Podcasts about republican guard

The former rebels who now rule Syria dismantled the old regime's security forces as soon as they came to power last December. Overnight, half a million soldiers, police and intelligence officers, and some civil defence workers lost their jobs and income. Many of those sacked were guilty of atrocities. But the majority probably were not. Tim Whewell reports on the reconciliation process which deprived servicemen of their jobs – but delayed justice. He talks to a variety of former junior members of the security forces – a civil defence worker, a policeman and an officer of the elite Republican Guard – to ask how and why they originally became servants of the regime – and find out how they are living now. War crimes investigator Kilman Abu Hawa says only 10-15% of former servicemen are guilty of crimes: the guilty should be prosecuted, and the innocent reinstated. Nanar Hawach of the International Crisis Group draws a parallel with Iraq, where the security forces were dismantled after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Many discontented former officers in Iraq eventually joined the jihadi group, ISIS. Do the mass dismissals in Syria risk provoking a similar insurgency?

AL QAEDA HAS NOW CAPTURED DAMASCUS:  1/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1860 DAMASCUS

AL QAEDA HAS NOW CAPTURED DAMASCUS:  2/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1870 DAMASCUS

AL QAEDA HAS NOW CAPTURED DAMASCUS:  3/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1900 DAMASCUS

AL QAEDA HAS NOW CAPTURED DAMASCUS:  4/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1870 DAMASCUS

DANASCUS BACK IN THE GREAT GAME:  4/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1870 .

DANASCUS BACK IN THE GREAT GAME:  3/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1898 .

DANASCUS BACK IN THE GREAT GAME:  2/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. .1914 Syria

DANASCUS BACK IN THE GREAT GAME:  1/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1880 .

Brent Downing is a Sergeants Major in the United States Marine Corps. He has done many things in his career, starting as an 0331 Machine Gunner in 1st battalion 4th Marines. Shortly after checking into the Battalion, Lance Corporal Downing was deployed to Kuwait and In March of 2003, crossed the line of departure into Iraq during the initial invasion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Corporal Downing would take part in several combat engagements fighting against the Iraqi army as well as their elite Republican Guard and Fedayeen forces from Al-Nasiriyah to Baghdad. In 2004 Lance Corporal Downing returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), serving as a machine gun squad leader. In August 2004, Lance Corporal Downing led a squad of machine gunners in an intense three-day-long battle against Muqtada Al-Sadr's Mahdi army in the Najaf cemetery. For his actions, Lance Corporal Downing was subsequently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and would later be promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Brent Downing is a Sergeants Major in the United States Marine Corps. He has done many things in his career, starting as an 0331 Machine Gunner in 1st battalion 4th Marines. Shortly after checking into the Battalion, Lance Corporal Downing was deployed to Kuwait and In March of 2003, crossed the line of departure into Iraq during the initial invasion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Corporal Downing would take part in several combat engagements fighting against the Iraqi army as well as their elite Republican Guard and Fedayeen forces from Al-Nasiriyah to Baghdad. In 2004 Lance Corporal Downing returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), serving as a machine gun squad leader. In August 2004, Lance Corporal Downing led a squad of machine gunners in an intense three day long battle against Muqtada Al-Sadr's Mahdi army in the Najaf cemetery. For his actions, Lance Corporal Downing was subsequently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and would later be promoted to the rank of Corporal.

On May 19, forces calling themselves the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo launched what appears to be a failed coup attempt, attacking the home of the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy Vital Kamerhe, as well as the Congo's presidential palace, Palais de la Nation. The country's Republican Guard forces were able to put down the attack within hours. Three of the 50 people arrested were U.S. citizens, and another U.S. citizen who reportedly led the operation was killed during the attack. Christian Malanga was the founder of the DC-based United Congolese Party, which has deep ties to the west and the United States.We talk with Maurice Carney, co-founder and Executive Director of Friends of the Congo, about the events of May 19, the history of the deadliest conflict since World War II, the role that the US and Israel play in the 3Ds: Displacement, Death and Destruction, and the resurgence of the anti-imperialist movement.Support the Show.

Brent Downing is a Sergeants Major in the United States Marine Corps. He has done many things in his career, starting as an 0331 Machine Gunner in 1st battalion 4th Marines. Shortly after checking into the Battalion, Lance Corporal Downing was deployed to Kuwait and In March of 2003, crossed the line of departure into Iraq during the initial invasion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Corporal Downing would take part in several combat engagements fighting against the Iraqi army as well as their elite Republican Guard and Fedayeen forces from Al-Nasiriyah to Baghdad. In 2004 Lance Corporal Downing returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), serving as a machine gun squad leader. In August 2004, Lance Corporal Downing led a squad of machine gunners in an intense three day long battle against Muqtada Al-Sadr's Mahdi army in the Najaf cemetery. For his actions, Lance Corporal Downing was subsequently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and would later be promoted to the rank of Corporal. Following the return from a second combat tour in Iraq, Corporal Downing checked into Headquarters Battery, 11th Marines and served as the Substance Abuse Control Officer (SACO) for approximately one year. Before leaving active duty in June 2006, Corporal Downing would be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In January 2007, then Sergeant Downing checked into Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines serving as the machine gun section leader. In April of 2008, Sergeant Downing was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 2011, Staff Sergeant Downing deployed with the battalion to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Platoon Sergeant of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines. While conducting combat operations in Afghanistan, 2nd Platoon was responsible for seizing over two tons of illegal narcotics from the Taliban during aerial interdiction missions and participated in several multi-battalion operations during the course of the deployment. Since that time he has Been in various leadership roles and training Marines. In June of 2022, after being selected to the rank of Sergeant Major, SgtMaj Downing was assigned as the Battalion Sergeant Major of 2d Battalion, 14th Marines, a HIMARS rocket Battalion located in Grand Prairie, Texas.

