Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth aircraft deliveries to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have resumed following a year-long delay.

ED: Below is a message and link from Ross Eastgate, great to hear for Ross again.

Hi Ray

A few people have asked me about the piece on Australia All Over this morning.

It’s almost Christmas, and Stu was a good guy taken too soon!

Here’s the link to the original story

Ross Eastgate

CLICK LINK

The Canberra Boxing Day mango mystery | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues

Kyiv Independent

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 2,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been hospitalized due to chemical poisoning, with three fatalities reported, Ukrainian Colonel Artem Vlasiuk revealed during a Dec. 13 press briefing.

According to Vlasiuk, who serves with the Support Forces’ Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Command, Ukrainian forces have documented 4,800 incidents involving chemical weapons since the war began. These include the use of tear gas and chemical agents typically intended for riot control. Speaking in Kyiv, Vlasiuk highlighted how Russian forces disguise their deployment of such weapons under the cover of “intense artillery, rocket, and bomb attacks,” complicating efforts to collect samples and investigate these actions for potential prosecution.

In an October interview with the Kyiv Independent, Vlasiuk discussed the challenges posed by the lack of specialized equipment, which hampers the Ukrainian military’s ability to identify new or mixed types of chemical agents and develop adequate protective measures. Since the start of the invasion, servicemen showing symptoms of chemical poisoning have been treated in both military and civilian facilities for exposure to various known or unidentified substances.

“As for the deceased servicemen, unfortunately, we now have three such fatal cases,” Vlasiuk stated. He also noted that the use of K-51 tear gas grenades by Russian forces has recently decreased due to colder weather, which diminishes their effectiveness.

“These means are prohibited for use,” Vlasiuk emphasized. “Ukraine, as a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and its Armed Forces, which safeguard its independence and sovereignty, fully comply with international law and the requirements of the Convention.”

Vlasiuk’s remarks follow confirmation by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a United Nations watchdog, that riot control agents have been used on the battlefield in Ukraine. On Nov. 18, the OPCW reported that Russian drones deployed gas grenades into Ukrainian dugouts and trenches, forcing soldiers into open areas where they became vulnerable to artillery fire and drone strikes.

These developments underscore the ongoing violations of international law by Russian forces and the significant risks posed to Ukrainian servicemen in their defence of the nation’s sovereignty.

ED: From my inbox, Thanks Ralph Schwer

CSIRO patiently and methodically slaps down Peter Dutton’s nuclear nonsense

CSIRO patiently and methodically slaps down Peter Dutton’s nuclear nonsense

ED: Also from my inbox, Alan Medcalfe 

MONEY HAS A WAY OF GETTING RESULTS 

Bowen claims he did not put pressure on the CSIRO Gencost report … could funding gain a result?

In the 2024–25 federal budget, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) was allocated $916.5 million in funding. This allocation underscores the Australian Government’s commitment to bolstering scientific research and innovation.

Beyond this direct funding, the government has introduced several initiatives that align with CSIRO’s mission:

• National AI Centre Enhancement: The government has earmarked $39.9 million to support the adoption of safe and responsible artificial intelligence. This funding is directed towards revamping CSIRO’s National AI Centre, aiming to position Australia as a leader in AI innovation.
• Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund: A $1.7 billion fund has been established to support innovation, commercialization, pilot programs, and early-stage development in priority sectors. Administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), this fund targets renewable hydrogen, green metals, low-carbon liquid fuels, and clean energy technology manufacturing, including batteries.
• Hydrogen Industry Development: The government has allocated $17.1 million over four years to deliver the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy. This initiative focuses on building the enabling environment for industry growth, encompassing hydrogen infrastructure planning, social license, industry safety training, and regulation.

These initiatives complement CSIRO’s funding, providing additional resources and opportunities for the organization to advance its research and development efforts in critical areas of national interest.

The US Air Force, on October 17, launched one of the deadliest assets in its arsenal against Houthis in the Red Sea. The reason behind this attack is believed to be in retaliation to a former attack on an American Oil tanker in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. Does this mean America has finally directly stepped into the Middle Eastern conflict? Or is this the start of something far larger and potentially apocalyptic? Let us answer this in a bit more detail.

