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Dead Reckoning: The Post-9/11 Security State, Twenty-Five Years On

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article examines the lasting impact of post-9/11 security measures, particularly focusing on the Department of Homeland Security and its shift towards immigration enforcement. While some policies have been rolled back, such as bulk phone metadata collection, many core structures remain intact or have adapted to new purposes without proper reassessment by Congress, illustrating an enduring security state.

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Domestic Policy / Federal Court / Government / Government / Intelligence & National Security / Judicial / Justice & Governance / National Security / Retrospective

No Verdict: Twenty-Five Years On, the 9/11 “Trial of the Century” Still Hasn’t Started

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, identified as the 9/11 attacks’ mastermind, was captured in 2003 but remains in pretrial proceedings at Guantanamo Bay, now targeting a trial date of June 2028. The case has faced numerous delays and legal complications, including issues stemming from previous torture during CIA custody, significantly complicating prosecution.

No Verdict: Twenty-Five Years On, the 9/11 “Trial of the Century” Still Hasn’t Started Read More
3 - Investigations / Artificial Intelligence / Artificial Intelligence / Business / China / Economy / Economy & Policy / Energy / Energy / Government / Government / Intelligence & National Security / International / National Security / National Security & Defense / National Security & Governance / National Security & Systems Failures / Technology / Technology

China Is Building Humanoid Robots. America Is Fighting Over the Data Centers That Power AI.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

China is advancing humanoid robot production, aiming to exceed 100,000 units by 2026, despite existing challenges in functionality and commercial demand. Meanwhile, the U.S. faces infrastructure fights over AI data centers, with growing public opposition and regulatory actions. Efficient development and energy resources are crucial for maintaining competitive advantages in robotics and AI.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Government / Intelligence & National Security / National Affairs / National News / National Policy / National Security / Politics / Politics

What the Documents Actually Say — And Why Nobody Wanted to Hear It

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Michael Phillips reviews the implications of declassified documents following President Trump’s speech on election security. While some claims in the speech are substantiated, others are exaggerated or misconstrued. The central argument—that China aimed to influence the 2020 election—contradicts intelligence assessments, highlighting discrepancies between presented narratives and actual judgments.

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3 - Investigations / Elections / elections / Elections & Democracy / Government / National Security / National Security & Defense / National Security & Governance / Politics / Politics

The Receipts Behind the Address: What the Declassified Documents Show

- by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

By Michael Phillips | Riptide President Trump’s Thursday night address on election security came with something rare in American politics: a real-time paper trail. “Tonight, I am announcing the immediate …

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2 - Analysis / 3 - Investigations / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Dead Reckoning / Government / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Institutions & Accountability / National Security / National Security & Defense / National Security & Governance / Politics / Politics

The Complaint That Changed Everything — And What We Now Know About How It Was Built

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The release of documents by Tulsi Gabbard reveals procedural failures and undisclosed conflicts of interest in the impeachment process of Donald Trump stemming from a whistleblower complaint. Despite not proving a coordinated conspiracy, the evidence highlights serious issues in how the complaint was handled, complicating narratives on both sides of the political divide.

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2 - Analysis / Geopolitics / Government / Military & Defense / National Security / Pentagon Watch / Politics / U.S. Foreign Policy

Cuba Is Not a Sideshow. It’s a Front-Row Seat.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Cuba isn’t just a relic of Cold War tension—it’s an active intelligence platform sitting 90 miles from the United States. As Washington wages war with Iran, Havana’s surveillance infrastructure—linked to China and Russia—may be capturing the very signals that define modern warfare.

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Explainers / Government / Government / Government Power / Laws / National Security / National Security & Defense / Politics / Politics & Power / Power / Security

What Is the “Gang of Eight”?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The “Gang of Eight” refers to a bipartisan group of congressional leaders who receive classified national security briefings in extraordinary circumstances. This group ensures swift and discreet communication between the executive and legislative branches. It includes key leaders from both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, balancing oversight and secrecy amidst sensitive operations.

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Border Security / Business / Cybersecurity / Government / National Security / National Security & Defense / National Security & Governance / Security / Technology

Iran’s $250,000 Bounty on Dissidents Is a Direct Test of U.S. Resolve

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

An Iran-linked hacking group allegedly placed a $250,000 bounty on dissidents in North America, leaked their home addresses, and hinted at cartel involvement. This isn’t just foreign drama — it’s a direct challenge to U.S. sovereignty and a test of whether Washington will defend free speech on American soil.

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Border Security / Government / National Security / National Security & Defense / National Security & Governance / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Security

In and Out: The Doctrine of Decisive Action

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The content discusses President Trump’s foreign policy shift from prolonged entanglement to a more decisive “Get It Done” doctrine focusing on clear objectives with minimal occupation. This strategy prioritizes immediate action over lengthy negotiations, applying pressure without prolonged military involvement. Critics view it as reckless, but supporters see clarity and efficiency in achieving goals.

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