Blog Layout

Esper memo warned conditions weren't met for withdrawal from Afghanistan

As published (CNN - November 16, 2020) - Then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper sent a classified memo earlier this month to the White House asserting that it was the unanimous recommendation of the chain of command that the US not draw down its troop presence in Afghanistan any further until conditions were met, sources familiar with the memo tell CNN.


The assessment from the chain of command -- Esper, US Central Command leader Marine Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie and commander of NATO's mission in Afghanistan Gen. Austin Miller -- stated that the necessary conditions had not been met. Others agreed, sources tell CNN, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley.



The memo is believed to have been one of the main reasons why outgoing President Donald Trump fired Esper last week. CNN reported on Monday that US military commanders are anticipating that Trump will give a formal order as soon as this week to begin a further withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq before he leaves office on January 20. The memo was first reported by The Washington Post.

Collapse of the Assad Regime

December 8, 2024
The collapse of the brutal Assad regime may not be the last domino to fall in this region. Iran is now the weakest it’s been in decades with the apparent loss of its Syrian client state; the collapse of its Axis of Resistance, especially Hezbollah; and the continued economic, social, and political duress the regime imposes on ordinary Iranians. Might this corrupt theocracy be the next regime to fall? Let’s hope. Watch the Interview Here .

The Fall of Damascus

December 8, 2024
As I noted yesterday, Damascus will fall if Assad flees. This morning it is believed that Assad has left the country and the rebels control the capital. The question now is “who” and “how” will Syria be governed? Right now we should celebrate Assad’s fall and this strategic defeat for Russia and Iran. Watch the Interview Here.

Never Forget

December 7, 2024
Never Forget. And let’s also not forget the key to preventing a future global conflict like WWII — a strong, modern, and capable U.S. military aligned with equally capable Allies/Partners, all of whom are committed to President Reagan’s mantra of “Peace Through Strength.” 

Syria and a new order in the Middle East

December 2, 2024
As I told Kasie Hunt, "I was a little surprised ... I think it is significant ... you can see the chessboard in the Middle East is changing around right now in front of our eyes." Watch the Interview Here .

Potential Hezbollah Ceasefire

November 26, 2024
Implementation — specifically, ensuring Hezbollah doesn’t return forces to the south of Lebanon as they did in violation of the 2006 UN resolution that ended that conflict — is critical to the success of this agreement. Glad that Israel asserted the right to enforce this agreement via the IDF if violations do occur. Watch the Interview Here.

Thoughts on President Elect Trump's Cabinet Picks

November 25, 2024
See my thoughts on two of President-elect Trump’s national security nominees, their path ahead to Senate consideration, and some of the tough questions each will face as this important constitutional process plays out between two coequal branches of American go. Watch the interview Here .
More Posts →
Share by: