Month: January 2019

Categories
Quick Analysis

DIA Report on China’s Military Threat, Part 2

The New York Analysis of Policy and Government continues its coverage of the Defense Intelligence Agency’s just-released report on China’s powerful military.

Nuclear Forces and Weapons

China invests considerable resources to maintain a limited, survivable nuclear force that can guarantee a damaging retaliatory strike. As part of this, China has long maintained a “no first use” (NFU) policy, stating it would use nuclear forces only in response to a nuclear strike against China.There is some ambiguity, however, over the conditions under which China’s NFU policy would apply. Some PLA officers have written publicly of the need to spell out conditions under which China might need to use nuclear weapons first; for example, if an enemy’s conventional attack threatened the survival of China’s nuclear force or of the regime itself. Nevertheless, there has been no indication that national leaders are willing to attach such nuances and caveats to China’s NFU doctrine.

China is developing a new generation of mobile missiles, with warheads consisting of multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) and penetration aids, intended to ensure the viability of its strategic deterrent in the face of continued advances in U.S. and, to a lesser extent, Russian strategic ISR, preci sion strike, and missile defense capabilities. China is enhancing peacetime readiness levels for these nuclear forces to ensure responsiveness. China maintains nuclear-capable deliv ery systems in its Rocket Force and Navy. As of 2017, the Air Force had been reassigned a nuclear mission, probably with a developmental strategic bomber. The bomber’s deployment would provide China with its first credible nuclear triad of delivery systems dis persed across land, sea, and air—a posture considered since the Cold War to improve sur vivability and strategic deterrence.

PLA writings express the value of a “launch on warning” nuclear posture, an approach to deterrence that uses heightened readiness, improved surveillance, and streamlined decisionmaking processes to enable a more rapid response to enemy attack. These writings highlight the posture’s consistency with Chi – na’s NFU policy. China is working to develop a space-based early warning capability that could support this posture in the future.84 The PLA is developing a range of technologies to counter U.S. and other countries’ ballistic missile defense systems, including maneuverable reentry vehicles (MARVs), MIRVs, decoys, chaff, jamming, thermal shielding, and hypersonic glide vehicles. In addition, the PLA is likely to continue deploying more sophisticated C2 systems and refining C2 pro cesses as growing numbers of mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and future nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrence patrols require the PLA to safeguard the integrity of nuclear release authority for a larger, more dispersed force.

China maintains a stockpile of nuclear warheads and continues research on and develop ment and production of new nuclear weapons.  The PLA probably has multiple nuclear war – head designs that are decades old and require routine observation, maintenance, or refurbishment to maintain effectiveness. China’s nuclear weapon design and production orga nization—the China Academy of Engineering Physics—is the key organization in developing and maintaining China’s nuclear force. It employs tens of thousands of personnel, and its scientists are capable of conducting all aspects of nuclear weapon design research, including nuclear physics, materials science, electronics, explosives, and computer modeling China has the required industrial capacity to enrich uranium and produce plutonium for mil- itary needs. The China National Nuclear Cor poration operates several uranium enrichment facilities organized under three plants. China probably intends the bulk of its enrichment capacity to support its burgeoning nuclear power industry but could devote some enrichment capacity to support military needs. China’s plutonium production reactors probably ceased operation in the 1980s.95 However, China’s reprocessing facilities can extract plutonium from spent reactor fuel.

Biological and Chemical Warfare

China has consistently claimed that it has never researched, produced, or possessed bio logical weapons and would never do so. Beijing says China has researched only defensive biological technology necessary for China’s defense.  China acceded to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in 1984. It declared the Academy of Military Science’s Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology in Beijing as a biodefense research facility. China regularly and voluntarily submits to confidence-building measures under the BWC. Although China is not a member of the Australia Group, Chi na’s export control regulations have been in line with Australia Group guidelines and control lists since 2002. China’s biotechnology infrastructure is sufficient to produce some biological agents or toxins on a large scale.

China has declared that it once operated a small chemical weapons program for offensive purposes; however, Beijing has consistently maintained that the program was dismantled and all agents and munitions were used before China ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 1997 Beijing also has declared two historical chemical warfare production facilities that may have produced mustard gas, phosgene, and lewisite. In 1998, Beijing published chemical export control regulations consistent with Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) standards. It also has consistently updated its chemical control list to reflect changes made to the Aus tralia Group chemical control list. China contin – ues to reaffirm its compliance with the CWC as well as its support for the activities conducted by the OPCW. Since acceding to the CWC, China has declared hundreds of dualuse facilities and has hosted hundreds of facility inspections and OPCW-led seminars.

China’s chemical infrastructure is sufficient to research, develop, and produce some chemical agents on a large scale.

China probably has the technical expertise to weaponize chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents, and China’s robust armaments industry and numerous conventional weapon systems, including missiles, rockets, and artillery, probably could be adapted to deliver CBW agents.116 China has the technical expertise, military units, and equipment necessary to detect CBW agents and to defend against a CBW attack.

Entities and individuals in China continue to supply countries of concern with technologies, components, and raw materials applicable to weapons of mass destruction and missile programs. Such material and technology transfers could assist countries in developing their own production capabilities.

Space/Counterspace

The PLA historically has managed China’s space program and continues to invest in improving China’s capabilities in space-based ISR, satellite communication, satellite navigation, and meteorology, as well as human spaceflight and robotic space exploration. China uses its on-orbit and ground-based assets to support national civil, economic, political, and military goals and objectives. Strategists in the PLA regard the ability to use space-based systems and deny them to adversaries as central to enabling modern informatized warfare. As a result, the PLA continues to strengthen its military space capabilities despite its public stance against the militarization of space. Space operations probably will form an integral component of other PLA campaigns and serve a key role in enabling actions to counter third-party intervention during military conflicts.

China continues to develop a variety of counterspace capabilities designed to limit or prevent an adversary’s use of space-based assets during crisis or conflict. In addition to the research and possible development of satellite jammers and directed-energy weapons, China has probably made progress on kinetic energy weap ons, including the anti-satellite missile system tested in July 2014.China is employing more sophisticated satellite operations and probably is testing on-orbit dual-use technologies that could be applied to counterspace missions.

The PLA’s Strategic Support Force (SSF), established in December 2015, has an important role in the management of China’s aero – space warfare capabilities. Consolidating the PLA’s space, cyber, and electronic warfare capabilities into the SSF enables cross-domain synergy in “strategic frontiers.” The SSF may also be responsible for research, development, testing, and fielding of certain “new concept” weapons, such as directed energy and kinetic energy weapons. The SSF’s space function is primarily focused on satellite launch and operation to support PLA reconnaissance, navigation, and communication requirements.

Space and counterspace capabilities—like missile forces, advanced air and seapower, and cyber capabilities—are critical for China to fight and win modern military engagements. To support various requirements, China has built a vast ground and maritime infrastructure enabling spacecraft and space launch vehicle (SLV) manufacture, launch, C2, and data downlink.

Satellites

China employs a robust space-based ISR capability designed to enhance its worldwide situational awareness. Used for civil and military remote sensing and mapping, terrestrial and maritime surveillance, and military intelligence collection, China’s ISR satellites are capable of providing electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar imagery, as well as electronic intelligence and signals intelligence data.

