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9:46 AM ET, Monday, December 11, 2023

Daily national security briefings aren’t just for the president anymore. The Cipher Brief uses AI partnered with human analysis and expert perspective to keep you up-to-date on national security news from around the world.  

THE TOP STORIES

Zelensky to meet with Biden in Washington in a push to reach deal on Ukraine aid.  U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet at the White House on Tuesday to discuss critical aid for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The meeting aims to emphasize the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine in countering Russia's invasion. Biden has urged Congress for a $110 billion wartime funding package, including substantial aid for Ukraine and Israel. However, the proposal is currently stalled in the midst of a broader debate over U.S. immigration policies. The urgency is heightened as the U.S. budget director warns that funding for sending weapons and assistance to Ukraine will run out by the year-end, severely impacting Ukraine's ability to combat Russian forces. The Biden administration considers the meeting essential as Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizes the dwindling time and heightened stakes for Ukraine. The administration seeks bipartisan support for the aid package, acknowledging the need for compromises. The situation is complicated by broader discussions on the need to reform U.S. border security. The meeting underscores what most experts agree is the critical juncture in U.S.-Ukraine relations and the immediate need for decisive action to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression.   Associated Press  Reuters

Hungarian delegation to meet U.S. Republican lawmakers to push for end of Ukraine aid.  Allies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are reportedly set to meet with Republicans in Washington, urging an end to US military support for Ukraine. The closed-door meeting, hosted by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, involves members of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs and Hungarian embassy staff. The gathering coincides with tense debates in Washington over Ukraine's future, including a warning from the White House that funds for weapons and equipment for Kyiv will run out by year-end without congressional action. Orbán, a critic of aid to Ukraine against the Russian invasion, is said to be confident that such aid won't pass in Congress, leading him to block assistance from the EU. The meeting is part of Orbán's transatlantic efforts to bolster Russia's war. The Heritage Foundation, known for opposing US assistance to Ukraine, is also leading Project 2025, a coalition preparing for the next conservative presidential administration. The Guardian Kyiv Independent 

Russia Unleashes Significant New Attack in Eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian Military Says. The Ukrainian military said today that Russian forces have launched a massive assault on the city of Avdiivka, part of the Russian campaign to secure control of the Donbas region. Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Stupun said the front lines in eastern Ukraine have barely shifted over the past several weeks but that the fighting has been intense. Russia launched its renewed effort to capture Avdiivka more than two months ago, but Stupun said the Ukrainian military is “firmly holding on defenses.”  Reuters

Chinese coast guard uses water cannons against Philippine vessels for a second day.  Chinese coast guard vessels targeted Philippine vessels with water cannon blasts, causing damage and endangering Filipino crew members off the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.  The latest incident comes just one day after a similar confrontation at another shoal. Two Philippine navy-operated supply boats and two coast guard escort ships were delivering supplies to Filipino forces in a navy ship serving as a territorial outpost. The Chinese coast guard's actions disabled and severely damaged the engines of the Philippine supply boat M/L Kalayaan, and another supply boat was rammed by a Chinese coast guard ship. The Philippine government condemned China's "unprovoked acts of coercion," and the U.S., the European Union, and Japan strongly condemned China's actions. China claims sovereignty over the disputed area, but international condemnation and legal interventions, including a 2016 U.N.-backed arbitration tribunal ruling, have rejected its claims. Tensions between the two sides are on the rise in the South China Sea and show no sign of easing, as Chinese Coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu called China’s actions “reasonable, legal and professional,” and said such operations would continue.  Associated Press

US Army receives first long-range Precision Strike Missiles.  The U.S. Army received its first delivery of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), which aims to replace the Army’s Tactical Missile System, December 8 according to a service announcement. The PrSM program is one of 24 major modernization initiatives the Army was trying to deploy by the end of 2023. The Assistant Secretary  of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology, said in a statement that this program will provide Joint Force commanders with “24/7, all weather capability that will counter the enemy’s ability to conduct combat maneuver and air defense operations”. The missile, which can launch from both the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System will enhance the Army’s deep-strike capability and help counter Russian and Chinese technologies. The current priority for the program is to pursue a maritime, ‘ship-killing’ capability. Additional technologies that will enhance range, lethality, and seeking, are expected to be added on in the future. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technology are expected to compete for the next iteration of the PrSM program. The United State’s withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia has allowed for the Army to design the missile to have a greater range.  The treaty had previously prevented the production of missiles with ranges between 499 kilometers to 5,000 kilometers.  Defense News 

