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Highlights:
Russia’s newest nuclear weapon
A Russian government-owned television network recently claimed that the Kremlin’s new “Satan 2” nuclear missile can wipe out an area the size of Texas.“Satan 2” has a payload of 12 independent warheads that can simultaneously destroy a dozen cities.David Axe wrote for the Daily Beast: “The [Satan 2] SS-30 by itself is just slightly more destructive than older Russian missiles. It’s what the new weapon represents that’s frightening. The post-Cold War nuclear holiday is over. And apocalyptic weaponry such as Russia’s new SS-30 are back at work making the world a very, very scary place.”North Korea: Iran’s Plan B for a Nuke?
Despite the nuclear agreement, Iran appears to have retained all its aspirations to stamp a “Made in Iran” label one day on its first nuclear bomb. But it may just as well import a ready-made one—from North Korea.In a joint article on May 10 titled “Could North Korea Secretly Build an Iranian Bomb?”, the National Interest and the Heritage Foundation explained the abundant “political and military motivation for these two rogue states to get together on nuclear and/or missile matters.”“[B]oth countries despise the United States and some of its allies (e.g., South Korea and Israel). Accordingly, Iran and North Korea would benefit from the existence of another state that threatens America with nuclear-tipped icbms.”The article said the likelihood of that outcome is probably greater now than at any time before the nuclear deal.Russia upset with NATO’s new missile defense system
A nato missile defense system in southern Romania that has been in development stages for years finally became operational on Thursday.The system is aimed at protecting Europe from ballistic missile threats, particularly from Iran. But Russia is adamantly opposed to having the advanced military system on its doorstep—especially in the wake of the Iran nuclear deal.Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the missile “shield” is a “direct threat” to global security, particularly Russia’s. President Vladimir Putin vowed to take steps to maintain a strategic balance.Germany’s military turnaround
For the first time in a quarter of a century, the Bundeswehr, Germany’s military, is set to expand.Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced that her nation’s army will recruit 14,300 more soldiers in the next seven years.“A quarter century of shrinking is over,” she said. “It is time for the Bundeswehr to grow again.”“Not only is this not the trend, it actually represents a 180-degree turn in personnel policy,” the head of German Armed Forces Association, André Wüstner, told the Rhineland Post.
For more about the significance of this new Germany, study our booklet Germany and the Holy Roman Empire.San Andreas Fault about to crack?
According to the director of the Southern California Earthquake Center, Thomas Jordan, the San Andreas Fault appears to be primed and ready to crack.The southern part of the fault, he said, “looks like it’s locked, loaded and ready to go.”
upi wrote: “[I]n all probability, the San Andreas is likely to generate a significant earthquake in the not too distant future. When it arrives, the damage will be significant and Southern California will be massively affected.”Other news:
United States officials said Turkey’s elite force staged a raid last weekend on Islamic State fighters on Syria’s northern border with Turkey. The Wall Street Journal noted that “Turkish military operations in Syria risk antagonizing President Bashar Assad and Russia, which is providing the Syrian leader with vital military support.”Cheap Chinese imports are decimating Britain’s local production of steel. The nation is losing thousands of jobs and, with them, the technology that allows Britain to produce and manufacture the single most important metal of warfare.China is making a pop culture icon out of President Xi Jinping. Via music videos, social media and viral marketing, Xi is cultivating a cult of personality to promote China’s authoritarian style of one-man rule.Get more details on these stories and more by subscribing to the Trumpet Weekly!