China pursues parallel programs for military and commercial communications satellites (COMSATs), and owns and operates about 30 COMSATs used for civil, commercial, and military satellite communications. The PLA operates a small number of dedicated military COMSATs.123 China’s civil COMSATs incorpo – rate turnkey off-the-shelf commercially manu – factured components, and China produces its military-dedicated satellites domestically.China continues to launch new COMSATs to replace its aging satellites and increase its overall satellite communications bandwidth, capacity, availability, and reliability.

China uses its domestically produced Dong – fanghong-4 (DFH-4) satellite bus—the structure that contains the components of the satellite—for its military COMSATs. Even though early satellites suffered mission-ending or mission-degrading failures, the DFH-4 has become a reliable satellite bus. The PLA and government continue to vigorously support the program and have signed numerous contracts with domestic and international customers for future DFH-4 COMSATs. The DFH-4 bus has also allowed China to position itself as a competitor in the international COMSAT market, orchestrating many contracts with foreign countries to supply on-orbit satellites, ground-control systems, and training.

In 2008, China launched the first Tianlian data-relay satellite of its China Tracking and Data Relay Satellite constellation. As of December 2017, China had four Tianlian data-relay satellites on orbit, allowing China to relay commands and data to and from its satellites even when those satellites were not over Chinese territory.

In 2000, China launched its first Beidou satellites to test the development of a regional satellite navigation system. By 2012, China had established Detoxification is essential to canadian pharmacy for viagra end the adverse effects of the drugs. Increase in Energy & Stamina Natives of Brazil are some of the most cheap viagra in usa active people in the entire world. You can massage the male organ using herbal secretworldchronicle.com cialis on line oils such as lavender, sweet marjoram, and chamomile. With online adult drivers ed cialis buy courses, you can easily fit the course in around work, school and family obligations. a regional satellite navigation constellation consisting of 10 Beidou satellites and had initiated testing of a global constellation similar to the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). As Beidou satellites continue to be placed in orbit, by 2020 China will complete its global constellation of 27 Beidou satellites while maintaining a separate regional constellation providing redundant coverage over Asia.

China owns and operates 10 domestically produced Fengyun and Yunhai meteorological satellites.128 The China Meteorological Administration supports civilian and military customers with the delivery of meteorological data and detailed weather forecasts. The newer satellites house almost a dozen all-weather sensors concerning atmospheric conditions as well as maritime terrain data for military and civilian customers. China’s membership in the World Meteorological Organization grants it free access to global meteorological data from the international organization’s 191 members.

Counterspace

The PLA is acquiring a range of technologies to improve China’s counterspace capabilities. China is developing antisatellite capabilities, including research and possible development of directed-energy weapons and satellite jammers, and probably has made progress on the antisatellite missile system that it tested in July 2014. China is employing more sophisticated satellite operations and probably is test – ing dual-use technologies that could be applied to counterspace missions.

China has not publicly acknowledged the existence of any new programs since it confirmed it used an antisatellite missile to destroy a weather satellite in 2007. PLA writings emphasize the necessity of “destroying, damaging, and interfering with the enemy’s reconaissance…and communications satellites,” suggesting that such systems, as well as nav – igation and early warning satellites, could be among the targets of attacks designed to “blind and deafen the enemy.”

Human Spaceflight and Space-Exploration Probes

China became the third country to achieve independent human spaceflight in 2003, when it successfully orbited the crewed Shenzhou-5 spacecraft, followed by space laboratory Tian – gong-1 and -2 launches in 2011 and 2016, respectively. China intends to assemble and operate a permanently inhabited, modular space station capable of hosting foreign pay – loads and astronauts by 2022.

China is the third country to have soft-landed a rover on the Moon, deploying the rover Yutu as part of the Chang’e-3 mission in 2013. China’s Lunar Exploration Program plans to launch the first mission to land a rover on the lunar far side in 2018 (Chang’e-4), followed by its first lunar sample-return mission in 2019 (Chang’e-5).

Space Launch

China has a robust fleet of launch vehicles to support its requirements. The Chang Zheng, or Long March, and Kuaizhou SLVs can launch Chinese spacecraft to any orbit.

Cyberspace

Authoritative PLA writings identify con – trolling the “information domain”—sometimes referred to as “information dominance”—as a prerequisite for achieving victory in a modern war and as essential for countering outside intervention in a conflict. The PLA’s broader concept of the information domain and of infor – mation operations encompasses the network, electromagnetic, psychological, and intelli – gence domains, with the “network domain” and corresponding “network warfare” roughly analogous to the current U.S. concept of the cyber domain and cyberwarfare.

The PLA Strategic Support Force (SSF) may be the first step in the development of a cyber – force by combining cyber reconnaissance, cyberattack, and cyberdefense capabilities into one organization to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and centralize command and control of PLA cyber units. Official pronouncements offer limited details on the organization’s makeup or mission. President Xi simply said during the SSF founding ceremony on 31 December 2015 that the SSF is a “new-type combat force to maintain national security and [is] an import – ant growth point for the PLA’s combat capabilities.” The SSF probably was formed to consolidate cyber elements of the former PLA General Staff Third (Technical Reconnaissance) and Fourth (Electronic Countermea sures and Radar) Departments and Informati – zation Department.

The PLA could use its cyberwarfare capabilities to support military operations in three key areas. First, cyber reconnaissance allows the PLA to collect technical and operational data for intelligence and potential operational planning for cyberattacks because the accesses and tactics, techniques, and procedures for cyber reconnaissance translate into those also necessary to conduct cyberattacks. Second, the PLA could employ its cyberattack capabilities to establish information dominance in the early stages of a conflict to constrain an adversary’s actions or slow mobilization and deployment by targeting network-based C2, C4ISR, logistics, and commercial activities. Third, cyberwarfare capabilities can serve as a force multiplier when coupled with conventional capabilities during a conflict.

PLA military writings detail the effectiveness of information operations and cyberwarfare in modern conflicts, and advocate targeting an adversary’s C2 and logistics networks to affect the adversary’s ability to operate during the early stages of conflict. One authoritative source identifies an adversary’s C2 system as “the heart of information collection, control, and application on the battlefield. It is also the nerve center of the entire battlefield.”145 China’s cyberwarfare could also focus on targeting links and nodes in an adversary’s mobility system and identifying operational vulnerabilities in the mobilization and deployment phase.

The PLA also plays a role in cyber theft. In May 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted five PLA officers on charges of hacking into the networks of U.S. companies for commercial gain. Beijing maintains that the Chinese government and military do not engage in cyberespionage and that the United States fabricated the charges.

Denial and Deception

The PLA uses military deception to reduce the effectiveness of adversaries’ reconnaissance and to deceive adversaries about the PLA’s warfighting intentions, actions, or major targets. PLA tradition emphasizes deception and psychological manipulation to create asymmetric advantages and enable surprise. The PLA has a longstanding doctrine for deception, and claims that it regularly practices deception during training. PLA sources describe military deception as a form of com – bat support, on par with ISR, meteorological support, missile calculation, engineering, and logistic support.

Denial and deception activities include:

 • Concealing and camouflaging.

