{"id":1084,"date":"2022-01-06T15:24:47","date_gmt":"2022-01-06T20:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/?p=1084"},"modified":"2022-01-06T15:29:34","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T20:29:34","slug":"daily-dump-houthis-in-cyberspace-japan-flexing-taliban-pakistan-tension-kazakhstan-and-more-january-6-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/?p=1084","title":{"rendered":"Daily Dump: Houthis in Cyberspace, Japan Flexing, Taliban-Pakistan Tension, Kazakhstan and More \u2013 January 6, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There are so many really important directions I could go with today\u2019s post, heck the podcast that I listened to on today\u2019s commute, Podcast: <\/em>A Slavish Devotion to Presence? <\/em><\/a>\u2013 Net Assessment,<\/em> (it\u2019s really good) could get an entire post in and of itself. I want to write about Yemen (4 linked articles below) Japan (two linked articles), Afghanistan (5 linked articles), China or Information Operations but today I think we need <\/em>to dive into the unrest in Kazakhstan a bit to see what the heck is going on there and should we even care.<\/p>\n

Let me apologize upfront for all of the cut and paste. There is a lot going here and I was afraid that I would miss key details by trying to write it myself. Also, I am starting from zero in regards to information on Kazakhstan. I am NO expert. First, the facts: From Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\n

With an area of 2,700,000 square kilometres (1,000,000 sq mi) \u2013 equivalent in size to Western Europe \u2013 Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country and largest landlocked country in the world. While it was part of the Russian Empire<\/a>, Kazakhstan lost some of its territory to China’s Xinjiang<\/a> province,[38]<\/a><\/sup> and some to Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan<\/a> autonomous republic during Soviet years\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Kazakhstan has an abundant supply of accessible mineral and fossil fuel resources. Development of petroleum, natural gas, and mineral extractions has attracted most of the over $40 billion in foreign investment in Kazakhstan since 1993 and accounts for some 57% of the nation’s industrial output (or approximately 13% of gross domestic product). According to some estimates,[41]<\/a><\/sup> Kazakhstan has the second largest uranium<\/a>, chromium<\/a>, lead, and zinc<\/a> reserves; the third largest manganese<\/a> reserves; the fifth largest copper reserves; and ranks in the top ten for coal, iron, and gold. It is also an exporter of diamonds. Perhaps most significant for economic development, Kazakhstan also currently has the 11th largest proven reserves of both petroleum and natural gas.[42]<\/a><\/sup><\/em><\/p>\n

So, what is going on? From the AP: EXPLAINER: What\u2019s behind unrest rocking oil-rich Kazakhstan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Kazakhstan is experiencing the worst street protests the country has seen since gaining independence three decades ago. <\/em><\/p>\n

The outburst of instability is causing significant concern in Kazakhstan\u2019s two powerful neighbors: Russia and China. The country sells most of its oil exports to China and is a key strategic ally of Moscow.<\/em><\/p>\n

More from DW: Kazakhstan: What’s behind the unrest?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Kazakhstan is experiencing the heaviest unrest in its history. For a long time, Russia’s second most important ally in the post-Soviet realm was known as stable.<\/em><\/p>\n

Driven by the sudden spike in fuel prices, thousands of protestors have taken the streets to protest the authoritarian government. Again, from<\/a> the AP.<\/p>\n

Of the five Central Asian republics that gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan is by far the largest and the wealthiest. It spans a territory the size of Western Europe and sits atop colossal reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium and precious metals. <\/em><\/p>\n

But while Kazakhstan\u2019s natural riches have helped it cultivate a solid middle class, as well as a substantial cohort of ultrarich tycoons, financial hardship is widespread. The average national monthly salary is just under $600. The banking system has fallen prey to deep crises precipitated by non-performing loans. As in much of the rest of the region, petty corruption is rampant.<\/em><\/p>\n

Back to DW:<\/a><\/p>\n

The latest protest wave originated in Zhanaozen where, 10 years ago, fierce unrest erupted after oil workers went on strike. Over a dozen people were killed when authorities cracked down on the protests. The country’s reputation as a peaceful and only moderately autocratic nation had taken a hit.<\/em><\/p>\n

While low wages sparked the 2011 unrest, this time, Zhanaozen residents took to the streets over a steep rise in autogas prices. Used by many to power their cars, the gas has doubled in prince in the new year. The government, which has now resigned, said the increase resulted from a rise in demand and production shortages.<\/em><\/p>\n

The price of gas was not the only issue that drove the protestors to the streets. The banking system played a role also. For that perspective we will go to Radio Free Europe: Kazakhs Were Fed Up With Minor Concessions And Officials Paying Lip Service To Reforms<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

One of the most prominent on the ever-growing list of demands by protesters was debt relief for those who had taken out hard-currency loans just before the government allowed the national currency — the tenge — to depreciate and lose half of its value.<\/em><\/p>\n

For why this matters, we will turn to The New York Times: Revolt in Kazakhstan: What\u2019s Happening, and Why It Matters<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n

The latest demonstrations matter because the country has been regarded until now as a pillar of political and economic stability in an unstable region, even as that stability has come at the price of a repressive government that stifles dissent\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

