Great Power
- Biden’s 2022 Pentagon budget calls for fewer bombs that are typically used in the Middle East and more munitions to target China. [Link]
- Russia says it is revoking the 1992 “open lands” accord with the US in response to the US expelling Russian diplomats. The accord allowed for less restricted travel in the US and Russia. [Link]
- During last month’s Swift Response NATO drills, US soldiers raided a private business in Bulgaria. [Link]
Armenia
- The Azeri Defense Minister says 40 Armenian soldiers were forced to retreat after crossing into Azeri territory. [Link]
Afghanistan
- 12 people were killed by two bus bombings in Kabul. [Link]
- The US says it will transfer control of the Bagram Air Base to the Afghan government in 20 days. CENTCOM reports it has completed up to 44% of the withdrawal. [Link]
- Pakistan has given the US permission to use Pakistani air space to bomb Afghanistan. [Link]
Israel
- Israel will request an additional $1 billion in aid from the US to replenish its Iran Dome interceptors. [Link]
- Israel destroyed a Syrian outpost in the Golan. [Link]
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says Israel would risk friction with the US to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. [Link]
- Israel’s new Mossad Chief says Iran should expect more attacks inside Iran. [Link]
Middle East
- Iran believes it is possible to get a deal with the US done before Iran’s current president leaves office in August. [Link]
- US-backed Syrian Kurds killed eight protesters in Manbij. [Link]
- $35 million in damage was caused by Iraqi protesters when they attacked the US Embassy in Baghdad on New Year’s Day 2020. [Link]
