Gail Helt
@gailhelt.bsky.social
CIA analyst, 2003-14. Close Guantanamo. Human Rights. China. My posts reflect only my views.
“A childhood friend, who asked to be identified only as Muhammad because he feared Taliban reprisals, said that Mr. Lakanwal had suffered from mental health issues and was disturbed by the casualties his unit had caused.”
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
Live Updates: Shooting Suspect Drove Across the Country With a Plan for D.C. Attack, Officials Say
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:20 PM
“A childhood friend, who asked to be identified only as Muhammad because he feared Taliban reprisals, said that Mr. Lakanwal had suffered from mental health issues and was disturbed by the casualties his unit had caused.”
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11...
This is horrifying.
Yes, if we are at war in another country and we persuade locals to work with us in return for promises of safety, we absolutely should allow them to come here. Every single one of them. To suggest otherwise….dear God, when will the cruelty end?
Yes, if we are at war in another country and we persuade locals to work with us in return for promises of safety, we absolutely should allow them to come here. Every single one of them. To suggest otherwise….dear God, when will the cruelty end?
CIA statement about the Afghan man identified as the gunman who shot two National Guardsmen in Washington
November 27, 2025 at 2:57 PM
This is horrifying.
Yes, if we are at war in another country and we persuade locals to work with us in return for promises of safety, we absolutely should allow them to come here. Every single one of them. To suggest otherwise….dear God, when will the cruelty end?
Yes, if we are at war in another country and we persuade locals to work with us in return for promises of safety, we absolutely should allow them to come here. Every single one of them. To suggest otherwise….dear God, when will the cruelty end?
Wondering if it’s possible, just remotely possible, that the Afghan refugee involved in today’s shooting suffers from war trauma and shouldn’t be anywhere near a weapon in a city that is as militarized as Kandahar.
It’s at least as plausible as the claim he’s a terrorist.
It’s at least as plausible as the claim he’s a terrorist.
November 27, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Wondering if it’s possible, just remotely possible, that the Afghan refugee involved in today’s shooting suffers from war trauma and shouldn’t be anywhere near a weapon in a city that is as militarized as Kandahar.
It’s at least as plausible as the claim he’s a terrorist.
It’s at least as plausible as the claim he’s a terrorist.
Reposted by Gail Helt
The President doesn't want you standing up and speaking out against him, so he's coming after me to intimidate all of us.
But I won't back down — and neither should you.
But I won't back down — and neither should you.
November 26, 2025 at 7:51 PM
The President doesn't want you standing up and speaking out against him, so he's coming after me to intimidate all of us.
But I won't back down — and neither should you.
But I won't back down — and neither should you.
Dear Lowes: women who are clearly in the process of completing their transaction at the automated check out do NOT need male employees walking up into their personal space and asking if they need any assistance.
November 26, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Dear Lowes: women who are clearly in the process of completing their transaction at the automated check out do NOT need male employees walking up into their personal space and asking if they need any assistance.
God have mercy.
I’ve been in Hong Kong and wondered what would happen to residential high rises like this in the event of fire. This is even worse than I imagined.
I’ve been in Hong Kong and wondered what would happen to residential high rises like this in the event of fire. This is even worse than I imagined.
A deadly blaze tore through several high-rise apartment towers in Hong Kong on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and setting off an urgent rescue effort for an unknown number of people trapped inside. Follow live updates: nyti.ms/4pvZB7s
November 26, 2025 at 3:52 PM
God have mercy.
I’ve been in Hong Kong and wondered what would happen to residential high rises like this in the event of fire. This is even worse than I imagined.
I’ve been in Hong Kong and wondered what would happen to residential high rises like this in the event of fire. This is even worse than I imagined.
There is a flock of wild turkeys that frequently snack in the field across from my neighborhood. Sometimes I can hear them gobbling when the back door is open and they’re in the wooded area out back.
I don’t want to eat their relatives.
I’m having roast beef this Thanksgiving.
God bless America.
I don’t want to eat their relatives.
I’m having roast beef this Thanksgiving.
