Krakow Post – Julita Wójcik

Russia is currently embroiled in fierce battles against Ukrainian forces that have penetrated the Kursk region, marking one of the largest incursions since the war began in February 2022. This significant escalation has led to intense fighting, with Russia reporting the destruction of 50 armoured vehicles, including tanks and personnel carriers. The conflict is heavily concentrated around the border town of Sudzha.

The Kursk region holds substantial strategic importance in the ongoing war. Sudzha, the focal point of the current battles, is the last operational trans-shipping point for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine. Additionally, the region is home to a significant nuclear power station, making it a critical area for both nations. Control over this region is seen as vital for gaining a stronger bargaining position in any potential future peace talks.

The incursion and subsequent battles have had severe repercussions for civilians in the region. A Ukrainian attack drone struck an ambulance, resulting in the deaths of both the driver and a paramedic. Furthermore, Ukrainian shelling set ablaze a cathedral and several other buildings, though fortunately, no injuries were reported from these incidents. In response to the escalating conflict, medical institutions in the Kursk region are replenishing blood supplies to manage the increasing number of casualties.

While Ukraine asserts that “Russia does not control the border,” Russia maintains that it is actively battling against the Ukrainian incursion. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides vying for control and attempting to leverage their positions for future negotiations.

Experts warn that AI-powered weapons are emerging as a significant global security hazard, particularly in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP aims to surpass the United States militarily and is unlikely to heed safeguards for lethal AI technologies, which could exacerbate negative human tendencies.

The development of AI-powered autonomous weapons is advancing rapidly, including drones, tanks, and humanoid robots. Alexander De Ridder, an AI developer, notes that while these machines can’t yet replace humans, their capabilities are quickly improving. Once reliable, China is expected to mass-produce these robots for various uses, including military applications.

Nations are developing AI systems to assist and coordinate battlefield decisions, essentially acting as electronic generals. The People’s Liberation Army and the U.S. military are actively researching this technology, which can process vast amounts of data quickly to make informed decisions.

AI weapons are already redefining warfare, making the world more volatile. Bradley Thayer from the Centre for Security Policy highlights that AI targeting systems could neutralize the U.S. nuclear triad, potentially allowing adversaries to escalate conflicts without nuclear weapons. This destabilization could lead to pre-emptive strikes, a concept known as “damage limitation.”

Controlling AI weapon proliferation is challenging since AI is just software that can be easily distributed. The CCP could supply autonomous weapons to terrorist groups, indirectly fuelling conflicts. Historical ties, such as those between the CCP and Iranian weapons programs, illustrate this risk.

Experts agree that the proliferation and use of AI weapons could lead to a highly destabilized and dangerous global security environment.

A funeral for the late Robert Cunningham will be held at the Lakeside Chapel, Albany Creek Memorial Park, 400 Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman Downs, on Monday 12 August, 2024 at 10.55am. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed via the link below.
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyMjkzNzkyODE0MTAxMjAmb25

lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw==

Kind regards

Peter Bruce, OAM
Obituary Resource Officer
RAAHC
[email protected]

AUSMIN – Cheryl Wakely

The “unbreakable alliance” between the United States and Australia is strengthening with a series of joint initiatives announced today. These initiatives include the establishment of new “operating locations,” increased troop rotations, and the formalization of plans to coproduce two key long-range missile systems.

“These efforts will help ensure that we have the capability and the capacity that we’ll need for decades to come,” US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated at a press conference for the 34th Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). He was joined by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. “The United States, Australia, and our other friends in the region are operating more closely and more capably than ever before,” Austin added.

Austin emphasized that Washington and Canberra are intensifying their defence industrial cooperation, aiming to finalize two memorandums of understanding by December. The first memorandum will formalize the plan to manufacture Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMRLS) in Australia by 2025, an initiative first agreed upon in 2023. The second memorandum will advance the “co-production, co-sustainment, and co-development” of the Precision Guided Strike missile (PrSM). Officials will establish a “joint programs office” in Huntsville, Alabama, to oversee the PrSM project.

“We have seen groundbreaking discussions today regarding much greater collaboration between our defence industry bases, particularly in the manufacture of guided weapons in Australia,” Marles said.

A senior US defence official disclosed that the two sides are collaborating on cutting-edge hypersonic technologies through the joint Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE) initiative, noting significant progress in design and ground testing. Marles also mentioned plans for a memorandum of understanding between the US Defence Innovation Unit and Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.

In Australia, Canberra has agreed to new and longer-term operating locations for force posture cooperation. “We’re expanding our logistics cooperation by assessing places to locate an enduring logistics support area in Queensland, Australia,” the official said.

Austin announced an increase in rotational forces, including more maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and more frequent rotational bomber deployments. Marles noted that these measures will enhance the United States’ ability to operate in Australia and provide opportunities to work with regional neighbours.

