US CIA sources killed in China
The report surprised many. China’s anti-espionage agencies have killed or imprisoned up to 20 sources for CIA agents of the United States operating in China. The intelligence breach has been described as one of the worst failures in decades. According to reports, Chinese intelligence killed busted the CIA network between 2010 and 2012. The network had taken years to build and its dismantlement has negatively impacted CIA’s operations in China. There are different stories on how the network was busted by the Chinese. Some US intelligence officials believe a mole inside the CIA is responsible for the disaster. But others believe China has hacked the system CIA used to make contacts with its foreign sources. According to some reports, one of CIA agents was gunned down in the courtyard of a government building: That has been interpreted by many as a warning to others who may be working for the CIA.
Donald Trump; From Riyadh to Tel Aviv
From the Saudi capital Riyadh to Israel, US President Donald Trump has used almost every podium to appease his hosts by stepping up anti Iran rhetoric. During his Middle East tour, Trump has mainly tried to encourage the Persian Gulf Arab kingdoms and Israel to gang up against key regional player Iran. Trump’s unprecedented direct flight from Riyadh to Tel Aviv which have not had diplomatic relations for decades is seen by many as a starting point for closer links between the two. Trump says Arab kingdoms in the region share a common cause with Israel against what he describes as the threat from Iran. Meanwhile, Trump’s call on the international community to isolate Iran has been described as a breach of the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1. Trump has repeatedly accused Tehran of implementing destabilizing policies in the region. Iran which supports the governments and popular anti-terror movements in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon has angered the United States and its regional allies, because the Iranian role has prevented Western-backed militant groups from achieving their goals.