NOTE: This episode contains some pretty heavy stuff (death / PTSD) This episode kinda bumps around all over the place. The keynote of the show lands on a discussion about his time in the military and PTSD in servicemen and servicewomen. Special thanks to our sponsors: Northwest Figure 8 - ⁠tinyurl.com/NorthwestFigure8⁠ Peters Auto Service - http://tinyurl.com/18PetersAuto Polk Brothers Racing - ⁠https://tinyurl.com/PolkBrosRacing⁠ Kylie Anne Photography - http://tinyurl.com/KylieAnnePhotography RULE ONE SHOT SPONSOR: Moon Drops Distillery - tinyurl.com/Moondropsdistillery --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecrossoverwjam/message

It's Tuesday, January 23rd, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Chinese Communists sentence pastor to 14 years in prison A Chinese pastor with a large online presence has received a sentence of 14 years in prison. Kan Xiaoyong, his wife Wang, and four other church members all received prison sentences at the hands of the despotic communist government, reports Bitter Winter Magazine. Pastor Kan has supported the House Church movement with what he called the Home Discipleship Network for the last four years.  Both the pastor and his wife were tortured for two to three hours by Chinese authorities, reports Radio Free Asia.  Indian prime minister doubles down on Hinduism India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is moving more nationalist and more committed to a Hindu state. That will mean more persecution for Christians and those of other minority religions. His enthusiastic support for the false god “Lord Ram” and a new Hindu temple in northern India's Ayodhya is an attempt to create what Modi has called “The New India.” Hindus for Human Rights is protesting, calling this an attempt to “weaponize Hinduism in the name of the BJP's repressive nationalist ideology, ahead of national elections in May.” Brazil floods kill 32 Torrential rains in Brazil led to severe flooding last week, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 persons and the displacement of 5,000 others, according to The Brazilian Report. And The Christian Daily reports that the Rio de Janeiro flood left 12 dead. The Brazilian Evangelical Alliance is calling for prayers and volunteers to help with the clean up efforts for church communities affected by the flooding — reported to be the worst in 90 years.  Brazil critical of Israel Also, in relation to the Israeli-Hamas War, Brazil has joined South Africa and other Arab nations to bring charges of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice for Israel's defending itself after being attacked by the Muslim terrorist group on October 7th. The United States, Canada, and Germany have criticized the motion. Ron DeSantis withdraws from presidential race Ahead of today's first-in-the nation primary in New Hampshire, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has pulled out of the presidential race, and he's putting his support behind former president Donald Trump. Listen. DeSANTIS: “I can't ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don't have a clear path to victory. Accordingly, I am today suspending my campaign. “It's clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance. They watch his presidency gets stymied by relentless resistance, and they see Democrats using lawfair to this day to attack him. While I've had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci, Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. “He has my endorsement because we can't go back to the old Republican Guard of yesteryear.” Trump leads Haley, 50-39%, in New Hampshire   A CNN poll finds that Trump's lead over second place Republican candidate Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Governor, is now 50-39% in the New Hampshire primary today, where Haley has her best shot.  Real estate market hitting recession The real estate market has hit recession levels. Existing-home sales waned by 1 % in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.78 million, reports the National Association of Realtors. That's the lowest level since the 2010 recession. Court: 18 to 20-year-olds can carry guns The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the rights of 18 to 20-year-olds to carry arms.  The court ruled that a Pennsylvania law, which prohibits the right of these young adults from carrying firearms in public during a state of emergency, was unconstitutional.  U.S. Circuit Judge Kent Jordan wrote, “It is undisputed that 18 to 20-year-olds are among ‘the people' for other constitutional rights such as the right to vote, freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, government petitions, and the right against unreasonable government searches and seizures.” March for Life in D.C. and across America Pro-lifers held their March for Life events around the country over the weekend, connected to the January 22, 1973 date of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which effectively legalized abortion. As The Worldview reported yesterday, thousands braved snowy weather in Washington DC, to march and attend a rally with speakers including NFL player Benjamin Watson and House Speaker Mike Johnson – both of whom we quoted. Other speakers included Republican Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly, and Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship. Abortion rate up despite overturn of Roe Despite the reversal of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, the number of abortions appears to still be on the increase in America. The Guttmacher Institute reports that in the first 10 months of 2023 there were an estimated 878,000 abortions in the formal US health care system. That's a rate 12% higher than 2020's numbers. And that doesn't include the number of abortions produced by the Day After Pill, the IUD, and the unrecorded Abortion Kill Pill by Mail program.  Hear the Word of the Lord, for America,  from Isaiah 1:15-17. God said, “When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil,  Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” Wrestler Hulk Hogan rescues teen after witnessing car accident And finally, famed wrestler Hulk Hogan has recently been in the headlines for getting baptized and speaking about his newfound Christian faith, reports FaithWire.com. But the former World Wrestling Entertainment star is now making headlines for “playing real-life superheroes” alongside one of his friends. A week ago Sunday night, Hogan was in Tampa, Florida when he witnessed a horrific crash and jumped into action. The accident reportedly involved a 17-year-old girl, whom Hogan rescued. After news of the incident broke, the wrestling icon's wife, Sky Daily Hogan, shared details of the event on her Facebook page. She said, “Last night, after we left dinner in Tampa, we saw a car flip in front of us! I truly admire my husband, @hulkhogan, and our good buddy, @jakerask, for springing into action, puncturing the girl's airbag, and getting her quickly out of the car.” According to Hogan, the victim was “unscathed,” though rattled. In the end, she called the entire ordeal “an absolute miracle.” The wrestler also confirmed the story on his Twitter feed, explaining how he was able to pop the airbag without a knife. He wrote, “The crazy part about the teenager that flipped her car was that, without a knife to puncture the airbags to get her out, an Indian Rocks Christian ballpoint pen came in really handy. Thank you, God, all is well.” Close And that's The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Tuesday, January 23rd in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