Beyond bilateral projects, the US and Australia are collaborating to boost intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, working more closely with Japan. Austin and Marles also highlighted the importance of partnering with regional countries like India and the Philippines.

Although the AUSMIN talks did not focus on the AUKUS security arrangement, Austin acknowledged significant progress in this trilateral pact involving the UK.

“So, we got a lot done today,” Austin said. “We’ll keep building on our joint achievements over the past three and a half years and keep charting an ambitious course forward.”

The guerrilla response to the tactic of accumulating casualties was nothing short of a relentless wave of deadly traps and ambushes. These tactics, employed by both the Viet Cong guerrillas and American forces, unleashed a brutal and merciless struggle in the jungle.

Documentary – 58 Minutes

Between 1964 and 1973, the U.S. dropped two million tons of bombs on Laos, nearly equal to the 2.1 million tons of bombs the U.S. dropped on Europe and Asia during all of World War II, making Laos the most heavily bombed country in history relative to the size of its population.

UN Confirms Involvement of Employees in Hamas Attack

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has revealed that nine employees from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) participated in the Hamas attack on October 7.

This development comes after Israel’s previous suggestion to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization, which was met with strong backlash. Critics accused Israel of perpetuating genocide and other severe allegations. Over recent months, numerous instances have been reported of UNRWA employees allegedly assisting Hamas, but those who brought these issues to light were often dismissed and labelled as “Zionist” or “far-right.”

The United Nations’ investigative body found evidence implicating nine UNRWA staff members in the October 7 attacks. Consequently, the UN has decided to terminate their contracts. However, Israel has identified a far larger number of UNRWA employees—approximately 100—who they claim are affiliated with Hamas.

In response to these findings, legislative actions are being taken in both Israel and the United States. Israeli lawmakers are considering a bill that would sever ties with UNRWA, while the US House Foreign Affairs Committee is drafting legislation to freeze funding for the agency.

The international community has shown varied reactions to the UN’s findings. Despite the United States suspending funding for UNRWA, countries such as Australia, Germany, Austria, Japan, and the European Union have continued or resumed their financial support for the agency.

Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, has continued and even increased donations to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). After a temporary pause due to allegations of misconduct involving UNRWA staff, Australia has resumed its funding. The Australian government has committed $6 million to support UNRWA’s emergency operations.

Additionally, Australia has doubled its core funding to UNRWA to $20 million, recognizing the agency’s crucial role in providing relief and social services to Palestinian refugees​

This revelation adds a significant layer of complexity to the already tense relations in the region and highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding UNRWA’s role and activities in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Army soldiers wear the new winter uniforms around Russell Offices in Canberra. Photos: Corporal Cameron Pegg

Army’s range of general duties garments is expanding, with four new items being issued to provide warmth through the winter months.

The range includes a khaki general duties cardigan, overcoat and sweater, and a black soft-shell jacket, providing members with a range of additional cold-weather garments to choose from to suit their working environment.

Director ADF Clothing Program Lieutenant Colonel Craig Skipper said the additional options would ensure personnel had a much greater choice.

“The form, fit and function of these new items is outstanding and the initial feedback has been immensely positive,” Lieutenant Colonel Skipper said.

“The new uniform options are the result of close collaboration between Army, CASG (Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group) and industry. This involved a series of development activities and trials – I am confident these new items represent the very best solution for Army personnel.

“It is an example of all parties working together to improve and modernise clothing for the soldier.

“Similarly, those serving in the tropics won’t miss out, with AMCU ‘quick-dry’ uniforms for hot and tropical conditions scheduled to begin trials within the next 12 months.”

The cardigan, soft-shell jacket and sweater will be available as initial free issue to personnel working in the colder parts of the country.

This includes members posted to, or working within the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Southern NSW, and from Perth and below in Western Australia.

The overcoat is an optional item of dress and can be purchased.

In certain circumstances, personnel selected for particular deployments, overseas postings or representational duties may be entitled to one initial free issue of the overcoat.

Lieutenant Colonel Skipper said the black soft-shell jacket had already had a limited release in the ACT region, with rapid ‘take-up’ and positive feedback.

He said other options for the combat uniform were in the pipeline, to suit the range of climatic environments Army’s people deploy across.

For those operating in colder climates, a tiered extreme cold weather system is under development.

Finally, for those operating in wet conditions, a new lightweight wet weather ensemble is almost ready to proceed to trial.

Other projects are underway to continue enhancing clothing options that better support personnel.

UNSW Study Summery

The Australian government is currently evaluating extensive renewable waste management systems to support the country’s transition to net zero emissions. A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) stated that in October 2022, state environment ministers advocated for solutions under the National Waste Policy Action Plan. Goals include achieving an 80% recovery rate from all waste streams and significantly increasing the use of recycled materials.

Renewable energy is crucial for Australia’s clean energy transition, yet solar and wind power generate substantial waste, and the country’s waste management infrastructure is limited. Solar panels contain recyclable materials, and some wind turbine manufacturers have initiated plans to enhance sustainability.

