G’day to you all,

Tomorrow I’m being admitted to John Flynn Hospital for a couple of days. No worries just a very minor op that is necessary. I was told to expect a two-night stay, haven’t been there for a while and starting to miss those lovely nurses … don’t tell Julie I said that!!

Should be back on air and posting on Friday …

Cheers

Ray

eWISE Blog

On Australia Day, a citizenship ceremony meant to celebrate unity and pride erupted into a national debate after a former Young Australian of the Year wore a provocative t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan “FUCK MURDOCK” while sharing the stage with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The incident, which was broadcast across the nation, quickly became the focal point of public criticism, with many Australians taking to social media to express their outrage.

Critics labelled the Prime Minister as “gutless” for failing to address the offensive message on the spot. Some argued that allowing the individual to remain on stage undermined the decorum of the occasion and shifted attention away from the true purpose of the ceremony.

One Facebook user wrote, “That slogan is far more appropriate, she clearly demonstrated her mentality, and Albo showed he is gutless. He should have told her to leave the stage until she was appropriately dressed.”

Another added, “Albo is a weak PM. Allowing her to stand with him wearing such a derogatory t-shirt, and in front of the nation no less! Not good for your image, PM, at home or overseas.”

The Prime Minister’s decision, or perceived lack thereof, drew fire from across the political spectrum. Many felt that the incident disrespected the significance of Australia Day, with one post stating, “This now takes away from the celebrations of Australia Day. How low can he go?”

Others targeted the former Young Australian of the Year, questioning her fitness to represent the values of the nation. “She should be made to give back the award,” one person argued. “She was unworthy in the first place!”

The backlash has reignited conversations about freedom of expression, leadership, and respect for national events. While some defended the protest as a courageous exercise of free speech, the prevailing sentiment on social media was one of disapproval, particularly toward the Prime Minister for failing to prevent the incident.

In a brief response to the controversy, Albanese’s office stated, “The Prime Minister respects the democratic right to freedom of expression. The focus of the day remains on celebrating Australia’s new citizens and the diversity that makes our country strong.”

However, for many Australians, the incident left a sour taste, overshadowing what should have been a day of unity and celebration. Whether viewed as a powerful act of protest or an inappropriate disruption, the moment will likely be remembered as a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the intersection of politics, leadership, and public ceremonies in Australia.

Stars & Stripes

The U.S. Air Force’s deployment of B-1B Lancer bombers to Guam underscores its commitment to bolstering the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific. These deployments, part of Pacific Air Forces’ (PACAF) Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations, demonstrate operational readiness, reinforce strategic deterrence, and enhance cooperation with regional allies.

The Indo-Pacific region’s growing security challenges, including threats from China’s military expansion and North Korea’s missile programs, make it a focal point of U.S. defence strategy. As a key hub for BTF operations, Guam offers a strategic location that enables rapid power projection and extended operational reach, ensuring the U.S. can address security challenges across the region’s vast expanse.

The B-1B Lancer, originally designed for high-speed, low-level missions, has evolved into a versatile, long-range strategic bomber. Its capabilities include carrying a wide range of munitions—from Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to precision-guided missiles. The aircraft’s variable-sweep wing design allows speeds of up to Mach 1.2 at low altitudes, enabling it to evade radar systems and strike targets with precision. With a payload capacity of 34,000 kg (75,000 pounds), the B-1B offers unmatched flexibility in mission planning and execution.

The B-1B’s range of approximately 9,260 km (5,000 nautical miles) with aerial refuelling makes it ideally suited for operations in the Indo-Pacific. Its ability to integrate with fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and refuelling tankers enhances the U.S.’s capability to conduct sustained operations. These deployments not only showcase U.S. airpower but also strengthen interoperability with regional allies like Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

BTF operations highlight the importance of joint and allied missions. By integrating U.S. Navy, Army, and allied forces, these exercises ensure coordinated, large-scale responses to potential threats. This unified approach strengthens the collective deterrence posture and sends a clear message to adversaries about the U.S.’s readiness and resolve.

