Podcasts about general dunford

Get the book on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/64KPL0w Introduction: [00:00] Welcome to an emotional and insightful podcast episode where Josh and Troxell discuss the challenges and rewards of leadership, the power of loyalty and resilience, and the profound impact of their decisions on the military. I. Being a Leader: Challenges and Rewards [01:20] Leadership brings both challenges and rewards. Josh and Troxell share their personal experiences, highlighting the need for resilience and the importance of fostering a cohesive organization. II. Surrender or Die: Reflections of a Combat Leader [07:45] Explore the hero's journey through Duke Jacob's book, "Surrender or Die," and discover the parallels between combat leadership and WWE's tribute to the troops. Witness the indomitable spirit of leaders in challenging circumstances. III. Vince McMahon and the Military: A True Gentleman's Appreciation [14:32] Dive into the world of Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE, and his relentless pursuit of perfection. Learn about his deep appreciation for the military and the profound mission of four boats, symbolizing the unity between the military and civilian communities. IV. Military Families: Unbreakable Bonds and Unique Qualities [21:05] Experience the unique qualities of military families through heartwarming stories of loyalty, resilience, and the profound impact of deployments. Discover the strength and sacrifices of those who support our military personnel. V. Lessons from General Dunford: Perspectives from a Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman [28:14] Learn valuable leadership lessons from General Dunford, the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Explore the importance of perspective, selfless service, and effective decision-making in shaping a successful leader. VI. Working with Vietnam War Veterans: Mentorship and Resiliency [35:50] Hear Josh and Troxell's experiences working with Vietnam War veterans and the invaluable mentorship they received. Delve into the lessons learned about readiness, resiliency, and the delicate balance of guidance and respect. VII. Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Resilience [42:18] Witness the resilience of Vietnam veterans and be inspired by their stories of triumph over tough times. Learn how the power of resilience can help overcome adversity and shape a stronger individual. VIII. Empathy and Leadership: The Importance of Caring for Others [48:55] Explore the impact of empathy in effective leadership and hear inspiring stories of leaders who genuinely care for their teams. Understand the role of empathy in building strong and cohesive organizations. IX. Facing Adversity: Lessons from a Trying Time [55:42] Reflect on General Dunford's unwavering leadership during a challenging period. Discover the power of resilience in the face of adversity and learn from his example in staying strong amidst pressure. X. General Dunford: Loyalty, Purpose, and Preparation [1:02:10] Celebrate General Dunford as the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and learn about the qualities that define his leadership: loyalty, sense of purpose, and preparedness for challenging situations. XI. Sandra's Decision: Changing the World and Embodying Heroism [1:08:26] Uncover the transformative power of Sandra's decision to stay in the military. Explore the hero's journey and its profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. Conclusion: [1:14:03] In this captivating podcast episode, Josh and Troxell explore the essence of leadership, drawing insights from their experiences and the wisdom of General Dunford, Vince McMahon, and military families. Through their stories, we are inspired to embrace resilience, loyalty, empathy, and purpose in our own lives, making a positive impact in the world around us.

SUMMARY   A lifelong Cavalry Trooper, retired US army Colonel, Chris Kolenda graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1987 and went on to serve in various assignments, including commanding 800 paratroopers in Eastern Afghanistan.   He served as a senior advisor to three of the 4-star generals in Afghanistan and two Secretaries of Defense before transitioning out of service in 2011 to become the Secretary of Defense representative in the peace talks with the Taliban. Chris then returned to Afghanistan as a civilian to support General Dunford as his Senior Advisor.   In 2014 Chris resigned from his government position and began to pursue his business and consulting interest in leadership and organizational management.    Chris continues to operate his successful consulting firm, Strategic Leaders Academy, and shares how his 1700-mile bicycle ride to honor his unit's six paratroopers who lost their lives in Afghanistan led to the founding of the Saber Six Foundation. The honor ride and the foundation are focused on honoring the dead and raising funds for the living. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS   00:01:09– 00:10:39: Retired US Army Colonel, Chris Kolenda shares his military career as a warrior and a diplomat before transitioning out of service to become the Secretary of Defense representative in the peace talks with the Taliban.   00:10:40 – 00:15:19  Chris discusses why he chose to start his own business rather than join a company as an employee after leaving the government and how the sense of purpose one gets from serving in the military is not the same as serving a for-profit company.     00:15:20 – 00:23:29 Chris shares how he prepared for transition and the lack thereof and why he decided to start his own consulting firm in 2014 rather than work for an existing firm.   00:23:30 – 00:33:09. Chris shares his life after the military and how working for himself allows him to do things like his 1700-mile bicycle ride to visit the graves of the six soldiers from his unit that died in 2007 while serving in Afghanistan.  He also discusses the challenges veterans face after leaving the military and why balance is giving time to each priority in your life and being fully present when you do so.         Your Move     Show resources: There is a complete shift in culture when you transition from the military to the corporate world. The focus is no longer on readiness nor even on not losing money —it's always about making money. It makes sense and, is in most ways, obvious. It's the reason companies are in business—to make money. But the cultural shift is enormous. Reading this book, you'll come to see why. genemoran.com/make-your-move/    Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e43 Connect with Chris Kolenda:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskolenda/   “Our mission is to help successful people gain new heights by being the best versions of themselves and helping others contribute their best and most authentic selves to your team's success” Learn about the Strategic Leaders Academy here: https://strategicleadersacademy.com/   Learn about the Saber Six Foundation and donate here: https://sabersixfoundation.com/   Order your copy of Million Dollar Influence: How to Drive Powerful Decisions through Language, Leverage, and Leadership at www.milliondollarinfluence.com  

*Special Episode* Mayor Koch's interview with General Joseph Dunford, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces. Part 2On part 2 of Mayor Koch's interview with General Dunford, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs weighs in on the war in Ukraine, Russia and China. 

*Special Episode* Mayor Koch's interview with General Joseph Dunford, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces. Part 1On part 1 of Mayor Koch's interview with General Dunford, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff talks about his distinguished military career, Afghanistan, wounded veterans and of course Quincy. 

Rates of stress and anxiety are increasing and it's estimated that 1 in 4 of us will experience mental health problems at some point in our lives. HEROBITES is a bi-weekly podcast clip for your mid-week motivation jump-start to inspire or educate you with our former guest's insight. Today's clip is from episode 20 featuring SEAC #3, John Wayne Troxell - and the story on how he became world famous by turning an E-tool, into a symbol of courage. Video recorded by a Stars and Stripes reporter on Dec. 24, 2017 in Afghanistan, shows Troxell delivering a speech to cheering troops as General Dunford and Florent Groberg, a Medal of Honor recipient looked on. Troxell, speaking from a stage, said that ISIS will be “annihilated, period!” before he launched into specifics. “That may be through advising, assisting and enabling the host-nation partners,” he said. “It may be by dropping bombs on them. It may be by shooting them in the face. And it even might be beating them to death with your entrenching tool, but we are going to beat this enemy!” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2018/01/10/senior-pentagon-soldier-warns-isis-quit-or-be-shot-in-the-face-beaten-with-entrenching-tools/

General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., served as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. His insight and leadership experience are nearly unmatched.In this episode, General Dunford discusses critical lessons he’s learned that - if taken to heart - could change the way we lead in the future for the better, with host Gary Heil.Drawing from extensive military experience, Dunford stresses the need for leaders to surround themselves with good people, the importance of building an environment of trust (and how to do so), and what sets a successful plan development process apart from one bound to fail.Other critical takeaways include:The importance of getting dissent up front in the vision-setting and planning process.The importance of an honest feedback loop.What it means for leaders to figuratively cross the Grand Canyon.What it took to build a global integrator to launch the U.S. military into the future.The difference between management and leadership, and how we often get it wrong.This conversation may just be the foundational piece needed to build teams of today, into what’s necessary for the post-COVID world.

