Epstein Secrets

work was set weeks ago, in an exchange of letters between the chief negotiators. Catherine Ashton, who represents the "P5+1" group of permanent •. Security Council members and Germany, proposed a "confidence-building exercise aimed at facilitating a constructive dialogue on the basis of reciprocity and a step

f upbeat mood that's been created over the last couple of days? Back in January and February, we had sharp warnings back and forth, such as closing the Strait of Hormuz. The tone has certainly changed, in part because the Iranians understand that the harsh tone was not serving them well. Second of all, two factors

ed that O'Brien had tested positive, says, "Since his diagnosis, O'Brien has been isolating at home while still running the National EFTA00136187 Security Council, doing most of his work by phone." Bloomberg adds, "NSC staff weren't informed that O'Brien had tested positive," and "some found out through press

that Iran "soon plans to use it for live-fire drills." While "Iranian state media and officials have yet to acknowledge bringing the replica out to the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil passes," its "appearance there suggests Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is preparing an encore of a si

ident Bashar al-Assad to step down -- even if that formulation is ultimately edited out of the final draft of the resolution pending before the •. Security Council -- it is time to start making plans for the various contingencies that may erupt on "the day after." Most Western policymakers, at least in their p

gion. This is in direct contradiction with the United States' broad interest in the Middle East, which is stability. - Iran may not be able to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed indefinitely, but even threats and potential attempts will cause volatility in the Persian Gulf. Some point to recent history and argue that

ia will keep the Soviet-era naval base in Tartus on Syria's Mediterranean coast. While the disagreement on Libya led to Russia's abstention in the Security Council and was soon forgotten, the spat over Syria will poison Moscow's relationship with Washington, its European allies and Sunni Arab states. The Obam

They went behind my back, goddammit. CJCS: Yes, sir. POTUS: Why the hell should I lift a finger to help them? CJCS: Because if the Iranians close the Strait of Hormuz, we will see oil above $200 a barrel. POTUS [after a pause]: Just a moment. [Whispers] How am I doing in Florida? David Axelrod [also whispering]