The protests are also significant as Kazakhstan has been aligned with Russia, whose president, Vladimir V. Putin, views the country \u2014 a body double of sorts for Russia in terms of its economic and political systems \u2014 as part of Russia\u2019s sphere of influence\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

For the Kremlin, the events represent another possible challenge to autocratic power in a neighboring country. This is the third uprising against an authoritarian, Kremlin-aligned nation, following pro-democracy protests in Ukraine in 2014 and in Belarus in 2020\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Kazakhstan also matters to the United States, as it has become a significant country for American energy concerns, with Exxon Mobil and Chevron having invested tens of billions of dollars in western Kazakhstan, the region where the unrest began this month.<\/em><\/p>\n

And more from The Moscow Times: Russia\u2019s Involvement in Kazakhstan\u2019s Crisis Could Have Wide Implications<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Experts believe Moscow risks being sucked into neighboring unrest and having to manage strategic instability on two fronts\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Russia\u2019s deployment of troops as part of a military alliance to put down growing protest in neighboring Kazakhstan will have major ramifications for Moscow\u2019s foreign and domestic policy, experts told the Moscow Times on Thursday.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, this is less an armed intervention than a police operation,\u201d said Andrei Kortunov, head of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), a Kremlin-linked think tank.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut if it drags on, consequences for Russia could mount up.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, lots of cut and paste today but I don\u2019t think I could have written it better. For more details, you definitely should follow the links, especially to The Moscow Times article<\/a> (and I didn’t even link to this Reuters article Russia sends troops to put down deadly Kazakh uprising!<\/a><\/em> ) There is so much more there on the potential implications to Russia that, honestly, I didn\u2019t know where to begin and end on the cutting and pasting. Could this be a spark in the region similar to the Arab Spring in 2010? Maybe, considering the unrest in both Ukraine and Belarus. Regardless, I think this is a very big deal that has the potential to drag on for a very long time. For now though, lets put a pin in this story and continue to follow the news for developments.<\/p>\n

For something different today, how about Diamonds, Pineapples, And A Soviet Execution<\/a> from Radio Free Europe. They had me at pineapples. All of this and so much more in Today\u2019s Daily Dump!<\/p>\n

Inspired by the Cognitive Raider Initiative, The Cognitive Warrior Project has put together a daily list of diverse articles that can easily be chosen from to play a part in developing a more mentally agile warfighter that embraces the adaptation required for tomorrow\u2019s battlefield. Our intent is to create a space where you can choose one or two articles a day (about 10 minutes) instead of mindlessly scrolling social media.<\/p>\n

As a reminder: The Cognitive Warrior Project is a private media site, and it is not affiliated in any way with Special Operation Forces, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government. None of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, DoD or Space Force have endorsed, supported, directed, or participated in the creation of the content at this site, or in the creation of the site itself. It\u2019s just a media site that happens to cover the U.S Military, DoD and other National Intelligence Assets.<\/em><\/p>\n

January 6, 2022<\/p>\n

In a tense corner of Europe, SEALs and Green Berets are helping a close ally up its skills with old US gear<\/a> \u2013 Business Insider<\/p>\n

Russia sends troops to put down deadly Kazakh uprising<\/a> \u2013 Reuters<\/p>\n

N.Korea launches second hypersonic missile in fiery test<\/a> \u2013 Reuters<\/p>\n

Japan’s security role and Taiwan seen in focus at ‘two-plus-two’ talks with U.S.<\/a> \u2013 Reuters<\/p>\n

Japan, Australia sign defence pact for closer cooperation<\/a> \u2013 Reuters<\/p>\n

World food prices hit 10-year high in 2021<\/a> \u2013 Reuters<\/p>\n

China to appoint special envoy for Horn of Africa<\/a> \u2013 Reuters<\/p>\n

EXPLAINER: What\u2019s behind unrest rocking oil-rich Kazakhstan<\/a> \u2013 AP<\/p>\n

Three Chinese nationals abducted in Nigeria, police say<\/a> \u2013 AP<\/p>\n

Stance on Russia, China a test for new German government<\/a> \u2013 AP<\/p>\n

China plans space station completion, many launches in 2022<\/a> \u2013 AP<\/p>\n

Kazakhstan: What’s behind the unrest?<\/a> \u2013 DW<\/p>\n

Yemen’s Houthis accuse Saudi-led coalition of diverting fuel ship<\/a> \u2013 Al Monitor<\/p>\n

Iranian forces rescue Indian ship<\/a> \u2013 Al Monitor<\/p>\n

The Takeaway: Iraq\u2019s elections: What comes next?<\/a> \u2013 Al Monitor<\/p>\n

Soleimani’s replacement vows revenge for his killing<\/a> \u2013 Al Monitor<\/p>\n

Houthi forces shoot down alleged Emirati spy drone<\/a> \u2013 Al Monitor<\/p>\n

Saudi coalition demands Houthis release UAE vessel seized in Red Sea<\/a> \u2013 Al Monitor<\/p>\n