General Joe Dunford, USMC recently retired as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he sat down with former PBS NewsHour Special Correspondent Mike Cerre to record a segment for the “Leading From the Front” series that the Marines’ Memorial Association produces.  General Dunford is always interesting interview, especially when he’s talking about leadership.

Former Finnish Chief of Defense General Jarmo Lindberg and Ambassador Bruce Oreck talk about the deep US-Finnish defense relationship, Finland's key role vis a vis Russia, Nordic security and receiving the Legion of Merit from General Dunford.

Monday June 18th 2018 President Trump instructed General Dunford to begin directing the DOD and Pentagon to 'Immediately begin establishing a SPACE FORCE' OPEN PHONE LINES TODAY CALL: +1 (256) 510-5234 Hosts: Dan Hohlfeld Trump Speech►https://bit.ly/2JQK5ni The Verge►http://bit.ly/2K0D8vZ Secure World Foundation►http://bit.ly/2K3GSjQ Pence Meets with National Space Council►http://bit.ly/2JYFsUg Gift by PayPal►K2d4network@gmail.com FOR MORE VISIT US AT►http://k2d4network.com DTube►http://bit.ly/2GuqOTT BitChute►http://bit.ly/2peX99T FACEBOOK►http://www.facebook.com/K2D4network/ CALL US►+1 (256) 510-5234 Google Play►http://bit.ly/2H13xYF Apple Podcast►https://apple.co/2FkADWc ► Camera Used◄ ○ Panasonic HC-VX981 on Amazon (affiliate link): http://amzn.to/2hdikr5 Theme Song “Art Now” by Alex http://ccmixter.org/files/AlexBeroza/30344 2011 - Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licens --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On Friday the 13th of April, President Trump bombed the government of Syria… Again. In this episode, learn some of the little-discussed history of and reasons for the on-going attempts to overthrow the government of Syria. Please Support Congressional Dish Click here to contribute using credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD167: Combating Russia (NDAA 2018) LIVE Additional Reading Article: 'Obscene masquerade': Russia criticised over Douma chemical attack denial by Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, April 26, 2018. Article: Why does Syria still have chemical weapons? by Patrick Wintour, The Guardian, April 18, 2018. Report: Russia rejects UN resolution for independent Douma investigation, Aljazeera, April 18, 2018. Report: Pentagon warns of IS resurgence in regime areas of Syria, France24, April 17, 2018. Interview: Legal questions loom over Syria strikes, Interview by Jonathan Masters of John B. Bellinger III, Council on Foreign Relations, April 15, 2018. Letter: Text of a letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, April 15, 2018. Report: Trump bombs Syria hours after 88 lawmakers urged him to first consult Congress by Jennifer Bendery, Huffpost, April 13, 2018. Interview: What are U.S. Military options in Syria? Interview by Zachary Laub of Mona Yacoubian, Council on Foreign Relations, April 13, 2018. Report: Thousands of US troops and Marines arrive in Jordan by Shawn Snow, Marine Times, April 13, 2018. Report: Global chemical weapons watchdog 'on its way to Syria', Aljazeera News, April 12, 2018. Report: Pentagon strips Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria troop numbers from web by Tara Copp, Military Times, April 9, 2018. Press Release: Press release on Israeli air strikes in Syria, MFA Russia, February 20, 2018. Article: Kurds pull back from ISIS fight in Syria, saying U.S. 'let us down' by Liz Sly, The Washington Post, March 6, 2018. Report: US has no evidence of Syrian use of sarin gas, Mattis says by Robert Burns, AP News, February 2, 2018. Article: The pundits were wrong about Assad and the Islamic State. As usual, they're not willing to admit it by Max Abrahms and John Glaser, Los Angeles Times, December 10, 2017. Report: [Syria investigator del Ponte signs off with a sting](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-, mideast-crisis-syria-investigator/syria-investigator-del-ponte-signs-off-with-a-sting-idUSKCN1BT29Q) by Reuters Staff, Reuters, September 18, 2017. Article: Trump's red line by Seymour M. Hersh, Welt, June 25, 2017. Article: The 'Pipelineistan' conspiracy: The war in Syria has never been about gas by Paul Cochrane, Middle East Eye, May 10, 2017. Article: MIT expert claims latest chemical weapons attack in Syria was staged by Tareq Haddad, Yahoo, April 17, 2017. Report: MIT expert claims latest chemical weapons attack in Syria was staged by Tareq Haddad, International Business Times, Yahoo, April 17, 2017. Report: Dozens of U.S. missiles hit air base in Syria by Michael R. Gordon, Helene Cooper, and Michael D. Shear, The New York Times, April 6, 2017. Report: ISIS used chemical arms at least 52 times in Syria and Iraq, report says by Eric Schmitt, The New York Times, November 21, 2016. Article: How the White Helmets became international heroes while pushing U.S. Military intervention and regime change in Syria by Max Blumenthal, Alternet, October 2, 2016. Meetings Coverage: Security council unanimously adopts resolution 2254 (2015), endorsing road map for peace process in Syria, setting timetable for talks by UN Security Council, December 18, 2015. Article: How Syria's 'geeky' President Assad went from doctor to dictator by Sarah Burke, NBC News, October 30, 2015. Report: Declared Syrian chemical weapon stockpile now completely destroyed by Thomas Gibbons-Neff, The Washington Post, August 18, 2014. Article: Analysts question US intel on Syria chem attack, DW, January 18, 2014. Book Review: Whose Sarin? by Seymour M. Hersh, London Review of Books, December 19, 2013. Article: UN report says sarin likely used in five locations in Syria, DW, December 13, 2013. Article: Assad did not order Syria chemical weapons attack, says German press by Simon Tisdall and Josie Le Blond, The Guardian, September 9, 2013. Article: Cameron forced rule out British attack on Syria after MPs reject motion by Nicholas Watt and Nick Hopkins, The Guardian, August 29, 2013. Article: Spooks' view on Syria: what wikileaks revealed by Alex Thomson, Channel 4, August 28, 2013. Article: Obama weighs 'limited' strikes against Syrian forces by Thom Shanker, C.J. Chivers, and Michael R. Gordon, The New York Times, August 27, 2013. Report: Moscow rejects Saudi offer to drop Assad for arms deal by Agence France-Presse, Hurriyet Daily News, August 8, 2013. Analysis: UN's Del Ponte says evidence Syria rebels 'used sarin' by Bridget Kendall, BBC News, May 6, 2013. Report: Syrian rebels used nerve gas, UN investigator says by TOI Staff, Times of Israel, May 6, 2013. Report: UN sources say Syrian rebels - not Assad - used sarin gas by Adam Clark Estes, The Atlantic, May 5, 2013. Report: U.N. has testimony that Syrian rebels used sarin gas: investigator by Reuters Staff, Reuters, May 5, 2013. Letter: Text of White House letter on Syria to senators by The Associated Press, The Seattle Times, April 25, 2013. Article: How economic reforms are contributing to the conflict in Syria by Rodrigo Abd, NPR, May 29, 2012. Article: The only remaining online copy of Vogue's Asma al-Assad profile by Max Fisher, The Atlantic, January 3, 2012. Report: IMF gives Syria high grade for economic reform by Stephen Glain, The National, January 6, 2009. Report: REFILE-LIberalised Syria banks "on sound track" by Reuters Staff, Reuters, May 26, 2008. Article: The redirection: Is the Administration's new policy benefitting our enemies in the war on terrorism? by Seymour M. Hersh, The New Yorker, March 5, 2007. Article: Syrian Arab Republic -- IMF article IV consultation, mission's concluding statement, International Monetary Fund, May 14, 2006. Report: Investigator says Syria was behind Lebanon assassination by Warren Hoge, The New York Times, December 12, 2005. Article: Reform hinges on Syria's leader by Evan Osnos, Chicago Tribune, April 22, 2005. Resources Congressional Research Service: Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response Council on Foreign Relations: Syria's War: The Descent into Horror by Zachary Laub Country Reports on Terrorism: Chapter 6 -- State Sponsors of Terror Overview