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Simulated war, French Army acquires a global license for SWORD

BreakingNews @en/Europe/Tech & Cyber di

Automated war game simulating battles, but with realistic applications. It’s the case of SWORD, the flagship constructive simulation software created by MASA, an innovative company leader in the field of artificial intelligence, which global license has been acquired by French Army. SWORD enables simulated units to act large-scale exercises in the most realistic way possible, while minimizing the combined operating costs and animation effort.

Preparing military staff for action is made much more efficient by training in a realistic operational environment, with joint forces and allies, in a variety of different battlefield scenarios. It means an immediate solution to SOULT (the simulation program for Combined Forces and Ground Logistics Units’ Operations), for the operational preparation of Combined Forces at division, brigade, and battle group command posts. According to Colonel Philippe Dutroncy, (Network Operations Development Service, Land Forces Command), «SOULT will allow the French Army to achieve the following objectives: systematize simulation training as a way to prepare for a wide number of operational engagements, streamline simulation tools deployed in the forces and at training centers, continue expanding the use of simulation for capability preparation or for support on operations.

The flexibility of employment and evolution of SWORD effectively allows us to foresee its use in all types of operational preparation for command posts, but also in training specialist areas (Engineering, Intelligence, Logistics, or CBRN – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear), the testing of future military doctrines, the preparation of operations, and for post-operation analysis and conclusions». The military deployment of SWORD is the culmination of a process that responds optimally to the needs expressed by the Armed Forces, which fragmentation has made it necessary to have flexible training tools that let us work effectively with reduced staff numbers and simulate a large variety of situations. The Centre of  Expertise for Information validation and SIMulation (CEISIM), which oversees simulation and digitalization within the French Armed Forces,  will now be tasked to manage the deployment of SOULT and its assimilation by the Army.

Colonel Claude Chary, Commander of CEISIM, adds: «The testing of SWORD, led in conjunction with the military engineering school, conforms perfectly with our policy of deploying simulation solutions whose purpose is to support the decentralized operational preparation of Land Forces. Compatible with the interoperability framework of the French Land Forces, SOULT connects seamlessly with current and future operational information and communication systems».

Viviana Passalacqua

 

Italy’s ENI on fields of gas

BreakingNews @en/Energy/Europe/Middle East - Africa di

The Italian energy company Eni SpA announced Sunday it has discovered a “supergiant” natural gas field off Egypt, describing it as the largest-ever found in the Mediterranean Sea. “Zohr is the largest gas discovery ever made in Egypt and in the Mediterranean Sea and could become one of the world’s largest natural gas finds,” Eni said in a statement. “The discovery, after its full development, will be able to ensure satisfying Egypt’s natural gas demand for decades.”

“Eni will immediately appraise the field with the aim of accelerating a fast-track development of the discovery,” the energy company said.

The discovery of potentially the world’s largest natural-gas field off the Egyptian coast will be an enormous alternative for Egypt and the Mediterranean in terms of energy stability. “It is close to the facilities so the time to market will be very good…that is part of our strategy to…continue to do our exploration in the mature area where we have a deep geographical knowledge and we can take advantage of our facilities and that will make the unit cost in terms of capital very positive” the CEO said.

State-backed Eni has market capitalization of around 54 billion euros and is the biggest foreign producer in Africa. It has operated in Egypt for more than 60 years through its Egyptian subsidiary IEOC and is one of the main energy producers in the country, with a daily output of 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent.

“The Egyptian government is very happy with this find,” ministry spokesman Hamdi Abdelaziz stated, adding that the gas would be extracted for domestic consumption only. “We hope to become self-sufficient by 2020,” he added. The egyptian government cannot yet place a monetary value on the discovery, he said.

In June, Italy’s ENI signed an energy exploration deal with Egypt’s oil ministry  following an memorandum of understanding signed in March during an investment conference, allowing the Italian major to explore in Sinai, the Gulf of Suez, the Mediterranean and areas in the Nile Delta.

