//The Wire//2130Z August 15, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: CRACKDOWNS CONTINUE IN U.K. AMID GROWING DISSENT. CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES IN IRELAND TO BUILD MIGRANT CENTERS DESPITE OPPOSITION FROM CITIZENS.//

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-International Events-

Europe: Throughout the continent, the migrant crisis continues. In Ireland, local authorities have cracked down on demonstrations seeking to halt the construction of migrant centers at several locations throughout the country, to include very large migrant centers currently being constructed in Dublin. In England, demonstrations continue to flare up in response to the sentencing of those who voiced dissent towards immigration policy on social media. Several people have been sentenced to months/years behind bars for one comment on social media, which has resulted in even more backlash against British authorities.

Middle East: Heightened tensions continue throughout the region as before. Israeli political leadership continues holding meetings in hardened bunkers, and American forces throughout the region remain at increased levels of readiness. Iran has not given any clear indication as to when (or if) a response will take place.

-HomeFront-

USA: Indicators are mounting suggesting that a potential strike involving major seaports could come to fruition next month. Currently, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is in the process of contract negotiations which may result in labor strikes at almost all major seaports in the U.S. beginning October 1. AC: If an agreement cannot be reached and a nationwide labor strike comes about, this likely will have wide-ranging impacts to the cargo handling at most seaports, and result in widespread backlogs and shipping delays.

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Analyst Comments: Much of the tensions in the Middle East are probably riding on the latest round of peace talks with regards to the conflict in Gaza. If the talks are successful in reaching some sort of an agreement, an Iranian counterattack might not arrive. However, if the talks fail again, Iranian leadership may have more incentive to strike Israel (either by proxy or more directly). The US State Department and the National Security Council have been warning of an “imminent” attack for almost two weeks now, despite little evidence being publicly released on the matter.

Analyst: S2A1

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