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“Russian military officials have vociferously denied that their airstrikes have killed civilians in Syria.”

The United States Agency for International Development Office of Transition Initiatives is seeking people to fill some much needed and critical positions.

Russia is hosting a conference in Moscow this week that will bring together Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, India and Iran to discuss a possible solution of the conflict in Afghanistan.

"These are chaotic and anxious days inside the National Security Council, the traditional center of management for a president’s dealings with an uncertain world."

An overwhelming cloak of nature. Inescapable. All pervasive. Seemingly solid but untouchable. Not the warm temperament of home. Enervating. Suppurating. No escape.

“The raid demonstrates the serious risks associated with conducting such a mission with limited on-the-ground intelligence and cooperation with Yemeni forces.”

“In history, Syria has always been the corridor between sea and desert, joining Africa to Asia and Arabia to Egypt. It has been a prize-ring for its great neighbors.”

Russia, Pakistan and Iran are pursuing their own agendas with regard to the fragile country, complicating the fight against terrorism and extremism.

“Any plans to send additional troops to Afghanistan won't take shape before Defense Secretary Mattis meets with his European counterparts and the war's top commander.”

“A consortium of elite, well-paid fighters from across the former Soviet Union are training jihadis in Syria. Their business model could go global.”

SSI online book the includes history, doctrine, modus operandi, and U.S. policy to degrade and defeat terrorism in the name of Sunni Islam.

“Attorneys for Sgt. Bergdahl will spar with prosecutors Monday over disparaging comments about the accused deserter made by President Trump on the campaign trail.”

He confesses to being an IS fighter and taking part in military operations, as he has already told authorities. But he maintains he has committed no crimes against civilians.

The concerns are still in the early stages, with most of those willing to share their thoughts expressing a willingness to give the Trump administration more time.

“Rather than a shattering defeat for the adversary, Mosul may be the start of a breakout to other regions.”

During today’s hearing, SASC Chairman McCain asked Nicholson outright, “In your assessment, are we winning or losing?” Nicholson replied, “We’re in a stalemate.”

“Underneath the drama and chaos of the Donald Trump White House a cadre of deeply serious, tested military intellectuals at the NSC is shaping Trump's Middle East policies.”

"The enemy is completely surrounded in West Mosul, and those who do not surrender to the Iraqi security forces will be killed there."

“The commander of U.S. forces there lays the first major war decision on Donald Trump’s desk.”

“The ‘tortoise-like’ Colombian army is losing its grip on a key cocaine zone and the cartels are offering former FARC rebels $600 per month to enlist.”

“The retired general’s most visible role has been of a different sort: soothing Americans and allies unnerved by the president and some of his top advisers.”

The election of Donald Trump as president has made America’s fight against ISIS increasingly difficult.

Objective analysis of US military effectiveness in Afghanistan and Iraq can only conclude that we were unable to translate tactical victory into operational and strategic success.

A study based on dozens of interviews with Taliban insiders suggests exploiting fractures within the group’s rank and file.

The sudden rush of dark-like thunder.  Surprise of silence.  Instant cathedral for the mind. Breathing echoes.  Fear wells.  Faith in numbers.