Good morning. Here’s your Situational Awareness for Friday, 23 September 2022.
MEDVEDEV: RUSSIAN TO SEND NUKES TO CRIMEA, DONBAS: In comments on social media, deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, claimed Russian nuclear weapons are likely to be deployed to Crimea and areas of occupied Ukraine. Medvedev said the protection of territories that have joined Russia would be strengthened by the armed forces and that such protections would include not only mobilizations but “strategic nuclear weapons and weapons based on new principles.” Medvedev warned NATO provocations would be met with a “hypersonic retaliation” and called on the west to recognize that Russia had “chosen its path” and that “there is no turning back.” – R.P.
ISRAEL: “WHATEVER IT TAKES” TO PREVENT NUCLEAR IRAN: Speaking at the United Nations, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid announced his country will do “whatever it takes” to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Lapid called for a “stronger and longer” nuclear agreement with Iran saying the only way to prevent Iranian nuclear weaponization was to put a “credible military threat on the table.” Iran has continuously denied its intention to construct nuclear weapons, saying it is “very serious” about negotiating a new nuclear deal if the rights of the Iranian people are respected. – R.P.
BIDEN AND PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT MARCOS MEET TO REAFFIRM MUTUAL SUPPORT IN PACIFIC: U.S. President Joe Biden met with Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos yesterday to discuss the importance of free navigation in the South China Sea, where China has made claims on Philippine territory. The two discussed their mutual support for freedom of navigation and overflight as well as the requirement for peaceful resolution of territorial disputes. – M.M.
BRICS SPLITS AS MEMBER COUNTRIES CALL FOR CEASEFIRE: In a break with Russia, BRICS members Brazil, Inda, and South Africa have called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in Ukraine following Russia’s announced mobilization. Citing a global order “anchored on international law, the U.N. Charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” the countries have called on all parties involved to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to find a solution to the current crisis. The joint announcement came after the 10th India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Trilateral Ministerial Commission Meeting, which paralleled the UN general assembly meeting and did not include representatives from Russia and China. – R.P.
In today’s Early Warning, Mike looks at the latest developments in China’s war against the U.S. Dollar, plus the team provides domestic intelligence reporting, including intelligence on over a dozen protests and demonstrations scheduled for the weekend. You’re also missing out on the team’s analysis of the above DailySA items, where we explain why these items matter. Get access to the full report: https://forwardobserver.com/subscribe