Required reading from around the web of the best, most interesting, or most though provoking things we’ve read:
The Federalist Staff: Audio Interview: CIA Operative Charles Sam Faddis On The State Of U.S. Counterintelligence
“For this week’s ‘Big Ideas with Ben Weingarten’ podcast, Weingarten interviews former CIA operative and leader of the CIA’s Counter Terrorism Center’s weapons of mass destruction unit Charles Sam Faddis. Faddis is the author of the must-read and highly relevant 2009 book, ‘Beyond Repair: The Decline and Fall of the CIA,’ and an outspoken critic of the politicized leadership in America’s intelligence and national security apparatus.
Topics they discuss include: the national security establishment, issues with America’s counterintelligence, China’s liquidation of our spy network, and threats like North Korea and China. You can find the episode on iTunes, everywhere else podcasts are found, download the episode directly here, or read the transcript below.”
Read more/Listen to audio at The Federalist.
Martin & Jacobs: U.S., Mexico Poised to Reach Nafta Deal as Soon as Monday
“Significant breakthroughs between Mexico and the U.S. came during the past several days on the contentious issues of automobiles and energy, according to three people familiar with the process who asked not to be named discussing private talks. Along with Canada, they’ve been negotiating for a year to overhaul the 24-year-old accord at the insistence of Donald Trump. […] Trump said Saturday on Twitter that the U.S. could have a ‘big Trade Agreement’ with its southern neighbor soon. The terms of any deal struck by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer would need the president’s final approval.”
Swanson: Decades-Old Case Could Thwart Mueller From Issuing Russia Report
“A 60-year-old case that’ll be heard by a federal appeals court next month could set a precedent that could prevent special counsel Robert Mueller from issuing a final report on the Russia investigation, Politico reports. It could even thwart Mueller from releasing a report to Congress, a potentially damning blow to Democrats if they don’t retake the majority in November’s midterms, Politico reports. The little known and completely unrelated case: The disappearance of Columbia University professor and political activist Jesus Galindez, who disappeared in 1956 and is presumed dead.”