 • Blending false or misleading military movements with actual deployments and war preparations.

• Employing counterreconnaissance: understanding and evading, jamming, or destroying the whole spectrum of enemy reconnaissance activities against PLA units and facilities.

• Using deceptive maneuvers, psychological ploys, and unorthodox schemes to deceive, confuse, or otherwise manipulate an adversary into a militarily disadvantageous position

Skillfully employed, deception can paralyze an enemy force and achieve decisive results. Options range from no-warning strikes, violent multiaxis strikes, and envelopment to a less ambitious attempt to confuse the adversary regarding the exact timing, nature, direction, or scope of a PLA operation.

Logistics and Defense Industrial Modernization

The PLA’s increased focus on developing the capabilities required to conduct joint operations under “informatized” conditions that began in the 1990s has spurred efforts during the past two decades to develop the PLA’s capacity to supply and sustain its operations. Along these lines, the PLA has taken steps to modernize its defense-industrial base to ensure that the PLA is developing capabilities to meet future mission requirements. Key areas of focus have included civil-military integration, support to joint combat operations, and high-tech weapons development.

Logistics

According to various military officials, the PLA’s logistics system historically has been plagued with inefficiencies that degrade com – bat readiness and restrict its ability to support and sustain modern joint combat operations. Since the late 1990s, the PLA has invested in the modernization of its logistics system, force structure, and supporting infrastructure to enable a transition from a rigid command-directed and manpower-dependent system, rife with corruption. The overarching objective of these reforms is to build a precision logistic support system that is capable of comprehensive, timely, and accurate logistic support to PLA joint operations.

This transformation is dependent on building high-efficiency transportation and warehouse infrastructure, fielding new combat support equipment, integrating comprehensive information systems, and developing a new breed of officer capable of leveraging these capabilities to support rapid mobilization and high-tempo combat operations. For China, logistics modernization also is heavily dependent on the PLA’s ability to leverage the full potential of China’s comprehensive national power to maximize combat capabilities, ensure peacetime efficiencies, and guarantee a constant state of combat readiness The PLA has made great progress in logistics reform by improving logistics resources and procedures during the past two decades, and enhancing the PLA’s ability to mobilize rapidly and project support along internal lines of communication for large operations (mostly disaster responses and exercises). Since 2016, the PLA has implemented structural reforms to improve command and control, procedural reforms to improve civil-military integration, and oversight mechanisms to eliminate waste and inefficiencies that stem from longstanding corrupt practices within the logistics sector. The successful implementation of these measures remains to be seen, given the substantial cultural challenges of executing joint operations and reducing corruption. The extent to which the PLA will be able to sustain external military force projection operations effectively also remains in question because the PLA’s experience is still nascent. Efforts to support the PLA’s first overseas military base, in Djibouti, may provide insight into these capabilities.

The Report Concludes Tomorrow

Photo: A pilot cadet assigned to an aviation brigade under the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Harbin Flight Academy gives a thumbs-up gesture in the cockpit of his JL-9 fighter trainer airplane prior to a flight training exercise in mid-January, 2019. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Liu Wei)

Categories
Quick Analysis

DIA Report on Chinese Threat

On January 15, The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) released its report, China Military Power, Modernizing a Force to Fight and Win, an analysis that examines the core capabilities of China’s military. The New York Analysis of Policy and Government has reviewed the study, and presents the key portions:

Chinese leaders historically have been willing to use military force against threats to their regime, whether foreign or domestic, at times preemptively.

“As China continues to grow in strength and confidence, our nation’s leaders will face a China insistent on having a greater voice in global interactions, which at times may be antithetical to U.S. interests,” said Lt. Gen. Ashley. “With a deeper understanding of the military might behind China’s economic and diplomatic efforts, we can provide our own national political, economic, and military leaders the widest range of options for choosing when to counter, when to encourage, and when to join with China in actions around the world.”

CHINA MILITARY POWER:  Modernizing a Force to Fight and Win

China has developed nuclear, space, cyberspace, and other capabilities that can reach potential adversaries across the globe.

Although Beijing states that its intent is to serve as a stabilizing force regionally, in practice the PLA’s actions frequently result in increased tensions. Since 2012, Beijing has routinely challenged Tokyo’s Senkaku Island claims in the East China Sea. China’s Coast Guard frequently conducts incursions into the contiguous zone surrounding the islands to further China’s claims, while its Navy operates around the claims to enforce administration. The PLA has expanded and militarized China’s outposts in the South China Sea, and China’s Coast Guard, backed by the PLAN, commonly harasses Philippine and Vietnamese ships in the region.

Examples of incremental improvements to PLA power projection in the region are readily found in annual military exercises and opera tions.60 For instance, in 2015 the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) carried out four exercise training mis sions past the first island chain through the Bashi Channel, the northernmost passage of the Luzon Strait, and through the Miyako Strait closer to Japan. The Miyako Strait flights were 1,500 kilometers from Guam, within range of the PLAAF’s CJ-20 air-launched land-attack cruise missile (LACM). Also in 2015, the PLAAF began flying the H-6K medium-range bomber, the PLAAF’s first aircraft capable of conducting strikes on Guam (with air-launched LACMs like the CJ-20), past the first island chain into the western Pacific.

China is also developing new capabilities that will enhance Beijing’s ability to project power. In September 2016, then-PLAAF Commander Gen Ma Xiaotian confirmed for the first time that the PLAAF was developing a new long-range bomber that would undoubtedly exceed the range and capabilities of the H-6K. Although the H-6K recently began flying with LACMs, this Chinese-built airframe is the 10th design variant of the Soviet Tu-16, which began flying in 1952. In 2016, China and Ukraine agreed to restart production of the world’s largest transport aircraft, the An-225, which is capable of carrying a world-record payload of nearly 254 tons. China expects the first An-225 to be delivered and operational by 2019. If used by the military, this capability would facilitate the PLA’s global reach.

The herb likewise builds the half-existence of the rx tadalafil take a look at the link here endothelium unwinding component, which enhances blood stream into the penis. Slowly, the image of click for more info now cialis 20mg no prescription chiropractic is changing today and more and more people are living longer and the fact that there have been many advancements in the field of medicine that have helped people have successful intimacy with their partner. There are some wonderful new drugs on the internet. fast generic cialis http://raindogscine.com/?attachment_id=67 You will understand immediately what you buy tadalafil uk will be paying $55.20 US dollars instead of $60.17.

In addition to land-based aircraft, China is currently building its first domestically designed and produced aircraft carrier.64 The primary purpose of this first domestic aircraft carrier will be to serve a regional defense mission. Beijing probably also will use the carrier to project power throughout the South China Sea and possibly into the Indian Ocean. The carrier conducted initial sea trials in May 2018 and is expected to enter into service by 2019.

Other areas that reflect China’s growing military presence abroad include China’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Separately, China routinely employs its modern hospital ship, Peace Ark, to support HADR missions worldwide. In 2015, the PLA conducted its first permissive noncombatant evacuation operation, to extricate Chinese and other civilians from Yemen supported by Yemeni security forces.

