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Title: August 21, 2025

 GRAY ZONE BRIEF 21 AUGUST 2025

Trump administration revokes security clearances of 37 current and former government officials. The Trump administration said Tuesday it was revoking the security clearances of current and former national security officials in the latest act of retribution targeting public servants from the federal government’s intelligence community.

Why It Matters:

• A memo from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accuses the individuals of engaging in the “politicization or weaponization of intelligence” to advance personal or partisan goals, failing to safeguard classified information, failing to “adhere to professional analytic tradecraft standards” and other unspecified “detrimental” conduct. The memo did not offer evidence to back up the accusations.

• Some worked on matters that have infuriated Trump for a long time, such as the intelligence community’s assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election on his behalf.Several signaled concerns about Trump by signing a critical letter in 2019 that was highlighted on social media last month by right-wing provocateur and close Trump ally Laura Loomer.

ISRAEL & GAZA

Making arrangements. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz approved on Tuesday plans for a Gaza City offensive. In preparation for the operation, the military called up 60,000 reservists who are expected to report for duty in September. Palestinian residents will likely be ordered to evacuate to southern Gaza.

ISRAEL & SYRIA

Israel-Syria negotiations. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held security talks in Paris on Tuesday. U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack oversaw the meeting, the second between the two officials in the past month. Negotiations focused on security along the Israeli-Syrian border, as well as the possible creation of a humanitarian corridor for the Druze community in the Syrian province of Sweida. Also on Tuesday, Barrack met with Israeli Druze religious leader Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif to discuss the situation in Sweida.

EU PEACEKEEPING FORCE

Europe's contribution. About 10 European nations have reportedly expressed willingness to send troops to Ukraine as part of a broader security plan for the country. In recent talks, European officials also discussed sending “training and reinforcements” for the Ukrainian military in the initial phase of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal. They could also later exchange intelligence, monitor borders and supply weapons, including air defense systems.

JAPAN & TURKEY

First trip. Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani is in Turkey, the first-ever official visit to the country by a Japanese defense minister. He held talks in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart on prospects for cooperation in the defense industry, including possible purchases of Turkish drones. According to Turkey's Ministry of Defense Nakatani will next visit Istanbul to inspect naval shipyards and facilities owned by defense firms Turkish Aerospace Industries and Baykar.

U-STAN & P-STAN

Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The Uzbek president met with the chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. They discussed cooperation on military-technical matters and security threats, as well as development of the Trans-Afghan Railway project.

CHINA’S INDUSTRIAL WAR MACHINE

Chinese arms. China will showcase new, domestically made military equipment at a military parade on Sept. 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. They include advanced fourth-generation tanks, carrier-based aircraft, fighter jets, drones and counter-drone systems, hypersonic weapons, and air and missile defense systems.

CHINA & INDIA

Turning a corner. China and India have agreed to a number of measures to improve bilateral relations, which collapsed after deadly clashes in 2020 over a border dispute. During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi, the two countries agreed to resume direct flights, issue visas to tourists, businesses and journalists, and facilitate business and cultural exchanges. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China later this month for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

RUSSIAN INFLUENCE IN ETHIOPIA

Russian funds. Ethiopia invites new Russian investments in its economy, the Ethiopian ambassador to Moscow said at a forum in Moscow focused on Russia’s outreach to foreign partners. The diplomat added that Addis Ababa would provide support to Russian companies interested in making investments.

Pray.

Train.

Stay informed.

Build resilient communities.

—END REPORT