US B-52 bombers join Finnish, Swedish in NATO training near Russian border
Two U.S. B-52 bombers conducted a training mission over Finland, simulating weapons drops alongside Finnish and Swedish fighter jets. The operation aligns with NATO’s collective defense initiatives as Finland bolsters its military capabilities following its recent NATO membership.
The bombers departed from Fairford Air Base in England, flying over the North Sea, Denmark and the Baltic Sea before entering Finnish airspace. According to the Finnish Air Force, the exercises included simulated air-to-ground drops and demonstrated coordination in fire-use missions. Finnish officials emphasized that such drills enhance defense readiness and contribute to NATO’s presence in the region.
The bilateral cooperation between Finland and the United States strengthens Finland's defence capability.
The mission follows Russia’s announcement of deploying a hypersonic missile in Ukraine, which reportedly has the capability to reach European capitals within minutes. During the training, Russian fighter jets reportedly intercepted the U.S. bombers near Kaliningrad. U.S. officials described the encounter as safe and professional, with the bombers continuing on their planned route.
The B-52H Stratofortress, a long-range bomber, was configured for conventional weapons during the mission. The aircraft can carry up to 70,000 pounds of armaments, including nuclear and precision-guided conventional weapons. Of the 76 bombers in the U.S. fleet, 46 are nuclear-capable.
This mission follows similar NATO exercises conducted earlier this year, highlighting Finland’s increasing role in alliance activities. Both the U.S. Air Force and the Russian Defense Ministry have declined to comment further.
Chinese vessel detained and suspected of Baltic Sea cable destruction
While Russia is suspected of severing two communication cable lines between NATO allies in the Baltic Sea by the West, a Chinese vessel was also implicated in the incident on Wednesday, Nov. 20, as Danish authorities detained the vessel. The cuts in the Baltic Sea happened on Sunday, Nov. 17 and on Monday, Nov. 18.
The cuts happened along the C-Lion-3 cable that connects Finland and Germany and another 130-mile connecting communications between Sweden and Lithuania.
Investigators are reportedly looking into the movements of a Chinese bulk carrier that traveled to Egypt from a Russian port. According to tracking data, the ship passed close to both telecommunication cables around the time each was severed on Sunday and on Monday.
The Danish Navy reportedly shadowed the vessel, eventually detaining it. Danish officials said that they suspect the ship is responsible for the damage to the cables but provided no further comment.
A separate Chinese-registered ship reportedly cut the BaltiConnector Pipeline in October of 2023 and a telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia with its anchor. Officials familiar with the investigation say Russian sailors were aboard that vessel at the time of the incident.
In regard to the latest cuttings, German officials stopped short of blaming a particular country on Tuesday, Nov. 19, but said the latest cuttings appear to be no accident.
Lithuanian commented on the latest cuttings, noting that the country was “deeply concerned,” but also did not point blame at a particular country.
Other Western officials previously said that there were indications Moscow was behind the cuts though no specific details were released.
Critical comms cables cut in Baltic Sea as West warns of Russian ‘sabotage’
United States allies reportedly believe that sabotage may be to blame for the loss of two underwater communication lines in the Baltic Sea. While it’s unclear who is behind the rupture, suspicions are reportedly being raised toward Russia as its war in Ukraine reached its 1,000th day on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday, “No one believes that these cables were cut accidentally.”
An incident on Monday, Nov. 18, ruptured a 730-mile cable linking communications between Germany and Finland.
Pistorius believes it came from a “hybrid” action “and we have to assume, without knowing yet, that it is sabotage.”
The telecommunications wires running between Germany and Finland are reportedly the only direct connection of their kind between Finland and central Europe.
Finnish officials say the repairs could take up to 15 days to complete.
In a separate incident on Sunday, Nov. 17, communication cables in the Baltic Sea connecting Sweden and Lithuania were severed. Lithuania’s Navy said on Tuesday that it was monitoring that area of the Baltic Sea in the wake of the disruption.
The loss of these critical communication lines come as governments in northern Europe fear Russian attacks beyond its war in Ukraine. People in Sweden, Norway and Finland have reportedly been given advice by government agencies on how to deal with potential war and other crises.
UK PM Sunak warns of spread in antisemitism as European protests grow
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took a stand against antisemitism on university campuses on Thursday, May 9. Sunak met with university leaders to address concerns about disruptions to learning due to possible antisemitic abuse amid pro-Palestinian protests.