ENI’s influence in diplomatic exchanges has always been of great relevance and the weight of this ultimate discovery will grow the italian presence in the area for sure.

 

MIBIL, Italian soldiers began the second training for Lebanese Armed Forces

BreakingNews @en/Middle East - Africa di

Italian soldiers have just started in southern Lebanon the new phase of training and consultancy for the local Armed Forces, who need support to face the safety and security emergency triggered by Syrian conflict. Based on the excellent results obtained by the National Training Center since March 2015, starts now the second round of training in techniques of crowd management and riot control organized by the Italian Police Training Centre of the 2nd Mobile Brigade and by the 7th Trentino Alto Adige Regiment. This course is included in the activities of the Bilateral Mission in Lebanon (MIBIL), launched on 28 January as part of the International “Support Group for Lebanon”, created to attract the international community’s commitment in the stability of the country, threatened by serious social and economic problems. During four weeks italian instructors will coach the staff of local militias who have already attended the first course of civil and military cooperation, chemical and bacteriological detecting, radiological and nuclear detecting, counter-sniper tactics, Force Protection (how to protect a military base, operational functions planning, interventions and risk assessment), operational communication, consolidation of facilities and medical first aid on the battlefield. New lessons’ focus concerns the fundamental principles of humanitarian law and crowd psychology theory, and also the use of the military equipment provided by the Italian Police General Command (shields, personal protection, tonfa, gas masks). A final test will determine whether or not Lebanese soldiers are able to transfer to other military the necessary know-how to manage public disorder, and to teach rules for organized and coordinated team working. In coming months the training cycle will be enriched by new courses, expressly requested by the Lebanese Military Authority, including fighting in the mountain environment, demolition of explosive, surveillance of the battlefield and targets acquisition, as well as specific analyzes of subject matters covered during the first part of the year.

Viviana Passalacqua

Ukraine, Kiev, at least one dead and 90 injured

BreakingNews @en/Europe di

At least one dead and about 90 injured, mostly policemen and volunteers of the National Guard Ukraine, after a series of bombs exploded in Kiev, in front of Parliament, by nationalist militants, in particular due to Svoboda. Protests flared up following the approval of the first draft of the constitutional reform on institutional decentralization, in line with Minsk 2, which provides special status for Donetsk and Lugansk.

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Therefore, a return to protests in Kiev clashes of Maidan one year and half ago. If Minsk 2 so far had not been observed yet in Donbass, now Nazis groups do not want to give autonomy to Eastern Ukraine. The same political party that, in recent months, has enlist the highest numbers of volunteers against pro-Russian separatists.

Beyond jihadists’ question, in addition to Ukrainian economic crisis and to a public debt out of control, there is the problem of cohabitation in Ukraine. The question is not only the end of conflict within the country and, at international level, involving NATO and Russia, but the return to normality: far-right and Islamist militants may constitute a real problem near Europe.
Giacomo Pratali

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“Military training” in Kurdistan against Isil

BreakingNews @en/Middle East - Africa di

In late August ended the first phase of the sixth round training for a Peshmerga battalion, organized by the multinational Command Kurdish Training Coordination Center (KTCC) – composed of Italian, English, German, Dutch , Norwegian, Finnish and Hungarian military instructors – which is currently commanded by Italy. Those training activities are included in the “Prima Parthica” military operation, a response to the request for help presented by the Iraqi Permanent ONU Representative to the President of the Security Council.

The mission is intended to obstruct the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s threat, by supporting the security forces of regional partners. The tasks of Italian contingent concern, first of all, the training of Iraqui and Kurdish security forces, as well as the territory reconnaissance and surveillance, but also synergies with the Chief of the Coalition staff. During the training cycle, Italian soldiers handend down to 300 servicepersons of Kurdish unit the necessary skills to conduct tactical activities in different environments, to implement strategies of attack and defense in particular contexts, such as towns. But not only.