China’s efforts to enhance its presence abroad, such as establishing its first foreign military base in Djibouti and boosting economic connectivity by reinvigorating the New Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Road under the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI), could enable the PLA to project power at even greater distances from the Chinese mainland. In 2017, China’s leaders said that the BRI, which at first included economic initiatives in Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe, now encompasses all regions of the world, including the Arctic and Latin America, demonstrating the scope of Beijing’s ambition.

Growing PLA mission areas and enhanced presence abroad may lead to an increase in demand for the PLA to protect China’s overseas interests and provide support to Chinese personnel. China’s increased presence also introduces the possibility that the PLA could play a more prominent role in delivering global public goods in the future.

Separately, China’s modern naval platforms include advanced missile and technological capabilities that will strengthen the force’s core warfighting competencies and enable credible combat operations beyond the reaches of land-based defenses. The expansion of naval operations beyond China’s immediate vicinity will provide China with a diverse set of capabilities for striking targets across the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, in addition to improving defensive capabilities such as exercising control of SLOCs. Improving bluewater capabilities will extend China’s maritime security buffer to protect China’s near- and far-seas interests more effectively.

China’s current aircraft carrier and planned follow-on carriers will extend air defense umbrellas beyond the range of coastal systems and help enable task group operations in far seas. Sea-based land attack probably is an emerging requirement for the PLAN. Chinese military experts argue that to pursue a defensive strategy in far seas, the PLAN must improve its ability to control land from the sea through development of a long-range LACM.

The PLA’s land-based missile and air forces enable other military assets to focus on conducting offensive missions, such as blockades and sovereignty enforcement, as well as defensive operations farther from China’s shores. China also focuses on enhancing the PLA’s ISR capabilities, which will enable improved targeting and timely responses to perceived threats.

The Report Continues Tomorrow

Photo: Chinese naval escort fleet in the Philippines. (Chinese Ministry of Defense)

Categories
Quick Analysis

U.S. Moves to Improve Missile Defense

On January 17, President Trump, along with Vice President Pence and Acting Defense Secretary Shanahan announced the release of the 2019 Missile Defense Review (MDR).

The MDR is the last of four strategic guidance documents that Trump directed the national security establishment to create to guide decision-making on critical defense policy issues.

The focus of the MDR is protection against “emerging and future rogue states’ missile threats.”  It calls for robust regional missile defense for U.S. forces abroad and allies and partners against all potential enemies.

The expanding capabilities of nations such as North Korea and Iran include emerging technologies such as advanced cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons.  The U.S. has, according to defense officials, lagged in keeping up with these developments.

The MDR is geared towards protecting against these threats. According to the Pentagon, “To counter a potential threat from North Korea, it will strengthen the defense of the nation against the ICBMs they’ve developed. Trump has directed a 50 percent increase in homeland defense interceptors — from 44 to 64 — and supporting radars. These interceptors can also defend the homeland against an Iranian ICBM threat should it materialize.”

Developments from Russia and China have also been taken into consideration. Both nations have increasing number and types of short, medium and intermediate- range missiles, to include hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles. The MDR calls for a layered approach that includes integrated air and missile defense, cooperation with allies, increased numbers of missile defense interceptors, and new technologies for intercepting advanced threats. It also states that America should stay ahead of these threats by developing advanced technologies and innovative concepts.

The MDR included six specific steps that should be taken:

 First, 20 new ground-based interceptors are being constructed, which will bring the total to 64. Currently 40 GBIs are at Fort Greely, Alaska, and four are at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

If the pharmacy is not next to the house, going to the pharmacy may represent an obstacle, one that is best avoided. online levitra canada as the drug is also used for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. According tadalafil 20mg no prescription to the report, only 35% of prescription medications had new active ingredients. They will help you weed through the vendors and find one levitra 100mg you can believe for a genuine product, good service and reasonable pricing. The cheap levitra https://regencygrandenursing.com/post-acute-sub-acute-care/orthopedic-rehab regular food gets digested normally on some occasions and poorly on others.

Second, The Department of Defense (DoD) will focus on developing new missile defense technologies, such as more powerful sensors and radars that will be deployed to detect missile launches and track them so countermeasures can be taken.

Third, measures should be taken to protect all American cities from ballistic missile attacks.  To do this, the DOD will develop an effective missile defense against emerging advanced cruise and hypersonic weapons.

Fourth, greater budget support will be provided to space activities in order to terminate hostile missile launches anyplace across the globe.

Fifth, bureaucratic obstacles that hinder speedy deployment of cutting-edge missile defense technologies will be eliminated.

Sixth, the U.S. will work with allies on missile defense protection, such as prioritizing the sale of American missile defense and technologies so they can be defended as well. The U.S. will also share with them early warning and tracking to detect missile launches.

The Arms Control Association has previously noted that “Upon taking office in 2009, the Obama administration took steps to curtail the Bush administration’s rush to expand the U.S. homeland missile defense footprint… and instead place greater emphasis on regional defense, particularly in Europe. The Obama administration decided to alter its predecessor’s plans for missile defense in Europe, announcing on Sept. 17, 2009, that the United States would adopt a European “Phased Adaptive Approach” to missile defense (EPAA). President Obama’s first Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, also canceled a number of next generation programs, including two designed to intercept missiles during their boost phase, due to “escalating costs, operational problems, and technical challenges.”

Mr. Obama faced a major political embarrassment when, during a conference in South Korea, the former president, not realizing his microphone was on, promised his Russian counterpart that he would “be more flexible” for Moscow on missile defense after his next election.

Photo: Two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors are launched during a successful intercept test. (US Missile Defense Agency Flickr)

Categories
NY Analysis

Foreign Policy Update

VENEZUELA

On Thursday Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced that the United States is ready to provide more than $20 million in initial humanitarian assistance to the people of Venezuela. The country is experiencing severe food and medicine shortages due to the country’s political and economic crisis caused by the illegitimate Maduro regime.

In a Media Note, the State Department Spokesperson stated that: “Venezuela’s National Assembly has stressed the need for immediate international humanitarian assistance. In response, the United States is ready to provide emergency aid throughout Venezuela to help meet the increasingly urgent humanitarian needs of Venezuelans affected by this crisis.”

As a country the United States provides more humanitarian and foreign aid than any other nation. Venezuela currently receives robust support as the growing impacts of Maduro’s crisis spill into neighboring countries. In the last fiscal year the U.S. “has provided more than $140 million in humanitarian and development assistance to support affected countries’ emergency efforts and build their long-term capacity to host the more than three million people who have fled repression and chaos in Venezuela since 2014.”

The United States has pledge to stand with the Venezuelan people and has repeatedly called upon authorities there to immediately implement the critical economic and political reforms necessary to end the hyperinflation, supply shortages, and corruption which created the crisis in the once-prosperous nation.

The United States does not recognize the previous Maduro regime as the government of Venezuela. Therefore, Washington is not complying with the former president’s order to break diplomatic relations with the US. According to a US State Department announcement, Washington welcomes “interim President Guaido’s directive to all diplomatic missions in Venezuela that Venezuela intends to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries.

