Welcome to our show, 《Defense Briefing》, I’m your host: Liang Jun. Today, we have some fascinating stories lined up for you. First, we’ll dive into the impressive underground hospital in Haifa, Israel, designed to protect patients and staff during times of conflict. Next, we’ll uncover the discovery of the WW1 warship HMS Hawke, found in remarkable condition off the coast of Aberdeenshire. Finally, we’ll discuss the sentencing of the Cardinals superfan known as Rally Runner, who received 10 months in prison for his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Please stay tuned for more details.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Three floors underground in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, Professor Yael Shachor-Meyouhas oversees the world’s largest underground hospital, nestled beneath the Rambam Medical Centre. Constructed in response to the 2006 Lebanon war, this subterranean complex can shelter up to 5,000 people, including patients, staff, and their families. The facility, which boasts an intensive care unit, surgical theatres, and even a children’s play area, has been on high alert since the onset of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7. With Hezbollah’s threats looming, Haifa’s emergency director, Yair Zilberman, has been enhancing the city’s bomb shelters, ensuring they can be remotely unlocked from the municipality’s own underground bunker. Despite the constant threat, residents like retired Australian-Israeli professor Paul Feigin continue to lead their lives, albeit with heightened caution, reflecting a resilient spirit amidst the backdrop of potential conflict.
BBC
A team of divers has discovered the wreck of HMS Hawke, a Royal Navy warship sunk by a German U-boat during World War One, off the Aberdeenshire coast. Located about 70 miles east of Fraserburgh, the ship was found in “remarkable” condition despite being underwater for over a century. The attack on October 15, 1914, resulted in the loss of more than 500 crew members, with the ship sinking in less than eight minutes. The discovery was made by the Lost in Waters Deep group, dedicated to uncovering wartime shipwrecks in Scottish waters. Diver Steve Mortimer highlighted that extensive research, including U-boat logs and naval records, led to the wreck’s location, which now serves as a poignant time capsule, preserving artifacts like Royal Navy crockery and teak decking.
The wreckage of HMS Hawke, a Royal Navy warship destroyed by a torpedo in World War One, was recently discovered by divers off the Aberdeenshire coast. The ship, which sank in October 1914 with over 500 crew members lost, was found in “remarkable” condition about 70 miles east of Fraserburgh. The Lost in Waters Deep group, which aims to remember naval losses in Scottish waters, located the wreck on August 12, 360 feet below the surface. Despite a century underwater, the ship’s teak decking, guns, and even Royal Navy crockery remain intact, offering a unique glimpse into the past. The discovery underscores the enduring legacy of wartime sacrifices and the meticulous efforts required to uncover these underwater relics.
Associated Press reported that a St. Louis Cardinals superfan, known as Rally Runner, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. Rally Runner, who legally changed his name from Daniel Donnelly Jr., was known for jogging around the Cardinals’ stadium in red attire and face paint. During the riot, he used a stolen shield to help other rioters attack police officers. His mother defended him, stating he went to Washington to pray for Trump, not to commit a crime. Rally Runner pleaded guilty to a felony count of civil disorder and was also fined $3,000. His attorney mentioned that he is eager to move forward and contribute to society. The FBI captured him on video during the attack, and he later posted a Facebook video boasting about his actions.
BBC highlighted the implications of Ukraine’s surprise advance into Russia’s Kursk region for the Biden administration. The incursion, the largest since World War Two, has raised questions about the US’s stance on how Ukraine can use American-supplied arms. President Biden has aimed to support Ukraine without escalating tensions with Russia, but Ukraine’s bold move has complicated this policy. US officials, including Pentagon spokespeople, have not confirmed if American weapons were used but implied that Ukraine’s actions are within policy boundaries. Ukraine’s use of HIMAR rocket launchers, supplied by the US, was critical to the advance. The White House has previously limited Ukraine’s use of US weapons to defensive measures, but the Kursk offensive, involving thousands of troops, challenges these limits and forces Washington to reconsider its position amidst Putin’s threats.
Yahoo US reported on the anticipation surrounding the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff model, with the College Football Playoff announcing the six dates for rankings release during the upcoming season. The first ranking will be revealed on November 5, Election Day. Major contenders for the playoff spots include Big Ten programs like Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan. The playoff format removes “conference champion” as a tiebreaker, automatically giving spots to the five highest-ranked conference champions. The selection committee, led by Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel, is prepared to rank the top 25 teams. The playoff schedule includes first-round games on December 20 and 21, followed by quarterfinals on December 31 and January 1, semifinals on January 9 and 10, and the national championship on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta.
South China Morning Post
Days after reports surfaced that the US Department of Defense decided to remove Chinese remote-sensor maker Hesai from its blacklist of military-tied companies, the Shanghai-based firm has yet to receive official notification from the Pentagon. American defense officials concluded that Hesai did not meet the legal criteria for inclusion in the blacklist, but the Pentagon has not communicated this decision to Hesai. The company, which was added to the blacklist in January, described its inclusion as a mistake and sued the Pentagon in May. The case is ongoing, with no final decision reached. The Biden administration faces criticism from Republicans concerned about national security, particularly regarding the strategic importance of lidar technology. Defense experts suggest that bureaucratic delays and internal scrutiny following the media leak are contributing to the Pentagon’s silence.
CBC
Ukraine has been given the green light by Canada to use Canadian-donated tanks and armored vehicles within Russian territory. This decision comes amid speculation about Ukraine’s ability to maintain its offensive in Russia’s Kursk region and the long-term impact of this cross-border incursion on the war. Canada has provided Ukraine with various military equipment, including Leopard 2A4 tanks and M-777 howitzers. Ukrainian forces, now controlling several villages and a significant area in Kursk, have taken the Russian town of Sudzha, a key energy distribution point. The bold move has impressed many former Western military commanders, though it remains uncertain how Ukraine will proceed. The incursion could force Russia to reallocate troops, potentially stretching its military thin along the extensive border with Ukraine, which has been lightly defended since previous withdrawals.
Foreign Policy
Over 100,000 Palestinians have fled to Egypt since Israel’s offensive in Gaza began, despite Egypt’s refusal to accept refugees from the Gaza Strip. Palestinians like Khaled Shabir, who fled after his house was bombed, face significant challenges in Egypt, where they are not recognized as refugees and thus ineligible for most international aid. Many rely on the support of local charities and grassroots initiatives as they navigate Egypt’s severe economic crisis. Without official residency documents, they cannot access essential services or employment. The Egyptian government has provided some medical care for injured Palestinians, but the process is arduous, and many feel trapped in hospitals. Grassroots groups like For the People are trying to fill the gap, but the scale of the need is overwhelming, and many Palestinians fear an uncertain future in Egypt.
Yahoo US: In Grand Rapids, the Police and Fire Commission has appointed Joseph M. Zurfluh as the new police chief, a familiar face in the community. Zurfluh, who grew up in Port Edwards, brings 20 years of law enforcement experience to the role, having started his career with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department in 2004 and climbing the ranks to lieutenant. He also served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army. The position became available following the retirement of Chief Melvin Pedersen, who stepped down in June after a notable tenure that began in 2014. Zurfluh expressed his gratitude and eagerness to serve the Grand Rapids community and its police department. The commission, led by President Bobby Donahue, had a challenging selection process due to the strong pool of candidates but is confident in Zurfluh’s leadership and mentoring abilities. Town Chairwoman Amber France highlighted Zurfluh’s extensive experience in community policing as a key factor in his appointment. Zurfluh is set to begin his new role on September 2.
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