{"issues":[{"id":"short-video","name":"Short Video","slug":"short-video","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":36},{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":46},{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":48}],"legislators":[{"id":3,"chamber":"house","country":null,"first_name":"Pete","last_name":"Aguilar","nickname":null,"party":"D","gender":"M","district":"31","state":"CA","state_name":"California","state_rank":"","birthday":"1979-06-19","senate_class":null,"term_start":"2021-01-03","term_end":"2023-01-03","title":"Rep","twitter_id":"reppeteaguilar","facebook_id":"reppeteaguilar","youtube_id":null,"website":"https://aguilar.house.gov","phone":"+1-202-225-3201","fax":null,"photos":{"small":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/small_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg","medium":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/medium_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg"},"represented_district_name":"California 31st Congressional District","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us/state:ca/cd:31","upper":false,"lower":true,"legislative_body_id":3}],"legislative_bodies":[{"name":"United States House","id":3,"district_id":"us"}],"districts":[{"name":"United States","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us","state":null,"cover_images":{"large":"https://countable-us.s3.amazonaws.com/district/cover_image/default.png"},"released":false,"id":"us"}],"articles":[{"title":"U.S. Intel Warns Russia is Prepping ‘False Flag’ Operation as Pretext for Invading Ukraine","id":511,"slug":"511-u-s-intel-warns-russia-prepping-false-flag-operation-pretext-invading-ukraine","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/511-u-s-intel-warns-russia-prepping-false-flag-operation-pretext-invading-ukraine","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=511","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/511/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about Russia using a false pretext to invade Ukraine?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"1.19.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c74049/c74049-USIntelRussiaFalseFlagUkraine.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c74049/c74049-USIntelRussiaFalseFlagUkraine.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c74049/c74049-USIntelRussiaFalseFlagUkraine.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c74049/c74049-USIntelRussiaFalseFlagUkraine.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c74049/c74049-USIntelRussiaFalseFlagUkraine.jpg"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

Russia is reportedly preparing a “false flag” operation to create a pretext and justify an invasion of Ukraine that could begin in the coming weeks, according to a U.S. intelligence official who spoke to multiple media outlets on Friday. This comes as recent negotiations by the U.S. and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies aimed at getting Russia to de-escalate its military buildup on Ukraine’s border have failed to achieve their goal to date.
The “false flag” operation would likely involve sabotage or an apparent attack on ethnic Russians and a related propaganda campaign that would occur a few weeks prior to a military invasion. Such tactics are similar to those Russia used against Ukraine in 2014 when it seized Crimea and made an incursion into the Donbas in Eastern Ukraine.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby explained the intelligence regarding Russia’s plans to create a pretext for invading Ukraine at a press briefing Friday:

“(W)e have information that they pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct what we call a false flag operation, an operation designed to look like an attack on them or Russian-speaking people in Ukraine, again, as an excuse to go in. And we already have, in addition, indications that Russian influence actors are already starting. They’re already starting to fabricate Ukrainian provocations in both state and social media to, again, try to justify in advance some sort of pretext for incursion.”

Over the last several months, Russia has undertaken a significant military buildup on Ukraine’s border with over 100,000 troops in close proximity to the border and more personnel in staging areas where they could quickly be moved to the front. Some of the Russian units involved have been moved across the country from bases in Siberia and Russia’s Far East.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he will only withdraw his military from Ukraine’s border if the U.S. and its NATO allies commit to never admitting Ukraine as a member of the alliance. He also has sought to reduce NATO troop levels in Central and Eastern Europe and to prevent further enlargement of NATO by adding countries like Finland, Sweden, and the Republic of Georgia.
Ukraine is considered a NATO partner and its military has been receiving equipment and training from NATO members for years, although it’s not an official member of the alliance. Past efforts to admit Ukraine as a NATO member have been delayed by governmental instability, and while the current government of President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought to resolve issues standing in the way, it’s unclear how quickly NATO could admit Ukraine.
The U.S. and NATO have informed Russia that future decisions about Ukraine joining NATO are between that country and the alliance and that Ukraine’s potential future membership won’t be a matter negotiated with Russia. Further, NATO has refused to reduce troop levels or rule out the enlargement such as through the admission of Finland and Sweden as NATO members.
While Finland and Sweden aren’t actively pursuing membership at this point, they are close partners with NATO, and leaders in both countries have said that Russia shouldn’t have a veto over other countries’ potential NATO membership. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that Finland and Sweden could be admitted “quite quickly” if the political will is there.

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Dmitry Terekhov via Flickr / Creative Commons)v

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What’s the story?

