Today In Issues:
FDD Research & Analysis
The Must-Reads
EU prepares more Iran sanctions over crackdown on protests JPost’s Seth Frantzman: Iran completes railway to distract from massacred protestors Washington Examiner’s Tom Rogan: Iranian assassination plots are escalating. The West must respond Ukraine’s Zelensky sets conditions for ‘genuine’ peace talks with Russia White House says ‘lines of communication’ with Russia are still open Turkey's Erdogan wants Swedish action on anti-terrorism for NATO bid approval 'Qatar is a mistake,' says former FIFA President Sepp Blatter WINEP’S Hamdi Malik and Michael Knights: Iran-backed militias demonize USAID after a U.S. citizen gunned down in Baghdad Israel and Jordan move forward with water-for-energy deal N. Korea fires ballistic missile toward eastern sea WaPo’s David Ignatius: As war rages in Ukraine, the world is realigning. Exhibit A: North Korea. US reissues sanctions on Tornado Cash, tying it to North Korea’s nuclear weapons programIn The News
Iran
Russia’s powerful Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev was in Tehran on Wednesday for consultations with Iranian officials on security matters, the TASS news agency reported. – Reuters
The European Union is preparing to impose further sanctions against Iran over a deadly crackdown on protests triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, according to people familiar with the issue. – Bloomberg
Mehrabi, who also heads the Aerospace Department at the IRGC-affiliated Imam Hossein University in Tehran, replaced Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, the “father” of Iran’s missile program, in Iran’s efforts to develop ballistic missiles and rockets for launching satellites. – Jerusalem Post
The Iranian leadership is resisting growing demands from clerics and some reformist politicians to stage a new referendum on Iran’s constitution as hardline parliamentarians meanwhile insist the only response to the recent unrest sweeping the country is for violent protesters to be executed. – The Guardian
With the return of Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister, bolstered by a wave of right-wing support, the idea that Israel would be willing to go it alone with a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities is once more at the forefront of military observers — as are questions about whether Israel is prepared for the response. – Breaking Defense
Seth J. Frantzman writes: Normally, the completion of a new section of the railway would be a time to remark about how Iran is trying to knit its economy into that of India and also link it with Central Asia and the Caucasus. But the report about the completion of a section of the railroad, which stretches from the port of Chahbahar to Zahedan in eastern Iran, reflects the focus on protests in that part of the country. – Jerusalem Post
Tom Rogan writes: The top-line calculus is clear: If Iran fears that killing a dissident will result in a few unenforceable indictments, it will judge that action as preferable. But if Iran fears that any assassination will see its IRGC or MOIS headquarters redesigned as rubble, it will act more cautiously. – Washington Examiner
Russia & Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was open to “genuine peace talks” with Russia, following pressure from Western backers to signal readiness for negotiations amid concerns about the rising costs of the eight-month war. – Wall Street Journal
The United States has had high-level conversations with Russian officials, the White House confirmed Monday — stressing the need to ensure that “lines of communications are not cut off.” – Washington Post
A month after Ukrainian troops liberated this picturesque village in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, the once close-knit community of Shevchenkivka remains cleaved in two over allegations that some residents collaborated with the Russians. – Washington Post
Russia’s war in Ukraine is being fought with the blunt force of artillery bombardments, airstrikes and infantry assaults. But it is also a battle of wits — waged between generals sending signals intended to confuse and mislead their enemies — and a contest of feints, parries and continual efforts to set traps. – New York Times
As Ukrainian officials celebrate the arrival of more advanced Western air-defense systems and claim growing success at shooting down Russian rockets and drones, they are warning that Moscow is buying new long-range weapons against which Kyiv’s forces have little defense — specifically, ballistic missiles from Iran. – New York Times
With Russia tightening border controls, the number of families leaving Russian-occupied territory in southern Ukraine and crossing into a Ukrainian-controlled area has dwindled to a trickle — around 20 a day on average, down from 100 or so earlier in the year. – New York Times
The jailed American basketball star Brittney Griner has been moved to a penal colony in Russia, her legal team said Wednesday. – Associated Press
