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As controversy continues to surround the activities of General Michael Flynn while he held prominent politically appointed positions, one must be reminded that General Flynn's power grab first started during the Obama administration. Recent revelations of his improprieties beg the question- where was the due diligence on behalf of congress and the former administration?

With daily occurrences of our elected and appointed leaders exposed as playing by a set of rules that are more generous and fluid than the rest of America is expected to abide by, it is time for our country to say enough is enough and give our patriots serving on the front lines the leaders they deserve and the ones who will have their backs and hold themselves equally accountable.

With the controversy surrounding allegations that President Trump conveyed potentially sensitive and classified information to a Russian ambassador, talking heads need be reminded that the subsequent public reporting of that information warrants the same level of scrutiny. Just as two wrongs don't make a right, two leaks don't make for a declassification of intelligence. And ultimately, the buck stops with the President.

As Turkish President Erdogan's visit to the U.S. was mired by the brutality of his bodyguards inflicted on Kurdish protestors, it underscores the complexities of ISlam and the Middle East as a whole. Complexities that present roadblocks to peaceful democracies and ones that should show America how far removed we are from truly understanding their world.

As our nation grows more divided by the day, many of those who volley around first amendment protections, regardless of the extreme nature of their speech, should be reminded that it is due to the men and women serving this country on the front lines. These brave men and women are protecting our country from enemies who wish to stifle free speech. Make no mistake, there are forces that no American, regardless of their political affiliation, should discount as direct threats to the very protections insured to in the freedoms that started it all for our nation.

Revelations that under the Obama administration, information pertaining to millions of private US citizens was shared and exposed to private entities is yet another troubling development from an already sullied intelligence cabinet. Not only do such actions and violations of law sow further distrust among the American people, but it also creates yet another distraction for the hardworking men and women of our country's intelligence community.

Recent attacks claimed by ISIS in Iran against the shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini could signify a significant escalation in the group's effort to expand its territory, and ideology. And in doing so, may also invite added engagement by one of the world's most unpredictable nations into the Middle East. Most notably, Syria where allegiances between Iran and the Assad regime are strong, and Iraq, where Iran has had in its crosshairs as a means to grow its territory and control over oil reserves. Knowing that Iran continues to pursue nuclear capabilities and the influence it wields via Shia rulers in other parts of the world, escalation of conflict with the likes of ISIS could present a scenario where two of the world's greatest evils meet head on.

During a time when all western nations are on high alert for terrorist activity, the Manchester attack underscores the need for vigilance by all. As large and as capable as organizations such as the CIA and MI5 are, they still don't see it all. It is up to all of us to unite with a common voice and identify and eradicate the evil mindset that values death over life wherever it resides.

"If you have ever heard the sound of TAPS at a military funeral, or at any funeral of a veteran you will be very moved by this version. It made me cry when I watched it, and it will make you also. “Taps” is a bugle call played at dusk, during flag ceremonies, and at military funerals by the United States armed forces. The official military version is played by a single bugle or trumpet, although other versions of the tune may be played in other contexts (e.g., the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial Music site has recordings of two bugle and one band version. It is also performed often at Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and Girl Guide meetings and camps. The tune is also sometimes known as “Butterfield’s Lullaby”, or by the first line of the lyric, “Day Is Done”. The duration may vary to some extent; the typical recording 59 seconds long. I have listened to TAPS at the funeral of several of my friends, both military and law enforcement and every time I hear it now I pause to remember the sacrifices they have made. May God watch over them and their families and all of us that respect the United States of America and its Military Families."

President's Trump Mid-east trip and speech to Arab leaders marks a reset for American-Arab relations and should be seen as a call to action for westerners and Arab muslims alike to unite together in lockstep to combat the world's most dangerous enemy and its ideology. Representing the two most victimized and targeted groups by our common enemy, it is vital to freedom across the world that we come together.

Recent US military objectives in Yemen targeting AQ's Arabian affiliate mark a noticeable and significant shift in US defense strategy and policy in the region. One that is as reliant as ground operations as it is air assets, the DOD under General Mattis is following through on it's mission to eradicate terrorism wherever it resides and utilizing America's military in the way it was intended.