Russia is reportedly preparing a “false flag” operation to create a pretext and justify an invasion of Ukraine that could begin in the coming weeks, according to a U.S. intelligence official who spoke to multiple media outlets on Friday. This comes as recent negotiations by the U.S. and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies aimed at getting Russia to de-escalate its military buildup on Ukraine’s border have failed to achieve their goal to date.
The “false flag” operation would likely involve sabotage or an apparent attack on ethnic Russians and a related propaganda campaign that would occur a few weeks prior to a military invasion. Such tactics are similar to those Russia used against Ukraine in 2014 when it seized Crimea and made an incursion into the Donbas in Eastern Ukraine.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby explained the intelligence regarding Russia’s plans to create a pretext for invading Ukraine at a press briefing Friday:

“(W)e have information that they pre-positioned a group of operatives to conduct what we call a false flag operation, an operation designed to look like an attack on them or Russian-speaking people in Ukraine, again, as an excuse to go in. And we already have, in addition, indications that Russian influence actors are already starting. They’re already starting to fabricate Ukrainian provocations in both state and social media to, again, try to justify in advance some sort of pretext for incursion.”

Over the last several months, Russia has undertaken a significant military buildup on Ukraine’s border with over 100,000 troops in close proximity to the border and more personnel in staging areas where they could quickly be moved to the front. Some of the Russian units involved have been moved across the country from bases in Siberia and Russia’s Far East.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he will only withdraw his military from Ukraine’s border if the U.S. and its NATO allies commit to never admitting Ukraine as a member of the alliance. He also has sought to reduce NATO troop levels in Central and Eastern Europe and to prevent further enlargement of NATO by adding countries like Finland, Sweden, and the Republic of Georgia.
Ukraine is considered a NATO partner and its military has been receiving equipment and training from NATO members for years, although it’s not an official member of the alliance. Past efforts to admit Ukraine as a NATO member have been delayed by governmental instability, and while the current government of President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought to resolve issues standing in the way, it’s unclear how quickly NATO could admit Ukraine.
The U.S. and NATO have informed Russia that future decisions about Ukraine joining NATO are between that country and the alliance and that Ukraine’s potential future membership won’t be a matter negotiated with Russia. Further, NATO has refused to reduce troop levels or rule out the enlargement such as through the admission of Finland and Sweden as NATO members.
While Finland and Sweden aren’t actively pursuing membership at this point, they are close partners with NATO, and leaders in both countries have said that Russia shouldn’t have a veto over other countries’ potential NATO membership. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that Finland and Sweden could be admitted “quite quickly” if the political will is there.

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Dmitry Terekhov via Flickr / Creative Commons)v

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The virtual event will take place in conjunction with the White House’s Summit for Democracy on December 9 – 10, 2021. The McCain Institute’s Human Rights and Democracy Summit will be split into two segments: ending forced labor and defending democracy.

The summit will be livestreamed on the McCain Institute Youtube page.

—

Additional Details:

11:00 a.m. EST – Galvanizing Cooperation Among Democracies to End Forced Labor

Virtual Event | Organized by the McCain Institute for International Leadership, Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, and Humanity United | Held in the United States in English

Description: The right to fundamental freedoms, justice and dignity is at the very core of democracy. The perpetuation of slavery, through forced labor, child labor, human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, of nearly 25 million people is an affront to democratic values. Join the McCain Institute, the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery and Humanity United for a conversation with civil society and government leaders from democracies taking steps to eliminate forced labor from their countries and global supply chains.

View the panel’s official page on the Summit 4 Democracy website.

Participants:

• Secretary Martin Walsh – U.S. Department of Labor

• Ambassador Katherine Tai – United States Trade Representative

• James Kofi Annan – Founder and President, Challenging Heights

• Heidi Hautula – Member of European Parliament

• Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne – Senate of Canada

• Leonardo Sakamoto – President, Repórter Brasil

• Ambassador Josette Sheeran – Executive Chairman, McCain Institute for International Leadership

• Philippe Sion – Managing Director, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking, Humanity United

• Alex Thier – CEO, Global Fund to End Modern Slavery

Submit questions for the panelists here.

—

12:30 p.m. EST – The Perils of Defending Democracy: Perspectives from Around the World

Virtual Event | Organized by the McCain Institute for International Leadership | Held in the United States in English

Description: Democratic norms and human rights are under attack around the world and human rights defenders are at grave risk. The McCain Institute is convening journalists and activists from Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela to share the threats they face, their first-hand experiences, and their expectations of the U.S. government.