Sunak emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of speech while ensuring that universities remain places of tolerance and safety.
Pro-Palestinian protests sprung up at about a dozen U.K. universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, prompting worries among some Jewish students about antisemitism. To tackle the issue, Sunak announced additional funding to support Jewish students and summoned vice chancellors from top universities to discuss efforts to combat antisemitism.
Specifically, Sunak announced that the government would provide an additional $623,000 to the University Jewish Chaplaincy Service to support Jewish students. The organization provides support for Jewish students at more than 100 universities in the U.K.
Meanwhile, across Europe, campus protests by pro-Palestinian activists spread. Some called on universities to cut academic ties with Israel over the war in Gaza. In Dublin, Ireland, Trinity College students ended a peaceful protest after the institution agreed to divest from Israeli companies that the United Nations said had links to settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
In Berlin, German police broke up a protest at Free University Berlin. Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, protesters occupied a university building, leading police to intervene. Similar protests popped up in Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and Britain.
In the United States, police have taken action against pro-Palestinian protesters as well. At the University of Chicago, authorities cleared a pro-Palestinian tent encampment. The move comes as police dismantled many other encampments across the country.
More than 34,000 Palestinians died since the start of Israel-Hamas war, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
Israel vowed to wipeout Hamas in response to the Oct. 7, terrorist attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw Hamas militants kidnap around 250 people.
How Russia’s nuclear-capable missiles are causing growing concerns for NATO
Tensions are rising between Russia and NATO countries as Moscow forms an Iskander missile brigade near Finland’s border. As a result, Poland is considering allowing NATO allies to deploy nuclear weapons to its soil in response to Russian threats on Monday, April 22.
The Iskander-M ballistic missiles deployed in Russia’s border adjacent to Finland — a new NATO member — are capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. The move by Moscow comes amid heightened concerns over Moscow’s military actions in the region and its war in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed willingness to host NATO nuclear weapons on its territory due to the nuclear threat posed by Russia. The statement from the Polish president comes as Warsaw continues to bolster its defense potential aggression from Russia. Duda also noted talks about nuclear cooperation between the United States and Warsaw have been ongoing “for some time.”
The NATO alliance sees Russia’s missile buildup near the border of Finland as a direct threat to the security and integrity of the region.
As NATO considers its options, a new aid package for Ukraine’s military was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, worth a total of $60.7 billion.
With the moves by Ukrainian allies, the Russian foreign minister accused the United States and its NATO allies of pushing for a “strategic defeat” of Moscow.
However, the Kremlin contended that new U.S. military aid would not change the outcome of the war in Ukraine, where Russia claims it has the upper hand. A Kremlin spokesperson said that the aid “will lead to new victims on the Ukrainian side.”
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed for Washington to finalize the aid package in U.S. Congress and get more weapons to Ukraine quickly.
“I think this support will really strengthen the armed forces of Ukraine and we will have a chance for victory,” Zelenskyy said.
Gallup pinpointed a notable dip in happiness among Americans under 30 as a significant factor behind the country’s slide down the rankings. In contrast, Americans aged 60 and older seem to be faring better, with the U.S. still making it into the top 10 for this age group.
The survey discovered a sharp decline in happiness levels among U.S. youths aged 15-24 since the mid-2000s, in contrast to a more gradual decrease among their counterparts in Western Europe. Meanwhile, Nordic countries maintained their lead in happiness rankings, with Finland at the top, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Australia.
Finland’s consistent top billing as the happiest country marks its seventh consecutive year at the peak of global well-being, a testament to the nation’s enduring quality of life and societal support systems.
Finland has been ranked the Happiest Country in the World, now for seven years in a row.
Many reasons for it, here are my three:
1. Nature. 2. Trust. 3. Education.
There are naturally many other reasons for collective happiness. What would be your top three?
The release of this year’s World Happiness Report aligns with the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, offering a moment for reflection on the state of global well-being amid ongoing challenges.
Gallup’s three-year survey of over 100,000 people across 143 countries asked participants to rate their lives on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible life.
Texas immigration law paused again amid legal seesaw
Hours after the Supreme Court rules that Texas’ immigration law can take effect, it is now back on hold. And, charges have been dropped against the father of a late Marine who was arrested at the State of the Union. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Texas immigration law back on hold hours after Supreme Court ruling
In a rapid succession of judicial decisions, Texas’ stringent immigration law, Senate Bill 4 (SB4), was put on hold just hours after the Supreme Court allowed it to temporarily take effect, marking a tumultuous 24 hours of rulings.
