IRAQ – The Iraqi city of Ramadi has fallen to Islamic State (IS) after government forces abandoned their positions, officials say.

The police and military made a chaotic retreat after days of intense fighting.  Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had ordered troops to stand their ground, saying he was deploying Shia militia to the city.
Ramadi is the capital of Iraq’s largest province, Anbar, and is just 70 miles (112km) west of Baghdad.
A statement purportedly from IS said its fighters had “purged the entire city”. It said IS had taken the 8th Brigade army base, along with tanks and missile launchers left behind by troops. (more…)

If, like many of us, you are deep in the weeds in your understanding of the issues around Benghazi, the 2010 Arab Spring (Tunis, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen), or the CIA operation “Zero Footprint” in Libya and the follow-up operation in Syria, you will enjoy this interview with former Panetta/Petraeus replacement Mike Morell.
Or, if you have a cursory understanding of events, this interview might spur you toward further research.  “The Benghazi Brief” – Regardless of your current level of understanding behind events of the past 7+ years, this interview is well constructed.
Bret Baier has done his homework, and in a refreshing and surprising manner you can see how Baier is able to cut through the distracting ‘talking points’ (no pun intended), and draw out the reality of what lies behind Morell and his foundational motives.

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All y’all know what I think about this.  Listen and learn.

I can’t watch Sean Hannity any longer. His interview (‘interuptus’) style has deteriorated so much in the past two years that his show seems to be nothing but abject anxiety, and horrible one-dimensional punditry. Sean Hannity may have a good heart, and he might be a great guy, but his current TV disposition is nothing more than a modern day Morton Downy Jr. sans the cigarettes.
However, that said, Pam Geller appeared on his “set-up” last night as Sean welcomed back the prolific and ever controversial Muslim Imam Anjem Choudary. Reports are Choudary advocated for Geller’s demise:

These past few days pundits and politicians have been either vilifying Pamela Geller’s Texas competition to draw the prophet Mohammed, or supporting her first amendment rights.
Greta Van Susteren’s post on Facebook this morning – The First Amendment free speech clause right is key to a democracy, but how one exercises that right is likewise important. Good judgment is important.

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It’s not accidental, it’s not a mistake – nor is it coincidental.

It is a well scripted “social jihad”.

Baltimore Maryland erupts in riots, looting and civil unrest – and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings goes on television to thank the Nation of Islam for their support:

Pictured below -yesterday- are the “Bloods” and “Crips” gangs, together with the Nation of Islam (guys with red bow ties) in Baltimore. Note the Nation of Islam giving the extended forefinger salute representing allegiance with ISIS.

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Ramadi is a city in central Iraq, about 68 miles west of Baghdad. It is the capital of Al Anbar Governorate (Anbar Province). The city extends along the Euphrates and is the largest city in Al-Anbar.

Over the weekend ISIS moved into towns just to the north of Ramadi sending thousands fleeing on foot into the city.  ISIS had already blocked off access from the south months ago, and the west was contested territory. The east, until now, was not just a sketchy safe zone but the only viable entrance and exit…..

“Ramadi is under siege from all sides, I consider the city to have fallen.”

~ Major Aref al-Janabi (Police Chief)

BAGHDAD — More than 2,000 families have fled the Iraqi city of Ramadi with little more than the clothes on their backs, officials said Thursday, as the Islamic State group closed in on the capital of western Anbar province, clashing with Iraqi troops and turning it into a ghost town. (more…)

In September of 2012 President Obama declared “al-Qaeda on the run”, Last month al-Qaeda fueled the collapse of the government in Yemen. Today, continuing the advance, AQAP takes control of a major airport in in Yemen.

Next Up, move into Saudi Arabia….

SANAA, Yemen (AP) – Military officials and residents say Al Qaeda has taken control of a major airport in southern Yemen after briefly clashing with troops.

The officials say Al Qaeda fighters clashed Thursday with members of the infantry brigade in charge of protecting the Riyan airport in the city of Mukalla, a major port city and the provincial capital of Yemen’s largest province, Hadramawt.

Al Qaeda overran the city itself earlier this month and freed inmates, including a militant commander, from its prison.

Nasser Baqazouz, an activist in the city, said the troops guarding the airport put up little resistance. (more…)

Charlie LeDuff does something the entire U.S. mainstream media are afraid to do, confront the primary and visible advocate for ISIS in the United States !!

(Via IJR) On an episode of “The Americans,” host Charlie LeDuff and his crew went to track down America’s ISIS pinup boy, Ahmad Jibril.

Born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, Jibril has become one of the most popular online preachers for those looking to join, or who are currently fighting for, the terrorist organization. (read more)