Participants:

• Barış Altıntaş (Turkey) – Journalist and civil society professional. Founding president and co-director of the Istanbul-based Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)

• Roman Badanin (Russia) – John S. Knight Senior International Fellow at Stanford University, and the founder and editor-in-chief of the recently established investigative media outlet Agentstvo (agents.media) and former editor-in-chief of investigative outlet Proekt

• Carla Angola Rodríguez (Venezuela) – Multimedia journalist with a career spanning over 20 years and millions of followers on social media

• Paul Fagan – Director of the Human Rights and Democracy programs for the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University

Additional speakers may be added

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-12-02T18:55:17.669Z","status":"published","snippet":"The virtual event will take place in conjunction with the White House’s Summit for Democracy on December 9 – 10, 2021 . The","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-12-02T18:55:17.578Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"McCain Institute Human Rights and Democracy Summit","cta_prompt":"The McCain Instituteis hosting its inaugural Human Rights and Democracy Summit.","html_content":"

The summit will be livestreamed on the McCain Institute Youtube page.

—

Additional Details:

11:00 a.m. EST – Galvanizing Cooperation Among Democracies to End Forced Labor

Virtual Event | Organized by the McCain Institute for International Leadership, Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, and Humanity United | Held in the United States in English

View the panel’s official page on the Summit 4 Democracy website.

Participants:

• Secretary Martin Walsh – U.S. Department of Labor

• Ambassador Katherine Tai – United States Trade Representative

• James Kofi Annan – Founder and President, Challenging Heights

• Heidi Hautula – Member of European Parliament

• Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne – Senate of Canada

• Leonardo Sakamoto – President, Repórter Brasil

• Ambassador Josette Sheeran – Executive Chairman, McCain Institute for International Leadership

• Philippe Sion – Managing Director, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking, Humanity United

• Alex Thier – CEO, Global Fund to End Modern Slavery

Submit questions for the panelists here.

—

12:30 p.m. EST – The Perils of Defending Democracy: Perspectives from Around the World

Virtual Event | Organized by the McCain Institute for International Leadership | Held in the United States in English

Participants:

• Barış Altıntaş (Turkey) – Journalist and civil society professional. Founding president and co-director of the Istanbul-based Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)

• Carla Angola Rodríguez (Venezuela) – Multimedia journalist with a career spanning over 20 years and millions of followers on social media

• Paul Fagan – Director of the Human Rights and Democracy programs for the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University

Additional speakers may be added

","custom_cta_text":"RSVP HERE","cta_url":"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mccain-institute-human-rights-and-democracy-summit-tickets-221054950307"}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","id":219,"slug":"219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":641,"cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","cta_type":"record_video","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg"},"profile_id":8,"action_count":19,"html_content":"

Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of all; and people who work in service of a cause greater than oneself. Thousands, maybe millions, have answered the call.

As the 2020 Election approaches, we need mavericks more than ever before. Like the original maverick, Senator John McCain, we ask you to use your vote to challenge the status quo, defend the dignity of all people and support causes greater than one’s self.

Watch the video and let us know how you plan on Maverick Voting. Post your responses and videos here and/or on Twitter and Facebook pages and take the pledge if you haven’t already at https://www.mavericksneeded.org/.

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Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.123Z","status":"published","snippet":"Arizona - AZ AZCentral New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal Oregon - OR The Oregonian Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.121Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center, the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with important voter information and answer all your questions about the upcoming 2020 election. For more, check out Campaign Legal Center's State and Locally Focused Resources for Supporting Voting Rights.

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:56:04.486Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:56:04.483Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QPdVFA0dxMg","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 6: When can you expect to know the election result?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":2,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["short-video"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","id":114,"slug":"114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=114","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/114/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.25.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition of their fight for democracy. The award, which was presented to the people of Lesbos, Greece, last year was presented this year to former lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing and activist Figo Chan Ho-wun on Saturday, November 23rd. The two accepted the award from Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain, alongside the Halifax Security Forum, on behalf of all protesters in Hong Kong.

Giving this award to the people of Hong Kong makes the Halifax Security Forum—a network of international experts, academics, military officials, entrepreneurs and authors—the first international organization to recognize the struggles of the city’s people. This certainly comes at a delicate time: last week, the US Congress almost unanimously voted to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. This act would impose stricter monitoring of Hong Kong and, should any action be taken by the government to erode at the city’s freedoms, sanctions against China. President Trump, who has been in the process of working out a new trade deal with Beijing as a focal point of his re-election campaign, has yet to comment on whether he will sign the act into law or not.

In this context, the Halifax Forum’s recognition of the Hong Kongese could be seen as a challenge to Beijing itself. However, the Forum stands firm in its decision. Cindy McCain, who is also a board member of the Forum, said that she hopes “this tribute to those who are struggling for their rights in Hong Kong will encourage more people around the world to raise their voices in support of their cause, especially in my country’s government. They are fighting for something larger than themselves.”

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"This issue is important to me.","chosen_legislators":["3"],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":false,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","html_content":"

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[3]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s foreign service as U.S. diplomats have been caught up in the partisan crossfire. To remedy this, four members of congress, two Republicans and two Democrats, have announced the creation of the Diplomacy Caucus. The caucus will bring together lawmakers of both parties in the interest of strengthening the U.S. diplomatic corps through legislation. Do you feel that America’s public servants are being protected enough by Congress, or is the creation of this caucus a necessity?

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.919Z","status":"published","snippet":"The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.917Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","html_content":"

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

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What’s the story?

As part of an ongoing effort to increase Taiwan’s involvement in international bodies, the U.S. has invited the nation’s officials to an upcoming summit for democratic governments, prompting outrage by the Chinese Communist Party.
The inaugural Summit for Democracy will be a virtual gathering held on December 9th and 10th with a focus on resisting authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and promoting human rights. Over 100 democratic governments will be invited, although countries like China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes will be excluded.
Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the U.S. and another government minister are set to attend the summit. Taiwan’s ministry of foreign affairs released a statement expressing gratitude for the invitation to the summit. The statement noted that “Taiwan is a front-line state standing firm in the face of authoritarianism,” and added, “As a force for good in the world, the country is committed to working with like-minded partners and civic groups from home and abroad in related areas of mutual concern”.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the CCP opposes Taiwan’s invitation to the democracy summit and warned the U.S. to stop promoting Taiwan’s autonomy in international venues. Zhao told the media at a briefing in Beijing that, “Playing with the fire of ‘Taiwan independence,’ you will eventually get burned.”
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, including General Secretary Xi Jinping, have made China’s reunification with Taiwan a priority in what they see as an “unshakeable commitment” to China’s ascent into a position of global leadership. The CCP regards the self-governing democracy of Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China or ROC) as a rogue province and has threatened to compel a reunion by military force across the 110 mile-wide Taiwan Strait if the ROC pursues formal independence.
Beyond the rhetorical posturing, China has recently stepped up its campaign of military intimidation against Taiwan by repeatedly flying its military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in a bid to tire Taiwan’s military, which responds to the incursions by scrambling aircraft to intercept and tracking them with surface-to-air missile batteries.

RELATED READING

\nU.S. Condemns China’s ‘Provocative’ & ‘Destabilizing’ Military Activity Near Taiwan (10/5/21)\n
\nSenate’s China Competition Bill Aims to Bolster U.S. Support for Taiwan - Are You in Favor? (6/7/21)\n
\nBlinken Warns China Using Military Force Against Taiwan Would Be ‘Serious Mistake’ (4/12/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / avdeev007)

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What’s the story?

As part of an ongoing effort to increase Taiwan’s involvement in international bodies, the U.S. has invited the nation’s officials to an upcoming summit for democratic governments, prompting outrage by the Chinese Communist Party.
The inaugural Summit for Democracy will be a virtual gathering held on December 9th and 10th with a focus on resisting authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and promoting human rights. Over 100 democratic governments will be invited, although countries like China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes will be excluded.
Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the U.S. and another government minister are set to attend the summit. Taiwan’s ministry of foreign affairs released a statement expressing gratitude for the invitation to the summit. The statement noted that “Taiwan is a front-line state standing firm in the face of authoritarianism,” and added, “As a force for good in the world, the country is committed to working with like-minded partners and civic groups from home and abroad in related areas of mutual concern”.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the CCP opposes Taiwan’s invitation to the democracy summit and warned the U.S. to stop promoting Taiwan’s autonomy in international venues. Zhao told the media at a briefing in Beijing that, “Playing with the fire of ‘Taiwan independence,’ you will eventually get burned.”
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, including General Secretary Xi Jinping, have made China’s reunification with Taiwan a priority in what they see as an “unshakeable commitment” to China’s ascent into a position of global leadership. The CCP regards the self-governing democracy of Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China or ROC) as a rogue province and has threatened to compel a reunion by military force across the 110 mile-wide Taiwan Strait if the ROC pursues formal independence.
Beyond the rhetorical posturing, China has recently stepped up its campaign of military intimidation against Taiwan by repeatedly flying its military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in a bid to tire Taiwan’s military, which responds to the incursions by scrambling aircraft to intercept and tracking them with surface-to-air missile batteries.

RELATED READING

\nU.S. Condemns China’s ‘Provocative’ & ‘Destabilizing’ Military Activity Near Taiwan (10/5/21)\n
\nSenate’s China Competition Bill Aims to Bolster U.S. Support for Taiwan - Are You in Favor? (6/7/21)\n
\nBlinken Warns China Using Military Force Against Taiwan Would Be ‘Serious Mistake’ (4/12/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / avdeev007)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Arctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change","id":507,"slug":"507-arctic-plays-increasingly-significant-role-national-security-amid-climate-change","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/507-arctic-plays-increasingly-significant-role-national-security-amid-climate-change","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=507","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/507/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Should the U.S. increase its focus on the Arctic?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.1.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/64ed53/64ed53-b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/64ed53/64ed53-b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/64ed53/64ed53-b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/64ed53/64ed53-b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/64ed53/64ed53-b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly significant area for American geopolitical interests amid renewed great power competition with China and Russia, in part due to climate change’s impact on the region.
By virtue of the state of Alaska, the U.S. is one of eight Arctic countries along with Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (which has Greenland as an autonomous territory), and Russia. Five of those countries have coastal territory with waters north of the Arctic Circle: the U.S., Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (Greenland).
Reduced levels of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean over the last decade have created the potential for increased shipping traffic through the Northwest Passage via the Canadian archipelago and Alaska; and through the Northern Sea Route along the Russian coast. Less sea ice may also lead to increased energy and mineral development, including rare earth elements, use of fisheries, and tourism in the Arctic region.
While China doesn’t have any territory in the Arctic, it considers itself as a “near-Arctic state” and views the opening of the Northern Sea Route as an opportunity to extend its influence through projects within its Belt and Road Initiative as a “polar silk road” that avoids shipping chokepoints in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. To that end, the Chinese government has invested in Arctic infrastructure projects in Russia and undertook efforts to invest in airfields in Greenland and Finland that were rebuffed (and which prompted short-lived discussions of the U.S. purchasing Greenland).
Russia has pursued a modernization of its Arctic military capabilities and stepped up exercises by its air force in recent years. In 2020, U.S. Northern Command reported that Russian military aircraft entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on 60 occasions, the highest level since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a significant increase from the prior average of 10 incursions per year.
Renewed great power competition in the Arctic has led to a greater frequency of U.S. military exercises in the region with regional allies, particularly NATO member states and partner nations, as a means of building interoperability and deterring China and Russia. All 29 NATO members, including the U.S., plus Finland and Sweden held NATO’s largest exercise since the end of the Cold War in Norway in 2018; while a similar exercise is being planned for 2022.
Lawmakers in Congress are increasing their focus on Arctic issues, with a number of Arctic-related policy items included in the annual defense authorization bills, such as the construction of additional polar icebreakers for the Coast Guard and Navy. Before the House departed for its Thanksgiving recess, the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber held a hearing on the national security implications of climate change in the Arctic.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Chinook: U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-12-01T18:45:07.931Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The Arctic is becoming an increasingly significant area for American geopolitical interests amid renewed great","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-12-01T18:45:07.803Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Arctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change","cta_prompt":"Should the U.S. increase its focus on the Arctic?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly significant area for American geopolitical interests amid renewed great power competition with China and Russia, in part due to climate change’s impact on the region.
By virtue of the state of Alaska, the U.S. is one of eight Arctic countries along with Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (which has Greenland as an autonomous territory), and Russia. Five of those countries have coastal territory with waters north of the Arctic Circle: the U.S., Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (Greenland).
Reduced levels of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean over the last decade have created the potential for increased shipping traffic through the Northwest Passage via the Canadian archipelago and Alaska; and through the Northern Sea Route along the Russian coast. Less sea ice may also lead to increased energy and mineral development, including rare earth elements, use of fisheries, and tourism in the Arctic region.
While China doesn’t have any territory in the Arctic, it considers itself as a “near-Arctic state” and views the opening of the Northern Sea Route as an opportunity to extend its influence through projects within its Belt and Road Initiative as a “polar silk road” that avoids shipping chokepoints in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. To that end, the Chinese government has invested in Arctic infrastructure projects in Russia and undertook efforts to invest in airfields in Greenland and Finland that were rebuffed (and which prompted short-lived discussions of the U.S. purchasing Greenland).
Russia has pursued a modernization of its Arctic military capabilities and stepped up exercises by its air force in recent years. In 2020, U.S. Northern Command reported that Russian military aircraft entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on 60 occasions, the highest level since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a significant increase from the prior average of 10 incursions per year.
Renewed great power competition in the Arctic has led to a greater frequency of U.S. military exercises in the region with regional allies, particularly NATO member states and partner nations, as a means of building interoperability and deterring China and Russia. All 29 NATO members, including the U.S., plus Finland and Sweden held NATO’s largest exercise since the end of the Cold War in Norway in 2018; while a similar exercise is being planned for 2022.
Lawmakers in Congress are increasing their focus on Arctic issues, with a number of Arctic-related policy items included in the annual defense authorization bills, such as the construction of additional polar icebreakers for the Coast Guard and Navy. Before the House departed for its Thanksgiving recess, the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber held a hearing on the national security implications of climate change in the Arctic.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Chinook: U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","id":89,"slug":"89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=89","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/89/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.8.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":44,"html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Banks claims that this bill would not prohibit other demonstrations or protests, but historically speaking, many of our nation’s most important civil rights victories have come from protests that led to arrests. It seems likely that adding financial responsibility on top of the threat of arrest may prevent would-be-activists from participating in future protests.

