Here is what is catching my eye today
Wuhan Virus -
A couple days ago I noted that China was underreporting asymptomatic infections (WHO protocols). Seems they caught up with vengence overnight with a huge jump in both infected and dead. Deaths jumped because they misrepresented the cause of death separate from the virus. For example, deaths were stated to be due to pnunomia when it was caused as a secondary effect by the virus. Numbers fluxuating, but one new count reported over 60,349 infections and about 1370 deaths. This is a jump of nearly 15,000 new cases. So we are still talking a mortality rate in the 2.2% range, and a likely higher Ro. Around the world, the number of new cases continue to grow, the only bright spot is that it appears the mortality rate is very low in comparison to China.
Israel/West Bank (PA) -
Good read at the following link on the below the surface relations between Israel and PA in the West Bank. This is one of the reasons the West Bank has been calm versus the continued turmoil in Gaza.
https://www.strategypage.com/qnd/israel/articles/20200213.aspx
Syria/Turkey -
Situation is still escalating as Syrian forces push further into the Idlib area.
Venezulea -
Mostly quiet, got noisy after the elected president Juan Guaido’s appearance at the SOTU address. Yesterday he returned to Venezula and was immediately set upon by a mob organized by Maduro. Since the crisis there last year, a very much bimodal society has developed. An elite class enjoying the ‘benefits’ of graft from Maduro and an underclass of very poor. Violence by Maduro organized militias keeps the underclass in check.
Friday morning mania - here’s what’s on my radar
Wuhan Virus -
Big numbers still, 64,456 infected and 1384 deaths (2.1%). NOTE: these numbers vary to some extent based upon sources and even times of the day. Center of mass still China, with some growth outside. China continuing to receive appropriate criticism from WHO and other health agencies around the world. Worse, health care workers are being infected at an increasing rate.
The massive quarantine (last count over 400 million) has thrown China’s manufacturing into a tailspin and it’s impacting global markets probably more than the infection itself. For example, overnight Singapore’s PM has stated the economic impact has already exceeded that of the SARS outbreak in 2003 and threaten to create a recession.
Israel -
Overnight IAF struck Iranian targets in Damascus area suspected of being ammunition depots. This is a continuation of Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran’s influence in Syria as well as interrupt supplies slated for Hezbollah in Lebanon. These attacks serve to further drain Iran’s already strained finances and humiliate its leadership’s inability to respond.
Syria/Turkey -
Situation is still escalating as Syrian forces push further into the Idlib area. 10 Turkish outposts surrounded by Syrian backed militias and army. Russian airstrikes hit Idlib and surrounding villages. Another Syrian helicopter was shot down overnight in the Aleppo area.
Persian Gulf / Iran -
Yesterday, USN intercepted an Iranian dhow and confiscated 150 anti-tank guided missiles (Iranian copies of the Russian Kornet ATGM). The dhow was en-route to Yemen and the munitions were likely for Houthi fighters. Houthi are essentially proxy fighters for Iran against Saudi Arabia.
CW2 -
Increasing numbers of violence against Trump supporters in daily reports embedded in alternative media (MSM refuses to comment). One can label at this time ‘lone wolf’ attacks. These seem to be the most mentally imbalanced of the liberal democrats being triggered. Increase began after the Florida van attack on republicans and now includes assaults on a 15 year old, a fire bomb attack on a republican campaign office, and others.
Antifa seems to be trying to come back into importance, particularly in the Portland area. They were humiliated by the VA pro-2d amendment march. As Bernie continues to lead the democrat polling I’m not sure just what their long term game is. Increased protests have backfired, but intimidation of opponents does provide them with some short term gains - particularly in recruiting.
There are more and more antifa affiliated ‘shooting clubs’ developing/organizing across the country. While in many instances their weapon proficiency is laughable, there appears to be a core element that has combat veterans that is encouraging and training these soyboys. I have no doubt they are also selectively recruiting the more proficient ones for more detailed tactical training. At this time I don’t see them being capable to match Patriots (3%, militias, etc) but they appear to be working hard to attain parity and even localized superiority.