NORTH KOREA

If inflammation persists for a long viagra prescription australia time, the enzymes released by inflammatory cells can injure the walls of the airways and cause airway obstruction. In no viagra sample free way one can ignore this disorder as it in long run have the potential to create havoc damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. There are now several treatments that are effective and safe that would just help to arouse you sexually and spend a happy time with your partner. generic pharmacy cialis bought this Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine – taking pressure off spinal discs (gel-like cushions on line levitra between the bones in your spine).

Not long ago, President Trump met directly with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un to begin a dialogue on denuclearizing that country. The process is ongoing behind-the-scenes and continues publicly with the recent announcement that President Trump will participate in another meeting with the North Korean leader late in February. Secretary Pompeo, in response to questions about a new “top-secret” missile base in that country said that the US intelligence community is aware of what is taking place in North Korea.

The Secretary pointed out that “with respect to the negotiations, President Trump and I have both… from the very beginning, from the first time I went to North Korea as the CIA director, understand that this is going to be a process that is going to take some time. First step: stopping their testing of their missile program. Second step: stopping their nuclear tests. Those still continue. There’s been real progress made.”

CHINA

China is feeling the impact of American sanctions and experiencing a severe slowdown in its economy. In a recent interview with Laura Ingraham, Secretary Pompeo discussed US demands for fair and reciprocal trade. He pointed out that the United States wants our companies to be able to sell their goods into China without the risk that their intellectual property will be stolen or that they’ll be forced to deliver their technology to the Chinese Government.

The Secretary added that “President Trump has been… pretty clear…. We want a set of arrangements that allow American workers to have the same opportunity that Chinese workers have.”  Secretary Pompeo said that progress is being made and he is optimistic USTR Ambassador Lighthizer, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, and the rest of the trade team will continue to work toward an outcome consistent with what the President has been demanding for months.

DARIA NOVAK served in the United States State Department during the Reagan Administration, and currently is on the Board of the American Analysis of News and Media Inc., which publishes usagovpolicy.com and the New York Analysis of Policy and Government.  Each Saturday, she presents key updates on U.S. foreign policy from the State Department.

Illustration: Pixabay

Categories
Quick Analysis

Should Pro Sanctuary Politicians be Prosecuted?

This article was written by the distinguished retired jurist, John H. Wilson.

It is hard to hear about this incident without being incredulous. On the day after Christmas, California Police Officer Ronil Singh was gunned down during a DUI traffic stop by illegal immigrant Gustavo Arriaga.  Arriaga, from Mexico, had gang affiliations, two prior DUI arrests, and had entered the country illegally by crossing the border in Arizona.  

Officer Singh, himself a legal immigrant, left behind a wife and young child.

This event was already national news when it was mentioned by President Donald Trump in his televised speech to the nation: “America’s heart broke the day after Christmas when a young police officer in California was savagely murdered in cold blood by an illegal alien, just came across the border. The life of an American hero was stolen by someone who had no right to be in our country. Day after day, precious lives are cut short by those who have violated our borders.”  

Unfortunately, there is nothing new about “someone who has no right to be in our country” killing someone who does.  From Kate Steinle (whose murderer was only found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm)   to Pierce Corcoran, who was killed in Knoxville December 29 by an illegal immigrant driving without a license or insurance,   there is no escaping the fact that illegal immigrants are killing people at an alarming rate.

This leads to two question which must be asked – are the policies of sanctuary cities directly responsible for the deaths of these innocent people, and if they are, can the politicians who support sanctuary policies be prosecuted?

The Acting Director of ICE certainly believes this to be the case.  In remarks made after the murder of Police Officer Singh, Thomas Homan stated that “politicians should be held ‘personally accountable’ for crimes committed by people living in the U.S. illegally…’We’ve got to start charging some of these politicians with crimes.'”  

But exactly what crime could these politicians be charged with?  One seemingly obvious choice would be Obstruction of Justice.

18 USC Chapter 73 defines “Obstruction of Justice” in a variety of manners.     Sec 1502  makes it crime to resist an “extradition agent,” however the agents described transport prisoners from one prison to another within the United States.  Section 1505 criminalizes the “obstruction of proceedings before departments, agencies, and committees,” but by its language, “(w)hoever corruptly, or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication influences, obstructs, or impedes or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due and proper administration of the law under which any pending proceeding is being had before any department or agency of the United States,”  an argument can be made that this statute would not apply.  An immigration detainer is not necessarily a “pending proceeding,” and to the knowledge of this author, none of the leaders of any sanctuary city have threatened the use of force, or sent any letters that could be construed as threatening to ICE.

Section 1510, which makes it a crime to obstruct a criminal investigation would not apply, since immigration proceedings are civil and not criminal in nature, and while Section 1511, “Obstruction of State and local law enforcement,” may sound promising, that statute only applies to actions intended to facilitate an illegal gambling operation.”

Finally, 18 USC 1509, “obstruction of court orders” will not apply, since an Immigration court is not a “court of the United States” (18 USC 1515(a) defines “official proceedings” as occurring before “a judge or court of the United This program is offered to you so tadalafil 20mg price cheap that all can afford it. Speedy, simple baby sitting support, correct? Correct! You’ve viagra canada pharmacies most likely found out about reactions. These disorders are an extremely sensitive source of anxiety for purchase viagra online http://respitecaresa.org/author/pgillispie/link men as this specifically influences his close life and his accomplice’s fulfillment and happiness. This not only leads to improved cheapest tadalafil uk emotional health but to better physical health as well. States, a United States magistrate judge, a bankruptcy judge, a judge of the United States Tax Court, a special trial judge of the Tax Court, a judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims, or a Federal grand jury,” none of which include a judge of the Immigration Court).

Reasonable minds may differ on the interpretation of these statutes.  Dan Cadman of the Center for Immigration Studies argues for the application of 18 USC 1505, discussed above.    However, this author believes Mr. Cadman presents a far stronger argument for the use of 8 USC 1324. 

Under subsection (a)(1)(A)(iii) of that statute, it is a crime to “knowing(ly) or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation.”

This author believes a strong argument can also be made for the applicability of subsection (a)(1)(A)(iv), which makes it a crime to “encourage(s) or induce(s) an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law.”

Under subdivision (b)(ii), the penalty for a violation of “subparagraph (A)(ii), (iii), (iv), or (v)(II),” is a fine “under title 18, imprison(ment) not more than 5 years, or both.”

In his article on this issue, Mr. Cadman advocates for the prosecution of Oakland, California mayor Libby Schaaf, who famously warned illegal immigrants residing in her city of an impending raid by ICE agents.   Were Mayor Schaaf to be prosecuted, could Mayor Bill DeBlasio of New York City, or Mayor London Breed of San Francisco be far behind?

There is little question that the establishment of a “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants “conceals, harbors or shields from detection” these persons, as well as “encourages and induces” these same persons to “come to, enter, or reside in the United States.”  But as more persons who are in our country illegally perpetrate more violent crimes, killing citizens and police officers alike, the effect of protecting these persons from detection and apprehension by ICE becomes more pronounced and increasingly detrimental to public safety.

As these continuous and heartbreaking murders garner increasing attention, it becomes harder and harder for sanctuary city politicians to deny the effect of their actions.  All that is necessary at this stage is for the US Attorney of a sanctuary city to show some courage, and enforce the law.