God bless America.
"There are things we all know to be true, and yet we cannot say them. Why? Because it might offend someone. I’m going to say it. If you hate eating turkey on Thanksgiving, you are un-American."
New from Clare Coffey:
New from Clare Coffey:
A Defense of the Thanksgiving Turkey
The noble, beautiful, all-American bird pays worthy homage to our grand culinary inheritance.
lnk.thebulwark.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
There is a flock of wild turkeys that frequently snack in the field across from my neighborhood. Sometimes I can hear them gobbling when the back door is open and they’re in the wooded area out back.
I don’t want to eat their relatives.
I’m having roast beef this Thanksgiving.
God bless America.
I don’t want to eat their relatives.
I’m having roast beef this Thanksgiving.
God bless America.
The word is fascist.
November 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
The word is fascist.
You know, it’s weird. When I was at CIA, I was told on multiple occasions (never b/c I had said anything wrong) that if we want to speak freely we can — but we need to turn in our badge on the way out the door. Everyone knew that the moment you left the Agency, you got your civil liberties back. 1/2
November 26, 2025 at 1:18 PM
You know, it’s weird. When I was at CIA, I was told on multiple occasions (never b/c I had said anything wrong) that if we want to speak freely we can — but we need to turn in our badge on the way out the door. Everyone knew that the moment you left the Agency, you got your civil liberties back. 1/2
Absolutely no one should be able to make a surprise visit to an undisclosed government location, demand documents, and leave.
And no one without a clearance should be able to be “waved in” to a highly secure facility because she’s married to a relative of the subject of the files being sought.
And no one without a clearance should be able to be “waved in” to a highly secure facility because she’s married to a relative of the subject of the files being sought.
Exclusive: How Gabbard's 'hunters' pounced on secret CIA warehouse for Kennedy files reut.rs/43QeglL
Exclusive: How Gabbard's 'hunters' pounced on secret CIA warehouse for Kennedy files
The officials arrived at the secret CIA archival facility one morning in April. Their mission: to seize still-classified CIA files on the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
reut.rs
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Absolutely no one should be able to make a surprise visit to an undisclosed government location, demand documents, and leave.
And no one without a clearance should be able to be “waved in” to a highly secure facility because she’s married to a relative of the subject of the files being sought.
And no one without a clearance should be able to be “waved in” to a highly secure facility because she’s married to a relative of the subject of the files being sought.
Exactly this.
Trump has to tear down people who are truly good, who are actual patriots — because he knows he can never be those things.
Trump has to tear down people who are truly good, who are actual patriots — because he knows he can never be those things.
Tom Nichols about Trump: “Places like Arlington Cemetery and people like Mark Kelly or John Kelly or Jim Mattis or others, they make him uncomfortable because they are a constant reminder of everything he is not.”
@radiofreetom.bsky.social
@radiofreetom.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Exactly this.
Trump has to tear down people who are truly good, who are actual patriots — because he knows he can never be those things.
Trump has to tear down people who are truly good, who are actual patriots — because he knows he can never be those things.
Watters is vastly ignorant in regard to what an analyst does.
He’s wrong that Sotkin is a “Brennan acolyte.”
It’s astounding that he is so offended by being reminded that we are a nation of laws, not men, and that our Oath is to the Constitution, not any man.
He’s wrong that Sotkin is a “Brennan acolyte.”
It’s astounding that he is so offended by being reminded that we are a nation of laws, not men, and that our Oath is to the Constitution, not any man.
Fox is now claiming that Rep. Slotkin is a CIA asset in a “destabilization op,” controlled by “deep state handlers,” because she reminded service members to follow the law. They even suggest she’s unwitting of her own “mission,”
November 25, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Watters is vastly ignorant in regard to what an analyst does.
He’s wrong that Sotkin is a “Brennan acolyte.”
It’s astounding that he is so offended by being reminded that we are a nation of laws, not men, and that our Oath is to the Constitution, not any man.
He’s wrong that Sotkin is a “Brennan acolyte.”
