CIA was 'proved wrong before,' Saudi ex-intel boss says after report on MBS, Khashoggi murder

In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 photo, Prince Turki al-Faisal talks to the audience during the opening day of the Beirut Institute Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (The Associated Press)

A former head of Saudi intelligence decried the credibility of any CIA report that suggests Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the murder of writer Jamal Khashoggi.
“The CIA has been proved wrong before,” Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief, said in an interview in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, according to Bloomberg. “Just to mention the invasion of Iraq, for example.”
He pointed out that CIA reports before the 2003 invasion of Iraq that said Saddam Hussein was producing chemical weapons were proved to be “absolutely false,” despite then-Secretary of State Colin Powell saying it was “a slam-dunk conclusion.”
“The CIA is not necessarily the best measure of creditable intelligence reporting or intelligence assessment,” Al Faisal added.

"The CIA is not necessarily the best measure of creditable intelligence reporting or intelligence assessment."
— Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief

The CIA deemed in a report earlier this month -- first reported by the Washington Post -- that the death of Khashoggi was ordered by the crown prince, a conclusion that came after weeks of Saudi leadership’s denials and claims that rogue government officials organized the murder.
The agency’s conclusion came as a result of “an understanding of how Saudi Arabia works,” rather than a “smoking gun,” a U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told the Wall Street Journal.
CIA DETERMINES KHASHOGGI’S DEATH WAS ORDERED BY SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN: REPORT
Khashoggi’s death “would not and could not have happened” if MBS was not connected, an official told the outlet.
But President Trump parted ways from the CIA’s conclusion, saying the crown prince denied the killing “vehemently” and that the agency only had “feelings” and not evidence.
The president avoided putting blame on Saudi Arabia’s leadership for the killing, saying “maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place,” the Washington Post reported.
In a statement, Trump reiterated that there’s no clear conclusion of who was aware and ordered the killing.
“King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!” Trump said in a lengthy statement.

Pelosi blasts Trump's move to bar transgender troops, calls it 'disgusting' and 'cowardly'

President Trump’s decision late Friday to ban transgender Americans from serving in the U.S. military was blasted by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who called the move “cowardly” and “disgusting.”
The Trump administration issued a memorandum that bars people with a history of “gender dysphoria,” which would require medical treatment, from being admitted to the U.S. military “except under certain limited circumstances.”
Pelosi, a San Francisco Democrat, immediately released a statement slamming the memorandum and condemning the Trump administration.
“This latest memorandum is the same cowardly, disgusting ban the President announced last summer. No one with the strength and bravery to serve in the U.S. military should be turned away because of who they are,” she said in a statement.
“The President’s hateful ban is purpose-built to humiliate our brave transgender members of the military who serve with honor and dignity," she added. "It will harm our nation’s readiness and hollow out our strength, for we only strengthen our military by honoring our values of freedom and equality.”

"This latest memorandum is the same cowardly, disgusting ban the President announced last summer. No one with the strength and bravery to serve in the U.S. military should be turned away because of who they are."
— House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi

The current policy was based on recommendations made by Defense Secretary James Mattis, who said the Pentagon found that exempting transgender people from military standards could undermine its readiness for combat.
“Exempting such persons from well-established mental health, physical health, and sex-based standards, which apply to all Service members, including transgender Service members without gender dysphoria, could undermine readiness, disrupt unit cohesion, and impose an unreasonable burden on the military that is not conducive to military effectiveness and lethality,” rad the recommendation that was included in a court filing.
DOJ ASKS SUPREME COURT TO TAKE UP CASE OF MILITARY TRANSGENDER BAN
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to issue an unusually quick ruling on the Pentagon's policy of restricting military service by transgender people in a bid to bypass lower courts that previously ruled against the administration and its policy barring transgender recruits.
The Pentagon initially lifted its ban on transgender troops serving openly in the military in 2016 under the orders of the Obama administration.
Trump reversed the policy, prompting outrage and lawsuits, which were ruled against the Trump administration.

'Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' criticized as racist ( nothing is safe from the liberals )

"A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" is getting heat for its portrayal of a black character. (ABC)

You’re a racist man, Charlie Brown!
Critics are slamming ABC’s “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” for seating its only black character, Franklin, alone on one side of the holiday table — in a rickety old lawn chair.
Meanwhile, white friends — including Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown, Sally and even Snoopy — were all seated across from him in real chairs as they feasted, Twitter users pointed out.
The special, which debuted Nov. 20, 1973, aired again on Wednesday — prompting social media outrage over the gang’s highly unwoke picnic table arrangement.
“Why is Franklin in Charlie Brown Thanksgiving sitting all by himself at the table. Man. Things that I did not notice as a child,” @Asharp52 blasted on Twitter.
Others said good grief over a seating chart that would have thrilled George Wallace.
“Not watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving anymore, until they sit some people on the same side of the table as Franklin,” another critic tweeted, along with two black power-style fist emojis.
The scene in question centers on an impromptu holiday feast — of toast, jelly beans and ice cream — in Charlie Brown’s backyard.
At one point, poor lonesome Franklin topples over in his half-broken chair.
“They give our friend the busted chair and won’t even sit on the same side of the table, more proof that Charlie Brown and his cohorts are RACIST,” slammed Twitter user @mwizzy128.
But others defended the classic special, pointing out its creator Charles Schulz fought to add Franklin to the cast to stand up against racism in 1968.
“Seriously please get some historical context. Charles M. Schultz was a trailblazer and bucked racism in those days by adding Franklin to reflect the issue… and challenging what was then going on in society,” tweeted California radio show host Mark Larson.