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations warned that global food security depends on renewing the U.N.-brokered deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports, saying Tuesday that 828 million people in the world are going to bed hungry every night. – Associated Press
Satellite photos analyzed Tuesday by The Associated Press show a rapid expansion of a cemetery in southern Ukraine in the months after Russian forces seized the port city of Mariupol. – Associated Press
The U.N. General Assembly scheduled a vote for Monday on a resolution that would call for Russia to be held accountable for violating international law by invading Ukraine, including by paying reparations. – Associated Press
The secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council said on Tuesday the main condition for the resumption of negotiations with Russia would be the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. – Reuters
Russia has surpassed Iraq and Saudi Arabia as India’s largest supplier of oil, according to independent research companies, as Asia’s third-largest economy cashes in on steep price discounts caused by sanctions against Moscow. – Financial Times
Ukraine is set to nationalize as many as five large companies deemed to be of strategic interest, including two that are partly owned by a former Ukrainian oligarch who is said to have a controlling interest in Burisma Holdings — the energy giant with links to the president’s son, Hunter Biden. – New York Sun
A potential Republican takeover of Congress will not constrain President Joe Biden’s policy of assistance to Ukraine, according to a senior U.S. diplomat. – Washington Examiner
Despite most on Russia’s state-run media channels rooting for GOP victories, some analysts believe that favorable midterm results will not significantly turn the tides in the invasion of Ukraine. – Newsweek
Aformer U.K. ambassador to Belarus has detailed why he believes it is “clearer than ever” that Russia cannot win its war in Ukraine, citing battlefield losses and what he said was an inability to mobilize Russian society. – Newsweek
A British law firm is taking legal action on behalf of Ukrainians against the Russian businessman Evgeny Prigozhin, whose Wagner private military company is considered a backbone of Moscow’s aggression during the ongoing invasion. – Newsweek
Russia is reportedly using “dragon’s teeth” in some annexed areas of Ukraine and its military prepares for some losses, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defence. – Newsweek
Ukraine on Monday named 50 international companies that continue to operate in Russia despite the war which Vladimir Putin began in February. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for a boycott of the companies, accusing them of “funding genocide” by maintaining operations in Russia, according to a tweet by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. – Newsweek
Ukraine held exercises on Tuesday to prepare for a nuclear strike, as fears about the use of atomic weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin continue to grow. Ruslan Zaparaniuk, head of the military administration in Ukraine’s western Chernivtsi region, announced on his Telegram channel that drills were held “to eliminate the consequences of a nuclear strike.” – Newsweek
Russia flew €140m in cash and a selection of captured UK and US weapons to Iran in return for dozens of deadly drones for its war in Ukraine, a security source has claimed. – Sky News
Editorial: In short, the less everyone on Ukraine’s side says about negotiations, publicly or privately, the better. The most important thing Congress and the administration can do meanwhile is to lock in a major new aid package for Ukraine in the upcoming lame-duck session of Congress, while Mr. Biden’s Democratic allies still control the legislative agenda. That would help sustain Ukraine until the moment, still distant, when it does make sense to talk about talks. – Washington Post
Benny Avni writes: For now, top leaders in both parties, as well as a majority of voters, are supportive of America’s role in Europe’s most significant battle since World War II. Yet, war fatigue and budget pressures may well be around the corner — and the search for a quick exit strategy could come from both parties. – New York Sun
Anthony Grant writes: So though reports of renewed Russian meddling may flicker across screens as America votes, hackles need not be unnecessarily raised. At the same time, it can be hoped that President Biden will follow through on Ms. Jean-Pierre’s assertion that his administration will work to counter Moscow’s malign influence. – New York Sun
Roger Pardo-Maurer writes: If we yield to the Kremlin’s nuclear blackmail, there is a risk that other countries will follow its lead: China and North Korea already have EMP capabilities. The situation in Ukraine offers a keyhole glimpse to a potentially more dangerous and uncertain future. We cannot afford to lose this fight. – Financial Times
