8chan/8kun QResearch Posts (1,167)
#7934321 at 2020-01-27 23:57:50 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10154: Smokin Out the Deep State Edition
>>7934158
>>7934170
>What force is actively deployed in SA?
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told reporters Friday that the deployments include two fighter squadrons, additional Patriot missile batteries, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and supporting personnel.
"Saudi Arabia is a long-standing security partner and has requested additional support to supplement their defenses and to defend the rules-based international order," said Brian Hook, special representative for Iran and senior adviser to the secretary of state. The troop deployment, he added, was supported by many partners in the region "who are on the front lines of Iranian aggression."
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.
FILE - A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Department of Defense.
About 3,000 U.S. forces have been deployed to Saudi Arabia since an Iranian-blamed attack on Saudi oil facilities last month. U.S. officials have said the attack originated in southwest Iran, but Tehran has denied responsibility.
Esper said the U.S. has deployed 14,000 additional forces to the region since May, when four oil tankers were attacked in the region. Iran and Iranian-backed forces have also been blamed for attacks on two other tankers in June and the downing of U.S. drones.
https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/us-deploys-more-forces-saudi-arabia-deter-iran
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/11/trump-administration-will-send-more-troops-to-saudi-arabia.html
#7915870 at 2020-01-26 02:56:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10130: Impeachment Game Over : The Slam Dunk Edition
"U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Friday that China's Communist Party had created a surveillance state that uses artificial intelligence to repress Muslim minorities and pro-democracy demonstrators.
"In fact, the party has constructed a 21st century surveillance state with unprecedented abilities to censor speech and infringe upon basic human rights," Esper added. "George Orwell would be proud."
reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-surveillance-idUSKBN1ZN1YF
#7900604 at 2020-01-24 18:31:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10110: Everything Is Better With Frenz Edition
>>7900552
I don't trust Esper
He now wants more weapons and used to be……
Mark Esper, Former Raytheon Weapons Lobbyist, is in Charge of the Pentagon
Following the targeted killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by American military forces on January 3rd, weapons manufacturer Raytheon's stock shot up, closing at a record high. The man in charge of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, spent years as Raytheon's top lobbyist before joining the Trump administration. Esper's former employment casts a shadow over every decision he makes as Secretary of Defense, and the people investing in his former company are betting on business being good under Esper
https://www.citizensforethics.org/Mark-Esper-raytheon-weapons-lobbyist/
#7900367 at 2020-01-24 18:08:30 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10110: Everything Is Better With Frenz Edition
SecDef to Congress: Let the Pentagon Dump Old Gear to Fund New Weapons
The Defense Department is "doubling down" on hypersonic technology and other cutting-edge weapons, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Friday, and it's continuing to clean house on older systems to fund the investment.
Esper told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., that the Pentagon had nearly doubled its long-term investment in hypersonic weapons, with almost $5 billion allocated in the fiscal 2020 budget alone and an "even stronger" fiscal 2021 budget request in planning.
"We have significantly ramped up flight testing and other experimentation so we can accelerate the delivery of this capability in all its forms," he said.
And to make that happen, he said, the DoD will need to keep cutting. Esper said that will mean finding efficiencies within the department, as well as continuing to divest of legacy systems that are no longer relevant to the current fight.
"I've been telling the Pentagon for two-and-a-half years now that our budgets are what they are. They're not going to get any better, and so we have to be much better stewards of the taxpayer's dollar. And that means … divesting of legacy things, divesting of things that don't deliver a high [return on investment]," he said.
As Army secretary, Esper presided over a service "night court" divestment effort that officials say delivered more than $30 billion in savings. He was confirmed as defense secretary in July.
He acknowledged that Congress sometimes puts up its own roadblocks to divestment.
"Congress is fully behind [budget stewardship], but then there's that moment of time when it hits their backyard and you have to work your way through that," he said. "We have to make that leap."
Esper emphasized the National Defense Strategy's focus on China foremost, and Russia second, as near-peer competitors and impetus for new warfighting concepts and investments.
"We have a lot of support from Congress, and we have to bridge this gap now between what was Cold War-era systems and the counterinsurgency, low-intensity fight of the last 18 years, and make this leap into great power competition with Russia and China – China specifically," he said. "And that requires, again, a whole new way of thinking."
Hypersonic weapons, which include missiles that move at five times the speed of sound, have been a priority for all the military services.
In 2018, as secretary of the Army, Esper told reporters he wanted the service to develop and field the weapons by 2028.
"The United States had the early breakthrough in this field, and now we need to double down on that and accelerate our efforts," Esper said Friday. "I think it's another arrow in our quiver that we need to have and we need to develop and modify. Based on the needs of the combatant commanders, we will deploy them in close consultation with our allies and partners to make sure we have that technology available to us."
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/24/secdef-congress-let-pentagon-dump-old-gear-fund-new-weapons.html
#7864710 at 2020-01-21 06:28:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10066: Military Industrial Complex The OG Deep State Edition
#10063
>>7862507, >>7862620, >>7862907, >>7862939, >>7862956 Fly Eyes in the Sky
>>7863149 Potus twat: Excellent! re:Macron and digital tax
>>7863097 REPORT from 2A Rally in Richmond
>>7863093 O'Keefe at it tomorrow!
>>7863087 The Fed Is Stuck In QE Hell
>>7863035 Air Force One wheels up to Switzerland.
>>7863013 Terrence K. Williams The American Dream is real
>>7862843 51% Oppose peach mint
>>7862809, >>7862864 Joe Biden is trying to get ahead of Peter Schweizer's new book about corruption.
>>7862760 McConnell proposes peach mint trial rules with no guarantee that witnesses will be called to testify.
>>7862744 Multiple rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, trigger sirens at US embassy
>>7862742 His Dream is Now our DREAM Donald J Trump
>>7862709 Potus twat: Nancy can't fix it. The Do Nothing Dems have done great harm to our Country!
>>7862707, >>7862863, >>7863103 CAIR influence in Congress
>>7862699 USACEHQ MLK DAY US Army "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." MLK, Jr.
>>7862695, >>7862715, >>7862716, >>7862733 Northam: teams de-escalated?
>>7862667, >>7862813 Potus inauguration pics
>>7862651 Extradition trial of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets underway in Vancouver
>>7862629 On this day in history, January 20th vid of note, JFK, Reagan and Potus inaugurated, daddy Bush leaves C_A as director, czech it out
>>7862573 "The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
>>7862570 Rudy twat: You should never have a trial if no crime was committed. It is a desecration of justice. This should be thrown out to prevent a precedent from forming which would allow future Congresses to overstep their constitutional boundaries.
>>7862561 Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
>>7862528 U.S.S. Miller to be Navy's First Aircraft Carrier Named for an African-American
>>7862475 John Durham Criminal Probe Gathers Steam Investigating Post Election Docs - Sara A. Carter
>>7863175 #10063
Previously Collected Notables
>>7859586 #10059, >>7860656 #10060, >>7861492 #10061, >>7862408 #10062
>>7856420 #10055, >>7857216 #10056, >>7857952 #10057, >>7858535 #10058
>>7853290 #10051, >>7854028 #10052, >>7854819 #10053, >>7855629 #10054
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://jthnx5wyvjvzsxtu.onion
#7863949 at 2020-01-21 03:33:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10065: House of Reps on Legal Team. The House of Pain Edition
Global Announcements
>>7844760 New bakers/note-takers: plz tag notables & other key info to dough post
>>7808819, >>7808821 Jim Watkins: 88 of his domains were deplatformed by Network Solutions, DIGG UPDATED 1/14/20
Anons, plz no jpegs, tx
Notables
are not endorsements
#10064
>>7863244, >>7863256, >>7863313, >>7863317, >>7863417, >>7863501 planefaggin
>>7863237 New DJT - heading to Davos
>>7863251, >>7863299, >>7863408 congressional members on Trump's impeachment legal defense team, collins, m johnson, jordan, lesko, meadows, ratcliffe, stefanik, zeldin
>>7863360 new DJT - TX rep Roger Williams endorsement
>>7863388, >>7863365, DJT RT again today, :32, :42, :52, now :12 - 10,10,20 (in minute result only, not actual)
>>7863530, >>7863535, >>7863546 New DJT - The best is yet to come, w vid. :59 stamp
>>7863686 All 5 best is yet to come DJTs
>>7863430, >>7863431 New DJT - Serbia and Kosovo - thanks to Ambassadors
>>7863439 Assange Being Denied Access to Key Evidence as Trial Continues in Britain - needs more sauce/digging
>>7863467 New DJT - fake news hates talking about the economy
>>7863478 POTUS Schedule for Tuesday, January 21, 2020
>>7863773 comment by Weissmann, made during a discussion on the FISA process at NYU Law School alongside former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and others
>>7863837, >>7863855 McConnell Gives Democrats Just Two Days For Trump Impeachment Trial In Senate
>>7863842 new book by Peter Schweizer 'Hunter Biden forged other business deals with individuals and entities tied with the governments of Russia, China, and Kazakhstan'
>>7863938 #10064
#10063
>>7862507, >>7862620, >>7862907, >>7862939, >>7862956 Fly Eyes in the Sky
>>7863149 Potus twat: Excellent! re:Macron and digital tax
>>7863097 REPORT from 2A Rally in Richmond
>>7863093 O'Keefe at it tomorrow!
>>7863087 The Fed Is Stuck In QE Hell
>>7863035 Air Force One wheels up to Switzerland.
>>7863013 Terrence K. Williams The American Dream is real
>>7862843 51% Oppose peach mint
>>7862809, >>7862864 Joe Biden is trying to get ahead of Peter Schweizer's new book about corruption.
>>7862760 McConnell proposes peach mint trial rules with no guarantee that witnesses will be called to testify.
>>7862744 Multiple rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, trigger sirens at US embassy
>>7862742 His Dream is Now our DREAM Donald J Trump
>>7862709 Potus twat: Nancy can't fix it. The Do Nothing Dems have done great harm to our Country!
>>7862707, >>7862863, >>7863103 CAIR influence in Congress
>>7862699 USACEHQ MLK DAY US Army "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." MLK, Jr.
>>7862695, >>7862715, >>7862716, >>7862733 Northam: teams de-escalated?
>>7862667, >>7862813 Potus inauguration pics
>>7862651 Extradition trial of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets underway in Vancouver
>>7862629 On this day in history, January 20th vid of note, JFK, Reagan and Potus inaugurated, daddy Bush leaves C_A as director, czech it out
>>7862573 "The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
>>7862570 Rudy twat: You should never have a trial if no crime was committed. It is a desecration of justice. This should be thrown out to prevent a precedent from forming which would allow future Congresses to overstep their constitutional boundaries.
>>7862561 Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
>>7862528 U.S.S. Miller to be Navy's First Aircraft Carrier Named for an African-American
>>7862475 John Durham Criminal Probe Gathers Steam Investigating Post Election Docs - Sara A. Carter
>>7863175 #10063
Previously Collected Notables
>>7859586 #10059, >>7860656 #10060, >>7861492 #10061, >>7862408 #10062
>>7856420 #10055, >>7857216 #10056, >>7857952 #10057, >>7858535 #10058
>>7853290 #10051, >>7854028 #10052, >>7854819 #10053, >>7855629 #10054
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://jthnx5wyvjvzsxtu.onion
#7863186 at 2020-01-21 00:54:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10064: Battle of Northam's Bluff Edition
Global Announcements
>>7844760 New bakers/note-takers: plz tag notables & other key info to dough post
>>7808819, >>7808821 Jim Watkins: 88 of his domains were deplatformed by Network Solutions, DIGG UPDATED 1/14/20
Anons, plz no jpegs, tx
Notables
are not endorsements
#10063
>>7862507, >>7862620, >>7862907, >>7862939, >>7862956 Fly Eyes in the Sky
>>7863149 Potus twat: Excellent! re:Macron and digital tax
>>7863097 REPORT from 2A Rally in Richmond
>>7863093 O'Keefe at it tomorrow!
>>7863087 The Fed Is Stuck In QE Hell
>>7863035 Air Force One wheels up to Switzerland.
>>7863013 Terrence K. Williams The American Dream is real
>>7862843 51% Oppose peach mint
>>7862809, >>7862864 Joe Biden is trying to get ahead of Peter Schweizer's new book about corruption.
>>7862760 McConnell proposes peach mint trial rules with no guarantee that witnesses will be called to testify.
>>7862744 Multiple rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, trigger sirens at US embassy
>>7862742 His Dream is Now our DREAM Donald J Trump
>>7862709 Potus twat: Nancy can't fix it. The Do Nothing Dems have done great harm to our Country!
>>7862707, >>7862863, >>7863103 CAIR influence in Congress
>>7862699 USACEHQ MLK DAY US Army "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." MLK, Jr.
>>7862695, >>7862715, >>7862716, >>7862733 Northam: teams de-escalated?
>>7862667, >>7862813 Potus inauguration pics
>>7862651 Extradition trial of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets underway in Vancouver
>>7862629 On this day in history, January 20th vid of note, JFK, Reagan and Potus inaugurated, daddy Bush leaves C_A as director, czech it out
>>7862573 "The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
>>7862570 Rudy twat: You should never have a trial if no crime was committed. It is a desecration of justice. This should be thrown out to prevent a precedent from forming which would allow future Congresses to overstep their constitutional boundaries.
>>7862561 Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
>>7862528 U.S.S. Miller to be Navy's First Aircraft Carrier Named for an African-American
>>7862475 John Durham Criminal Probe Gathers Steam Investigating Post Election Docs - Sara A. Carter
>>7863175 #10063
Previously Collected Notables
>>7859586 #10059, >>7860656 #10060, >>7861492 #10061, >>7862408 #10062
>>7856420 #10055, >>7857216 #10056, >>7857952 #10057, >>7858535 #10058
>>7853290 #10051, >>7854028 #10052, >>7854819 #10053, >>7855629 #10054
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://jthnx5wyvjvzsxtu.onion
#7863175 at 2020-01-21 00:52:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10063: Patriots Have No Color and Take A Bow on this, MLK, Jr. Day! Edition
#10063
>>7862507, >>7862620, >>7862907, >>7862939, >>7862956 Fly Eyes in the Sky
>>7863149 Potus twat: Excellent! re:Macron and digital tax
>>7863097 REPORT from 2A Rally in Richmond
>>7863093 O'Keefe at it tomorrow!
>>7863087 The Fed Is Stuck In QE Hell
>>7863035 Air Force One wheels up to Switzerland.
>>7863013 Terrence K. Williams The American Dream is real
>>7862843 51% Oppose peach mint
>>7862809, >>7862864 Joe Biden is trying to get ahead of Peter Schweizer's new book about corruption.
>>7862760 McConnell proposes peach mint trial rules with no guarantee that witnesses will be called to testify.
>>7862744 Multiple rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, trigger sirens at US embassy
>>7862742 His Dream is Now our DREAM Donald J Trump
>>7862709 Potus twat: Nancy can't fix it. The Do Nothing Dems have done great harm to our Country!
>>7862707, >>7862863, >>7863103 CAIR influence in Congress
>>7862699 USACEHQ MLK DAY US Army "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." MLK, Jr.
>>7862695, >>7862715, >>7862716, >>7862733 Northam: teams de-escalated?
>>7862667, >>7862813 Potus inauguration pics
>>7862651 Extradition trial of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets underway in Vancouver
>>7862629 On this day in history, January 20th vid of note, JFK, Reagan and Potus inaugurated, daddy Bush leaves C_A as director, czech it out
>>7862573 "The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
>>7862570 Rudy twat: You should never have a trial if no crime was committed. It is a desecration of justice. This should be thrown out to prevent a precedent from forming which would allow future Congresses to overstep their constitutional boundaries.
>>7862561 Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
>>7862528 U.S.S. Miller to be Navy's First Aircraft Carrier Named for an African-American
>>7862475 John Durham Criminal Probe Gathers Steam Investigating Post Election Docs - Sara A. Carter
#10063
Hold your notables for nb
baking takes a bit
#7863096 at 2020-01-21 00:31:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10063: Patriots Have No Color and Take A Bow on this, MLK, Jr. Day! Edition
>>7863081
Notables
>>7862507, >>7862620, >>7862907, >>7862939, >>7862956 Fly Eyes in the Sky
>>7863035 Air Force One wheels up to Switzerland.
>>7863013 Terrence K. Williams The American Dream is real
>>7862843 51% Oppose peach mint
>>7862809, >>7862864 Joe Biden is trying to get ahead of Peter Schweizer's new book about corruption.
>>7862760 McConnell proposes peach mint trial rules with no guarantee that witnesses will be called to testify.
>>7862744 Multiple rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, trigger sirens at US embassy
>>7862742 His Dream is Now our DREAM Donald J Trump
>>7862709 Potus twat: Nancy can't fix it. The Do Nothing Dems have done great harm to our Country!
>>7862707 CAIR influence in Congress
>>7862699 USACEHQ MLK DAY US Army "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." MLK, Jr.
>>7862695, >>7862715, >>7862716, >>7862733 Northam: teams de-escalated?
>>7862667, >>7862813 Potus inauguration pics
>>7862651 Extradition trial of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets underway in Vancouver
>>7862629 On this day in history, January 20th vid of note, JFK, Reagan and Potus inaugurated, daddy Bush leaves C_A as director, czech it out
>>7862573 "The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
>>7862570 Rudy twat: You should never have a trial if no crime was committed. It is a desecration of justice. This should be thrown out to prevent a precedent from forming which would allow future Congresses to overstep their constitutional boundaries.
>>7862561 Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
>>7862528 U.S.S. Miller to be Navy's First Aircraft Carrier Named for an African-American
>>7862475 John Durham Criminal Probe Gathers Steam Investigating Post Election Docs - Sara A. Carter
#10063
#7862971 at 2020-01-21 00:04:11 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10063: Patriots Have No Color and Take A Bow on this, MLK, Jr. Day! Edition
>>7862957
Notables
>>7862507, >>7862620, >>7862907, >>7862939, >>7862956 Fly Eyes in the Sky
>>7862843 51% Oppose peach mint
>>7862809, >>7862864 Joe Biden is trying to get ahead of Peter Schweizer's new book about corruption.
>>7862760 McConnell proposes peach mint trial rules with no guarantee that witnesses will be called to testify.
>>7862744 Multiple rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, trigger sirens at US embassy
>>7862742 His Dream is Now our DREAM Donald J Trump
>>7862709 Potus twat: Nancy can't fix it. The Do Nothing Dems have done great harm to our Country!
>>7862707 CAIR influence in Congress
>>7862699 USACEHQ MLK DAY US Army "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." MLK, Jr.
>>7862695, >>7862715, >>7862716, >>7862733 Northam: teams de-escalated?
>>7862667, >>7862813 Potus inauguration pics
>>7862651 Extradition trial of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets underway in Vancouver
>>7862629 On this day in history, January 20th vid of note, JFK, Reagan and Potus inaugurated, daddy Bush leaves C_A as director, czech it out
>>7862573 "The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
>>7862570 Rudy twat: You should never have a trial if no crime was committed. It is a desecration of justice. This should be thrown out to prevent a precedent from forming which would allow future Congresses to overstep their constitutional boundaries.
>>7862561 Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
>>7862528 U.S.S. Miller to be Navy's First Aircraft Carrier Named for an African-American
>>7862475 John Durham Criminal Probe Gathers Steam Investigating Post Election Docs - Sara A. Carter
#10063
#7862789 at 2020-01-20 23:22:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10063: Patriots Have No Color and Take A Bow on this, MLK, Jr. Day! Edition
>>7862766
Notables
>>7862507, >>7862620 Fly Eyes in the Sky
>>7862744 Multiple rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, trigger sirens at US embassy
>>7862742 His Dream is Now our DREAM Donald J Trump
>>7862695, >>7862715, >>7862716, >>7862733 Northam: teams de-escalated?
>>7862709 Potus twat: Nancy can't fix it. The Do Nothing Dems have done great harm to our Country!
>>7862707 CAIR influence in Congress
>>7862699 USACEHQ MLK DAY US Army "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." MLK, Jr.
>>7862651 Extradition trial of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets underway in Vancouver
>>7862629 On this day in history, January 20th vid of note, JFK, Reagan and Potus inaugurated, daddy Bush leaves C_A as director, czech it out
>>7862573 "The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
>>7862570 Rudy twat: You should never have a trial if no crime was committed. It is a desecration of justice. This should be thrown out to prevent a precedent from forming which would allow future Congresses to overstep their constitutional boundaries.
>>7862561 Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more amid 737 MAX crisis
>>7862528 U.S.S. Miller to be Navy's First Aircraft Carrier Named for an African-American
>>7862475 John Durham Criminal Probe Gathers Steam Investigating Post Election Docs - Sara A. Carter
#10063
#7862573 at 2020-01-20 22:35:12 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10063: Patriots Have No Color and Take A Bow on this, MLK, Jr. Day! Edition
"The House Armed Services Committee's top Democrat and Republican joined a growing chorus of lawmakers warning Defense Secretary Mark Esper to reconsider plans to reduce military forces in Africa.
In a letter to Esper obtained by Defense News, HASC Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., and ranking member Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, urged the secretary to "carefully consider the adverse implications of reducing our force posture in Africa," cautioning that "the threat of violent extremism and terrorism persists" in the region overseen by U.S. Africa Command."
defensenews.com/congress/2020/01/17/smith-thornberry-join-congressional-pushback-on-Espers-africa-troop-drawdown-plan/
#7855124 at 2020-01-19 17:51:23 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10054: Remember THIS DAY 2yr Delta Edition
Troop Injuries "Emerged Days After": Pentagon's Shifting Iran Attack Casualty Narrative Gets More Absurd
A mere days ago the American public was still being told there were no American casualties as a result of Iran's Jan.8 ballistic missile attack on an Iraqi base hosting US forces.
And over a week ago, days following the attack, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said there was only damage to property at Al-Asad air base, going so far as to underscore: "Most importantly, no casualties, no friendly casualties, whether they are US, coalition, contractor, etc.," according to an official statement at the time.
But after on Friday it was revealed that eleven US soldiers were injured in the attack - some of them significantly given they were flown out of Iraq to be treated for head injuries - belatedly confirmed by US officials, the Pentagon is now pretending there was never a discrepancy in its clearly shifting accounts. Eight were actually flown all the way to medical facilities in Germany for advanced treatment, with three flown to Kuwait.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/troop-injuries-emerged-days-after-pentagons-shifting-iran-attack-casualty-narrative
#7831099 at 2020-01-16 18:45:58 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10022: Follow The Pens Edition
DoD to Announce New Base Security Measures Worldwide in Wake of Pensacola Shooting
Defense Secretary Mark Esper will head to Naval Air Station Pensacola next week to meet with base leadership and the first responders who provided aid in the wake of a deadly mass shooting last month, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Thursday.
While there, Hoffman said, Esper will provide air station leadership with a preview of new security measures being developed to prevent future incidents – measures that include physical installation security improvements as well as the enhanced vetting protocols that have been previously announced.
"[Esper] will announce these new measures shortly, which will include physical security procedures as well," Hoffman said.
On Dec. 6, a Saudi junior officer in training at the base opened fire in a classroom building, killing three service members and injuring eight other people before being killed by sheriff's deputies who responded to the scene.
A federal probe concluded that the shooting was an act of terrorism and that the shooter "was motivated by jihadist ideology." This week, U.S. Attorney General William Barr said a follow-up investigation into foreign military students resulted in the return of 21 other Saudi students to their home country. The majority of these students, he said, had pro-jihadist or anti-American materials in their possession; many also were found to have had contact with child pornography.
Hoffman noted that more than one million students had participated in the foreign military training program in its two decades of existence, and Pensacola was the first security breach of its kind.
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest participants in the program, he added.
He reiterated that the Defense Department is now looking to augment the vetting procedures that take place prior to students arriving at U.S. bases, co-located with American troops.
"Previous vetting had been handled by the home country … as well as the Department of Homeland Security and State Department," he said. "We've taken a look at that as far as how we can use our resources to do enhanced vetting."
While classroom instruction is ongoing for international students, Hoffman indicated that an operational training pause for Saudi students, implemented in early December, remains in place.
"That's an announcement we will likely have in the coming days," he said. "Over the holidays … the training schedule was a little bit different. We look forward to turning that back on in the coming days."
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/16/dod-announce-new-base-security-measures-worldwide-wake-pensacola-shooting.html
#7831065 at 2020-01-16 18:43:09 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10022: Follow The Pens Edition
Pentagon contradicts Trump's $1bn Saudi payment for troops
For the second time in under a week the US Pentagon has contradicted President Donald Trump, this time for his boastful claim that he manged to get $1 billion from the Saudis for increasing the number of American troops in the Middle East.
Speaking of the deal in an interview with Fox News, Trump recounted his conversation with the Saudis: "I said, listen, you're a very rich country. You want more troops? I'm going to send them to you, but you've got to pay us. They're paying us. They've already deposited $1 billion in the bank."
However, the pentagon has dismissed the claim saying that discussions about how Saudi Arabia can help pay for the cost of the US military deployment are still ongoing.
"The Saudi government has agreed to contribute to the costs of these activities, and discussions are ongoing to formalise these contributions."
"Contributions of this nature do not lead to the deployment of additional US forces, and they do not drive [the] DOD [Department of Defence] to take on new missions or responsibilities," pentagon spokEsperson Cmdr. Rebecca Rebarich told CNN in a statement.
For the second time in under a week the US Pentagon has contradicted President Donald Trump, this time for his boastful claim that he manged to get $1 billion from the Saudis for increasing the number of American troops in the Middle East.
Speaking of the deal in an interview with Fox News, Trump recounted his conversation with the Saudis: "I said, listen, you're a very rich country. You want more troops? I'm going to send them to you, but you've got to pay us. They're paying us. They've already deposited $1 billion in the bank."
However, the pentagon has dismissed the claim saying that discussions about how Saudi Arabia can help pay for the cost of the US military deployment are still ongoing.
"The Saudi government has agreed to contribute to the costs of these activities, and discussions are ongoing to formalise these contributions."
"Contributions of this nature do not lead to the deployment of additional US forces, and they do not drive [the] DOD [Department of Defence] to take on new missions or responsibilities," pentagon spokEsperson Cmdr. Rebecca Rebarich told CNN in a statement.
WATCH: Putin and Assad caught mocking Trump
"While we will not comment on specific bilateral defence agreements, more broadly the United States encourages burden-sharing among partners in support of shared security interests, to include defence of the Arabian Gulf," a State Department official said.
With no mention of the alleged $1 billion, the statements clearly contradict the president, making it the second time in as many days that the pentagon has disputed information from the White House.
On Monday US Defence Secretary, Mark Esper threw further doubts over the reason provided by President Trump for ordering the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad at the start of the month.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200116-pentagon-contradicts-trumps-1bn-saudi-payment-for-troops/
Trump's New Defense Secretary Embodies "the Swamp."
Congress Is Fine With That.Mark Esper is just the latest lobbyist to join Trump's Cabinet.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/07/Mark-Esper-defense-secretary-raytheon-lobbyist.html
#7830769 at 2020-01-16 18:15:12 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10022: Follow The Pens Edition
Trump Steps Back From the Edge. Neocons Rage Accordingly
Trump's response to the attack on two US military bases showcase a hopeful about face on a dark age agenda which many thought could lead nowhere but World War III in the immediate days following Soleimani's murder on January 3.
Immediately after the Iranian counter-attacks occurred on Wednesday morning at the same hour of Soleimani's assassination, Iran's Foreign Minister stated: "Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." Iran's retribution was more moderate than many analysts imagined as fore notice was delivered to the Iraqi government 30 minutes before rockets were launched giving American military personnel in the bases ample time to seek shelter.
In Trump's reMarks the following day, the President stated: "Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world... ISIS is a natural enemy of Iran. The destruction of ISIS is good for Iran, and we should work together on this and other shared priorities."
Although Trump's speech characterized Iran as a "major supporter of terrorism" and Gen. Soleimani as a "top terrorist", his assertion that a common interest exists between the USA and Iran in the combat of ISIS is a spectacular break from the neocon agenda. This break is also one of many in a long line of internal struggles emanating from the corridors of American power in the days since Soleimani's murder. This includes the memo written to the Iraq government by William Seely, commanding general of the Iraq Task Force saying: "We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure." Seely's memo created a major crisis amongst the radical war hawks like Mark Esper and Mark Milley who raced to deny the memo's validity.
Recent revelations published in the Wall Street Journal demonstrating the incredible back channel discussion set up by Trump through the Swiss embassy in Tehran in the hours after Solemenei's murder also play into this "movement of sanity" within the USA.
The Paradox of America Resolved
This contradictory behaviour is undoubtedly not so confusing for leading figures among Eurasia's intelligentsia who are not ignorant to the battle occurring within America between nationalists who genuinely wish to end "the forever wars" in the Middle East vs those Pax Americanists embedded throughout the neoconservative and neo-liberal establishments who would rather burn the earth than abandon their dark age ideology. Trump's many calls for positive relations with Russia and China over the past 3 years terrify these groups, and this potential US-Russia-China alliance has represented a real threat which today's London-steered impeachment debacle, and years of Russia-gating has always aimed to derail.
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2020/01/15/trump-steps-back-from-the-edge-neocons-rage-accordingly/
#7814183 at 2020-01-14 22:30:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #10001: 10K Breads and Onward! Edition
Raymond sworn in as first Chief of Space Operations at White House event
Vice President Mike Pence Jan. 14 swore in Gen. John W. Raymond as the highest-ranking military leader of the newly created U.S. Space Force, adding a prominent White House ceremony that recognized the arrival of the nation's newest, separate branch of the military.
Raymond was formally designated the first Chief of Space Operations in a formal ceremony sponsored by the White House held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. It came less than a month after the Space Force, by law, became the sixth independent branch of the U.S. military and Marking the first time since 1947 that a new branch of the military had been created.
"The first decision the president made after establishing the Space Force was deciding who should be its first leader," Pence said prior to delivering the oath of office to Raymond.
"I was around when the President made that decision and I can tell you, he never hesitated.
He knew right away there was no one more qualified or more prepared from a lifetime of service than Gen. Jay Raymond to serve as the first leader of the Space Force."
The Space Force was established Dec. 20 when President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). On that day he also appointed Raymond to lead the Space Force. Although directed by its own military leadership, the Space Force is nested within the Department of the Air Force.
Raymond noted the historic nature of the moment. "Not only is this historical, it's critical. That is not lost on me or the outstanding Americans who serve with me," he said.
The Space Force's overarching responsibility is training, equipping and organizing a cadre of space professionals who protect U.S. and allied interests in space while also providing space capabilities to the joint force. The Space Force's mandate includes developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, refining military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces for use by combatant commands.
A major reason for creating the Space Force is the importance of space for both national security and everyday life. It is the backbone that allows for instant communication worldwide, precision navigation and global commerce. The U.S. Space Force will ensure the country's continued leadership in space, Raymond said. Equally important, he said, avoiding conflict in space.
"We want to deter that conflict from happening," he said. "The best way I know how to do that is through a position of strength."
Among those attending the ceremony were Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist, Adm. Charles Ray, Vice-Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations and Chief, National Guard Bureau, Gen. Joseph Lengyel.
"We are moving forward with alacrity and in accordance with presidential direction, the law, and DOD guidance," said Secretary Barrett about the establishment of the new U.S. Space Force.
"Directing this effort is the incomparably-qualified leader, Gen. 'Jay' Raymond. As a career space officer, he's the perfect person to guide this lean, agile, vital Space Force."
Raymond was the natural choice for the job. He is currently the commander of the U.S. Space Command; the nation's unified command for space.
Before his new role, Raymond was the commander of Air Force Space Command which carried the nation's primary military focus on space, managing a constellation of satellites, developing policy and programs and training frontline space operators. Under law, Air Force Space Command was re-designated as the U.S. Space Force under the recently passed NDAA.
More broadly, the Space Force is responsible for maintaining the United States' space superiority, even as space becomes more crowded and contested. The (NDAA), which created the Space Force, also directs that the Space Force "shall provide the freedom of operation in, from, and to space, while providing prompt and sustained space operations."
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2057219/raymond-sworn-in-as-first-chief-of-space-operations-at-white-house-event
#7809086 at 2020-01-14 12:18:29 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9995: By the Dawn's Early Light Edition
https://apnews.com/b988f53c4b6a4520abd8773aa6e08879
Still, the shifting rationale has raised questions about the nature and credibility of the threat posed by Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the architect of a decades-long reign of terror in which Iranian proxy fighters killed hundreds of Americans and contributed to the deaths of hundreds of thousands in the region. Critics of President Donald Trump's decision say he should have consulted Congress before taking an action that brought the United State and Iran to the brink of war.
As lawmakers protested, the Trump administration seized on the "imminent threat" rationale, though Pompeo later said he didn't know the time frame for Soleimani's next attack and other officials indicated that there was no clear sense of the next targets either. Trump on Friday told Fox News that the threat was against four American embassies, but two days later Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he'd seen no such evidence.
In the latest round of confusion, the president maintained Monday that there was no contradiction in their comments.
#7808393 at 2020-01-14 07:56:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9994: Red Alert! Late Night Aquatic Pumpkin Carving is Under Attack!!! Edition
Amazon Will Ask Court to Block Microsoft From $10 Billion U.S. Government Cloud Computing Contract
Amazon will ask a federal court to temporarily block Microsoft from working on a $10 billion cloud computing contract for the military, according to a court filing Monday.
Microsoft is scheduled to begin its work on the contract on Feb. 11. But Amazon's cloud computing division will seek a preliminary injunction to "prevent the issuance of substantive task orders under the contract," the filing said. Amazon's request will be submitted by Jan. 24.
The request is part of Amazon's ongoing challenge to the Trump administration over the way the contract was awarded, which it argues was influenced by President Donald Trump's dislike of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post, which Bezos owns. Amazon was widely believed to be the front-runner to win the Pentagon's business, before Trump vowed to take "a strong look" at the deal. It lost the contract to Microsoft's Azure cloud business in October.
The contract - called Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, or JEDI - involves providing cloud storage of sensitive military data and technology, such as artificial intelligence, to the Department of Defense, and could result in revenue of up to $10 billion over 10 years.
After Trump's reMarks, the Defense Department launched a review of the JEDI contract. Defense Secretary Mark Esper recused himself from the review less than a month before the contract was awarded, citing his son's employment at IBM - which had also briefly been in the running for JEDI.
The Pentagon said it chose Microsoft because the company would help improve the "speed and effectiveness with which we develop and deploy modernized technical capabilities to our men and women in uniform."
Late last year, Amazon filed a suit with the US Court of Federal Claims contesting the decision.
Microsoft declined to comment Monday night.
https://q13fox.com/2020/01/13/amazon-will-ask-a-court-to-block-microsoft-from-working-on-a-10-billion-cloud-computing-contract/
#7794759 at 2020-01-12 21:54:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9776: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread Edition
Esper Contradicts Trump: "Didn't See" Specific Evidence Of Iran Plot To Attack 4 Embassies
When late last week President Trump first referenced a Soleimani-directed plot to "blow up" the US embassy in Baghdad, which during a Friday Fox interview became in the president's words "I believe it would've been four embassies" - senators which had been given a classified briefing Wednesday balked, saying no such intelligence was referenced but should have been if there was evidence.
And now no less than Secretary of Defense Mark Esper appears to have publicly contradicted the White House's rationale for taking out the "imminent" threat of Qasem Soleimani. Esper told CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday that he "didn't see" specific evidence for embassy attacks, while adding that he still believes such an attack was likely.
"The president didn't cite a specific piece of evidence. What he said was he believed," Esper said.
"What the president said was that there probably could be additional attacks against embassies. I shared that view," Esper said. "The president didn't cite a specific piece of evidence."
When pressed on whether intelligence officers offered concrete evidence on that point he said: "I didn't see one with regards to four embassies." - Reuters
During a separate CNN interview on Sunday, the Pentagon chief continued to awkwardly dance around the question of whether specific intelligence showed such an attack was being planned. Esper described that Trump merely "believed" it to be the case, while refusing to confirm any particular intelligence.
But earlier statements of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who before reporters defended Trump's assertion about the IRGC targeting the embassies, suggested there was specific intelligence.