Gov. Publishing Office: Counter-ISIS Training and Equipment Fund IMF Working Paper: Syria's Conflict Economy by Jeanne Gobat and Kristina Kostial Pipeline Report: Arab Gas Pipeline (AGP), Jordan, Syria, Lebanon Public Law: 9/11 AUMF Public Law: Iraq War AUMF Scientific Advisory Board: OPCW 27th Session March 23, 2018 Wikileaks Tweet on OPCW UN News: Action Group for Syria Final Communique June 30, 2012 UN Security Council Report: Goal in Syria Sound Clip Sources Hearing: US Policy Toward Middle East; House Foreign Affairs Committee; April 18, 2018. Witnesses: -David Satterfield - Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State - Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs - Wess Mitchell - Assistant Secretary of State of European and Eurasian Affairs 15:25 David Satterfield: While preventing the use of chemical weapons in Syria is our immediate concern, the administration’s priority remains the defeat of ISIS. ISIS has lost nearly all of the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria, but the fight in Syria still has to be pursued to its conclusion. More broadly, the United States supports a unified and territorially whole Syria. This objective is served by U.S. support for the UN-led Geneva political process, established by UN Security Council Resolution 2254, in which process the U.S. believes strongly that representatives of all Syrians, including all its Kurdish components, should fully participate. 16:30 David Satterfield: The Iraqi government is stabilizing communities, including minority communities that suffered greatly from ISIS, and now we’re beginning private-sector-led, investment-driven reconstruction. 34:15 Representative Eliot Engel (NY): To me, ISIS is one prong of something, an important prong, but one prong of what we should be doing. I really think to rid Syria of the butcher Assad ought to be as important as our ISIS concerns. David Satterfield: I strongly agree with you that a Syria in which Assad remains as leader of this regime is not a Syria which we would predict to be meaningfully secure or stable, or not a source of generation of threat and violent extremism under whatever name in the future, and it’s why we have strongly supported a political process led by the UN. Unfortunately, that political process has been blocked, and the parties responsible for blocking it are quite clear: it’s the Syrian regime itself and the Russians, who through their absence of pressure on the regime in Damascus contributes to, enables this freezing of a Geneva process which, virtually, the entire international community supports. Engel: And through the veto in the United Nations. Satterfield: Exactly, sir. 1:02:20 Representative Dana Rohrabacher: What is our purpose in Syria? Will we accept anything less than—would we accept a compromise that would keep Assad in power, at least in part of Syria, or is our goal and our purpose only to totally eliminate the Assad government? David Satterfield: Mr. Rohrabacher, our purpose of our forces in Syria, as Secretary Mattis, Chairman Dunford have stated repeatedly, is to defeat ISIS. The purpose of our diplomacy, of our international engagement, with respect to Syria, is to support a political process, which at its end has a revised constitution, elections conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. And our belief is that those elections, if freely and fairly conducted amongst all Syrians, including the émigré Syrian communities, would not produce the survival of the Assad regime. Rohrabacher: Okay, let me just note, what you described wasn’t just Syria, but probably three-quarters of the countries of the Middle East. And if we made those demands of—why is it that Syria, we have to make those demands against Syria and not against all these other countries in the Middle East? Satterfield: Because, sir, of the extraordinary depredations of this regime in this country against its citizens, because of the extraordinary and historically unprecedented, in modern times, outflow of— Rohrabacher: You don’t think the rest of the countries in the Middle East have similar track records? You’re trying to tell me that—well, we heard the same thing, of course, about Saddam Hussein, we heard the same thing about Gaddafi, and we ended up creating total chaos—total chaos—in that part of the world. Satterfield: No regime in modern history in the Middle East, including Saddam Hussein’s— Rohrabacher: Yes. Satterfield: —has killed as many of its own citizens, has produced external and internal displacement of its own citizens on the scale of the Assad regime. No. It’s unique, sadly. Rohrabacher: Well, let me just say, Mr. Ambassador, you read history differently than I do. That is an area that is filled with dictators, it’s filled with authoritarian regimes, filled with our allies, that if people rose up against them as they’re rising up against Assad—he’s a bad guy, he’s a dictator, he’s everything you said, but he’s not that different from these other regimes once they are challenged. Once they were challenged, don’t tell me the Qatar government wouldn’t mow down all of their guest workers if there was an uprising in Qatar, and vice versa with these other regimes. I’m very disturbed by the fact that we’re sliding into a war and not having an out that will not lead us to major military commitments to that region. That would be a disaster, and I think it’s based on the analysis that you just said: that Assad is somewhat different than everybody else. I don’t think so. News: Rand Paul Says Syrian Gas Attack was False Flag, or Assad is Dumbest Dictator on the Planet; CNN News; April 17, 2018. Meeting: U.N. Security Council on Airstrikes in Syria; U.N. Security Council; April 14, 2018. Testimony: Secretary Mattis and General Dunford on 2019 Budget Request; House Armed Services Committee; April 12, 2018. Witnesses: - James Mattis - Secretary of Defense - General Joseph F. Dunford Jr. - Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 41:42 Secretary of Defense James Mattis: On Syria, sir, both the last administration and this one made very clear that our role in Syria is the defeat of ISIS. We are not going to engage in the civil war itself. Now, you can look back to a year ago when we did fire missiles into Syria, unrelated to ISIS, and that was, of course, the use of chemical weapons. And some things are simply inexcusable, beyond the pale, and in the worst interest of not just the Chemical Weapons Convention but of civilization itself. 42:48 Secretary of Defense James Mattis: And the only reason Assad is still in power is because of the Russians’ regrettable vetoes in the UN, and the Russian and Iranian military. So, how do we deal with this very complex situation? First of all, we are committed to ending that war though the Geneva process, the UN orchestrated effort. It has been unfulfilled because, again, Russia has continually blocked the efforts. 50:10 Representative Niki Tsongas (MA): So as you’re considering possible steps forward—military actions you might take— what do you hope to achieve by any military action that the administration might eventually decide to take? Secretary of Defense James Mattis: Congresswoman, I don’t want to get, as you’ll understand, into the details of a potential decision by the commander in chief, due to this latest attack, which is absolutely inexcusable. There have been a number of these attacks. In many cases, you know we don’t have troops. We’re not engaged on the ground there, so I cannot tell you that we had evidence, even though we certainly had a lot of media and social-media indicators that either chlorine or sarin were used. As far as our current situation, if, like last time, we decide we have to take military action in regard to this chemical weapons attack, then, like last time, we will be reporting to Congress just as we did when we fired a little over a year ago, slightly over a year ago. As far as the counter violent extremists, counter ISIS— Tsongas: So, let me go back to this. So, before taking any action, you would report to Congress as to the nature of what that action might be. Mattis: I will speak only to the fact that we will report to Congress. We’ll keep open lines of communication. There will be notification to the leadership, of course, prior to the attack. But we’ll give a full report to the Congress itself, probably as rapidly as possible. 