The know-how transferred to the local militia includes individual instruction for combat, research and clearance of IED (improvised explosive devices) and the establishment of a task force able to supervise emergency situations. Kurdish have learned and perfected the moving techniques in a variety of locations, and how to install of adequate facilities for telecommunications to guarantee instantaneous contacts. Finally, special attention to the planning of efficient combat operations as soon as possible and to the use of precision instruments.

This mission in Erbil is very important. Italy plays in the synergy with other countries of the Coalition to strengthen cooperation relations with Kurdistan, which is now fighting to defend its borders against jihadists attacks. Starting from last January, about 1.500 soldiers of local security forces have taken advantage of Italian support. The training phase ended with the verification of the operational capabilities through military exercises, and with the diplomas delivery ceremony. Kurdish authorities were satisfied with the training of the Peshmerga unit.

Viviana Passalacqua

Egypt: bomb attacks, at least 30 injured

BreakingNews @en/Middle East - Africa di

At least 30 injured, 6 of which were policemen, after that Egyptian security building and a courthouse were hit by three car bombs in Cairo at 2:00: “A man suddenly stopped his car in front of the state security building, jumped out of it and fled on a motorbike that followed the car,” Ministry of Internal Affairs explained.

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But responsability could not be jihadist. In fact, Black Bloc group claim attempt: “We announce our full and complete responsibility for the explosions which occurred a few hours ago, “ they said on Facebook. They also explained that this action is the answer to several imprisonment people because of their political crimes.

After anti-terrorism laws wanted by al Sisi three days ago, this attempt is an obvious reply to Egyptian government. Especially because it should the first violent attack anti-islamist in this country if claim of responsability were proved.
Giacomo Pratali

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Libya: action plan is ready

BreakingNews @en/Europe/Middle East - Africa di

The governments of Italy, Germany, Britain, France, Spain and the United States have appealed against Isis attacks in Sirte. Waiting for Tripoli choice, new action plan, led by Italy and under the aegis of Un aegis, has come to light: infrastructure protection and building, UN peacekeepers, training of army.

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Over 200 dead and at least 500 injured as a result of the clashes last week in Sirte. ISIS militants have left behind a trail of blood and horror. Crimes, like the crucifixion of 12 Salafist militants or 22 hospital patients died as a result of a fire set by jihadists, which branded as “genocide” by Tobruk government.

“We are deeply concerned by reports that speak of indiscriminate shelling of densely populated districts of the city and acts of violence in order to terrorize the people – governments of Italy, Germany, Britain, France, Spain and the United States in a unique statement said – . We appeal to all factions Libyan who want a unified country in peace and to join forces to combat the threat posed by transnational terrorist groups that exploit Libya for their own purposes, “.

The need for national unity government, called by the International Community, is extremely topical. The United Nations eagerly awaiting the decision of Tripoli, after agreement between the other factions. There is a plan to be implemented to halt the advance of the Isis in Libya.

There are rumors of a military intervention led by Italy and under the aegis of United Nations since a few months. An action plan already drawn up by Italian Foreign Ministry Paolo Gentiloni, to which ambassador Bernardino Leon is working hard, especially after the capture of Sirte, the massacres and the migration emergency.

As revealed in the last hour, this action plan concerns next stage after national unity government constitution. First, the executive should make an official request for international aid. So, it could lead to the financial and military support to stabilize Libya and fight the Islamic State.

As well as subsidies for infrastructures like roads and airports, and security of oil and gas installations, the topic would be Un peacekeepers intervention and the training of Libyan army.

Institutional, political and economical stabilization of Libya are necessary for immigration drop to Italy and Greece and defeat of Isis, as explained by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gentiloni: “Agreement for a national government Libya, with International Community support, remains the only possibility to fight extremist violence and the deterioration of the humanitarian and economical situation in the country. “Tripoli must hurry. Time goes faster.