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The Fifth Court of Appeals intervened late Tuesday, deciding that the Texas law, which authorizes local law enforcement to detain migrants crossing the border illegally, should remain suspended. This pause sets the stage for oral arguments on Wednesday, March 20, in the appellate court, which will deliberate on whether the temporary block should be extended as the Biden administration’s challenge against SB4’s constitutionality proceeds.
Texas officials did not report any arrests during the short period SB4 was in effect. Under SB4, apprehended individuals are given the option to voluntarily leave the U.S. or face legal proceedings. Mexico’s government responded promptly to the Supreme Court’s decision, asserting it would not accept any deportees forced to cross the border under this law.
Amidst the ongoing legal battle over Texas’ immigration policy, a similar legislative proposal has successfully passed the state House in Iowa. This bill, now awaiting Governor Kim Reynolds’ signature, would take effect in July.
Trump-backed candidates sweep Ohio primary, sets stage for November
Businessman Bernie Moreno defeated a field of rivals to set up a clash with Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown. Meanwhile, Derek Merrin bested his opposition to take on U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur.
The outcomes of these races are pivotal, with the potential to shift the balance of power in Washington. Both incumbents, Brown and Kaptur, are perceived as vulnerable in an increasingly Republican-leaning Ohio.
In his victory address, Moreno lauded Trump’s support and sought to rally the party behind him against Brown, whom he criticized as a key supporter of President Joe Biden’s policies. As the general election looms, it promises to be fiercely contested. Brown, seeking another term, intends to focus on abortion rights, a move that contrasts with Moreno’s strategy as he navigates scrutiny over his past. Brown posting on X, “The choice ahead of Ohio is clear: Bernie Moreno has spent his career and campaign putting himself first, and would do the same if elected. I’ll always work for Ohio.”
Steve Nikoui, who shouted his son’s name as the president delivered the March 7 address, was removed from the House chamber and arrested after being repeatedly warned by Capitol Police. In a statement issued later that night, authorities stated that disrupting Congress and demonstrating within congressional buildings was illegal.
Nikoui reportedly expressed was feeling “thrilled and humbled” by the decision to drop the charges. The incident and its aftermath have sparked a conversation on the rights of individuals to express their grief and political dissent in public forums.
NYT: Saudi government plans to create $40B fund for artificial intelligence
The New York Times reports the Saudi government, through its Public Investment Fund, has engaged in preliminary talks with the American venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz. These discussions have explored the potential for Andreessen Horowitz to establish a presence in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, as part of the kingdom’s ambitious AI investment strategy.
According to the newspaper, the Saudi AI initiative is scheduled to commence in the latter half of this year, signaling a significant acceleration of the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
If realized, this investment would catapult Saudi Arabia to the status of the world’s preeminent investor in artificial intelligence, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to fuel its future growth.
South Korean police dismiss bomb threat targeting MLB star Shohei Ohtani as not credible
The game, held Wednesday morning between the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at a stadium in Seoul, proceeded without incident. This event marks a milestone for MLB, as it is the first time regular season games are taking place in South Korea.
The threat emerged from an email sent to the South Korean consulate in Vancouver, Canada, by an individual claiming to be a Japanese lawyer. The message warned of a bomb set to detonate during the game. However, after a thorough investigation, police found no explosives at the venue. Authorities also believe the sender was responsible for similar threats last year.
Ohtani, making his debut with the Dodgers after signing a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the team late last year, was the specific target of the threat.
Major League Baseball issued a statement confirming they are in close cooperation with local law enforcement to continue monitoring the situation vigilantly.
Finland tops World Happiness report, US drops from top 20
The Gallup survey pinpointed a notable dip in happiness among Americans under 30 as a significant factor behind the country’s slide down the rankings. In contrast, Americans aged 60 and older seem to be faring better, with the U.S. still making it into the top 10 for this age group.
Finland’s consistent top billing as the happiest country marks its seventh consecutive year at the peak of global well-being, a testament to the nation’s enduring quality of life and societal support systems.
The release of this year’s World Happiness Report aligns with the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, offering a moment for reflection on the state of global well-being amid ongoing challenges.
Russia warns Finland over deal to strengthen military ties with US
Tensions that Moscow said had been put to bed between Finland and Russia are heating up again after Finland signed a defense cooperation agreement (DCA) with the U.S. Finland and Russia share a long border and have a troubled history, most notably the 1939 Winter War, when Finland repelled an invasion by the militarily superior Soviet Union.