Peter J. Wallison writes: Finally, there is no way that Ukraine, after all the war crimes and atrocities committed by Russian soldiers on its territory, would sit down to settlement talks with Russia. No self-respecting country that has suffered this kind of treatment would be willing to discuss anything until it has driven all invading troops out of its territory—including, in this case, Crimea. – Newsweek
Israel
A municipal committee on Tuesday published the detailed building plan for the permanent US Embassy in Jerusalem, which will replace the current temporary mission that has been used since former US president Donald Trump transferred it from Tel Aviv in a landmark move. – Times of Israel
Now that the election results are official and Benjamin Netanyahu is starting to prepare to make a return to the premiership, it is time to take a look at the challenges that lie ahead of him – of which there are quite a few. Among the main challenges is the emerging animosity between the global community, and especially the United States, toward the far-right members of the upcoming coalition. – Ynet
Bret Stephens writes: Every Israeli election comes in two stages: first the vote itself, then the horse-trading that goes into forming a coalition. There’s still time for Netanyahu and his erstwhile rivals to put aside their petty differences, freeze Ben-Gvir and his repugnant allies out of the next government and finally start to treat Israel’s Arabs as full fellow citizens rather than as a potential fifth column. That would be true statesmanship — a worthy bequest to all the people of Israel, regardless of how, or whether, they worship. – New York Times
Ksenia Svetlova writes: Post-election Israel needs a clear, cautious foreign policy. Any future Israeli government must preserve the country’s standing in the international arena and avoid harming the good relations with its friends in the democratic world. – Jerusalem Post
Afghanistan
The house is a secret school for Afghan girls who are barred by the Taliban from getting an education. If agents raid the house, the girls will pull out their Qurans and pretend they are in a madrassa, or Islamic school, which the country’s new rulers still allow girls to attend. – Washington Post
The Republican Party’s Election Day messaging has included a focus on President Joe Biden’s botched handling of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, which ended with a rapid Taliban takeover and a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members. – Washington Examiner
The UK government has paid out for the deaths of at least four times more Afghan children than it has previously admitted to. Compensation payments have been issued for 64 children, rather than the 16 publicly acknowledged. – BBC
Fawzia Koofi writes: The international community cannot afford to let Afghanistan return to pre 9/11 situation again. We cannot allow the seeds of freedom and women’s rights that were so carefully cultivated over the last 20 years to be uprooted by the Taliban. And we cannot stand idly by waiting for another 3:00am phone call. – The Hill
Syria
Late night airstrikes in eastern Syria along the border with Iraq targeted Iran-backed militiamen, inflicting casualties, Syrian opposition activists said Wednesday. According to two paramilitary officers in Iraq, some of those killed in the attack were Iranian nationals. – Associated Press
First responders have accused Syria’s military and its ally Russia of a “massacre”, after nine civilians were reportedly killed in strikes on camps in the opposition-held north-west. – BBC
The Australian Federal Police has confirmed the four Australian women who were married to ISIS soldiers are being investigated. The government successfully repatriated the four women and their 13 children to Sydney in October after the families had been living inside the al-Roj camp in Syria since 2019 following the fall of Islamic State. – Sky News
Turkey
Sweden’s new prime minister vowed on Tuesday a firmer stance on fighting crime and terrorism during a visit to Turkey where he will seek the approval of President Tayyip Erdogan for his country’s bid to join NATO. – Reuters
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Ankara conveyed its expectation to see concrete steps from Sweden to fulfil anti-terrorism obligations under a deal clearing bids by the Nordic country and neighbouring Finland to join NATO. – Reuters
Gürkan Özturan and Cathryn Grothe write: Civil society groups have been working hard to protect human rights online in Turkey. But the authorities will continue their campaign to control public speech and discourse, online and offline, for as long as possible. More than ever, those who champion free expression around the world must do what they can to fight for a free and open Internet in Turkey. – Center for European Policy Analysis
Iraq