54:05 Secretary of Defense James Mattis: I believe there was a chemical attack, and we’re looking for the actual evidence. The OPCW—this is the organization for the Chemical Weapons Convention—we’re trying to get those inspectors in, probably within the week. 1:00:42 Representative Jackie Speier (CA): Mr. Secretary, a Military Times article this week revealed that the Defense Manpower Data Center failed to report the number of combat troops deployed in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan last quarter. That website was also stripped of deployment data from previous quarters. I’m very concerned about that. I think that there’s no combat advantage to obfuscating the number of U.S. service members that were in these countries three months ago, and, furthermore, the American public has a right to know. Do you intend to restore that information to the website? Secretary of Defense James Mattis: I’ll look at it, Congresswoman. As you know, we keep the Congress fully informed, right down to every week. We can update you on exactly the numbers in each case, and we do maintain some degree of confidentiality over the number of troops engaged against enemies in the field. So, I’ll have to look at it. But we will not, of course, ever keep those numbers away from members of Congress, for your oversight. Speier: Well, I know, but this has been an ongoing website that’s provided this information to the public, and all of a sudden, the last quarter, it’s not posted, and they’ve sweeped away all the data for previous quarters. So, it would suggest to, I think, the public and to members of this Congress that you are no longer going to make that information available, and I think the public has a right to know. Mattis: I see. When I come in, ma’am, I don’t come in intending to hide things, but I would just ask, what would you do if you thought the enemy could take advantage of that kind of data, seeing trends at certain times of the year and what they can expect in the future? But I’ll certainly look at it. I share your conviction that the American people should know everything that doesn’t give the enemy an advantage. Speier: Thank you. I yield back. 1:18:09 Representative John Garamendi (CA): What is the legal authority—the precise legal authority—of the United States government to engage in military action in response to the chemical weapons use by the Assad regime? Secretary of Defense James Mattis: Right. I believe that authority’s under Article II. We have forces in the field, as you know, in Syria, and the use of chemical weapons in Syria is not something that we should assume that, well, because you didn’t use them on us this time, you wouldn’t use them on us next time. 1:28:35 Representative Tulsi Gabbard (HI): You know, the president has indicated recently his intention to launch U.S. military attacks against Syria. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. Congress has not done so against the Syrian government. Section 3 of the War Powers Resolution requires the president to consult with Congress before introducing U.S. armed forces into situations of hostilities. Section 2 of the War Powers Resolution clarifies the constitutional powers of the president as commander in chief. In Article II, which you referenced, Secretary Mattis, to introduce forces into hostilities only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by an attack upon the U.S., its territories, possessions, or armed forces. Syria’s not declared war against the U.S. or threatened the U.S. The launch of 59 missiles against Syria by Trump last year was illegal and did not meet any of those criteria in the War Powers Resolution. The consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, which was signed into law by President Trump, states that none of the funds made available by this Act may be used with respect to Syria in contravention of the War Powers Resolution, including for the introduction of U.S. armed military forces into hostilities in Syria. My question is, will the president uphold the Constitution, the War Powers Resolution, and comply with the law that he signed by obtaining authorization from Congress before launching U.S. military attacks against Syria? Secretary of Defense James Mattis: Congresswoman, we have not yet made any decision to launch military attacks into Syria. I think that when you look back at President Obama sending the U.S. troops into Syria at the time he did, he also had to deal with this type of situation, because we were going after a named terrorist group that was not actually named in the AUMF that put them in. This is a complex area, I’ll be the first to admit. Gabbard: It is simple, however, what the Constitution requires. So while you’re correct in saying the president has not yet made a decision, my question is, will he abide by the Constitution and comply with the law? Mattis: Yeah. I believe that the president will carry out his duties under the Constitution to protect the country. Interview: John Kerry - We Got All of the Chemical Weapons Out of Syria; CNN; April 9, 2018. Interview: John Kerry on Getting Chemical Weapons out of Syria, 2014; Meet the Press; April 9, 2018. Testimony: US Policy in Syria After ISIS; Senate Foreign Relations Committee; January 11, 2018. Witnesses: - David Satterfield - Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs 13:45 David Satterfield: A stable Syria absolutely requires the departure of President Assad and his regime. They’ve inflicted suffering and countless deaths on the Syrian people, including use of chemical weapons. This regime is a magnet for terror. It is incapable of democratically leading the whole of Syria. We, our allies, have come to Russia with a path towards the Syrian political transition, towards a political solution, on many occasions, and we call on Russia again today to pressure the regime to work seriously towards a political resolution to this conflict. 14:37 Sen. Bob Corker (TN): We are now not demanding that Assad leave. Instead, as I understand it, we’re embracing the UN resolution as Putin has recently done. Is that correct? David Satterfield: That’s correct, Mr. Chairman. Corker: And that would mean that there would then be an election that would take place. Satterfield: There would be a constitutional reform and revision process, and then there would be an electoral process. That electoral process would be fully under UN monitoring and supervision. Corker: And is it true that—it’s my sense that people like you and others believe that if that process occurs as has been laid out and as supported right now by Russia, do you believe that the way Assad would go through a democratic election where he would lose? Satterfield: Mr. Chairman, we cannot conceive of a circumstance which a genuinely fair electoral process overseen by the UN, with participation of a Syrian displaced community, could lead to a result in which Assad remained at the helm. 21:20 David Satterfield: First step was the defeat of ISIS. As long as ISIS remained a potent fighting force in Syria, the bandwidth, the space to deal with these broader strategic challenges, including Iran and, of course, Assad and the regime, simply wasn’t there. But that bandwidth is being freed up now. With the UN process, with international support for a credible electoral and constitutional reform process, we see political transition in Syria as a potentially achievable goal. We don’t underestimate the challenges ahead. It’s going to be hard—very hard—to do. Assad will cling to power at almost every cost possible. But with respect to Iran, we will treat Iran in Syria and Iran’s enablement of Hezbollah as a separate strategic issue. How do you deal with it? You deal with it in all places that it manifests itself, which is not just Syria, but Iraq, Yemen, the Gulf, other