August 2, 1990. They came out of the darkness… tanks, column after column of the Republican Guard, Iraq's feared and battle-hardened elite. Kuwait's small and under-prepared army had no answer - within hours their country was under the brutal control of Saddam Hussein, Iraq's feared dictator, and his army. How would the world respond? Narrated by Paul Waggott Written by Robin Scott Elliot Production and Sound Design by Holy Smokes Audio Executive Producers Tony Pastor + Neil Fearn A Goalhanger Podcasts Production Cast; Amal El-hawrani Nezar Alderazi Terry Silverthorne Kasper Michaels Cherise Silvestri Amina-Rose Jameel Yusef Jameel Ali Al-Saffu Tim Skinner Thomas Mitchells Abdelrahman Alhato Qutaiba F. Abdelhaq Tony E. Walker Dorien Jaye Ahmad Al Al Ketbi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TERRORISM GOES TO WAR WITH ISRAEL: #Syria: 3/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the plane 1910 DAMASCUS

TERRORISM GOES TO WAR WITH ISRAEL: #Syria: 4/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the plane 1910 DAMASCUS

TERRORISM GOES TO WAR WITH ISRAEL: #Syria: 2/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1910 DAMASCUS

TERRORISM GOES TO WAR WITH ISRAEL: #Syria: 1/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. 1910 DAMASCUS

COLD WAR PREVIEW: 1/4: Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet 1867 LEBANON

COLD WAR PREVIEW: 2/4: Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet 1900 JERUSALEM

COLD WAR PREVIEW: 3/4: Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet 1931 SOMALIA

COLD WAR PREVIEW: 4/4: Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet 1920 AFGHANISTAN

When the week began, it was all about France defying an ultimatum by Niger's coup leaders to recall its ambassador. Now, another precinct has been heard from. A twin surprise came from Gabon overnight on Wednesday, with military brass cancelling the flawed re-election to a third term of President Ali Bongo. Instead, a coup ended a 55-year old father-son dynasty in that oil-rich Central African nation. Quick to emerge from the pack was the head of the Republican Guard, General Brice Oligui Nguema – himself a cousin of the Bongos.

Facts & Spins for September 1, 2023 Top Stories: Xi is expected to skip next month's G20 summit, a deadly building fire in South Africa kills dozens, a new book claims Zelenskyy 'bombed' his first meeting with Biden, the head of Gabon's Republican Guard is named interim leader, Trump is accused of inflating his net worth, Justice Thomas discloses donor-funded trips, Alabama seeks to prosecute those who aid out-of-state abortions, Meta reportedly modifies its moderation policy, China's Baidu launches its ChatGPT rival ERNIE, and the US proposes mandatory overtime for workers. Sources: https://www.verity.news/

*)Dozens dead, many wounded in building blaze in South Africa's Johannesburg At least 58 people have been killed and more than 40 wounded following a fire at a multistorey building in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, local media and emergency workers said. Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the blaze on Thursday morning engulfed the building located in the city's central business district. Emergency Management Services said another 43 people were injured in the blaze. Mulaudzi said a search and recovery operation was underway, and it was likely the death toll would rise. *) Gabon junta names new transitional leader Gabon coup leaders have named Republican Guard chief General Brice Oligui Nguema as transitional president in a press release. The military seized control in the wake of elections, cancelling the August 26 general elections, closing all borders until further notice and dissolving all institutions of the republic. Gabon coup will be the eighth in West and Central Africa since 2020 if successful, ending the Bongo family's 56-year grip on power. *) Burkina Faso endorses troop deployment to Niger Burkina Faso's Cabinet has given the government the green light to send troops to help defend neighbouring Niger, where the military deposed President Mohamed Bazoum about a month ago. A Cabinet statement late Wednesday said the government was allowed to deploy a military contingent to Niger “in line with our country's strategic commitments.” Last week, Niger's military administration authorised troops from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso to intercede on their side “in the event of aggression” following threats of military intervention by a West African bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) force seeking to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. *) N Korea says simulated 'scorched earth' nuclear strikes on South Korea North Korea's military said they fired two tactical ballistic missiles from the capital to simulate “scorched earth strikes in South Korea. The official Korean Central News Agency said that North Korea has been rehearsing an occupation of its rivals' territory in the event of conflict. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff called the launches “a grave provocation” that threatens international peace and violates UN Security Council resolutions which ban any ballistic launches by North Korea. And finally… *) Idalia weakens after devastating florida as category 3 hurricane Tropical Storm Idalia weakens after fierce Florida landfall as Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread devastation. The storm splintered trees, tore off roofs, and inundated roads, prompting evacuations in Florida's Big Bend region. Despite its downgrade, Idalia maintains destructive force, prompting President Biden to emphasise the climate crisis' impact. Thousands remain without power in both Florida and Georgia as utility crews rush to restore electricity.

Photo: Ciro 1892. No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow THE FORGOTTEN 20-YEAR WAR: #Syria: 4/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: BAGHDAD 1961. No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow THE FORGOTTEN 20-YEAR WAR: #Syria: 3/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: BAGHDAD 1950. No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow THE FORGOTTEN 20-YEAR WAR: #Syria: 2/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: BAGHDAD 1919. No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow THE FORGOTTEN 20-YEAR WAR: #Syria: 1/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow Damascus  1898 #Syria: #Assad: 1/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow Damascus  1898 #Syria: #Assad: 2/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow  Damascus 1898 #Syria: #Assad: 3/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow Damascus 1898 #Syria: #Assad: 4/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey. . CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Former CIA analyst, David McCloskey, joins Simon and Matt to talk about his stunning spy novel, Damascus Station. It's already one of Matt's books of the year - and has received great praise from across the spectrum. David talks about his time in the CIA, tells us how much he had to take out of the first draft and why authenticity is so important. Here comes the science bit...A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in Damascus to hunt for a killer.CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy.But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard.Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. Damascus 1912 @Batchelorshow 4/4: Top Secrets again in the wind. 4/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. Damascus 1870 @Batchelorshow 1/4: Top Secrets again in the wind. 1/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. Damascus 1880 @Batchelorshow 2/4: Top Secrets again in the wind. 2/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. Damascus 1885 @Batchelorshow 3/4: Top Secrets again in the wind. 3/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