Glass, silicone, silver, and other metals can be reclaimed from recycled photovoltaic (PV) panels, and leading wind turbine manufacturers have committed to producing zero-waste turbines by 2050. Some renewable sources, like hydro, do not produce waste.

Solar Disposal

Solar power is a key component of Australia’s strategy to achieve its net zero targets. However, it is projected to generate over 90,000 tonnes of waste by 2025 and potentially around 400,000 tonnes annually by 2030, according to a study by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) commissioned by Neoen Australia. Solar systems undergo inspection before landfill disposal to minimize environmental impact, but panels occupy space and can leach harmful chemicals as they degrade. This concern has led some states, such as Victoria, to ban the landfill disposal of solar energy systems.

Although 85% of solar panel materials are recyclable, Australian companies currently recycle only up to 17% of a panel by weight due to inadequate recycling programs. Commonly recycled components include aluminium frames and plastic junction boxes, while copper wiring is easily recyclable. Batteries and inverters are recyclable through Australia’s existing e-waste systems, but the glass and back sheeting of panels are not recyclable domestically.

High Recycling Costs

The recycling cost for a solar panel in Australia in 2023 ranged between $20 to $30, plus removal fees. “If you have a system of 10 panels on your roof, you’re going to pay at least $200 to dispose of them,” said Rong Deng, a UNSW research fellow. The lower cost of new system production compared to recycling encourages the use of single-use solar panels.

An alternative to disposal is reuse. After their 15 to 20-year lifespan, solar panels can still power off-grid systems like electric bike charging stations. However, some panels are discarded prematurely for newer models. “In the last decade, we’re seeing a growing trend of replacing PV modules even though they are in perfect working condition,” said Richard Corkish, a solar expert at UNSW’s Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.

Wind Turbine Disposal

Wind turbines are a cost-effective source of clean energy, but they produce significant non-recyclable waste that often ends up in landfills. By 2034, the decommissioning of wind farms in Australia is expected to generate approximately 45,000 tonnes of blade waste, according to the Clean Energy Council. Although around 75% of a wind turbine’s mass is recyclable, a 2022 University of South Australia study estimated that tens of thousands of blades would end up in landfills.

The study highlighted the recycling challenges of turbine blades, which are made of carbon fibre or glass fibre composite materials that are expensive to break down and have minimal market value. “The same features that make these blades cost-effective and reliable for use in commercial wind turbines make them very difficult to recycle in a cost-effective fashion,” said Professor Peter Majewski, who led the study.

Majewski suggested that the cost of sustainable disposal should be integrated into the manufacturing or operating costs of wind turbines, with manufacturers responsible for disposal or end-of-life solutions incorporated into wind farm planning. However, official frameworks are necessary to ensure proper disposal if manufacturers or wind farms go bankrupt.

Austnews

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears to be ignoring the will of the Australian people by continuing to pander to First Nations demands. This comes in the wake of more than 60% of Australians voting against these demands in a recent referendum.

The term “Makarrata,” originating from the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, refers to a “truth-telling” process and a subsequent treaty between the Australian government and Indigenous people. The truth-telling process involves establishing a commission to investigate alleged historical injustices against Aboriginal Australians.

Late last year, another aspect of the Uluru Statement—setting up an Indigenous advisory body within the nation’s parliament—was put to a referendum. The proposed constitutional change was overwhelmingly rejected by suburban and regional voters.

On August 4, Prime Minister Albanese stated his government was “talking through” what a Makarrata process could entail. While he acknowledged that more work needed to be done, he stopped short of detailing any path to establishing an actual commission, which had been a previous government promise.

Albanese emphasized his government’s support for truth-telling but did not commit to the Makarrata Commission. When pressed to clarify his stance, Albanese said the Makarrata process involved Australians coming together through engagement with various bodies, including land councils and Native Title tribunals, and with First Nations people across the country.

“We are not moving away from our commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in terms of our love and support for all of those who gathered [at Uluru] in 2017,” Albanese stated.

However, this perceived lack of commitment prompted Uluru co-chair Pat Anderson to challenge Albanese to clarify his support for a Makarrata. “The Makarrata called for in the Uluru Statement is a bricks-and-mortar body, and it was a clear election promise,” she said. Anderson emphasized that the Makarrata would oversee the agreement-making process between First Nations and truth-telling about Australia’s history.

Albanese responded that the federal government had not outlined a path to a treaty before the October referendum, and that position had not changed. Instead, treaty processes were occurring through states and territories.

“Australia, as a nation, will benefit from being more united, more reconciled with our history, and that’s important for all of us, but it’s also important for how Australia is seen in the region and the world,” Albanese said.

Critics argue that Albanese’s continued focus on First Nations demands, despite the clear referendum results, shows a disregard for the democratic process and the will of the majority of Australians. They contend that his government’s actions are more about political correctness than addressing the real needs and concerns of the broader Australian population.