Eager to slam Trump, Schumer contradicts himself in support of Chief Justice Roberts, critics say

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., drew swift criticism for seeming to praise and criticize Chief Justice John Roberts. (Reuters)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was quickly mocked Friday after praising Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court for rebuking President Trump’s recent “Obama judges” comment -- while at the same time slamming Roberts’ “partisan decisions.”
“I don’t agree very often with Chief Justice Roberts, especially his partisan decisions which seem highly political on Citizens United, Janus, and Shelby,” the Democrat wrote in a Twitter message. “But I am thankful today that he — almost alone among Republicans — stood up to President Trump and for an independent judiciary.”
Critics on social media and elsewhere pointed out that in issuing a two-sided response to the Trump-Roberts exchange, Schumer was effectively agreeing with the president, who had criticized the courts for partisanship.
Some wondered whether Schumer had even recognized the mistake.

“I wonder if Chuck realizes how he's contradicting himself and proving Trump's point in this statement? I doubt it,” Twitter user Derek Hunter. wrote.
TRUMP SLAMS CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS, INSISTS THERE ARE ‘OBAMA JUDGES’
“So Schumer rips the Judiciary as being partisan in the same tweet that he praises Roberts for responding to Trump for criticizing the judiciary as being partisan... Stunning!” another user on social media commented.
Ross Douthat of the New York Times went on to lampoon the Democrat.
“Shorter Chuck Schumer: Trump is totally right about the courts, except when Republican appointees criticize him; then the judiciary is Independent and Good,” the conservative columnist wrote.
Schumer’s backhanded compliment came amid a war of words between Trump and Roberts, with the president criticizing the so-called “judicial activism” of federal judges who halt decisions made by the executive branch, a common occurrence under the Trump administration.
The criticism was prompted after U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar, who was nominated by President Obama in 2012 to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, issued a temporary restraining order late Monday against Trump's plan to refuse asylum to immigrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally if they do not arrive at a port of entry.
“You go to Ninth Circuit and it's a disgrace, and I'm going to put in a major complaint. Because you cannot win, if you're us, a case in the Ninth Circuit,” Trump said. “Every case gets filed in the Ninth Circuit. ... We get beaten, and then we end up having to go to the Supreme Court -- like the travel ban and we won. We're gonna have to look at that.”

"We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them."
— Chief Justice Roberts

In response, Roberts issued a rare criticism of the president.
“We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges,” he said in a Wednesday statement provided to Fox News. “What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them."
Roberts added: “That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.”
But the statement from the chief justice only prompted Trump to double-down on his criticism of the judiciary, saying the courts aren’t as independent as Roberts makes them out to be.
“Sorry Chief Justice John Roberts, but you do indeed have ‘Obama judges,’ and they have a much different point of view than the people who are charged with the safety of our country,” Trump tweeted.
“It would be great if the 9th Circuit was indeed an ‘independent judiciary,’ but if it is why are so many opposing view (on Border and Safety) cases filed there, and why are a vast number of those cases overturned,” Trump continued. “Please study the numbers, they are shocking. We need protection and security - these rulings are making our country unsafe! Very dangerous and unwise!”

Caravan Democrat Voter Cartoons

Pres. Trump defends Pompeo: relations with Saudi Arabia good for jobs, oil

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gestures while speaking during a news conference at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:55 AM PT – Thur. Nov. 22, 2018

President Trump tweets out in support Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, after he suggested the U.S. get tougher on Saudi Arabia.
In a tweet Thursday, the president quoted Pompeo saying maintaining relations with Saudi Arabia was ‘vital to national security.’
However, the secretary of state also said it was the president’s obligation to adopt policies that further America’s security interests.
President Trump applauded Pompeo’s stance saying he agrees 100%, adding that retaining working relations with Saudi Arabia is good for American jobs and oil.

“It’s a mean & nasty world out there, the Middle East in particular. This is a long and historic commitment, & one that is absolutely vital to America’s national security.” @SecPompeo I agree 100%. In addition, many Billions of Dollars of purchases made in U.S., big Jobs & Oil!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2018

Secretary Mattis addresses White House order to protect Border Patrol

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis waits outside for Chinese Minister of Defense General Wei Fenghe to begin an arrival ceremony at the Pentagon, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:00 AM PT – Thur. Nov. 22, 2018

Defense Secretary James Mattis speaks out on the presence of troops at the Southern border in the wake of the White House’s authorization of lethal force.
On Wednesday Mattis said President Trump saw ‘the need’ to back up Border Patrol and indicated the military is ‘sizing up’ the additional measures authorized.
He also estimated more than 5,700 federal troops are committed to the mission on the border right now.
Mattis asserted the president’s concern for the safety of Border Patrol personnel is valid.