On this episode of Veteran Et Cetera, we have a veteran who has inspired many in his humble yet stellar attitude and warrior way of life.  John Winn Bey joins us! John has been a pioneering Force Recon Marine and as a Ranger in Surviving the Cut originally aired on the Discovery Channel in 2010 and featured John Winn Bey transcending the most advanced military leadership training "Ranger School".  Back in the 90s John was a champion  on the legendary show American Gladiators.  John's other trailblazing ways was being chosen for Mark Barnett's classic Post 9/11 special operations training reality show"Combat Missions" hosted by the  legendary Navy SEAL and TV hit Show "Survivor" star Rudy Boesch.   John Winn Bey's life is not just his pioneering television presence as a Warfighter.  John's background includes his rich family tradition and his service to his country.  John left a promising college program to serve in the US Marines. He became an elite Force Recon Marine well before there was a MARSOC.  John deployed numerous times to war zones.  His first war experience goes back to the Persian Gulf War as being tip of the spear facing Iraq's tip forces the Republican Guard.  John would rejoin the military and serve again during the Post 9/11 War on Terror in multiple combat deployments.  He would also distinguish himself at Ranger School in his 40s.  Follow Mike on his LinkedIn pageFollow Mike on Instagram @mikekimveteranSearch for Mike on Facebook @MikeKimVeteranSearch for Mike at #mikekimveteran or Google him at "Mike Kim VeteranEmail Mike at agathoskim@gmail.comFollow us on our socialsYouTube @cominghomewellbehindtheservice Instagram @cominghomewell_bts Facebook at Coming Home Well LinkedIn at Coming Home Well Twitter ...

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow:  1/4: Spy vs Spy: 1/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow: 2/4: Spy vs Spy: 2/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow: 3/4: Spy vs Spy: 3/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

Photo: No known restrictions on publication. @Batchelorshow: 4/4: Spy vs Spy: 4/4:  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet

A special clip from "Episode 22  – Chris Phillips - Operation Desert Storm Veteran". Chris shares with us getting shot at, coming face to face with enemy tank & Republican Guard during the war. TAKE ACTION.....STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE & subscribe to the show and while you are there hitting the subscribe button go ahead and leave a review while you are listening! You can find us on the following: iTunes Google Play Spotify Stitcher Visit us at our website:  www.stepuptochallenges.com THANKS!  TAKE ACTION & STEP UP TO CHALLENGES IN YOUR LIFE!

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country would make a present of a horse to Queen Elizabeth II to mark the celebrations of her 70 years on the throne. The Elysee said Macron decided to give the queen, a known horse lover, a 7-year-old grey gelding named Fabuleu de Maucour belonging to the largely ceremonial French Republican Guard. It was delivered to Windsor Castle on June 1. The horse was trained to carry the standard-bearer of the Guard. It paraded on Paris' Champs-Elysees avenue on May 8, ahead of the presidential cortege, for the ceremony marking the anniversary of the victory of the Allied forces over Nazi Germany in World War II. Macron paid a formal homage to the queen on June 2 during a flame rekindling ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe monument. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the presence of British Ambassador to France Menna Rawlings. Both the British and the French national anthems were played, the Elysee said. From June 2 and June 5, the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations celebrated Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne, an anniversary known as her Platinum Jubilee. Elizabeth, then 25, became queen on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. Her formal coronation took place on June 2, 1953, in Westminster Abbey, but her reign began the moment her father died. Now 96, she is Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the first to reach seven decades on the throne. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

Photo:   Plaque on the western wall of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. The text is from the 36th and 37th verses of the surah of the Light (النور):"36. (It is) in houses which Allah has permitted to be exalted and His name to be remembered therein. Therein do glorify Him, in the mornings and the evenings, 37. Men whom neither merchandise nor selling diverts — from the remembrance of Allah and the keeping up — of prayer and the paying of the poor-rate. [...]" 1/4   Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  Hardcover – October 5, 2021 #UNBOUND. The complete, forty-minute interview. December 2021. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." —The Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr. The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo:  Post card of a group of Alawite musicians from North-Western Syria, (1920's) 3/4  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  Hardcover – October 5, 2021  #UNBOUND. The complete, forty-minute interview. December 2021. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." —The Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr. The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: Greater Syria. Baalbec 4/4  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  Hardcover – October 5, 2021  #UNBOUND. The complete, forty-minute interview. December 2021. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." —The Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr. The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo:   At the presidential inauguration of Hashim al-Atassi in Parliament on December 31, 1936. 2/4  Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  Hardcover – October 5, 2021  #UNBOUND. The complete, forty-minute interview. December 2021. https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." —The Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr. The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. .

The Crew welcomes the author of one of the buzziest debuts of the year as David McCloskey join us to talk about his scintillating novel DAMASCUS STATION. A finalist for the 2022 ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel, DAMASCUS STATION drips with authenticity thanks to the authors rich experience in the shadowy world of intelligence.   "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." —General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy.  But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Stationis a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print."  (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr).  David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst and former consultant at McKinsey & Company. While at the CIA, he worked in field stations across the Middle East and briefed senior White House officials and Arab royalty. He lives in Texas.     Don't forget to subscribe to The Crew Reviews, hit the "LIKE" button, and leave a comment. And if you want to learn more about the guys from The Crew or see additional author interviews, visit us at http://www.thecrewreviews.com Follow us on social media Twitter | https://twitter.com/CREWbookreviews   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thecrewreviews Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thecrewreviews/

