Andrew Peek is Mike Waltz's congressional national security adviser and a former Army intelligence officer. In Trump's first term, Peek was a deputy assistant secretary of state for Iraq and Iran, then the NSC's senior director for Europe. He was removed from the NSC during a security investigation in 2020. The allegations were unfounded, per sources, and Peek never lost his security clearance. He has a PhD in Russian and Iranian proxy warfare.

I am profoundly honored by and grateful to President @realdonaldtrump for nominating me to serve as his Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. If confirmed by the Senate, it would be an exceptional privilege to work with @petehegseth and his team to implement President Trump’s vitally necessary agenda. As the President has rightly made so clear, it is vital to focus our defense policy on restoring peace through strength and always putting America first.

PRC Foreign Ministry's spokesperson was grilled today over Assad's regime sudden collapse. She did her best to maintain China's image as a neutral actor while evading accountability for Beijing's strategic alignment with Assad. Full translated transcript below: China-Arab TV Reporter: The Bashar regime in Syria has ended, and a new government is about to be established. How does China comment on the current situation in Syria? Will it establish ties with the new government? Mao Ning: China is closely following developments in Syria and hopes that all relevant parties will prioritize the fundamental interests of the Syrian people and swiftly find a political solution to restore stability in Syria. Anadolu Agency Reporter (Turkey): The 61-year rule of the Assad family and the Ba'ath Party in Syria has ended. The Syrian civil war has lasted for 13 years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. How does China view the recent developments in Syria and its future? Mao Ning: The future and destiny of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people. We hope all relevant parties, guided by the principle of serving the long-term and fundamental interests of the Syrian people, will quickly find a political solution to restore stability and order. China-Arab TV Reporter: There are reports that Israel has taken advantage of the chaos to occupy areas in the Syrian Golan Heights and launched airstrikes on facilities in Damascus. How does China comment on this? Mao Ning: China is closely monitoring developments in Syria. Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. Anadolu Agency Reporter (Turkey): During Bashar's regime, China was one of Syria's friendly nations. What does China think are the reasons for the rapid fall of the Bashar regime? How did the Syrian situation evolve to this point? Mao Ning: The friendly relationship between China and Syria is for the benefit of all Syrian people. We hope Syria can restore stability as soon as possible. AFP Reporter: Does China still maintain contact with Bashar? Mao Ning: We are closely monitoring the situation and hope Syria will quickly restore stability, with all relevant parties finding a political solution to restore order. Anadolu Agency Reporter (Turkey): Some political commentators believe that the fall of the Bashar regime is related to the loss of support from Russia and Iran. How do you view this claim? Mao Ning: I have just outlined China's position on the Syrian situation. As for personal opinions, I have no comment. Link:

EXCLUSIVE. Massad Boulos, Donald Trump's new Middle East advisor and father of one of the president's sons-in-law, reveals in an interview @LePoint his vision for the region, which shakes things up in #Lebanon, #Gaza, #Israel & #Iran ⬇️. A THREAD🧵 1/11