By Bob Eschliman
Editor
It was a wild weekend, and not just on the baseball diamond. There was enough political and geo-political intrigue to fill an entire library of Tom Clancy novels.
The sudden departure of U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy from the race for Speaker of the House has created a vacuum on the Establishment side of the fight. Meanwhile, the fight against the Islamic State in the Middle East has taken on several new elements that will likely further complicate the situation.
Of course, North Korea wants to make sure we haven’t forgotten about them. And, there’s been a new development in the Bowe Bergdahl desertion case.
Five Things You Need to Know Today
- Baghdadi dead? — The Iraqi government is claiming to have struck a convoy that included Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Sunday. It’s still not clear whether or not the terrorist leader was killed, or if the Iraqi intel about the convoy was correct. CLICK HERE for the full story.
- No jail time for Bergdahl — According to an attorney representing U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, an Army officer has recommended Bergdahl face a lower-level court martial and be spared the possibility of jail time for leaving his post in Afghanistan. CLICK HERE for the full story.
- North Korean nukes — During a parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the nation’s ruling Worker’s Party, North Korea displayed a new long-range missile, capable of reaching the U.S. West Coast, which it said is equipped with miniaturized nuclear warheads. CLICK HERE for the full story.
- Paul Ryan for Speaker — He’s running, but can U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan gain the support of the House Republican Caucus’ Freedom Caucus? Right now, it sounds like support for the former GOP vice presidential nominee is lukewarm, at best, among conservatives. CLICK HERE for the full story.
- Newt Gingrich for Speaker — The Constitution requires a Speaker of the House, but doesn’t require the Speaker to be a voting member of Congress. A movement is underway to bring former Speaker Newt Gingrich out of mothballs, and he’s not rejecting the idea. CLICK HERE for the full story.
The Story No One is Talking About Today (But Should Be)
The U.S. media, as of this morning, has been extremely quiet — perhaps because of the uncertainty surrounding the story — but if true, the reports from the Syrian-Turkish border region on Saturday could have a monumental impact on American interests in the Middle East.
According to unconfirmed reports, a journalist near the northern Syrian city of Huraytan made a tweet about a Russian jet that was shot down after violating Turkish airspace. Russia is flying sorties above Syria in support of Bashar al-Assad, ostensibly to take out the Islamic State forces in the country — but also to take out “moderate” Syrian rebels not allied with the terrorists — which has enraged the Turkish government.
Turkey is a member of NATO along with the U.S., and has threatened to invoke the mutual defense clause if its border is violated.
CLICK HERE for the full story.
Quote of the Day
Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.
— John Adams, “Thoughts on Government,” 1776
• • •
The Daily Bob is posted each weekday at TheIowaStatesman.com. For more Iowa news and politics from a conservative viewpoint, visit our website, “like” us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Follow Us