Global News 

The fall of Bashar al-Assad has sparked a heated debate in Europe about the future of Syrian refugees. With nearly a million Syrians in Germany alone, the question of whether they should return home is now front and centre. On the streets of Berlin, Syrians celebrated the end of Assad’s rule with joy and hope, marking a significant moment in their long fight for freedom and dignity. Thousands gathered in jubilant protests after Assad boarded a plane to Russia on Sunday, a symbolic end to his decades-long reign of terror.

The political reaction in Berlin was swift. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser expressed optimism about refugees returning to rebuild their homeland, describing it as an opportunity to restore Syria’s social and economic fabric. Following this sentiment, several European countries, including Britain, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Sweden, suspended asylum proceedings for Syrians, signalling a shift in policy. Austria took an even firmer stance, announcing preparations to deport Syrians whose asylum claims fail. These developments highlight a growing consensus among European leaders that the end of Assad’s rule marks a potential turning point for Syria’s recovery.

Yet, the prospect of returning home evokes mixed feelings among Syrians in Europe. Anas Aboura, a Syrian curator based in Hamburg, emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to decide when and how they return. “Rebuilding Syria is our dream, but the journey back must be on our terms,” he said. Many Syrians have successfully integrated into European societies, building new lives and contributing to their host communities. For them, a sudden push for repatriation feels premature and disruptive, especially as uncertainties linger about Syria’s stability and governance in the post-Assad era.

The legal and social implications of repatriating Syrians are complex. European courts are likely to scrutinize deportation efforts, ensuring returns only occur under safe conditions. Moreover, the influx of Syrian refugees in 2015 played a significant role in fuelling the rise of far-right parties in Germany and other countries, making migration policies a contentious issue. With Germany’s upcoming elections, the debate over Syrian refugees has intensified, reflecting broader concerns about integration and national identity.

Amidst this European turmoil, Australia stands at a crossroads regarding its role in supporting the return of Syrian refugees. Over the years, Australia has provided sanctuary to thousands of Syrians fleeing the war, with communities across the country offering them a fresh start. As Syria embarks on a new chapter, Australia’s contribution could extend beyond resettlement. By fostering partnerships with international organizations and the Syrian diaspora, Australia can play a pivotal role in rebuilding Syria’s infrastructure, supporting democratic governance, and ensuring the safe return of its people.

The path forward is far from straightforward. Repatriation efforts must be guided by international law and humanitarian principles, ensuring that no one is forced to return to unsafe or uncertain conditions. For Syrians in Europe and Australia, the decision to go back must remain deeply personal, informed by trust in their homeland’s readiness to welcome them. Meanwhile, Australia’s involvement in this global effort underscores its commitment to shared humanity and the belief that rebuilding Syria is not just a Syrian challenge but a collective responsibility.

ABC News

Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent decision to align with Russia and China in key United Nations votes has sparked outrage across Australia. Her actions not only strain relations with the Jewish community but also undermine the longstanding alliance with Israel—a trusted democratic partner in a volatile region.

This shift in Australia’s foreign policy began with the Albanese government’s controversial reversal on recognizing West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a decision revealed through a website update without prior consultation. Since then, Wong has increasingly isolated pro-Israel voices, adopting stances that many see as hostile toward Jewish concerns.

Jewish leaders have voiced disappointment at the government’s lack of engagement. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, criticized the “unsatisfactory” manner in which the community is informed of decisions, while Colin Rubenstein of AIJAC highlighted a dramatic decline in dialogue with Wong’s office since October 2023.

Wong’s rhetoric, equating democratic Israel to authoritarian regimes like Russia and China in a recent speech, further exacerbated tensions. This statement came mere days after an anti-Semitic arson attack at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne, which has fueled a wave of anti-Jewish sentiment in Australia. Despite mounting pressure, Wong refused to visit the October 7 massacre site during her trip to Israel, deepening perceptions of bias.

The deterioration in Australia-Israel relations has real-world consequences. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called on Prime Minister Albanese to “rein in” Wong, arguing that her foreign policy decisions threaten national interests and alienate allies. Pro-Israel advocates and community leaders demand stronger leadership to address rising anti-Semitism and restore trust with one of Australia’s closest international partners.

The time has come for decisive action. Anthony Albanese must prioritize national unity and international diplomacy by removing Wong as foreign minister. Her policies are not only un-Australian but also risk isolating the nation from its democratic allies.

ED: From my inbox thanks Mitchell

As 2024 comes to a close, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clifton reflect on the year’s challenges, achievements, and the enduring strength of our people.