Thanks Eric, for this weekly post!
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**China**
China Destroying Buildings at Tibetan Buddhist Academy
China’s campaign of cultural imperialism in Tibet continues as China attempts to cut the population of Larung Gar by half. China claims it is due to overcrowding. Reports from the area tell of uniformed military and police forces enforcing the evictions.
Discord Between China’s Top Two Leaders Spills Into the Open
In a speech on the government’s economic direction, President Xi calls for the consolidation of State-Owned Enterprises into juggernauts capable of bowling over internal and foreign competitors. Premier Li, in contrast, says China needs smaller and more aggressive firms. This is the first time the internal conflict within Xi’s governing body has been visible to the public at large.
China Withdrew Missiles Ahead of Hague Ruling
The South China Morning Post is reporting China removed weapons from the disputed Islands in the South China Sea. Experts speculate the weapons were most likely removed for maintenance purposes and were not intended to be permanently removed.
Hague Decision Against China Not Enough To Protect Philippines Oil Exploration
In spite of the fact China lost the case in the Hague, Chinese vessels continue to harass Philippines vessels engaged in oil exploration in the Spratley and Paracel islands. China has already announced they will not abide the results of the case. It is speculated at least one area holds between 2.6 and 8.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, triple the amount discovered at Malampaya.
China Unveils New Weapons Following Hague Ruling
Largely short to medium range guided missiles, the new weapons have a range of less than 1500 km (~930 mi). Experts speculate this is meant to be a combination of a show of force and saber rattling towards the West and China’s neighbors.
Chinese Nationals Boycotting Foreign Brands
Primarily targeted at American brands and firms, KFC and Apple have been targeted in particular. Users of social media service Sina Weibo have posted pictures of themselves destroying their iPhones. Polls indicate 40% of the Chinese population support this movement.
Once a booming economy, manufacturers are planning to move out of China for greener pastures in India and Africa. This will not help Chinese stability.
**Turkey**
Turkey to Suspend Convention on Human Rights
Having declared a state of emergency, Erdogan has suspended the Convention within Turkish territory.
Turkish Government Considers Restructuring the Military After Coup Attempt
Historically, the Turkish Military are the guardians of Turkish secularism and democracy. After the failed Coup plot, it would appear Erdogan will not allow that to happen.
Turkish Deputy PM Announces Detentions Tip of Iceberg
Erdogan is bound and determined to purge the Judiciary, Police, and Military of all opponents. More than half of everyone purged thus far are teachers.
How Erdogan Made Turkey Authoritarian Again
Whatever happened to cause such a laughably disastrous coup attempt, Erdogan is attempting to turn it into Turkey’s Reichstag fire.
Reports of rapprochement between Russia and Turkey seem to be confirmed. What this means for NATO and the Middle East is anyone’s guess until more information comes out.
**Russia and Ukraine**
Russia Fails to Overturn Ban on Olympic AthletesUkrainian Security Fores and Russian-Backed Rebels Condemned Equally
Civil Wars tend to be the most brutal, as Ukraine is showing here. Accusations of espionage and illegal combatants are rife along the battlelines between Ukrainian forces and Donetsk separatists. Reports indicate both sides are rounding up supporters of the others in order to ensure they have prisoners to exchange in the next ceasefire.
Ukrainian Wheat Export 23% Lower This Season
A major source of income for Ukraine, Ukraine exported 16.9 Million Tons last year. In spite of a record harvest of 24.2 Million Tons, Ukraine faces increased demand due to conflict in the east.
Ukrainian Troops Warn of Larger Conflict
Currently considered a “low-intensity conflict”, there are indications the conflict between Ukraine and the Russian-backed Donetsk People’s Republic may escalate into a larger, full-scale war as the DPR sends an emergency recall to all personnel.
USS Ross To Participate in War Drills With Ukraine
In spite of Russian protestations and warnings to keep US ships out of the Black Sea, the US Navy has dispatched the USS Ross (DDG-71) and USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) will be taking part in Sea Breeze 2016. It was the Ross which was buzzed by Russian fighters last year in the Black Sea.
**Europe**
**India and Pakistan**
India Demands Pakistan Leave Kashmir and Stop Backing Terrorists
Kashmir has been a hotspot between the two nuclear powers since the partition at the end of British rule. Since then, both nations have accused the other of sponsoring terrorists to operate in the other nation’s territory.
Dalits (more commonly known as Untouchables) are striking back against vigilante bands of Hindus who had engaged in mob violence – including lynchings and stonings – against individuals suspected of harming or even eating cattle. For untouchables, disposing of animal carcasses and harvesting the bones, hide, and other parts for commercial use have been a common way to maintain a subsistence living. Now that Dalits are refusing to clean up carcasses, dead cattle are beginning to pile up.
India May Attempt a Cashless Society
Led by “anti-corruption” groups in the Indian Parliament, the government in New Dehli is attempting to stamp out the $460 Billion black market in their country by implementing a soft ban on the use of hard currency as a means of exchange. The current proposal is to ban transactions of over Rs. 300,000 ($4500) and make it illegal to have more than Rs. 1.5 Million in hard currency on hand at any one time.
**Middle East**
Kurdish Peshmerga Capture ISIS Fighters Disguised as Women
Attempting to flee Manbij in Syria, the men were captured as they tried to slip through Kurdish lines while disguised as refugees. The siege has been ongoing since May, and the US led Coalition has hit the town with over 450 bombs since the Kurds arrived in the area and laid siege to the city.
Russia Strikes US Base in Syria
Run by the CIA, the location is used by US and British forces for operations throughout Syria.
NID Clapper Delivers his State of the Middle East Assesment
In summary, sharing intelligence with Russia is likely a bad idea, Turkey’s coup is rather fishy, Jabhat al-Nusra are somewhat pathetic, Ghulen most likely had nothing to do with the coup in Turkey.
Another American has been detained in Iran
**Africa**
18 Million in Southern Africa Expected to Require Food Assistance
Southern Africa is suffering a drought as a result of El Nino, which will likely result in higher food prices. Combined with the reduction in exports from Ukraine, this could mean a serious crisis for the corn dependent peoples of southern Africa. There are fears this will also make the AIDS crisis worse as survivors require larger quantities of food to allow their medications to work.
Levels of Public Debt in Africa Spiking
Governments across Africa are at risk of triggering a new debt crisis.
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UPDATE: Entire Russian Team to be banned from competing at Rio Games