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","comments_count":4,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":false,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

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","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.252Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.250Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/aajlcjVZyVo","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

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California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

The bill has already drawn harsh criticism from free speech advocates, including the ACLU, who claimed \"this bill will not solve the problem of deceptive political videos; it will only result in voter confusion, malicious litigation, and repression of free speech.”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-22T14:57:04.556Z","status":"published","snippet":"California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-22T15:29:37.361Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","id":394,"slug":"394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=394","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/394/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":1,"html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.175Z","status":"published","snippet":"Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register Kansas","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.169Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Arctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change","id":505,"slug":"505-arctic-plays-increasingly-significant-role-national-security-amid-climate-change","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/505-arctic-plays-increasingly-significant-role-national-security-amid-climate-change","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=505","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/505/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3108,"cta_prompt":"Should the U.S. increase its focus on the Arctic?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.29.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b54202/b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b54202/b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b54202/b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b54202/b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b54202/b54202-ArcticClimateNationalSecurity.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly significant area for American geopolitical interests amid renewed great power competition with China and Russia, in part due to climate change’s impact on the region.
By virtue of the state of Alaska, the U.S. is one of eight Arctic countries along with Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (which has Greenland as an autonomous territory), and Russia. Five of those countries have coastal territory with waters north of the Arctic Circle: the U.S., Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (Greenland).
Reduced levels of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean over the last decade have created the potential for increased shipping traffic through the Northwest Passage via the Canadian archipelago and Alaska; and through the Northern Sea Route along the Russian coast. Less sea ice may also lead to increased energy and mineral development, including rare earth elements, use of fisheries, and tourism in the Arctic region.
While China doesn’t have any territory in the Arctic, it considers itself as a “near-Arctic state” and views the opening of the Northern Sea Route as an opportunity to extend its influence through projects within its Belt and Road Initiative as a “polar silk road” that avoids shipping chokepoints in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. To that end, the Chinese government has invested in Arctic infrastructure projects in Russia and undertook efforts to invest in airfields in Greenland and Finland that were rebuffed (and which prompted short-lived discussions of the U.S. purchasing Greenland).
Russia has pursued a modernization of its Arctic military capabilities and stepped up exercises by its air force in recent years. In 2020, U.S. Northern Command reported that Russian military aircraft entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on 60 occasions, the highest level since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a significant increase from the prior average of 10 incursions per year.
Renewed great power competition in the Arctic has led to a greater frequency of U.S. military exercises in the region with regional allies, particularly NATO member states and partner nations, as a means of building interoperability and deterring China and Russia. All 29 NATO members, including the U.S., plus Finland and Sweden held NATO’s largest exercise since the end of the Cold War in Norway in 2018; while a similar exercise is being planned for 2022.
Lawmakers in Congress are increasing their focus on Arctic issues, with a number of Arctic-related policy items included in the annual defense authorization bills, such as the construction of additional polar icebreakers for the Coast Guard and Navy. Before the House departed for its Thanksgiving recess, the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber held a hearing on the national security implications of climate change in the Arctic.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Chinook: U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

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What’s the story?