areas where Iran’s maligned behaviors affect our and our allies’ national interests. Difficult challenge, but not impossible challenge, and it is one we are seized with right now, but having a politically transformed Syria will, in and of itself, be a mitigating and minimizing factor on Iran’s influence, and the opposite is also true. Satterfield: We are working on stabilization in the north and the northeast right now very successfully and with a minimum of U.S. physical presence. About 2,000 U.S. military and seven, soon to be 10, foreign service colleagues. This is a highly efficient operation, and it’s working on the ground. But those are only the first steps. The 2254 political process, the process that the entire international community of like-minded states has signed on to, is the key. It’s the key to addressing Assad and his departure; it is the key to resolving the question of foreign forces and Iranian influence. And what are our levers, what are our tools to move that forward? They are denial of legitimacy and authenticity to any claim of victory by the regime or its supporters in Moscow or Tehran, and the withholding of reconstruction funds, which are vital to the regime and we think Moscow’s interests over the long term. Those are potent levers. 48:58 Sen. Bob Corker: As I understand, the troops that are there, they’re not involved in combat. Is that correct? David Satterfield: Senator, there are still combat activities going on in the middle Euphrates valley. The campaign against the so-called Caliphate, that is, the territorially structured presence of ISIS, is not over yet. That campaign continues. The level of fighting has significantly diminished since the days of urban conflict in Mayadeen, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor. But the fight goes on, and there is combat activity. Corker: But, most of their efforts are in support of those that are actually on the front lines. Satterfield: They are in facilitation of the SDF efforts, who have consistently carried this fight since the beginning. 49:47 Sen. Ron Johnson (OH): Reconstructing Syria’s going to cost somewhere in the order of 200 to 300 billion dollars. Is that…? David Satterfield: That’s a general international estimate, sir. Johnson: So, who has that kind of money? Satterfield: I can tell you who doesn’t: the Syrian regime, Moscow, and Tehran. Who does? The international community companies, international financial institutions. They’ve got the money collectively, but that money is not going to flow into a Syria which has not gone through a political transformation and transition. Hearing: Authorization for Use of Military Force; Senate Foreign Relations Committee; October 30, 2017. 2:55:15 Sen. Rob Portman (OH): Do you think there can be a lasting peace there as long as Assad is in power, and does the current AUMF give you the ability, General Mattis, to be able to deal with that issue if you think that has to be resolved? That might be one example. Rex Tillerson: Well, the current AUMF only authorizes our fight against ISIS in Syria, as I indicated in my remarks. We’re not there to fight the regime. There is no authority beyond the fight against ISIS. Therefore, we have to pursue a future Syria that’s kept whole and intact, and a process, which the UN Security Council process does provide a process by which, in our view, the Assad regime will step down from power. Breaking News: Brian Williams is Guided by the Beauty of Our Weapons in Syria Strikes; MSNBC; April 13, 2017. Breaking News: Zakaria: Trump Just Became President; CNN; April 7, 2017. Report: Hillary Clinton Discussed Rigging the Election in Leaked Audio; The Young Turks; November 1, 2016. Interview: Gen. Wesley Clark - 7 Countries in 5 Years; Democracy Now!; August 6, 2016. Hearing: U.S. Policy and Russian Involvement in Syria; House Foreign Affairs Committee; November 4, 2015. Witnesses: - Anne Patterson - Assistant Secretary of State - Victoria Nuland - Assistant Secretary of State Statement: Situation in Syria; Secretary of State Clinton calls on Assad to resign Interview: 100% Syria Have No Chemical Weapon, John Kerry; Charlie Rose; March 10, 2014. Debate: British House of Commons Debate on Syria; House of Commons; August 29, 2013. Press Briefing: US President Barack Obama in 'red line' warning to Syria over Chemical Weapons; Telegraph; August 21, 2012. Testimony: US Policy Toward Syria; House International Relations Committee; September 16, 2003. Speech: Democracy in Iraq; George Bush; February 26, 2003. Witnesses: - John Bolton - then Undersecretary at the Department of State for Arms Control, current National Security Advisor 53:12 Former Representative Gary Ackerman (NY): Are we talking about regime change in Syria if they do not voluntarily rid themselves of whatever it is we’re saying they have or do that threatens our national security? John Bolton: Mr. Ackerman, as the president has made clear and as we are directed, our preference is to solve these problems by peaceful and diplomatic means. But the president has also been very clear that we’re not taking any options off the table. Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)  

President Trump - Presidential Address to the Nation on Afghanistan Terrorists take heed -  America will never let up until you are dealt a lasting defeat. 0 - 00 The President -  Vice President Pence, 0 - 03 Secretary of State Tillerson, 0 - 05 members of the Cabinet, General Dunford, 0 - 10 Deputy Secretary Shanahan, 0 - 13 and Colonel Duggan. 0 - 16 Most especially, thank you to the men 0 - 20 and women of Fort Myer 0 - 22 and every member of the United States 0 - 24 military at home and abroad. 0 - 28 We send our thoughts and prayers 0 - 30 to the families of our brave sailors 0 - 33 who were injured and lost 0 - 34 after a tragic collision at sea, 0 - 37 as well as to those conducting 0 - 39 the search and recovery efforts. 0 - 43 I am here tonight to lay out our path forward 0 - 45 in Afghanistan and South Asia. 0 - 50 But before I provide the details 0 - 52 of our new strategy, 0 - 54 I want to say a few words 0 - 55 to the servicemembers here with us tonight, 0 - 59 to those watching from their posts, 1 - 02 and to all Americans listening at home. 1 - 08 Since the founding of our republic, 1 - 09 our country has produced a special class of heroes 1 - 14 whose selflessness, courage, 1 - 17 and resolve is unmatched in human history. 1 - 21 American patriots from every generation 1 - 24 have given their last breath on the battlefield 1 - 28 for our nation 1 - 30 and for our freedom. 1 - 33 Through their lives -- 1 - 36 and though their lives were cut short, 1 - 40 in their deeds they achieved 1 - 42 total immortality. 1 - 45 By following the heroic example of those 1 - 49 who fought to preserve our republic, 1 - 52 we can find the inspiration 1 - 54 our country needs to unify, to heal, 1 - 58 and to remain one nation under God. 2 - 04 The men and women of our military operate 2 - 07 as one team, 2 - 09 with one shared mission, 2 - 11 and one shared sense of purpose. 2 - 15 They transcend every line of race, 2 - 19 ethnicity, creed, 2 - 20 and color to serve together -- 2 - 22 and sacrifice together -- 2 - 25 in absolutely perfect cohesion. 2 - 29 That is because all servicemembers 2 - 32 are brothers and sisters. 2 - 36 They're all part of the same family; 2 - 40 it's called the American family. 2 - 43 They take the same oath, fight for the same flag, 2 - 48 and live according to the same law. 2 - 53 They are bound together by common purpose, 2 - 56 mutual trust, 2 - 57 and selfless devotion to our nation 3 - 00 and to each other. 3 - 02 The soldier understands what we, as a nation, 3 - 06 too often forget that a wound 3 - 09 inflicted upon a single member of our community 3 - 14 is a wound inflicted upon us all. 3 - 19 When one part of America hurts, we all hurt. 3 - 25 And when one citizen suffers an injustice, 3 - 28 we all suffer together. 3 - 32 Loyalty to our nation demands loyalty 3 - 35 to one another. 3 - 37 Love for America 3 - 38 requires love for all of its people. 