Photo: Sacramento, California’s State Capital (Sacramento web site)

Categories
Quick Analysis

China’s Trade Practices Harm U.S. But Support for Trump’s Response Remains Limited, Part 2

China has engaged in trade and intellectual property theft practices that substantially harm the U.S. economy. However, President Trump’s attempts to address the problem have met with limited support. We conclude our report on the problem.

Pew Research reports that “Since the turn of the 21st century, U.S. average tariff rates have consistently been at or near their lowest levels in the nation’s history; today, they’re also among the lowest in the world. In 2016, according to the World Bank, the average applied U.S. tariff across all products was 1.61%…China’s was 3.54%…Though the general trend globally has been toward lower tariffs, some nations still impose relatively high import taxes – particularly countries in Africa, South Asia and the Caribbean. The nation with the highest weighted-average applied tariff in 2016, according to the World Bank, is the Bahamas, at 18.6% (which was still 10 percentage points lower than the average rate in 1999). Gabon’s average applied rate was 16.9%, just above Chad’s average tariff of 16.4%.

“Today’s low U.S. tariff levels are the product of a (mostly) bipartisan consensus in favor of progressively freer trade that dates back to the post-World War II era.”

There has been a climate of unreality about this problem. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission   notes that “For several decades, U.S. policy toward China was rooted in hopes that economic, diplomatic, and security engagement would lay the foundation for a more open, liberal, and responsible China. Those hopes have, so far, proven futile… As a new approach takes shape, U.S. policy makers have difficult decisions to make, but one choice is easy: reality, not hope, should drive U.S. policy toward China.”

It is erroneous to consider competition between American and Chinese companies as battles between private entities. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission describes why: “China’s state-led, market-distorting economic model presents a challenge to U.S. economic and national security interests. The Chinese government, directed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership, continues to exercise direct and indirect control over key sectors of the economy and allocate resources based on the perceived strategic value of a given firm or industry. This puts U.S. and other foreign firms at a disadvantage—both in China and globally—when competing against Chinese companies with the financial and political backing of the state… The Chinese government continues to resist—and in some cases reverse progress on—many promised reforms of China’s stateled economic model. Repeated pledges to permit greater market access for private domestic and foreign firms remain unfulfilled, while the CCP instead enhances state control over the economy and utilizes mercantilist policies to strategically develop domestic industries. Chinese policymakers have stated their intent to, but been largely unsuccessful in, fighting three “battles” to achieve high-quality development in the next three years: cutting corporate and local government debt, controlling pollution, and reducing poverty. Chinese President and General Secretary of the CCP Xi Jinping has prioritized efforts to consolidate control over economic policymaking. However, this strategy may have unintended consequences for China’s economic growth. Increased state control over both public and private Do you have the resources to blog? Blogging is a order levitra canada significant time commitment. The physicians suggest ED patients some safety guidelines to avoid suffering from the associated side effects. cialis uk However, individuals who have heart problems or take drugs containing nitrates should consult a qualified doctor is necessary in such a situation to purchase cialis online http://raindogscine.com/nuevo-premio-para-anina/ avoid experiencing undesired effects when taking the medication. Never sex for physical gratification, you will be ashamed and guilty at one point of your life. buy viagra in bulk Chinese companies may ultimately reduce productivity and profits across a range of industries, with firms pursuing CCP— rather than commercial—objectives.”

Much of the damage came during the Bill Clinton Administration.  His sale of Cray supercomputers to China, and his subsequent signing of legislation bringing that nation into the World Trade Organization were dramatic leaps forward for Beijing. There are deep suspicions that China’s moves to financially support his presidential campaign were motivations for those actions.

But Clinton isn’t alone.  In an exclusive interview, former top Clinton advisor and current Republican-oriented commentator Dick Morris stated to us his belief that a number of key leaders in both parties have ties to private interests that profit from dealings with China, making them reluctant to support necessary corrections.

While opposition from Democrats, particularly those with ties to the Clintons, would not have been unexpected, opposition from Republicans surprised some. Some GOP opposition comes from those who purport to oppose tariffs based on free trade principles. But the concept of free trade depends on both trading partners playing fair.  When one side places extraordinary restrictions while the other refrains from such actions, that could hardly be called free trade.

Some elected officials, particularly Republicans, are concerned that a trade war will cause some temporary economic dislocation. Aware of the general media bias, they correctly assume that the press will criticize them for any pain, however brief, caused by it. Ignored, of course, is the extraordinary long-term gains American workers would make if China’s ongoing unfair practices were stopped.

Photo: Shanghai skyline (Pixabay)

Categories
Quick Analysis

China’s Trade Practices Harm U.S. But Support for Trump’s Response Remains Limited

The latest trade statistics indicate that the United States is suffering more than ever from China’s unfair practices. Some are beginning to question the motives behind some elected officials’ lackluster support for the Trump Administration’s move to address the problem. 

Using the latest reported statistics from October, Trading Economics found that The goods deficit with China jumped to a record high of USD 43.1 billion from USD 40.2 billion.

Beijing’s corporations, which are heavily connected to government, undercut American businesses using financial tactics such as selling items below market value, then taking over complete control of specific markets when American counterparts go out of business. They also steal (using sophisticated cyber practices, reverse engineering, and old-fashioned espionage) technology developed at significant expense by U.S. enterprises.

More than merely inhibiting the sale of U.S. products in China, Beijing’s practices amount to forced transfer of intellectual property rights. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, “On August 18, 2017, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiated an investigation of China’s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. On the date of initiation, USTR requested consultations with the Government of China concerning the issues under investigation. Instead of accepting the request, China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with the United States and decried the investigation as “irresponsible” and “not objective. On March 22, 2018, USTR issued the Findings of the Investigation into China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

“Based on this report, USTR determined the following Chinese actions are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce:

1. China uses foreign ownership restrictions, such as joint venture (JV) requirements and foreign equity limitations, and various administrative review and licensing processes, to require or pressure technology transfer from U.S. companies.

 2. China’s regime of technology regulations forces U.S. companies seeking to license technologies to Chinese entities to do so on non-market based terms that favor Chinese recipients

Eating properly, taking care of your body, like your skin or muscles, and http://icks.org/n/data/ijks/2010-7.pdf cialis samples by tone the proper supply and utilizing of oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. However you don’t need to lose heart female viagra cheap but become stronger to defend against it. For example, tell your cialis 40 mg kids: “If you’re tired and want to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The reproductive system is improved with viagra effects women Vital-40 capsules.

3. China directs and unfairly facilitates the systematic investment in, and acquisition of, U.S. companies and assets by Chinese companies to obtain cutting-edge technologies and intellectual property and generate the transfer of technology to Chinese companies.

 4. China conducts and supports unauthorized intrusions into, and theft from, the computer networks of U.S. companies to access their sensitive commercial information and trade secrets.”

The USTR concluded that “China fundamentally has not altered its acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation, and indeed appears to have taken further unreasonable actions …”

President Trump has made correcting China’s unfair trading practices a major focus of his administration. Despite the clear challenge to the U.S. economy, his Administration has not received the level of support expected from both Republican and Democrat leaders, as well as major media outlets.

