#ThrowbackThursday: Scott Ritter is no stranger to speaking truth to power. Here is a video of him staring down then Senator Joe Biden over US WMD in Iraq claims. History would prove Ritter right and Biden wrong.

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How many military bases does the US have in the Middle East?

As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise amid fears of an escalation between Israel and Iran, the world’s self-proclaimed peacekeeper - the US - announced the deployment of more of troops to the region.

The goal of this move is ostensibly to help protect the extensive network of military installations and assets the US controls in the Middle East.

While the Pentagon is generally reluctant to disclose the exact number of military bases in the Middle East, publicly available data and investigations by media suggest that the US controls at least 64 installations in the region, though it is difficult to confirm if all of them are active.

Here is a brief list of some of the more notable of US military facilities in the Middle East:

📍Turkiye – Izmir Air Base, Incirlik Air Base. These facilities allow the US to maintain fighter and refueling aircraft in the region; Incirlik Air Base also houses a number of US tactical nuclear weapons.

📍Saudi Arabia – Prince Sultan Air Base. Over 2,000 US military personnel are stationed to provide air defense in the country and maintain US warplanes.

📍UAE – Al Dhafra Air Base, which allows the US warplanes to conduct combat and reconnaissance missions as well as to deploy tanker planes for midair refueling.

📍Bahrain – Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the base of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

📍Qatar - Al Udeid Air Base, serves as forward headquarters of the US Central Command and headquarters of the US Air Forces Central Command.

📍Jordan – Tower 22, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Joint Training Center Jordan. Over 3,000 US military personnel are deployed ostensibly to combat terrorist threats in the region, though their presence near the border with Syria gives rise to speculations about possible cross-border operations.

📍Iraq – the US continues to occupy and operate a number of bases, such as the Al Asad Airbase and Al Harir Airbase despite efforts by the Iraqi government to evict the US Armed Forces from Iraqi soil.

📍Syria – Al-Tanf, about 900 US military personnel are illegally deployed in Syria under the pretext of combating terrorist threat in the country, though 45th US President Donald Trump did openly admit that Washington’s real target was Syrian oil.

📍Egypt – Task Force Sinai, a regiment-sized US military contingent maintained in the Sinai Peninsula under the pretext of peacekeeping operations.

📍Israel – Site 512, a radar base supposedly used by the US to track ballistic missile threats.

📍Kuwait - Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Camp Spearhead, Camp Patriot.

📍Oman - Thumrait Air Base, helps US facilitate logistical and refueling operations.

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5 fearsome drones Iran could use to strike back at Israel

The world is holding its breath in anticipation of Iran’s retaliation for Israel’s April 1 strike targeting the Islamic Republic’s Embassy compound in Damascus, Syria. US officials told media Friday that Tehran may hit military sites inside Israel with over 100 drones and dozens of missiles.

Here are some of the long-range UAVs Iran has in its arsenal.

Shahed 136

🔺Unique delta wing drone design unveiled in 2021
🔺Built by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (Persian Acronym HESA)
🔺Weapons Payload: 50 kg
🔺Dimensions: 3.5x2.5 meters
🔺Propeller-powered
🔺185 km/h top speed
🔺Range: 2,500 km

Mohajer 10

🔺Large, aircraft-style drone unveiled in 2023
🔺Designed by the Qods Aviation industries Company as a multipurpose UAV for long-range strikes, surveillance, electronic warfare and full-spectrum superiority* Weapons Payload: 300 kg
🔺Dimensions: at 6.5x4.2x18.2 meters
🔺Propeller-powered
🔺210 km/h top speed
🔺Range: 2,000 km

Arash 2

🔺Winged missile-shaped drone design unveiled in 2020
🔺Created by the Defense Industries Organization
🔺Weapons Payload: 260 kg
🔺Dimensions: 4.5x4 meters
🔺Propeller-powered (turbojet engine-powered variant known as the Kian-2 available)
🔺186 km/h top speed (400 km/h for the rocket-powered variant)
🔺Range: 2,000 km

Karrar

🔺Family of versatile, jet-powered UAVs created by HESA as a target practice drone in 2010
🔺Weapons Payload: Up to 225 kg. Includes ability to carry bombs, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and even air-to-air missiles
🔺Dimensions: 4x2.5 meters
🔺Turbojet engine
🔺900 km/h flight speed
🔺Range: 1,000 km

Kaman-22

🔺Unveiled in 2021 and designed by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
🔺Weapons payload: 300 kg
🔺Dimensions: 6.5x2.5x17 meters (estimate)
🔺Turboprop-powered
🔺Maximum flight speed: Unknown
🔺Range: 3,000 kg

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Steel Dome: How will new Turkish missile shield work and how can Russia's S-400 enhance it?

The advanced Russian S-400 air defenses that Ankara acquired in 2019 may be included in Turkiye’s multilayered Steel Dome shield system that is already being tested, Hurriyet newspaper has reported. What is known about the system?

