CW2 / Virginia
Observations and wrap up.
Despite the leftist media hype that this was some sort of a white nationalist protest like Charlottesville, the march ended with no arrests or incidents of violence. Media claims attendance of 22k, but apparently failed to add in the crowds way up the streets leading in.
What is remarkable is the absence of an organized Antifa response. I suspect this could be due to the following factors
1. Cold weather. Only one potential ‘plant’ widely reported from social media.
2. Insufficient armed Antifa available.
3. Numerical advantage of the pro 2d crowd. Antifa thrives on where they can gain a numerical superiority over targets and prefers those targets to be unarmed / unable to resist.
The left lost this engagement. No violent act to try to use to push their agenda and tens of thousands of 2d supporters who refused to back down, even in the face of potential kinetic violence.
Iraq -
Antigovernment protests have ramped way up overnight in Baghdad. Plus 3 rockets have so far been fired into the green zone No injuries reported.
SARS -
Increased global concern about the spread of this virus. China being forced to reveal more information.
Overnight stuff
SARS -
Wuhan coronavirus is reportedly spread to many other countries now, including the US (Everette Washington). Chinese officials have said the virus is mutating and becoming more human transmissible. There are many articles on the interwebs but I’d like to make a few points.
How serious of a threat is this? Based upon REPORTED cases and deaths, there appears to be about a 2-3% mortality rate. The last major outbreak had a mortality rate of nearly 30%. As with other SARS/coronaviruses, they attack the respiratory systems, thus the old and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. Further mutations could increase the mortality rates.
Originally thought to be transmitted from animals to humans, the mutation of the virus to human-human transmission is significant. Generally the virus is contained in mucus from sinuses or saliva that are spewed into the air from coughing /sneezing. As with most viruses, through hand cleaning and sanitation practices are among the best defense. As China is forced to open up information to the medical community in general, better knowledge of transmission and lethality will be better know.
N Korea
New minister of defense appointed. NK projecting an attitude that it will resume nuclear and ballistic missile testing as they wish
Israel/Gaza
Hamas states that the current round of IED balloon attacks being conducted by independent elements, but that if Israel drags its feet in negotiations with Hamas, they will take a more active role.
Libya
More fighting around / in Tripoli as cease fire efforts fail. Many see Turkish intervention a step in their trying to reestablish the califate in the region.