Pew Research found that “Overall, nearly half (49%) of U.S. adults say increased tariffs between the U.S. and its trading partners will be bad for the country. A smaller share (40%) say the tariffs will be good for the U.S., while 11% say they don’t know how the tariffs will affect the country…The survey, conducted July 11-15 among 1,007 adults, finds that attitudes toward the tariffs are deeply polarized. About seven-in-ten (73%) Republicans and Republican-leaning independents say increased tariffs between the U.S. and its trading partners will be a good thing for the country. Roughly the same share of Democrats and Democratic leaners (77%) say the increased tariffs will be a bad thing for the U.S.

The Report Concludes Tomorrow

Chart: U.S. tariffs compared to global norms (Pew Research)

Categories
Quick Analysis

National Guard: Does Washington Pay a Fair Share?

We are pleased to present this guest editorial from U.S. Army Chaplain Don Zapsic (ret.)

What does the U.S. Post Office and all 50 states have in common? The answer: a highly questionable financial arrangement with a very tough negotiator. Be it Amazon and the postal service or the federal government and the state-based National Guard, some matches are not made in heaven. The post office for example, loses $1.46 per delivered Amazon package according to a recent Citigroup report. If this figure is inaccurate, Amazon is not shedding any light on the subject. When it comes to the cost/benefit analysis per transaction between the federal government and the National Guard, the breakdown is not as cut-and-dry. The fiscal impact however on the state, employers, individual Guard members as well as taxpayers is nonetheless grist for the mill. 

The first order of business is to establish what the federal government actually contributes to the National Guard bottom line. Using the Ohio National Guard (ONG) as a working model, the feds contributed a whopping 628.1 million dollars towards operating expenses in FY 2016. This figure represents 92. 9% of the reported costs of doing business as presented in a budgeted format with Ohio picking up the rest of the tab (www.lsc.ohio). The key phrase here is “budgeted format” which mostly addresses operating costs related to direct expenses. Actual costs incurred are considerably higher when the human toll of waging war is factored in. Some of these expenses are picked up by the feds while a significant burden falls upon Ohioans in various capacities. 

A few reasons why the ONG serves to address the issue-at-hand lie in its sheer size and mobilization activity. The Ohio National Guard ranks as the fourth largest state militia numbering over 16,000 strong while deploying over 25,000 Soldiers and Air Guard members since 9/11. Whether employers, Guard personnel and their families or communities at large, Ohioans both intuitively and collectively understand the associated costs of sending men and women into harm’s way. And what better way to test such an assertion than to evaluate federally-funded, post-deployment aftercare reimbursement or lack thereof. More specifically, gap-funding for Guard members too sick or injured to reestablish pre-deployment wage-earning capacity, and yet viable enough to barely get by.

Much of the fiscal disparity between federal and state government lies in how the feds identify and address sickness and injury encountered during federal activation (Title 10 status). Some illnesses are difficult to label as a service-connected disability simply because of their insidious nature. For example, the Vermont Army National Guard has sustained a disproportionate number of cancer-related cases that many attribute to prolonged burn pit exposure. Essentially airborne poisoning associated with yearlong basecamp living conditions in remote areas of Iraq and Afghanistan. Then there is the wounding of the mind associated with repeated combat stress and trauma resulting in debilitating PTSD symptoms that dull the edge of husbandry, parenting, and workplace productivity.

It is found that women who are in mid-30s or above cialis canada generic http://robertrobb.com/apss-confession-should-lead-to-an-appointed-commission/ trying to conceive for a baby face issues because their eggs numbers starts reducing or are of lower quality. There are a few items robertrobb.com levitra 60 mg that you can buy are analyzed and still have failed in regards to just what was initially stated on a ingredients label. It viagra properien cures disorders associated with reproductive system. Regardless of size of renal cell carcinoma, about 20% of patients may have no symptoms others may experience: Feelings of tiredness or fatigue Increased appetite Constant thirst Urinating very often Weight loss without trying Blurred vision Loss of feeling or tingling viagra overnight delivery in the legs, arms and extremities.

The feds are quick to point out that payments for debilitating service-connected injuries and illnesses are available for those who qualify. What they consistently fail to point out is that the burden of proof often lies with the servicemember to be fairly compensated for less-than-obvious disabilities. If this seems doubtful, consider that veterans can hire lawyers to represent their cases before VA disability boards. Then take into account that there are only so many resources available to dole out to disabled veterans. Additionally, those who cannot afford a lawyer may be at a distinct disadvantage when competing for limited federal resources. Did I mention that it may take years to have one’s case fully adjudicated through the VA? Just ask Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange who had to wait over a decade to get the help they desperately needed.

So who pays when states such as Ohio are left holding the bag for what the feds fail to adequately deliver? Keep in mind that the federal government relishes the fact that the National Guard is a “cheap date” when compared to the costs of maintaining a large-scale, full-time military force. It pains me to say that much of the gap-funding deficit for unrecognized wounded warriors must be bridged by the very same Guard members and their families. Employers also take up some of the slack such as when a Pittsburgh Steeler owner sent a hobbled-up Vietnam Veteran injured in a grenade attack a postcard inscribed, “Rock- the team’s not doing well. We need you- Art Rooney (Heart of a Champion: The Story of Rocky Bleier).” The Steeler organization went on to pay for additional surgeries and provided financial support while Bleier in-turn played an integral part in two Pittsburgh Steeler Superbowl wins.  

There is also the Ohio National Guard need to take into account when it comes to taking care of its own. There is nothing in the ONG budget that is set aside to take care of Guard members temporarily struggling financially due to under-compensated, deployment-related illnesses and injuries. While the state could kick-in the money to provide such a contingency relief fund, the federal government should be funding this as a budgeted line item. The Ohio National Guard leadership in cooperation with veterans service organizations does a wonderful job through its Family Readiness office of assisting financially-stressed Guard families, although much more remains to be done.

One of the great ironies of our time is the federal government’s willingness to generously assist non-citizens residing illegally within our borders, while financially neglecting America’s most staunch and vulnerable defenders. Our nation’s governors serving in the dual role of commander-in-chief of the state militia (e.g. ONG when not federally activated) must negotiate more like Amazon and less like the postal service. If not, they will unwittingly tout Pentagon-based revenue as a state windfall while incurring liabilities that others will have to pay in terms of time and treasure. There is after all, nothing unpatriotic about not leaving behind our own while contributing to the national defense.

Photo: Iowa National Guard training  (Army .mil)

Categories
Quick Analysis

U.S. Reacts to U.N.’s Anti-American, Anti-Israel Bias

As of January 1, 2019,  America is no longer participating in UNESCO, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It completes the process  begun in October of 2017.

The move reflects Washington’s anger at the organization’s anti-U.S. and anti-Israel bias. More than that, it demonstrates the growing American concern that the United Nations has become a tool of anti-free, anti-Western governments.  Washington’s former U.N. Ambassador, Nikki Haley notes: “Nowhere has the U.N.’s failure been more consistent and more outrageous than in its bias against our close ally Israel.”

It’s actually the second time the U.S. left the organization. in 1984, America withdrew from UNESCO due its bias in favor of the Soviet Union. At the time, the State Department explained that the decision was made because “UNESCO has extraneously politicized virtually every subject it deals with, has exhibited hostility toward the basic institutions of a free society, especially a free market and a free press, and has demonstrated unrestrained budgetary expansion.”