  Doug Mastriano is a combat veteran and the son of a career US Navy man.  He is an Eagle Scout and worked as a paperboy, janitor, security guard, short-order cook, pizza delivery person and dishwasher.  Doug was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1986 and served on the Iron Curtain with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in West Germany. While serving along the East German and Czechoslovakian borders, he witnessed the end of the Cold War and thereafter deployed to Iraq for Operation Desert Storm (1991) to liberate Kuwait. His regiment led the attack against Saddam's elite Republican Guard forces. Doug went on to serve in Washington, DC, the 3rd Infantry Division and US Army Europe.  After 9/11, Mastriano was the lead planner for the operation to invade Iraq via Turkey.  He served four years with NATO and deployed three times to Afghanistan.  Mastriano was the director of NATO's Joint Intelligence Center in Afghanistan, leading 80 people from 18 nations.  On his own initiative, Doug led seven relief operations to help Afghan orphans.  He completed his career as a Professor of the U.S. Army War College (PAWC), Carlisle, PA, and taught Strategic Studies at the Master Degree level to the next generation of senior leaders. Mastriano is a Doctor of History (PhD) and has four master's degrees: Strategy, Strategic Intelligence, Military Operations, and Airpower.  He earned a BA from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania and was the alumnus of the year in 2009.   He led the search to locate where America's greatest WW I hero, Alvin York, received the Medal of Honor and led the construction of a three mile trail, with two monuments and nine markers in the Argonne Forest of France.  He published 30 articles on strategy and historic topics and authored the book Alvin York: A New Biography of the Hero of the Argonne which received four awards. His new book, Thunder in the Argonne is the first to tell the complete story of America's largest battle, the 1918 Meuse-Argonne Campaign.  Doug's next book, Pershing's Lieutenants, was just released and is an edited work that focuses on the leadership style of American officers in the First World War. Mastriano has appeared on Tucker Carlson, C-Span, numerous national radio programs (John Batchelor Show, Eric Metaxas Show) and on Fox Business with Stuart Varney.  He retired from the U.S. Army in November 2017 after 30 years of active duty as a Colonel.  In 2018, he was a candidate for Pennsylvania's 13th U.S. Congressional District, where he overwhelmingly won Franklin and Fulton Counties and placed 3rd (of 8 candidates) in Adams and Cumberland Counties.  Doug is married to Rebecca (Stewart), whose ancestors settled this region of Pennsylvania in 1732.  Rebecca was a chaplain with Marketplace Ministries at Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe. Their son Josiah is a graduate of Liberty University, and an Eagle Scout, Canadian Chief Scout and recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. Mastriano is an active member of his church and resides near Caledonia State Park, Pennsylvania.  Mastriano was elected to serve as the Senator for Pennsylvania's 33rd District in May 2019, which includes all of Adams County, most of Franklin County and parts of Cumberland and York Counties.   Mastriano has thirty years of experience building teams to get the job done.  He has dedicated his life to fighting for freedom, defending our families and serving the people of this great land.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photo:  Interior of an ancient harem. CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor CBS Audio Network @Batchelorshow David McCloskey. #UNBOUND. The complete, forty-minute interview. December 2021. Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey.  Hardcover – October 5, 2021 https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T10VHP3CVOPA&keywords=Damascus+Station&qid=1642295489&s=books&sprefix=damascus+station%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.   ..

Photo:    The Ahiram sarcophagus (also spelled Ahirom,

Photo:  Homs, 1940. Torchlight procession at night by the Foreign Legion (negative by D. Parer) 3/4  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey.  – Hardcover October 5, 2021  "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo:   Pauline Cushman was an American actress and a spy for the Union Army during the American Civil War. She is considered one of the most successful Civil War spies. 1/4  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey.  – Hardcover October 5, 2021 "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo:  Hulu Pasha al-Abed (1824-1895), a statesman from Damascus, held several high positions during the Ottoman era, including the presidency of the Syrian province and the presidency of the Damascus Chamber of Agriculture in 1890.  Hulu Al-Abed was born in the Al-Midan neighborhood outside the walls of the old city of Damascus. His father, Omar Agha Al-Abed, was one of the notables. He reached a great position in Istanbul for his contribution to the protection of thousands of Christian Damascene families during the strife of 1860.  Before those events, the Al-Abed family was working in the livestock trade, but it turned from then on to one of the most famous and oldest political families in the city. Hulu Al-Abed participated in protecting Christians with his father and with Prince Abdul Qadir Al-Jazaery. In appreciation of his humanitarian role, the Russian Consul in Damascus awarded him the Order of St. Stanislas. 2/4  Damascus Station: A Novel, by  David McCloskey.  – Hardcover October 5, 2021  "Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr). CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo:   Constitution of the Syrian Republic, 14 May 1930 3/4 Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. Hardcover – October 5, 2021.   https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo:  Syrian Demonstration against French Mandate 2/4 Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. Hardcover – October 5, 2021.  https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo:  Syrian ten-pound note, 1947 4/4   Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. Hardcover – October 5, 2021.   https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Photo: 1/4 Damascus Station: A Novel, by David McCloskey. Hardcover – October 5, 2021.  https://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Station-Novel-David-McCloskey/dp/0393881040 The CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit a Syrian Palace official, Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat-and-mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Senator Doug Mastriano, an American hero, joined Jen Charlton to discuss his efforts to bring election integrity to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Mastriano is a combat veteran and the son of a career US Navy man. He is an Eagle Scout and worked as a paperboy, janitor, security guard, short-order cook, pizza delivery person and dishwasher. Doug was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1986 and served on the Iron Curtain with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in West Germany. While serving along the East German and Czechoslovakian borders, he witnessed the end of the Cold War and thereafter deployed to Iraq for Operation Desert Storm (1991) to liberate Kuwait. His regiment led the attack against Saddam's elite Republican Guard forces. Doug went on to serve in Washington, DC, the 3rd Infantry Division and US Army Europe. After 9/11, Mastriano was the lead planner for the operation to invade Iraq via Turkey. He served four years with NATO and deployed three times to Afghanistan. Mastriano was the director of NATO's Joint Intelligence Center in Afghanistan, leading 80 people from 18 nations. On his own initiative, Doug led seven relief operations to help Afghan orphans. He completed his career as a Professor of the U.S. Army War College (PAWC), Carlisle, PA, and taught Strategic Studies at the Master Degree level to the next generation of senior leaders. Learn more about Sen. Mastriano by going to his Facebook page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back from their shark-chomping holiday on Amity Island last episode, Sean and Cody head into the wilds of the New Zealand forest to track down Taika Waititi's 2016 charming comedy-drama. In Hunt for the Wilderpeople, after the foster mom of juvenile delinquent Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) unexpectedly drops dead, Ricky flees into the bush with the irascible, illiterate mountain man Hec (Sam Neill) to escape the authorities. As they dodge deranged hunters, wild boars and a child services division as heavily armed as Iraq's Republican Guard, Ricky and Hec find their wilderness odyssey an unexpected bonding experience. Environmental issues discussed include the cultural mythology of the “Southern Man” in New Zealand folklore, indigenous rights and identity in New Zealand, species extinction and more. What is the “Southern Man” trope and why will most viewers of this film who are not New Zealanders completely miss it? Is the Marlboro Man a symbol of genocide? Was New Zealand really uninhabited by humans until the 14th century? What's the Treaty of Waitangi and why are the Maori unique in the colonialist history of the British Empire? Is it true you can't get drunk off Speight beer? When was the huia bird last seen alive? Who's Crump's brother? How do you use sex to sell Cadbury flake chocolate? Do child services divisions really have airborne troops and attack helicopters? How many ways can you pronounce the words “Mary McGregor”? All these questions and more are waiting where the earth wets the cloak of the sky in this episode of Green Screen. Note: Green Screen will be on a brief hiatus for a few weeks in July-August 2021. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4698684/ Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/hunt-for-the-wilderpeople/ Next Up: Green Screen Clip Show & Retrospective Episode Additional Materials About This Episode