“You saw were six Mexican policemen were injured according to The New York Times. I think it’s an accurate report. This down the Guatemalan border. So it is not an unreasonable concern on the part of the president that we may have to back up Border Patrol.” – Defense Secretary James Mattis

He went on to suggest the crowd control barriers and barbed wire implemented at the border are partly aimed at protecting Border Patrol.

Trump and Melania host Thanksgiving dinner at Mar-a-Lago

President Donald Trump, center, and first lady Melania Trump, right, sit with their family as they have Thanksgiving Day dinner at their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. Ivanka Trump, left, and Barron Trump, second from left, attend.  (AP)

President Trump was joined by his family as he hosted a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday at the “winter White House” – his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Items on the menu included a carving station with turkey and all the trimmings, as well as beef tenderloin, lamb and salmon.
There was also Chilean Sea bass, Red Snapper, Braised short ribs and sides including whipped potatoes, sweet potatoes and traditional stuffing.
TRUMP THREATENS TO SHUT DOWN 'WHOLE BORDER' WITH MEXICO IF IMMIGRATION BECOMES 'UNCONTROLLABLE'
The White House’s pool reporter said romaine lettuce was not used in any dish. At least 32 people have gotten sick as a result of an E.coli outbreak believed to be connected to romaine, according to the FDA.

Ivanka Trump talks with her kids as she has Thanksgiving Day dinner at their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, with President Donald Trump, left, and sister Tiffany Trump, background left. (AP)

Trump could be seen enjoying dinner, flanked by his wife Melania and son Barron, aged 12. He was also joined by his oldest daughter Ivanka and her family, his younger daughter Tiffany, and his son Eric and his wife Lara. His oldest son Donald Jr. was not present.
He arrived at the Palm Beach club on Tuesday night, where he has been mixing business with pleasure. On Wednesday he played a “quick round” of golf with Jack Nicklaus, his son Gary and grandson G.T.
TRUMP CONTINUES WAR OF WORDS WITH CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS
But he was active on Thursday, speaking to reporters about the U.S. border with Mexico, where he threatened to close it for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines its southern neighbor has lost “control” on its side.

President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as he has Thanksgiving Day dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Thursday (AP)

Trump said that if U.S. officials "find that it's uncontrollable, if we find that it gets to a level where we are going to lose control or where people are going to start getting hurt, we will close entry into the country for a period of time until we can get it under control. The whole border."
He also held a Thanksgiving Day conference call with members of all five branches of the military to thank them for their service and check in on the status of their mission.
Speaking over the phone, he told members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard that he and First Lady Melania Trump wanted to express their "profound gratitude."
“Your courage truly inspires us,” Trump said.
He also visited the Coast Guard Station Lake Worth in Riviera Beach, where he shook hands and posed for photos with Coast Guard members.

Small group breaks from caravan, within 500 feet of US border, report says

A group of about 150 migrants carrying white flags that read, "La paz y Dios," or "Peace and God are With Us," separated from the larger caravan near Southern California and inched within 500 feet of the U.S., a report Thursday said.
The migrants said they are carrying the white flags to show that they are peaceful, and will attempt to present themselves as asylum seekers near Baja, Calif., The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
President Trump on Thursday threatened to close the border with Mexico if his administration determines that Mexico has lost control of the situation. The Union-Tribune reported that Mexican federal police held a barrier near a pedestrian crossing and urged the migrants to apply for jobs in Tijuana. Police claimed there are thousands of jobs in the city. Federal police were dressed in riot gear and prevented the caravan from getting closer to the U.S.
Carlos Lopez, a Honduran who was leading the small group, told the paper that the conditions in Mexico are horrible. He said there are sick children and women and children are forced to remain outside in the elements. Those already in the city have camped out in tents, slept on dirt fields or under bleachers or are staying in overcrowded shelters throughout the city as they wait to figure out their next steps.
"The whole world is watching what is happening here," he said.
The report said the larger group contains about 6,219 Central Americans. The federal government estimates the number of migrants could grow to 10,000 in the coming weeks, or months. President Trump warned that the caravan is a national security threat and it will not enter the U.S.
On Monday, a judge barred the president from enforcing a ban on asylum for those who cross the U.S. border illegally – a decision the administration said would cause “countless illegal aliens to pour into our country."
The report said that the migrants who traveled for over a month can now see a bridge that separates them from the U.S.
Speaking to reporters while in Florida for the holiday, Trump threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines that its southern ally has lost "control" on its side.
Trump also said he has given the thousands of active-duty troops he sent to the border before the Nov. 6 midterm elections the "OK" to use lethal force against migrants "if they have to." And he said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, whom he has faulted for not being tough enough on immigration, is "in there trying."

2018 Thanksgiving Turkey Cartoons