#039 | U.S. Military Bases in Iraq Attacked and Still No Speaker
Discover more from It's Meseidy
#039 | U.S. Military Bases in Iraq Attacked and Still No Speaker
All of the top stories 📰 of the week to keep you in the know
A quick note: I hope you enjoy this article and find it helpful because I'm on a mission to bring critical, truth-focused content to everyone, which is why most of my work is free. But this is a one-woman operation, and quality journalism takes time and effort.
If you value this endeavor, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support will help keep the majority of these articles free and accessible.
It’s FRIDAY, October 20! YAY
This week’s stories:
Rising Tensions: U.S. Military Bases in Iraq Under Attack Amidst Geopolitical Strain in Israel and Yemen
Round Three: Still No Speaker in the House
Biden's Controversial Aid Package for Israel and Ukraine
Global Unrest Sparks State Department Alert for Americans Abroad
RFK Jr. Takes a Bold Stand on Reparations, He Supports It
Joran van der Sloot Admits to Murdering Natalee Holloway
Rising Tensions: U.S. Military Bases in Iraq Under Attack Amidst Geopolitical Strain in Israel and Yemen
In the wake of President Biden's recent address to the nation concerning ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, a separate but equally troubling situation has unfolded in Iraq's deserts. In the past 24 hours, four distinct drone and rocket attacks have targeted military bases housing U.S. forces.
During these assaults, two drones focused on the Al-Asad Airbase, home to U.S. forces, while a third targeted a base in northern Iraq near Baghdad's international airport. U.S. personnel successfully intercepted all three drones, destroying two, but only managed to damage the third, resulting in minor injuries among coalition forces. It's widely believed that Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq executed these attacks, motivated by the U.S.'s support for Israel amidst rising regional tensions. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization comprising these militias, has claimed responsibility for the attacks and signaled intentions to persist in combating what they term the "American occupation."
Earlier in the day—prior to the drone attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq—the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, gained attention by intercepting three land-attack cruise missiles and several drones in the northern Red Sea. Houthi forces in Yemen launched these weapons, further heightening regional tensions. The USS Carney's actions are notable as they may represent the first instance of U.S. military intervention to defend Israel during the current conflict, thus underscoring the region's intricate geopolitics.
The USS Carney (DDG-64), positioned near Yemen, demonstrated the U.S. Navy's air and missile defense prowess by effectively intercepting and neutralizing these threats with its Standard Missile-2s (SM-2s).
Pentagon officials have confirmed these successful interceptions. Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder validated the USS Carney's actions in the northern Red Sea, averting potential catastrophe or further escalation in an already fraught region.
The atmosphere in the region is charged, as Iraqi armed groups aligned with Iran issue stern warnings against U.S. involvement in Israel's struggle against Hamas. These warnings take on an ominous tone as drones continue to fill Iraqi skies.
In case you missed it:
News of the Week
Round Three: Still No Speaker in the House
In the ongoing saga to determine the Speaker of the House, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio faced a significant defeat in his third attempt to secure the role. The House Republicans have been struggling with internal disagreements for weeks, unable to rally behind a leader. This internal strife has hindered the GOP's legislative plans and has given Democrats, despite being the minority, an opportunity to explore potential power-sharing agreements with disaffected Republicans.
Remember, this all set off with the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, orchestrated by Rep. Matt Gaetz, using a rule that allows any member to oust the Speaker of the House. Jordan's first two rounds of voting ended in a tie, with 22 Republicans voting against him, leaving the House without direction and further delaying legislative progress.
There was briefly a suggestion to temporarily enhance the powers of Acting Speaker Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina until November. However, a significant faction within the Republican Party quickly rejected this proposal. Jordan's supporters, including Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, opposed the idea of a "speaker-lite" and insisted on a decisive election.
Despite the setback in the second ballot, Jim Jordan remained committed to his pursuit of the Speaker's role. He reiterated his determination: "I'm still running for speaker, and I plan to go to the floor, secure the votes, and win this race." Nevertheless, Jordan lost in the third ballot, with the final vote showing 210 votes for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, 194 for Jordan, and 25 for other Republicans.
Adding complexity to the situation are allegations of threats and intimidation. Several members, including Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., reported receiving threats against themselves and their families. Bacon expressed his unease, saying, "I didn't sleep well last night. I called [my wife], and I go, 'How you doing?' She said, 'I slept really good. I had a loaded gun.'" Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., was among at least two members who reported credible death threats, escalating tensions within the party.
A group of moderate Republicans has also hinted at the possibility of working with Democrats if the deadlock persists. While the Democrats have not outlined specific conditions, they have indicated a willingness to be "substantively involved" in shaping the legislative agenda if their votes are necessary to break the impasse.
