For the start of your Monday
Wuhan Coronovirus -
Reported infections more than doubled over the weekend with 21,558 cases reported in China (BNO News). Death numbers have doubled as well. Again, this relies upon China accuately reporting the numbers and has been the hardest issue to crack. This sizeable jump is an ill harbenger of potential pandemic.
Confirmed cases are increasing globally and in the Phillipines is the first reported death. Concern is the potential infection of others during asymptomatic development in the now confirmed cases. Because of the low numbers, medical facilities are able to isolate and treat the infected, something that isn’t available to those in China where the system is overwhelmed, even with the new hospitals built short order. The epidemic has also infected stock markets around the world, causing massive sell offs and increased volitality.
BTW, three animal viruses are hitting china hard as well. Two different diseases killing pigs and a new avain influensa killing poultry.
Israel-
PIJ is looking over its shoulder much more as it and other terror groups are increasingly concerned that Israel may launch some ‘assassination’ strikes in retalitation for continued rocket and mortar attacks over the weekend. The PIJ in particular is in the cross hairs, given that it has shot off most of the rockets for the past two weeks. Israel has also blocked shipments of cement into Gaza, knowing full well that Hamas and other terror groups will hijack most of it to rebuild the bunkers/facilities that Israel has blown to smithernes, and not to civilians.
Palistianian protests over the proposed Trump peace plan have not influenced any of its arab allies. Those allies are tired of sending the PA money and getting nothing in return.
Iran -
Iran announced that it will launch a satellite by the end of the week. US and other nations link such to illicit program to design nuclear capable ballistic missiles. OSINT sources are scanning commercial satellite imagry for clues, but cloudy weather has been hampering the efforts.
Iraq -
Anti govt protests continued over the weekend in Bagdad and throughout the country in response to the appointment by President Barham Salih’s appointment of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as prime minister-designate. Anti-government protesters in Iraq have been quick to dismiss President Barham Salih’s appointment of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as prime minister-designate. Allawi tried reaching out to the protestors by stating solidarity with their greivences, but the protestors are not convinced. They threaten to escalate protests. Sadr supporters (pro-Iranian) fought with anti-govt protestors in numerous cities over the week end as well. Expect continued rioting as I doubt that Iran (and its Iraqi proxies) will permit a pro-sunni leader to fill the seat.
Syria -
Turkish and Syrian forces exchanged serious artillery fire overnight as Syrian elements push on towards Idib. The most serious clash of the two forces in a long time.
Globally things seem quiet, but like the duck sitting calmly on the surface, its legs are paddling furiously under the surface
Wuhan Coronovirus -
Numbers of new cases are starting to grow substantially in China and around the world. China alone reported 3235 new cases, with globally recognized cases over 20,000. The chart of these numbers is starting to show signs of exponential growth. It has only taken about 4 days to go from 10K to 20K cases whereas it took 14+ days to get the first 10K. Another number gaining closer scrutiney is the estimate that about 25% of the infections require hospitalization for intensive treatment. Still a lot of mixed information coming out of China with continued charges of fudged numbers.
Europe/ISIS -
There have been three knife attacks in europe in the past two days. Two in Britain and now one in France. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks. In response to the attacks in Britain, the parliment has introduced emergency legislation to end early release of terror offenders. Both attackers in Britain were recently released from prison before their attacks. I can see this trend continuing in the near term.
Iraq -
No surprise here, Iran welcomes the appointment Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as prime minister-designate. Protests against the govt continue.
Syria -
Things are heating up in Syria. Turkish and Syrian forces continue to slug it out with Turkey reportely hitting Syrian forces with airstrikes. Reports coming out now suggest that the Turks have shelled Russian military positions in the Afrin region. Erodgan issued a statement that Turkey will not allow Syrian govt forces to advance in Idib. Meanwhile, near the eastern end of Turkey’s buffer zone, US forces blocked passage of a Russian patrol near the town of Tel-Tamr. This is about the third US blockage of Russian movements in the past week.