When Pompeo was pressed on Friday by reporters over the nature of the "imminent threat" claims, he said: "We had specific information on an imminent threat and that threat stream included attacks on U.S. embassies. Period. Full stop." And asked about what made it imminent, Pompeo simply said: "It was going to happen."
At first it was unclear whether President Trump was claiming to have seen specific intelligence outlining such a threat, or perhaps was just speaking generally and in his usual hyperbolic style ("blow up" the embassy) of the pro-Iranian mob's actions besieging the US embassy in Baghdad days prior to the Soleimani assassination.
The demonstrators had been filmed setting the outer walls of the compound on fire during the chaotic events nearly two weeks ago which resulted in a contingent of Marines rapidly deploying from Kuwait to bolster embassy security.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/Esper-contradicts-trump-didnt-see-specific-evidence-irans-plot-attack-4-embassies
#7794124 at 2020-01-12 20:38:26 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9775: Late Bake Edition
https://twitter.com/BabakTaghvaee/status/1216448755416866819
Cabal bullshit??? They need a war now
Iran Agrees De-escalation 'Only Solution' to Solve Crises
Tehran (AFP) - Iran signalled Sunday it favours "de-escalation" after 10 days of heightened tensions with the United States that saw both sides fire missiles and led Tehran to accidentally shoot down a passenger aircraft.
Security was stepped up in Iran's capital after a vigil the previous night for those killed in the air disaster turned into an angry protest and police temporarily arrested the British ambassador for being there.
US President Donald Trump meanwhile warned Iran against harming demonstrators and against a repeat of a deadly crackdown against rallies in November sparked by a fuel price hike.
"To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS," Trump tweeted in his occasional all-capitals style.
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper however said Trump was still willing to "sit down and discuss without precondition a new way forward" with Iran, but Tehran has steadfastly refused to hold talks with Washington unless it lifts sanctions first.
Tehran said it was interested in easing tensions in the region amid a standoff with arch-enemy Washington, which on January 3 killed a revered Iranian general, Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani, in a Baghdad drone strike.
- 'A critical time' -
In a meeting between Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and the emir of Qatar, both sides agreed de-escalation is the "only solution" to the regional crisis, the emirate's ruler said afterwards.
Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the region but also enjoys strong ties with Iran, with which it shares the world's largest gas field.
"This visit comes at a critical time in the region," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on what was believed to be his first official visit to the Islamic republic.
"We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue."
For his part, Rouhani said: "Given the importance of security of the region... we've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region."
https://www.breitbart.com/news/iran-agrees-de-escalation-only-solution-to-solve-crises/
Whose telling the truth? if anyone
#7792802 at 2020-01-12 18:02:46 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9973: Kekistani WW Edition
Trump's defense secretary admits he 'didn't see' evidence about Soleimani planning attacks against US embassies
President Donald Trump warned that Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani was planning "imminent" attacks against Americans, but his own defense secretary seems to be unable to back this claim.
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper revealed in a Sunday interview with 'Face the Nation' on CBS that he "didn't see" specific evidence that supported the president's claim that Soleimani was planning attacks on four US embassies, which Trump touted in a Friday interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham.
"The president said that he believed that there probably could have been attacks against additional embassies," Esper said to host Margaret Brennan. "I shared that view. I know other members of the national security team shared that view."
"'Probably and could have been,' that is - that sounds more like an assessment than a specific tangible threat with a decisive piece of intelligence," Brennan replied.
"Well, the president didn't say there was a tangible - he didn't cite a specific piece of evidence," Esper said.
Asked if there was any specific evidence, Esper then replied, "I didn't see one with regard to four embassies. What I'm saying is I shared the president's view that probably, my expectation is they were going to go after our embassies."
Esper later told CNN's Jake Tapper that the president never claimed to have "specific evidence" of the imminent attacks he has warned Americans about.
The administration's shaky reasoning for Soleimani's assassination has earned them plenty of heat, with some saying they can't "keep their story straight."
"The public justification for this action has been all over the place from the beginning. They cannot keep their story straight. They're just throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks. Admitting it was an ideological revenge killing would be much more honest," journalist Mike Tracey tweeted in response to Esper's 'Face the Nation' interview.
https://www.rt.com/usa/478078-trump-soleimani-Esper-evidence/
#7792187 at 2020-01-12 16:35:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9973: The World Is Watching Edition
>>7792174
>https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1216397386873999361
https://nypost.com/2020/01/12/defense-secretary-Esper-backs-trumps-claim-that-iranians-targeted-four-us-embassies/
Defense Secretary Esper backs Trump's claim that Iranians targeted four US embassies
January 12, 2020 | 11:21am
Defense Secretary Mark Esper backed President Trump's claim that Iranian militia groups had targeted four US embassies for attack as the reason for taking out Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike.
"There was intelligence that they had, there was an intent to target the US embassy in Baghdad. What the president said with regard to the four embassies is what I believe as well," Esper said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."
#7792016 at 2020-01-12 16:09:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9973: The World Is Watching Edition
>>7791963
Jake Tapper on CNN followed that EXACT script of questions on Mark Esper. Tapper got the same answers.Tapper struck out.
#7782248 at 2020-01-11 13:37:49 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9960: Network Solutions Burns 88 Watson Domains, Anons Digg! Edition
Trump Jr. Nukes Disgraced Comedian After She Posts Lies About A Decorated War Veteran
Disgraced comedian Kathy Griffin not only got put in her place by Trump Jr. but looked like a complete idiot over comments she made attack Defense Secretary Mark Esper who is a decorated combat veteran.
On Wednesday, Giffin attacked Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper and made false claims about his service in the military questioning why President Donald Trump appointed him to the position.
Griffin who was rightfully ostracized from the US after her photoshoot holding up a fake severed head of President Trump. humiliated herself further on twitter asking her followers,
"Who is the current secretary of defense?"
Later Griffin posted, "Ok, it's time to admit how ignorant we are. His name is Mark Esper. Trump chose him because he used to work at Boeing. He was a captain in the army during a non-war period."
Not one word of what Griffen wrote that was true. President Trump did not choose him because he worked at Boeing, it never came up in his confirmation hearing because he NEVER for Boeing. Esper is also a combat veteran who served in the Gulf War with the 101st Airborne Division.
Trump Jr. responded in a statement to the Daily Wire about Griffin's lies and said:
"The left can't even be creative with their lies anymore. Secretary Esper is a combat veteran who was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He served as Secretary of the Army. He's a West Point & Harvard graduate with a PhD from George Washington University. And he never worked for Boeing. That tweet is quite similar to Griffin's career - a bad joke and a failure."
Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) also spoke up and said, "Secretary Esper is a proven warrior who walks the walk and is an amazing patriot who has been an exceptional Secretary of Defense thus far."
The Department of Defense also mentions the awards that Esper has earned throughout his service:
Dr. Esper is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. Among his many military awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, and the Combat Infantryman Badge."
As one former senior White House official put it, "Mark Esper is a decorated combat veteran and has earned the respect from every American for his service. The same can't be said for Kathy Griffin, whose claim to fame is being a pathetic comic trying to revive her failed, worthless career."
Daily Wire Written by Staff Writer - January 9, 2020
https://redrightdaily.com/trump-jr-nukes-disgraced-comedian-after-she-posts-lies-about-a-decorated-war-veteran /
#7776524 at 2020-01-10 23:54:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9953: As The Get Approaches Edition
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu focused on the situation in the Middle East in a phone call with #US🇺🇸 Defense Secretary Mark Esper
10:54 AM - 10 Jan 2020
https://twitter.com/RusEmbUSA/status/1215708506373881856
>>7776507
Peace on the world!
#7775183 at 2020-01-10 21:29:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9951: Another Dim Bites the Dust! Edition
DoD Wants Army, Navy To Join Space Force; May Ask Hill For Help
Space Force is looking to establish an independent identity, based on the legacy of the Air Force space community, but focused on "22nd century warfare," says Maj. Gen. John Shaw.
WASHINGTON: Top Pentagon officials are hammering out a legislative proposal to Congress to bring personnel from the Army, Navy and Marines into the newly inaugurated Space Force.
DoD and military sources say Air Force Maj. Gen. Clint Crosier, charged by Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett with planning how to flesh out the nascent Space Force, is crafting the plan, that will ultimately be sent to Defense Secretary Mark Esper. The Army and the Navy Department maintain significant space capabilities and forces that so far are barred from Space Force integration under the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed by President Donald Trump Dec. 20.
If approved, these sources say, the proposal then would be sent to Congress - with a particular eye to convincing the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), which has been skeptical about the whole idea of a Space Force. Breaking D readers know that it was SASC language in the 2020 NDAA that limits DoD to transferring only Air Force billets to Space Force, and bans the creation of any new ones. Republican SASC Chair Jim Inhofe's goal is to have the 2021 NDAA approved by Memorial Day, his spokEsperson confirmed today.
Barrett owes Congress a report on plans for Space Force organization the first of next month, Air Force Maj. Gen. John Shaw told the Mitchell Institute at a breakfast this morning. Shaw is now head of the Space Force Space Operations Command, formerly the 14th Air Force under Air Force Space Command, at Vandenberg AFB.
"Congress has asked for additional legislation with regard to Space Force ideas as part of the whole work that we're going to be doing this year. And I suspect that that will be a topic that will come up," he said. "How do we need to look at laws and see how they might change to make us get to that?"
Shaw stressed that the Space Force is looking to establish an independent identity, that builds not just on the Air Force's legacy but also brings in lessons learned from other services. In particular, he said, the new service needs to focus on "22nd century warfare" when speed of decision-making and reaction is paramount.
"We have the opportunity to create a new service, from scratch, that can be a warfighting service - and I've been telling the team, 'Don't even think about a warfighting service for the next decade or even this century; create a warfighting service for the 22nd century'," he said. "What is warfighting look like at the end of this century, and into the next. We've started with that."
"I'm sure we didn't get it 100 percent right," he added. "We didn't have the 'Time Infinity Stone' that we could kinda just jump into the future and come back. But the general feeling is that it's going to happen fast. ... It's going to happen across the planet and beyond the planet very quickly." (For those who aren't sci-fi aficionados, the Infinity Stones are key to the plot of the hit Marvel Comics "Avengers" movie and comic book series.)
…
Cooperation and coordination with allies is another major thrust in figuring out what Space Force will look like, said Shaw, who also serves as the head of Space Command's Combined Space Force Component Command (CSFCC), that includes allies and coalition partners.
"We have a lot of ground that we can still cover in integrating with our allies, and getting together as an alliance from a space domain perspective. We have made a lot of progress, don't get me wrong," he said.
For example, there is a now a weekly meeting between all the Space Operations Centers of the so-called Five Eyes - an intelligence-sharing alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. New Zealand was the latest of the Five Eyes to join CFSCC in December, Shaw said.
(continued)
https://breakingdefense.com/2020/01/dod-wants-army-navy-to-join-space-force-may-ask-hill-for-help/
#7763290 at 2020-01-09 18:32:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9936: Decisions,Decisions, Which Door Would You Choose to Deal?Winning! Edition
Court Approves $3.6 Billion For Border Wall; Trump Takes To Twitter
A federal appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling to allow the Trump administration to divert $3.6 billion in military construction funds to fund expanded construction on the president's southern border wall.
In a 2-1 ruling, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, based in New Orleans, granted a ruling by a Texas judge, which put the funds on hold.
The latest ruling give Trump yet another victory on his campaign plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. The Supreme Court last July set aside a similar injunction issued by a federal judge in Oakland, Ca.
Trump applauded the move.
"Breaking News: The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals just reversed a lower court decision & gave us the go ahead to build one of the largest sections of the dEsperately needed Southern Border Wall, Four Billion Dollars. Entire Wall is under construction or getting ready to start!" the president wrote on Twitter.
"The latest ruling applies to the military construction funds. Last September, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper authorized diverting $3.6 billion in the construction funds for 11 wall projects on the southern border with Mexico. The Pentagon said at the time that half the money was coming from deferred projects overseas, and the other half was planned for projects in the US," CNN reported.
The ruling doesn't apply to the use of other funds, including counter-drug and Treasury Forfeiture Funds, that have been designated for wall construction.
In February 2019 Trump ended a 35-day government shutdown when Congress gave him $1.4 billion in wall funding, far less than he had sought. He subsequently declared a national emergency to get money from other government accounts to construct sections of the wall.
"We don't control our own border," Trump claimed at the time. "We're going to confront the national security crisis on our southern border and we're going to do it - one way or the other we have to do it."
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/boom-court-approves-3-6-billion-for-border-wall-trump-takes-to-twitter/
#7759981 at 2020-01-09 06:37:46 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9931: It's Always Nightshift. Even During They Day. Edition
>>7746102 (pb)(pb)
>>7746552 (pb)
>>7746956 (pb)
Nancy Pelousie
>Who else besides the King did she meet with when she went to Jordan in October?
Majesty King Abdullah II
Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II
Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi
And other officials…???
>Was Soolamani in neighboring Syria at the time?
(((Digging)))
>How many degrees of separation between him & anyone she met with?
(((Digging)))
>Did she receive any notes at her hotel?
She did "compare notes with Mark Esper" in Afghanistan. At the hotel I believe. ( Mark Esper US Defense secretary who happened to be touring Jordan / Afghanistan and other locations)
Anyone…Anyone… have any thoughts or info making the one degree of separation connection with Pelousie and Soolnohandi? I know there is something here but just haven't found the key player …yet!
Pelousies delegation consisted of:
1.) Ranking Member Mac Thornberry, House Armed Services Committee
2.) Chairman Eliot Engel, House Foreign Affairs Committee
3.) Chairman Bennie Thompson, Homeland Security Committee
4.) Chairman Adam Schiff, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
5.) Congressman Ron Kind, House Ways and Means Committee
6.) Congresswoman Susan Davis, House Armed Services Committee
7.) Congressman Stephen Lynch, Chairman, House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security
8.) Congresswoman Elaine Luria, House Armed Services Committee
8,) Fancy Nancy
#7749091 at 2020-01-08 06:54:05 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9917: Gonna See His Pic On The Cover of the RS! Edition
>>7746102 (pb) (pb)
>>7746552 (pb)
>>7746956 (pb)
Compared notes with Mark Espar Defense Secretary in Afghanistan.
U.S. Defense Secretary, House Speaker Make Separate Surprise Visits to Afghanistan
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-defense-secretary-house-speaker-make-separate-surprise-visits-to-afghanistan-11571609767
Defense Secretary Mark Esper has confirmed that under current plans all U.S. troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to be relocated to western Iraq and the military will continue to conduct operations against ISIS to prevent its resurgence, a move that conflicts with Trump's repeated calls to bring forces home. Speaking to reporters traveling with him to the Middle East, Esper did not dismiss the idea that U.S. forces would conduct counterterrorism missions from Iraq into Syria but he said those details would be "worked out over time." The AP reports.
https://www.justsecurity.org/66654/the-early-edition-october-21-2019/
Nancy Pelosi leads congressional delegation in Afghanistan visit
"We were pleased that our delegation was able to briefly compare notes with Defense Secretary Esper, who was also visiting Afghanistan," Pelosi noted.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nancy-pelosi-leads-congressional-delegation-in-afghanistan-visit/
Still tracking on one degree of separation from Solamani During October delegation meetings. I believe the target is in the related images.
Can anyone identify?
https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1185965168888557574
#7746936 at 2020-01-08 03:03:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9914: "Watch IRAN. Something Incredible Is About To Happen" Edition
DEsperate Zionist Move to Start WWIII Backfires Drastically
"The martyrdom of Soleimani may have been a brilliant chess move by U.S. President Donald Trump to unleash global anti-Semitism and terminate Israel, Saudi Arabia, Zionism, Exxon, and the deep state using Iran, Russia, China, Turkey, the EU, and its allies," was how one Pentagon source summed up the situation.
Pentagon sources say that because Trump was "tricked into ordering the hit [on Soleimani] with false Israeli Intelligence," he now has cause and may fire Zionist agents [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo, [Defense Secretary Mark] Esper, [CIA head Gina] Haspel, and even javanka [Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump].
"The red flag of jihad has been declared on Israel and Saudi Arabia, as Iran has been given casus belli and global approval, while Trump has political cover to pull U.S. troops and U.S. citizens out of harm's way," the sources say.
Also, "U.S. Special Forces may even hunt Israelis in Kurdish Iraq, Syria, or elsewhere before leaving, and may execute International Criminal Court arrest warrants on Israeli war criminals," the sources predict.
"As sealed indictments approach the biblical number of 144,000, kinetic warfare may be combined with lawfare through the ICC and military tribunals to wage total war against the Zionists," they continue.
"The ICC may also prosecute Israel and Saudi Arabia for war crimes in Yemen, crimes against humanity in Syria, Iraq and Libya, and any Zionists or deep state agents aiding or abetting ISIS [Daesh]," they say.
Ben Fulford Jan. 6, 2020 Excerpt.
Sauce: https://benjaminfulford.net/2020/01/06/dEsperate-zionist-move-to-start-wwiii-backfires-drastically/
#7745800 at 2020-01-08 01:39:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9913: LET FREEDOM RING Edition
Iran Fires "More Than A Dozen" Ballistic Missiles At Two US Airbases In Iraq
Summary:
Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against multiple bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq, an have threatened "more crushing responses" if Washington carried out further strikes.
Initially, nine rockets hit the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in the country's west, the largest of the Iraqi military compounds where foreign troops are based. The attack came in three waves just after midnight, AFP reported.
Iran swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack, with state TV saying it had launched "tens of missiles" on the base.
Iranian sources are claiming that the operation has a name: 'Operation Martyr Suileimani'. Iran's airforce has reportedly been deployed.
Iraqi PMF announced the start of military operation "Overwhelming Response."
No confirmed details on injured/casualties - "working on initial battle damage assessments." According to social media sources, the Pentagon has said that the Iranian missile attack resulted in casualties among Iraqis only
President Trump "has been briefed" is "monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team," and is preparing to address the nation.
The FAA has imposed restrictions for civilian flights over the Persian Gulf.
Markets are turmoiling: Safe-haven assets are soaring (bonds, bitcoin, and gold), Oil prices are jumping, and Stocks are getting slammed
Update 13: The FAA has banned all civilian flights over Iran, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman "due to heightened military activities" and the "potential for miscalculation or misidentification" according to AP.
* * *
Update 12: Iran has warned that if there is retaliation for the two waves of attacks they launched their 3rd wave will destroy Dubai and Haifa.
Update 11: According to CNN, the White House is making plans for Trump to address the nation from the Oval Office tonight. Meanwhile, according to Iran's Mehr news agency and other sources, if still unconfirmed officially, the Iranian air-force has been has been deployed.
Separately, social media sources report that according to the Pentagon, the Iranian missile attack resulted in casualties among Iraqis only.
Update 10: Amid reports from VoA that a total of 3 US locations have been hit in Iraq by Iran cruise missiles - Al Asad, Erbil and Taji - we now wait for the US counter-response: just after 730pm, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived at the White House, as did the Chairman of Joint Chiefs. In short, Trump's entire war cabinet is now at the White House.
Update 9: According to Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim, a "second wave" of attacks targeting an unidentified US base in Iraq. Meanwhile, the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, has issued a statement urging U.S. people to call back American soldiers from the region. The IRGC statement adds that more details of the missile attack will be published later.
* * *
Update 8: The Pentagon has released a full statement on the attacks, claiming that more than a dozen missiles were fired from within Iran, and that at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US troops were targeted.
Statement from Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman
At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.
We are working on initial battle damage assessments.
In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region.
As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.
Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/missile-strike-reportedly-carried-out-against-us-base-iraq
#7742066 at 2020-01-07 19:12:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9908: Music About to Stop, Pary Is OverEdition
Chaos In Pentagon: Defense Secretary Denounces Statement On Troop Withdrawal From Iraq
On January 6th, an unsigned letter from Brig. Gen. William Seely III, the Marine Corps officer who commands the U.S. coalition against ISIS began circulating media, purportedly announcing that the US-led coalition in Iraq would withdraw.
In a very polite manner, the letter explains that Operation Inherent Resolve respects the Iraqi government's decision and would start preparing to leave the country within the next few days.
Immediately after the letter began circulating media, the US Department of Defense organized a press briefing with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in attendance.
The two officials said that they were not aware of it and that its contents didn't reflect the Trump administration's policy, saying that there were no plans for US forces to withdraw from Iraq.
The letter was legitimate but was never meant to be sent or made public, Gen. Milley said.
"This was a mistake, an honest mistake," he told reporters. "We understand U.S. government policy. Nobody's leaving."
He said Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, US CENTCOM commander, called his subordinates in Iraq to find out what was going on there. He also concluded the letter was sent in error.
"He used other words that were a little more colorful than 'mistake,'" Gen. Milley said. "... The bottom line is, it should never have happened."
The Department of Defense's Press Secretary Alyssa Farah rejected that there was any change of policy for the US.
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, CIA Director Gina Haspel, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley and Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire will brief the House of Representatives on the situation in Iraq in a closed-door session on January 8th.
Despite that, the situation with the letter shows the state of chaos in the US-led coalition, which is further substantiated by the report that NATO was suspending all training of Iraqi forces to ensure the safety of its mission members.
"The safety of our personnel in Iraq is paramount," acting NATO spokesman Dylan White said in a statement. "We continue to take all precautions necessary. NATO's mission is continuing, but training activities are temporarily suspended."
He said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had spoken by phone with U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and coordinated the actions.
On January 6th, NATO held a meeting on the Middle East tensions, and Jens Stoltenberg gave a press conference after it.
https://southfront.org/chaos-in-pentagon-defense-secretary-denounces-statement-on-troop-withdrawal-from-iraq/
#7741966 at 2020-01-07 19:01:49 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9908: Music About to Stop, Pary Is OverEdition
How Was Pentagon 'Withdrawal Letter" Leaked To Iraq? Anatomy Of A Propaganda Coup
The inside account of how the now infamous "phony" letter announcing complete US troop withdrawal from Iraq after seventeen years details astoundingly how the "posting of the letter online unleashed a mad, behind-the-scenes scramble at the Pentagon, the White House, and on Capitol Hill, as elected officials, policymakers, military advisers and journalists sought to understand whether the letter intended to communicate what its plain language suggested."
As different departments and levels within the Pentagon bureaucracy attempted to account for it, the story changed multiple times. In a matter of a couple hours it went from "authentic" to "phony" to part of an effort to sow "active disinformation" - and finally according to a confused press briefing by Gen. Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper an "unauthorized draft" and "an honest mistake".
This after The Washington Post and a host of other major outlets "confirmed" it as "authentic" - in the words of WaPo's Beirut Bureau chief Liz Sly.
At Monday's Pentagon briefing itself which attempted to assess the origins of the mysterious draft letter, The Dispatch summarized the atmosphere: "Was the United States really moving to remove its remaining troops from Iraq? Nobody seemed to know."
And ultimately no definitive answers came, other than the Pentagon and administration denying than an Iraq pullout is happening, as to just how a "draft letter" which had been making the rounds at CENTCOM came to be in the hands of the Iraqis, after which it was posted online.
As The Dispatch notes, the letter wasn't merely announced by some Iraqi politician in Baghdad, but was released via America's enemies:
The news was a propaganda coup for the Iranians and those in Iraq who support them. The story broke on the television channel of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia, Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), after it was leaked by the Iraqi prime minister's office, according to Liz Sly, Beirut bureau chief for the Washington Post, who noted that the leader of AAH is a U.S.-designated terrorist and his militia is responsible for the deaths of dozens of Americans.
The letter soon made its way into the American media.
Initially, there was this statement out of the Pentagon policy office in conjunction with Operation Inherent Resolve: "OIR has confirmed with us at the working level that this is active disinformation." The Pentagon was "fairly certain that this is a fake" according to that early media statement.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/anatomy-iraq-exit-letter-authentic-active-disinformation-unauthorized-draft
#7741730 at 2020-01-07 18:30:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9907: Remember Castle Runs Red Edition
DEsperate Zionist Move to Start WWIII Backfires Drastically
"The martyrdom of Soleimani may have been a brilliant chess move by U.S. President Donald Trump to unleash global anti-Semitism and terminate Israel, Saudi Arabia, Zionism, Exxon, and the deep state using Iran, Russia, China, Turkey, the EU, and its allies," was how one Pentagon source summed up the situation.
Pentagon sources say that because Trump was "tricked into ordering the hit [on Soleimani] with false Israeli Intelligence," he now has cause and may fire Zionist agents [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo, [Defense Secretary Mark] Esper, [CIA head Gina] Haspel, and even javanka [Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump].
"The red flag of jihad has been declared on Israel and Saudi Arabia, as Iran has been given casus belli and global approval, while Trump has political cover to pull U.S. troops and U.S. citizens out of harm's way," the sources say.
Also, "U.S. Special Forces may even hunt Israelis in Kurdish Iraq, Syria, or elsewhere before leaving, and may execute International Criminal Court arrest warrants on Israeli war criminals," the sources predict.
"As sealed indictments approach the biblical number of 144,000, kinetic warfare may be combined with lawfare through the ICC and military tribunals to wage total war against the Zionists," they continue.
"The ICC may also prosecute Israel and Saudi Arabia for war crimes in Yemen, crimes against humanity in Syria, Iraq and Libya, and any Zionists or deep state agents aiding or abetting ISIS [Daesh]," they say.
Ben Fulford Jan. 6, 2020 Excerpt.
Sauce: https://benjaminfulford.net/2020/01/06/dEsperate-zionist-move-to-start-wwiii-backfires-drastically/
#7741416 at 2020-01-07 17:52:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9907: Remember Castle Runs Red Edition
US Military Won't Target Iran's Cultural Sites, Pentagon Chief Says
The Pentagon's top leader appeared to walk back the president's threat to strike Iranian cultural sites – a move experts say would be a war crime – should conflict between the two countries escalate.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters Monday that troops will "follow the laws of armed conflict." He was responding to questions about President Donald Trump's weekend tweets, in which he said the U.S. would hit "VERY FAST AND VERY HARD" 52 already-identified targets "important to Iran & the Iranian culture."
Trump later doubled down on the threat, telling reporters the Iranians are "allowed to kill our people, they're allowed to torture and maim our people, they're allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we're not allowed to touch their cultural site? It doesn't work that way."
But Esper, when pressed to address whether the military would target such sites, responded, "That's the laws of armed conflict."
Trump's threats have been met with outcry and dismay. The U.S. has a long history of protecting cultural sites, said Richard Kohn, a history professor who studies war at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
"We have destroyed cultural sites for certain, uh, as collateral damage, but never to my knowledge purposefully," Kohn said. "And we've gone to great extent – even in our most existential wars – to avoid doing that."
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists 24 locations in Iran as World Heritage Sites, including Persepolis, capital of an empire dating back to 500 B.C.
Attacking those sites could constitute a war crime under international laws the U.S. has either signed or sponsored, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions, a 1954 Hague Convention and a 2017 United Nations Security Council resolution.
The 2017 U.N. resolution was adopted specifically to condemn the "unlawful" looting and destruction of cultural sites across the Middle East and Afghanistan since the 9/11 terror attacks, mainly by terrorist groups such as the Islamic State.
The resolution cites "the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, including the destruction of religious sites and artefacts, and the looting and smuggling of cultural property from archaeological sites, museums, libraries, archives, and other sites, notably by terrorist groups."
Kohn said military officers would be right to refuse orders to destroy cultural sites. Any orders Trump might issue, though, are likely to stop at high levels of command, he added, long before reaching individual pilots or other field-grade officers.
The U.S. military has in past wars made avoiding damage to cultural sites a priority, Kohn said.
"We didn't bomb Chiyoda, the city in Japan that was considered such an important cultural site," he said. "And we made efforts to avoid bombing artistic sites in Europe – I think of Florence, [Italy], and its bridges and museums."
Decades later, the U.S. military was pressed to explain why it didn't do more to safeguard the Iraq Museum, a national museum in Baghdad, from looters.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/07/us-military-wont-target-irans-cultural-sites-pentagon-chief-says.html
Esper contradicts POTUS
#7741393 at 2020-01-07 17:48:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9907: Remember Castle Runs Red Edition
Milley wants out Esper wants war for profit for corporate masters?
Military Contractors Raytheon, Lockheed Martin See Stock Prices Soar Amid Iran Crisis
Lockheed Martin, famous for its fighter planes, helicopters and missiles, saw its stock price spike to over $416, a jump of seven percent almost overnight. Raytheon and General Dynamics saw similar increases.
War. Motown singer Edwin Starr claimed it was nothing but a heartbreaker and good news only for the undertaker. But another group rubbing their hands at increased tensions with Iran are military contractors, who saw their stock prices soar at the increased chance of conflict.
Lockheed Martin, famous for its fighter planes, helicopters and missiles, saw its stock price spike to over $416, a jump of seven percent almost overnight. Other defense corporations like Raytheon and General Dynamics saw similar increases in their companies' value. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman saw a nine percent rise in its share price, as the stock Market rushed to buy a piece of a highly profitable company.
On January 3, the United States carried out a successful assassination attempt of Lt. General Qassem Soleimani via drone, as the Iranian officer and statesman left Baghdad airport to join a peace mission between Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi revealed that President Trump had personally thanked him for organizing peace efforts, even as he was planning the assassination attempt, giving him the mistaken belief that the U.S. gave its blessing to the event and would not attack the Iranian General. Soleimani, respected and admired as a capable and dynamic soldier, was widely considered to be one of the most powerful and influential men in Iran behind Ayatollah Khamenei. The move is almost universally expected to increase tensions in the Middle East, prompting potential wars or other
https://www.mintpressnews.com/military-contractors-stock-prices-soar-amid-iran-crisis/263958/
Who Is Mark Esper,
Trump's Pick to Lead the Pentagon as Iran, China and Russia Loom Large
Esper's recent past at defense contractor Raytheon, where he spent seven years as vice president for government relations, is raising concerns
https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/who-is-Mark-Esper-trump-s-pick-to-lead-the-pentagon-at-a-moment-of-global-turmoil-1.7393724
#7740164 at 2020-01-07 14:53:19 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9905: All Eyes on the Middle East Edition
Pentagon rejects Trump threat to hit Iranian cultural sites
The Pentagon on Monday distanced itself from President Donald Trump's assertions that he would bomb Iranian cultural sites despite international prohibitions on such attacks.
AP Logo
Associated Press
Washington
January 7, 2020
UPDATED: January 7, 2020 09:40 IST
Defense Secretary Mark Esper
The Pentagon on Monday distanced itself from President Donald Trump's assertions that he would bomb Iranian cultural sites despite international prohibitions on such attacks.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US will follow the laws of armed conflict. When asked if that ruled out targeting cultural sites, Esper said pointedly, That's the laws of armed conflict.
The split between the president and his Pentagon chief came amid heightened tensions with Tehran following a US drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Trump had twice warned that he would hit Iranian cultural sites if Tehran retaliates against the U.S.
Esper's public comments reflected the private concerns of other defense and military officials, who cited legal prohibitions on attacks on civilian, cultural and religious sites, except under certain, threatening circumstances.
Trump first raised the prospect of targeting cultural sites in a tweet on Saturday and reiterated that view to reporters the next day.
We have targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD, he tweeted.
His Twitter message caught administration officials off-guard and prompted an immediate outcry from legal scholars, national security experts and Democratic lawmakers. But the president stood by his threat the following day.
They're allowed to kill our people. They're allowed to torture and maim our people. They're allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people, he told reporters traveling with him on Air Force One. And we're not allowed to touch their cultural sites? It doesn't work that way.
By international law, however, it does.
Specifically, the 1954 Hague Convention says nations must take all possible steps to protect cultural property and shall refrain from any act of hostility, directed against such property. It also says nations must not use cultural sites for any threatening purposes that would make such locations a military target.
The Pentagon has long had a list of potential targets both inside Iran as well as those associated with Iran throughout the Middle East. Those targets and war plans are routinely updated, including during the recent uptick in hostilities.
Officials won't discuss the list, but it is certain to include an array of Iranian military sites and capabilities, including missile, air defense and command and control locations.
Any targets would go through a lengthy vetting process within the military and the Pentagon to determine that they are legal, appropriate and proportionate to any Iranian action. Only after that process is complete would a list of potential sites go before the president for approval.
Outside the Pentagon, Trump's threats were met with condemnation.
It shows that he is somewhat deranged about this, said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. The pledge to attack cultural sites, likely, is a violation of international law.
Kaine said that all Trump is doing is escalating tensions and he seems to believe, I can strike you, but you can't strike me.' That's not the way the world works. He added that Trump needs to confer with Congress.
The threats also drew reaction from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The targeting of sites of global cultural heritage is abhorrent to the collective values of our society, museum leaders said in a statement. At this challenging time, we must remind ourselves of the global importance of protecting cultural sites the objects and places by which individuals, communities, and nations connect to their history and heritage.
Ahead of Esper's comments, other administration officials made similar efforts to distance themselves from Trump without directly contradicting him.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that any U.S. military strikes inside Iran would be legal.
We'll behave inside the system, Pompeo said. We always have and we always will.
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/iran-us-general-qasem-soleimani-pentagon-trump-1634563-2020-01-07
#7738772 at 2020-01-07 06:27:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9904: Late Night Power Shift! Edition
Pentagon says it will reject Trump threats to bomb Iranian cultural sites
After president repeats his warning, Defense Secretary Esper says US will 'follow the laws of armed conflict,' which prohibit such acts
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon on Monday distanced itself from US President Donald Trump's assertions that he would bomb Iranian cultural sites despite international prohibitions on such attacks.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US will "follow the laws of armed conflict." When asked if that ruled out targeting cultural sites, Esper said pointedly, "That's the laws of armed conflict."
The split between the president and his Pentagon chief came amid heightened tensions with Tehran following a US drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Trump had twice warned that he would hit Iranian cultural sites if Tehran retaliates against the US.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/pentagon-says-it-will-reject-trump-threats-to-bomb-iranian-cultural-sites/
#7737564 at 2020-01-07 03:57:45 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9902: Shall We Play A Game? Amnesty 52? Edition
DEsperate Zionist Move to Start WWIII Backfires Drastically
"The martyrdom of Soleimani may have been a brilliant chess move by U.S. President Donald Trump to unleash global anti-Semitism and terminate Israel, Saudi Arabia, Zionism, Exxon, and the deep state using Iran, Russia, China, Turkey, the EU, and its allies," was how one Pentagon source summed up the situation.
Pentagon sources say that because Trump was "tricked into ordering the hit [on Soleimani] with false Israeli Intelligence," he now has cause and may fire Zionist agents [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo, [Defense Secretary Mark] Esper, [CIA head Gina] Haspel, and even javanka [Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump].
"The red flag of jihad has been declared on Israel and Saudi Arabia, as Iran has been given casus belli and global approval, while Trump has political cover to pull U.S. troops and U.S. citizens out of harm's way," the sources say.Also, "U.S. Special Forces may even hunt Israelis in Kurdish Iraq, Syria, or elsewhere before leaving, and may execute International Criminal Court arrest warrants on Israeli war criminals," the sources predict.
"As sealed indictments approach the biblical number of 144,000, kinetic warfare may be combined with lawfare through the ICC and military tribunals to wage total war against the Zionists," they continue.
"The ICC may also prosecute Israel and Saudi Arabia for war crimes in Yemen, crimes against humanity in Syria, Iraq and Libya, and any Zionists or deep state agents aiding or abetting ISIS [Daesh]," they say.
Ben Fulford Jan. 6, 2020 Excerpt.
Sauce: https://benjaminfulford.net/2020/01/06/dEsperate-zionist-move-to-start-wwiii-backfires-drastically/
#7737446 at 2020-01-07 03:44:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9902: Shall We Play A Game? Amnesty 52? Edition
Assault Ship With 2,000 Marines Heading Toward Iraq as Pentagon Confirms US Army NOT Leaving
UPDATE 4:37pm EST: US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper says the memo is NOT ACCURATE and that "there has been no decision to leave Iraq. Period."
