'Ballistic Missile Diplomacy'
Myanmar civil war escalates, 'ballistic missile diplomacy' from Iran and Argentina's ultra-liberal experiments
The dramatic advance of the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” - Myanmar
The Resistance offensive, named after the date it began ‘Operation 1027,’ continues to see success after success in the civil war against the Tatmadaw. This resistance, an alliance of three ethnic militias, has now captured 42 Towns and 25 Military Unit HQs according to conflict analysts.
Before the recent offensive less than 10 small towns and no military bases had been captured.
Large sections of the borders with India and China are now controlled by the resistance, significantly impacting supply routes for the junta. In response to the intense fighting, some of it on the border, China brokered a ceasefire last week, which lasted one day.
The Myanmar junta and their army the Tatmadaw, reliant on China and Russia for arms and increasingly isolated on the world stage - might be reaching a point where defeat is a real possibility.
Iran strikes three different countries in two days
Pakistan, Iraq and Syria have all been stuck by either ballistic missiles or drones in the last few days by an increasingly active or perhaps brazen Iranian military. They claim to be targeting Israeli “espionage” centres and terrorist cells. It is also a response to the Kerman bombing, claimed by ISIS, which killed more than 80 people in Iran two weeks ago.
It is possible that Iran is becoming much more willing to use its own military capabilities towards its neighbours - this has the potential for severe consequences and risks breaking down fragile relationships between the governments of the region.
Civilians, including children, have reportedly been killed in these attacks.
With China now importing more oil via the Strait of Hormuz than the USA and investing hundreds of millions in Iran’s oil and gas sector, they are significantly less likely to make significant moves here. In 2021 China imported three times more crude oil from the Gulf than the USA and EU combined.
The Bab el Mandab however…
Nuevo Presidente de Argentina
One month of Melei, with his singer/actress wife and chainsaw wielding antics, has dramatically changed the picture for his country - and to a certain degree South America as a whole. Coincidently, he is scheduled to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron today in Davos. (The Falklands may come up)
The nation unceremoniously withdrew their application from the China/Russia led BRICS group - being constructed as a foil to Western influence.
He is pushing forward with a radical ultra liberal overhaul of the country in the last few days with an emergency decree and an omnibus bill which include more than 1000 changes to the country’s laws. They face congressional oversight this week.
These changes include massive deregulation of industry, greater presidential powers, reduced protesting rights, spending cuts and tax increases.
He has already seen some success, with the IMF approving a surprising $4.7 billion in a debt restructuring plan.
If Melei’s ambitious economic plans make it into law and see even vaguely positive results, this could precede some significant changes in the South American political scene.
Thanks for reading my first news briefing, hopefully the first of many! I really appreciate your time, and would welcome any comments/critique you have.
Han
Succinct and a joy to read!