3 - 43 When we open our hearts to patriotism, 3 - 46 there is no room for prejudice, 3 - 49 no place for bigotry, 3 - 51 and no tolerance for hate. 3 - 55 The young men and women we send to fight our wars abroad 4 - 00 deserve to return to a country 4 - 02 that is not at war with itself at home. 4 - 07 We cannot remain a force for peace in the world 4 - 11 if we are not at peace with each other. 4 - 15 As we send our bravest 4 - 16 to defeat our enemies overseas -- 4 - 19 and we will always win -- 4 - 21 let us find the courage 4 - 23 to heal our divisions within. 4 - 27 Let us make a simple promise to the men 4 - 29 and women we ask to fight in our name that, 4 - 32 when they return home from battle, 4 - 35 they will find a country 4 - 37 that has renewed 4 - 39 the sacred bonds of love and loyalty 4 - 42 that unite us together as one. 4 - 45 Thanks to the vigilance and skill 4 - 48 of the American military 4 - 50 and of our many allies throughout the world, 4 - 54 horrors on the scale of September 11th -- 4 - 59 and nobody can ever forget that -- 5 - 02 have not been repeated on our shores. 5 - 06 But we must also acknowledge 5 - 08 the reality I am here to talk about tonight - 5 - 11 that nearly 16 years after September 11th attacks, 5 - 15 after the extraordinary sacrifice of blood and treasure, 5 - 20 the American people are weary of war 5 - 25 without victory. 5 - 28 Nowhere is this more evident 5 - 30 than with the war in Afghanistan, 5 - 32 the longest war in American history -- 5 - 36 17 years. 5 - 38 I share the American people s frustration. 5 - 42 I also share their frustration 5 - 46 over a foreign policy 5 - 47 that has spent too much time, energy, money, 5 - 51 and most importantly lives, 5 - 53 trying to rebuild countries 5 - 55 in our own image, 5 - 57 instead of pursuing our security interests 6 - 00 above all other considerations. 6 - 04 That is why, shortly after my inauguration, 6 - 09 I directed Secretary of Defense Mattis 6 - 12 and my national security team 6 - 15 to undertake a comprehensive review 6 - 18 of all strategic options in Afghanistan 6 - 21 and South Asia. 6 - 24 My original instinct was to pull out -- 6 - 29 and, historically, I like following my instincts. 6 - 34 But all my life I've heard 6 - 36 that decisions are much different 6 - 39 when you sit behind the desk in the Oval Office; 6 - 43 in other words, 6 - 44 when you're President of the United States. 6 - 48 So I studied Afghanistan in great detail 6 - 51 and from every conceivable angle. 6 - 55 After many meetings, over many months, 6 - 59 we held our final meeting last Friday 7 - 02 at Camp David, 7 - 03 with my Cabinet and generals, 7 - 06 to complete our strategy. 7 - 10 I arrived at three fundamental conclusions 7 - 12 about America s core interests in Afghanistan. 7 - 16 First, our nation must seek an honorable 7 - 20 and enduring outcome 7 - 22 worthy of the tremendous sacrifices 7 - 25 that have been made, 7 - 27 especially the sacrifices of lives. 7 - 32 The men and women who serve our nation 7 - 34 in combat deserve a plan for victory. 7 - 38 They deserve the tools they need, 7 - 40 and the trust they have earned, 7 - 43 to fight and to win. 7 - 45 Second, the consequences of a rapid exit 7 - 50 are both predictable and unacceptable. 7 - 55 9/11, the worst terrorist attack in our history, 7 - 59 was planned and directed from Afghanistan 8 - 03 because that country was ruled by a government 8 - 07 that gave comfort and shelter to terrorists. 8 - 11 A hasty withdrawal would create a vacuum 8 - 15 that terrorists, 8 - 16 including ISIS and al Qaeda, 8 - 19 would instantly fill, 8 - 21 just as happened before September 11th. 8 - 26 And, as we know, in 2011, 8 - 30 America hastily 8 - 33 and mistakenly withdrew from Iraq. 8 - 38 As a result, our hard-won gains slipped back 8 - 42 into the hands of terrorist enemies. 8 - 46 Our soldiers watched as cities 8 - 48 they had fought for, 8 - 49 and bled to liberate, and won, were occupied 8 - 53 by a terrorist group called ISIS. 8 - 57 The vacuum we created by leaving too soon 8 - 59 gave safe haven for ISIS to spread, 9 - 02 to grow, recruit, and launch attacks. 9 - 07 We cannot repeat in Afghanistan the mistake 9 - 11 our leaders made in Iraq. 9 - 15 Third and finally, I concluded 9 - 18 that the security threats 9 - 19 we face in Afghanistan 9 - 21 and the broader region are immense. 9 - 25 Today, 20 U.S.-designated 9 - 28 foreign terrorist organizations 9 - 31 are active in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- 9 - 34 the highest concentration in any region 9 - 39 anywhere in the world. 9 - 41 For its part, 9 - 42 Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, 9 - 49 violence, and terror. 9 - 52 The threat is worse because 9 - 53 Pakistan and India 9 - 55 are two nuclear-armed states 9 - 58 whose tense relations 9 - 59 threaten to spiral into conflict. 10 - 03 And that could happen. 10 - 05 No one denies that we have inherited 10 - 07 a challenging and troubling situation 10 - 10 in Afghanistan and South Asia, 10 - 13 but we do not have the luxury 10 - 15 of going back in time 10 - 17 and making different or better decisions. 10 - 20 When I became President, 10 - 22 I was given a bad and very complex hand, 10 - 26 but I fully knew what I was getting into - 10 - 28 big and intricate problems. 10 - 31 But, one way or another, 10 - 32 these problems will be solved -- 10 - 35 I'm a problem solver -- 10 - 37 and, in the end, we will win. 10 - 41 We must address the reality of the world 10 - 44 as it exists right now -- the threats we face, 10 - 49 and the confronting of all of the problems 10 - 52 of today, 10 - 54 and extremely predictable consequences 10 - 58 of a hasty withdrawal. 11 - 01 We need look no further than last week's vile, 11 - 04 vicious attack in Barcelona to understand 11 - 09 that terror groups will stop at nothing to commit 11 - 13 the mass murder of innocent men, 11 - 17 women and children. 11 - 19 You saw it for yourself. 11 - 21 Horrible. 11 - 23 As I outlined in my speech 11 - 25 in Saudi Arabia three months ago, 11 - 27 America and our partners are committed 11 - 30 to stripping terrorists of their territory, 11 - 33 cutting off their funding, 11 - 35 and exposing the false allure 11 - 37 of their evil ideology. 11 - 41 Terrorists who slaughter innocent people 11 - 43 will find no glory in this life or the next. 11 - 49 They are nothing but thugs, 11 - 50 and criminals, and predators, 11 - 52 and -- that's right -- losers. 11 - 56 Working alongside our allies, 11 - 58 we will break their will, dry up their recruitment, 12 - 02 keep them from crossing our borders, 12 - 04 and yes, we will defeat them, 12 - 07 and we will defeat them handily. 12 - 10 In Afghanistan and Pakistan, 12 - 12 America's interests are clear - 12 - 15 We must stop the resurgence of safe havens 12 - 19 that enable terrorists to threaten America, 12 - 22 and we must prevent nuclear weapons and materials 12 - 25 from coming into the hands of terrorists 12 - 28 and being used against us, 12 - 30 or anywhere in the world for that matter. 12 - 34 But to prosecute this war, 12 - 37 we will learn from history. 12 - 39 As a result of our comprehensive review, 12 - 42 American strategy in Afghanistan 12 - 44 and South Asia 12 - 45 will change dramatically in the following ways - 12 - 50 A core pillar of our new strategy 12 - 53 is a shift from a time-based approach 12 - 57 to one based on conditions. 13 - 00 I've said it many times 13 - 02 how counterproductive it is 13 - 03 for the United States to announce in advance 13 - 06 the dates we intend to begin, 13 - 08 or end, military options. 13 - 11 We will not talk about numbers of troops 13 - 15 or our plans for further military activities. 13 - 19 Conditions on the ground -- 13 - 21 not arbitrary timetables -- 13 - 24 will guide our strategy from now on. 13 - 28 America's enemies must never know our plans 13 - 31 or believe they can wait us out. 13 - 34 I will not say when we are going to attack, 13 - 38 but attack we will. 13 - 41 Another fundamental pillar 13 - 43 of our new strategy 13 - 45 is the integration of all instruments 13 - 47 of American power -- 13 - 49 diplomatic, economic, and military -- 13 - 53 toward a successful outcome. 