Another key factor in the recent decision: For decades, budget-conscious U.S. elected officials have demanded withdrawal due to UNESCO’s fiscal corruption and wasteful spending.

Concerns over UNESCO’s anti-Israel bias were recently highlighted when, in December, the world body failed to pass a resolution condemning Hamas, a terrorist organization. The resolution actually received a majority of votes (87 for, 57 against) However, in a move far too typical of the manner in which anti-freedom, anti-human rights governments have hijacked the U.N., it didn’t pass because the General Assembly, in a separate vote, changed the rules on how large a majority was needed for passage. This maneuver occurred less than a half hour before the actual vote. America wanted a simple majority would be needed to pass the resolution.

In 2009, Richard Schifter, former U.S. representative to the United Nations Human Rights Commission during the 1980’s, addressed a conference at the Fordham University Law School, describing how the world body was “hijacked” by anti-democratic nations with a particular animosity to the West in general, and Israel in particular.

About a brief detail about each product is mentioned in there so that you may very well be erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as the adrenal glands, cannot perform fully up to its capability, such situation is known as dysfunction of the adrenal glands and in the process help the patient get relief from the episodes of fatigue. viagra store How does an erection occur? It is said that happiness must not exceed the limits because then the person faces problems in his erection. viagra buy cheap Cut Down on levitra canada Drinking & Smoking If you are practicing it If, you are bearing with drug abuse, stress, depression, etc. Find Out More free samples of viagra Their approach is closer to the mark than the overly simple just say no to drugs message. The Times of Israel summarized his comments: “Schifter offered a comprehensive description of how much of the positive work of the UN General Assembly ended around 1970 as a result of ‘the extraordinarily clever maneuvering of the totalitarians represented at the UN and the failure of the democracies to match their clever manipulations.’ And the individual he cited as being most responsible for this reversal was Cuban leader Fidel Castro who, according to Schifter, appointed a highly skilled group of diplomats to help build “a network of institutions that would operate in opposition to the United States.”

The reality of the U.N.’s anti-Semitism can be seen in a singular statistic: Since 2009, UNESCO has passed 71 resolutions condemning Israel and only two resolutions condemning all other countries combined.

Former deputy national-security adviser Eliot Abrams, writing in National Review,  outlines one way the bias manifests: “For more than 20 years, the U.N. Human Rights Council has had a dedicated “Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.” (Needless to say, there’s no U.N. Special Rapporteur for the condition of Tibetans or Cubans; only Palestinians.)”

Over the years, some U.N. officials have ignored their functional duties and abused their position to engage in anti-American activities.  A 2005 U.N. Watch report  described a salient example:

“Jean Ziegler, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the right to food, is abusing his mandate to further his extreme anti-American political agenda at the expense of addressing the world’s food emergencies…During the first four years of his mandate, Jean Ziegler publicly criticized the United States on 34 occasions.  Yet he never spoke out for the hungry or criticized any party in 15 of 17 countries deemed by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization to have a man-made food emergency.  And of the 2 food emergency countries that he did criticize, he only did so once with respect to one (Ethiopia) and three times with respect to the other (Sudan).  (Food emergencies ignored:  Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Guinea, Haiti, Liberia, Russian Federation (Chechnya), Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda)”

Photo: United Nations headquarters in New York (Pixabay)

Categories
Quick Analysis

Foreign Policy Update

IRAN MISSILE LAUNCH

Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on January 15 issued a statement condemning Iran’s firing of a space launch vehicle in defiance of the international community.

He pointed out that Iran continues to defy the international community and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 with this latest move. On January 15 the Iranian regime, he stated, “fired off a space launch vehicle…. Such vehicles incorporate technologies that are virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. Today’s launch furthers Iran’s ability to eventually build such a weapon.”

Washington has clearly stated it will not stand for Iran’s flagrant disregard for international norms. The Secretary added that the “United States is working with our allies and partners to counter the entire range of the Islamic Republic’s threats, including its missile program, which threatens Europe and the Middle East.”

IRANIAN ACTION IN YEMAN AND SYRIA

The Secretary of State met with the traveling press during his recent trip to the Middle East. When asked to characterize the conversations he had with various foreign leaders regarding Yeman, Syria and Iraq, he said the challenges all start “with extremism in whatever form you find it. In this case you have Iranian-backed Houthis, Iranian-backed Hizballah, Iranian-backed Shia militias in Iraq, Iranian-backed forces in Syria, and in each case the root of the challenge stems from the revolutionary nature of the Islamic regime and their efforts abroad. And so they’re focused on doing the things they can do.”

Pompeo pointed out that he shared “with the crown prince and with the king…” that the United States wants “an Iraq that is independent, sovereign, and how it is we might do that – there are lots of economic things we can do to assist Iraq in getting back on its feet, which will permit them to be more independent and Yes, if you are already going through Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a metabolic dysfunction.One of the common symptoms that can be effectively treated by Pulsatilla. buy cialis on line Designed to be used in a variety of dosages and generic viagra canada in various forms. There may be some times when you take the time out viagra sale to talk and understand what you’re child is going through can be very helpful. ICT means convergence of telephone and audio-visual networks with computer levitra india http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/10/12/1-degil-2-degil-7-superkahraman-ayni-filmde-the-avengers-filminin-ilk-fragmani/ networks. have more control and be more sovereign.”

The Secretary characterized the conversations as wide ranging and said that “America’s continued effort on the economic and financial front – to attempt to convince the Iranian people that America is serious about empowering them and creating opportunities for the Iranian people.” He also pointed out that several of the leaders with whom he spoke also wanted to see an independent and sovereign Iraq.

SAUDI ARABIA

During the Secretary of State’s meeting with the traveling press he also discussed the situation with Saudi Arabia surrounding the Khashoggi murder. He pointed out to the press that “the United States relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. That’s who – that’s who our partner is; that’s who our strategically shared interest is with.”

“…I spoke with the ruler in Saudi Arabia, the king, and the crown prince, and the foreign minister, and we spoke about a wide range of issues. And where we’re working closely together and being successful we want to redouble our efforts, and where friends think the other one is falling short I was very clear and candid about those things where America is not satisfied, where they’re not meeting our expectations. And they – and they appreciate that.”

The Saudi leaders also pointed out to Secretary Pompeo areas in which the Kingdom felt the United States fell short of expectations. With regard to the Secretary’s recent speech in Doha, he said that the Saudi’s believed his comments were consistent both with America’s policy and “what it is they hope we’ll continue to do. That is, they think we have the right understanding of the challenges that are here in the Middle East, that this administration does. But we did talk about how we might put the Gulf back in a better place… It’s a matter of us all figuring out how to do it together, but mostly, those countries figuring out how they can put it back together.” 

DARIA NOVAK served in the United States State Department during the Reagan Administration, and currently is on the Board of the American Analysis of News and Media Inc., which publishes usagovpolicy.com and the New York Analysis of Policy and Government.  Each Saturday, she presents key updates on U.S. foreign policy from the State Department.

Illustration: Pixabay