amanda Tapp · July 5, 2020

I just do not see US-Chinese cooperation on much of anything in the future but of all issues and problems it should have been to cooperate on the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus or as the Chinese Global Times and Xinhua called it in January until the Chinese Communist Party made them change the name: the Wuhan Virus and the Wuhan Pneumonia. (just saying).   We see a crisis that must be addressed. I fear the CCP sees opportunity in crisis.

 

11. When Companies Wielded the Power of States

WSJ · by Andrew Phillips and J.C. Sharman

An interesting history in the Wall Street Journal.  And yes, this should be a cautionary tale: "But history should make us cautious. Whenever corporations have straddled the public-private divide, they have ruthlessly exploited the confusion to dodge accountability, undermine sovereignty, worsen international tensions and fleece governments and investors." 

 

12. Six Ways the U.S. Isn't Ready for Wars of the Future

Bloomberg · by James Stavridis · July 10, 2020

A sober warning from the former SACEUR and former SOUTHCOM Commander.  The ABC's of combat is an interesting perspective.

And because of my personal bias note his comments on Special Forces (though i am sure he means special operations forces, though the largest formation of operators in SOF is Special Forces).  His emphasis is currently on the human domain and though he does not explicitly say it on the two SOF trinities of irregular warfare, unconventional warfare, and support to political warfare with the comparative advantages of SOF capabilities of influence, governance, and support to indigenous forces and populations.

 

13. Cyber Command's measure of success? Outcomes

c4isrnet.com · by Mark Pomerleau · July 10, 2020

Yes, outcomes.  Too often measures of "effectiveness" are actually measures of performance. (e.g, money spent, projects conducted, targets "serviced," attacks conducted, attacks stopped (which is always an important thing!) or my favorite: number of troops committed or number of troops in theater or a specific country.)

 

14. Missile-Armed Chinese Drones Arrive In Europe As Serbia Seeks Airpower Edge

Forbes · by Sebastien Roblin · July 9, 2020

The Balkans beware.

 

15. Cultural factors are behind disinformation pandemic: why this matters

theconversation.com · by Herman Wasserman

Yes, culture matters.

I am reminded of this from Keegan: "War embraces much more than politics: it is always an expression of culture, often a determinant of cultural forms, in some societies the culture itself." -John Keegan in A History of Warfare

 

16.  Perspective | The deadly fallout of disinformation

The Washington Post – by Calder Walton

Another useful historical perspective as food for thought. Of course some will take issues with some of the criticisms of the current administration but this statement is something we should all understand: "Today's social media landscape makes it quicker, easier and cheaper to spread disinformation than the KGB ever could." 

 

"Everybody wants to defend speech they agree with., only the truly principled will defend the speech of someone to say something they disagree with and hate to listen or read."

- Cal Weyers

"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
"Thanks to my reading, I have never been caught flat-footed by any situation, never at a loss for how any problem has been addressed (successfully or unsuccessfully) before. It doesn't give me all the answers, but it lights what is often a dark path ahead."

- General James Mattis