BREAKING: @EsperDoD says memo on withdrawal is not accurate "there's been no decision whatsoever to leave Iraq." pic.twitter.com/52DDhSIIQ2
- Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) January 6, 2020
MORE BREAKING: @thejointstaff Gen. Milley came back to brief us again after looking at the letter. "It was a mistake," he said. Milley said it was a draft, poorly worded, and had not been signed. It was being worked w/ Iraqis. Bottom Line: US troops ARE NOT leaving, he said. https://t.co/L6wGYiVIkv
- Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) January 6, 2020
According to the US Naval Institute, amid rising tensions with Iran, the US Navy is scrapping an exercise with Morocco as it redirects the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit with roughly 2,000 marines on board to the Middle East, a defense official confirmed to USNI News.
#UPDATE: 2,000 US Marines en route to the Middle East onboard USS Bataan Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, USS New York San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock & USS Oak Hill Harper's Ferry-class dock landing ship
4,000 US troops from 82nd Airborne also being/been deployed https://t.co/gxYG8qcDNi
- ELINT News (@ELINTNews) January 6, 2020
https://www.activistpost.com/2020/01/assault-ship-with-2000-marines-heading-toward-iraq-as-pentagon-confirms-us-army-not-leaving.html
#7734862 at 2020-01-06 22:58:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9898: Believe in American Exceptionalism! Edition
Defense Secretary Mark Esper: 'There Has Been No Decision to Leave Iraq' - Unsigned Letter Was "Draft" - Should Not Have Been Released
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday afternoon that "There has been no decision to leave Iraq," following the delivery of a letter to the Iraqi military alleging the US was going to 'thin out' troops in Baghdad.
"Sir, in deference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, and as requested by the Iraqi Parliament and the Prime Minister, CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement," read a letter from United States Marine Corps Brigadier General William H. Seely III, the commanding general of Task Force Iraq.
Sky News reporter Deborah Haynes said that a coalition source told her, "We moving some people out of Baghdad for force protection reasons. We aren't leaving Iraq (or Baghdad for that matter).
According to Fox News reporter Lucas Tomlinson, Secretary Esper cannot confirm the authenticity of Marine Brig. Gen. Seely's unsigned letter to Iraqi forces (screenshot below).
Defense Secretary Esper can't confirm authenticity of Marine Brig. Gen. Seely's letter to Iraqi forces
- Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) January 6, 2020
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/defense-secretary-Mark-Esper-there-has-been-no-decision-to-leave-iraq-unsigned-letter-was-draft-should-not-have-been-released/
#7734565 at 2020-01-06 22:20:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9898: Believe in American Exceptionalism! Edition
Cabal v Q team?
'No decision to leave Iraq'? Pentagon officials contradict each other over 'poorly worded' US withdrawal plan sent by 'mistake'
Complete confusion reigned at the Pentagon after the publication of a letter about withdrawal from Iraq, with the top general describing it as a "mistake" and the Defense Secretary arguing there were no plans for the US pullout.
"There's been no decision to leave Iraq. Period," Secretary Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, in what appears to have been an off-camera briefing.
He was referring to the reports that the head of Combined Joint Task Force Iraq, General William H. Seely III, had informed the Iraqi government of preparations to reposition the coalition forces "in due deference to the sovereignty" of Iraq.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said that the letter Seely had sent was only a draft and that releasing it was a "mistake." The Iraqi military confirmed receiving it, however.
Esper would neither confirm nor deny the letter's authenticity, though US Army public relations officials said earlier it was real. Instead, he reiterated the position staked out earlier by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, that the Iraqi people "want the US to stay," and cited the rise in attacks by Iranian "proxy groups."
US President Donald Trump likewise rejected the withdrawal on Sunday, threatening Iraq with sanctions and saying the US will not leave until the Iraqis "pay us back" for an airbase that he said cost billions of dollars to build.
On Sunday, the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution asking the government to disinvite all foreign troops - including the US-led coalition against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) - after last week's assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike outside the Baghdad International Airport.
The resolution is non-binding, but reflects the growing frustration in Baghdad with continued US operations in Iraq long after the official defeat of IS was proclaimed.
https://www.rt.com/usa/477603-Esper-no-plans-leave-iraq/
Milley wants out of Middle East Esper wants war for Israel
Don't forget:
Who Is Mark Esper, Trump's Pick to Lead the Pentagon as Iran, China and Russia Loom Large
Esper's recent past at defense contractor Raytheon, where he spent seven years as vice president for government relations, is raising concerns
https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/who-is-Mark-Esper-trump-s-pick-to-lead-the-pentagon-at-a-moment-of-global-turmoil-1.7393724
#7733972 at 2020-01-06 21:07:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9897: Who Is Qanon? The question DC won't ask! Edition
DEsperate Zionist Move to Start WWIII Backfires Drastically
"The martyrdom of Soleimani may have been a brilliant chess move by U.S. President Donald Trump to unleash global anti-Semitism and terminate Israel, Saudi Arabia, Zionism, Exxon, and the deep state using Iran, Russia, China, Turkey, the EU, and its allies," was how one Pentagon source summed up the situation.
Pentagon sources say that because Trump was "tricked into ordering the hit [on Soleimani] with false Israeli Intelligence," he now has cause and may fire Zionist agents [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo, [Defense Secretary Mark] Esper, [CIA head Gina] Haspel, and even javanka [Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump].
"The red flag of jihad has been declared on Israel and Saudi Arabia, as Iran has been given casus belli and global approval, while Trump has political cover to pull U.S. troops and U.S. citizens out of harm's way," the sources say.
Also, "U.S. Special Forces may even hunt Israelis in Kurdish Iraq, Syria, or elsewhere before leaving, and may execute International Criminal Court arrest warrants on Israeli war criminals," the sources predict.
"As sealed indictments approach the biblical number of 144,000, kinetic warfare may be combined with lawfare through the ICC and military tribunals to wage total war against the Zionists," they continue.
"The ICC may also prosecute Israel and Saudi Arabia for war crimes in Yemen, crimes against humanity in Syria, Iraq and Libya, and any Zionists or deep state agents aiding or abetting ISIS [Daesh]," they say.
Ben Fulford Jan. 6, 2020 Excerpt.
Sauce: https://benjaminfulford.net/2020/01/06/dEsperate-zionist-move-to-start-wwiii-backfires-drastically/
#7732098 at 2020-01-06 17:10:12 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9895: Pedowood Put on Notice? Edition
Defense Secretary Esper's chief of staff resigns
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/defense-secretary-Espers-chief-of-staff-resigns
Eric Chewning, the chief of staff to Defense Secretary Mark Esper, is resigning and will be leaving his post at the end of January, the Defense Department announced Monday.
(in notes as Pentagon COS, name not given)
#7730822 at 2020-01-06 13:08:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9893: Ricky Gervais Listening to Bread Edition
Someone on Trumps team is leaking disinfo and planning
President Trump decided to kill Soleimani from Mar-a-Lago where his top national security advisers gave him a range of options - and he choose the most dramatic
Some advisers voiced concern about the legal justification for a strike without evidence of an imminent attack in the works against Americans.
So other options were discussed in the coming days with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and national security adviser Robert O'Brien, including bombing the base of the group blamed for killing the US contractor.
But Trump remained focused on the option to target Soleimani, a preference that surprised the small circle of aides because the president had long been reluctant to deepen US military engagement around the world.
By Thursday, officials believed they had intelligence indicating Soleimani was plotting against Americans, though it's unclear when that intelligence became known to US officials.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7853953/Trump-decided-kill-Soleimani-Mar-Lago-resort.html
#7704825 at 2020-01-03 20:53:43 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9860: Van Halen Belts or Bust ! Edition
Thousands More US Troops Deploying to Middle East in Response to Iranian Threats
Thousands more U.S. troops will deploy to the Mideast in response to Iranian threats to avenge the killing of Quds Force Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad's International Airport on the order of President Donald Trump, the Pentagon said Friday.
The entire 1st Brigade Combat Team of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, which constitutes the Immediate Response Force at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, "was alerted to prepare for deployment and is now being deployed," a Pentagon spokEsperson said.
"The brigade will deploy to Kuwait as an appropriate and precautionary action in response to increased threat levels against U.S. personnel and facilities," the spokEsperson said in a statement.
Elements of the 1st Brigade could also be sent to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad following their arrival in Kuwait, according to sources.
Related: Lawmakers, Experts Fear Retaliation Following US Strike on Top Iran Commander
On Wednesday, about 750 paratroopers from 82nd's 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, boarded C-17 Globemaster aircraft en route to Kuwait following the storming of the Baghdad Embassy's perimeter. The brigade has a total of about 4,000 troops.
At an off-camera Pentagon briefing Thursday, both Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley said that additional deployments were under consideration.
Esper said that about 100 Marines in Kuwait were initially sent to back up embassy security but added: "We are prepared to reinforce other positions throughout the region as required over the coming days."
Milley said, "There's a variety of forces that are alerted and prepared, if necessary" to deploy, "depending on the situation as we move forward."
Both Milley and Esper spoke before the U.S. strike on an access road to the Baghdad airport that hit a two-car convoy carrying the 62-year-old Soleimani, leader of the Quds (Jerusalem) Force within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Defense officials declined to say how the strike was carried out, but Iraqi state media said the attack came from a drone firing missiles. Iran's official media later confirmed that Soleimani had been killed.
In Tehran, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamene, called for three days of mourning for the death of Soleimani, charged by the U.S. as being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American troops in Iraq through his direction and supply of Shiite paramilitaries who fought against the U.S. invasion.
In a statement published by Iran's Fars news agency, Khamenei said, "A forceful revenge awaits the criminals who have his blood and the blood of the other martyrs last night on their hands."
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called Soleimani's killing a "heinous crime," adding that "Iran will take revenge."
In a series of tweets, Trump said that Soleimani was not the revered figure he was made out to be by Iran's leadership.
"While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, [Soleimani] was both hated and feared within the country," Trump wrote. "They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!"
The U.S. currently has a total of about 60,000 troops in the Mideast, including 5,000 in Iraq, according to Esper. The total includes about 14,000 sent to the region since last May to shore up defenses against Iran.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/03/thousands-more-us-troops-deploying-middle-east-response-iranian-threats.html
#7698833 at 2020-01-03 04:16:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9852: He Caught Them All! Edition
>>7698605
"There was a game change" - Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
Is this Esper ALSO telling the cabal we know what you did?
#7697685 at 2020-01-03 02:48:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9850: Comfy During A Happening. The Confirmed Kills Edition
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
JAN. 2, 2020
5:57 PM
BAGHDAD -
Gen. Qassem Suleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, was killed in an airstrike at Baghdad's international airport Friday, Iraqi television and three Iraqi officials said.
The strike also killed Abu Mahdi Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF, the officials said.
Their deaths are a potential turning point in the Middle East and are expected to draw severe retaliation from Iran and the forces it backs in the Middle East against Israel and American interests.
The PMF blamed the United States for an attack at Baghdad International Airport on Friday.
There was no immediate comment from the U.S. or Iran.
A senior Iraqi politician and a high-level security official confirmed to the Associated Press that Suleimani and Muhandis were among those killed in the attack. Two militia leaders loyal to Iran also confirmed the deaths, including an official with the Kataib Hezbollah, which was involved in an attack on the U.S. Embassy this week.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Muhandis had arrived to the airport in a convoy to receive Suleimani whose plane had arrived from either Lebanon or Syria. The airstrike occurred as soon as he descended from the plane to be greeted by Muhandis and his companions, killing them all.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject and because they were not authorized to give official statements.
The senior politician said Suleimani's body was identified by the ring he wore.
Suleimani had been rumored dead several times, including in a 2006 airplane crash that killed other military officials in northwestern Iran and after a 2012 bombing in Damascus that killed top aides of embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad. More recently, rumors circulated in November 2015 that Suleimani was killed or seriously wounded leading forces loyal to Assad as they fought around Syria's Aleppo.
Earlier Friday, an official with an Iran-backed paramilitary force said that seven people were killed by a missile fired at Baghdad International Airport, blaming the United States.
The official with the group known as the Popular Mobilization Forces said the dead included its airport protocol officer, identifying him as Mohammed Reda.
A security official confirmed that seven people were killed in the attack on the airport, describing it as an airstrike. Earlier, Iraq's Security Media Cell, which releases information regarding Iraqi security, said Katyusha rockets landed near the airport's cargo hall, killing several people and setting two cars on fire.
It was not immediately clear who fired the missile or rockets or who was targeted. There was no immediate comment from the U.S.
The attack came amid tensions with the United States after a New Year's Eve attack by Iran-backed militias on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The two-day assault, which ended Wednesday, prompted President Trump to order about 750 U.S. soldiers deployed to the Middle East.
The breach at the embassy followed U.S. airstrikes on Sunday that killed 25 fighters of the Iran-backed militia in Iraq, the Kataib Hezbollah. The U.S. military said the strikes were in retaliation for last week's killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that the U.S. blamed on the militia.
U.S. officials have suggested they were prepared to engage in further retaliatory attacks in Iraq.
"The game has changed," Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday, telling reporters that violent acts by Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq - including the rocket attack on Dec. 27 that killed one American - will be met with U.S. military force.
He said the Iraqi government has fallen short of its obligation to defend its American partner in the attack on the U.S. Embassy.
The developments also represent a major downturn in Iraq-U.S. relations that could further undermine U.S. influence in the region and American troops in Iraq and weaken Washington's hand in its pressure campaign against Iran.
#7697421 at 2020-01-03 02:31:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9850: Comfy During A Happening. The Confirmed Kills Edition
"The game has changed" - Defense Secretary Mark Esper
Game theory.
Moves and countermoves.
Iran is next.
For me, this is incredible to witness.
https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2020/01/02/iraqi-tv-iranian-general-qassim-suleimani-killed-in-baghdad-strike/
#7696129 at 2020-01-03 00:30:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9848: I Caught the Swamp! I Caught Them ALL!!! Edition
>>7696109
saw this reposted after the attack and kek'd a little:
In a statement directed at Iran earlier today, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said that attacks against the U.S. would be "will be met with responses in the time, manner, and place of our choosing," also urging Iran to "end their malign activities"
#7695335 at 2020-01-02 22:55:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9847: Space Force Wins the Bread!!! Edition
Four rockets hit Iraqi military base near Baghdad airport
Four rockets hit an Iraqi military base near Baghdad airport on Thursday evening, according to reports. Tensions have escalated in the area over the past week after Iran-backed protesters surrounded the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, shouting, "Death to America," and setting fires to the building on New Year's Eve.
"Urgent Iraqi security sources: The explosions were caused by the fall of 3 missiles In the back ocean of Baghdad Airport," tweeted Al Jazeera, according to a Google translation. In a statement released this morning, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, "We must stand together against the malign and destabilizing actions of Iran.''
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/four-bombs-dropped-near-baghdad-airport
Idrees Ali
https://twitter.com/idreesali114/status/1212863851563237377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1212863851563237377&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonexaminer.com%2Fnews%2Ffour-bombs-dropped-near-baghdad-airport
#7695048 at 2020-01-02 22:22:02 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9847: Space Force Wins the Bread!!! Edition
>>7695033
I posted this as a notable…it was expected.
PENTAGON: Iran May be Plotting More Attacks Against US Interests in the Middle East
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper warned America this week that the Iranian regime could be plotting more attacks against United States' interests in the Middle East following a surprise attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
"The game has changed," said Esper. "We're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel and our interests and our partners in the region."
"We'll take it day by day," when asked if the Pentagon planned on deploying additional troops to the region.
Read the full report at the Associated Press.
Original Story: December 31, 2019
A crowd of dozens of Iran-backed protesters stormed the US embassy in Baghdad Tuesday; crashing a gate while chanting "Down, Down USA!" in response to American airstrikes targeting militants in the region.
"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" posted President Trump on Twitter.
"The embassy attack, one of the worst in recent memory, followed deadly U.S. airstrikes on Sunday that killed 25 fighters of the Iran-backed group, the Kataeb Hezbollah. The U.S. military said the airstrikes were in retaliation for last week's killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that it had blamed on the militia," reports Fox News.
https://hannity.com/media-room/pentagon-iran-may-be-plotting-more-attacks-against-us-interests-in-the-middle-east/
#7694532 at 2020-01-02 21:25:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9846: We Are Here To Unite and Provide Truth!!! Edition
Notable
PENTAGON: Iran May be Plotting More Attacks Against US Interests in the Middle East
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper warned America this week that the Iranian regime could be plotting more attacks against United States' interests in the Middle East following a surprise attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
"The game has changed," said Esper. "We're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel and our interests and our partners in the region."
"We'll take it day by day," when asked if the Pentagon planned on deploying additional troops to the region.
Read the full report at the Associated Press.
Original Story: December 31, 2019
A crowd of dozens of Iran-backed protesters stormed the US embassy in Baghdad Tuesday; crashing a gate while chanting "Down, Down USA!" in response to American airstrikes targeting militants in the region.
"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" posted President Trump on Twitter.
"The embassy attack, one of the worst in recent memory, followed deadly U.S. airstrikes on Sunday that killed 25 fighters of the Iran-backed group, the Kataeb Hezbollah. The U.S. military said the airstrikes were in retaliation for last week's killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that it had blamed on the militia," reports Fox News.
https://hannity.com/media-room/pentagon-iran-may-be-plotting-more-attacks-against-us-interests-in-the-middle-east/
#7693007 at 2020-01-02 17:56:36 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9844: Moves and Counter Moves, The Game Plays On! HNY DS! Edition
Demonstrators Will 'Run into a Buzzsaw' If They Try to Overrun US Embassy: Milley
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was never in danger of being overrun and any attempt by Iran-backed militias to occupy it would "run into a buzzsaw" of fire from U.S. defenders, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley said Thursday.
"We are very confident that the integrity of that embassy is strong and it is highly unlikely to be physically overrun by anyone," Milley said at a Pentagon briefing with Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
The Tuesday demonstrations, in which members of the Iranian-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah (KH) militia threw gasoline bombs and battered the embassy's perimeter in the highly restricted "Green Zone" were "as much for the cameras as anything else" in an attempt "to get attention, which they did," Milley said.
He warned KH not to test U.S. resolve to defend the $750 million embassy.
"There is sufficient combat power there, air and ground, that anyone who attempts to overrun that will run into a buzzsaw," Milley said.
"The temperature has greatly improved in the last 24 hours," Esper said, as demonstrators withdrew from the Green Zone are.
However, Esper said that KH could be expected to carry out additional attacks on U.S. locations in Iraq, following at least 11 rocket attacks on U.S. bases in recent months, and the U.S. was prepared to act preemptively to thwart them.
The latest attack, on a U.S. base near central Kirkuk Dec. 27, killed an American contractor and wounded four U.S. troops, prompting U.S. airstrikes Sunday on three KH bases in Iraq and two in Syria.
"Do I think they may do something? Yes," Esper said of the potential for more provocations by KH, but added that "they will regret it."
He said there were "some indications out there they may be planning additional attacks. That's nothing new. So if that happens, we will act," Esper said, and "If we get word" from intelligence, "we will take preemptive action as well."
In response to the embassy demonstrations, about 100 Marines from the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command boarded MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in Kuwait Tuesday and flew to Baghdad's Green Zone to bolster embassy security.
Wednesday morning, paratroopers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina began boarding C-17 Globemaster aircraft as the first contingents of a battalion of 750 Esper has ordered to the region to boost the readiness of U.S. Mideast forces.
Milley confirmed that the 82nd Division troops would be based Kuwait and be prepared for "follow-on missions in other places."
Additional forces in the U.S. have been alerted for possible rapid response, but Esper said "we haven't yet decided to deploy them. So far, it's just one battalion," he said.
Both Esper and Milley said the Iraqi government had to do more to prevent attacks on U.S. positions and rein in pro-Iranian militias.
Esper acknowledged that the struggling Baghdad government under caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who announced his resignation in early December, was "in a lot of turmoil" following months of protests against corruption and the failing economy but "they need to get left of the problem."
Milley said the Iraqi military "has a lot of capability" to increase security nationwide, and it was a "question of will" as to whether they would use it.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/02/demonstrators-will-run-buzzsaw-if-they-try-overrun-us-embassy-milley.html
#7692780 at 2020-01-02 17:30:12 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9844: Moves and Counter Moves, The Game Plays On! HNY DS! Edition
Pentagon chief threatens Iran with 'pre-emptive action' if embassy attacks continue
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has warned that he will take "preemptive action" to "protect US forces" if he receives word of attacks by Iran or its "proxy forces," claiming to have indications of such attacks in the future.
Esper said he expects more "provocative behavior" by "Iran-backed" groups - and warned that "they will likely regret it."
"They've been...attacking our bases for months now," Esper claimed, apparently pinning every rocket attack on a coalition base in recent months on Iran. He called on Iraq to "do more...to address these Iran-sponsored militia groups and to stop their attacks on US and coalition forces," complaining the US has not "seen sufficient action on that front" from Baghdad.
The Trump administration blamed Tuesday's siege of the US embassy in Baghdad on Tehran and sent 750 troops to Iraq in order to beef up security at the diplomatic compound. Iran, President Donald Trump has said, will be held "fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities."
However, the protesters who surrounded the embassy were motivated by rage over US strikes that killed 25 members of Kataib Hezbollah, part of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and officially part of the Iraqi military.
Tehran, meanwhile, has accused the US of punishing it for defeating Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorists. It slammed the "audacity" of Washington fobbing responsibility for the protests off on Iran when US airstrikes - supposedly in response for an attack on a coalition base near Kirkuk - had actually motivated the embassy-storming.
The Trump administration's rhetoric regarding Iran may trigger deja vu for those who remember the most recent Iraq War, with its talk of pre-emptive strikes against leader Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi leader was said to be sitting on a cache of weapons of mass destruction and had to be stopped before he could use them. Now known to be a complete fiction, the "weapons of mass destruction" trope has been recycled in the Trump administration's sanctions on Iran, deeming the country's largest airline a "weapons of mass destruction proliferator."
The US could send still more forces to the Middle East, Esper said, pledging to "take it day by day.""A variety of forces" are standing by in case they are needed, Joint Staff General Mark Milley said. The US has some 60,000 troops in the region already.
https://www.rt.com/news/477327-pentagon-chief-threatens-iran-embassy/
#7691797 at 2020-01-02 15:02:02 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9843: Planefags Seeing 2020 Edition
Exclusive: Unredacted Ukraine Documents Reveal Extent of Pentagon's Legal Concerns
"Clear direction from POTUS to continue to hold."
This is what Michael Duffey, associate director of national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), told Elaine McCusker, the acting Pentagon comptroller, in an Aug. 30 email, which has only been made available in redacted form until now. It is one of many documents the Trump administration is trying to keep from the public, despite congressional oversight efforts and court orders in Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation.
Earlier in the day on Aug. 30, President Donald Trump met with Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss the president's hold on $391 million in military assistance for Ukraine. Inside the Trump administration, panic was reaching fever pitch about the president's funding hold, which had stretched on for two months. Days earlier, POLITICO had broken the story and questions were starting to pile up. U.S. defense contractors were worried about delayed contracts and officials in Kyiv and lawmakers on Capitol Hill wanted to know what on earth was going on. While Trump's national security team thought withholding the money went against U.S. national security interests, Trump still wouldn't budge.
Thanks to the testimony of several Trump administration officials, we now know what Trump was waiting on: a commitment from Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden.
But getting at that truth hasn't been easy and the Trump administration continues to try to obscure it. It is blocking key officials from testifying and is keeping documentary evidence from lawmakers investigating the Ukraine story. For example, this note from Duffey to McCusker was never turned over to House investigators and the Trump administration is continuing to try to keep it secret.
Last month, a court ordered the government to release almost 300 pages of emails to the Center for Public Integrity in response to a FOIA lawsuit. It released a first batch on Dec. 12, and then a second installment on Dec. 21, including Duffey's email, but that document, along with several others, were partially or completely blacked out.
Since then, Just Security has viewed unredacted copies of these emails, which begin in June and end in early October. Together, they tell the behind-the-scenes story of the defense and budget officials who had to carry out the president's unexplained hold on military aid to Ukraine.
The documents reveal growing concern from Pentagon officials that the hold would violate the Impoundment Control Act, which requires the executive branch to spend money as appropriated by Congress, and that the necessary steps to avoid this result weren't being taken. Those steps would include notifying Congress that the funding was being held or shifted elsewhere, a step that was never taken. The emails also show that no rationale was ever given for why the hold was put in place or why it was eventually lifted.
What is clear is that it all came down to the president and what he wanted; no one else appears to have supported his position. Although the pretext for the hold was that some sort of policy review was taking place, the emails make no mention of that actually happening. Instead, officials were anxiously waiting for the president to be convinced that the hold was a bad idea. And while the situation continued throughout the summer, senior defense officials were searching for legal guidance, worried they would be blamed should the hold be lifted too late to actually spend all of the money, which would violate the law.
The emails also reveal key decision points, moments when senior officials hoped the hold might be lifted. This includes Vice President Mike Pence's September meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which a senior defense official expected would resolve the funding issue, raising the question: Why? What was supposed to come out of that meeting that would pave the way for Trump to lift the hold? What was Pence expected to communicate?
But, the hold wasn't immediately lifted after Pence's meeting with Zelenskyy. Instead, the president finally released the money on Sept. 11, just as the whistleblower complaint was about to break into the open.
https://www.justsecurity.org/67863/exclusive-unredacted-ukraine-documents-reveal-extent-of-pentagons-legal-concerns/
Very long article, only posted a bit.
#7674204 at 2019-12-31 17:42:46 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9820: Happy New Year to Our NZ Anons!!! Edition
"The Pentagon has awarded data analytics firm Govini a $400 million contract - a move related to broader efforts to find savings inside the department and bring nontraditional players into the department's orbit. The contract, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity deal covering five years, allows offices throughout the Department of Defense to access data and analysis from Govini's dataset.
The company has worked with the DoD in various ways since 2017, but this contract represents the largest award the company has received from any government customer.
The data will primarily be used to assist offices within the department to find savings and efficiencies, at a time that Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has ordered a large-scale review of the so-called fourth estate, which include 27 agencies, such as the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Defense Information Systems Agency and the Missile Defense Agency. Esper has announced roughly $5 billion in planned savings from those efforts so far."
defensenews.com/industry/2019/12/30/pentagon-awards-govini-five-year-contract-for-data/
#7668091 at 2019-12-31 02:16:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9812: Our Best Days Are Yet To Come Edition
Did Pompeo Go Off Reservation in Iraq Attack?
Date: December 30, 2019Author: Tom Luongo 0 Comments
I have to wonder who Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is actually loyal to. Because, the U.S. strike of Kata'ib Hizbullah forces near the Al Qaim border crossing with Syria in Iraq is a dangerous escalation there.
And it's completely at odds with Trump's goals of wanting us out of the Middle East. The Al Qaim border crossing is a particular red line for Israel and their allies in the U.S. State and Defense Departments.
It represents the normalization of commerce between Syria, Iraq and Iran over time. This is the so-called Shia Crescent which is the stuff of nightmares for Benjamin Netanyahu.
And the U.S. has been hopping mad for months since now caretaker Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdel Mahdi opened the border because it undermines U.S. presence in Syria.
The entire point of U.S. occupation of the Al-Tanf border crossing into Jordan and the oil fields in Deir Ezzor province is about starving the Syrian government of any reliable energy and revenue.
When Al Qaim/Al Bukamai was opened it was only a matter of time before a major skirmish would occur over it. Israel staged a series of air attacks previously using U.S. assets and air bases to launch them back in September.
Now, we have the convenient excuse for attacking these forces which are part of the Popular Mobiliztion Units, PMU, which Pompeo despises by 'retaliating' for a rocket attack on the K1 base near Kirkuk where one U.S. mercenary was killed and a handful of others injured.
The response from the U.S. Air Force was completely out of line with the initial attack and occurred without any attempt by Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to justify it.
They just invoked the phrase, "Iran-backed forces" and then bombed troops over 200 miles away where they wanted to strike anyway.
And what's important is what both Elijah Magnier and Moon of Alabama pointed out immediately, the U.S. struck member of Shia militias who were made official part of the Iraqi defense forces.
In other words the U.S. just attacked and killed dozens of Iraqi military personnel.
https://tomluongo.me/2019/12/30/pompeo-iraq-israel-iran/
#7663019 at 2019-12-30 17:14:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9805: Monday Forecast: Shilly with a Chance of Pain Edition
VIDEO: Trump, officials meet in Palm Beach to discuss 'successful' airstrikes in Iraq, Syria
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke in the old ballroom at Mar-a-Lago Sunday evening alongside Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to announce successful airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria in response to an attack that killed a U.S. citizen.
"The attack that took place against an Iraqi facility threatened American forces," Sec. Pompeo said of the five airstrikes on three targets in Western Iraq and two targets in Eastern Syria.
Within the last 72 hours, more than 30 rockets fired by Iranian-backed Shiite militia group Kataib Hezbollah led to the death of a U.S. citizen and four injured U.S. service members.
"This has been going on now for weeks and weeks and weeks. This wasn't the first set of attacks," Pompeo said in brief reMarks, which he said were consistent with U.S. foreign policy toward Iran.
.@SecPompeo describes air strikes against #KataibHezbollah in #Iraq and #Syria at #MarALago "The attacks that took place against an Iraqi facility threatened American forces. They have been going on now for weeks and weeks and weeks. This wasn't the first set of attacks." @pbpost pic.twitter.com/0gwEahlnLe
- Abraham Mahshie (@AbrahamReporter) December 30, 2019
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/12/video-trump-officials-meet-in-palm-beach-to-discuss-successful-airstrikes-in-iraq-syria/
#7661879 at 2019-12-30 14:16:23 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9804: Qanons Engaging in Critical Thinking Edition
Global Announcements
>>7596226 BO has updated header links, aware of /pnd/ bug, has advised CM for fix
Anons, plz no jpegs, tx
Notables
are not endorsements
#9803
>>7661561, >>7661615, >>7661792 Paul Pelosi Diggz
>>7661650 Denied Asylum in U.S.
>>7661424 Gene Edit Scientist guilty of illegal practice and also fined him 3m yuan
>>7661339, >>7661365 Planefag reports
>>7661285 Biden Gets Called a 'Pervert' and is Told to 'Stop Touching Kids'
>>7661180, >>7661195, >>7661248 Tweets Consolidated
>>7661174 Tx Church Pastor thanks his CCW holders!
>>7661162, >>7661281 DoD t: Conan returns to Active Duty
>>7661145 Digging material Syrian Chemical FF
>>7661861 #9803
#9802
>>7660405, >>7660432, >>7660501, >>7660560, >>7660575 Academic paper discussing Q Research
>>7660584, >>7660761, >>7660803, >>7660823 Q Research paper, con't.
>>7660462, >>7660763 Schumann Resonance digg, con't.
>>7660467, >>7660477, >>7660485, >>7660574 Nunes on NY Steak–is there a message there?
>>7660610, >>7660622, >>7660656, >>7660662, >>7660750, >>7660857 Nunes & NY Steak, con't.
>>7660569 Footage shows good guy with gun taking down alleged church attacker in seconds
>>7660555 Atlantic Council flowchart
>>7660607 He Jiankui gets 3 years for illegal human embryo gene-editing
>>7660620 Anon on backchanneling: a node to Pompeo's mtg w/Sergey Lavrov?
>>7660631, >>7660634 Info for redpilling normies on child trafficking (with sauce)
>>7660655 CBS's Face The Nation used supposed Christians to spin the narrative that Trump is unfit for POTUS
>>7660469 Possible links between Christchurch & Church of Christ shootings–ANONS DIGG!
>>7660676, >>7661031, >>7661034 Planefag reports
>>7660799, >>7660819, >>7660937, >>7660990 Justice Matthew Rosenbaum digg
>>7660883, >>7660919 Moar on Rosenbaum–father helped "deliver" Nelson Rockefeller the Vice-Presidency
>>7660845, >>7660852 SPY GAMES Inside the simulated CIA 'town' (UK-Sun)
>>7660971 Is this a Hong Kong demonstrator being brutally beaten by police?? ANONS DIGG
>>7661077 #9802
#9801
>>7660203 Synagogue slasher had been arrested seven times!
>>7660172 The ATF trained Beacon to recognize 19,000 different types of explosives.
>>7659898 @USArmy Lighting it up!
>>7659752 Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
>>7659663 La Romana, Casa de Campo, just a short boat trip past Isla Saona to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
>>7660252 #9801
Previously Collected Notables
>>7657241 #9797, >>7657928 #9798, >>7658786 #9799, >>7659500 #9800
>>7654947 #9794, >>7654947 #9794, >>7655725 #9795, >>7656479 #9796
>>7651925 #9790, >>7652666 #9791, >>7653469 #9792, >>7654245 #9793
>>7648868 #9786, >>7649640 #9787, >>7650361 #9788, >>7651156 #9789
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://8kun.to
#7661085 at 2019-12-30 10:49:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9803: Once Moar Into the Fray Edition
Global Announcements
>>7596226 BO has updated header links, aware of /pnd/ bug, has advised CM for fix
Anons, plz no jpegs, tx
Notables
are not endorsements
#9802
>>7660405, >>7660432, >>7660501, >>7660560, >>7660575 Academic paper discussing Q Research
>>7660584, >>7660761, >>7660803, >>7660823 Q Research paper, con't.
>>7660462, >>7660763 Schumann Resonance digg, con't.
>>7660467, >>7660477, >>7660485, >>7660574 Nunes on NY Steak–is there a message there?
>>7660610, >>7660622, >>7660656, >>7660662, >>7660750, >>7660857 Nunes & NY Steak, con't.
>>7660569 Footage shows good guy with gun taking down alleged church attacker in seconds
>>7660555 Atlantic Council flowchart
>>7660607 He Jiankui gets 3 years for illegal human embryo gene-editing
>>7660620 Anon on backchanneling: a node to Pompeo's mtg w/Sergey Lavrov?
>>7660631, >>7660634 Info for redpilling normies on child trafficking (with sauce)
>>7660655 CBS's Face The Nation used supposed Christians to spin the narrative that Trump is unfit for POTUS
>>7660469 Possible links between Christchurch & Church of Christ shootings–ANONS DIGG!
>>7660676, >>7661031, >>7661034 Planefag reports
>>7660799, >>7660819, >>7660937, >>7660990 Justice Matthew Rosenbaum digg
>>7660883, >>7660919 Moar on Rosenbaum–father helped "deliver" Nelson Rockefeller the Vice-Presidency
>>7660845, >>7660852 SPY GAMES Inside the simulated CIA 'town' (UK-Sun)
>>7660971 Is this a Hong Kong demonstrator being brutally beaten by police?? ANONS DIGG
>>7661077 #9802
#9801
>>7660203 Synagogue slasher had been arrested seven times!
>>7660172 The ATF trained Beacon to recognize 19,000 different types of explosives.
>>7659898 @USArmy Lighting it up!
>>7659752 Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
>>7659663 La Romana, Casa de Campo, just a short boat trip past Isla Saona to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
>>7660252 #9801
#9800
>>7658917 POTUS Schedule for Monday, December 30, 2019
>>7659208, >>7659221 USAID Inspector General is Ann Calvaresi Barr. BIG?
>>7659058, >>7659093, >>7659107 Hamdi twat: Hezbollah calls for it's forces to prep for new phase to expel the "American enemy" from Iraq.
>>7659046 Another cable laying vessel has arrived at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex. Saw her earlier, last port call Portland, Oregon
>>7658942, >>7658867, >>7659007 Academia "America's Political Paradigm Shift"/pdf
>>7658912 @US_Stratcom We look back at our #Navy support in our next #YearInReview.