Brig. General Jim “Boots” Demarest is on a mission to have the Medal of Honor awarded to fighter pilot Stephen Phillis, an unsung hero of the war in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. The last time an Air Force pilot was decorated with the medal was during the Vietnam War. On February 15, 1991, A-10 pilot Captain Steve Phillis and his brand new wingman Lt. Rob Sweet were tasked with attacking Saddam Hussein’s elite Republican Guards Division.  A surface-to-air missile was fired at Sweet’s plane and he had to eject over Republican Guard troops. Phillis took action to draw fire to his plane rather than at Sweet's parachute.  Ultimately, that action created a situation where Phillis was shot down and KIA.  He received the Silver Star for that action.  Now an effort is underway to have that upgraded to the Medal of Honor.  The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration that can be awarded. Demarest talks to host Jim Fausone about his academy friend, wing man Lt Sweet's capture and release and the grass roots effort (and how you can help) to have the Medal of Honor awarded to Capt Phillis.

Hobb and his army of Republican Guard reach the valley in the northern wilderness and try to win control of the ancient mining complex from the mercenaries and Giant-men.  Part 1 of 2.

Sayid used to torture people in the Republican Guard and now he's being tortured by the mysterious French woman on the Island. Andrew & M.C. shout out Nasim Pedrad and muse about military uniforms. Guest appearance from Clay.

Receiving an unexpected pair of gifts from the late Sir Richard of Enderly, Hobb turns the Republican Guard north and begins the race to Devi Valley.

The craftsmen who shape the accessories of France's Republican Guard have a particular know-how which simply cannot be replaced by a machine. When the cavalry band need new musical instruments, be it helicons or clarinets, they call on the best talent. As for the most prestigious decorations, such as the Military Medal and the Legion of Honour, they are created by the craftsmen of the Paris Mint with military precision. FRANCE 24 takes a close-up look at this unique craftsmanship.

In the box thinking may have its purpose after all according to training and consultant Jimbo Clark.What is the Box?"Sometimes we need to be in the rut."We often hear entrepreneur innovation advice in idioms like “seize the day,” “make it happen,” and “thinking outside the box.” Well, what is this box everyone talks about?In short, the box is all things of normal convention. It is the stuff that comes with the phrase, “That is the way we always do it.” Thinking outside of the box means thinking beyond those conventions to overcome a problem, beat the competition, or create something new.There is a time and place for that level of creativity, and there isn’t. What if in the box thinking had a time and place as well? To decide this, we need to first know what defines our own box, and when it serves its purpose to our dreams, vision, and goals.In the Box ThinkingThinking outside the box is great when it comes to competing. You want to disrupt the space you’re in and gain an advantage. History books note all the ways convention was broken in order to create a win. What is often ignored are all the components of thinking inside the box that were present as well.One example of in the box thinking Jerry recalls is Operation Desert Storm in August 1990. Troops were built up along the border between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Conventional wisdom believed that the plan was to drive into occupied Kuwait to push the Iraqi army out of that country.On the eve of the ground assault, General Schwarzkopf has the entire coalition except for a small force serving as a distraction moved west and pushed into Iraq instead of Kuwait and headed off the elite Republican Guard in the open desert of Iraq who were caught off guard and annihilated. That was outside the box thinking. It was supported by a lot of in the box thinking on a micro-level. People who have served in the U.S. military know that there are certain behaviors and functions that are carried out no matter what. Some of those include general orders of guard duty, preventive maintenance and checks (PMCS,) weapons maintenance, must-do tasks the moment you pull into a camp or stopping point, and so on.Responsibilities in a Successful Marriage - Bonus ContentMany of us desire to have a family. Divorce is not in the original plan when we get married and have children. Jimbo Clark also discusses the levels of priority that have brought him and Anita happiness in their marriage as well as establish a vision in their children on what is possible for themselves.The HierarchyThis is the box that Jimbo and Anita shaped their marriage priorities listed in order of importance. Selfish is not always bad. Selfish is important as the announcement from an airline safety briefing on how you should put the oxygen mask on yourself first before putting one on your children. To Ourselves - living my own dream To Each Other - partners with each other To the Children - fight against the urge to make them #1 To the Extended Family To the Communities You Care About To the World - make it a better placeResources and LinksJimbo Clark’s program In & Out of the Box can be found at Innogreat.com/boxConnect on LinkedIn with Jimbo.Follow Jimbo on Instagram.Listen to these past episodes: 3 Crucial Must-Haves Before Leaving a Job and Living in Asia - Jimbo Clark - BtR 187 Getting Beyond Your Usual Perspective - BtR 116 Go Home and Go Big - BtR 043Connect with UsSubscribe on iTunes (Apple Podcasts), Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeartRadio and never miss an episode.Twitter @beyondtherutFacebook Beyond the RutEmail info@beyondtherut.comMusic Attribution“Oceans Apart” is our theme song composed and performed by Scott Ian Holmes.

