Kurds prepare for Mosul campaign
Peshmerga troops are positioned to Mosul’s north, east, and west. They assert they are prepared to take part in the liberation of the city, but the Iraqi army, which is supposed to take positions to the south, is holding things up. Why are the Kurds seeking to liberate a chiefly Arab city? It will entail high casualties. Perhaps because it will enhance their standing in the world and garner support for independence. Also by taking parts around and in the city, the Kurds will have a bargaining chip with Baghdad: we’ll withdraw, you recognize our independence.
Pentagon says US boats made a navigational error
Iran seized then quickly freed ten naval personnel and two ships. Many American politicians rose in anger. The Pentagon now admits that the ships strayed into Iranian waters.
Russian air defense beefed up in exclave
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia retained control in an area surrounding the old city of Kaliningrad. Once known as Königsberg, and the former headquarters of the Teutonic Knights, the area is home to a large concentration of Russian might. Recently, Russia has beefed up the air defenses in Kaliningrad, which can detect an strike targets over large parts of Poland. More significantly, the air defense system could cut off the Baltic states, which are of course members of NATO. Putin wants NATO out of the Baltic states. This is something to watch for.
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