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly significant area for American geopolitical interests amid renewed great power competition with China and Russia, in part due to climate change’s impact on the region.
By virtue of the state of Alaska, the U.S. is one of eight Arctic countries along with Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark (which has Greenland as an autonomous territory), and Russia. Five of those countries have coastal territory with waters north of the Arctic Circle: the U.S., Canada, Russia, Norway, and Denmark (Greenland).
Reduced levels of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean over the last decade have created the potential for increased shipping traffic through the Northwest Passage via the Canadian archipelago and Alaska; and through the Northern Sea Route along the Russian coast. Less sea ice may also lead to increased energy and mineral development, including rare earth elements, use of fisheries, and tourism in the Arctic region.
While China doesn’t have any territory in the Arctic, it considers itself as a “near-Arctic state” and views the opening of the Northern Sea Route as an opportunity to extend its influence through projects within its Belt and Road Initiative as a “polar silk road” that avoids shipping chokepoints in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. To that end, the Chinese government has invested in Arctic infrastructure projects in Russia and undertook efforts to invest in airfields in Greenland and Finland that were rebuffed (and which prompted short-lived discussions of the U.S. purchasing Greenland).
Russia has pursued a modernization of its Arctic military capabilities and stepped up exercises by its air force in recent years. In 2020, U.S. Northern Command reported that Russian military aircraft entered the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on 60 occasions, the highest level since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and a significant increase from the prior average of 10 incursions per year.
Renewed great power competition in the Arctic has led to a greater frequency of U.S. military exercises in the region with regional allies, particularly NATO member states and partner nations, as a means of building interoperability and deterring China and Russia. All 29 NATO members, including the U.S., plus Finland and Sweden held NATO’s largest exercise since the end of the Cold War in Norway in 2018; while a similar exercise is being planned for 2022.
Lawmakers in Congress are increasing their focus on Arctic issues, with a number of Arctic-related policy items included in the annual defense authorization bills, such as the construction of additional polar icebreakers for the Coast Guard and Navy. Before the House departed for its Thanksgiving recess, the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber held a hearing on the national security implications of climate change in the Arctic.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Chinook: U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

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Disinformation is not a new problem, but it has become more prominent with the speed and reach of social media platforms. Widespread use of social media as a primary source of news has given those seeking to destabilize American National Security an opportunity to publicize false narratives and facts to weaken the US and its allies.

At the policymaking level, decision making is hinged on the ability of an individual to analyze the facts at hand and come to a rational conclusion about the best course of action on any given issue of US National Security. If policymakers’ choices are based on disinformation narratives, then their decisions could be contrary to US interests.

At the public level, disinformation seeks to exacerbate partisan divides and erodes public faith in American institutions, thus threatening the core of American democracy. It must be addressed using society-wide solutions with the goal of training Americans to instinctively engage in a process to determine whether the information they are being exposed to is legitimate. Collective education on misinformation will result in information inoculation – a necessary element for modern American democracy which includes critical thinking skills and media literacy. Additionally, early education is important for increasing long-term societal resilience to disinformation.

Read about how gendered disinformation is a threat to national security HERE

Check out content moderation solutions from the Carnegie Endowment HERE

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Read about how gendered disinformation is a threat to national security HERE

Check out content moderation solutions from the Carnegie Endowment HERE

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","id":85,"slug":"85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=85","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/85/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.2.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":18,"html_content":"

Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Khashoggi was a known political dissident, and many of his articles were critical of the Saudi government. The exact circumstances of his murder remain suspicious and largely unverified, and one year later, there are still many questions surrounding his death.

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
\nBy November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.\n
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
\nInitially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.\n
\nA trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.\n
\nLast week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”\n
\nMohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.\n

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Even after multiple investigations and a Saudi trial, the exact details of the murder are still unknown. Khashoggi’s murder is a brutal blow to global press freedoms and an alarming strain to U.S.-Saudi relations. People deserve to know the truth about what happened to Jamal Khashoggi, and as long as the Saudi government and the White House continue to shroud this event in secrecy, people will continue to harbor suspicions about our government’s willingness to pursue justice and our democratic commitment to a free press.

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-02T15:59:54.482Z","status":"published","snippet":"Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.","share_count":5,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-02T16:04:51.013Z","allow_advocacy":false,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","html_content":"

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
\nBy November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.\n
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
\nInitially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.\n
\nA trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.\n
\nLast week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”\n
\nMohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.\n

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

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In July of 2018, investigative reporter Susan Greene filmed an interaction between Denver police and a naked, handcuffed man. Police asked Greene to stop recording, and when she refused, they seized her phone, handcuffed her, and pushed her into a police car. The interaction was captured on police body cam footage.