ISRAEL AND HAMAS WAR

Israeli tanks reach center of Khan Younis amid intense combat in southern Gaza.  In a major push into the largest city in southern Gaza strip, Israeli tanks make their way to the center of the city of Khan Younis Sunday. This comes as the Gaza Strip health authorities have said that approximately 18,000 Palestinians have been killed and 49,500 injured by Israeli strikes.  Israeli leaders have claimed that dozens of Hamas fighters have surrendered so far and encouraged more to do so. Hamas has since called these claims “false and baseless”. Residents in Khan Younis said that Israeli tanks readed the main road through the city after heavy night time combat slowed the Israeli offensive from the east. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said that Gaza is in collapse and that he expects public order to completely break down soon which might result in “epidemic diseases” and increased pressure for “mass displacement into Egypt”.  Residents have described the fighting in the southern city as some of the most intense since the war began after Hamas’s attack on October 7. Reuters 

Violence escalates between Israel, Lebanon's Hezbollah.  Violence along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon escalated Sunday as Hezbollah continues to launch explosive drones and missiles at Israeli positions and the Israeli air force has responded with strikes in several Lebanese towns and villages. A local Lebanese official said that an Israeli air strike on the town of Aitaroun destroyed five homes and that three women and two men were wounded.  Senior Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah called the airstrikes a “new escalation”. The Israeli army said that “suspicious aerial targets” were intercepted from Lebanon and Israeli fighters carried out “an extensive series of strikes on Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanese territory”. This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned that Beirut would be turned “into Gaza” if Hezbollah decides to establish an all out war. UNFIL, the southern Lebanon U.N. Peacekeeping force said in a statement that “the potential for miscalculation that could trigger a wider conflict is increasing”.  Reuters 

Chances shrinking for ceasefire in Gaza, Qatar says.  Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said Sunday that Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza is “narrowing the window” for a new ceasefire but added that Doha would continue to pressure both sides to commit to a cessation of fighting. Qatar played a critical role in establishing a ceasefire in November which allowed for the release of hostages and an increase in humanitarian supplies into Gaza.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the war is “in full swing”. Hamas’s armed wing told Al Jazeera that the previous ceasefire had “proved its credibility” and said that no more hostages would be released until Israel engaged in talks. Also at the Doha Forum, Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh said that Israel should not be allowed to continue “violating international law” and called for international sanctions. When asked about civilian casualties in Gaza, a senior Israeli advisor said that Israel has made a maximum effort to safeguard civilian lives. BBC 

Israel indicates it’s willing to fight for months or more to beat Hamas.  As Qatar recently highlighted that the chances of a renewed ceasefire was waning, Israel implied Sunday that it was prepared to fight months or longer to defeat Hamas. The Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said on TV that the U.S. has not given Israel a set deadline for it to achieve its goals. He added that “the evaluation that this can’t be measured in weeks is correct, and I’m not sure it can be measured in months,” implying a long potential timeline for Israel’s war against Hamas. Israel continues to face international outrage for its military offensive in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of 18,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s health authority. Reportedly, 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population has been displaced. This comes as the United States vetoed a U.N. security council resolution to end the fighting and instead pushed through a $100 million military aid package to Israel. The U.N. General Assembly is scheduled for an emergency meeting Tuesday to vote on a very similar resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.  Associated Press 

Gaza's 'catastrophic' health situation nearly impossible to improve, says WHO Chief. The World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday that it is “all but impossible” to improve the health situation in Gaza.  This comes as the WHO passed an emergency motion to attempt to secure access for more medical relief.  The war between Israel and Gaza has left most of the population of Gaza homeless, with very little access to food, clean water and medical care.  The emergency WHO motion seeks permission for additional WHO staff to enter Gaza to provide medical support, citing the need for a “surge” of medical services to combat the rising risk of disease and infection.  Tedros said that the healthcare system in Gaza, part of which has come under assault or been besieged in the conflict, has been reduced to one third of its pre-war capacity.  Reuters