Giacomo Pratali

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Sexual jihad: Isis’ s new weapon

BreakingNews @en/Middle East - Africa di
19 women executed days ago in Iraq for refusing the “jihade marriage”. Isis militants, with no shame, kidnap and rape to satisfy their needs in the name of Allah.
“Sexual jihad” is the term that describes forms of sexual violence and human trafficking justified by political and religious ideology used by Isis militants to terrorize women. All women, all over the Middle East, No matter  what their religion or conditions are.  They could be married or unmarried, believe in other religions than the Islamic one, agree with  the “sexual jihad” ideology or refuse it. Days ago, in the iraqi city of Mosul, Isis executed 19 women because they refused to take part to the cruel practice of the so-called sexual jihad. The distribution of women and money often generates internal conflicts inside Isis militants, creating a long series of cruelty. “As Iraq descends into war, women are not only on the frontlines: they are the battlefield. But – the Iraqi Woman’s Freedom Organisation said – here is the part that too many media reports have missed: they are not just victims; they are critical first responders”. The beginning of those effects dates back when the Usa occupied Iraq.
The Usa Government imposed new rules, instead of the secular Iraqi government bureaucracy and destroyed the balance of powers Who might have been wrong but were effective for the Iraqi society. The new system allocates political power according to religious sect, turning a theological difference into a dangerous political divide. Slowly, sectarian militias made their way and launched campaign of terror in which women were involved as victims. Violence at home and in the streets was frequent and continuous. Now, the iraqi women are living in another, similar, nightmare. “Iraq’s prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, is fanning those flames by rejecting calls for unity – says The Womens’ Freedom Organisation – and resurrecting the militias that only a few years ago turned public hospitals into torture chambers and raped women who stepped out of line”.
Isis kidnaps women from their homes and uses them to satisfy the needs of the militants. The “sexual jihad” is another kind of weapon to control communities. Some women, after being kidnapped, committed suicide. In Syria and Egypt the situation seems to be different. The concept of sexual jihad has surfaced in those countries during their political turmoil. It says that during the crisis, women have offered sexual comforts to fighters to boost their morale. Those women come also from Britain, Australia and Malaysia. They flew to Syria, Egypt, Iraq to serve as ‘comfort women’ for Isis militants. In Iraq, women have no chance to choose. The most at risk are displaced families without husbands or fathers to lead the women. What really happens is that reports of forced “jihad marriage” are rampant across ISIS occupied territory.

Syria, while discussing for a post-Saddam clashes continue

BreakingNews @en/Middle East - Africa di

While Iran, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United States discuss what are the prospects of the ongoing conflict and particularly what could be the new Syria in a possible post-Assad on the battlefield things change quickly.

Some of these developments are very important to monitor and some of the rebel factions of some importance not yet spoken to the various discussion boards for a power-sharing agreement.

Meanwhile on August 8 air forces of Assad bombed some positions in the countryside near the capital of the province of al-Hasaka, near Idlib and in the northern province of Latakia as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Unconfirmed reports also indicate that the planes of the coalition led by the United States have carried out attacks near Raqqa killing two fighters of the so-called Islamic state.

Clashes between loyalist troops and rebels of the Islamist forces were reported around the province of Tabliseh and Homs. Government troops were able to repel an attempt of the SI to take control of the area around the oil field in the province of Homs Jazal.

Clashes have also occurred in the province of Rif Dimashq where government troops backed by Hezbollah fought Islamic rebels in the area of ​​Daraya and Zabdani.

EU Parlament focused on culture developement

BreakingNews @en/Europe/Policy di

Culture’s role in development policy will be the key focus for the six coming months, ministers for culture Maggy Nagel and education and research Claude Meisch told the Culture and Education Committee on Tuesday. Completing the digital single market is another of the Luxembourg ministers’ priorities. Concerning education, priority will be given to integrating national education systems, lowering the dropout rate and promoting an active civic engagement of young people, to prevent marginalization and youth radicalization.

MEPs asked about and debated issues to do with funding education, supporting multilingualism and striking a fair balance between access to content and remunerating its creators in the digital world.

 

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