As time continues to pass and the House remains paralyzed, the GOP faces mounting pressure to either unite behind Jordan or find an alternative path forward. The next vote is not just a competition for the Speaker's role; it's a crucial test of the Republican Party's capacity to govern effectively and cohesively amidst internal and external challenges.
With all the drama going on in the GOP's Speaker of the House election, what do you think they should do to get the done and get back on track for the upcoming vote? Any takeaways from this round of musical chairs?
Biden's Controversial Aid Package for Israel and Ukraine
In a recent move, the Biden administration attempts to push a hefty emergency aid package through Congress to support Israel and Ukraine. The aid, which White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan hinted would significantly surpass $2 billion, seems to be a bundled deal with diverse geopolitical interests at its core.
The administration aims to fortify military capacities in Ukraine and Israel during heightened tension in both regions. However, lumping these aid packages together and whispers of extending aid to Taiwan and addressing domestic border issues is seen more like a political gambit than a focused strategic move.
The convolution doesn't end there. The proposal has hit a snag in Congress, particularly among Republicans, some of whom oppose any Israel aid package that also caters to Ukraine. The legislative pathway for this bundled aid is further muddied by the current void of a House Speaker following the recent ouster of Kevin McCarthy. The scramble to push this aid package through amidst such a turbulent political backdrop raises eyebrows on the real motive and the efficacy of such a bundled approach.
Broadly, this move is being touted as a testament to the Biden administration's commitment to global stability. Yet, the $100 billion being bandied about, encompassing military aid for Ukraine and Israel and domestic border issues, seems to blur the line between international support and domestic agenda-pushing. Specifically, the earmarked sum of $13.1 billion for military support and $8.5 billion for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine comes across as a part of a bundled agenda rather than a standalone supportive measure.
The administration's decision to package all aid packages together is a clear example of political convenience taking precedence over a more nuanced, region-specific approach. As events unfold, the response from a divided Congress and the public will determine the political and social repercussions of this bundled aid package. Amidst the domestic political discord, the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Israel require a more tailored and discerning approach rather than a one-size-fits-all legislative solution.
Global Unrest Sparks State Department Alert for Americans Abroad
The State Department's issuance of a worldwide caution alert for Americans on Thursday is driven by a myriad of escalating tensions and violent confrontations unfolding across the globe. At the heart of these tensions is the Israel-Hamas conflict that has not only stirred violent demonstrations but also exacerbated geopolitical hostilities, casting a long shadow of insecurity over American citizens abroad.
The recent turmoil in the Middle East commenced when Hamas, a terrorist organization, attacked Israel on October 7. The response from Israel was swift and devastating, with air strikes decimating Hamas-ruled Gaza, leaving thousands dead. This military exchange ignited protests throughout the Middle East, notably in the West Bank, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia. A particularly explosive point of contention arose from an explosion at a hospital in Gaza. While Palestinian officials accused Israel of an air strike, Israel refuted these claims. The U.S. chimed in, stating it possessed data absolving Israel of the alleged deadly strike.
The ripple effects of these military confrontations were felt far beyond the region of war. Demonstrations reverberated through the area, with one such protest near the U.S. Embassy in Beirut being met with tear gas and water cannons by Lebanese security forces. The U.S. State Department, recognizing the potential danger, advised against travel to Lebanon earlier in the week.
As per the State Department's advisory, this worldwide caution emanates from an exacerbated global atmosphere ripe for "terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests". While the advisory doesn't hinge on a specific global event, the undercurrents of hostility fueled by the Israel-Hamas conflict undeniably play a significant role.
Furthermore, the advisory urges Americans overseas to remain vigilant, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for security updates, and follow the State Department on social media for real-time information. This isn't the first time such an advisory has been issued; a previous worldwide caution was relayed to U.S. citizens in August 2022 following the demise of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, underlining the fluid and often precarious nature of global geopolitics.
RFK Jr. Takes a Bold Stand on Reparations, He Supports It
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken a definitive stance on the issue of reparations. Running as an independent presidential candidate for 2024, Kennedy openly advocated for reparations aimed at the African-American community. This makes him the most high-profile candidate in the upcoming election to openly support this contentious policy, designed to make amends for the historical injustices of slavery and institutionalized segregation.
While Biden has largely sidestepped the issue, causing alarm among his far-left base, Kennedy has been vocal about his plans. He proposes allocating federal funds to "rebuild black infrastructure," focusing on essential community pillars like banks and businesses. Rather than opting for unconditional cash handouts, Kennedy supports "direct redress payments or tax credits."
