What is Liberation Day (Afghanistan)?

Introduction Afghan Liberation Day is celebrated each year on February 15 in Afghanistan. Refer to Afghan Independence Day and Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989). Background It marks the country’s liberation from the Soviet Union with the final departure on 15 February 1989 of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The Soviet Army had been present in Afghanistan since the… Read More

What is Total Defence (Singapore)?

Introduction Total Defence is Singapore’s whole-of-society national defence concept, based on the premise that every aspect of society contributes to the collective defence of the state. The strategy was first introduced in 1984 and adopted from the national defence strategies of Sweden and Switzerland. It initially consisted of five key tenets; military, civil, economic, social,… Read More

Who was Julian Scott?

Introduction Julian A. Scott (14 February 1846 to 04 July 1901), was born in Johnson, Vermont, and served as a Union Army drummer during the American Civil War, where he received America’s highest military decoration the Medal of Honour for his actions at the Battle of Lee’s Mills. He was also an American painter and… Read More

What was the Challenge of Barletta (1503)?

Introduction The Challenge of Barletta (Italian: Disfida di Barletta) was a duel fought in the countryside of Trani, near Barletta, southern Italy, on 13 February 1503, during the Third Italian War, on the plains between Corato and Andria. Overview The tournament was provoked by a French knight Charles de la Motte who, after drinking too… Read More