>>7659500 #9800
#9799
>>7658222 anon breakdown of Q drop 436, the drop from 3773
>>7658241 Dr. Robert Epstein: How Big Tech's Algorithms Can Impact Opinions and Votes-and the 2020 Election
>>7658291 AF1 at PBI
>>7658169, >>7658379, >>7658420, >>7658437 Sam967 is really hauling ass back to DC from FL, SAM917 from So Cal
>>7658555, >>7658542, >>7658615 SAM967 on Final into JBA, SAM917 appraoching DC
>>7658397, >>7658190 Pool report on tonight's Pompeo - Esper Press Briefing
>>7658427 QAnon and the Emergence of the Unreal (multisyllabic MIT hit piece)
>>7658140, >>7658561 Former Senate staffer Daniel Jones dig
>>7658738 Zuesse: Russiagate Investigation Now Endangers Obama
>>7658786 #9799
Previously Collected Notables
>>7657241 #9797, >>7657928 #9798
>>7654947 #9794, >>7654947 #9794, >>7655725 #9795, >>7656479 #9796
>>7651925 #9790, >>7652666 #9791, >>7653469 #9792, >>7654245 #9793
>>7648868 #9786, >>7649640 #9787, >>7650361 #9788, >>7651156 #9789
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://8kun.to
#7660260 at 2019-12-30 06:06:47 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9802: !!! Edition
Global Announcements
>>7596226 BO has updated header links, aware of /pnd/ bug, has advised CM for fix
Anons, plz no jpegs, tx
Notables
are not endorsements
#9801
>>7660203 Synagogue slasher had been arrested seven times!
>>7660172 The ATF trained Beacon to recognize 19,000 different types of explosives.
>>7659898 @USArmy Lighting it up!
>>7659752 Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
>>7659663 La Romana, Casa de Campo, just a short boat trip past Isla Saona to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
>>7660252 #9801
#9800
>>7658917 POTUS Schedule for Monday, December 30, 2019
>>7659208, >>7659221 USAID Inspector General is Ann Calvaresi Barr. BIG?
>>7659058, >>7659093, >>7659107 Hamdi twat: Hezbollah calls for it's forces to prep for new phase to expel the "American enemy" from Iraq.
>>7659046 Another cable laying vessel has arrived at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex. Saw her earlier, last port call Portland, Oregon
>>7658942, >>7658867, >>7659007 Academia "America's Political Paradigm Shift"/pdf
>>7658912 @US_Stratcom We look back at our #Navy support in our next #YearInReview.
>>7659500 #9800
#9799
>>7658222 anon breakdown of Q drop 436, the drop from 3773
>>7658241 Dr. Robert Epstein: How Big Tech's Algorithms Can Impact Opinions and Votes-and the 2020 Election
>>7658291 AF1 at PBI
>>7658169, >>7658379, >>7658420, >>7658437 Sam967 is really hauling ass back to DC from FL, SAM917 from So Cal
>>7658555, >>7658542, >>7658615 SAM967 on Final into JBA, SAM917 appraoching DC
>>7658397, >>7658190 Pool report on tonight's Pompeo - Esper Press Briefing
>>7658427 QAnon and the Emergence of the Unreal (multisyllabic MIT hit piece)
>>7658140, >>7658561 Former Senate staffer Daniel Jones dig
>>7658738 Zuesse: Russiagate Investigation Now Endangers Obama
>>7658786 #9799
#9798
>>7657904 Army Tweet / Q drop connection?
>>7657872 Obama Tweet re: John Lewis.
>>7657851 Summary of recent organized crime and drug busts.
>>7657780 USMC Tweet.
>>7657809 Biden ridiculed Tx. Gov. signing bill allowing worshipers carry in church.
>>7657618 26 States to raise minimum wage in 2020.
>>7657476 Biden heckled at rally over corruption and sexual harassment.
>>7657518, >>7657584, >>7657470, >>7657541 Polaris Project (named after North Star) cabal connected anti-human trafficking network.
>>7657569 Chuck Todd reads letter on air comparing people of faith to believers of 'fairy tales'.
>>7657458, >>7657839 Planefag updates.
>>7657434 Scavino's Twitter beat down of Pete Souza re: Hatch Act.
>>7657334 Pompeo says he's not running for Senate.
>>7657379 Seattle Jewish leaders call for change after 5 stabbed at NY Hanukkah celebration.
>>7657370, >>7657670 POTUS Schedule: Man of mystery.
>>7657362 US Army Tweet.
>>7657928 #9798
#9797
>>7657228 Dept. of Ed. employees donate exclusively to Dems.
>>7657179 DHS received over $150 mil in requests from Jewish communities for security.
>>7657193 More details on the Hezbollah drone strikes.
>>7657058 Holder Tweets re: John Lewis
>>7657062 Xi installs finance experts to avoid "lurking, devastating debt bombs."
>>7657056 SpyGate/CH dig. Tied to MI5/MI6 chiefs rumored to be replaced in 2020.
>>7656936 'Nearly 19,000 children' sexually groomed in England in the past year
>>7656666 Biden family's crest.
>>7656760, >>7656775 Congressman Lewis diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
>>7656745 Different types of primaries by state.
>>7656728 Taliban attack kills 17 militia in Northern Afghanistan.
>>7656662 Guardian Angels says it will patrol Jewish neighborhoods in New York City following attacks.
>>7656639 Anti-Semitic attacker's name released.
>>7657241 #9797
Previously Collected Notables
>>7654947 #9794, >>7654947 #9794, >>7655725 #9795, >>7656479 #9796
>>7651925 #9790, >>7652666 #9791, >>7653469 #9792, >>7654245 #9793
>>7648868 #9786, >>7649640 #9787, >>7650361 #9788, >>7651156 #9789
>>7645725 #9782, >>7646539 #9783, >>7647373 #9784, >>7648105 #9785
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://8kun.to
#7660252 at 2019-12-30 06:05:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9801: Which Barr Is BIG? Don't drop the ball! Edition
#9801
>>7660203 Synagogue slasher had been arrested seven times!
>>7660172 The ATF trained Beacon to recognize 19,000 different types of explosives.
>>7659898 @USArmy Lighting it up!
>>7659752 Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
>>7659663 La Romana, Casa de Campo, just a short boat trip past Isla Saona to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
#9801
#7660074 at 2019-12-30 05:37:18 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9801: Which Barr Is BIG? Don't drop the ball! Edition
Notables
>>7659908 2015 Veterans Today: We demand President Putin release docs vital to world peace
>>7659898 @USArmy Lighting it up!
>>7659752 Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
>>7659663 La Romana, Casa de Campo, just a short boat trip past Isla Saona to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
#7659752 at 2019-12-30 04:53:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9801: Which Barr Is BIG? Don't drop the ball! Edition
2.5-minute Video
Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
Dec 29, 2019
The White House
Palm Beach, FL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEsXWvVlU1w
#7659642 at 2019-12-30 04:40:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9801: Which Barr Is BIG? Don't drop the ball! Edition
Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper
#7658397 at 2019-12-30 02:00:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9799: Good Guy With A Gun Edition
Pool report on tonight's Pompeo - Esper Press Briefing
Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper | Palm Beach, FL
SECRETARY POMPEO:
Good evening. Myself, with Secretary Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Milley, came here to Florida today to brief the President on the activities that have taken place in the Middle East over the course of the last 72 hours.
I will leave to Secretary Esper to talk about the military activity, but I want to put it in the context of our policy with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The attacks that took place against an Iraqi facility threatened American forces. This has been going on now for weeks and weeks and weeks. This wasn't the first set of attacks against this particular Iraqi facility and others where there were American lives at risk.
And today, what we did was take a decisive response that makes clear what President Trump has said for months and months and months, which is that we will not stand for the Islamic Republic of Iran to take actions that put American men and women in jeopardy.
We will - we will always honor that commitment to take decisive action when that takes place, and we continue to demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran act in a way that is consistent with what I laid out, back in May of 2018, for what it is that we expect Iran to do so that it can rejoin the community of nations.
And with that, I'll turn it over to the Secretary of Defense.
SECRETARY Esper:
Thank you. As we reported earlier today, the Department of Defense took offensive actions in defense of our personnel and interests in Iraq by launching F-15 Strike Eagles against five targets associated with Kata'ib Hezbollah, which is an Iranian-sponsored Shiite militia group. The targets we attacked included three targets in Western Iraq and two targets in Eastern Syria that were either command and control facilities or weapons caches for Kata'ib Hezbollah.
The strikes were successful. The pilots and aircraft returned back to base safely. I would add that, in our discussion today with the President, we discussed with him other options that are available. And I would note also that we will take additional actions as necessary to ensure that we act in our own self-defense and we deter further bad behavior from militia groups or from Iran. Thank you.
https://publicpool.kinja.com/subject-press-briefing-by-secretary-of-state-mike-pomp-1840713908
#7658190 at 2019-12-30 01:40:33 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9799: Good Guy With A Gun Edition
'Strikes successful, other options discussed': Esper & Pompeo brief Trump on 'anti-Iran' raids in Iraq & Syria
Top national security advisers told President Donald Trump that the air raids against Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria were a total success - and briefed him on 'other' ways to punish Iran for the alleged attacks on US interests.
"We will not stand for the Islamic Republic of Iran to take actions that put American men and women in jeopardy," US State Secretary Mike Pompeo declared, standing beside Defense Secretary Mark Esper at a press event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club.
The Pentagon chief in the meantime said the Sunday strikes were successful and that officials discussed 'other options' with Trump.
Earlier in the day, US F-15 fighter jets struck three Kataib Hezbollah targets at Qaim near the Syrian border, and two in Syria. According to the Shiite militia group, at least 25 of their fighters were killed and nearly three dozens injured in the strikes. Washington blames the group for alleged "repeated attacks on Iraqi bases that host Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces."
Pompeo threatened Tehran earlier this month with a "decisive US response" should its sponsored militias continue their attacks on US forces, even though Iran's involvement has not been conclusively proven. On Friday, as if on cue, the latest rocket attack on a base near Kirkuk killed an American contractor and injured several US troops.
Facing the increasing possibility of proxy war between Washington and Tehran breaking out on his soil, Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi called an emergency meeting of his security council on Sunday night.
https://www.rt.com/usa/477075-Esper-iraq-syria-strikes-trump/
#7657370 at 2019-12-30 00:18:09 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9798: Tremendous Spirit Edition
Where is POTUS?
Many poolers have noted "not seeing POTUS" in reports this week and now moar reports in these interesting recent Pool Reports:
1) Have NOT seen POTUS
2) Mike Pompeo Mark Esper and Gen Milley are briefing from a podium inside a Mar a Lago ballroom. No POTUS here.
3) The motorcade departed Mar a Lago at 7:04 pm for unknown location.
https://publicpool.kinja.com/subject-out-of-town-pool-report-5-mal-return-1840711196
https://publicpool.kinja.com/subject-out-of-town-pool-report-8-pompeo-Esper-mill-1840712749
https://publicpool.kinja.com/subject-out-of-town-pool-report-9-mal-departure-1840712875
#7657120 at 2019-12-29 23:45:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9797: Blithering Boondoggle Edition
"Esper".
Senior national security leaders, including U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, were expected to brief President Donald Trump in Florida on the strikes in Iraq and Syria, U.S. officials say.
https://twitter.com/idreesali114/status/1211432111602851840
#7633750 at 2019-12-27 20:27:19 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9767: Someone’s Not Telling the Truth Edition
New Russian weapon can travel 27 times the speed of sound
https://nypost.com/2019/12/27/new-russian-weapon-can-travel-27-times-the-speed-of-sound/
MOSCOW - A new intercontinental weapon that can fly 27 times the speed of sound became operational Friday, Russia's defense minister reported to President Vladimir Putin, bolstering the country's nuclear strike capability.
Putin has described the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle as a technological breakthrough comparable to the 1957 Soviet launch of the first satellite. The new Russian weapon and a similar system being developed by China have troubled the United States, which has pondered defense strategies.
The Avangard is launched atop an intercontinental ballistic missile, but unlike a regular missile warhead that follows a predictable path after separation it can make sharp maneuvers in the atmosphere en route to target, making it much harder to intercept.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed Putin that the first missile unit equipped with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered combat duty.
"I congratulate you on this landMark event for the military and the entire nation," Shoigu said later during a conference call with top military leaders.
The Strategic Missile Forces chief, Gen. Sergei Karakayev, said during the call that the Avangard was put on duty with a unit in the Orenburg region in the southern Ural Mountains.
Putin unveiled the Avangard among other prospective weapons systems in his state-of-the-nation address in March 2018, noting that its ability to make sharp maneuvers on its way to a target will render missile defense useless.
"It heads to target like a meteorite, like a fireball," he said at the time.
The Russian leader noted that Avangard is designed using new composite materials to withstand temperatures of up to 2,000 Celsius resulting from a flight through the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds.
The military said the Avangard is capable of flying 27 times faster than the speed of sound. It carries a nuclear weapon of up to 2 megatons.
Putin has said Russia had to develop the Avangard and other prospective weapons systems because of U.S. efforts to develop a missile defense system that he claimed could erode Russia's nuclear deterrent. Moscow has scoffed at US claims that its missile shield isn't intended to counter Russia's massive missile arsenals.
Earlier this week, Putin emphasized that Russia is the only country armed with hypersonic weapons. He noted that for the first time Russia is leading the world in developing an entire new class of weapons, unlike in the past when it was catching up with the US.
In December 2018, the Avangard was launched from the Dombarovskiy missile base in the southern Urals and successfully hit a practice target on the Kura shooting range on Kamchatka, 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) away.
Russian media reports indicated that the Avangard will first be mounted on Soviet-built RS-18B intercontinental ballistic missiles, code-named SS-19 by NATO. It is expected to be fitted to the prospective Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile after it becomes operational.
The Defense Ministry said last month it demonstrated the Avangard to a team of US inspectors as part of transparency measures under the New Start nuclear arms treaty with the U.S.
The Russian military previously had commissioned another hypersonic weapon of a smaller range.
The Kinzhal (Dagger), which is carried by MiG-31 fighter jets, entered service with the Russian air force last year. Putin has said the missile flies 10 times faster than the speed of sound, has a range of more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) and can carry a nuclear or a conventional warhead. The military said it is capable of hitting both land targets and navy ships.
China has tested its own hypersonic glide vehicle, believed to be capable of traveling at least five times the speed of sound. It displayed the weapon called Dong Feng 17, or DF-17, at a military parade Marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese state.
US officials have talked about putting a layer of sensors in space to more quickly detect enemy missiles, particularly the hypersonic weapons. The administration also plans to study the idea of basing interceptors in space, so the US can strike incoming enemy missiles during the first minutes of flight when the booster engines are still burning.
The Pentagon also has been working on the development of hypersonic weapons in recent years, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in August that he believes "it's probably a matter of a couple of years" before the US has one. He has called it a priority as the military works to develop new long-range fire capabilities.
https://nypost.com/2019/12/27/new-russian-weapon-can-travel-27-times-the-speed-of-sound/
#7618695 at 2019-12-25 18:32:26 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9746: Prayers for all the Soldiers Edition
US Defense Secretary Eyes Pullout From West Africa
Redeployment from region would be first in moves aimed at Russia and China
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper is interested in seeing a substantial reduction in troops and operations ongoing in Western Africa, with the troops being redeployed to areas closer to Russia and China.
This comes, ironically, amid speculation about the Islamist factions in the Sahel, and suggestions this might be a growing priority for the US. Esper, however, has made much of wanting to have more troops directly lined up against Russia and China for "Great Power" competitions.
Among the pullouts in West Africa would be ending US operations in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The end of US involvement in Niger would include abandoning the $110 million drone base that the US just got finished building and bringing into operation.
After West Africa, the plan is that the US will also draw down forces in Latin America, and subsequently then cut troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan, all as part of a new pivot to Eastern Europe and the Pacific.
Exactly how many troops are going to be involved isn't clear, and indeed how many troops are in some of these areas is not publicly known any longer, given the Pentagon's recent opacity on such figures.
The eagerness to make such moves at all represents Esper having only recently taken over the Defense Secretary post, and wanting to put his stamp on it.
https://news.antiwar.com/2019/12/24/us-defense-secretary-eyes-pullout-from-west-africa/
#7547406 at 2019-12-18 18:39:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9654: What a season for breaking the Sedition Tradition! Edition
>>7547301
A top Pentagon intelligence official will soon leave the building, the fourth key defense official to announce their resignation within a week.
Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence Kari Bingen will leave in January. Her departure was first reported by Politico.
Bingen was the Defense Department's No. 2 intelligence official and has been in the role since May 2017. Prior to that, she served as the House Armed Services Committee's policy director for four years and held a number of other positions on the committee's strategic forces panel.
Her announced departure follows three others within seven days: the Dec. 12 notification that top Asia policy official Randall Schriver would leave after two years on the job; the Dec. 13 announcement that top official in charge of personnel and readiness Jimmy Stewart had resigned after a little over a year on the job; and on Tuesday Defense News reported that Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency leader Steven Walker will leave in January for a private-sector job.
Those four vacancies add to a number of openings within the Defense Department, with six of the 21 deputy assistant secretary of Defense policy jobs still empty. Several other roles are filled in an acting capacity, including chief management officer, comptroller, deputy undersecretary of Defense for policy, and assistant Defense secretary for international security affairs.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week downplayed the departures, telling reporters that there is a "rhythm" to people leaving and taking positions and said there was already a replacement for Stewart.
"You'll probably see another couple of - some more announcements are coming up soon," Esper said on Monday while flying back to the U.S. from Belgium.
"Again, that's a normal rotation, folks have been at it hard for two years now, two-plus years. You have this happen even last year."
He added that it's important to "get people in place as quickly as possible. If not confirmed, at least acting," and keep moving the Pentagon forward.
(article text)
#7547169 at 2019-12-18 18:23:30 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9654: What a season for breaking the Sedition Tradition! Edition
>>7547100
With moar coming…
"A top Pentagon intelligence official will soon leave the building, the fourth key defense official to announce their resignation within a week.
Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence Kari Bingen will leave in January. Her departure was first reported by Politico.
Bingen was the Defense Department's No. 2 intelligence official and has been in the role since May 2017. Prior to that, she served as the House Armed Services Committee's policy director for four years and held a number of other positions on the committee's strategic forces panel.
Her announced departure follows three others within seven days: the Dec. 12 notification that top Asia policy official Randall Schriver would leave after two years on the job; the Dec. 13 announcement that top official in charge of personnel and readiness Jimmy Stewart had resigned after a little over a year on the job; and on Tuesday Defense News reported that Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency leader Steven Walker will leave in January for a private sector job.
Those four vacancies add to a number of holes within the Pentagon, with six of the 21 deputy assistant secretary of Defense policy jobs still empty. Several other roles are filled in an acting capacity, including chief management officer, comptroller, deputy undersecretary of defense for policy and assistant defense secretary for international security affairs.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week downplayed the departures, telling reporters that there is a "rhythm" to people leaving and taking positions and said there was already a replacement for Stewart.
***"You'll probably see another couple of, some more announcements are coming up soon," Esper said on Monday while flying back to the U.S. from Belgium."
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/475114-fourth-pentagon-official-announces-resignation-within-week
#7539528 at 2019-12-17 23:37:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9644: Wheels In Motion Edition
US 'Seeks Clarification' on Turkey's Warning over NATO Air Bases
ANKARA/WASHINGTON, D.C. - US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Monday said he needed to speak with his Turkish counterpart to understand how serious Ankara about shutting down two strategic airbases.
RevContent InArticle SOLO
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Sunday that Turkey could close Incirlik and Kurecik air bases in response to threats of Washington sanctions and a US Senate resolution that recognized the Armenian Genocide, Daily Sabah reported.
"It has not been brought up to me before. The first I heard of it was reading it in the papers as you just mentioned and so I need to talk to my defense counterpart to understand what they really mean and how serious they are," Esper told reporters.
The Incirlik airbase in southern Turkey has been the main base for US operations in the Middle East and more recently the invasion of Syria, while Kurecik, in eastern Turkey, is a key NATO base housing a key radar station.
"If the Turks are serious about this, I mean, they are a sovereign nation, to begin with... they have the inherent right to house or not to house NATO bases or foreign troops," Esper said on a plane as he flew back from Belgium, where he had attended the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
"I think this becomes an alliance matter, their commitment to the alliance, if indeed they are serious about what they are saying," he added.
Esper also noted he was disappointed by the direction Ankara seems to be taking, moving away from NATO and getting closer to Russia. Last week, the US Senate unanimously passed the Armenian Genocide bill, a historic move that infuriated Turkey and dealt a blow to the already problematic ties between Ankara and Washington.
The US Congress has been united in its opposition to Turkey's recent policy actions. Republican senators have been incensed with Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system, which the US says poses a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and cannot be integrated into NATO defenses.
They have also moved to punish Turkey over its Operation "Peace Spring" in northern Syria. A US Senate committee backed legislation Wednesday to impose sanctions on Turkey, pushing President Donald Trump to take a harder line on the issue.
Some NATO diplomats worry that Turkey, a NATO member since 1952 and a crucial ally in the Middle East, has increasingly acted unilaterally. Meanwhile, Turkey has been critical of its NATO allies for failing to recognize its security concerns on the Syrian border and leaving it alone in its fight against terror threats.
https://www.fort-russ.com/2019/12/us-seeks-clarification-on-turkeys-warning-over-nato-air-bases/
#7534896 at 2019-12-17 18:00:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9638: Madcow PAGING..........Edition
Pentagon Dismisses Afghanistan Papers: Look Forward, Not Back
Experts say they don't expect any policy changes
Pentagon officials are continuing to react dismissively to questions about the Afghanistan Papers, and the revelation that the Pentagon systematically lied about the state of the war. This is leading the experts to conclude that the Pentagon does not intend to change its policies.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper echoed comments from other spokesmen, who say that they weren't entirely familiar with the stories in the media, but that instead of looking back on their misdeeds, they want to look forward into the future of the war.
Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman surprisingly attacked the primary point of the papers, that the Pentagon was misleading the public, and used that to dodge questions about whether the Pentagon would be more honest in the future. He said the reports of dishonesty were just what people "believed at the time."
In other words, he isn't promising that the Pentagon won't keep lying in the exact same manner. The only indication that things might be different is that since the papers came out,the Pentagon has been refusing to provide any details at all, which seems to be one way to prevent them from lying to the public for the time being.
Analysts say they don't believe the Pentagon sees any upside to addressing the complaints, and so they are just ignoring it, and pointing out that most people keeping track of the Afghan War knew about this dishonesty long ago.
18+ years into the Afghan War, the Pentagon has largely claimed things are going well, and that they are just about to turn the corner. The Afghanistan Papers show that officials knew this was never the case, but kept telling the public it was anyhow.
https://news.antiwar.com/2019/12/16/pentagon-dismisses-afghanistan-papers-look-forward-not-back/
#7530037 at 2019-12-17 02:25:47 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9632: All Your Server Are Belong To Us Edition
U.S. #Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Monday he needed to speak with his Turkish counterpart to understand how serious President Tayyip #Erdogan was when he said he could shut down #Incirlik air base, which hosts U.S. nuclear warheads.
https://twitter.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/1206751218158198784
The Storm is Upon Us
#7525343 at 2019-12-16 19:27:46 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9626: I HEAR YOU KNOCKIN! Let'em have it!! Edition
Today Nancy Pelosi and SecDef Mark Esper were part of a contingent attending ceremony in Brussels to observe the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7797557/Nancy-Pelosi-Defense-Secretary-Mark-Esper-Mark-75th-anniversary-Battle-Bulge.html
In pic related: U.S. Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, 2nd left, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, 3rd left, Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri, 4th left, Belgium's King Philippe, 5th left, Poland's President Andrej Duda, 6th left, European Council President Charles Michel, 4th right
Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde sat at the front of the rows of guests while German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier declared that 'the spirit of Europe is alive'.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda was also there, along with envoys from Britain, Canada and France.
Later, the convoy will cross the border to the Luxembourg Military Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Patton's final resting place.
There they will be received by Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri and Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
Anons, let us not forget Gen. Patton's immortal word: "NUTS"
#7520845 at 2019-12-16 03:01:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9620: The 2020 Edition
Navy pilots demand more be armed on bases in letter to lawmakers and military brass
Dozens of U.S. Navy pilots have written a letter demanding Capitol Hill lawmakers and top military brass allow more pilots to carry arms on bases, and allow those standing watch at flight schools across the country to be armed in the wake of the deadly shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola by a Saudi officer training there.
The letter, obtained exclusively by Fox News, is a form letter the pilots hope their colleagues will use to write lawmakers to get what they say is much-needed attention - preventing further shootings on U.S. military bases, in part by increasing deterrence.
"It is reprehensible that a military installation, much less its warfighters based there, be at the mercy of off-base, civilian law enforcement when faced with an immediate threat to their lives," the letter says. The letter was sent to Fox News by two U.S. Navy instructor pilots from NAS Pensacola, in Florida, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the press.
The letter comes after Saudi national Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, a second lieutenant at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, opened fire in a classroom on December 6, killing three and injuring several others before being shot dead by officers. In a short manifesto on Twitter, the gunman condemned the United States as a "nation of evil" and said he hated Americans for their supposed crimes against Muslims and "humanity."
The author of the pilots' letter blames a 1992 law, which "caused military bases across the United States to become 'soft targets.' On-base security is often provided by contracted civilians whose physical fitness requirements and specialized training fall far short of the standard servicemember's," according to the letter.
Some pilots say it is inexcusable that a weapons expert like one of the three shooting victims was killed while standing duty unarmed.
"ENS Joshua Kaleb Watson was a small-arms instructor and captain of the rifle team at the United States Naval Academy. Yet when charged with standing the watch, he was equipped with nothing more than a logbook and a pen," the letter says.
The pilots hope their effort "will discontinue what has become a severe irony burdening our servicemembers: that they can be entrusted to fly multimillion-dollar aircraft over hostile territory, command companies of infantrymen into battle, or captain ships around the world, all while holding the nation's top security clearances, but when back home are not trusted to carry a simple pistol in order to protect themselves, their families and their fellow servicemembers."
"Fox & Friends" asked Defense Secretary Mark Esper about base security on the sidelines of the 120th Army-Navy game in Philadelphia Saturday.
"We're looking at that right now. We can always strive to do better. But at the same time, these are communities. We've got to balance out all those interests. But yeah, we should and can do better. And we're looking at that right now. And I work closely with the service secretaries and the service chiefs to get that right," Esper said.
Long Article. Continue here: https://www.foxnews.com/us/letter-navy-pilots-lawmakers-military-brass-armed-on-bases
#7513602 at 2019-12-15 14:27:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9611: Bill of Rights Day, Operation: Peachmint Wormwood Edition
Global Announcements
>>7501280 Codemonkey working on the timestamp bugs
Bakers: Do NOT add Q's non-tripcoded posts to the dough
Notables
are not endorsements
#9610
>>7513565 Planefag reports
>>7513556 Hijack the hashtag #NotAboveTheLaw and red pill
>>7513529, >>7513537 The Members of the Congressional Delegation (Belgium/Lux)
>>7513275 possible location of Q Christmas Building (Nancy in Belgium)
>>7513122, >>7513144 Crossfire Hurricane started *after* illegal surveilance?
>>7513125 Buzzfeed hit piece on Rudy (Dec. 12)
>>7513052 VA National Guard Issues Statement Over Calls To Enforce Gun Control
>>7513024 Clinton charity confirms Qatar's $1m gift while at state dept.
>>7513014 U.S. envoy arrives in South Korea as Pyongyang ramps up pressure
>>7513010 Longest UN climate talks end with....No Deals
>>7513104, >>7513370 DoD Tweets
>>7512925 Archive update #9587 to #9609 - "It was over before it began." Edition.
>>7512923, >>7512974 OAN has filed defamation lawsuit vs. Rachel Maddow, Comcast, NBC Universal Media, and MSNBC
>>7512881 Nobody is above the law protests scheduled - Maddow as activation catalyst?
>>7512859, >>7512917 Filing ot ID 3 Discord users, Discord went down on release of the IG report
#9610
#9609
>>7512754 Planefag report
>>7512730 Pelosi leads delegration to Belgium/Luxembourg for 75th Anniv. of Battle of the Bulge
>>7512621 UN climate talks limp toward finish line, many questions unresolved
>>7512524 Dem defection reflects the pressure moderates face in Trump-majority districts
>>7512520 Wikileaks released more docs on possible misrepresentation of facts re chem attack in Syria in 4/18
>>7512515, >>7512554, >>7512651, >>7512659, >>7512685, >>7512783 When does B2 drop the first bomb? (Q #3671)
>>7512697 Interesting that FLOTUS named her Christmas decorating theme after the Spirit of America (first B-2 to fly)
>>7512722 Last time a B-2 was used in combat: Obama's last day in office?
>>7512437 Sec'y of Defense Mark Esper will be in Belgium tomorrow (Battle of the Bulge commemoration)
>>7512398 GITMO electronically updated since 2016
>>7512377, >>7512442, >>7512537, >>7512621, >>7512663 Canadian fams connected to DS (Demarais, Trudeaus)
baker from ghost bake
>>7512322 Snowden's Russian lawyer hopes for clemency from Trump
>>7512312 Current indictment count with map, the links are in the dough 3rd post down or so
>>7512275, >>7511232 pb notable solved!
>>7512130 Great research tools!
>>7512098 Barry and Honey Sherman's bodies were found posed like the sculptures in their basement
>>7512813 #9609
#9608
>>7511908 NEW PDJT Always heard Jeff is very smart!
>>7511894 D Minnesota Rep Peterson will vote against peach mint!
>>7511821 QMAS double meaning?
>>7511752 Notable resignations in Canada: Desmarais brothers to step down as CEOs from PowerCorp
>>7511738 Trump preparing to withdraw 4,000 troops from Afghanistan
>>7511735 Donald Trump Visits the Army and Navy Locker
>>7511664 NEW DJT Thank you for your honesty, Jeff. All of the Democrats know you are right, but unlike you, they don't have the "guts" to say so!
>>7511614 NEW PDJT Incredibly young, strong and brilliant people. Army/Navy!
>>7511584, >>7511602 Israel bars Gaza's Christians from visiting Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas
>>7511559 @USArmy Virtual Experience
>>7511869 LI/Q graphic
>>7511508, >>7511525 NEW PDJT I will see Navy at the WH to present the CIC Trophy!/vid
>>7511471 Nunes leaps to save Potus pic!
>>7511354 China suspends tariffs on some US goods meant to be implemented Dec 15th
>>7512140 #9608
Previously Collected Notables
>>7512148 #9607
>>7508131 #9603, >>7509182 #9604, >>7509725 #9605, >>7510621 #9606
>>7505100 #9599, >>7505883 #9600, >>7506648 #9601, >>7507375 #9602
>>7502047 #9595, >>7502812 #9596, >>7503585 #9597, >>7504351 #9598
>>7499012 #9591, >>7499765 #9592, >>7500551 #9593, >>7501279 #9594
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://jthnx5wyvjvzsxtu.onion/qresearch/notables.html
Plain text archives of all QR Notables: https://pastebin.com/2f1897vD
#7512825 at 2019-12-15 09:53:23 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9610: When Does the B2 Bomb Drop?? Edition
Global Announcements
>>7501280 Codemonkey working on the timestamp bugs
Bakers: Do NOT add Q's non-tripcoded posts to the dough
Notables
are not endorsements
#9609
>>7512754 Planefag report
>>7512730 Pelosi leads delegration to Belgium/Luxembourg for 75th Anniv. of Battle of the Bulge
>>7512621 UN climate talks limp toward finish line, many questions unresolved
>>7512524 Dem defection reflects the pressure moderates face in Trump-majority districts
>>7512520 Wikileaks released more docs on possible misrepresentation of facts re chem attack in Syria in 4/18
>>7512515, >>7512554, >>7512651, >>7512659, >>7512685, >>7512783 When does B2 drop the first bomb? (Q #3671)
>>7512697 Interesting that FLOTUS named her Christmas decorating theme after the Spirit of America (first B-2 to fly)
>>7512722 Last time a B-2 was used in combat: Obama's last day in office?
>>7512437 Sec'y of Defense Mark Esper will be in Belgium tomorrow (Battle of the Bulge commemoration)
>>7512398 GITMO electronically updated since 2016
>>7512377, >>7512442, >>7512537, >>7512621, >>7512663 Canadian fams connected to DS (Demarais, Trudeaus)
baker from ghost bake
>>7512322 Snowden's Russian lawyer hopes for clemency from Trump
>>7512312 Current indictment count with map, the links are in the dough 3rd post down or so
>>7512275, >>7511232 pb notable solved!
>>7512130 Great research tools!
>>7512098 Barry and Honey Sherman's bodies were found posed like the sculptures in their basement
>>7512813 #9609
#9608
>>7511908 NEW PDJT Always heard Jeff is very smart!
>>7511894 D Minnesota Rep Peterson will vote against peach mint!
>>7511821 QMAS double meaning?
>>7511752 Notable resignations in Canada: Desmarais brothers to step down as CEOs from PowerCorp
>>7511738 Trump preparing to withdraw 4,000 troops from Afghanistan
>>7511735 Donald Trump Visits the Army and Navy Locker
>>7511664 NEW DJT Thank you for your honesty, Jeff. All of the Democrats know you are right, but unlike you, they don't have the "guts" to say so!
>>7511614 NEW PDJT Incredibly young, strong and brilliant people. Army/Navy!
>>7511584, >>7511602 Israel bars Gaza's Christians from visiting Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas
>>7511559 @USArmy Virtual Experience
>>7511869 LI/Q graphic
>>7511508, >>7511525 NEW PDJT I will see Navy at the WH to present the CIC Trophy!/vid
>>7511471 Nunes leaps to save Potus pic!
>>7511354 China suspends tariffs on some US goods meant to be implemented Dec 15th
>>7512140 #9608
#9607
>>7511232 Did anyone take note of the dots underscoring CoC and CF?
>>7511195 Frank Terpil diggz C_A
>>7511124 Indictments to date
>>7511115 Enoch/Q spaces!
>>7510975 Lindsey Graham is inviting Rudy Giuliani to testify
>>7510827 Obamas in Vietnam
>>7510692 Iran next?
>>7510666 USTR Releases Summary "Fact Sheet" Outlining U.S-China Phase One Agreement...
>>7510614, >>7510692 Iran Next? Sara Carter tweet re: tensions in Iran/Iraq
>>7510589, >>7510616, >>7510626, >>7510731 Pelosi got a nice welcome from Q?
>>7510571 WikiLeaks releases more documents showing internal disagreement within the OPCW
>>7512148 #9607
Previously Collected Notables
>>7508131 #9603, >>7509182 #9604, >>7509725 #9605, >>7510621 #9606
>>7505100 #9599, >>7505883 #9600, >>7506648 #9601, >>7507375 #9602
>>7502047 #9595, >>7502812 #9596, >>7503585 #9597, >>7504351 #9598
>>7499012 #9591, >>7499765 #9592, >>7500551 #9593, >>7501279 #9594
>>7495897 #9587, >>7496649 #9588, >>7497469 #9589, >>7498236 #9590
Notables Thread #1, #8960-present: >>7003045
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384), https://jthnx5wyvjvzsxtu.onion/qresearch/notables.html
Plain text archives of all QR Notables: https://pastebin.com/2f1897vD
#7512813 at 2019-12-15 09:49:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9609: Busy Saving Humanity ~Q!!! Edition
#9609
>>7512754 Planefag report
>>7512730 Pelosi leads delegration to Belgium/Luxembourg for 75th Anniv. of Battle of the Bulge
>>7512621 UN climate talks limp toward finish line, many questions unresolved
>>7512524 Dem defection reflects the pressure moderates face in Trump-majority districts
>>7512520 Wikileaks released more docs on possible misrepresentation of facts re chem attack in Syria in 4/18
>>7512515, >>7512554, >>7512651, >>7512659, >>7512685, >>7512783 When does B2 drop the first bomb? (Q #3671)
>>7512697 Interesting that FLOTUS named her Christmas decorating theme after the Spirit of America (first B-2 to fly)
>>7512722 Last time a B-2 was used in combat: Obama's last day in office?
>>7512437 Sec'y of Defense Mark Esper will be in Belgium tomorrow (Battle of the Bulge commemoration)
>>7512398 GITMO electronically updated since 2016
>>7512377, >>7512442, >>7512537, >>7512621, >>7512663 Canadian fams connected to DS (Demarais, Trudeaus)
baker from ghost bake
>>7512322 Snowden's Russian lawyer hopes for clemency from Trump
>>7512312 Current indictment count with map, the links are in the dough 3rd post down or so
>>7512275, >>7511232 pb notable solved!