 Iran charges a Swedish national with spying for Israel. Iran conducted the first hearing for Swedish citizen Johan Floderus, who was detained in 2022 on charges of spying for Israel. According to Iranian media reports, the prosecutor accused Floderus of having ties to Israeli elements and gathering information against Iran through American, Israeli, and European organizations active in Iran. Floderus, who reportedly worked for the European Union's diplomatic corps, was accused of collaborating with Swedish intelligence, traveling to Israel, and transferring money to Iran for projects aimed at toppling its government. The prosecutor requested that Floderus be prosecuted based on Iranian espionage laws which carry penalties ranging from six months to capital punishment. The Swedish Foreign Ministry confirmed the detention in September but provided no details. The strained relations between Sweden and Iran have been exacerbated by past incidents, including the conviction last year of an Iranian citizen by a Swedish court for war crimes, leading to the recall of Iran's ambassador from Sweden.  Associated Press

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy travels to Argentina, in a bid to win Global South’s support.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the inauguration of Argentina's new President Javier Milei, marking his first visit to Latin America. Zelenskiy's trip aimed to strengthen Ukraine's ties with countries in the Global South, seeking support in its 21-month conflict against Russia. During the journey, Zelenskiy met with Cape Verde's Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, expressing gratitude for condemning Russian aggression. Zelenskiy advocates for a "global peace summit" centered on Russia withdrawing troops from Ukraine and recognizing its 1991 borders. Zelenskiy's efforts to build alliances with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, however, face challenges due to conflicting positions on issues like Ukraine's support for Israel.  Reuters

Zelenskyy Claims to have had 'Frank' Conversation with Hungarian Leader Orban. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday reportedly had a “frank” talk with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Argentina. In his nightly video message, Zelensky said he had the conversation with Orban on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of Javier Milei, the new Argentine President. He noted that the conversation was “obviously … about our European affairs.” In a 20 second video posted on YouTube, the two were seen speaking in the Argentine parliament. In an email, a spokesperson for Orban confirmed that the meeting occurred but did not say if Orban would maintain his opposition to Kyiv’s accession to the European Union, which remains a pressing issue in the bloc as the Hungarian leader has made clear his resistance to Ukraine’s entry. Havasi said that Orban “signaled that the member states of the European Union were continuously discussing” the subject of membership for Kyiv. Orban has also threatened recently to block measures to provide Ukraine with $53.80 billion in budget support through 2027. An EU official said Friday, however, that the bloc would still manage to aid Kyiv even with a veto from Hungary. Earlier, Zelensky said he had spoken with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the matter, and said Ukraine is “counting on a positive decision” concerning the $53.80 billion as well as “the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.” BBC Reuters Ukrinform TASS 

Ukraine moves first lorries to Poland by rail through blocked border.  Ukraine has successfully transported the first batch of lorries to Poland by rail, bypassing the road blockade caused by Polish truckers protesting against the terms of EU access for Ukrainian lorries. The protests have led to the blockage of main road corridors into Ukraine, resulting in higher fuel and food prices and delays to drone deliveries for the Ukrainian army. Approximately 3,500 lorries are currently blocked on the Polish side of the border, and Ukrainian authorities have not reached an agreement with protesters to end the blockade. The main demand of Polish hauliers is to stop Ukrainian truckers from having permit-free access to the EU, a stance not accepted by Kyiv and Brussels.  Reuters 

Ukraine Presses ahead with removal of Soviet-era statues.  In a continued effort to erase Soviet-era symbols, Ukrainian authorities removed a statue of Red Army commander Mykola Shchors from Kyiv's central boulevard. Amid the nearly two-year-long invasion by Russian forces, Kyiv has intensified its campaign to eliminate all traces of Russian rule. Workers carefully dismantled the hulking statue using a giant crane, placing it on a flatbed truck, with onlookers watching and photographing the process.  The statue will be relocated to a museum, according to Kyiv city councilor Leonid Yemets. This initiative is part of Ukraine's broader de-communization campaign, which involves renaming streets and settlements, reflecting efforts to reshape historical narratives after the 2014 Maidan Revolution.  Reuters Associated Press

ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD

Feeling Pressure from Brazil, Guyana Consents to Talks with Venezuela over Land Dispute.   Guyana’s government on Sunday agreed to join high-level, bilateral talks with Venezuela over a intensifying, century-old dispute regarding the territory of Essequibo, after receiving pressure from Brazil and a Caribbean trading bloc. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali said that his nation will meet on Thursday on the island of St. Vincent for talks. Tensions have escalated rapidly between Guyana and Venezuela after oil was discovered offshore of the thick, jungle territory of Essequibo, prompting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to claim sovereignty of the land after conducting a nation-wide referendum. In a national broadcast, Ali said he has made it “very clear” that “Guyana’s position” on the border dispute is “non-negotiable.” Caracas on Saturday said it agreed to the talks in order to protect its “aspiration to maintain Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, without interference from external actors.” Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St. Vincent, is set to chair the meeting on the 14th of December, while Brazil will observe. Associated Press Deutsche Welle CNN 

Opinion- Venezuela’s Threats to Guyana Follow Putin’s Ukraine Playbook. In an Op-Ed for Bloomberg, Cipher Brief Expert, Admiral (Ret) James Stavridis discusses the territorial threat faced by Guyana from Venezuela. Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro recently sponsored a referendum to annex a significant portion of Guyana's territory called Essequibo. The region is resource-rich, with oil, gold, fresh water, and timber. Despite Venezuela's claims being rejected by international arbitrators in 1899, Maduro's recent moves raise concerns of a potential land grab. Stavridis draws parallels with Putin's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the international community, especially the US and Brazil, to respond to prevent further aggression. Guyana's economic growth, driven by its oil and gas resources, contrasts with the territorial threat it faces. He also suggests that diplomatic efforts, military presence, and economic tools should be employed to deter Maduro's territorial ambitions and avoid a major conflict in the Americas. Admiral Stavridis urges swift action to counter Maduro's moves before they escalate further.  Bloomberg 

Argentina Swears In ‘Madman’ Milei as President.  Javier Milei, an eccentric economist-turned-TV pundit, was sworn in as Argentina's president, promising massive public spending cuts to address the country's economic crisis. Milei, known for his unconventional style and shock-factor, won the election last month with promises to overhaul the economy through "shock" fiscal therapy. In his inaugural speech, Milei confirmed plans to cut public spending by 15% of GDP, blaming left-leaning predecessors for Argentina's economic woes. He acknowledged that the measures would impact employment and the needy, leading to stagflation, but claimed it was necessary for the country's reconstruction. Milei had made wild promises during the campaign, such as plans to dollarize the economy and scrap the central bank, but he has softened his tone and adopted a more moderate stance after his election. Despite the shift, some supporters are disappointed that Milei, nicknamed "El Loco" or "the madman," is conforming to the political establishment. Foreign dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Zelensky and former Brazilian President Bolsonaro, attended Milei's inauguration.  Wall Street Journal Associated Press Reuters 

ANALYSIS- EU summit with Beijing viewed as “positive” change in dialogue. European Union (EU) leaders left their summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang with a sense that Beijing is more receptive to their concerns than in recent interactions. While still far apart on key issues like trade and Russia, the EU felt its worries were taken seriously. Xi reportedly adopted a "relaxed and non-confrontational" tone, emphasizing that China sees Europe as a "pole" and not a "vassal" of any other power.  The EU urged China to rebalance trade, address overcapacity, and halt firms evading Russia sanctions. Although there were no firm commitments, China agreed to continued discussions on some issues like overcapacity in cheap, high-tech products that Europe views as a risk to its open markets, marking a step in the right direction. The EU seeks to avoid a full-blown trade war, emphasizing that its open market depends on China's policies changing. Despite potential suspicions that Beijing is buying time, the EU prefers diplomatic resolutions, and the summit signaled a positive turn in dialogue.  South China Morning Post 

Spain quietly expelled two US embassy staff for allegedly bribing Spanish intelligence agents. Citing government sources, the El Pais newspaper reported Sunday that Spain expelled at least two U.S. Embassy staff accused of bribing Spanish intelligence officers for secrets. Both Spain and the U.S. did not confirm the account however, Spain’s Defense Minister played down any impact it might have on relations. She highlighted that Spain and the United States are friends, allies and partners, and said that when there are issues between the two nations, “they are discussed and dealt with”. The U.S. Ambassador Julissa Reynoso did not comment on the matter. El Pais reported that the embassy staff were discretely withdrawn at Madrid’s request after a Spanish investigation revealed that two Spanish intelligence officers gave up information for “a large sum”. The newspapers said that more than two “spies” may have been involved. This comes as two officers with Spain’s intelligence agency CNI,  a chief of area and his assistant were arrested two months ago.  Following their arrest a court ordered their case to be kept secret. The Spanish government said that there had been an investigation at CNI’s request but did not elaborate on the probe.  Al Jazeera Reuters 

