While the soap opera that is the impeachment hearings drone on here are some important things.
N Korea
Rhetoric continues to rise. Some observers are noting the last time Kim promised a “gift” (2017) it turned out to be an ICBM launch. Keep the following in context:
1) Kim’s pilgrimage to the sacred mountain for reflection
2) A second party plenum meeting that has been scheduled for this month - out of the ordinary. Much talk about a new “strategic position”.
3) The test of an apparently solid fuel rocket engine potentially for an ICBM.
4) Denuclearization is “off the table”
Some indicators would suggest an ICBM test is pending. Probably shoot over Japan for maximum irritation/intimidation. Slightly less likely is another nuke test. Either way, Kim seems to be doubling and tripling down on his protestations demanding US concede to his demands. For his part President Trump has said that the eyes of the intelligence community are on him and that he should avoid doing something stupid.
Iraq
Protests and “unidentified” (read Iranian-backed militia) shooting them. A few rockets were fired at a US base near Bagdad from unidentified elements (read Iranian-backed militia)wounding 6 soldiers (5 of which are identified as Iraqi).
Pensacola Attack -
FBI now treating as a ‘probable’ terror incident. Many unanswered questions such has how did he get around the system to ‘legally’ purchase a handgun? Mixed reporting on whether or not there are still Saudi ‘students’ unaccounted for.
Greece/Turkey
Reports of a Greek fighter locking targeting radar on a Turkish vessel. Worth paying attention.
While the impeachment saga churns. . . . .
N Korea
RUMINT - Some are postulating December 11 (Wednesday) as the day Kim may reveal his ‘gift’. This exactly two years on from the 8th Conference of the Munitions Industry.
US Strategic Deployments -
RUMINT RUMINT. Not confirmed but reportedly 5xE6-B’s and constant Phoenix are airborne at the moment. E-6B is the doomsday plane. Having that many in the air at once would be unusual.
Also RUMINT The Navy has 7 aircraft carriers underway today. Trying to verify both pieces of information.
Israel -
Activity level at normal pace - that being rhetoric by Hamas, PJI and Hezbollah. Scattered attacks and some bombing by IAF.
Rumblings (slightly more reliable than RUMINT) that Israel is having growing concerns about a potential missile strike from Houthi militia leaders in Yemen. Far away, yes but Iranian military leaders have been saying that an attack would be coming from a side you maybe least expected it to come from. The attack on the Saudi oil refinery is a prime example.