>>7512130 Great research tools!
>>7512098 Barry and Honey Sherman's bodies were found posed like the sculptures in their basement
#9609
#7512782 at 2019-12-15 09:37:51 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9609: Busy Saving Humanity ~Q!!! Edition
#9609
>>7512754 Planefag report
>>7512730 Pelosi leads delegration to Belgium/Luxembourg for 75th Anniv. of Battle of the Bulge
>>7512621 UN climate talks limp toward finish line, many questions unresolved
>>7512524 Dem defection reflects the pressure moderates face in Trump-majority districts
>>7512520 Wikileaks released more docs on possible misrepresentation of facts re chem attack in Syria in 4/18
>>7512515, >>7512554, >>7512651, >>7512659, >>7512685 When does B2 drop the first bomb? (Q #3671)
>>7512697 Interesting that FLOTUS named her Christmas decorating theme after the Spirit of America (first B-2 to fly)
>>7512722 Last time a B-2 was used in combat: Obama's last day in office?
>>7512437 Sec'y of Defense Mark Esper will be in Belgium tomorrow (Battle of the Bulge commemoration)
>>7512417 GITMO electronically updated since 2016
>>7512377, >>7512442, >>7512537, >>7512621, >>7512663 Canadian fams connected to DS (Demarais, Trudeaus)
baker from ghost bake
>>7512322 Snowden's Russian lawyer hopes for clemency from Trump
>>7512312 Current indictment count with map, the links are in the dough 3rd post down or so
>>7512275, >>7511232 pb notable solved!
>>7512130 Great research tools!
>>7512098 Barry and Honey Sherman's bodies were found posed like the sculptures in their basement
#9609
LAST CALL
if someone wants this in, say so–otherwise will take out:
>>7512262, >>7512698 Amazing Polly vid on possible Soros message from Taylor Swift
#7512672 at 2019-12-15 08:56:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9609: Busy Saving Humanity ~Q!!! Edition
>>7512037, >>7512375
Notes #9609 @560
>>7512621 UN climate talks limp toward finish line, many questions unresolved
>>7512524 Dem defection reflects the pressure moderates face in Trump-majority districts
>>7512520 Wikileaks released more docs on possible misrepresentation of facts re chem attack in Syria in 4/18
>>7512515, >>7512554, >>7512651, >>7512659 When does B2 drop the first bomb? (Q #3671)
>>7512437 Sec'y of Defense Mark Esper will be in Belgium tomorrow (Battle of the Bulge commemoration)
>>7512262 Amazing Polly vid on possible Soros-related message from Taylor Swift
>>7512417 GITMO electronically updated since 2016
>>7512377, >>7512442, >>7512537, >>7512621 Canadian fams connected to DS (Demarais, Trudeaus)
note collector
>>7512322 Snowden's Russian lawyer hopes for clemency from Trump
>>7512312 Current indictment count with map, the links are in the dough 3rd post down or so
>>7512275, >>7511232 pb notable solved!
>>7512130 Great research tools!
>>7512098 Barry and Honey Sherman's bodies were found posed like the sculptures in their basement
#7506809 at 2019-12-14 21:24:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9602: Q says take it the PUBLIC! !!! Edition
Greater Kurdistan? Just kidding! Esper tells Syrian Kurds US never promised them a state
The US never promised Syria's Kurds that it would help them build an autonomous state, Defense Secretary Mark Esper has insisted, despite years of hints to the contrary. So much for the birth pangs of that New Middle East...
"Nowhere, at no point in time did we tell the Kurds, we will assist you in establishing an autonomous Kurdish state in Syria, nor would we fight against the longstanding ally Turkey on your behalf," Esper told reporters on Friday.
"We live up to our obligations, and our obligation, our agreement, our understanding with the Kurds was this: that we would work together to fight in Syria to defeat ISIS," he explained, referring to the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) terrorist group. But now that ISIS has been declared dead almost as many times as its late leader Baghdadi, is it game over for the US-Kurdish partnership?
https://www.rt.com/news/475865-greater-kurdistan-hopes-dashed-Esper/
#7504996 at 2019-12-14 18:21:17 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9599: Dems are voting Republican! Edition
Pentagon Personnel Chief is Latest DoD Leader to Resign
A retired Air Force general performing the duties of the under secretary of defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Defense Department has resigned, according to the Pentagon.
Without citing a specific reason, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced in a statement Friday that James 'Jimmy' Stewart had stepped down from the position.
"Today, I accepted the resignation of Jimmy Stewart," Esper said.
Stewart, who was confirmed as the assistant secretary of defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in October 2018, "has been filling the under secretary role since then, a role that is critical to the National Defense Strategy, in support of our families and readiness," Esper said.
"I note that Jimmy came out of retirement, after having served 37 years in the Air Force, to serve his country again. It's people like Jimmy, the selfless individuals who put service before self, who are the backbone of this country. I thank Jimmy and his family for their service to the department and the nation, and wish him the best in his retirement," he added.
Related: SecDef: I Was 'Flabbergasted' to Learn About Spencer's Secret Deal with Trump
Matt Donovan, the under secretary of the Air Force who served as acting Air Force Secretary until Barbara Barrett's recent confirmation, will step into the role vacated by Stewart, Esper said.
Donovan will still maintain his current role as Air Force under secretary until Dec. 27. When he transitions to performing duties as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness for DoD, Shon Manasco, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, will take over as Air Force under secretary.
"Under Secretary Donovan's steady leadership and work improving the force's readiness, modernization, and advocacy will leave the Department of the Air Force better for generations to come," Barrett said Friday. Donovan has been the under secretary for more than two years.
"The Department of the Air Force is in good hands with Shon Manasco's leadership," Barrett added.
Stewart is just the latest in a long series of officials to resign or be removed from top Pentagon roles in the last few years. Navy Secretary Richard Spencer was asked for his resignation in November after Esper said he had broken trust by dealing unilaterally with the White House. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson resigned in May to take a position as president of the University of Texas at El Paso. On Thursday, Pentagon officials confirmed that Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver was resigning after nearly two years in the post.
The position Stewart is vacating has not been filled by a Senate-confirmed official since Robert Wilkie departed to become secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs in July 2018.
According to his Air Force biography, Stewart was a pilot with over 4,700 flight hours flying the KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster III, C-141A/B Starlifter, WC-130H weather reconnaissance aircraft and the C-130H2 Hercules during his nearly 40-year career, which spanned both active duty and the Air Force Reserve.
He retired from the Air Force as a major general in 2014.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/13/pentagon-personnel-chief-latest-dod-leader-resign.html
#7498051 at 2019-12-13 18:22:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9590: Delta Farce? Allow us to counter! Edition
Pentagon Pushes Back on Report that Military Lied About Progress in Afghanistan
The Pentagon pushed back Thursday on a Washington Post series charging that U.S. military, diplomatic and elected officials through three administrations misled the American people about progress in the Afghanistan war.
The newspaper's series was based on documented interviews that amounted to hindsight "by individuals giving retrospectives years later on what they may have believed at the time," Jonathan Hoffman, the chief Pentagon spokesman, said at a news briefing.
In addition, Hoffman said the interviews given to the office of Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) were initially intended to become public eventually.
Those who gave interviews with the understanding that they would become public did not "show any sign of being dishonest," he said.
However, the Washington Post said that more than 400 interviews in 2,000 pages of documents were only obtained after three years of Freedom of Information Act requests and legal challenges.
When pressed on whether U.S. officials had a track record of saying one thing in private and another in public through 18 years of war in Afghanistan, Hoffman said he could not speak for the previous administrations of President George W. Bush and Barack Obama, but promised honesty from the Defense Department in the current administration.
"We're going to be open and transparent with the American people," Hoffman said, although the Pentagon in the Trump administration, like the White House, has rarely held press briefings.
In late August, Mark Esper held the first news conference by a sitting defense secretary in more than a year.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/13/pentagon-pushes-back-report-military-lied-about-progress-afghanistan.html
#7493251 at 2019-12-13 01:49:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9584: The 'CURE' Will Spread WW Edition
>>7492445 lb US tests second missile banned under terminated INF treaty.
UN Chief Calls for New Arms Control Treaty in Wake of US Missile Test
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a new arms control agreement following the United States' testing of a ballistic missile previously banned by the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, said UN SpokEsperson Farhan Haq.
"The Secretary-General is aware of the reports," Haq said on Thursday. "With the ending of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, the Secretary-General emphasizes the need for all States to avoid destabilizing developments and to urgently seek agreement on a new common path for international arms control."
Earlier in the day, a public affairs officer at Vandenberg Air Force Base said that the United States had tested a land-based intermediate-range missile from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in the state of California. The Pentagon did not clarify the missile's specifications. This test was the second publicly declared test of a ground-based nuclear-capable medium-range missile since August.
Secretary of Defence Mark Esper in a statement praised the test and noted that it took less than nine months to develop the projectile from concept to launch.
In August, the INF accord was terminated at the initiative of the Trump administration, after Washington formally suspended its INF obligations six months earlier. Both countries have repeatedly accused each other of violating the deal which banned any ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (310 to 3,417 miles).
https://sputniknews.com/military/201912131077559434-un-chief-calls-for-new-arms-control-treaty-in-wake-of-us-missile-test/
#7490738 at 2019-12-12 21:09:37 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9581: Peach mints not your flavor? Think Keebler!! Edition
Just the C_A doing its own dirty work or are we being had……AGAIN
The US military evacuated about 300 family members of militants of the Daesh* terrorist group from the Al-Hawl camp in northern Syria to Iraq, Syrian state television reported on Wednesday.
"US military occupiers have taken out 300 family members of Daesh* militants of foreign origin from the Al-Hawl camp to Iraq", the broadcaster reported.
Earlier in the month, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper did not rule out sending additional troops to Syria despite having previously said that the total number of US troops on the ground would remain at around 600.
According to the UN, as of late November, about 69,000 people lived in the camp, of which 40 percent were Syrians, 45 percent were Iraqis and 15 percent were citizens of other countries.
The al-Hawl camp is controlled by the Arab-Kurdish troops of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. It has been in the international spotlight recently over the fact that it was overcrowded amid the escalation of violence in Syria.
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-govt-says-us-evacuated-over-300-family-members-of-isis-fighters-to-iraq/
#7489356 at 2019-12-12 17:47:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9579: Chill Greta Chill! Edition
Pentagon Says Full Syria Withdrawal Many Years Off
US troops can't leave any time soon
In testimony to the House Armed Services Committee, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley predicted that the US will continue to have troops inside Syria for many years, and that it is "hard to foresee anytime soon" when the US might leave.
The two told the committee that this presence continued to be about the ISIS threat, and that it would be a long time before regional forces in Syria could fight on their own. It's not clear what regional forces are even being referred to, as the US troops are centered in a very small area at this point.
Moreover, the US presence in Syria has not been presented by the administration as being about ISIS for months, with President Trump insisting ISIS was long defeated. Pentagon officials have continued to cite ISIS because the administration's alternative is a tough pill to swallow.
President Trump now insists that the US war in Syria is exclusively about oil, and the only reason US troops are in Syria is to take Syrian oil with the help of US oil companies to be named later. President Trump has repeatedly reiterated this stance, despite military officials trying to make the war about something else.
As a practical matter, either military goal, or any combination of the two, is going to be similarly an open-ended military adventure, as there is no sign of ISIS being any more defeated, nor of a single drop of oil coming out of US-occupied Syria, any time soon.
Defense Secretary Esper said ideology would make it difficult to defeat ISIS fully. Gen. Milley predicted the reemergence of ISIS if the US left Syria, even though there is no sign the US is doing anything to fight them, or indeed doing anything at all apart from waiting for a hypothetical situation where oil starts being produced.
https://news.antiwar.com/2019/12/11/pentagon-says-full-syria-withdrawal-many-years-off/
#7477268 at 2019-12-11 01:53:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9563: PA RALLY BREAD - WE ARE WITH YOU Edition
Federal judge blocks billions in Pentagon funding from paying for border wall
A federal judge has blocked President Trump from diverting Pentagon funds from various military projects toward building a wall on the United States's southern border. Judge David Briones of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas issued the block in response to a lawsuit by El Paso County, Texas, and the Border Network for Human Rights.
"The President's emergency proclamation was a blatant attempt to grab power from Congress. Today's order affirms that the President is not a king and that our courts are willing to check him when he oversteps his bounds," Kristy Parker, an attorney for the litigants, said in a statement. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper approved $3.6 billion in Pentagon funds to be diverted from other military projects toward construction of the border wall in September. Half the money allotted came from overseas projects and the other half from projects in the U.S. El Paso County and the Border Network of Human Rights sued the Trump administration, saying the emergency order issued by Trump to access the funds violated the National Emergencies Act. Congress has allotted Trump $1.375 billion to build part of the border wall.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/federal-judge-blocks-billions-in-pentagon-funding-from-paying-for-border-wall
#7466232 at 2019-12-09 20:52:19 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9549:Corney's Day is Coming!!! Edition
The Department of Justice Inspector General's 434 page report is still being reviewed by congressional representatives less than two hours after its publication but speculation is rising as to what will be the next steps the Department of Justice will take to ensure it doesn't happen again.
While Inspector General Michael Horowitz listed significant malfeasance within the FBI's 'Crossfire Hurricane' investigation into Trump's campaign, his investigation was limited. It appears the answer to what may happen next lies with DOJ appointed Connecticut Attorney John Durham.
In a rare public statement Durham, who was appointed by Attorney General William Barr to investigate the origin of the FBI's investigation, stated frankly that he had spoke to Durham about issues pertaining to his report and apparent evidence Durham's team has collected regarding the origination of the bureau's probe.
"I have the utmost respect for the mission of the Office of Inspector General and the comprehensive work that went into the report prepared by Mr. Horowitz and his staff," stated Durham. "However, our investigation is not limited to developing information from within component parts of the Justice Department. Our investigation has included developing information from other persons and entities, both in the U.S. and outside of the U.S. Based on the evidence collected to date, and while our investigation is ongoing, last month we advised the Inspector General that we do not agree with some of the report's conclusions as to predication and how the FBI case was opened."
Last month, Durham changed his investigation into the origin of the FBI probe into Trump from an administrative review to a criminal probe. The decision came after reports surfaced that Durham had traveled to Italy where he, along with Barr, met with top officials in Italian intelligence.
Durham has also interviewed sources in London, England and Australia, according to reports.
The information gleaned from Durham's investigation is thus far unknown but based on his travels and interviews with foreign intelligence officials it is believed that he is investigating the roles of confidential human informants and how these foreign intelligence agencies may have provided a work around for the FBI to spy on members of the Trump campaign, according to sources.
Last month, SaraACarter.com reported that Durham had expanded his probe to the Pentagon's office of Net Assessment, which contracted FBI informant Stephan Halper to reports. It is believed that the Pentagon's office was used as a
Multiple sources confirmed to this news site that Durham spoke extensively with sources working in the Office of Net Assessment, as well as outside contractors, that were paid through Pentagon office.
Department of Justice officials declined to comment on Durham's probe.
In 2016, Halper was an integral part of the FBI's investigation into short-term Trump campaign volunteer, Carter Page and George Papadopolous. Halper first made contact with Page at his seminar in July 2016. Page, who was already on the FBI's radar, was accused at the time of being sympathetic to Russia. Halper stayed in contact with Page until September 2017.
During that time, the FBI sought and obtained a warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to spy on Page and used Halper to collect information on him, according to sources.
It is further alleged that Halper may have secretly recorded his conversations with Page and Papadopolous. Some congressional officials believe that if recordings exist they were kept from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and would be exculpatory evidence that would've exonerated Page from the FISA warrant and allegations that Papadopolous was attempting to seek any help from the Russians with regard to Hillary Clinton's emails.
Moreover, this news site also learned that the Pentagon sent Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley's committee the information it requested in July, regarding Halper's contracts and the Office of Net Assessment. Grassley sent the request in a letter to Department of Defense Acting Secretary Mark Esper, after a Pentagon Inspector General investigation discovered that the office failed to conduct appropriate oversight of the contracts. Grassley urged Esper for the information.
"The committee is currently reviewing information received recently from the Pentagon, in response to Grassley's request," said Taylor Foy, a spokesman for the committee. Foy confirmed Grassley is continuing to investigate the matter.
https://saraacarter.com/durham-advised-ig-we-do-not-agree-with-some-of-the-reports-conclusions/
1/2
#7459524 at 2019-12-09 01:19:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9540: Baker Assisting Baker Edition
Defense Secretary Mark Esper: 'We've Been Very Aggressive with Regard to Russia'
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday that the Trump administration has been "very aggressive" with Russia, contrary to critics' assertion.
"I think we've been very aggressive with regard to Russia. I've called them out time after time in any number of fora just as I did today with regard to their bad behavior, you know their invasion of Georgia, their seizure of Crimea, their actions in Ukraine, we support our friends and allies," he said at the Reagan Defense Forum.
When asked whether that was different from the previous administration, Esper responded, "I think we've upped our game."
Esper cited the provision of lethal aid to Ukraine to fight against Russia, and getting NATO allies to increase their defense spending.
"By 2024, the increased annual spending by our NATO allies will be nearly $400 billion dollars. That's all going into capabilities," he said.
He said NATO has developed the "NATO Readiness Initiative," which calls for 30 battalions, 30 squadrons, and 30 capital ships to be ready within 30 days.
"That's a big change for NATO. We now have NATO focused on China, something that hasn't happened in many years. So we had a very successful NATO meeting, but a NATO that's also reinvigorated by what Russia's doing," he said.
The U.S. competes with Russia "all over," including in Syria.
"I think we're pushing back very strongly against Russian bad behavior," he said.
He said the U.S. is considering another tranche of aid to Ukraine soon.
"We have another tranche coming up, I think it's around $250 million," he said.
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/08/defense-secretary-very-aggressive-regard-russia/
#7456064 at 2019-12-08 17:28:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9536: There Is No Step Five Edition
Manhunt underway for Saudi nationals connected to gunman, mass shooting watch party held days before tragedy
The facts are still coming out
The Saudi national who opened fire at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, on Friday, killing three and wounding eight others, hosted a dinner party prior to his attack, where he watched videos of mass shootings with his party guests.
Ditch the fake news ==> Click here to get news you can trust sent right to your inbox. It's free!
Officials who spoke to the Associated Press also revealed that authorities have, as of Saturday evening, detained 10 Saudi nations on the naval base for questioning while several others remain "unaccounted for."
The Associated Press reported:
The official who spoke Saturday said one of the three students who attended the dinner party hosted by the attacker recorded video outside the classroom building while the shooting was taking place. Two other Saudi students watched from a car, the official said.
Ten Saudi students were being held on the base Saturday while several others were unaccounted for, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity after being briefed by federal authorities.
As TheBlaze previously reported, only six Saudi nationals were being held as of Friday night. Officials have not said if the individuals are connected to Friday's tragedy.
Sources who spoke to CNN and the AP both said that officials are investigating whether the incident is terrorism-related.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday, "No, I can't say it's terrorism at this time. I think we need to let the investigators of the FBI do its work and tell us, get us the facts and we'll work out from there."
President Donald Trump said Saturday that Saudi King Salman is "devastated" by what happened and "will be involved in taking care of families and loved ones" of the victims.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/saudi-gunman-held-mass-shooting-watch-party-before-attack-fbi-detains-more-saudi-nationals
#7451326 at 2019-12-08 01:59:47 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9529: A Media Object Server Just Flew Over My House! Edition
Pentagon chief plans to shift U.S. focus to China and Russia
- Mark Esper - Speech
(japantoday.com - Dec 7, 2019)
SIMI VALLEY, Calif
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday he still plans to shift the American military's focus to competing with China and Russia, even as security threats pile up in the Middle East.
On Friday, Esper said he realizes that it will be difficult to move resources out of the Middle East to increase the focus on China and Russia.
He said he has been studying the force and resource requirements for every area of the globe to determine how to rebalance those resources.
"My ambition is and remains to look at how do we pull resources - resources being troops and equipment and you name it" - from some regions and either return them to the United States or shift them to the Asia-Pacific region, he said Friday.
https://japantoday.com/category/world/pentagon-chief-plans-to-shift-us-focus-to-china-and-russia?comment-order=popular
#7448869 at 2019-12-07 21:27:40 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9526: ALL HANDS ON DECK! Edition
US Doesn't Rule Out Sending Additional Troops to Syria - Esper
US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper commented on a variety of issues on Saturday while delivering reMarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum. The forum is an annual event that takes place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
"I think we have enough troops in Syria and if we don't we would deploy additional troops - that's one of the things I keep in close contact about with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff", Esper said.
Esper said earlier in the week that US troops in northeastern Syria had finished maneuvers and asserted that the total number of troops on the ground would remain at around 600.
"The coalition is talking a lot again. We could see some allies want to volunteer troops […] If an allied country, a NATO country, decided to give us 50 people, I might be able to turn off 50 people", Esper said in an interview on Tuesday during a flight back from the NATO summit in London.
The movement of US forces has been the cause of much uncertainty in Syria following US President Donald Trump's abrupt announcement of a withdrawal of troops in early October.
The pullout was never completed, however, and US troops eventually set up camp in close proximity to Syrian oil fields controlled by Pentagon-allied Kurds.
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201912071077512874-us-doesnt-rule-out-sending-additional-troops-to-syria—Esper/
#7447621 at 2019-12-07 18:33:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9525: ALL HANDS ON DECK! Edition
Navy, Pentagon to Review Base Security Following 3 Deadly Incidents in a Week
The Navy pledged Friday to find ways to upgrade security procedures and prevent future attacks following two shootings and a fatal gate runner incident at naval bases in Virginia, Hawaii and Florida in the last week.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper also announced he is "considering several steps to ensure the security of our military installations and the safety of our service members and their families," although he did not give details.
Investigations are underway by the Defense Department, FBI and State Department, as well as local and state officials in Florida, into the shootings at Naval Air Station Pensacola early Friday, allegedly committed by a Saudi national pilot in training, officials said.
"These acts are crimes against all of us," Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said of the incidents, which began Nov. 30 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia when Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Oscar Temores, 23, was killed when his patrol car was struck by a gate runner.
Related: 3 Dead, 7 Injured After Shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola; Shooter Killed
On Wednesday, a sailor identified as 22-year-old Gabriel Romero allegedly shot to death two civilian workers at the shipyard at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam before taking his own life.
In a statement, Modly said it is the "solemn duty" of the service to carry out a review to determine the causes of the three incidents and "work together to prevent them."
The incident at Pensacola was possibly the most concerning from a security perspective as it involved a Saudi national in the kingdom's Air Force who was training with other foreign nationals at the base in Florida's Panhandle.
"There's obviously going to be a lot of questions about this individual being a foreign national, being a part of the Saudi Air Force and then to be here training on our soil," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a base news conference.
"Obviously, the government of Saudi Arabia needs to make things better for these victims," he added.
At the White House, President Donald Trump said that Saudi King Salman Abdulaziz al-Saud had called to express his condolences and give assurances that the shooter did not represent the Saudi people.
"The King said that the Saudi people are greatly angered by the barbaric actions of the shooter, and that this person in no way shape or form represents the feelings of the Saudi people who love the American people," Trump said in a tweet.
At the Pensacola news conference, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said his office got the call at about 6:50 a.m. to respond to shootings in a classroom on the base. Three people were killed and eight more wounded or injured, including two sheriff's deputies, before the shooter was killed by a deputy, officials said.
Morgan said the shooter used a handgun, and a main focus of the investigations will be how the foreign national obtained the weapon and managed to get it on base.
Capt. Timothy Kinsella, the base commander, said personal weapons are not allowed on the base. "You can't bring a weapon on base unless you're part of the security forces," he said.
Since World War II, Pensacola has served as a flight training base for service members from allies and partner nations. The Navy could not immediately give a breakdown for how many foreign nationals are currently training at the base.
Local officials and the Navy would not immediately describe the Pensacola shootings as a terrorist act, but Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican, said it may have been.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, was more definitive.
"We can safely call this an act of terrorism, not an act of workplace violence," Gaetz told local TV station WEAR.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/07/navy-pentagon-review-base-security-following-3-deadly-incidents-week.html
#7433194 at 2019-12-05 18:14:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9506: The 6 Can Be Very Dangerous Edition
Lawmakers Want Answers on Report US May Send 14,000 More Troops to Middle East
Lawmakers called on Defense Secretary Mark Esper to clarify whether the Pentagon is considering sending as many as 14,000 U.S. troops to counter Iranian threats in the Middle East.
A Wall Street Journal report, published Wednesday, said the Defense Department is weighing an increase in force posture, but Pentagon spokeswoman Alyssa Farah tweeted that the article was inaccurate.
"To be clear, the reporting is wrong," Farah said Wednesday. "The U.S. is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East."
But lawmakers want to be sure.
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Thursday, Republican Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Josh Hawley of Missouri repeatedly grilled Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John Rood about the news report.
"Are you considering sending more troops to the Middle East?" Blackburn asked.
"We're concerned about the threats that we're seeing," Rood said, adding that Pentagon officials plan to brief lawmakers next week in a closed-door session about Iran's activities in the region.
When again pressed by Blackburn on whether the Pentagon is considering sending additional troops, Rood responded: "Yes."
"Is 14,000 the correct number or is there a lesser number?" she asked.
"[Esper] has not made any decisions," Rood said. "[He] continues to evaluate with the advice of others what the appropriate number of forces to be deployed to the Middle East is. ... Based on what we're seeing with … the threat picture, it is possible we would need to adjust our force posture."
However, Hawley was dissatisfied with the answer, asking for a yes or no response.
Rood reiterated that the Pentagon has not made a decision and frequently reassesses troop numbers. But Hawley defended The Wall Street Journal report, saying it is clear the Pentagon is indeed considering the action.
"What you're telling me now is that [Farah] misspoke," Hawley said. "I think at this point it would be helpful to hear from [Esper] on this issue, and I'd like to hear from him today on this issue."
He added, "Some clarification is in order, and I'd like to have it in public, because now the Pentagon has made multiple, public contradictory statements."
The point of contention lies with how many troops are needed to deter Iran's antagonistic actions in the Middle East at a time when DoD officials have made clear that the Pentagon's focus should turn to aggressors such as Russia in China, as part of the National Defense Strategy (NDS).
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/05/lawmakers-want-answers-report-us-may-send-14000-more-troops-middle-east.html
#7422165 at 2019-12-04 01:45:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9492: CodeMonkey and @LimTheNick FTW Edition
There is fresh intelligence of a potential Iranian threat against US forces and interests in the Middle East, according to several US defense and administration officials
https://twitter.com/CNN/status/1202039101140193280
(CNN)There is fresh intelligence of a potential Iranian threat against US forces and interests in the Middle East, according to several US defense and administration officials.
"There has been consistent intelligence in the last several weeks," one administration official told CNN.
A second official described it as information that has been gathered throughout November. The information is being gathered by military and intelligence agencies.
The officials would not say in what format the intelligence exists. But in the last several weeks there has been movement of Iranian forces and weapons that the US worries could be put in place for a potential attack, if one is ordered by the Iranian regime, the officials said. It's not clear if a potential threat would come from the central government or Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The head of US military operations in the Middle East recently signaled the US expects some kind of Iranian action in response to the US sanctions and pressure campaign that is trying to get the regime to abandon its nuclear program.
"I would expect that if we look at the past three or four months, it's possible they will do something that is irresponsible. It's possible that they'll lash out at their neighbors," Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Central Command, told an audience in Bahrain at the time. "It is not going to be productive for them in the long term to choose to act out in the military domain. That's the message that we're trying to convey."
The Pentagon did allow the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to enter the Persian Gulf and conduct a port visit in Bahrain during the Thanksgiving holiday. But officials said specific precautions were taken, given the threat, although they would not say what those precautions were.
The carrier is now expected to stay in the region until the next carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman, moves closer, from its current position in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Officials were adamant the intelligence has been gathered solely as part of the continuous monitoring by the US and has nothing to do with President Donald Trump's political concerns over the impeachment inquiry. The intelligence has moved through professional military and intelligence channels, and it is not clear whether Trump has yet been briefed on it in detail.
There is also not a full US understanding of to what extent the current unrest in Iran may be playing a role in the regime's decision making.
The US has said the Iranians conducted several provocations against commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf earlier this year and was also responsible for a massive drone attack on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure. That led to the deployment of fighter jets and anti-missile systems to Saudi Arabia. The two countries are still discussing the exact monetary amount Saudi Arabia will reimburse the US for that deployment of protective forces.
While not commenting on the current intelligence, Cmdr. Rebecca Rebarich, a Pentagon spokeswoman, told CNN, "We continue to closely monitor the activities of the regime in Iran, its military and its proxies, and we are well postured to defend US forces and interests as needed."
Several weeks ago, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters the administration was pleased to see a "downtick" in overt Iranian actions in the region and that the administration wanted to send a signal "that the path forward is through diplomacy," but the military is "prepared to act as need be."
https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/03/politics/iran-threat-us-sources/index.html?utm_source=twCNN&utm_content=2019-12-04T01%3A37%3A08&utm_term=link&utm_medium=social
#7419918 at 2019-12-03 19:03:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9489: Don't Panic! Refresh! Good wins in the end! Justice! Edition
SecDef: US Drawdown in Afghanistan 'Not Necessarily' Tied to Taliban Deal
Troop cuts may happen with or without deal
In comments on Monday, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper tried to clarify the US position on withdrawal of forces, as addressed by President Trump. He suggested the drawdown might or might not be related to any deal with the Taliban.
President Trump had mentioned the drawdown, but his comments focused on resuming the peace talks with the Taliban. Though it would make sense that these would be related, since the peace deal is built around a full withdrawal of US forces, the intention seems to be to do a drawdown whether or not the talks go anywhere.
Since President Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the peace deal with the Taliban before, it seems the administration doesn't want to link the drawdown, seen as politically important for the 2020 vote, and the talks, because it would make Trump less able to walk away from the talks again in the future.
In disconnecting troop levels from the peace process, the US is risking reducing its relevancy, however, making a solid year of peace talks with the Taliban little more than perfunctory, something just giving the US the ability to say the talks are taking place but not in any way impacting the war.
https://news.antiwar.com/2019/12/02/secdef-us-drawdown-in-afghanistan-not-necessarily-tied-to-taliban-deal/
#7414053 at 2019-12-02 22:21:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9481: Moar Q Posting! They fear us! Edition
Esper: US Troop Reduction in Afghanistan 'Not Necessarily' Dependent on Taliban Agreement
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper told Reuters Monday that cutbacks in US troop numbers in Afghanistan are "not necessarily" contingent on a peace deal with the Taliban.
"I feel confident that we could reduce our numbers in Afghanistan and still ensure that place doesn't become a safe haven for terrorists who could attack the United States," Esper told Reuters on Monday. "And our allies agree we can make reductions as well."
His comments follow a visit by US President Donald Trump to Afghanistan last week in which Trump told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani the US plans on reducing its troops deployed in the country from 14,000 to 8,000.
While Trump didn't explicitly tie the withdrawal to a peace deal with the Taliban militant group, he did indicate that such an agreement might still be in the works, despite his cancelling a meeting to consecrate a ceasefire in September.
"The Taliban wants to make a deal", Trump said at Bagram Air Force Base on Thursday. "And we are meeting with them and we say it has to be a ceasefire and they didn't want to do a ceasefire and now they want to do a ceasefire, I believe. It will probably work out that way."
Trump also recently expressed hope that a prisoner exchange earlier this month would be the first step toward a new peace deal.
The US also recently withdrew most of its forces from Syria, although roughly 500 US troops have remained in that country's east, where they are securing oil wells and continuing operations against Daesh in conjunction with Kurdish militias.
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201912031077467046-Esper-us-troop-reduction-in-afghanistan-not-necessarily-dependent-on-taliban-agreement/
#7389939 at 2019-11-28 19:25:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9451: Smokin Turkeys, Shills, and Dank Memes Edition
Navy Cancels Trident Review Boards for 3 SEAL Officers Tied to Gallagher Case
The acting secretary of the Navy has called off review boards that would have determined whether three SEAL officers who supervised Special Operations Chief Eddie Gallagher should retain their tridents.
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly announced on Wednesday that he directed Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday to terminate review boards for Lt. Cmdr. Robert Breisch and Lts. Jacob Portier and Thomas MacNeil.
The three SEAL officers served as Gallagher's leaders. Gallagher, who is set to retire this weekend, was acquitted of murder in a July court-martial, but found guilty of posing for a photo with a casualty.
In a lengthy statement about his decision, Modly attributed the move to the "unique circumstances" of the cases, adding that he wanted to prevent further distractions and negative attention to the Naval Special Warfare community.
"I have determined that any failures in conduct, performance, judgment, or professionalism exhibited by these officers be addressed through other administrative measures as appropriate, such as letters of instruction or performance observations on their officer fitness reports," Modly said.
He became the acting civilian head of the Navy on Sunday after SecNav Richard V. Spencer was ousted from the job, in part over how he handled Gallagher's case.
Breisch commanded Gallagher and Portier during their 2017 Iraq deployment. MacNeil was one of the most junior officers in Gallagher's platoon. He was one of the SEALs who reported Gallagher for murder and testified at his trial, where it was revealed that MacNeil violated regulations by drinking in Iraq, The New York Times reported.
Modly said the SEAL community is a unique fighting force that has been at war for nearly 20 years. They have dangerous and important work to do, he said.
He went onto defend his decision to cancel the boards, saying it should not be interpreted as diminishing the ethos U.S. troops are expected to uphold.
"Navy uniformed leaders have my full confidence that they will continue to address challenging cultural issues within the Naval Special Warfare community, instill good order and discipline, and enforce the very highest professional standards we expect from every member of that community," he said. "These are standards that scores of brave Sailors have given their lives to establish and preserve."
Gallagher was set to face the same type of review board on Dec. 2. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said this week that President Donald Trump ordered him to cancel that review board.
Tim Parlatore, Gallagher's lawyer, said earlier this week that he was concerned the Navy was sending at least some of the officers before review boards because they testified on Gallagher's behalf. If the Navy was then moving to take their tridents away, Parlatore called it witness retaliation.
Modly said it is the Navy's obligation to honor the nation's values "in everything we do in peace, in crisis, but most especially in war."
"We can, we must, and we will get this right," he said.
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/11/27/navy-cancels-trident-review-boards-3-seal-officers-tied-gallagher-case.html
#7370697 at 2019-11-25 18:16:19 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9426: It's so good to be home -- Emergency Bake Edition
SecDef: I Was 'Flabbergasted' to Learn about Spencer's Secret Deal with Trump
A day after Defense Secretary Mark Esper asked the Navy's top civilian leader to resign, he spoke publicly about the decision, saying Richard V. Spencer had broken crucial rules of trust and indicating he had been publicly dishonest on multiple occasions about his plans and intentions.
Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon Monday morning, Esper said Spencer's termination as Navy secretary was not ultimately about the handling of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, who was publicly championed by President Donald Trump, but faced a review board and the loss of his prized trident pin after being found guilty of taking an inappropriate photo with a corpse in a war zone earlier this year.
Rather, Esper said, it was about Spencer's honesty regarding the matter.
"A senior White House official took [Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and me] aside and said, 'Oh, by the way, did you know that …' and then told me what had happened, that this proposal had been brought be Secretary Spencer, and we had no knowledge whatsoever," Esper said. "We were flabbergasted by it, and quite surprised and caught completely off guard."
According to Esper, Spencer had approached Trump with a deal regarding Gallagher: the SEAL would be guaranteed to keep his trident if the president allowed the Navy to proceed with a review board on the matter in a nod to proper procedures and protocol.
"This proposal was completely contrary to what we agreed to, and contrary to Secretary Spencer's public position," Esper said.
When approached, Esper said Spencer had been "forthright" and acknowledged his proposal.
Spencer, who has yet to speak publicly about the matter, maintained in a letter about his termination that his departure was based on a principled stand.
