In such a scenario, the satellite would become not merely a tool for reconnaissance and communications, but part of the offensive chain. | According to Pars Today, the Israeli regime is examining the possibility of developing a system for striking ground targets from orbit, similar to the US Project Thor. Under the concept, heavy tungsten rods would be released from satellites and travel at extremely high speeds before striking their targets, without the need for a warhead. The project would also involve the development of satellite communications, space-based platforms, cyber warfare capabilities, and anti-missile systems. ■ The projected budget for this program over the next ten years is estimated at around $5.4 billion. To implement it, specialized satellites, guidance systems, and highly precise trajectory-control systems for the vehicles’ atmospheric reentry would have to be developed. However, the budget has not yet been approved, and technical obstacles such as thermal protection and the need for a high degree of accuracy remain major challenges. [...] Overall, even if the project is still at the study stage, its significance lies in demonstrating the Israeli regime’s efforts to find new ways to overcome defensive and geographical barriers.

Moon of Alabama | US military reveals it has weapons in space | The U.S. and other nations have long adhered to an unofficial agreement of not put weapons into space. Unfortunately the recent administrations have been stupid enough to end that moratorium. The weapons included are most likely electronic weapons and potentially lasers to blind other satellites. This will disturb the international balance as others will now do the same.

■  US military reveals it has weapons in space (Financial Times) (archived)

RT Investigations | Just outside a EU country capital, the agency ran a black site with the knowledge and assistance of the local authorities | Throughout the summer, a major scandal has been brewing in Lithuania. In late July, the country suffered a landmark defeat in the European Court of Human Rights in a case brought by Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, a Saudi national held in secret detention and brutally tortured for four years in CIA black sites around the world – including Lithuania. While Western governments and news outlets have ignored the judgement, the ECHR’s conclusions produced bitter political division locally, with the opposition calling for a new investigation into the CIA’s use and abuse of the country during the US-led ‘War on Terror’.