A U.S. citizen who worked at a local English-language institute was shot dead in Baghdad, the U.S. Embassy there announced Tuesday, in a rare attack on a foreign visitor to the country. – Washington Post
Nawzad Shukri writes: Another loser in the formation of the new government is the United States. A Sudani-led government grants Iran the ability to wield significant influence while disregarding the needs of the Iraqi people, and this speaks to the increasing indifference of the United States toward its own allies and the institution of democracy in Iraq. Indeed, the United States has remained silent about Iranian meddling in Iraqi politics, and has largely pursued a policy of disengagement in the Iraqi theater that has allowed Iran to expand its sphere of influence. – Washington Institute
Hamdi Malik and Michael Knights write: The episode demonstrates a number of interesting facets of muqawama propaganda and communal beliefs. First, the entire USAID connection is erroneous, but this matters little and is uncritically taken as a factual departure point. Second, the muqawama instinctively takes ownership of the killing, providing justifications for the slaying of an unarmed man, as opposed to criticizing the unlawful killing. Third, militias may be commencing an “area denial” approach to make movements by Western diplomats and citizens much more difficult in Iraq. – Washington Institute
Egypt
The family of jailed Egyptian-British hunger striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah said on Tuesday they had not heard from him since he had been due to stop drinking water two days ago, and the United Nations human rights chief warned his life was in great danger. – Reuters
Ratings agency Fitch on Tuesday revised its outlook on Egypt to negative from stable, citing a deterioration in the country’s external liquidity position and reduced prospects for bond market access. – Reuters
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday said he had raised the issue of the jailed hunger striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah during his visit to the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. – Reuters
Gulf States
Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA when Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup hosting rights in 2010, told Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger “Qatar is a mistake,” adding that “the choice was bad.” – Reuters
Thailand and Saudi Arabia are set to sign agreements to elevate diplomatic and investment ties, when Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman makes the first official visit by a top Saudi royal family member to the Southeast Asian country in more than three decades. – Bloomberg
As the FIFA 2022 World Cup draws closer, Western criticism of the host country, Qatar, has been increasing, especially criticism of its attitude towards the LGBTQ community[1] and its violation of human rights, following reports that thousands of migrant workers died during the accelerated construction of the stadiums and infrastructure for the games. On September 28, 2022, for example, the German-Danish sportswear company Hummel unveiled the Danish team’s kit for the games in Qatar. – Middle East Media Research Institute
Blaise Malley writes: Whether or not Saudi Arabia can exert influence over Twitter’s operations to silence government critics or other activists, or to spread disinformation campaigns, as Murphy fears, is not clear. However, concerns over the political agendas of Twitter’s two largest stakeholders will not be easily silenced. – The National Interest
Middle East & North Africa
Israel and Jordan on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to move ahead with a water-for-energy deal after an initial examination of the project found it to be feasible. – Reuters
President Isaac Herzog was seen chatting briefly with Tunisia’s Prime Minister Najla Bouden at the COP27 UN climate conference in Egypt on Monday, drawing harsh criticism from some commentators in the Arab countries. – Times of Israel
Anna Borshchevskaya, Louis Dugit-Gros, and Sabina Henneberg write: In addition to exacerbating the humanitarian crises in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, any further price increases would hurt MENA countries that are currently struggling with drought (e.g., Morocco, Tunisia) or preexisting price spikes (e.g., Iran, Somalia, Sudan). The group statement issued after the recent Arab League summit in Algiers reflected the gravity of the situation, calling for collective action to counter food and energy crises. – Washington Institute
Yilmaz Saeed writes: While current interests dictate that HTS should market itself as a modern entity, remove its international terrorism designation, and consolidate and strengthen its local foothold, the situation is likely to change at any moment, and Jawlani’s tactics will change with it. In the blink of an eye, HTS can and will pull back from the revisions and changes it has made if it means maintaining and expanding their control over northwest Syria, regardless of the needs of the Syrian people or the principles of their movement. – Washington Institute