"Unfortunately it has become apparent that … I no longer share the same understanding with the Commander in Chief who appointed me, in regards to the key principle of good order and discipline," he wrote in the letter. "I cannot in good conscience obey an order that I believe violated the sacred oath I took in the presence of my family, my flag and my faith to support and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Spencer also dissembled in other ways, Esper indicated. While the SecNav publicly and vocally denied that he had threatened to resign over Trump's intervention in Gallagher's case, Esper said he had the opposite understanding.
"Secretary Spencer said to me that he was … likely, probably, going to resign if he was forced to [allow Gallagher to] retain the trident," Esper said. "So he had conveyed to me, I had every reason to believe that he was going to resign, that it was a threat to resign. So that was not true."
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/11/25/secdef-i-was-flabbergasted-learn-about-spencers-secret-deal-trump.html
#7370235 at 2019-11-25 17:28:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9426: It's so good to be home -- Emergency Bake Edition
Eddie Gallagher Praises Trump as a 'True Leader' After Pentagon Fires Navy Secretary
Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher praised President Donald Trump after the Pentagon announced Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer was leaving his post under pressure from Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.
Esper accused Spencer of trying to make a deal with the White House that would let Gallagher retire with his SEAL Trident. The ouster was preceded by the Navy announcing publicly that it might take Gallagher's trident, prompting Trump to issue a statement on Twitter saying the trident would not be taken.
After Spencer's resignation was announced, Trump wrote on Twitter: "Eddie will retire peacefully with all of the honors that he has earned, including his Trident Pin."
Gallagher said in a statement following the ouster that Trump is a "true leader."
https://www.theepochtimes.com/eddie-gallagher-praises-trump-as-a-true-leader-after-pentagon-fires-navy-secretary_3156352.html
#7367027 at 2019-11-25 01:08:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9422: That's Lt. Colonel Whistleblower Edition
Trump taps Ambassador to Norway Kenneth Braithwaite to replace ousted Navy chief
President Trump announced Sunday that Kenneth Braithwaite, the current ambassador to Norway, would replace Richard Spencer as the secretary of the Navy shortly after Spencer's ouster earlier in the day.
Trump's announcement came hours after Spencer was fired by Defense Secretary Mark Esper, with Esper claiming that Spencer had met behind his back with White House officials and offered to allow a SEAL convicted of a war crime to retire at his current rank.
"I was not pleased with the way that Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's trial was handled by the Navy. He was treated very badly but, despite this, was completely exonerated on all major charges. I then restored Eddie's rank," Trump tweeted Sunday evening, referring to Gallagher's trial and acquittal on murder charges.
"Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer's services have been terminated by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. I thank Richard for his service & commitment. Eddie will retire peacefully with all of the honors that he has earned, including his Trident Pin," Trump continued.
"Admiral and now Ambassador to Norway Ken Braithwaite will be nominated by me to be the new Secretary of the Navy. A man of great achievement and success, I know Ken will do an outstanding job!" he said.
A spokesman for the Pentagon said Spencer's firing was due to the Defense secretary's lack of confidence in the Navy chief following secret dealings with White House officials.
Spencer, Esper's spokesman said, had made overtures to White House officials urging them to accept that Gallagher would retire at his current rank if the president agreed to not intervene in his case.
In his own letter, Spencer seemed to suggest that his ouster hinged instead on an order from the president apparently related to the Gallagher case that Spencer could not follow due to moral reservations.
"I cannot in good conscience obey an order that I believe violates the sacred oath I took in the presence of my family, my flag, and my faith," Spencer wrote.
The president, meanwhile, pointed to insufficient cost-cutting efforts carried out by the Navy and general dissatisfaction with how Gallagher's case was handled.
"Likewise, large cost overruns from past administration's contracting procedures were not addressed to my satisfaction. Therefore, Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer's services have been terminated by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper," the president tweeted.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/471855-trump-taps-ambassador-to-norway-ken-braithwaite-to-replace-ousted-navy-chief
#7311665 at 2019-08-02 18:12:36 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9355: Time for high-speed ride along! Edition
>>7311405 Defense Secretary Mark Esper says U.S. will develop missiles previously banned by INF Treaty
^^ NOTABLE ^^
screen grab of twat plus source info
#7311405 at 2019-08-02 17:54:12 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9355: Time for high-speed ride along! Edition
Lucas Tomlinson
Verified account @LucasFoxNews
Defense Secretary Mark Esper says U.S. will develop missiles previously banned by INF Treaty: "[Pentagon] will fully pursue the development of these ground-launched conventional missiles as a prudent response to Russia's actions," statement says
1:51 PM - 2 Aug 2019
https://twitter.com/LucasFoxNews/status/1157348141328424961
#7300567 at 2019-08-01 23:20:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9341: Rally Bread Edition
Grassley says Pentagon failed to meet demand for info on contracts with FBI informant Stefan Halper
The Defense Department missed a top Republican lawmaker's deadline to provide information about an FBI informant who was a source for the bureau's Trump-Russia investigation during the 2016 election cycle. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley wrote to then-acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this month seeking details about contracts the Defense Department's Office of Net Assessment had with Stefan Halper, a former Republican operative and White House aide who became a foreign policy academic with close ties to both American and British intelligence.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Halper had discussions with at least three Trump campaign members: foreign policy aides George Papadopoulos and Carter Page as well as Trump campaign co-chairman Sam Clovis. The New York Times reported in April that the Justice Department inspector general was looking into his actions to see if he exceeded the scope of his assignment. Grassley's letter, which cited concerns about whether the defense contracts "were used to support potential partisan political or other improper or wasteful activities," set a July 25 deadline. And while the Defense Department responded to the Iowa Republican's demand, Grassley's office said the department's response was inadequate. "Senator Grassley received a response from DoD regarding his request for more information on the steps DoD has taken to address contract oversight and management failures that the DoD IG identified during a review of Stefan Halper's contracts. DoD's response failed to address the questions detailed in his original letter. Senator Grassley has reiterated to DoD that they must address all of his questions in writing and provide the requested documentation," Grassley said in a statement shared with the Washington Examiner on Tuesday. A Defense Department representative confirmed receipt of Grassley's request and told the Washington Examiner, "As with all congressional correspondence, we will respond directly to the request."
Grassley's letter was a follow-up to a Defense Department inspector general audit, which he requested, of $1.05 million worth of contracts with Halper between 2012 and 2018 to complete studies related to Chinese military strategy, China's economy, and "the prospect of Russian-Chinese collaboration against the United States." Noting how the audit said ONA was unable to provide "sufficient" documentation on Halper's work and travel expenses, which the watchdog found was commonplace for similar contracts, Grassley wrote the audit "revealed significant flaws in ONA's contract management and oversight process that clearly indicate ONA's internal controls over taxpayer-funded work are weak or non-existent." Grassley demanded the Defense Department explain steps taken to address the inspector general's recommendations and ONA to provide a briefing to his committee's staff on the Halper contracts.
Grassley's request for an audit followed a Washington Times report in the fall of 2018 about a Pentagon strategist who was stripped of his security clearance after he complained to superiors about dubious contracts given to Halper. The report said the ONA strategist, Adam Lovinger, was a supporter of President Trump, and in an ethics complaint, his attorney said Lovinger warned his superiors about "sweetheart" deals for Halper and for a "best friend" of Chelsea Clinton, who is the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Halper was the director of American studies in the department of politics and international studies at Cambridge University, where he worked for years alongside Sir Richard Dearlove, who had spent decades with MI6 including as its director from 1999 to 2004.
Christopher Steele, who was hired by the Clinton campaign-funded opposition research firm Fusion GPS and was the author of the Trump dossier used in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications to target Carter Page, was in MI6 from 1987 until 2009. Dearlove has described Steele as the "go-to person on Russia in the commercial sector" and said his reputation is "superb." Inspector General Horowitz is investigating allegations of FISA abuse and is expected to release his report after Labor Day.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/grassley-says-pentagon-failed-to-meet-demand-for-info-on-contracts-with-fbi-informant-stefan-halper
The Cambridge Security Initiative
https://thecsi.org.uk/
#7295203 at 2019-08-01 17:46:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9334: The HOT Edition
Washington (CNN)The top US Navy SEAL recently sent a blistering letter to the force, writing in boldface type, "We have a problem," following several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by the US Navy's elite service members, CNN has learned.
Rear Adm. Collin Green has given commanders until August 7 to detail the problems they see and provide recommendations on how they will ensure troops are engaging in ethical and professional behavior.
The letter – dated July 25 and exclusively obtained by CNN – comes in the wake of several high profile incidents of alleged misbehavior by SEALs.
"I don't know yet if we have a culture problem, I do know that we have a good order and discipline problem that must be addressed immediately," Green said.
Although Green, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, does not mention specific incidents, the letter comes on the heels of an entire SEAL team being sent home from Iraq following allegations of sexual assault and drinking alcohol during their down time – which is against regulations. Another case involved an internal Navy investigation that found members of SEAL Team 10 allegedly abused cocaine and other illicit substances while they were stationed in Virginia last year. The members were subsequently disciplined.
Green said in the letter that "some of our subordinate formations have failed to maintain good order and discipline and as a result and for good reason," the culture of the Navy's special operations forces "is being questioned."
Concerns raised at highest levels of the Pentagon
The incidents are rising to the highest levels of the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier this week spoke to the head of all special operations forces, Gen. Richard Clarke, about recent ethics violations in the military and how they are being addressed. "They discussed some of the recent cases that have emerged in the special operations community. They share the concerns," Jonathan Hoffman, Esper's spokesman told CNN.
Clarke is expected to also send his own memo to the force on ethics and call for a renewed focus on ensuring all special operations forces behave appropriately. CNN has spoken to several military officials who say they don't believe there has necessarily been an increase in incidents of bad behavior, but they have to ensure none of the incidents are tolerated even if they don't rise to the level of full criminal investigations.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/01/politics/navy-seals-collin-green-service-members-misbehavior/index.html
#7284930 at 2019-08-01 01:02:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9321: They’re Desperate For Trump! Edition
U.S. Senate confirms Kelly Craft as ambassador to the United Nations
Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, was confirmed despite opposition from Democrats who criticized President Donald Trump's nominee as too inexperienced for the post.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the United Nations, despite opposition from Democrats who criticized President Donald Trump's nominee as too inexperienced for the post.
The Senate backed Craft by a vote of 56 to 34, largely along party lines, moving to end seven months without a permanent U.S. envoy to the world body.
U.N. ambassador is one of several high-level positions in the Trump administration held for months by temporary appointees as the White House struggles to deal with a chronic, high turnover of top administration officials.
The Senate last week confirmed Army Secretary Mark Esper, a former lobbyist, as secretary of defense, ending a record seven-month period in which the Pentagon lacked a permanent top official.
This week, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats announced his resignation.
Trump nominated Craft, 57, for the U.N. post after a recommendation from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents her home state of Kentucky.
She had faced fierce opposition from some Democrats.
Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, accused Craft of lacking the "seriousness and professionalism" for the post at the world body.
Craft, the wife of a billionaire coal industry executive, generated controversy shortly after assuming her post in Ottawa by telling Canadian Broadcasting she believed "both sides" of the climate change debate.
However, she acknowledged during her confirmation hearing that climate change is a global threat and pledged to recuse herself from any U.N. talks on the issue involving coal because of her husband's position.
Menendez on Wednesday released a report that said Craft spent the majority of her time as ambassador to Canada outside of the country.
Craft's backers called her a tough negotiator on a trade deal with Canada and Mexico who had established decent working relationships with both Republicans and Democrats.
Craft will have the difficult job of defending Trump's "America First" foreign policy and navigating his criticism of the United Nations while getting global diplomats to back U.S. policies.
Trump's first U.N. ambassador, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, announced her resignation in October and left the position at the end of last year.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon congratulated Craft.
"Congratulations to Ambassador Kelly Craft on her confirmation to represent the United States at the U.N. I look forward to welcoming her to Turtle Bay, and continuing to build upon the great achievements of the United States and Israel. We will continue to lead our countries to great heights in the diplomatic arena," he said in a statement.
https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/US-Senate-confirms-Kelly-Craft-as-ambassador-to-the-United-Nations-597329
#7282535 at 2019-07-31 22:16:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9317: Better Fear The Reaper Edition
US:
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/07/31/the-pentagons-top-two-jobs-are-finally-filled/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=Socialflow+MIL
The Pentagon's top two jobs are finally filled
Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist took his oath on Wednesday afternoon, according to a Pentagon release, following his confirmation by the Senate on Tuesday evening.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in on July 23, making him the first official confirmed in that role since former Defense Secretary James Mattis resigned in December.
Esper, previously the Army secretary, ascended to the acting defense secretary role in late June, then returned to the Army for a week in July following his nomination. The Senate voted 90-8 to confirm him.
With the top two civilian officials at the Pentagon now in place, the services are waiting on a vote to confirm the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Air Force Gen. John Hyten, now head of U.S. Strategic Command, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.
If confirmed, he will join Army Gen. Mark Milley, who was confirmed as the chairman in an 89-1 Senate vote on Thursday, in the military's top uniformed jobs.
PIECES ARE GETTING INTO THEIR PLACES, FAGS!!
#7282264 at 2019-07-31 21:58:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9317: Better Fear The Reaper Edition
>>7282242
WASHINGTON - David Norquist was confirmed late Tuesday as the 34th deputy defense secretary by voice vote of the full Senate, as the upper chamber of Congress continues its spree of Defense Department appointments to fill several key leadership vacancies at the Pentagon.
Norquist has been performing the duties of deputy defense secretary since January when his predecessor, Patrick Shanahan, became the acting defense secretary. Norquist also has been serving as the Pentagon's chief financial officer since 2017. Shanahan resigned in June. After Defense Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in last week, he delegated the duties of deputy secretary to Navy Secretary Richard Spencer while Norquist went through the confirmation process.
With Norquist's confirmation secured, his deputy, Elaine McCusker, is expected to assume the role of acting comptroller until President Donald Trump nominates someone for the position.
Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee voiced support during a hearing last week of Norquist's nomination and confirmation, including Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., chairman of the committee, who said he might be the wrong person to be chairman of the hearing because he had already decided to support Norquist.
"In fact, I remember telling the president a long time ago it doesn't matter who ends up being secretary of defense, so long as you have Norquist in there to help," he said.
#7271679 at 2019-07-31 05:12:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9304: POTUS Ridin Rough, Never Dirty!Edition
Declass Wednesday Trump Assassination Thwarted?
Are you Awake? Can you see the signs of a secret battle going on between the DEM communists and the GOP facists; before our eyes battling for control over America. Known as Faction 1 and Faction 2, the same secret war between Coke and Pepsi, or between McDonalds and Burger King.
The same black and white checkerboard operation of the Freemasons. Most of the mases are asleep and standing right in the crossfire. Read and Understand this Sequence of Events-
JULY 2ND - There was a story that the Navy fired and hit a Russian Sub off the coast of Alaska; and Russia reported that they sunk a US submarine. The news said a Russian sub caught fire killing 14 Russian sailors, sounds more like a torpedo than a ship fire. Well maybe that misisng sunk navy sub was actually one operated by rougue CIA or Mossad; firing on a Russian Sub to start World War III. Trump recently did remove a Navy Officer as his Secretary of Defense and installed an Army Officer Mark Esper, could the Navy no longer be trusted?
JULY 8TH - Epstein is arrested, Read our previous Article on the real purpose of the Epstein operation, being illegal Nuclear Arms Trade; covered up as the media will only discuss pedo.
JULY 13TH - House votes to pass a bill in favor of what??? Broadcasting online from Guantanamo Prison, will there be public trials coming soon?
JULY 15TH - Department of Homeland Security announces they will install Nuclear Detectors at Ports and Border Crossings, this comes out of Los Angeles, Q has been saying, keep an eye on the Port of Long Beach.
JULY 23RD - We learned that the Army Helicopters were suddenly operating over the skies of Washington DC as part of a Classified Domestic Blackhawk Mission, to protect the president from ISIS Snipers. The helicopters were launched to take the high ground from potential snipers on building tops; and you can bet that those buildings are continually being monitored now.
JULY 25TH - Twenty-Three navy seals, a platoon is sent home, we are told they were drunk in Iraq; but leaks claim they were smuggling ISIS snipers into the USA through our southern border.
JULY 25TH - William Barr re-instates the Death Penalty, including for the crime of High Treason.
JULY 25TH - Busy day, Hit attempt to take out Jeffrey Epstein.
JULY 26TH - Sixteen Marines are arrested, Near the Southern Border, for Child Traffiking we are told, again leaks said they were to pick up the ISIS snipers at the border and bring them to Washington DC to eliminate President Trump.
JULY 28TH - Dan Coates is forced to step down as Director of National Intelligence, connected to the assasination attempt maybe? Trump had already pulled the security clearance of John Brennen. All seems like treachery from within.
JULY 31ST - Tommorrow Wednesday, it appears that with all these threats against the President, they have been moved up the timeline to July instead of August. We should see DECLASS WEDNESDAY for some documents; and shortly after that the arrest of Comey and Brennen, maybe others, dare we see Clinton-Bush-Obama arrests in our lifetime?
Across the USA there are over 100,000 sealed indictments, the normal number is around 10,000. We could receive a whitehouse txt alert and mass arrests. Strap on your seat belt, could be a wild ride.
https://beforeitsnews.com/v3/blogging-citizen-journalism/2019/2630552.html
#7269455 at 2019-07-31 02:49:40 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9301: Solar Min, Max Kek! Night Shift On It! Edition
The Senate on Tuesday night approved President Trump's pick for the No. 2 Pentagon post.
Senators confirmed David Norquist to be the deputy Defense secretary by voice vote, completing a key item on the chamber's pre-recess to-do list.
Norquist had been acting deputy Defense secretary since January, but stepped aside for the confirmation process. He has been the Pentagon's comptroller since 2017.
Norquist is the latest Pentagon official to be confirmed as senators try to wrap up their work before the August recess, with lawmakers away from Washington until early September.
The Senate confirmed Mark Esper to be Defense secretary and Gen. Mark Milley to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff last week.
Senators predicted Norquist would be easily confirmed after a largely uneventful confirmation hearing earlier this month, putting his nomination on a glide path.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.) said he had "strong feelings" about Norquist.
"In fact, I remember telling the president a long time ago it doesn't matter who ends up being secretary of Defense so long as you have Norquist in here helping," Inhofe said.
"Secretary Norquist, we face many challenges that require strong leadership and the ability to make tough decisions. I am very confident you can make those tough decisions," the committee's top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.), added.
https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/455458-senate-confirms-trumps-deputy-defense-secretary
#7251561 at 2019-07-30 01:19:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9277: "Ratcliffe Is Straight Out Of Central Casting For That Role" Edition
US Army Takes Over Pentagon After US Navy Smuggles ISIS Snipers Into America To Kill Trump
An absolutely mind-shattering new Ministry of Defense (MoD) report circulating in the Kremlin today noting the de-escalation measures taken by the United States to prevent a catastrophic nuclear exchange with Russia, that began on 7 July 2019 when President Donald Trump ousted from power the US Navy's top uniformed officer Vice-Admiral William Moran, continued this week when Dr. Mark Esper was sworn in to became US Secretary of Defense on 23 July 2019-an appointment unprecedented in American history as just a fortnight ago, Dr. Esper was the USSecretary of the Army-on 15 July 2019 saw Trump sending his formal nomination to the US Senate-and without any hearings being held, then saw the US Senate confirming his appointment 8-days later, on 23 July 2019, by an astonishing 90-8 approval vote-a rapid move made for peace after President Putin ordered the nuclear armed Admiral Gorshkov "Nation Killer" warship to station itself off the Eastern US Coast in the Caribbean Sea-and upon Putin being told by Trump that Dr. Esper was a US Army West Point classmate of US Secretary of State Pompeo, convinced him the US Army was now fully in control of Pentagon, not the US Navy-thus enabling Putin to order the transfer into FBI custody of ISIS sniper and weapons instructor Ruslan Maratovich Asainov-who detailed to his Russian Military Police interrogators how he had been working with an elite group of US Navy Seals stationed in Iraq to smuggle into Mexico ISIS snipers he had trained, who would then be smuggled into America itself by another group of US Marines, and whose intended assassination target was Trump-that caused now Secretary of Defence Esper, within the past 24-hours, to suspend from duty, and order back to America from Iraq, 19 US Navy Seals and four of their support troops-as well as his further ordering the immediate arrest of at least 16 US Marines-who are the ground force of the US Navy. [Note: Some words and/or phrases appearing in quotes in this report are English language approximations of Russian words/phrases having no exact counterpart.]
https://impiousdigest.com/us-army-takes-over-pentagon-after-us-navy-smuggles-isis-snipers-into-america-to-kill-trump/
#7242525 at 2019-07-29 15:46:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9266: Baltimore Corruption Being Exposed Edition
An absolutely mind-shattering new Ministry of Defense (MoD) report circulating in the Kremlin today noting the de-escalation measures taken by the United States to prevent a catastrophic nuclear exchange with Russia, that began on 7 July 2019 when President Donald Trump ousted from power the US Navy's top uniformed officer Vice-Admiral William Moran, continued this week when Dr. Mark Esper was sworn in to became US Secretary of Defense on 23 July 2019-an appointment unprecedented in American history as just a fortnight ago, Dr. Esper was the USSecretary of the Army-on 15 July 2019 saw Trump sending his formal nomination to the US Senate-and without any hearings being held, then saw the US Senate confirming his appointment 8-days later, on 23 July 2019, by an astonishing 90-8 approval vote-a rapid move made for peace after President Putin ordered the nuclear armed Admiral Gorshkov "Nation Killer" warship to station itself off the Eastern US Coast in the Caribbean Sea-and upon Putin being told by Trump that Dr. Esper was a US Army West Point classmate of US Secretary of State Pompeo, convinced him the US Army was now fully in control of Pentagon, not the US Navy-thus enabling Putin to order the transfer into FBI custody of ISIS sniper and weapons instructor Ruslan Maratovich Asainov-who detailed to his Russian Military Police interrogators how he had been working with an elite group of US Navy Seals stationed in Iraq to smuggle into Mexico ISIS snipers he had trained, who would then be smuggled into America itself by another group of US Marines, and whose intended assassination target was Trump-that caused now Secretary of Defence Esper, within the past 24-hours, to suspend from duty, and order back to America from Iraq, 19 US Navy Seals and four of their support troops-as well as his further ordering the immediate arrest of at least 16 US Marines-who are the ground force of the US …
https://impiousdigest.com/us-army-takes-over-pentagon-after-us-navy-smuggles-isis-snipers-into-america-to-kill-trump/
#7212751 at 2019-07-27 11:58:13 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9228: The Calm Before The Swarm Edition
I'm not convinced this is a credible source, but if including in notables I would suggest amending title to include disclaimer. "What Does It Mean Site Reports That…:
>>7212718
July 26, 2019
US Army Takes Over Pentagon After US Navy Smuggles ISIS Snipers Into America To Kill Trump
By: Sorcha Faal, and as reported to her Western Subscribers
An absolutely mind-shattering new Ministry of Defense (MoD) report circulating in the Kremlin today noting the de-escalation measures taken by the United States to prevent a catastrophic nuclear exchange with Russia, that began on 7 July 2019 when President Donald Trump ousted from power the US Navy's top uniformed officer Vice-Admiral William Moran, continued this week when Dr. Mark Esper was sworn in to became US Secretary of Defense on 23 July 2019-an appointment unprecedented in American history as just a fortnight ago, Dr. Esper was the US Secretary of the Army-on 15 July 2019 saw Trump sending his formal nomination to the US Senate-and without any hearings being held, then saw the US Senate confirming his appointment 8-days later, on 23 July 2019, by an astonishing 90-8 approval vote-a rapid move made for peace after President Putin ordered the nuclear armed Admiral Gorshkov "Nation Killer" warship to station itself off the Eastern US Coast in the Caribbean Sea-and upon Putin being told by Trump that Dr. Esper was a US Army West Point classmate of US Secretary of State Pompeo, convinced him the US Army was now fully in control of Pentagon, not the US Navy-thus enabling Putin to order the transfer into FBI custody of ISIS sniper and weapons instructor Ruslan Maratovich Asainov-who detailed to his Russian Military Police interrogators how he had been working with an elite group of US Navy Seals stationed in Iraq to smuggle into Mexico ISIS snipers he had trained, who would then be smuggled into America itself by another group of US Marines, and whose intended assassination target was Trump-that caused now Secretary of Defence Esper, within the past 24-hours, to suspend from duty, and order back to America from Iraq, 19 US Navy Seals and four of their support troops-as well as his further ordering the immediate arrest of at least 16 US Marines-who are the ground force of the US Navy. [Note: Some words and/or phrases appearing in quotes in this report are English language approximations of Russian words/phrases having no exact counterpart.]
ISIS sniper and weapons trainer Ruslan Maratovich Asainov (above) reveals US Navy Seal plot to smuggle into America ISIS snipers to kill President Donald Trump
According to this report, since late 2017, the Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides and Refugee Migration Monitoring has been working cooperatively with Syrian Democratic Forces, who are composed primarily of Kurdish, Arab, and Assyrian/Syriac militias, as well as some smaller Armenian, Turkmen and Chechen forces friendly to Russia and battling against ISIS barbarian terrorists-and which led to the December-2018 meeting in Moscow between these parties to discuss the future of east Euphrates.
Among the more "complex/substantive" [c????????????????????????] issues discussed over this time period between Russian and SDF negotiators, this report details, involved an ISIS sniper and weapons trainer captured by Russian Military Police forces in Syria while attempting to use false identity documents at a check point near the Turkish border-and who, during his interrogation, confessed that his true name was Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, and his further revealing that he was a naturalized United States citizen.
Continued….
http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index2935.htm
#7209098 at 2019-07-27 01:47:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9223: Ghost With the Most Edition
Navy smuggles ISIS Snipers into U.S. to Kill Pres. Trump
1/2
Could any of this be true?
"US Army Takes Over Pentagon After US Navy Smuggles ISIS Snipers Into America To Kill Trump"
The de-escalation measures taken by the United States to prevent a catastrophic nuclear exchange with Russia, that began on 7 July 2019 when President Donald Trump ousted from power the US Navy's top uniformed officer Vice-Admiral William Moran,
https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/07/politics/admiral-navy-top-officer-retires/index.html
continued this week when Dr. Mark Esper was sworn in to became US Secretary of Defense on 23 July 2019
https://www.defense.gov/Our-Story/Meet-the-Team/Secretary-of-Defense/
-an appointment unprecedented in American history. A fortnight ago, Dr. Esper was the US Secretary of the Army-on 15 July 2019 Trump sent his formal nomination to the US Senate-and without any hearings being held, then the US Senate confirmed his appointment 8-days later, on 23 July 2019, by an astonishing 90-8 approval vote.
A rapid move made for peace after President Putin ordered the nuclear armed Admiral Gorshkov "Nation Killer" warship to station itself off the Eastern US Coast in the Caribbean Sea-and upon Putin being told by Trump that Dr. Esper was a US Army West Point classmate of US Secretary of State Pompeo, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/with-new-pentagon-chief-Mark-Esper-pompeo-gains-an-ally-in-west-point-classmate
convinced Putin the US Army was now fully in control of Pentagon, not the US Navy.
This enabled Putin to order the transfer into FBI custody of ISIS sniper and weapons instructor Ruslan Maratovich Asainov-who how he had been working with an elite group of US Navy Seals stationed in Iraq to smuggle into Mexico ISIS snipers he had trained.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/brooklyn-man-charged-isis-sniper-weapons-instructor
see part 2 or below
http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=127864
originally on
https://voat.co/v/GreatAwakening/3354388#submissionTop
#7207397 at 2019-07-26 23:22:30 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9221: Why Are Jews Afraid of Free Speech? What Are They Hiding?
?
US Army Takes Over Pentagon After US Navy Smuggles ISIS Snipers Into America To Kill Trump
An absolutely mind-shattering new Ministry of Defense (MoD) report circulating in the Kremlin today noting the de-escalation measures taken by the United States to prevent a catastrophic nuclear exchange with Russia, that began on 7 July 2019 when President Donald Trump ousted from power the US Navy's top uniformed officer Vice-Admiral William Moran, continued this week when Dr. Mark Esper was sworn in to became US Secretary of Defense on 23 July 2019-an appointment unprecedented in American history as just a fortnight ago, Dr. Esper was the US Secretary of the Army-on 15 July 2019 saw Trump sending his formal nomination to the US Senate-and without any hearings being held, then saw the US Senate confirming his appointment 8-days later, on 23 July 2019, by an astonishing 90-8 approval vote-a rapid move made for peace after President Putin ordered the nuclear armed Admiral Gorshkov "Nation Killer" warship to station itself off the Eastern US Coast in the Caribbean Sea-and upon Putin being told by Trump that Dr. Esper was a US Army West Point classmate of US Secretary of State Pompeo, convinced him the US Army was now fully in control of Pentagon, not the US Navy-thus enabling Putin to order the transfer into FBI custody of ISIS sniper and weapons instructor Ruslan Maratovich Asainov-who detailed to his Russian Military Police interrogators how he had been working with an elite group of US Navy Seals stationed in Iraq to smuggle into Mexico ISIS snipers he had trained, who would then be smuggled into America itself by another group of US Marines, and whose intended assassination target was Trump-that caused now Secretary of Defence Esper, within the past 24-hours, to suspend from duty, and order back to America from Iraq, 19 US Navy Seals and four of their support troops-as well as his further ordering the immediate arrest of at least 16 US Marines-who are the ground force of the US Navy. [Note: Some words and/or phrases appearing in quotes in this report are English language approximations of Russian words/phrases having no exact counterpart.]
According to this report, since late 2017, the Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides and Refugee Migration Monitoring has been working cooperatively with Syrian Democratic Forces, who are composed primarily of Kurdish, Arab, and Assyrian/Syriac militias, as well as some smaller Armenian, Turkmen and Chechen forces friendly to Russia and battling against ISIS barbarian terrorists-and which led to the December-2018 meeting in Moscow between these parties to discuss the future of east Euphrates.
Among the more "complex/substantive" [c????????????????????????] issues discussed over this time period between Russian and SDF negotiators, this report details, involved an ISIS sniper and weapons trainer captured by Russian Military Police forces in Syria while attempting to use false identity documents at a check point near the Turkish border-and who, during his interrogation, confessed that his true name was Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, and his further revealing that he was a naturalized United States citizen.
Upon Asainov's subsequent interrogations conducted by Russian Military Intelligence (GRU) specialists, this report notes, he confessed to being involved in a vast plot to smuggle into the United States snipers he had trained while being an "emir" of the Islamic State Caliphate-ISIS snipers he traveled throughout Syria to find, then return them to the Syrian-Iraqi border where they were taken into custody by Foxtrot Platoon of SEAL Team 7-who then passed these ISIS snipers off to SEAL Team 10 who smuggled them into the South American nation of Colombia-where drug smugglers would then take them to the US Southern Border with Mexico-where, in turn, these ISIS snipers were smuggled into America by a group of US Marines working with these US Navy Seals-and most gravely concerning about Asainov's confessions, his describing how he was told by US Navy Seal aircraft technician Brandon Caserta that these ISIS snipers' mission was to "Off The Orange Man"-an obvious reference to President Trump.
Under direct orders given to the GRU by President Putin himself, this report continues, the Pentagon was informed of ISIS sniper Asainov's capture-and were further informed that he was not subject to normal US State Department protocols involving the arrest of American citizens-as he was a prisoner of war as designated under Russian military law for the classification of enemy combatants captured on a battlefield -but whose GRU confession notes were, indeed, given to the Americans upon this notification.
http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index2935.htm
#7201778 at 2019-07-26 17:19:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9214: Eggstein Island Series! Get your popcorn! Edition
>>7200830 (pb)
Any anon at all familiar with Navy Seals and other U.S. Special forces knows that this story stinks to high heaven and is likely a cover story for something much more spoopy. Having said that, the folks at Sucha Fail do not disappoint:
"[After confirmation of Trump's nominee for DoD, Dr. Mark Esper, ( a West Point classmate of Mike Pompeo) by a 90 - 8 vote and an assurance that the U.S. Army and not the Navy was in control of the Pentagon, Putin ordered "the transfer into FBI custody of ISIS sniper and weapons instructor Ruslan Maratovich Asainov-who detailed to his Russian Military Police interrogators how he had been working with an elite group of US Navy Seals stationed in Iraq to smuggle into Mexico ISIS snipers he had trained, who would then be smuggled into America itself by another group of US Marines, and whose intended assassination target was Trump-that caused now Secretary of Defence Esper, within the past 24-hours, to suspend from duty, and order back to America from Iraq, 19 US Navy Seals and four of their support troops-as well as his further ordering the immediate arrest of at least 16 US Marines-who are the ground force of the US Navy.
"Upon Asainov's subsequent interrogations conducted by Russian Military Intelligence (GRU) specialists, this report notes, he confessed to being involved in a vast plot to smuggle into the United States snipers he had trained while being an "emir" of the Islamic State Caliphate-ISIS snipers he traveled throughout Syria to find, then return them to the Syrian-Iraqi border where they were taken into custody by Foxtrot Platoon of SEAL Team 7-who then passed these ISIS snipers off to SEAL Team 10 who smuggled them into the South American nation of Colombia-where drug smugglers would then take them to the US Southern Border with Mexico-where, in turn, these ISIS snipers were smuggled into America by a group of US Marines working with these US Navy Seals-and most gravely concerning about Asainov's confessions, his describing how he was told by US Navy Seal aircraft technician Brandon Caserta that these ISIS snipers' mission was to "Off The Orange Man"-an obvious reference to President Trump.
Under direct orders given to the GRU by President Putin himself, this report continues, the Pentagon was informed of ISIS sniper Asainov's capture-and were further informed that he was not subject to normal US State Department protocols involving the arrest of American citizens-as he was a prisoner of war as designated under Russian military law for the classification of enemy combatants captured on a battlefield -but whose GRU confession notes were, indeed, given to the Americans upon this notification."
http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index2935.htm
Yeah, criticize the sauce all you want but we known there's more to this story than we're being told. Also, remember how D.C. looked like a war zone last week with Blackhawks everywhere and an equally spoopy cover story about them. Last, remember @POTUS' cryptic tweet about "leaving town" and that we'll hear more about the reason why soon. Also. "the hunters become the hunted" from Q.
So take it for what it's worth, anons. Like Agent K, I treat Sucha Fail like the "hot sheets" at the grocery store. Every once in a Blue Moon you find a nugget of pure unvarnished truth.
#7200447 at 2019-07-26 15:43:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9212: Disney and the Devil Edition
Another interesting spin on events out of sorcha faal. As with everything else, take it with a grain of salt:
An absolutely mind-shattering new Ministry of Defense (MoD) report circulating in the Kremlin today noting the de-escalation measures taken by the United States to prevent a catastrophic nuclear exchange with Russia, that began on 7 July 2019 when President Donald Trump ousted from power the US Navy's top uniformed officer Vice-Admiral William Moran, continued this week when Dr. Mark Esper was sworn in to became US Secretary of Defense on 23 July 2019-an appointment unprecedented in American history as just a fortnight ago, Dr. Esper was the US Secretary of the Army-on 15 July 2019 saw Trump sending his formal nomination to the US Senate-and without any hearings being held, then saw the US Senate confirming his appointment 8-days later, on 23 July 2019, by an astonishing 90-8 approval vote-a rapid move made for peace after President Putin ordered the nuclear armed Admiral Gorshkov "Nation Killer" warship to station itself off the Eastern US Coast in the Caribbean Sea-and upon Putin being told by Trump that Dr. Esper was a US Army West Point classmate of US Secretary of State Pompeo, convinced him the US Army was now fully in control of Pentagon, not the US Navy-thus enabling Putin to order the transfer into FBI custody of ISIS sniper and weapons instructor Ruslan Maratovich Asainov-who detailed to his Russian Military Police interrogators how he had been working with an elite group of US Navy Seals stationed in Iraq to smuggle into Mexico ISIS snipers he had trained, who would then be smuggled into America itself by another group of US Marines, and whose intended assassination target was Trump-that caused now Secretary of Defence Esper, within the past 24-hours, to suspend from duty, and order back to America from Iraq, 19 US Navy Seals and four of their support troops-as well as his further ordering the immediate arrest of at least 16 US Marines-who are the ground force of the US Navy.