Russia arming up China\u2019s New Cold War rivals<\/a> \u2013 Asia Times<\/p>\n

India-China trade surge muffles beating war drums<\/a> \u2013 Asia Times<\/p>\n

US military presence abroad faces more opposition in 2022<\/a> \u2013 Asia Times<\/p>\n

Indonesia export ban puts China in a coal bind<\/a> \u2013 Asia Times<\/p>\n

Taliban-Pakistan tensions bubbling on the border<\/a> \u2013 Asia Times<\/p>\n

Revolt in Kazakhstan: What\u2019s Happening, and Why It Matters<\/a> \u2013 The New York Times<\/p>\n

Kazakhs Were Fed Up With Minor Concessions And Officials Paying Lip Service To Reforms<\/a> \u2013 Radio Free Europe<\/p>\n

Diamonds, Pineapples, And A Soviet Execution<\/a> \u2013 Radio Free Europe<\/p>\n

First Firefight: Turkmen, Taliban Engage In Border Shoot-Out<\/a> \u2013 Radio Free Europe<\/p>\n

Central Asia And The Taliban: The Difference Between A Restive Border And A Quiet One<\/a> \u2013 Radio Free Europe<\/p>\n

Vaccines, trade and infrastructure as Chinese FM visits Africa<\/a> \u2013 Africa News<\/p>\n

Huawei invests in data centres in Africa<\/a> \u2013 Africa News<\/p>\n

Finland and Sweden Are Done With Deference to Russia<\/a> \u2013 Foreign Policy<\/p>\n

Yemen\u2019s Parallel War in Cyberspace<\/a> \u2013 Foreign Policy<\/p>\n

Pentagon Worries About Chinese Buildup Near India<\/a> \u2013 Foreign Policy<\/p>\n

Bashar al-Assad\u2019s Unlikely Comeback<\/a> \u2013 Foreign Policy<\/p>\n

Air Force pilot awarded for saving Green Berets surrounded by Taliban fighters in 2018<\/a> \u2013 Task and Purpose<\/p>\n

Rethinking \u201cRules of the Road\u201d to Stabilize U.S.-China Competition<\/a> \u2013 Lawfare<\/p>\n

The Strategic Intelligence Value of Ransomware<\/a> \u2013 Lawfare<\/p>\n

Preserving Formation Reconnaissance<\/a> \u2013 Wavell Room<\/p>\n

Lead Us Not Into Temptation<\/a> \u2013 Wavell Room<\/p>\n

Converging Ways of War: Russian, China and America<\/a> \u2013 Wavell Room<\/p>\n

Russia\u2019s Involvement in Kazakhstan\u2019s Crisis Could Have Wide Implications<\/a> \u2013 The Moscow Times<\/p>\n

Opinion: Why Russia Fears a Ukrainian Offensive<\/a> \u2013 The Moscow Times<\/p>\n

Fraud Conviction Appears to Reveal Russian Troop Deployment in East Ukraine<\/a> \u2013 The Moscow Times<\/p>\n

Options to Counter Foreign Influence Operations Targeting Servicemember and Veterans<\/a> \u2013 Divergent Options<\/p>\n

Assessing Russian Use of Social Media as a Means to Influence U.S. Policy<\/a> \u2013 Divergent Options<\/p>\n

Civilian Casualties in U.S. Air Wars: A Wake-up Call for Canada and its Future Use of Armed Drones?<\/a> \u2013 Just Security<\/p>\n

How to Mitigate Afghanistan\u2019s Economic and Humanitarian Crises<\/a> \u2013 United States Institute for Peace<\/p>\n

The World and Russia Need to Talk. But Not at Gunpoint.<\/a> \u2013 United States Institute for Peace<\/p>\n

Boeing Reveals New Hypersonic Aircraft Model Evolved From Previous Valkyrie Concept (Updated)<\/a> \u2013 The Drive<\/p>\n

Iranian-Backed Houthi Rebels Show Off Captured Saudi Weapons After Seizing Cargo Ship<\/a> \u2013 The Drive<\/p>\n

The Marines’ Amphibious Assault Vehicles Just Got Banned From Going In The Water Indefinitely<\/a> \u2013 The Drive<\/p>\n

USS Portland Uses Its Experimental Laser To Fry A Floating Target In The Middle East<\/a> \u2013 The Drive<\/p>\n

20 Questions With a U.S. Navy Vet Who Served on a Nuclear-Powered Attack Sub<\/a> \u2013 Popular Mechanics<\/p>\n

Did we miss anything? Drop a comment or a link to an article to further the discussion. And don\u2019t forget to subscribe! It\u2019s free and our articles can be emailed directly to you so you don\u2019t miss a thing!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are so many really important directions I could go with today\u2019s post, heck the podcast that I listened to on today\u2019s commute, Podcast: A Slavish Devotion to Presence? \u2013 Net Assessment, (it\u2019s really good) could get an entire post in and of itself. I want to write about Yemen (4 linked articles below) Japan (two […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"bgseo_title":"","bgseo_description":"","bgseo_robots_index":"index","bgseo_robots_follow":"follow","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bullets"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Kazakhstan.jpg","post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1084"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1084\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1088,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1084\/revisions\/1088"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognitivewarriorproject.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}