5) Iran names hardliner new commander of Republican Guard; 4) Sen. Harris promises executive order to ban semiautomatic weapons if elected president; 3) Muslims in New York patrolling in vehicles that look like police cars; 2) Hillary, Obama invent new term to replace the word “Christian”; 1) New study claims religious fundamentalism is caused by brain damage.

Join US Defense Watch Radio host, Ray Starmann, on Monday, February 26th, at 4PM EST, in a special two hour broadcast on the 27th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. Joining Ray on the Gulf War Roundtable are Major General (Ret.) Jack Leide, the former J2 (senior intelligence officer in the theater) during the war and General Schwarzkopf’s right hand man during the conflict, Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret.) Paul Adamonis, who will discuss army intell operations in the field, former Captain Scott Henderson, who will relate how the Patriot missile became a star during the war, CW4 (Ret.) Hank Hunt, who will talk about air cav operations in the conflict and former Specialist Terrence Murphy, who will discuss life as a cav scout in the 100 Hour War. Tune into US Defense Watch Radio for this very special broadcast.

Two crucial episodes of Season 1 are discussed on this week's From Broadcast Depth. The survivors discover first hand that they aren't the only ones on the island, as Sayid is captured by the mysterious Rousseau, and the others discover an impostor among them with ulterior motives. We learn about Sayid's Republican Guard past, the jerk of a father to Claire's baby, and some great Hurley moments to boot. This is where the LOST addiction kicks in, kids!

Since the First World War erupted in 1917, one U.S. Army division has been on activation longest, ready to defend the United States and its freedoms. Known as The Big Red One -- from its distinct arm patch - the First Infantry Division has fought in all major American military campaigns of the last 80 years. In this gripping episode of "War Stories with Oliver North," you'll go inside the battlefields of World War I all the way through Operation Iraqi Freedom with those who proudly served in the Big Red One. You'll hear from veterans who suffered mustard gas attacks in the trenches of Europe. This was the U.S. Army's brutal initiation into 20th Century warfare. You'll go along with the Division as it returns to Europe 27 years later to take on Hitler's elite Panzer Divisions. In that epic struggle, the fighting First Division took part in three amphibious invasions and five major land battles. Barely 20 years later, in the jungles of Vietnam, The Big Red One continued the fight against Communist insurgents. And during 1991's "Operation Desert Storm," the First Division was chosen to breach Saddam Hussein's defenses and take on the dictator's well-trained Republican Guard in the fight to liberate Kuwait. In this episode, you'll also learn the story of General Terry Allen, the little known, but beloved commander of The Big Red One during its first battles with Hitler's legions. From his granddaughter, you'll hear the inside story of the controversy surrounding General Allen, and the sacrifice made by his namesake son a generation later in Vietnam. The story of The Big Red One is the history of soldiers in the United States Army. And, in the words of First Infantry Division veterans: "They always say, if you're going to be one, you got to be a Big Red One!"

Shortly after Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, Saddam Hussein and his Republican Guard forces took hundreds of Americans and people of other nationalities hostage in Iraq and Kuwait. The intent was to use them as bargaining chips and forestall any military action against Iraq in retaliation for its invasion of Kuwait.  With hundreds of Americans being held across Iraq and Kuwait, along with many more in hiding, the American embassies in Kuwait and Iraq did all they could to safeguard American lives and provide safe transport out of Iraq and Kuwait. With Ambassador to Iraq April Glaspie out of the country on medical leave, Deputy Chief of Mission Joseph Wilson (seen in a meeting with Saddam) worked under extreme pressure and stress to secure the release and evacuation of the hostages and the maintenance of morale at an embassy that was under constant threat and unimaginable stress.  Wilson discusses how he cajoled the Foreign Ministry into releasing as many hostages as possible, resorting to the threat of bad PR with international media. He was interviewed by Charles Stuart Kennedy beginning in January 2001. You can read the Moment here. 

In episode 30 of We Have To Go Back Podcast we take a look back at Lost season 3 episodes 11 and 12, “Enter 77” and “Par Avion.” In the Sayid centric “Enter 77” we learn that Sayid encountered one of his torture victims after he left the Republican Guard. The woman chooses forgiveness though […] The post WHTGB 30-We Have To Go Back Episode 30-Enter 77 and Par Avion appeared first on Golden Spiral Media- Entertainment Podcasts, Technology Podcasts & More.

In episode 30 of We Have To Go Back Podcast we take a look back at Lost season 3 episodes 11 and 12, “Enter 77″ and “Par Avion.” In the Sayid centric “Enter 77″ we learn that Sayid encountered one of his torture victims after he left the Republican Guard. The woman chooses forgiveness though […] The post WHTGB 30-We Have To Go Back Episode 30-Enter 77 and Par Avion appeared first on Golden Spiral Media- Entertainment Podcasts, Technology Podcasts & More.