\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

After a 7 month internal investigation, the Denver Police Department agreed to provide First Amendment training for their officers, specifically conceding the right to photograph and record in public.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

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\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","id":393,"slug":"393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=393","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/393/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.302Z","status":"published","snippet":"Region: North East New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor New York - NY New York Times Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe Connecticut -","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.300Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Russian Anti-Satellite Missile Test Prompts Emergency Procedures on International Space Station","id":504,"slug":"504-russian-anti-satellite-missile-test-prompts-emergency-procedures-international-space-station","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/504-russian-anti-satellite-missile-test-prompts-emergency-procedures-international-space-station","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=504","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/504/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3108,"cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about Russia’s anti-satellite missile test?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.22.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that in response to Russia’s test of an anti-satellite missile (ASAT) on a Russian satellite, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were directed to temporarily shelter in their spacecraft as precaution while they passed through the destroyed satellite’s debris field. There are currently four American astronauts, two Russian cosmonauts, and one German astronaut aboard the ISS.
NASA explained in a statement that the ISS is passing through or near the debris field every 90 minutes, but that the need to shelter was only in place during the second and third passes based on a risk assessment by debris and ballistics specialists at the Johnson Space Center. NASA added that it will continue to monitor the debris going forward.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement that he is “outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action.” Nelson added:

“With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts. Their actions are reckless and dangerous, threatening as well the Chinese space station and the taikonauts on board. All nations have a responsibility to prevent the purposeful creation of space debris from ASATs and to foster a safe, sustainable space environment.”

For its part, Russia admitted to testing a direct ascent ASAT on one of its satellites but denied that the test endangered any astronauts in space.
U.S. Space Command stated that 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris (roughly the size of a softball) were initially created by the satellite’s destruction and that it “will likely generate hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris.” Army General James Dickinson, commander of Space Command, said:

“The debris created by Russia’s DA-ASAT will continue to pose a threat to activities in outer space for years to come, putting satellites and space missions at risk, as well as forcing more collision avoidance maneuvers. Space activities underpin our way of life and this kind of behavior is simply irresponsible.”

Anti-satellite missiles are a technology that has become part of an arms race between the world’s militaries in the space domain. That’s due to the importance of satellite communications for militaries’ command-and-control capabilities, which are a key target in either a conventional or nuclear war. The arms race in space has also extended to laser weapons and satellites that can move other satellites out of orbit.
Several countries have developed ASAT systems and successfully shot down their own satellites, including India, Russia, China, and the U.S. The first successful destruction of a satellite by an ASAT was done in 1968 by the Soviet Union. The U.S. conducted its first successful ASAT test in 1985, and also destroyed a malfunctioning spy satellite in 2008. China conducted its first ASAT test in 2007, while India followed suit in 2019.
Such tests leave large amounts of debris, some which eventually burns up in the atmosphere, but other uncontrolled can debris remain in those orbital “lanes” for years to come, posing a risk of destroying or disabling a satellite.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Inok)

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What’s the story?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that in response to Russia’s test of an anti-satellite missile (ASAT) on a Russian satellite, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were directed to temporarily shelter in their spacecraft as precaution while they passed through the destroyed satellite’s debris field. There are currently four American astronauts, two Russian cosmonauts, and one German astronaut aboard the ISS.
NASA explained in a statement that the ISS is passing through or near the debris field every 90 minutes, but that the need to shelter was only in place during the second and third passes based on a risk assessment by debris and ballistics specialists at the Johnson Space Center. NASA added that it will continue to monitor the debris going forward.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement that he is “outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action.” Nelson added:

“With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts. Their actions are reckless and dangerous, threatening as well the Chinese space station and the taikonauts on board. All nations have a responsibility to prevent the purposeful creation of space debris from ASATs and to foster a safe, sustainable space environment.”

For its part, Russia admitted to testing a direct ascent ASAT on one of its satellites but denied that the test endangered any astronauts in space.
U.S. Space Command stated that 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris (roughly the size of a softball) were initially created by the satellite’s destruction and that it “will likely generate hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris.” Army General James Dickinson, commander of Space Command, said:

“The debris created by Russia’s DA-ASAT will continue to pose a threat to activities in outer space for years to come, putting satellites and space missions at risk, as well as forcing more collision avoidance maneuvers. Space activities underpin our way of life and this kind of behavior is simply irresponsible.”

Anti-satellite missiles are a technology that has become part of an arms race between the world’s militaries in the space domain. That’s due to the importance of satellite communications for militaries’ command-and-control capabilities, which are a key target in either a conventional or nuclear war. The arms race in space has also extended to laser weapons and satellites that can move other satellites out of orbit.
Several countries have developed ASAT systems and successfully shot down their own satellites, including India, Russia, China, and the U.S. The first successful destruction of a satellite by an ASAT was done in 1968 by the Soviet Union. The U.S. conducted its first successful ASAT test in 1985, and also destroyed a malfunctioning spy satellite in 2008. China conducted its first ASAT test in 2007, while India followed suit in 2019.
Such tests leave large amounts of debris, some which eventually burns up in the atmosphere, but other uncontrolled can debris remain in those orbital “lanes” for years to come, posing a risk of destroying or disabling a satellite.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Inok)

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