The 11/9/21 dispatch.

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend, and that your week is off to a good start!

The biggest news of late seems to be this:

The Associated Press @AP

@AP Iraq's prime minister is unharmed after surviving an assassination attempt conducted with an armed drone, the Iraqi government said.

apne.wsIraqi prime minister survives assassination bid with dronesBAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt with armed drones that targeted his residence early Sunday and officials said he was unharmed. The attack was a major escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to accept last month…

Here’s more on the issue:

The Washington Post @washingtonpost

Iran-backed militias try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone after losses in national elections

wapo.stBackers of Iran-linked militias try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone after election lossesAt least 125 were reported wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces.

And here’s a link from a free news source, if you’re not a Post subscriber: Failed assassination bid against Iraq PM ramps up tension. (This article is from Politico.)

All of this could really start to heat up. Or, it could start to ease some. hahaha. One never knows. Especially with the Middle East.

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In news that should surprise absolutely no one…

CNN @CNN

China's military has constructed mockups in the shape of a US Navy aircraft carrier and US warships, possibly for target practice, according to Maxar satellite images reviewed by the independent United States Naval Institute

cnn.itChina is building mock versions of US ships in the desertChina’s military <a href=“https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/08/asia/chinese-military-mock-targets-us-aircraft-carrier-warships-intl/index.html” target=“_blank”>has constructed mockups in the shape of a US Navy aircraft carrier and US warships</a>, possibly for target practice, according to Maxar satel…

I’m not sure how big a deal to make of this, honestly.

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In tech news, this happened this week:

Defense News @defense_news

DARPA nabs Gremlin drone in midair for first time trib.al/HiuM2Zd

This was a necessary step toward eventually launching drone swarm attacks from the sky.

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Moving along, things might be changing a bit for Navy SEALs.

RealClearDefense @RCDefense

Navy SEALS to Focus on Strategic Reconnaissance | via @SeapowerMag #NavySeals #SOCOM #SpecialForces realcleardefense.com/2021/11/04/nav…

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And while we’re on the subject of water…

The Marine Corps is about to change its retention strategy, big time. Full story below:

Jeff Schogol @JeffSchogol

The Marine Corps reveals why 75% of Marines get out after a single enlistment

taskandpurpose.comMarine Corps reveals why 75% of Marines get out after a single enlistment“Maturing the force”

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Speaking of Marines, I thought this was really interesting from the Royal Marines:

Royal Marines @RoyalMarines

📽️It's about speed and agility... #RoyalMarines have been testing lightweight vehicles for rapid movement across the battlefield, as commandos look to add extra mobility for raiding missions that are increasingly a focus of the UK's Commando Forces. ow.ly/bby150FC6ay

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Moving on, how about this, in news you just can’t make up…

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurpose

The Soviets tested a rocket-assisted T-62 tank designed to not get stuck in mud

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Now, let’s move to something a little more serious. In case you’re needing a little more grit in your life, take a gander at this. (Gratitude, too, that you didn’t have to go through what these service members endured…)

Task & Purpose @TaskandPurpose

The stories that emerged from that battle are the kind that legends are built on. They're larger than life and in some cases seem unbelievable. But they're true.

taskandpurpose.comUnbelievable stories from the Second Battle of FallujahThe stories that emerged from that battle are the kind that legends are built on. They’re larger than life and in some cases seem unbelievable. But they’re true.

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Finally, let’s end with some motivation and wisdom.

Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos

There are many ways to make a positive impact on the world, never stop believing that you can make a difference. #Quotes

Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos

Don't be overwhelmed by how far off your goal seems to be, be grateful for your progress, and stay focused on the present moment. #TuesdayMotivation

Inspired Motivation Quotes @IMQuotes_Videos

“Outer beauty has expiration dates. Invest in beautiful minds and beautiful souls, and the intrigue will never fade away.” -- Billy Chapata #Beautiful

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That’s it for this post.

Let me say before we end this that I ask you to be kinder in your online interactions with strangers, whether it’s Facebook or Twitter or wherever.

Please work daily to unite our country again. The vast majority of Americans are decent, loving, great people.

Please don’t name-call the other side. They are mothers and fathers and folks not much different than you.

We owe it to these guys below, and so many others who have sacrificed for this country, to work hard toward binding the wounds of our land.

WWII Pictures @WWIIpix

Two US soldiers armed with an M1917 Browning machine gun and M3 Grease Gun in Normandy, summer 1944. #WW2

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Semper Fidelis,

Stan R. Mitchell

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my books. I write fast-paced military and mystery thrillers. You can find all ten books here: amazon.com.