Turkey attacks Kurdish rebels, China’s military and intelligence expands, Iran jails Americans and journalists…

Kurdish rebels in Iraq attacked by Turkey, may turn to Russia for assistance

In what could be interpreted as a victory celebration of sorts, Turkish Air Force jets struck Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq yesterday, targeting bunkers and weapons caches belonging to the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK).  By conducting airstrikes in the Kurdistan Regional Government autonomous area, Turkey is sending a message to the Kurds: don’t get any ideas.  With AKP regaining control of the Turkish parliament, President Erdogan’s mission to bring Turkey’s Kurds to heel appears to be on track.

However, the Kurds are preparing to call on Russia if need be.  Taking advantage of Vladimir Putin’s goal of undermining the US at every turn, the KRG will soon open an office in Moscow.  Weapons sales may not be too far behind, as the fight against the Islamic State continues to rage in Iraq and Syria.  In control of much of northern Syria, along with the KRG in Iraq, the Kurds have the will and momentum to bring the fight to Daesh, boosted by last summer’s victory in Kobani.  But Turkey will continue to be a thorn in their side, and must be handled carefully so as to not run afoul of the US, which is also Turkey’s main ally.

Chinese military and intelligence capabilities continue to expand

China’s power plays continue, with potential for conflict increasing by the day if not checked.  Apparently, being a permanent member of the UN Security Council with nuclear strike capability and the largest military in the world is not enough to satisfy the hegemonic ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party.  In a bold move, a Chinese attack submarine closely followed the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as it approached the Sea of Japan, coupled with a flyover by Chinese fighter jets, which have been temporarily deployed to the disputed Woody Islands in the South China Sea.

In addition to its worrisome military maneuvers, Chinese intelligence operations continue unimpeded.  A Reuters investigation has uncovered a global network of radio stations owned through fronts by the Chinese government, which is consistent with the CCP’s political warfare strategy.  The stations present a neutral public face, but are in fact nothing more than mouthpieces for Beijing.  Unlike other government-funded media outlets that disclose their affiliation, the stations owned by China Radio International are operated through surrogate companies.  The report has launched an investigation by the DOJ and FCC, both of whom were unaware of the Chinese media operation in the US.

Iran continues its intimidation campaign against journalists and opponents

Following the conviction of Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, the Iranian regime continues its intimidation campaign against journalists and activists.  Arrest warrants were issued for a former deputy minister of culture and an editor in chief of a daily newspaper, highlighting the paranoia that the theocrats are experiencing as the February 2016 elections for Parliament and the Assembly of Experts, which elects the Supreme Leader, draw closer.

Along with these arrests, Iranian state media is reporting that Nizar Zakka, a Lebanese-born American resident businessman, has also been detained and charged with espionage, bringing to four the number of American nationals held by Tehran.  The arrests appear to be ploys by hard-liners countering President Hassan Rouhani’s signals of improving relations with the US after the nuclear deal, which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei opposes.

Other stories we’re following:

IS tracks down and beheads two human rights activists from Raqqa in Turkey

President Obama: special forces deployed to Syria will not fight on front lines

IS car bombs kill dozens of Arab and Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq

Israeli air force bombs Syrian missile depot close to Lebanese border

Iran hints at abandoning Vienna talks on Syria over Saudi Arabia’s role

Russia proposes talks in Moscow between Syrian government and opposition

Spain arrests three Moroccans in Madrid suspected of being IS operatives

Swiss authorities investigating up to 70 jihadi terrorism cases

Al-Shabaab claims killing of 30 Somalian Army trainees

Attack in Mogadishu hotel leaves 15 dead, al-Shabaab claims responsibility

CAR President Samba-Panza says UN peacekeepers ineffective as violence continues