It’s astounding that he is so offended by being reminded that we are a nation of laws, not men, and that our Oath is to the Constitution, not any man.
Congress has oversight obligations when it comes to the military, so isn’t this covered by the free speech and debate clause anyway?
The FBI has officially opened inquiry into Sen. Elissa Slotkin, as confirmed by Sen. Slotkin.
This is not a corrupt "administration," as it is not an administration. It is a gaggle of corrupt losers...enabling the most corrupt human being in the history of our country.
#HOLDFAST
This is not a corrupt "administration," as it is not an administration. It is a gaggle of corrupt losers...enabling the most corrupt human being in the history of our country.
#HOLDFAST
November 25, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Congress has oversight obligations when it comes to the military, so isn’t this covered by the free speech and debate clause anyway?
It’s shocking a man could be arrested/released 72 times, then commit a brutal crime.
Even more shocking that a man could be indicted 4 times, charged w/88 crimes, convicted on 34 felony counts and in a civil sexual assault/defamation case, and be allowed to go on to bring down our republic.
Even more shocking that a man could be indicted 4 times, charged w/88 crimes, convicted on 34 felony counts and in a civil sexual assault/defamation case, and be allowed to go on to bring down our republic.
"They burned the woman. They burned this beautiful woman ... we're moving toward Chicago" -- Trump is now using his Thanksgiving speech to rant and rave about crime in Chicago and his desire to send in the troops
November 25, 2025 at 8:58 PM
It’s shocking a man could be arrested/released 72 times, then commit a brutal crime.
Even more shocking that a man could be indicted 4 times, charged w/88 crimes, convicted on 34 felony counts and in a civil sexual assault/defamation case, and be allowed to go on to bring down our republic.
Even more shocking that a man could be indicted 4 times, charged w/88 crimes, convicted on 34 felony counts and in a civil sexual assault/defamation case, and be allowed to go on to bring down our republic.
Reposted by Gail Helt
Tensions between the US & Latin America are spiking—migration, cartels, military strikes, and political showdowns.
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
November 25, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Tensions between the US & Latin America are spiking—migration, cartels, military strikes, and political showdowns.
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
Reposted by Gail Helt
A question for discussion — especially for vets:
If you were ordered to stop a ship in the Caribbean believed to be carrying drugs, board it, and execute its crew — purely as a hypothetical raised by recent DoD interdiction videos — would you follow that order?
What would guide your decision?
If you were ordered to stop a ship in the Caribbean believed to be carrying drugs, board it, and execute its crew — purely as a hypothetical raised by recent DoD interdiction videos — would you follow that order?
What would guide your decision?
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
A question for discussion — especially for vets:
If you were ordered to stop a ship in the Caribbean believed to be carrying drugs, board it, and execute its crew — purely as a hypothetical raised by recent DoD interdiction videos — would you follow that order?
What would guide your decision?
If you were ordered to stop a ship in the Caribbean believed to be carrying drugs, board it, and execute its crew — purely as a hypothetical raised by recent DoD interdiction videos — would you follow that order?
What would guide your decision?
Great article.
I’ve explained to a few people that Trump has, in fact, done/suggested doing illegal things. Thanks to the Supreme Court, Trumpists wrongly believe that if Trump does it it cannot be illegal.
I’ve explained to a few people that Trump has, in fact, done/suggested doing illegal things. Thanks to the Supreme Court, Trumpists wrongly believe that if Trump does it it cannot be illegal.
November 25, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Great article.
I’ve explained to a few people that Trump has, in fact, done/suggested doing illegal things. Thanks to the Supreme Court, Trumpists wrongly believe that if Trump does it it cannot be illegal.
I’ve explained to a few people that Trump has, in fact, done/suggested doing illegal things. Thanks to the Supreme Court, Trumpists wrongly believe that if Trump does it it cannot be illegal.
Reposted by Gail Helt
First Secretary of Defense you could defeat by painting a tunnel on the side of a boulder.
November 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
First Secretary of Defense you could defeat by painting a tunnel on the side of a boulder.
