Wuhan Virus -
Too many numbers to keep track of - others do better such as this link that tracks the current epidemic to others of recent concern like SARS and MERS.
https://youtu.be/6dDD2tHWWnU
Greater concerns have hit the stock market as reports of infections spreading to regions outside of China continues. Much has been made about the comparison of the deaths to date from the corona virus to that of the flu. The mortality rate from the flu in the US is about 0.1% from infections of approximately 45 million. The corona virus has recorded fewer deaths, but is at a mortality rate of 2-3% range - 20 times that of the regular flu. We need to keep percentages in mind, and not straight number comparisons as one gauge of the danger. The other is the transmission factor - which is high but hard to gauge given that it can be spread asymptomatically. As quarantines spread into other countries, economic disruptions become more severe, especially since most of those economies have been under-performing as of late.
The President announced the task force to address federal coordination of the prevention and control of any potential pandemic. It lays out common sense. We really still don’t know enough about the spread to be dogmatic and so far the travel restrictions and quarantine of those infected here are holding. We have some time to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. But if the worst happens, this could be a black swan event that can seriously damage our economy and be utilized by the left to generate further chaos.
Actions by other governments are too numerous to summarize here.
Turkey/Syria-
Turkish efforts in Idlib have been hampered due to Russian control of the airspace over the region. Erdogan warned on Feb. 5 that the Syrian regime forces must withdraw from the area that was designated as a de-escalation zone in Idlib until the end of February, signaling a new military operation if the threat against Turkey’s military posts in the area continues.
Israel/Gaza-
In an interview on Tuesday, Israel’s Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said that a major ground offensive into Gaza to stop the terrorism threat of rockets/mortars into southern Israel will happen in the “near future”. There is general support for such an operation given the regularity of rocket/mortar attacks. Hints are of a surprise attack. Inference was also made that supporting sites in Syria, mostly storage and some manufacturing facilities, will also be hit.
Israel/Hezbollah
Breaking this morning are unconfirmed reports of a senior Hezbollah leader - Imad al-Tawil - being taken out over night by a drone strike in the Golan area. He was in charge of coordinating operations in the Golan. No confirmation yet from Hezbollah, but if so the unfolding of their response needs close monitoring. Additionally, this would confirm the presence of Hezbollah operations in Syria. Current (last couple hours) of a lot of reported IAF activity over the Golan and Lebanon.
Iran -
Iranian efforts to expand their control in Iraq and Syria are not producing the desired results. Despite the much reduced budget for operations in Syria, the Iranian Quds Force officers in charge convinced their bosses back in Iran that more cash was needed. Cash will become harder to get if the corona virus outbreaks continues to expand in Iran as it currently appears on track to do. That and continued pressure by Israel through destruction of Iranian bases and storage facilities will make money dry up even quicker.
CW2 -
New Mexico Governor signed a ‘red flag’ law and told sheriffs to resign if they won’t enforce any seizure orders. Sheriffs say they don’t work for the state but those who elected them.
New Mexico Governor signed a ‘red flag’ law and told sheriffs to resign if they won’t enforce any seizure orders. Sheriffs say they don’t work for the state but those who elected them.
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Good for them! The entire San Diego police dept said they are not going along with the seditious CA laws about not cooperating with ICE etc. (my words not theirs.)
Awesome! Thanks, as always, for your updates. I may not respond often, but always look forward to your posts!
Breaking
Turkey/Syria/Russia -
A Russian airstrike(s) near the Turkey/Syria border has reportedly killed “dozens” of Turkish soldiers (some reports of 37 dead). Erdogan in in an emergency meeting and things could escalate very rapidly.
Russia OTOH is accusing Turkey of supporting the rebels with artillery fire.
Wuhan Virus -
California reports 8400 people being monitored for the virus.