NATO Veterans Initiative - NAVI

This week’s newsletter covers important developments in global security, including heightened tensions between Russia and the West, concerns about China's growing influence, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In “Russia revises nuclear strike threshold against NATO.

???????????????????? ???? ??????????’?? ???????????????? ???????????????????? China's Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun is under investigation for corruption—the third consecutive minister implicated. This is part of a sweeping probe into graft within the People's Liberation Army (PLA), raising serious concerns about systemic corruption in the military under President Xi Jinping. ?????? ????????????????????: ?? Third Defense Minister Investigated: Dong follows Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe. ?? Broader Anti-Corruption Campaign: Xi's probe has also targeted top PLA Rocket Forces officials. ?? U.S.-China Tensions: Comes amid strained military relations after Taiwan arms sales. #China #PLA #Corruption #XiJinping #USChinaRelations #GlobalSecurity @DongJun

Via BBC: What we know about Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal By BBC I 28.11.2024 A ceasefire deal to end 13 months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has taken effect. The US and France said the agreement would “cease the fighting in Lebanon, and secure Israel from the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations operating from Lebanon”. Hezbollah has been given 60 days to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon while Israeli forces must withdraw from the area over the same period. This is what we know about the ceasefire from the agreement itself and official briefings. The 13-point agreement between the governments of Israel and Lebanon?- and not Hezbollah - also says both countries are “prepared to take steps to promote conditions for a permanent and comprehensive solution”. It states that the Lebanese government will "prevent Hezbollah and all other armed groups in the territory of Lebanon from carrying out any operations against Israel". Israel, meanwhile, will "not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, or other state targets, in the territory of Lebanon”. The basis of the deal, it notes, is the "full implementation, without violation" of UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the last war in 2006. https://lnkd.in/edcQ7XKJ

We are thrilled to announce that a group of exceptional interns are joining NAVI Research Institute! These talented individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and innovative ideas to our team. Their expertise spans various fields, and we are excited to see the groundbreaking research and collaborative projects that will emerge from their contributions. Christopher Russell and Enmanuel Pena.. https://lnkd.in/epfj8QqS

Via Euronews: Where does the EU stand on trading goods with Russia? By?Inês Trindade Pereira I?27.11.2024 The EU has imposed various import and export restrictions on several products, leading to a 58% decline in exports to Russia and an 86% drop in imports from Russia between the first quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2024, particularly for nickel and petroleum oil. To compensate, the EU sourced nickel from other countries, including the US, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Also, imports of petroleum oil were increasingly replaced by supplies from the US, Kazakhstan, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. While the EU has worked to expand the Southern Gas Corridor to bring in energy from other sources,?reports?suggest that Russia has still found ways to reach the EU market. In a Chatham House?analysis, researcher Armida van Rij stated that "Russian gas is being laundered through Azerbaijan and Turkey to meet continued high European demands." According to the report, EU President Ursula von der Leyen has struck gas import deals with Azerbaijan, despite parts of the infrastructure for transporting this gas being owned by Lukoil, a Russian energy company under US sanctions. However, the European Commission denies that the deals with Azerbaijan are creating a back door for more Russian gas to enter the continent indirectly. https://lnkd.in/eTT7RidB

"I think what you do is very important!" Michael Benhamou You may watch the full interview on our website or on YouTube. NATO #veterans https://lnkd.in/e9acfHKn

Via Euobserver: Despite what Italy, Greece and Austria think, Syria is not safe to return to By Badr Jamous | 26.11.2024 We have seen calls from some EU member states — namely, Italy, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Slovenia and Slovakia — to normalise relations with the Assad regime on the basis that this would help to alleviate Europe’s share of Syrian refugees. Normalisation with a criminal regime cannot resolve the flow of refugees to Europe, nor will it bring any relief to Syria’s humanitarian crisis. The same goes for ‘early recovery’ initiatives, which seek to invest in a country held together by a deeply-corrupt state overseeing the spread of militias and Captagon [the drug Fenetyllin], further adding to Syria’s catastrophic humanitarian situation. In this context, the European Court of Justice issued a ruling in October which stated that a third country for returns can only be considered ‘safe’ if the assessment applies to the country’s entire territory. By our estimations, the Assad regime now only controls around 50 percent of Syria’s territory and population, and significant parts of the country remain subject to persistent violence and catastrophic living conditions.

?????? The presence of #Russia???? in #Africa?? is an undeniable reality, but a crucial question remains: how does Russia actually operate across the continent? #Russia often portrays itself as a counterweight to #Western influence in #Africa, emphasizing themes of sovereignty and non-interference. This narrative resonates with many African nations, particularly those seeking alternatives to traditional Western partnerships. Moscow leverages historical ties, dating back to the Soviet Union’s support for anti-colonial movements, to strengthen alliances. A significant portion of Russia’s influence stems from its provision of #military and #security #services. Russian state-linked companies, such as the #WagnerGroup, have become key players in offering private military support, including training, protection for political elites, and #counterinsurgency operations. These activities are particularly evident in countries like the ????#CentralAfricanRepublic,???? #Mali, and ????#Sudan. Russia is one of the leading #arms suppliers to Africa, accounting for a substantial share of the continent’s military imports. Its competitive pricing and lack of political conditions make Russian arms appealing to African governments. This includes everything from small arms to advanced air defense systems. Russian companies, often state-backed, are heavily involved in #mining operations, particularly in gold, diamonds, and uranium. These ventures are strategic for both Russia’s economic interests and its geopolitical positioning. Russia has pursued agreements to develop nuclear energy projects in countries like #Egypt and #SouthAfrica, showcasing its technological capabilities. Agricultural Commodities: Amid global food crises, Russia has positioned itself as a critical supplier of wheat and fertilizers.

I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. I hope that this agreement can put an end to the violence, suffering and destruction both countries have been experiencing.

Announcing a Partnership Between NATO Veterans Initiative (NAVI) and Veteran Coalition International (VCI) NATO Veterans Initiative (NAVI) and Veteran Coalition International (VCI) are proud to announce a partnership to empower veterans from NATO nations and partner countries. This collaboration focuses on research, advocacy, solidarity, and supporting veterans in continuing their contributions to society. Shared Mission and Goals VCI works to ensure veterans have access to resources and opportunities wherever they live. NAVI provides a unique perspective to transatlantic leaders and societies on peace and security through the lens of NATO's founding principles of rule of law, democracy, human rights, and individual liberties, and creates empowerment and solidarity opportunities across the Atlantic. Together, we will amplify veterans' voices, heal together and promote the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Partnership Priorities Advocacy for Democratic Values NAVI’s focus on research complements VCI’s commitment to ensuring veterans have access to opportunities, promoting values that protect individual freedoms and the rule of law. Building Global Networks This partnership strengthens connections among veterans across NATO nations and partner countries, creating a support network that encourages collaboration and shared action. Expanding Access to Resources By combining NAVI’s research with VCI’s resource development, we aim to provide veterans with the tools they need to thrive in civilian life while continuing to serve their communities. A Unified Purpose We honor those who serve, who have served, and who sacrificed. Our partnership creates an environment where veterans can heal, lead, and contribute to strengthening their communities. Together, we help veterans, their families, and survivors continue their service. In Purpose and Action, NATO Veterans Initiative (NAVI) and Veteran Coalition International (VCI) #NATO #veterans #NAVI #VCI