Harun Karcic writes: Looking from a broader perspective, the Balkans fall into Israel’s “periphery doctrine”—its strategy of outflanking Arab neighbors deemed hostile by enhancing its security and economic ties with non-Arab Muslim states including in the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. This was a starting point in Israel’s decadeslong relationships with Turkey and Azerbaijan. – Foreign Policy
Korean Peninsula
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile toward its eastern sea on Wednesday, extending a recent barrage of weapons demonstrations including what it described as simulated attacks on South Korean and U.S. targets last week. – Associated Press
North Korea has not yet carried out a nuclear test, despite worries that it would attempt one prior to the U.S. midterm elections on November 8. – The National Interest
David Ignatius writes: Kim is indisputably right about one thing. Russia and China are seeking a new world system to replace the U.S.-led “rules-based order,” as Biden calls it. Ukraine is the main front where that battle is being waged, but it isn’t the only one. – Washington Post
Donald Kirk writes: The mixture is combustible, awaiting one side or the other to light the match and start a fire that could take millions of lives. Already, Itaewon is receding into the long history of disasters in South Korea while the region edges closer to a war that still seems somehow unthinkable. – The Hill
China
Xi Jinping emerged from a Communist Party congress with more power than any Chinese leader in a generation. Now, he’s turning his focus to shoring up foreign ties as he steels the country for heightened competition with the U.S. – Wall Street Journal
U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said on Tuesday that he spoke with his Chinese counterpart during the COP27 United Nations climate conference, rekindling contact between countries that are pivotal in the global effort to limit greenhouse gas emissions. – Wall Street Journal
China has vowed resolute opposition to any efforts by Taiwan to collude with external forces and pursue independence, a spokesman of its foreign ministry said on Tuesday. – Reuters
China’s air force stepped up its incursions into sensitive areas near Taiwan to the highest level since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit three months ago, amid a flurry of activity it sees as undermining its sovereignty. – Bloomberg
The Pentagon says Russia and China appear to be “edging toward an alliance” at a time when Western nations are seeking to isolate Moscow over its war on Ukraine. – Defense News
China has at least 200 stealthy J-20 fighters and more than 240 J-16 multirole strike aircraft in service, based on analysis of construction numbers painted on the jets by a Chinese military aviation expert. – Defense News
Anthony B. Kim writes: It should be remembered that the United States now faces a different China from a decade ago. The emboldened leadership in Beijing has become increasingly aggressive, and in many ways, is a threat to America, its interests, and its role in the world. There is still time for America to counter China’s malign and manipulative influence, but that window is quickly closing. – The Daily Signal
Kevin Rudd writes: The question for all is whether his plans will prevail or generate their own political antibodies, both at home and abroad, that begin to actively resist Xi’s vision for China and the world. But then again, as a practicing Marxist dialectician, Xi Jinping is probably already anticipating that response- and preparing whatever counter measures may then be warranted. – Foreign Affairs
South Asia
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip to India this week will be the latest attempt by the Biden administration to look past the emerging power’s longstanding ties to Russia and deepen a relationship that it hopes will serve as a counterweight to China. – Wall Street Journal
India will continue buying Russian oil because it benefits the country, India’s foreign minister said on Tuesday after meeting his Russian counterpart for the fifth time this year, adding that the two countries were expanding their trade ties. – Reuters
Pakistan’s interior minister said on Tuesday evidence suggested a prominent Pakistani journalist was the victim of a targeted killing in Kenya, not an accidental shooting, though he still needed more information on the incident. – Reuters
Asia
Australia will review its rules aimed at deterring former military personnel from aiding foreign adversaries, as U.S. allies grow concerned that China has recruited Western pilots and benefited from their technical expertise. – Wall Street Journal
The U.S. and Taiwan began two days of face-to-face meetings in New York on Tuesday aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties at a time of ramped-up tensions between Washington and Beijing. – Wall Street Journal