Germany warns against allowing Putin to push propaganda at Paris Olympics. Germany's sports minister, Nancy Faeser, has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to thoroughly examine the backgrounds of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in the Paris Olympics next year. This follows the IOC's decision to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate as neutrals in individual events, provided they don't actively support the war in Ukraine. Faeser emphasized the importance of excluding athletes with connections to the Russian government or military. She stated that allowing athletes supporting Putin's war to participate, or allowing Putin to use the Olympics for propaganda, would be unacceptable, asserting that Ukraine and its athletes should receive full support and solidarity from world sport.  Politico 

Finland Declassifies Memo on Lee Harvey Oswald after 60 years.  ​​Recently released documents from the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) reveal new details about Lee Harvey Oswald's mysterious visit to Helsinki in 1959. Oswald, later accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy, checked into Hotel Torni for three nights, but abruptly left after two nights, claiming that he wanted to return to the US. He left abruptly, shifting to the nearby Klaus Kurki Hotel, where Supo struggled to understand his motives. The Warren Commission Report later disclosed that Oswald applied for a Soviet Visa, and received unusually swift approval in Helsinki.  He reportedly departed for the Soviet Union on Oct 15. Oswald's exact route to Helsinki remains unclear, with Supo speculating he traveled via Stockholm.  Oswald reportedly lived in Minsk until 1962, when he returned to the U.S. and was implicated in the assassination of President Kennedy in November 1963. The released records shed light on the enigmatic background of one of the 20th century's most notorious figures.  Euroweekly News  YLE

Russia explores accessing sanctioned gold reserves for climate funds at COP28.  Russia is exploring the possibility of using its frozen gold reserves to fund a climate damage fund aimed at helping developing countries, according to the country's climate envoy at the COP28 summit. This move appears to align with Moscow's efforts to prevent the West from seizing its frozen reserves, which were imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The West froze over $300 billion of Russia's international reserves in response to the invasion. The proposal is unlikely to gain widespread approval, as Kyiv seeks the proceeds from the frozen assets to aid in rebuilding Ukraine, facing legal complexities and potential future repercussions.  Reuters Radio Free Europe 

Russia’s opposition vows to undermine Putin’s image as possible reelection approaches. Russian opposition figures, either imprisoned or in self-exile, vow to continue their fight against President Vladimir Putin as he seeks another term in the March 2024 election. While they believe Putin's victory is assured, they aim to undermine public support, turn opinion against the war in Ukraine, and show the opposition that they are not alone. Imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, through his team's project called "Navalny’s Campaigning Machine," aims to engage with Russians and sway them against Putin and the war. Another opposition force, the Anti-War Committee, plans a campaign called "No to Putin!" to explain a future without Putin. Some groups consider putting forward candidates to challenge Putin, while Navalny encourages his supporters to vote for any other candidate on election day. Analysts say that the Kremlin fears anything that could cause the population to doubt the authority of the election or damage Putin’s image.  Associated Press

ANALYSIS- Once, This Was Iraqi Farmland. Now It’s Controlled by an Iran-Linked Militia.  The Iraqi militia Khataib Hezbollah controls an area known as Jurf al-Nasr, twice the size of San Francisco.  This militia, designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and linked to Iran, operates in sovereign Iraqi territory and is central to fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Jurf al-Nasr, functioning as a "forward operating base for Iran," according to intelligence officers, is used by Khataib Hezbollah to assemble drones and retrofit rockets with parts from Iran. The weapons produced there have been distributed to Iranian-linked groups across the Middle East, leading to concerns that the conflict in Gaza could escalate.  Over the past two months, attacks by Iranian-linked groups, including Khataib Hezbollah, have increased sharply, with at least 82 drone and rocket attacks against U.S. military installations in Iraq and Syria, according to the Pentagon. Many of these attacks reportedly used weapons from Jurf al-Nasr. In response, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Khataib Hezbollah locations, further intensifying tensions. The geopolitical landscape is witnessing a significant shift with Iran's growing influence in Iraq, particularly through militias like Khataib Hezbollah. Despite substantial U.S. investment over the past two decades aimed at creating stability and a reliable ally in Iraq, Iran is now considered the predominant influence in the country, affecting various sectors of the Iraqi government and security forces. The situation underscores the complexity of regional dynamics and the challenges faced by the U.S. in the Middle East.  NY Times 