Cairo shootings at Republican Guard HQ - Guardian's Patrick Kingsley reports http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2013/jul/08/egypt-34-killed-in-shooting-at-compound-where-morsi-is-being-held-live-coverage

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Staff Sergeant Travis D. Crosby, recipient of the Silver Star, "Upon crossing, Sergeant Crosby and his team were ambushed by three Iraqi tanks, numerous vehicles and dismounted infantry. The ensuring fire fight was so close that friendly and enemy vehicles were intermingled making identification from the air extremely difficult. Despite the constant rain of fire around his vehicle, Sergeant Crosby was able to successfully empty his .50 caliber machine gun on the enemy soft-skin vehicles killing over 20 enemy personnel while simultaneously directing a precision strike by a flight of A-10s destroying the enemy armor. Shortly thereafter, during a tactical pause, two Republican Guard soldiers closed to within 10 feet of his vehicle. Sergeant Crosby heroically risked life and limb by fully emerging from the protection of his vehicle and fired 15 rounds from his handgun, instantly killing the attacking enemy soldiers. Throughout the 20-hour engagement at Objective Peach, Sergeant Crosby deftly controlled eight flights of aircraft, destroying numerous enemy forces and pieces of warfighting equipment. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Crosby has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The SYSK archive can be found here and The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-9pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Staff Sergeant Travis D. Crosby, recipient of the Silver Star, "Upon crossing, Sergeant Crosby and his team were ambushed by three Iraqi tanks, numerous vehicles and dismounted infantry. The ensuring fire fight was so close that friendly and enemy vehicles were intermingled making identification from the air extremely difficult. Despite the constant rain of fire around his vehicle, Sergeant Crosby was able to successfully empty his .50 caliber machine gun on the enemy soft-skin vehicles killing over 20 enemy personnel while simultaneously directing a precision strike by a flight of A-10s destroying the enemy armor. Shortly thereafter, during a tactical pause, two Republican Guard soldiers closed to within 10 feet of his vehicle. Sergeant Crosby heroically risked life and limb by fully emerging from the protection of his vehicle and fired 15 rounds from his handgun, instantly killing the attacking enemy soldiers. Throughout the 20-hour engagement at Objective Peach, Sergeant Crosby deftly controlled eight flights of aircraft, destroying numerous enemy forces and pieces of warfighting equipment. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Crosby has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The SYSK archive can be found here and The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-9pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Eva is walking a fine line between triumph and disaster. When the cult members discover her spying on them, they're anxious to get the code out of her. As she tries to escape, she finds she has to make a dreadful choice.Eva has to identify and destroy the password before the cult members get it. But she's discovered and runs off. When she enters a room she finds Edmond holding Adrien at gunpoint. Adrien frees himself and gets in a scuffle. A shot is fired and the book starts burning. A codeword written in special ink emerges in the heat. The cult members recite the password to relaunch the Napoleonic era. Eva gets one final chance. Will it be enough to save the day?

With excitement and barely suppressed glee, the media announced the death sentence returned against Iraqi strongman, Saddam Hussein, for crimes against humanity during the 1982 Dujail massacre. In the face of the deadly horror that is Iraq, Hussein has become little more than a bad, but distant memory. Indeed, in both print and audio interviews I've read and heard in the last few weeks, Iraqis looked to life under the Hussein regime as the good old days. That is a measure, not of how 'good' the old days were, but of how anguished is the present. While Shi'as groaned under the repression of the secret police, and the Kurds lived in terror of the central government, the day-to-day life of Iraqis was one that was among the most envied of the Arab world. Its populace was among the most educated, certainly one of the highest among women in that region. With the very serious exception of the omnipresent threat of government security forces, Iraqis lived lives of relative safety and security. Today, Iraq is bedlam; the police and army are little more than ethnic death squads. The U.S.-backed puppet government in Baghdad is a 'government' in name only. Real power is in the militias and regional religious leaders, like Moqtada al-Sadr, a man who is both! In light of Saddam's death sentence, you'll probably hear some pundits claim it's a 'turning point', or a 'benchmark', of the new Iraqi democracy. In truth, it's neither. The forces unleashed by the invasion and occupation have become bigger than Saddam. The irony is that Saddam Hussein, according to recently published reports, never believed that the U.S. would actually take Baghdad; not because he thought his Republican Guard was so fierce, but because he thought that Americans couldn't be so stupid. Peter Galbraith in an Aug. 2006 article in the *New York Review of Books* criticized the military knowledge of both Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and Saddam Hussein, as leaders who routinely ignored advice from their generals. In the article, "Mindless in Iraq," Galbraith noted: "Men who had put their lives on the line in combat were mostly unwilling to put their careers on the line to speak out against a plan based on the numbers pulled out of the air by a cranky sixty-nine-year old [i.e., Rumsfeld]. "Fortunately for the US troops who had to invade Iraq, they were initially up against an adversary who was also convinced of his own military genius. Saddam Hussein knew it made no strategic sense for the US to invade Iraq and therefore he assumed it wouldn't happen. He had maintained ambiguity about whether he had WMDs not because he had something to hide but to intimidate the two enemies about whom he really was worried, the Iranians and Iraq's Shiite majority. "Even before the invasion began ... Saddam could not quite believe the United States intended to go all the way to Baghdad .. Saddam could not imagine that the United States would see an advantage in replacing him with a pro-Iranian, Shiite-dominated regime." [Fr.: Galbraith, P., "Mindless in Iraq," NYROB (Aug. 10, 2006), p. 29.] And so, Saddam will soon have a date with the hangman; but events and forces at work in Iraq will barely ripple from his passage. His death warrant, signed and sealed in Washington, D.C., will bring it no closer to US regional objectives. Hasn't Iraq had enough death? The hell of today is far worse than the hell of yesterday. Copyright 2006 Mumia Abu-Jamal