13 - 56 Someday, after an effective 13 - 58 military effort, 14 - 00 perhaps it will be possible 14 - 01 to have a political settlement 14 - 03 that includes elements 14 - 04 of the Taliban in Afghanistan, 14 - 07 but nobody knows if or when 14 - 10 that will ever happen. 14 - 12 America will continue its support 14 - 15 for the Afghan government 14 - 17 and the Afghan military 14 - 19 as they confront the Taliban 14 - 22 in the field. 14 - 23 Ultimately, it is up to the people of Afghanistan 14 - 26 to take ownership of their future, 14 - 28 to govern their society, 14 - 31 and to achieve an everlasting peace. 14 - 35 We are a partner and a friend, 14 - 37 but we will not dictate to the Afghan people 14 - 40 how to live, 14 - 41 or how to govern their own complex society. 14 - 45 We are not nation-building again. 14 - 48 We are killing terrorists. 14 - 51 The next pillar of our new strategy 14 - 54 is to change the approach 14 - 57 and how to deal with Pakistan. 15 - 01 We can no longer be silent about 15 - 03 Pakistan's safe havens 15 - 04 for terrorist organizations, 15 - 07 the Taliban, and other groups 15 - 09 that pose a threat to the region and beyond. 15 - 13 Pakistan has much to gain 15 - 15 from partnering 15 - 16 with our effort in Afghanistan. 15 - 19 It has much to lose by continuing 15 - 22 to harbor criminals and terrorists. 15 - 26 In the past, Pakistan has been a valued partner. 15 - 30 Our militaries have worked together 15 - 32 against common enemies. 15 - 34 The Pakistani people have suffered greatly 15 - 37 from terrorism and extremism. 15 - 40 We recognize those contributions 15 - 43 and those sacrifices. 15 - 45 But Pakistan has also sheltered the same 15 - 48 organizations 15 - 49 that try every single day to kill our people. 15 - 54 We have been paying Pakistan billions 15 - 58 and billions of dollars at the same time 16 - 01 they are housing the very terrorists 16 - 04 that we are fighting. 16 - 06 But that will have to change, 16 - 09 and that will change immediately. 16 - 11 No partnership can survive a country's 16 - 14 harboring of militants 16 - 15 and terrorists who target 16 - 16 U.S. servicemembers and officials. 16 - 19 It is time for Pakistan 16 - 21 to demonstrate its commitment 16 - 23 to civilization, order, and to peace. 16 - 27 Another critical part of the South Asia 16 - 30 strategy for America 16 - 32 is to further develop 16 - 33 its strategic partnership with India -- 16 - 36 the world's largest democracy 16 - 39 and a key security 16 - 40 and economic partner of the United States. 16 - 43 We appreciate India's important contributions 16 - 47 to stability in Afghanistan, 16 - 49 but India makes billions of dollars 16 - 52 in trade with the United States, 16 - 54 and we want them to help us more with Afghanistan, 16 - 58 especially in the area 17 - 00 of economic assistance 17 - 02 and development. 17 - 04 We are committed to pursuing 17 - 05 our shared objectives 17 - 07 for peace and security in South Asia 17 - 10 and the broader Indo-Pacific region. 17 - 13 Finally, my administration 17 - 15 will ensure that you, 17 - 17 the brave defenders of the American people, 17 - 21 will have the necessary tools 17 - 23 and rules of engagement 17 - 24 to make this strategy work, 17 - 26 and work effectively and work quickly. 17 - 29 I have already lifted restrictions 17 - 31 the previous administration 17 - 33 placed on our warfighters 17 - 36 that prevented the Secretary of Defense 17 - 38 and our commanders in the field from fully 17 - 41 and swiftly waging battle against the enemy. 17 - 46 Micromanagement from Washington, D.C. 17 - 48 does not win battles. 17 - 51 They are won in the field drawing upon the judgment 17 - 54 and expertise of wartime commanders 17 - 58 and frontline soldiers 18 - 01 acting in real time, with real authority, 18 - 04 and with a clear mission to defeat the enemy. 18 - 09 That's why we will also expand authority 18 - 12 for American armed forces 18 - 14 to target the terrorist and criminal networks 18 - 17 that sow violence 18 - 18 and chaos throughout Afghanistan. 18 - 22 These killers need to know 18 - 24 they have nowhere to hide; 18 - 25 that no place is beyond the reach of American 18 - 29 might and Americans arms. 18 - 31 Retribution will be fast and powerful. 18 - 36 As we lift restrictions 18 - 37 and expand authorities in the field, 18 - 40 we are already seeing dramatic results 18 - 42 in the campaign to defeat ISIS, 18 - 45 including the liberation of Mosul in Iraq. 18 - 49 Since my inauguration, 18 - 50 we have achieved record-breaking 18 - 53 success in that regard. 18 - 55 We will also maximize sanctions 18 - 58 and other financial and law enforcement actions 19 - 01 against these networks 19 - 02 to eliminate their ability to export terror. 19 - 07 When America commits its warriors to battle, 19 - 10 we must ensure they have every weapon to apply 19 - 13 swift, decisive, 19 - 15 and overwhelming force. 19 - 18 Our troops will fight to win. 19 - 21 We will fight to win. 19 - 24 From now on, victory will have a clear definition - 19 - 29 attacking our enemies, obliterating ISIS, 19 - 32 crushing al Qaeda, 19 - 34 preventing the Taliban 19 - 35 from taking over Afghanistan, 19 - 38 and stopping mass terror attacks against America 19 - 41 before they emerge. 19 - 43 We will ask our NATO allies 19 - 45 and global partners 19 - 46 to support our new strategy 19 - 48 with additional troop 19 - 49 and funding increases in line with our own. 19 - 53 We are confident they will. 19 - 55 Since taking office, I have made clear 19 - 58 that our allies and partners 19 - 59 must contribute much more money 20 - 03 to our collective defense, 20 - 06 and they have done so. 20 - 09 In this struggle, 20 - 11 the heaviest burden will continue to be borne 20 - 14 by the good people of Afghanistan 20 - 16 and their courageous armed forces. 20 - 19 As the prime minister of Afghanistan has promised, 20 - 23 we are going to participate 20 - 25 in economic development 20 - 27 to help defray the cost of this war to us. 20 - 32 Afghanistan is fighting to defend 20 - 35 and secure their country 20 - 36 against the same enemies who threaten us. 20 - 39 The stronger the Afghan security forces become, 20 - 42 the less we will have to do. 20 - 45 Afghans will secure and build their own nation 20 - 49 and define their own future. 20 - 52 We want them to succeed. 20 - 54 But we will no longer use American military 20 - 57 might to construct democracies 20 - 59 in faraway lands, 21 - 01 or try to rebuild other countries 21 - 03 in our own image. 21 - 04 Those days are now over. 21 - 07 Instead, we will work with allies and partners 21 - 10 to protect our shared interests. 21 - 12 We are not asking others 21 - 14 to change their way of life, 21 - 16 but to pursue common goals 21 - 17 that allow our children 21 - 19 to live better and safer lives. 21 - 22 This principled realism 21 - 24 will guide our decisions moving forward. 21 - 27 Military power alone will not bring peace 21 - 30 to Afghanistan 21 - 31 or stop the terrorist threat 21 - 33 arising in that country. 21 - 35 But strategically applied force 21 - 37 aims to create the conditions 21 - 39 for a political process 21 - 41 to achieve a lasting peace. 21 - 44 America will work with the Afghan government 21 - 48 as long as we see determination 21 - 51 and progress. 21 - 53 However, our commitment is not unlimited, 21 - 56 and our support is not a blank check. 22 - 01 The government of Afghanistan 22 - 03 must carry their share 22 - 06 of the military, 22 - 07 political, and economic burden. 22 - 11 The American people expect to see 22 - 12 real reforms, 22 - 14 real progress, and real results. 22 - 17 Our patience is not unlimited. 22 - 21 We will keep our eyes wide open. 22 - 24 In abiding by the oath I took on January 20th, 22 - 27 I will remain steadfast in protecting American lives 22 - 31 and American interests. 