We see that Russia will remain a threat to global security for the foreseeable future.
On Monday, Dec. 18, the U.S. and Finland solidified an agreement to bolster military cooperation, which gives the U.S. wide access to territory along the Finland-Russia border. U.S. and Finland officials said the deal is a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“Finland knows almost better than anyone what is at stake for Ukraine,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. “In 1939, the fins also faced a Russian invasion and proved that a free nation can put up an incredibly powerful and resilient resistance.”
Blinken also said that Russia almost certainly won’t stop with Ukraine, concerns that have spread across Europe after Russia’s invasion. Though Putin recently dismissed that idea, calling similar remarks by President Biden “complete nonsense.”
Signed on Monday, the DCA allows the Finnish and U.S. military the opportunity to train together and allows the U.S. military quick access if any conflict were to arise.
“We do not expect the United States to take care of the defense of Finland; we continue to invest in our defense and share the burden in our area and beyond,” Häkkänen said. “However, this agreement significantly enhances our ability to act together in all situations.”
“Responsibility for turning a zone of good-neighborliness in this region into a zone of possible confrontation lies entirely with the current Finnish authorities,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in response to the DCA.
Finland accuses Russia of luring migrants for its ‘own political purposes’
Russia’s neighbors say the country is using migrants at the Finnish border to help fight its war with Ukraine. Finland claims Russia is making the immigration crisis at the border worse, and now the BBC reports several cases of migrants being rushed into a Russian military camp at the eastern border, days after the asylum-seekers were detained for breaking immigration laws.
Finland’s government said Moscow is purposefully allowing undocumented migrants to cross the eastern border, working to create instability in the region. Officials claim that Russia is using asylum-seekers for its “own political purposes.”
Finland took action, closing down its entire eastern border and installing barriers at four of the nine crossings with Russia. The stations will remain closed until February, according to the Finnish Border Guard.
Poland is also sending troops to Finland’s border with Russia to ramp up security.
A Kremlin spokesperson said Friday, Dec. 8, that Finland is making a “big mistake” by choosing a path to confrontation with Russia, according to state news agency TASS.
The Finnish government warned the influx of migrants is creating a national security and public order threat.
The Guardian reported that some asylum-seekers are braving arctic temperatures as they try to find refuge. Many are on bicycles and wearing clothing that is not suitable for the extreme temperatures.
The U.N. and refugee advocacy groups expressed concern, saying the border closure will prevent people from seeking asylum and warned the closure violates international law.
Finland’s non-discrimination ombudsman criticized the government’s border crossing closures, claiming they will seriously endanger the fundamental right to seek asylum.
During the closure, asylum-seekers are being directed to air and seaports.
Just last week, Finland’s Border Guard said it saw around 300 asylum-seekers, mostly from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria. Since August, government officials reported to have seen thousands seeking asylum.
Finland’s border dispute with Russia intensifies over migrant influx
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has called on Russia to cease sending asylum seekers to Finland, characterizing the practice as a “hybrid attack.” Finland recently closed most border crossings due to an influx of over 800 migrants from nations including Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Finland is accusing Russia of orchestrating the situation as retaliation for increased defense cooperation with the United States.
Getty Images
Orpo emphasized the issue as a matter of national security and a hybrid attack rather than a refugee crisis. Finland’s government has closed all but one land border crossing with Russia and is requiring individuals without proper documents to stay in supervised centers until their identities are established.
Associated Press
“We want to send a clear message to Russia: this must stop,” Orpo said at a press conference. “It is not at this moment a question of asylum seekers, it is a question of hybrid attack and national security.”
The Finnish Border Guard anticipates support from Frontex, The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to patrol the 832-mile border. The situation has prompted concerns about asylum rights and potential violations of the ban on return and mass deportation. Neighboring countries, including Norway, Estonia, and Latvia, have also raised similar concerns about Russia’s actions.
In a press release, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen said: “Illegal immigration at Finland’s eastern border has continued to grow and has also expanded to other border crossings. Based on the observations made by the Border Guard and other authorities and the information received, it is clear that the authorities of a foreign country and other actors play a role in facilitating the arrival of persons who have crossed the border to Finland.”
Reuters
The decision remains in effect until Dec. 23, 2023 as Finland assesses the scope of its decision.