▪️The Steel Dome, developed by the Turkish company Aselsan, will integrate domestically-made air defenses with various ranges into a single network to provide reliable protection of Turkiye’s entire air space from enemy aircraft, helicopters, missiles and various types of drones.

▪️The system is touted as “more comprehensive” than Israel’s Iron Dome, which is only capable of countering air targets with a range of up to 70 km (43 miles).

▪️Steel Dome will reportedly feature at least four layers of defense, including the very short-range one, which is to comprise such systems as Korkut, a self-propelled air defense gun with the range of 4 km (2 miles), and Gokberk, a mobile air defense radar. Other such systems will include Sahin, Goker, Ihtar and Sungur.

▪️For the short-range layer (from 5 km to 10 km, 3 miles and 6 miles, respectively) Turkiye has systems such as Herikks, C-Ram, Hisar A+, Gokdemir and Gurz.

▪️To tackle medium-range threats, the Hisar O+ system will be integrated, along with the Kalkan 1 and the Kalkan 2 air defenses. The interception range is about 24 km (15 miles).

▪️The fourth layer will include Siper, Turkiye’s first long-range air defense system, with a range of up to 100 km (62 miles), due to enter service before the end of this year.

▪️If integrated, the four batteries of the S-400 could make the Steel Dome’s fifth layer, given that the system’s operational range is up to 400 km (250 miles).

▪️Turkish Defense Industry Agency President Haluk Gorgun has meanwhile touted the Steel Dome as “the system of systems”, which he said would hopefully prove “auspicious” for his country.

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From Yemen to Syria: A complex web of US military bases in MidEast

The US military's presence in the Middle East, with over 50,000 personnel across various bases, is crucial for operations in the region. These bases provide essential support for surveillance and rapid deployment. While serving as key strategic points for American interests in the region, they also generate controversy and contribute to current regional tensions.

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Why Hezbollah would be a much harder nut to crack for Israel than Hamas

While Israel already finds itself in a serious predicament trying to battle Hamas in the Gaza Strip, it may find itself facing a much more serious adversary if Tel Aviv does decide to wage war against Lebanese movement Hezbollah.

🔶 Unlike Hamas, Hezbollah commands a sizeable arsenal that includes rocket artillery, mortars, anti-tank and anti-ship missiles and even air defense systems.

🔶 The military wing of the Hezbollah numbers in the thousands, with the exact figure being hard to estimate based on open sources alone.

🔶 That said, Hezbollah is not a strictly military entity but rather a political movement that holds considerable sway over Lebanon and has been described on more than a single occasion as a “state within a state.”

🔶 Foreign Policy also warns that Hezbollah may have developed its own tunnel network, akin to the one Hamas has in Gaza, which could be much more extensive than the Palestinian group’s network.

🔶 Also, while the Gaza Strip is a relatively small enclave, Hezbollah has a lot more room in Lebanon to construct multi-layered defenses that may take a serious toll on the attacking Israeli forces.

While the Gaza Strip is effectively cut off from the rest of the world by Israeli blockade, experts claim Israel would likely be unable to completely isolate Lebanon and Hezbollah would be able to receive support from abroad if Tel Aviv invades.

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How US military support and training bolstered Georgia before 2008 conflict

Sixteen years ago, under President Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia invaded South Ossetia, causing casualties among Russian peacekeepers. Russia swiftly intervened to establish peace, achieving its goal in just five days. But who emboldened Saakashvili's attack?

▪️On August 12, 2008, the New York Times reported that the US' "mixed messages" to Tbilisi encouraged Saakashvili's military actions, including joint drills before the attack and assurances of Georgia's NATO future.

▪️Opposition leader-turned-Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili had been Washington's darling since the pro-Western Rose Revolution of 2003 that pushed Georgia away from Russia.

▪️Between 2001 and 2007, US aid to Georgia, including security assistance, totaled over $945 million, averaging $135 million per year, up from $96 million per year between 1992 and 2000.

▪️The US provided military training to Georgian forces through the Train and Equip Program and Sustainment and Stability Operations Program until 2007, sending advisers to build up Georgia's military.

▪️Under Saakashvili, Georgian military expenditures surged from $74 million in 2003 to $923 million in 2007, according to SIPRI. Defense spending as a share of GDP rose from 1.1% in 2003 to 9.2% in 2007.

▪️Before the conflict, Georgia increased weapon imports from Israel, Turkiye, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. According to the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST), the Georgian military acquired self-propelled artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems, infantry fighting vehicles, T-72 tanks, Mi-24 helicopters, Buk-M1, Rafael Spyder-SR surface-to-air missiles, and Polish Grom MANPADS.

▪️In March 2008, Saakashvili claimed Georgia's Armed Forces had grown to 33,000 professional service members and 100,000 reservists.