With gains against the ISIS enemy being had at their base in places like Mosul, attacks throughout other parts of the world coinciding with the overtaking of the ISIS stronghold in Iraq underscore the reach of extremist ideology. As military victories continue to mount up in the Middle East, attacks in Manchester and Indonesia show that while the US is winning significant battles, the war against terror rages on.

Since 1947 the US has supported Pakistan. For decades the US taxpayer have sent billions of dollars to Pakistan. Maybe it is time to ask ourselves, just what have we benefited from our efforts. In this age of Jihad and the radical Islamic conflicts that have engulfed the world, it is time to assess who is an ally and who is not. Pakistan is home to one of the largest populations of Muslims. Pakistan is also a nuclear state, the only predominantly Muslim nation to hold that status. Pakistan seems to be more interested in courting our enemies than the US who so generously supports them with aid. Pakistan sold its technology to the worst promoters of terrorism on the planet through black market deals. They support the Haqqani network, a group of extremists fighting directly against the interests of the US. Pakistan harbored and protected Osama bin Laden for years while publicly denying any knowledge of his whereabouts. He lived only a few miles from Pakistan's premier Military Academy. Pakistan promotes and strongly imposes Sharia Law and persecutes Pakistani Christians. They are working directly with Iran and North Korea on trade and weapons, particularly nuclear weapons. So why are they considered an ally and why are we still supporting them? That is a question we must answer.

As the Muslim world begins the annual season of Ramadan- marking the commemoration of Muhammad's inspiration for the Quran- recent events have shown the extremes of both sides of the Islamic faith. As has become an unfortunate part of the holiday's tradition, a spate of terrorist attacks have coincided with the beginning of the holy month. A period of the Islamic calendar year that is most commonly marked by periods of fasting, introspection, and reflection by peaceful followers of the religion.

As the Iraqi-military led effort to eradicate ISIS from its stronghold in Mosul has garnered significant success in recent weeks, Libya may be emerging as the group's next base of operations. With ties to the most recent high profile attack in a western city, Libya's status as an ISIS safe haven has been elevated and will no doubt garner even more attention from military and intelligence services throughout the western world.

James Comey's latest testimony to congressional leaders on Capitol Hill represented a smorgasbord of information that gives ammo to both sides of the political aisle. From his dispute of President Trumps version of events surrounding meetings between the two, to his revelation that then attorney general Loretta Lynch pressured him into describing the bureau's work into the Hillary Clinton server as other than an investigation, Comey had both political parties in his crosshairs. Ultimately, though, regardless of your takeaways from his testimony, certain truths held fast. That American adversaries such as Russia are continuing efforts to infringe upon our democracy, and that political personalities continue to put their own careers ahead of the good of the country. Perhaps the most troubling takeaway is that the rule of law appears to apply differently to those in power.

The release of classified information by the former NSA contractor Reality Winner underscores a troubling trend that threatens the lives of the men and women sacrificing on the front lines to keep our adversaries at bay. With this case in particular, it is a troubling indictment on the background investigation process as there appear to have been numerous red flags throughout the course of her adult life. This case also further speaks to the dangers of social media both as a mouthpiece for sensational views, and as a means to maintain contact with nefarious actors. Even more disconcerting, is the fervor with which these criminals are heralded by many uninformed civilians and in the mainstream media. To be clear, these individuals have committed felonies according to our laws and should be tried and held accountable. The damage of their acts is hard to quantify, but it stands to threaten the work and more importantly, the lives, of those who serve to protect us all.

James Comey's recent affirmation that then attorney general Loretta Lynch pressured him into diluting the severity of the charges against Hillary Clinton for use of a private email server echoes similar tactics reportedly attempted against General David Petraeus while he serving as Director of the CIA. Though the efforts by the Obama administration in both cases were similar, the reaction by General Petraeus was strikingly different from that of former FBI Director Comey. Though facing exposure of an affair that led him to provide classified information to an uncleared individual, when pressured to testify in line with the administration's narrative on the attack in Benghazi that led to the deaths of four Americans, General Petraeus rebuffed the pressure and provide his honest assessment of the events that led to and unfolded on September September 11th 2012. In doing so, General Petraeus ultimately committed career suicide the revelations of his affair, and subsequent sentencing, were likely punishment for his honesty. A start contrast to the ways in which Mr. Comey responded when faced with similar circumstances.