Southeast Asian leaders convene in the Cambodian capital Thursday, faced with the challenge of trying to curtail escalating violence in Myanmar while the country’s military-led government shows no signs of complying with the group’s peace plan. – Associated Press
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told his Australian counterpart Penny Wong both China and Australia should gradually address each others’ legitimate concerns and make positive contributions to address current global challenges during a call on Tuesday. – Reuters
The United States imposed sanctions on Tuesday on a Burmese arms dealer and his company for facilitating arms deals and weapons purchases on behalf of Myanmar’s military, the Treasury Department said. – Reuters
The U.S. government has allowed some transactions to take place with a sanctioned oil supertanker in efforts to free the vessel stranded in Indonesian waters, the U.S. embassy in Singapore said on Wednesday. – Reuters
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping it would be a positive development after years of strained relations between the two countries. – Reuters
President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday thanked British Trade Minister Greg Hands for London’s support for Taiwan after he became the latest foreign official to defy Chinese pressure and visit the self-ruled island democracy. – Associated Press
Taiwan is attempting to build a domestic supply chain within a year for drones that its military could use in a war with China. The strategy is part of President Tsai Ing-wen’s effort to make the armed forces focus on an increasingly pressing threat from Beijing, whose regular long-range military drone missions against Taiwan since August have given her push greater impetus. – Financial Times
Uzbekistan is lobbying the EU to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and his sister as the Uzbek-Russian billionaire struggles to disentangle himself from the fallout of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. – Financial Times
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reiterated his country’s commitment to expanding Japan’s defense capabilities to deal with those who would jeopardize the peace and security of other countries, in a speech this week aboard destroyer helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183). – USNI News
Turkish missile-maker Roketsan signed a contract with Indonesia this month to supply Khan missiles and a multilayer air defense system for the Asian nation’s military. – Defense News
Sardor Allayarov writes: As the impact of the war in Ukraine and Western economic sanctions continues to reverberate across Central Asia, Uzbekistan must consider new alternatives to support its economic development. – The National Interest
Europe
The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for a total estimated cost of $380 million, the Defense Department said on Tuesday. – Reuters
Rishi Sunak’s rise to power in the UK presents a new opportunity to resolve its standoff with the European Union over Northern Ireland’s trade arrangements, with a negotiated settlement “doable” by the end of the year, Ireland’s Foreign Minister said. – Bloomberg
Germany’s economy minister said on Tuesday he was looking at ways to tighten restrictions on non-European investment in the country’s critical infrastructure as Berlin moved to block the sale of a chip factory to a Chinese-owned company. – Financial Times
NATO is stepping up its activity in the Arctic, intensifying its operations in what has long been considered a region of low tension. NATO has been present in the Arctic throughout its existence — Norway is a founding member and has the alliance’s northernmost territory in Europe — but its focus on the region has increased as Russia has expanded its already extensive Arctic military presence. – Business Insider
The U.S. Navy’s George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group recently arrived in Split, Croatia, as part of a deterrence mission designed to reassure allies in Europe. – The National Interest
Editorial: Our own reaction is to mark the upside of the Republicans’ potential accession to the leadership of Congress for Brexit’s future — and that Mr. Sunak, whose heart is in the right place, may need the GOP’s help. – New York Sun
Africa
Kenya’s government has disclosed some details of the loan agreement the country signed in 2014 with China to build a railway, a major step toward political accountability but one that could strain relations with Beijing, the country’s top financier of infrastructure projects. – New York Times
Intense fighting between Ethiopian government forces and Oromo Liberation Army rebels in the country’s Oromia region has led to “several dozen” casualties in the past week, witnesses tell The Associated Press. – Associated Press
