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Assad Says U.S. Must Leave Syria, Vows To Recover SDF Areas

Homeland Secretary Defends Immigration Policy

Kremlin Sorry To Hear Of UK Woman's Death By Nerve Agent

Last week's G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany put the world's largest issues on a grand stage. Though the grouping of the major countries reflect an economic focus, the juxtaposition of countries like Germany and France standing side by side with the American President also reflect stark differences in national security policies. And, what is reaped as a result. With Germany continuing its decline due to its open borders policy, and the likes of France and the UK continuing to rebuild after a spate of terror attacks, we are reminded at events like these that sometimes falling in line in favor of political points is not always the best course.

With debate raging on over US policy on refugees originating in areas of the Middle East and Africa, there are ways these groups can be supported regardless of the laws that are in place. Ways to help provide protection from the corruption, violence, and oppression many of these people live with every day. Ways to begin the process of helping them rebuild and sustain infrastructure so that displacement is not necessary. Ways to show recognition of their plight while also protecting that of our own. There are many ways to show our support, and thats what being American is all about.

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.

If reports this week of the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi are true, though always a win for the war on terror to remove the hardest of ideologues from the battlefield, with the size of the ISIS footprint on a global scale it begs the question- how much does it matter?

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.

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 CIA Director Mike Pompeo and the Department of Justice continue the investigation into Wikileaks for the illegal and damaging release of classified information, they should also focus their efforts equally on punishing media outlets in the U.S. As well as the halls of congress as no body should be above the law when it comes to protecting the information that is vital to our nation's security.

Both military and diplomatic officials have expressed concern over the recent deployment of Russian troops to western Egypt, along the Libyan border. The move is thought to be an attempt by Russia to influence who takes power in the war-torn country.

As the US continues to outspend other member states in NATO, President Trump called on the organization to step it up or face "moderated" support from the United States.

Despite claims by many in the media that Trump's recent executive order is an unfair ban on Muslims, it could not be further from the truth.

Turkey And Iran United By Kurds

CA Lawmakers Looking To Tax Corporations More

President Trump’s Approval Rating Remains Steady

Trump Greets Americans Freed From North Korea

Doctors Are Growing A New Ear For A Woman Inside Her Arm

Facebook Will Start Rating News Organizations Based On Trustworthiness

Colorado Wildfire Continues With Rain Unlikely Until Weekend

US Poised To Exit UN Council

Facebook Stock Just Made CEO Zuckerberg Richer Than Warren Buffet

Trump Claims NATO Victory After 'Go It Alone' Ultimatum

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 the White House's self described ban on refugees coming to the US from six countries was given new legs this week by the Supreme Court, the debate of its merits and intention rages on. But regardless of one's reaction, many on both sides of the political aisle have shown their arguments are based more so on emotions and the need for political victory then an appreciation and awareness of the realities on the ground in Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Realities that include woefully inadequate intelligence agencies, and thus the inability to properly vet those seeking refuge, and catalysts for terrorists who wish us harm. While America has always been the doer of good and protector of those in need in this world, it cannot come at the expense of our own people.