As we recognize the one-year anniversary of the attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, we need be reminded that this event was not just an attack against the LGBTQ community but one against us all and the values that make this the greatest nation on earth. It is those values that mean we as a people have the freedom to celebrate who we are with and around others from all walks of life. Make no mistake- that this event makes an attack against us all and as with more recent attacks, requires a response that transcends politics and shows that we are a united people under a set of values based on freedom, respect, and strength. While those values are threatened by an enemy that does not care what political party we belong to, nor our sexual orientation, just that we live under a freedom that challenges their oppressive way of life. The only designation in times like these is the one that we all share- that we are Americans.

First daughter Ivanka Trump met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss child tax credits and paid family leave. She was greeted by Sen. Marco Rubio, who organized the meeting and invited colleagues to participate, including Sen. Deb Fischer, who introduced a bill earlier this year that focuses on tax credits for companies that offer paid family leave. Ivanka Trump is an advocate for paid family leave and has been given credit for pushing her father, President Donald Trump, to make paid family leave a priority. She has made several appearances highlighting the high childcare costs in the United States. A mother of three herself, Trump has remained vocal about the need for paid family leave. She has also pointed out that Trump employees already receive eight weeks of paid family leave. The United States is the only industrialized country that does not offer guaranteed paid family leave for new parents.

With growing confidence that ISIS has been stripped of any significant control in Mosul, signifying a return of the group's last bastion back to the Iraq people, the question now is what lies ahead for the war-torn country? Though declarations of victory against oppression have come before, the follow up has wielded little improvement to the way the people of Iraq are controlled by ruling party authority. With momentum shifting to the people, is Iraq destined to turn the page and begin the process of a peaceful rebuild that is inclusive of people from all walks of life? Or will it continue the cycle of violence and dissension that has prohibited progress for the last few decades?

As recent reports indicate Syria President Bashir al-Assad is preparing another round of chemical weapon attacks against dissenters as an escalation of the ongoing conflict in Syria, what does the future for the Middle Eastern dictator hold? With strong alliances and relationships forged with two of the west's most notorious adversaries, does al-Assad have the backing to maintain a firm grip of power? Or will rebel factions and UN support lead to his eventual ouster? While we may not have all of the answers, we know the question is one that will dictate the future of Syria for years to come.

As we look around us in western societies, the images of violence consume us. As do the stories of our own committing evil and criminal acts in the name of political discontent. On a daily basis, we see images that for so long were only associated with war-torn areas in the Middle East. We hear stories of personalities attacking their own from within, the prevalence of such have never been commonplace in our society. That is until now. As the gaps between each occurrence shrinks, we must ask ourselves- is this our new norm? And if so, is this what we want to accept for our society? The answer lies not from the sensationalizing rhetoric peddled by pundits, but from those of us who live our daily lives seeking to do good.

As the division between members of the press and the mass population grows, often times falling along political party lines, both sides have been given ammo in recent days. With revelations that could further damage the mainstream media's reputation coming to light, neither side is willing to take ownership of the state of discourse that exists in our society today. This lack of accountability particularly by the press will only soil their reputation further. Though the majority in the media were unhappy with the outcome of this presidential election, and the rise of right-wing outlets, they have shown an inability to reflect and recognize the error in their ways. The loss of the public trust started long ago and only they can make a course correction by returning to the fundamentals of journalism, and not getting into a tit for tat with the society that keeps them afloat.

The death of Otto Warmbier should compel compel America to engage its full resources to ensure that the regime of Kim Jong Un is put on notice that their rule of torture and oppression is coming to end. No longer shall it be sufficient for our allies to watch from across symbolic borders, nor the UN governing body to pass feckless sanctions. Eliminating the Jong Un rule and paving the way for future freedoms for the people of the worlds most desolate nation needs to start now. It will take time and force and ultimately require an uprising on behalf of the people most directly affected by the country's ruling party's tactics. But the road to such an outcome must begin now. Or else the most recent death of an innocent American at the hands of an evil regime will be in vain.