Congolese fighter jets began bombing rebel targets Tuesday in the country’s embattled east, escalating its fight against the M23 group that the government alleges has been advancing with help from neighboring Rwanda. – Associated Press
At least four people were killed and a dozen more injured on Tuesday following a blast at a popular market in Nigeria’s southeastern state of Anambra, a witness and official said. – Reuters
President Macron will use a speech in Toulon on Wednesday to bring to an official end France’s eight-year anti-jihadist operation in the Sahel. – BBC
The Americas
The Sandinista National Liberation Front completed its political domination of Nicaragua on Monday as electoral officials said it had won control of all the country’s 153 municipalities in elections that critics called unfair. – Associated Press
For two years, Venezuela’s socialist government has fought to extricate from the U.S. criminal justice system an insider businessman it claims was on an ultra-secret mission to ally Iran when he was arrested on a U.S. warrant during a routine fuel stop in Africa. – Associated Press
Canada should stop making remarks that hurt relations with China, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, referring to statements by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. – Reuters
Joseph Bosco writes: Those mistakes of both parties, rather than serving as a basis for endless recrimination, should provide lessons going forward that enable U.S. foreign policy to confront and defeat the true enemies of freedom. After they have spoken through their elections, Americans need to put domestic political differences in perspective and come together against common enemies, as much as possible with no hard feelings. – The Hill
Cybersecurity
One of the surprises of the Russia-Ukraine war has been that Ukraine’s cyber security has, so far, proved as resilient as its military. Kyiv’s cyber tactics — including switching data to the cloud, partnerships with western companies, and using Elon Musk’s mobile Starlink terminals to connect to the internet via satellite — have proved highly effective. – Financial Times
The U.S. Department of Defense’s zero-trust strategy will be published in the coming days, giving the public a fresh look at its plan to achieve a new level of cybersecurity. – Defense News
The U.S. Treasury Department reissued sanctions on the Tornado Cash cryptocurrency mixer service, accusing the platform of helping North Korean government hackers launder more than $455 million stolen in March 2022. – The Record
European Union governments have used “spyware on their citizens for political purposes and to cover up corruption and criminal activity,” according to a new draft report from a committee of the European Parliament. – The Record
Cyberthreats against the U.S. election have yet to materialize on Election Day, though some trouble spots have popped up around the country due to minor digital and technical issues. – The Record
As Americans head to the polls for pivotal midterm elections Tuesday, poll workers around the country are increasingly worried about their physical safety, concerned that a wave of online conspiracy theories accusing election administrators of rigging the vote will inspire violence against them. – CyberScoop
Defense
The U.S. Army is set to conclude a shoot-off for its Long-Range Precision Munitions effort in mid-November, according to a service spokesperson, with Lockheed Martin revealing the results of its demonstration. – Defense News
The U.S. Department of Defense is working with a diverse industry team to develop a hypersonic capability testing facility to validate and field the high-speed systems on a faster timeline. – Defense News
The Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer said he expects Congress to approve new authorities and spending to expand U.S. weapons production in a manner unseen since the Cold War. – Defense News
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group joined six allies in the eastern Atlantic on Tuesday to begin exercise Silent Wolverine, the Pentagon announced Tuesday. – USNI News
Bollinger Shipyards this week said it will acquire shipyards VT Halter Marine and ST Engineering Halter Marine Offshore from parent company ST Engineering, a deal one expert said may have been spurred by the Navy’s slow pace in awarding the contracts expected to go to smaller shipyards. – Defense News
Mackenzie Eaglen writes: That means a budget which accounts for inflation and grows spending by at least 3-5 percent in real terms. And, it also means a budget better in balance by spreading investments more evenly across readiness, capability (R&D) and capacity (procurement). The military needs to invest more in buying capabilities that have a chance of being fielded this decade rather than the next. Policymakers should heed military warnings and shake off America’s strategic atrophy. Allowing deterrence to fail is not an option. China is watching. – 19FortyFive