Weekend News Roundup

Tanks for Ukraine, drone attacks in Iran, cyberwar and USG vs. Google

Photo By: Army Spc. Joshua Taeckens

Military and geopolitical consequences of western tanks for Ukraine
The article discusses the implications of the US decision to supply Ukraine with M1A1 Abrams tanks and how it may impact the ongoing conflict in the region. The author raises several questions about the move, including what impact the tanks will have on the conflict, where the tanks will be stationed and how they will be used. The article also touches on the potential geopolitical consequences of the move and how it may affect relations with Russia. It concludes that while the US decision may provide some military support to Ukraine, there are still many questions to be answered regarding its overall impact on the conflict and the region. Source: Breaking Defense.

Israel carried out drone attack on Iranian defense facility
Israel carried out a drone strike targeting a defense compound in Iran, as the U.S. and Israel look for new ways to contain Tehran’s nuclear and military ambitions, according to U.S. officials and people familiar with the operation. Source: Wall Street Journal.

Japanese negative population growth pose risk to basic social functions
Japan's population is shrinking, with fewer births and aging population contributing to the decline. To tackle this issue, the country's ruling party is proposing measures such as expanding child care facilities and offering financial incentives for families with children. The government is also considering accepting more foreign workers to fill the workforce gap. The declining population has raised concerns about the country's economic future, as a smaller workforce will likely result in reduced economic growth and decreased tax revenue. Source: Reuters

Lessons from Ukraine on the future of cyberwar
The article details the increasing use of cyber attacks in Ukraine as a tool of conflict in the ongoing military conflict with Russia. Since 2014, Ukraine has experienced a significant increase in cyber attacks targeting its critical infrastructure such as energy, transportation and financial systems. These attacks have resulted in widespread power outages, disruption of financial systems and damage to key industries, such as the steel and aluminum sectors. The article argues that the situation in Ukraine serves as a warning to other countries about the potential use of cyber attacks as a weapon of war and the need to improve their own cybersecurity measures. Source: Swissinfo.

USG goes after Google ad-monopoly
The federal government has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google alleging the company has maintained a monopoly in online advertising through anti-competitive practices. The suit claims that Google used its dominance in search and search advertising to expand into adjacent markets, hindering competition and harming consumers. The case marks the government's largest antitrust lawsuit against a tech company in decades and could result in significant changes to Google's business practices. Source: The Verge.