▪️In April 2008, during the NATO Bucharest Summit, the US supported Georgia's NATO aspirations despite the substantial obstacle of Georgia's territorial dispute with South Ossetia.

▪️In July 2008, the US held the Immediate Response 2008 joint exercise with Georgian forces, involving over 1,000 American troops.

▪️Responding to reports that Russian forces captured US-made Humvees, US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe demanded the return of any US military equipment seized during the August 2008 operation.

▪️The Russo-Georgian war resulted in over 1,000 deaths, including 72 Russian soldiers. On August 26, 2008, Russia recognized South Ossetia's independence.

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'Hardest night of my life': Ex-President Medvedev shares insights on pivotal evening of 2008 Georgia-Russia conflict

In 2011, on the eve of the anniversary of the August 2008 armed conflict between Georgia and Russia, then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recalled the events of the night of August 7-8, 2008, in an interview with several TV channels. Medvedev described it as the "hardest night of his life," sharing his experiences and decisions during the critical hours of the conflict.

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Which US Navy warships are deployed in Middle Eastern hot spots?

The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, previously operating near Guam, was ordered to sail to the Middle East in order to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt amid growing tensions between Israel and Iran. So which US naval forces have been presently operating in the Middle East?

Eastern Mediterranean

▪️The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group made up of made up of Wasp, USS New York (LPD-21) and USS Oak Hill (LSD-51), have been operating in the area as of August 5, according to USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker.

▪️The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed in the naval zone and consists of a command element, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

The Red Sea

As per al Arabiya News these ships are present:

▪️USS Cole (DDG-67), an Arleigh Burke-class Aegis-equipped guided missile destroyer.

▪️USS Laboon (DDG-58), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

The Persian Gulf

▪️US Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters are forward-deployed to the gulf under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA).

The Gulf of Oman

▪️Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 led by USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), the Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered, aircraft carrier.

▪️USS Lake Erie (CG-70), an Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser.

▪️Destroyer Squadron 23 which is embarked on Theodore Roosevelt and consists of:

▪️USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer;

▪️USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer;

▪️USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), an Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer;

▪️Carrier Air Wing Eleven, a US Navy aircraft carrier air wing, is attached to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 and consists of nine squadrons flying F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2C Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.

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▪️How many military bases does the US have in the Middle East?

▪️Which US Navy warships are deployed in Middle Eastern hot spots?

▪️How US military support and training bolstered Georgia before 2008 conflict

▪️Steel Dome: How will new Turkish missile shield work and how can Russia's S-400 enhance it?

▪️How much will Germany's Rheinmetall earn from the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza?

▪️F-16 fighter jets have been spotted in the Kherson area

▪️Expansion of EU ‘values’ in East Europe takes a hit as Bulgaria bans LGBT propaganda for children

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What is known about Hezbollah's armed strength?

Part 1

With Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah exchanging fire on the border lately, Tel Aviv has been urged by some rightwing politicians to enter southern Lebanon and destroy Hezbollah. If Israel makes such a decision, what kind of armed forces is it going to face there?

Although there are no official statistics on what the Hezbollah military wing in Lebanon is like, here are some facts we’ve collected relying on open sources.

🔸Military personnel
In 2021, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah noted that the Lebanese movement's military structure includes approximately 100,00 "trained, organized and experienced Lebanese men".

🔸General amount of missiles
Hezbollah possesses more than 1 million rockets of various types, including precision-guided missiles and modified Katyusha rockets for increased accuracy, as well as anti-tank missiles, an unnamed official with Iran’s Quds Force recently told Foreign Policy. In 2022, Nasrallah also stated that Hezbollah had the ability within Lebanon to convert thousands of rockets into precision missiles and to produce drones.

🔸Ballistic missiles
In November 2023, Nasrallah said the movement used a Burkhan missile against Israel. Hezbollah has “thousands” of such Burkhans with a range up to 10 km, causing destruction within a radius of 150 meters. The Lebanese movement also has Zelzal-1 and Zelzal-2 artillery ballistic missiles, and Fateh-110 short-range, road-mobile ballistic missiles.

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🤣 Kamala Harris: one speech for any weather

It turns out that the current US vice president and presidential candidate has memorized one text for her speeches, a worthy candidate from the Democratic Party?

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What is known about Hezbollah's armed strength?

Part 2

🔸Anti-aircraft missiles
Hezbollah stated it had shot down an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon with a surface-to-air missile on several occasions. The latest was on June 10, according to the movement's official statement.

🔸Anti-tank missiles
Hezbollah has repeatedly used guided anti-tank missiles extensively. The movement's social media confirmed that Hezbollah had used Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, designed for heavy battle tanks, and the Almas ATGMs. Both are mostly used in attacks against the Israeli Meron airbase.

🔸Anti-ship missiles
Hezbollah first proved it had anti-ship missiles C-802 in 2006, when it hit an Israeli warship 16 km off the coast. The movement also released videos showing more of the same type of anti-ship missile used in 2006.

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