ANALYSIS- Taliban's Quest For Self-Sufficiency Faces Challenges. Since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, the group has initiated ambitious infrastructure and natural-resource development projects, aiming for economic self-sufficiency. The Taliban is digging one of Asia's largest irrigation canals and claims to have attracted billions in mining investments. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including global non-recognition, political and economic sanctions, and the Taliban's reluctance to share transparent data. Experts doubt the group's ability to achieve self-sufficiency, emphasizing the need for sanctions to be fully lifted, reconnection to the international system, and resumption of foreign development aid. The Taliban's push for self-sufficiency is also clouded by governance failures, human rights concerns, and continuing Western sanctions. The country's economic stability has somewhat improved, with the afghani strengthened by U.S.-granted exemptions. However, challenges remain, including strained relations with neighboring countries and governance issues. As a landlocked country Afghanistan is still inhibited in its ability to establish export routes, making international trade heavily dependent on good relations with neighboring Pakistan and Iran. Kabul's trade with Islamabad has rapidly plummeted in recent months after tensions over the Taliban's support for the Pakistani Taliban boiled over. Both Tehran and Islamabad are now rapidly expelling hundreds of thousands of Afghans, which is placing additional stresses on the Taliban government. Analysts say the Taliban's pursuit of self-reliance faces significant hurdles, and success is uncertain amid Western pressures and restrictions.  Radio Free Europe

U.N. Says Taliban Must Embrace and Uphold Human Rights Obligations in Afghanistan.  The U.N. mission in Afghanistan said yesterday that the Taliban must embrace and uphold its human rights obligations. On Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the mission said it continues to document extrajudicial killings, torture and ill treatment, corporal punishment, arbitrary arrest and detention, and other human rights violations in Afghanistan. The mission’s statement came two days after the U.S. imposed sanctions on two Taliban officials over human rights abuses. The State Department cited Fariduddin Mahmood for decisions denying education to women and girls and Khalid Hanafi of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice for the ministry’s “serious human rights abuse,” including abductions and beatings. AP

West Africa’s ECOWAS Creates Committee to Negotiate with Niger Junta on Democracy. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday established a committee of three leaders to begin negotiations with the military junta of Niger on a return to democracy and the relaxing of sanctions. In July, Niger experienced a coup after troops from the presidential guard seized and detained President Mohamed Bazoum and established what they referred to as a transitional government. After a summit in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Sunday, the West African bloc opted to create a committee of leaders from Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone to negotiate with Niger’s junta, with the goal of agreeing "on a short transition roadmap." They also seek “the speedy restoration of constitutional order” in the nation. ECOWAS said it would “progressively ease the sanctions imposed on Niger,” depending on the results of the “engagement by the committee of heads of state with” the military leaders of Niger. The military government claimed the sanctions have only harmed the indigent and should be removed. Nigerian President and ECOWAS chairman Bola Tinubu has said the bloc should be prepared to support countries under military control to achieve "realistic and short" passages to democracy, in addition to giving juntas technical and material assistance to meet goals. Reuters Associated Press Deutsche Welle KC  

African Mediating Body Claims Advancements in Efforts to Resolve Sudan’s Conflict. An African regional committee engaged in efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Sudan said it has managed to secure an agreement from both parties to execute a ceasefire and to hold talks with the goal of settling the conflict. Neither the Sudanese army nor its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commented on this development. The violence has not yet ceased, with eyewitnesses on Sunday reporting explosions at the Al-Jaili oil refinery on the outskirts of Khartoum. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said that the Sudanese army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Saturday consented to a one-on-one meeting with RSF head Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The IGAD claimed that during a phone call, Dagalo agreed to both a ceasefire and a conversation with Burhan. An adviser to the president of Djibouti, the current chair of the IGAD, said that Dagalo and Burhan had "accepted the principle of meeting within 15 days” to clear the way for a sequence of “confidence-building measures between the two parties that lead to the launch of a political process.” Though the army has accused the RSF of committing “barbaric acts,” Burhan maintained he is still open to finding peace, and Dagalo urged the reformation of the army and the creation of a civilian government. Reuters Associated Press 