22 - 34 In this effort, we will make common cause 22 - 38 with any nation 22 - 39 that chooses to stand and fight alongside us 22 - 42 against this global threat. 22 - 45 Terrorists take heed -  America will never let up 22 - 49 until you are dealt a lasting defeat. 22 - 53 Under my administration, many billions of dollars 22 - 56 more is being spent on our military. 22 - 59 And this includes vast amounts being spent 23 - 02 on our nuclear arsenal and missile defense. 23 - 06 In every generation, we have faced down evil, 23 - 09 and we have always prevailed. 23 - 13 We prevailed because we know who we are 23 - 17 and what we are fighting for. 23 - 19 Not far from where we are gathered tonight, 23 - 22 hundreds of thousands 23 - 23 of America's greatest patriots 23 - 25 lay in eternal rest 23 - 28 at Arlington National Cemetery. 23 - 32 There is more courage, sacrifice, 23 - 35 and love in those hallowed grounds 23 - 39 than in any other spot on the face of the Earth. 23 - 44 Many of those who have fought and died 23 - 46 in Afghanistan enlisted in the months 23 - 49 after September 11th, 2001. 23 - 53 They volunteered for a simple reason - 23 - 56 They loved America, 23 - 57 and they were determined to protect her. 24 - 01 Now we must secure the cause 24 - 02 for which they gave their lives. 24 - 05 We must unite to defend America 24 - 08 from its enemies abroad. 24 - 10 We must restore the bonds of loyalty 24 - 13 among our citizens at home, 24 - 16 and we must achieve an honorable 24 - 19 and enduring outcome 24 - 21 worthy of the enormous price 24 - 24 that so many have paid. 24 - 26 Our actions, and in the months to come, 24 - 29 all of them will honor 24 - 31 the sacrifice 24 - 32 of every fallen hero, 24 - 35 every family who lost a loved one, 24 - 37 and every wounded warrior who shed their blood 24 - 40 in defense of our great nation. 24 - 44 With our resolve, we will ensure that your service 24 - 49 and that your families 24 - 51 will bring about the defeat of our enemies 24 - 54 and the arrival of peace. 24 - 57 We will push onward to victory with power 25 - 00 in our hearts, 25 - 01 courage in our souls, 25 - 03 and everlasting pride in each 25 - 06 and every one of you. 25 - 09 Thank you. May God bless our military. 25 - 14 And may God bless the United States of America. 25 - 18 Thank you very much, thank you.  

In the following interview, Dr. Bruce Bechtol discusses the threat of North Korea. North Korea has made headlines for their ICBM tests and nuclear tests. We discuss the threat that they pose as well as dive into the details of their regime, their current leader, past provocations, weapons systems, and options that the U.S. and its allies have to deal with them. Dr. Bechtol is Associate Professor of political science at Angelo State University in Texas. He is a retired U.S. Marine, and wrote the lead article in the December 2016 edition of the Marine Corps Gazette. The article was called "A Marine's Guide to North Korea." North Korea Threat Synopsis We begin the interview discussing the current situation between the U.S. and North Korea. North Korea recently threatened to fire ICBMs at Guam. But, Kim Jong-un backed down... for now. Dr. Bechtol talks about the different types of missiles that the North Koreans have including Musadan, KN-08, and KN-14 missiles. The Washington Post reported North Korea's advancement of miniaturized nuclear warheads. But, Dr. Bechtol says that this is nothing defense officials haven't been aware of for several years. However, what has changed is that they have successfully tested the range of their ICBMs, and have displayed that they are capable of hitting the U.S. or Guam. Dr. Bechtol discusses the current defense capabilities that the U.S. has to bring down a North Korean ICBM.   The North Korean State What type of state is North Korea? North Korea (aka Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK) a “dynastic” system, run by elites with a love for Joseph Stalin. Who is Kim Jong-un? He was educated in Switzerland and grew up loving NBA basketball. Some thought he might be a moderate leader when he came to power. But, as a leader, he has ruled North Korea with an iron fist and carried out many purges. Dr. Bechtol talks about the political institutions in North Korea- the Party, the Military, and the Security Services. In the political system of the DPRK, everyone is watching everyone else. It's a bizarre system of "checks and balances" in which "big brother" is always watching and threatening. Dr. Bechtol talks about how Kim Jong-un may not have the support of the North Korean military. Thus, he has used military tests, provocations, and brinkmanship to solidify his support. What type of cyber technology does North Korea have? They have hacked Sony, hacked NGO's, and hacked South Korean financial institutions.   The North Korean "Play Book" Dr. Bechtol breaks down the tactics of North Korea's violent provocations. They conduct "short" attacks to inflict massive casualties to strike fear in the hearts and minds of South Koreans. But, South Korea has stepped up their defenses to deter and respond to the North's provocations. We discuss the current command and control structure between the U.S. and South Korea (aka Republic of Korea or ROK). The Combined Forces Command (CFC) establishes unity of command between U.S. and ROK forces. In the event of war, the CFC commander, a four-star general, takes his strategic and operational guidance from the U.S. national command authority and the ROK Minister of National Defense.   Contingency Planning? Dr. Bechtol assesses how and why the U.S. and China are working to plan for "contingencies." What would happen if the North Korean regime collapsed? The U.S. and China would need to cooperate. Dr. Bechtol says that the current government of North Korea will implode and states it's a matter of "if not when." At that point, the U.S. will need to work directly with China. On August 16, General Dunford, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with Chinese military leaders in China. Dr. Bechtol reiterates the need for the U.S. to develop its ballistic missile defense (BMD) technology. How could the North Korean regime collapse? Dr. Bechtol explains, "Planning is a nightmare." There are hundreds of possible scenarios for a collapse. If North Korea collapses, Dr. Bechtol mentions that forces have been training to recover nuclear and chemical weapons. He says that they could fetch a high price on black markets.   Conclusion What does Dr. Bechtol think the U.S. should do right now? Two things: Update BMD technology. Use economic pressure. For example, the Patriot Act Section 311 goes after banks that do business with rogue regimes. Dr. Bechtol says we need to use this. Bottom Line: Sanctions need to be enforced. The U.S. needs to stand up an inter-agency task force to make it happen.  Be sure to keep an eye out for Dr. Bechtol's next book, Enabling Instability and Violence, which will be published in 2018.   For more information, check out www.professionalmilitaryeducation.com for links to articles, videos, and additional resources. HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you like this interview, and want to hear others, subscribe in iTunes. Support the show with written reviews, share on social media, and through word of mouth. For any requests for additional shows or guests, e-mail me: tim@professionalmilitaryeducation.com

U.S. Muslim Brotherhood and Saul Alinsky: A Match Made in America,Bit by Bit, Trump Methodically Undoing Obama Policies,Eli Lake: Susan Rice Requested Unmasking of People Connected to Trump Transition,Unmasked Names of Trump Private Associates Sent to Clapper, Brennan, Rhodes,Iraqi Defense Ministry Releases PHOTOS-VIDEO of Jared Kushner, General Dunford in Baghdad

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/09/23/no-fly-zone-would-require-war-with-syria-and-russia-general-dunford/ You just canâ??t make this stuff up. General Dunford â??has no factsâ?? but he blames Russia in front of Congress for the attack on the  Aleppo aid convoy. He appointed himself judge and jury, but skipped over the investigator part.