Kennedy's campaign website elaborates on his position: "Communities that were specifically targeted for destruction need to be specifically targeted for repair." He argues that the systemic dismantling of Black banks, businesses, and other institutions during the Jim Crow era was a calculated move to prevent wealth accumulation within the Black community. To rectify this, Kennedy insisted that federal dollars be earmarked to rebuild these essential community structures.
Interestingly, Kennedy does not favor direct cash payments as a form of reparations. Instead, he seeks to implement programs that offer redress in ways that are "legal, fair, and win the approval of Americans of all races." He also advocates for development projects similar to the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, an initiative his father founded in 1967. Kennedy believes such projects can bridge racial divides as they offer benefits that are universally appealing, stating in a July interview, "Everybody, even people who are Trumpers … everybody wants business to work and to flourish."
Kennedy's stance could potentially disrupt the traditional voter base, drawing support from Republican and Democratic circles. This has led to concerns that he might siphon off votes from the major party candidates in the 2024 election. Meanwhile, Biden continues to face pressure to take a definitive stance on reparations, especially as other far-left candidates like Cornel West also support the policy.
In summary, RFK Jr.'s position on reparations is clear-cut and could be a game-changer in the upcoming presidential race. While specifics are yet to be released, his approach aims to be comprehensive, targeted, and, most importantly, to foster unity among Americans of all backgrounds.
Is Kennedy's stance on reparations enough to sway your vote in the 2024 presidential election? Why or why not?
Joran van der Sloot Admits to Murdering Natalee Holloway
The saga surrounding the disappearance of Natalee Holloway took a dramatic turn recently as Joran van der Sloot, long suspected in the case, finally confessed to the heinous act. The confession came to light during a court hearing on October 18, 2023, where van der Sloot faced extortion charges. It was part of a plea deal wherein he admitted to killing the Alabama teenager in Aruba in 2005, shedding light on a mystery that has haunted the Holloway family for nearly two decades.
Joran van der Sloot's confession regarding the murder of Natalee Holloway sent shockwaves through the community, unveiling horrifying details of that fateful night back in 2005 on a secluded beach in Aruba. As recounted in various reports, the confession paints a gruesome picture of the violence inflicted upon the Alabama teenager.
The confession revealed that the brutal attack happened after Natalee Holloway rejected van der Sloot's sexual advances. The violence escalated quickly; van der Sloot kicked Natalee in the face and, in a gruesome act of rage, bludgeoned her with a cinderblock. In the audio released by the court, van der Sloot described the attack as brutal by van der Sloot himself, recounting how he attacked Natalee on the beach after she rebuffed his advances.
The confession further unraveled the chilling details of that night. Instead of honoring Natalee's request to be dropped off at her hotel, van der Sloot manipulated the situation by having his friends drop them off farther away under the guise of spending more time together. The sinister motive behind this act was to isolate Natalee, leading to the horrifying events that unfolded.
The details of the confession were shocking and a grim reminder of the horrors Natalee endured before her life was abruptly and tragically cut short. Although painful, unveiling these harrowing details has provided a semblance of closure to the Holloway family, who had been desperately seeking answers for almost two decades.​
Natalee's mother, Beth Holloway, appeared with her son Matt outside the Hugo L. Black Federal Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama, following van der Sloot's appearance. The revelation, while harrowing, brought a semblance of closure to the Holloway family, offering them answers that had long eluded them. The confession entailed van der Sloot's guilty plea not only to the murder but also to extortion charges, as he had attempted to extort money from the family over the years.
The community and the Holloway family, particularly Natalee's mother, felt empowered following the confession. This monumental admission of guilt by van der Sloot is not just a significant breakthrough in the case but also a testament to the resilience of the Holloway family, who never ceased pursuing truth and justice for Natalee.
Other stories I am tracking
Sydney Powell Pleads Guilty: What's Next?
Sidney Powell, a former attorney for President Trump, entered a guilty plea to six misdemeanor charges at a Fulton County courthouse in Georgia. This plea is associated with accusations of conspiring to interfere with the performance of election duties concerning the 2020 presidential election. Powell, alongside 18 other defendants, was indicted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The implications of this plea are now under scrutiny, with many awaiting to see how this will impact the political scene and if she will testify against Trump.
Judge Warns Trump of Jail Time Over Gag Order Violation
Judge Arthur Engoron warned former President Donald Trump of potential jail time, following a complaint from Democrat PAC Meidas Touch that Trump violated a gag order. Trump's lawyer, Christopher Kise, said the violation was unintentional and due to an oversight. The judge has not yet decided on any sanctions. Meidas Touch is fundraising off the incident.