Good Morning. 

Iran shifts to a more conciliatory stance as Trump's victory and setbacks in Lebanon force a strategic rethinking of foreign policy, while Syrian rebels launch a major offensive near Aleppo capturing significant territory in the largest military action since 2020, as Australia passes a strict social media ban requiring users to be over 16 years old, former British soldier Daniel Khalife is convicted of spying for Iran after previously escaping a London prison by hiding under a truck, and FedEx and AT&T warn of a sophisticated nationwide theft ring targeting iPhone deliveries.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

U.S. and Japan Plan Strategic Missile Deployment Near Taiwan

• The U.S. and Japan are developing a joint military plan to deploy HIMARS missile systems on the Nansei Islands chain (which stretches within 200km of Taiwan) by December 2024, marking their first collaborative operation specifically designed to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

• China and Russia have issued strong condemnations of the planned deployment, with Moscow threatening to take "necessary and proportionate steps" including potential missile deployments in Asia, while Beijing warns the move will "heighten tensions and confrontation" in the region.

• The missile deployment strategy emerges as tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific, with US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Paparo revealing that China conducted its largest-ever Taiwan invasion rehearsal this summer involving 152 vessels, while noting that China's navy now possesses over 370 ships compared to the US fleet of 290.

Counterterrorism

• Iran shifts to more conciliatory stance as Trump's victory and setbacks in Lebanon force strategic rethinking of foreign policy. ➚

• Ukraine claims successful Storm Shadow missile strike injured North Korean general and killed officers at Russian command center. ➚

• Iranian opposition claims regime is vulnerable and likely to fall following Trump's victory and regional military setbacks. ➚

• Five Democratic lawmakers from Connecticut received bomb threats at their homes on Thanksgiving, with no explosive devices found. ➚

Military & Defense

• Syrian rebels launch major offensive near Aleppo, capturing territory and military equipment in first significant fighting since 2020. ➚

• Multiple drone sightings over four U.S. military bases in England prompt British troop deployment amid concerns of Russian surveillance. ➚

• Taiwan's President Lai plans controversial Pacific tour with U.S. stops, risking potential military response from mainland China. ➚

• U.S. dismisses Russia's threat of retaliation against South Korea over potential weapons supply to Ukraine, calling it "gaslighting." ➚

• Day-old ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah faces immediate challenges as both sides accuse each other of violations. ➚

• China suspends senior military official Miao Hua amid expanding defense corruption probe that has ensnared multiple top officers. ➚

Cybersecurity

• Australia passes strict social media ban requiring users to be over 16 years old, with fines up to $32M for tech companies. ➚

• T-Mobile detects and thwarts Chinese-linked hacking attempts targeting telecom firms, with no customer data compromised in recent attacks. ➚

• Microsoft patches multiple vulnerabilities in its services, including an actively exploited flaw in its Partner Network website. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Former British soldier Daniel Khalife convicted of spying for Iran after previously escaping London prison by hiding under truck. ➚

• Three wrongfully detained Americans returned home to Texas after a prisoner exchange with China that included four Chinese individuals. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• FedEx and AT&T warn of nationwide theft ring targeting iPhone deliveries, with criminals tracking packages and sometimes turning violent. ➚

• China repatriates 240 gambling and fraud suspects from Cambodia, with 500 more expected as anti-crime efforts intensify. ➚

• U.S. Treasury sanctions three Gulf Cartel members and two associates for running illegal fishing operations near South Padre Island. ➚

The America Builds podcast sits at the nexus of national security, technology, and venture capital. Hosts Will Allen and Hayley Menser interview the brilliant operators and investors pushing the boundaries of frontier technology.