My morning take on whats happening outside of the clown circus in DC
Iran -
I’m including two links that examine the trials and tribulations of the Iranian leadership and economy. Far better for you to read than for me to try to condense here. In short, the walls are buckling. My concern is that in an effort to save their hides, the mullah’s and their Frankenstein republican guards hit men, they’ll start a war to divert attention from themselves onto a common enemy, uniting the country. Good reads and analysis.
https://www.strategypage.com/qnd/iran/articles/20200116.aspx
https://pjmedia.com/spengler/how-fragile-is-irans-theocracy/
In the face of economic chaos, Hassan Rouhani has reportedly said there are now no limits on the country’s nuclear program. Another money pit that is contributing to the country’s economic woes.
Israel/Hamas -
As I’ve reported in past, Hamas and Israel are slowly working to some sort of cease fire agreement (in spite of yesterdays blow up). This is causing the PA and Abbas all sorts of indigestion. The PA is still butt-hurt that Hamas took control of the Gaza strip from them and believe the cease fire is an effort to cement their continued control. Some analysts suggest that an agreement with Hamas will destroy Palestinian “unity” and such would weaken PA and Abbas’ authority and stature as the ‘official’ leaders of Palestinian resistance to Israel.
Iraq -
Mixed signals over reports that US/European allies have resumed anti-ISIS operations with Iraqi units. Others say that is a false report.
US CW2 -
Eyes are on Richmond VA for next Monday’s Pro - 2A march.
good news I think
thanx
Morning -
Iran -
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei speech during Friday prays, which is the first time in 8 years for him. He praise the missile attack as from allah, said the Quds force is a humanitarian organization and Iran can strike anywhere. In short a propaganda speech to try to rally the faithful.
Elsewhere, protests continue, but details blocked due to internet interference.
In related, France will deploy the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its battle group from January to April to support French military operations in Middle East. These operations most likely are against ISIS remnants but may also serve to protect its shipping the gulf. Watching form more details.
The Bataan amphibious group is in the middle eastern area and other reinforcements continue, though the air bridge has slowed down now that the 82D ABN brigade is fully in the region.
Israel -
PIJ (Son’s of Zawari - PIJ affiliate) have been running a sustained IED balloon attacks for the past 24 hours or so. There may be multiple reasons some of the major ones would be
1) to derail Hamas/Israel peace progress (PIJ is not too fond of Hamas)
2) Rallying support to Iran and particular Khamenei speech.
3) IAF response to rocket attacks earlier in the week.
Some rumors that Hamas is turning a blind eye to these attacks. They do so at the risk of Israel bombing more Hamas facilities. Israel is on record to be holding Hamas responsible for all attacks - regardless of which faction does it.
Libya -
More rumblings about Turkish military involvement in the civil war and violating UN resolutions to prevent internationalization of the conflict. At last report Turkey as shipped about 2000 militia fighters to Libya to bolster the GNA forces. These are not Turkish military per say but significantly supported by military elements (advisors, etc).
CW2/Virginia -
The capitol grounds are now reported to be surrounded by barricades with limited access via only one check point (from what I’ve read).
The governor’s emergency declaration is being challenged in the courts, initially dismissed by a lower state court, is now been forwarded to the state supreme court.
In an interesting development, leftist Antifa and its counterparts - Red Neck Revolt and the John Brown Gun club are also protesting pending Virginia gun laws as making the weak and downtrodden more vulnerable to state rule and abuse, etc.
N Korea -
Continued regular airborne surveillance, though at lower levels than Christmas time. The nuclear bomb sniffer aircraft has been identified to have been deployed to Japan in the past few days.