More here:
http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index2935.htm
#7157635 at 2019-07-24 06:58:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9157: PapaD bout to be vindicated! Buy muh book! Enough is Enough! Edition
ReMarks by the President Trump at Swearing-In Ceremony of Mark Esper as Secretary of Defense
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/reMarks-president-trump-swearing-ceremony-Mark-Esper-secretary-defense/
#7149681 at 2019-07-23 20:48:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9147: TOUCH DOWN! POTUS RALLY Aug 1! Edition
Senate Confirms Mark Esper as Secretary of Defense
https://www.theepochtimes.com/senate-confirms-Mark-Esper-as-secretary-of-defense_3013565.html
Confirmed with a vote in the Senate of 90-8. I don't know if that's good or bad. Seems questionable if that many dems actually voted for him.
#7146636 at 2019-07-23 16:37:05 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9143: Here Comes The BOOM Edition
Mark Esper Confirmed as Secretary of Defense
#7140270 at 2019-07-23 01:40:49 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9135: [We Ready] Edition
>>7140023 (me)
Grassley Pressures DOD For More Information On FBI Spy Stephan Halper
By Sara Carter -July 22, 2019
(Our girl)
Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley sent a letter this month to Department of Defense Acting Secretary Mark Esper, urging him for more information regarding contracts awarded by its Office of Net Assessment to FBI informant Stefan Halper. Halper was used by the bureau as an informant to gather information on Trump campaign volunteers during the 2016 election. Grassely stated that the information be provided no later than July 25 and he requested a full in person briefing with his committee staff on all of Halper's contracts with the DoD.
Grassley, R-Iowa asked for the information after an audit was released by the DoD's Inspector General's showed that there was failure to conduct appropriate oversight of contracts awarded under the DOD. Halper had long career in the U.S. government under several GOP administrations. His connections to the CIA and FBI are extensive and he had been awarded multiple contracts with the DOD totaling $411,000 by Washington Headquarters Services on Sept. 26, 2016, for a contract that ran until this March, 2018, according to USASpending.gov.
Moar here: https://saraacarter.com/grassley-pressures-dod-for-more-information-on-fbi-spy-stephan-halper/
#7128665 at 2019-07-22 05:31:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9121: Shill Fu Baker was on it! Comfy now! Learn his skills! Be a Baker Edition
Go Get 'Em HardChargers:
ARMY SOLDIER SYSTEMS CENTER, Mass. - In the nearly four years since the Pentagon announced it was opening all combat jobs to women , at least 30 have earned the Army Ranger tab, two have graduated Marine infantry school and three have passed the grueling initial assessment phase for Green Beret training.
Their numbers are small, but their completion of some of the military's most arduous physical and mental courses has raised an intriguing scientific question: Who are these "hyperfit" women and what makes them so competitive?
Army medical researchers hope to uncover answers in a just-launched voluntary study.
"We're really interested in those elite women that are the first to make it through physically demanding training," said Holly McClung, a nutritional physiologist at the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Massachusetts. "The real point of the study is to characterize this unique cohort of women that has made it through these traditionally male trainings."Mark Esper, President Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, said the study will be important to help understand fitness and perhaps reduce injury rates. He was serving as Army secretary when this study was first broached.
"My belief is it's grit - grit gets them through this," he said. "You have to have a certain level of athletic ability, but they take it to an extraordinary level. These women are tough."
http://www.startribune.com/military-studies-hyperfit-women-who-pass-grueling-courses/513005402/
#7122356 at 2019-07-21 19:11:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9113: Might as well Jump! Learn to bake! Edition
FLASHPOINT 2019: Neocon Warmongers Pushing the USA Into Another War for Israel
The United States and Great Britain Collude with Israel to Force Iran into a Regional War
Neocon Zionists Determined to Foist Regime Change on Tehran Even if it Starts World War III.
The Trump administration has already committed several acts of war against Iran by way of illegal and offensive economic sanctions designed to cripple their economy.
This highly aggressive behavior is nothing short of warmongering and President Trump knows it. In point of fact, he appointed a war cabinet specifically to prosecute an illicit war against Iran.
Mike Pence - Vice President
John Bolton - National Security Advisor (United States)
Mike Pompeo - Secretary of State
Gina Haspel - Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Dan Coats - Director of National Intelligence
Steven Mnuchin - Secretary of the Treasury
Mark Esper - Secretary of Defense (Nominee)
Jared Kushner - Senior Advisor to the President
Elliot Abrams - United States Special Representative for Venezuela
Elan Carr - Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism
What few understand is that theTrump administration is covertly working with London and Tel Aviv every step of the way on this deliberate path to war with Iran. See: UK, US and Israel Collude in Setting Up Naked Provocations to Justify Attacking Iran
The Neocon Zionists who occupy numerous key positions throughout the administration were appointed for the explicit purpose of overthrowing the Iranian government. John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, Gina Haspel, Steven Mnuchin, Jared Kushner, Elliot Abrams and Fred Fleitz and now Mark Esper together constitute a full-blown war cabinet.
This group of hardcore warmongers will stop at nothing until the democratically elected government of Iran is replaced with a "Vichy government". Only when a Western-groomed puppet leader takes over in Tehran will Trump's Neocon Mafia be satisfied.
It's critical to understand that the Neocon Zionists are quite deliberately executing a clandestine plan for the regional supremacy of the apartheid state of Israel. That covert scheme was originally known as the Oded Yinon Plan but it has since been greatly expanded into the catastrophic Greater Israel project.
http://themillenniumreport.com/2019/07/flashpoint-2019-neocon-warmongers-pushing-the-usa-into-another-war-for-israel/
#7118402 at 2019-07-21 06:26:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9108:Podesta emails archived, dusted for review! It's habbening people!Edition
New US Pentagon Chief - Vested Interest in War & Conflict
Mark Esper is expected to be confirmed in coming days as the new US Secretary of Defense. His appointment is awaiting final Congressional approval after customary hearings this week before senators. The 55-year-old nominee put forward by President Trump was previously a decorated Lieutenant Colonel and has served in government office during the GW Bush administration.
But what stands out as his most conspicuous past occupation is working for seven years as a senior lobbyist for Raytheon, the US' third biggest military manufacturing company. The firm specializes in missile-defense systems, including the Patriot, Iron Dome and the Aegis Ashore system (the latter in partnership with Lockheed Martin).
As Defense Secretary, Esper will be the most senior civilian executive member of the US government, next to the president, on overseeing military policy, including decisions about declaring war and deployment of American armed forces around the globe. His military counterpart at the Pentagon is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, currently held by Marine General Joseph Dunford who is expected to be replaced soon by General Mark Milley (also in the process of senate hearings).
Esper's confirmation hearings this week were pretty much a rubber-stamp procedure, receiving lame questioning from senators about his credentials and viewpoints. The only exception was Senator Elizabeth Warren, who slammed the potential "conflict of interest" due to his past lobbying service for Raytheon. She said it "smacks of corruption". Other than her solitary objection, Esper was treated with kid gloves by other senators and his appointment is expected to be whistled through by next week. During hearings, the former lobbyist even pointedly refused to recuse himself of any matters involving Raytheon if he becomes the defense boss.
As Rolling Stone magazine quipped on Esper's nomination, "it is as swampy as you'd expect".
"President Trump's Cabinet is already rife with corruption, stocked full of former lobbyists and other private industry power players who don't seem to mind leveraging their government positions to enrich themselves personally. Esper should fit right in," wrote Rolling Stone.
The linkage between officials in US government, the Pentagon and private manufacturers is a notorious example of "revolving door". It is not unusual, or even reMarkable, that individuals go from one sector to another and vice versa. That crony relationship is fundamental to the functioning of the "military-industrial complex" which dominates the entire American economy and the fiscal budget ($730 billion annually - half the total discretionary public spend by federal government).
Nevertheless, Esper is a particularly brazen embodiment of the revolving-door's seamless connection.
https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2019/07/19/new-us-pentagon-chief-vested-interest-in-war-conflict/?fbclid=IwAR2z3juzR2CNvPjCRYoKfXaiRdr51f0AOyiQL1LgxNJNxjSe1naUAqvIKRw
#7105893 at 2019-07-20 02:23:45 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9092: Delet Fest Edition
US moves forward on operation to counter Iran, begins sending troops to Saudi Arabia
The Pentagon on Friday laid out its plans to mount a multi-nation maritime campaign in the Middle East and send additional troops to the region as tensions with Iran continue to rise. U.S. Central Command is developing the campaign, dubbed Operation Sentinel, to ensure freedom of navigation "in light of recent events in the Arabian Gulf region," the Pentagon said. The campaign's goal is to deescalate tensions in international waters, specifically focusing on the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (BAM) and the Gulf of Oman, the Defense Department said.
"This maritime security framework will enable nations to provide escort to their flagged vessels while taking advantage of the cooperation of participating nations for coordination and enhanced maritime domain awareness and surveillance," the Defense Department said in a statement. The Pentagon announced plans to move forward with the operation - which Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper previewed during a hearing in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee this week - while also confirming that it has begun sending U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia to counter any threat from Iran.
Central Command announced Friday it has authorized the deployment of troops to Saudi Arabia to ensure "our ability to defend our forces and interests in the region from emergent, credible threats." The deployment is at the invitation of the government in Riyadh, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon did not specify the number of troops it was sending, but reports surfaced this week that 500 troops would be sent to the kingdom. Officials underscored plans for the maritime campaign - which will be coordinated with European, Asian and Middle Eastern allies - after a series of confrontations in waterways near the Gulf.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps declared Friday it had seized a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The news came one day after Iran announced it had apprehended another tanker flying under the Panamanian flag last weekend in the same waterway over suspected oil smuggling. Iranian military action in the Strait of Hormuz, through which passes about a third of all oil traded by sea, has emerged as a key concern for Washington and European allies. The seizures compounded on an increasingly fraught situation developing in the region, as European leaders scramble to persuade Tehran to roll back recent uranium enrichments that surpassed the limits placed by an Obama-era nuclear deal.
President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement last year, though international observers said Iran had stayed within the deal's limits until recently. The uranium enrichment put further stress on an already strained relationship between Washington and Tehran, with Trump warning last week that Iran is "treading on very dangerous territory" and "better be careful." The rising tensions have nearly led to major blows between the two countries. Trump told reporters that he authorized, and then aborted, a military response after Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone last month. He also announced Thursday that the USS Boxer said it destroyed an Iranian drone Thursday, which Iran denies.
The U.S. has been working with allies to tamp down the pressure in the Middle East, with Trump speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday to discuss Iran's nuclear ambitions and "destabilizing behavior in the Middle East." The administration has declared openness to negotiating with Iran, with Trump saying he'd like to make a deal with Tehran to address its nuclear program as well as its support for armed groups across the region.
"I agree we do not want war with Iran," Esper, who previously served as Army secretary in the administration, said at the Senate hearing this week. "We are not seeking war with Iran. We need to get back on the diplomatic channel." "At the same time, from the highest levels of government, from the president himself, we have said we will meet anytime, anywhere without precondition to discuss issues with the Iranians to get us on the diplomatic path," he added.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/453980-us-moves-forward-on-operation-to-counter-iran-begins-sending-troops-to-saudi
#7067476 at 2019-07-17 13:26:44 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9043: Sometimes the Memes Just Write Themselves Edition
https://freebeacon.com/politics/warren-clashes-with-Esper-over-raytheon-work/
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) aggressively questioned Secretary of Defense nominee Mark Esper Tuesday over the ethical implications of his prior lobbying for Raytheon, the defense giant with ties to Warren.
Warren, a leading 2020 presidential candidate, lit into Esper during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing over his prior Raytheon work and concluded he shouldn't be confirmed.
"Will you commit not to work for or get paid by any defense contractor for at least four years after your government service?" Warren asked.
"No, senator, I will not," Esper said.
Warren accused Esper of acting in his own financial interests rather than those of the U.S., leading Esper to deliver a forceful response.
ADVERTISING
"I went to war for this country; I served overseas for this country," he said. "I've stepped down from jobs that paid me well more than what I was [making] anywhere else, and each time, it was to serve the public good and to serve the young men and women of our armed services. I think the presumption is, for some reason, anybody who comes from the business or corporate world is corrupt."
Warren said Esper wasn't willing to avoid conflicts of interest, grumbling, "this is outrageous," as her questioning session concluded.
Warren also blistered Esper for not extending a recusal from Raytheon matters past this fall. Acting Secretary Patrick Shanahan elected to recuse himself from matters involving his former employer Boeing. Esper said his situation with Raytheon was different and that he would follow the recommendation of Pentagon ethics professionals not to recuse himself.
Warren grew impatient, cutting him off from explaining further and saying she would take it as a "yes, you are unwilling to make that commitment." The two also argued over a waiver Esper could receive that would allow him to weigh in on matters involving Raytheon and not violate any ethics pledges: Warren said such a waiver would be "corruption, plain and simple."
Warren Says Pentagon Pick Esper Must 'Clear Any Ethics Cloud'
Mark Esper, President Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, must do more "to clear any ethics cloud" from his seven years as Raytheon Co.'s top lobbyist, according to Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Warren released a plan in May to crack down on corporate lobbying influence at the Pentagon, but her Senate career has shown consistent delivery on behalf of defense giants like Raytheon and General Dynamics.
Raytheon is headquartered in Warren's home state, and it is one of the largest employers in Massachusetts. Warren spoke by phone to Raytheon chief executive William Swanson during her first campaign in 2012 about the potential effects of sequestration's automatic budget cuts, and the company reported having a "positive relationship" with her after she took office.
Federal Election Commission filings showed Raytheon executive Pamela Wickham gave $1,250 to Warren's presidential campaign in the second quarter of 2019.
Esper, the current Secretary of the Army, was officially nominated this week to permanently head the Pentagon. James Mattis, President Donald Trump's first Secretary of Defense, stepped down in December.
Sen. Rick Scott (R., Fla.) criticized Warren for her questioning later on, telling Esper it seemed like she was searching for a viral moment for her presidential campaign.
When is the useless POS going to be brought up on charges for…..
HER TIME AT THE CFPB??????????
LYING ON HER HARVARD EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION??????
LYING ON OKLAHOMA PAPERWORK????
#7061176 at 2019-07-16 19:35:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9035: A defense mechanism Narcissists use that involves condeming others
Esper Refuses to Recuse Himself on Raytheon Matters in SecDef Confirmation Hearing
Army Secretary Mark Esper appeared headed to easy confirmation as defense secretary until late in his Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Tuesday morning, when he was confronted by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts.
In heated exchanges, Warren demanded to know whether Esper would recuse himself on Defense Department decisions involving Raytheon, decline to seek waivers that would allow him to weigh in on Raytheon matters and agree to refrain from lobbying for four years after he leaves office.
On all three issues, Esper said, "No, I won't."
"This is outrageous," Warren said. "That means you should not be confirmed as secretary of defense."
Esper worked for seven years as Raytheon's top lobbyist before assuming his current role as Army secretary. When he took the post in 2017, he agreed to recuse himself for two years on Raytheon matters; that agreement expires in November.
Warren cited the example of former Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, a former top executive at Boeing, who recused himself from any matters involving the company for the duration of his service at the Defense Department.
"I can't explain why he made that commitment," Esper said of Shanahan.
Warren said, "I'll take that as a 'Yes,' you're not willing to make that commitment."
In a letter to Esper she released Monday, Warren wrote, "I am troubled by your unwillingness to fully address your real and perceived conflicts of interest, and write to ask that you reconsider your refusal to extend your Raytheon recusal [as Army secretary] through the duration of your tenure at DoD."
After Warren left the hearing room, Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, the committee's chairman, took the unusual step of apologizing to Esper on behalf of the committee. "I apologize for what you had to be confronted with. It was unfair," he said.
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, the next questioner, sought to defend Esper's corporate ties.
Sullivan said that, in Warren's view, "Anybody who comes from the corporate world is corrupt."
He asked Esper: "Have you ever been accused of corruption?"
Esper responded, "No sir, never in my life."
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, later charged that Warren had "demonized" Esper because he had worked in the corporate sector.
"I guess she just needed a moment for her presidential campaign," Scott said of Warren, a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Earlier, Inhofe noted the challenge Esper would face in countering China and Russia under the National Defense Strategy while turning around a military that has been focused on counterterrorism since the 9/11 attacks.
Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, warned Esper of the pitfalls ahead in serving as the chief military advisor to an unpredictable commander-in-chief.
He said it would be Esper's duty to give his best advice "even if the president disagrees with your counsel and it runs contrary to his policy goals."
Reed also stressed that it is critical for Esper to end the constant reshuffle of top Pentagon leadership that has taken place since Mattis left.
"I am concerned that the Defense Department is adrift," Reed said in reference to at least 16 top posts at the Pentagon that are either vacant or have officials serving in an acting position.
In later testimony, Esper echoed Reed's concerns, stressing the "need to staff up the top tier of the Pentagon soonest."
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/07/16/Esper-refuses-recuse-himself-raytheon-matters-secdef-confirmation-hearing.html
#7045941 at 2019-07-15 05:02:21 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #9015: [Smollett] Federal charges coming? Edition
Turkey's Erdogan Vows To "Significantly" Cut Rates As Trump Set To Roll Out Sanctions Over S-400 Purchase
Lately not a week passes without some dismal news involving Turkey hitting the tape, and yet the lira continues to levitate, blissfully ignorant of the storm clouds headed for Ankara, levitating on hopes the Fed will cut rates and sprinkle golden showers on emerging Markets. However, in light of the two latest developments, the Mrs Watanabe sellers of USDTRY may finally pay attention.
On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - who last weekend fired the head of the central bank for not cutting rates fast enough, and who has now become the de facto head of the CBRT - promised "significantly lower interest rates by the end of the year", Bloomberg reported.
"We aim to reduce inflation to one digit by the end of this year," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. "As we achieve this, we will achieve our year-end interest rate target as well." Of course, should interest rates drop to one digit, the USDTRY will promptly collapse to two, as the rate differential between the lira and the dollar collapses, removing the main incentive to go long the lira at a time when the Turkish economy remains in crisis.
Having founded the economic school of Erdoganomics, according to which inflation can be achieved only by lowering rates, the Turkish president and his US counterpart have quickly become kindered spirits when it comes to monetary policy. And just as Trump heaps pressure and insults on Fed Chair Powell, Erdogan has frequently accused the central bank of keeping borrowing costs too high. Last month, he complained that while the Fed was moving toward a rate cut, Turkey's policy rate of 24% "is unacceptable."
Then, the last trace of any pretense that Turkey under Erdogan will forever be a banana republic came on July 6, when Erdogan unexpectedly dismissed the former central bank head, Murat Cetinkaya and made it clear that he expects his replacement as central bank governor to follow the government's line on monetary policy. Cetinkaya had held rates steady for more than nine months.
Meanwhile, even as Trump and Erdo may be BFFs when it comes to firing head of central banks, the US president and his advisors have reportedly settled on a sanctions package to punish Turkey for receiving parts of a Russian S-400 missile defense system and plans to announce it in the coming days, Bloomberg wrote in a separate report.
News of the imminent sanctions was somewhat unexpectedly considering that when Trump and Erdogan met at the G-20 summit in Japan in June, the U.S. president suggested possible leniency on sanctions. He sought to blame the Obama administration for Turkey's decision to buy the Russian equipment, saying the impasse is "not really Erdogan's fault."
According to Bloomberg, the administration "chose one of three sets of actions devised to inflict varying degrees of pain under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, the people said, without identifying which set had been chosen. The plan needs Trump's approval."
Trump is said to unveil the sanctions late next week, and - in an unexpected act of courtesy to Ankara - intends to wait until after Monday's anniversary of a 2016 coup attempt against Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to avoid fueling further speculation that the U.S. was responsible for the uprising. And while we don't know the details of the prepared sanctions, we know the following:
The plan was developed after days of discussions between officials at the State and Defense departments and the National Security Council. It awaits a sign-off by Trump and his top advisers, the people said, requesting anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. A State Department spokeswoman declined to comment.
While not nearly as bad as that with other non-Saudi middle-eastern nations, the relationship between the U.S. and Turkey has deteriorated over the course of the civil war in Syria, where U.S. backing for Kurdish militants frustrated Turkey, which considers the group an extension of the separatists it's fighting at home. Erdogan has also criticized the US for not extraditing Gulen, whom he accuses of masterminding the fake attempted "coup" the served as the launchpad for Erdogan's transformation to an "executive president" last year, read quasi dictator.
Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Friday that Washington's position that Turkey can't have both the F-35 and the Russian missile system "has not changed." Esper spoke with Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in the afternoon, and the Turkish government said in a statement that a U.S. delegation would visit next week to keep discussing the issue.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-07-14/turkeys-erdogan-vows-significantly-cut-rates-trump-set-roll-out-sanctions-over-s
#6988897 at 2019-07-11 01:54:50 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8941: They Never Show The Crowds Edition
U.S. Air Force finds no evidence of sexual misconduct by top general
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An Air Force investigation has found no evidence to support accusations of sexual misconduct against President Donald Trump's nominee to become vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a senior U.S. military official said on Wednesday. The nomination of Air Force General John Hyten, the outgoing head of the U.S. military's Strategic Command, remains on track, the Pentagon said. Still, it was unclear if he would be confirmed by the Senate by the end of July, when outgoing Vice Chairman Paul Selva is due to retire.'''
"We've conducted an exhaustive investigation, talked to … 53 witnesses across three countries and 13 states, reviewed tens of thousands of emails, interviewed folks that were closest to the alleged incidents," the military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We're just out of rocks to turn over." The unsubstantiated allegations against Hyten included "unwanted kissing, touching, rubbing up against" the accuser, the official said. News of the investigation follows a spate of surprise disclosures at the Pentagon, including ones that led Patrick Shanahan to resign as acting defense secretary last month and led the admiral expected to become the Navy's next top uniformed officer to instead announce on Sunday that he would retire.
Sources said the outcome of the investigation into the allegations against Hyten has been briefed to the Senate, which has yet to schedule a confirmation hearing. Hyten is likely to be asked about them in any testimony. The Senate is due to consider other several key nominations, including to confirm acting U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper in the job. On Thursday, it will hold a confirmation hearing for Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Trump's top uniformed military adviser.
The U.S. military official, briefing a small group of reporters, said an unidentified U.S. military service member brought allegations of nine incidents between 2017 and 2018 against Hyten just days after Trump nominated him in April to become the nation's second-highest uniformed military officer. The official said that as required by law, the Air Force opened a criminal probe led by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations into the allegations on April 15.
Following the investigation, the office's report was referred to a body overseen by another four-star general to determine whether there should be any further action, including a military court martial. "The court martial convening authority considered the facts in the report, and based on advice of their counsel, decided that there was insufficient evidence to prefer any charges against General Hyten or to recommend administrative actions against the general," the official said.
Air Force Colonel DeDe Halfhill, a senior Pentagon spokeswoman, said Hyten cooperated with the investigation, and noted his decades of service in a statement.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-military-investigation/u-s-air-force-finds-no-evidence-of-sexual-misconduct-by-top-general-idUSKCN1U52NT?il=0
#6980286 at 2019-07-10 14:02:36 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8930: Covfefe and a Q shaped donut Edition
US to form military coalition to protect key shipping lanes near Iran
The United States is moving forward with plans to form a military coalition to safeguard strategic shipping lanes off Iran and Yemen amid raised tensions with Iranian leaders.
Marine General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on July 9 told reporters that the Pentagon would provide command and surveillance assets for the coalition.
Allied nations joining the coalition would patrol waters near the U.S. command ships and escort commercial vessels with their nation's flags through the heavily traveled waters between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.
"We're engaging now with a number of countries to see if we can put together a coalition that would ensure freedom of navigation both in the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab," Dunford told reporters following a meeting with acting U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/07/us-to-form-military-coalition-to-protect-key-shipping-lanes-near-iran/
#6976060 at 2019-07-10 03:12:49 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8925: PDJT on the tweet offense tonight! Edition
News/Notes
Dunford: US Will Provide Intel, Not Escorts, In Strait Of Hormuz.
The Trump administration wants to put together an international coalition to prevent tanker attacks from Iran.
The United States will provide surveillance and organizational support to a proposed coalition to bolster maritime security against Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz, but U.S. ships will not escort other nations' ships through the passage, the nation's top uniformed officer said on Tuesday.
"Escorting in the normal course of events would be done by countries who have the same flag, so a ship that is flagged from a particular country would be escorted by that country," Joint Chiefs chairman Joseph Dunford told reporters at Fort Myer in Washington, D.C."The United States is uniquely capable of providing is some of the command and control, some of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; but the expectation is the actual [security] patrolling and escorts would be done by others."
Questions have swirled for weeks around the Trump administration's plan to rally other countries to help guard against potential attacks on oil tankers transiting through the strait. Since late June, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sought to recruit allies to participate in a program called Sentinel that gives security cameras to ships transiting the strait - and was thought to include a military escort or patrol component - but details have remained sketchy.
Dunford said U.S. Central Command has only recently provided senior leaders with a plan in response to an order given "a couple weeks ago."
On Tuesday morning, Dunford, Pompeo, and Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper met to discuss the particulars. He said they are "engaging now with a number of countries to see if we can put together a coalition that would ensure freedom of navigation both in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el Mandeb."
"We have a pretty clear concept of what we want to do," Dunford said. "[Central Command] come back to us with a pretty good concept of operations and so now we're able to talk with some degree of specificity with our coalition partners."
He noted that he expected the effort to be "scalable," depending on how many partners sign up. But the U.S. portion of the effort is expected to be fusing information from various different surveillance streams, rather than participating in actual security patrolling or escorting ships.
Tensions with Iran have been on the rise since May, when the Trump administration began warning of what it described as an aggressive campaign by Iran designed to get the United States to back off its "maximum pressure" strategy. President Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing choking sanctions on Tehran.
In June, Trump ordered, then canceled strikes on Iran in response to Tehran's downing of a U.S. drone. The administration also blamed a pair of attacks on two oil tankers - neither of which were operated by the United States - on Iran.
In recent weeks, Iran has taken steps to reinstate elements of its nuclear weapons program previously limited by the deal.
It's not clear how many nations are expected to participate in the maritime security effort. European allies, distressed by the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement have reacted with some skepticism to the Trump administration's warnings of an increased threat from Iran. And while Gulf allies are concerned about Iranian aggression, experts question what kind of resources they will be able to devote to the effort.
"I think probably over the next couple weeks we'll identify which nations have the political will to support that initiative and then we'll work directly with their militaries to identify the specific capabilities that would support that," Dunford said. "We're getting ready to move out."
https://www.defenseone.com/news/2019/07/dunford-us-will-provide-intel-not-escorts-strait-hormuz/158292/?oref=d-channeltop
#6970318 at 2019-07-09 19:47:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8917: Flynn News Big! Read Up! Edition
Pentagon to get its third acting defense secretary of the year
Navy Secretary Richard Spencer will assume the role of acting defense secretary this month for as long as it takes the Senate to confirm or reject the nomination of Army Secretary Mark Esper to become President Trump's second defense secretary. Spencer will be the third official to hold the position on an acting basis, following Esper and former deputy secretary Patrick Shanahan. Pentagon officials made the announcement Tuesday. Under law, as soon as the Senate receives his nomination Esper must step aside and take no actions that would presume his confirmation.
The White House is expected to submit his nomination papers as soon as this week, and once that happens, Esper will move back to his Army office and Spencer, next in the line of succession at the Pentagon, will take over as acting defense secretary. Spencer has been receiving classified briefings in recent days so he will be up to speed on his responsibilities at the senior civilian at the Pentagon. Esper will have no role in policy while his nomination is pending.
The complicated plan is necessary because of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, which places a 210-day limit on how long the top position can be filled by an acting appointee. Esper cannot serve past the end of July, because the 210-day clock began running Jan. 1, when Jim Mattis, the last confirmed defense secretary, left office. But under the law, the clock is "paused" once a new nomination is submitted to the Senate.
The Pentagon says that effectively means Spencer can serve as acting defense secretary as long as it takes the Senate to act on Esper's nomination. Pentagon officials stressed that they are not pressing the Senate for quick or expedited confirmation and they expect senators to take as much time as necessary to hold hearings and vote.
That means Spencer could be acting defense secretary for several weeks. Should the Senate reject Esper, the 210-day clock would start again, allowing time for a new candidate to be nominated. While Spencer is acting defense secretary, his deputy, Undersecretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, will serve as Navy secretary.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/pentagon-to-get-its-third-acting-defense-secretary-of-the-year
#6931418 at 2019-07-06 12:25:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8867: Babies In Cages At China Lake b/w Raking The Desert Edition
>>6931412
>>6931414
American's always take care of each other. That love and unity held together the first pilgrim, it forged communities on the great plain, it inspired claire barton to found the Red Cross, and it keeps our nation thriving today... here tonight from the Florida panhandle is Kina Belcher, her selfless generosity over three decades has made her known to all as Mrs. Angel. Every time a hurricane strikes, Mrs. Angel turns her tiny kitchen into a disaster relief center, on a single day after Hurricane Michael, she gave 476 people a warm meal... Mrs. Angel your boundless heart inspires us all. Thank you very much.
From our earliest days, Americans of faith have uplifted our nation. This evening we are joined by sister Deirdre Burn. Sister Burn is a retired Army surgeon who served for nearly 40 years. On September 11th 2001, the sister raced to ground zero, through smoke and debry, she administered first aid and comfort to all, today sister burn runs a medical clinic serving the poor in our nation's capital... sister thank you for your lifetime of service. Thank you.
Our nation has always honored the heroes who serve our community. The firefighters, first responders, police, sherriffs, ICE, border patrol, and all of the brave men and women of law enforcement. On this July 4th, we pay special tribute to the Military service members who laid down their lives for our nation, we are deeply moved to be in the presence this evening of GOLD STAR FAMILIES whose loved ones made the supreme sacrifice, thank you.
Throughout our history our country has been made ever greater by citizens who risked it all for equality and justice, 100 years ago this summer, the womens' suffrage movement led congress to pass the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote.
In 1960 a thirst for justice led African American students to sit down at the woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro North Carolina, it was one of the very first civil rights sit ins and it started a movement all across our nation. Clarence Henderson was 18 years old when he took his place in history, almost 6 decades later he is here tonight in a seat of honor. Clearance thank you for making this country a MUCH BETTER PLACE FOR ALL AMERICANS!
In 1963, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr stood here on these very steps and called on our nation to live out the TRUE MEANING of it's creed, and let FREEDOM RING for every citizen all across our land. American's fearless resolve has inspired heroes who defined our national character from George Washington, John Adams, and Betsy Ross to Federick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, Douglas MacArther, Dwight Eisenhower, Jackie Robinson, and of course John Glenn. It has willed our warriors up mountains and across minefields, it has liberated continents, split the atom, and brought tyrants and empires to their knees... here with us this evening is Earl Morse. After retiring from the Air Force, Earl found that many WWII veterans could not afford to visit their memorial on the National Mall, so Earl began the very first honor flights that have now brought over 200,000 WWII heroes to visit America's monument, Earl, THANK YOU! WE SALUTE YOU! THANK YOU!
Our warriors from a hollowed role call of American patriots running all the way back to the first souls who fought and won American Independence, today, just as it did 243 years ago, the future of American freedom rests on the shoulders of men and women willing to defend it. We are proudly joined tonight by heroes from each branch of the US ARMED FORCES, including 3 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, THANK YOU!
They and thousands before us, served with immense distinction, and they loved every minute of that service. To young Americans across our country, now is your chance to JOIN OUR MILITARY and MAKE A TRULY GREAT STATEMENT IN LIFE, AND YOU SHOULD DO IT!
We will now begin our celebration of the United States Armed Forces, honoring each branch's unique culture, rich history, service song and distinct legacy. I invite acting Secretary, please, Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman Dunford head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, please join me.
#6931412 at 2019-07-06 12:24:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8867: Babies In Cages At China Lake b/w Raking The Desert Edition
HELLO AMERICA! HELLO!
The first lady and I wish EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY on this TRULY HISTORIC FOURTH OF JULY!
Today we come together as one nation with this very special SALUTE TO AMERICA.
We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag...
THE BRAVE men and women of the United States Military.
We are pleased to have with us Vice President Mike Pence and his wonderful wife Karen.
We are also joined by many hard-working members of Congress, acting secretary of defense Mark Esper and many other members of my cabinet, and also the chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Joe Dunford... Lt. General Dan Hokanson of the National Guard, and distinguished leaders representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces;
THE ARMY, NAVY, AIRFORCE, COAST GUARD, MARINES, and very soon the SPACE FORCE.
As we gather this evening, in the joy of freedom we remember that we all share a truly extraordinary heritage,
TOGETHER WE ARE PART OF ONE OF THE GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD...
The story of America.
It is the EPIC tale of a GREAT NATION who's people have risked everything for what they know is right, AND WHAT THEY KNOW IS TRUE.
It is the chronicle of BRAVE CITIZENS who never give up on the DREAM OF A BETTER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE... and it is a saga of 13 separate colonies that united form the most just and virtuous republic ever conceived.
ON THIS DAY, 243 years ago,
our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to declare independence and DEFEND OUR GOD GIVEN RIGHTS.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the words that forever changed the course of humanity, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'
With a single sheet of parchment, and 56 signatures America began the GREATEST POLITICAL JOURNEY in human history... but on that day the patriots who would determine the ultimate success struggled, for a 100 miles away in New York, there the CONTINENTAL ARMY prepared to take a stand... commanded by the BELOVED GENERAL [GEORGE WASHINGTON]. As the delegates debated the declaration in Philadelphia, WASHINGTON'S ARMY watched from Manhattan, as a massive British invading fleet loomed dangerously across New York harbor... the British had come to crush the REVOLUTION in it's infancy, Washington's message to his troops laid bare the stakes... he wrote the fate of unborn millions will now depend under GOD, on the courage and conduct of this ARMY, we have therefore to resolve, to conquer, or die.
#6924094 at 2019-07-05 14:22:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8857: Friday the Fifth Edition
>>6924085
continued speech transcript –
this was not finished, it ends at the 20:00 Mark
It has willed our warriors up mountains and across mine fields. It has liberated continents, split the atom, and brought tyrants and empires to their knees. Here with us this evening is Earl Morse. After retiring from the Air Force, Earl worked at a VA hospital in Ohio. Earl found that many WWII veterans could not afford to visit (defect in recording) the memorial on the National Mall. So Earl began the first honor flights that have now brought over 200,000 WWII heroes to visit America's monument. Earl? Thank you. We salute you. Thank you. (applause) Thank you.
Our warrior's from a hallowed roll call of American Patriots running all the way back to the first souls who fought and won American Independence - today, just as it did 243 years ago - the future of American freedom rests on the shoulders of men and women willing to defend it.
We are proudly joined tonight by heroes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including three recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Thank you. (applause)
They, and thousands before us, served with immense distinction, and they loved every minute of that service. To young Americans across our country, now is your chance to join our military and make a truly great statement in life. And you should DO it. (applause)
We will now begin our celebration of the United States Armed Forces, honoring each branch's unique culture, rich history, service song, and distinct legacy. I invite acting Secretary, please, Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman Dunford, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, please join me.
20:00 – continued UNFINISHED
SOMEONE ELSE CAN DO THAT
#6924023 at 2019-07-05 14:11:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8857: Friday the Fifth Edition
Transcript of President Trump's July 4th Speech:
transcript taken from this video: NOT A BOT caption
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci15wxwva3Y
FOX10 Phoenix channel
=======================
"Hello, America, hello
The First Lady and I wish each and every one of you a happy Independence Day on this truly historic Fourth of July. Today we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag – the brave men and women of the United States Military.
We are pleased to have with us Vice President Mike Pence and his wonderful wife, Karen.
We are also joined by many hard-working members of Congress, acting Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, and many other members of my Cabinet – and also the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joe Dunford. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (nodding to each)
– Lieutenant General Daniel Hawkinson of the National Guard and distinguished leaders representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and very soon the Space Force.