Beyond military readiness, these deployments serve broader strategic goals. They ensure freedom of navigation, protect vital sea lanes, and uphold stability in a region critical to global trade and security. Cooperation with regional partners reinforces the collective ability to counter emerging threats and respond effectively to crises.

The deployment of B-1B Lancers to Guam as part of PACAF’s training exercises demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. With advanced capabilities and strategic partnerships, the U.S. continues to project strength and uphold the principles of a rules-based international order in one of the world’s most critical regions.

From 19FortyFive.com: We live in an era where stealth technology dominates the conversation on modern and future airpower. America’s F-35, the F-22 Raptor, and the brand-new B-21 Raider bomber are all at the bleeding edge of stealth technology. China, too, is making inroads in the realm of stealth aircraft. How is it that Dassault’s Rafale remains a viable option for many countries worldwide? The Rafale’s continued longevity, even in a world where fighter design is moving toward incorporating low-observable aspects, is partly thanks to Dassault’s ability to source or manufacture components domestically, the jet’s relatively low operating costs, and filling a specific, non-stealthy market niche without the financial and logistical complications of steal aircraft programs. Not every air force needs stealth capability, and Dassault can deliver minimally stealthy but still capable jets very quickly, thanks in part to the success of its domestic defence industrial base.

The loss of the Tartus port represents a significant setback for Moscow’s strategic ambitions. The Russian Navy is likely to face reduced submarine operations in the Mediterranean Sea following the termination of its longstanding investment agreement with the company managing the Syrian port.

This facility, in operation since 1971, underwent extensive upgrades in recent years. In 2019, an agreement pledged $500 million for further development under a 49-year lease. However, the recent decision by Syria’s government has effectively ended Russia’s foothold in the region, leaving the navy to seek alternatives.

The withdrawal from Tartus is currently underway. Recent reports indicate that Russian vessels have been granted access to retrieve equipment, avoiding a complete blockade of evacuation efforts. While this allows for an orderly withdrawal, it marks a severe blow to Russian naval logistics.

Tartus had gained increased importance following the conflict in Ukraine, as it provided critical logistical and maintenance support for Russia’s Mediterranean fleet. With Turkey restricting access to the Black Sea through the Bosporus, the port’s strategic value was indispensable.

Without Tartus, the Russian Navy must either secure another base or scale back its Mediterranean presence. The port was uniquely capable of sustaining diesel-electric submarines, which require frequent refuelling and maintenance. These vessels, cheaper and quieter than nuclear-powered submarines, have formed a core component of Russia’s operations in the region.

Deploying nuclear-powered submarines is an alternative, but the Mediterranean’s limited entry points and heavy NATO presence make such a move highly risky. Furthermore, the logistical support needed for extended deployments would remain unresolved without a dedicated base.

Russia may consider Algeria as a potential host. The country has maintained strong ties with Moscow, reflected in ongoing military cooperation. However, balancing relationships with other North African nations could complicate negotiations.

Libya presents another possibility, but significant challenges exist. Any agreement would likely involve collaboration with a warlord who controls parts of the nation, which might provoke opposition from the UN-backed government. Moreover, the conditions of Libyan ports, weakened by years of conflict, are questionable. The ports’ capacity to handle Russian naval operations remains uncertain, and the political instability further deters long-term investment.

The loss of Tartus significantly diminishes Moscow’s ability to project power in the Mediterranean. Reduced submarine operations or reliance on ad hoc arrangements could undermine its naval presence in the region. As options narrow, Russia faces the prospect of recalibrating its strategic priorities, potentially signalling a shift in its regional influence.

The economy of Vietnam has been an absolute rocket ship over the past few years. By 2035, CNBC believes that globally they’ll have the most rapid rise in wealth. Long gone are the days of turmoil and war. In this episode, we’ll take a look at Vietnam’s fascinating economic rise.