Robbie Gramer

Bridge, if you feel that you need to point all this out publicly, this suggests that you are corrrectly beginning to understand that many of your allies have lost trust in US reliability. What would remain of the US as a superpower without the global web of Partners and Allies?

There is a great deal of hubbub about a collective “middle powers”strategy these days. At DoW, we are not concerned that this is a serious possibility. Rather, we are more concerned that a few allies and partners will *think it is* and waste valuable time, money, and political capital on a distraction. 1/

A few key Iraq messages from presser between Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi and President Trump. Bottom line is that Zaidi got some very positive statements from Trump, apparently landed an unscheduled lunch invite from the President, and avoided any really embarrassing moments: - Trump calls Zaidi "handsome" and says they had "great chemistry." He's going to be "one of the great leaders of the Middle East" and "brilliant guy." "His influence is going to spread throughout the Middle East." --good sign for Zaidi that he managed to charm the President - Trump refers to al-Zaidi as having had a huge electoral victory, a "highly competitive election," and emphasizing that al-Zaidi had US support -- reminder: this is a parliamentary system and al-Zaidi himself was selected by a coalition of Shia parties and did not stand as a candidate in the elections - Trump obliquely refers to Maliki, noting that the US opposed the other candidate - Zaidi confirms that US military is departing on September 30 along with the scheduled end of Operation Inherent Resolve and he says the military will be replaced by US companies - On militias, Zaidi says after September 30 "the Resistance" has no reason to exist and must turn in their weapons. No real response to follow up question about how he will follow up on militias after return - On question about Iraq leaving OPEC, Zaidi says Iraq needs its fair share and there are still displaced people living in camps - President Trump recalls his opposition to 2003 invasion of Iraq and that US invaded the wrong country - Trump recalls his decision to order the strike to kill Qasim Soleimani and refers to the other person who was killed with him (Abu Mahdi Mohandes) and asks Zaidi if he did him a favor (a question Zaidi absolutely cannot answer for domestic political reasons) - In response to q's from Mr. Kurd and Diyar Kurda, Zaidi says Kurdistan is important part of Iraq (like a limb that can't be cut off) and US is most strategic partnership for Iraq, which is why it was important to visit first -Trump refers to Iran as the "bully of the Middle East," including bullying Iraq - Trump: Iraq is a "potentially really great country" and it has US support. "We're going to have a long-term relationship with Iraq."

Spice up your life: Research shows that people who eat spicy foods every day have a 14% lower risk of dying than those whose intake averaged less than once a week, a physician writes in the Washington Post. Capsaicin, the main active component in chili peppers, can increase “good” cholesterol, burn calories faster and lower the risk of heart disease. People who like spicy foods are also less likely to eat salty foods. If you douse your rice and beans in sriracha sauce and prefer the spicy kind of margarita, it’s time to double down. Go all in on the burn. But maybe don’t try the Carolina Reaper chili pepper—that might warrant a call to poison control.

Cornyn on Trump announcing U.S. will toll the Strait of Hormuz: “I recall Secretary Rubio saying that would not be proper for any country….Am I wrong?”