The 9/10/21 dispatch.
The 9/10/21 dispatch.
Hope everyone has had a great week.
In Afghanistan news, the Taliban has been cooperating with America and the world, allowing the first of potentially many flights out of the country. The first flight, which had more than 200 on it, had at least 30 Americans on it.
The Washington Post reported that the National Security Council stated, “The Taliban have been cooperative in facilitating the departure of American citizens and lawful permanent residents on charter flights. They have shown flexibility, and they have been businesslike and professional in our dealings with them in this effort. This is a positive first step.”
While there was also news that the Taliban has beaten some Afghan journalists, I think it’s still important for the U.S. to work with the Taliban for as long (and as much) as we can.
Russia, in a classic Russian move, is trying to throw around its weight again. It recently held a massive 200,000-man exercise near the border with NATO.
Russia and Belarus have been growing closer since President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has faced Western complaints and sanctions. Lukashenko remains in power after a disputed vote last year. After initial protests, he has tightened his grip on the country.
As the Post reports:
Sandwiched between Russia and NATO, Belarus, like Ukraine, is seen by Moscow as a buffer zone and vital to its security interests. Putin stepped in as Lukashenko’s only major ally last year when Lukashenko faced massive post-election protests.
Western countries imposed tough sanctions on Belarus over the violent crackdown on protesters, the jailing of opposition figures and journalists, and the forced landing of a Ryanair passenger jet in May with an anti-Lukashenko journalist on board. The journalist was arrested.
In other matters, I have to share the latest technology news.
As some of you know, who follow me on Twitter, I still have this nightmare from time-to-time (probably from watching too many 90s movies) that we will all be hunted down and killed by roving, driving, jumping robots someday. Robots that use artificial intelligence and weapons without an ounce of emotion.
Well, the robot/drone journey continues, and we’re now arming them.
I’m so going to be pissed if we’re running from these things someday! lol
Just kidding. In reality (as long as these things have kill switches), robots and drones will help give Western countries an edge, not to mention reduce casualties in future conflicts. They’re a good thing, even if the weak part of my brain worries sometimes. hahaha
Moving along, I came across this cool video the other day. It was pretty impressive and a reminder that deck guns on ships are still nothing to mess with, even though this one is a relatively small one.
And finally, I only barely caught the first part (and highlights) of the Alabama game last week. But to me, it seemed a blowout against Miami. The score ended 44-13, after all.
But if you want some motivation, and a reminder of how hard you have to chase greatness if you actually want to achieve it, then listen to this clip below.
This video below was a GREAT reminder to me that we should all be pushing ourselves harder, demanding higher standards and expectations for ourselves, even if we’re already “winning.”
That’s it for this post. Stay safe and be kind. As always, please share this post if you enjoyed it.
And if you haven’t already, please sign up for email notifications. (It’s FREE. Unless you choose to subscribe and support what I’m doing. You can cancel at any time.) Every Tuesday and Friday, I write about conflicts and military matters that are happening throughout the world. Such as what’s happening in Afghanistan or Iraq. How we’re aligning ourselves to counter China’s growing influence. Updates on new military technology that we’re fielding.
I also post veteran interviews on Sundays.
And I do all of this from a moderate perspective that focuses on unity in our country. I also don’t believe in clickbait, over-the-top headlines, or other tactics to drive web traffic. You will always get the sober, mature view, with a slight bit of my optimism peering through.
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Semper Fidelis,
Stan R. Mitchell
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