As we gather this evening, in the joy of freedom, we remember that all share a truly extraordinary heritage. Together we are part of one of the greatest stories ever told – the story of America. It is the epic tale of a great nation whose people have risked everything for what they know is right, and what they know is true. It is the chronicle of brave citizens who never give up on the dream of a better and brighter future. And it is the saga of thirteen different colonies that united to form the most just and virtuous Republic ever conceived.
On this day, 243 years ago, our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to declare independence and to defend our God-given rights.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the words that forever changed the course of humanity,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident - that all men are created equal - that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights - that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures America began the greatest political journey in human history. But on that day the Patriots who would determine the ultimate success of the struggle were 100 miles away in New York. There, the Continental Army prepared to make its stand, commanded by the beloved General, George Washington.
As the delegates debated the Declaration in Philadelphia, Washington's army watched from Manhattan as a massive British invading fleet loomed dangerously across New York Harbor.
The British had come to crush the revolution in its infancy. Washington's message to his troops laid bare the stakes. He wrote:
"The fate of unborn millions will now depend under God on the courage and conduct of this army. We have therefore to resolve to conquer or die."
Days later, General Washington ordered the Declaration read aloud to the troops. The assembled soldiers just joined an excited crowd running down Broadway. They toppled the statue of King George and melted it into bullets for battle. The faraway king would soon learn a timeless lesson about the people of this majestic land. Americans love our freedom and no one will ever take it away from us.
That same American spirit that emboldened our Founders has kept us strong throughout our history. To this day, that spirit runs through the veins of every American Patriot. It lives on in each and every one of you here today. It is the spirit, daring, and defiance - excellence and adventure - courage and confidence - loyalty and love - that built this country into the most exceptional nation in the history of the world. And our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest NOW.
That same righteous American spirit forged our glorious Constitution. That rugged American character led the legendary explorers, Lewis and Clark, on their perilous expedition across an untamed continent. It drove others to journey west and stake out their claim on the wild frontier. Devotion to our founding ideals led American Patriots to abolish the evil of slavery, secure civil rights, and expand the blessings of liberty to all Americans.
This is the noble purpose that inspired Abraham Lincoln to rededicate our nation to a new birth of freedom and to resolve that we will always have a government of, by, and for the people.
.
#6855698 at 2019-06-27 17:16:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8768: All Aboard!!! Edition
France warns Pentagon chief not to drag NATO into military action against Iran - report
Published time: 27 Jun, 2019 14:32
The US defense secretary is trying to "internationalize" the US stand-off with Iran by convincing NATO allies to help. France reportedly rebuked his advances, saying the alliance shouldn't be dragged into war in the Gulf.
Mark Esper is meeting his NATO counterparts in Brussels this week, attempting to bring NATO members onto Washington's side as its confrontation with Tehran is ratcheting up.
https://www.rt.com/news/462822-us-drags-nato-war/
#6832378 at 2019-06-24 19:49:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8738: Iran activating terror cells in Africa watch Edition
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/what-to-expect-from-acting-secretary-of-defense-Mark-Esper
As secretary of the army, Esper often made his purpose quite clear: to modernize the army and prepare it for the future of warfare, especially against near-peer challengers such as Russia and China. On May 17, Esper delivered a keynote address at the Atlantic Council's Commanders Series on "The Future of the Army in Great-Power Competition." According to Esper, Russian and Chinese military modernization has produced a new array of capabilities which complicate the longstanding US ability to amass combat power and seize the initiative. A US army oriented toward counterinsurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan is not sufficiently formidable to fight or deter Russia or China. Thus, just as it did after its failure in the Vietnam War, the United States must once again reorient from counterinsurgency to major-power conflict. How do these concerns guide Esper's vision for the future of US defense strategy?
"We know from history that not preparing for war invites aggression, and that is a losing proposition," Esper said at the Atlantic Council, echoing the ancient Latin aphorism "Si vis pacem, para bellum" ("If you want peace, prepare for war"). Thus, it is nearly certain that as defense secretary, Esper will continue to support modernization of the US military to better prepare it to win the next great-power war, so that such a war will never occur.
speech starts at 37:43
#6824627 at 2019-06-23 19:24:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8728: "It's the BREAK" KITCHEN's HOT Edition
>>6824582
noted
raytheon just merged
United Technologies' aerospace merger with raytheon
also
Trump's Pentagon pick
Mark Esper
former raytheon lobbyist
former employee at the governmental affairs department at raytheon.
did a quick qresear.ch dig on 'raytheon'
#6824572 at 2019-06-23 19:14:43 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8728: "It's the BREAK" KITCHEN's HOT Edition
>>6824512
Prior to his current position, he served as vice president of government relations at Raytheon.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/06/19/Mark-Esper-is-acting-defense-secretary-will-trump-make-it-permanent/
https://jobs.raytheon.com/hypersonic
https://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/hypersonic-weapons
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/northrop-engine-teams-raytheon-hypersonic-090810371.html
#6812637 at 2019-06-22 03:42:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8714: Y are you wearing such gay socks Trudeau. The Fagsox Edition
President Trump Nominates Army Secretary Mark Esper as Defense Secretary
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/21/president-trump-nominates-army-secretary-Mark-Esper-as-defense-secretary/
#6810900 at 2019-06-21 23:52:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8712: Abracadabra Buddy Edition
Israeli is pissed about Trump not attacking Iran
As threat of conflict with Iran grows, US has temps running the Pentagon
Administration has no defense secretary and the temporary one just quit. His replacement might only stay for six weeks; top Democrat calls situation 'appalling'
US President Donald Trump's brinkmanship with Iran is on the boil, spilling beyond diplomacy to a planned air attack on Iran that Trump said he ordered, then pulled back at least for now. This, as the US undertakes an unusual troop deployment to the Mexican border, tends its nearly two-decade-old war in Afghanistan and grapples with stalled talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program.
Through it all, the US has no defense secretary, but rather an acting one who is taking over from another acting one, who suddenly quit.
And the latest one, Army Secretary Mark Esper, who takes over on Sunday, might only be able to serve as acting Pentagon chief for less than two months under the rules, requiring yet another short-term boss before it's all sorted out.
Temporary leadership is a hallMark of Trump's administration. "It gives me more flexibility," Trump has said of the many people in acting leadership jobs, not always by his choice.
The practice lets Trump quickly, if temporarily, install allies in important positions while circumventing the Senate confirmation process, which can be risky with Republicans running the chamber by a slim 53-47 margin.
But the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, says it's out of hand.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-threat-of-conflict-with-iran-grows-us-has-temps-running-the-pentagon/
#6792835 at 2019-06-19 22:58:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8688: Hope Prevails Edition
>>6792449
Why is this coming up today? Why did US Army Dr. Mark Esper pick this day to say Multi-Domain Battle is crucial for Great-Power (USA-Russia-China) battle?
Could it be that today, the prayer before yesterday's Rally had anything to do with it? Could it be: think mirror? Could it be that the crucial battle is not between those 3 countries?
Could it be that those 3 nations have been united against the real enemy? Love the title of this bread. Hope prevails. Yes she did.
#6791426 at 2019-06-19 19:54:13 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8687: Winning Anyway Edition
Global Board Admin Announcements
>>6744237 Notable collecting notable.
>>6551371 Voat admin threatens to deplatform QRV, BO creates a backup >>6560164
>>6755645 Please no JPEGs (with conversion apps)
Bakers, please don't add Q's posts WITHOUT a tripcode
Notables
are not endorsements
#8686
>>6791408 DJT Tweet: "So sad that the Democrats are putting wonderful Hope Hicks through hell…"
>>6791397 Mark Esper is acting defense secretary.
>>6791290 Call to dig on Bitchute.
>>6791224 Live: Fed Chair Jerome Powell holds press conference.
>>6791217 Lawsuit accuses Scientology, David Miscavage of child abuse, human trafficking, libel.
>>6791211 Morsi left unconscious for 20 minutes before first aid administered.
>>6791189 Federal drug bust in West Memphis.
>>6791173 Ca. opens probe into 250,000 GM pickups, SUVs over brake performance.
>>6791154 Russian, Syrian warplanes struck Idlib City for first time in three months.
>>6791137, >>6791166 Prominent osint group coordinator shoots himself in the head. (Ukraine)
>>6791081 Small dig on large cocaine bust.
>>6791064 Google parent Alphabet rejects shareholder plan to break up company.
>>6791054 YouTube encroaches the international political realm by banning Spanish conservative party, Vox.
>>6791038, >>6791131 J. Solmon article on FBI's weak Russia evidence.
>>6791024, >>6791053 WH on lockdown over sus. package.
>>6791017 CA voters not happy with free medical for illegals.
>>6791014, >>6791021, >>6791006, >>6791057, >>6791100, >>6791357 Keith Raniere GUILTY on all counts. Q drop tie ins.
>>6790979 New Vermont law expands raw milk sales.
>>6790957 Crowdstrike never produced final report on alleged Russian hacking.
>>6790862 JW: California begins massive voter roll clean-up.
>>6790861 Saul Alinsky TV interview 1966.
>>6790819 US Marines Tweet: Swamp Monster.
>>6790852 China's bank bailout a sign of bad times for their economy.
>>6790835 Pentagon to send $250M in weapons to Ukraine.
>>6790815 Boatfag: Tracking Iranian tankers increasingly difficult.
>>6790800 Locust plague from Iran descends on Pakistan.
>>6790787, >>6791016 Planefag updates.
>>6790785 Fed hints at July cut as expected.
>>6790755 Avenatti's toy seized by the IRS.
>>6790752 Alinsky from the FBI vault.
>>6790746 Corn crops hit hard this year.
>>6790720 Planefag: AF1 on the move.
>>6790703, >>6790712 Train crash update. Carrying explosives.
>>6791415 #8686
#8685
>>6790647 CBP Tweet on illegal's techniques.
>>6790620 Senate panel advances emergency border funding.
>>6790558 Republican doxer (Kav. hearings) headed to prison.
>>6790554 Biohazardous train crash in Nv.
>>6790549 Iran has ties to Al Qaeda.
>>6790539 Navy re-Tweet: McConaughey submarine hunter.
>>6790533 Fmr. Disney VP gets 6 years for child rape.
>>6790515 Dutch-led investigators demand arrest of 4 people allegedly involved in MH17 downing.
>>6790504 Lawmakers sound the alarm on illegal driver licenses could lead to voter fraud.
>>6790493 Kamala projecting.
>>6790484 Pompeo Tweet: POTUS doesn't want war with Iran.
>>6790475 JJ on Hope hearing.
>>6790474 Hawley introduces 'Ending Support for Internet Censorship Act'.
>>6790433 More Ven. gold vanishing.
>>6790426 Ex-FBI agent in Navy SEAL governor case charged with perjury and evidence tampering.
>>6790417 Google buys itself via CapitalG (internal growth fund)$4.76m.
>>6789994 NG RED CASTLE 17 seconds.
>>6790407 Bernie getting the '16 treatment. Warren may be the new endorsed front runner.
>>6790274 House subcommittee holds hearing on Trump's Iran policy.
>>6790264, >>6790388 CF Foreign Policy Director Amitabh Desai appears to have vanished.
>>6790289 Veritas going after Silicon Valley.
>>6790149 China's loosening grip on NK?
>>6790214 Trump gets 1 hour, prime time slot in July 4 celebration.
>>6790182, >>6790213, >>6790221 Barr Europool meeting.
>>6790178 Dems livid as Hope Hicks dodges questions.
>>6790111, >>6790126, >>6790134 Haiti history.
>>6790068 Merkel very uncomfortable. Mexico 2017
>>6790064 Alinsky dig cont.
Baker Change
>>6789972 Trump Planning "Economy Crippling" Sanctions Against Turkey Over S-400 Purchase
>>6790045 POTUS Schedule for Wednesday, June 19, 2019
>>6790024 ICE CONFIRMS TRUMP'S CLAIM THAT MILLIONS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE DEPORTED
>>6790652 #8685
Previously Collected Notables
>>6789857 #8684,
>>6787470 #8681, >>6788306 #8682, >>6789096 #8683
>>6785117 #8678, >>6785974 #8679, >>6786710 #8680
>>6782879 #8675, >>6783693 #8676, >>6784230 #8677
>>6780614 #8672, >>6781368 #8673, >>6782341 #8674
Notables Archive by BV's (updated nightly): https://8ch.net/qresearch/notables.html
Notables also archived here: >>>/comms/3396 (#740~#6384)
Notables Aggregator: https://wearethene.ws
#6791415 at 2019-06-19 19:52:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8686: Deleted Love Note Edition
#8686
>>6791408 DJT Tweet: "So sad that the Democrats are putting wonderful Hope Hicks through hell…"
>>6791397 Mark Esper is acting defense secretary.
>>6791290 Call to dig on Bitchute.
>>6791224 Live: Fed Chair Jerome Powell holds press conference.
>>6791217 Lawsuit accuses Scientology, David Miscavage of child abuse, human trafficking, libel.
>>6791211 Morsi left unconscious for 20 minutes before first aid administered.
>>6791189 Federal drug bust in West Memphis.
>>6791173 Ca. opens probe into 250,000 GM pickups, SUVs over brake performance.
>>6791154 Russian, Syrian warplanes struck Idlib City for first time in three months.
>>6791137, >>6791166 Prominent osint group coordinator shoots himself in the head. (Ukraine)
>>6791081 Small dig on large cocaine bust.
>>6791064 Google parent Alphabet rejects shareholder plan to break up company.
>>6791054 YouTube encroaches the international political realm by banning Spanish conservative party, Vox.
>>6791038, >>6791131 J. Solmon article on FBI's weak Russia evidence.
>>6791024, >>6791053 WH on lockdown over sus. package.
>>6791017 CA voters not happy with free medical for illegals.
>>6791014, >>6791021, >>6791006, >>6791057, >>6791100, >>6791357 Keith Raniere GUILTY on all counts. Q drop tie ins.
>>6790979 New Vermont law expands raw milk sales.
>>6790957 Crowdstrike never produced final report on alleged Russian hacking.
>>6790862 JW: California begins massive voter roll clean-up.
>>6790861 Saul Alinsky TV interview 1966.
>>6790819 US Marines Tweet: Swamp Monster.
>>6790852 China's bank bailout a sign of bad times for their economy.
>>6790835 Pentagon to send $250M in weapons to Ukraine.
>>6790815 Boatfag: Tracking Iranian tankers increasingly difficult.
>>6790800 Locust plague from Iran descends on Pakistan.
>>6790787, >>6791016 Planefag updates.
>>6790785 Fed hints at July cut as expected.
>>6790755 Avenatti's toy seized by the IRS.
>>6790752 Alinsky from the FBI vault.
>>6790746 Corn crops hit hard this year.
>>6790720 Planefag: AF1 on the move.
>>6790703, >>6790712 Train crash update. Carrying explosives.
#6791397 at 2019-06-19 19:48:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8686: Deleted Love Note Edition
Mark Esper is acting defense secretary. Will Trump make it permanent?
The Mark Esper era will begin at the Pentagon on Monday.
Following the sudden resignation announcement of acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced he would appoint Esper, the current Army Secretary, to replace him in the top civilian Defense Department role.
Chief Pentagon SpokEsperson Jonathan Hoffman confirmed that transfer will take place at midnight on June 23. Both defense leaders will spend the next few days working out operational issues to ensure "an orderly transition that ensures our men and women in uniform have the leadership and resources they need to keep our nation safe."
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., on Tuesday offered strong support for Esper to take over the top Pentagon job.
"I've been in the field with him to see how he does with troops, and he's exceptionally good," Inhofe said. "The president was very positive that he's going to be acting. He thinks highly of him and he knows I do too."
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/06/19/Mark-Esper-is-acting-defense-secretary-will-trump-make-it-permanent/
#6789456 at 2019-06-19 14:44:09 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8684: Rally Day + 1: The Gloves Are Off Edition
Trump's Pentagon pick brings military experience, political savvy to new job
Mark Esper has been an Army officer, congressional staffer and corporate lobbyist. Now the Army secretary is the third person President Donald Trump has tapped to lead the Pentagon.
In two tweets Tuesday afternoon, Trump announced that acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan was out after six months on the job and Esper was promoted to the post, at least temporarily.
A former Raytheon lobbyist who was confirmed to the Army position on an 89-6 vote in November 2017, Esper brings both military experience and political savvy to the post. But he also carries the baggage of his extensive experience working inside the Beltway, with one watchdog group immediately raising concerns about his defense industry ties.
In conversation, Esper comes across as informed, confident and comfortable with the challenges that come with sitting at an important desk. Shanahan, who worked hard to strip the "acting" from his title, seemed to struggle at times to communicate effectively, both with Congress and the media.
Esper graduated from West Point in 1986 and served as an infantry officer in the 1991 Gulf War with the 101st Airborne Division. He later worked as chief of staff at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that has been particularly influential in Trump's staffing decisions. He also served as legislative director for then-Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., who went on to become defense secretary during the Obama administration.
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/06/trumps-pentagon-pick-brings-military-experience-political-savvy-to-new-job/
#6781245 at 2019-06-18 19:11:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8673: Rally Day Full Steam Ahead Edition
New acting Sec Of Def graduated from the US Military Academy the same year as Pompeo and is a former employee at the governmental affairs department at Raytheon.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/Mark-Esper-acting-secretary-of-defense
#6781171 at 2019-06-18 19:00:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8673: Rally Day Full Steam Ahead Edition
Acting SecDef Shanahan Withdraws Nomination To Replace Mattis
In a surprise announcement that prompted speculation about whether Shanahan himself knows this yet, President Trump tweeted Tuesday afternoon that acting SecDef Patrick Shanahan was withdrawing his name from consideration to take the job on a full-time basis.
Instead, Trump will appoint Mark Thomas Esper, the Secretary of the Army, to become the first full-time successor to James Mattis, who left in December.
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family….
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2019
….I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2019
Esper is an American politician and corporate executive who has been Secretary of the Army since 2017.
Prior to this, he served as vice president of government relations at Raytheon. Notably, the FBI is still in the middle of Shanahan's background check, and has reportedly been investigating violent disputes involving Shanahan and his wife and son that date back nine years.
Shanahan discussed these incidents in an interview with WaPo on Monday and Tuesday.
Shanahan spoke publicly about the incidents in interviews with The Washington Post on Monday and Tuesday.
"Bad things can happen to good families…and this is a tragedy, really," Shanahan said. Dredging up the episode publicly, he said, "will ruin my son's life."
In November 2011, Shanahan rushed to defend his then 17-year-old son, William Shanahan, in the days after the teenager brutally beat his mother. The attack had left Shanahan's ex-wife unconscious in a pool of blood, her skull fractured and with internal injuries that required surgery, according to court and police records.
Two weeks later, Shanahan sent his ex-wife's brother a memo arguing that his son had acted in self-defense.
"Use of a baseball bat in self-defense will likely be viewed as an imbalance of force," Shanahan wrote. "However, Will's mother harassed him for nearly three hours before the incident."
Details of the incidents have started to emerge in media reports about his nomination, including a USA Today report Tuesday about the punching incident in 2010.
Specifically, Shanahan's wife was arrested after punching him in the face, and his son was arrested after a separate incident in which he hit his mother with a baseball bat.
Shanahan has said that the public disclosure of these incidents would re-traumatize his family.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-06-18/acting-secdef-shanahan-withdraws-nomination-replace-mattis
#6781145 at 2019-06-18 18:58:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8673: Rally Day Full Steam Ahead Edition
>>6781142
After months of unexplained delays, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan stepped down Tuesday before his formal nomination ever went to the Senate, citing a "painful" family situation that would hurt his children and reopen "wounds we have worked years to heal."
President Donald Trump announced Shanahan's departure in a tweet, and said that Army Secretary Mark Esper would be the new acting Pentagon chief.
"It is unfortunate that a painful and deeply personal family situation from long ago is being dredged up and painted in an incomplete and therefore misleading way in the course of this process," Shanahan said in a statement. "I believe my continuing in the confirmation process would force my three children to relive a traumatic chapter in our family's life and reopen wounds we have worked years to heal. Ultimately, their safety and well-being is my highest priority."
He provided no other details.
But as a result of that situation, Shanahan said, he asked to be withdrawn from the nomination process and he resigned from his previous post as deputy defense secretary. He said he would work on an "appropriate transition" but it wasn't clear how quickly he will leave the job.
In his tweet, Trump simply said that Shanahan had done "a wonderful job" but would step aside to "devote more time to his family."
And, in noting Esper's move, Trump added, "I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!"
Officials were meeting Tuesday to determine transition plans.
The post atop the Pentagon has not been filled permanently since Gen. James Mattis retired in January following policy differences with Trump.
Trump announced in May that he would nominate Shanahan but the formal nomination process in the Senate had been inexplicably delayed
Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, has been leading the Pentagon as acting secretary since Jan. 1, a highly unusual arrangement for arguably the most sensitive Cabinet position.
In his tenure at the department he's had to deal with a wide array of international hotspots, ranging from missile launches by North Korea to the sudden shift of military ships and aircraft to the Middle East to deal with potential threats from Iran.
Shanahan, 56, had extensive of experience in the defense industry but little in government. In more than four months as the acting secretary, he focused on implementing the national defense strategy that was developed during Mattis' tenure and emphasizes a shift from the resources and tactics required to fight small wars against extremist groups to what Shanahan calls "great power" competition with China and Russia.
#6780944 at 2019-06-18 18:19:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8673: Rally Day Full Steam Ahead Edition
Pat Shanahan out as Pentagon chief after domestic violence allegations
President Trump announced that acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has withdrawn himself from consideration to lead the Pentagon. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper will be taking his place as acting secretary. The announcement came after details were published of a 2010 violent domestic dispute with his then-wife Kimberley Jordinson that was investigated by the FBI for his background check.
Shanahan and Jordinson both claimed to the police in 2010 that they had been punched by the other. Shanahan has said he "never laid a hand on" her. His wife was arrested after the incident and she was charged with domestic violence. In a 2011 incident, his son, then aged 17, was alleged to have beaten Shanahan's ex-wife with a baseball bat.
"Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family," Trump said via Twitter. "I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!"
Shanahan, 56, took over as acting secretary on Jan. 1 following the departure of former Secretary of Defense James Mattis. The senate confirmed his nomination as deputy secretary of defense in July 2017 with a 92-7 vote. Prior to entering public service, Shanahan was an executive with Boeing, one of the nation's largest defense contractors, where he had a thirty year career. Esper, 54, is a West Point graduate and retired Army lieutenant colonel who spent time in the defense industry prior to taking over as secretary of the army in November 2017.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/pat-shanahan-out-as-pentagon-chief-after-domestic-dispute-allegations
Copy of Police Report Shanahan Family obtained by Kevin Johnson
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6155997/10-300566-GO-Redacted.pdf
''
USA Today Hit Piece
FBI examining 2010 domestic fight involving acting defense secretary Shanahan; accounts differ on aggressor
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/06/18/defense-secretary-fbi-patrick-shanahan-wife-domestic-violence-altercation/1470811001/
Note: This has a bad stench to it..someone wanted him gone
#6780709 at 2019-06-18 17:47:13 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8673: Rally Day Full Steam Ahead Edition
>>6780687
Los Angeles Times
JUN 18, 2019
BREAKING NEWS
Trump says Acting Defense Secretary Shanahan is stepping down
President Trump said the acting secretary of Defense, Patrick Shanahan, is stepping down "to devote more time to his family."
The president said he had named Secretary of the Army Mark Esper as acting secretary of Defense. The Pentagon has not had a full-time leader since January.
Trying to find Washington Times article that flashed across my browser saying it is related to Domestic Abuse. Will post when I get the sauce.
#6780436 at 2019-06-18 17:08:09 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8672: High Energy Rally Day Edition
>>6780391
Mark Esper
fucking Esper
Esper Defense
#6780400 at 2019-06-18 17:02:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8672: High Energy Rally Day Edition
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1141027593774346240
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1141027595380826118
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family….
….I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!
#6780391 at 2019-06-18 17:01:30 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8672: High Energy Rally Day Edition
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family….
….I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!
….4
….4
CST
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1141027595380826118
#6780387 at 2019-06-18 17:01:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8672: High Energy Rally Day Edition
New PDJT tweet.
Donald J. Trump
Verified account
@realDonaldTrump
1 minute ago
….I thank Pat for his outstanding service and will be naming Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper, to be the new Acting Secretary of Defense. I know Mark, and have no doubt he will do a fantastic job!
11 replies 21 retweets 65 likes
Reply 11 Retweet 21 Like 65
Show this thread
Donald J. Trump
Verified account
@realDonaldTrump
1 minute ago
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who has done a wonderful job, has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family….
39 replies 136 retweets 424 likes
Reply 39 Retweet 136 Like 424
Show this thread
#4821964 at 2019-01-19 18:25:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #6154: Boo Who Edition
>>4821924
Space-based interceptors and drones with lasers: the Pentagon's Missile Defense Review wish list revealed
WASHINGTON - The long-delayed Missile Defense Review, which will be formally introduced by President Donald Trump at the Pentagon on Thursday, will call for research and investments to ensure America's security for the next several decades: laser technology, the F-35 as an ICBM killer, and potentially putting interceptors in space.
Trump will roll out the report at 11 a.m. Thursday as part of his third visit to the Pentagon since taking office.
Expected to attend the rollout is a who's who of national security officials, including vice president Mike Pence, national security adviser John Bolton; Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan; Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson; Army Secretary Mark Esper; Pentagon policy head John Rood; Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord; Pentagon technology head Mike Griffin; and Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, a leading advocate for missile defense.
A senior administration official, speaking to reporters ahead of the report's release, confirmed a number of new technologies that Defense News has learned are highlighted in the report. The official told reporters that overall, the review looks at "the comprehensive environment the United States faces, and our allies and partners face. It does posture forces to be prepared for capabilities that currently exist and that we anticipate in the future."
It's been a long road for the MDR to finally emerge. Pentagon officials originally said the document would be released in late 2017 - then February, then mid-May and then late in the summer. In September, Rood, who as undersecretary of defense for policy is the point man for the MDR, indicated the report could come out in a matter of weeks. And in October, Shanahan, then the deputy secretary of defense, said the document had been done "for some time."
There is also widespread speculation in the missile defense community that the review has been delayed, at least in part, because of the warmed relations between the Trump administration and North Korea. Notably, the mid-May time frame for release, which was floated by Shanahan in April, lined up President Donald Trump's planned meeting in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While that meeting was canceled and then eventually happened in June, there was a sense the Pentagon did not want to do anything that could jeopardize those talks, such as releasing a report discussing how the U.S. could counter North Korean capabilities.
Ironically, Trump will be rolling the report out just hours before a high-level North Korean delegation is expected to arrive in Washington for talks with the administration. However, Sung-Yoon Lee, a Korean expert with Tufts University's Fletcher School, doesn't expect that to impact any negotiations.
https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2019/01/17/space-based-interceptors-and-drones-with-lasers-the-pentagons-missile-defense-review-wish-list-revealed/#.XEChKSB_Wvw.twitter
#3724321 at 2018-11-04 07:46:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4730: AND WE WILL KEEP ON WINNING Edition
https://lmtribune.com/northwest/army-secretary-visits-washington-base/article_8cd10ed0-5434-5ca4-84c5-a5639a315d42.html
Army secretary visits Washington base: Mark Esper says troop deployment to southern border intended as logistics support
#2672510 at 2018-08-20 01:30:36 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #3373: Tangible and Significant Consequences Edition
A handful of senators wrote a letter to the army demanding "a detailed briefing" in regard to lead poisoning at on-base housing at bases in Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and Kentucky.
Senators Tim Kaine, David Perdue, Mark Warner and Johnny Isakson sent the letter to Army Secretary Mark Esper Friday after lead poisoning at the bases was revealed.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/08/18/571580/US-Army-must-explain-poisoning-kids
#2549004 at 2018-08-11 03:43:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #3216: The Q's In Charge Here? Edition
Army Chaplain faces court martial for his Christian faith
An Army chaplain at Fort Bragg in North Carolina could face a possible court martial and even military prison because of his views on marriage. After being asked to conduct a marriage retreat that included same-sex couples, the chaplain simply explained that his religious beliefs would not allow him to do so, according to his attorneys.
According to Todd Starnes, an Army investigator under the command of Major General Kurt Sonntag recommended that Chaplain Scott Squires be found guilty of "dereliction of duty" for taking three business days to reschedule the "Strong Bonds" marriage retreat after Squires said he could not conduct it.
Send your email to Secretary of the Army Mark Esper now!
Squires is endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board (NAMB), whose policy clearly states "endorsed chaplains will not conduct or attend a wedding ceremony for any same-sex couple, bless such a union or perform counseling in support of such a union…nor offer any kind of relationship training or retreat, on or off a military installation."
Squires even went as far as to reschedule the conference so a lesbian couple could be served by a chaplain who would accommodate them. However, the same-sex couple chose not to attend.
https://www.afa.net/activism/action-alerts/2018/take-action-army-chaplain-faces-court-martial-for-his-christian-faith/
#2294355 at 2018-07-26 09:22:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research #2891 Night of the Living Bread Edition
US Army Secretary: Army Building Next-Gen Weapons To Counter Russia And China
The US Army has begun to develop and field next-generation weapon systems - like autonomous killer robots, fifth-generation fighters, hypersonic technologies, laser cannons, rail guns, new squad automatic rifles, and quantum computers - in order to contend with its top rivals [Russia and China] on the modern battlefield across multiple domains-space, cyberspace, air, land, maritime, before the next round of hybrid wars break out around 2025 to 2040 timeframe.
During the Aspen Security Forum, which took place from July 18 to 21, Army Secretary Mark Esper spoke about the new Austin-based "Futures Command" as "the biggest organizational change since 1973" when the Army established Force Command and Training and Doctrine Command to counter the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Almost half a century later, the purpose of adding a new command [Futures Command] is to maintain America's empire of 800 military bases around the globe, along with countering new economic systems [Belt and Road Initiative and Maritime Silk Road] that Russia and China are attempting to bring online.
"It is important to note that the National Defense Strategy released earlier this year tells us that we need to be prepared for a high-intensity conflict and that we should consider strategic competitors such as China and Russia as those against us", said Esper, emphasizing that the military is "ready for any kind of threat today".
"In the meantime, as we implement our vision, we want to make sure that in a number of areas we can ensure that we are superior in different areas to ensure that we are able to deal with Russia, and eventually with China over this longer period," he added.
READ MORE: https:// www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-07-25/us-army-secretary-army-building-next-gen-weapons-counter-russia-and-china
#1325986 at 2018-05-07 11:28:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #1662: First Time Baking Edition
In March, AP documented nearly 600 sex assault cases among children and teens on U.S. bases worldwide over a 10-year period. Army criminal investigators have now added another 86 investigations to the 223 they initially disclosed. The revision came after AP challenged data that suggested major installations in several states and overseas had no or only a few such sexual assault cases.
One Texas congressman has filed legislation that would direct the Pentagon to transfer cases to state authorities, who unlike the military or federal prosecutors have much more experience handling juvenile offenders. At least two Senate offices are drafting legislative language to address the problems that AP's reporting revealed.
In response, officials from the service branches and the Pentagon school system lobbied for time to fix the problem themselves, according to interviews and records.
School system officials have told AP they were developing new rules for responding to the sexual violence. The Defense Department promised more broadly to take "appropriate actions" to help juveniles involved in sex assaults.
"I think they would like to make the corrections … because, simply, they can do it faster than Congress can," Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who served in the Army National Guard and is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said of her meeting with Pentagon school system officials.
Ernst said school officials did not offer specific steps they would take and that, while she supported internal reforms, she might still back legislation.
A staffer in another senator's office said the military briefers thought they were getting the problem under control.
"They did not want any legislative action on this," said the staffer, who was not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity. The staffer thought legislation would be needed.
Some military officials began discussing how to limit congressional involvement last fall, as AP was gathering records and data about child-on-child sexual assaults on bases. At that point, the Pentagon was not tracking the problem, but some military officials expected news coverage to generate attention from Congress.
AP's investigation found that many reports were shelved by military criminal investigators, while other cases were unprosecuted by civilian authorities, who are responsible because military law doesn't apply to service members' families.
"I hope to be able to demonstrate that we are making progress on our own, and do not need any legislative assistance," Col. William Smoot, the Army's chief of criminal law, wrote in an October email to fellow Judge Advocate General lawyers. Smoot asked colleagues to relate how they were coordinating with civilian prosecutors so that the Army could "determine what, if any, changes should be made."
Approached in person recently, Smoot referred a reporter to the Army's press office, which later characterized the email as reflecting the Army's desire to "coordinate its efforts with Congress."
"Although the Army has sufficient authority to improve its response to juvenile misconduct case," a statement said, "the Army greatly respects Congress' oversight role and will continue to work closely with Congress on this issue."
Last month, the Army's Criminal Investigation Command released data under a Freedom of Information Act request that showed it had undercounted the number of investigations its agents had conducted.
The additional cases the Army released showed that installations where the agency had reported zero incidents in fact did have investigations. Those included bases in Hawaii, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, Alaska, Oklahoma, South Korea and Germany.
Army Criminal Investigation Command spokesman Chris Grey wrote in an email that the agency "hand searched" cases that it had recorded as still "open," some dating to 2007, and found that 86 had been closed. Investigators concluded the allegations were true in 83 percent of those cases, AP found.
The Army still has not disclosed the number of pending sexual assault investigations it has involving kids on base.
The lack of reliable tracking concerns Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat and former prosecutor who also sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. In an April 27 letter to Army Secretary Mark Esper, she wrote of the "strong possibility" that the military was not coordinating well with civilian authorities.
"I am sure you would agree that close coordination between the Army and local or federal law enforcement is critical to ensuring all cases of sexual assault on Army installations are addressed appropriately," McCaskill wrote.
https
://apnews.com/bdee47ad52ea4db8b837039e2bc53f4d
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- Question: https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/06/06/defense-secretary-Mark-Esper-orders-national-guard-in-d-c-to-disarm-wear-soft-caps-instead-of-helmets/ Do you see what is happening?
Answer: BREITBART: Defense Secretary Mark Esper Orders National Guard in D.C. to Disarm, Wear Soft Caps Instead of Helmets by KRISTINA WONG6 Jun 2020 https://archive.vn/Pc1rF Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Friday ordered National Guard troops in Washington, DC, to disarm and wear soft caps instead of helmets, an official told Breitbart News on Friday afternoon. The official said the president told Attorney General Bill Barr that he wanted the National Guard to be armed so that they could protect themselves from rioters and looters coming in to the city, but Esper on his own told the D.C. National Guard leadership to take the weapons of National Guardsmen who were coming in from other states. “He’s not really on board with what the president is trying to do,†the official said. The official said Esper also on his own directed the National Guard in D.C. to wear soft caps instead of helmets. Breitbart News queried the Pentagon chief spokesman Jonathan Hoffman on Friday afternoon, but he did not respond by deadline. THIS IS ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO STRIP SECURITY AND PROTECTION FROM THE WHITE HOUSE AND PRESIDENT, THIS TIME FROM A CABINET MEMBER. SEE PREVIOUS TWEET OF CATHERINE HERRIDGE OF THE UNIFORM MILITARY CODE OF JUSTICE (ABOVE)
Extra Answer: 10 U.S. Code §?894.Art. 94. Mutiny or sedition (a)Any person subject to this chapter who— (1)with intent to usurp or override lawful military authority, refuses, in concert with any other person, to obey orders or otherwise do his duty or creates any violence or disturbance is guilty of mutiny; (2)with intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of lawful civil authority, creates, in concert with any other person, revolt, violence, or other disturbance against that authority is guilty of sedition; (3)fails to do his utmost to prevent and suppress a mutiny or sedition being committed in his presence, or fails to take all reasonable means to inform his superior commissioned officer or commanding officer of a mutiny or sedition which he knows or has reason to believe is taking place, is guilty of a failure to suppress or report a mutiny or sedition. (b)A person who is found guilty of attempted mutiny, mutiny, sedition, or failure to suppress or report a mutiny or sedition SHALL BE PUNISHED BY DEATH or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct. (Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 68.) SCREENSHOT: https://postimg.cc/N9dZq6q6
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