- The Intel Brief
- Posts
- Thursday Morning Brief (26-29 August)
Thursday Morning Brief (26-29 August)
An unprecedented acknowledgment by Meta, Sullivan tries to repair relations with Beijing, and a major Russian attack on Ukraine. Plus more...
Nick
August 29, 2024
Curated foreign policy and national security news for professionals.
Good morning,
This week has been full of interesting, consequential updates. Take some time to catch up this morning.
Reporting Period: 26-29 August
Bottom Line Up Front:
1. In an unprecedented letter, Mark Zuckerberg admits to censorship and government influence on Meta platforms. Zuckerberg stated his intent is to course-correct and work towards neutral and free speech across Meta platforms.
2. Russia launched a massive drone and missile strike operation across Ukraine. Munitions hit targets in 15 of 24 Ukrainian oblasts.
3. Iran reaffirmed its commitment to striking Israel, but is still biding its time. Iran wants vengeance for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
4. The United States and Australian governments are actively renovating bases across Australia to prepare for a war with China. The development signals Australia’s long-term commitment to AUKUS and security in the region.
5. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to China was to repair diplomatic ties with China. Both parties want open dialogue to avert conflict by managing tensions.
On Tuesday I sent out a survey asking for your opinion: What do you want to see from The Intel Brief? Please consider taking the survey if you have not already. It takes about 30 seconds (I timed it):
Mark Zuckerberg Acknowledges Government Influence, Censorship On Meta Platforms
In a letter dated 26 August, Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged censorship and government influence on Meta platforms. His letter was addressed to Representative Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
Some key statements from Zuckerberg’s letter:
1. Censoring COVID-19 content: “In 2021, senior officials from the Biden Administration, including the White House, repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content…”
2. A case for free, unregulated speech: “I also think we made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn’t make today.”
This is, in my opinion, the ultimate logic behind why we have the First Amendment.
3. Protecting the Biden’s from Burisma allegations: “It’s since been made clear that the reporting was not Russian disinformation, and in retrospect, we shouldn’t have demoted the story.”
4. Meta initiatives influenced the 2020 Election: “…some people believe this work [the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative] benefitted one party over the other.”
Why This Matters
A violation to the First Amendment is a national security concern.
The unprecedented influencing power of social media has been more clear than ever. The 2020 Election, and discussions about how media can influence the public mind, have demonstrated the dangers of regulated speech, information agendas, and censorship.
Mark Zuckerberg’s letter signals a possible change in how social media treat partisan issues. Zuckerberg’s letter comes after the EU threatened Elon Musk with extradition and fines for hosting Trump in a “Spaces” broadcast on X. It also comes after major protests in the UK led to the Police Commissioner saying they would extradite Americans for what they post online.
Want To Read More?
Russian Missiles And Drones Strike Across Ukraine In Overnight Operation
On 26 August, President Zelensky (UA) stated Russia had launched an overnight barrage on Ukraine that included more than 100 missile and 100 “Shahed” drone strikes. There are no solid casualty reports, but Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was targeted in the largest attack of its type to date.
Like most previous Russian strikes, this one was just as vile, targeting critical civilian infrastructure. Most of our regions — from the Kharkiv region and Kyiv to Odesa and our western regions…
The Russian strikes were reported in 15 of 24 Ukrainian oblasts.
Why This Matters
In response to the strikes, Ukraine has asked allies to provide more long-range strike platforms and the permission to strike targets inside Russia.
Western partners are likely to indulge Ukraine’s request for more strike platforms. Biden’s administration has been a major supporter of Ukraine and is likely to push more aid before his presidency ends.
Ukraine’s ongoing Kursk incursion shows Western partners that the Ukrainian military can prosecute the war. This boosted confidence could increase aid flow and expand approval for strikes on military targets within Russia.
Belarus has put troops along its border with Ukraine, likely to spread the line of Ukrainian troops.
Want To Read More?
Iran Says Revenge Strikes Against Israel Are Certain, Biding Its Time
On 26 August, Iranian Chief of Staff Mohammed Bagheri said that Iran is committed to previously promised “revenge” strikes against Israel. Iran vowed to strike Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran.
Bagheri said Iran will decide when the time is right to strike.
Why This Matters
Following the 31 July assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel. In the ensuing weeks, US and Israeli officials warned that attacks by Iran or its proxies were imminent.
Hezbollah and Israel have had recent exchanges, but there have been no uptick in strikes by Hamas and nothing directly from Iran. Iran previously launched drone and missile strikes against Israel in April 2024.
The US has re-deployed assets to the region (to include a nuclear submarine and two carrier strike groups) to deter Iran.
It is likely Iran is consolidating assets (drones and missiles) and coordinating with proxies (Hamas and Hezbollah) before launching a coordinated strike against Israeli targets.
Want To Read More?
Update by The Jerusalem Post
Two carrier strike groups to the Middle East by MSNBC
Australia, US Upgrading Bases Amid Chinese Aggression
The United States and Australia are currently renovating and improving decades-old bases and facilities across Australia in preparation for war with China. Most of the bases are old American bases constructed during World War II. Most notable is the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Tindal.
RAAF Tindal sits approximately 2,000 miles from key targets in the South China Sea. The partners are looking to expand runways and add facilities, such as munitions storage. More than $1 billion has already been committed to RAAF Tindal’s renovations.
Why This Matters
Australia’s previous government had entered the AUKUS (Australia, UK, and US) Agreement which aligned our trilateral security cooperation. The current government has not shied away from a harder stance on China and is embracing the partnership.
The Washington Post reported conflicting views across Australia, however. Some feel the renovations are the right - but very small - step. Others feel it makes Australia a target by the Chinese.
China is pursuing closer relations with the Solomon Island and Fiji, and could look to deploy military assets closer to Australia in the future.
Want To Read More?
Coverage by The Washington Post
Sullivan Visit To China Is To Repair Ties, Avert Conflict
On 27 August, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan began meetings with Wang Yi, China’s senior foreign policy official, near Beijing. The talks, which continue to Thursday, are to repair the damaged diplomatic relationship between the US and China.
Both Washington and Beijing want to maintain open dialogue and cooperate on tough issues to avoid an increase in regional tensions and, ultimately, conflict.
AP News reported that Sullivan could attempt to plan one final visit between President Biden and Xi Jinping, China’s paramount leader.
Why This Matters
Sullivan is tasked with repairing relations with China so that future diplomacy can avert tensions and conflict. China’s official, Wang Yi, said Beijing is interested in a relationship that includes “mutual respect, peaceful co-existence, and win-win cooperation.”
Decades of predatory economics, IP theft, ethnic and ideological suppression, and aggression against Indo-Pacific nations like Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines indicate that China’s good intentions are baseless.
Want To Read More?
Coverage by AP News
End Brief
That concludes this Thursday morning brief. Thanks for reading!
If you haven’t taken the subscriber survey, please consider doing so.
I want to make this newsletter the best product for all my readers, which means your feedback matters.
See you on Sunday,
Nick