People need to understand what it is they are fighting. And yes, Trump is a fascist.
Heck, he admitted it.
And his behavior is another glaring admission.
Heck, he admitted it.
And his behavior is another glaring admission.
OPINION: "Calling the president a fascist does nothing to advance the Democrats’ cause — and more of the party’s leaders would do well to realize that." — Jonathan Zimmerman
To defeat Trump, stop calling him names
Calling the president a fascist does nothing to advance the Democrats’ cause — and more of the party's leaders would do well to realize that, Jonathan Zimmerman writes.
www.inquirer.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:47 PM
People need to understand what it is they are fighting. And yes, Trump is a fascist.
Heck, he admitted it.
And his behavior is another glaring admission.
Heck, he admitted it.
And his behavior is another glaring admission.
Reposted by Gail Helt
During an unusual evidentiary hearing Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, former Guantanamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Slahi accused a retired CPD detective of orchestrating a horrific program of torture.
Former CPD detective accused of crafting ‘sadistic’ interrogation plan used at Guantanamo
During an unusual evidentiary hearing Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, former Guantanamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Slahi described abuse by a former CPD detective while giving testimon…
trib.al
November 25, 2025 at 2:46 AM
During an unusual evidentiary hearing Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, former Guantanamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Slahi accused a retired CPD detective of orchestrating a horrific program of torture.
I saw “Wicked: For Good” today and it was amazing!
Also very timely and if you don’t see correlations to modern America, you’re sleeping through the movie and need to wake up.
Also very timely and if you don’t see correlations to modern America, you’re sleeping through the movie and need to wake up.
The “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu knows that the film’s sequel is a major shift in tone. But the plan was always for audiences to “absorb the fairy tale so it could shatter in front of us."
His conversation with @shirklesxp.bsky.social:
His conversation with @shirklesxp.bsky.social:
Why the Sequel to Last Year’s Brightest Film Took a Dark Turn
The director of “Wicked” knows he took a big swing with its sequel.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 11:47 PM
I saw “Wicked: For Good” today and it was amazing!
Also very timely and if you don’t see correlations to modern America, you’re sleeping through the movie and need to wake up.
Also very timely and if you don’t see correlations to modern America, you’re sleeping through the movie and need to wake up.
Why ask if he’s willing to forgive her? How about “are you willing to denounce the threats against her coming from your party?”
Trump discusses his political split with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene over her support for Congressman Thomas Massie, but concludes that he thinks she is a nice person.
#TrumpGreeneFeud #Massie #MAGA #CSPAN #MTG #DonaldTrump #WhiteHouse
#TrumpGreeneFeud #Massie #MAGA #CSPAN #MTG #DonaldTrump #WhiteHouse
November 24, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Why ask if he’s willing to forgive her? How about “are you willing to denounce the threats against her coming from your party?”
Mark Kelly should introduce this tweet in his defense, should an actual prosecution go forward.
He literally tweeted this out.
“SHOULD ORDERS AND THE LAW EVER CONFLICT, OUR OFFICERS MUST OBEY THE LAW.”
This plaque is displayed at West Point. It’s the law. Not sedition.
“SHOULD ORDERS AND THE LAW EVER CONFLICT, OUR OFFICERS MUST OBEY THE LAW.”
This plaque is displayed at West Point. It’s the law. Not sedition.
November 24, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Mark Kelly should introduce this tweet in his defense, should an actual prosecution go forward.
It is immoral to go to war to steal someone else’s oil.
Even more so to send our children to die so we can do so.
Shame on us.
Even more so to send our children to die so we can do so.
Shame on us.
Rep. Salazar: "We're gonna be doing a favor to us, to our children, to our economy, to our oil companies to be able to liberate. And to Venezuelans who wants to be free."
November 24, 2025 at 9:32 PM
It is immoral to go to war to steal someone else’s oil.
Even more so to send our children to die so we can do so.
Shame on us.
Even more so to send our children to die so we can do so.
Shame on us.
I stand with Mark Kelly.
November 24, 2025 at 9:29 PM
I stand with Mark Kelly.