Let's bring in MS Now political analyst Molly Jong Fast, host of the Fast Politics podcast and contributing writer for New York Times opinion and former Republican congressman from Virginia, Denver Riddleman. Both of them are good friends. So, thanks for joining us, guys.And and Denver, you are former military, an Air Force intelligence officer. So, what is your reaction to the news of these killings of these American soldiers in Syria, two of whom are dead and also an American interpreter. >> Well, it's pr ...

Drug War Policy & Morality - The campaign to blow up drug boats in the Caribbean is morally and legally dubious, lacking congressional approval [3] - Approximately 25% of the boats intercepted do not contain drugs, raising concerns about potential killings of non-criminals [4] - The policy is not a serious approach to the drug war and may alienate regional partners [5][6][12] - The US President's actions, such as pardoning individuals involved in drug trafficking, contradict the stated goal of deterring the drug trade [6] Military & Ethical Considerations - Military personnel need a clear and coherent rationale for the use of lethal force, directly related to American national security, with congressional debate [8][9] - Past events, like Abu Ghraib, demonstrate how betraying American values can negatively impact national security and radicalize individuals [10][11] - The current actions risk damaging America's moral reputation and alienating allies needed for cooperation in the broader war on drugs [12] Alternative Motives - There are questions about whether the boat strikes are truly about deterring the drug trade or if they are related to regime change [7]

US Military Actions & Policy - US has carried out almost 20 military strikes against boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela [1] - These strikes and the military buildup are impacting Latin America, especially Colombia [1] - President Trump has threatened to cut off all funding and support for Colombia [2] US-Colombia Relations - President Trump has had a public dispute with the president of Colombia [2] - Colombian troops have historically been close allies of the US in the war on drugs [2]

International Relations & Drug Policy - US designates Colombia as a country 'failing to cooperate in drug war' [1]

US Foreign Policy & Military Action - The Pentagon criticizes Venezuela's fighter jets flying near a US Navy ship as a provocative maneuver [1] - A US strike in international waters killed 11 people on a boat allegedly connected to Venezuelan drug gangs [1] - Democrats are seeking answers regarding the legal justification for the US strike [2] - The Trump administration defends the strike as a necessary measure against drug cartels, arguing that a 2% loss of cargo is factored into their economics [6] - Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US will blow up drug cartels to combat them [6] Drug War & Opioid Epidemic - Senator Gene Shaheen supports stopping drug cartels but cautions against actions that could escalate conflict and endanger military personnel [3][4][9] - There is a need for more information on the intelligence that led to the strike on the drug-carrying boat [5] - Senator Shaheen highlights the opioid epidemic's impact on New Hampshire, emphasizing the need for effective action against drug cartels [3][8][10] - New Hampshire had seen progress in reducing overdose deaths through interdiction, treatment, and recovery efforts, but funding for these programs has been cut [11][12] Defense Spending & Priorities - Senator Shaheen expresses concern that renaming the Defense Department to the Department of War could cost billions and distract from military readiness [13][14][15] - Focus should be on the readiness of troops and addressing conflicts around the world rather than on a name change [14][15]

Drug War Analysis - The US capture of a Mexican cartel boss is viewed as a temporary solution without addressing the underlying causes of the drug war [1] - The capture is seen as simply creating a vacancy within the cartel structure [1] US Policy Implication - The current US strategy is criticized for not targeting the root causes of the drug war [1]