Sudan Declares 15 UAE Diplomats Non Grata.  The Sudanese state news agency said yesterday that Sudan has declared 15 United Arab Emirates Embassy staffers persona non grata and ordered them to leave the country within 48 hours. No further details were reported, but last month a senior Sudanese general said the UAE had been sending supplies to the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A UAE official responded to the charge by saying that from the outset of the war, the UAE has called for de-escalation, a ceasefire, and diplomatic dialogue. Reuters

Two Killed, Seven Wounded in Assault on Humanitarian ICRC Convoy in Sudan’s Khartoum. Two people were killed and seven wounded on Sunday after a humanitarian convoy of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was attacked in Sudan’s capital of Khartoum. In a statement, the Red Cross revealed that three of the injured victims were ICRC staff members. The statement explained that the convoy, “consisting of three ICRC vehicles and three buses” which were marked with Red Cross emblems, was set to evacuate more than one hundred “vulnerable civilians from Khartoum to Wad Madani” when it came under fire as it entered the evacuation zone. The ICRC condemned the incident, called for the protection of civilians, and referred to the assault as “deliberate,” though it did not accuse any organization. The Sudanese army claimed the convoy was attacked after breaching a deal by nearing its defensive positions and using a vehicle "belonging to the rebels," alluding to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The army said that foreign nationals were included in the civilians that the ICRS was evacuating from St. Mary's Church in the capital. The RSF has accused the army of assaulting the convoy. The ICRC maintained that the operation in Khartoum “had been requested by and coordinated with the parties to the conflict” who not only gave their consent but also “provided the necessary security guarantees.” Reuters Deutsche Welle BBC 

THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN

Secretive Pentagon Spaceplane Mission Raises Speculation of Satellite Monitoring Role.  A secretive Pentagon spacecraft, the X-37B, is scheduled for a Monday launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket.  The use of the powerful SpaceX platform has sparked speculation that Sunday’s mission will be destined for a much higher orbit.  The X-37B space plane is relatively small, measuring about 30 feet in length and under 10 feet tall.  It features stubby wings and a rounded nose.  Its exact mission is unknown, although a role as an anti-satellite weapon role has been suggested as a possibility.  The drone spaceplane is uncrewed and according to a Pentagon statement will conduct tests that include “operating the reusable spaceplane in new orbital regimes, experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies.”   Space awareness could signal that the X-37B has a role in monitoring the movement and missions of other nations’ satellites and spacecraft.  The Pentagon has disclosed one goal for this mission involving an experiment for NASA to “expose plant seeds to the harsh radiation environment of long-duration spaceflight.”  The Secure World Foundation think tank has released a fact sheet describing the X-37B as a testbed for “reusable space launch vehicle technologies (such as guidance and thermal protection) and on-orbit testing of new sensor technologies and satellite hardware for risk reduction.”  Washington Post  NBC News

FBI Describes Process for Companies Requesting Delays in SEC Cyber Incident Reporting.  The FBI has issued guidelines covering procedures by which companies disclose cyber incidents to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  The SEC in June approved rules dictating how companies must report “material” cybersecurity breaches and make annual reports on corporate risk management and governance strategies.  The FBI guidance clarifies how companies can request delays in reporting cyber incidents, with the FBI responsible for conveying viable requests to the Justice Department.  The expanded FBI guidance recommends that “publicly traded companies” establish ties with local FBI cyber squads.”  Early outreach, the FBI guidance states, will allow FBI officials to understand the facts surrounding an incident “before the company makes a materiality determination.”  The bureau says a “material incident” is one in which a shareholder would consider a cyber incident significant in making an investment decision.  Simply making contact with the FBI will not constitute a “material” incident.  Delays can be requested by a company emailing the FBI with information about the timing of an incident and when it was deemed material.  Failure to provide timing details on the incident will result in denial of a delay-referral request.   The original SEC incident reporting requirements triggered widespread criticism from companies and industry lobbyists.  TheRecord

The data cutoff for this product was 8:00 a.m. E.T.

Brad Christian, Leighton Durham, Katharine Campbell, Ken Hughes, Ryan Simons and Bruce Wilmot contributed to this report. 

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